The Dawn Country: A People of the Longhouse Novel

North America's Forgotten Past #18

by Kathleen O'Neal Gear

The epic tale that began in People of the Longhouse continues in this second book of the thrilling new Iroquois quartet by bestselling authors and archaeologists Kathleen O’Neal Gear and W. Michael Gear. War Chief Koracoo and Deputy Gonda of the Standing Stone People have successfully rescued their children, Odion and Tutelo, from Gannajero the Trader. Known as the Crow, Gannajero is a figure out of nightmare—a witch who steals children. Odion’s friend Wrass is still held captive, along with several other children, in Gannajero’s camp, and Koracoo and Gonda are determined to save them all. This time, Koracoo and Gonda have a battle-weary Mohawk war chief and a Healer from the People of the Dawnland, who have also lost children to Gannajero. These bitter enemies must learn to trust each other and find common ground. Will they be able to put their differences aside and rescue the children before they are sold and carried off to distant villages—and lost to their families and homes forever? With their trademark mastery of American prehistory, Kathleen and Michael Gear tell a very human story of love and courage set against the backdrop of violent and endemic warfare of the Iroquois nations prior to the founding of the League of the Iroquois.

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

304 pages, Hardcover

First published March 15, 2011

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

[Angelique Simonsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh the tale continues and before I knew it half the book was read! This well crafted tale is just so engrossing. Highly recommend this series

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a thrilling, edge of your seat, can't put it down because you need to see what happens on the next page type of book. If I could give it six stars I would. I'm a big fan of the Gears and their Native American books but the People of the Longhouse series is fantastic. I am excited about the third book in the series which is coming out in Jan. 2012. I may pre-order it so I have it right away. The idea of the series is to give a possible explanation for the beginning of the Iriquois nation which was the basis for the United States. So it's an important story and one that needs to be told. This book and the previous one, "The People of the Longhouse" give a plausible, mesmerizing story for the genesis of the Iriquois nation. It's definitely a six star book! I highly recommend it.

[Aubrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a historical fiction, I give this 5 stars. As a story, I give it 3.

I would like to note that this is the first book I've read of the Longhouse series. Would I read another one? Only because I am a Native American and am desperate for representation; even from culture's my nation isn't a part of.


Let's start with something I liked. Beyond the historical accuracy-ish everyone is raving over.

I liked how the mythology and magic was very...on the side. It will make the more "athiest"* readers happy, at least until the climax; while simultaneously prevents the "magical Native American stereotype".But it also please the people who like to believe in folklores and fairfolk.

(*I say it in quotations because I don’t know a single word for "doesn't believe in magik/NA mythologies. I do not mean to imply that athiests don't believe in magik and fairfolk. As a pagan, I know well that some do! And that not all anti-magik/spirit people are athiest. Mant are Christian.)

Up until the middle, they had a good description of PTSD and family/people conflicts.

And now for the rest.

The narrative is both great and annoying. Great in its attention to historical details, terrible in its description of looks. The authors have a tendency to wait to describe their characters. They give one or two general details in the beginning, then give a detailed description several chapters later. By the time they've described the character, I've already cemented my own idea into my head. It's very frustrating.

They also repeat descriptions. nosed squashed/broad like a cats sounds clever the first time, then it gets racist. "Ugly like a bats" "crooked nose/body/etc". "Warm tingling in her hand".

And I am SO tired of the (generalized) phrase "his hair was tied back and it gave him a starved look to his face". I was done with the expression the second time. I didn't need to read it anymore, fof multiple people.

There's also how pretty much every chapter starts off with scenery description. Which is great if you read one chapter a day (there are 50 chapters). Annoying if you're in an action scene and being moved to another action scene where you already know the settings and scenery for both sets of characters. Pan-intro-views are for movies. It's best used sparingly in books.

Also, it's not feminist. It tries to be, but it's not. When I began the book, I thought I knew who the characters on the front were. Now that I've I ended it, I have no idea who they're supposed to be. Who is that "pretty" looking girl leading the boy? It can't be Zateri with Wrass, as she has teeth thst stick out. And she certainly isn't holding a club!

Speaking of pretty, there's too much narrative focus on the beauty of the females. (Which, ironically, eventually feels kind of pedophilous). The males get one or two "handsome" or "ugly" descriptions; whereas a girl/Koracoo typically gets around 5 on average. And not from the characters' words. Just general narrative (which is POV, but it gets disconnected. Even though they went out of their way to use multiple fonts so that it could feel like it. Still doesn't work.



The following below is rambling and ranting. Issues that cross my mind since I've ended this book. I may edit it to add more:


As I ended the book, I was left confounded and annoyed. It feels as though the Gears don't know what their audience expects. I was confused by Odion holding Zateri's hand, then dismissed it as friemdship since Wrass couldn't be there. Then when Zateri announced her love for Odion...well, it felt like a crack ship. I don't even ship people, but it was obvious that Wrass and Zateri had something for each other. It just came out of the blue.

This also includes Odion being the hero of legend, though that's slightly more believable. The author keeps telling me how brave Odion is. And he is brave. But not nearly as brave or intelligent as Wrass. Odion even admits that Wrass had a better shot then him. It seems strange to me that Wrass, the near gary-stu, is the one who is the side-kick; while Odion--who gets himself into trouble without any good coming from it- is the legendary hero.

Along with the shipping and hero revelation, I was also confused as to why she easily skipped the Gitchi's side of the story at the end. I know that she's an archeologist and writing from a Native American point of view. That's why I tolerated the repeated comparisons to clubbed dogs thruout the narrative. But the only thing any American would want, amongst all this child-rape and warring horror, is "is the dog okay?". But the puppy doesn't get that. Yes, he turns out fine in the end. But in the meantime, I can't concentrate because neither Cord nor Sindak have given the dog amy comfort. I feel like they don't understand what a reader's priorities towards their characters' are.

Which reminds me. Sexism.
Kathleen -and her husband- seem to try to make it a feminist novel. But it isn't. Koracoo is a quiet, powerful leader; and I've met women like her. And let me tell you, they have more personality. Koracoo is often admired within the narrative for being beautiful. And not just by Cord. And she's not the only female.

The girls are also regularly described as pretty. In comparison, the handsome Shago-Niyoh is only described as handsome once, in the beginning. But like most pseudo-feminist novels, the ciswomen and girls are admired for their beauty, fierceness, and sometimes intelligence. While male characyers are also praised for these, they are also praised for much...wider variations of traits. Zateri was really the most feminist character here, as she was the most rounded; thanks to having been knowledgable in herbs, having chipmunk teeth, and a more explored personality and backstory in general.

The girls who aren't strong aren't shamed, but they aren't very touched upon either. Even though Conkesuma was one of the children of the main party, she's barely mentioned whatsoever. In fact, I thought she was Atotarho's daughter at first! For the longest time I thought there must have been some editing error when I realized it was actually Zateri.

But anyways, if you remember, Conkesuma had gone mute. A boy who probably has a brain injury but is brave is more worthy of describing then a cowardly girl. This was the impression I got. We don't get a viewpoint from her, not once. Actually, I don't think any of the girls got a chapter. Koracoo had one or two, even Gannejeero had one.


The girl children let themselves be led by a boy with a broken arm with no objections. If they passed the bechdel, it was only mentioned in passing. Koracoo also doesn't pass the bechdel test. She even easily gets a crush on Cord! They've only been travelling for...3 days? I'd say it was grief turning her on, but that's an excuse. It's just poor writing.

But to give credit it's due, Cord is a War Chief who respects her judgements openly, as opposed to her ex-husband. But most of these thoughts occur within his head. And while she's intelligent, she's not a mind-reader. In that one romance scene, she comes across as both desperate and vulnerable. Which would have been great, if it had been written to make any sense.


Was there any reason why nobody clipped Wrass' dried-scalp hangings? None?

I thought it was interedting how we had a Native American healer who...I felt was right, but was also a stereotype. But he was portrayed humanly. What was really intriguing was a line, explaining how he must feel amongst savages. But the Natives weren't savages as a whole. It was just how a healer-pacifist might might feel about an emotionally unhealthy warrior. It was...interesting, and very intentional on the authors' part.

I'm dissapointed that the Shagoh-Niyoh didn't get more POV time. His narrative was the most identofiable.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the first book of this series, War Chief Koracoo and her Deputy Gonda battled to rescue their children from an evil human trafficker. Instead of bringing their children home, the pair are now hot in pursuit of their abductor in the hopes of rescuing the children left behind. Once again, enemy territory must be crossed and new allies found.

This is the second of a four book quartet. Quality writing, engaging characters, and just the right amount of history and politics make this another winning title from the Gears.

[Sia McKye · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story opens with war and the capture of many tribes’ children. We follow the tale of two parents determined to rescue their children, War Chief, Koracoo, and her Deputy, Gondo. This especially becomes imperative when they realize just who has their children; Gannajero the trader, aka The Crow, and is witch. Koracoo and Gondo must set aside tribal loyalties and unite with enemies to find and rescue their children. We see the hunt from their point of view and see the hard choices they must make.

We also get the story from the children’s point of view being faced with captivity and depravity. A child’s view of war and casualties. Being forced to do what a child should never have to face and feeling their rescue is up to them as they see that they are mere commodities and expendable. Their entire world and sense of security is shaken. When questioned by a newly captive child as to what to expect, Wrass tells her honestly. “The worst you can imagine. You will obey, or be beaten with war clubs for the slightest offense. Men will come to trade for time with you…and they’ll do things that would get them killed back home…sometimes the child is killed…some are marched away never to be seen again…”

Odion, Wrass, Zateri, and Baji decide to take matters in their own hands and free themselves as well as the rest of the children. Someone must find warriors to help them. The oldest of them is twelve years old. Chilling. But the things they face as children create a burning desire for peace in Odion, son of Koracoo and Gondo. A desire for no child again to face such horrors.

This is an excellent story told by two authors who well know the historical and archeological record of these early times in the Iroquois people. They well acquainted with the religious culture and have heard the oral stories of this time period. What they write puts you on the spot to see these things unfold so you understand the role of the Peacemaker in uniting the tribes under “one nation”.

If you love history, you’ll love this face paced and realistic tale of heartbreak and victory. The characters will touch your heart and you find yourself cheering for their every victory over evil. You’ll come to appreciate great bravery has no age limit.

[Shannon]

The Dawn Country is the follow up to People of the Longhouse and begins immediately following the events that ended book 1. This book portrayed Native Americans in a way I have never read before. More than anything else I could feel the authors’ mastery of their subjects. There is a nonfiction introduction that gives some information about the time frame that the book is set in. I am glad that this was included because I can tell you that I never learned about this in history class.

What screams at me the most from the book is the violent and savage nature of some of the characters. There were parts of the book that I could barely force myself to read but I could not look away either. The most vile parts of human nature have been around long before our time and I think that is a fact I often forget. Or perhaps I just wish it wasn’t true. The interesting thing about life though is that whenever a great evil is there, a greater good arises to defeat it.

The evil in this story is a woman named Gannajero. She sells children for vile acts and abuse to anyone with the wealth to afford them. She is feared by everyone who knows her name. The good in this story is also a woman; her name is Koracoo. She is a war chief and she is determined to rescue the children and stop Gannajero.

The children of the novel are amazing and brave and my heart aches for them as though they were real. We get to experience part of the story through the perspective of one of the children, a boy named Odion. Those portions of the book are among my favorites. He is only 11 and reading his perspective of what happens is heartbreaking and his bravery is inspiring.

Although this novel can stand alone, I think reading People of the Longhouse first is a good idea. The story carries over from the first book and I think it makes the impact of book two much stronger. If you have read any of the authors’ other books, I am sure you will not want to miss these.

BOTTOM LINE: IF YOU WANT TO READ ABOUT NATIVE AMERICANS, MAKE THIS SERIES YOUR FIRST.

[Shawn Spjut · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Dawn Country; Michael & Kathleen O'Neal Gear, 2011; Tom Dougherty Associates LLC.

The Dawn Country (book number two out of four in the People of the Longhouse series) picks up where our not so fine feathered friends, War Chief Karocco, her defunct/ex-husband/Deputy Gonda and their recently acquired enemy-friends Akio, Sindakm, Cord and healer/killer Wakdanek are now on the last desperate leg of their attempt to rescue the rest of the missing children and avenge the death of those that the Trader Gannajero either sold to pedophiles or killed because they refused to perform (I warned you in my last review...Guaranteed to bunch up undies...so don't wear a 'thong'... just saying.).

Yet...our heroes of this second book are not who you think and by the time you turn the last page, I guarantee you that you'll be standing in the middle of the room, shaking your fist at imaginary people yelling, "Your damn right".

My only criticism about this second novel is that Gear and Gear didn't develop Koracco and Gonda's new friends as well in this second novel, as they did in the first. Which is a shame really, because in my not so humble opinion, several of their add-in were worth developing. Which in meant the second book, for me, was a little light on character...which as you know, I think is the best part of any well told story.

Still in all, it was still a really good story and as I mentioned in my review on the People of the Longhouse, laid a good foundation for books three and four, which tell the rest of the story of how the Iroquoian nation was formed and democracy was born.

On a reader's scale of 1-5 stars, I'm giving The Dawn Country 3.5 for good story, and 3 for not developing the new characters better.

[Orchid · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dawn Country picks up pretty much right where People of the Longhouse left off with Koracoo, Gonda, their two allies, and the some of the children they rescued as they continue to search for the rest of the missing children and hunt down Gannajero.

I loved reading People of the Longhouse so I was really excited to start on The Dawn Country, plus there was so much that was left unfinished after the I finished the first one that I had to know what was going to happen to all the characters.

While the story was great and every bit as good as People of the Longhouse, the pace of The Dawn Country was a little bit slower, yet it seemed that the characters faced twice as much the danger as in the previous book

I really liked how the plot was more complex then it first appeared in the first book. It definitely kept me on my toes as my brain went sifting through possibilities for the outcome of the book (I was nearly wrong in my guesses, but in the end I pretty much had figured everything out).

There are so many things that I liked about this book that it's hard to pick just one, but I'll give it my best. One of the things that sticks out the most in mind as I think back over The Dawn Country is the writing. The authors just did an amazing job of bringing the whole era and culture to life with such vibrant storytelling.

Final Verdict: The Dawn Country is one book that'll be on your mind for days after you finish reading it. As you try to wrap your mind around every little thing that happened. Definitely one that I would recommend.

The Dawn Country earns 5 out of 5 pineapples.

[Lenore Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this last week I have been going to bed a bit earlier than usual. Especially tired? No, that was not it. But instead while the Grandbabes where laying down to get to sleep, I was curling up to escape. Each evening I could be found joining the North Americas's Forgotten Past series with The Dawn Country. This was a different sort of books for me to read. But I quickly became entrenched by the story.

This series was written by a husband and wife team. W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O'Neal Gear have taken their talents as archaelolgists and a former state historian to meld together a series of books on the Iroquois tribes. And they have done a wonderful job of bringing this history to life. The Dawn Country is the second in the series of North America's Forgotten Past. The first was People of the Longhouse. While the tribes were fighting with each other to gain land during trying times, several of the children had been kidnapped. Now they are being held in Gannajero's camp and not sure they can wait to be saved. Wrass has decided to help lead the children in an attack against the warriors in hopes that some of them may escape. We know that Koracoo and Gonda are still searching for the children along with the Healer and War Chief. Fighting against time and the knowledge that some of the children are being sold off to other villages, forever lost to their families, these warriors are willing to overcome any obstacle in their way.

I fell for these tribes from the 1400's. Learning of their way of life and acceptance of hard times. It filled me with determination that life is well worth the living.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit, I'm biased when it comes to the series of books written by the Gears. I've been a longtime reader of their work. What I love about it is how they interweave the factual and our inferential understanding of native peoples into their fictional work. They reveal the complex and highly developed customs, beliefs, and rituals of the various nations as they make their way through critical junctures in time (both geological and developmental periods).

This underlying foundation in the truths of these cultures provides a richer context in which to see the characters and understand their choices. At the same time, the reader can see what's been gained and lost over time, through history. As we face our own critical juncture in this country, and globally, we, too, must wonder where power is leading us and who, if anyone, is truly listening to its call.

This book, the 2nd in its series, continues the story of America's native people as they face first contact with Europeans in South East North America. Black Shell and his wife, Pearl Hand, must make their way through the complex political structures of the various nations as they seek to halt and prevent de Soto's destructive march through Florida and the heart of their people. What we discover is that little in politics has changed - the reach for power and the willingness to use it or give it up, determines the course of events. An interesting and gripping read!

[Eileen Souza · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the People of the Longhouse series, which is a part of the larger "People" series.

This is probably the darkest series of the People books that I've read, which is saying something after the Anasazi Mystery series, which dealt with incest, witches, and cannabalism. The second book in the novel picks up where the first one left off - a witch is buying and selling children from war torn villages to be "used" by warrior and men of ill repute. Several of the children escaped and are now working with a small war party to track down the witch and her party.

The story deals with the impacts of trauma on children, and how trials by fire can help you grow into someone more than you were expected to be. Even with this very dark subject matter, the book was a fast page turner and I could not put it down. I hated the bad guys, and loved the good guys, while still learning about pre-Columbian Iroquois people.

Definitely an enjoyable read, and had a good story arc, even though it was a "middle" book.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dawn Country: A People of the Longhouse Novel (Iroquois, #2)
W. Michael Gear,
Kathleen O'Neal Gear

Another dynamic story from the Gear Duo... I have waited impatiently to see how the children survive the trials, and terrible violence in their world. The written draws you into the world of the long house people. Because of the movement of story you are able to meet and understand the differences of the five tribes and see the similarity and ideology of the tribes. this story is the true beginning of the unity of the Iroquois tribes, because of the attachments made between not only the children but by the war chiefs. Koracco seems to be the key aspect of the unity of the group. because of her practice of splitting friends and making enemies work together toward a goal, she has formed relationships between the adults, where the territory and the pain of the enslavement of the children have made them not only close friends and willing to live and die of each other but changes their interpretation of who is their friend and who is their ally...

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is book two in the ‘People of the Longhouse’ tetralogy. War chief Koracoo and her ex-husband Gonda are still searching for their children and rescuing others along the way.

Of course they find them and take care of the bad people, but it’s an interesting story on how. They pick up several unexpected allies along the way.

But what’s most interesting is how the children work together to help rescue themselves, fighting against their oppression and danger.

The book ends with a bittersweet scene where the whole group of children, and their adults, split up to go to their own clans.

Quick thoughts: 1)From the nonfiction introduction I was expecting a lot of gory cannibalism and was a bit hesitate about reading this. But it turned out now to be an issue. It was only mentioned in passing a few times.

Fave Scenes: Wakdanek talking to the wolves, the wolf puppy, Wrass in the tree and Gitchi’s devotion to Odion in the end.

[Arthur · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second of four, I think, by these authors, the history of the people who will become the Iroquois. I first encountered the Gears with a wonderful trilogy about the Anasazi people: "The Visitant," "The Summoning God," and "Bone Walker"--three really amazing and mysterious and very well written "mysteries."

The 2 of the series I've read--"People of the Longhouse" and "The Dawn Country"--tell a riveting and, as I am led to believe, anthropologically and archeologically correct story of pre-European peoples who lived in the areas we name today as New York and New England.

They are riveting; it's been a long time since I've read so late into the night. The authors are attentive to this world and the warring and spiritual practices of these peoples. The novels are not easy to read: the cultural practices are real, the spirituality is compelling, and the worldview demanding--and not just a little bloody. I eagerly look forward to the last in the series "The Broken Land."

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second book in 'The People of the Longhouse' quartet is another winner and is as good as the first one. It starts the same day the other book ends so the story continues without interruption.

The characters and setting are very vivid in these books. Some new characters appear in this book as well as several from the first book who are important to the overall story line.

I am enjoying this quartet and look forward to the next book. These books are an interesting telling of the story of the founding of the League of Iroguois and the struggles and warfare that led up to it. Highly recommended.

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading the Gear books is either an acquired taste or an addiction. I like learning about native cultures at different times of history and I also like the stories. Plenty of danger, mysticism, suspense, murder, intrigue....no real sex though. So it is a reading addiction of mine ( ok I admit it) that is one big step above Janet Evanovich which has really no intellectual value at all..But Evanovich does have the sex!

[J. Ewbank · Rating 4 out of 5]

What more can one say about the Gear's books. They have delighted us with stories about our country's past. Indians have been changed from our view of them through Westerns and other media to stories that are very real to us with characters that live.

J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the 'Isms'"

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note to others: read this asap after People of the Longhouse because both really should combined into one book. I look forward to book 3, The Broken Land, but it sounds not quite like a part 3 in the storyline but a new branch with some of the characters. Regardless, The Dawn Country was as good or better than the first book, People of the Longhouse.

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the thirteenth century AD, the different groups that would later become the Iroquois are fighting among themselves due to over population and a food shortage. This is the story of two small groups trying to find and rescue their children who where captured and sold to a evil slave trader. Pretty fair historical fiction about Native Americans.

[Cheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read it because the previous book, to which this is a sequel, ended so abruptly and left me confused as to what had happened. So, I slogged through this soap opera cloaked as historic fiction. Gory, sensationalistic, exploitive. I stuck with it to find out how the characters would manage -- but I won't bother with the third in this series.

[Elisabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the Gears, together or apart. They are just fantastic story-tellers! I highly recommend every book they have written, but the "People of..." are my favorites! You will learn SO much from them and enjoy every minute of it.

[Citrus Libraries Staff Favorites · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the Gears, together or apart. They are just fantastic story-tellers! I highly recommend every book they have written, but the "People of..." are my favorites! You will learn SO much from them and enjoy every minute of it.

[Kacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't read the book this follows, But the story draws you in, in a heart wrenching way. This writing duo has put out many wonderful books pertaining to native americans. Wonderful book, and will probably read again.

[Edie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like these pre-history books but they are definitely not for everyone. This one is a sequel and I would not suggest that you read it before the first.

[Trista · Rating 4 out of 5]

page turner.evil villains ,wonderful heroes cant wait to the next book jan 2012.

[Farhana Faruq · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is part two of the People in the Longhouse series. (It's so nice reading books in order!!) I loved this as much as the first one, and look forward to reading the next in line :)

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

The continuing story of the early Iroquois Indians. This is told partly from the children's view point and it is a darker read than what the Gears normally do.

[Doris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous exploration into our ancestors' lives. I wait eagerly for part III OF THE PEOPLE. OF THE LONGHOUSE series!

[Jared · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great conclusion to the Iroquois story arc. Disturbing and gripping in the best kind of way.

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was just as addictive and interesting as the one before it. I loved it! Especially the justice at the end! I will be reading the next book as soon as possible!