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North America's Forgotten Past #11
People of the Owl
New York Times bestselling authors W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O’Neal Gear masterfully bring to life an ancient America, long forgotten in the mists of time, yet strikingly relevant in today’s world.
Four Thousand years ago, in the lower Mississippi Valley, a civilization thrived that would lay the foundations of the great Indian Nations. In a long-lost land of forests, swamps, and hidden waterways, A boy is thrust into leadership of America's first city, forced to become a man before his time.
Salamander, only fifteen winters old, would rather chase crickets and marvel at blue herons than navigate the treacherous politics of his clan. But when his revered brother is slain, Salamander is thrust into the role of leader in what will one day be known as the American South's first city.
Burdened with the legacy of his brother’s two wives—who despise him—and a marriage to the daughter of his mortal enemy, Salamander must forge alliances to secure the trade goods his people need to survive. Yet, in a world where enemies lurk in every shadow, and assassins strike without warning, Salamander must grow from boy to man, and from a reluctant leader to a formidable one.
Can Salamander navigate the brutal landscape of ancient politics and emerge as the leader his people need? Or will the passions of the human heart devour him before he can claim his destiny?
Four Thousand years ago, in the lower Mississippi Valley, a civilization thrived that would lay the foundations of the great Indian Nations. In a long-lost land of forests, swamps, and hidden waterways, A boy is thrust into leadership of America's first city, forced to become a man before his time.
Salamander, only fifteen winters old, would rather chase crickets and marvel at blue herons than navigate the treacherous politics of his clan. But when his revered brother is slain, Salamander is thrust into the role of leader in what will one day be known as the American South's first city.
Burdened with the legacy of his brother’s two wives—who despise him—and a marriage to the daughter of his mortal enemy, Salamander must forge alliances to secure the trade goods his people need to survive. Yet, in a world where enemies lurk in every shadow, and assassins strike without warning, Salamander must grow from boy to man, and from a reluctant leader to a formidable one.
Can Salamander navigate the brutal landscape of ancient politics and emerge as the leader his people need? Or will the passions of the human heart devour him before he can claim his destiny?
239 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2003
313 people are currently reading
1458 people want to read
About the author
W. Michael Gear
183 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 70 reviews
January 21, 2025
LOOK INTO WHAT THE FIRST CIVILIZATION IN AMERICAN WAS LIKE
☆☆☆☆☆
Northeastern Louisiana, just outside of Epps in Northeastern Louisiana, Poverty Point America's first true city dating (as known to date) some 3,400 years ago is the location of this well written story of the life and struggles of the people who built massive mound structures, a vast city and civilization, and trade throughout what is now North and South America.
The people in this region during this time is thought to have been a Clan society who based their customs based on obligations. Once given food and trade goods, they were obligated to vote in their favor during council meetings and means of governing the Clans.
This is one of many books which started with "The People of The Wolf" and has led to addional series which are based on the first migration of man through North and South America.
People of the Owl: A Historical Fantasy Series (The Earliest Americans Book 1) by W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O'Neal Gear is well written, action-packed, intriguing, suspenseful, and thrilling. It is packed with characters that will hold your interest throughout, and you will find yourself glued in anticipation of what is going to happen to the characters within the storyline.
I really enjoyed this book and plan on continuing on with this series shortly. I hope you will find yourself enjoying this book.
Quotes:
"Innocence is the opposite of truth."
"People usually see the world as a reflection of themselves Pride, arrogance, and status preoccupy them."
"With obligation comes prestige. With prestige comes authority. With authority comes gratification."
☆☆☆☆☆
Northeastern Louisiana, just outside of Epps in Northeastern Louisiana, Poverty Point America's first true city dating (as known to date) some 3,400 years ago is the location of this well written story of the life and struggles of the people who built massive mound structures, a vast city and civilization, and trade throughout what is now North and South America.
The people in this region during this time is thought to have been a Clan society who based their customs based on obligations. Once given food and trade goods, they were obligated to vote in their favor during council meetings and means of governing the Clans.
This is one of many books which started with "The People of The Wolf" and has led to addional series which are based on the first migration of man through North and South America.
People of the Owl: A Historical Fantasy Series (The Earliest Americans Book 1) by W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O'Neal Gear is well written, action-packed, intriguing, suspenseful, and thrilling. It is packed with characters that will hold your interest throughout, and you will find yourself glued in anticipation of what is going to happen to the characters within the storyline.
I really enjoyed this book and plan on continuing on with this series shortly. I hope you will find yourself enjoying this book.
Quotes:
"Innocence is the opposite of truth."
"People usually see the world as a reflection of themselves Pride, arrogance, and status preoccupy them."
"With obligation comes prestige. With prestige comes authority. With authority comes gratification."
November 19, 2024
People of the Owl: A Historical Fantasy Series (The Earliest Americans Book 1)
by W. Michael Gear, Kathleen O'Neal Gear
Based on the first archeological city in North America this story has broad appeal to the following generations. The story of politics, and dimorphism is explored in the cast of characters. The expectation of society, family, motley, and religion is brought into confluence in the life of a simple boy and his attempt to fulfill his brother's promise. How do you live up to a legend in the making? How do you choose between light and dark? Good and evil? And find the path that helps the most?
It's a great epic story that shows the key points of the archeological record with human eyes. How are these remnant archeological finds proof of a society, of culture, of man? Why did these prehistoric people create mounds, and clay balls, or even the rare clay owl? The Gears flesh out this story with dynamic characters that look at the humanity of these enigmatic unknown societies.
by W. Michael Gear, Kathleen O'Neal Gear
Based on the first archeological city in North America this story has broad appeal to the following generations. The story of politics, and dimorphism is explored in the cast of characters. The expectation of society, family, motley, and religion is brought into confluence in the life of a simple boy and his attempt to fulfill his brother's promise. How do you live up to a legend in the making? How do you choose between light and dark? Good and evil? And find the path that helps the most?
It's a great epic story that shows the key points of the archeological record with human eyes. How are these remnant archeological finds proof of a society, of culture, of man? Why did these prehistoric people create mounds, and clay balls, or even the rare clay owl? The Gears flesh out this story with dynamic characters that look at the humanity of these enigmatic unknown societies.
January 29, 2017
Wow! I thoroughly enjoyed reading People of the Owl by Kathleen O'Neal and W. Michael Gear. I personally think it's one of authors best People of the ... stories. A great historical novel - so believable in many ways. Of course, the reader would have to believe in the power of dreams, prophecies and visions. Jealously, clan hierarchy, political intrigue, deception, hate, schemes, ambitions, war and peace, right and wrong, good and bad, love and sacrifice - all wrapped up in a very meaningful, intertwining, interesting story. In a round-about-way, the story can be played in today's political world.
A jealous clan leader schemes so that an odd, outcast boy of sorts becomes a clan Speaker of his rival clan, leader of the Sun Town people. In addition, he arranges for his nieces, two sisters, to marry this young boy. The boy is forced to become a man and a leader overnight. What practically everyone in town can't see through their prejudices, how special the boy/man is. He is underestimated, misunderstood and wise beyond his years. He also has insight and help through his dreams and spirit helpers.
As the story develops, the authors do an outstanding job describing the scenery, how life might have been for a highly developed civilization and culture four thousand years ago in America's first city.
The authors made me feel for the people and the culture. However, some of the descriptions I find gruesome - how they treat their dead and living enemies and how they take care of their dead loved ones. All-in-all, I had a very hard time to put the book down. It was interesting through and through.
A jealous clan leader schemes so that an odd, outcast boy of sorts becomes a clan Speaker of his rival clan, leader of the Sun Town people. In addition, he arranges for his nieces, two sisters, to marry this young boy. The boy is forced to become a man and a leader overnight. What practically everyone in town can't see through their prejudices, how special the boy/man is. He is underestimated, misunderstood and wise beyond his years. He also has insight and help through his dreams and spirit helpers.
As the story develops, the authors do an outstanding job describing the scenery, how life might have been for a highly developed civilization and culture four thousand years ago in America's first city.
The authors made me feel for the people and the culture. However, some of the descriptions I find gruesome - how they treat their dead and living enemies and how they take care of their dead loved ones. All-in-all, I had a very hard time to put the book down. It was interesting through and through.
September 2, 2019
good read
December 21, 2015
nice...reading, about a boy who had to be a man first...
July 11, 2020
Good book; had people, had owls, about what you'd expect considering the title.
October 6, 2025
WARNING: DO NOT READ THE BACK COVER OF THIS EDITION. IT'S FULL OF SPOILERS. Having said that, my review also contains spoilers.
I recently read Hidden Cities: The Discovery and Loss of Ancient North American Civilizations by Robert G. Kennedy which was a scholarly work about the ancient civilizations and earthen mounds of North America. Intrigued by these ancient ruins and culture, I began looking for more to read on the subject, and it was during that search I came across the glowing reviews of People of the Owl. So I bought the first two books hoping for a fictional story about the ancient culture.
First off I'll say DO NOT READ THE BACK COVER on the Wolfpack Publishing paperback edition. It completely and utterly spoils the story. It not only spoils the story in every way possible, it misrepresents the story.
From the back cover: "Salamander, only fifteen winters old..." First off, this character is referred to as "Mud Puppy" throughout the entire novel. It is a plot point as to whether the Salamander spirit will accept him and the writing within the story indicates that we ought to anticipate this important development. But, thanks to the back cover synopsis obviously Mud Puppy is accepted by Salamander and renamed. Strike one.
Next, from the back cover: "But when his (Salamander's) revered brother is slain..." The word "slain" generally implies murder. And if one reads the back cover, one is waiting for his murder throughout the novel because the rest of the back of the book implies the main story will be about "Salamander", not "Mud Puppy". But the brother doesn't even die in this book. It is on page 15 of the SECOND book in the series that the revered brother is struck by lightning and dies. So the back cover not only spoils book one, it spoils book two as well. Strike two.
Finally, the writing leaves a lot to be desired. Graphic, gross descriptions of dead bodies and mutilations abound. Lots of names and political alliances jumble together. And there was this gem of cheesy bad writing on page 38 that almost caused me to put the book down.
Well, that's a disgusting image but the writers wrote it and their editor gave it the green light for publication as if they thought others would like to read it. I did not. Strike three.
Despite some interesting ideas, the poor writing drags this story down in a big way. And, as I said, the back cover synopsis spoiled what little story there was. I can't recommend People of the Owl.
I recently read Hidden Cities: The Discovery and Loss of Ancient North American Civilizations by Robert G. Kennedy which was a scholarly work about the ancient civilizations and earthen mounds of North America. Intrigued by these ancient ruins and culture, I began looking for more to read on the subject, and it was during that search I came across the glowing reviews of People of the Owl. So I bought the first two books hoping for a fictional story about the ancient culture.
First off I'll say DO NOT READ THE BACK COVER on the Wolfpack Publishing paperback edition. It completely and utterly spoils the story. It not only spoils the story in every way possible, it misrepresents the story.
From the back cover: "Salamander, only fifteen winters old..." First off, this character is referred to as "Mud Puppy" throughout the entire novel. It is a plot point as to whether the Salamander spirit will accept him and the writing within the story indicates that we ought to anticipate this important development. But, thanks to the back cover synopsis obviously Mud Puppy is accepted by Salamander and renamed. Strike one.
Next, from the back cover: "But when his (Salamander's) revered brother is slain..." The word "slain" generally implies murder. And if one reads the back cover, one is waiting for his murder throughout the novel because the rest of the back of the book implies the main story will be about "Salamander", not "Mud Puppy". But the brother doesn't even die in this book. It is on page 15 of the SECOND book in the series that the revered brother is struck by lightning and dies. So the back cover not only spoils book one, it spoils book two as well. Strike two.
Finally, the writing leaves a lot to be desired. Graphic, gross descriptions of dead bodies and mutilations abound. Lots of names and political alliances jumble together. And there was this gem of cheesy bad writing on page 38 that almost caused me to put the book down.
"She walked imperiously...out into the murky black water. Slippery, clinging mud oozed between her toes. Water lapped against her ankles like a lover's tongue."
Well, that's a disgusting image but the writers wrote it and their editor gave it the green light for publication as if they thought others would like to read it. I did not. Strike three.
Despite some interesting ideas, the poor writing drags this story down in a big way. And, as I said, the back cover synopsis spoiled what little story there was. I can't recommend People of the Owl.
February 1, 2021
PEOPLE OF THE OWL by Kathleen O'Neal Gear and W. Michael Gear
Enthralling story- telling and a WHOPPER of an ending!
I had a bit of difficulty with the amount of characters in the story - remembering who was who, names and clans, but once you get into it, it gets easier.
This one is a real page - turner, and the momentum towards the end is almost excruciating!!! (In a good way!). I couldn't put it down.
Enthralling story- telling and a WHOPPER of an ending!
I had a bit of difficulty with the amount of characters in the story - remembering who was who, names and clans, but once you get into it, it gets easier.
This one is a real page - turner, and the momentum towards the end is almost excruciating!!! (In a good way!). I couldn't put it down.
January 10, 2020
This book started very slowly, but after the first quarter of the book, I enjoyed. I found some typos to be annoying. In one place, the characters were on a bear hunt, but multiple times, the text had boar. In other place, words such as implement were misspelled. I disliked the ending, because it felt like such a disappointment after the buildup.
January 7, 2020
Captivating book
This book was very informative about prehistoric clans and was an easy read because once you got into it you had to keep reading. I only gave it 4 stars because I wasn't happy about the ending.
This book was very informative about prehistoric clans and was an easy read because once you got into it you had to keep reading. I only gave it 4 stars because I wasn't happy about the ending.
March 11, 2018
So many stories going on, which makes it hard to follow. Good character development.
April 20, 2018
A good read. I felt there was a lot of repeat issues that dragged on. I would have liked to read more about the way of life. Most of the turning point had to do with infighting which got kind of old.
May 8, 2018
3.5 stars
June 9, 2018
Have enjoyed this series off and on thru out the years.
July 31, 2018
A friend recommended this book and I must say I enjoyed every page. I will be looking for more books by these authors
December 29, 2018
I remember this thing droning and being impossibly boring. I was so excited and wanted to read the series, but this took me off the whole thing.
December 30, 2018
I could read these books over and over forever and I will always love them. This one bordered on a mystery thriller for me, and the ending climax was too perfect.
March 19, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed this and looking forward to others of the series.
March 26, 2022
Fantastic!
June 8, 2022
Like all the books in this series this one entertaining and worth the read.
September 1, 2014
People of the Owl W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O’Neal Gear
Review:
Being stuck between a rock and a hard place is easy compared to Mud Puppy's predicament. Being caught between the twin brothers is a lot worse. Masked Owl his spirit guide is telling him one thing. Many Colored Crow his twin brother is telling him another. He is caught within the power struggle of light and dark, and either path may not be the best choice, at least not for the people. But that is only the beginning of Mud Puppy's problems he is caught between the rivalry of the clans, and the power struggle of brutal men, Mud Stalker and Deep hunter. With aid and support from few people of power, he may not find it easy to continue in his current eminence. Then there are his wives, and the divided struggle between three women who were all promised to his dead older brother. The rivalry of sisters and enemies may just be the last of them.
Will Mud Puppy fall into the One, or create the greatest of nations with trade, and war? Which will you choose; power, glory, knowledge, or the people who think you are either incompetent, or worse a witch.
Character list
People of the Owl:
Yellow Bird: trader, friend of White Bird
White Bird: Older son, trader, to be named speaker for the Sun people tribe. He was killed by power.
Young Salamander: (mud puppy) A young dreamer: Considered the village idiot he is thrown into politics because of the death of his brother.
Wing Heart: Owl clan elder or leader of the Sun People.
Uncle Cloud Heron: Uncle to White bird and Mud puppy, speaker for the Sun People.
The serpent: holy man of the Sun people.
Jaguar Hide: leader of the Swamp Panther nation, just south of the Sun People.
Anhinga: niece of Jaguar hide, lead an unsuccessful raid on the Sun People. Forced to flee, and is brought back to form a treaty with the Sun People, has her own agenda.
Night Rain: Niece of Dark Hunter, leader of the Snapping turtle clan, younger sister to Pine drop, also married to White Bird, and Salamander
Pine drop: niece of Dark hunter, leader of the snapping turtle clan, engaged to White bird, married to Salamander after White Bird’s death, first wife.
Heron: dreamer first woman, taught the twins, and nurtures the One and the tree of life in her cave.
Masked Owl: dreamer, spirit guide, may be Owl Dreamer, in a contest with Many Colored Crow for the vision of the nation.
Many Colored crow: Raven hunter, the dark twin, attempts to change the culture or the people, uniting them in an unprecedented way.
Review:
Being stuck between a rock and a hard place is easy compared to Mud Puppy's predicament. Being caught between the twin brothers is a lot worse. Masked Owl his spirit guide is telling him one thing. Many Colored Crow his twin brother is telling him another. He is caught within the power struggle of light and dark, and either path may not be the best choice, at least not for the people. But that is only the beginning of Mud Puppy's problems he is caught between the rivalry of the clans, and the power struggle of brutal men, Mud Stalker and Deep hunter. With aid and support from few people of power, he may not find it easy to continue in his current eminence. Then there are his wives, and the divided struggle between three women who were all promised to his dead older brother. The rivalry of sisters and enemies may just be the last of them.
Will Mud Puppy fall into the One, or create the greatest of nations with trade, and war? Which will you choose; power, glory, knowledge, or the people who think you are either incompetent, or worse a witch.
Character list
People of the Owl:
Yellow Bird: trader, friend of White Bird
White Bird: Older son, trader, to be named speaker for the Sun people tribe. He was killed by power.
Young Salamander: (mud puppy) A young dreamer: Considered the village idiot he is thrown into politics because of the death of his brother.
Wing Heart: Owl clan elder or leader of the Sun People.
Uncle Cloud Heron: Uncle to White bird and Mud puppy, speaker for the Sun People.
The serpent: holy man of the Sun people.
Jaguar Hide: leader of the Swamp Panther nation, just south of the Sun People.
Anhinga: niece of Jaguar hide, lead an unsuccessful raid on the Sun People. Forced to flee, and is brought back to form a treaty with the Sun People, has her own agenda.
Night Rain: Niece of Dark Hunter, leader of the Snapping turtle clan, younger sister to Pine drop, also married to White Bird, and Salamander
Pine drop: niece of Dark hunter, leader of the snapping turtle clan, engaged to White bird, married to Salamander after White Bird’s death, first wife.
Heron: dreamer first woman, taught the twins, and nurtures the One and the tree of life in her cave.
Masked Owl: dreamer, spirit guide, may be Owl Dreamer, in a contest with Many Colored Crow for the vision of the nation.
Many Colored crow: Raven hunter, the dark twin, attempts to change the culture or the people, uniting them in an unprecedented way.
April 24, 2014
This is the best native american fiction novel I've read since the Mother Earth, Father Sky series. The way the Gears painted Sun Town and its inhabitants was engaging and fascinating. Salamander is someone you aren't sure of in the beginning, but come to love and respect by the novel's close. The same can be said for Pine Drop, Anhinga, Night Rain and Yellow Spider. The relationships depicted here (especially the clan politics) are so real, they could be taking place today, aside from our modern advances. It pains me to see that we haven't grown much since then. We are still a grasping, greedy people, looking for advancement and power (at least, some of us are). Of course, the details have been filled in by the authors, but it is very conceivable that everything could have happened similarly to the way they described it. It hurts to see those who are so thirsty for power to destroy anything in their path to achieve it- good and bad alike.
The only thing I found tough to wrap my head around was the dreaming Salamander experienced, and his strong connection to the spirit world and his "gods". Granted, those who eat certain things are put in a state of dreaming (think LSD)but for him to be so lucid and grounded and still be connected to those spirits miffed me. That took away a little of the realness for me. If Salamander had acted on his own, without the constant interference from Masked Owl and Many Colored Crow, i would have certainly thought more of him.
Without giving away too much, I will say that I didn't like the ending- but I rarely do in these types of novels. There is usually too much bloodshed to set things right again. Even though Salamander did the right thing, I wish it had ended differently for him.
Pine Drop was my favorite character. I believe she changed the most- and I really liked the person she became once she got over her prejudice and let her heart soften. She fought her uncle out of her love for Salamander, and I commend her for that. Even Night Rain did as well, but it took her much longer to come around.
I wish there was more of an epilogue, an explanation of exactly what happened during that next day after the summer solstice. Things were hinted at, but I believe they could have been explored more to the satisfaction of the reader. I mean, we've put 600 pages into this novel, I think we deserve more at the end then a few scraps. I want details.
This novel reads quickly, and is quite satisfying, despite these minor setbacks. I can certainly see myself reading this again in the future- it's a keeper.
The only thing I found tough to wrap my head around was the dreaming Salamander experienced, and his strong connection to the spirit world and his "gods". Granted, those who eat certain things are put in a state of dreaming (think LSD)but for him to be so lucid and grounded and still be connected to those spirits miffed me. That took away a little of the realness for me. If Salamander had acted on his own, without the constant interference from Masked Owl and Many Colored Crow, i would have certainly thought more of him.
Without giving away too much, I will say that I didn't like the ending- but I rarely do in these types of novels. There is usually too much bloodshed to set things right again. Even though Salamander did the right thing, I wish it had ended differently for him.
Pine Drop was my favorite character. I believe she changed the most- and I really liked the person she became once she got over her prejudice and let her heart soften. She fought her uncle out of her love for Salamander, and I commend her for that. Even Night Rain did as well, but it took her much longer to come around.
I wish there was more of an epilogue, an explanation of exactly what happened during that next day after the summer solstice. Things were hinted at, but I believe they could have been explored more to the satisfaction of the reader. I mean, we've put 600 pages into this novel, I think we deserve more at the end then a few scraps. I want details.
This novel reads quickly, and is quite satisfying, despite these minor setbacks. I can certainly see myself reading this again in the future- it's a keeper.
February 9, 2014
Reading People of the Owl, you can almost feel the sweat drip down your neck and smell the mud as you turn the pages. This story is set down in the area of modern day Louisiana, in the murky swamps and bayous. It tells the tale of Mud Puppy, a 15 summers old boy and the struggle for his souls between Masked Owl, who we know as Wolf Dreamer, and his twin brother Many-Colored-Crow, also called Raven Hunter.
Deeper in the swamps, a young woman named Anhinga fights her own personal demons in her dreams. After witnessing the deaths of her younger brother and several young warrior friends at the hands of Mud Puppy’s people, she vows revenge on those in Mud Puppy’s home, known as Sun Town. She plots with her uncle Jaguar Hide to come up with a way to destroy their enemies.
At the same time, Mud Puppy, now called Salamander is thrust head first into manhood after the death of his older, charismatic brother who was also the new clan speaker. Salamander takes his place as speaker for their clan despite his lack of experience. With this new role, he inherits his brother’s wives, Pine Drop and Night Rain, who make married life miserable for him. Seeking solitude and guidance from clan matters and his annoying wives, Salamander comes to know Masked Owl and Many-Colored-Crow as well as Sun Town’s healer, the Serpent. With the help of the Serpent, Salamander dances with the One and sees how the future will play out for his clan, rivaling clans and his own family.
Anhinga arrives at Sun Town, plot in hand, to secretly get revenge by marrying into Owl clan, more specifically, Salamander. Plotting the whole time of her marriage with her uncle, Anhinga finds herself caring for Salamander but still despising the council. Salamander is still torn between Masked Owl and Many-Colored-Crow, each showing him glimpses of what the future holds if he picks one to commit his soul to. He dances the One again and meets old Heron, who offers advice and guides him on a path on how to handle the twins.
As you keep reading, you can almost feel the mosquitoes landing on your arm, giving you gooseflesh as they land, but really it’s the story and the secrets that surround this ancient site and the mysteries it holds. Read on about this city and its characters Salamander, Anhinga, and the rest of the clans as their future unfolds in Salamander’s mind and as power once again has its way with the Dreamer and those around him.
Deeper in the swamps, a young woman named Anhinga fights her own personal demons in her dreams. After witnessing the deaths of her younger brother and several young warrior friends at the hands of Mud Puppy’s people, she vows revenge on those in Mud Puppy’s home, known as Sun Town. She plots with her uncle Jaguar Hide to come up with a way to destroy their enemies.
At the same time, Mud Puppy, now called Salamander is thrust head first into manhood after the death of his older, charismatic brother who was also the new clan speaker. Salamander takes his place as speaker for their clan despite his lack of experience. With this new role, he inherits his brother’s wives, Pine Drop and Night Rain, who make married life miserable for him. Seeking solitude and guidance from clan matters and his annoying wives, Salamander comes to know Masked Owl and Many-Colored-Crow as well as Sun Town’s healer, the Serpent. With the help of the Serpent, Salamander dances with the One and sees how the future will play out for his clan, rivaling clans and his own family.
Anhinga arrives at Sun Town, plot in hand, to secretly get revenge by marrying into Owl clan, more specifically, Salamander. Plotting the whole time of her marriage with her uncle, Anhinga finds herself caring for Salamander but still despising the council. Salamander is still torn between Masked Owl and Many-Colored-Crow, each showing him glimpses of what the future holds if he picks one to commit his soul to. He dances the One again and meets old Heron, who offers advice and guides him on a path on how to handle the twins.
As you keep reading, you can almost feel the mosquitoes landing on your arm, giving you gooseflesh as they land, but really it’s the story and the secrets that surround this ancient site and the mysteries it holds. Read on about this city and its characters Salamander, Anhinga, and the rest of the clans as their future unfolds in Salamander’s mind and as power once again has its way with the Dreamer and those around him.
March 4, 2014
Maybe it's just because I like owls, but I actually really enjoyed this book in The First North American series. While it did reference previous books, it gave enough background that it isn't necessary to read it in order, this book can be a stand alone.
Mud Puppy, later known as Salamander, has always been a strange child. He prefers to be at one with nature rather than achieve any sort of prestige. So when he is thrust into a leadership role after his brother and uncle die he knows he must tread carefully. He has enemies on all sides, and even his wives don't want to see him succeed. He is also caught between two power beings who want to use them for their own ends. Salamander's life is no longer his own.
Salamander has the quickest growth of any character that I've seen. He's smart, thoughtful, and tries to do what is best for the community rather than himself. Which makes him special, as most people think of their own personal gain. Unfortunately it also makes him a bit unbelievable. People are naturally selfish and to be so pure in his intentions, while possible, just doesn't seem that likely. His three wives are all a strange bunch too. They don't particularly like him but then again they all have their own agendas. I actually found them to be very believable as they all had something they wanted out of life and would do anything to achieve. Then there are the "bad" guys, they too are just people who want a little bit of power and to be in a leadership position.
While this book covered over a year it didn't really seem like it had that big of a span. It was telling the story of Salamander's life and it meandered through it. But not at so slow of pace that it wasn't interesting. You genuinely wanted to know what was going to happen and how he was going to get himself out of the fix he was in. Although, truthfully, I was a bit disappointed by the ending. There was a lot more about the people's actual culture in this book too, from how they wore their clothing to what they were eating. There usually is a little detail in the other books, but not to the extent that this one had. I appreciated learning a little more about how Salamander's people lived.
As I've said before, I think these books get better as they go along. I'm almost disappointed that I'm nearing the end of the series.
People of the Owl
Copyright 2003
598 pages
Review by M. Reynard 2014
More of my reviews can be found at www.ifithaswords.blogspot.com
Mud Puppy, later known as Salamander, has always been a strange child. He prefers to be at one with nature rather than achieve any sort of prestige. So when he is thrust into a leadership role after his brother and uncle die he knows he must tread carefully. He has enemies on all sides, and even his wives don't want to see him succeed. He is also caught between two power beings who want to use them for their own ends. Salamander's life is no longer his own.
Salamander has the quickest growth of any character that I've seen. He's smart, thoughtful, and tries to do what is best for the community rather than himself. Which makes him special, as most people think of their own personal gain. Unfortunately it also makes him a bit unbelievable. People are naturally selfish and to be so pure in his intentions, while possible, just doesn't seem that likely. His three wives are all a strange bunch too. They don't particularly like him but then again they all have their own agendas. I actually found them to be very believable as they all had something they wanted out of life and would do anything to achieve. Then there are the "bad" guys, they too are just people who want a little bit of power and to be in a leadership position.
While this book covered over a year it didn't really seem like it had that big of a span. It was telling the story of Salamander's life and it meandered through it. But not at so slow of pace that it wasn't interesting. You genuinely wanted to know what was going to happen and how he was going to get himself out of the fix he was in. Although, truthfully, I was a bit disappointed by the ending. There was a lot more about the people's actual culture in this book too, from how they wore their clothing to what they were eating. There usually is a little detail in the other books, but not to the extent that this one had. I appreciated learning a little more about how Salamander's people lived.
As I've said before, I think these books get better as they go along. I'm almost disappointed that I'm nearing the end of the series.
People of the Owl
Copyright 2003
598 pages
Review by M. Reynard 2014
More of my reviews can be found at www.ifithaswords.blogspot.com
August 6, 2014
The People of the Owl is another volume in a series of historical novels depicting the lives of pre-Columbian Native Americans. This tale goes way back 3500 years to the time of the mound-building culture of the Lower Mississippi Valley. Specifically, the authors set their story at Poverty Point, a major archaeological site in Louisiana, which in its time must have been one of the largest settlements in the New World. Author W. Michael Gear is a well-respected archaeologist, and the fictional work is based on sound research (a bibliography of which is provided.)
The story revolves around Salamander, a young man chosen by spiritual powers to a pivotal role in determining the future of Sun Town and its whole society. He struggles to keep peace between warring factions and to keep the uneasy balance among clans that make their way of life possible. As the story moves along we meet a few memorable characters, good and bad, including the several wives and other relatives Salamander must deal with. In a time before organized agriculture, it is amazing that these hunter-gatherers were able to build the tall mounds and other earthworks at the heart of their city. The plot suggests one turning point in their survival, stressing the importance of trade, cooperation, and obligation within and without the city.
Although the book devotes a lot of space to pseudo-metaphysical discussions between totem animals and spirit beings, and seemingly much of consequence occurs in dreams, perhaps the authors can be excused for such wordiness. A certain amount of this is necessary for the reader to fathom the minds of the native people, to understand their lives and to what extent they were guided by their perception of supernatural goings-on.
Likewise, not everyone will appreciate the lengthy and frequent passages of description, but I found the cultural references informative and they helped me picture the characters and the setting. Furthermore, the vivid description of the swampy lowlands, the dense forests, the colorful and sometimes dangerous animal life, made the Lower Mississippi backwaters come alive for me. I especially liked the scenes depicting the characters’ time (much of it) spent in canoes. I think the authors must have paddled a few strokes in their time.
The story revolves around Salamander, a young man chosen by spiritual powers to a pivotal role in determining the future of Sun Town and its whole society. He struggles to keep peace between warring factions and to keep the uneasy balance among clans that make their way of life possible. As the story moves along we meet a few memorable characters, good and bad, including the several wives and other relatives Salamander must deal with. In a time before organized agriculture, it is amazing that these hunter-gatherers were able to build the tall mounds and other earthworks at the heart of their city. The plot suggests one turning point in their survival, stressing the importance of trade, cooperation, and obligation within and without the city.
Although the book devotes a lot of space to pseudo-metaphysical discussions between totem animals and spirit beings, and seemingly much of consequence occurs in dreams, perhaps the authors can be excused for such wordiness. A certain amount of this is necessary for the reader to fathom the minds of the native people, to understand their lives and to what extent they were guided by their perception of supernatural goings-on.
Likewise, not everyone will appreciate the lengthy and frequent passages of description, but I found the cultural references informative and they helped me picture the characters and the setting. Furthermore, the vivid description of the swampy lowlands, the dense forests, the colorful and sometimes dangerous animal life, made the Lower Mississippi backwaters come alive for me. I especially liked the scenes depicting the characters’ time (much of it) spent in canoes. I think the authors must have paddled a few strokes in their time.
November 19, 2024
The Gear's are here again with an incredible read that will have you staying up late!
People of the Owl by W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O'Neal Gear is a captivating historical fantasy set in ancient America, specifically in the lower Mississippi Valley. The story follows Salamander, a fifteen-year-old boy who is thrust into leadership of America's first city after his revered brother is slain. Salamander, who would rather chase crickets and marvel at blue herons, must navigate the treacherous politics of his clan and forge alliances to secure the trade goods his people need to survive. Salamander's journey is fraught with challenges, including inheriting his brother's two wives who despise him and marrying the daughter of his mortal enemy. As he struggles to grow from a boy into a formidable leader, he must also contend with enemies lurking in every shadow and assassins striking without warning. The Gears masterfully weave tribal beliefs and mystical visions into a very human tale, creating a richly detailed narrative filled with engaging characters and unexpected twists.
The novel vividly brings to life the mound-builder society of Sun Town, where several thousand people lived between 3750 and 3350 years ago. The six matrilineal clans of Sun Town jockey for power and influence with complex plots and counter-plots worthy of Machiavelli. The Gears' storytelling skillfully navigates the ancient swamplands of Louisiana with their lapping brown waters, hanging vines, and brooding skies. People of the Owl is a compelling tale of political intrigue, spiritual journeys, and the enduring power of the human spirit. The Gears' ability to blend historical accuracy with imaginative storytelling makes this novel a must-read for fans of historical fantasy and those interested in the ancient cultures of North America. So grab your copy today.
• ASIN: B0DGX2ZHF2
• Publisher: Wolfpack Publishing
• Publication Date: 11/19/2024
• File Size: 4673 KB
• Print Length: 239 pages
• Genre: Historical Fantasy Fiction - Native American Literature
People of the Owl by W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O'Neal Gear is a captivating historical fantasy set in ancient America, specifically in the lower Mississippi Valley. The story follows Salamander, a fifteen-year-old boy who is thrust into leadership of America's first city after his revered brother is slain. Salamander, who would rather chase crickets and marvel at blue herons, must navigate the treacherous politics of his clan and forge alliances to secure the trade goods his people need to survive. Salamander's journey is fraught with challenges, including inheriting his brother's two wives who despise him and marrying the daughter of his mortal enemy. As he struggles to grow from a boy into a formidable leader, he must also contend with enemies lurking in every shadow and assassins striking without warning. The Gears masterfully weave tribal beliefs and mystical visions into a very human tale, creating a richly detailed narrative filled with engaging characters and unexpected twists.
The novel vividly brings to life the mound-builder society of Sun Town, where several thousand people lived between 3750 and 3350 years ago. The six matrilineal clans of Sun Town jockey for power and influence with complex plots and counter-plots worthy of Machiavelli. The Gears' storytelling skillfully navigates the ancient swamplands of Louisiana with their lapping brown waters, hanging vines, and brooding skies. People of the Owl is a compelling tale of political intrigue, spiritual journeys, and the enduring power of the human spirit. The Gears' ability to blend historical accuracy with imaginative storytelling makes this novel a must-read for fans of historical fantasy and those interested in the ancient cultures of North America. So grab your copy today.
• ASIN: B0DGX2ZHF2
• Publisher: Wolfpack Publishing
• Publication Date: 11/19/2024
• File Size: 4673 KB
• Print Length: 239 pages
• Genre: Historical Fantasy Fiction - Native American Literature
February 19, 2017
I love all of W. Michael and Kathleen's books!
February 1, 2026
A largely tedious and pretentious prologue to some other story I'll likely never read. Books in a series should at least stand on their own as satisfying individual arcs. This book doesn't even attempt that. Obviously well-researched, but I never once felt the verisimilitude of authenticity.
July 8, 2013
Setting: near the mouth of the Mississippi. A large town on the shores of a lake and it's surrounding areas.
Crisis: The 6 clans of the Sun people that make up the town are competing for the leadership of their town. Currently the Owl clan is on top, but their leader is dying and his heir hasn't returned from a trading trip up north. Everyone considers his younger brother, Mud Puppy/Salamander an idiot, but is he?
A nearby tribe, the Panthers have posession of a large sandstone quarry that is needed for all kinds of work, but the Panthers won't let the Sun people have enough so they are constantly at war.
I really like this one. It drew me in from the beginning. Salamader is a mysterious person but I loved how he deceived everyone when they thought they were controlling him.
Favorite scene: two of them that are related to each other: When Salamader opens his 1st wife's eyes but showing her the wonders of the world. First: watching the sunrise on top of the main temple mound, then later when they are out fishing he quitely shows her how spiders weave their webs and herons catch fish. By doing so he captures her heart.
Caution: There are some sexual moments between Salamader and his three wives and a couple of near rapes. Also the torture and subsequet mutalation of the bodies of four of the Panther warriors is quite graphic.
Crisis: The 6 clans of the Sun people that make up the town are competing for the leadership of their town. Currently the Owl clan is on top, but their leader is dying and his heir hasn't returned from a trading trip up north. Everyone considers his younger brother, Mud Puppy/Salamander an idiot, but is he?
A nearby tribe, the Panthers have posession of a large sandstone quarry that is needed for all kinds of work, but the Panthers won't let the Sun people have enough so they are constantly at war.
I really like this one. It drew me in from the beginning. Salamader is a mysterious person but I loved how he deceived everyone when they thought they were controlling him.
Favorite scene: two of them that are related to each other: When Salamader opens his 1st wife's eyes but showing her the wonders of the world. First: watching the sunrise on top of the main temple mound, then later when they are out fishing he quitely shows her how spiders weave their webs and herons catch fish. By doing so he captures her heart.
Caution: There are some sexual moments between Salamader and his three wives and a couple of near rapes. Also the torture and subsequet mutalation of the bodies of four of the Panther warriors is quite graphic.
January 31, 2016
Mud Puppy, later Salamander, is a thinking individual who becomes the meeting point between contesting forces, and not just human ones at that. To ensure that all will be kept in balance he has to carefully manoeuvre his way through the naked ambition of others and the scorn, and lack of understanding, of many of his people. Fortunately he has the support of some very useful friends and companions as they become aware of the true soul that occupies this great man.
Normally I dislike the way the Gears depict the ancient Americans as being a cross between Shaolin monks and the great philosophers of time but here, in "People of the Owl" they have somehow managed to balance it well with the real world. Our hero is both a gentle and realistic soul. The world depicted has a veracity and danger about it that is believable. The depiction of Sun Town, the river and the surrounding mangroves is vivid. I think this must be perhaps the best book in the "First Americans" series that I've read so far.
Normally I dislike the way the Gears depict the ancient Americans as being a cross between Shaolin monks and the great philosophers of time but here, in "People of the Owl" they have somehow managed to balance it well with the real world. Our hero is both a gentle and realistic soul. The world depicted has a veracity and danger about it that is believable. The depiction of Sun Town, the river and the surrounding mangroves is vivid. I think this must be perhaps the best book in the "First Americans" series that I've read so far.
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