Strange Tidings

Legends Walk #1

by Jim Stein

The apocalypse didn’t arrive with nuclear war or a plague of zombies, just a quiet virus that sterilized most everyone and put humanity's future in jeopardy. Fifty years later, seventeen-year-old Ed Johnson plies his musical talents in New Philadelphia, jumping at the chance to help launch a coworker’s band. But Quinn, their beautiful bassist, is inexplicably cold toward him, and other strange things are afoot.

In spite of a growing unease, Ed shrugs off being stalked by a crazy, old Native American and a frightening crone. But when nightmare creatures threaten his sister, Ed discovers he is bound to the strangers. To get out of this mess, he must enlist the help of his friends and Quinn, who harbors her own dark secret.

But there is little time for Ed to discover the true power of music and save them, himself, and perhaps the future of the human race.

Genres: Young Adult, Urban Fantasy

227 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 26, 2018

About the author

Growing up in the suburbs of Philadelphia had perks: Six (count 'em 6!) TV channels, specialty SciFi & Fantasy shows like Gene London and Dr. Shock, and plenty of paperback books. I've been addicted to reading fantastic stories since eighth grade. There's little better than hunkering down with a good book (or audio book), entering the world of "what-if," and unleashing your imagination and creativity with every turn of the page. I am thrilled to share some my stories and hear your thoughts. Visit me at www.JimSteinBooks.com, and as always, happy reading!

Jim Stein’s hunger for stories transporting the reader to extraordinary realms began under one meager bulb, a towel stuffed beneath his door to avoid parental censure. He huddled with Tolkien, Asimov, and all the greats and unknowns plucked from the drugstore shelves to spin tales of the imagination. After writing short stories in school, two degrees in computer science, and several decades as a Naval officer, Jim has returned to his first passion. He writes speculative fiction advocating the underdog and embracing protagonists with strong moral fiber, often overlaid with supernatural elements and a few dark twists. Jim lives in northwestern Pennsylvania with his wife, Claudia, and his muse, Marley the Great Dane.

Reviews

[Lisa Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am admittedly biased regarding this author. I am related to him. That being said, I honestly enjoyed reading this book much more than I thought I would. Other than a couple of Harry Potters, this is not a genre I spend much time reading.
The story explores the manipulation of magic using Native American mysticism and the power of music. The human characters are righteously surviving a cataclysmic event that leaves the human race vulnerable to extinction. It is a classic good vs evil story with inventive conflicts, imaginative battle scenes, and an ending that promises more. The characters are well fleshed out, particularly the supernatural ones, and the language perhaps more mature than the young adult crowd might use. I don't mean the language is crude; rather it is diverse, sophisticated but in no way difficult for a young adult reader.
This is a fun tale to read whatever your age or literary tastes. (free copy supplied by author).

[Cyrene Olson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a bit of a surprising read, once you get past the first part. It’s a very slow starter – and to be honest, I struggled in the beginning. But it does jump into gear pretty well after Ed’s sister goes missing. The apocalyptic part of the book is the experimentation on a birth control medication that actually sterilized a majority of the population. Now, years later the population of the whole planet is under a million. Another very interesting part of this book is the Native American mythology brought in.

If you manage to get through the first 20% of the book, there is a pretty good story awaiting and it definitely picks up the pace. Tying it all together with the power of music, it makes for a good read.

[Tomas Grizzly · Rating 4 out of 5]

~75%. Decent quick read with an interesting premise of humanity being brought low by experimenting with biological contraception. The (sub)genre was a step into the dark for me, not being sure what to expect from a post-apocalyptical urban fantasy that seems to be based on Native American mythology. The conclusion could maybe explain some things more.
Without giving out spoilers... it's not bad, though I felt that having no idea about the mythology it originates from was hindering me slightly. Also, the finale was a bit longer than expected.
Side note: the cover's background also looks much darker than the story actually is.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strange Tidings was a fantastic mishmash of post-apocalyptic, Native American genre paranormals, and new adult fiction. The world building was creative, and character development was well paced. I enjoyed Ed’s slow discovery and development of his powers, gifts from his birth parents. I loved that when incorporating the Native American pantheon, it wasn’t just a retelling from the same side as say Patricia Briggs’, or CE Murphy’s stories. Koko and The Owl Witch both have well researched back stories and not a white washed version of what Americans think the Native American stories are. We get introduced a little bit to the big bad, Kas, and I anticipate learning more about her species in the next book.

Ed’s powers presenting through music was a new twist I personally had never read before and while I could have seen him working it as a want to be rock star, his only desire when working with the band was to be their sound engineer and helping them record a great album. The supporting cast of friends, from the band to Pete, were never annoying young adult caricatures that seem to pop up in so many YA/NA series, their age is never harped on outside of Ed’s 18th birthday. I hate getting jolted from a great storyline when a character is either crippled with self-doubt “because I am just 16” or we’re supposed to be impressed with their skills “because they are just 16”. There is none of the teenage backstabbing and double cross that seems to drive so many other series. The author avoid all the stereotypical pitfalls of the genre and still deliver a fantastic story with a satisfactory ending (no real cliffhangers) that left you looking forward to book 2.

Basically, as person who reads neither new adult, nor apocalyptic stories, I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to future releases.

[Andrea Huseman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not my typical genre of choice. BUT!!!!!!WOW!!!! I am so glad I stepped outside my comfort zone on this one. I found myself impressed and entertained from beginning to end.
When I place 5 STARS I always try to be open-minded and show no favoritism in any way. I have a rubric I follow to meet criteria. I allow the story to mark the answers for each criteria. This adventurous tale did it very easily and with positivity.
I'm always looking for an unique storyline full of fascinating well developed characters. I want to get totally engrossed in the storytelling and the interaction of each character role. There must be a smoothness to flow and placement. I want to have a feeling of time loss and can't put down.
Elements and themes are also vital for me. There must be a plot with some form of action supported by appropriate placed details. More action the better. Descriptive wording is great.
Editing and proofreading is also important. Perfection isn't expected but I do like to see that effort was made.
I found that with every requirement I have it was easy to say yes. Actually, this one went beyond what I expected.
Even if this isn't your genre I strongly suggest it. There is no disappointment. In every aspect a complete well rounded fun story. Read the blurb it gives a really good view into the excitement ahead. Take this journey !!!!!
AndreaGAH( ARC)

[Debi Domby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strange Tidings – Book1 Legends Walk Series – by James Stein

I got this book free from the author through Library Thing. The review is of my own free will and not required to receive the book. For those of you that wonder about cliffhanger, no dangling things left unsaid, it does lead into book 2, but I don't count those as a cliffhanger because the bulk of the story is tied up.

This book had a bit of everything, set in dystopian world ravaged by a virus that made most people sterile, some Native American folklore, and some other paranormal people all set with a background that music is power. It sounded pretty interesting to me when I read it on Library Thing, and I was happy to win a copy.

I will admit, it was a bit slow going at the beginning, but I kept with it. The book kept picking up and after Chapter 5, that's where it really started getting good for me. After that point it held my interest and I really enjoyed it from that point on. Towards the end, I really hated to put the book down.

The characters are believable and interesting. Cheer for the good guys, hate the bad ones, but they were all well written. The storyline is different and fresh, not sure I've ever read anything like it, with music being the base of majik. There's no love scenes in the story other than some kisses.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from LibraryThing in return for an honest review.

After a virus almost decimates humanity, society is beginning to reform in population centers. Unfortunately that virus made it impossible for most people to reproduce. Those that could have children often allowed some of their children to be adopted by couples that wanted children. Which is how Ed and his "sister" Piper came to live in New Philadelphia. Ed, a talented musician, does not know much about his birth mother or his past. But he has found his dream job at a local recording station. When strange things happening to Ed. He keeps running into this old man, Koko, who keeps giving him coins and an old woman who looks like an owl. Things start to heat up after he meets Quinn, a bassist in his co-worker's band, who does not like him for some reason and then his sister goes missing....

Initially I had a hard time getting into this book. It is a little slow in the beginning while it sets up the world of our charters. However it does pick up and I really enjoyed this book. I cannot wait to read the next one in this series.

[Lisa Ohler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a promotional copy of this book at no charge. Here are my thoughts:
This was an extremely enjoyable read, from the very first page to the last. I loved
the eclectic mix of well developed characters and their little world so much that I
didn't want to leave. I am excited for the next round of music, magic, mayhem ...
and... possibly a romance?? We shall see!
Even if this is not the type of book you would normally choose, I urge you to live
on the wild side and try something new, like I did. You won't be sorry. In fact,
I have a feeling you will be thoroughly entertained. Like I was!
Well done, Mr. Stein, well done. Rock on!!

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book from Booksiren.

I had a hard time with this one, which was sad because I really wanted to like it.

I am a huge fan of world building, and this one didn't have much of it, it just kind of dived right in and kept going and for the first part of the book I was so lost that I kept getting distracted and not engaged, and wondered if I would be able to finish it, and I found myself skimming it a few times then having to go back and reread it because I caught myself skimming it. I had no idea what was going on for so long.

[Ann Holden · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting story set in a future world where a virus has made most people infertile. Ed is a teenager with an affinity for music trying to make a living playing at the market. His friends are an interesting mix of individuals who help him with his journey to understanding who he really is. It was a little slow for me getting into the book, but once I learned who everyone was the story took off and I had trouble putting it down. I would recommend this to readers who want something different.

I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent urban fantasy.

In a post apocalyptic Philadelphia, 18 year old Ed, discovers magic exists. He and his friends are drawn into a fight with an evil witch.

The author successfully blends Native American, Mexican and fae folklore. His characters are well written and sympathetic.

I highly recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book. I'm voluntarily leaving this review.

[Lucinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really great and magical book! It was really well written and I loved it! I could not put it down and I would recommend it to others

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Haidee Sell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It was a new take on magic utilising Hopi myths. Dystopian story, engaging characters and a well rounded world made this an enjoyable read.

I received an advanced review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily

[Karen Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the book. With magic and music combined made for an excellent story. With native american folklore in a post-apocalypse world.

[Angie Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute

I had fun reading this, but I've always enjoyed stories about magic and mythical creatures. I'm looking forward to the next in the series.

[Virginia Adi · Rating 3 out of 5]

imitating Charles de Lint but lacks the charm.

[Maddie | THE PINK ROSE PANDA · Rating 2 out of 5]

**Thank you NetGalley and The Wild Rose Press for the opportunity to read an eARC of Strange Tidings! Don’t punch me too hard, kay?**

I don’t know what to think.

Strange Tidings is about a 17 year old boy named Ed Johnson who sounds like he’ll be trying to save his post-apocalyptic world through music. Not a bad premise. However, it’s a little weak.

The writing was odd. The prologue did nothing short of confusing me. Was I in fact reading an adult novel? The word choices, descriptions, etc. did not feel young adult to me. I found myself going back to reread the description off of NetGalley to confirm that yes, I was reading about a 17 year old, not 25 year old or a 40 year old.

Curious if the problem would get better, I kept reading. Chapter 1, in essence, wasn’t very exciting. If I was the type of person who can put up with boring page after boring page, I probably would have made it past Chapter 1. However, I also firmly believe that a story must grip you right from the start and that means Ch. 1.

Word choices. I always appreciate the censorship with certain words. It gives me an opportunity to get creative in my own head. However, I think the author and their story always runs the risk of making their story seem more amauter-esque. Either your writing voice needs to get stronger and convince me that this character is genuinely like this and that yes, you meant to do that. Or, you need to make a choice to put it in entirely or not at all. Hope this makes sense.

Does the rest of the story get better, though? You know, that’s a great question that I don’t have the answer for. Maybe another day. But for now, I’ll have to move on.

Until next time!

[Karen Siddall · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the C-12 virus struck, surviving humans were left to cluster into crumbling populations center such as New Philadelphia and slowly try to regroup into some semblance of life. Recovery was hampered by the discovery that many of the survivors were no longer capable of having children; only a few families had retained the ability to procreate. Those that could reproduce did and allowed some of their babies to be adopted by couples that could not.

Among the babies that were adopted out is Edan Johnson and his “sister,” Piper. Brought up in New Philadelphia, “Ed” is an aspiring musician and through a connection of his sister’s, he has landed his dream job at the local recording studio where he works with station engineer, Billy. One evening after the day’s business, Ed is using the station equipment to produce his own recording when he is interrupted by an odd, old man named Koko. Ed had previously encountered him at the farmers market across town and had received a strange coin from him. Additional sightings over the next couple of days, both in person and in dreams, finally reveals that Koko holds a significant place in Ed’s past and future.

Billy, too, has dreams. He’s a member of an up-and-coming band that is on the verge of making a name for themselves and possibly revitalizing the lost music industry. When Ed goes to hear the band play for the first time, he is drawn to their mysterious and complicated bass player, Quinn.

Strange Tidings is the first book in author, Jim Stein’s, Legends Walk series. The storyline is complex creating an entire world of post-virus America. I found it to be exciting and fresh in its use of native American mythology to drawn in a paranormal cast of characters (which was new to me.) The complexity of the initial world-building provides several intriguing options for the additional books to come. I highly recommend to readers that like young adult, paranormal thrillers, and native American legend tales incorporated into modern times.

[Corry Parnese]

Not my Normal read but.... I was pleasantly surprised add how much I enjoyed this book. the story centers around the Apocalypse and a 17 year old boy. I am not one to write spoilers. let me just say that Jim did a fantastic job writing this book. I really did not think I would like it because it is not my genre, to my surprise I absolutely enjoyed every word from beginning to end.