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People of the Longhouse #4
People of the Black Sun
A novel of North America's Forgotten Past
The epic tale that began in The People of the Longhouse draws to a close in People of the Black Sun, the final installation of the Iroquois quartet by award-winning archaeologists and New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors Kathleen O'Neal Gear and W. Michael Gear.
The darkness that Dekanawida has envisioned is drawing closer, and the warring Iroquois nations have refused to listen to his message of peace and compassion. Consumed by madness, Chief Atotarho is determined to subjugate all five nations—beginning with Dekanawida's own people, the Standing Stone nation. All who stand in his way will be destroyed.
It is on the field of battle that Dekanawida is given his first real advantage in his quest for peace. A great storm appears to answer his call, scattering Atotarho's forces when they are on the verge of annihilating the Standing Stone People.
Now elevated to the status of Prophet, Dekanawida must call on the aid of old friends Baji and Hiyawento to convince the hostile neighboring clans that the destruction of one nation will mean the end of them all. Can their mission of peace succeed in time to save everyone that they love, or will their world be consumed by darkness?
The epic tale that began in The People of the Longhouse draws to a close in People of the Black Sun, the final installation of the Iroquois quartet by award-winning archaeologists and New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors Kathleen O'Neal Gear and W. Michael Gear.
The darkness that Dekanawida has envisioned is drawing closer, and the warring Iroquois nations have refused to listen to his message of peace and compassion. Consumed by madness, Chief Atotarho is determined to subjugate all five nations—beginning with Dekanawida's own people, the Standing Stone nation. All who stand in his way will be destroyed.
It is on the field of battle that Dekanawida is given his first real advantage in his quest for peace. A great storm appears to answer his call, scattering Atotarho's forces when they are on the verge of annihilating the Standing Stone People.
Now elevated to the status of Prophet, Dekanawida must call on the aid of old friends Baji and Hiyawento to convince the hostile neighboring clans that the destruction of one nation will mean the end of them all. Can their mission of peace succeed in time to save everyone that they love, or will their world be consumed by darkness?
528 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 16, 2012
28 people are currently reading
935 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen O'Neal Gear
137 books710 followersMy 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...
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...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
August 1, 2015
People of the Black Sun: A People of the Longhouse Novel (Iroquois #4)
by W. Michael Gear, Kathleen O'Neal Gear
I have to read this book a second time immediately because of the scope and nature of the story. I am blown away by the imagery of the majestic scope of the battles, and adventures that have occurred to the characters with in the long house series.
I had drawn out hope that Cord had survived the ambush of his war party after their desperate salvation of the People of the Yellowtail village, and Bur Oak village.
I was so overwhelmed in the devastation that Atotharho brought to the people, how so many was barely surviving by their fingernails breathe.
I was lost in the story of Baji and Sky Massager that it took a while to realize that she was like Sonon, and although seen by many of the characters it was she who was lost in the battle and consumed by Atotharho...
I love the fact that despite the desire of a writer to bring a good end to the dramatic story that they allowed Atotharho to come to his authentic reality.
This story brings appreciation to the acts of peace makers throughout the world.
Sky Messager like Gandhi had to endure and face things that a normal man cannot bear to endure, and to come out without seeking his own personal needs.
Yes it is a fitting end to the series that did blow me a way as I cried in the morning while I turned the last few pages I desperately needed to finish to just to see how it all turned out.
by W. Michael Gear, Kathleen O'Neal Gear
I have to read this book a second time immediately because of the scope and nature of the story. I am blown away by the imagery of the majestic scope of the battles, and adventures that have occurred to the characters with in the long house series.
I had drawn out hope that Cord had survived the ambush of his war party after their desperate salvation of the People of the Yellowtail village, and Bur Oak village.
I was so overwhelmed in the devastation that Atotharho brought to the people, how so many was barely surviving by their fingernails breathe.
I was lost in the story of Baji and Sky Massager that it took a while to realize that she was like Sonon, and although seen by many of the characters it was she who was lost in the battle and consumed by Atotharho...
I love the fact that despite the desire of a writer to bring a good end to the dramatic story that they allowed Atotharho to come to his authentic reality.
This story brings appreciation to the acts of peace makers throughout the world.
Sky Messager like Gandhi had to endure and face things that a normal man cannot bear to endure, and to come out without seeking his own personal needs.
Yes it is a fitting end to the series that did blow me a way as I cried in the morning while I turned the last few pages I desperately needed to finish to just to see how it all turned out.
May 7, 2020
PEOPLE OF THE BLACK SUN is another triumph of a story by the phenomenal writing duo of Kathleen O'Neal Gear and W. Michael Gear.
Their books are meticulously researched. Because of the author's backgrounds in archeology, they are able to use artifacts found on their digs to create detailed and believable descriptions of what the character's lives were like.
I highly recommend any and all books written by; either this dynamic writing duo together, or the books that each have written on their own.
4.5 OUT OF 5 STARS
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1/2
Their books are meticulously researched. Because of the author's backgrounds in archeology, they are able to use artifacts found on their digs to create detailed and believable descriptions of what the character's lives were like.
I highly recommend any and all books written by; either this dynamic writing duo together, or the books that each have written on their own.
4.5 OUT OF 5 STARS
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1/2
October 22, 2022
And God this one was amazing. Such a conclusion! But man such bittersweet heartbreak with Baji and Gitchi.
January 3, 2013
Great finish to the series based on the real history of the Iriquoi in upstate New York. The Gears are one of my favorites.
March 17, 2019
Left me breathless
This is the 4th and final book in THE PEOPLE OF THE LONGHOUSE collection. I have read the series, all four books, at least four times. The amount of detail, the Gear's can add too a story is unrivaled. To do it while still writing with depth, on each character, Tribal differences and beliefs.. War between the Five Nations, was gruesome, fierce and self destructive. Dikanawanda, Hiyawento, Atotahro, Jigonsonseh, these are all real historical figures. How do you go from blood feuds, stealing, killing each other, too being a Confederation? Thomas Jefferson had the League, in mind while writing the Declaration of Independence. One man one vote, was learned from them. As well as All men are created equal...
These books should be required reading. It is truly how The ideal. I saw an interview with Michael and Kathy, where they mentioned most publishers are Leary about multiple books. I want to personally thank TOR, for always believing in Mike and Kathleen and publishing them. If they had 20 books in a series, myself and at least 3000 others, will read ever single one.
This is the 4th and final book in THE PEOPLE OF THE LONGHOUSE collection. I have read the series, all four books, at least four times. The amount of detail, the Gear's can add too a story is unrivaled. To do it while still writing with depth, on each character, Tribal differences and beliefs.. War between the Five Nations, was gruesome, fierce and self destructive. Dikanawanda, Hiyawento, Atotahro, Jigonsonseh, these are all real historical figures. How do you go from blood feuds, stealing, killing each other, too being a Confederation? Thomas Jefferson had the League, in mind while writing the Declaration of Independence. One man one vote, was learned from them. As well as All men are created equal...
These books should be required reading. It is truly how The ideal. I saw an interview with Michael and Kathy, where they mentioned most publishers are Leary about multiple books. I want to personally thank TOR, for always believing in Mike and Kathleen and publishing them. If they had 20 books in a series, myself and at least 3000 others, will read ever single one.
February 23, 2023
Book #20 in the series: North America's Forgotten Past, and book #4 in the sub-series: People of the Longhouse.
This is the last book in the sub-series, and it closes the loop for this group of characters, that were instrumental in bringing about peace in the last after decades of war.
While this is fiction, it is also historical and attempts to match the oral histories of the Iroquois how they went from blood feuds to peace, which influenced the United States.
This is a good conclusion to the series, the best book of the four, but if this was read alone I don’t think the power contained within would be as striking.
I do enjoy these books written by wife and husband team, that through their education, research and dedication bring historical novels of the people of the Americas past.
This is the last book in the sub-series, and it closes the loop for this group of characters, that were instrumental in bringing about peace in the last after decades of war.
While this is fiction, it is also historical and attempts to match the oral histories of the Iroquois how they went from blood feuds to peace, which influenced the United States.
This is a good conclusion to the series, the best book of the four, but if this was read alone I don’t think the power contained within would be as striking.
I do enjoy these books written by wife and husband team, that through their education, research and dedication bring historical novels of the people of the Americas past.
April 10, 2014
You know its a good book when you feel like your saying goodbye to a good friend. The book wrapped the series up smoothly. I'll reread this series in the future.
November 8, 2012
Most people pass these books by but I really get caught up in them. I find it amazing to imagine what life during these time must have been like.
October 9, 2018
Spread over four books and 1,360 pages, the Gears conclude their epic tale of Dekanawida, the Great Peacemaker, who brought warring factions together to unite the Iroquois Confederacy. The Mohawk, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and Oneida nations were once bitter enemies who lived to attack and destroy each other. Generations of blood feuds finally brought them to the brink of destruction, but the courage of Dekanawida and his companions showed a path forward through peace.
With the Gears, readers will once again find a story firmly rooted in history and anthropology. The representative governing structure of the Iroquois Confederacy influenced the American Founding Fathers (who conveniently overlooked the female-dominated ruling family structure). This truly is American history that is often overlooked or ignored. A recommended quartet for those who enjoy examining, and learning, the past through fiction.
With the Gears, readers will once again find a story firmly rooted in history and anthropology. The representative governing structure of the Iroquois Confederacy influenced the American Founding Fathers (who conveniently overlooked the female-dominated ruling family structure). This truly is American history that is often overlooked or ignored. A recommended quartet for those who enjoy examining, and learning, the past through fiction.
July 2, 2018
The story of The People of the Longhouse was four books long, and I loved all of it. It ended bitter sweet (as do most stories based on life or legend.) I loved the evolution of the characters and of the relationships that tied children of different peoples together from the first book through the last. As always, these books are steeped in spiritualism and mysticism which plunge the reader into the culture of the distant past.
August 18, 2020
I enjoyed this book very much and would recommend it to anyone who likes native American stories.
I liked this book very I enjoy native American stories. Also, it's not so short that you fall off your chair expecting more to the story.
I liked this book very I enjoy native American stories. Also, it's not so short that you fall off your chair expecting more to the story.
February 24, 2019
Excellent ending of the story
This book has an excellent ending to a long and tangled story involving all the nations of the Iroquois people. Wonderful legend!
This book has an excellent ending to a long and tangled story involving all the nations of the Iroquois people. Wonderful legend!
May 17, 2021
This is an absolutely great book. This is one of my favourite series of books of all time.
September 17, 2015
It took me a long time to finish this book since I used it as a fall back when I didn’t have another PB to read, so I've forgotten some of the early bits. I did like the story though. It wasn't as gory as the previous ones and had some interesting action and twisted plot lines.
The ending was great in that the real bad guys got killed or taken care of as needed. The good guys sort of had a HEA, though some were iffy and others were getting there. But the tribes themselves seem on the right path, but we’ll see if they stay there.
I did get somewhat confused when they switched back and forth between their childhood names and their new one especially since some of the names are complicated. That made it hard to keep track or who’s where doing what with whom.
Quick Thoughts: 1)I don’t like that Baji and Sky Messenger are together on the trip. Yes, they love each other, but he has a wife. A pregnant wife.
Fave Scenes: the attack after clearing the leaves, burning Yellowtail village, Jigonsaseh reprimanding Sindak, Gitchi protecting Baji.
The ending was great in that the real bad guys got killed or taken care of as needed. The good guys sort of had a HEA, though some were iffy and others were getting there. But the tribes themselves seem on the right path, but we’ll see if they stay there.
I did get somewhat confused when they switched back and forth between their childhood names and their new one especially since some of the names are complicated. That made it hard to keep track or who’s where doing what with whom.
Quick Thoughts: 1)I don’t like that Baji and Sky Messenger are together on the trip. Yes, they love each other, but he has a wife. A pregnant wife.
Fave Scenes: the attack after clearing the leaves, burning Yellowtail village, Jigonsaseh reprimanding Sindak, Gitchi protecting Baji.
May 13, 2013
I thought the series would have been better served with three books instead of four. It seemed to drag on little bit by the time I got through this one. The writing is nonetheless mostly enjoyable. Also a wrap up back to the first book as Sky Messenger crosses the bridge would have been nice. I thought it was weird when book one started with that and then went back to his childhood. The final book should have closed his circle of life.
December 5, 2016
This conclude the Ancient history series. This one is full of death, blood and gore but Sky Messenger persists in his message of peace. It is also a suspenseful book, keeping you on your toes while reading it. When the white man arrived The Iroquois Nation consisted of seven tribes. They had political meetings in which women were included and wrote out a constitution which our forefathers borrowed in forming our government. All this traces back to the fictitious story in this book.
November 6, 2012
This book by Gear and Gear is one of a series of books they have written. This is indeed the best series of books by an author(s) that I have read. For those who have read the other books in this particular series, if you don't cry like I did when I finished it, you have missed something. A wonderful read.
J. Robert Ewbank author "Wesley's Wars" and "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the Isms"
J. Robert Ewbank author "Wesley's Wars" and "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the Isms"
March 21, 2015
The war between the tribes is over, let the peace chiefs reign. Since I enjoy reading historical fiction, I will add this 3-book series to anyone's must read list. The Gear's are good authors and anyone would enjoy any of their books. I am hopeful that they can continue to produce new hard copy is this digital age.
November 24, 2012
This is the last in this particular series...I really liked it and found it hard to put down. These books by Kathleen and Michael Gear are really good! I love all the books by them..They are archeologists so they get the facts right but make it an interesting story too.
March 16, 2013
Very good conclusion to the People of the Longhouse series. Other books were a little confusing, but it all came together in this one. Great story and I love that it all happened right here where I live!!!
November 15, 2012
Excellent ending to a fantastic series. My desires find its only fault being too short, lol.
August 21, 2019
So emotional. I cried & cried.
December 4, 2012
Probably the best of the four-book series. It really keeps your attention, and the accounts of Iroquois customs and beliefs continue to be interesting.
December 27, 2012
Kind of disappointed in the ending. Sometimes hard to read. Could be confusing.
October 17, 2013
love this series
February 11, 2013
I loved this book. I've never been disappointed by a book by the Gears.
December 30, 2023
What a fantastic end to this series of 4 books on the beginning of the Iriquois nation. I want to start all 4 books over and read them again and again!
February 23, 2013
Almost done with this book. It is a great conclusion to the series. A lot of things happen that make sense after the fact but that I was not able to predict.
March 6, 2013
I really liked this conclusion to the series. I rushed through it and then was so disappointed that there wasn't more to read. The old problem of a really good book.
July 17, 2013
Book # 4 of a great series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews