An amazing review of “Chnawaway and the Sky Coyote” on the Deep Dive podcast!
The historical fiction novel, "Chnawaway and the Sky Coyote" by H.A. Bustos, is a beautiful story of a young Chumash brave named Chnawaway who learns about the Chumash culture and beliefs from his grandfather.
The story explores the balance between the physical and spiritual realms, and the importance of respecting nature. It includes elements of Chumash mythology, such as the Sky Coyote and the Sun.
Our hero, Chnawaway, embarks on a journey to uncover a mystery at the Chumash Painted Cave and is ultimately tasked with delivering a warning from the Sky Coyote, a mythical deity also known as the North Star, to his tribe. The Sky Coyote warns of a coming drought caused by the anger of Father Sun, who is upset about losing a cosmic game to the Sky Coyote.
Chnawaway is initially doubted by his tribe, but he eventually proves his visions and stories to be true by the appearance of a fiery sign in the night sky. After a series of amazing discoveries, high-action drama and adventure, the story concludes with a grand ceremony on a sacred mountain to appease the spirits and restore balance to the land.
Published in July of 2024, this 155-page novel tells of legends inspired by the Chumash Painted Cave in the Santa Ynez Mountains of Southern California, incorporating Chumash mythology and exploring the themes of balance, tradition, and the importance of listening to the whispers of the natural world.
Through a combination of storytelling and folklore, the book explores the relationship between the Chumash people and the cosmos, focusing on their belief in a cosmic game between the Sun and the Sky Coyote that influences the cycles of nature.
"Chnawaway and the Sky Coyote" is published by Second Ridge Publishing and available now on Amazon.com and at bookstores everywhere.
