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The Great Peacemaker Series #2
Across the Great Sparkling Water
To live in captivity, adopted by the enemies of her people, or to break the law and tradition by running away? That question did not occur to Onheda until after she fled Little Falls on the spur of the moment, against any better judgment. If she was to die in the woods, making her way back to her people, accused, even by them, of breaking the ancient custom, it was still the better choice. She would not live among the enemies. Two moons of that had been more than enough. And yet, embarking upon her dangerous journey, she never expected to cross the path of the man who came to change the world of her people and their enemies alike. Who was he? A mysterious foreigner from across the Great Sparkling Water, a man with unusual ideas or the Messenger of the Great Spirits? And was he about to change her life, too?
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 12, 2013
About the author
Zoe Saadia
32 books330 followersZoe Saadia is the author of several novels of pre-Columbian Americas. From the architects of the Aztec Empire to the founders of the Iroquois Great League, from the towering pyramids of the Mexican Valley to the longhouses of the Great Lakes, her novels bring long-forgotten history, cultures and people to life, tracing pivotal events that brought about the greatness of North and Mesoamerica.
Having researched various pre-contact cultures of this continent for more than a decade, she is convinced that it's a shame that such a large part of history was completely overlooked, by historical fiction most of all. Both Americas had an extremely rich, diverse, fascinating history long before this continent came in contact with the rest of the world.
So her professional motto is set. America has not been 'discovered', not yet. Maybe not ever :-)
Having researched various pre-contact cultures of this continent for more than a decade, she is convinced that it's a shame that such a large part of history was completely overlooked, by historical fiction most of all. Both Americas had an extremely rich, diverse, fascinating history long before this continent came in contact with the rest of the world.
So her professional motto is set. America has not been 'discovered', not yet. Maybe not ever :-)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 25, 2015
This is the second in the Peacemaker series, a fictional account based on fact, about how the Great League of the Iroquois was formed. More than a few scholars agree that the latter day USA constitution was influenced by this Great Law of Peace. I'll just mention that it's important to read the first in this series, Two Rivers, first. It's a while since I read the first one so I had to recap, after which the two stories flowed together.
So readable just as an adventure story on its own, Across the Great Sparkling Water (later to become Lake Ontario) is fascinating in that it tells so much about the customs of the time, and the day to day living - and yes, yes, it made me want to go back in time and live amongst them, as all good historical fiction should do. A time and place when life was lived according to the rules of nature only, but with civilised regimes set in place for the efficient survival of communities.
The Great Peacemaker, named Two Rivers, is marvellously multi-faceted, single-minded in his mission to bring about ruling councils and end the warring between the nations, yet so human, too; unlike others of Zoe Saadia's books that I've read, this one contains an element of love and passion of the more mature variety which is very convincing, as Two Rivers fights his feelings for woman, concerned that it will distract him from his cause. Okay, I admit it; I ended up fancying him myself!
There are other terrific characters in this story: Tekeni, from the first book, a young man who accompanies Two Rivers on his journey; Onheda, a fierce and independent young woman trying to return from a kind captivity to her own people; Hionhwatha, the strong, proud, displaced leader of the Onondaga people, and Jikonsahseh, a wise old woman.
This is an excellent series, so well written and easy to read. I can't recommend it too highly, and I am just off to Amazon to buy the next one!
July 21, 2014
I love it when a novel helps history come alive. The first two books of The Peacemaker Trilogy have done that for me. When I was teaching American Literature, we read about the Iroquois Confederation and how it influenced some of our Founding Fathers. These books help the reader understand how difficult the forming of such a confederation was given the propensity of the five tribes to war with each other. It will be a pleasure to read the third book to find out how such an arduous task might have been completed.
This book is more than just a historical novel, it's an adventure story as well.
This book is more than just a historical novel, it's an adventure story as well.
October 28, 2013
Across the Great Sparkling Water (The Peacemaker Trilogy, book 2) by Zoe Saadia
A long time before the United States, a great government was formed in the northeastern area of the United States. This federation and the many myths associated with it are the foundations that this historical fiction series by Ms. Saadia is built on. Like the federation itself, I find this historical fiction trilogy most fascinating.
Book one ended with Two Rivers and Tekeni barely escaping with their lives, but on a mission to change their world. Tekeni is a young man at the time and is bloody and injured, having survived a great battle. Not born to this tribe, he was taken hostage as a young boy and never indoctrinated into the tribe, and therefore never earned the good standing that other hostages sometimes achieve.
Two Rivers was born to the tribe in question, but he constantly found himself at odds with the various people of the tribe. He questioned tradition he thought preposterous, often stepping on the toes of those who accepted tradition as an absolute. He even had the gall to question the wisdom of constant warfare, which alienated him from the warriors that had grown addicted to constant raids.
That Two Rivers and Tekeni would find themselves having to escape was not surprising. Book one ended with the two escaping across the lake where they intended to promote Two Rivers’ revolutionary idea of peace. Book two picks up with them on this mission, Tekeni now a seasoned young man and Two Rivers’ best friend and most devoted follower. They are on the dangerous path of peace, dangerous because not everybody wants peace, some even hostile to the very concept and anybody advocating it. In all of time the tribes had fought and gone to war, nobody had ever much questioned it. Certainly, those on the losing end regretted such battles and wars, but only after the fact, nobody ever seriously advocating the idea of universal peace until Two Rivers came along with his strange tongue and even stranger ideas.
Book two introduces a new character, a remarkable and free-spirited young lady named Onheda who was captive of enemy tribe. Rather than be adopted into the tribe, she ran away, preferring death over captivity. While on the way back to her people, she encounters Two Rivers and joins his cause.
Is the meeting of Two Rivers and Onheda the beginning of a wonderful romance? Will Two Rivers achieve his dream of peace? Will Tekani be united with his girlfriend? These are just a few of the questions that I can’t wait to be answered in book three, which is already in my kindle. Book two is another great book by Zoe Saadia.
A long time before the United States, a great government was formed in the northeastern area of the United States. This federation and the many myths associated with it are the foundations that this historical fiction series by Ms. Saadia is built on. Like the federation itself, I find this historical fiction trilogy most fascinating.
Book one ended with Two Rivers and Tekeni barely escaping with their lives, but on a mission to change their world. Tekeni is a young man at the time and is bloody and injured, having survived a great battle. Not born to this tribe, he was taken hostage as a young boy and never indoctrinated into the tribe, and therefore never earned the good standing that other hostages sometimes achieve.
Two Rivers was born to the tribe in question, but he constantly found himself at odds with the various people of the tribe. He questioned tradition he thought preposterous, often stepping on the toes of those who accepted tradition as an absolute. He even had the gall to question the wisdom of constant warfare, which alienated him from the warriors that had grown addicted to constant raids.
That Two Rivers and Tekeni would find themselves having to escape was not surprising. Book one ended with the two escaping across the lake where they intended to promote Two Rivers’ revolutionary idea of peace. Book two picks up with them on this mission, Tekeni now a seasoned young man and Two Rivers’ best friend and most devoted follower. They are on the dangerous path of peace, dangerous because not everybody wants peace, some even hostile to the very concept and anybody advocating it. In all of time the tribes had fought and gone to war, nobody had ever much questioned it. Certainly, those on the losing end regretted such battles and wars, but only after the fact, nobody ever seriously advocating the idea of universal peace until Two Rivers came along with his strange tongue and even stranger ideas.
Book two introduces a new character, a remarkable and free-spirited young lady named Onheda who was captive of enemy tribe. Rather than be adopted into the tribe, she ran away, preferring death over captivity. While on the way back to her people, she encounters Two Rivers and joins his cause.
Is the meeting of Two Rivers and Onheda the beginning of a wonderful romance? Will Two Rivers achieve his dream of peace? Will Tekani be united with his girlfriend? These are just a few of the questions that I can’t wait to be answered in book three, which is already in my kindle. Book two is another great book by Zoe Saadia.
February 16, 2015
The incredible journey of the Great Peacemaker continues with more action and adventure. Two Rivers and Teneki have crossed the Great Sparkling Water (Lake Ontario) but fighting the currents and rapids has left Two Rivers injured. They find refuge in a clearing in the woods where an old woman, Jikonsahseh, lives. She also wants peace and helps anyone passing through her clearing who is in need. Staying with her is Onheda, a runaway captive from Teneki’s tribe. Onheda has been travelling for days trying to reach her own people. Jikonsahseh found her, too exhausted and weak to continue and nursed her back to health.
From Onheda and Jikonsahseh, Two Rivers and Teneki learn of Hionhwatha, the former leader who wanted to stop the feuding and unite the Onondaga people. The gatherings were peaceful until those who opposed Hionhwatha resorted to violence and after the death of his wife and children Hionhwatha left to live alone in the woods. It takes some persuasion from Two Rivers and Teneki to convince him to take part in the peace talks.
The story is developing wonderfully and moves along at a great pace, with characters, old and new adding depth, to an atmosphere I can all but feel, and sense of place. Two Rivers from the start has been, and is, a highly developed and charismatic character. Teneki and Two Rivers are now faced with the task of seeking meetings with tribes, whose members are very wary and view strangers as a possible threat, with their message of peace.
The chemistry and growing attraction between Two Rivers and Onheda is a touching romantic addition which I hope will continue. But for the moment Two Rivers is totally focused on his task and destiny, even to the point of fulfilling the part of his prophecy which requires him to carry out a life or death act.
Facts presented in fictional form really bring history to life, making the people and situations a reality and creating a fascinating insight into the past. Zoe Saadia has achieved this brilliantly.
From Onheda and Jikonsahseh, Two Rivers and Teneki learn of Hionhwatha, the former leader who wanted to stop the feuding and unite the Onondaga people. The gatherings were peaceful until those who opposed Hionhwatha resorted to violence and after the death of his wife and children Hionhwatha left to live alone in the woods. It takes some persuasion from Two Rivers and Teneki to convince him to take part in the peace talks.
The story is developing wonderfully and moves along at a great pace, with characters, old and new adding depth, to an atmosphere I can all but feel, and sense of place. Two Rivers from the start has been, and is, a highly developed and charismatic character. Teneki and Two Rivers are now faced with the task of seeking meetings with tribes, whose members are very wary and view strangers as a possible threat, with their message of peace.
The chemistry and growing attraction between Two Rivers and Onheda is a touching romantic addition which I hope will continue. But for the moment Two Rivers is totally focused on his task and destiny, even to the point of fulfilling the part of his prophecy which requires him to carry out a life or death act.
Facts presented in fictional form really bring history to life, making the people and situations a reality and creating a fascinating insight into the past. Zoe Saadia has achieved this brilliantly.
July 12, 2014
Book 2 of The Peacemaker Series is the next "chapter" of Two Rivers and Tekeni who have made the trip "across the great sparkling water". After fleeing from a most certain death (read Book 1 for full story) to be delt out by Two Rivers tribe, these two unlikely friends from two different tribal nations strike out to join up with Tekeni's birth tribe. Tekeni wants to return home and Two Rivers wants to bring the message of peace to any and all Nations who will listen. After Two Rivers is hurt, Tekeni tries to find food and instead finds Onheda
who was captured by Tekeni's birth tribe but has escaped. After her escape she has been staying with Jikonsahseh, an old woman who lives in the woods. This old woman had the same "feelings of peace" as Two Rivers. He is also told of another man who had tried to bring a message of unity to his people before he vanished into the wilds. Onheda offers to help Two Rivers find Hionhwatha. Will Two Rivers and Onheda find him? Will Two Rivers join forces with Hionhwatha to bring all the tribes together in a unity of peace. What is Tekeni's place in all of this? Will Two Rivers survive the test of the falls to prove that he has the power given to him by the Great Spirits? The foretold prophecies still linger and all signs are pointing towards them coming true sooner or later. This continuing saga is hard to put down. The unfolding tale will keep the reader wanting more.
who was captured by Tekeni's birth tribe but has escaped. After her escape she has been staying with Jikonsahseh, an old woman who lives in the woods. This old woman had the same "feelings of peace" as Two Rivers. He is also told of another man who had tried to bring a message of unity to his people before he vanished into the wilds. Onheda offers to help Two Rivers find Hionhwatha. Will Two Rivers and Onheda find him? Will Two Rivers join forces with Hionhwatha to bring all the tribes together in a unity of peace. What is Tekeni's place in all of this? Will Two Rivers survive the test of the falls to prove that he has the power given to him by the Great Spirits? The foretold prophecies still linger and all signs are pointing towards them coming true sooner or later. This continuing saga is hard to put down. The unfolding tale will keep the reader wanting more.
December 27, 2013
After reading the first book in this series I knew I needed to continue reading! This captivating novel opens with the revelation that the duo of pivotal characters has survived the risky journey as they crossed part of the Great lakes via canoe. This arduous task pales in comparison with the challenges that lie before them! The two men must find a way to approach civilizations of people who have learned to view any stranger as a threat. In a time and culture where visitors were often put to death, how can these men hope to spread a message of peace? Despite huge obstacles and a few near misses the adventurers are able to find a few unique advocates who are suited to receive the message they carry. Even as their reach expands, the ultimate test is their ability to survive direct contact with an actual civilization. Two Rivers is determined to carry out the destiny he has seen repeated in his dreams. He feels himself pulled to Little Falls, Tekeni’s home village. This awkward homecoming has the potential to open peace talks if Two Rivers can survive the integration process! This book is a must read. The author has succeeded in interweaving a diverse culture with historical accuracy with a plot that will leave you ready for the next book!
June 3, 2014
Across the Great Sparkling Water (Book 2: The Great Peacemaker Series) by Zoe Saadia is an excellent, fast paced adventure which will grab you by the seat of your pants and not let you go. If you like great historical fiction you will love this book and series.
The author continues her series of the adventures that began in Book 1 - Two Rivers and the storyline and adventure does not miss a beat. Zoe Saadia continues to do an excellent job of developing her story and characters. As they progress, you can see them mature and grow stronger.
I really enjoy reading historical fiction. This is especially true when I can tell the author took the time to actually research the material and attempts to stick to historical facts. It is evident that Zoe Saadia has done just that. This series will bring the history of the period to life. Her storytelling style will take you to the area and you will hear the sounds and "smell the flowers." I love being transported into a story.
This was an excellent read and I really enjoyed it.
I highly recommend Across the Great Sparkling Water by Zoe Saadia.
[Please note: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.]
The author continues her series of the adventures that began in Book 1 - Two Rivers and the storyline and adventure does not miss a beat. Zoe Saadia continues to do an excellent job of developing her story and characters. As they progress, you can see them mature and grow stronger.
I really enjoy reading historical fiction. This is especially true when I can tell the author took the time to actually research the material and attempts to stick to historical facts. It is evident that Zoe Saadia has done just that. This series will bring the history of the period to life. Her storytelling style will take you to the area and you will hear the sounds and "smell the flowers." I love being transported into a story.
This was an excellent read and I really enjoyed it.
I highly recommend Across the Great Sparkling Water by Zoe Saadia.
[Please note: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.]
February 5, 2017
Saadia does it again, bringing to life historical people and places with ease. This book builds even more tension from the first and was definitely a page turner. Her characters are great, and we are introduced to new characters along with greeting familiar favorites from book 1.
I love the way the spiritual and physical worlds come alive through Saadia's historical characters. The author provides great historical details which I delight reading--these are the things that make a book of hist fic go from good to great. From clothing to preparing food to cursing your enemies to the way meetings were conducted, Saadia has done her homework!
The Peacemaker series is highly recommended! I look forward to book 3 along with anything else by this author. She is great at creating complex characters while vividly making history come alive as you read!
I love the way the spiritual and physical worlds come alive through Saadia's historical characters. The author provides great historical details which I delight reading--these are the things that make a book of hist fic go from good to great. From clothing to preparing food to cursing your enemies to the way meetings were conducted, Saadia has done her homework!
The Peacemaker series is highly recommended! I look forward to book 3 along with anything else by this author. She is great at creating complex characters while vividly making history come alive as you read!
June 6, 2015
This is the second book in the series that tells about the founding of the Iroquois Confederation. I enjoyed the book. The characters were well developed and story moved along nicely. I read the Afterward (the last chapter in the book) first and found that to be quite helpful. The Afterward tells the history (or the legend) of the founding of the Confederation based upon the Constitution of the Five Nations. Since I really did not have any background on the Confederation this history was very useful in seeing how the author was weaving the story.
While this book could be read without reading the first book there are many references to what occurred in it that I suspect the reader could get lost and abandon this great series.
While this book could be read without reading the first book there are many references to what occurred in it that I suspect the reader could get lost and abandon this great series.
September 8, 2014
This is how a series should be written, with the assumption that the reader has read the previous books in the series. Too many series spend too much time recapping the previous books, and the reader is thinking, "I know, I read that book". I love this series. It makes the era and the culture come alive in a way that makes you want to keep reading. I started immediately on the third book because I can't wait to find out what happens next to these great characters.
June 1, 2014
Wonderful read
I have found history so well written it comes almost alive. I have read several of Ms Saadi's collections and have been enthralled by her way of developing and including the reader in each tale. I highly recommend her books.
I have found history so well written it comes almost alive. I have read several of Ms Saadi's collections and have been enthralled by her way of developing and including the reader in each tale. I highly recommend her books.
June 10, 2018
The 2nd in the 4 book series. This book is about 12th century Native Americans and how they lived and how 2 men and some women changed their war like society into a peaceful one. It is based on historical fact. Their is some drama, not at all "gory". A very interesting historical read.
February 3, 2014
Highly recommended. Zoe puts a great spin on history and fiction.
October 5, 2016
Across the Great Sparkling Water is the second book in the Peacemaker Series. It continues the story of how the Five Nations of the Iroquois came to be united.
Two Rivers and Tekeni come to the far side of Lake Ontario. They meet with several people, including a woman whose lonely hut in the middle of the woods is treated as a sort of neutral territory between the tribes because she accepts hunters and warriors of all the surrounding nations and feeds and looks after them without allowing them to hurt each other.
They also meet with an older chief of the Onondaga (Hionhwatha – the legendary Hiawatha) who, following the deaths of his family has retreated into the forest to live alone as a reputed madman. They journey to Tekeni’s home village of Little Falls, where Two Rivers must undergo the test of a fall down the waterfall before the people will listen to him.
Two Rivers also picks up not one but two female admirers along the way; it looks like there may be some danger of an unfortunate conflict here.
An interesting story as the ideas for uniting the several nations continues to be fleshed out. Well worth the read. I can’t wait to get to the next book in the series.
Two Rivers and Tekeni come to the far side of Lake Ontario. They meet with several people, including a woman whose lonely hut in the middle of the woods is treated as a sort of neutral territory between the tribes because she accepts hunters and warriors of all the surrounding nations and feeds and looks after them without allowing them to hurt each other.
They also meet with an older chief of the Onondaga (Hionhwatha – the legendary Hiawatha) who, following the deaths of his family has retreated into the forest to live alone as a reputed madman. They journey to Tekeni’s home village of Little Falls, where Two Rivers must undergo the test of a fall down the waterfall before the people will listen to him.
Two Rivers also picks up not one but two female admirers along the way; it looks like there may be some danger of an unfortunate conflict here.
An interesting story as the ideas for uniting the several nations continues to be fleshed out. Well worth the read. I can’t wait to get to the next book in the series.
September 23, 2013
I enjoyed the first book of the Peacemaker series very much, so was very glad to see the sequel coming out. The previous book ended on quite a cliff-hanger and I wanted to know what will become of these people and their fate, especially Tekeni and Seketa. Would they manage to find each other despite their circumstances?
Well, disappointed I was not, although this book took a different, unexpected turn, bringing forward new characters, as fascinating and as vivid as the old ones, who of course made their appearance promptly, to go about doing what they intended to do in the previous book. A lot of tension, a lot of action, a fresh splash of intense romance. A very satisfying read!
Well, disappointed I was not, although this book took a different, unexpected turn, bringing forward new characters, as fascinating and as vivid as the old ones, who of course made their appearance promptly, to go about doing what they intended to do in the previous book. A lot of tension, a lot of action, a fresh splash of intense romance. A very satisfying read!
December 22, 2013
Book two picked up right were book one left us with a cliffhanger.
As usual Zoe did not disappoint me with her book. I guess what I like best are her independent and strong characters, who sometimes seem to have a mind of their own, in ways of changing the story to their own advantage ;-)
And as always Zoe brings home her message to the people, that we really aren't all that different, despite our differences in upbringing and believes. What it boils down to is that we are all of us only too human.
Well done Zoe, as always 5 stars
As usual Zoe did not disappoint me with her book. I guess what I like best are her independent and strong characters, who sometimes seem to have a mind of their own, in ways of changing the story to their own advantage ;-)
And as always Zoe brings home her message to the people, that we really aren't all that different, despite our differences in upbringing and believes. What it boils down to is that we are all of us only too human.
Well done Zoe, as always 5 stars
July 12, 2014
An amazing historical fiction combining adventure and intrigue. As we gain insights into the original inhabitants of North America and especially the areas of New York where I grew up, we are treated to some exciting adventures, fighting nature as well as escaping enemies and amazing feats of bravery. A great read!
April 17, 2015
Great read and learn about our countries history at the same time
Although it is a novel, it is based on historical fact and research by the author. I really enjoyed this book and appreciate the work by the author
Although it is a novel, it is based on historical fact and research by the author. I really enjoyed this book and appreciate the work by the author
October 25, 2015
The second book in a brilliant historical novel about the forming of the government of the Five Iroquois Nations. Awesome storytelling and fantastic characters. Action, adventure, romance, politics, history, all jam-packed into this book. I read it so fast, I hardly blinked! Lol
September 27, 2013
Kindle Edition (edit)
review Loved the way the action shifted to the other side of Ontario, with new characters streaming in. good novel, face-paced and action filled.
review Loved the way the action shifted to the other side of Ontario, with new characters streaming in. good novel, face-paced and action filled.
August 8, 2014
Great
Great
love this series. To think that part of our constitution came from these Indian nations is quite awsome. Can't wait to dive into the 3rd book
Great
love this series. To think that part of our constitution came from these Indian nations is quite awsome. Can't wait to dive into the 3rd book
September 28, 2015
This series is great. I wish they were in print! I'd buy them all over again; they're *that* good.
July 18, 2022
Super Good Story
I have read all of Zoe‘s Aztec books, and this series of books is even better than they were! It seems that no matter how many books she writes, she knows how to always keep the reader interested, never reusing any plots. I also love to read the notes that Zoe writes in her books about the actual history, being very transparent about how she gets her stories from true history. I believe I have learned good information about pre-contact people and nations that I would not have learned otherwise. Zoe has a fabulous way of making her characters real and believable, basing many of them, especially the main characters, on real people. In this series, she has done a great job of breaking up the books at the perfect times. I am looking forward to beginning book 3 in this series this very day!
I have read all of Zoe‘s Aztec books, and this series of books is even better than they were! It seems that no matter how many books she writes, she knows how to always keep the reader interested, never reusing any plots. I also love to read the notes that Zoe writes in her books about the actual history, being very transparent about how she gets her stories from true history. I believe I have learned good information about pre-contact people and nations that I would not have learned otherwise. Zoe has a fabulous way of making her characters real and believable, basing many of them, especially the main characters, on real people. In this series, she has done a great job of breaking up the books at the perfect times. I am looking forward to beginning book 3 in this series this very day!
January 22, 2019
Disappointing
I enjoyed the first of this series but I found this repetitive and therefore a bit boring . It's a little silly too .All the women fall under the spell of the two men ,ridiculous . Disappointing .
I enjoyed the first of this series but I found this repetitive and therefore a bit boring . It's a little silly too .All the women fall under the spell of the two men ,ridiculous . Disappointing .
February 16, 2019
I probably will not read more books in this series. This one did not hold my interest.
May 16, 2020
Continued well woven story bringing the Five Nations history to life.
May 3, 2022
Really good
I have Zoe Saadia stories and found them very interesting. This one is no exception. I have read the first one and will read the next one.
I have Zoe Saadia stories and found them very interesting. This one is no exception. I have read the first one and will read the next one.
September 30, 2019
This is a great story and also its our history.
September 10, 2016
Good reading
An exciting action packed read. It contained action deceit love. The main characters were very real. I have most of these books. And hope more are offered. I also like books written by the Ogear wife and husband team
An exciting action packed read. It contained action deceit love. The main characters were very real. I have most of these books. And hope more are offered. I also like books written by the Ogear wife and husband team
August 13, 2014
good sequel, read all of them
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews