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The Poison Bride
New York Times
bestselling authors W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O'Neal Gear deliver an epic saga of power, betrayal, and survival in Ancient America.
At the center of this epic story is Salamander, a man caught in a complex web of betrayal and intrigue as rival clans vie for dominance. As tensions rise between the Snapping Turtle, Alligator, and Frog Clans, Salamander must tread carefully, navigating the dangerous waters of political alliances, and fending off enemies that grow more powerful by the day. Questions about his loyalty and even his sanity begin to swirl, with some wondering whether he’s still in his right mind.
But Salamander is not alone. By his side are his devoted wives, Anhinga and Pine Drop, and a mysterious Spirit Helper. Together, they face Mud Stalker, whose ambitions threaten to spark a war that could destroy everything. Accusations of witchcraft and the disappearance of Eats Wood only worsen the turmoil.
As the threads of fate tighten, Anhinga sees an opportunity to strike back at her enemies—the hated Sun People—setting in motion a series of events that could either free them all or lead to their utter destruction. Faced with impossible choices, Salamander must decide whether to pursue his own happiness and freedom or make the ultimate sacrifice to protect his people.
Rich in historical detail and brimming with complex characters, The Poison Bride is an unforgettable story of power, betrayal, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
Order your copy of today and experience the next spellbinding tale in The Earliest Americans saga!
At the center of this epic story is Salamander, a man caught in a complex web of betrayal and intrigue as rival clans vie for dominance. As tensions rise between the Snapping Turtle, Alligator, and Frog Clans, Salamander must tread carefully, navigating the dangerous waters of political alliances, and fending off enemies that grow more powerful by the day. Questions about his loyalty and even his sanity begin to swirl, with some wondering whether he’s still in his right mind.
But Salamander is not alone. By his side are his devoted wives, Anhinga and Pine Drop, and a mysterious Spirit Helper. Together, they face Mud Stalker, whose ambitions threaten to spark a war that could destroy everything. Accusations of witchcraft and the disappearance of Eats Wood only worsen the turmoil.
As the threads of fate tighten, Anhinga sees an opportunity to strike back at her enemies—the hated Sun People—setting in motion a series of events that could either free them all or lead to their utter destruction. Faced with impossible choices, Salamander must decide whether to pursue his own happiness and freedom or make the ultimate sacrifice to protect his people.
Rich in historical detail and brimming with complex characters, The Poison Bride is an unforgettable story of power, betrayal, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
Order your copy of today and experience the next spellbinding tale in The Earliest Americans saga!
246 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 14, 2025
106 people are currently reading
11 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 - 3 of 3 reviews
January 14, 2025
Here is the next chapter in Salamander's life; it will take you by surprise!
"The Poison Bride" by W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O'Neal Gear is a historical fantasy that plunges you into the treacherous world of Ancient America. At the heart of this epic tale is Salamander, a man ensnared in a web of betrayal and political intrigue as rival clans—the Snapping Turtle, Alligator, and Frog Clans—vie for dominance. With tensions rising and enemies growing more powerful, Salamander must navigate dangerous alliances and fend off accusations of witchcraft. By his side are his devoted wives, Anhinga and Pine Drop, and a mysterious Spirit Helper. Together, they face the ambitious Mud Stalker, whose schemes threaten to ignite a war that could destroy everything. As the turmoil intensifies, Anhinga sees a chance to strike back at her enemies—the hated Sun People—setting off a chain of events that could either free them all or lead to their utter destruction.
The plot is rich with historical detail and brimming with complex characters. The Gears masterfully weave a tale of power, betrayal, and survival, making you feel every twist and turn. Salamander's struggle to protect his people while grappling with his own desires and sanity adds depth to this gripping narrative. If you're looking for a story that combines historical intrigue with a touch of fantasy, "The Poison Bride" is your ticket. Pick up your copy today and dive into this spellbinding saga!
• ASIN: B0DP5GCTZ1
• Publisher: Wolfpack Publishing
• Publication Date: 1/14/2025
• File Size: 5760 KB
• Print Length: 246 pages
• Genre: Historical Fantasy Fiction - Native American Literature
"The Poison Bride" by W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O'Neal Gear is a historical fantasy that plunges you into the treacherous world of Ancient America. At the heart of this epic tale is Salamander, a man ensnared in a web of betrayal and political intrigue as rival clans—the Snapping Turtle, Alligator, and Frog Clans—vie for dominance. With tensions rising and enemies growing more powerful, Salamander must navigate dangerous alliances and fend off accusations of witchcraft. By his side are his devoted wives, Anhinga and Pine Drop, and a mysterious Spirit Helper. Together, they face the ambitious Mud Stalker, whose schemes threaten to ignite a war that could destroy everything. As the turmoil intensifies, Anhinga sees a chance to strike back at her enemies—the hated Sun People—setting off a chain of events that could either free them all or lead to their utter destruction.
The plot is rich with historical detail and brimming with complex characters. The Gears masterfully weave a tale of power, betrayal, and survival, making you feel every twist and turn. Salamander's struggle to protect his people while grappling with his own desires and sanity adds depth to this gripping narrative. If you're looking for a story that combines historical intrigue with a touch of fantasy, "The Poison Bride" is your ticket. Pick up your copy today and dive into this spellbinding saga!
• ASIN: B0DP5GCTZ1
• Publisher: Wolfpack Publishing
• Publication Date: 1/14/2025
• File Size: 5760 KB
• Print Length: 246 pages
• Genre: Historical Fantasy Fiction - Native American Literature
January 18, 2025
The Poison Bride: A Historical Fantasy Series (The Earliest Americans Book 3)
by W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O'neal Gear
This final reprint of the original People of the owl, showing the nature of Dreamers. The idea that they who dream are required more than other leaders. They need to find a balance between the dark and light, the people and nature, and all the other dichotomies that they are faced with.
Salamander has grown since his brothers death. He has become the leader he was asked, he had become a father. But the forces line up to take him down.
The story shows the nature of balance. The Idea that society is always a balance of human greed and what is needed for all (nature, people and the spirit world).
The book shows the final beauty of one for the first cities in North America. The remnants of it make the mounds of Poverty Point. This ambiguous landmark leaves mysteries that may never beknown as it has become a National monument and changes and research are left to theory, because the research can not be intrusive.
by W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O'neal Gear
This final reprint of the original People of the owl, showing the nature of Dreamers. The idea that they who dream are required more than other leaders. They need to find a balance between the dark and light, the people and nature, and all the other dichotomies that they are faced with.
Salamander has grown since his brothers death. He has become the leader he was asked, he had become a father. But the forces line up to take him down.
The story shows the nature of balance. The Idea that society is always a balance of human greed and what is needed for all (nature, people and the spirit world).
The book shows the final beauty of one for the first cities in North America. The remnants of it make the mounds of Poverty Point. This ambiguous landmark leaves mysteries that may never beknown as it has become a National monument and changes and research are left to theory, because the research can not be intrusive.
January 16, 2025
A learning experience
The Poison Bride is much more than a tense, dramatic story of love and intrigue at the highest levels of society. Kathleen and Michael Gear share years of research in teaching us how ancient societies lived their day to day lives as they built, and yes, destroyed, great cultures. This story, the last in a series that is essentially a re-release of People of the Owl, originally a single volume. The Gears do such a marvelous job of blending colorful characters, expertly described setting, and intriguing plot, the detail of ancient culture is easily missed. But those details are there, making any Gear book a learning experience.
The Poison Bride is much more than a tense, dramatic story of love and intrigue at the highest levels of society. Kathleen and Michael Gear share years of research in teaching us how ancient societies lived their day to day lives as they built, and yes, destroyed, great cultures. This story, the last in a series that is essentially a re-release of People of the Owl, originally a single volume. The Gears do such a marvelous job of blending colorful characters, expertly described setting, and intriguing plot, the detail of ancient culture is easily missed. But those details are there, making any Gear book a learning experience.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews