Talks Like Thunder: Red With Native Blood: Novella One

by Randal Nerhus, Marjorie Carter

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 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!

160 pages, Paperback

Published April 2, 2023

About the author

Randal 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.

Reviews

[Ayla Phipps · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational. This is the first book I have read by this author and while I don’t usually read historical fiction books everything about this book drew me in to give it a read. Primarily told from Desert Flower/ Talks Like Thunder’s perspective we get a few glimpses from her Grandfather Gray Fox.
1871, Desert Flower is only seven years old, her father has long passed and now so has her mother. While he tribe, the White Mountain Apache’s care for her, lack of food and illnesses from the white-eyes (blue coats) has wiped out several leaving her the only child that survived the stomach rot. Enter her grandfather Gray Fox and several of his Chiricahua warriors. Having heard of her mother’s passing he has come to reclaim his granddaughter and take her to his tribe, the Three Hills Chiricahua Apache’s. Very quickly her spirit is strong while she doesn’t want to leave her friends and the family of her tribe, she overhears the fear of starvation if she stays. Riding a horse for the first time she is scared, leaving her people, surrounded by strangers, and going to a place she has never seen or heard of. As part of her assimilation into her grandfather’s tribe she is given a new name, Talks Like Thunder. Finally, she understands and feels her grandfather’s affection for her and in time he calls her daughter as a term of endearment. Mastering many weapons, she is invited to the Warrior’s Society, and she is determined to prove she belongs or at least not go down without a fight. Once she officially becomes a woman, she truly feels that this is her dream tribe, and she belongs.
Can Thunder fulfill her goal of becoming a warrior? Will she get the husband of her dreams Golden Eagle (Sparrow)? With the invaders all around will her tribe be able to survive the battles to come. Learning about our history is only one side of it. This book, while fictionalized, is built upon historical events, and the sadness fills my soul for the loss of so many. The details, world building for the period and growth of the characters leaves you wanting more. Thunder is the female protagonist we all need. She is strong and fierce, and she is a woman that wants a husband and family. Her determination to protect her people and those she loves gives her strength every step of the way. I can’t wait to read more of this series, Falling Star, novella two and see more of this side of history that’s often forgotten.

[Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good read! The author had great details and you could visualize the landscapes she was describing. The dates used, the late 1870s, there were a lot of Indian wars happening. Being raised by my grandmother I heard stories that were passed down to her from parents and grandparents about boarding schools, not being able to speak their native language, and getting their hair chopped off. I was fortunate enough to have a history teacher that gave us more than a chapter or a few paragraphs from a text book about these wars. Yes, there are many books out there where you can learn about certain wars but I feel like there was nothing better than hearing what my ancestors had to go through for me to be here today. I especially enjoyed Thunder being able to become a warrior as it was rare for a girl or woman to do so. She was such a strong character and I could only imagine the emense strength it took for her to not give in and forget everything about her language and culture. The only fault I found with this book was the abrupt ending. I do realize it was meant to be short since it's a novella but it kind of caught me off guard. I look forward to reading more works from this author in the future.

[Tara Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talks Like Thunder is Book One in the Red With Native Blood Series. It is set in the Arizona Territory in 1871 and tells the story of a seven-year-old Apache girl named Talks Like Thunder. She is suddenly uprooted from all that she knows by her estranged grandfather from the Chiricahua village. As she grows and matures into a young woman, she has the desire to prove herself and transforms herself into a fierce warrior. When she is taken captive by US soldiers, she vows to seek revenge.

Talks Like Thunder is a beautifully written, poignant, and moving story about a young Apache girl who perseveres no matter what challenges come her way. The storyline is compelling, the scenes are vividly described and immerse you fully into the story, and the characters are well developed. Talks Like Thunder is strong, smart, kind, gentle, determined, and a fierce warrior. Changing environments, and even time spent in captivity, did not break her spirit. This was an amazing story with Indigenous American history, beliefs, and culture, and full of raw emotions that will have you reaching for a Kleenex. I highly recommend this beautiful and thought-provoking novella.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

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…

[Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talks Like Thunder is the first book in the Red With Native Blood series. It is a coming-of-age story, suitable for YA readers, which follows a young woman whose life is turned upside down as a child by diseases brought by white settlers and who has to learn to live in a world where her community is constantly under threat.

This is an engaging story which draws on history both to educate and to enhance the reader’s experience. There are plenty of details which bring the story to life, as the writers paint a strong, sensory picture. It’s beautiful to read!

At times, this book gets quite dark and sad as it addresses historical atrocities. For younger or more sensitive readers, it may be worth reading together with someone else so you can discuss what happens and the issues that are raised.

I would recommend this to fans of historical fiction, particularly those with an interest in Indigenous American culture and history. It gets five stars from me, I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series!

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Shannen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talks Like Thunder is easily the most powerful and emotionally charged book I have read in quite some time. I was heartbroken and enraged reading this, but that usually means the writers are doing a phenomenal job. While this is a quicker read, you will be taken aback by the amount of detailed storytelling that the authors are able to pull off seamlessly. The flow of the story is amazing, you root for some characters while silently loathe others. I can’t think of anything that I would change about this novella. I am pleased to see that it is only the first in the series, so I will unquestionably pick up the others as well. I highly recommend picking this one up. It isn’t in my normal range of everyday books, but I would have certainly regretted passing on it!

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This harrowing historical fiction follows the main female protagonist, Talks Like Thunder, as she is taken from her original tribe, and then taken again by the white man and placed on a reservation and forced to learn and accept white culture all the while her culture is disregarded. Carter and Nerhus did an amazing job of capturing the sorrow and fear and determination of the young protagonist and the situations she went through. I found myself staying up late saying, "Just one more chapter," continuously until I had finished the novella. This is a very quick read, but don't let that fool you. It will rip your heart out and infuriate you.

[Shelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an amazing novella of Desert Flower’s journey. This really is a book that will grab your attention. I was intrigued at how she started off her life and how strong she became. She is a true warrior spirit. The writing is so flowing and relatable that you can’t put it down. I found that I had to finish it. All of the characters are well-written from Grey Fox to those in the tribe. They all grew to mesh well, as a family should. This is about a young, indigenous girl that becomes a strong young woman. She overcomes a lot and finds her family. It’s a must read story.

[Kristin Boutelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book stands out among the others. It describes the life of an American Indian during the time when the English settlers came to America. The author does an impeccable job in describing what Talks like Thunder’s emotions and her life prior to the settlers taking over their village. The plot is very easy to follow and understand. The characters are very well thought out and do complement each other.

[Jules Herbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit I haven't read anything like this book in quite a long time but I am so happy I picked this book up! It describes the life of an American Indian during the time of the English settlers. It is so well written that you truly can see all the characters and their surroundings so clearly in your minds eye as you read. The feelings brought forward by the authors talented writing is something you will carry with you for a very long time.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

One small seven year old’s life falls apart after her parents pass away from deadly disease. This story follows Talks Like Thunder as she grows up being ripped from what she knows not once but twice and how she had to adapt to be able to survive to make it back to her family. This book kept me turning pages as it was unbelievably easy to read and open my heart to the main character. Her triumphant and determined spirit was refreshing to see such a young girl go through her life.

[Terri McAllister · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a powerful story of Talks Like Thunder, an Apache girl who overcomes many obstacles throughout her young life. Taken from one tribe to live in another, finally finding her place, only to experience the “white-eyes” and the beginning of the end of the American Indians’ way of life. I recommend the book to anyone that enjoys historical fiction.