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Calico
A prophecy has been cast against her. In a harsh world deep within the western frontier of Ohio and Kentucky, Calico Marie Turner must learn to survive among the Shawnee and to trust the one man who hates her the most, Chief Little Owl Quick as the Wind.
Calico’s story will immerse you deeply into the world of the Shawnee, where you will find characters at once surreal and totally believable. Bruning’s knowledge of Native American language, clothing, habits, and lifestyle is evident as she weaves a tale that draws you in from the first chapter and leads you begging for more.
Calico’s story will immerse you deeply into the world of the Shawnee, where you will find characters at once surreal and totally believable. Bruning’s knowledge of Native American language, clothing, habits, and lifestyle is evident as she weaves a tale that draws you in from the first chapter and leads you begging for more.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 23, 2013
14 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Allison Bruning
32 books53 followersBestselling author Allison Bruning originally hails from Marion, Ohio but full time RV’s with her husband and their Australian cattle dog, Lakota Sioux. Allison is the bestselling author of several novels, short stories, children’s books and a poetry book.
Allison's educational background includes a B.A. in theatre arts with a minor in anthropology from Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas. Allison received National Honor Society memberships in both Theatre Arts and Communication. She was also honored her sophomore year with admission into the All American Scholars register. She holds graduate hours in cultural anthropology and education. In 2007, Allison was named to Who's Who Among America's Educators. She is also the recipient of the Girl Scout Silver and Gold Awards. Allison received her Masters of Fine Arts in creative writing at Full Sail University on June 28, 2013. She is an educator, writer, speaker, screenwriter, film director, choreographer and business owner. Allison's interests include Ohio Valley history, anthropology, travel, culture, history, camping, hiking, backpacking, spending time with her family, and genealogy.
Allison's educational background includes a B.A. in theatre arts with a minor in anthropology from Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas. Allison received National Honor Society memberships in both Theatre Arts and Communication. She was also honored her sophomore year with admission into the All American Scholars register. She holds graduate hours in cultural anthropology and education. In 2007, Allison was named to Who's Who Among America's Educators. She is also the recipient of the Girl Scout Silver and Gold Awards. Allison received her Masters of Fine Arts in creative writing at Full Sail University on June 28, 2013. She is an educator, writer, speaker, screenwriter, film director, choreographer and business owner. Allison's interests include Ohio Valley history, anthropology, travel, culture, history, camping, hiking, backpacking, spending time with her family, and genealogy.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 19, 2012
If you only read one book this year, for Raptor Jesus' sake I hope it ain't this one. Unless of course you love reading incomprehensible tales of French ninjas, misremembered historical events, incest among the French, casual rape and abuse among the Shawnee, and trying to decipher dialogue formed from three languages melded into one throughout most of the book. There's also a paranormal aspect acting as a deus ex machina to solve all the characters' baser motivations at the end so everyone can live happily ever after.
I helped beta-read this book for the author's SECOND unlucky publisher and it was still a miasma of subplots and characters so poorly thought out that they would've shamed George R. R. Martin and probably has James Fenimore Cooper spinning at 78 rpms right now.
I helped beta-read this book for the author's SECOND unlucky publisher and it was still a miasma of subplots and characters so poorly thought out that they would've shamed George R. R. Martin and probably has James Fenimore Cooper spinning at 78 rpms right now.
July 10, 2012
I downloaded this book to my Kindle because (1) it was free at the time and (2) the story line sounded interesting. I also got the impression that it would be a good book for children to read. When I downloaded it, I followed the link to post this on Facebook and share with others -- who also were able to download it free.
It is the story of a young girl (named Calico) of European heritage who chooses to live and grow up with the Shawnees after her parents have died. She does have a twin sister (named Rose) who does not choose the same life. The location is set in Ohio and Kentucky.
It was difficult to "get into" the story line. It was also confusing keeping the characters straight. The good parts of the book included some historic information. It was interesting to learn of the customs of the Shawnee and other Indian nations.
There are some sad incidents that occur in Calico's and her family's lives. Unfortunately, these incidents are described in [bold, italics, underline] way too much detail!
In my opinion, this is NOT a good book for children to read. The material has far too much adult content. I was embarrassed to read many of these sections. I am sorry that some people may have downloaded this book based upon my posting on Facebook. Had I read it first, I would not have done that. But, the free download was for a short period of time.
It is the story of a young girl (named Calico) of European heritage who chooses to live and grow up with the Shawnees after her parents have died. She does have a twin sister (named Rose) who does not choose the same life. The location is set in Ohio and Kentucky.
It was difficult to "get into" the story line. It was also confusing keeping the characters straight. The good parts of the book included some historic information. It was interesting to learn of the customs of the Shawnee and other Indian nations.
There are some sad incidents that occur in Calico's and her family's lives. Unfortunately, these incidents are described in [bold, italics, underline] way too much detail!
In my opinion, this is NOT a good book for children to read. The material has far too much adult content. I was embarrassed to read many of these sections. I am sorry that some people may have downloaded this book based upon my posting on Facebook. Had I read it first, I would not have done that. But, the free download was for a short period of time.
June 27, 2012
Impossible plot and unintelligible conversation, I hated this book.
July 20, 2013
Full, non-spoiler review courtesy at Book & Movie Dimension a Blog
An engrossing read from the start is in order. For a reader, that on most times have no real contact with Indian tribe values this book is a great start in reading with paranormal touches. This story isn't about Indians particularly the Shawnee's. No, its a fictional story touching up on historical events. As early American colonists head to expanding in the New World of America, they of course, encounter Indians. Of all of them, the Shawnee are the most highly strict practitioners of the old ways. As so, they don't let any outsiders into their society especially white people. Although, they make an exception for the family of Calico Marie Lutree Turner and her family.
The Lutree Turner family has a messy past. Calico's mother,Anna, from a young age was abused sexually by her father a British lord. Her brother, Alexander, being her molester against her will too because of their cruel father. Through time, they find themselves a way to escape. Thanks, to François a French fur trader who she falls in love with a new family emerges. Helping Anna to heal the family wounds of the past are also the Shawnee Indians that have been close to Francois and welcome Anna as well as a daughter. Just as things seem great, her husband catches an illness and infects her with it also. Leaving her daughters, Calico and Rose orphans. The Shawnee take them up out of love for them as a family. Rose and Calico grow up in the midst of the Shawnee but a prophecy threatens Calico's life. A great evil seeks to destroy her. Calico's spirit guide swears to protect her.
As Calico grows up the evil of prophecy emerges but she can't reveal it for the reason that doing so will rip apart her Shawnee way of life. In doing so, she pushes away the warrior mentioned in prophecy that wants to rescue her from the evil that she can't defeat by herself.
What a lovely portrayal is Calico of the Shawnee way of life. From the story narration we see various character's point of views that highlight all that was that type of way of life. It also points out the hatred at times of the white people toward tribal life. There are great moments filled with romance that is both sweet and hot. The romantic scenes also touch along several sexual encounters that are heart-warming but not overtly graphic. All these things are very pleasant to come across but what's the best is the paranormal chips in Calico that stand out, so brightly with the created myth of "Our Grandmother" and other spirit guides of what's surely Shawnee lore.
Highly recommend for quite a few reasons from its historical fiction and its paranormal instances. Tribal language and other characters' language can be heard in the writing itself further supplementing the genius of the whole novel. While the introduction was not all a bad start it's toward the middle portion and until the end that its entirety grapples your attention. The creativity in myth which has hardly been used in recent years is by far a big bonus!
For This Review: *Book Copy Provided For Review by Author*
Overall: Amazing read!
Genre: Historical Fiction, Paranormal, Shawnee Indians Way Of Life
Recommend Ages: 17 and Up
An engrossing read from the start is in order. For a reader, that on most times have no real contact with Indian tribe values this book is a great start in reading with paranormal touches. This story isn't about Indians particularly the Shawnee's. No, its a fictional story touching up on historical events. As early American colonists head to expanding in the New World of America, they of course, encounter Indians. Of all of them, the Shawnee are the most highly strict practitioners of the old ways. As so, they don't let any outsiders into their society especially white people. Although, they make an exception for the family of Calico Marie Lutree Turner and her family.
The Lutree Turner family has a messy past. Calico's mother,Anna, from a young age was abused sexually by her father a British lord. Her brother, Alexander, being her molester against her will too because of their cruel father. Through time, they find themselves a way to escape. Thanks, to François a French fur trader who she falls in love with a new family emerges. Helping Anna to heal the family wounds of the past are also the Shawnee Indians that have been close to Francois and welcome Anna as well as a daughter. Just as things seem great, her husband catches an illness and infects her with it also. Leaving her daughters, Calico and Rose orphans. The Shawnee take them up out of love for them as a family. Rose and Calico grow up in the midst of the Shawnee but a prophecy threatens Calico's life. A great evil seeks to destroy her. Calico's spirit guide swears to protect her.
As Calico grows up the evil of prophecy emerges but she can't reveal it for the reason that doing so will rip apart her Shawnee way of life. In doing so, she pushes away the warrior mentioned in prophecy that wants to rescue her from the evil that she can't defeat by herself.
What a lovely portrayal is Calico of the Shawnee way of life. From the story narration we see various character's point of views that highlight all that was that type of way of life. It also points out the hatred at times of the white people toward tribal life. There are great moments filled with romance that is both sweet and hot. The romantic scenes also touch along several sexual encounters that are heart-warming but not overtly graphic. All these things are very pleasant to come across but what's the best is the paranormal chips in Calico that stand out, so brightly with the created myth of "Our Grandmother" and other spirit guides of what's surely Shawnee lore.
Highly recommend for quite a few reasons from its historical fiction and its paranormal instances. Tribal language and other characters' language can be heard in the writing itself further supplementing the genius of the whole novel. While the introduction was not all a bad start it's toward the middle portion and until the end that its entirety grapples your attention. The creativity in myth which has hardly been used in recent years is by far a big bonus!
For This Review: *Book Copy Provided For Review by Author*
Overall: Amazing read!
Genre: Historical Fiction, Paranormal, Shawnee Indians Way Of Life
Recommend Ages: 17 and Up
November 4, 2013
I was intrigued by the premise of this book, and was looking forward to reading a gripping account of a white woman surviving and navigating life with the Native American Indian Shawnee; and I tried, I mean really tried to like this book as much as I’d hoped I would, but it just didn’t hit the spot for me. Also if you do not want to read about rape and molestation, you definitely want to give this book a wide berth.
There is very little development of any of the characters we find packed in this novels pages, and at times the dialogue can become very confusing because of them speaking in a difficult to follow, for me anyway, mix of French, Shawnee and English. Add to this the fact that the majority of the characters have more than one name, do not seem to understand the true meaning of loyalty, and you have characters that you will spend so much time trying to understand and connect with, it detracts from any enjoyment that could be found in the book.
With a little less dialect and complexity and a lot more editing and proofreading, this could have the potential to become a good start to an interesting series of books; unfortunately, as it is it falls far short of any expectations I had. It is packed full of events and scenarios that would have been easier to navigate if it had been spaced over either two books, or the novel had been longer to accommodate everything; in its current form it was just too much.
I did persevere to end, and it is with many apologies to the Author, but I just cannot recommend this book to anyone. There may be some readers out there that would thoroughly enjoy this novel, and the way in which it was written, and this one instance where I am glad that not everyone has same the same taste or expectations in their reading material.
Originally reviewed on: http://catesbooknuthut.com/2013/11/04...
There is very little development of any of the characters we find packed in this novels pages, and at times the dialogue can become very confusing because of them speaking in a difficult to follow, for me anyway, mix of French, Shawnee and English. Add to this the fact that the majority of the characters have more than one name, do not seem to understand the true meaning of loyalty, and you have characters that you will spend so much time trying to understand and connect with, it detracts from any enjoyment that could be found in the book.
With a little less dialect and complexity and a lot more editing and proofreading, this could have the potential to become a good start to an interesting series of books; unfortunately, as it is it falls far short of any expectations I had. It is packed full of events and scenarios that would have been easier to navigate if it had been spaced over either two books, or the novel had been longer to accommodate everything; in its current form it was just too much.
I did persevere to end, and it is with many apologies to the Author, but I just cannot recommend this book to anyone. There may be some readers out there that would thoroughly enjoy this novel, and the way in which it was written, and this one instance where I am glad that not everyone has same the same taste or expectations in their reading material.
Originally reviewed on: http://catesbooknuthut.com/2013/11/04...
January 28, 2012
This was an excellent book. I typically don't read this genre type but I was amazed how I got into it. I wasn't sure I was going to like it initially because it started out with a lot of broken English and Shawnee language because duh it was involving the Shawnee's and the British. I can't wait for the second book Rose to come out. Allison did a great job keeping me interested. It was a wonderful read even without the demons, witches, werewolves and vampires that I normally read. Calico and Little Owl's lives were brought to life in front of me.
April 13, 2014
This was a truly excellent read! The tale of Calico and Little Owl began slowly but rapidly took off. In this book you will find romance, lies, love, magic, and deceit and all are intricately entwined.
Once past the first couple of chapters I was hooked and didn't want to put the book down. It reads quickly, much like a TV series. I could easily see this book becoming an HBO series in the future. I am looking forward to the second one already!
Once past the first couple of chapters I was hooked and didn't want to put the book down. It reads quickly, much like a TV series. I could easily see this book becoming an HBO series in the future. I am looking forward to the second one already!
June 1, 2013
This is a satisfying, complex read that weaves early American history and fiction into a seamless whole. Ms. Bruning uses the unique perspective of Caucasians who have been adopted by the Shawnee to explore the culture and the customs of this Native American tribe.
For anyone who enjoys a dash of history with their fiction, this is a must-read.
For anyone who enjoys a dash of history with their fiction, this is a must-read.
January 29, 2012
I enjoyed this book and was surprised at the depth of the characters and the complexity of the plot. The mixture of history and spirituality made for several unexpected developments in the story the kept me guessing. A good story and worth your time to read.
April 21, 2015
Absolutely loved this book! Historical romance book between A White woman and a Shawnee Warrior and their struggles with each others cultures. But love always prevails!
February 24, 2012
Today's review is on Calico by Allison Bruning
Calico is a delightful story of a young French noble who was born on the land of the Shawnee Indians; along with her twin sister. Choosing to stay among the Shawnee, Calico struggles to become a woman worthy of a Shawnee man. She can not sew well or do bead work very well. She is however good at getting on the nerves of Little Owl Quick As The Wind.
Little Owl and Calico; who's name is changed to Snow Vision Seeker Buffalo Woman, have been at odds with each other all of their lives. The anger Little Owl has towards the white man is so strong that he can hardly stand her being in the village. But as we know, there is a fine line between love and hate.
While dealing with the death of his father; the War Chief, Little Owl is shocked to learn from his Spirit Guide that he must be the one to protect Calico from "A man whose heart appears pure" but is not. Upon returning to the village he competes with his brothers to become the War Chief, and bids for Calico's hand.
Calico is constantly beaten and raped by someone in the village and becomes pregnant. After their marriage, Little Owl feels that he has been deceived and leaves Calico with her bastard child Black Buffalo. He has tried time and time again to find out who the father is and who is beating her to no avail. All she gives him are riddles and says that he will kill her if she tells anyone.
Calico is a fantastic love story filled with history. Her knowledge of the Shawnee Indians adds to this book. Authentic Shawnee vocabulary; though sometimes difficult for me to pronounce, was fantastic. You can tell that Bruning has done extensive research in this area for her book.
Though I really enjoyed reading Calico, there was a tremendously large amount of editing mistakes throughout. Also, at times I felt that the story dragged on. Did the parts about Alexander really need to be in the book? I'm not to certain about that.
3.5 of 5 stars
Calico is a delightful story of a young French noble who was born on the land of the Shawnee Indians; along with her twin sister. Choosing to stay among the Shawnee, Calico struggles to become a woman worthy of a Shawnee man. She can not sew well or do bead work very well. She is however good at getting on the nerves of Little Owl Quick As The Wind.
Little Owl and Calico; who's name is changed to Snow Vision Seeker Buffalo Woman, have been at odds with each other all of their lives. The anger Little Owl has towards the white man is so strong that he can hardly stand her being in the village. But as we know, there is a fine line between love and hate.
While dealing with the death of his father; the War Chief, Little Owl is shocked to learn from his Spirit Guide that he must be the one to protect Calico from "A man whose heart appears pure" but is not. Upon returning to the village he competes with his brothers to become the War Chief, and bids for Calico's hand.
Calico is constantly beaten and raped by someone in the village and becomes pregnant. After their marriage, Little Owl feels that he has been deceived and leaves Calico with her bastard child Black Buffalo. He has tried time and time again to find out who the father is and who is beating her to no avail. All she gives him are riddles and says that he will kill her if she tells anyone.
Calico is a fantastic love story filled with history. Her knowledge of the Shawnee Indians adds to this book. Authentic Shawnee vocabulary; though sometimes difficult for me to pronounce, was fantastic. You can tell that Bruning has done extensive research in this area for her book.
Though I really enjoyed reading Calico, there was a tremendously large amount of editing mistakes throughout. Also, at times I felt that the story dragged on. Did the parts about Alexander really need to be in the book? I'm not to certain about that.
3.5 of 5 stars
May 15, 2012
This is the story of a young girl named Calico. She is destined to be nobility with her twin sister. Sadly her parents have died and her sister has been sent away while she is brought up Shawnee. (A Native American tribe). She grows up to be a beautiful and powerful healer woman. Sadly she is abused and brutalised by a shaman she looks on as a father. The spirits have prophesied that she will marry a war chief who hates everything she is and stands for and he will be the one to end her suffering. Can Calico find the love and peace she has been searching for?
Where do I start with this? I am afraid nothing I say can do it justice! I have just finished reading and I am stunned by the range of emotions I feel. (Addendum to draft I wrote last night - I woke up this morning having dreamt about the book. To me this is a sign of a good book!!) My heart goes out to Calico for she has suffered. (But at times I did want to slap her for her utter stubbornness!) This was a total page turner, steeped in history and I enjoyed every word. I found myself transported to a time and place I knew nothing about and learned so much through Calico's eyes. I was sad when it ended because it meant there would be no more! I totally recommend this and am eager to read book 2 when it is ready.
Where do I start with this? I am afraid nothing I say can do it justice! I have just finished reading and I am stunned by the range of emotions I feel. (Addendum to draft I wrote last night - I woke up this morning having dreamt about the book. To me this is a sign of a good book!!) My heart goes out to Calico for she has suffered. (But at times I did want to slap her for her utter stubbornness!) This was a total page turner, steeped in history and I enjoyed every word. I found myself transported to a time and place I knew nothing about and learned so much through Calico's eyes. I was sad when it ended because it meant there would be no more! I totally recommend this and am eager to read book 2 when it is ready.
November 30, 2011
This book was very accurate in the portrayal of The Shawnee Indians. I really enjoyed reading it because my uncle by marriage is 100% Cherokee Indian and I love to here his stories about the tribe.
Calico is having a hard time adjusting to her adoptive parents. She has been born an Indian and all she wants to do is live in the beauty of nature and hunt like her people do and live like her people did. She wants to be free but she is stuck in a life style that she is not familiar with. She is expected to be a women and act like a lady.
What is a girl to do when she feels like she should be one way but is expected to be a different? Will she ever forgive the person who betrayed her? Will she ever have a truce between herself and a boy she hates?
Read on to find out! This book is so capturing that once you read it you will not be able to put it down! If you are a real history buff then you will def love love this book.
Calico is having a hard time adjusting to her adoptive parents. She has been born an Indian and all she wants to do is live in the beauty of nature and hunt like her people do and live like her people did. She wants to be free but she is stuck in a life style that she is not familiar with. She is expected to be a women and act like a lady.
What is a girl to do when she feels like she should be one way but is expected to be a different? Will she ever forgive the person who betrayed her? Will she ever have a truce between herself and a boy she hates?
Read on to find out! This book is so capturing that once you read it you will not be able to put it down! If you are a real history buff then you will def love love this book.
December 14, 2011
Calico is a wonderfully written historical romance filled with colorful characters and an amazing story. I really enjoyed reading this book because of its rich detail. Bruning does a wonderful job recreating the world of the Shawnee nation, not only is she extremely thorough, but she is extremely knowledgeable on her information of Native Americans. My only complaint is the beginning dragged a little bit. I loved Calico's wild spirit and the struggle with her living adjustments is what really opens everything up in the story. The tension between her and Little Owl Quick As The Wind drew me in immediately. I look forward to the next book in the series which deals with Calico's sister Rose. Overall, I really found this book a great read! If you are a fan of historical fiction with a bit of romance then I highly recommend this book. I also really LOVE the cover.
October 6, 2013
Finished reading ‘Calico--Children of the Shawnee: Book One’ by Allison Bruning. After having read the book a second time, I find myself perusing the story, amazed at how each of the characters' lives is strangely entwined with the others, and how they evolve and blend into the flow of the main plot. True history is included, tightly woven with threads of fantasy...right down to the Gotcha! Suspenseful ending. Truly an entertaining and informative read that stays with me. I’ll definitely check out this author’s next book.
Reviewed by: Dr. Ruby Moon-Houldson (Earth Realms Reviews)
Reviewed by: Dr. Ruby Moon-Houldson (Earth Realms Reviews)
June 3, 2012
I love to read about North American Indians, but this one was too confusing to me. There are so many characters, and just when you think you know who is who, their names change. There is a lot of French,and Indian word or phrases scattered through out the story, which I normally like, but I don't think this added to the story. Then there is the strangeness of the super-natural, and I won't say more.
June 5, 2012
I love historical romance with native americans in it :D, but this one blew me away. :D It was exciting in more ways than one. So many twist and turns and one big turn of events that will totally blow you away, so did not see that one coming lmao. Paranormal stuff in this read??? Oh yeah, shamans, demons and angels :D I love this book :D This is a must read :D
♥♥♥♥♥
♥♥♥♥♥
July 8, 2013
Allison Bruning captures the true essence of the Shawnee in her book Calico. Calico (Marie Turner) is raised by the Shawnee. She becomes a great medicine woman, and in the path of that trial, is a man who loves her more than anything, Chief Little Bear. Can she trust him to save her from the one man who is Chief Little Bear's best friend and confident.
June 13, 2012
This book was a little hard to get into. The characters were hard to keep up with but I plowed through and half way through I was enjoying the story.
If you like Native American culture you will probably like this book.
If you like Native American culture you will probably like this book.
Want to read
May 25, 2012$0.0
May 22, 2014
This was one of the Children of the Shawnee series.
It takes place in Ky. a great indian book.
I want to read book 2 The Childlren of the Shawnee, Rose's Story.
It takes place in Ky. a great indian book.
I want to read book 2 The Childlren of the Shawnee, Rose's Story.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews