Book Review: Totem of Terror by Robert Herold (The Eidola Project Book 3)

     When Professor James' old friend who works with local Indians in Washington asks for a personal favor the group heads out. Something strange is targeting the community, leaving those affected a dead, dry, withered husk. While local governments consider it a strange illness befalling the population they aren't very worried considering it is just Indians who are perishing. The natives, however, believe it is a supernatural shapeshifter called the Bakbakbalidooskiwae. The team is determined to find if this is a supernatural occurrence and help in any way they can. However, when they arrive a husk informs a member that it has been awaiting them and things get worse quickly. With the threat of Sarah's vision of someone dying looming over them it's hard to determine if they will have any other projects after this. 

    I received this book as an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. I wanted to have it done in time for launch, which was June 1, but due to personal issues which I've made mention of in my newsletters (if you are subscribed) you know what I'm referring to. I am very sorry I wasn't able to get this review up sooner, but is was definitely not due to the book. This book was actually finished by the 6th and I am only now able to sit and focus enough to write a review. 

    I will admit that I did google the shapeshifting creature to see if this was a word solely from the author's mind or one actually found in northern native American mythos. It is only in the author's mind, at least so far as in this exact spelling. Furthermore I will admit that every time I read Bakbakbalidooskiwae my brain decided it was the Babadook, which also has shape-shifting qualities and was a very weird movie. I enjoyed this book far more than Babadook and the creature within it's pages. 

    As with the last two books the author provides a full story from start to finish while leaving just enough strings untied that you want to continue reading to find out more. I am very sorry for what happened to Edgar in this book, although for details you will have to dive in yourself. The Nigel and Annabelle details were both expected and honestly so was the one that died. Sad, but I expected it. 

    I will warn you if you are the type that cannot handle children dying you will have problems with this one. There are multiple child deaths in this book. Personally I've never been a fan of child deaths, but it made sense in the story and it would look odd if something was only targeting a certain generation. I liked Annabelle a bit more in this book since she wasn't trying to get with a married man. I still can't say that she is my favorite character by any stretch of the imagination, however. Sarah probably takes that place, although she seems so weak and frail. 

    Each character has their own strengths and weaknesses and both are tested throughout. The author makes you feel like you are in Washington watching as the Chinese are forced out of their makeshift communities or as the Indian's stand their ground to retain their ancestral home. I can't say that I agree with the practices in this book, but they are, as always, historically accurate. This author pulls no punches when highlighting the terrible things this country has done to those within it's borders during this time period. 

    I loved this book and look forward to more to come from this author in the future. This book is available on Amazon for $4.99 by clicking here. 

Books by this author: 

The Eidola Project (The Eidola Project Book 1)

Moonlight Becomes You (The Eidola Project Book 2)