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People of the Longhouse #1
Beyond the Great River
They felt she was too spirited, too forward, too boyish, not as feminine and as graceful as a young woman should be. Their frowns followed her like a cloud, but she didn't care. Other girls may have worked happily, danced beautifully, or sewn themselves pretty dresses, but they could not climb or run or swim as well as she did, the silly, giggly, empty-headed creatures that they were.
The entire village may have been frowning at her, but when she spotted the enemy forces camping under the Sacred Hill, they had no choice but to listen.
Okwaho knew they were being watched. Whether by spirits or a wandering local, he could not ignore the feeling of the wary, frightened, hate-filled eyes staring out of the forest, burning his skin. But of course! Of course, the local woods distrusted them. He and his people were invaders, not coming to trade or engage in other peaceful dealings, but to raid these settlements. The enemies from the lands of the rising sun were bad, evil, impossible to understand. And yet…
And yet, when the urge to prove himself lent him enough words to convince the leader of their party to send him and his friend on the mission of scouting the suspected hill, he could not have imagined what consequences this deviation from the well-planned road would lead them all into, the attackers and defenders alike.
The entire village may have been frowning at her, but when she spotted the enemy forces camping under the Sacred Hill, they had no choice but to listen.
Okwaho knew they were being watched. Whether by spirits or a wandering local, he could not ignore the feeling of the wary, frightened, hate-filled eyes staring out of the forest, burning his skin. But of course! Of course, the local woods distrusted them. He and his people were invaders, not coming to trade or engage in other peaceful dealings, but to raid these settlements. The enemies from the lands of the rising sun were bad, evil, impossible to understand. And yet…
And yet, when the urge to prove himself lent him enough words to convince the leader of their party to send him and his friend on the mission of scouting the suspected hill, he could not have imagined what consequences this deviation from the well-planned road would lead them all into, the attackers and defenders alike.
383 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 26, 2014
545 people are currently reading
664 people want to read
About the author
Zoe Saadia
32 books331 followersZoe Saadia is the author of several novels of pre-Columbian Americas. From the architects of the Aztec Empire to the founders of the Iroquois Great League, from the towering pyramids of the Mexican Valley to the longhouses of the Great Lakes, her novels bring long-forgotten history, cultures and people to life, tracing pivotal events that brought about the greatness of North and Mesoamerica.
Having researched various pre-contact cultures of this continent for more than a decade, she is convinced that it's a shame that such a large part of history was completely overlooked, by historical fiction most of all. Both Americas had an extremely rich, diverse, fascinating history long before this continent came in contact with the rest of the world.
So her professional motto is set. America has not been 'discovered', not yet. Maybe not ever :-)
Having researched various pre-contact cultures of this continent for more than a decade, she is convinced that it's a shame that such a large part of history was completely overlooked, by historical fiction most of all. Both Americas had an extremely rich, diverse, fascinating history long before this continent came in contact with the rest of the world.
So her professional motto is set. America has not been 'discovered', not yet. Maybe not ever :-)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
March 8, 2015
BEYOND THE GREAT RIVER takes place in what is now upstate New York in the early days of the great Iroquois Confederacy that was made up of the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga and Seneca nations. To the East across the Great River or the River Whose Waters Are Never Still (Hudson River) lived the River People or as we know them, the Mohicans.
Kentika, daughter of the War Chief of the River People, was unlike the other girls of her tribe. She was a fast runner, a free spirit, and was much happier doing what the young warriors were doing than girlish things. After she sneaked out of camp she discovered about twenty warriors from the lands of the setting sun encroaching upon her tribe’s side of the river with what she knew was the intent to raid and pillage her village.
On the shore of the Great River, Okwaho, a young warrior sensed that someone was watching as he and the rest of the raiding party gathered on the shore. Where did she come from? Was there a camp nearby? Would she go back and warn the elders that they were there?
Both Kentika and Okwaho were in the position where they had to prove their worth to their own tribes. Would the elders believe her when she told them about the strangers upon their shore? And Okwaho? Would the leader of their war party believe him and allow them to investigate the hillside?
Migisso, The Eagle, is another of the major players in the story. He is son of the War Chief, Kentika’s brother. Just as she disappointed their father, Migisso was not interested in war games and the other activities of those his age. He shadowed the medicine man and learned about using herbs for healing, and developed knowledge and practice beyond anything applied at the time. He was a healer by nature.
The story will engage you in the horrors of tribal conflicts, the growth of Kentika, Migisso, and Okwaho beyond what was expected, and unforeseen friendships. Will Kentika and Migisso win the praise and recognition of the War Chief? Will Okwaho become a great warrior of the Iroquois Confederacy?
I have wanted to read BEYOND THE GREAT RIVER, People of the Longhouse, Book 1 since I first discovered the author and her many books. The author depicted the characters in a believable manner, and the storyline incorporated ample twists and turns to keep me reading to the end. I was not disappointed. I recommend BEYOND THE GREAT RIVER to all historical novel enthusiasts, young and old. Additionally, with little violence and objectionable language (as compared to today’s standards) and only light romantic notes, this book is suitable for young teens.
I have to thank Zoe Saadia for generously gifting me this extraordinary book. I do not receive compensation for my reviews. I review books because I am an avid reader and love to share my thoughts about the books I read.
Kentika, daughter of the War Chief of the River People, was unlike the other girls of her tribe. She was a fast runner, a free spirit, and was much happier doing what the young warriors were doing than girlish things. After she sneaked out of camp she discovered about twenty warriors from the lands of the setting sun encroaching upon her tribe’s side of the river with what she knew was the intent to raid and pillage her village.
On the shore of the Great River, Okwaho, a young warrior sensed that someone was watching as he and the rest of the raiding party gathered on the shore. Where did she come from? Was there a camp nearby? Would she go back and warn the elders that they were there?
Both Kentika and Okwaho were in the position where they had to prove their worth to their own tribes. Would the elders believe her when she told them about the strangers upon their shore? And Okwaho? Would the leader of their war party believe him and allow them to investigate the hillside?
Migisso, The Eagle, is another of the major players in the story. He is son of the War Chief, Kentika’s brother. Just as she disappointed their father, Migisso was not interested in war games and the other activities of those his age. He shadowed the medicine man and learned about using herbs for healing, and developed knowledge and practice beyond anything applied at the time. He was a healer by nature.
The story will engage you in the horrors of tribal conflicts, the growth of Kentika, Migisso, and Okwaho beyond what was expected, and unforeseen friendships. Will Kentika and Migisso win the praise and recognition of the War Chief? Will Okwaho become a great warrior of the Iroquois Confederacy?
I have wanted to read BEYOND THE GREAT RIVER, People of the Longhouse, Book 1 since I first discovered the author and her many books. The author depicted the characters in a believable manner, and the storyline incorporated ample twists and turns to keep me reading to the end. I was not disappointed. I recommend BEYOND THE GREAT RIVER to all historical novel enthusiasts, young and old. Additionally, with little violence and objectionable language (as compared to today’s standards) and only light romantic notes, this book is suitable for young teens.
I have to thank Zoe Saadia for generously gifting me this extraordinary book. I do not receive compensation for my reviews. I review books because I am an avid reader and love to share my thoughts about the books I read.
May 23, 2019
**This review has also been posted to edwardrickford.com and Amazon**
Beyond the Great River is a historical novel that takes place in the Great Lakes region during pre-Columbian times. I have spent little time in this part of the world and know little about the history of this region but I still found it quite easy to enjoy this novel. Military conflict, as is often the case in historical fiction, plays a large role in the story but, unlike many other war novels, Beyond the Great River does not build toward a pitched battle. In some respects, it may not even be appropriate to think of Beyond the Great River as a war novel. After all, the invading force in the book constitute barely 20 warriors and the village being attacked is not especially large. Moreover, there is little examination of battle tactics and no great general who we are supposed to root for in the story. Whether it is to be considered a war novel or an examination of a long-ago skirmish, Beyond the Great River has quite a bit to say about military conflict and human nature.
War has long been thought of as a young man’s calling and most historical novels are told exclusively from this perspective. However, Beyond the Great River chooses a different tack and we see the conflict mainly through the eyes of Kentika, a young girl who happened to spot the invading force as she was out exploring the forest. Desperate to save her home, Kentika rushes back to her village to inform her elders of what she saw. As it turns out, this ends up being a costly mistake. Not only do her elders initially dismiss her account, but she ends up leading the invaders back to her village because they are able to follow her fresh tracks. It’s a great example of how good intentions don’t always lead to good results and how defeat can often be brought about by very wise decisions.
Some readers will certainly find this counter-intuitive. We are used to thinking about defeat as a culmination of bad choices, whether it’s Hitler’s decision to invade Russia or Napoleon’s decision to invade Spain. What makes Beyond the Great River such an interesting read to me is that it ponders the alternative: how battle often punishes the people who make smart decisions.
Kentika’s attempt to inform her village of the danger posed by the foreign warriors is just one example of this. All throughout the story, logical and understandable decisions often backfire horribly and the reader is forced to wonder how much of victory depends not on genius strategy but dumb luck. Moreover, the reader is also encourage to wonder about war itself. Might is right has been the norm for most of human history and Saadia’s depiction of the Ontario region during the time of the Great Law of Peace leaves little doubt this mentality was endemic even then.
Saadia’s intent is probably not to insinuate that the Great Law of Peace was some sort of farce, a great many scholars think the Great Law of Peace and the Iroquois Confederacy played a large role in the democratization of colonial societies in North America as well as Western Europe, but it should encourage introspection on the part of readers. Semantics often color our approach to history, whether it’s how we think of Alexander the Great or Shingas the Terrible, and I appreciate how Beyond the Great River encourages readers to think of how much different history can be when we incorporate the perspective of marginalized peoples as well as powerful societies. Beyond the Great Rivers is a brisk read and a great start to an interesting trilogy about pre-Columbian North America. I recommend the book to anyone who enjoys stories with a strong female protagonist and to readers interested in learning more about early American history.
Beyond the Great River is a historical novel that takes place in the Great Lakes region during pre-Columbian times. I have spent little time in this part of the world and know little about the history of this region but I still found it quite easy to enjoy this novel. Military conflict, as is often the case in historical fiction, plays a large role in the story but, unlike many other war novels, Beyond the Great River does not build toward a pitched battle. In some respects, it may not even be appropriate to think of Beyond the Great River as a war novel. After all, the invading force in the book constitute barely 20 warriors and the village being attacked is not especially large. Moreover, there is little examination of battle tactics and no great general who we are supposed to root for in the story. Whether it is to be considered a war novel or an examination of a long-ago skirmish, Beyond the Great River has quite a bit to say about military conflict and human nature.
War has long been thought of as a young man’s calling and most historical novels are told exclusively from this perspective. However, Beyond the Great River chooses a different tack and we see the conflict mainly through the eyes of Kentika, a young girl who happened to spot the invading force as she was out exploring the forest. Desperate to save her home, Kentika rushes back to her village to inform her elders of what she saw. As it turns out, this ends up being a costly mistake. Not only do her elders initially dismiss her account, but she ends up leading the invaders back to her village because they are able to follow her fresh tracks. It’s a great example of how good intentions don’t always lead to good results and how defeat can often be brought about by very wise decisions.
Some readers will certainly find this counter-intuitive. We are used to thinking about defeat as a culmination of bad choices, whether it’s Hitler’s decision to invade Russia or Napoleon’s decision to invade Spain. What makes Beyond the Great River such an interesting read to me is that it ponders the alternative: how battle often punishes the people who make smart decisions.
Kentika’s attempt to inform her village of the danger posed by the foreign warriors is just one example of this. All throughout the story, logical and understandable decisions often backfire horribly and the reader is forced to wonder how much of victory depends not on genius strategy but dumb luck. Moreover, the reader is also encourage to wonder about war itself. Might is right has been the norm for most of human history and Saadia’s depiction of the Ontario region during the time of the Great Law of Peace leaves little doubt this mentality was endemic even then.
Saadia’s intent is probably not to insinuate that the Great Law of Peace was some sort of farce, a great many scholars think the Great Law of Peace and the Iroquois Confederacy played a large role in the democratization of colonial societies in North America as well as Western Europe, but it should encourage introspection on the part of readers. Semantics often color our approach to history, whether it’s how we think of Alexander the Great or Shingas the Terrible, and I appreciate how Beyond the Great River encourages readers to think of how much different history can be when we incorporate the perspective of marginalized peoples as well as powerful societies. Beyond the Great Rivers is a brisk read and a great start to an interesting trilogy about pre-Columbian North America. I recommend the book to anyone who enjoys stories with a strong female protagonist and to readers interested in learning more about early American history.
February 23, 2015
In this book we are introduced to a new set of Natives. First we meet Kentika, a plain looking girl that was more interested in doing warriors duties than female duties. Then we meet Migisso, Kentika's brother, a young man that would rather be a healer than follow in his War Chief father's footsteps. You will also run into Okwaho, the son of the Great War Chief of the Onondaga tribe and his friend, Akweks. These characters are quite likable and very believable.
The prejudices between different tribes and also between the duties of men vs women is not unlike the prejudices between people in today's societies. The attraction between young people who are sworn enemies adds to the intrigue and mystery. This story is set in what is now upstate NY. It provides a look into the civilizations that have been ignored both in history books and in fiction.
I was excited to start on this new series, and what a delight it was when some of the characters from the Peacemaker series was mentioned. This makes me wonder if this new series and the Peacemaker series will be entwined somehow. What a great joy that would be!!!
Once you start reading this book, you will not be able to put it down. Zoe Saadia has once again provided a fully researched piece of literary genius. I will be anxiously awaiting the next installment to this great new series.
The prejudices between different tribes and also between the duties of men vs women is not unlike the prejudices between people in today's societies. The attraction between young people who are sworn enemies adds to the intrigue and mystery. This story is set in what is now upstate NY. It provides a look into the civilizations that have been ignored both in history books and in fiction.
I was excited to start on this new series, and what a delight it was when some of the characters from the Peacemaker series was mentioned. This makes me wonder if this new series and the Peacemaker series will be entwined somehow. What a great joy that would be!!!
Once you start reading this book, you will not be able to put it down. Zoe Saadia has once again provided a fully researched piece of literary genius. I will be anxiously awaiting the next installment to this great new series.
May 4, 2015
After finishing with the Peacemaker series I was looking forward to Zoe Saadia’s next book: “Beyond the Great River”. While I was interested in the new story line, I also hoped that I would be able to find my favourite characters from the Peacemaker series. I wasn’t disappointed! One of the main characters, the young invader, is indeed the adult son of Seketa and Tekeni from the previous series! Also, we are introduced to the children of the local War Chief, the “tomboy” Kentika and her brother, Migisso, who wasn’t interested in being a warrior at all, therefore both of them made their father disappointed.
The author does an amazing job of describing the situation and making us understand the attitude of these people towards wars and fighting. She really brings that ancient culture close to the reader and makes you identify with all their thoughts, emotions and dreams. Her characters are realistic and it’s very easy to form attachments. In the first few chapters I was literally torn between the invaders and the people who protected their village. It was impossible to identify with the people who defended their home without hoping that the author would be able to “save” the invaders too! It’s a completely new approach from the author, as there was no “good guy and bad guy” situation in this story! You wanted both sides to succeed.
The novel is extremely well researched and the story is full with exciting actions that are built on the facts. The storyline is powerful and entertaining and it’s amazing to see how the characters develop and learn to see the world differently by the end of the story. Through their struggles they learn to be compassionate and to dare to interpret events in a completely different way from their elders and peers. Again, just as we had seen it in the Peacemaker books, we can see a deeply human side to the characters as they look for a way forward.
Zoe Saadia is a very talented author who is clearly passionate about this period of history. This shines through her novels and also from her excellent website. While she writes historical novels, her message is relevant to modern societies too. I’m looking forward to reading her next book in the series and I can highly recommend her writings to everyone, even if they are generally not so keen on historical novels!
The author does an amazing job of describing the situation and making us understand the attitude of these people towards wars and fighting. She really brings that ancient culture close to the reader and makes you identify with all their thoughts, emotions and dreams. Her characters are realistic and it’s very easy to form attachments. In the first few chapters I was literally torn between the invaders and the people who protected their village. It was impossible to identify with the people who defended their home without hoping that the author would be able to “save” the invaders too! It’s a completely new approach from the author, as there was no “good guy and bad guy” situation in this story! You wanted both sides to succeed.
The novel is extremely well researched and the story is full with exciting actions that are built on the facts. The storyline is powerful and entertaining and it’s amazing to see how the characters develop and learn to see the world differently by the end of the story. Through their struggles they learn to be compassionate and to dare to interpret events in a completely different way from their elders and peers. Again, just as we had seen it in the Peacemaker books, we can see a deeply human side to the characters as they look for a way forward.
Zoe Saadia is a very talented author who is clearly passionate about this period of history. This shines through her novels and also from her excellent website. While she writes historical novels, her message is relevant to modern societies too. I’m looking forward to reading her next book in the series and I can highly recommend her writings to everyone, even if they are generally not so keen on historical novels!
April 15, 2015
This series takes place a short while after the Peacemaker series, which brought about the Great League of the Iroquois.
The story centres around Kentiko, a young girl who does not behave as a young woman of her tribe should; she wants to fight, track, explore, rather than engage in domestic matters. Disappointingly for their warrior father, her brother, Migisso, does not feel comfortable with the path laid out for him, either. He does not want to follow in his father's footsteps but instead follows the tribal medicine man and knows he has a gift for healing. He was my favourite character. The third main character is Okwaho, from a neighbouring tribe, who becomes part of a small force that invades Kentiko and Migisso's village. Then Kentiko and Okwaho meet...
As with Zoe Saadia's other books, I was aware all the way through it of the detailed research that goes into her work. It's more than just research, though; she seems to have an innate feel for the people of the time, so much that the reader is not able to tell which bits stem from fact and which from her own imagination: the evidence of a truly talented historical fiction writer. The domestic detail is the part that fascinates me the most, giving a real insight into the way these people lived.
The book is beautifully written as ever, and shows the story so well from all points of view. For me this book was a bit detail rather than event heavy, but I still read it in just a few sittings; it was interesting rather than being a 'what's going to happen next???' page turner like the Peacemaker series. Given the ages of the main characters, and their dilemmas, I had a feeling more of a YA novel, too; it would definitely appeal to teenagers—and, of course, for anyone with an interest in ancient American history all this writer's books are an absolute treat.
The story centres around Kentiko, a young girl who does not behave as a young woman of her tribe should; she wants to fight, track, explore, rather than engage in domestic matters. Disappointingly for their warrior father, her brother, Migisso, does not feel comfortable with the path laid out for him, either. He does not want to follow in his father's footsteps but instead follows the tribal medicine man and knows he has a gift for healing. He was my favourite character. The third main character is Okwaho, from a neighbouring tribe, who becomes part of a small force that invades Kentiko and Migisso's village. Then Kentiko and Okwaho meet...
As with Zoe Saadia's other books, I was aware all the way through it of the detailed research that goes into her work. It's more than just research, though; she seems to have an innate feel for the people of the time, so much that the reader is not able to tell which bits stem from fact and which from her own imagination: the evidence of a truly talented historical fiction writer. The domestic detail is the part that fascinates me the most, giving a real insight into the way these people lived.
The book is beautifully written as ever, and shows the story so well from all points of view. For me this book was a bit detail rather than event heavy, but I still read it in just a few sittings; it was interesting rather than being a 'what's going to happen next???' page turner like the Peacemaker series. Given the ages of the main characters, and their dilemmas, I had a feeling more of a YA novel, too; it would definitely appeal to teenagers—and, of course, for anyone with an interest in ancient American history all this writer's books are an absolute treat.
December 9, 2015
This is historical fiction at its best. I could feel myself as part of the story, torn between the two tribes. Each with their own beliefs and customs. Each believing they are right. Thrown into the mix, in West Side Story fashion, are Kentika, daughter of the War Chief of the River people, Migisso or The Eagle, Kentika's brother, and Okwaho, a warrior from the raiding tribe.
Kentika loves to run and swim like a man, while her brother is more interested in healing. Both disappoint their parents. During one of her wanderings away from camp, Kentika spots the raiders and Okwaho. Both are young and alone. Feelings develop between them. They try to avert any war between their tribes. Not as easy to do as they first thought. Does love conquer all? Or do the Iroquios conquer the River People?
Kentika loves to run and swim like a man, while her brother is more interested in healing. Both disappoint their parents. During one of her wanderings away from camp, Kentika spots the raiders and Okwaho. Both are young and alone. Feelings develop between them. They try to avert any war between their tribes. Not as easy to do as they first thought. Does love conquer all? Or do the Iroquios conquer the River People?
January 12, 2015
This was truly an entertaining read. The main characters, a girl that was not feminine enough a young man that would rather be a healer than follow in his War Chief father's footsteps are quite likable and very believable. The prejudices that people exhibit tword those who they do not know seems silly until we think of the silly prejudices in today's societies. Th attraction between young people who are sworn enemies adds to the intrigue. Set in what is now upstate NY this pre Colombian historical fiction provides incites into the civilizations that have been largely ignored both in history books and in fiction. Once you start reading this book, it is hard to stop. Ms Saadia has once again provided. My only disappointment is the next book in the series is not yet available!
January 6, 2015
Another great series begins !
In this book, Zoe continues her tale of the people who walked this land long before Europeans arrived. Once again she has peopled her story with likable characters, who are forced by circumstances to reevaluate their prejudices and in so doing introduced us to a new group, the Mohicans. We are also introduced to the next generation of our old friends the Iroquois. I can hardly wait for the next book in the series.
In this book, Zoe continues her tale of the people who walked this land long before Europeans arrived. Once again she has peopled her story with likable characters, who are forced by circumstances to reevaluate their prejudices and in so doing introduced us to a new group, the Mohicans. We are also introduced to the next generation of our old friends the Iroquois. I can hardly wait for the next book in the series.
January 10, 2018
A study of the similarities between people who don't believe they have any.
Members of two different tribes, one male, one female, meet by chance and come to learn how similar they truly are. Both learn of the humanity of the other and marvel at the fact. A tale about respect burgeoning into love, proving that we are more alike than we may care to admit.
Members of two different tribes, one male, one female, meet by chance and come to learn how similar they truly are. Both learn of the humanity of the other and marvel at the fact. A tale about respect burgeoning into love, proving that we are more alike than we may care to admit.
February 25, 2018
Captivating tale.
A story about discovering and pursuing your own destiny. This tale also opens our eyes to the "person" within the "enemy" and the blindness of prejudice. Can we recognize honor when blinded by hate, ambition and fear? Are we really so different from the one we despise?
A story about discovering and pursuing your own destiny. This tale also opens our eyes to the "person" within the "enemy" and the blindness of prejudice. Can we recognize honor when blinded by hate, ambition and fear? Are we really so different from the one we despise?
May 7, 2015
Zoe never disappoints. I can read and re read the books in every series and still enjoy the content as though it was my first read. At once simplistic with threads of such detail you feel as though you are part of the story. I highly recommend this author both for YA and people of all ages.
August 4, 2017
Beautifully written story of Indian history of American lands
Loved the characters as "we" fought to protect the village. These types of rading parties were typical. A wonderful story in a history book
Loved the characters as "we" fought to protect the village. These types of rading parties were typical. A wonderful story in a history book
January 27, 2015
I was excited to start on new series, and what a surprise it was when some of the old characters from the Peacemaker series were mentioned.
June 2, 2019
Zoe is a wonderful writer. Her characters brim with life and she transports you back in time in a way taht you can picture the story unfolding behind your eyes. Pre-columbian history in North America is not easy to write about, as sadly enough we know so little about the rich cultures who once settled here. Lets face it most of the time we meet them when they clash with the first European settlers and when we think about American Natives usually the first pictue popping into our mind are the Indian tribes hunting buffaloes on the the Great Plains, even when we know better. It is so easy to "forget" that they lived, settled, cultivated and influenced that country long before any European ever set foot on it. But what I like most about Zoe's stories, is that she rarely takes side (except maybe with a favourite character) She somehow balances the believes and motives of the opponents, thereby pointing out that all to often right and wrong are only a point of view and that we can all learn from each other, if only we make the effort to listen.
November 3, 2015
I bought this hoping for a book similar to the Gear's "People of the Longhouse." The plot is ok, but the writing is horrible. The author should really hire a good editor and the next edition would be a lot more enjoyable. Too much repetition of phrases, too many rules of writing broken, and too many word choices that are just not believable. These people traveled by canoe or dugout. On rivers. They did NOT use sails. So why every time one of them speaks of travel by boat do they refer to it as "sailing?" Makes me cringe every time. I'm 50% through this book, but it's a huge struggle and I don't think I'm going to make it. Too bad, as it seemed so promising judging by the other reviews.
January 2, 2018
Ok
This predictable story is still somehow compelling. I am fascinated by native American history, but there is just too much violence and predictable behavior. I kept just wanting the author to get on with it. Get to the ending I knew was coming. I doubt I'll read any more of the series.
This predictable story is still somehow compelling. I am fascinated by native American history, but there is just too much violence and predictable behavior. I kept just wanting the author to get on with it. Get to the ending I knew was coming. I doubt I'll read any more of the series.
December 25, 2017
Not a great book
The author or editor or both either missed many double words together in the dialogue or thought this was a good way to show how someone spoke a language new to them. It was annoying and distracting.
The author or editor or both either missed many double words together in the dialogue or thought this was a good way to show how someone spoke a language new to them. It was annoying and distracting.
January 14, 2018
Much needed early Native American tale
Authentic historical Information always makes a good book better. More actual information during thoughts and conversations would make this tale outstanding.
Authentic historical Information always makes a good book better. More actual information during thoughts and conversations would make this tale outstanding.
August 6, 2018
Texas history
This is the history of not only Texas, but the history of one family that successfully fought for the Republic of Texas. Now the state of Texas. My friend is and always will be a Texas citizen. He can trace his ancestor Federick Stockman to the beginning.
This is the history of not only Texas, but the history of one family that successfully fought for the Republic of Texas. Now the state of Texas. My friend is and always will be a Texas citizen. He can trace his ancestor Federick Stockman to the beginning.
February 22, 2019
Laughable
Zoe should have got to know some real natives. She made them like white people. No ceremonies. No respect for females, we are a patriarchal people. Never heard our language spoken. I can't read any more of this crap! Not even worthy of one star!!
Zoe should have got to know some real natives. She made them like white people. No ceremonies. No respect for females, we are a patriarchal people. Never heard our language spoken. I can't read any more of this crap! Not even worthy of one star!!
May 5, 2019
I'm so glad that I found this series and this author. I loved reading a Native American historical fiction and found the narrative really immersive. However, I felt like the book dragged things out a bit- it just felt like overkill at times. Will definitely read more of this author.
September 30, 2017
Kentiko is a young girl who doesn’t behave as a young woman of her tribe should. She wants to fight, track, and explore. Her father and brother don’t like it.
Great characters and a fabulous read
Great characters and a fabulous read
February 8, 2018
Sappy
Not a fan of historical romance novels. Too much of current day slang and ideas. Would not recommend to many.
Not a fan of historical romance novels. Too much of current day slang and ideas. Would not recommend to many.
February 24, 2018
Insiteful
Very good story and full of historic facts interwoven into the tale. Yes, it is all conjecture but seems very believable.
Very good story and full of historic facts interwoven into the tale. Yes, it is all conjecture but seems very believable.
June 15, 2018
Good storytelling
The only thing I did not like was the similarity of some names. I wish there had been a glossary or something.
The only thing I did not like was the similarity of some names. I wish there had been a glossary or something.
October 25, 2021
Wonderful read
Trying to keep the characters straight at the beginning was a problem but when I got familiar and liked them was when this book became interesting. I know this is fiction but I felt I was learning about early native Americans, what makes them just like every other human in an age of time when people settled in groups and strangers were feared. Wonderful story. Enjoyed immensely.
Trying to keep the characters straight at the beginning was a problem but when I got familiar and liked them was when this book became interesting. I know this is fiction but I felt I was learning about early native Americans, what makes them just like every other human in an age of time when people settled in groups and strangers were feared. Wonderful story. Enjoyed immensely.
January 16, 2018
Confused
I don't know if the phrase's that were used in this first book could be considered accurate to the period in time this took place? For instance " we need to split" or the word lowlife was used a bit. These words come more of modern times maybe I'm wrong but I just couldn't get into this book it seemed to be more of a fantasy than anything else!
I don't know if the phrase's that were used in this first book could be considered accurate to the period in time this took place? For instance " we need to split" or the word lowlife was used a bit. These words come more of modern times maybe I'm wrong but I just couldn't get into this book it seemed to be more of a fantasy than anything else!
October 3, 2020
Was a book I wanted to keep reading, but oh, so long. If you've gone over 20 chapters, you really should consider another book -- and you are doing that -- having continuation novels. But this many chapters, and not many of them short, spoils the read. Still, I enjoyed it. Thanks
November 11, 2021
Speculative fiction
Well written and joyful. The unwritten history of native Americans was not so different than medieval Europe's.
A few good people sometimes end conflicts and create alliances
Well written and joyful. The unwritten history of native Americans was not so different than medieval Europe's.
A few good people sometimes end conflicts and create alliances
April 22, 2020
Great River
Nicely written story about interaction between warring tribes. Not a history, but more of a love story. Clean in morals and language.
Nicely written story about interaction between warring tribes. Not a history, but more of a love story. Clean in morals and language.
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