THE BOY, BOOK I, THE MASTODONS - Historical Fantasy Adventure Novel
“This really wonderful story is about a boy who awakens to, and chooses to, nurture himself and his magic regardless of the many who do not endorse such a way of being. and when i say magic, i’m talking about the real deal here, not some contrived, don’t worry you’re safe because it’s not really going happen – since no one flies around on broomsticks kind of magic, but the real natural, dying to express itself, inherent in all – magic.
The boy, initially, by no choice and then by choice, cherishes and develops that part of himself while living within a society which, in general, doesn’t have a clue and doesn’t want to. there are the archetypical characters, antagonists, supporters, etc., human and animal alike, that are very likeable and dislikeable just as in any great myth.”
- Shamanique One Book Reviews
“Set in pre-historic times, where historians experience discomfort,The Boy, by James Strauss, surprises and rewards both historians and readers. The author blends science and myth, using his hyper-imagination to introduce a tale of power, authority, and traditional values. His themes are universal and timeless. His treatment is highly original. This historian eagerly awaits the arrival of Book II, The Warrior.”
- Barry Machado, Ph.D Professor Emeritus, Washington and Lee University, author of In Search of a Usable Past: The Marshall Plan and Postwar Reconstruction Today. Lexington, VA: George C. Marshall Foundation, 2007.
“The first mastodon tale is an exciting prehistoric thriller that paints an intriguing tribal culture. Boy’s wise mother explains that group truth is not necessarily an individual’s truth; as what happened is outside the knowledge and lore of the tribe so the clan must find a way to make it fit even when that ignores the person who most knows the facts. The story line is engaging, but mostly sets up the future tales in what looks like it might be an alternate history based on what the Boy found. Fans will appreciate James Strauss’ interesting opener that and look forward to the sequels in what should prove an entertaining saga, 25000 BC.”
- Alternative Worlds by Harriet Klausner
“Whether read as allegory, fable, philosophy or anthropology, The Boy rattles conventional ideas about how society once organized itself in prehistoric times and how, by implication, it ought to structure itself today. It's a thought-provoking book. And a fine read. Through memorable characters like Nado and Daryl, it exposes taproots of modern-day enlightenment as well as sources of mankind's willful ignorance and its enduring attachment to mumbo jumbo and mummery. With powerful narrative force and the gifts of a veteran story-teller, Strauss also captures the eternal conflict between the intelligence and willpower of the individual and the oppressiveness of tribal myths and traditions. After all, Shamans still have their feet on the necks of billions! For the author the flood symbolizes a great deal. And in this novel it's the raging waters that run deep. They take us down to society's bedrock. That's where the author is at his best. Highly recommended.”
-
-‘Down To The Bedrock’ by Tear Drop
“I found myself reading through this first printed book by James Strauss and the deeper I got in the book the more it occurred to me that though this book has all the makings of a fantastic Adventure/Romance (really guys, and it's not a sappy kind of thing either, don't think Harlequin, think Indiana Jones), The book has a wonderful underlaying theme that addresses issues of responsibility, honor and religion that are extremely timely in today's day and age. My only complaint is, where the heck is the second book already? I want to know what happens. Excellent work Jim.”
-
-‘Not Just A Prehistoric Adventure’ by David Tarlo
“The Great Catastrophe changed everything for the entire tribe, and especially for the boy called Daryl. His intuitive disappearance before the caves collapsed made it easy for the Chief and Shaman to blame him for the tragedy; he is not banished, but instead becomes the lowest of the tribe, never to be a warrior and only good for occasional menial chores. Daryl rebels against his fate and, together with the boy Nado (who was crippled by the cave collapse), discovers a world that the powerful do not want the rest of the tribe to know. Daryl also discovers within himself a strange affinity for animals, which will aid him in unexpected ways.
-
-Sacremento Book Review
The first mastodon tale is an exciting prehistoric thriller that paints an intriguing tribal culture. Boy’s wise mother explains that group truth is not necessarily an individual’s truth; as what happened is outside the knowledge and lore of the tribe so the clan must find a way to make it fit even when that ignores the person who most knows the facts. The story line is engaging, but mostly sets up the future tales in what looks like it might be an alternate history based on what the Boy found. Fans will appreciate James Strauss’ interesting opener that and look forward to the sequels in what should prove an entertaining saga, 25000 BC.
- Harriet Klausner, Genre Go Round Reviews
