Imagine waking up in the desert with no idea what happened to you. You have clear memories of situations and places, but a complete loss in personal matters… like your own name. This situation is bad, and you have no idea how to get home.
When you’re rescued by a talking yak, the situation gets exponentially worse. You’ve obviously lost your mind. The immediate needs of a ride off the salt pan and searing heat, along with a drink of water, outweigh the concerns about your mental state.
This is exactly what happened to the Yak Guy. In fact, he’s been placed in an alternate world and given a chance to start over in life.
Can this selfish, almost parasitic, young man learn to start over in a world where charity is hard to find? Life is brutal and short here, but he’s going to have to adapt or perish.
The Yak Guy project is loosely based around The Fool’s Journey from the Tarot. Those with experience in Tarot will spot people and situations from the Major Arcana.
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Original, Inventive, and Completely Relatable
Who doesn’t love fiction with memorable characters, strong plot, vivid settings, and distinctive voice? Of course I loved THE YAK GUY PROJECT — it had all of those things and then some.
Boyack is a master at taking a common situation, flipping it on its head, and showing the world a slice of life that is both originally inventive and completely relatable. In this case, the main character is a lazy mooch — probably someone we all know. But instead of real-life drama, we watch him learn his lesson in an alternate reality. The yak is part Jiminy Cricket, part Gandalf. He’s a guide, he’s a sage, he’s a moral compass. His wisdom and sardonic wit kept me entertained throughout.
I mention the guy because he’s the main character and the yak because he’s my favorite, but there are several other fascinating characters, too, each as important and impactful as the last. I don’t want to talk about them all and give too much away, though. Suffice it to say, this book has quite a cast!
So many lessons to learn, so many chances at redemption. An opportunity to form romantic and community bonds, too. All while embarking on a fantastic, potentially life-altering journey. This book has it all. If you’re looking for a fresh, strong voice and a darn good story, this is the one for you.
C. S. Boyack visited us last week to share more about The Yak Guy Project. You can read that post here or connect with him via his website.
Great review, Staci. It’s already on my TBR pile, and somewhat near the top! A talking yak is exactly what’s been missing in my life! 😀 I’m really looking forward to reading this one.
Some days, I think I should stop writing altogether and catch up on all the wonderful books I’ve stashed on my shelves or my Kindle! It would be blissful to spend a few months doing nothing but reading all day long. Talking yaks–who knew? 😀 Shared!
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Thanks, Marcia.
I, too, would love to take the summer to read and catch up. Maybe someday. For now, by TBR list grows and work beckons.
Perhaps I need a talking yak in my life, too. 😉
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I think you do. Let’s be on the lookout for some. They can only HELP, right? 😀
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I swear, I need a yak guru to help me out too. Thanks for your faith in the book, and hope you enjoy it.
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I’m sure I will, Craig. Can’t wait to have some quality YAK TIME! 😀
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Thanks for sharing, Staci! Bravo to Craig. 🙂
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Thanks, Natalie. 🙂
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Thank you, Natalie.
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Excellent review, Staci. Can’t wait to read it.
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Thanks, John.
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Thank you, John.
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🙂
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You had me at Gandalf.
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You’ll love it, Teri. Yak is awesome!
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Too funny. The zen of the yak. Or maybe it’s Confucianism?
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Excellent review, Staci. The Yak Guy Project is a great read populated with so many unique and colorful characters (like the yak, LOL). Craig really raised the bar with this one!
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Thanks again, Mae.
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Thanks, Mae. “Unique and colorful” is perfect. He did raise the bar. (Can’t wait to see how he tops this one!)
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Hmmm. Hope I can. I’m working on a crazy pirate story when I find time.
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I’ve been dying to learn more about that one. You’ve been teasing it for a while now!
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Reblogged this on DSM Publications and commented:
Check out this great review of C.S. Boyack’s new book, The Yak Guy Project, from this post on Staci Troilo’s blog.
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Thanks, Don.
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You’re welcome.
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Thanks for sharing this review post. Means a lot to me.
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You’re welcome.
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I love that the main protagonist is so unlikeable, and a yak is the sage and wise favourite, definitely sounds like a book for me! 💖
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I can honestly say I’ve never read anything quite like it. (And I mean that in the best possible way.)
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I try to be versatile, and occasionally surprising. Ha ha.
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You are both. 🙂
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I appreciate it. Yak Guy has some growing up ahead of him, but he’s up to the task.
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Reblogged this on Entertaining Stories and commented:
Here’s an early review of The Yak Guy Project. People seem to be enjoying this one. Do you have your copy yet?
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Thanks for sharing, Craig. I know your post schedule is full.
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It’s been a busy tour, but the reviews are golden. Thanks.
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My pleasure.
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Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the blog. I’ll share it everywhere I can. So glad you enjoyed the story.
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My pleasure. You always deliver in your stories. People should know. (Shared with the Tuesday Book Blog hashtag; hopefully that draws more attention to your work.)
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Good idea. I never think to do that one.
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That’s why I try to do reviews or guests on Tuesdays. Even a little bit more traction is better than none at all.
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Staci, I loved your review and I can imagine this book as a great film!
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Thanks, Annika. I think that’s every author’s dream. Maybe one day with a bit of luck.
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Wow. It would make a fantastic film. How cool would that be?
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Great review, Staci! This sounds like a story I will enjoy:)
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Thanks, and I hope that’s the case.
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I think there’s a lot in there that could appeal to a number of people. I look forward to hearing what readers have to say.
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