"By mixing tribal mysticism and post-apocalyptic backdrops, the end result is a world that will captivate... compelling and mysterious... will surprise even the most experienced of readers." - US Review of Books"Readers, regardless of their sexual orientation, should read this book, so that (we) can be better connected to the spirit of the Creator inside each and every one of us. A fictional utopia." -San Francisco Book Review, 5 out of 5 StarsJamari Shaman is a coming of age book in a future world where coming of age means so very much more than it does now. In the Pacific Northwest of 2115, Jamari must take on the challenges of The Manhood Rites before he can become a full citizen of The Elk Creek Tribe. He enters into these challenges with no sure knowledge of what the Manhood Rites entail. He knows there are tests of reason. He knows there are physical challenges and mental as well. He doesn't know about the spiritual challenge that awaits though him when he breaks into the spirit realm in his daily meditations. And he's not sure he's ready to accept what it means when he does. Can he accept his fate and transform into the respected spiritual leader he is destined to become? Is he ready to face the passage into his own spirit and soul? Travel with Jamari as he embarks on a physical, spiritual and emotional journey through a future brought into being when the Pacific Rim erupted over 70 years before, tearing down one civilization and giving rise to another. Be a part of Jamari's journey to the outlands and, more important, that long journey home."Paradigm Lost: Jamari Shaman" is the second book in the Jamari and the Manhood Rites Trilogy. It includes some limited text from "Paradigm Lost: Jamari and the Manhood Rites, Part 1" as introductory material to aid the new reader in getting to know the characters and culture better without also having to purchase the first book (I certainly hope that you WILL purchase the first book though!). The first three chapters of Jamari Shaman are composed of text from Part 1. Then Jamari Shaman follows Jamari's adventures from where Part 1 leaves off (at the start of Chapter 4): he's done with the first four months of his several years long Manhood Rites challenges. Jamari Shaman covers a full calendar year in Jamari's time as he travels from his tribal home down to the coast as a part of an expedition. It's an opportunity for the reader to learn more about the physical geography of the western Oregon area as well as an opportunity to see some possible outcomes of various cultures after 80 years of surviving on their own, absent the presence of an over-riding governing authority. It's also an opportunity to follow along as one young man faces the physical, emotional, mental and moral challenges of his times, and to see how he develops along the way.From the AuthorI've had some feedback from folks (professionals and fun readers) that have described this book as containing homosexual scenes. As you read those reviews, understand that there is not one single scene of detailed sexual congress, either homo or heterosexual. While there are references to sexual interactions, they are references only, not detailed scenes. I have some erotica on the market, but, this is not one! This is a fun adventure taken by a young man as he learns about his society and his own deep inner self. There is depth here that most simply don't expect to find, so they're overlooking it. If you want deeper meanings and subtle plots, read carefully and you'll find them! If you simply want a good romp in the woods of future Oregon, that's here too!