“Walks with the Wind” by Steve Physioc

Walks with the Wind

Steve Physioc
Independently Published (2021)
ISBN: 9781736080405
Reviewed by Tammy Ruggles for Reader Views (3/2021)

“Walks with the Wind,” by Steve Physioc, is an absorbing book with many layers. It centers on protagonist Sam Cloud-Carson, a member of the Southern Ute tribe, who has the uncanny gift and skill of tracking, but also pitching and hitting in baseball. He has a loving family, but then they are taken away, leaving him as somewhat of a loner that begins his journey, especially after losing baseball as well. This is how his paths cross with Drake Dixon, a money-hungry man into power and manipulation, who uses Sam to bring himself even more power and wealth. He wants Sam to track for Diamond Bar Security in the mountains of Afghanistan, where riches can be found. The agreement brings them together in a way neither could anticipate.

Physioc masterfully combines this character-driven drama into an unforgettable saga of family, loss, culture, war, and redemption. I especially like the way Native American culture is incorporated, and the way the lives of the main characters collide and work off of each other. The pacing is even, the plot intriguing, and the dialogue dynamic. You will become invested in the story and can’t guess what may lie around the next corner.

The author has to be applauded for his talent for ambient settings, attention to details and culture, and the ability to be convincing and magnetic in the story he tells. Personally, I was drawn to the Native American/tracking aspects of the story, and it played so well into the plot. The character development is outstanding. You really get to see them–especially Sam–grow and change with the life events that occur. The parts of the story that concerned a private security company intrigued me as well.

Baseball fans are sure to like the different take on it as it as far as Sam is concerned. It seems that there is always something new to learn or add to what you already know in this novel. And let’s not forget that there is a level of tension in the plot, too, as well as some tenderness along with the toughness. There are so many layers that you may want to reread it just to get a different perspective on it.

If you like odysseys about family, culture, conflict, and spiritual growth, you’ll love “Walks with the Wind,” by Steve Physioc.