Six years ago, Mahingan’s wife was taken from him by the Haudenosaunee at the Battle of the Falls. Now, after learning that she is still alive and captive, he and his remaining family struggle to survive and rescue her. But events 2,000 kilometres away, and a mysterious Mi’kmaq legend, are conspiring in ways that could snatch away Mahingan’s hopes.
Pedal to the metal action and adventure. Can't wait until book 3 of the series! These novels (I am Algonquin and Algonquin Spring) call to mind the straightforward storytelling of C.S. Forester's Hornblower saga mixed with the historical accuracy of Patrick O'Brian's Captain Aubrey novels. You will definitely learn a lot about Aboriginal life from reading the Algonquin Quest novels. Everything from making traditional medicine, to how they made their weapons, how they conducted warfare to how they used every part of an animal they killed. Some may find the details of their lifestyle a little too graphic, but they are included for veracity, not mere shock value. For my complete review, please visit www.MiramichiReader.ca
This one is even more graphically violent than the last one, with even more descriptions of brains splattering out when someone is clubbed in battle, etc. You’ll want either a strong stomach or a lot of interest in the subject matter (for me it was the latter). I liked that the author brought in multiple viewpoints and diverse tribal experiences. We even have an encounter with a few Vikings. Although the author prefers to focus on violence, which is never my preference, I do appreciate a chance to look into a fictional version of 1330s northeast American Indian life. I also appreciated the brief introduction with historical and contextual information.
I liked this book better than the first. It felt like the author got a hang of telling the stories and integrating these tidbits of facts and history more seamlessly. I especially loved the inclusion of how the natural world, the plants and animals, were used economically for the peoples' benefits: bones for arrowheads, sinew for thread, brains to help tan hides, honey for its antiseptic properties, mullein for padding (I heard that Native Peoples used it as tissue paper as well), etc.
I am disappointed about the ending, however. It went too fast. And again we are left in suspense. Luckily, I have the next book in the series.