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Wind Warrior
When Wind Warrior, the savior of his Blackfoot people, falls for his beautiful white captive, he fuels his brother's hatred, igniting a fierce rivalry between them that sets in motion a dangerous chain of events. (Historical romance). Original. 275,000 first printing.
292 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 28, 2010
217 people are currently reading
500 people want to read
About the author
Constance O'Banyon
54 books199 followersEvelyn Gee was born on 1939 in Texas, USA. She makes her home in San Antonio with her husband, Jim and their son, Jason.
She signed her novels as Constance O'Banyon. She also wrote as Micah Leigh with Texan writer Emma Merritt. Her books range from historical to contemporary and include several novellas. Many of her books have been published in trade paperback.Among her many awards, she is the recipient of the 1996 Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. There are eight million copies of her books in print.
She says: "I have always loved history, and I loved storytelling — it was only natural that I would one day put them both together. I must have lived in another life and time, because when I write, I can almost feel I was there. My favorite part of writing is the research. Whenever possible, I will go to the place I am writing about to walk the land and smell the air."
https://www.facebook.com/Constanceobanyon/
She signed her novels as Constance O'Banyon. She also wrote as Micah Leigh with Texan writer Emma Merritt. Her books range from historical to contemporary and include several novellas. Many of her books have been published in trade paperback.Among her many awards, she is the recipient of the 1996 Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. There are eight million copies of her books in print.
She says: "I have always loved history, and I loved storytelling — it was only natural that I would one day put them both together. I must have lived in another life and time, because when I write, I can almost feel I was there. My favorite part of writing is the research. Whenever possible, I will go to the place I am writing about to walk the land and smell the air."
https://www.facebook.com/Constanceobanyon/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
January 24, 2015
One of the worst romances I've read. Contrived plot, one-dimensional characters, and the most anticlimactic climax ever. There's really bad fan fiction better written than this drivel.
February 24, 2010
One of the worst Western/Indian romances I've read in years. She makes Cassie Edwards look good.
January 4, 2023
I couldn't continue reading this. The writing is not my favorite and jumps from one character's point of view to another so randomly it catches me off guard. The writing centers 100% on the character's feelings with no scenery building. I love stories that make you see, smell, and taste the scenery... this barely described anything.
Characters also lack dimension and are slightly Mary Sue/Gary Sue. There are also weird instances that randomly pop up with no explanation.
Example:
Wind Warrior pays his respects to an animal he hunted, claiming this animal will feed many people. He is 100% alone, yet the 'wind' tells him there's danger so he leaves his kill, runs all the way to a completely new location to see everything is fine. He has to search around for the 'disturbance' and spots puma in the distance making it's way down a mountain before it slowly stalks a child (that no adults with this child saw) and he saves the day. Everyone tells him how he is going to be a great leader and Wind Warrior bashfully denies this. End scene. How did he know he needed to run home to save a child? Did he go back to his kill?
Another example is when Marianna first sees the raid party, she doesn't call out to warn anyone. This is understandable because she is frozen in fear. However, she doesn't watch the attack. Despite not watching the attack or talking to anyone about who survived and who didn't, she turned to another captive while having a massive concussion and gave her condolences about the captive's mother dying. How did she know?? The girl literally closed her eyes and described hearing screaming before hearing the wagons pull away and people leave (she did NOT witness this). Her fear of being left behind her prompts her to run into the woods where she is ultimately captured.
Female Lead: Marianna is a 13 year old orphan who lives with extended family. Despite being the youngest character, older characters listen to her and do what she says. After several months in captivity (no exact time frame just 'several months later'), Marianna is suddenly able to understand and speak the language of her captors. The writing says she picks up a 'few words' but she can understand full sentences and respond in full sentences. There is no learning curve, no struggle to understand a few words, no getting used to the routine of just arriving in a brand new culture where no one speaks her language, just random time skip through what could have been great character building.
Male Lead: Wind Warrior is 17, almost 18, and he has spent his entire life being the edgy loner who is more fascinated with nature and wildlife than being around his peers. Despite being told what a great leader he will be, he consistently puts no effort into changing his ways and prefers just do his own thing...like bird watching and learning about plants. As a fellow introvert, I respect that. However we see absolutely NO struggle with his new found 'destiny' or any change at all aside from 'huh...why does my brother not like me' and 'I know dad says this but I enjoy nature watching so much more....' The wind talking is more of an interpretation of what he sees yet the book consistently makes it seem like the wind is literally talking to him about future events or current events when he's nowhere near the action yet shows up to be the hero.
Villain: Dull Knife hates his younger brother. No rhyme or reason is mentioned for this before the Father's vision is explained. The book says that it's always been this way, but this is the moment Wind Warrior finally sees the resentment. What did he hate his brother? Did he hate that that the younger brother stayed a loner? Did he hate that his younger brother happily lived on the side lines with no one paying Wind Warrior (He-Who-Waits at the time) any attention? Dull Knife is a successful and acknowledged Warrior from the start of the book. He also holds a seat with the tribal elders and has the position to make changes in within the tribe. It just didn't make sense. Let's also be real, if you worked your butt off and contributed greatly to your company/family/tribe and had such a high standing...would you not be pissed off that your sibling who made no contributions AT ALL (maybe had a hobby of reading unrelated books/collecting stamps/photography) is told they're going to be the new CEO? That everything you've done for years to be CEO will never amount to anything because someone who did nothing gets it? His hatred (not desire to murder his brother) is very understandable (AFTER they're told about the vision).
This whole book seemed more like a yahoo IM (or AIM) role play with back and forth responses, changing in POV, and lack of any description rather than a fully published book. I love the premise so much so it was such a disappointment to power through only for things to get so much worse.
Characters also lack dimension and are slightly Mary Sue/Gary Sue. There are also weird instances that randomly pop up with no explanation.
Example:
Wind Warrior pays his respects to an animal he hunted, claiming this animal will feed many people. He is 100% alone, yet the 'wind' tells him there's danger so he leaves his kill, runs all the way to a completely new location to see everything is fine. He has to search around for the 'disturbance' and spots puma in the distance making it's way down a mountain before it slowly stalks a child (that no adults with this child saw) and he saves the day. Everyone tells him how he is going to be a great leader and Wind Warrior bashfully denies this. End scene. How did he know he needed to run home to save a child? Did he go back to his kill?
Another example is when Marianna first sees the raid party, she doesn't call out to warn anyone. This is understandable because she is frozen in fear. However, she doesn't watch the attack. Despite not watching the attack or talking to anyone about who survived and who didn't, she turned to another captive while having a massive concussion and gave her condolences about the captive's mother dying. How did she know?? The girl literally closed her eyes and described hearing screaming before hearing the wagons pull away and people leave (she did NOT witness this). Her fear of being left behind her prompts her to run into the woods where she is ultimately captured.
Female Lead: Marianna is a 13 year old orphan who lives with extended family. Despite being the youngest character, older characters listen to her and do what she says. After several months in captivity (no exact time frame just 'several months later'), Marianna is suddenly able to understand and speak the language of her captors. The writing says she picks up a 'few words' but she can understand full sentences and respond in full sentences. There is no learning curve, no struggle to understand a few words, no getting used to the routine of just arriving in a brand new culture where no one speaks her language, just random time skip through what could have been great character building.
Male Lead: Wind Warrior is 17, almost 18, and he has spent his entire life being the edgy loner who is more fascinated with nature and wildlife than being around his peers. Despite being told what a great leader he will be, he consistently puts no effort into changing his ways and prefers just do his own thing...like bird watching and learning about plants. As a fellow introvert, I respect that. However we see absolutely NO struggle with his new found 'destiny' or any change at all aside from 'huh...why does my brother not like me' and 'I know dad says this but I enjoy nature watching so much more....' The wind talking is more of an interpretation of what he sees yet the book consistently makes it seem like the wind is literally talking to him about future events or current events when he's nowhere near the action yet shows up to be the hero.
Villain: Dull Knife hates his younger brother. No rhyme or reason is mentioned for this before the Father's vision is explained. The book says that it's always been this way, but this is the moment Wind Warrior finally sees the resentment. What did he hate his brother? Did he hate that that the younger brother stayed a loner? Did he hate that his younger brother happily lived on the side lines with no one paying Wind Warrior (He-Who-Waits at the time) any attention? Dull Knife is a successful and acknowledged Warrior from the start of the book. He also holds a seat with the tribal elders and has the position to make changes in within the tribe. It just didn't make sense. Let's also be real, if you worked your butt off and contributed greatly to your company/family/tribe and had such a high standing...would you not be pissed off that your sibling who made no contributions AT ALL (maybe had a hobby of reading unrelated books/collecting stamps/photography) is told they're going to be the new CEO? That everything you've done for years to be CEO will never amount to anything because someone who did nothing gets it? His hatred (not desire to murder his brother) is very understandable (AFTER they're told about the vision).
This whole book seemed more like a yahoo IM (or AIM) role play with back and forth responses, changing in POV, and lack of any description rather than a fully published book. I love the premise so much so it was such a disappointment to power through only for things to get so much worse.
September 21, 2016
3.5 stars
This novel was a toss-up between 3- and 4-stars ... a lovely story, some nice characters and some other not-so-nice ones, but overall somewhat slow. The romantic aspect is truly sweet but took too long to take off, probably because the heroine, at 13, was too young to begin with. Loved the hero, Wind Warrior ... wise beyond his years but very credibly portrayed. The heroine, Rain Song (a.k.a. Marianna) is a lovely person as well, just too much of a goodie-two-shoes to be credible at times. Twice did her enemy Spotted Flower (a.k.a. Lillian) try to kill her, yet her reactions are too tepid even for a saint. She is also far too timid and childlike in her interaction with Wind Warrior, which made it difficult for the romance aspect of the story to move forward. In fact the whole was slow and frustrating, to say the least, but it was still very sweet, and the reader is ready to forgive the author her lackadaisical plot just because these two lead characters are so very endearing.
Dull Knife is the perfect villain and the perfect foil to Wind Warrior through most of the novel. But his end is too easy and unsatisfactory. Even his sudden about-turn in the way he treats Rain Song in the end is not very credible. Hardly fits his evil bent. I think a stand-off between the two brothers would have been a better ending to that monster, but that's just my opinion.
I also had a problem with the book cover image. Despite the flowing dark hair, the hero doesn't look at all like a Native American. Wind Warrior was a pure-blooded Blackfoot, yet the image on the cover shows a man with white skin, a whiskered face, and a white-man's features. Pity. It does detract a little from the way a reader visualises the hero through the story.
Still, for all its flaws I did enjoy this novel very much.
This novel was a toss-up between 3- and 4-stars ... a lovely story, some nice characters and some other not-so-nice ones, but overall somewhat slow. The romantic aspect is truly sweet but took too long to take off, probably because the heroine, at 13, was too young to begin with. Loved the hero, Wind Warrior ... wise beyond his years but very credibly portrayed. The heroine, Rain Song (a.k.a. Marianna) is a lovely person as well, just too much of a goodie-two-shoes to be credible at times. Twice did her enemy Spotted Flower (a.k.a. Lillian) try to kill her, yet her reactions are too tepid even for a saint. She is also far too timid and childlike in her interaction with Wind Warrior, which made it difficult for the romance aspect of the story to move forward. In fact the whole was slow and frustrating, to say the least, but it was still very sweet, and the reader is ready to forgive the author her lackadaisical plot just because these two lead characters are so very endearing.
Dull Knife is the perfect villain and the perfect foil to Wind Warrior through most of the novel. But his end is too easy and unsatisfactory. Even his sudden about-turn in the way he treats Rain Song in the end is not very credible. Hardly fits his evil bent. I think a stand-off between the two brothers would have been a better ending to that monster, but that's just my opinion.
I also had a problem with the book cover image. Despite the flowing dark hair, the hero doesn't look at all like a Native American. Wind Warrior was a pure-blooded Blackfoot, yet the image on the cover shows a man with white skin, a whiskered face, and a white-man's features. Pity. It does detract a little from the way a reader visualises the hero through the story.
Still, for all its flaws I did enjoy this novel very much.
March 19, 2015
4.5 stars
This was my first by O'Banyon and it will not be my last for sure. I am glad to find out that much of her back list is now available on kindle. I picked this as my prime loan for this month to see if I would like the writing and now I know. I love it.
I assumed this was written a while back, mainly because I don't really come across these sweeping native american historical romances anymore in the new releases. But it looks like this was first published in 2010. And that is good news. It means these types of romance are still being written today. I have been going back to somewhat older stuff lately to find the real immersing historical romances. Somehow the new stuff is lacking some of the drama and epic-ness, for lack of a better word.
This one has all of what I ask for in a romance with the NA theme. The struggles, some ugliness, the spirituality, nature, growing love, heartache longing, culture and happiness.
It starts out dark and painful and the way to happiness is not easy and covered with sharp rocks. But those are the kind of romances I love. I want there to be some depth to it, some meaning.
I read this in almost one sitting. It was such a page turner and such a pleasure to read. It had just the right combination of everything and the sense of adventure I was looking for. I really didn't want it to end.
I'll be reading more of this author soon and I am happy to see there is an extensive back list to pick from with many different settings.
This was my first by O'Banyon and it will not be my last for sure. I am glad to find out that much of her back list is now available on kindle. I picked this as my prime loan for this month to see if I would like the writing and now I know. I love it.
I assumed this was written a while back, mainly because I don't really come across these sweeping native american historical romances anymore in the new releases. But it looks like this was first published in 2010. And that is good news. It means these types of romance are still being written today. I have been going back to somewhat older stuff lately to find the real immersing historical romances. Somehow the new stuff is lacking some of the drama and epic-ness, for lack of a better word.
This one has all of what I ask for in a romance with the NA theme. The struggles, some ugliness, the spirituality, nature, growing love, heartache longing, culture and happiness.
It starts out dark and painful and the way to happiness is not easy and covered with sharp rocks. But those are the kind of romances I love. I want there to be some depth to it, some meaning.
I read this in almost one sitting. It was such a page turner and such a pleasure to read. It had just the right combination of everything and the sense of adventure I was looking for. I really didn't want it to end.
I'll be reading more of this author soon and I am happy to see there is an extensive back list to pick from with many different settings.
April 29, 2020
First book I have read by Constance O'Banyon. I am looking for another.
Such an action adventure book. Great detail given of the Blackfoot tribe. The romance is perfect. Wind Warrior is kind and Loving to Rain Song his white wife that he has dreamed of for years. You won't be disappointed.
Such an action adventure book. Great detail given of the Blackfoot tribe. The romance is perfect. Wind Warrior is kind and Loving to Rain Song his white wife that he has dreamed of for years. You won't be disappointed.
January 24, 2023
This book really touched my heart. It begins with trauma and loss. The truth of a mother's loss, family's loss, a people's loss, and it's probably not a single drop of water in the ocean compared to the real and true loss of the US Indigenous.
This is just one story of fiction.
It starts out a story of loss, but it turns into so much more. The Storytelling was so vivid. I envisioned each page. It's a beautiful story about love, hate from jealousy, acceptance, and real family.
Also, the descriptions of the wildlife were amazing. I live in the Northwest surrounded by ocean and a lake by my home. My own yard and property is filled with a lot of Mother Nature. Respect.
I highly recommend this book it you enjoy love in it's purest form.
This is just one story of fiction.
It starts out a story of loss, but it turns into so much more. The Storytelling was so vivid. I envisioned each page. It's a beautiful story about love, hate from jealousy, acceptance, and real family.
Also, the descriptions of the wildlife were amazing. I live in the Northwest surrounded by ocean and a lake by my home. My own yard and property is filled with a lot of Mother Nature. Respect.
I highly recommend this book it you enjoy love in it's purest form.
February 9, 2022
Rain Water
A great book.A great story.I stayed up all night reading it.Rain Water a white girl taken from what she knew.Winter Warrior was Indian and his people depend on him.He knew things before they happened.Wind Warrior and his brother dull knife are not friends .Dull knife hated his brother and wanted Rain Water for hie woman.Lillian was captured too.She hates Rain water and always causes trouble.Recommend book
A great book.A great story.I stayed up all night reading it.Rain Water a white girl taken from what she knew.Winter Warrior was Indian and his people depend on him.He knew things before they happened.Wind Warrior and his brother dull knife are not friends .Dull knife hated his brother and wanted Rain Water for hie woman.Lillian was captured too.She hates Rain water and always causes trouble.Recommend book
July 26, 2024
One of My Favorite Stories!
Marianna becomes Rain Song after she is kidnapped by Blackfoot warriors. The story reveals the evil of Dull Knife, a murderer who never shows mercy and the goodness of Wind Warrior. Marianna is adopted by the Chief and his wife, and after hearing her sing, Wind Warrior names Marianna Rain Song. There is evil and good in both natives and whites in this story of courage and love. I highly recommend!
Marianna becomes Rain Song after she is kidnapped by Blackfoot warriors. The story reveals the evil of Dull Knife, a murderer who never shows mercy and the goodness of Wind Warrior. Marianna is adopted by the Chief and his wife, and after hearing her sing, Wind Warrior names Marianna Rain Song. There is evil and good in both natives and whites in this story of courage and love. I highly recommend!
March 15, 2019
Great read
This was a great story very fresh the book was so good I read it in a day just couldn't put it down laundry backed up now I've got to pay for it but it was worth it can't wait to read one of her other books do yourself a favor and read this book it's great and the characters are very strong wonderful wonderful book
This was a great story very fresh the book was so good I read it in a day just couldn't put it down laundry backed up now I've got to pay for it but it was worth it can't wait to read one of her other books do yourself a favor and read this book it's great and the characters are very strong wonderful wonderful book
May 3, 2018
Great finish
I enjoyed reading a description of the Blackfoot tribe's daily life. It was a simplistic time I wish was still possible for the Indian tribes. Thank you, Constance,for Wind Warrior and Rain Song. Keep writing.
I enjoyed reading a description of the Blackfoot tribe's daily life. It was a simplistic time I wish was still possible for the Indian tribes. Thank you, Constance,for Wind Warrior and Rain Song. Keep writing.
January 1, 2021
He was like a Shaman, a saviour of his Blackfoot people. She was a white captive who had been taken by his brother's war party as a child. He saved her then and she was adopted by the Chief and his wife. He waited years for her to become a woman and claim her as his wife. This is their story and the trials they are both put through. HEA ending. I believe this is book 1 in a series.
May 4, 2018
Curious
Has ms obannon written anything more of the wind warrior characters. I would love to see stories about the major.
Has ms obannon written anything more of the wind warrior characters. I would love to see stories about the major.
October 6, 2018
Good storyline.
Compelling characters.
Intense love story.
Male voice from female narrator a bit grading but tolerable
Compelling characters.
Intense love story.
Male voice from female narrator a bit grading but tolerable
July 16, 2019
I loved the book!!.
I loved the book. I thought it kept you interested. I thought the plot was great. Not graphic sex .
I loved the book. I thought it kept you interested. I thought the plot was great. Not graphic sex .
February 27, 2020
Tender
What a wonderful tender tale of love..peppered with every emotion imaginable and vivid detail to the nature surrounding them. Beautifully written.
What a wonderful tender tale of love..peppered with every emotion imaginable and vivid detail to the nature surrounding them. Beautifully written.
March 27, 2020
Emotionally spellbinding
Beautifully written emotions throughout the story. Intimate details written with taste, rather than vulgarity. I highly recommend this book. Enjoy!!!!
Beautifully written emotions throughout the story. Intimate details written with taste, rather than vulgarity. I highly recommend this book. Enjoy!!!!
July 16, 2023
A beautiful story
What a wonderful story! I could not put it down. The characters' personalities and ways of showing love and compassion, anger and jealousy were riveting.
What a wonderful story! I could not put it down. The characters' personalities and ways of showing love and compassion, anger and jealousy were riveting.
November 9, 2024
Excellent Read
One of the best! Like Tykota’s Woman did, this book captured me from word one. Highly recommend for your enjoyment.
One of the best! Like Tykota’s Woman did, this book captured me from word one. Highly recommend for your enjoyment.
November 19, 2024
keeps you interested
Great book couldn’t wait to read the next pages.This book didn’t disappoint and kept you on the edge of your seat
Great book couldn’t wait to read the next pages.This book didn’t disappoint and kept you on the edge of your seat
January 1, 2013
A CAPTIVE OF THE BLACKFOOT
The soldiers had attacked and killed many Blackfoot women and children. In revenge the chief Broken Lance sends a raiding party on a mission to the fort. The war party is to be led by Dull Knife, wanting to impress his chief who had lost his own daughter in the soldiers raid. He intends to take a white captive as a gift for Broken Lance.
Marianna Bryant is thirteen years old, her and some of the other children and women are having a picnic close to the fort. When the Blackfoot warriors strike. She and two others are taken captive. On the way back to the Blackfoot's village one of the older girls who had not long been married, tries to escape. But Dull knife catches her, she is raped and murdered. Marianna and Lillian the other girl who is a bit older than Marianna arrive at the village. Marianna although just thirteen is strong and brave, and refuses to show fear. She has been badly beaten by Dull Knife, but he still offers her as a gift to Broken Lance to replace his lost daughter. Another warrior also offers his captive Lillian. But when Tall woman Broken Lance's wife chooses Marianna. Lillian is furious. Marianna doesn't realise that her enemy is her fellow captive. Dull Knife's younger brother berates him, for his treatment of Marianna. Wind warrior is sixteen years old and when he looks at Marianna he somehow knows that in the future their lives will be connected. Wind Warrior's people believe he can foretell the future, he is much respected amongst the Blackfoot. This has created a major rift between him and his brother Dull Knife.
Having just read another Native American romance by another author. This book seemed much more realistic on the whole. Not always an easy read. I did enjoy it. Marianna is a great character, the author took us through her teenage years to adulthood, and her life among the Blackfoot tribe. Wind Warrior was a little more difficult to get to know. I couldn't help feeling every time he spoke, it sounded like he was making pronouncements from on high. With plenty of other characters to flesh this out. And a varied and interesting plot. This was a real winner for me.
The soldiers had attacked and killed many Blackfoot women and children. In revenge the chief Broken Lance sends a raiding party on a mission to the fort. The war party is to be led by Dull Knife, wanting to impress his chief who had lost his own daughter in the soldiers raid. He intends to take a white captive as a gift for Broken Lance.
Marianna Bryant is thirteen years old, her and some of the other children and women are having a picnic close to the fort. When the Blackfoot warriors strike. She and two others are taken captive. On the way back to the Blackfoot's village one of the older girls who had not long been married, tries to escape. But Dull knife catches her, she is raped and murdered. Marianna and Lillian the other girl who is a bit older than Marianna arrive at the village. Marianna although just thirteen is strong and brave, and refuses to show fear. She has been badly beaten by Dull Knife, but he still offers her as a gift to Broken Lance to replace his lost daughter. Another warrior also offers his captive Lillian. But when Tall woman Broken Lance's wife chooses Marianna. Lillian is furious. Marianna doesn't realise that her enemy is her fellow captive. Dull Knife's younger brother berates him, for his treatment of Marianna. Wind warrior is sixteen years old and when he looks at Marianna he somehow knows that in the future their lives will be connected. Wind Warrior's people believe he can foretell the future, he is much respected amongst the Blackfoot. This has created a major rift between him and his brother Dull Knife.
Having just read another Native American romance by another author. This book seemed much more realistic on the whole. Not always an easy read. I did enjoy it. Marianna is a great character, the author took us through her teenage years to adulthood, and her life among the Blackfoot tribe. Wind Warrior was a little more difficult to get to know. I couldn't help feeling every time he spoke, it sounded like he was making pronouncements from on high. With plenty of other characters to flesh this out. And a varied and interesting plot. This was a real winner for me.
September 1, 2015
A New Favorite
Marianna is thirteen when she and two other (older) girls are taken by a Blackfoot raid of revenge. Dull Knife, already jealous over his brother's recent honor, attempts to win favor of the chief over Wind Warrior by offering the girl he took captive as a gift to replace a murdered daughter.
When she comes of age, Marianna becomes the fancy of both Wind Warrior and his brother, but Marianna has already chosen who to love and who to fear.
I don't usually like early settlement, Native American romances, but this one is slow and sweet. It is also very realistic, though Marianna is a bit too perfect for my taste. She holds no grudges, she rarely becomes angry, even when her life is threatened. She handles her own problems with the women, even when she is pushed over a cliff? No..... once life was in danger, I would have not secretly gone to confront the rival. I didn't dock a star for that though. I took a star because the ending was anticlimactic and boring. It was still good, and I would recommend it to anyone who likes this genre.
Marianna is thirteen when she and two other (older) girls are taken by a Blackfoot raid of revenge. Dull Knife, already jealous over his brother's recent honor, attempts to win favor of the chief over Wind Warrior by offering the girl he took captive as a gift to replace a murdered daughter.
When she comes of age, Marianna becomes the fancy of both Wind Warrior and his brother, but Marianna has already chosen who to love and who to fear.
I don't usually like early settlement, Native American romances, but this one is slow and sweet. It is also very realistic, though Marianna is a bit too perfect for my taste. She holds no grudges, she rarely becomes angry, even when her life is threatened. She handles her own problems with the women, even when she is pushed over a cliff? No..... once life was in danger, I would have not secretly gone to confront the rival. I didn't dock a star for that though. I took a star because the ending was anticlimactic and boring. It was still good, and I would recommend it to anyone who likes this genre.
August 9, 2014
The slow-paced romance between a Blackfoot man and white woman begins when the two are quite young—Our Heroine, Marianna, is only thirteen as the story begins. The boy who would get the name Wind Warrior was only sixteen.
O'Banyon brings them through events that shape their characters as they grow to adulthood and to mutual awareness and love for one another. It is a story with bad guys, good guys, ethnic issues and a light touch on the white world of the 1860's.
Still, our heroine—who is given the name Rain Song—is loved by those who have her in their care and though she is threatened by much, she is largely unharmed once she reaches the Blackfoot people whom she will come to call her family.
It's a sweet story with a little bit of UST, some lovely landscapes, and the sweet romance between a young couple who are able at last to be together.
I've already purchased the sequel, Wolf Runner. :)
O'Banyon brings them through events that shape their characters as they grow to adulthood and to mutual awareness and love for one another. It is a story with bad guys, good guys, ethnic issues and a light touch on the white world of the 1860's.
Still, our heroine—who is given the name Rain Song—is loved by those who have her in their care and though she is threatened by much, she is largely unharmed once she reaches the Blackfoot people whom she will come to call her family.
It's a sweet story with a little bit of UST, some lovely landscapes, and the sweet romance between a young couple who are able at last to be together.
I've already purchased the sequel, Wolf Runner. :)
March 12, 2020
I was in the mood for a romance novel and this one more than met what I was looking for. Several girls were captured by the Blackfeet from Ft. Benton. The attack was revenge for an attack by the soldiers where Blackfeet women and children were killed. The captured girls were replacements for those lost. It was interesting following the progress the girls made in the Indian village. It all was not pleasant. Wind Warrior was an important member of the tribe. He lived apart in the mountains and came to the village for pow wows. Rain Song was one of the captured girls who was adopted by the chief and his wife to replace their daughter who was killed by the soldiers. Wind Warrior took and interest in Rain Song but she was much too young for marriage. Their story was told in much more depth than other books of this type I have read. Oh yeah, I shed a few tears at the end.
January 6, 2023
It is a slow romance considering that the Heroine was still a child. The only complaint that i have about her is that she was sometimes too naive and "forgiving", like after Spottet Flower, Lilian, tried to kill her she did nothing but conflicting with her own emotions instead of making her pay.
Wind Warrior was a pacifist, wise and well, we could say he did have a predicting gift.
Dull Knife was a good villian, he showed the cruely that existed in him, althought he died too abruptly without any final clash with his younger brother, Wind Warrior.
I liked Tall Woman, at first she did not see herself Raing Song, as her own daugther but she eventually did as well as Chief Broken Lance, althought he took his time to accept Rain Song.
It was a good read, a little too rush in the end, but still a good read.
Wind Warrior was a pacifist, wise and well, we could say he did have a predicting gift.
Dull Knife was a good villian, he showed the cruely that existed in him, althought he died too abruptly without any final clash with his younger brother, Wind Warrior.
I liked Tall Woman, at first she did not see herself Raing Song, as her own daugther but she eventually did as well as Chief Broken Lance, althought he took his time to accept Rain Song.
It was a good read, a little too rush in the end, but still a good read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2016
Lovely
Miranda is token captive at 13 and is given to the chief and his wife to take place of the daughter white man had killed, but Miranda's captor feels he will be on e to wed her since her gave her as a gift but his hatred for his brother is second great to his want of the white girl. Wind warrior knows he drawn to his brother captive that gave to the chef but he waits for her to a woman to claim
M her before his evil brother dose
Great read one the best in this genre I've read
Miranda is token captive at 13 and is given to the chief and his wife to take place of the daughter white man had killed, but Miranda's captor feels he will be on e to wed her since her gave her as a gift but his hatred for his brother is second great to his want of the white girl. Wind warrior knows he drawn to his brother captive that gave to the chef but he waits for her to a woman to claim
M her before his evil brother dose
Great read one the best in this genre I've read
July 22, 2014
Pleasantly surprised.
Pleasantly surprised.
I chose this book because it looked like a genre much different than what I usually read. Seriously different. I should say assumed it was different. What a great story. LOVE is universal. No matter the time,place,or people. I loved this story so much. Well written. I am so glad I went out of my normal genres. I think writing about Native Americans should be done with respect. This author did so.
Pleasantly surprised.
I chose this book because it looked like a genre much different than what I usually read. Seriously different. I should say assumed it was different. What a great story. LOVE is universal. No matter the time,place,or people. I loved this story so much. Well written. I am so glad I went out of my normal genres. I think writing about Native Americans should be done with respect. This author did so.
November 20, 2014
This book was different from my usual reads. About a thirteen year old girl who's abducted by Native Americans and her life after being adopted by the chief of the tribe. It was good, though, and I'll definitely be reading more Constance O'Banyon in the future. The romance in the book is minimal, but sweet.
May 1, 2013
One of the best books I've read in the native american sub-genre of the western historical romance genre. Story was realistic, there actually was a plot, neither of the main characters turned into quivering saps, and the cheesy lines were minimal. On a part with my all time favourite of this genre, Dancing on Coals by Ellen O'Connell.
August 1, 2015
This was clearly a beautiful romantic story but it had other levels of suspense. There is the whole political aspect of inter-marriage between a captured white girl who fell in love with the Dreamer of the Tribe. There is great jealously within the tribe and then the surprising response of the white soldiers when they recaptured Miss Bryant who is now Rain Song.
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