Moon Hunt

People of Cahokia #3

by Kathleen O'Neal Gear

Whispering Dawn has come to Cahokia as the bride of the living god Morning Star. She brings with her dark secrets. Political intrigue. And deadly magic.

When Morning Star drinks her poisoned nectar, the Night Moth carries his souls off to the Underworld to be slowly sucked into oblivion.

Cahokia is shaken to the roots by Whispering Dawn's betrayal, and as the empire teeters on the verge of civil war, the immortal god's human sister Night Shadow Star realizes that only she--intimately tied to the Underworld--can make the journey into the dark realms to retrieve Morning Star's captured souls. To do so, she and Fire Cat must descend into the Sacred Cave's terrifying depths where, beset by soul-devouring monsters, it may come down to Fire Cat to save the man, city, and people he once despised.

Moon Hunt is the third epic tale in the Morning Star series by New York Times bestselling authors W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O'Neal Gear. Against the intricate majesty that was America's greatest pre-Columbian city, the Gears have once again woven the latest archaeological data into a painstakingly accurate reconstruction of Cahokia and provide a rare look into the mystical underpinnings of Native American culture.

The Morning Star Trilogy
#1 People of the Morning Star
#2 Sun Born
#3 Moon Hunt

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Native Americans, Native American

Unknown Binding

First published November 1, 2017

About the author

My professional life began in the dark basement of the Museum of Cultural History in Los Angeles, where I was cataloguing three-hundred-year-old Guatemalan saint carvings. I quit this fascinating job and moved to Wyoming to work for the U.S. Department of the Interior as a historian and archaeologist. When I finally understood the error of my ways I moved to Wyoming and started writing books. Since then, I've authored or co-authored 54 novels and around 200 non-fiction publications.

I love writing. And buffalo. And hiking the wilds of Wyoming's backcountry.

I'm married (until he comes to his senses) to W. Michael Gear, the novelist and my co-author, and we live at the edge of the Wind River Indian Reservation in the Owl Creek mountains of Wyoming. We're contented watching buffalo and writing books.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/kathle...

Reviews

[Bookwraiths · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally reviewed at .

Moon Hunt is the third book of the Morningstar Trilogy but also book twenty-four of North America’s Forgotten Past by W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O’Neal Gear. Built upon an accurate representation of ancient North America and filled with realistic characters, in-depth world building, shadowy mysticism, political intrigue, and interpersonal relationships, the Gears deliver as entertaining a novel in Moon Hunt as anything else on the shelves today.

Delivered through many point-of-view characters and shifting between these people nearly every chapter, this story demands that new readers jump in, make notes, and quickly acclimate themselves to this place and its colorful people. The most important of these being Morningstar, who is believed to be a god reincarnated. His death and passage into death the catalyst for an epic quest by his sister, Night Shadow Star, who quickly becomes the main focus of this swirling, shifting tale, as she journeys forth into the depths to return the soul of her brother to life.

The highlight of Moon Hunt for me personally was the Gears’ world building; their deft handling of this Native American culture filled with intricate detail, lovingly explored, and fully realized, as Cahokia and its denizens spring to life upon the pages.

Nearly as entertaining was the adventure and intrigue filled story line. The quest of Night Shadow Star a twisting, turning trail of suspense, misdirection, and constant pitfalls. The Gears expertly guiding readers along behind the heroes, building tension, promising resolution, only to pull the proverbial rug out from under their feet time and time again. This journey of discovery meshing with the overarching plot of political machinations in the empire keeping readers constantly occupied turning the pages to get to the end.

As for any criticisms, my only one is the epic scope of the cast here, which literally contains a dozen or so people (mortal and divine) whom a reader must have familiarity with to fully enjoy the narrative. This plus the constant shifting between these multiple point-of-view characters does become off-putting and a tad bit overwhelming, though this frustration does lessen around the halfway point.

Overall, Moon Hunt was an entertaining read with plenty of action, intrigue, and mysticism to keep my interest firmly fixed upon it. Certainly, this is a demanding read with its large cast and detailed world building, but for those readers who enjoy a challenge and a dose of something unique, the Gears have produced a fine story sure to satisfy.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. I’d like to thank them for allowing me to receive this review copy and inform everyone that the review you have read is my opinion alone.

[Ariana Fae · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gears ratchet up the tension and the stakes for Cahokia in the third book of the People of Cahokia series MOON HUNT. Like the two other books in the series it’s filled with political intrigue, mysticism, convoluted relationships, and characters who I enjoy reading about.

First, I’m constantly amazed how the Gears bring to life ancient cultures. Not only do you get archeological details of an ancient people and their way of life, but a story of suspense and adventure. There were so many things I liked about the MOON HUNT:

1- we delve deeper into the bittersweet relationship of Lady Shadow Night Star and Fire Cat, who love one another but in this life cannot give into their feelings for one another, and the sacrifices they have to make

2- how Clan Keeper Blue Heron is removed from her position as Cahokia’s spy master by the new Clan Matron and has to deal with a dangerous life threatening situation

3- we learn more about my favorite character Seven Skull Shield’s past and the hard choices he has to make between loyalty, brotherhood, and love

4-we finally see more of MorningStar’s character and discover if he truly is a god reincarnated

5- I love how the Gears breathe so many details into Cohokia’s world from traditions, religions, customs, clothing, hair styles, and every day living; which was fascinating to learn.

MOON HUNT is a wonderful story. It asks the question what are you willing to sacrifice for the greater good, and the Gears show that with the trails Shadow Night Star, Fire Cat, Blue Heron, Seven Skull Shield, MorningStar, and a cast of other characters go through. I started this book at 10pm thinking I would read a few chapters and finished reading at 3:30am, so intrigued about characters I grew to like and what would happen to them.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moon Hunt (North America's Forgotten Past #24; Morning Star Trilogy #3)
by W. Michael Gear

The third book in the Cahokia series captures the convoluted paths of power in its very remarkable pages. The buildup of tensions in Cahokia filled by the void of internal and external power plays have left those of the highest rank in danger. The Gears guide you down a bramble filled trail of direction and misdirection leaving you hanging on every turn of this underworld passage. Hoping that our heroes can find not only the path, but the dimensions of this remarkable ploy to pull at your heartstrings.
You surge to triumph again and again only to be knocked asunder by another twist turn or pitfall that our beloved characters face. You as a reader would just bite your nails to the quick waiting for a solution to the suspense. The book also shows us a lead to another book on Cahokia. I am impatient to see the next remarkable tale from these two brilliant authors. And two people i am genuinely honored to know.

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. He has learned to manipulate the system in ways that have made it hard for his people.
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. The cost of balancing power is difficult between her master Piasa, the Tortious bundle and the Sky rulers like Morning Star.
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. .
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. His feelings for Lady Night Shadow star will be the salvation of the Morning Star.
Rides-the-lightning: medicine man and leader of the religious order of Cahokia.
Seven Skull Shield: thief, and trades man who is a loud, aggressive fighter, and the only possibility to stop the exploits of the various people attempting to control the Cahokia power and end the rule of the Four Winds Clan. He will find that his connections are frayde by his loyalty to the Four Winds Clan. His ability to outthink his opponents is the only salvation of the Clan Keeper and other matrons.
Wooden Doll: Seven Skull Shields love interest, and prostitute with her own wealth and power.
Winder: Trader, and skilled man about the lower river, he is an orphan of Cahokia who was the big brother of Seven Skull Shield.
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. She is found burdened with an unruly Matron, and a world that is crumbling from within.
Columella: Matron of the Four Winds Clan, Sister and Cousin of the Clan Keeper and Lady Night Shadow Star, leader of the River city Mounds. Her power is able to help save the Clan Keeper and the Morning Star.
Five Fist the Morning stars war chief. Manipulate by Sacred flame to be promoted to Matron.
High Chief War Duck and Round Pot:who ruled the River house and is bustling port. He is a big man, thick-framed with a scarred left cheek and a missing right eye. She was the younger sister and Matron. Have an elaborate plot to rise in power.
High Chief Wolverine ruler of the North Star house and district of Serpent Woman town north of the oxbow lakes. Has his own plot to gain power over the Four Winds Clan.

Whispering Dawn: Daughter of White Water Moccasin of the Chief clan, High minko or supreme ruler of the Sky Hand Moskogee People. Mother is evening oak of the Raccoon clan. She is married to Straight Corn of the Albaamaha, against her father’s wishes she is sent to the Morning Star as a bride for punishment of her errant ways. Initiated by her husband to the Sacred Moth society.
War Leader Strong Mussel: Leader of the band of Sky hand warriors delivering Whispering Dawn to Cahokia. Is very frustrated by his mission being delayed when he would rather be home. He believes that the white arrow of peace will allow his mission to succeed.
Straight Corn: husband of Whispering Dawn, and the son of the Albaamaha leader involved in the plot to control the relationship between Albaamaha and Cahokia. He is part of the Sacred Moth Society.
Sky Star: Quiz Quiz war leader sent in a ploy to steal a sacred bundle to help War Duck in his bid for Matron of Cahokia.
Two sticks: a Chikosi trader who works in River town giving his services to those tribes from the lower river trade




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,
Morning Star: the good twin, loved by his mother Corn woman and raised by Old-woman who never dies.
Sacred Moth: an ancient mythology from the Albaamaha society that is believed to be the first mans connection to the night. Represented as the Humming bird moth because of the creatures use of tobacco, nightshade and datura as a food source.

[Alan Lampe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third novel by the Gears set in Cahokia. All your favorite characters are back, Seven Skull Shield, Night Shadow Star, Fire Cat, Blue Heron, Crazy Frog, the Morning Star, and more.

There is quite a bit of setup, eating up the first third of the book. A group of Muskogee bring the high minko's daughter, Whispering Dawn, to marry the Morning Star. The leader of the group is expecting a quick reception and exit. He carries with him the White Arrow for peace. It's a sign totally ignored by those at the canoe landing. The party treks for a day through the city before finally reaching the Grand Plaza at the base of the Morning Star's mound.

They've arrived at a bad time. Blue Herron, Wind and the elders are in the middle of the days long tribunal to elect a new clan matron. With reluctance, Blue Herron greats the Muskogee and sends word to the Morning Star Whispering Dawn is here.

After a new clan matron is named, Blue Herron is quickly dismissed as Keeper. It's after this that things get interesting and the story picks up the pace.

This story focuses a lot on the spirituality of Cahokia, whereas the previous two novels focused on action (and reaction) to physical threats. You learn a lot about the spirits of Cahokia, and some back stories of the characters. It is a good story, just a little slow to set all the pieces in motion.

[Cheryle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whispering Dawn has come to Cahokia as the bride of the living god Morning Star. She brings with her dark secrets. Political intrigue. And deadly magic.

When Morning Star drinks her poisoned nectar, the Night Moth carries his souls off to the Underworld to be slowly sucked into oblivion.

Cahokia is shaken to the roots by Whispering Dawn's betrayal, and as the empire teeters on the verge of civil war, the immortal god's human sister Night Shadow Star realizes that only she--intimately tied to the Underworld--can make the journey into the dark realms to retrieve Morning Star's captured souls. To do so, she and Fire Cat must descend into the Sacred Cave's terrifying depths where, beset by soul-devouring monsters, it may come down to Fire Cat to save the man, city, and people he once despised.

Moon Hunt is the third epic tale in the Morning Star series by New York Times bestselling authors W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O'Neal Gear. Against the intricate majesty that was America's greatest pre-Columbian city, the Gears have once again woven the latest archaeological data into a painstakingly accurate reconstruction of Cahokia and provide a rare look into the mystical underpinnings of Native American culture.

[Kiwi Carlisle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very long, well-researched novel that does a great job of bringing ancient Cahokia to life. Unfortunately, the writing quality is on the uneven side. An awful lot of the first part of the book is spent in recaps of the earlier novel. I would call it an info-dump, except that it’s more like an info dribble. The book is very, very slow until nearly halfway through. After the recaps are over, the action picks up quickly and the book is actually compelling. I will probably go back and read the first book and continue with the series, but this is definitely long-haul.reading. I would wish that the maps included with the ebook version had either been larger or scalable, because they would have made the action much easier to follow. Even printing them out didn’t help, because they were so small.

[Edie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Politics and intrigue, deals and dirty deals, even 1,000 years ago, seem to define the North American continent. The first half of this third in a trilogy gets one and a half stars from me. I found all of the myriad native names of people and places to be confusing and difficult to keep straight. There are also several plotlines to mentally juggle.

I generally thoroughly enjoy the Gears' People books and perhaps if I had read the first two in the series more recently this one would have been an easier read for me.

By the second half of the story things started to gel in my mind and I became much more engaged and interested. The second half gets a three so I'll round that all off to two stars. I hate having to work so hard with a book!

[Jenny Dunning · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought this would make good airplane reading when I noticed it on the new fiction shelf at my library. Instead it was like being trapped with the worst bore imaginable for 12 hours. The characters all speak and think in the same voice. The world is modern mystery drama superimposed on ancient Cahokia. The Gears completely fail to imagine an alternate consciousness. If you want to enter the world of so-called primitive peoples, read Claire Cameron's "The Last Neanderthal," and just skip the contemporary plot sections.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

Another great book following the adventures of Keeper Blue Heron, Seven Skull Shield, Night Shadow Star and Fire Cat in the great pre-Columbian city of Cahokia near the Father Water. In this third book of the series, you are once again there with these people. You see Cahokia in all its glory with your mind’s eye and sense the feelings of these characters as if you are there beside them experiencing the things that are happening around them. Each book the Gears have written immerses you in their world. A powerful talent not to be missed.

[Linda McConnell Kemp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading the Gear books since they started the North American series and they have not disappointed me yet. Before getting to the end of Moon Hunt, I realized this wasn’t going to be the last novel. And I was sad, yet excited because the story continues. I cannot wait until the next novel comes out. I admit it is graphic on the violence & sexual content. But, I imagine that may have been the way of the world then. I really enjoyed the characters especially the ones who were like old friends to me. For me this book was a page turner every step of the way.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third of four books in the Cahokia series. I have now read them all, but accidently read the last two out of order. As in most series novels, they can all be read alone...each has a separate adventure--only the setting and some of the characters continue. I have enjoyed all of the books by these authors. This one was more steeped in superstition (religion to them) than the others, but I love this kind of thing. I also love the characters and character interaction and in these books, setting is practically another character.

[Michelle McPherson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moon Hunt : BK 3 Morning Star Trilogy

What a way to end but not end the trilogy. I look forward to what I hope is a new trilogy starring Night Shadow Star and Fire Cat?! As usual the story is beautifully written and ever engaging. Easily allowing one to lose themselves in a history many ignore, to picture yourself in that time.
Another classic that can be read again and again without ever growing old with only a few minor editing errors which can be easily overlooked.

[Barb Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seven Skull Shield is in rare form in this latest book in the Morning Star series. Strangers have come to Cahokia to create havoc. Stolen spirit bundles, a journey to the underworld and an old friend intent on causing trouble all manage to disrupt life for Seven Skull Shield and Blue Heron.

Through all of the chaos, Seven Skull Shield and his faithful canine companion, Farts, bring humor, honor and a hearty appetite to the situation.

[Katy Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those of us who wait all year for a new Gear book to be released, this one is special. It's book three in the People of the Cahokia series, and follow PEOPLE OF THE MORNING STAR and SUN BORN, and is the best of the three! It's such an amazing ride to be with these great great characters again. Highly recommended!

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 3 and final of the North America's Forgotten Past series. The living god, Chunkey Boy, is poisoned and dying. His sister, Night Shadow Star, is sent to the underworld to try and save him. Very unbelievable (hallucinations) but very good writing. Takes place in ancient world of Cahokia Illinois. Cahokia Mounds.

[T D Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this series of the Morning Star Trilogy and maybe a forth one by the way this one ended. My favs are Night Shadow Star and Fire Cat and they're on a mission to save one of the most important people in Cahokia. Filled with mystery, you'll love the twist and turns in this one.

[Elaine Swanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another superb journey rhrough the past

I have read every single book by these authors, both written together and separately. I am never disappointed, until the book is done. Then the wait for another!

[Gloria Keeley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating and exciting

Great character development, vivid descriptions of Cahokian society and life. All 3 books were real page turners. I have developed a respect and admiration for the Native American people's as a result of reading the Gears' works.

[Shane Griffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very enjoyable. I got to meet both authors at a conference recently, they are both very intelligent and knowledgeable and extremely nice people. Their broad knowledge base of ancient Americans obvious. Their work is singular, really nothing else like it out there.

[Elgin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful and engaging story set in the city of Cahokia. The Gear's write great stories of political and spiritual intrigue. I also always enjoy how the weave the life styles and spiritual beliefs of the Cahokian people into their writing.

[Billy Dominguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing short of freakin amazing!!!

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good end to the trilogy North America’s Forgotten Past! Enjoyed all the characters and plan to go to see the Cahokia Mounds in Illinois this Spring!

[Lisa Dawes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent read...cant wait till next one comes out!

[Carol Edholm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced. Riveting.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the writing was interesting but I couldn't get deep into the book.

[David A.]

Could not get interested.

[Bill Oehler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent read by the Gears. Couldn't put it down for long.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the third in the Gear's Cahokia trilogy. The Morning Star is as enigmatic as ever, Seven Skull Shield and now his dog Farts are as crazy and effective as ever. They often save the day with seemingly little effort. Night Shadow Star and Fire Cat's relationship gets even more convoluted as they work together to save the Morning Star.

There wasn't a lot of mystery with this book but the intrigue is what drives the book and keeps the story and characters fresh. That, along with the Gear's ability to make ancient Native American cultures, such as the Chahokian culture, come alive are the reasons to read not only this book in the series but the entire Morning Star trilogy and then all of the books in the North American's Forgotten Past seriesn

Even better I got a definite feeling that we're not done with, at the very least Night Shadow Star and Fire Cat, and perhaps even more of our favorite Cahokia characters.

[Bobbie N · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this third of the series, Cahokia teeters on the brink of collapse when the Morning Star hovers near death after being poisoned, and Night Shadow Star descends into the sacred cave to try to save his souls.

[Liz Oneill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now I'm going to have to wait for the next book to be ready to read. They can't write fast enough for me.