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North America's Forgotten Past #18
The Dawn Country: A Historical Fantasy Series
The epic tale that began in People Of The Longhouse continues in Part three of the amazing Peacemaker’s Tale series from New York Times 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 the fearsome witch, Gannajero. But Odion’s friend, Wrass is still held captive in Gannajero’s camp, along with several other children, 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 who have also lost children to Gannajero. These bitter enemies must learn to trust one another 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, lost to their families and homes forever?
Immerse yourself in a tale of love, courage, and sacrifice against the backdrop of ancient tribal conflicts. Discover the untold story of the Iroquois nations and the origins of democracy in America.
War Chief Koracoo and Deputy Gonda of the Standing Stone People have successfully rescued their children, Odion and Tutelo, from the fearsome witch, Gannajero. But Odion’s friend, Wrass is still held captive in Gannajero’s camp, along with several other children, 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 who have also lost children to Gannajero. These bitter enemies must learn to trust one another 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, lost to their families and homes forever?
Immerse yourself in a tale of love, courage, and sacrifice against the backdrop of ancient tribal conflicts. Discover the untold story of the Iroquois nations and the origins of democracy in America.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2011
174 people are currently reading
954 people want to read
About the author
W. Michael Gear
181 books730 followersW. Michael Gear was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on the twentieth of May, 1955. A fourth generation Colorado native, his family had been involved in hard-rock mining, cattle ranching, and journalism. After his father's death in 1959, Michael's mother received her Master's degree in journalism and began teaching. In 1962 she married Joseph J. Cook, who taught tool and die making, and the family lived in Lakewood, Colorado, until 1968. At that time they moved to Fort Collins so that Joe could pursue his Ph.D.. During those years the family lived in the foothills above Horsetooth Reservoir.
It was there that Mike developed a love of history, anthropology, and motorcycles. They would color his future and fill his imagination for the rest of his life. During summers he volunteered labor on local ranches or at the farm east of Greeley and landed his first real job: picking up trash at the lake and cleaning outhouses. It has been said that his exposure to trash led him into archaeology. We will not speculate about what cleaning the outhouses might have led him to. On his first dig as a professional archaeologist in 1976 he discovered that two thousand year old human trash isn't nearly as obnoxious as the new stuff.
Michael graduated from Fort Collins High School in 1972 and pursued both his Bachelor's (1976) and Master's (1979) degrees at Colorado State University. Upon completion of his Master's - his specialty was in physical anthropology - he went to work for Western Wyoming College in Rock Springs as a field archaeologist.
It was in the winter of 1978 that he wrote his first novel. Irritated by historical inaccuracies in Western fiction, he swore he could do better. He was "taking retirement in installments," archaeology being a seasonal career, in the cabin his great uncle Aubrey had built. One cold January night he read a Western novel about a trail drive in which steers (castrated males) had calves. The historical inaccuracies of the story bothered him all night. The next morning, still incensed, he chunked wood into the stove and hunkered over the typewriter. There, on the mining claim, at nine thousand feet outside of Empire, Colorado he hammered out his first five hundred and fifty page novel. Yes, that first manuscript still exists, but if there is justice in the universe, no one will ever see it. It reads wretchedly - but the historical facts are correct!
Beginning in 1981, Michael, along with two partners, put together his own archaeological consulting company. Pronghorn Anthropological Associates began doing cultural resource management studies in 1982, and, although Michael sold his interest in 1984, to this day the company remains in business in Casper, Wyoming. During the years, Michael has worked throughout the western United States doing archaeological surveys, testing, and mitigation for pipelines, oil wells, power lines, timber sales, and highway construction. He learned the value of strong black coffee, developed a palate for chocolate donuts, and ferreted out every quality Mexican restaurant in eight states. He spent nine months of the year traveling from project to project with his trowel and dig kit, a clapped-out '72 Wonder Blazer, and his boon companion, Tedi, a noble tri-color Sheltie.
That fateful day in November, 1981, was delightfully clear, cold, and still in Laramie, Wyoming. Archaeologists from all over the state had arrived at the University of Wyoming for the annual meetings of the Wyoming Association of Professional Archaeologists. It was there, in the meeting room, way too early after a much too long night, that Mike first laid eyes on the most beautiful woman in the world: Kathleen O'Neal Gear. The BLM State Archaeologist, Ray Leicht, introduced him to the pretty anthropologist and historian, and best of all, Ray invited Mike to lunch with Kathleen. It was the perfect beginning for a long and wondrous relationship.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/wmicha...
It was there that Mike developed a love of history, anthropology, and motorcycles. They would color his future and fill his imagination for the rest of his life. During summers he volunteered labor on local ranches or at the farm east of Greeley and landed his first real job: picking up trash at the lake and cleaning outhouses. It has been said that his exposure to trash led him into archaeology. We will not speculate about what cleaning the outhouses might have led him to. On his first dig as a professional archaeologist in 1976 he discovered that two thousand year old human trash isn't nearly as obnoxious as the new stuff.
Michael graduated from Fort Collins High School in 1972 and pursued both his Bachelor's (1976) and Master's (1979) degrees at Colorado State University. Upon completion of his Master's - his specialty was in physical anthropology - he went to work for Western Wyoming College in Rock Springs as a field archaeologist.
It was in the winter of 1978 that he wrote his first novel. Irritated by historical inaccuracies in Western fiction, he swore he could do better. He was "taking retirement in installments," archaeology being a seasonal career, in the cabin his great uncle Aubrey had built. One cold January night he read a Western novel about a trail drive in which steers (castrated males) had calves. The historical inaccuracies of the story bothered him all night. The next morning, still incensed, he chunked wood into the stove and hunkered over the typewriter. There, on the mining claim, at nine thousand feet outside of Empire, Colorado he hammered out his first five hundred and fifty page novel. Yes, that first manuscript still exists, but if there is justice in the universe, no one will ever see it. It reads wretchedly - but the historical facts are correct!
Beginning in 1981, Michael, along with two partners, put together his own archaeological consulting company. Pronghorn Anthropological Associates began doing cultural resource management studies in 1982, and, although Michael sold his interest in 1984, to this day the company remains in business in Casper, Wyoming. During the years, Michael has worked throughout the western United States doing archaeological surveys, testing, and mitigation for pipelines, oil wells, power lines, timber sales, and highway construction. He learned the value of strong black coffee, developed a palate for chocolate donuts, and ferreted out every quality Mexican restaurant in eight states. He spent nine months of the year traveling from project to project with his trowel and dig kit, a clapped-out '72 Wonder Blazer, and his boon companion, Tedi, a noble tri-color Sheltie.
That fateful day in November, 1981, was delightfully clear, cold, and still in Laramie, Wyoming. Archaeologists from all over the state had arrived at the University of Wyoming for the annual meetings of the Wyoming Association of Professional Archaeologists. It was there, in the meeting room, way too early after a much too long night, that Mike first laid eyes on the most beautiful woman in the world: Kathleen O'Neal Gear. The BLM State Archaeologist, Ray Leicht, introduced him to the pretty anthropologist and historian, and best of all, Ray invited Mike to lunch with Kathleen. It was the perfect beginning for a long and wondrous relationship.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/wmicha...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
October 10, 2022
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
December 25, 2023
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.
June 10, 2017
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, 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 , as she has teeth thst stick out. And she certainly isn't
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 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, 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 , as she has teeth thst stick out. And she certainly isn't
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,
October 20, 2017
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.
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.
March 19, 2011
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.
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.
Read
March 12, 2011The 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.
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.
November 8, 2013
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.
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.
July 28, 2015
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.
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.
March 14, 2011
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.
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.
July 22, 2011
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!
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!
March 18, 2011
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.
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.
August 1, 2015
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...
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...
April 27, 2015
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.
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.
November 5, 2015
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."
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."
September 19, 2013
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.
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.
March 12, 2013
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!
March 30, 2011
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'"
J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the 'Isms'"
April 12, 2013
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.
January 11, 2014
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.
October 21, 2016
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.
May 2, 2012
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.
May 2, 2012
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.
August 11, 2013
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.
April 1, 2011
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.
August 5, 2011
page turner.evil villains ,wonderful heroes cant wait to the next book jan 2012.
June 26, 2011
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 :)
October 11, 2011
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.
February 2, 2012
Another fabulous exploration into our ancestors' lives. I wait eagerly for part III OF THE PEOPLE. OF THE LONGHOUSE series!
January 25, 2012
Great conclusion to the Iroquois story arc. Disturbing and gripping in the best kind of way.
May 29, 2012
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!
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