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Two Hearts Two Spirits
Two Hearts Two Spirits is a A Tale of First Nations Two Spirit Love.
Centuries before the murder of Julius Caesar, or the Norman conquest of England, a nomadic people moved across the width and breadth of a vast hidden valley.
The disastrous Wars of the 1800s between the United States and the Indian tribes of the American west were long over. Tribes that were once free roaming as the buffalo were now penned up and neglected. By a sheer accident of location the village of two Indian youths remained untouched by the ravages of war and the intrusion of the white man. It was a place of refuge from the white eyes who come with their twin plagues, one of the body and the other of the spirit.
Helki and Igashu, friends and constant companions since childhood will soon perform the ritual of the Basket and the Bow. Choosing the basket means living the life of a Two-Spirit, a lover of men. Choosing the bow means becoming a provider, the head of a family, and a warrior-if war should ever come. Yet if Helki and Igashu choose different paths, their love may not survive. This then is the story of Igashu and Helki as they step into manhood in search of their destinies.
Centuries before the murder of Julius Caesar, or the Norman conquest of England, a nomadic people moved across the width and breadth of a vast hidden valley.
The disastrous Wars of the 1800s between the United States and the Indian tribes of the American west were long over. Tribes that were once free roaming as the buffalo were now penned up and neglected. By a sheer accident of location the village of two Indian youths remained untouched by the ravages of war and the intrusion of the white man. It was a place of refuge from the white eyes who come with their twin plagues, one of the body and the other of the spirit.
Helki and Igashu, friends and constant companions since childhood will soon perform the ritual of the Basket and the Bow. Choosing the basket means living the life of a Two-Spirit, a lover of men. Choosing the bow means becoming a provider, the head of a family, and a warrior-if war should ever come. Yet if Helki and Igashu choose different paths, their love may not survive. This then is the story of Igashu and Helki as they step into manhood in search of their destinies.
106 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 10, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 22, 2012
Title: Two Hearts, Two Spirits
Author: Michael Halfhill
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (November 10, 2010
Michael Halfhill’s historical romance Two Hearts, Two Spirits is a tale of two young men coming of age and making choices that will set their feet on the path they will follow for the rest of their lives.
Set in the American West in the early 1900’s, the story follows two lifelong friends, Helki and Igashu, born into a fictional tribe of American Indians. Though the tribe itself is fictional, the author did meticulous research on the customs of actual tribes and incorporated the details beautifully.
One of the customs the young men must fulfill as they stand on the brink of manhood, is that of the ritual called the Bow and the Basket. He who chooses the basket will live the life of a Two-Spirit, a berdache, a lover of men, a nurturer. Whoever chooses the bow is destined to become a hunter, provider, and warrior. Either choice is honorable.
Choices are never easy, especially when you’re young. But for Igashu the choice is particularly difficult. He and Helki have long known they love each other but Igashu, being the only son, is expected to lead his family and create sons. As Igashu sets out on the Vision Quest which will decide his future, he is torn between family and tribal traditions, and his love for his friend. On his search for his future, Igashu encounters white men for the first time, follows a beautiful and mysterious yellow wild cat, and captures wild horses. Helki, going on an entirely different path, learns wisdom and how to transform himself into a spirit guide who will lead other young men into their own lives.
The big question, of course, is whether their young love will remain, once they have faced their individual futures and accepted their destinies.
The place descriptions in the story are beautiful, and the love is muted, more hinted at than spelled out. I like that. If you are looking for a story with steamy sex, look elsewhere. If you’re looking for a story with both adventure and tenderness, this is the book for you.
I must also comment on the lovely cover. Unlike too many gay novels it does not show a bare-chested, headless six-pack torso, but actually illustrates the content of the book. Thank you, Dreamspinner!
Author: Michael Halfhill
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (November 10, 2010
Michael Halfhill’s historical romance Two Hearts, Two Spirits is a tale of two young men coming of age and making choices that will set their feet on the path they will follow for the rest of their lives.
Set in the American West in the early 1900’s, the story follows two lifelong friends, Helki and Igashu, born into a fictional tribe of American Indians. Though the tribe itself is fictional, the author did meticulous research on the customs of actual tribes and incorporated the details beautifully.
One of the customs the young men must fulfill as they stand on the brink of manhood, is that of the ritual called the Bow and the Basket. He who chooses the basket will live the life of a Two-Spirit, a berdache, a lover of men, a nurturer. Whoever chooses the bow is destined to become a hunter, provider, and warrior. Either choice is honorable.
Choices are never easy, especially when you’re young. But for Igashu the choice is particularly difficult. He and Helki have long known they love each other but Igashu, being the only son, is expected to lead his family and create sons. As Igashu sets out on the Vision Quest which will decide his future, he is torn between family and tribal traditions, and his love for his friend. On his search for his future, Igashu encounters white men for the first time, follows a beautiful and mysterious yellow wild cat, and captures wild horses. Helki, going on an entirely different path, learns wisdom and how to transform himself into a spirit guide who will lead other young men into their own lives.
The big question, of course, is whether their young love will remain, once they have faced their individual futures and accepted their destinies.
The place descriptions in the story are beautiful, and the love is muted, more hinted at than spelled out. I like that. If you are looking for a story with steamy sex, look elsewhere. If you’re looking for a story with both adventure and tenderness, this is the book for you.
I must also comment on the lovely cover. Unlike too many gay novels it does not show a bare-chested, headless six-pack torso, but actually illustrates the content of the book. Thank you, Dreamspinner!
July 29, 2016
Michael Halfhill's "Two Hearts Two Spirits" was such an incredible read in so many ways. It's a lyrical book, beautifully written and such a lovely story, too. It's also surprisingly (and refreshingly) different from the usual MM romances, although it's romantic and has a beautiful HEA.
Igashu and Helki are young native American men coming of age in the early 20th Century. Shielded from the outside world by seemingly impassable canyons, their tribe still retains the old traditions of their people. Igashu is a born leader and warrior who struggles with his feelings for his best friend Helki. Helki knows that he loves Igashu, but knows that Igashu needs to find his way to him, or they will never have a future together. Igashu sets off on his vision quest in the hopes of answers and a future. While Igashu is out in the wilderness, Helki learns the old ways of magic and healing.
Mr. Halfhill's research is evident in this amazing story. I felt as though I was there, seeing the wild beauty of the land for myself through the characters' eyes. The spiritual journey is satisfying and to be savored, and the insight it provides into this nearly-lost culture is joyful and eye-opening. Igashu and Helki and their people will stay in your heart long after you finish reading.
Igashu and Helki are young native American men coming of age in the early 20th Century. Shielded from the outside world by seemingly impassable canyons, their tribe still retains the old traditions of their people. Igashu is a born leader and warrior who struggles with his feelings for his best friend Helki. Helki knows that he loves Igashu, but knows that Igashu needs to find his way to him, or they will never have a future together. Igashu sets off on his vision quest in the hopes of answers and a future. While Igashu is out in the wilderness, Helki learns the old ways of magic and healing.
Mr. Halfhill's research is evident in this amazing story. I felt as though I was there, seeing the wild beauty of the land for myself through the characters' eyes. The spiritual journey is satisfying and to be savored, and the insight it provides into this nearly-lost culture is joyful and eye-opening. Igashu and Helki and their people will stay in your heart long after you finish reading.
March 28, 2013
2.5 stars rounded up to 3.0
A special thank-you to Melanie for recommending and lending me this book ... thanks, hun! :)
I liked the imagery and descriptions conjured by the author in this book. I felt like I was transported to a special, untouched world where the inhabitants lived with reverence and respect for the environment. I enjoyed the protagonists (Igashu and Helki). I was disappointed that Igashu's reluctance to commit to Helki was resolved with zero angst and very little fanfare. I would have preferred that their romance and the issues surrounding their relationship were further developed. What was the significance of the basket and bow ceremony? What were the ramifications to Igashu for "wrongly" choosing the bow? I thought that meant that he couldn't be with Helki. Could he? Why or why not? How was that resolved?
Similarly, I thought that Muraco's animosity for Igashu presented another interesting aspect to the story but, sadly, I was left wondering about that too.
Bottom line: an engaging novel that had potential but left much to be desired.
A special thank-you to Melanie for recommending and lending me this book ... thanks, hun! :)
I liked the imagery and descriptions conjured by the author in this book. I felt like I was transported to a special, untouched world where the inhabitants lived with reverence and respect for the environment. I enjoyed the protagonists (Igashu and Helki). I was disappointed that Igashu's reluctance to commit to Helki was resolved with zero angst and very little fanfare. I would have preferred that their romance and the issues surrounding their relationship were further developed. What was the significance of the basket and bow ceremony? What were the ramifications to Igashu for "wrongly" choosing the bow? I thought that meant that he couldn't be with Helki. Could he? Why or why not? How was that resolved?
Similarly, I thought that Muraco's animosity for Igashu presented another interesting aspect to the story but, sadly, I was left wondering about that too.
Bottom line: an engaging novel that had potential but left much to be desired.
January 28, 2011
This was a very unusual book to read. A romance, definitely, but one that focused on the main characters' inner journey to discovering who they are, and wanted to be. No overt ex, anf that, too, makes for a nice change of pace.
I really liked the descriptions of Helki and Igashu's lives, their worries and assumptions about what was expected of them. Igashu feels the pressure to conform to others' expectations about what e does with his life. Helki is a freer spirit, but gets as caught up in what he wants to do with his life as Igashu does.
It takes them a while to figure it all out, but when they did, I breathed a huge sigh of relief.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
I really liked the descriptions of Helki and Igashu's lives, their worries and assumptions about what was expected of them. Igashu feels the pressure to conform to others' expectations about what e does with his life. Helki is a freer spirit, but gets as caught up in what he wants to do with his life as Igashu does.
It takes them a while to figure it all out, but when they did, I breathed a huge sigh of relief.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
June 2, 2017
What an exquisite story! Beautifully told in rich detail. The story of two Native American boys who've grown up together and were in love in a culture where the two spirited people were revered but where familial responsibilities can still overshadow purpose and love. Helki chooses to acknowledge his two spirited nature and becomes the Nation's Wise One. Igashu chooses to honor his familial obligation as the only remaining son by chosing the way of the warrior.
We follow the growth of these boy-men in their chosen roles in hopes that they find a way to each other despite divergant paths.
There is action and a bit of intrigue as well. The author introduces characters that have you wondering, "Why do I need to know this miserable SOB/tangential character?" only to prove later that they weren't arbitrary inclusions.
I really loved how this story played out and didn't miss more direct or graphic sexual encounters. In truth, we don't even see the main characters share a kiss, yet we are given a completely satisfying ending and HEA.
We follow the growth of these boy-men in their chosen roles in hopes that they find a way to each other despite divergant paths.
There is action and a bit of intrigue as well. The author introduces characters that have you wondering, "Why do I need to know this miserable SOB/tangential character?" only to prove later that they weren't arbitrary inclusions.
I really loved how this story played out and didn't miss more direct or graphic sexual encounters. In truth, we don't even see the main characters share a kiss, yet we are given a completely satisfying ending and HEA.
May 7, 2011
Simply amazing story set in an Indian tribe in 1910. Beautiful language, characterization, Indian spirituality, and use of Indian mythology. Helki's devotion to Igashu is so palpable, although Igashu had his doubts. He truly loved Helki, but he felt reluctant to choose Helki because his sense of duty and his desire to be a warrior.
This is truly a romance set in other culture that is so poignant without even a single kissing scene or sex scene. A must read for everyone who is bored with the same setting over and over again.
This is truly a romance set in other culture that is so poignant without even a single kissing scene or sex scene. A must read for everyone who is bored with the same setting over and over again.
December 3, 2011
Two Hearts Two Spirits is a wonderful PG-13 love story. It's chocked-full of Native American folklore, language, and culture. It's the story of two boys on the eve of manhood, each taking a journey of self exploration which will set them on the right path of life. I loved this story. It's point of view is refreshingly simple, know who you are and everything else will fall in place.
I give Two Hearts Two Spirits four stars.
September 15, 2012
4.5 stars
This book completely immersed me in its world. That's a rare gift in any book, and the story of Igashu and Helki and their people carried me away. Halfhill either lived or deeply researched the customs of Native American people and he also captures the breathtaking beauty of the mountain wilderness in which they live. I love how each young man grapples with his role in their society, and how they accept that they have a responsibility to their heritage and not only to themselves.
The romance in the book is subtle, though deep. Other relationships, such as Igashu's with his father, are more powerful and sometimes overshadow Igashu and Helki's love for each other. My one quibble would be that I found their understated sexual attraction less compelling than other aspects of the story. I wanted a deeper connection to their romance. Igashu's journey, however, is so lyrical, so beautifully rendered, that I will be re-reading this book at some point just to enjoy this world again.
This book completely immersed me in its world. That's a rare gift in any book, and the story of Igashu and Helki and their people carried me away. Halfhill either lived or deeply researched the customs of Native American people and he also captures the breathtaking beauty of the mountain wilderness in which they live. I love how each young man grapples with his role in their society, and how they accept that they have a responsibility to their heritage and not only to themselves.
The romance in the book is subtle, though deep. Other relationships, such as Igashu's with his father, are more powerful and sometimes overshadow Igashu and Helki's love for each other. My one quibble would be that I found their understated sexual attraction less compelling than other aspects of the story. I wanted a deeper connection to their romance. Igashu's journey, however, is so lyrical, so beautifully rendered, that I will be re-reading this book at some point just to enjoy this world again.
October 26, 2014
I started this because I thought it was a shifter story, and while it was sorta it wasn't the focus. This was really about two young native american indians in the 1800's coming of age and discovering themselves. it was beautifully written and I loved every page. And while I would call it a romance with a wonderful HEA, it is not your typical m/m romance story. There was no sex in this story and I honestly didn't miss it at all. The wonderful storytelling and characters simply made it a non-issue for me.
Highly recommended
Highly recommended
February 3, 2013
This was a good book over all, but I was expecting a lot more romance than I actually got. If you're looking for romance, this might not be a good choice. But if you want a somewhat sweet story that does just a little more than hint at a relationship, go for it. I enjoyed the story, but needed to actually see the characters get together in the end. They dreamed of each other and wanted each other a lot physically, but never even kissed.
May 22, 2018
While the writing style of the book was positive with nice descriptive passages, I just couldn't get to it.
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June 15, 2016Michael Halfhill’s Two Hearts, Two Spirits is the tale of Helki and Igashu, two young Native Americans and the decision they must make to insure their own happiness. Set in the 19th century, the story is actually a parable, for many have faced the decision they must make—or perhaps another, equally life-changing decision—and this tale is one that leads us to know we must choose love in all cases if we are to find happiness. Halfhill writes with simple elegance, and the tribal life and customs are utterly believable. It is a short book that can be read in one sitting, or, as I did, on two plane rides. Totally engaging, we find ourselves immersed in this culture and this tale. There is shape-shifting and silent tracking and many of the things we found in the old Hollywood westerns, but Halfhill makes us believe all these things could happen. In fact, I’m not altogether sure that many of the Native American ways are all that farfetched. Whether truth or folklore, Michael Halfhill makes us join him and believe. And that is what good writing is about. Two Hearts, Two Spirits is a wonderful little book with a big, big heart—or, rather, two of them.
November 5, 2014
Big build up for very little payoff.
This book started out very touching. The two main characters admitting up front they they loved each other but one not sure he should commit his whole life to that love. a coming of age and manhood story ends with, as expected, the two together. The only problem is that we only get a handful of words to tell us about it. Just, "Oh and yeah they hugged and lived happily ever after. For my taste, this book ended too abruptly, and so will my review
This book started out very touching. The two main characters admitting up front they they loved each other but one not sure he should commit his whole life to that love. a coming of age and manhood story ends with, as expected, the two together. The only problem is that we only get a handful of words to tell us about it. Just, "Oh and yeah they hugged and lived happily ever after. For my taste, this book ended too abruptly, and so will my review
December 22, 2010
2.5 stars. I enjoyed reading this story for the feeling of history and really enjoyed walking away feeling like I had learned something, but found it a bit harder to connect with the main characters in the story, feeling as though the writing skimmed the surface of deeper feelings. Very well written. Nx
December 23, 2012
My review of Two Hearts Two Spirits can be found on my blog.
July 2, 2016
Too smooth - too simple. Lack of tension....
October 1, 2016
Good story. Fun read.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews