Roberta Lenon

Shaman's Dreaming is set in the Australian Dreamtime. It tells the story of Akama, a young boy of the Djakara tribe. Akama is initiated as a warrior after his first kill, where he undergoes a lengthy trial and befriends a young, starving dingo called Burnum. During his initiation Akama has a vision of his uncle Mogo, the shaman of the tribe, performing a dark ritual on his father's spear. Soon after his initiation Akama witnesses the death of his father by sorcery and knows that he has been killed by Mogo. Under tribal law, Mogo takes possession of Akama's mother and sister and Akama's claims of murder are not believed. In fear for his life, Akama flees the tribe and heads into the desert with Burnum. He faces great hardship and has powerful dreams of Mogo hurting his family, dreams that are reflected in the real world. After a terrible desert crossing where he faces death, he is saved by Tarooki, a shaman of the Quandialla people. Tarooki trains him as a shaman once he becomes aware of Akama's powers in the Spirit World.

Meanwhile, Akama's sister Elouera suffers as Mogo uses dark powers to possess her and her mother. Elouera learns that Mogo has made a pact with a terrible spirit called Kandarra that feeds on blood and suffering. She is able to disobey him due to the power of Apanie, the creater spirit of the people, whose power lies in water. However the tribe falls under Mogo's control and he leads them to the centre of the desert where they are far from Apanie's aid.

Journey with Akama as he confronts the dark power of Mogo and Kandarra in his quest to save his family and tribe.