War Party

by J. Drew Brumbaugh

In a world where dreams are belittled and apathy has become a staple, War Party proves that one unlikely hero can still make a difference. Tommy Galiwee, a native-American teen, wants desperately to be a warrior despite having been taught that Indian warriors no longer exist. Criticized and harassed by his father and tribal elders, Tommy sets out to prove he is much more than an idle dreamer. Driven by a mysterious vision and seeking to fulfill his dream, Tommy will lead a group of rag-tag friends on an adventure they will never forget; an adventure that will find them pitted against a group of well-funded modern day terrorists determined to seize and destroy the tiny town of Finkle Creek just outside the boys' reservation. In War Party this one young man will find the inner strength to follow his vision, to do the right thing and prove that true Indian spirit and courage still exists.

375 pages, Paperback

First published February 23, 2013

About the author

I live in northeast Ohio where I write sci-fi, fantasy, and suspense novels, along with a few short stories. Mostly I write stories I think I'd like to read with characters that are interesting enough that readers want to find out what happens to them. I also spend time building a Japanese strolling garden in the back yard, and taking walks in the woods. I have nine novels in print, the most recent being "Broken Albatross," the third in the Galiwee Visions series, plus a collection of short stories, and a co-authored children’s book. A brand new fantasy trilogy is in the works and should see the first book coming out in 2025. I love hearing back from readers so please feel free to send me your thoughts.

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a world filled with alienated souls, a native-American teen strives to become the warrior his grandfather promised he should be; an Arab-American store-owner wonders where his true loyalties lie; and the powers that be wonder how to exercise authority, while failing to exercise care. As worlds collide, it’s a heady mix, and the life of a small Utah town might hang in the balance.

“Not all wars are fought with guns and bullets. Words can be powerful ammunition,” says the wise Indian grandfather. Not all skills are expected, and not all allies are predictable either. And hopeless teens can’t be written off after all.

The power-hungry journalist chases her story, powerful factions dictate its path, and the powerless change the ending of this tale. It’s surprisingly evocative, describing frantic flights and freeways just as surely as Utah’s gorgeous scenery. And it’s a beautiful tale of a young man’s coming of age, in a world that has forgotten the meaning of aging. I sincerely hope the author has more stories to tell of Tommy Galiwee.

Disclosure: I won a copy of this. I’m so lucky!

[J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay so as author I guess giving myself 5 stars is cheating. But, reading this again after a long time away from it, I surprised myself with how well it kept my attention and how well I felt about it. I did find a couple of typos, which made me grimace after all the work that went into finding and eliminating them. I was reminded of what I had in mind when I started writing, who would be the main character, and how it all morphed as the story developed into something different with a different main character. No regrets. And based on feedback from readers, it all turned out okay.

[Susan Hommel Bernstetter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this because it is set in present day. Every part of the story is totally plausible. It keeps you wanting more.

[SARIT · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy the book, and I think the best way to open my review is with citation from the prologue of the book:
"In any free and open society there exist individuals who believe they can further their own ideological believes by causing injury and destruction to person and property. these individuals seek to remain invisible in the midst of citizenry, even as they concoct violent schemes against their neighbors...."

So... who are the heroes that are going to stop them or give hand when the harm is taking place?

"....Often they arise from the same unsuspecting people. They are individuals ordinary in every way expect that at the crucial moment, when fate force them to make a decision, they manage to over come the shock and fear to do something noble..."

As we all, unfortunately aware, lately there had been too many terrorist incidents in the US and outside...and the reasons went from religious and revenge to pure madness....But no mater murder is a murder as, no body has the right to kill somebody else.

In the book we find references to the issues as big system like FBI CIA and homeland security have in pinpoint and prevent them.

We also find introductions to different cultures. I really loved to learn a bout American natives in general the Pauite culture In particular. (literally fell in love in the rainbow warrior aspect).
I hope that the people in the rez's will have more pride in there heritage, which can teach us the "palefaces" much about harmony with nature and between people.

Most recommended!

[David Dishmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was given to me in a give away on here. The book was very interesting and gave the view points of each side whih was refreshing and new. Many times in books and movies the so called bad guys aren't really given a motive. They are just bad and do bad cause they are bad. By giving background for each of the charecters and giving insight to their thoughts and emotions the story is more than just good vs bad. Each person in the story is trying to reah a goal yet the choices to get there aren't always clear. Some of those choices make the next harder to decide at times. Doing this makes the book more realistic in that the world is more gray then black and white.