Algonquin Spring

Algonquin Quest #2

by Rick Revelle

Years after a devastating battle, Mahingan and his tribe struggle to recover a lost loved one.

Six years earlier in the fourteenth century, Mahingan and his tribe fought the Battle of the Falls against the Haudenosaunee. There were many losses, and Mahingan thought he had lost his wife, Wàbananang (Morning Star). But after the battle, he learned she was still alive, taken captive by the Haudenosaunee. Now on a desperate quest to rescue her, Mahingan and his small family are wintering north of the Ottawa River near present-day Lachute, Quebec. If they are to have any hope of recovering Wàbananang, though, they must first survive until spring.

At the same time, over 2,000 kilometres away in present-day Newfoundland, events taking place will affect four Native Mahingan’s, a group of Mi’kmaq, a Beothuk group, and a band of Haudenosaunee warriors led by Mahingan’s old nemesis, Ò:nenhste Erhar (Corn Dog) ― a fierce Mohawk War Chief and Wàbananang’s captor.

Along the way, Mahingan’s brother, Mitigomij, will reveal his true self and powers. Then, an influential Mi’kmaq legend puts a new, powerful twist on events, and threatens to send things spiraling out of Mahingan’s control.

Genres: Historical Fiction

296 pages, Paperback

First published October 10, 2015

Reviews

[Jim Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pedal to the metal action and adventure. Can't wait until book 3 of the series!
These novels (I am Algonquin and Algonquin Spring) call to mind the straightforward storytelling of C.S. Forester's Hornblower saga mixed with the historical accuracy of Patrick O'Brian's Captain Aubrey novels. You will definitely learn a lot about Aboriginal life from reading the Algonquin Quest novels. Everything from making traditional medicine, to how they made their weapons, how they conducted warfare to how they used every part of an animal they killed. Some may find the details of their lifestyle a little too graphic, but they are included for veracity, not mere shock value.
For my complete review, please visit www.MiramichiReader.ca

[Margaret Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling YA history. Four different nations, four different leaders and four destinies meet in this sequel to I Am Algonquin.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one is even more graphically violent than the last one, with even more descriptions of brains splattering out when someone is clubbed in battle, etc. You’ll want either a strong stomach or a lot of interest in the subject matter (for me it was the latter). I liked that the author brought in multiple viewpoints and diverse tribal experiences. We even have an encounter with a few Vikings. Although the author prefers to focus on violence, which is never my preference, I do appreciate a chance to look into a fictional version of 1330s northeast American Indian life. I also appreciated the brief introduction with historical and contextual information.

[Wayne Inkster · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent sequel to the first, taking the reader through many different Indigenous cultures.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

FTC Disclosure: I received this book free from Goodreads hoping I would review it.

[Kazia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book better than the first. It felt like the author got a hang of telling the stories and integrating these tidbits of facts and history more seamlessly. I especially loved the inclusion of how the natural world, the plants and animals, were used economically for the peoples' benefits: bones for arrowheads, sinew for thread, brains to help tan hides, honey for its antiseptic properties, mullein for padding (I heard that Native Peoples used it as tissue paper as well), etc.

I am disappointed about the ending, however. It went too fast. And again we are left in suspense. Luckily, I have the next book in the series.