Genre: Sci-Fi, Romance
LGBTQ+ Category: Gay
Reviewer: Maryann
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About The Book
Chosen by mystical warriors to protect a parallel Earth from a catastrophic future, a young man must push his mental and physical abilities to the limits if he is to help save mankind.
As seventeen-year-old Darwin McQuaid flees high-school bullies, he is saved by an enigmatic stranger; an indigenous teenage warrior who was born 500 years in the past.
Strong and powerful, Daruk possesses an intelligence that exceeds his rugged youthful appearance, and Darwin is drawn to learn more about him. Surprisingly, the high-school junior discovers that the mysterious warrior has a connection to an old family friend—an elderly indigenous shaman called Uncle His.
As the physical attraction intensifies between Darwin and Daruk, the warrior reveals a secret—that he and Uncle His are Guardians of the Passageway and are destined to protect the crossroads of three parallel universes, three Earths, each 500 years apart.
Discovering worlds he never knew existed, along with an untapped power within himself, can the young man become the warrior needed to defend this ancient world from corrupt invaders? Or will the death and danger of a more primitive time prove to be too much for this 21st century teen?
The Review
Darwin McQuaid is seventeen and attends Beckman High. He comes from a modest family: Dad, Mom and three boys, plus Tiger the Weiner dog. His parents are supportive and sometimes go a little too far, but life is normal. Darwin decided to try out for the school musical – he likes to sing, and his mom encourages him. But he doubts he would get the part he wants.
Darwin is often bullied at school by Kevin and his four bigger-than-Darwin bullies. Because of an incident in fifth grade, Darwin’s dad, started him working a regimen. It helped, but he still can’t take on Kevin and the other boys.
Darwin is best friends with Miguel Medina. He’s attractive, a constant talker, cocky and a proud Hispanic. They became friends in third grade, and at age eleven became neighbors. Darwin and Miguel still have a lot of growing up to do.
Katnu Hisman is a special member of the family. He’s often referred to as “Uncle HIs.” He and Darwin visit often and go on outings. He taught Darwin how to respect the land and nature. He also shared his tales and artifacts of the Ohlone and other tribes. Katnu lost his love Ahuic a long time earlier. Besides their love, they had shared their hearts with Daruk.
Daruk was an orphan, and at age four they adopted him. It broke both their hearts when Ahuic was taken from them. Katnu is a proud, powerful Shaman with great wisdom. Daruk is studying under Katnu to become a Shaman as well. When Daruk stays with or visits Katnu, he often secretly keeps an eye on Darwin.
One day, Darwin finds himself being harassed by Kevin and his bullies. Even though Darwin had been working out, there’s no chance he can fight them all off. As the bullies chase him, he runs to Buena Vista Park and just needs to get into the woods. He comes upon a stranger, and with a leather strap and stone, the man hits one of the bullies. Darwin can’t help but notice the hunting knife and the wavy blade the young man carries. He has no problem handling the bullies.
Darwin is surprised that the young man already knows his name. He introduces himself as Daruk, and explains that they have a mutual friend in Katnu. Darwin asks if he can contact the man, and with a hug and kiss to his cheek, Daruk tells Darwin he can always reach him through Katnu.
As Darwin’s curiosity grows, he has lots of questions and agrees to meet with Katnu.
Darwin also has to be careful with what he shares with Miguel. Darwin has kept secrets about Katnu and how he came to acquire the cabin, with rooms and tunnels at the edge of Buena Vista Park. Sometimes Katnu avoids his questions. And as he gets closer with Daruk, Darwin’s world is headed for a fantastic and adventurous change. He has no idea how fantastic.
Coulter has crafted an amazing tale about the history of the native Ohlone tribe, which was known to have lived in San Francisco, Monterey Bay and along the coast. They hunted for many local species and grew many types of vegetation. They spoke several languages, had one religion and were very much a free people. Destruction, death, disease, and enslavement resulted when the Spanish came and colonized the area.
The story alternates between three Earths in three universes on a single axis, and three centuries: the 17th, 21st and 26th. Uncle His’s cabin holds the secret of the Passageway from the title.
This is an epic tale filled with corruption, conspiracy, soldiers from the future, mercenaries, danger, excitement, and adventure. There are many mental powers too: Psychokinetics, pyrokenesis, precognition, and more.
The characters are all likable. Darwin tries his best to not hurt his best friend Miguel. They love each other like brothers, but Darwin is loyal to Daruk and Katnu. Miguel also brings lots of humor to the story. Daruk is strong and respectful and knows his place in the different worlds. Katnu is also strong, and is understanding and kind.
This is also a sweet romantic YA story, and the science fiction, time travel and historical elements make this a very solid and interesting tale.
I highly recommend Passageway for all ages. It’s well written and flows well, packed with interesting ideas.
And be sure to read the “End Notes” – they explain the indigenous characters and the term Shaman and much more.
The Reviewer
Hi, I’m Maryann, I started life in New York, moved to New Hampshire and in 1965 uprooted again to Sacramento, California. Once I retired I moved to West Palm Beach, Florida in 2011 and just moved back to Sacramento in March of 2018. My son, his wife and step-daughter flew out to Florida and we road tripped back so they got to see sights they have never seen. New Orleans and the Grand Canyon were the highlights. Now I am back on the west coast again to stay! From a young age Ialways liked to read.
I remember going to the library and reading the “Doctor Dolittle” books by Hugh Lofting. Much later on became a big fan of the classics, Edgar Alan Poe, Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker and as time went by Agatha Christie, Ray Bradbury and Stephen Kingand many other authors.
My first M/M shifter book I read was written by Jan Irving the “Uncommon Cowboys” series from 2012. She was the first author I ever contacted and sent an email to letting her know how much I liked this series. Sometime along the way I read “Zero to the Bone”by Jane Seville, I think just about everyone has read this book!
As it stands right now I’m really into mysteries, grit, gore and “triggers” don’t bother me. But if a blurb piques my interest I will read the book.
My kindle collection eclectic and over three thousand books and my Audible collection is slowly growing. I have both the kindle and audible apps on my ipod, ipads, and MAC. So there is never an excuse not to be listening or reading.
I joined Goodreads around 2012 and started posting reviews. One day a wonderful lady, Lisa Horan of The Novel Approach, sent me an email to see if I wanted to join her review group. Joining her site was such an eye opener. I got introduce to so many new authors that write for the LGBTQ genre. Needless to say, it was heart breaking when it ended.
But I found a really great site, QRI and it’s right here in Sacramento. Last year at QSAC I actually got to meet Scott Coatsworth, Amy Lane and Jeff Adams.