Spirit In The Red Amber, A novel of an American Indian

by John Gschwend

In 1834 the Quapaw were forced from their homeland in Arkansas. Almost 30 years later one returns alone. Haunted by what he had left behind, he is now on a quest for a sacred object with mystical powers. His path crosses with a wayfaring white teen on a quest of his own. But the encounter is no coincidence

Genres: Native American

161 pages, Paperback

First published February 6, 2013

About the author

My name is John J Gschwend Jr. My friends call me Jody. I'm from a small town in Arkansas and my stories reflect my southern and country raising. I like history, the wild outdoors, primitive skills and unexplained phenomena. If you read my novels and short stories you will discover a little bit--well maybe a lot--of this in there.

Reviews

[Seon Ji (Dawn) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it.

Quickie review/summary:

It starts off around the 1940's with a young man who is taking some seniors to see "Gone with the Wind." One is missing. He leaves the theater to find him on a park bench. They have a conversation which turns into a re-telling of the older man's past adventure as a teen.

We then see the older man as a teenaged boy who is an artist. He gets into a tiff with his dad and runs off. He encounters a few people, one an old indian man who he laters finds out is the cousin of his grandfather. They are off on an adventure to reclaim some artifacts that have a mystical power. They come across some bad guys as well as almost run right into a heated battle (civil war).

The story ends with the young man who is now 95 (it is 2015) and is being an honored guest in a major arena. He has taken the old man's story and presented it to the media, with the hopes of preserving peace for the future.

That's the best I can do without spoiling it.

The story has lots of great stuff.. Native American lore, language and history..beautful detailed landscapes.. a fantastic journey, a bit of mysticism and a few intense momments of conflict.

All great stuff.

Nice easy and fun read. I would definately recommend.

Content: Violence, cursing.

[Tibia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 - possibly a 4! In my opinion, the book started off a little awkward, as I had to reread/relook at the first section a couple of times to ensure I was on the same page as the author. But, I'm glad I stuck with this, because this was an amazing and magical story to tell of an exciting adventure during the Civil War in Southeast Arkansas. The characters and imagery were all memorable. My regret was that the end of the story wasn't more involved/lengthened. A Quapaw warrior, a Frenchman, a Black man and a White man - and now a boy (or two) all on a quest for a sacred object that may change the world forever. Such an enjoyable read! Such a great storyteller!

[James N. Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story!

This story pulled me right in and never let go. When I finished it, there was such satisfaction. This combines a Runaway young man, mystery and myth into a mystical truth. I don't want to tell the story in brief - don't want to spoil it for others. Just read it and enjoy. It will stay with you long after you close the book.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful and interesting book this was about American Indian life. I received this book complimentary through Goodreads, and read it within a few days of getting it as I just knew it would be something that I would and should know about this culture. The author definitely has a wonderful knowledge about what he writes. Would recommend this book to high school children as well as adults who want to learn more about our country and its history.

[Toni Tran · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it very much. It is not the type of book I normally read, so it was a nice change. The characters were well developed and the story was not predictable. While reading it, I could see it in my mind. It is a book I will read again.