Chayatocha

This story was a total surprise in how different it was. With the supernatural elements,I would say that it very much resembles horror fiction. The setting with a pioneer wagon train traveling from MO to Oregon,was about as original as one could get for a spiritual battle,that I have certainly never come across in a Christian Thriller before! Some of the gore was too descriptive for my tastes,but I still give it five stars,because of it's originality,and excellent story and writing.

I just finished this novel today, the third Shane Johnson novel I have read. I was yet again impressed. The frontier west is not usually my chosen reading material, but I enjoyed the story despite that. As in his book, Ice, Shane Johnson broadened the scope of the initial story and delved into awesome, up close scenes from ancient history, which gave a great depth to the main antagonist and his cohorts. I found the forays vivid and powerful, as they built to a critical point in the story. The ending cleanly wrapped up the plight of Daniel and his friends and family. The cohorts and their influence at the end of the book was a nice touch. I noticed several memorable lines, one I will leave you with: An inventory of hope, carried upon dreams.

Fantastic! We read this book just after seeing Mel Gibson's "The Passion". There are some comments during the time Paradine is at the crucifixion that made both the book and the movie regarding Mary very special. Great insight into how so many of us fail in our courage, yet we are still useable. Look deeply at the spiritual warfare and realize it is going on now. We have many of Shane's books and look forward to more in the future. Thanks for a great lift.

With Chayatocha, talented author Shane Johnson has proven that Christian fiction and horror are not incompatible. It's about time! Johnson has tackled some intriguing subjects in the past, and this novel doesn't disappoint. Recommend Chayatocha to readers who enjoy Stephen King or Dean Koontz.

Like Randall Ingermanson ("Premonition") and Michael Crichton ("Timeline"), Shane Johnson has an imagination worthy of any fiction writer. He jumps from fantasy and sci-fi to historical fiction with ease. As in his previous novel "Ice," his storytelling is fast-paced and always full of memorable detail."Chayatocha" (pronounced "kie-ah-toe-ka") follows the tale of a wagon train headed for the Oregon Territory in the mid 1800s. Already struggling with the hardships of the trail, the group of pioneer families make a fateful decision when they turn away from an alleged Indian massacre and head for an uncharted pass through the mountains. There, they discover something far more deadly than renegade Indians...They run headlong into "Chayatocha."The story moves quickly, leading from historical fiction to near horror-type details. Soon, team members and oxen are missing; others are dead; and only a few are bound to survive. The heart of the story beats with Daniel Paladine. He's a bookworm, a school teacher, nothing like your typical frontiersman. Through his horrifying experience, he comes to understand the love and sacrifice of his Savior. Only then is Daniel able to confront the evil that has overtaken them.Although explanations of the horror came too quickly for me, thus muting some of the suspense, I couldn't stop reading to discover the truths and lies behind Johnson's fascinating story. And, of course, the question remains: Will his wife and son survive? You'll have to read the story to find out.