Book Review: Urban Shaman (The Walker Papers Book 1) by C.E. Murphy
From the very first glimpse of Urban Shaman, I was intrigued. The premise of a mechanic stumbling into the role of an urban shaman, particularly amid the chaotic backdrop of Seattle, felt fresh and captivating. Having recently been drawn to stories that effortlessly blend the mundane with the mystical, C.E. Murphy’s book was a delightful find.
Joanne Walker, our fiercely independent protagonist, starts out with a practical, no-nonsense attitude that I found instantly relatable. She’s a mechanic in the police department, more at home with engines than with any enchanted artifacts. However, when an ancient god awakens and the mythical Wild Hunt threatens her city, Joanne’s world flips upside down. Suddenly, she’s thrust into a vibrant tapestry of magic she never believed in, forced to navigate dangers that seem to pause at the intersection of reality and myth.
The novel wonderfully explores themes of identity and acceptance. Joanne’s journey is not just about battling external forces but also about reckoning with her past and the unexpected heritage that comes with it. The restless spirit of her coyote mentor adds layers to her transition, both as a guide and a representation of the instincts she must embrace. I loved how their interactions unfolded—a balance of whimsy and wisdom that enriched the narrative.
Murphy’s writing style is one of the book’s standout features. It’s approachable, filled with wit, yet tinged with a sense of urgency that elevates the pacing. I often found myself racing through chapters—not just to uncover what happened next in Joanne’s perilous adventure, but also to enjoy the vivid imagery of Seattle laced with magic. Lines like, “in the city of dreams, even the nightmares have a pulse,” struck me, resonating with my own experiences in urban spaces that feel both enchanting and intimidating.
I was also charmed by the supporting characters, especially a nosy cab driver who gets swept into Joanne’s whirlwind. This dynamic brings a needed dose of humor and camaraderie against the dark adventures unfolding around them. The blend of heart and humor in Murphy’s writing made me chuckle out loud at times, reminding me that even in the face of danger, laughter can punctuate the tension.
Reflecting on the experience, I believe Urban Shaman will resonate with fans of urban fantasy and those who enjoy strong, relatable heroines on self-discovery quests. The novel is both a gateway into the fantastical depths of mythology and a reminder of the everyday magic that can emerge when we least expect it.
As I closed the last page, I felt a bittersweet tug—an eagerness to dive into the rest of the series but also a yearning to dwell in Joanne’s world a bit longer. If you’re looking for a story that combines adventure, humor, and a splash of the mystical, then I wholeheartedly recommend picking up Urban Shaman. It might just make you believe in the magic that lies just beyond the mundane.
You can find Urban Shaman (The Walker Papers Book 1) here >>