People of the Lakes

North America's Forgotten Past #6

by Kathleen O'Neal Gear, W. Michael Gear

Clan fighting over a powerful totemic mask has brought the Mound Builder people of the Great Lakes region to the edge of destruction. It is up to Star Shell, daughter of a Hopewell chief, to rid her people of this curse. Along with her companions: Otter, a trader; Pearl, a runaway; and Green Spider, either prophet or madman, she braves the stormy waters of the lakes to reach the majestic waterfall known as Roaring Water. She is determined to banish the mask forever to a watery grave.But vengeful clan members are close on her heels, and they have a similar fate planned for her.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Native American, Historical, Fantasy, Native Americans, Prehistoric

798 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

My professional life began in the dark basement of the Museum of Cultural History in Los Angeles, where I was cataloguing three-hundred-year-old Guatemalan saint carvings. I quit this fascinating job and moved to Wyoming to work for the U.S. Department of the Interior as a historian and archaeologist. When I finally understood the error of my ways I moved to Wyoming and started writing books. Since then, I've authored or co-authored 54 novels and around 200 non-fiction publications.

I love writing. And buffalo. And hiking the wilds of Wyoming's backcountry.

I'm married (until he comes to his senses) to W. Michael Gear, the novelist and my co-author, and we live at the edge of the Wind River Indian Reservation in the Owl Creek mountains of Wyoming. We're contented watching buffalo and writing books.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/kathle...

Reviews

[Emma Deplores Goodreads Censorship · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know the First North Americans books claim to be a series, but they're all standalone books placed in different time periods, with different tribes and obviously different characters. This was the first of the 4 or so that I've read, and hands down the best.

This book has many similarities with fantasy, which I enjoy: one of the main characters, Star Shell, goes on a quest to destroy an evil totemic mask, and along the way meets up with some others who are also in desperate straits; there's a sense of danger throughout the book and chase scenes involving vengeful tribes; and there's a bit of mysticism-come-to-life, as there is in many prehistoric novels. The difference is the authors here are archaeologists and know of what they write. And they do it so well! I remember being bored by sections of The Clan of the Cave Bear that felt textbook-y, but that's never the case here. The authors know a lot about how Native Americans (ranging here from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico, with the Hopewell as perhaps the most prominent) lived, what they ate, what they wore... but this information is so skillfully woven into the story that it never becomes tedious or breaks the flow.

Beyond the educational value, there's much to enjoy here: there's action and excitement, and even some romance. The characters are well-developed, especially for prehistoric fiction, and grow and change during the story. I think it's really the comparison to similar books that makes this one shine; many books set in ancient times are dry, but this one I couldn't put down. My one caveat is that it can be a bit gruesome, including violence, rape, and torture, which shocked me when I read it as a young teen. (Note to school libraries: prehistoric fiction is rarely if ever kid-friendly.)

This is a long book, but it's a page-turner, especially once you get past the first 100 pages or so. If you're mildly interested in the subject but can't see yourself reading the entire series (seems like there are at least a dozen) I'd recommend going with this one; after 3 or 4 I realized they were all starting to run together anyway. In fact, if you've never read any prehistoric fiction, but you like a good thriller, I'd recommend starting here. You won't be disappointed.

[Sandra The Old Woman in a Van · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whew. Just finished this 800 page Homeresque novel set in North American pre-history. That was a mouthful. Written by a husband-wife team, People of the Lakes was a fantastic historical fiction/fantasy epic. I don’t know why I have never before come across the Gears’ books? There are over 40 and I am not sure I have enough years left to get to them all, but I am going to try.

The Gears are both well educated in archeology and meticulously research their novels. The effort is worth it because, not only have I just completed a most exciting adventure story, I learned a lot about the ancient Woodland cultures living approximately 2000 years ago. These are the peoples that built the mound structures situated across the Ohio and Mississippi river regions.

This novel also traverses the Great Lakes up around Michigan - and thus completes my 50-state reading challenge for the year- woo hoo.

If you are looking for a fun and exciting book to curl up with over the coming holidays this would be a great choice.

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read The People of the Lakes twice, and it was just as wholesome and fulfilling this last time as it was the first. It is probably my favorite book in the series because it has everything you could want from a novel. The realistic characters were still alive long after I closed the book. Each main character had a core element that I could identify with and I was equally drawn to them all. The lesser characters were developed and easily related to, even if they were only around for a chapter or two. The plot was easy to follow, yet had depth. The authors' professional knowledge of prehistoric culture coupled with a flair for fiction brought to life a vividly detail world.
I had a hard time finishing this book because I wanted it to last as long as it possibly could have. I savored paragraphs, reread chapters and once backtracked 300 pages just to read it all over again. I have no doubt that this particular story will linger in my mind until I pick the book up again in a few years.
I'd love to explain what I loved each character, and how I felt about their paths from beginning to end, but this is a story I just don't have the heart to spoil.

[Ronie Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this one, so many years ago. Got a copy from a garage sale. this series is kind of hard to find back then

[Noella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dit was weer een fantastisch boek van W. Michael Gear, ik hou van al zijn boeken. Het volk van de meren vertelt het verhaal van verschillende groepjes mensen, prehistorische Noord-Amerikanen. Groene Spin, een Dromer en een Tegengestelde, heeft een visioen gekregen over het Masker van Veelkleurige Kraai, dat veel Macht bezit. Hij moet het gaan zoeken aan het Bulderende Water (de Niagara waterval). Samen met Zwarte Schedel, een Krijger, en de oudsten van hun clan, gaan ze op zoek naar de Handelaar Otter, ook wel de Watervos genoemd.
De tweelingbroer van Otter is net gehuwd met de vrouw die ze allebei liefhebben. Daarom aarzelt Otter niet om met Zwarte Schedel en Groene Spin de gevaarlijke tocht te ondernemen. Ook zijn trouwe hond Grijpgraag vergezelt hen.
Parel is een jonge vrouw uit nog een andere stam, die uitgehuwelijkt is aan Wolf van de Doden, de leider van de Khotanen, een verafgelegen volk. De Khotanen zijn uitermate ruw, onbeschoft en wreed, echte barbaren. Als Wolf van de Doden Parel publiekelijk verkracht en vernedert, wreekt ze zich door hem de volgende nacht een flinke klap op zijn hoofd te geven en zijn huis in brand te steken. Ze kan ontsnappen, maar Wolf van de Doden heeft het overleefd en samen met zijn krijgers zet hij haar achterna. Gelukkig zijn Otter en zijn vrienden in de buurt en ze nemen haar mee, zodat ze voorlopig uit handen van de Khotanen kan blijven.
Sterschelp was gehuwd met Micavogel, de bezitter van het Masker. Micavogel heeft echter met zijn Macht al verschillende mensen gedood, en is nu helemaal bezeten van de Macht van het Masker. Hij kan het niet meer aan en hangt zich op. Als dat ontdekt wordt, kan Sterschelp samen met haar dochtertje Zilver Water en Lange Man, een dwerg en Magiër, gaan vluchten, en ze nemen het Masker mee. Lange Man had in een visioen gezien dat het moest vernietigd worden in het Bulderende Water. Maar er zijn naburige clanhoofden die het Masker kost wat kost in hun bezit willen krijgen, omwille van zijn Macht.
Op hun weg naar de Niagara beleven al deze groepjes vele spannende avonturen, vol gevaar. Maar er ontwikkelen zich ook mooie vriendschappen.
In een spannende climax wordt eindelijk het lot van het Masker en de personen die er mee te maken hebben, volbracht.

Spannend, ontroerend, en meeslepend, zo zou ik dit boek willen noemen. We komen ook veel te weten over de levenswijze en de gebruiken bij de verschillende volkeren, en over de natuur. Het verhaal is heel mooi ineengeweven.

[Vali · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is almost like a First Americans Lord of the Rings. And Black Skull has become one of my favorite literary characters.

[Amie's Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 6th book in the Forgotten North Americans series, and just like everything else written by the amazingly talented Kathleen O'NEILL GEAR, it is meticulously researched and compellingly written.

Even though this book is the sixth in a series, it can be read as a standalone and since each book is a story in and of itself, they can be read in any order.

At 816 pages, readers definitely get their money's worth.

Kathleen O'Neill Gear has the uncanny ability to make readers feel as if they are not only reading the story, but are actually experiencing it alongside the characters in her books.

An adventure tale as well as a work of historic fiction, this book provides readers with hours of entertainment. It is a great read. I highly recommend it and have chosen to give it 5 OUT OF 5 STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

To read more Reviews and to enter terrific Giveaways, Check out my blog at http://Amiesbookreviews.wordpress.com

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[Katie Rhodig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again the spiral has shifted and the balance of power has tilted. The influence of the mask of Many Colored Crow has caused the current owner, Mica Bird to destroy the life around him as well as take his own life. His stunningly beautiful wife, Star Shell is terrified of the mask’s power and for her daughter, and secretly leaves on a mission to destroy the mask in the waters of Niagara Falls. With the help of the High Head Elder, Tall Man, a dwarf, they embark on the trip to destroy the mask. Tall Man has foreseen in a power dream what needs to be done and explains to Star Shell that he needs to be a part of the journey in order to make amends for all the wrong he has done in his life. Pursued by men who desire the power of the mask they flee for their lives. Down near the present day Mississippi River delta, the alluring Pearl has been promised for ‘marriage’ to the mysterious and terrifying leader of the Khota, a violent and aggressive people in Illini territory farther north. As she journeys north, she plots to escape her escort before she can be married to her betrothed. Mean while, Otter, a trader, is preparing to leave his clan grounds after his one time love marries his twin brother. But before he leaves power intervenes and brings the renowned warrior Black Skull and the Contrary Green Spider to his canoe landing and on a trip north, to save the very mask that Star Shell is going to destroy. Along the watery way, power once again intervenes and throws Otter and his odd party in the path of the Khota, who are bent on murdering Pearl after attempting to kill her new husband. As those in the south head north, those in the north edge ever closer to the falls and Star Shell faces the temptations thrown in her path by the mask’s power. Adventure on the fresh water seas, facing one’s fears, new love and of course the ever present fight for power, good versus evil, constantly striving to balance one another, all that and more can be found in this story of prehistoric North America. Find out if the evil mask is destroyed or if it conquers those against it, who finds love and who comes to know themselves in People of the Lakes.

[Carol Storm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book because I always wanted to learn more about the Mound Builders and other ancient Native American civilizations. These authors have written a whole series about ancient America, going all the way from the Ice Age to 1200 A.D. or so.

This story is set around 800 A.D. which is about 400 years before the spectacular achievements of the Cahokia settlement in Missouri. There's "foreshadowing" of that because the girl in the story has a bag of corn seeds that she ultimately carries all the way from the Gulf of Mexico up to the Great Lakes. Corn is what made it possible for the Mound Builders to build cities of 10 or even 20 thousand people because it's such a nourishing plant and can feed a population of thousands. This kind of thing is fascinating, but it's not quite the same as telling a good story.

The story in this book is pretty basic. Four characters go on a quest, but each one is a typical Native American of the time. There's Black Skull, the classic warrior, (his broken jaw never healed right, but he's able to recover and go on fighting. You can tell he's based on an actual skull some archaeologists found centuries later) Four Kills, the sophisticated trader, Green Spider, the Medicine Man/Contrary and then there's . . . the girl. She's a girl.

They have adventures. They spread corn. It's fascinating, but at the same time boring as hell.

[Rog · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this "People of the Lakes" story more than several other, earlier North America's Forgotten Past series books. The Gears offer a lengthy, and exquisitely interesting voyage around our pre-Columbian Mississippi, Ohio River Valleys and Great Lakes regions. The main characters are interesting and diverse. I also really like how Black Skull matures through the story and how Green Spider is a friendly antagonist for Black Skull as part of his changing character. Star Shell and the haunted mask part of the story were a diversion to me because I found the story about Otter, Pearl, Black Skull, and Green Spider "team" versus the dreaded Khota clans so much more interesting as a complete, independent story. Regardless, it was all very well written and engagingly fun to read for mature adults and older. Warnings about descriptions of rape, disembowelment, and several instances of total disregard for human life.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first read by the Gears. It is by far the BEST book of the series! I recommend this as the jumping off point for the PEOPLE OF series by Kathleen O'Neal Gear and W. Michael Gear. This is action packed, suspensful, and 100% rewarding. You'll want to read it again and again and again. :D

[Mieczyslaw Kasprzyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed the First Americans series even though some of the fantasy elements annoy me a little . I prefer it when they are much closer to reality. This excellently written "travel" adventure is almost all reality with a few sprinklings of fantasy cropping up in some of the lead characters but chiefly in Green Spider, the Contrary. Apparently, among the Native Americans, if you do everything backwards then you must be possessed by "Power"... ummmm. Nevertheless, this gripping story follows two groups of characters as they make their way north to the Roaring waters (Niagara), one mainly overland east of the Serpent River, the other all the way up the Mississippi to Lake Superior and onwards. Their journey is associated with a powerful mask which is a source of great evil. Our real hero is Otter, the Trader but his fellow travellers have their own strengths and it gets very easy to like them and cheer them on. The Contrary gives us some real laughs.
Along the way we encounter two groups of nasties, the Khota (who are just downright villains) and the Blue Duck led by Robin (who have their bad moments). One group (the Khota) pursues Otter and his group whilst the Blue Duck (obviously) pursue the other group. It all builds up to a grand finale.
I'm not going to dwell on the excellent story or give away the plot, merely say it's well well worth the read.

[Mary Ruth · Rating 1 out of 5]

It takes forever for this story to actually start...like 325 pages of forever, before the two main groups of characters set out on their parallel"quests". While I did warm to some of the characters after many a chapter, I found the slogging pace of the story frustrating and the ending left me feeling like I'd just watched the last season of LOST again. Being as the authors (husband and wife) are both archaeologists specializing in Native American sites, they try (too hard) to bring authenticity to the story with endless, long descriptions of clothing, food, housing, etc. This is at first interesting but eventually gets in the way of the story. One of the authors also enjoys throwing in scenes reminiscent of a Harlequin Romance Novel, which, in light of the heroic quest aspect of the story, is very out of place. There is also an unrealistic aspect in their constant descriptions of the main characters as incredibly attractive; the women are beautiful, the men apparent perfect specimens of masculine attractiveness (with two notable exceptions). This could have been a good story, the authors do have loads of knowledge on ancient Native Americans at their fingertips, but it is too flawed for my tastes.

[Judy A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stepping back into the time when journeys were measured by moons, I really felt that I had stepped into a life that was also very new. Often I find the essential elements of the history can be understood through fiction. In People of the Lakes, based on the struggles and success of those native to the Great Lakes, the events become personalized and memorable. Very rich creativity and content, such as wondering whether going backwards toward the light meant turning one's back on the Darkness, delivered to me the whole reason we get lost in a book. Excellent in adventure, culture, emotions, with a strong flavor of mystery. Probably not the best book for those who prefer shorter books since it is basically 800 pages. For me, it is the content, not the length of the book that matters therefore it was well worth the time, I love this genre.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic adventure story. The crew, Otter, BlackSkull, etc., work as a great team. I also really enjoyed the 'trading' theme of the novel: Otter is a Native trader who trades various items with villages as he passes by them on the river. Shells, furs, teeth, black flint-like stone, etc, are traded. Informative as it is based on North American Native history, as well as an entertaining and thrilling adventure story.

[Jill Lucero · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read all the books in this series and loved them all. The book offers a peek into an entirely different life and times of people in North America. It offers extensive research and detail on Native American tribes without getting weighty. It is a perfect mix of education, romance, suspense, and the spiritual world. Definitely worth the read.

[E Anders · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series, but I have to admit this one started very, very slow for me. I stuck with it since I like the authors so much, and I'm glad I did. This book had some parts where I was laughing out loud, and I really grew to love some of the characters in here.

[John Lietzke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of "People of the Lakes" by John Lietzke

I have this book 5 stars because it I thought it was a well written story and I liked it. I am a Christian and was confused about Many Colored Crow and the Mysterious One.

[Iyrytish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it. A book about the tribes of the Mississippi River and their lives. I recommend to anyone wishing to get a better understanding of America past and the people who came before.

[Camille Siddartha · Rating 3 out of 5]

another good work of fiction

[Coooowboy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a unique book in many ways. The story itself is almost a popcorn read. Nothing too heavy and entertaining enough to keep you reading. The Native American history and culture is its biggest draw. I'm not a scholar or expert on this part of history so I cannot say how much of it was accurate but at the very least the world felt fresh and creative to me.

I think the biggest thing that would-be readers need to watch out for is the graphic content in this book, because it gets really intense. The Song of Ice and Fire series is my personal benchmark for graphic content in books and this one is up there. I can't say anything about the other books in this series but this has a lot of disturbing content. If scenes of murder, rape, child rape, or disturbingly creative torture makes you uncomfortable, I would advise that you do not read this book.

I was able to stomach most of the graphic content of this book (I do not advise eating while reading this one :P) and it was rather entertaining. The story is contained within this one book (as far as I am aware) but a lot of ground gets covered and the story wraps itself up pretty well. I found the magic system kind of confusing at some points (mostly towards the end), but it served its role as a storytelling device well.

Most of the characters in this book can fit into some sort of archetype but I wouldn't say they're bad. At least it was never grating or clumsy. The archetypes include things like scary-looking badass warrior and creepy child character. Nothing overtly racist or offensive (at least to my knowledge), just characters that you have likely seen in other stories. Some characters do stick out though, Green Spider and Tall Man being the most striking examples, so there is something to spice up the story. There was a weird concentration of incredibly attractive people in this story but it didn't get in the way too much. I just thought it was weird.

Overall, this is a book that uses a lot of familiar elements but has enough uniqueness to it to make it interesting. I appreciate how this is a book entirely contained within a Native American culture, and the story provided a detailed look into each tribe the characters interacted with. No one culture or person was put on a pedestal, they were just people and I liked that a lot.

Oddly enough, I found this to be a great way to diffuse my Wheel of Time fever. It was really hard for me to put those books down but this helped a lot. I think the fact that some WoT cultures are inspired by some Native American cultures was a key factor. The interactions with some of the tribes felt nicely familiar after those books and the length (about 750 pages) is nearly comparable to a book from that series. Might not work for everybody but I recommend this book if you are struggling with the same ailment!

To wrap up, I think this is an entertaining read with enough uniqueness to set it apart from other books. My only warning is to read at your own risk. This book is most definitely not made for younger readers with its graphic content. Anyone who would be bothered by that should not read this book.

[River_Otter · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, if you're looking for a regurgitation of this book's story, you came to the wrong review. This is a review of the book, not a synopsis.

As for my review, I was utterly captivated with how the authors played out the story line against history's backdrop and the geography of the area in which it is set. Yes, the first 300 pages or so are tedious but if you can stick with it and get through them (they do add context to the story, help in development of the characters, and provide a bit of an education on the archeology of the era in which the story takes place), the story line itself is most enjoyable. I don't read fantasy books as a genre, which some reviewers have ascribed to this book. While that assessment is fair to some degree, the fact that I was able to relate the story's geography to places on a current day map (even though place names used in the book are inconsistent with today's names, the author's descriptions make finding them on a current map possible) made the story relatable to me in a way a true fantasy novel never could.

This is the third book by the Gears that I've read and is my favorite. I gave it four stars as opposed to five only because of the lengthy, slow start. I found this book while looking for an historical novel based on pre-contact North America (the era before discovery and colonization by Europeans). I'm fascinated by that era of our history, grew up near the Cahokia mounds and currently live in the Great Lakes region. Therefore, it was a natural choice for me that I'm glad I made. Since there's little recorded evidence of actual historical events from that era, the authors being trained archeologists are able to provide at least what I assume is accurate context for the cultures and mores of the time surrounding the story line. This was a great read for me with a story line well worth the investment of time to get through the initial telling of the story's backdrop.

[Chris Demer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting story on some levels. Written by anthropologists, I assume most of the descriptions of the lives of these Native Americans were fairly accurate, including how they lived and their belief systems. The story concerned a totemic mask that was believed to provide the bearer with power, which could be used for good or ill depending on the individual's use of it. The wife of a bearer of the mask is on a journey to the great waterfall (Niagara) to dispose of the mask which she believes can be used for evil purposes, as her husband used it. She travels with Otter, a respected Trader, Pearl, a runaway and Green Spider, who has some kind of special powers himself (or may just be crazy.)
Others want the mask for its power and are following the with evil intent.

On the down side, the book was too long (well over 700 pages of small print) with a few too many characters and a convoluted plot. There was too much detail and description and I think it would have been much better to eliminate some of the above and save a couple hundred pages.
There were also areas where there seemed to be factual inaccuracies-for example, describing the dwarf character as having small hands and feet, which is not typical of achondroplastic dwarfism.
Several other incidents seemed quite incredible as well.

If you are interested in these types of adventure stories, read it. But it is not a book I would highly recommend.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

People of the Lakes (First North Americans)
by W. Michael Gear
The Mask of Many Colored Crow has been causing problems, although used to balance the world in in history the mask has developed its own identity. It begins to disrupt the world. THe focus of power it has become has made men go mad. Mica Bird the last owner has murdered, tortured and killed himself because of the influence of the mask. Star Shell his wife is afraid, she wants to protect her young daughter Silver Water from the influence of the mask. Power is at play, sending the High Head Magician, Tall Man, a Dwarf with the mission to destroy the mask. On the other side of the River, down near the swamp lands of the confluence of the Mississippi River, a party is formed to save the mask. Pearl has been traded from her family to the mysterious Koata, finds herself at the whim of power. Otter (Water Fox) a trader from the white shell clan, and his dog Catcher has been asked to take the warrior Black Skull and the contrary Green Spider up the river to the Roaring Waters, where Tall man was told to destroy the mask. What is powers purpose to save the mask or save the dreamer? How will the adventure end, and what havoc has power made of the peaceful people of the lakes and rivers or middle america.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another well researched, thoroughly planned and executed indigenous historical fiction novel by the Gears. Their sixth installment of North America's Forgotten Past focuses on two groups of people making epic journeys to a waterfall, drawn together by a vision, power, and a raven mask that can twist those to its will. The thing I appreciated most here was the evolution of the characters along the six month journey. Every one of them found themselves, purpose, and appreciation for others and the world around them.
I do wish the two groups had come together sooner- it was only within the last two chapters or so that they collaborated and got to know each other on page. The ending also happened much more quickly than I would like- I would have liked to have seen things from the perspective of the main characters in the epilogue. The book was WAY longer than it needed to be. It felt like it stalled about halfway through and repeated itself for several hundred pages. The flow of the story could have been kept and the purpose intact if two hundred or so pages were cut out of the middle.
Either way, it was a well told story, and I enjoyed my time with it. I'm happy to have completed the largest novel in this series- on to the next!

[Herman · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can never go wrong reading one of the Gear books, I enjoyed this very much the humor of the interplay between the warrior and the contrary was one of those special times when two characters just come alive and I was just loving every moment of their back and forth. I also love the attention to detail (didn't know catus acid could eat a sea shell)now-a-days when social media shows a picture of a pay phone and asks do you know what this is? then to read something that places the reader into the lives and time of Hopewellian culture a thousand years ago so realistically it's like I could based on the way the story is told feel perfectly capable of taking a canoe trip hundreds of miles up river based on having done it in my minds eye from reading this book. So though I don't know the technology of that time the description were so clear I feel I do know what it is what this adventure and this time period was like. Black Skull and the Green spider were my favorites but so too was Tall Man, he sounded just like Tyrion Lannister in Game of Thrones funny this came out in 94 and Song of Ice and fire series came out in 97. Hopefully one day the Gears will get the acclaim they are due for all their wonderful work yes this should be a movie but so too should so many other of their works especially the Battle for America series. Right now I'll just say it's a long read but worth it if you never read a Gear book before this is a good one I recommend it to anyone who loves historical fiction.

[Bobbie N · Rating 4 out of 5]

Star Shell must rid her people of the curse brought on by her husband's misuse of a sacred mask.. Along with a dwarf believed to have sacred powers and her daughter, she travels over land to the Roaring Waters (Niagara Falls) in order to banish the mask forever to a watery grave. In the meantime, Otter, a trader; Black Skull, a warrior, and Green Spider, a dreamer, brave the waters of rivers and great freshwater lakes to reach Roaring Water, in order to follow their dreamer's vision to save the mask. Along the way, they save Pearl, who was traded to a tribe far away in order to a secure trade alliance, and who has run away from her captors after being treated with violence and humiliation, and who soon follow her to enact their vengeance.

[Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Content warning: rape, torture, incest, suicide

This is basically Hopewell period Lord of the Rings--there's a mysterious mask of power which corrupts those who use it, and a group of would-be heroes sets off on a long journey to throw the mask into Niagara Falls. Along the way, the mask tempts those who come into contact with it, singing a song only they can hear. A band of orcs--I mean, Khota warriors--pursues them relentlessly.

Overall, the narrative was good, but the prose was serviceable at best. I knocked a star off my rating because of the ENDLESS rapes, threats of rape, and other sexual violence. These descriptions did not need to be continuous or graphic. Also, all of the women were ridiculously beautiful, and that was their main character trait.

[Kurt Vosper · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent story. I have been really enjoying the work of the Gear's as they use new archeological evidence and discoveries to craft stories about the first people in North America and how they lived and thought and believed. This book takes us on a long trek from the southern states into the Fresh Water Sea (Great Lakes) to the Roaring Water (Niagara Falls). Two different parties are trying to get there, one to destroy a religious artifact and one to save it. Both groups are pursued by enemies and race to beat them to the prize. For those who care...Otter and Black Skull are my two favourite characters.

[Jerry P. Kidd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend it and have chosen to give it 5 OUT OF 5 STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. It started out a little slow and repetitive just as the other in the series but then capture mine attention after the first 100 pages. I was mesmerized by the saga that played out page by page . I felt a roller coaster of emotions even laughed out loud from the humor rare for me when I'm reading. Maybe a chuckle under my breath but not a boisterous laugh, I really didn't want to reach the end of the book. It will be very hard to beat this BOOK but I am going to keep reading the series just to see what happens it the next book. Great Reading! ☺️☺️