I think Stephen King hit this one on the head. He is not always politically correct, which is something I admire about him. He writes, and “the reviewer be damned,” seems to be his approach. He writes what troubles him (us?) and often makes a statement above and beyond what the subject of the book is about.
The Stand did that. It is about what happens to society and its people when rules and laws, and niceties fall by the wayside. It is about what happens when people are left to their own devices when there is no structure. Some become monsters (evil). Others become angels (good).
I think that is why this recent review of Black Yéʼii meant so much to me. After all, the title Black Yéʼii comes from the Navajo and translates directly to The Evil One.
“Black Yéʼii is not just a crime thriller. It is a tense and emotionally charged story where loyalty, secrecy, and justice collide. Joseph Lewis places his characters in a world where the past refuses to stay buried, and where one hidden truth has the power to ignite violence, fear, and consequences that ripple outward. The result is a story that feels urgent, dangerous, and deeply human.” David C. at Reedsy
There is a supernatural element to the book, but the emphasis is on character and the choices one makes in the face of greed and depravity. Some, like my characters Brian and George, rise above it all and do what they can to make life livable. Others, like my character Landon Kerns, sink their teeth into greed and depravity to get all they want with no consideration for others. None.
There is no good in Landon Kerns. None. By King’s definition, Kerns is a monster and is Black Yéʼii (The Evil One) personified.
I received another recent review, this one from Untold Reads, that further explains Black Yéʼii.
“Inspired by Navajo beliefs about good and evil, Black Yéʼii by Joseph Lewis unfolds as a psychological thriller that weaves together crime, morality, and cultural mysticism.
The novel unfolds in Waukesha, Wisconsin, where a brutal double murder sets off a chain of revelations tied to a hidden past. A year before the central events, a violent confrontation involving MS-13 gang members led to multiple deaths inside the Benevides home—deaths secretly caused by George Tokay, a Navajo teenager acting in self-defense to protect others. To shield him and the survivors from retaliation, the truth was buried under a fabricated story.
However, when Angel Benevides and his mother are savagely killed, it becomes clear that the secret has been exposed. As law enforcement races to uncover the truth, George and his adoptive family are once again thrust into danger. The narrative alternates between the detectives’ pursuit and the looming threat against George, building tension as past lies collide with present consequences.
Joseph Lewis’s writing is sharp, immersive, and emotionally grounded. His language is direct yet evocative, especially in action sequences where tension is palpable and unrelenting. His ability to create layered characters with internal struggles between truth and survival is particularly compelling, while the detectives bring realism and procedural depth to the narrative.
The author also skillfully incorporates Navajo cultural elements, giving the story a unique spiritual dimension that enriches its themes. The pacing remains tight throughout, balancing moments of reflection with high-stakes suspense, and the dialogue feels authentic and impactful.
This book is highly recommended for readers who enjoy intense thrillers with strong emotional and psychological depth. It is worth reading for its compelling plot, layered characters, and the way it thoughtfully blends crime fiction with cultural insight.
Black Yéʼii stands out not just as a story of revenge, but as a reflection on truth, consequences, and the enduring strength of family bonds in the face of darkness. 5 stars!” Untold Reads
I received one last review from the International Writers Inspiring Change Review.
“A complex thriller that strikes at the heart, Black Yéʼii is a compelling thriller with family, honor, and the battle between good and evil as central themes. Young Diné (Navajo) man, George Tokay, helps police investigate a cover-up involving cops and the notoriously vicious gang, MS13, now hell bent on revengeful torture and murder.” International Writers Inspiring Change Review
Most reviewers remarked Black Yéʼii is a contrast between good and evil, and right and wrong, and a comparison between familial love and acceptance vs gang affiliation.
Even though I agree with King’s quote about monsters, I choose to write about how goodness will triumph over evil, and that most of us will choose hope over despair.
For your convenience, here are the links for Black Yéʼii:
Amazon Link:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1685135374
Audible Link: https://tinyurl.com/mr47x5ec
I hope you enjoyed this post. I would like to hear your thoughts and read your comments, so please use the comment section below. As always, thank you for following along on my writing journey. Until next time …
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