Him Standing (Rapid Reads)

When Lucas Smoke learns the Ojibway art of carving from his grandfather, he proves to be a natural. He can literally make people come to life in wood. Then Lucas's growing reputation attracts a mysterious stranger, who offers him a large advance to carve a spirit mask. This mask is to represent the master, but Lucas must find its face in his dreams. As his dreams become more and more disturbing, he feels himself changing. And the mask takes control of his life. Then a chance encounter with an old woman introduces him to the identity of the master. He is an ancient sorcerer named Him Standing, a powerful and dark wizard. The more Lucas works on the mask, the closer Him Standing comes to emerging from the dream world to walk the earth again. What follows is a race against time and the forces of evil in this supernatural thriller.

CM Magazine

"In an efficient yet engaging writing style, Wagamese portrays Lucas as a likeable hero with a distinct voice and perspective. Amy acts as a solid foil to Lucas, and the two develop each other in showing their vulnerable sides...The pace is snappy; events follow on each other's heels like dominoes at a rate sure to keep the reader hooked on the storyline. Recommended."

VOYA

"Perfect for mature reluctant readers, ESL learners, or anyone who enjoys a good story."

The Coastal Spectator

"Wagamese dips into deep issues such as balance in the universe and the power of fear, and wraps them up into a mystical story that clips along and clocks in at 129 pages. An impressive feat. Also impressive is the voice he creates for Lucas; the young man’s internal dialogue feels genuine throughout."

Book Description

When an Indigenous carver agrees to produce a spirit mask for a mysterious stranger, he falls under the spell of a dangerous sorcerer from the dream world.

From the Inside Flap

Thriller, tradition Indigenous story, relationships, First Nations, Indigenous

About the Author

Richard Wagamese was a Canadian author and journalist. An Ojibwe from the Wabaseemoong Independent Nations in Northwestern Ontario, he published over a dozen books. He was was best known for his 2012 novel Indian Horse, which won the Burt Award for First Nations, Métis and Inuit Literature in 2013, was a competing title in the 2013 edition of Canada Reads, and was adapted into a 2017 feature length film, Indian Horse, released after his death.

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