John Hume is a virtually unknown figure in the United States, but he has been steadily gaining recognition due to his work in the Northern Irish peace agreement. This recognition is overdue and much deserved. This monumental book outlines Hume's political philosophy - a philosophy which seeks to brush aside the vengefulness and intransigence of Northern Ireland's past, searching instead for reconciliation through justice for all. Hume is heavily influenced by Matin Luther King, Jr. and John F. Kennedy, and quotes from these two figures flavor Hume's text. Hume's themes may seem repetitive, and his ideas seem to be based on the shakey foundation of human progress, but this work demonstrates that he is a champion for for a true peace in Northern Ireland - a peace that is just for all.

I usually don't enjoy fantasy. But Kevin Howe's debut novel is far different and more exciting than any kind of fantasy I've ever read. A real page turner. How would you desribe it? Perhaps a cross between "Lord of the Rings" and the movie "The Usual Suspects". Stop reading this review and pick it up today!!!!

Set in a sleepy, oft-overlooked medieval village, Bone Walk: The Journey Of Thomas Shepard is the story of a warehouse keeper who sees terrible things happen around him due to an ancient book that has fallen into the hands of the counselor to the high lord. In order to learn the true nature of the deadly curse that has befallen his home, Thomas Shepard must journey with two companions into the forbidding Western Wood. Vivid, frightening, and filled with challenges to the human spirit Bone Walk is a fascinating, unforgettable, highly recommended debut novel by an obviously skilled and talented writer.

BONE WALK
By Kevin Howe
Published by: Firelight Publishing Inc.,...
Release Date: December 31, 2001
ISBN: 0-9707206-2-9
Genre: Fiction, Fantasy
...
Format: Paperback
Stars out of 5: 4 ½

Kevin Howe's stunning first novel is surely a sign that his future works will be even more unforgettable. His characters such as the Tree Walkers and Bone Eaters are straight from a creative mind. Tension explodes from the very first page, and the reader is able to become familiar with the conflict between the characters.
Main character, Thomas Shepard is a reserved warehouse keeper in a small, overlooked medieval village. His life changes when beautiful mysterious things start to emerge in his village, and at the same time as villagers vanish or end up dead.
Thrilling suspense engulfs each page as the reader learns of a book that is hard to decipher and that the book has landed in the hands of BONE WALK'S villain, Varden. Varden is the high Lord's counsel, annoyed by the incompetence of three previous messengers.
Immediately, he influences his master into choosing Thomas Shepard as the next man to enter the Western Wood, where danger lurks, and he is to bring back answers that will ultimately decide what happens to his village. Thomas and two dubious cohorts do just as they are told and head toward the Western Wood, and soon find themselves surrounded by danger, and the unknown, which in the end leads to horror.
What will happen to Thomas's village? Does he find the answers he is sent to search for?

Kevin Howe's book is one I will never forget. His plot-driven characters and down-to-earth dialogue enhances the storyline, giving the reader a more pleasurable fantasy read.
Mr. Howe lives in Iowa with his wife and two daughters. Reading books and storytelling is a few of this corporate attorney's passions. He is currently writing the sequel to BONE WALK.

I highly recommend Kevin Howe's gripping book BONE WALK.

--Reviewed by Jennifer LB Leese...