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Hello! My name is Susan Fadler. I am the author of the novel, SKINWALKER, the mythological legend known in many different cultures around the world, but the Navajo culture is probably the best known and most widely recognized.
Many legends exist regarding vampires, werewolves and shape shifters and like most legends they are based on true facts that most often date back centuries. The Skinwalker begins his journey as a human who makes a choice, he consciously follows his seducer, he is not forced into becoming the monster that evolves, rather he chooses to be.
I love stories about humans who are bitten by an evil vampire or werewolf, then find that they become this creature because they must, they have no choice. Sometimes the story will involve how they choose to live. For instance if they were inherently good before they were turned, they can use their will to control their animal instincts and urges.
Still they end up being what they most despise, a monster who depends on the blood of others to live. Vampires and werewolves are interesting to us because they have a good side and bad side, like us, and they show their humanness in their struggle to prevent the dark side from emerging. Does it emerge? You bet, and when it does you do not want to be around!
Not so, a Skinwalker. He does not depend on others to live, he does not drink blood, he does not show mercy. He is not a vampire or a werewolf. Some describe a Skinwalker as a shape shifter. Yes, he wears the pelts of animals, he uses skins, hair and fingernails of humans for black magic and possess expert knowledge of the plant kingdom. Certain toxins and chemicals of plants and flowers can create a constant supply of adrenaline, change the bodies chemistry, cause dystrophic and lycanthropic symptoms. Is a Skinwalker believable? Oh yes, and he is a true monster.
My version of what a Skinwalker is came from knowledge learned from Indian friends. I took that knowledge and my own personal feelings and transported them back in time, back into the West where I was free to develop my characters. My hero, Alex McCallister must deal with this legend, a creature so powerful, so deranged and so bone deep evil he comes to realize that the only way to defeat him is with the ancient knowledge of a medicine man.
If you like stories of the old west with gunfights, scenery, legends and struggles for survival, then you will love Skinwalker! A Western with a twist!
Read and enjoy!
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