The Navigator

This book takes you on a road trip that is different from the usual type of story, because it is a journey to be read on many levels. Throw into the mix an adventure plot worthy of any detective novel, and altogether you have an exciting, emotional tale, and one which is full of insights and reflections.

We start this journey with the struggling musicians who befriend our protagonist as he joins them in moving from one gig to another. He becomes the navigator who shows them how to read a map and find their way. But Silas Drake is much more than a simple navigator, he is a boy cast adrift on his own journey of self-discovery and reconciliation. 

“He was hurt sometime in his past, I mean, of course he was or he wouldn’t be living on the streets, but it was more than that. He was hurt by people close to him, that he thought he could trust. He doesn’t know yet that every performance is different,” Those words express the struggle that Silas has with himself, a personal combat that spills over into the lives of those he meets.

There is the discovery of a terrible secret and the overwhelming need to help the friends, who like Silas himself, have their own history to come to terms with. A history that may only truly be resolved by taking some risks. This ultimately leads to the final climax at the end of the novel, where like all good thrillers, the different threads of the story come together.

If I have any criticisms, it would be that perhaps the character of the ‘bad guy’ – all good thrillers have their bad guy – is a little superficial. His actions are plainly laid out, but we never get any great insight into him. Then again, the book is not about him and his part is no more than a supporting role in the drama. I could easily recommend this book, it’s a great read.
 

The title of this story is sheer genius, and I’ll never forget the person or the concept which prompted the name. As we begin the compelling journey mapped out by Cynus we meet Silas Drake, his dog, and the band who has given him a ride as they travel from one gig to another. Even though their ways soon part, Cynus keeps track of both parties. Drake as he stops over in a small village and encounters several people, both good and bad, who will change his life. The band as they struggle to find success and deal with missing the young man who helped them navigate from place to place. Their feelings about Silas have far-reaching consequences.

Drake is my favorite sort of character, both intelligent and sensible. He's shaped but not destroyed by events in his past. He does what’s needed to survive, but his integrity keeps his choices honorable. Even though he has been hurt by other people, he tries to avoid harmful actions, and though his trust is hard to gain, his loyalty to friends is unshakable. He’s not perfect, but that makes him all the more believable and admirable. The way he cares for his dog, Adelaide, who is a faithful protector, will win many readers’ hearts, and she plays a crucial role in the story.

There's heart-ache and danger and even a small mystery to solve, but the Navigator will find his way home through it all.

This review is a revised version of my Featured Story blog review.

Great story I have read it a few times now still enjoy it every time I read it 

keep up the great work 

Silas Drake is a teenager who, with his dog Adelaide as company, has spent 18 months on the road after leaving home before his parents could throw him out. He's just spent the last few weeks travelling with a rock band, Demons of The Crossroads. When they reach the town of Crow's Lake Silas decides it's time to move on again, just him and his dog. They stick around for while and events take a course that Silas could never have dreamt of. Now don't sit there reading my review go and read all about it, I'm sure that you will be drawn in as I was. @Cynus has written a brilliant story that I recommend you read.

What an incredible story! You are a very talented writer! 🥰

OMG I wasn't sure if was going to like this story, by the end of the first chapter I was gripped by it. I didn't like it I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to more like it. It was a great read.