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Talks Like Thunder
She’s not sacrificing anything without a fight. As a survivor enters an uncertain landscape, can she protect the ones she cherishes?
Arizona Territory, 1871. Seven-year-old Talks Like Thunder can’t imagine life outside of her Apache family. So after both her parents succumb to deadly disease, her heart is ripped in two when her estranged grandfather takes her to his Chiricahua village. And as she blossoms into a young woman, her extraordinary insights into ancient mystical beliefs transform her into a fierce warrior.
Preparing to defend their sacred land from invading White men, the driven protector falls for a fellow fighter and his words of a brighter future. But when their tribe is captured by U.S. soldiers, Thunder’s years in captivity fuel her to return to those she loves and take revenge on those who stole her innocence.
Meticulously completed posthumously, author Randal Nerhus has lovingly curated Marjorie Carter’s remarkable fictional account of one woman’s journey of compassion, loyalty, and respect for the earth. Through three interconnected tales, Talks Like Thunder’s struggle to retain the dignity and freedom integral to her centuries-old culture serves as a reminder of the spiritual strength revealed in Indigenous American history.
If you like authentic historical backdrops, empowered female protagonists, and triumphs of the human spirit, then you’ll love Randal Nerhus and Marjorie Carter’s awe-inspiring odyssey.
Buy Talks Like Thunder to dive into a powerful past today!
Arizona Territory, 1871. Seven-year-old Talks Like Thunder can’t imagine life outside of her Apache family. So after both her parents succumb to deadly disease, her heart is ripped in two when her estranged grandfather takes her to his Chiricahua village. And as she blossoms into a young woman, her extraordinary insights into ancient mystical beliefs transform her into a fierce warrior.
Preparing to defend their sacred land from invading White men, the driven protector falls for a fellow fighter and his words of a brighter future. But when their tribe is captured by U.S. soldiers, Thunder’s years in captivity fuel her to return to those she loves and take revenge on those who stole her innocence.
Meticulously completed posthumously, author Randal Nerhus has lovingly curated Marjorie Carter’s remarkable fictional account of one woman’s journey of compassion, loyalty, and respect for the earth. Through three interconnected tales, Talks Like Thunder’s struggle to retain the dignity and freedom integral to her centuries-old culture serves as a reminder of the spiritual strength revealed in Indigenous American history.
If you like authentic historical backdrops, empowered female protagonists, and triumphs of the human spirit, then you’ll love Randal Nerhus and Marjorie Carter’s awe-inspiring odyssey.
Buy Talks Like Thunder to dive into a powerful past today!
162 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2023
169 people are currently reading
593 people want to read
About the author
Randal Nerhus
12 books18 followersRandal Nerhus received a BS in Agricultural Studies from Iowa State University in 1982, and an MA in Oriental Philosophy and Religion from Banaras Hindu University, India, in 1988. Shortly after obtaining his agriculture degree, he volunteered with the Peace Corps in the Philippines. While traveling in the mountains on the island of Palawan, he visited a remote tribal village and encountered a very different way of life—one of community, contentment, happiness, and love. Fifteen years later, his interest in tribal traditions deepened while taking part in a ManKind Project initiation that used native approaches to bring men into a life of integrity. In 2002, Marjorie Carter took him under her shamanic guidance which complemented and expanded upon his early Christian foundations. From 2013 to 2016, he lived in Colombia’s Amazon jungle, learning under Cocama shaman don Rogelio Cariguasari, and relevant parts of that experience were incorporated into the novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
June 2, 2022
As an indigenous person, this book really appealed to me. The story telling was spectacular
March 17, 2022
I have never read any books that feature Native Indians and I have realised it is a genre that I really like. It was well written with a gripping storyline and with well developed characters that were relatable and likeable, especially the protagonist I loved her. I was completely enchanted and couldn't put it down. Not only do I look forward to more in this series but from this genre in general. I will definitely recommend this book I loved it.
April 11, 2022
Talks Like Thunder is a story that follows Desert Flower’s journey. She’s forced to leave the tribe she’s always known and sent to go with her birth family. It’s a daunting moment for her when she realizes that there are many things she’s never learned or understood. She’s fortunate enough to befriend a young girl, Young Falcon who is able to help her adjust.
I really enjoyed her journey. She faces a lot in her young years. She has a fierce warrior spirit that carries her far. Her dedication to her tribe, her friends and the ones she cares for his remarkable. Her story was told in such a way that makes you able to watch and see how she dealt with so much. I loved how the author was able to tell this story so beautifully.
I really enjoyed her journey. She faces a lot in her young years. She has a fierce warrior spirit that carries her far. Her dedication to her tribe, her friends and the ones she cares for his remarkable. Her story was told in such a way that makes you able to watch and see how she dealt with so much. I loved how the author was able to tell this story so beautifully.
April 28, 2022
This is no doubt one of my favourite reads in 2022! Randal Nerhus has done a marvellous job in capturing my attention with his gripping storytelling and extraordinary character development.
I am absolutely in love with Talks Like Thunder, as she truly lived up to her name. A gentle, amiable, yet strong-willed and fierce warrior, she is many opposite things that created a unique and fascinating person, who lived by her own principles and refused to bow down to anyone's. Even though she was thrown into different environments, some of which are used to train and toughen her up, others to strip away her identity and assimilate her, her character still shined through and only made her a stronger and more complete person.
Though I must admit I have very basic knowledge of Indigenous cultures and peoples, the book has left me with many thoughts and inspired me to learn more about the topic. A must-read!
I am absolutely in love with Talks Like Thunder, as she truly lived up to her name. A gentle, amiable, yet strong-willed and fierce warrior, she is many opposite things that created a unique and fascinating person, who lived by her own principles and refused to bow down to anyone's. Even though she was thrown into different environments, some of which are used to train and toughen her up, others to strip away her identity and assimilate her, her character still shined through and only made her a stronger and more complete person.
Though I must admit I have very basic knowledge of Indigenous cultures and peoples, the book has left me with many thoughts and inspired me to learn more about the topic. A must-read!
March 9, 2022
A well-told, gripping, story about a very admirable and courageous female protagonist.
The first novella in a series of historical Native American fiction, Talks Like Thunder: Red With Native Blood, follows Talks Like Thunder, who, at the beginning of the story, is brought from her White Mountain Apache village to live with her grandfather in a Chiricahua village. Possessing a strong desire to prove herself, Talks Like Thunder receives training to be a warrior as she ages, and the story progresses.
You will root for Talks Like Thunder throughout the entire book, and share in her triumphs and in her pain.
It was a fantastic story! I was really impressed the whole time I read it! I’m looking forward to reading the second in the series.
The first novella in a series of historical Native American fiction, Talks Like Thunder: Red With Native Blood, follows Talks Like Thunder, who, at the beginning of the story, is brought from her White Mountain Apache village to live with her grandfather in a Chiricahua village. Possessing a strong desire to prove herself, Talks Like Thunder receives training to be a warrior as she ages, and the story progresses.
You will root for Talks Like Thunder throughout the entire book, and share in her triumphs and in her pain.
It was a fantastic story! I was really impressed the whole time I read it! I’m looking forward to reading the second in the series.
May 27, 2022
I received this book through a Goodreads give away for an honest review.
This was a pretty good book. This follows the life of a young girl Talks Like Thunder and her people. I think it can give the reader a little idea of what life for the indigenous people was like after they were rounded up and put into reservations. While this book was fiction, it did cover how the indigenous people were persecuted and hunted down if they refused to conform to the religious white peoples ways. Maybe this series will get some readers interested about what really happened to the indigenous people of this land. There are a lot of great nonfiction books out there to read. With that being said, I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
This was a pretty good book. This follows the life of a young girl Talks Like Thunder and her people. I think it can give the reader a little idea of what life for the indigenous people was like after they were rounded up and put into reservations. While this book was fiction, it did cover how the indigenous people were persecuted and hunted down if they refused to conform to the religious white peoples ways. Maybe this series will get some readers interested about what really happened to the indigenous people of this land. There are a lot of great nonfiction books out there to read. With that being said, I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
May 4, 2022
As someone from Europe, we don’t learn a lot about Native American culture, so I began searching for something and was pretty sad to see there aren't a lot of popular books like this.
I just finished my first book about this and I was mind blown. This was such a fascinating and well-told story and an amazing opportunity to learn.
It follows Talks Like Thunder, a native girl who is brought from her White Mountain Apache town to live with her grandfather in a Chiricahua village. The protagonist has a tremendous drive to prove herself and I completely loved her will to survive and fight. I can't wait to read the next ones.
I just finished my first book about this and I was mind blown. This was such a fascinating and well-told story and an amazing opportunity to learn.
It follows Talks Like Thunder, a native girl who is brought from her White Mountain Apache town to live with her grandfather in a Chiricahua village. The protagonist has a tremendous drive to prove herself and I completely loved her will to survive and fight. I can't wait to read the next ones.
May 13, 2022
Loved it. I cried. It’s ok but it’s not ok but it’s ok.
The emotion, if you allow yourself to, will completely take over in the beginning of this tense story. Because of the historical facts the story holds. I definitely will be reading the second book because it leaves off on a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to see what happens to Thunder!
The emotion, if you allow yourself to, will completely take over in the beginning of this tense story. Because of the historical facts the story holds. I definitely will be reading the second book because it leaves off on a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to see what happens to Thunder!
March 27, 2022
The novel is very well written and I followed the storyline. Great descriptions and dialogue. Very good reading, kept my interest and the characters are believable throughout.
Alda Helvey
Alda Helvey
June 23, 2023
This was a good read! This book is fiction, but I also feel like with the way some of the events were described that the authors did a really good job researching and historical facts to back up their story. This was an emotional read, and very well written for that. I thought it gave a very good insight into how the native Americans were treated throughout the colonizing. I look forward to reading the second book. This first one was left very open ended and I love to see where the story goes from there.
May 23, 2023
4.5 stars
WOW!
Talks Like Thunder is the first book in the Red With Native Blood Novellas and is an intense and emotional YA, Native American tale that will tear at your heartstrings, make your heartache and will brand your soul.
This powerfully written historical tale shows the passion and understanding of the subject by these two amazing co-authors. That Randal picked up the threads of the tale and finished Marjorie’s work is a testament to their friendship.
This complex and moving story is one that is hard to put down and will stay in your thoughts long after you have turned the last page.
The characters are hard to forget. The character of Thunder is a true wonder. She is strong, she is a warrior, she has grit, and I was with her every step of the way.
Talks Like Thunder transports us back to a time where the harshness and realities of life for Native Americans comes to life.
I absolutely cannot wait to get a hold of the next two books.
WOW!
Talks Like Thunder is the first book in the Red With Native Blood Novellas and is an intense and emotional YA, Native American tale that will tear at your heartstrings, make your heartache and will brand your soul.
This powerfully written historical tale shows the passion and understanding of the subject by these two amazing co-authors. That Randal picked up the threads of the tale and finished Marjorie’s work is a testament to their friendship.
This complex and moving story is one that is hard to put down and will stay in your thoughts long after you have turned the last page.
The characters are hard to forget. The character of Thunder is a true wonder. She is strong, she is a warrior, she has grit, and I was with her every step of the way.
Talks Like Thunder transports us back to a time where the harshness and realities of life for Native Americans comes to life.
I absolutely cannot wait to get a hold of the next two books.
October 7, 2022
This book is easily one of my top reads of this year. The writing alone is very compelling and leaves the reader rooting for Talks Like Thunder. We see the protagonist leave her family home and tribe to live in another tribe. We watch her grow and train to be a warrior. We see the hard path that the protagonist must face and the horrible hardships the indigenous had to endure. It shows the courage, and strong spirit of Thunder.
I listened to the audiobook, and I highly recommend the audiobook narrated by Aubriana Harshfield. Very talented voice. The tones and inflections used in a variety of scenes made the book very engaging.
I will definitely be picking up the second book.
I listened to the audiobook, and I highly recommend the audiobook narrated by Aubriana Harshfield. Very talented voice. The tones and inflections used in a variety of scenes made the book very engaging.
I will definitely be picking up the second book.
July 24, 2022
At first this was a little slow going of a start, although I enjoyed seeing her day to day life. But by the middle it picked up for me. It was beyond heart breaking, but so important to read! It gives a different perspective since most perspectives of that time in history is not from the perspectives of the Native people.
June 21, 2023
Talks Like Thunder by Marjorie Carter & Radal Nerhus was an epic tale of the life of an American Indian warrior who struggles to survive the terror of the white man. This novella had me on the edge of my seat in fear for Talks Like Thunder, I was so scared for her right from the start when her Grandfather comes to take her home to the tribe that he is the Chief of. I could tell that Talks Like Thunder was going to be a fighter right from the start, she did not let me down at all! The characters are so realistic, the descriptions and the characteristics of each were so eloquently described that I felt like I was reading about real people and the struggles that they went through in the 1800s. I knew the second that Talks Like Thunder saw Sparrow, I just knew that there would be a connection between the two of them. The fact that the authors slowly built up the love between these two characters so subtly, drew me in even more as they trained together as warriors, and as their friendship built up. The agony of what the Chiricahuas tribe suffered from the white man just broke my heart. I know that this is what happened, but reading about it here really helped me understand and feel what the American Indians had experienced, it was so real for me. The way that the white man's school system was portrayed is exactly how I've always imagined it to be, I just wanted to cry for poor Harriet (Talks Like Thunder). Watching her new friends as they tried to teach her the ways to stay safe, and then to see Harriet try and do the same for the new girl, it was like seeing her relive her pain and agony all over again. This was such an amazing tale of the perseverance of a very strong-willed, determined warrior who would do anything to help her people be led to survival, and was so heartwrenching to see all the agony and suffering she and her people were put through when all they wanted was to rebuild a new home for themselves.
Brandy Rymer
06/2023
Brandy Rymer
06/2023
May 22, 2023
4 Stars
Talks Like Thunder is the first book in the Red With Native Blood Series by Randal Nerhus and Marjorie Carter. This historical fiction story is an emotional and thought-provoking read full of Native American history, culture, and beliefs – with topics such as captivity, tension, pain, dedication, determination, spirit, revenge, family, honor, respect, and much more, this proved to be a raw and emotive read.
I really didn’t know what to expect going into this book, but it is so different to what I normally read, I thought I’d change things up a bit by plunging in and meeting Talks Like Thunder. She definitely has a tale to tell- and I am really glad I changed things up by taking a chance on this book. It really was worth the read.
I really recommend diving into this powerful, raw and emotive story without knowing too much about it, and let the author/s, the characters, and the story surprise you.
I see there are more books in this series, and I will definitely be adding them to my TBR to explore asap.
Well worth the read.
Happy Reading…
Talks Like Thunder is the first book in the Red With Native Blood Series by Randal Nerhus and Marjorie Carter. This historical fiction story is an emotional and thought-provoking read full of Native American history, culture, and beliefs – with topics such as captivity, tension, pain, dedication, determination, spirit, revenge, family, honor, respect, and much more, this proved to be a raw and emotive read.
I really didn’t know what to expect going into this book, but it is so different to what I normally read, I thought I’d change things up a bit by plunging in and meeting Talks Like Thunder. She definitely has a tale to tell- and I am really glad I changed things up by taking a chance on this book. It really was worth the read.
I really recommend diving into this powerful, raw and emotive story without knowing too much about it, and let the author/s, the characters, and the story surprise you.
I see there are more books in this series, and I will definitely be adding them to my TBR to explore asap.
Well worth the read.
Happy Reading…
December 19, 2025
Talks Like Thunder is a breathtaking historical saga that immerses readers in the rich and turbulent landscape of the Arizona Territory in 1871. Randal Nerhus and Marjorie Carter’s storytelling honors Indigenous American history with authenticity, emotional depth, and a strong sense of place.
The protagonist, Talks Like Thunder, is a compelling and fiercely independent heroine whose journey from a grieving child to a courageous warrior is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. Her connection to her Apache heritage, mystical insights, and unwavering determination to protect her people creates a narrative that is both deeply personal and epic in scope.
The interwoven tales of love, loyalty, and resilience highlight the spiritual strength and enduring traditions of her culture, while the historical backdrop full of conflict, survival, and moral complexity adds a powerful dimension of realism and intensity. The writing is meticulous, moving, and evocative, making this story impossible to put down.
The protagonist, Talks Like Thunder, is a compelling and fiercely independent heroine whose journey from a grieving child to a courageous warrior is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. Her connection to her Apache heritage, mystical insights, and unwavering determination to protect her people creates a narrative that is both deeply personal and epic in scope.
The interwoven tales of love, loyalty, and resilience highlight the spiritual strength and enduring traditions of her culture, while the historical backdrop full of conflict, survival, and moral complexity adds a powerful dimension of realism and intensity. The writing is meticulous, moving, and evocative, making this story impossible to put down.
October 3, 2022
I had the pleasure of reading this book and never realized it was a genre or subject that I would connect with. I haven't read books discussing Native American struggles, but I've watched Hollywood movies that sensationalize the journey and history.
Randal's book takes you on a journey. I felt it did not sensationalize but gave raw, intimate details and made you understand the pain and destruction that the whole culture of people went through simply because they existed and were different than what their occupiers were used to.
I felt like I was going through this journey with the main character, and I couldn't put the book down once I picked it up. I am pleased that a writer is utilizing the speech that the culture would use and making it authentic to the Native American culture.
Gravo on a fantastic book that truly captures the essence of an entire culture that does not get enough focus.
Randal's book takes you on a journey. I felt it did not sensationalize but gave raw, intimate details and made you understand the pain and destruction that the whole culture of people went through simply because they existed and were different than what their occupiers were used to.
I felt like I was going through this journey with the main character, and I couldn't put the book down once I picked it up. I am pleased that a writer is utilizing the speech that the culture would use and making it authentic to the Native American culture.
Gravo on a fantastic book that truly captures the essence of an entire culture that does not get enough focus.
June 12, 2023
4.5 stars
This is a work of fiction but is inspired by real events that have taken place. Desert Flower is only 7 years old when she is abducted by her grandfather to join his tribe of the Chiricahua. She doesn't understand their ways at all and misses her family, who perished, as well as her friends left behind in her original tribe.
As custom is, Desert Flower receives a new name once she's been assimilated into her grandfather's tribe. She becomes Talks Like Thunder and oh, does she!! Thunder is a force to be reckoned with whether its from her own people or the Blue Coats.
This is a very emotional read. I have studied Native American history to some extent but reading these stories, even though fictional in nature, provides some context as to the treatment of these people. I found myself cheering for Thunder throughout all her trials and look forward to reading more about her people in future books.
This is a work of fiction but is inspired by real events that have taken place. Desert Flower is only 7 years old when she is abducted by her grandfather to join his tribe of the Chiricahua. She doesn't understand their ways at all and misses her family, who perished, as well as her friends left behind in her original tribe.
As custom is, Desert Flower receives a new name once she's been assimilated into her grandfather's tribe. She becomes Talks Like Thunder and oh, does she!! Thunder is a force to be reckoned with whether its from her own people or the Blue Coats.
This is a very emotional read. I have studied Native American history to some extent but reading these stories, even though fictional in nature, provides some context as to the treatment of these people. I found myself cheering for Thunder throughout all her trials and look forward to reading more about her people in future books.
June 14, 2023
"Arizona Territory, 1871. Seven-year-old Talks Like Thunder can’t imagine life outside of her Apache family. So after both her parents succumb to deadly disease, her heart is ripped in two when her estranged grandfather takes her to his Chiricahua village. Her extraordinary insights into ancient mystical beliefs transform her into a fierce warrior. Preparing to defend their sacred land from invading White men, the driven protector falls for a fellow fighter and his words of a brighter future. But when their tribe is captured by U.S. soldiers, Thunder’s years in captivity fuel her to return to those she loves and take revenge on those who stole her innocence". The things she had to go through and the people had to go through was rough. Learned some stuff about Native Americans I did not know about, it was interesting book for sure. This is the first in the series and I will probably read the other two. I give it 4 stars.
June 26, 2023
Wow. I am not one for historical fiction usually but I decided to give this one a try.
Young Talks Like Thunder lost her father early in life. Though she was without a father her mother cared for her and she was happy in tribe life.
Then her mother dies and everything changes. Her grandfather comes to claim her to take her to his tribe and she is scared and doesn't want to leave her friends, tribe and start anew. But it's clear her grandfather does care for her as she is assigned the name "talks like thunder" as part of her assimilation into the tribe.
Unfortunately she's captured again this time by the white man and put on a reservation and forced to learn their culture and disregard her own.
Many harrowing situations will greet her. Can she grow up to a powerful warrior and seek revenge on those who kidnapped her? Will she make it back to her home and family?
This is a must read. Great strong female lead.
Young Talks Like Thunder lost her father early in life. Though she was without a father her mother cared for her and she was happy in tribe life.
Then her mother dies and everything changes. Her grandfather comes to claim her to take her to his tribe and she is scared and doesn't want to leave her friends, tribe and start anew. But it's clear her grandfather does care for her as she is assigned the name "talks like thunder" as part of her assimilation into the tribe.
Unfortunately she's captured again this time by the white man and put on a reservation and forced to learn their culture and disregard her own.
Many harrowing situations will greet her. Can she grow up to a powerful warrior and seek revenge on those who kidnapped her? Will she make it back to her home and family?
This is a must read. Great strong female lead.
August 13, 2024
Talks Like Thunder by Randal Nerhus and Marjorie Carter follows a young Apache living in the Arizona Territory in 1871. Her parents have both passed away and her grandfather comes to take her to his tribe in the Chiricahua village in New Mexico. This is her story as the “white eyes” have come through and are forcing the tribes to live on the reservations and send their young children to school.
This story is beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. My only issue is with the ending of the story. On the one hand, the story ends so well, with a great conclusion, but on the other hand, it leaves too many open questions and situations and feels abrupt and needs a sequel.
The story-telling aspect of this book is beautiful and engaging, and having grown up near a reservation, my heart hurt for these characters. I will definitely be continuing the series as I have to know what happens with Talks With Thunder!
This story is beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. My only issue is with the ending of the story. On the one hand, the story ends so well, with a great conclusion, but on the other hand, it leaves too many open questions and situations and feels abrupt and needs a sequel.
The story-telling aspect of this book is beautiful and engaging, and having grown up near a reservation, my heart hurt for these characters. I will definitely be continuing the series as I have to know what happens with Talks With Thunder!
June 19, 2023
Talks Like Thunder is a strong 3 for me- I felt the beginning (where she is taken to live with her grandfather) and ending were both cut short (wanted to find out more), and the next book of the novella is about different characters, so we probably won't.
I give it a strong 3 because of her strong character traits are exhibited throughout the book, and the Apache customs are interwoven throughout the story in logical ways instead of being a laundry list or forced upon you. I had to look up if Apache girls/woman could be warriors, and was glad to see this part of the novella rings true. I tend to not read summaries until after I read the book, so was surprised and pleased to see this is based on a true story, and one that needs to be told, and although the target age is YA/high school, felt it was worth reading.
I give it a strong 3 because of her strong character traits are exhibited throughout the book, and the Apache customs are interwoven throughout the story in logical ways instead of being a laundry list or forced upon you. I had to look up if Apache girls/woman could be warriors, and was glad to see this part of the novella rings true. I tend to not read summaries until after I read the book, so was surprised and pleased to see this is based on a true story, and one that needs to be told, and although the target age is YA/high school, felt it was worth reading.
June 26, 2023
Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter is a story Family, honor, and sorrow all contribute to a girl's maturation within her culture.
This is the tale of Desert Flower, a small child who is experiencing the biggest nightmare in the annals of our people. Her life as an Apache starts in 1871, when she loses both of her parents to smallpox. She endures famine, boarding schools, reservations, and war as she matures. She grows up to be a strong, proud young woman who works to protect her family, her tribe, and her land despite the hardships she was born into.
Every page had you hanging on every sentence and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. It is a very unique story with even compelling people. The story really transports you into the native peoples world. I couldn’t put the book down.
This is the tale of Desert Flower, a small child who is experiencing the biggest nightmare in the annals of our people. Her life as an Apache starts in 1871, when she loses both of her parents to smallpox. She endures famine, boarding schools, reservations, and war as she matures. She grows up to be a strong, proud young woman who works to protect her family, her tribe, and her land despite the hardships she was born into.
Every page had you hanging on every sentence and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. It is a very unique story with even compelling people. The story really transports you into the native peoples world. I couldn’t put the book down.
June 18, 2023
Not my usual genre to read but the blurb I found called to me. And I am so glad I read it. Emotional, hard at times and extremely sad I found I read it in one sitting as I needed to know what happened.
We follow Desert Flower as she is looked after by the tribe after the death of her mother and father, taken back to her Grandfather's tribe she is renamed Talks like Thunder.
This book has been researched and follows the grueling life that Thunder undertakes as she is again removed from her people this time by the white eye. And the settlers then force them to follow their way of life.
Thunder loses her tribe, her budding relationship, and her family. But she is a warrior and I cannot wait to read the next book to follow her further on her journey.
We follow Desert Flower as she is looked after by the tribe after the death of her mother and father, taken back to her Grandfather's tribe she is renamed Talks like Thunder.
This book has been researched and follows the grueling life that Thunder undertakes as she is again removed from her people this time by the white eye. And the settlers then force them to follow their way of life.
Thunder loses her tribe, her budding relationship, and her family. But she is a warrior and I cannot wait to read the next book to follow her further on her journey.
June 20, 2023
This novella is a fictional story but steeped in history. Historical fiction is my go-to when I need to be immersed into a world not my own. It is rich in Indigenous culture and fantastic storytelling. This is the first installment in a series, and it is a quick read. My only complaint is that it was not longer; however, that is an element of a novella. This story follows a strong female character, Desert Fox, who loses both parents to sickness and is then forced to leave home with her grandfather as he takes her to his village. We get to see Desert Fox’s transformation from young girl to grown warrior, now known as Talks Like Thunder, as well as her home’s transformation into U.S. territory. I highly recommend this beautiful, and also heart-wrenching, story.
June 23, 2023
Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter. This was such an amazing read. I enjoyed it and learned so much from it. Its the story of young Desert Flower whose parents have died from Small Pox so her grandfather kidnaps her and takes her back to his tribe. He renames her Talks Like Thunder and taking place in the 1800's life was not easy for her or any of the Indians. She loved thru wars, boarding schools, famine and so much more. This all turns her into the strong, independent warrior that she is. When she is held captive by US soldiers she vows on everything she is to take revenge on each and everyone of them. Talks Like Thunder is such a strong young woman and I rooted, cried and cheered for her all the way thru this emotional, powerful story!
June 24, 2023
As someone who has always been interested in Native American history, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I really like learning from the Native point of view. Some parts are difficult to read, but not new to my knowledge of warfare and how Native Americans were treated. I appreciate the insight from the viewpoint of a native person and the changes impressed on them while on reservations and while being “educated” by the White people. It further supports my beliefs regarding what is right and what is wrong. It gave me a lot to think about. It is also a good reminder that people from a different nation or culture are still human, regardless of what one might think about them based on their wealth, or lack-there-of. Highly recommend it if you're interested in Native American history.
June 26, 2023
Talks Like Thunder is the first novella in the Red With Native Blood series. This is a historical fiction story of a young Native American girl in 1871. At only 7 years old, Talks Like Thunder finds herself orphaned. Though her people want to care for her, it is during a time of disease and famine. Luckily, her grandfather finds her and takes her to Chiricahua village. The story seems well-researched and interesting because it is primarily from a child's point of view. I enjoyed learning more about the culture and lives in 19th-century America of Indigenous people. Talks Like Thunder grows so much in this short read. I am curious as to how the series will progress. I look forward to reading more in this series in the future.
June 26, 2023
Talks Like Thunder by far has been one of the most emotionally stimulating stories that I have ever read. I wept for a while after finishing it. The pain that colonialism has caused native Americans and other people of color is sickening. I am an African American woman who has traces of Native American in my family. To think that my ancestors suffered like this on all sides rattles me to my core. I believe this book needs to be on the high school reading list although I’m sure there’s be those against it. This story would serve to remind us all to embrace our differences in culture and love one another while honoring those who fought for that right. Although the story ended abruptly without us knowing Thunders fate I am hoping it will circle back by the time the series is over.
May 21, 2023
This is my first book by this author. It is a historical story that is inspirational. A story about a woman who takes you on a journey of compassion, respect and loyalty. It is a story that brought a lot of emotion and had me coming back for more. I enjoyed watching the characters grow from the beginning. They pulled me into their world with ease and kept my attention to the end. This is a fast paced story that is hard to put down. There is an entertaining value to this story that made it easy to read. I found this book to be well written and a roller coaster ride. I really enjoyed this book and what the characters brought to the story. I highly recommend this book.
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