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Land, Sea, Sky #1
Crosswind
Storm's coming... Life on Earth is much improved since the pagan gods' return. As conflict eases around the world, attention -- and money -- has turned to more humanitarian improving the lives of the First Nations peoples and others who were repressed for thousands of years. But the former ruling class – the military, religious, and corporate leaders who profited under the old system -- are about to stage a last-ditch effort to bring their good times back. The gods refuse to start a new war against those men, because that would make them no better than Their opponents. Instead, They have drafted three humans to help Them. Together, Tess, Sue and Darrell must find a way past their own flaws to ensure the gods' peace will not be destroyed.
184 pages, Paperback
First published November 19, 2013
1 person is currently reading
208 people want to read
About the author
Lynne Cantwell
72 books68 followersLynne Cantwell grew up on the shores of Lake Michigan.
She worked as a broadcast journalist for many years; she has written for CNN, the late lamented Mutual/NBC Radio News, and a bunch of radio and TV news outlets you have probably never heard of, including a defunct wire service called Zapnews.
Lynne's vast overeducation includes a journalism degree from Indiana University, a masters degree in fiction writing from Johns Hopkins University, and a paralegal certificate. She is a contributing author at Indies Unlimited.
She currently lives near Washington, DC.
She worked as a broadcast journalist for many years; she has written for CNN, the late lamented Mutual/NBC Radio News, and a bunch of radio and TV news outlets you have probably never heard of, including a defunct wire service called Zapnews.
Lynne's vast overeducation includes a journalism degree from Indiana University, a masters degree in fiction writing from Johns Hopkins University, and a paralegal certificate. She is a contributing author at Indies Unlimited.
She currently lives near Washington, DC.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 26, 2013
Book Info: Genre: Magical Realism
Reading Level: Adult
Recommended for: those interested in alternate spirituality, those who enjoyed the Pipe Woman Chronicles, or are interested in learning more about that world.
Trigger Warnings: Murder, attempted murder, chemical attacks
My Thoughts: Land, Sea, Sky is a continuation in the same world as the Pipe Woman Chronicles, taking place ten years later. It is not necessary to have read the Pipe Woman Chronicles to enjoy it, but you should anyway... because they are awesome. At any rate, Crosswind is mostly populated by new characters, although a few people from the Pipe Woman Chronicles do show up, so we meet Sue, Tess, and Darrell and their associated deities, as well as several other people with whom the main characters associate. Character development is very well done, providing information in an organic way and avoiding exposition and information dumps.
This series will be dealing with the fallout of the Second Coming (as people are calling the day the deities “came out”). Even with deities willing to show up and knock heads once in awhile, there are people who refuse to believe in them. And, of course, a new era of peace is less than welcome to those who have made their fortunes in war.
My only complaint is about the formatting on the ARC file, because the print was teeny-tiny and I had a really difficult time reading it. I plan to pick up a copy of this book in final format before the next one comes out so I can re-read it more comfortably.
All in all, yet another excellent book from this amazing writer. Fans of the Pipe Woman Chronicles, and those interested in alternate spirituality, as well as those dreaming of a better world should all enjoy this book.
Series Information: Land, Sea, Sky series
Prologue: Where Were You When, includes the shorts “Where Were You When”, “Change of Plans”, and “Prophecy”. Review linked here.
Book 1: Crosswind
The Pipe Woman Chronicles
Book 1: Seized, review linked here
Book 2: Fissured, review linked here
Book 3: Tapped, review linked here
Book 4: Gravid, review linked here
Book 5: Annealed, review linked here
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author's publicist in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis: Storm's coming...
Life on Earth is much improved since the pagan gods' return. As conflict eases around the world, attention—and money—has turned to more humanitarian goals: improving the lives of the First Nations peoples and others who were repressed for thousands of years.
But the former ruling class—the military, religious, and corporate leaders who profited under the old system—are about to stage a last-ditch effort to bring their good times back.
The gods refuse to start a new war against those men, because that would make them no better than Their opponents. Instead, They have drafted three humans to help Them. Together, Tess, Sue and Darrell must find a way past their own flaws to ensure the gods' peace will not be destroyed.
Reading Level: Adult
Recommended for: those interested in alternate spirituality, those who enjoyed the Pipe Woman Chronicles, or are interested in learning more about that world.
Trigger Warnings: Murder, attempted murder, chemical attacks
My Thoughts: Land, Sea, Sky is a continuation in the same world as the Pipe Woman Chronicles, taking place ten years later. It is not necessary to have read the Pipe Woman Chronicles to enjoy it, but you should anyway... because they are awesome. At any rate, Crosswind is mostly populated by new characters, although a few people from the Pipe Woman Chronicles do show up, so we meet Sue, Tess, and Darrell and their associated deities, as well as several other people with whom the main characters associate. Character development is very well done, providing information in an organic way and avoiding exposition and information dumps.
This series will be dealing with the fallout of the Second Coming (as people are calling the day the deities “came out”). Even with deities willing to show up and knock heads once in awhile, there are people who refuse to believe in them. And, of course, a new era of peace is less than welcome to those who have made their fortunes in war.
My only complaint is about the formatting on the ARC file, because the print was teeny-tiny and I had a really difficult time reading it. I plan to pick up a copy of this book in final format before the next one comes out so I can re-read it more comfortably.
All in all, yet another excellent book from this amazing writer. Fans of the Pipe Woman Chronicles, and those interested in alternate spirituality, as well as those dreaming of a better world should all enjoy this book.
Series Information: Land, Sea, Sky series
Prologue: Where Were You When, includes the shorts “Where Were You When”, “Change of Plans”, and “Prophecy”. Review linked here.
Book 1: Crosswind
The Pipe Woman Chronicles
Book 1: Seized, review linked here
Book 2: Fissured, review linked here
Book 3: Tapped, review linked here
Book 4: Gravid, review linked here
Book 5: Annealed, review linked here
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author's publicist in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis: Storm's coming...
Life on Earth is much improved since the pagan gods' return. As conflict eases around the world, attention—and money—has turned to more humanitarian goals: improving the lives of the First Nations peoples and others who were repressed for thousands of years.
But the former ruling class—the military, religious, and corporate leaders who profited under the old system—are about to stage a last-ditch effort to bring their good times back.
The gods refuse to start a new war against those men, because that would make them no better than Their opponents. Instead, They have drafted three humans to help Them. Together, Tess, Sue and Darrell must find a way past their own flaws to ensure the gods' peace will not be destroyed.
January 13, 2014
Back when I was just a boy, I was intrigued by the idea of the ancient gods. Growing up Catholic this was dangerous ground to be interested in. Over the years, as I grew into an adult I became fascinated with the histories and religions of ancient peoples and civilizations. First it was our local Indian legends then Egyptian, the Greek and roman gods/goddesses and also the murky mysteries of Atlantis. A few semesters ago I took a class at GVSU where I learned about ancient mythologies from around the world. Some of these included the Norse, Celtic and Asian religions as well as the tribal mythologies of the Pacific Northwest. I became fascinated by them even more. Since I have a deep love for the Pacific Northwest I took a special interest in the tribal legends from that area.
When I contacted, Kriss Morton, at The Finishing Fairies about reviewing Lynne Cantwell’s novel Crosswinds I wasn’t sure what to expect. The book sounded great based on the brief synopsis I read and the fact that it had to do with the Gods, both old and new excited me. Sadly I only had a little knowledge of Lynne’s previously published work such as the Pipe Women Chronicles **EPIC fail on my part**. As I began reading Crosswinds I certainly wasn’t expecting to have this much in common with the book when it came to my own personal interests.
Crosswinds is the first book in a new series by Lynne Cantwell. This novel takes us into a reality where the ancient Gods of lore and legend and also newer gods are present in the world. They influence and guide the lives of people and the world around them. This happens with what seems to be very little secrecy. Months after the return of Jesus in Denver as an American Indian, the nation is being split apart by separate groups either supporting the return of the Christian god and or pitting against him. The book largely takes place in Washington DC and is full of the political twists, turns and backstabbing one would expect from the town. I really liked the friendship and bond between Tess and Sue as well as e former special-ops agent, Darrell, as they search and out fight against those who would like to bring the world back to its old ways of fear and control.
I was pleasantly surprised when I found out one of the main characters named, Darrell, an American Potawatomi Indian is from Michigan where I was born and raised. I enjoyed some of the geographical references as well as the fact that my part of Michigan has a rich Potawatomi heritage. Lynn did a fabulous job of entwining new religions such as Wicca and their mother Goddess with that of the more established gods and goddesses as well as lesser known gods such as the Norse god Loki, the Irish Goddess The Morrigan , Nanabush the Ojibwa Trickster god, the Greek mother Goddess Gaia and several others. This type of story could scare some readers off; offend them perhaps because of its topic and mixed subject matter if they are wimps. One thing I admire about Lynne is the bravery it took to write this book and put it out there for people to read. The only thing I wasnt so hot on was the cover but other than that Crosswinds was a great book.
When I contacted, Kriss Morton, at The Finishing Fairies about reviewing Lynne Cantwell’s novel Crosswinds I wasn’t sure what to expect. The book sounded great based on the brief synopsis I read and the fact that it had to do with the Gods, both old and new excited me. Sadly I only had a little knowledge of Lynne’s previously published work such as the Pipe Women Chronicles **EPIC fail on my part**. As I began reading Crosswinds I certainly wasn’t expecting to have this much in common with the book when it came to my own personal interests.
Crosswinds is the first book in a new series by Lynne Cantwell. This novel takes us into a reality where the ancient Gods of lore and legend and also newer gods are present in the world. They influence and guide the lives of people and the world around them. This happens with what seems to be very little secrecy. Months after the return of Jesus in Denver as an American Indian, the nation is being split apart by separate groups either supporting the return of the Christian god and or pitting against him. The book largely takes place in Washington DC and is full of the political twists, turns and backstabbing one would expect from the town. I really liked the friendship and bond between Tess and Sue as well as e former special-ops agent, Darrell, as they search and out fight against those who would like to bring the world back to its old ways of fear and control.
I was pleasantly surprised when I found out one of the main characters named, Darrell, an American Potawatomi Indian is from Michigan where I was born and raised. I enjoyed some of the geographical references as well as the fact that my part of Michigan has a rich Potawatomi heritage. Lynn did a fabulous job of entwining new religions such as Wicca and their mother Goddess with that of the more established gods and goddesses as well as lesser known gods such as the Norse god Loki, the Irish Goddess The Morrigan , Nanabush the Ojibwa Trickster god, the Greek mother Goddess Gaia and several others. This type of story could scare some readers off; offend them perhaps because of its topic and mixed subject matter if they are wimps. One thing I admire about Lynne is the bravery it took to write this book and put it out there for people to read. The only thing I wasnt so hot on was the cover but other than that Crosswinds was a great book.
December 8, 2013
*I received this ARC from the author via The Finishing Fairies in exchange for an Honest Review*
I think by now many of us know who Lynne Cantwell is. Most of us have either heard of, own, and/or have read The Pipe Woman Chronicles. While I own all five books of the Pipe Woman Chronicles, this first book in this new series (which takes place ten years after PWC), is my first experience reading this author.
I'll begin my review by pointing out that my copy of this book is an Advanced Reader Copy. Because it is an ARC, I will speak of no errors I may have or may have not found in this work.
With the second coming having come and gone ten years prior, the gods saw fit to show themselves to their peoples, Jesus included since well it's the Second Coming and all. Tess and Sue, two very different women, who have somehow managed to hold onto some failing sense of friendship for years are roommates who need another to help with rent, Enter Darrell, the hot Navy Seal, who also happens to be a Potawatomi Medicine Man; oh and Nanabush you can't forget that trickster bunny eared god.
I found this an easy to get lost in read. It only took me a few short hours to read the book, Honestly, as I right this it's at least fours past my bedtime but I couldn't put the book down!
The story is quite engaging with the main characters all being linked to gods of different faiths and regions. I found the dialogue between the gods to be amusing. Gaia and Morrigan definitely have their hands full with Nanabush. The story was quite believable in account, and it's obvious a lot of research went into every aspect of each faith's ways, from Pagan circle casting and chants, to the Potawatomi chants. The story line doesn't stray, and there's just enough going on in each scene to keep the reader turning pages.
I look forward to the next book of this series, and can't wait to have the time to go to the series that tells the story that proceeds this one.
I give this book 5 of 5 paws
December 15, 2013
In this new series that begins ten years after The Pipe Woman Chronicles, we meet our three big players. Tess Showalter, an investigative reporter, who has a special connection with the Morrigan, an Irish earth goddess with a connection to war. Sue Killeen, a Wiccan, who has a special connection with the earth goddess Gaia. To round out the threesome our two females are joined with Darrell Warren, a Native American Navy officer, with a special connection with Nanabush, an Anishinaabe trickster god. Ms. Cantwell does an excellent job introducing their strengths, weaknesses, insecurities, and backgrounds. A few of the characters from The Pipe Woman Chronicles are in this series and their connections are vital and fully explained.
The plot is credible and the pace is steady as we follow Tess as she investigates secondary characters who have a plot to disrupt a protest march on the Capital grounds in Washington DC that could have a disastrous ending. The political maneuvers are plausible as America adjusts to the new world order since the Second Coming. The players who think they have lost the most try shifting things back to the way things once were. It is an original and engrossing story with elements that ring true. I enjoy the spiritual aspect that is employed by Ms. Cantwell while the Gods attempt to influence or manipulate they do not take away anyone’s freewill and allow them to make their own choices. It will be interesting to see where the story goes... there is a storm brewing, not all the aspects in this story are settled at the end. There are still plenty of deniers in the world and I was not fully convinced of one character’s acceptance of his new reality at the end.
FYI: It is not necessary to have read The Pipe Woman Chronicles to follow this story, although I loved and highly recommend them. It is also not necessary to have read the Land, Sea, Sky short stories.
Format/Typo Issues: I found no significant editing or formatting issues.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy.** December 7, 2013
The plot is credible and the pace is steady as we follow Tess as she investigates secondary characters who have a plot to disrupt a protest march on the Capital grounds in Washington DC that could have a disastrous ending. The political maneuvers are plausible as America adjusts to the new world order since the Second Coming. The players who think they have lost the most try shifting things back to the way things once were. It is an original and engrossing story with elements that ring true. I enjoy the spiritual aspect that is employed by Ms. Cantwell while the Gods attempt to influence or manipulate they do not take away anyone’s freewill and allow them to make their own choices. It will be interesting to see where the story goes... there is a storm brewing, not all the aspects in this story are settled at the end. There are still plenty of deniers in the world and I was not fully convinced of one character’s acceptance of his new reality at the end.
FYI: It is not necessary to have read The Pipe Woman Chronicles to follow this story, although I loved and highly recommend them. It is also not necessary to have read the Land, Sea, Sky short stories.
Format/Typo Issues: I found no significant editing or formatting issues.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy.** December 7, 2013
April 26, 2015
Crosswind by Lynne Cantwell is a heart thumping mysterious escape. A re-visit to The Pipe Woman Chronicles that captivated my curiosity from the first book, Seized through the last book in this spellbinding series.
This first book in The Land Sea Sky, held its grip on me as well. The author has the remarkable talent of telling her stories as if it was all factual even though as I reader I know that her books are fictional. Besides, her unique paranormal twists have me thinking she has a great imagination and a creative mind that moves to the unusual side.
In some moments I feel as if she is putting some of her life and personality into her stories? I have to think so because I can relate to some of her characters emotions.
These books are very easy to relax into. Even with the suspenseful events I was able to cozy myself into these stories.
Quote ~
Brock felt his anger rising. The "woman lawyer" had once been his fiancé. And while they were rarely in touch these days, he had developed a great deal of respect for Naomi Witherspoon Curtis and what she had been able to accomplish. Besides, he, too, had been in Denver when Jesus returned, and he knew for a fact that it had been the real deal. He considered finding the little toad and forcefully showing him the error of his ways.
This first book in The Land Sea Sky, held its grip on me as well. The author has the remarkable talent of telling her stories as if it was all factual even though as I reader I know that her books are fictional. Besides, her unique paranormal twists have me thinking she has a great imagination and a creative mind that moves to the unusual side.
In some moments I feel as if she is putting some of her life and personality into her stories? I have to think so because I can relate to some of her characters emotions.
These books are very easy to relax into. Even with the suspenseful events I was able to cozy myself into these stories.
Quote ~
Brock felt his anger rising. The "woman lawyer" had once been his fiancé. And while they were rarely in touch these days, he had developed a great deal of respect for Naomi Witherspoon Curtis and what she had been able to accomplish. Besides, he, too, had been in Denver when Jesus returned, and he knew for a fact that it had been the real deal. He considered finding the little toad and forcefully showing him the error of his ways.
May 23, 2014
The start of a new series following on from the Pipe Woman Chronicles was naturally an occasion of much rejoicing for me, and the new book does not disappoint at all.
Set some years after the conclusion of the Pipe Woman books, Crosswind takes up the story with the forces of darkness mustering against the Gods and their aims for the world. There's a whole new cast of characters, interwoven in tangled and difficult ways, and the old crew are still in evidence in the background.
Ms Cantwell is extremely talented, but what to my mind is just as important is that she is also extremely conscientious. There is nothing to mar the reader's enjoyment of these beautifully crafted and meticulously edited books.
A ripping good read for any age.
Set some years after the conclusion of the Pipe Woman books, Crosswind takes up the story with the forces of darkness mustering against the Gods and their aims for the world. There's a whole new cast of characters, interwoven in tangled and difficult ways, and the old crew are still in evidence in the background.
Ms Cantwell is extremely talented, but what to my mind is just as important is that she is also extremely conscientious. There is nothing to mar the reader's enjoyment of these beautifully crafted and meticulously edited books.
A ripping good read for any age.
September 13, 2016
I won a copy from Goodreads First Reads.
Honestly, I could get into the book. What I really used the book for is for my note taking. Seriously, I wrote a bunch of notes on the back for my writing assignment. No joke. I wrote an outline for my assignment. At least I got something done.
Anyway, I just couldn't get into the story. For a very short story, there's a lot of characters. Three main characters, in fact. I just couldn't adapt to the storyline. Or the author's writing.
Rating: One out of Five
-ofpaperandwords.blogspot.com
Honestly, I could get into the book. What I really used the book for is for my note taking. Seriously, I wrote a bunch of notes on the back for my writing assignment. No joke. I wrote an outline for my assignment. At least I got something done.
Anyway, I just couldn't get into the story. For a very short story, there's a lot of characters. Three main characters, in fact. I just couldn't adapt to the storyline. Or the author's writing.
Rating: One out of Five
-ofpaperandwords.blogspot.com
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March 12, 2014I won this book in the give a way. Thank you Lynne Cantwell. Because I won it, I felt obliged to read it immediately to give a review. I had a bit of trouble getting into it. There are a lot of characters going in different directions. But, I was pleasantly surprised to find myself looking for the next page. This book brings together Gods/Goddesses, Religious beliefs, Politics, and Indian beliefs. Very interesting. I would definitely read the next book in the trilogy.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews