A Searing Wind: Book Three of Contact: The Battle for America

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A Searing Wind: Book Three of Contact: The Battle for America (Contact: The Battle for America #3)

by W. Michael Gear, Kathleen O'Neal Gear

4.44 of 5 stars 4.44 · rating details · 101 ratings · 21 reviews

“An irresistibly intriguing story line that brings the past vividly to life. . . . Nobody does Native Americana better than the Gears.” —BooklistIn the eagerly awaited third installment of the Contact: Battle for America saga, New York Times bestselling authors W. Michael and Kathleen O’Neal Gear richly portray a clash of cultures and a native peoples’ struggle to protect...more “An irresistibly intriguing story line that brings the past vividly to life. . . . Nobody does Native Americana better than the Gears.” —BooklistIn the eagerly awaited third installment of the Contact: Battle for America saga, New York Times bestselling authors W. Michael and Kathleen O’Neal Gear richly portray a clash of cultures and a native peoples’ struggle to protect their world. Set against the tragic war sparked by Hernando de Soto’s brutal invasion of the American South, A Searing Wind heightens the historical action in this series hailed as “magnificent” (Andrew M. Greeley) and “exciting, skillfully crafted, and fast-paced” (Publishers Weekly).

Black Shell is an exile, banished by his people for his cowardice in battle. To his fearsome patron spirit, Horned Serpent, however, he is imbued with the courage and keenness to stop the Kristiano onslaught. He and his beautiful wife Pearl Hand have fought them from the Florida Peninsula through the very heart of native America. A trader by profession, Black Shell now dedicates his soul to destroying the invaders, with their impenetrable armor, their swift, enormous cabayos, and their flashing, razor-sharp swords.

Black Shell and Pearl Hand have seen the shackled, naked, starving slaves, heard the broken promises—and learned de Soto’s plans. While the battle of Mabila cost many Kristianos life and limb, the marauder does not retreat. Now he heads for Chicaza and the people from which Black Shell was once exiled.

Wounded and pursued by memories and visions, Black Shell is obsessed with setting the perfect trap. To do so, he must use the Chicaza and their stockpiles of food and supplies. And he must gamble everything on his people’s pride, traditions, and failings. As winter sets in, new dangers abound for the pair—that of a family’s shame, a woman’s anger, and a betrayal that may force Black Shell to forfeit his last chance to save their world from utter destruction. But, worst of all, he and Pearl Hand must walk boldly into de Soto’s camp and engage the cunning monster in a desperate game of wits that will decide the fate of a continent.

Powerful and pulsing with authenticity, A Searing Wind is an unforgettable tale of humanity and cruelty, passion and ignorance—and of historical events burned into America’s history and soul.(less)

Hardcover, 496 pages

Published March 6th 2012 by Gallery Books

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Mar 20, 2013 Shawn Spjut rated it 4 of 5 stars

Battle for America: A Searing Wind; W. Michael Gear & Kathleen O'Neal Gear, 2010; Gallery Books

Book #1: The Coming Storm

Book #2: Fire the Sky

Book #3 in Contact: Battle for America brings the story of Pearl Hand and Black Shell to a unresolved ending. Why do I say that? Because no matter how well Michael and Kathleen Gear tell the story about the battle of Native Americans to save their land, and the failed attempt of Hernandez de Soto to conquer and subjugate its citizens, the sad fact remai...more Battle for America: A Searing Wind; W. Michael Gear & Kathleen O'Neal Gear, 2010; Gallery Books

Book #1: The Coming Storm

Book #2: Fire the Sky

Book #3 in Contact: Battle for America brings the story of Pearl Hand and Black Shell to a unresolved ending. Why do I say that? Because no matter how well Michael and Kathleen Gear tell the story about the battle of Native Americans to save their land, and the failed attempt of Hernandez de Soto to conquer and subjugate its citizens, the sad fact remains that he was one man in a long line of megalomaniacs who would continue to believe it was their appointed destiny to bring the 'barbaric savages' of the Americas under the rule and reign of whatever nation and god these demonized conquers claimed to represent.

And we who call ourselves 'Americans', are living proof of that fact.

Frequently in a series of books, there will invariably be one or two I like better than the rest. Take "The Lord of the Rings" series for instance; I like "The Fellowship of the Ring" and "The Return of the King", but didn't care too much for the "The Two Towers". Not that the second novel wasn't important to the over all story, only that J. J. Tolkien didn't make me feel as emotionally invested in the second, as he did in the first and third.

But I can't say that about "Contact: Battle for America". In each book Gear and Gear captured my mind, will, and emotions, then compelled me to be as invested in the one as I was in the other. Truth to tell, it is the developing intimacy between the main characters that allowed me to hitch a ride on their journey and experience first hand the hopes, disappointments, outrage, fear, and sorrow of the books many heroes.

If I had any criticism about the overall story, it would have been that I might have enjoyed them even more (if that were possible) had the POV been divided between the two heroes, rather than predominately Black Shell. Several times I felt like a particular scene or battle could have been experienced better through the eyes of a woman versus those of a man. But as I said, doing so would have only heightened my enjoyment of an already well told story, not defined it.

On my readers review of one to five stars, I'm giving "A Searing Wind" 4 stars for overall story, and 3 stars for making me cry.(less)

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Aug 26, 2012 Pamela rated it 5 of 5 stars

This third book in a trilogy by two of my favorite authors is so well done! Not that I expected to be disappointed.
Reasons for my admiration:
-a story of great depth that does more than illustrate the experience of first contact. It gives it the textures, tastes and smells of its reality.
-the Indigenous peoples, their tribes, and their cultures are the main characters. They are whole people with vivid mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual lives.
-the spirituality is addressed: differences...more

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Apr 14, 2012 Evie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: best-thing-ever, finished-copy, historical-fiction, loved-it, mind-blowing, pure-awesomeness, simon-schuster, thought-provoking

***Originally published to: Bookish Blog | YA&Adult Reviews, Author Interviews, Guest Posts, News and Giveaways! @_@~

A Searing Wing is the third and final installment of the Contact: Battle For America series by the phenomenal writing duo, W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O'Neal Gear. Providing an excellent and unique look at the Spanish conquest of American southeast, this book is nothing short of masterful. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the previous two books - they were sensational, emotional, intense and absolutely fascinating, but the third book surprised me with even more ground-shaking action, heartbreaking events, and immensely satisfying conclusion. I'm really sad to part with the magnificent world the Gears created and can't wait to read more of their marvellous works.

Because this is the third book in a trilogy, I will refrain from talking about the plot and focus entirely on my thoughts and impressions.

I loved every aspect of this book. The plot moved swiftly along, jumping from one adventure to another. The historical background was extensively researched, rich in flavour and abundant in fascinating information. I found it amazing to read about the history, culture, spiritual beliefs and customs of Native American tribes. It was definitely a precious, eye-opening experience for me, and one that I will never forget. The character building was one of the strongest and most thorough ones I have ever seen, making it easy to get emotionally attached to the protagonists and really care for them. The narration switched back and forth between Black Shell and Pearl Hand, adding a whole new layer to the already complex plot and giving the reader a better insight into the story. Above all, despite it being quite a hefty book, A Searing Wind was very evenly paced, well-balanced, and gripping all the way to the end. I honestly can't recall a single boring passage - no matter how you slice it, this is a book to devour! A powerful, beautifully written historical novel that is both entertaining and thematically poignant.

Frankly, this book - this WHOLE series - is too amazing for words. There's no way to convey the amount of historical details the authors managed to include. No way to tell you how readable, enjoyable, gripping and moving it was. No words can ever be enough to praise their exceptional storytelling, and the way they skilfully weaved adventure and drama into the vividly depicted tapestry of Native Americana. Reading this book was a one-of-a-kind experience. Enriching, entertaining and very informative. Unforgettable.

Thanks to their archeological background, the Gears managed to craft something that is not only captivating and fun to read, but also - or, perhaps, most of all - astoundingly authentic. This novel is historically accurate, but at the same time not heavy with dry facts and dates. Quite the opposite - despite the serious subject matter and profoundly meaningful messages it carries, A Searing Wind is a page-turner that will keep you glued to its pages for long hours. It reads like a good adventure book, but also gives you something to think about. Essentially, it's a terrific read, and one that I will definitely be recommending to all my friends!(less)

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Mar 31, 2012 Cheryl rated it 4 of 5 stars

A Searing Wind is the third and final book in the Battle for American trilogy. This is a not to be missed trilogy. If you enjoy history, Indians, or just reading a really good book, than you have to check this series out.

I got to meet Mr. and Mrs. Gear a long time ago. They were so nice. They are really knowable about their craft. You can tell that they have done their home work and have a passion for what they do. I tried them both as separate authors and together. While, I like them both, I h...more

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Feb 27, 2012 Theresa rated it 5 of 5 stars

A searing wind is a dynamic and thrilling end to a trilogy that will take you into a world of understanding, commitment and daring. The book begins as the last ends with the fires of Mabila. Our heroes, Black Shell and Pearl Hand, two Native Americans from different tribes, traders by nature have come to the realization that their plans have not stopped “the Monster”. They must again try to convince another tribe the danger they are in, the strength of their enemy and the ingenuity and violence...more A searing wind is a dynamic and thrilling end to a trilogy that will take you into a world of understanding, commitment and daring. The book begins as the last ends with the fires of Mabila. Our heroes, Black Shell and Pearl Hand, two Native Americans from different tribes, traders by nature have come to the realization that their plans have not stopped “the Monster”. They must again try to convince another tribe the danger they are in, the strength of their enemy and the ingenuity and violence of their opposition. Antonito de Soto, “the Monster”, has been given La Florida as governor by the king of Spain. He believes his men outfitted with the finest weapons and armor that money could buy he would easily control La Florida. Arriving on the shores with supplies of every kind, talented cobblers, secretaries, carpenters, blacksmiths, tailors ….everything conceivable trades men. The de Soto’s army ranks including cobayeros and soldaos with twenty years of experience fighting indios, from Mexico, Panama, Nicaragua, and Peru. Lead by the grandest nobles of Spain. But the opposition they encounter in Apalachee, Cafakke, Coosa and Mabila are nothing to the battle and strength of the warring tribe of Chicaza. The Chicaza tribe of war likes people, whose dynamic and aggressive nature gave rise to the trader Black Shell. Black Shell who had been trained as a child to gain the panther throne as High Minko of the Chicaza. Reading this book I was drawn into a world of violence, and death interlaced with the hope that my favorite heroes will overcome their Monster and save their world from continued devastation by the Conquistadores. In the end hoping that they would not find their people devastated by the New World governed by the brutal, fanatical Spanish soldiers. My heart was in my mouth again and again hoping the characters I have grown to love in the series would survive. Only to fear in the next few pages that more violent and devastating events were ahead of them. I mourned with them the loss of the dogs, friends and comrades as the continued to bring the battle to the malignant forces of the Spanish soldiers and their converts. Open the book and share the triumphs, losses and love of Black Shell and Pearl Hand. (less)

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Mar 05, 2012 Patty rated it 5 of 5 stars

A Searing Wind is the third and final book in the Contact: Battle for America series. I read it without reading the first two books and it was excellent as a stand alone book. I can only imagine what it is going to be like when I get the time to go back and read all three of them back to back. This is one powerful and engrossing novel and I suspect that when I do read the entirety of the story I will want to go back and read it again. A Searing Wind was that good.

I will admit to a certain fuzzin...more A Searing Wind is the third and final book in the Contact: Battle for America series. I read it without reading the first two books and it was excellent as a stand alone book. I can only imagine what it is going to be like when I get the time to go back and read all three of them back to back. This is one powerful and engrossing novel and I suspect that when I do read the entirety of the story I will want to go back and read it again. A Searing Wind was that good.

I will admit to a certain fuzziness when it comes to my knowledge of early explorations on the North American continent. I knew De Soto's name and I vaguely recalled his travels and conquests from long ago history lessons but I will also admit to a certain dislike of American history while in school. That has changed as I have aged and I know devour books on the history of my country at about the same pace i read my beloved European history novels.

This tale of De Soto's tale of destruction through the southern part of what is now the United States is gripping. The two main characters, Black Shell and Pearl Hand are fighting the battle of their life to save their people and their ways from the invading kristianos. The Spanish felt they were superior in every way to the indios and were there to conquer and enslave them. The various tribes felt that De Soto and his men had to be destroyed but they had superior amour, weapons and the dreaded cabayos (horses).

The Indians work together - even tribes that have previously warred with each other to rid themselves of the evil that is De Soto - the monster.

I cannot begin to tell you how powerful a book this was. For the first time in a very, very long time a book brought me to tears. I can't tell you why or over what or I will ruin the plot but I will tell you that I became that involved with the story. I finished the book over a week ago and yet I still find myself thinking about it at odd moments. The Gears have that special way with words that draw you so far into a book you forget you are reading and become part of the story. Their descriptive power was such that I was almost smelling, tasting, seeing what the characters did. In spite of the violent nature of a book about conquest I almost didn't want to leave....

My only complaint is about the cover. I would have walked right by A Searing Wind in a book store. And that is sad because I would then have missed out on one of the best books I have ever read. I will forever be grateful that it was sent to me for review because now I have it and its sisters in my library to enjoy over and over again.(less)

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Jan 18, 2013 Literary rated it 5 of 5 stars

Mandy's Review:

If you were chosen to go on a mission that you knew would end in death would you do it? Would you be brave enough to continue on as you see those you love die around you? Would you have the courage to go back to a home that you were banished from and face the humiliation and anger of those who once loved you?

This is what Black Shell faced. Although he was banished from his community and labeled a coward, he was a man of great courage and bravery. There were plenty of times he was...more Mandy's Review:

If you were chosen to go on a mission that you knew would end in death would you do it? Would you be brave enough to continue on as you see those you love die around you? Would you have the courage to go back to a home that you were banished from and face the humiliation and anger of those who once loved you?

This is what Black Shell faced. Although he was banished from his community and labeled a coward, he was a man of great courage and bravery. There were plenty of times he was scared, but he pressed on because what he was doing was for the good of all his people, not just himself.

Pearl Hand was a well-suited match for Black Shell. Although she had a hard life growing up, being married to Black Shell has allowed her to be the person she was meant to become: a warrior ... which was highly unusual for a Native American woman. Because of the number of Kristianos she murdered, all of the Native Americans considered her as high ranking as a priest or government official. What she said carried weight with the decisions that had to be made among the elders.

In A Searing Wind, Black Shell and Pearl Hand are in the home-stretch of their fights against the Kristianos. Their final mission is to get the Chicaza's help. Black Shell, of course, had to prove himself to his former clan so they knew he wasn't lying to or deceiving them. After he gains their trust, the Chicaza and several surrounding clans join together to defeat the Kristianos.

Do they succeed? What cost will the Native Americans have to pay? Will the Kristianos be knocked down and retreat? What price will Black Shell and Pearl Hand have to pay? Will they both survive this final showdown?

I don't want to end this review because it will mean the end of this series for me. =( Alas, I know I cannot talk about this series forever. A Searing Wind is the culmination of exceptionally-written period novels that will have you feeling every emotion available. I even cried at the end. I cannot portray the proper amount of importance in my words when I tell you that you must read this series.(less)

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Mar 17, 2012 Theresa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Review cross-posted at my blog

A Searing Wind is the third and final installment of the Contact: Battle for America series, which chronicles the native peoples battle with Hernando de Soto during his brutal march through the Southeastern US from 1539-1542. This is the story of Black Shell, a trader, chosen by “power” and his beautiful wife Pearl Hand and their mission to destroy the brutal invaders. They have seen, firsthand, the destruction, enslavement, and degradation that the Kristiano’s caus...more Review cross-posted at my blog

A Searing Wind is the third and final installment of the Contact: Battle for America series, which chronicles the native peoples battle with Hernando de Soto during his brutal march through the Southeastern US from 1539-1542. This is the story of Black Shell, a trader, chosen by “power” and his beautiful wife Pearl Hand and their mission to destroy the brutal invaders. They have seen, firsthand, the destruction, enslavement, and degradation that the Kristiano’s cause everywhere they go. They have fought them from the Florida Peninsula all they way into the heart of America, in what is present day Arkansas. At Mabila, where the Europeans suffered grave losses, they learn of de Soto’s plans. They rush to the Chicaza nation, to Black Shell’s own people, the ones that banished him as a young man, in an attempt to set a trap that will finish off the invaders.

I have to confess to you, before reading this book, I had very little knowledge of Hernando de Soto and his 3 year reign of terror across the Southeastern United States in the 1500′s. Honestly, when I was in school, learning about History I found it quite boring. So boring, that I promptly forgot it, as soon as I didn’t need to remember it. If only I could have learned about this country’s great history by reading a novel based on historical fact. Anyway, after finishing this book, I went online and did a quick search for de Soto, trying to refresh my memory about him. Of course, what I found, was portrayed quite accurately, and in much more detail in this book, than in the information I found online. I love it when a story interests me so much that it drives me to research it and learn more about it.

What I remember from school and what I found in this book where far and away very different things. I realize that much of what I learned in school was whitewashed and toned down, and only showed the European, white man’s side of things. More often than not, most accounts of de Soto’s contact and exploits were propagandized and published in Europe as a way to draw settlers to the New World. What the Gears do, is to tell the story from the perspective of the native people. As with every book I have read, written by the Gears, I found A Searing Wind to be a quick, engrossing and very interesting read, that even though it is the third book in the series, can most definitely be read as a stand alone book. When I have more time, I will be reading this fascinating account of the brutal first contact between de Soto and the native people of the Southeastern US from the first book through A Searing Wind.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free through the Publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”(less)

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Mar 18, 2012 Eileen Souza rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: changing-hands, north-america, historical-fiction

This was the finale of the Contact: Battle for America series. The premise of the story, told in three parts, was of Hernando de Soto's arrival in the new world, and his attempts to take ownership of the southeastern part of the the US.

The third book continued the story of Black Shell and Pearl Hand, two of my favorites in the pantheon of characters that the Gears have created over the years. The story is told from Black Shell's perspective, which is unusual for People books, but he had a witty...more

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Jun 21, 2012 Laurie Blacker rated it 4 of 5 stars

Book 3 In the Battle For America trilogy, we learn the fate of Spaniard DeSoto as he attempts to conquer the so called savages of the new world. We follow along as former trader Black Shell and his wife Pearl Hand do everything in their power to defeat the hated Kristianos. Once again the Gears create a very believable world in ancient America. You can almost smell the forest, breathe the smoke, and hear the screams as the two cultures battle for survival.

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Apr 01, 2012 Michelle McPherson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Sad to see the last book in this series end. It was wonderful, even as it left questions - leaving me with hope that it is not COMPLETELY over.

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Apr 13, 2013 David rated it 4 of 5 stars

Another well written and highly informative series by the Gears. I have a much better understanding of what the Spanish entradas must have been for native Americans. Highly recommended.

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Jul 20, 2012 Roxanne rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: part-of-a-series, people-of-the-wolf-series

Preordered it for my nook as soon as I could. Great ending to a series... Can't wait for more from the gears!

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Sep 22, 2012 Erin Al-Mehairi rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Book 3 in an amazingly gut wrenching series. Very well written.

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Jul 05, 2012 Jim Young rated it 4 of 5 stars

Fun read. Love all the books by the Gears.

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May 02, 2012 Dottie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Love these books. Always sorry they have to end

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Jan 28, 2013 Mark rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

It is very rare when I give five stars to each book in a trilogy. Comparatively, each book in Contact: The Battle for America is better than any of the Gear novels I've read that I rated 5 stars as well. I really love the characters. The hero and heroine are so good and the bad guy so evil. The Gears are excellent at First Nations historical fiction. I will be reading more of their books. I'm very thankful to my local library for having this series and many of the Gear's novels.

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Apr 12, 2012 J. Ewbank rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: a-good-read, historical, novel

This book by the Gear's is every bit as good as the other books in the series. Have read about all of their books and think that for a series or for an output by an author or authors it is about as good as it gets. The stories about our native Americans helps us put a different perspective on our historical events which we have learned. It is a great series.

J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and he 'Isms'" and soon to be released "Wesley's Wars"

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Apr 11, 2012 Matt D rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historic-fiction, native-american

What an amazing book. I'm really sad to see the series come to a conclusion. It was remarkably well written, with every character brought to life with vivid detail. Despite knowing the outcome of these encounters, you can't help but sit there and wish for the happy ending that the book deserved.

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Apr 24, 2012 Tim Barrable rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: anthropology, favorites, historical, inspirational, myth-and-magic, native-american, recently-read, spiritual, shamanism, thriller

As always I can't wait for the next episode in this fascinating series.... stunning storytelling, historically accurate and thought provoking. Brilliant!

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May 12, 2013 Rick rated it 4 of 5 stars

Good, not great. I did like that it was based on the real history of the early Spanish and the brutal way they claimed this land as their own in spite of the current residents.

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Jun 16, 2013 Keith marked it as to-read

Jun 02, 2013 Floyd Pattee rated it 4 of 5 stars

Jun 01, 2013 Vic rated it 4 of 5 stars

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Jun 01, 2013 Sherry rated it 5 of 5 stars

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About W. Michael Gear

W. Michael Gear was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on the twentieth of May, 1955. A fourth generation Colorado native, his family had been involved in hard-rock mining, cattle ranching, and journalism. After his father's death in 1959, Michael's mother received her Master's degree in journalism and began teaching. In 1962 she married Joseph J. Cook, who taught tool and die making, and the fam...more W. Michael Gear was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on the twentieth of May, 1955. A fourth generation Colorado native, his family had been involved in hard-rock mining, cattle ranching, and journalism. After his father's death in 1959, Michael's mother received her Master's degree in journalism and began teaching. In 1962 she married Joseph J. Cook, who taught tool and die making, and the family lived in Lakewood, Colorado, until 1968. At that time they moved to Fort Collins so that Joe could pursue his Ph.D.. During those years the family lived in the foothills above Horsetooth Reservoir.

It was there that Mike developed a love of history, anthropology, and motorcycles. They would color his future and fill his imagination for the rest of his life. During summers he volunteered labor on local ranches or at the farm east of Greeley and landed his first real job: picking up trash at the lake and cleaning outhouses. It has been said that his exposure to trash led him into archaeology. We will not speculate about what cleaning the outhouses might have led him to. On his first dig as a professional archaeologist in 1976 he discovered that two thousand year old human trash isn't nearly as obnoxious as the new stuff.

Michael graduated from Fort Collins High School in 1972 and pursued both his Bachelor's (1976) and Master's (1979) degrees at Colorado State University. Upon completion of his Master's - his specialty was in physical anthropology - he went to work for Western Wyoming College in Rock Springs as a field archaeologist.

It was in the winter of 1978 that he wrote his first novel. Irritated by historical inaccuracies in Western fiction, he swore he could do better. He was "taking retirement in installments," archaeology being a seasonal career, in the cabin his great uncle Aubrey had built. One cold January night he read a Western novel about a trail drive in which steers (castrated males) had calves. The historical inaccuracies of the story bothered him all night. The next morning, still incensed, he chunked wood into the stove and hunkered over the typewriter. There, on the mining claim, at nine thousand feet outside of Empire, Colorado he hammered out his first five hundred and fifty page novel. Yes, that first manuscript still exists, but if there is justice in the universe, no one will ever see it. It reads wretchedly - but the historical facts are correct!

Beginning in 1981, Michael, along with two partners, put together his own archaeological consulting company. Pronghorn Anthropological Associates began doing cultural resource management studies in 1982, and, although Michael sold his interest in 1984, to this day the company remains in business in Casper, Wyoming. During the years, Michael has worked throughout the western United States doing archaeological surveys, testing, and mitigation for pipelines, oil wells, power lines, timber sales, and highway construction. He learned the value of strong black coffee, developed a palate for chocolate donuts, and ferreted out every quality Mexican restaurant in eight states. He spent nine months of the year traveling from project to project with his trowel and dig kit, a clapped-out '72 Wonder Blazer, and his boon companion, Tedi, a noble tri-color Sheltie.

That fateful day in November, 1981, was delightfully clear, cold, and still in Laramie, Wyoming. Archaeologists from all over the state had arrived at the University of Wyoming for the annual meetings of the Wyoming Association of Professional Archaeologists. It was there, in the meeting room, way too early after a much too long night, that Mike first laid eyes on the most beautiful woman in the world: Kathleen O'Neal Gear. The BLM State Archaeologist, Ray Leicht, introduced him to the pretty anthropologist and historian, and best of all, Ray invited Mike to lunch with Kathleen. It was the perfect beginning for a long and wondrous relationship.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/wmicha...(less)

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People of the Wolf (The First North Americans, #1)

People of the Earth (The First North Americans, #3)

People of the Lakes (The First North Americans, #6)

People of the Sea (The First North Americans, #5)

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