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People of Cahokia #2
Sun Born
A battle between gods will determine an entire people's fate
A thousand years ago, the mighty Cahokian civilization dominated the North American continent from its capital near modern St. Louis. From Wisconsin to the Gulf of Mexico, settlers and priests carried word of the power of their gods. People who wouldn't bow to that power were conquered or slaughtered. At the heart of the empire stood a vast city, teeming with tens of thousands. Power rested in one being, Morning Star, a god resurrected in the body of a living man.
With Sun Born, W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O'Neal Gear take readers back to this amazing place with a tale of murder, magic . . . and the battle for a people's very soul. An old enemy has returned to Cahokia, bringing with him emissaries from a civilization that rivals Cahokia. It becomes apparent to the gods-possessed Lady Night Shadow Star, human sister of Morning Star, that they could be conquered by this technologically advanced culture.
The fact that the living god, Morning Star, is unwilling--or unable--to play a role in the outcome is a conundrum with horrific possibilities.
A thousand years ago, the mighty Cahokian civilization dominated the North American continent from its capital near modern St. Louis. From Wisconsin to the Gulf of Mexico, settlers and priests carried word of the power of their gods. People who wouldn't bow to that power were conquered or slaughtered. At the heart of the empire stood a vast city, teeming with tens of thousands. Power rested in one being, Morning Star, a god resurrected in the body of a living man.
With Sun Born, W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O'Neal Gear take readers back to this amazing place with a tale of murder, magic . . . and the battle for a people's very soul. An old enemy has returned to Cahokia, bringing with him emissaries from a civilization that rivals Cahokia. It becomes apparent to the gods-possessed Lady Night Shadow Star, human sister of Morning Star, that they could be conquered by this technologically advanced culture.
The fact that the living god, Morning Star, is unwilling--or unable--to play a role in the outcome is a conundrum with horrific possibilities.
448 pages, Hardcover
First published October 18, 2016
65 people are currently reading
1119 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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September 20, 2016
Sun Born : People of the Morning star (2) (North America's Forgotten Past, #23) by W. Michael Gear
Sun Born, the second book in the eye opening new series featuring one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in North America will entice readers to learn more about its history and mythology. Cahokia was at its pinnacle over a thousand years ago, it a remarkable rise in trade and prestige would be the focus of Power and North American mythological Gods. The Morning Star is the reborn embodiment of the cross culturally renown Twin God whose influence and connection throughout the North American world laid the foundation of many of the cultures throughout North and Central America. His story of rebirth would spread far and wide and would gain interest in far flung places like Mayan empires. How would the two great powers of the prehistory world share their mutual mythology, and influence? What would be the outcome of these two Cultures colliding in a clandestine nova of subterfuge and intrigue? The internal conflicts within Cahokia is not prepared for the advent of a new Powerful players into the world. The the Four Winds clan, and its contenting conflicts within Cahokia and its neighboring communities are ripe for exploitation. Blue Heron has just the ex-husband who could stir up the entire boiling pot of power and conflict. Can the tenuous connections brought together to save Cahokia in People of the Morning Star find a solution to this new and contemptuous advisory? Can Seven Skull Shield, “that rascal” find a way to save his world, his friends and his people? Lady Night Sun Morning Star will face a new dilemma right on the heels of her new found freedom. Can she sacrifice her ideals, her prestige and her heart in a way that will bring Power into balance? Or will Thirteen Sacred Jaguar the lord of the Itza bring this magnificent city and its culture to heal, and making the Four Winds Clan Neal at his feet?
Character List
Morning Star/ Chunkey Boy: of the Four Winds Clan, the reincarnated Morning Star, the reborn leader of the Four Winds clan, is struggling with personal concepts of his own belief. He has found that power and prestige are not all they are reputed to be. The internal conflict within Cahokia, the Four Winds Clans, and the Earth Clans has worn away the polish of the Ideal.
Lady Night Shadow Star: of the Four Winds Clan, eldest of the Morning Star’s sister. She is said to be a great beauty, and tempestuous young woman of remarkable abilities and passions. Finds that her heart has its own rules, and she is forced to choose between her people and the man she has come reluctantly to love.
Clan Keeper Blue Heron: Keeper of the Four Winds Clan, a strong political leader of the Cahokia world. Her desperate love connections have come to haunt her again. She must face the insufferable heartache and retribution of her ex-husband’s advantageous return.
Fire Cat: High War Chief , Red Wing Nation, slave of Lady Night Shadow Star. He takes an oath to protect Lady Night Shadow Star, but his oath has come at an enormous personal cost.
Seven Skull Shield: thief, and trades man who is a loud, aggressive fighter, and the only possibility to stop the exploits of this invading horde of subterfuge and intrigue. He will find that his connections are frayde by his loyalty to the Four Winds Clan. Hunted and captured by his friends and enemies he must find how to help his new associates survive the coming of a new power to Cahokia.
Tonk’tazi Wind: adviser and living sister to Blue Heron, one of the leading powers in the Four winds Clan. Meets with contingent and trade agreements with other nations.
Nine Strikes: the Little Sun, hereditary second of the rulers of the Natchez. Killed in Cahokia after being honored by the Morning Star for his dancing and costume used at the celebration.
Horn Lance: of the horned serpents house of the Four Winds Clan, Cousin of high chief Green Chunkney, Ex-husband of Blue Heron, exiled for his failed coup of the Four Winds Clan matrons, returned from extended trade adventures that lead to the Mayan civilization and the orchestrator of the massive contemptuous plot to overthrow the Four Winds Clan and rake havoc on his enemies.
Thirteen Sacred Jaguar: son of the yitah Four Fire Shield, one of the multepal, the ruling brothers of the mighty empire of Chichen Itza. Come to Cahokia, to spread the jin the true history of the hero twins, and take this rural outpost to the heights of the Mayan empire.
Lichen: Dreamer as a young girl went to tutor under an Wanderer, the keeper of the Tortoise bundle.
Animal characters/ gods:
Hunga ahuito: the two headed Creator eagle who dwelt above the Rainbow realm in the sky, about the middle waters of the earth, and the four realms of the Underworld clear down to were first woman lived in her cave beneath the roots of the world tree.
First woman or Old-woman-who-never-dies: ruler of the Underworld lives in a cave down below the World tree’s roots. There she dreamed the patterns and Powers of the underworld. He realm was portage by the color red, indicative of fertility, creativity, war and chaos. She had dominion over the waters and plants. She is the daughter of Corn Mother, gave birth to Morning Star and his twin wild One.
Piasa: the Water Panther giving it a female body with serpent tail; sometimes isn't directly named lest it be aroused. (America before the European Invasion pg 48) Piasa, a mythological beast/god that prowled the depths, attaching the people in the swamps and waterways.
Horned serpent: the flying snake “ his voice is sibilant and terrible; Sunlight glistened in tiny rainbows from the scales that armored his skull. The horns that jutted from his head were forked and might have been made to translucent red jasper that almost glowed. Awesome crystalline eyes stared down at me in glittering splendor, like faceted quartz. And in their gaze resonated a Power that sent it waves through my souls. Chevrons dots and dark centered circles decorated the length of his huge body. Each consisted of a symbol of the first days drawn upon his hide by breath giver during the creation. Those mighty wings rose from the center of back and spread above in large patterned feathers almost transparent in the sunlight.” (description from Coming of the storm)
Snapping turtle: to whom fish and frogs answered.
Tie Snakes: who guarded springs, lurked in the depths of the rivers and invoked the rains,
The Thunderbirds mythological gods who make thunder and show messages of the gods.
Morning Star: the good twin, loved by his mother Corn woman and raised by Old-woman who never dies.
Kukul: the powerful Kukulkán (also K'uk'ulkan or K'uk'ul-chon) is a god of Mayan mytholoogy. Kukulkan is known to the K’iche’ group of Maya as Gukumatz. The name Kukulkan means “feathered serpent”, like his Aztec equivalent Quetzacoatl.
The text of the Popol Vuh tells of the Mayan creation myth, followed by stories of a set of heroic twins, Hunahpu and Xbalanqué. The text ends with the mythical history of the K'iche' Kingdom itself, giving its rulers an association with the divine.
Sun Born, the second book in the eye opening new series featuring one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in North America will entice readers to learn more about its history and mythology. Cahokia was at its pinnacle over a thousand years ago, it a remarkable rise in trade and prestige would be the focus of Power and North American mythological Gods. The Morning Star is the reborn embodiment of the cross culturally renown Twin God whose influence and connection throughout the North American world laid the foundation of many of the cultures throughout North and Central America. His story of rebirth would spread far and wide and would gain interest in far flung places like Mayan empires. How would the two great powers of the prehistory world share their mutual mythology, and influence? What would be the outcome of these two Cultures colliding in a clandestine nova of subterfuge and intrigue? The internal conflicts within Cahokia is not prepared for the advent of a new Powerful players into the world. The the Four Winds clan, and its contenting conflicts within Cahokia and its neighboring communities are ripe for exploitation. Blue Heron has just the ex-husband who could stir up the entire boiling pot of power and conflict. Can the tenuous connections brought together to save Cahokia in People of the Morning Star find a solution to this new and contemptuous advisory? Can Seven Skull Shield, “that rascal” find a way to save his world, his friends and his people? Lady Night Sun Morning Star will face a new dilemma right on the heels of her new found freedom. Can she sacrifice her ideals, her prestige and her heart in a way that will bring Power into balance? Or will Thirteen Sacred Jaguar the lord of the Itza bring this magnificent city and its culture to heal, and making the Four Winds Clan Neal at his feet?
Character List
Morning Star/ Chunkey Boy: of the Four Winds Clan, the reincarnated Morning Star, the reborn leader of the Four Winds clan, is struggling with personal concepts of his own belief. He has found that power and prestige are not all they are reputed to be. The internal conflict within Cahokia, the Four Winds Clans, and the Earth Clans has worn away the polish of the Ideal.
Lady Night Shadow Star: of the Four Winds Clan, eldest of the Morning Star’s sister. She is said to be a great beauty, and tempestuous young woman of remarkable abilities and passions. Finds that her heart has its own rules, and she is forced to choose between her people and the man she has come reluctantly to love.
Clan Keeper Blue Heron: Keeper of the Four Winds Clan, a strong political leader of the Cahokia world. Her desperate love connections have come to haunt her again. She must face the insufferable heartache and retribution of her ex-husband’s advantageous return.
Fire Cat: High War Chief , Red Wing Nation, slave of Lady Night Shadow Star. He takes an oath to protect Lady Night Shadow Star, but his oath has come at an enormous personal cost.
Seven Skull Shield: thief, and trades man who is a loud, aggressive fighter, and the only possibility to stop the exploits of this invading horde of subterfuge and intrigue. He will find that his connections are frayde by his loyalty to the Four Winds Clan. Hunted and captured by his friends and enemies he must find how to help his new associates survive the coming of a new power to Cahokia.
Tonk’tazi Wind: adviser and living sister to Blue Heron, one of the leading powers in the Four winds Clan. Meets with contingent and trade agreements with other nations.
Nine Strikes: the Little Sun, hereditary second of the rulers of the Natchez. Killed in Cahokia after being honored by the Morning Star for his dancing and costume used at the celebration.
Horn Lance: of the horned serpents house of the Four Winds Clan, Cousin of high chief Green Chunkney, Ex-husband of Blue Heron, exiled for his failed coup of the Four Winds Clan matrons, returned from extended trade adventures that lead to the Mayan civilization and the orchestrator of the massive contemptuous plot to overthrow the Four Winds Clan and rake havoc on his enemies.
Thirteen Sacred Jaguar: son of the yitah Four Fire Shield, one of the multepal, the ruling brothers of the mighty empire of Chichen Itza. Come to Cahokia, to spread the jin the true history of the hero twins, and take this rural outpost to the heights of the Mayan empire.
Lichen: Dreamer as a young girl went to tutor under an Wanderer, the keeper of the Tortoise bundle.
Animal characters/ gods:
Hunga ahuito: the two headed Creator eagle who dwelt above the Rainbow realm in the sky, about the middle waters of the earth, and the four realms of the Underworld clear down to were first woman lived in her cave beneath the roots of the world tree.
First woman or Old-woman-who-never-dies: ruler of the Underworld lives in a cave down below the World tree’s roots. There she dreamed the patterns and Powers of the underworld. He realm was portage by the color red, indicative of fertility, creativity, war and chaos. She had dominion over the waters and plants. She is the daughter of Corn Mother, gave birth to Morning Star and his twin wild One.
Piasa: the Water Panther giving it a female body with serpent tail; sometimes isn't directly named lest it be aroused. (America before the European Invasion pg 48) Piasa, a mythological beast/god that prowled the depths, attaching the people in the swamps and waterways.
Horned serpent: the flying snake “ his voice is sibilant and terrible; Sunlight glistened in tiny rainbows from the scales that armored his skull. The horns that jutted from his head were forked and might have been made to translucent red jasper that almost glowed. Awesome crystalline eyes stared down at me in glittering splendor, like faceted quartz. And in their gaze resonated a Power that sent it waves through my souls. Chevrons dots and dark centered circles decorated the length of his huge body. Each consisted of a symbol of the first days drawn upon his hide by breath giver during the creation. Those mighty wings rose from the center of back and spread above in large patterned feathers almost transparent in the sunlight.” (description from Coming of the storm)
Snapping turtle: to whom fish and frogs answered.
Tie Snakes: who guarded springs, lurked in the depths of the rivers and invoked the rains,
The Thunderbirds mythological gods who make thunder and show messages of the gods.
Morning Star: the good twin, loved by his mother Corn woman and raised by Old-woman who never dies.
Kukul: the powerful Kukulkán (also K'uk'ulkan or K'uk'ul-chon) is a god of Mayan mytholoogy. Kukulkan is known to the K’iche’ group of Maya as Gukumatz. The name Kukulkan means “feathered serpent”, like his Aztec equivalent Quetzacoatl.
The text of the Popol Vuh tells of the Mayan creation myth, followed by stories of a set of heroic twins, Hunahpu and Xbalanqué. The text ends with the mythical history of the K'iche' Kingdom itself, giving its rulers an association with the divine.
November 10, 2016
The newest in the Gears' ancient America series looks at the Cahokian civilization that stretched along the Mississippi River from present-day Wisconsin to the Gulf of Mexico, its capital in present-day Illinois just across from St. Louis. In it, a banished enemy has returned to Cahokia, bringing with him emissaries from the far south (the Mayans from Chichen Itza in modern-day Mexico), who plan to conquer the Cahokians by dazzling the people with what appear to be their superior gods, powers, and weaponry, and it falls to the god-possessed Lady Night Shadow and her warrior bodyguard Fire Cat to listen to their gods' voices and save their nation.
November 2, 2018
I was eager to read Sun Born Book Two in the Morning Star as soon as I read the last word in Book One. W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O’Neal Gear continue the story of Cahokia and the world of the Morning Star in this exciting sequel.
A new threat arrives in Cahokia, and once again the familiar cast of characters work to save Cahokia from ruin. From the Prologue and Lady Night Shadow Star’s prophetic dream, I was hooked. Piasa (Underworld Spirit) leads her to the hidden grotto of Old-Woman-Who-Never-Dies and a prediction for upcoming challenges are revealed.
The authors skillfully introduce the main characters from Book One through the “thief”, Seven Skull Shield, as he guides a visitor around Cahokia at the culmination of a great celebration, The Busk. At the conclusion of a competitive dance, the Morning Star awards a magnificent feathered cloak to the best dancer, Nine Strikes. He is the Little Sun of the Natchez Confederacy and brother of their high chief, the Great Sun. From this point forward, the action builds and mysteries ensue. The fate of Cahokia rests on the shoulders of Night Shadow Star and her slave, Fire Cat.
An old enemy soon arrives in Cahokia, accompanying visitors from both the Natchez Confederacy and the son of one of the leaders of Chichen Itza, Thirteen Sacred Jaguar. As the hidden conflicts develop between the visitors and the residents of Cahokia, tension builds. Each new event and confrontation challenges the stability of Cahokia’s future.
The authors provide a dramatic view of the personal and political lives of the people of this ancient world. Weaving a fictional story of conflicts with historical facts make a great story. Even when I thought I knew how this tale of intrigue and murders would end, I was surprised. Sun Born provides an excellent sequel to People of the Morning Star. Another winner for the Gears! Now on to Moon Hunt: A People of Cahokia Novel (Book Three of the Morning Star Series) (North America's Forgotten Past 3)!
A new threat arrives in Cahokia, and once again the familiar cast of characters work to save Cahokia from ruin. From the Prologue and Lady Night Shadow Star’s prophetic dream, I was hooked. Piasa (Underworld Spirit) leads her to the hidden grotto of Old-Woman-Who-Never-Dies and a prediction for upcoming challenges are revealed.
The authors skillfully introduce the main characters from Book One through the “thief”, Seven Skull Shield, as he guides a visitor around Cahokia at the culmination of a great celebration, The Busk. At the conclusion of a competitive dance, the Morning Star awards a magnificent feathered cloak to the best dancer, Nine Strikes. He is the Little Sun of the Natchez Confederacy and brother of their high chief, the Great Sun. From this point forward, the action builds and mysteries ensue. The fate of Cahokia rests on the shoulders of Night Shadow Star and her slave, Fire Cat.
An old enemy soon arrives in Cahokia, accompanying visitors from both the Natchez Confederacy and the son of one of the leaders of Chichen Itza, Thirteen Sacred Jaguar. As the hidden conflicts develop between the visitors and the residents of Cahokia, tension builds. Each new event and confrontation challenges the stability of Cahokia’s future.
The authors provide a dramatic view of the personal and political lives of the people of this ancient world. Weaving a fictional story of conflicts with historical facts make a great story. Even when I thought I knew how this tale of intrigue and murders would end, I was surprised. Sun Born provides an excellent sequel to People of the Morning Star. Another winner for the Gears! Now on to Moon Hunt: A People of Cahokia Novel (Book Three of the Morning Star Series) (North America's Forgotten Past 3)!
October 4, 2017
Sun Born : People of the Morning star (2) (North America's Forgotten Past, #23) by W. Michael Gear
Sun Born, the second book in the eye opening new series featuring one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in North America will entice readers to learn more about its history and mythology. Cahokia was at its pinnacle over a thousand years ago, it a remarkable rise in trade and prestige would be the focus of Power and North American mythological Gods. The Morning Star is the reborn embodiment of the cross culturally renown Twin God whose influence and connection throughout the North American world laid the foundation of many of the cultures throughout North and Central America. His story of rebirth would spread far and wide and would gain interest in far flung places like Mayan empires. How would the two great powers of the prehistory world share their mutual mythology, and influence? What would be the outcome of these two Cultures colliding in a clandestine nova of subterfuge and intrigue? The internal conflicts within Cahokia is not prepared for the advent of a new Powerful players into the world. The the Four Winds clan, and its contenting conflicts within Cahokia and its neighboring communities are ripe for exploitation. Blue Heron has just the ex-husband who could stir up the entire boiling pot of power and conflict. Can the tenuous connections brought together to save Cahokia in People of the Morning Star find a solution to this new and contemptuous advisory? Can Seven Skull Shield, “that rascal” find a way to save his world, his friends and his people? Lady Night Sun Morning Star will face a new dilemma right on the heels of her new found freedom. Can she sacrifice her ideals, her prestige and her heart in a way that will bring Power into balance? Or will Thirteen Sacred Jaguar the lord of the Itza bring this magnificent city and its culture to heal, and making the Four Winds Clan Neal at his feet?
Character List
Morning Star/ Chunkey Boy: of the Four Winds Clan, the reincarnated Morning Star, the reborn leader of the Four Winds clan, is struggling with personal concepts of his own belief. He has found that power and prestige are not all they are reputed to be. The internal conflict within Cahokia, the Four Winds Clans, and the Earth Clans has worn away the polish of the Ideal.
Lady Night Shadow Star: of the Four Winds Clan, eldest of the Morning Star’s sister. She is said to be a great beauty, and tempestuous young woman of remarkable abilities and passions. Finds that her heart has its own rules, and she is forced to choose between her people and the man she has come reluctantly to love.
Clan Keeper Blue Heron: Keeper of the Four Winds Clan, a strong political leader of the Cahokia world. Her desperate love connections have come to haunt her again. She must face the insufferable heartache and retribution of her ex-husband’s advantageous return.
Fire Cat: High War Chief , Red Wing Nation, slave of Lady Night Shadow Star. He takes an oath to protect Lady Night Shadow Star, but his oath has come at an enormous personal cost.
Seven Skull Shield: thief, and trades man who is a loud, aggressive fighter, and the only possibility to stop the exploits of this invading horde of subterfuge and intrigue. He will find that his connections are frayde by his loyalty to the Four Winds Clan. Hunted and captured by his friends and enemies he must find how to help his new associates survive the coming of a new power to Cahokia.
Tonk’tazi Wind: adviser and living sister to Blue Heron, one of the leading powers in the Four winds Clan. Meets with contingent and trade agreements with other nations.
Nine Strikes: the Little Sun, hereditary second of the rulers of the Natchez. Killed in Cahokia after being honored by the Morning Star for his dancing and costume used at the celebration.
Horn Lance: of the horned serpents house of the Four Winds Clan, Cousin of high chief Green Chunkney, Ex-husband of Blue Heron, exiled for his failed coup of the Four Winds Clan matrons, returned from extended trade adventures that lead to the Mayan civilization and the orchestrator of the massive contemptuous plot to overthrow the Four Winds Clan and rake havoc on his enemies.
Thirteen Sacred Jaguar: son of the yitah Four Fire Shield, one of the multepal, the ruling brothers of the mighty empire of Chichen Itza. Come to Cahokia, to spread the jin the true history of the hero twins, and take this rural outpost to the heights of the Mayan empire.
Lichen: Dreamer as a young girl went to tutor under an Wanderer, the keeper of the Tortoise bundle.
Animal characters/ gods:
Hunga ahuito: the two headed Creator eagle who dwelt above the Rainbow realm in the sky, about the middle waters of the earth, and the four realms of the Underworld clear down to were first woman lived in her cave beneath the roots of the world tree.
First woman or Old-woman-who-never-dies: ruler of the Underworld lives in a cave down below the World tree’s roots. There she dreamed the patterns and Powers of the underworld. He realm was portage by the color red, indicative of fertility, creativity, war and chaos. She had dominion over the waters and plants. She is the daughter of Corn Mother, gave birth to Morning Star and his twin wild One.
Piasa: the Water Panther giving it a female body with serpent tail; sometimes isn't directly named lest it be aroused. (America before the European Invasion pg 48) Piasa, a mythological beast/god that prowled the depths, attaching the people in the swamps and waterways.
Horned serpent: the flying snake “ his voice is sibilant and terrible; Sunlight glistened in tiny rainbows from the scales that armored his skull. The horns that jutted from his head were forked and might have been made to translucent red jasper that almost glowed. Awesome crystalline eyes stared down at me in glittering splendor, like faceted quartz. And in their gaze resonated a Power that sent it waves through my souls. Chevrons dots and dark centered circles decorated the length of his huge body. Each consisted of a symbol of the first days drawn upon his hide by breath giver during the creation. Those mighty wings rose from the center of back and spread above in large patterned feathers almost transparent in the sunlight.” (description from Coming of the storm)
Snapping turtle: to whom fish and frogs answered.
Tie Snakes: who guarded springs, lurked in the depths of the rivers and invoked the rains,
The Thunderbirds mythological gods who make thunder and show messages of the gods.
Morning Star: the good twin, loved by his mother Corn woman and raised by Old-woman who never dies.
Kukul: the powerful Kukulkán (also K'uk'ulkan or K'uk'ul-chon) is a god of Mayan mytholoogy. Kukulkan is known to the K’iche’ group of Maya as Gukumatz. The name Kukulkan means “feathered serpent”, like his Aztec equivalent Quetzacoatl.
The text of the Popol Vuh tells of the Mayan creation myth, followed by stories of a set of heroic twins, Hunahpu and Xbalanqué. The text ends with the mythical history of the K'iche' Kingdom itself, giving its rulers an association with the divine.
Sun Born, the second book in the eye opening new series featuring one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in North America will entice readers to learn more about its history and mythology. Cahokia was at its pinnacle over a thousand years ago, it a remarkable rise in trade and prestige would be the focus of Power and North American mythological Gods. The Morning Star is the reborn embodiment of the cross culturally renown Twin God whose influence and connection throughout the North American world laid the foundation of many of the cultures throughout North and Central America. His story of rebirth would spread far and wide and would gain interest in far flung places like Mayan empires. How would the two great powers of the prehistory world share their mutual mythology, and influence? What would be the outcome of these two Cultures colliding in a clandestine nova of subterfuge and intrigue? The internal conflicts within Cahokia is not prepared for the advent of a new Powerful players into the world. The the Four Winds clan, and its contenting conflicts within Cahokia and its neighboring communities are ripe for exploitation. Blue Heron has just the ex-husband who could stir up the entire boiling pot of power and conflict. Can the tenuous connections brought together to save Cahokia in People of the Morning Star find a solution to this new and contemptuous advisory? Can Seven Skull Shield, “that rascal” find a way to save his world, his friends and his people? Lady Night Sun Morning Star will face a new dilemma right on the heels of her new found freedom. Can she sacrifice her ideals, her prestige and her heart in a way that will bring Power into balance? Or will Thirteen Sacred Jaguar the lord of the Itza bring this magnificent city and its culture to heal, and making the Four Winds Clan Neal at his feet?
Character List
Morning Star/ Chunkey Boy: of the Four Winds Clan, the reincarnated Morning Star, the reborn leader of the Four Winds clan, is struggling with personal concepts of his own belief. He has found that power and prestige are not all they are reputed to be. The internal conflict within Cahokia, the Four Winds Clans, and the Earth Clans has worn away the polish of the Ideal.
Lady Night Shadow Star: of the Four Winds Clan, eldest of the Morning Star’s sister. She is said to be a great beauty, and tempestuous young woman of remarkable abilities and passions. Finds that her heart has its own rules, and she is forced to choose between her people and the man she has come reluctantly to love.
Clan Keeper Blue Heron: Keeper of the Four Winds Clan, a strong political leader of the Cahokia world. Her desperate love connections have come to haunt her again. She must face the insufferable heartache and retribution of her ex-husband’s advantageous return.
Fire Cat: High War Chief , Red Wing Nation, slave of Lady Night Shadow Star. He takes an oath to protect Lady Night Shadow Star, but his oath has come at an enormous personal cost.
Seven Skull Shield: thief, and trades man who is a loud, aggressive fighter, and the only possibility to stop the exploits of this invading horde of subterfuge and intrigue. He will find that his connections are frayde by his loyalty to the Four Winds Clan. Hunted and captured by his friends and enemies he must find how to help his new associates survive the coming of a new power to Cahokia.
Tonk’tazi Wind: adviser and living sister to Blue Heron, one of the leading powers in the Four winds Clan. Meets with contingent and trade agreements with other nations.
Nine Strikes: the Little Sun, hereditary second of the rulers of the Natchez. Killed in Cahokia after being honored by the Morning Star for his dancing and costume used at the celebration.
Horn Lance: of the horned serpents house of the Four Winds Clan, Cousin of high chief Green Chunkney, Ex-husband of Blue Heron, exiled for his failed coup of the Four Winds Clan matrons, returned from extended trade adventures that lead to the Mayan civilization and the orchestrator of the massive contemptuous plot to overthrow the Four Winds Clan and rake havoc on his enemies.
Thirteen Sacred Jaguar: son of the yitah Four Fire Shield, one of the multepal, the ruling brothers of the mighty empire of Chichen Itza. Come to Cahokia, to spread the jin the true history of the hero twins, and take this rural outpost to the heights of the Mayan empire.
Lichen: Dreamer as a young girl went to tutor under an Wanderer, the keeper of the Tortoise bundle.
Animal characters/ gods:
Hunga ahuito: the two headed Creator eagle who dwelt above the Rainbow realm in the sky, about the middle waters of the earth, and the four realms of the Underworld clear down to were first woman lived in her cave beneath the roots of the world tree.
First woman or Old-woman-who-never-dies: ruler of the Underworld lives in a cave down below the World tree’s roots. There she dreamed the patterns and Powers of the underworld. He realm was portage by the color red, indicative of fertility, creativity, war and chaos. She had dominion over the waters and plants. She is the daughter of Corn Mother, gave birth to Morning Star and his twin wild One.
Piasa: the Water Panther giving it a female body with serpent tail; sometimes isn't directly named lest it be aroused. (America before the European Invasion pg 48) Piasa, a mythological beast/god that prowled the depths, attaching the people in the swamps and waterways.
Horned serpent: the flying snake “ his voice is sibilant and terrible; Sunlight glistened in tiny rainbows from the scales that armored his skull. The horns that jutted from his head were forked and might have been made to translucent red jasper that almost glowed. Awesome crystalline eyes stared down at me in glittering splendor, like faceted quartz. And in their gaze resonated a Power that sent it waves through my souls. Chevrons dots and dark centered circles decorated the length of his huge body. Each consisted of a symbol of the first days drawn upon his hide by breath giver during the creation. Those mighty wings rose from the center of back and spread above in large patterned feathers almost transparent in the sunlight.” (description from Coming of the storm)
Snapping turtle: to whom fish and frogs answered.
Tie Snakes: who guarded springs, lurked in the depths of the rivers and invoked the rains,
The Thunderbirds mythological gods who make thunder and show messages of the gods.
Morning Star: the good twin, loved by his mother Corn woman and raised by Old-woman who never dies.
Kukul: the powerful Kukulkán (also K'uk'ulkan or K'uk'ul-chon) is a god of Mayan mytholoogy. Kukulkan is known to the K’iche’ group of Maya as Gukumatz. The name Kukulkan means “feathered serpent”, like his Aztec equivalent Quetzacoatl.
The text of the Popol Vuh tells of the Mayan creation myth, followed by stories of a set of heroic twins, Hunahpu and Xbalanqué. The text ends with the mythical history of the K'iche' Kingdom itself, giving its rulers an association with the divine.
August 26, 2016
Full review to come after it appears in Historical Novels Review.
April 16, 2020
Picked this one up for a buck. This was definitely a value.
Now, yes, the nitpicky might start with "The area wasn't necessarily called Cahokia, that was just the later tribe that was found there when the area was discovered," etc, etc. but really - it's like Tolkein's elves speaking English. They're not. It's just the way we understand what they're talking about. If this gets people interested in the structures and the Mississippian culture that raised them, it's more than made up for that 'sin.'
This is an ... interesting mix. It can't really be called "historical fiction," though it is to a small degree. Mix a bit of what we call urban fantasy, maybe - no vampires or werewolves, but direct and indirect interaction with and intervention by deities (or at least people believing that's happening) occurs. It is, regardless, a unique and interesting setting and group of characters.
The book itself shifts from being a bit of a murder mystery to a... religious/political "thriller," I suppose, as the Cahokians deal with a powerful guest's murder and the arrival of an (also) powerful lord, his retainers and an exile from the south who threaten their way of life and religion - which very much shapes their world.
It wasn't *completely* satisfying, the end - despite what I said earlier - feeling a bit too "deus ex machina," or perhaps that aspect of it needing more exposure and interweaving. It's honestly hard to say. But I don't think I'd feel disappointed in this book if I'd paid more, and it has gotten me interested in the other books of the series.
Give it a shot. *Especially* if you find it for a buck...
Now, yes, the nitpicky might start with "The area wasn't necessarily called Cahokia, that was just the later tribe that was found there when the area was discovered," etc, etc. but really - it's like Tolkein's elves speaking English. They're not. It's just the way we understand what they're talking about. If this gets people interested in the structures and the Mississippian culture that raised them, it's more than made up for that 'sin.'
This is an ... interesting mix. It can't really be called "historical fiction," though it is to a small degree. Mix a bit of what we call urban fantasy, maybe - no vampires or werewolves, but direct and indirect interaction with and intervention by deities (or at least people believing that's happening) occurs. It is, regardless, a unique and interesting setting and group of characters.
The book itself shifts from being a bit of a murder mystery to a... religious/political "thriller," I suppose, as the Cahokians deal with a powerful guest's murder and the arrival of an (also) powerful lord, his retainers and an exile from the south who threaten their way of life and religion - which very much shapes their world.
It wasn't *completely* satisfying, the end - despite what I said earlier - feeling a bit too "deus ex machina," or perhaps that aspect of it needing more exposure and interweaving. It's honestly hard to say. But I don't think I'd feel disappointed in this book if I'd paid more, and it has gotten me interested in the other books of the series.
Give it a shot. *Especially* if you find it for a buck...
March 25, 2022
The Gears have written another engorssing mystery set in the ancient city of Cahokia. This story has all of the suspense of a modern day espionage/political intrigue novel. The characters are well developed and interesting to the point that I truely cared about what happened to each of them.
I suppose this is "historical fiction" in a loose sense, but I have enjoyed reading about the various gods worshipped by pre-Colombian Americans. I also found the discriptions of the game of Chunkey and its importance to the societies very interesting. The manifested power of the gods doesn't really ring true, but on the other hand if people believe in such deities, perhaps that belief is enough to affect their behavior and actions.
Overall a wonderful story.
I suppose this is "historical fiction" in a loose sense, but I have enjoyed reading about the various gods worshipped by pre-Colombian Americans. I also found the discriptions of the game of Chunkey and its importance to the societies very interesting. The manifested power of the gods doesn't really ring true, but on the other hand if people believe in such deities, perhaps that belief is enough to affect their behavior and actions.
Overall a wonderful story.
September 26, 2018
Just finished reading this book and the authors did a great job!
The story gives you a little more in-depth of the cultural history of Native Americans.
The Natives tried to be peaceful and wanted to learn the white man's ways, but as
they tried, they were taken advantage of and made to feel that no one cared about
what they were going thru as far as hunger & sickness. The politics of some of the greedy
and ambitious white leaders towards the Natives was shameful. Much hasn't changed in
today's world either.
This book is a good read for those who are interested in cultural history, murder and
plenty of politics.
The story gives you a little more in-depth of the cultural history of Native Americans.
The Natives tried to be peaceful and wanted to learn the white man's ways, but as
they tried, they were taken advantage of and made to feel that no one cared about
what they were going thru as far as hunger & sickness. The politics of some of the greedy
and ambitious white leaders towards the Natives was shameful. Much hasn't changed in
today's world either.
This book is a good read for those who are interested in cultural history, murder and
plenty of politics.
March 29, 2019
Around 1000 years ago, Cahokia was a huge urban area across the river from current St. Louis. Gear's story involves conflict of spiritualities brought on group from Mexico to challenge in Cahokia. Interesting to find such wide influences in trade, colonies, agriculture. While it's has a factual archeological, the conflict about saving culture from invasion that has a very current ring. It often seems like a fantasy genre -- the setting and cultural norms are so different. It took awhile to get past the odd names, but a quarter in, reading sped up.
September 25, 2020
Once again we have delved into the Native American series with some scary history involved. All the gear books are based on factual archeological finds. The story covers actual events in history and the outcome. Sun Born continues with the saga of Morning Star and her peoples introduction to the Aztecs.
Native Americans traveled and traded across large swaths of the America's. Encountering the Aztec's and their bloody ways would not have been uncommon. I was completely fascinated by the story line. And breathed a sigh of relief when the enemy was vanquished.
Native Americans traveled and traded across large swaths of the America's. Encountering the Aztec's and their bloody ways would not have been uncommon. I was completely fascinated by the story line. And breathed a sigh of relief when the enemy was vanquished.
May 4, 2017
The Gears do a fantastic job of bring ancient America to life. This story is full of details of how the largest city in America operated long before the Europeans arrived.
Cahokia welcomes a group of Mayans, unbeknown the Mayans mean to take over. At first they are successful, but Night Shadow Star, Fire Cat, Seven Skull Shield, Blue Herron and the other memorable characters realize what is happening and take action to take back their city and way of life.
Cahokia welcomes a group of Mayans, unbeknown the Mayans mean to take over. At first they are successful, but Night Shadow Star, Fire Cat, Seven Skull Shield, Blue Herron and the other memorable characters realize what is happening and take action to take back their city and way of life.
July 6, 2017
So many people have given this book a 5 star rating. Unfortunately although I pushed myself to get to page 114, I had to give up. Perhaps it is my age and memory but I just cannot keep the three word names and a clear mind picture of which person belongs to which tribe straight. So mea culpa dear author. I have loved your books but am apologizing that I no longer want to spend so much energy figuring out who is whom.
July 7, 2017
Loved routing for the characters I came to admire through the wonderful descriptive and imaginative writing of the Gears. I've read many of their books and have never been disappointed.
Loved the characters, warts and all. Love learning more about my Native American ancestors in such informative and entertaining books.
Loved the characters, warts and all. Love learning more about my Native American ancestors in such informative and entertaining books.
November 24, 2023
I liked more the previous one, but the relationship between Night Shadow Star and Fire Cat and the aparition of an ancient beloved character made me give it four stars.
At times, the action feels slow. The antagonist in this case is very interesting, maybe because I’m from Spain and that culture is more known in my country. Even so, I don’t know if I’m going to continue with the next one.
At times, the action feels slow. The antagonist in this case is very interesting, maybe because I’m from Spain and that culture is more known in my country. Even so, I don’t know if I’m going to continue with the next one.
December 3, 2016
The Gears never disappoint me! This book is the second in a series. If you like Native American historical fiction this is a good one...but start with #1 in the series. Love the way they make seemingly despicable characters likable. Seven Skull Shield is my favorite.
March 25, 2017
Another Goodread
I have read almost all of the Gear's Books and have loved everyone! This one is no exception, it's a " can't put it down, until you're done" read. I have got to find another one!
I have read almost all of the Gear's Books and have loved everyone! This one is no exception, it's a " can't put it down, until you're done" read. I have got to find another one!
May 8, 2017
Now I've got to wait for the next adventure Moon Hunt all about Cahokia in 1100 ad. A city larger than Paris at the time...a place with power desired by many. In this episode the Mayans traveled all the way from "across the gulf" to an area just outside of our now called Chicago...all for power.
February 21, 2018
Another good one
I love these books. Learn a lot from the vivid descriptions and colorful characters. I would recommend it for anyone who has an interest in Native American heritage. (Remember it is fiction, based on archeological evidence.)
I love these books. Learn a lot from the vivid descriptions and colorful characters. I would recommend it for anyone who has an interest in Native American heritage. (Remember it is fiction, based on archeological evidence.)
December 30, 2018
I truly love these books, they are a book that brings your great imagination out.
March 29, 2020
Wonderful as usual and it even has a sequel with many of the same characters! Bless the Gears and all authors in this time of forced Corona Virus imprisonment,
March 10, 2022
This was another great read from these authors.
October 8, 2023
4.25 stars. The living god is tested by a new power from the south (Incas).
March 7, 2017
Have not read one of their books in a long while, I had forgotten how much I love these!!!
October 25, 2025
The Gears have done it again! Sun Born is the second in a trilogy on the Cahokia Mound Builders Culture and it’s just as good as the first in the trilogy. In this trilogy we meet the ruling cult of the Morning Star, the opposition, in the person of Fire Cat, and many of the “ordinary” people of Cahokia. Besides a fantastic story line there is a great deal of information on how a large city such as Cahokia runs when they don’t have the modern conveniences that we have today. The characters are remarkable. I already miss Seven Skull Shield, the Keeper, Fire Cat, Night Shadow Star and even the mysterious Morning Star/Chunkey Boy. I can’t wait for the third in the series!
November 15, 2016
Sun Born: BK 2 of The Morning Star Trilogy
Never disappointed in a Gear book, except for the waiting of the next one. I truly expected more heartbreak in this book and there was plenty. This book does not disappoint with its mystery and intrigue. The politics seem reminiscent of our current politics, concluding that the spiral is still going.
This is a must read for those who value the richness of a world long gone described in glittering detail. You can place yourself there, see it and smell it. The words make you feel as if you can reach out and touch it.
Never disappointed in a Gear book, except for the waiting of the next one. I truly expected more heartbreak in this book and there was plenty. This book does not disappoint with its mystery and intrigue. The politics seem reminiscent of our current politics, concluding that the spiral is still going.
This is a must read for those who value the richness of a world long gone described in glittering detail. You can place yourself there, see it and smell it. The words make you feel as if you can reach out and touch it.
November 19, 2016
another in the North America's forgotten past and another great read. this book is actually a sequel to The People of the Morning Star. The setting is Cahokia, an area of what is now central Illinois close to the border with St. Louis Missouri, at about 1070ad. At this point in time this was the site of one of the largest civilizations in North America. The story revolves around the rulers of the civilization and their encounter with the Mayan civilization but the story is much more. It's about betrayal, loyalty, revenge and the fight to preserve a way of life. I enjoyed this book!
November 12, 2016
This book got a slow start, bogged down by the ever-present dreaming sessions with power and the fact that the story picked up where the previous book in the series left off. That wouldn't have been a problem, but I've read 75 books since then. I had forgotten many of the details and could have used a quick "Remember when this happened" refresher. Once the story got rolling, though, it was engaging. I enjoyed Fire Cat's part in the ultimate duel between powers.
January 30, 2017
Once again, an enthralling tale of a time long ago. A tale of love, hate, betrayal and revenge. I could not put the book down. I was excited when I first heard of a second Morning Star book and, as always, the Gears delivered. By far my favorite authors and one of my new favorite books, only second to The People of the Raven. Excited for the next novel in the series, I already miss Lady Night Shadow Star but most of all the crafty and hysterical Seven Skull Shield!!!
August 26, 2016
Full review to come after it appears in Historical Novels Review.
October 30, 2016
Typical of their books -- interesting historical fiction of a Native American tribe a thousand years ago.
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