What do you think?
Rate this book
The Peacemaker’s Tale #8
Eclipse Dancer: A Historical Fantasy Series
In the thrilling conclusion to the acclaimed People of the Longhouse series,
Eclipse Dancer takes readers on a journey through ancient America, where the fate of the Iroquois nations hangs in the balance.
The relentless Atotarho wage a devastating war across the land. As villages fall to his ruthless army, the prophet Dekanawida foresees an impending great darkness. With time running out, he calls upon his loyal friends, Baji and Hiyawento, to join him in a final, desperate battle. The stakes are high, and the sacrifices are immense.
Will their mission of peace succeed in time to save their loved ones?
With their unparalleled expertise in North American prehistory, Kathleen and W. Michael Gear weave an epic adventure about the founding of the League of the Iroquois and the origins of American democracy.
Dive into this epic saga and witness the gripping finale. Get your copy of Eclipse Dancer today and discover if peace can triumph over chaos.
The relentless Atotarho wage a devastating war across the land. As villages fall to his ruthless army, the prophet Dekanawida foresees an impending great darkness. With time running out, he calls upon his loyal friends, Baji and Hiyawento, to join him in a final, desperate battle. The stakes are high, and the sacrifices are immense.
Will their mission of peace succeed in time to save their loved ones?
With their unparalleled expertise in North American prehistory, Kathleen and W. Michael Gear weave an epic adventure about the founding of the League of the Iroquois and the origins of American democracy.
Dive into this epic saga and witness the gripping finale. Get your copy of Eclipse Dancer today and discover if peace can triumph over chaos.
- GenresHistorical
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 22, 2024
39 people are currently reading
14 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...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 23, 2024
Eclipse Dancer: A Historical Fantasy Series (The Peacemaker’s Tale Book 8)
by W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O'neal Gear
This is my third time reading this book. I am still astounded by the cinematography of the founding story of the Iroquois confederacy. The vivid depiction of the events of the founding really on the mythos of the culture and the grand scale of the story. We have built up to this point. Step by step connecting to the tribes, to the clans. And to the individuals that reshaped the world from chaos.
I lost mentally in the friendship of Sky Messenger and Baji. Completely wishing for a different ending, although seeing the price of war and betrayal with each precious moment.
The story is an outstanding human crescendo of events piling up the cost of war, and the struggle for peace. The haunting images like the skulls of defeated warriors rolling and tumbling like a macabre ball game. Show the reality and human cost of chaos and war.
by W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O'neal Gear
This is my third time reading this book. I am still astounded by the cinematography of the founding story of the Iroquois confederacy. The vivid depiction of the events of the founding really on the mythos of the culture and the grand scale of the story. We have built up to this point. Step by step connecting to the tribes, to the clans. And to the individuals that reshaped the world from chaos.
I lost mentally in the friendship of Sky Messenger and Baji. Completely wishing for a different ending, although seeing the price of war and betrayal with each precious moment.
The story is an outstanding human crescendo of events piling up the cost of war, and the struggle for peace. The haunting images like the skulls of defeated warriors rolling and tumbling like a macabre ball game. Show the reality and human cost of chaos and war.
October 22, 2024
Fellow Gear followers, the end has come to the Peacemaker's Tales. Book 8 is here.
Eclipse Dancer: A Dance with Destiny, The Peacemaker's Tales, a series that has captivated the hearts of historical fantasy enthusiasts, reaches its crescendo with "Eclipse Dancer," the eighth and final book. W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O'Neal Gear, renowned for their expertise in North American prehistory, have once again woven an intricate tapestry of narrative that brings ancient America to life.
The story picks up the pace as the Iroquois nations face the brink of destruction. The relentless Atotarho, a formidable antagonist, wages a devastating war across the land, leaving a trail of chaos and despair. Amidst this turmoil, the prophet Dekanawida foresees a great darkness looming over his people. With time slipping through their fingers, Dekanawida, alongside his loyal companions Baji and Hiyawento, embarks on a final, desperate mission to salvage peace from the jaws of war.
The stakes have never been higher, and the sacrifices demanded of our heroes are immense. The narrative drives home the urgency of their quest as the survival of their loved ones hangs in the balance. The Gears' mastery shines through as they deftly handle the themes of peace, war, and the resilience of the human spirit. Their portrayal of the founding of the League of the Iroquois and the origins of American democracy is not just educational but deeply moving. As the saga concludes, readers are left to ponder the profound question: Can peace triumph over chaos? "Eclipse Dancer" is more than just a historical fantasy; it's a reflection on the enduring human quest for harmony in a world often torn by conflict. This final installment is a fitting tribute to the series, ensuring that the Peacemaker's Tales will echo in the annals of historical fantasy for years to come. Dive into this epic saga and witness the gripping finale.
• ASIN: B0DDVSG3Q9
• Publisher: Wolfpack Publishing
• Publication Date: 10/22/2024
• File Size: 6650 KB
• Print Length: 258 pages
• Genre: Historical Fantasy Fiction - Native American Literature
Eclipse Dancer: A Dance with Destiny, The Peacemaker's Tales, a series that has captivated the hearts of historical fantasy enthusiasts, reaches its crescendo with "Eclipse Dancer," the eighth and final book. W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O'Neal Gear, renowned for their expertise in North American prehistory, have once again woven an intricate tapestry of narrative that brings ancient America to life.
The story picks up the pace as the Iroquois nations face the brink of destruction. The relentless Atotarho, a formidable antagonist, wages a devastating war across the land, leaving a trail of chaos and despair. Amidst this turmoil, the prophet Dekanawida foresees a great darkness looming over his people. With time slipping through their fingers, Dekanawida, alongside his loyal companions Baji and Hiyawento, embarks on a final, desperate mission to salvage peace from the jaws of war.
The stakes have never been higher, and the sacrifices demanded of our heroes are immense. The narrative drives home the urgency of their quest as the survival of their loved ones hangs in the balance. The Gears' mastery shines through as they deftly handle the themes of peace, war, and the resilience of the human spirit. Their portrayal of the founding of the League of the Iroquois and the origins of American democracy is not just educational but deeply moving. As the saga concludes, readers are left to ponder the profound question: Can peace triumph over chaos? "Eclipse Dancer" is more than just a historical fantasy; it's a reflection on the enduring human quest for harmony in a world often torn by conflict. This final installment is a fitting tribute to the series, ensuring that the Peacemaker's Tales will echo in the annals of historical fantasy for years to come. Dive into this epic saga and witness the gripping finale.
• ASIN: B0DDVSG3Q9
• Publisher: Wolfpack Publishing
• Publication Date: 10/22/2024
• File Size: 6650 KB
• Print Length: 258 pages
• Genre: Historical Fantasy Fiction - Native American Literature
October 24, 2024
More So
The Gears have the uncanny ability to take dramatic history and made it more so. The Peacemaker Series or Longhouse Series is a prime example. Meticulously researched, the entire series tells one of several versions of the Peacemaker's (Dekanaweda) story of the birth of the Iroquois League of Nations. Only the Gears could relate the saga in such dramatic prose and still retain the historic accuracy depicted. Five stars in the original four book series and five more stars in the current eight book format.
The Gears have the uncanny ability to take dramatic history and made it more so. The Peacemaker Series or Longhouse Series is a prime example. Meticulously researched, the entire series tells one of several versions of the Peacemaker's (Dekanaweda) story of the birth of the Iroquois League of Nations. Only the Gears could relate the saga in such dramatic prose and still retain the historic accuracy depicted. Five stars in the original four book series and five more stars in the current eight book format.
August 10, 2025
Heartrendingly Beautiful
So well written. The characters are so real and vivid. I had to read this installment in the series more slowly to clear my eyes of tears regularly. A heartrendingly beautiful ending to the series.
So well written. The characters are so real and vivid. I had to read this installment in the series more slowly to clear my eyes of tears regularly. A heartrendingly beautiful ending to the series.
October 27, 2024
Brilliant series. Having read it in paperback many moons ago it was good to read it again on Kindle Unlimited.
October 3, 2025
interesting!
October 26, 2024
Eclipse Dancer is a story of really early indian tribes and their suffering due to tribal wars. Many tribes wanted to expand and eliminate the other tribes. This is a story of one mans dream to consolidate all tribes into one people. It is a story of immense suffering and also bravery. I found it very hard to put down after I was into it for a little bit. For me the unusual names almost made me put it aside but after getting into it I was totally there. I am so glad I continued to read to the end. It was well worth it.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews