Las Vegas Rite: The Coyoteman Chronicles - Book One

By Canis Latrans

It's been 18 years since the world fell apart.? Without the apparatus of civilization to protect and support them, most people died.? Sickness and starvation claimed many.? Many more died at each... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 141406716X
• ISBN13: 9781414067162
• Release Date: March 2004
• Publisher: 1st Book Library
• Length: 296 Pages
• Weight: 0.71 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.0" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Post-apocalyptic fantasy from a unique perspective

I wasn't entirely sure what to expect from The Coyoteman Chronicles. I knew it was a post-apocalyptic fantasy, but I feared it might be built around some type of shamanism or New Age philosophy that would take precedence over the actual story. I needn't have worried because Las Vegas Rite is truly an enjoyable novel - and a meaningful one. In many ways, it's a coming of age story, its lessons magnified by the fact that the central character's coming of age coincides with his introduction to actual human society (in its post-apocalyptic form). The protagonist's journey outside his very insular world is truly a rite of passage in every sense of the word, and his spirit guide, the Coyoteman, is a source of ancient and mysterious wisdom. It's not entirely clear what happened to human society, but "The Change" of eighteen years ago saw virtually all social institutions burst apart at the seams (not surprisingly, the trouble all started in California). Phil, Diana, and their infant son Taine escaped the growing insanity and violence of Pasadena and its nearby environs by heading for the hills; along the way they met a man named Hardin, and it was he who basically established the family unit in a remote location with the means to survive on their own. After Hardin died, the Coyoteman began appearing to young Taine, seemingly as an imaginary friend full of guidance and wisdom. Now eighteen, Taine has decided that the time has come for him to leave the only home he has ever known and see what is out there to be found in the world his parents left behind. The population has been greatly reduced by the sufferings of the past, but the end of civilization had not brought about the end of mankind (although a kind man might now be hard to find). Following the sometimes cryptic advice and warnings of the Coyoteman, Taine works his way to a deserted town ripe for exploring, whereupon he gets his first furtive look at his fellowman. Eventually, he finds his way to Las Vegas, a dangerous place run as a personal fiefdom under the self-appointed King Peter. It is a whole new world for Taine, and he engages himself quite fully in the experience (especially when it comes to Peter's beautiful young charge Veronica, as well as a young revolutionary named Joanne). Still, there is much about this new life that goes against Taine's principals, and Coyoteman still appears from time to time to point his young charge back toward the path of his destiny. Las Vegas Rite is an insightful and almost profound novel punctuated by enigmatic truths that actually energize the events and experiences of Taine's journey. Each chapter in Taine's life serves as an instructive vignette on various themes of an enlightening sort. Through it all, Taine grows into an increasingly noble young man. The taste of sin lingers in his mouth but grows increasingly acrid to him, as his thoughts never stray very far from home. The author's pen name, Canis Latrans, is the scientific term

fabulous post-apocalyptic tale

It has been about two decades since Phil and Diana fled the Pasadena area with their infant son Taine as the catastrophe apparently eradicated civilization. They were fortunate to meet up with Harbin when punks killed the man's wife. He took them to his mountain sanctuary where survival became the norm. Encouraged by the Coyoteman, who visits only him, Taine needs to leave to find his mate in what apparently remains of Las Vegas. His father is worried about what his son will find out there while his mother encourages him to do what he must do though she will sorely miss him. The trek for his companion begins with him meeting the first human Ray in Independence besides his parents and the deceased Harbin since he was an infant. However, he also spots some vicious souls who he does not trust. After befriending Ray, Taine heeding Coyoteman continues on, but soon encounters dangerous foes like King Peter and Mendikek, who want to enslave him or kill him. His chances of reaching Vegas seem remote even with Coyoteman to guide him. Mindful of Hiero's Journey, the first Coyoteman tale is a fabulous post-apocalyptic tale. The description above barely touches the action of this action packed science fiction thriller. Taine is a strong protagonist who keeps the tale coherent as he travels a ruined United States; his escapades like opening a can of what he assumes is food provides the perspective of a powerful saga that will have the audience reading this work in one delightful sitting and anticipating further adventures. Harriet Klausner

Delightful and Engrossing. Highly Recommended!

This is an intelligent, multi-textured book. It's involving, with all the elements of a good story; at the same time causing one to pause occasionally and consider deeper concepts. The author respects his readers' intelligence and avoids overexplaining the many subtle insights and messages tucked away like little treasures within a dramatic tale. The format is fun, and somehow helps prevent us from taking it all too seriously. Coyote slips in and out, speaks in riddles, and is as elusive as some of the ideas he hints at. I especially liked the quote or saying at the beginning of each chapter, which then goes on to somehow comment or elaborate on it. The author has a real talent with words. He "plays" them like an expressive musician, and he can describe something mundane in such a way as to truly create the actual experience and sensations of it. He also creates believable and clever dialog. His wry sense of humor adds yet another dimension, and all in all I found this book to be both delightful and thought provoking. I'm very much looking forward to the next book of the series.

I wish there was more

A coyote-ish fictional escapade that ranges from realism to fantasy to soft-porn. All the characters, from the hero Taine to the brutish, 'Big Mikey', seem astonishingly real. And unlike a lot of tedious apocalypse stories, this one is more of a voyage of discovery. If I were to criticize anything of this book, it would be that it's too short. I want to know what happens next. But based on the title, I expect I won't have too long to wait.