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Contact: The Battle for America #1
Coming of the Storm
Discover the first in the epic trilogy by New York Times bestselling authors W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O'Neal Gear (Sun Born, Morning River), which vividly recounts the devastating clash of cultures that occurs when Native Americans and Europeans make first contact.
The pale, bearded newcomers who call themselves “Kristianos” fascinate Black Shell, an exiled Chickasaw trader, and not even the counsel of Pearl Hand, the beautiful, extraordinary woman who has consented to be his mate, can dissuade him from interacting with them. Only after a firsthand lesson in Kristiano brutality does Black Shell fully comprehend the dangers these invaders pose to his people’s way of life.
While his first instinct is to run far from the then, Black Shell has been called to a greater destiny by the Spirit Being known as Horned Serpent. With Pearl Hand by his side, Black Shell must find a way to unite the disparate tribes and settlements of his native land and overcome the merciless armies of the man called Hernando de Soto.
Using archeological data, ethnographic records, and historical journals, the authors bring to vivid life the beliefs, technologies, and daily experiences of lost American civilizations.
The pale, bearded newcomers who call themselves “Kristianos” fascinate Black Shell, an exiled Chickasaw trader, and not even the counsel of Pearl Hand, the beautiful, extraordinary woman who has consented to be his mate, can dissuade him from interacting with them. Only after a firsthand lesson in Kristiano brutality does Black Shell fully comprehend the dangers these invaders pose to his people’s way of life.
While his first instinct is to run far from the then, Black Shell has been called to a greater destiny by the Spirit Being known as Horned Serpent. With Pearl Hand by his side, Black Shell must find a way to unite the disparate tribes and settlements of his native land and overcome the merciless armies of the man called Hernando de Soto.
Using archeological data, ethnographic records, and historical journals, the authors bring to vivid life the beliefs, technologies, and daily experiences of lost American civilizations.
528 pages, Paperback
First published January 16, 2010
57 people are currently reading
941 people want to read
About the author
W. Michael Gear
181 books729 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
April 4, 2012
*** originally published to: Bookish Book Blog |YA and Adult Book Reviews, Author Interviews, Guest Posts, Giveaways and more~! *^___^*/
I'm not an expert when it comes to historical fiction. I do enjoy it a lot, but I can't say that I've read a great deal of it over the past few years. I do not have a whole lot of experience reading and reviewing books that deal with specific time periods and historical events. I also don't have sufficient knowledge about Hernando de Soto and his exploration and conquest of the American southeast to tell you just how historically accurate the Contact series really is. Here's what I can tell you, though: Coming of The Storm is immensely compelling, gorgeously told, action-packed, intelligent and moving. Well-paced, beautifully written, fascinating and engaging, this is a novel to devour, cherish and then share with all your friends. And re-read - not once, but many, many times - discovering something new each time you come back to it. I found myself entirely submerged in the plot, shocked by the many violent scenes in the story, inspired by the bravery and spirit of the lead characters, and ultimately satisfied with how smoothly the story unfolded. Amazed, fascinated, and heartbroken, I'm steel reeling from it.
"They've brought death, haven't they? Not just to our people, but to our world. Nothing will ever be the same, will it?"
Most of you are probably familiar with this quote: “The victors invariably write the history to their own advantage.” (Jean-Luc Picard). And didn't we all learn about the great discoverers and conquerors who bravely swam across the sees to explore, trade, and ultimately colonize new lands? But how many of you have stopped to think about the conquered nations? About those invaded, murdered, enslaved, and eventually robbed of their land? Have you ever wondered what they thought when they watched the "floating palaces" materialize on the horizon and slowly approach? How they felt when thousands of "white faces" started pouring out of them, dressed in weird, colorful clothes, bringing unknown animals, diseases, and - ultimately - death? Thanks to Kathleen and Michael Gear we now have a chance to explore the other side of the story. The one that hasn't been written by the victors, but those who lost. And honestly, it's just absolutely fascinating and exciting to be able to take this journey.
The historical background of the trilogy is Hernando de Soto's conquest of the New World. For those of you not familiar with that part of the history, Hernando de Soto was a Spanish explorer who became known as an excellent swordsman and horseman, famous for his many successful expeditions and conquests. He is not, however, the lead protagonist of the series. In fact, he is not a protagonist at all, he's the antagonist. Cruel, heartless, unstoppable, and brutal, he's depicted just the way the Natives saw him when he and his huge army landed in Florida in 1539. The main characters of the story are Black Shell and Pearl Hand, two Native Americans who, after witnessing their people being captured, brutally tortured and killed, dedicate their lives to fighting the Spanish army and trying to save their world.
"I'm a trader, and I know I'm ignorant when I enter a new country o meet a new people. Not knowing the customs, I beg forbearance for the mistakes I will make, and ask politely about the manners, the country, the animals, and the trails. These Kristianos, they don't think they have anything to learn from us. To them, we're little more than insects."
The characters in this story are one of the most interesting, finely drawn characters I have ever read about. Both Black Shell and Pearl Hand are a great inspiration. They're ready to fight for their people, for their world, for their values and beliefs - even if it means putting their lives on the line and sacrificing their own happiness. They don't shy away from the fight, they never give up, they are persistent, determined, tough, and fierce. And at the same time they're thoughtful, deeply spiritual, caring, and purehearted. They believe in balance, they value honor, they respect each other. No, they're not perfect. Not idealized. They both have their flaws, they both make mistakes - Black Shell is bold, slightly arrogant, overconfident and dangerously curious; Pearl Hand is a wild spirit, a rebellious and feminist woman. Together they make a strong, inseparable duo and I really enjoyed reading about their developing relationship. Their love fueled their actions, inspired them to do great things, gave them strength and motivation. It was beautiful.
I can honestly say that Coming Of The Storm has been one of the best, if not THE best, historical fiction I have read by far. I might not be an expert when it comes to historical novels, but I definitely know a good book when I see it (or, should I say, read it). And Coming of The Storm was absolutely amazing. Heart-pounding, gut-wrenching, moving, often terrifying, and immensely thought-provoking. Abundant in historical details, vividly described places, and gorgeously fleshed out, relatable characters (both lead and supporting ones), its a harrowing testimony to both the ruthlessness and brutality of Spanish conquistadores; and the admirable fighting spirit and courage of the Native Americans, trying desperately to defend their land and themselves.
"Whatever the afterlife," I whispered, "give me one where my souls are judged on who I am, not who I serve."
The amount of research the Gears undertook to complete this book is very impressive, their dedication and passion for the subject - apparent on every page. From the detailed depictions of appearances and traits, clothing and weapons; to the fabulously described cultural features, customs, spiritual beliefs and social structures - everything is superb and stunning. With their powerful and compelling prose, they bring this period of American history to vivid life. And the result is simply mesmerizing! Profound, meaningful, emotional, engaging, adventurous - Coming of the Storm is all that and more. I strongly recommend picking it up. Yes, it's a hefty book, but trust me when I say: by the time you reach the end of the first volume, you will be crushed, addicted, and begging for more. It's well worth every penny you'll spend on it!
I'm not an expert when it comes to historical fiction. I do enjoy it a lot, but I can't say that I've read a great deal of it over the past few years. I do not have a whole lot of experience reading and reviewing books that deal with specific time periods and historical events. I also don't have sufficient knowledge about Hernando de Soto and his exploration and conquest of the American southeast to tell you just how historically accurate the Contact series really is. Here's what I can tell you, though: Coming of The Storm is immensely compelling, gorgeously told, action-packed, intelligent and moving. Well-paced, beautifully written, fascinating and engaging, this is a novel to devour, cherish and then share with all your friends. And re-read - not once, but many, many times - discovering something new each time you come back to it. I found myself entirely submerged in the plot, shocked by the many violent scenes in the story, inspired by the bravery and spirit of the lead characters, and ultimately satisfied with how smoothly the story unfolded. Amazed, fascinated, and heartbroken, I'm steel reeling from it.
"They've brought death, haven't they? Not just to our people, but to our world. Nothing will ever be the same, will it?"
Most of you are probably familiar with this quote: “The victors invariably write the history to their own advantage.” (Jean-Luc Picard). And didn't we all learn about the great discoverers and conquerors who bravely swam across the sees to explore, trade, and ultimately colonize new lands? But how many of you have stopped to think about the conquered nations? About those invaded, murdered, enslaved, and eventually robbed of their land? Have you ever wondered what they thought when they watched the "floating palaces" materialize on the horizon and slowly approach? How they felt when thousands of "white faces" started pouring out of them, dressed in weird, colorful clothes, bringing unknown animals, diseases, and - ultimately - death? Thanks to Kathleen and Michael Gear we now have a chance to explore the other side of the story. The one that hasn't been written by the victors, but those who lost. And honestly, it's just absolutely fascinating and exciting to be able to take this journey.
The historical background of the trilogy is Hernando de Soto's conquest of the New World. For those of you not familiar with that part of the history, Hernando de Soto was a Spanish explorer who became known as an excellent swordsman and horseman, famous for his many successful expeditions and conquests. He is not, however, the lead protagonist of the series. In fact, he is not a protagonist at all, he's the antagonist. Cruel, heartless, unstoppable, and brutal, he's depicted just the way the Natives saw him when he and his huge army landed in Florida in 1539. The main characters of the story are Black Shell and Pearl Hand, two Native Americans who, after witnessing their people being captured, brutally tortured and killed, dedicate their lives to fighting the Spanish army and trying to save their world.
"I'm a trader, and I know I'm ignorant when I enter a new country o meet a new people. Not knowing the customs, I beg forbearance for the mistakes I will make, and ask politely about the manners, the country, the animals, and the trails. These Kristianos, they don't think they have anything to learn from us. To them, we're little more than insects."
The characters in this story are one of the most interesting, finely drawn characters I have ever read about. Both Black Shell and Pearl Hand are a great inspiration. They're ready to fight for their people, for their world, for their values and beliefs - even if it means putting their lives on the line and sacrificing their own happiness. They don't shy away from the fight, they never give up, they are persistent, determined, tough, and fierce. And at the same time they're thoughtful, deeply spiritual, caring, and purehearted. They believe in balance, they value honor, they respect each other. No, they're not perfect. Not idealized. They both have their flaws, they both make mistakes - Black Shell is bold, slightly arrogant, overconfident and dangerously curious; Pearl Hand is a wild spirit, a rebellious and feminist woman. Together they make a strong, inseparable duo and I really enjoyed reading about their developing relationship. Their love fueled their actions, inspired them to do great things, gave them strength and motivation. It was beautiful.
I can honestly say that Coming Of The Storm has been one of the best, if not THE best, historical fiction I have read by far. I might not be an expert when it comes to historical novels, but I definitely know a good book when I see it (or, should I say, read it). And Coming of The Storm was absolutely amazing. Heart-pounding, gut-wrenching, moving, often terrifying, and immensely thought-provoking. Abundant in historical details, vividly described places, and gorgeously fleshed out, relatable characters (both lead and supporting ones), its a harrowing testimony to both the ruthlessness and brutality of Spanish conquistadores; and the admirable fighting spirit and courage of the Native Americans, trying desperately to defend their land and themselves.
"Whatever the afterlife," I whispered, "give me one where my souls are judged on who I am, not who I serve."
The amount of research the Gears undertook to complete this book is very impressive, their dedication and passion for the subject - apparent on every page. From the detailed depictions of appearances and traits, clothing and weapons; to the fabulously described cultural features, customs, spiritual beliefs and social structures - everything is superb and stunning. With their powerful and compelling prose, they bring this period of American history to vivid life. And the result is simply mesmerizing! Profound, meaningful, emotional, engaging, adventurous - Coming of the Storm is all that and more. I strongly recommend picking it up. Yes, it's a hefty book, but trust me when I say: by the time you reach the end of the first volume, you will be crushed, addicted, and begging for more. It's well worth every penny you'll spend on it!
February 22, 2010
Black Shell comes from the Chickasaw tribe. He is a trader. While out walking Black Shell comes upon a beautiful woman by the name of Pearl Hand. Pearl Hand is promised to another but Black Shell convinces Pearl Hand to leave him and become his mate.
Black Shell has never known anything but peace. When the white men or “Kristianos” arrive, Black Shell becomes intrigued by them. He figures that they can learn a lot from each other. Unfortunately, Black Shell quickly discovers that the Kristianos want nothing more than to rid the land of the Indians.
Coming of the Storm is the first book I have read in a long time by this husband and wife duo of W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O’Neal Gear. After reading this book, I am now wondering why I took so long to read another book by either of these authors. Mr. and Mrs. Gear are some prolific writers. They really brought to life the story of Black Shell and Pearl Hand and the struggles they faced to bring the different tribes together. I used to have only one favorite author who I really enjoyed reading her books about Indians and that was Madeline Baker. I now have a few author favorite authors to add to the list. Thanks to Coming of the Storm. Clear some time out of your busy life and be prepared to get lost in a really good book.
Black Shell has never known anything but peace. When the white men or “Kristianos” arrive, Black Shell becomes intrigued by them. He figures that they can learn a lot from each other. Unfortunately, Black Shell quickly discovers that the Kristianos want nothing more than to rid the land of the Indians.
Coming of the Storm is the first book I have read in a long time by this husband and wife duo of W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O’Neal Gear. After reading this book, I am now wondering why I took so long to read another book by either of these authors. Mr. and Mrs. Gear are some prolific writers. They really brought to life the story of Black Shell and Pearl Hand and the struggles they faced to bring the different tribes together. I used to have only one favorite author who I really enjoyed reading her books about Indians and that was Madeline Baker. I now have a few author favorite authors to add to the list. Thanks to Coming of the Storm. Clear some time out of your busy life and be prepared to get lost in a really good book.
December 26, 2012
The writing was historically inaccurate as well as inaccurate for Native Americans. It was pathetic that someone described this book as "irrestibly intriguing..brings the past vividly to life...nodody does Native Americana better than the Gears."
Granted, they had some facts about tribes, which they dumped out in the very first pages. All the names of tribes and chiefs was confusing me and I couldn't possibly hope to remember any of it.
They didn't speak like Indians. Period. He sounded like he came straight from 2012, not early America. The man said "footloose." I highly doubt the phrase footloose was out in this period. I mean come on, if you can't have them talk historically accurate, then don't do an historical novel, because it ruins the entire book.
"I was making a joke. I do that. Make jokes at my expense. Keeps my from taking myself too seriously."
"Why?" It was as if she were trying to see right down inside my guts, as if somehow sitting in judgement. Judgement for what?
"Let's just say that if you get slapped around a lot by life, it's better to have a sense of humor," I grinned. "And believe me, life does have a habit of hitting you when you're not looking."
Her lips curled into a knowing smile. But thoughts churned behind her eyes--masked by a long-practiced control? Why did she keep looking at me that way? Not that I minded, a woman like her could turn her attention my way anytime.
Omg, that is absolutely laughable. It's like a complete joke that someone would have these sentences in an historical novel.
Those two were absolutely digusting and annoying. He was saying cheesy lines. She was acting like a slut, staring boldly and saying all these things like how men notice her all the time, yet acting like he was the one that had started it and she didn't want his attention. I didn't like either one of them and the writing was absolutely awful. So I stopped reading it.
Granted, they had some facts about tribes, which they dumped out in the very first pages. All the names of tribes and chiefs was confusing me and I couldn't possibly hope to remember any of it.
They didn't speak like Indians. Period. He sounded like he came straight from 2012, not early America. The man said "footloose." I highly doubt the phrase footloose was out in this period. I mean come on, if you can't have them talk historically accurate, then don't do an historical novel, because it ruins the entire book.
"I was making a joke. I do that. Make jokes at my expense. Keeps my from taking myself too seriously."
"Why?" It was as if she were trying to see right down inside my guts, as if somehow sitting in judgement. Judgement for what?
"Let's just say that if you get slapped around a lot by life, it's better to have a sense of humor," I grinned. "And believe me, life does have a habit of hitting you when you're not looking."
Her lips curled into a knowing smile. But thoughts churned behind her eyes--masked by a long-practiced control? Why did she keep looking at me that way? Not that I minded, a woman like her could turn her attention my way anytime.
Omg, that is absolutely laughable. It's like a complete joke that someone would have these sentences in an historical novel.
Those two were absolutely digusting and annoying. He was saying cheesy lines. She was acting like a slut, staring boldly and saying all these things like how men notice her all the time, yet acting like he was the one that had started it and she didn't want his attention. I didn't like either one of them and the writing was absolutely awful. So I stopped reading it.
February 22, 2010
Coming of the Storm by W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O’Neal Gear
Black Shell and Pearl Hand, Native Americans, discover that the “Kristanos” are not quite what they seem. This story addresses the clash between the disparate cultures of Europe and America. The violence and storm is seen through the eyes of the Native Americans as opposed to the often typical portrayal seen thorough the eyes of the “heroic” invaders.
Black Shell isn’t just a stereotyped noble savage but a living breathing, empathetic human being who has been raised in a culture that is certainly different that both my own and that of the now recognized barbaric invaders. The Gears are hard to categorize. I couldn’t put down The Warriors of Spider series or The Forbidden Series. Both books were die in the wool, hard core, how much do I love it, SciFi. This book is good, it is a dramatically different genre but the essence of all their books is the distilled essence of humanity. The Gears depict humanity as well or better than anyone else regardless of the time or planet.
I highly recommend the book.
Black Shell and Pearl Hand, Native Americans, discover that the “Kristanos” are not quite what they seem. This story addresses the clash between the disparate cultures of Europe and America. The violence and storm is seen through the eyes of the Native Americans as opposed to the often typical portrayal seen thorough the eyes of the “heroic” invaders.
Black Shell isn’t just a stereotyped noble savage but a living breathing, empathetic human being who has been raised in a culture that is certainly different that both my own and that of the now recognized barbaric invaders. The Gears are hard to categorize. I couldn’t put down The Warriors of Spider series or The Forbidden Series. Both books were die in the wool, hard core, how much do I love it, SciFi. This book is good, it is a dramatically different genre but the essence of all their books is the distilled essence of humanity. The Gears depict humanity as well or better than anyone else regardless of the time or planet.
I highly recommend the book.
June 20, 2010
This book was entertaining enough to keep me lugging it around to read it during my commute, but only just so. The authors have an obvious expertise regarding Native American culture (material, spiritual, etc.) and it was a very palatable lesson of the various tribes encountered during the story. The main problem I had was the excessive use of anachronistic words/phrasing that distracted me from the not often told story of the first encounters the native people of the Americas had with Europeans. It is fine to have an informal narrator, but if the narrator is supposed to be from a certain time period, the phrasing can't be too modern. This is a story that should be told in the first person, it makes the reader better understand the perspective rarely taught in history books, but it shouldn't "sound" like a contemporary actor relaying the events while slipping in and out of an authentic narration. It's easy to digest and, though not the finest of writing, is still a great story.
February 23, 2010
"Coming of the Storm" was amazing! There's really no other way to put it. When it arrived, I decided I would just read a page or two (a chapter at the most) and then catch up on some work around the house. That didn't happen. I just couldn't put the book down! Page after page, I was lost in another place and time, and had no idea that hours had passed by. It was difficult placing the bookmark between the pages, and sitting the book aside.
I confess... I love historical fiction, and have read quite a bit over the past few year. I honestly have to say, this has probably been the best piece of historical fiction that I have read so far. The Gears brought Native America to life, and made Black Shell and Pearl Hand so vivid and lifelike. I felt like I had been transported back to their time, sitting around the fire with them, feeling the heat, tasting the food, and feeling the fear and anger; all as if I was really there witnessing everything.
I recommend this book for older teens and adults, because of the graphic nature of what happened to the Native Americans during the time of de Soto's conquest. It was terrible and the horror will stay with you long after the book is finished. There is also a bit of sex involved, but most is lightly described. One particular incident is descriptive, however, it is in a dream, and can easily be skipped over since the dream is italicized, if that is a problem.
I am very excited about this series, and cannot wait until book two comes out. I'm also excited about finding a new author (actually co-authors) and will be hunting down more of their books. With more than 40 books between the Gears, I shouldn't have a problem!!
I confess... I love historical fiction, and have read quite a bit over the past few year. I honestly have to say, this has probably been the best piece of historical fiction that I have read so far. The Gears brought Native America to life, and made Black Shell and Pearl Hand so vivid and lifelike. I felt like I had been transported back to their time, sitting around the fire with them, feeling the heat, tasting the food, and feeling the fear and anger; all as if I was really there witnessing everything.
I recommend this book for older teens and adults, because of the graphic nature of what happened to the Native Americans during the time of de Soto's conquest. It was terrible and the horror will stay with you long after the book is finished. There is also a bit of sex involved, but most is lightly described. One particular incident is descriptive, however, it is in a dream, and can easily be skipped over since the dream is italicized, if that is a problem.
I am very excited about this series, and cannot wait until book two comes out. I'm also excited about finding a new author (actually co-authors) and will be hunting down more of their books. With more than 40 books between the Gears, I shouldn't have a problem!!
April 18, 2017
Great story. Gripping. Shocking. Horrifying. So sad.
February 25, 2013
I love historical novels, and ones that clearly show a dedicated level of research are always appreciated. Admittedly I know little about this part of America's history, but the authors did an excellent job of establishing time and place throughout the novel. Perhaps the best part was the way they depicted the belief system of the people, and how those beliefs helped them.
This book highlights a brutal part of America's history, and the authors don't shy away from that brutality. They paint the Spanish in a harsh and cruel light; when I read I felt anger for them, and found myself rooting for the natives. Even knowing how it would all eventually turn out, I was anxious to get to the next part of the story.
The main characters of Black Shell and Pearl Hand were both very interesting. I liked their interaction with each other and how they brought each other balance. Pearl Hand I found particularly fascinating, since she was a strong female character at a time when women weren't expected to behave that way. Yet the authors never diminished Pearl's character simply because she was a woman. I really appreciated that.
Overall, this was an excellent novel. I think it did its purpose of making us face the cruelty of our past, while giving the natives who were victimized the dignity they deserve. I would recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. Though I wouldn't suggest it for the faint at heart.
This book highlights a brutal part of America's history, and the authors don't shy away from that brutality. They paint the Spanish in a harsh and cruel light; when I read I felt anger for them, and found myself rooting for the natives. Even knowing how it would all eventually turn out, I was anxious to get to the next part of the story.
The main characters of Black Shell and Pearl Hand were both very interesting. I liked their interaction with each other and how they brought each other balance. Pearl Hand I found particularly fascinating, since she was a strong female character at a time when women weren't expected to behave that way. Yet the authors never diminished Pearl's character simply because she was a woman. I really appreciated that.
Overall, this was an excellent novel. I think it did its purpose of making us face the cruelty of our past, while giving the natives who were victimized the dignity they deserve. I would recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. Though I wouldn't suggest it for the faint at heart.
August 15, 2013
Finally a great novel written about the Native American culture!!!! The Grear's are my new favorite couple authors. The way they made a connection between the reader and the characters amazed me. I applaud them for bringing to light a subject that is even left in the dark in today's history books. The world needs to know American history... And one of the things that always appalled me in school was learning the history of ENGLISH settlers or SPANISH conquistadors.. Not the AMERICANS that have been living on this land for hundreds of years and then were slaughtered like cattle by war and disease. So bravo!! Not to mention I have a huge fascination in the culture and religion of native Americans and this novel does an excellent job of shedding light onto their ways without boring me to death.
The only thing I would of likes to change was their dialogue. It did not seem very realistic for native Americans in that time period.. Grant it I have never had a conversation with one from that era or read any other literature about them.. But I suspect that they didn't use the same slang we use today. One paragraph they say that the translucent smelly men covered in hair of all colors came across the great water in massive trees; with giant clouds tied to the trunks. The next page they say the Spanish on the boats. Um... How did they go from that to THAT?!? Stick with the clouds it's more realistic and ends up a better read!!!
The only thing I would of likes to change was their dialogue. It did not seem very realistic for native Americans in that time period.. Grant it I have never had a conversation with one from that era or read any other literature about them.. But I suspect that they didn't use the same slang we use today. One paragraph they say that the translucent smelly men covered in hair of all colors came across the great water in massive trees; with giant clouds tied to the trunks. The next page they say the Spanish on the boats. Um... How did they go from that to THAT?!? Stick with the clouds it's more realistic and ends up a better read!!!
April 24, 2010
This book was FANTASTIC. I first saw the cover (and it's a gorgeous one) on a GoodReads ad and, after looking it up, decided I needed to add some Native American stories to the books I read. I don't think I could have picked a better book to start off with.
At first I was a bit intimidated by its size and wasn't sure if I was going to really be in the mood for it, as I've had it checked out for a few weeks from the library. Now I'm kicking myself for not reading it more quickly (and hating that it ended so fast despite its 480 pages). I am eagerly awaiting the sequel and in the meantime fully plan on checking out the Gears other series named The First North American.
These authors are a husband and wife team, both of them archaeologists and it's very easily apparent that their love is the Native American culture. This story dealt with what it would have been like to have the "Kristianos" invading our country. The story follows that of an outcast, "Black Shell" who is a Trader and a man of strong faith and a woman he meets, "Pearl Hand", who, in her own rights, is as strong and full of faith as he is.
The story is brutal, frank and doesn't mince words. Faults and strengths are laid bare and the atrocities committed were eye-opening. My sole experience has been history novels and nothing I've read compared to the story told in this book.
At first I was a bit intimidated by its size and wasn't sure if I was going to really be in the mood for it, as I've had it checked out for a few weeks from the library. Now I'm kicking myself for not reading it more quickly (and hating that it ended so fast despite its 480 pages). I am eagerly awaiting the sequel and in the meantime fully plan on checking out the Gears other series named The First North American.
These authors are a husband and wife team, both of them archaeologists and it's very easily apparent that their love is the Native American culture. This story dealt with what it would have been like to have the "Kristianos" invading our country. The story follows that of an outcast, "Black Shell" who is a Trader and a man of strong faith and a woman he meets, "Pearl Hand", who, in her own rights, is as strong and full of faith as he is.
The story is brutal, frank and doesn't mince words. Faults and strengths are laid bare and the atrocities committed were eye-opening. My sole experience has been history novels and nothing I've read compared to the story told in this book.
August 19, 2011
This is a fantastic book set in the time of Spanish contact with the Native Americans of Florida. It follows two Natives, a Trader and his wife, as they follow the swath of destruction that the Spanish leave in Florida in their pursuit of wealth and domination.
The book is fantastically written, weaving both an interesting fictional narrative of the life of Black Shell the Trader and historical accuracy. The attention to detail on the different diets and cultures of the Florida tribes is second to none. What I think stands out above all else to me is that the authors certainly didn't skim or sugarcoat the atrocities that the Spanish committed against the natives. It's a wonderful fictional work to dispell the notion that the Spanish "discovered" a new world, asked some natives for help looking for gold and everything ended up okay.
The book is fantastically written, weaving both an interesting fictional narrative of the life of Black Shell the Trader and historical accuracy. The attention to detail on the different diets and cultures of the Florida tribes is second to none. What I think stands out above all else to me is that the authors certainly didn't skim or sugarcoat the atrocities that the Spanish committed against the natives. It's a wonderful fictional work to dispell the notion that the Spanish "discovered" a new world, asked some natives for help looking for gold and everything ended up okay.
November 27, 2010
This is an awesome book! the authors are anthropologists, and this book is about de Soto's battles in the U.S. southeast in 1539. The book includes nonfictional names, including the Native American tribes. The fictional couple, Black Shell & Pearl Hand,make a true love story come alive. I was reminded of the song of Running Bear & White Dove...Thoroughly enjoyed this book, reminded again of how European settlers came to this country & committed genocide against the Native Americans, and how many of these people still suffer from these events.
May 15, 2021
You probably do know that the exploration and colonization process in America met with resistance from the native peoples. This is the story of that process from the native peoples' point of view, set in Florida with the invasion of De Soto. Exciting and terrifying. I love this series and every book seems to get better.
February 29, 2012
Being a huge fan of the First North American series, I was excited to see another series coming out that would encompas historical events that were somewhat known to us. Unfortuantely I found this book to be a bit too "fluffy".
April 1, 2020
COMING OF THE STORM.
.
"We fight corrupted Power with good, or healing Power. Perhaps, by just loving each other, we can cure some of the pain. We need to make the best of now, my love." -Pearl Hand (Contact: The Battle for America by W. Michael and Kathleen O'Neal Gear)
.
.
Black Shell, who was put to exile because of his alleged cowardice and lies from the proud Chicaza Chief Clan, set to become a trader bound by the Power of Trade. His wit, life skills, and faith brought him success in his new normal. In his gambles, he met and fell in love with the extraordinary woman named Pearl Hand.
.
After the Spirits visited Black Shell in this dreams, he ventured to a glorious and bloody combats of wit, planning, butchery and vengeance. Together with Pearl Hand, he sought the help of other bereaved warriors and fought against the mysonigy of history, de Soto's monstrosity, and the Kristianos' xenophobia and genocide. As partners, they braved all adversities hand in hand. Each of them refusing to be a liability to one another. What a beautiful partnership!
.
I find Pearl Hand more fascinating than Black Shell. My imaginary trumphets blow everytime she comes to the rescue and hit bull's eye with her crossbrow and blade. Truly, she's a gem. There is this certain kilig in the way she calls Black Shell as "partner" and "husband." Ladies, here is a strong female character we all need to be Pearl Hand. She knows her worth and she won't go down without a fair fight. "Her character development is remarkable" is an understatement.
.
"The Kristianos are driven by something brutal and base. To them, we are less than insects--beings without souls or feelings. They think of us as useful vermjn to be trickedx used, abused, and discarded," Black shell said. I commiserate with them whenever they would contemplate on the pernicious tendencies and lack of honor of the Kristianos because it's so effective coming from their perspective. I can relate to them as one of the nations that the Kristianos occupied for more than 300 years of greed and arrogance.
.
This book features the rich and well-researched history, culture, traditions, and beliefs of the North Americans before the gang of greedy Hernando De Soto wreaked havoc to their land. The Gears' writing style kept the pages turning on their own, unfolding cinematic depiction of battlefield, despair, love, and hope.
.
The only slight issue is the world building since I'm not knowledgeable of the North American (Indians) and European history, it took a slow burn on my part to get used to names like Iriparacoxi, Uzachile, Ahocalaquen, and Timucua. In the end, this page-turner is worth the struggles of research, double take on pronunciations, and winding plot. All this time, I thought the storm referred to in the title is the platoon of Kristianos. I stand corrected. I want to read the rest of the books in the series of Contact: The Battle for America.
.
I give this book 4 gems 💎💎💎💎 for keeping me attentive to details.
.
"We fight corrupted Power with good, or healing Power. Perhaps, by just loving each other, we can cure some of the pain. We need to make the best of now, my love." -Pearl Hand (Contact: The Battle for America by W. Michael and Kathleen O'Neal Gear)
.
.
Black Shell, who was put to exile because of his alleged cowardice and lies from the proud Chicaza Chief Clan, set to become a trader bound by the Power of Trade. His wit, life skills, and faith brought him success in his new normal. In his gambles, he met and fell in love with the extraordinary woman named Pearl Hand.
.
After the Spirits visited Black Shell in this dreams, he ventured to a glorious and bloody combats of wit, planning, butchery and vengeance. Together with Pearl Hand, he sought the help of other bereaved warriors and fought against the mysonigy of history, de Soto's monstrosity, and the Kristianos' xenophobia and genocide. As partners, they braved all adversities hand in hand. Each of them refusing to be a liability to one another. What a beautiful partnership!
.
I find Pearl Hand more fascinating than Black Shell. My imaginary trumphets blow everytime she comes to the rescue and hit bull's eye with her crossbrow and blade. Truly, she's a gem. There is this certain kilig in the way she calls Black Shell as "partner" and "husband." Ladies, here is a strong female character we all need to be Pearl Hand. She knows her worth and she won't go down without a fair fight. "Her character development is remarkable" is an understatement.
.
"The Kristianos are driven by something brutal and base. To them, we are less than insects--beings without souls or feelings. They think of us as useful vermjn to be trickedx used, abused, and discarded," Black shell said. I commiserate with them whenever they would contemplate on the pernicious tendencies and lack of honor of the Kristianos because it's so effective coming from their perspective. I can relate to them as one of the nations that the Kristianos occupied for more than 300 years of greed and arrogance.
.
This book features the rich and well-researched history, culture, traditions, and beliefs of the North Americans before the gang of greedy Hernando De Soto wreaked havoc to their land. The Gears' writing style kept the pages turning on their own, unfolding cinematic depiction of battlefield, despair, love, and hope.
.
The only slight issue is the world building since I'm not knowledgeable of the North American (Indians) and European history, it took a slow burn on my part to get used to names like Iriparacoxi, Uzachile, Ahocalaquen, and Timucua. In the end, this page-turner is worth the struggles of research, double take on pronunciations, and winding plot. All this time, I thought the storm referred to in the title is the platoon of Kristianos. I stand corrected. I want to read the rest of the books in the series of Contact: The Battle for America.
.
I give this book 4 gems 💎💎💎💎 for keeping me attentive to details.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2016
Coming of the Storm (Contact: The Battle for America, #1)
By W. Michael Gear, Kathleen O'Neal Gear
Review:
an outstanding novel even for these accomplished writers, if you ever questioned the portrayal of history, and wanted to see how things come to being form the loosing side, read this novel. If you want to have reasons to hate slavery and the brutality of man, read this novel. If you want to see the strength of character, and the fortitude of survival, read this novel. If you want to see through another eyes, any novel by these authors will make you see it. Many people don't see the conquest of america as it really was, this novel makes you understand how brutal, violent, and heart rendering tragic it was.
Coming of the storm
Character list
Black Shell: of the chief clan of the Hickory Moiety, of the Chicaza nation. A trader, and our hero, he is an honest man, with interest in adventure, an undeniable curiosity, and a secret. He was raised to rule the Chicaza as Minko, but because of a cowardice act as a young warrior, he was shamed, he ran away became a trader. It’s his sense of adventure that get him into trouble, his courage that gets him out, and his love that he pays the highest price.
Five Pack dogs
Squirm: he liked to wiggle out of his packs and had made a study of how to do it without Black shell noticing. His long hair is dark brown and sleek, serving to accent the white blaze on his face and the milky bib on his chest.
Bark: his name says it all, charcoal black with a thick head decorated by old scars. When it came to a dog fight, he was terror unleashed.
Skipper: was named for his curious sideways gait. He was a light brown with short hair and oddly blue left eye.
Fetch: his most beloved dog, having a partly human soul, his greatest joy in life came from retrieving thrown sticks and hide balls, or even rocks. Was killed by the Kristainos, when he tried to protect Black Shell.
Gnaw: as a puppy several times he almost ended up as stew after chewing off sections of pack leather. He was the fastest and strongest of the dogs, carried the heaviest pack. A huge gray monster of a dog, the image only sullied with a cute white tip on his tail.
Pearl Hand: a Chicora, Irriparacoxi’s bound woman, traded from one person to the next. She is a survivor that is able to use her intelligence, abilities, and body to achieve her goals. She is the daughter of a native woman, and a long lost Spanish Kristianos who impregnated her mother, who escaped them only to begin looking for the father. Her interest in him caused her to travel, search the ends of the world for her father, but has also taught her his language, which is the best of her abilities but the least of her value. She tries to warn Black Shell of the danger he would face in seeking the White Ghosts, but only finds herself saving him from them.
Legends and Heroes of the various tribes,
Corn woman: the daughter of Woman-who-never-dies, brought corn and beans to the people and gave birth the Hero Twins; Morning star and the Orphan.
Woman who never dies: first woman, a legend of the Chiaza people who gave birth to First man and Corn woman
Water Panther: Piasa, a mythological beast/god that prowled the depths, attaching the people in the swamps and water ways.
Horned Serpent: his voice is sibilant and terrible; Sunlight glistened in tiny rainbows from the scles 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 hug body. Each consisted of a symbol of the first days drawn upon his hide by breath giver during the creation. Those mighty wings rose form the center of back and spread above in large patterned feathers almost transparent in the sunlight.
Breathe Giver: a powerful god in the pantheon of many tribes, a religious central power.
Timucua
Irriparacoxi: High war councilor or combat chief, newly risen leader among the disorganized Southern Timucua villages.
Red Wing: first councilor to White Bird Lake town. An Anacotima can be thought of as something like a combination orator, councilor, palace overseer, and supervisor.
Stalks the Mist: “Ears” a painted warrior of the TImucua, had a string of dried human ears hung around his neck. He is an arrogant and slightly bitter subcheif (Iniha), who reeked of ambition and thought himself superior to everyone but the high chief. Is captured by the Kristainos and uses his ability to translate languages to his advantage.
Chief Uzahile: from the town of Cholupaha ordered the people to flee before the invasion. he was one of the most powerful of the Tumucuan chieftain in the north who had fought against his enemies to the west and north.
Mocoso
Chief Mocoso:
Muskrat: a warrior who finds Black Shell and Pearl Hand after their escape.
Old Man Crawfish: head elder of the Musselshell Clan.
Caramaba: Chief (Holota)
Spotted wing: a healer an old woman past her bearing years.
Ocale: Holota Chief
Two panthers: son of the chief and warrior, helped Black Shell and Pearl Hand to the north to warn the northern tribes.
Sabal: mother of Two Panthers, wife of the Ocale Holota.
Uzita
Blood Thorn: iniah (subcheif) of the fish clan of the Uzachile nation. The first son of Bit woman, wife of
Paracusi Eagle fighter: war leader of Ahocalaquen. Helps plan and attack the Kristainos that were holding his peoples leaders hostage.
Holota Ahocalaquen : surrendered himself to protect his people and his niece from the invasion. He was a stout man thickly muscled through the shoulders. He had a broad and pleasant face.
Eagle fighter: paracuis of the Ahocalaquen
Bit Woman: of the fish clan daughter of White fruit, cousin of Holata Ahocalaquen.
Blue Sun Stone: a delegate from Holata Uzachile, their paramount chief.
Holata Uriutina: a representative of the Great Holata of the Napetuca.
Paracusi Rattlesnake: helped plan the retaliation of the Native tribes against the Kristainos.
Kristianos
Juan Ortiz: bearded Spaniard, translator, and slave instructor. Was chief Mocoso’s cative for ten years after a ship wreck brought him on shore. He speaks only a little Timucua, a smattering of Calusa, and knows even less or your laws of Power. He barely understands the ways of own Uzita.
Antonio: prisoner of Black Shell and Pearl Hand, a Kristaino soldier, becomes their greatest enemy.
Don Luis Riz: a subcheif of Adelantodo, father of Antonio. Grey haired and bearded.
Adelantado De Soto: a conquistador of the Inca, who took the gold and silver from the Inca. A high minko Gobernado de la Florida , called el rey Carlos His high catholic Majesty Carlos, and a hold leader called Papa, who gave him La Florida as his own.
Dios: created the world, god of the Kristainos
By W. Michael Gear, Kathleen O'Neal Gear
Review:
an outstanding novel even for these accomplished writers, if you ever questioned the portrayal of history, and wanted to see how things come to being form the loosing side, read this novel. If you want to have reasons to hate slavery and the brutality of man, read this novel. If you want to see the strength of character, and the fortitude of survival, read this novel. If you want to see through another eyes, any novel by these authors will make you see it. Many people don't see the conquest of america as it really was, this novel makes you understand how brutal, violent, and heart rendering tragic it was.
Coming of the storm
Character list
Black Shell: of the chief clan of the Hickory Moiety, of the Chicaza nation. A trader, and our hero, he is an honest man, with interest in adventure, an undeniable curiosity, and a secret. He was raised to rule the Chicaza as Minko, but because of a cowardice act as a young warrior, he was shamed, he ran away became a trader. It’s his sense of adventure that get him into trouble, his courage that gets him out, and his love that he pays the highest price.
Five Pack dogs
Squirm: he liked to wiggle out of his packs and had made a study of how to do it without Black shell noticing. His long hair is dark brown and sleek, serving to accent the white blaze on his face and the milky bib on his chest.
Bark: his name says it all, charcoal black with a thick head decorated by old scars. When it came to a dog fight, he was terror unleashed.
Skipper: was named for his curious sideways gait. He was a light brown with short hair and oddly blue left eye.
Fetch: his most beloved dog, having a partly human soul, his greatest joy in life came from retrieving thrown sticks and hide balls, or even rocks. Was killed by the Kristainos, when he tried to protect Black Shell.
Gnaw: as a puppy several times he almost ended up as stew after chewing off sections of pack leather. He was the fastest and strongest of the dogs, carried the heaviest pack. A huge gray monster of a dog, the image only sullied with a cute white tip on his tail.
Pearl Hand: a Chicora, Irriparacoxi’s bound woman, traded from one person to the next. She is a survivor that is able to use her intelligence, abilities, and body to achieve her goals. She is the daughter of a native woman, and a long lost Spanish Kristianos who impregnated her mother, who escaped them only to begin looking for the father. Her interest in him caused her to travel, search the ends of the world for her father, but has also taught her his language, which is the best of her abilities but the least of her value. She tries to warn Black Shell of the danger he would face in seeking the White Ghosts, but only finds herself saving him from them.
Legends and Heroes of the various tribes,
Corn woman: the daughter of Woman-who-never-dies, brought corn and beans to the people and gave birth the Hero Twins; Morning star and the Orphan.
Woman who never dies: first woman, a legend of the Chiaza people who gave birth to First man and Corn woman
Water Panther: Piasa, a mythological beast/god that prowled the depths, attaching the people in the swamps and water ways.
Horned Serpent: his voice is sibilant and terrible; Sunlight glistened in tiny rainbows from the scles 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 hug body. Each consisted of a symbol of the first days drawn upon his hide by breath giver during the creation. Those mighty wings rose form the center of back and spread above in large patterned feathers almost transparent in the sunlight.
Breathe Giver: a powerful god in the pantheon of many tribes, a religious central power.
Timucua
Irriparacoxi: High war councilor or combat chief, newly risen leader among the disorganized Southern Timucua villages.
Red Wing: first councilor to White Bird Lake town. An Anacotima can be thought of as something like a combination orator, councilor, palace overseer, and supervisor.
Stalks the Mist: “Ears” a painted warrior of the TImucua, had a string of dried human ears hung around his neck. He is an arrogant and slightly bitter subcheif (Iniha), who reeked of ambition and thought himself superior to everyone but the high chief. Is captured by the Kristainos and uses his ability to translate languages to his advantage.
Chief Uzahile: from the town of Cholupaha ordered the people to flee before the invasion. he was one of the most powerful of the Tumucuan chieftain in the north who had fought against his enemies to the west and north.
Mocoso
Chief Mocoso:
Muskrat: a warrior who finds Black Shell and Pearl Hand after their escape.
Old Man Crawfish: head elder of the Musselshell Clan.
Caramaba: Chief (Holota)
Spotted wing: a healer an old woman past her bearing years.
Ocale: Holota Chief
Two panthers: son of the chief and warrior, helped Black Shell and Pearl Hand to the north to warn the northern tribes.
Sabal: mother of Two Panthers, wife of the Ocale Holota.
Uzita
Blood Thorn: iniah (subcheif) of the fish clan of the Uzachile nation. The first son of Bit woman, wife of
Paracusi Eagle fighter: war leader of Ahocalaquen. Helps plan and attack the Kristainos that were holding his peoples leaders hostage.
Holota Ahocalaquen : surrendered himself to protect his people and his niece from the invasion. He was a stout man thickly muscled through the shoulders. He had a broad and pleasant face.
Eagle fighter: paracuis of the Ahocalaquen
Bit Woman: of the fish clan daughter of White fruit, cousin of Holata Ahocalaquen.
Blue Sun Stone: a delegate from Holata Uzachile, their paramount chief.
Holata Uriutina: a representative of the Great Holata of the Napetuca.
Paracusi Rattlesnake: helped plan the retaliation of the Native tribes against the Kristainos.
Kristianos
Juan Ortiz: bearded Spaniard, translator, and slave instructor. Was chief Mocoso’s cative for ten years after a ship wreck brought him on shore. He speaks only a little Timucua, a smattering of Calusa, and knows even less or your laws of Power. He barely understands the ways of own Uzita.
Antonio: prisoner of Black Shell and Pearl Hand, a Kristaino soldier, becomes their greatest enemy.
Don Luis Riz: a subcheif of Adelantodo, father of Antonio. Grey haired and bearded.
Adelantado De Soto: a conquistador of the Inca, who took the gold and silver from the Inca. A high minko Gobernado de la Florida , called el rey Carlos His high catholic Majesty Carlos, and a hold leader called Papa, who gave him La Florida as his own.
Dios: created the world, god of the Kristainos
April 11, 2024
My first time reading one of the Gears' novels. I love the fact that they are historians and archaeologists who are able to write a page-turner piece of fiction with a bibliography!
I found out about their existence by accident as a mis-shelved book with an image of Kokopelli on its cover in a local bookstore. I picked it up because Kokopelli was one of the first things I learned about when I started looking into Native American culture, specifically in the American southwest. I read the overview on the back and thought it sounded interesting.
I looked around the store to shelve it in its proper place. I was on a budget and I had gone to the store for something specific. When I found the correct shelf, the other novels intrigued me. I did not re-shelf the book I found (The Visitant by Kathleen O'Neal Gear), instead I bought it as well as this book.
I am not disappointed in my decision. This book was riveting and spurred my interest into researching Native American cultures again.
I found out about their existence by accident as a mis-shelved book with an image of Kokopelli on its cover in a local bookstore. I picked it up because Kokopelli was one of the first things I learned about when I started looking into Native American culture, specifically in the American southwest. I read the overview on the back and thought it sounded interesting.
I looked around the store to shelve it in its proper place. I was on a budget and I had gone to the store for something specific. When I found the correct shelf, the other novels intrigued me. I did not re-shelf the book I found (The Visitant by Kathleen O'Neal Gear), instead I bought it as well as this book.
I am not disappointed in my decision. This book was riveting and spurred my interest into researching Native American cultures again.
August 31, 2022
Every book by the Gear's is phenomenal. They bring the setting and time period to life with insanely well researched details and high quality writing. This, the first book in a trilogy where the Gears finally write about contact with Spanish settlers in what is now Florida, feels like some of their greatest work. It's both a classic heroes journey and an epic struggle of good versus evil, but also an extremely interesting perspective from which to view a real life struggle. We've read about it in history books, but with this fictional tale, the author puts you into the minds and hearts of characters, who while fictional, feel very real as they struggle to deal with events that are atrocious, and far far from fiction.
May 23, 2019
Extraordinary
When Hernando de Soto landed in Florida, looking for gold. He was already a brutal killer..The different Tribes, so busy fighting each other for prestige. Fighting over real or perceived insults, were terribly unprepared.
This is my fourth or fifth time, reading this book. It's cleverly written, with a dizzying pace. Remarkable people, (characters). A truly unflinching look into history, that has been glossed over, for too long.
Make no mistake. This is not just another historical novel. Kathleen and Michael Gear, with their expansive research, knowledge and spectacular imagination, turn this into an Epic Series.
When Hernando de Soto landed in Florida, looking for gold. He was already a brutal killer..The different Tribes, so busy fighting each other for prestige. Fighting over real or perceived insults, were terribly unprepared.
This is my fourth or fifth time, reading this book. It's cleverly written, with a dizzying pace. Remarkable people, (characters). A truly unflinching look into history, that has been glossed over, for too long.
Make no mistake. This is not just another historical novel. Kathleen and Michael Gear, with their expansive research, knowledge and spectacular imagination, turn this into an Epic Series.
July 10, 2022
This one almost got five stars.
I'd almost forgotten about these authors, and the works of art they produce in text. Oh my gosh, this was amazing. I can't believe I just dived through 530+ pages in less than 24 hours. I read some of their other books, years ago. It's amazing how some books, and some authors, and some series just CLICK. And so many of the books in the world, in this new era of politically charged novels and cookie cutter plot schemes, just can't compare with novels like this.
I'd almost forgotten about these authors, and the works of art they produce in text. Oh my gosh, this was amazing. I can't believe I just dived through 530+ pages in less than 24 hours. I read some of their other books, years ago. It's amazing how some books, and some authors, and some series just CLICK. And so many of the books in the world, in this new era of politically charged novels and cookie cutter plot schemes, just can't compare with novels like this.
September 19, 2017
Black Shell, the trader, and Pearl Hand, the half spanish woman, meet upon his arrival to her captive town in Florida, 1540? An engrossing story of how the indians fought De Soto's march into the south! Michael and Kathleen Gear have produced many good stories/novels of the lives of these early people, can't stop yet!
May 24, 2019
Historical fiction concerning the evolving conflict between Native Americans in what is now Southeast Florida and the Spanish conquistadores. Black Shell and is wife Pearl Woman become engaged in fighting the brutal tactics. The author admits to basis in favor of the Native Americans but still a good and fast-paced read. It does include a bibliography of sources used to develop the story.
November 2, 2024
Living in Florida, this book is of particular interest. I enjoy reading about another time in history. I think it is hard to write dialog for a historic novel. A great glimpse of the horror of white man (De Soto) against the Native American. How you need to rethink to attract an opponent. Why won’t people believe you need to rethink how to approach a problem
June 26, 2024
Desktop and Black Shell - Fight for Florida
Superb historical novel recalling DeSotos rampage across Florida, seeking gold and fortune and the Native Americans who fought back and learned (unlike the Aztecs) how to fight in new ways. Book 1 of 3
Superb historical novel recalling DeSotos rampage across Florida, seeking gold and fortune and the Native Americans who fought back and learned (unlike the Aztecs) how to fight in new ways. Book 1 of 3
May 21, 2018
I think I will read the whole series.
February 14, 2020
I was kind of hesitant to read this, but was interested once I got into it, and pleasantly surprised by the amount of research done. Some of the modern language was off-putting.
December 30, 2022
A different perspective on native Americans in early American history. Quick read. Will read rest of trilogy
May 30, 2019
**This review has also been posted to edwardrickford.com and to https://amzn.to/2WzOmBg**
Coming of the Storm is not exactly a typical historical novel. Set in pre-Columbian North America, the Gears’ create a world where human beings can converse with spiritual entities and gods can intervene in earthly matters. I tend to avoid all things supernatural in my writing and while I don’t avoid it in literature per se, I do think it can be distracting in a historical novel. War God: Nights of the Witch is one example of this but I am sure there are many. Nonetheless, the Gears’ thread the needle very well in Coming of the Storm and incorporate supernatural elements into the story in a way that does not distract from the larger narrative. If anything, the narrative experimentation makes Coming of the Storm all the more memorable.
The protagonist of the novel, Black Shell, has a deep respect for the power of the gods but that respect is tempered by bitterness. Black Shell used to be an upstanding member of the Chicaza tribe, known to many as the Chickasaw today, but he had to abandon that life at the behest of the Horned Serpent. Rejected by his family and his friends, he wanders from town to town with five pack dogs and a vast assortment of trade goods. Years of trading have honed his skills as a merchant and bring Pearl Hand, his eventual wife, into his life but also earns him the enmity of powerful chiefs like Irriparacoxi.
Confident in his ability to strike a bargain with anyone, Black Shell is determined to meet with the mysterious people known as the Kristianos. He knows next to nothing about them, though he has heard they speak a tongue none to known of his countrymen and have deathly pale skin, but Pearl Hand has serious reservation about meeting with the Kristianos. Moved by her pleas, Black Shell agrees to not meet with them and to simply watch them from afar instead. As it turns out, the precaution matters little as Black Shell is caught spying on the Kristianos and forced into slavery.
Thanks to Pearl Hand, Black Shell is able to escape captivity and is tempted to flee for the safety of the interior. His spirit dreams, however, give him pause and force him to consider the future that will result should de Soto establish a secure foothold. In one of my favorite scenes in the book, Horned Serpent tells Black Shell why it is important to rally defenders for the fight against the Spanish, explaining that “if de Soto survives, his stories will be told across the ocean. Others will see our land for what it is: rich in soils, forests, and game. They will not come for gold, Black Shell. They will come to conquer our world.” Not only does this do a great job of establishing the dramatic stakes of the story, I think it does a great job of alluding to the environmental destruction wrought by the colonial powers in North America. The rich soils have been squandered, the forests destroyed, and the game hunted to extinction.
Moreover, the destruction was not just limited to the environment. The colonial forays of “the mighty peoples on a choking land, longing to bring their ways here” led to the deaths of millions all throughout the Americas. Needless to say, this had profound social consequences for the region and the world. Often overlooked, however, are the theological consequences and the spirit dreams do a great job of reminding readers of the cultural erasure that happened as a result of European colonization. No scene does this better than the conversation between Water Panther, Snapping Turtle, and Black Shell. Black Shell struggles to understand how an immortal Spirit Being like Water Panther could ever experience fear, prompting Snapping Turtle to ask “Do you see images of the Piasas, the Horned Serpent, Eagle Man, or the Hero Twins on the Kristiano armor?” Black Shell does not and tells Snapping Turtle that he sees only “their cross of wood” on their armor. The chapter ends with Snapping Turtle asking Black Shell what will happen if de Soto and his cohorts triumph, “if they should convert all people to their cross… if no one believes in the Water Panther anymore.” It’s a powerful question and I imagine it will force many readers to think more critically about the European settling of the Americas.
I highly recommend the book to anyone interested in North American history or anyone who likes historical novels with a dash of supernatural wonder.
Coming of the Storm is not exactly a typical historical novel. Set in pre-Columbian North America, the Gears’ create a world where human beings can converse with spiritual entities and gods can intervene in earthly matters. I tend to avoid all things supernatural in my writing and while I don’t avoid it in literature per se, I do think it can be distracting in a historical novel. War God: Nights of the Witch is one example of this but I am sure there are many. Nonetheless, the Gears’ thread the needle very well in Coming of the Storm and incorporate supernatural elements into the story in a way that does not distract from the larger narrative. If anything, the narrative experimentation makes Coming of the Storm all the more memorable.
The protagonist of the novel, Black Shell, has a deep respect for the power of the gods but that respect is tempered by bitterness. Black Shell used to be an upstanding member of the Chicaza tribe, known to many as the Chickasaw today, but he had to abandon that life at the behest of the Horned Serpent. Rejected by his family and his friends, he wanders from town to town with five pack dogs and a vast assortment of trade goods. Years of trading have honed his skills as a merchant and bring Pearl Hand, his eventual wife, into his life but also earns him the enmity of powerful chiefs like Irriparacoxi.
Confident in his ability to strike a bargain with anyone, Black Shell is determined to meet with the mysterious people known as the Kristianos. He knows next to nothing about them, though he has heard they speak a tongue none to known of his countrymen and have deathly pale skin, but Pearl Hand has serious reservation about meeting with the Kristianos. Moved by her pleas, Black Shell agrees to not meet with them and to simply watch them from afar instead. As it turns out, the precaution matters little as Black Shell is caught spying on the Kristianos and forced into slavery.
Thanks to Pearl Hand, Black Shell is able to escape captivity and is tempted to flee for the safety of the interior. His spirit dreams, however, give him pause and force him to consider the future that will result should de Soto establish a secure foothold. In one of my favorite scenes in the book, Horned Serpent tells Black Shell why it is important to rally defenders for the fight against the Spanish, explaining that “if de Soto survives, his stories will be told across the ocean. Others will see our land for what it is: rich in soils, forests, and game. They will not come for gold, Black Shell. They will come to conquer our world.” Not only does this do a great job of establishing the dramatic stakes of the story, I think it does a great job of alluding to the environmental destruction wrought by the colonial powers in North America. The rich soils have been squandered, the forests destroyed, and the game hunted to extinction.
Moreover, the destruction was not just limited to the environment. The colonial forays of “the mighty peoples on a choking land, longing to bring their ways here” led to the deaths of millions all throughout the Americas. Needless to say, this had profound social consequences for the region and the world. Often overlooked, however, are the theological consequences and the spirit dreams do a great job of reminding readers of the cultural erasure that happened as a result of European colonization. No scene does this better than the conversation between Water Panther, Snapping Turtle, and Black Shell. Black Shell struggles to understand how an immortal Spirit Being like Water Panther could ever experience fear, prompting Snapping Turtle to ask “Do you see images of the Piasas, the Horned Serpent, Eagle Man, or the Hero Twins on the Kristiano armor?” Black Shell does not and tells Snapping Turtle that he sees only “their cross of wood” on their armor. The chapter ends with Snapping Turtle asking Black Shell what will happen if de Soto and his cohorts triumph, “if they should convert all people to their cross… if no one believes in the Water Panther anymore.” It’s a powerful question and I imagine it will force many readers to think more critically about the European settling of the Americas.
I highly recommend the book to anyone interested in North American history or anyone who likes historical novels with a dash of supernatural wonder.
May 14, 2013
It can be quite a shock to be an uninitiated Kristiano and read Michael and Kathleen Gear for the first time. Christianity just doesn’t play well for the Gears and they make it abundantly clear in many of their books. Coming of the Storm is classic Gear all the way.
Native Americans vs the invading faithful, this time in the form of Hernando de Soto and his conquering horde of Spaniards. Time after time, book after book, the Gears place Christianity in stark contrast to the spirituality of a multitude of long established cultures and societies that existed in North America before the invasion of the true believers. A contrast unfailingly abhorrent and hard to ignore, not to mention extremely well documented.
The storyline itself has been thematic over decades of writing for this prolific couple. Heroic man meets exceptionally beautiful and fiercely independent woman and a deep abiding love develops along with some very passionate sex. This is a most consistent and purposeful element in the Gears’ portrayal of Native American cultures. Not that everyone was always physically beautiful, but that there was a strong, earthy element to these cultures and sexuality was as natural as any other part of life.
Lest you get the wrong idea, Native American cultures are never portrayed as innocent or pure. In Coming of the Storm, as in almost all their stories, there are frequent references to continual warfare, torture and slavery among the Indians. So what is it that the Gears are suggesting continuously throughout their writing careers? Certainly not that the Indians were any less ruthless in warfare, or in some cases, their desire to dominate others. Clearly the Indians that lived throughout Florida in the early to mid-fifteen hundreds were no different from the Native Americans in any other part of the country during any other time period.
History frequently paints a more flattering picture of conquerors than is often deserved. Whether by accident or careful omission, the sordid details can be glossed over or minimized. It is one thing to talk about torture, brutality or inhumane treatment, it is something else entirely to have it described in detail. Naturally, everyone loves a winner; to the victors go the spoils; yada yada. But what about how they got there?
To the Gears how people are treated matters. Humanity matters. Respect for other traditions matters. Dismissal of a way of life, annihilation of another culture, matters. To do all of the above in the name of Christ, all the while sneering at the beliefs of others, committing atrocities in the name of God and then being honored by the history books is an invitation for a punch in the nose. Or at the very least, another book.
Long before manifest destiny swept across the western United States signaling the end of a way of life for many Native Americans, European explorers were busy desecrating everything they touched in their pursuit of wealth through Mexico and Central America and on into what is now Florida. It is a story as old as mankind itself. Survival of the fittest, military capitalism, take what you want and crush anyone who stands in your way. If you win you get a pass from history. Except from Michael and Kathleen.
The voices of the principal characters belong to any man and any woman. Having read these authors extensively I can conclude that the issues they raise repeatedly belong to our species as a whole. Feelings are feelings whether felt by caucasians, Native Americans or African Americans. The capacity for good, evil, cruelty, atrocity, heroism, honor, integrity, spirituality, sexuality and everything else not mentioned, is in our DNA. Race, country, language, the specifics of tradition are all secondary.
Coming of the Storm is pretty straight forward. There is no complex plot with exciting twists and turns. The hero and heroine look similar to those from other stories in this long running series about the first Americans. Using extensive background research and then recreating a piece of American history, the story attempts to expose the Spanish conqueror Hernando de Soto as a ruthless, arrogant, barbarian masquerading as a hero. In reality he was just another in a long list of invading tyrants, only this one had a car named after him. Go figure.
Native Americans vs the invading faithful, this time in the form of Hernando de Soto and his conquering horde of Spaniards. Time after time, book after book, the Gears place Christianity in stark contrast to the spirituality of a multitude of long established cultures and societies that existed in North America before the invasion of the true believers. A contrast unfailingly abhorrent and hard to ignore, not to mention extremely well documented.
The storyline itself has been thematic over decades of writing for this prolific couple. Heroic man meets exceptionally beautiful and fiercely independent woman and a deep abiding love develops along with some very passionate sex. This is a most consistent and purposeful element in the Gears’ portrayal of Native American cultures. Not that everyone was always physically beautiful, but that there was a strong, earthy element to these cultures and sexuality was as natural as any other part of life.
Lest you get the wrong idea, Native American cultures are never portrayed as innocent or pure. In Coming of the Storm, as in almost all their stories, there are frequent references to continual warfare, torture and slavery among the Indians. So what is it that the Gears are suggesting continuously throughout their writing careers? Certainly not that the Indians were any less ruthless in warfare, or in some cases, their desire to dominate others. Clearly the Indians that lived throughout Florida in the early to mid-fifteen hundreds were no different from the Native Americans in any other part of the country during any other time period.
History frequently paints a more flattering picture of conquerors than is often deserved. Whether by accident or careful omission, the sordid details can be glossed over or minimized. It is one thing to talk about torture, brutality or inhumane treatment, it is something else entirely to have it described in detail. Naturally, everyone loves a winner; to the victors go the spoils; yada yada. But what about how they got there?
To the Gears how people are treated matters. Humanity matters. Respect for other traditions matters. Dismissal of a way of life, annihilation of another culture, matters. To do all of the above in the name of Christ, all the while sneering at the beliefs of others, committing atrocities in the name of God and then being honored by the history books is an invitation for a punch in the nose. Or at the very least, another book.
Long before manifest destiny swept across the western United States signaling the end of a way of life for many Native Americans, European explorers were busy desecrating everything they touched in their pursuit of wealth through Mexico and Central America and on into what is now Florida. It is a story as old as mankind itself. Survival of the fittest, military capitalism, take what you want and crush anyone who stands in your way. If you win you get a pass from history. Except from Michael and Kathleen.
The voices of the principal characters belong to any man and any woman. Having read these authors extensively I can conclude that the issues they raise repeatedly belong to our species as a whole. Feelings are feelings whether felt by caucasians, Native Americans or African Americans. The capacity for good, evil, cruelty, atrocity, heroism, honor, integrity, spirituality, sexuality and everything else not mentioned, is in our DNA. Race, country, language, the specifics of tradition are all secondary.
Coming of the Storm is pretty straight forward. There is no complex plot with exciting twists and turns. The hero and heroine look similar to those from other stories in this long running series about the first Americans. Using extensive background research and then recreating a piece of American history, the story attempts to expose the Spanish conqueror Hernando de Soto as a ruthless, arrogant, barbarian masquerading as a hero. In reality he was just another in a long list of invading tyrants, only this one had a car named after him. Go figure.
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