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North America's Forgotten Past #22
People of the Songtrail
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors Kathleen O'Neal Gear and W. Michael Gear comes an epic story of the first contact between Native Americans and Vikings.
On the shores of what is now northeastern Canada, a small group of intrepid settlers have landed, seeking freedom to worship and prosper far from the religious strife and political upheaval that plague a war-ridden Europe . . .
500 years before Columbus set sail.
While it has long been known that Viking ships explored the American coast, recent archaeological evidence suggests a far more vast and permanent settlement. It is from this evidence that archaeologists and early American history experts Kathy and Michael Gear weave their extraordinary tale.
Based on recent archaeological discoveries, People of the Songtrail is the saga of the first European settlers to land on the shores of the new world. It is a story, like so many in America's history, of the swift and violent clash of cultures, and extraordinary men and women on both sides who are brave enough to work for the fragile hope of peace. A story that has remained untold, until now.
On the shores of what is now northeastern Canada, a small group of intrepid settlers have landed, seeking freedom to worship and prosper far from the religious strife and political upheaval that plague a war-ridden Europe . . .
500 years before Columbus set sail.
While it has long been known that Viking ships explored the American coast, recent archaeological evidence suggests a far more vast and permanent settlement. It is from this evidence that archaeologists and early American history experts Kathy and Michael Gear weave their extraordinary tale.
Based on recent archaeological discoveries, People of the Songtrail is the saga of the first European settlers to land on the shores of the new world. It is a story, like so many in America's history, of the swift and violent clash of cultures, and extraordinary men and women on both sides who are brave enough to work for the fragile hope of peace. A story that has remained untold, until now.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published May 26, 2015
75 people are currently reading
1315 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 64 reviews
February 6, 2015
People of the Songtrail
by W. Michael Gear, Kathleen O'Neal Gear (Goodreads Author)
You would think they could not do it again, but the W. Michael and Kathleen O’neal Gear have accomplished again another tale to amaze their readers. They have created another set of characters that you feel a heart-deep connection. The reader struggles with the characters against impossible odds, deadly and diverse problems that make you hold your breath striving with the character to find a solution. The story of the connections and interactions between the Vikings and the people of Hvitramannaland (People of the Songtrail) has depth and magic beyond my imagination. The melding of the belief systems the interaction of three diverse religions makes the context of this story a literary wonder. The characters Thyra, Kiran, Vethild, Thorlak, Chieftain Gunnar, Asson , Chief Drona, Ewinon, Camtac, and Podebeek make your spirit feel the struggle that this conflict of cultures would have produced. The seamless story makes the reader feel that they are seeing this diverse conflict of culture and people real. You struggle with the heroic ideology of Kiran and his new religion (Christianity) as he comes to grips with the wonder and magic of the Norse beliefs, and that of the People of the Songtrail. Thyra sends the reader into a tailspin as you follow her tragic story, of betrayal and lost becoming a Thrall to the man who took her from her loving mother. Thorlak’s desperate grab for power and wealth beyond him, his driving nature make him a fearful and deadly enemy. The resigned struggle of Asson a Kutsitualit (special kind of holy people who have only one hip bone) of the People of the Songtrail, how he tries to protect his friends and people from the on slot of war and devastation brought to their shores by a people who do not understand or comprehend the depth of the world they have just set foot on. I could continue to list nearly every character in wonder at their development and my emotional connection to them, but I figure it would be better if you’re to read it yourselves and see the wonder of the story on your own terms. This book will add to the list of beloved titles, books, and treasured tomes of the Fans who desperately accumulate their stories and read them over and over again.
by W. Michael Gear, Kathleen O'Neal Gear (Goodreads Author)
You would think they could not do it again, but the W. Michael and Kathleen O’neal Gear have accomplished again another tale to amaze their readers. They have created another set of characters that you feel a heart-deep connection. The reader struggles with the characters against impossible odds, deadly and diverse problems that make you hold your breath striving with the character to find a solution. The story of the connections and interactions between the Vikings and the people of Hvitramannaland (People of the Songtrail) has depth and magic beyond my imagination. The melding of the belief systems the interaction of three diverse religions makes the context of this story a literary wonder. The characters Thyra, Kiran, Vethild, Thorlak, Chieftain Gunnar, Asson , Chief Drona, Ewinon, Camtac, and Podebeek make your spirit feel the struggle that this conflict of cultures would have produced. The seamless story makes the reader feel that they are seeing this diverse conflict of culture and people real. You struggle with the heroic ideology of Kiran and his new religion (Christianity) as he comes to grips with the wonder and magic of the Norse beliefs, and that of the People of the Songtrail. Thyra sends the reader into a tailspin as you follow her tragic story, of betrayal and lost becoming a Thrall to the man who took her from her loving mother. Thorlak’s desperate grab for power and wealth beyond him, his driving nature make him a fearful and deadly enemy. The resigned struggle of Asson a Kutsitualit (special kind of holy people who have only one hip bone) of the People of the Songtrail, how he tries to protect his friends and people from the on slot of war and devastation brought to their shores by a people who do not understand or comprehend the depth of the world they have just set foot on. I could continue to list nearly every character in wonder at their development and my emotional connection to them, but I figure it would be better if you’re to read it yourselves and see the wonder of the story on your own terms. This book will add to the list of beloved titles, books, and treasured tomes of the Fans who desperately accumulate their stories and read them over and over again.
September 3, 2015
As usual, these authors have written a compelling story. It is about people who came to North America with the intent to "settle", claiming the right to do so according to the code of their own culture, which meant that they would annihilate the Indigenous people who already lived there. The were not European, they were Nordic settlers from Iceland, Greenland, and England. There is so much complex and fascinating history to discover here. As usual, the authors address the spiritual battle that took place in this clash of cultures. A reader can really experience the inside of the Nordic and the Indigenous cultures, and their attendant spiritual perspectives. A remarkable read.
July 24, 2015
As always, another excellent story! I won an Advance Uncorrected Proof via Good Reads & author...THX to both! I didn't find much that needed to be edited in this book, so the finished book should be excellent! I can't wait to read their next book! They haven't written a bad book that I've ever come across.
May 31, 2015
I am disappointed with People of the Songtrail. There was very little character development in the beginning leaving me unable to connect with any of the characters. The first few chapters are all over the place and it feelt like there were cut chapters that would have connected everything. There was much more Nordic culture present than that of The Songtrail People's making the story feel one sided. The plot seemed lazy, which surprised me since the Gears always deliver in that area. I did learn a lot about the Nordic people and how life was like for them at that point in time.
June 6, 2021
I had a hard time getting into this story-there were a lot of characters and I had a hard time keeping everyone straight. Eventually the story narrowed down to the main few only because everyone else was dead. There was the historical aspect of the story-the Viking colonization and the political unrest in England- but it was the overwhelming mystical part of the story that had me lost. Just wasn't for me.
July 9, 2015
"Stuff You Never Learned in History Class" is always a book genre I look for when entering Goodreads First Reads giveaways. I was successful and will enjoy knowing more about these early explorations.
Although fantasy is not genre that I usually read--and there was quite a bit of fantasy in this work of historical fiction--this book was exciting and kept my attention all the way through.
Although fantasy is not genre that I usually read--and there was quite a bit of fantasy in this work of historical fiction--this book was exciting and kept my attention all the way through.
February 4, 2017
(One star translates as I did not like it, which is true, but I finished it, which I usually do not do if I didn't like it, so I'm conflicted.) Too much unexplained magic, a rather chaotic story, abundant loose ends, many diverse elements jumbled together. (Songtrail? No explanation.) Unsatisfying.
August 3, 2015
I was disappointed with this novel as the authors were once my favourite authors. Although the characters are strong, I found the novel flat and somewhat repetitious. Perhaps the story should have stayed in the forgotten past.
November 5, 2020
There was too much fantasy when I was hoping to read a historical fiction. The middle really drug on. And there were so many names and references that were mentioned often enough to know they were important, but not often enough to keep them all straight. Overall, I was disappointed.
September 12, 2017
Vikings try to colonize the Northwest and get into trouble with the natives. Parts read like a SciFi book.
Took me forever to read. Finally finished while on a Alaskan cruise.
Took me forever to read. Finally finished while on a Alaskan cruise.
January 28, 2018
Another great book.
December 21, 2018
Non-stop page turner.
This novel is steeped in history, religion, secrets and war. The time of the Danelaw is ending. As the Christian faith spreads, many are forced to convert, or die.
Now with King Cnut, Athelred the Unready and Alfred, fighting for the Crown of England. One is searching for a powerful Seeress, that had been exiled, to a strange land, 12 years earlier. Those who want her and her power, will stop at nothing to get to her, or her grave.
Now her daughter Thyra, is heading to the same land, with only vague memories, of her 'other mother'. Her power and knowledge grows along the journey..
We also meet The People of the Songtrail, they are Inuit. They have had dealings with the Norseman before. Children stolen,, loved ones killed. Are these Norseman here for peace or war? The truth is far more ominous.
This novel has depth, on every side. Each character is well developed. It is written, with the same astonishing expertise, by Kathleen and Michael..
This is a whole new chapter in the first People's to visit North America. What a chapter they have written!! I have read it three times, now.
Highly recommended
This novel is steeped in history, religion, secrets and war. The time of the Danelaw is ending. As the Christian faith spreads, many are forced to convert, or die.
Now with King Cnut, Athelred the Unready and Alfred, fighting for the Crown of England. One is searching for a powerful Seeress, that had been exiled, to a strange land, 12 years earlier. Those who want her and her power, will stop at nothing to get to her, or her grave.
Now her daughter Thyra, is heading to the same land, with only vague memories, of her 'other mother'. Her power and knowledge grows along the journey..
We also meet The People of the Songtrail, they are Inuit. They have had dealings with the Norseman before. Children stolen,, loved ones killed. Are these Norseman here for peace or war? The truth is far more ominous.
This novel has depth, on every side. Each character is well developed. It is written, with the same astonishing expertise, by Kathleen and Michael..
This is a whole new chapter in the first People's to visit North America. What a chapter they have written!! I have read it three times, now.
Highly recommended
February 25, 2024
Disappointing... perhaps one of their worst... for me, that is.
Normally the Gears play a subtle line between the spirit world and reality. It's easy to see the "mystical" as visions brought on by magic mushrooms and getting into a trance. It easy to see how things can appear when you've been brought up in a world where everything has a spirit occupying it. Witch doctors and shamans, it's all the same.
But this went beyond that. Real magic and wizards... Oh God, shoot me now.
Yet!
Despite all the silliness this wasn't a terrible read...
apart from the native Americans watching everything at the end as if the Viking Whites really were the master race.
Normally the Gears play a subtle line between the spirit world and reality. It's easy to see the "mystical" as visions brought on by magic mushrooms and getting into a trance. It easy to see how things can appear when you've been brought up in a world where everything has a spirit occupying it. Witch doctors and shamans, it's all the same.
But this went beyond that. Real magic and wizards... Oh God, shoot me now.
Yet!
Despite all the silliness this wasn't a terrible read...
apart from the native Americans watching everything at the end as if the Viking Whites really were the master race.
August 20, 2023
I enjoyed reading this book.
I have read most of the books the Gears have written. I count them among my favourite authors and I always feel I learn something about our North American past from them. I thought this book was not quite as well pulled together as some of their books, but it was, nevertheless, an enjoyable read. I would definitely suggest reading and possibly even flipping back to the preface, as well as the glossary at the end! It will help you to understand what’s going on!
I have read most of the books the Gears have written. I count them among my favourite authors and I always feel I learn something about our North American past from them. I thought this book was not quite as well pulled together as some of their books, but it was, nevertheless, an enjoyable read. I would definitely suggest reading and possibly even flipping back to the preface, as well as the glossary at the end! It will help you to understand what’s going on!
August 29, 2017
Around 1000 A.D. people who worship the traditional gods are forced to flee first Denmark and then Ireland as they are persecuted by the Christians. Among the group is a sixteen year old seer who is also a shape changer. Also are men who hunt her mother, another powerful seer, to get her to fight the Christians. The Europeans fight with the natives as they attempt to enslave them.
May 7, 2018
I liked it I like historic fiction it talks about first Nations and vikings together. The ending is crazy i dont like it because it hinted to the fact that she was going to commit suicide instead of her going and getting married
July 26, 2019
This was occupied with early Vikings looking for places in Greenland and Northeast Canada to settle. Of course there were clashes with the people already here as well as between Vikings. The adventure is filled with spirit power and is fascinating as usual.
March 13, 2022
A wonderfully told tale of vikings encountering the native peoples of the edge of Canada around 1000 AD. It’s been a long time since I’ve read a Gear story and i loved this for its involvement with the conflicts among different belief systems.
December 14, 2017
Not as good as previous tales but interesting.
August 3, 2017
not so good as others but learned some history
May 14, 2019
This book was more fantasy than historic fiction, very disappointing.
October 1, 2019
Very enjoyable and fast moving. Liked learning history of Vikings and Native Americans at same time.
July 16, 2020
This like all books by the Gears was excellent. This is the 1st in a series of the Vikings coming to the northeast part of North America. I am anxious for the next volume to be published.
January 24, 2021
Always love the documentation in each book.
June 25, 2025
The People of the...books are always great. This one, bringing in Viking elements, was particularly fun.
November 9, 2021
This story was different than the rest of the books in this series. There was a lot more supernatural stuff going on and less explanation of these processes. This was not the type of book that I would normally read. I just couldn't get invested in the story lines and only finished the book because of the previous books in the series.
March 6, 2017
As usual, a great researched historical novel!
May 21, 2024
Another successful book by the Gears! This book is about a possible scenario involving the meeting of the Vikings with Native Americans, in this case, the People of the Songtrail. I had some difficulties in getting used to a new set of names (Viking names aren’t easy) but once I got used to the names, the book was much easier to read. The discussions of the political situation in England/Iceland/Denmark and how it related to the Vikings in the new world caused the story to lag a little but I thought it was interesting that there was a possibility that some of the Vikings actually came to the new world for religious freedom, and learning a little bit of Viking history was a plus. The plot seemed a little loose for a typical Gear book but I enjoyed the comparison of Asson, a seer of the Songtrail, and Thyra, a seer of the Vikings and their battle with Thorlak, another with supernatural powers.
November 29, 2016
I enjoyed this book quite a bit. The story was exciting and it had a feeling of authenticity. I know nothing about the peoples the book is about, so I have no way of knowing how well the authors did their homework, but it felt real. Even the fantasy elements did not detract from the "real feel."
I for one was quite glad that the Danelaw was defeated by the English and driven out, so I read this book from the "other side," but I still enjoyed it. The characters, even though they are my ancestral enemies, were likeable. Somehow the Gears made me care even about Danes. My only quibble was the word "anchorite," which was used inaccurately and meaninglessly. It annoyed me every time the word appeared.
I for one was quite glad that the Danelaw was defeated by the English and driven out, so I read this book from the "other side," but I still enjoyed it. The characters, even though they are my ancestral enemies, were likeable. Somehow the Gears made me care even about Danes. My only quibble was the word "anchorite," which was used inaccurately and meaninglessly. It annoyed me every time the word appeared.
August 15, 2015
At 1st the amount of characters were confusing & some enraging, but as ALWAYS, the Gears really tell a great story involving every emotive state & involve the reader in every character.
I'm a local library book sponsor, meaning I pay for the bills on all Gear books that come out, so our library has a hardcover copy for everyone to read. Nothing like exposing people to the best authors out there. This pair of writers are each experts in archeology & anthropology as well as research & writing their fiction based on the facts. I wish there were more like them!
I'm a local library book sponsor, meaning I pay for the bills on all Gear books that come out, so our library has a hardcover copy for everyone to read. Nothing like exposing people to the best authors out there. This pair of writers are each experts in archeology & anthropology as well as research & writing their fiction based on the facts. I wish there were more like them!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews