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North America's Forgotten Past #7
People of the Lightning
People of the Lightning takes us to ancient Florida, to a village of fisher folk who must face their deepest fear: Pondwader, now a lanky boy of fifteen summers. He is the White Lightning Boy--the first of his kind to be born in tens of tens of summers. His white hair, pink eyes, and pale skin make him fearsome enough, but legends foretell that a Lightning Boy will make Sister Moon bury her face in the clouds and weep falling stars--and the winds of destruction will be unleashed.
The folk manage to trade him in marriage to Musselwhite, a woman warrior who does not really want him. She must face an old enemy who has captured her beloved husband, an enemy who is determined to destroy her. What good to her is this soft-hearted youth? She has yet to learn that Pondwader is a Lightning Boy. He can hear voices in the wind, telling of coming horror....
The folk manage to trade him in marriage to Musselwhite, a woman warrior who does not really want him. She must face an old enemy who has captured her beloved husband, an enemy who is determined to destroy her. What good to her is this soft-hearted youth? She has yet to learn that Pondwader is a Lightning Boy. He can hear voices in the wind, telling of coming horror....
411 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1995
40 people are currently reading
1408 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen O'Neal Gear
137 books710 followersMy 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...
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...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
September 14, 2023
Dit is weer een topboek uit de serie! Het speelt zich af in het gebied dat nu Florida is. Mosselwit en Katoenmond, die nu tot 2 verschillende clans behoren, waren vroeger getrouwd en 26 jaar geleden verloren ze hun 3jarig zoontje Laar aan een ziekte. Ze zijn dit nooit te boven gekomen, en zijn dood was ook de oorzaak van hun scheiding. Mosselwit is daarna terug getrouwd met Duiker.
Katoenmond echter is een wreedaard geworden die alle dorpen in de omgeving wil vernietigen, uit wraak omdat hij gelooft dat Mosselwit hun zoontje vermoord heeft.
Als Duiker gevangen genomen wordt door Katoenmond, vreest men dat hij dood is. Om een verbintenis met een sterkere clan tot stand te brengen, huwt Mosselwit dan met Vijverwader, een albino jongen van 15 jaar, die een Bliksemkind genoemd wordt. Zijn moeder zou tijdens de zwangerschap door de bliksem getroffen zijn in haar buik...en daarom wordt aan Vijverwader veel macht toegekend.
Er spelen nog heel veel andere dingen, maar uiteindelijk komt het erop neer dat Mosselwit en Vijverwader Duiker, die toch niet dood is, willen bevrijden en Katoenmond verslaan, te meer daar Katoenmond, als Dromer/Ziener voorspeld heeft dat als het Bliksemkind komt de wereld zal vergaan en degenen die dan bij hem (Katoenmond) zijn, meegenomen zullen worden naar een nieuwe wereld achter de Sterren
Dit is echt een heel mooi verhaal. Het gaat er soms ruw aan toe, maar het is ook heel emotioneel.
Katoenmond echter is een wreedaard geworden die alle dorpen in de omgeving wil vernietigen, uit wraak omdat hij gelooft dat Mosselwit hun zoontje vermoord heeft.
Als Duiker gevangen genomen wordt door Katoenmond, vreest men dat hij dood is. Om een verbintenis met een sterkere clan tot stand te brengen, huwt Mosselwit dan met Vijverwader, een albino jongen van 15 jaar, die een Bliksemkind genoemd wordt. Zijn moeder zou tijdens de zwangerschap door de bliksem getroffen zijn in haar buik...en daarom wordt aan Vijverwader veel macht toegekend.
Er spelen nog heel veel andere dingen, maar uiteindelijk komt het erop neer dat Mosselwit en Vijverwader Duiker, die toch niet dood is, willen bevrijden en Katoenmond verslaan, te meer daar Katoenmond, als Dromer/Ziener voorspeld heeft dat als het Bliksemkind komt de wereld zal vergaan en degenen die dan bij hem (Katoenmond) zijn, meegenomen zullen worden naar een nieuwe wereld achter de Sterren
Dit is echt een heel mooi verhaal. Het gaat er soms ruw aan toe, maar het is ook heel emotioneel.
February 27, 2021
I bought People of the Lightning a couple of weeks before my son was born, back when it was a new publication. I thought I would have time for reading but soon declined into the only 2 modes I would have for a long time: Mother and Sleep. It took FOREVER to finish because I just didn't have the time or energy for it, but I really liked this book a lot.
This is the first Gear novel I ever read, and it hooked me. I like novels set in deep history, and this one takes place in Florida ~10,000 years ago. As a lifelong Floridian, the setting was why I bought it. Is it high literature, using silver dollar words? Not even close, but it's still engaging. Since the authors are also archaeologists there are historically accurate tidbits throughout, but this series of standalone books is more about intra-tribal dynamics, competition for resources with other tribes, and native American mysticism. I'm not going to lie... there's a good dose of soap opera in these books, too.
People of the Lightning is the story of the great warrior woman Musselwhite and the three men in her life. First is her true love, Diver, who has been taken by a rival clan. Thinking he is dead, the leaders of her tribe marry her to Pondwader, a young man both feared and revered for his albinism. Since an albino has not been born in a thousand years, tribal elders assume he is the one whose destructive destiny has been foretold. Last is Cottonmouth, the warrior of a rival tribe and former lover of Musselwhite. His jealousy and need for vengeance drives the action throughout the story.
There is one frequent review topic I want to say something about. It always surprises me to see how many people complain about all the physical and sexual violence that occurs in this series. The truth is that this was commonplace, even accepted behavior all over the world until VERY recently. To omit such motivations from these stories would not be telling the truth about what frequently drives people. Imo, the characters in these books are tough, and reading the stories of how they rise above these experiences is often inspiring.
I say these are fun, enjoyable books and they don't have to be read in order, which is a good thing because this series is huge - approaching 30 books now, I think. I've been reading these since the mid-90's and I'm still picking up older entries I haven't gotten around to yet. I've gone several years without reading a People of the... book but I always come back to them eventually. I'm going to make an earnest effort to read at least a couple of them a year, so maybe I'll get to them all before I die, lol. This isn't great literature, but it's good for what it is - light fiction about ancient Native Americans.
This is the first Gear novel I ever read, and it hooked me. I like novels set in deep history, and this one takes place in Florida ~10,000 years ago. As a lifelong Floridian, the setting was why I bought it. Is it high literature, using silver dollar words? Not even close, but it's still engaging. Since the authors are also archaeologists there are historically accurate tidbits throughout, but this series of standalone books is more about intra-tribal dynamics, competition for resources with other tribes, and native American mysticism. I'm not going to lie... there's a good dose of soap opera in these books, too.
People of the Lightning is the story of the great warrior woman Musselwhite and the three men in her life. First is her true love, Diver, who has been taken by a rival clan. Thinking he is dead, the leaders of her tribe marry her to Pondwader, a young man both feared and revered for his albinism. Since an albino has not been born in a thousand years, tribal elders assume he is the one whose destructive destiny has been foretold. Last is Cottonmouth, the warrior of a rival tribe and former lover of Musselwhite. His jealousy and need for vengeance drives the action throughout the story.
There is one frequent review topic I want to say something about. It always surprises me to see how many people complain about all the physical and sexual violence that occurs in this series. The truth is that this was commonplace, even accepted behavior all over the world until VERY recently. To omit such motivations from these stories would not be telling the truth about what frequently drives people. Imo, the characters in these books are tough, and reading the stories of how they rise above these experiences is often inspiring.
I say these are fun, enjoyable books and they don't have to be read in order, which is a good thing because this series is huge - approaching 30 books now, I think. I've been reading these since the mid-90's and I'm still picking up older entries I haven't gotten around to yet. I've gone several years without reading a People of the... book but I always come back to them eventually. I'm going to make an earnest effort to read at least a couple of them a year, so maybe I'll get to them all before I die, lol. This isn't great literature, but it's good for what it is - light fiction about ancient Native Americans.
January 5, 2020
Oops I cried.
January 24, 2015
People of the Lightning (North America's Forgotten Past, #7)
Gear, W. Michael
Gear, Kathleen O'neal
A divergent story from the normal formula of "people" series... Don't worry fans you still have a found object "Turtle bone doll", and you still have a fantastic story with loveable characters. The divergence of the story is that the story is "told" by an elder, orally. It’s a hilarious break in the story as the elder loses his train of thought and suggests other stories he has not yet related. It is a unique aspect of the story that makes it so memorable.
Musslewhite is a War Leader of the Windy Cove Village, devastated by continual raids and attacks on the village, and its warriors, by her ex-lover (husband) Cottonmouth.
Cottonmouth is a ruthless, domineering personality that wants to bring destruction to the world. Cottonmouth in revenge and political domination has attacked all neighboring villages in an attempt to either exterminate the people apposing his beliefs, or incorporating him in his tribe.
Diver is Musslewhites husband for the past 25 years, after fathering 12 of her children, the devastation of the village and a final attack has left them with only 2 children left.
Pondwader our hero and dreamer of the story is unique story a true albino, white skinned, white haired and pink eyed. Pondwader is nearly blind, restricted to long robes for his fair skin clumsy in his travels. But by the visits of Turtle bone doll learns to become one of the greatest dreamers of his time as he learns to flash thunder and heal the world around him.
The supporting cast of characters brings humor and intimate moments as the struggle for the survival of the world hangs in the balance.
Character list
People of the Lightning
Musslewhite: War Leader and matron of Windy Cove Village. Renowned warrior and great leader of her tribe. Married to Diver, divorced from Cottonmouth, and married Pondwader when she believed Diver was dead on the war path.
Seedpod: Musslewhite’s father. The Seedpod is the closest person to Musslewhite, Spirit Elder of his village.
Thornboy: Musslewhite’s youngest son six years old. Son of Diver.
Diver: Musslewhite’s husband, believed to be dead on an attack on the scouting party, tortured by Cottonmouth in his attempt to change him against feelings for Musslewhite.
Cottonmouth: a false dreamer, spirit elder of his group, has a corrupted vision of the worlds end and wants to destroy the world.
Glade: the infant son of Musslewhite and Cottonmouth, who was dying of illness when his mother killed him to protect him.
Pondwader: albino boy who is beginning to be a dreamer, the legendary Lightning boy, who would destroy the world.
Kelp: Pondwader’s sister.
Matron Moonsnail: matron of the Heartwood village, grandmother of Kelp and Pondwader, mother of Dark Rain.
Diamonback: Son of Musslewhite and Diver, wounded when his father is kidnapped by Cottonmouth. He was injured in the attack on the scouting party.
Beaverpaw: ex –war leader of Heartwood Village seduced by Dark Rain
Bowfin: a warrior for Heartwood Village, seduced by Dark Rain
Dark Rain: an Outcast woman who gambles and whores, until her debts are more then she can pay, then trades on the honor of her family, gave Pondwader to Musslewhite to cover her own debts.
Dogtooth: an old dreamer, teacher of Pondwader. An odd hermit that speaks to spirits, and spiders.
Wolfspider: an animation of Green Spider.
Gear, W. Michael
Gear, Kathleen O'neal
A divergent story from the normal formula of "people" series... Don't worry fans you still have a found object "Turtle bone doll", and you still have a fantastic story with loveable characters. The divergence of the story is that the story is "told" by an elder, orally. It’s a hilarious break in the story as the elder loses his train of thought and suggests other stories he has not yet related. It is a unique aspect of the story that makes it so memorable.
Musslewhite is a War Leader of the Windy Cove Village, devastated by continual raids and attacks on the village, and its warriors, by her ex-lover (husband) Cottonmouth.
Cottonmouth is a ruthless, domineering personality that wants to bring destruction to the world. Cottonmouth in revenge and political domination has attacked all neighboring villages in an attempt to either exterminate the people apposing his beliefs, or incorporating him in his tribe.
Diver is Musslewhites husband for the past 25 years, after fathering 12 of her children, the devastation of the village and a final attack has left them with only 2 children left.
Pondwader our hero and dreamer of the story is unique story a true albino, white skinned, white haired and pink eyed. Pondwader is nearly blind, restricted to long robes for his fair skin clumsy in his travels. But by the visits of Turtle bone doll learns to become one of the greatest dreamers of his time as he learns to flash thunder and heal the world around him.
The supporting cast of characters brings humor and intimate moments as the struggle for the survival of the world hangs in the balance.
Character list
People of the Lightning
Musslewhite: War Leader and matron of Windy Cove Village. Renowned warrior and great leader of her tribe. Married to Diver, divorced from Cottonmouth, and married Pondwader when she believed Diver was dead on the war path.
Seedpod: Musslewhite’s father. The Seedpod is the closest person to Musslewhite, Spirit Elder of his village.
Thornboy: Musslewhite’s youngest son six years old. Son of Diver.
Diver: Musslewhite’s husband, believed to be dead on an attack on the scouting party, tortured by Cottonmouth in his attempt to change him against feelings for Musslewhite.
Cottonmouth: a false dreamer, spirit elder of his group, has a corrupted vision of the worlds end and wants to destroy the world.
Glade: the infant son of Musslewhite and Cottonmouth, who was dying of illness when his mother killed him to protect him.
Pondwader: albino boy who is beginning to be a dreamer, the legendary Lightning boy, who would destroy the world.
Kelp: Pondwader’s sister.
Matron Moonsnail: matron of the Heartwood village, grandmother of Kelp and Pondwader, mother of Dark Rain.
Diamonback: Son of Musslewhite and Diver, wounded when his father is kidnapped by Cottonmouth. He was injured in the attack on the scouting party.
Beaverpaw: ex –war leader of Heartwood Village seduced by Dark Rain
Bowfin: a warrior for Heartwood Village, seduced by Dark Rain
Dark Rain: an Outcast woman who gambles and whores, until her debts are more then she can pay, then trades on the honor of her family, gave Pondwader to Musslewhite to cover her own debts.
Dogtooth: an old dreamer, teacher of Pondwader. An odd hermit that speaks to spirits, and spiders.
Wolfspider: an animation of Green Spider.
January 20, 2016
An Albino Living in the Sunshine State? Great Stuff!
I loved this book. Again, the introduction from modern times was interesting, educational, and set the foundations for the coming story. I liked that this was about a Native American tribe - Windover people - that was sort of set apart from other tribes. I enjoyed the explanations and depictions of the burial rights and other cultural elements from this ancient society. It helped to bring history to life in a very relate-able way.
I found the hero, White Lightning Boy, Pondwater to be endearing. He sounded beautiful to me. The way people felt about Thunderbirds and Albinos was interesting and added to the story greatly. I enjoyed seeing how people's beliefs tie into nature and how they try to explain natural events.
Having visited Florida and having had lived in Charleston, SC and TX, where I encountered hurricanes, it was cool to see how ancient peoples might have looked at those same areas and events. The story was very vivid for me and I loved getting lost in the tale!
I loved this book. Again, the introduction from modern times was interesting, educational, and set the foundations for the coming story. I liked that this was about a Native American tribe - Windover people - that was sort of set apart from other tribes. I enjoyed the explanations and depictions of the burial rights and other cultural elements from this ancient society. It helped to bring history to life in a very relate-able way.
I found the hero, White Lightning Boy, Pondwater to be endearing. He sounded beautiful to me. The way people felt about Thunderbirds and Albinos was interesting and added to the story greatly. I enjoyed seeing how people's beliefs tie into nature and how they try to explain natural events.
Having visited Florida and having had lived in Charleston, SC and TX, where I encountered hurricanes, it was cool to see how ancient peoples might have looked at those same areas and events. The story was very vivid for me and I loved getting lost in the tale!
August 6, 2018
I loved this book. It takes place in the part of Florida I grew up in. The descriptions of the natural areas was spot on, I felt like I was home again.
June 24, 2021
In the tradition of many oral cultures, this story is told by an elder. I found it amusing how he keeps losing his train of thought and the unnamed child he’s talking to has to bring him back on track.
It was nice to read something with a setting so different to what I usually read. There was a lot of detail about the culture, even if there is a bit much about their burial rites (after all, that is most of what we know about these people).
The climax of the story was a little underwhelming. Throughout the book we get all these hints of a large confrontation coming up, but when it arrived, it rather fell flat for me. While the events described would have been impressive and frightening in real life, the way the author described it made it seem relatively tame.
I was slightly disturbed by the fact that a 42-year-old woman was married to a 15-year-old boy. Musselwhite is almost three times Pondwader’s age, she has children older than him, and his sister flirts with her son.
Check out the full review at www.travellingbooknerd.com/people-of-...
It was nice to read something with a setting so different to what I usually read. There was a lot of detail about the culture, even if there is a bit much about their burial rites (after all, that is most of what we know about these people).
The climax of the story was a little underwhelming. Throughout the book we get all these hints of a large confrontation coming up, but when it arrived, it rather fell flat for me. While the events described would have been impressive and frightening in real life, the way the author described it made it seem relatively tame.
I was slightly disturbed by the fact that a 42-year-old woman was married to a 15-year-old boy. Musselwhite is almost three times Pondwader’s age, she has children older than him, and his sister flirts with her son.
Check out the full review at www.travellingbooknerd.com/people-of-...
September 21, 2019
Lightning Boy
The story of the ancient people of Florida. A gentle soul named Pondwander was a "White Lightening Boy" He was an albino, unsure of himself, kind and he loved deaply. He could call the lightning and could ride with it.. He was the first off hiis kind in a thousand years. Another of the Gears books about the first North Americans from thousands of years ago. He saved the clans from a war.
The story of the ancient people of Florida. A gentle soul named Pondwander was a "White Lightening Boy" He was an albino, unsure of himself, kind and he loved deaply. He could call the lightning and could ride with it.. He was the first off hiis kind in a thousand years. Another of the Gears books about the first North Americans from thousands of years ago. He saved the clans from a war.
April 28, 2023
When Pondwader, a white lightning boy (albinos believed to have special powers from the lightning that conceived them) turns 15, he is married to Musselwhite, a woman warrior and neighboring clan leader who is 2 generations his elder, in order to form an allegiance to fight off a warring tribe that threatens the lives of everyone in their path. Despite his soft-hearted, gentle ways, he is able to draw upon an inner strength and courage to help her fight the coming destruction.
July 1, 2018
Review of "People of Lightning" by John Lietzke
I have the book 5 stars because I thought it was very good, interesting and mysterious. I have an engineering background and have a hard time understanding the authors use of 'hand of length ' and 'hand of time'. I also found it interesting how the authors used an albino human being in the story.
I have the book 5 stars because I thought it was very good, interesting and mysterious. I have an engineering background and have a hard time understanding the authors use of 'hand of length ' and 'hand of time'. I also found it interesting how the authors used an albino human being in the story.
February 22, 2018
Interesting story. The authors apparently are anthropologists so some of the ideas possibly started with their research. All their books are based on Indian tribes in the Americas and this one supposedly from 6,000 bc in FL.
February 21, 2019
Interesting story but not real clear with some of the details when wrapping up the story.
December 1, 2020
incredible boring, Zero emotion.
Read
March 1, 2021Interesting Florida setting
September 10, 2022
Very well written. Has a believable quality.
January 14, 2023
Each book in this series gets better and better. I can tell by how when I near the end I can't put it down.
June 7, 2023
Fictionalized story of ancieny Florida Indian culture. Very interesting because of archaeology backgrounds of the authors.
Want to read
August 12, 20232P
October 27, 2025
Love this series! The depth of detail really transports you.
February 4, 2014
This is probably the oddest book of the series so far. The 7th book, it isn't necessary to read any of the others before reading this one, it doesn't even really reference too much from any of the other books. But it certainly has a weird plotline and characters.
Pondwader was born special. He is a lightning boy, which is what his people call albinos. To satisfy a debt, he is married to a warrior woman of a neighboring village. But she has some problems of her own and doesn't really want to drag around a new husband, although she does care for him. Her village has been attacked and her first husband taken, and she has to go save him. Pondwader's destiny is tied up with hers and he needs to go with her, despite the consequences.
Pondwader has no filter. He loves almost everyone he comes in contact with, and it would seem that he loves them almost instantly. His mother is a strange character to and while she provides an antagonist at times, she's almost unbelievable in her actions. His wife, Musselwhite, is cold most of the time but at least she seems to care about her family. And his sister is probably the most well-rounded character of all. At least she's the one that acts halfways normal and seems to really care for her brother but have other interests outside of him.
I must admit, I didn't really care for the story in this book. I thought it was rushed, somewhat contrived and a lot of things never explained. You have what Pondwader's destiny is spelled out very early on, but then the ending branches off in a way you wouldn't expect and it's done a bit jumbled. There's a spiritual element to this book, and more talk of not necessarily Dreamers, but spirit destiny, but for once that was the understandable part of the book. It was the characters actions and delusions that were the inconceivable part this time. There's the usual amount of violence and sex in this book, and it is described, not just eluded to. Another flaw in the writing was the continual use of the phrase "yes, my wife" in response to his new wife. I get that he was excited to be married but it was repetitive and I think he would have called her by name a few times at least.
It sounds like I'm complaining a lot about this book and maybe it's because the previous two I had actually enjoyed. This one wasn't terrible but it did have enough flaws to sink it quite a bit lower than the previous ones.
People of the Lightning
Copyright 1995
584 pages
Review by M. Reynard 2014
More of my reviews can be found at www.ifithaswords.blogspot.com
Pondwader was born special. He is a lightning boy, which is what his people call albinos. To satisfy a debt, he is married to a warrior woman of a neighboring village. But she has some problems of her own and doesn't really want to drag around a new husband, although she does care for him. Her village has been attacked and her first husband taken, and she has to go save him. Pondwader's destiny is tied up with hers and he needs to go with her, despite the consequences.
Pondwader has no filter. He loves almost everyone he comes in contact with, and it would seem that he loves them almost instantly. His mother is a strange character to and while she provides an antagonist at times, she's almost unbelievable in her actions. His wife, Musselwhite, is cold most of the time but at least she seems to care about her family. And his sister is probably the most well-rounded character of all. At least she's the one that acts halfways normal and seems to really care for her brother but have other interests outside of him.
I must admit, I didn't really care for the story in this book. I thought it was rushed, somewhat contrived and a lot of things never explained. You have what Pondwader's destiny is spelled out very early on, but then the ending branches off in a way you wouldn't expect and it's done a bit jumbled. There's a spiritual element to this book, and more talk of not necessarily Dreamers, but spirit destiny, but for once that was the understandable part of the book. It was the characters actions and delusions that were the inconceivable part this time. There's the usual amount of violence and sex in this book, and it is described, not just eluded to. Another flaw in the writing was the continual use of the phrase "yes, my wife" in response to his new wife. I get that he was excited to be married but it was repetitive and I think he would have called her by name a few times at least.
It sounds like I'm complaining a lot about this book and maybe it's because the previous two I had actually enjoyed. This one wasn't terrible but it did have enough flaws to sink it quite a bit lower than the previous ones.
People of the Lightning
Copyright 1995
584 pages
Review by M. Reynard 2014
More of my reviews can be found at www.ifithaswords.blogspot.com
February 9, 2014
As the legends go, the 4 shining eagles that hold back brother breathe maker are getting weak and one day a white lightning boy will shoot them down, unleashing destruction on the beaches of ancient Florida. Well that day has finally come to those in the Heartwood Clan. Pondwader, the gawky 15 year old white lightning boy, walks among them, hoping and praying he is not the boy the legends tell of. Pondwader dares not tell his clan what he feels in his chest or of the visions of Turtle Bone Doll dancing in his dreams. Meanwhile the famed warrior Musselwhite of the Windy Cove Clan is mourning the loss of her husband, believed to be killed in the latest attack by Standing Hollow Horn Clan. After the attack, Musselwhite’s warrior numbers are low, low enough to force the clan to make Musselwhite remarry in order to have more warriors to rely on. The solution? Marry her to Pondwader, which takes care of his clan’s problems with what to do about him. Windy Cove Clan gets more warriors to defend themselves against Cottonmouth, the revengeful leader of the Standing Hollow Horn Clan and also Musselwhite’s former lover. Cottonmouth is bent on destroying Musselwhite and everything she holds dear, including their son dead these past 25 years. After the marriage celebration, the new couple travel back to Musselwhite’s village. Along the way though, they meet an old soul dancer, Dogtooth, who reveals to Pondwader that Musselwhite will be making a journey soon and he has to be at her side no matter what. Even more frightening is the fact that Pondwader’s soul told Dogtooth this information. Eventually the 2 make it back to the village only to learn that Musselwhite’s husband Diver is alive but a captive of Cottonmouth’s. Musselwhite sets off on a journey to save him, Pondwader at her heels, a nuisance to her rescue mission. Little does she know how much she will need Pondwader at her side as she fights to save Diver, a pawn in the struggle between good and evil. With Turtle Bone Doll guiding Pondwader in the ways of power, will he dream the legends true, shooting the shining eagles down? This tale, told from the view of an elder who lived through the horrors of the attacks by Cottonmouth and the awesome skills of Musselwhite and beheld the powers of Pondwader, leaves you hanging on to every word, the story in the hanging in the balance of power.
July 23, 2019
See Paige's review.
The first 100 pages were a slow start to this book. I almost put it down. But the authors has gone to so much trouble with their research into the forbearers of Florida, that I persevered, and I'm glad I did. LOVED Pondwader, was frustrated by Turtle Bone Doll telling him only bits and pieces of what she knew, and poor Cottonmouth, grieving for 25 years, unbelievable that no one unseated him in that time! Musselwhite provided some stability to the story. Almost halfway thru the book the story began to be interesting to me, and I was satisfied the rest of the way. Would only recommend it to those who are interested in historical fiction and / or Florida, however.
The first 100 pages were a slow start to this book. I almost put it down. But the authors has gone to so much trouble with their research into the forbearers of Florida, that I persevered, and I'm glad I did. LOVED Pondwader, was frustrated by Turtle Bone Doll telling him only bits and pieces of what she knew, and poor Cottonmouth, grieving for 25 years, unbelievable that no one unseated him in that time! Musselwhite provided some stability to the story. Almost halfway thru the book the story began to be interesting to me, and I was satisfied the rest of the way. Would only recommend it to those who are interested in historical fiction and / or Florida, however.
June 13, 2010
As an individual book, it was quite satisfying and I would have rated it a 4 or a 5, but when compared to others in the series, it didn't strike me as worthy of a rank that high. It was a page turner all the way through, but the story just didn't linger with me when I closed the book, unlike other characters' plights in the series. I do, however, find that it is an amazing piece of work, with carefully thought out historical detail.
As for the specific characters, Pondwader, with his obvious weakness and hidden strengths was designed to tug at the heart strings. Musselwhite, who was quite the opposite but much the same was nothing short of the perfect protagonist. Her struggle to deny weak side an acknowledged existence did much for the strength of the tale. And though a ruthless and relentless foe, and easily despised on the surface for many reasons, the damaged Cottonmouth won over my sympathy as the story unfolded. He, after all, was only human. A frightened, tormented, lonely one at that.
Cottonmouth may have been the obvious antagonist, but he was far from the worst. His actions, while twisted, were understandable. It was Dark Rain that had earned herself the title of the being irredeemable all the way through the book, almost to a fault. And though she may never have had a direct hand in all the events that seemed to stack against the War Leader and the Lightning Boy, she definitely never considered any other interest than her own, and none of the obstacles would have been possible without her. It took little to provoke her to hand her own son over to what should have been certain death.
Overall, the book was well written. Vivid detail carried you through the slower lulls that are in every story. It was rich with knowledge of war, hunting, passion and the overall lives the first North Americans may have led. Would I recommend this book? Absolutely! Even if it pales in comparison to some of the other books in series, it still shines like the lightning birds who soared in the skies over Standing Hollow Horn.
As for the specific characters, Pondwader, with his obvious weakness and hidden strengths was designed to tug at the heart strings. Musselwhite, who was quite the opposite but much the same was nothing short of the perfect protagonist. Her struggle to deny weak side an acknowledged existence did much for the strength of the tale. And though a ruthless and relentless foe, and easily despised on the surface for many reasons, the damaged Cottonmouth won over my sympathy as the story unfolded. He, after all, was only human. A frightened, tormented, lonely one at that.
Cottonmouth may have been the obvious antagonist, but he was far from the worst. His actions, while twisted, were understandable. It was Dark Rain that had earned herself the title of the being irredeemable all the way through the book, almost to a fault. And though she may never have had a direct hand in all the events that seemed to stack against the War Leader and the Lightning Boy, she definitely never considered any other interest than her own, and none of the obstacles would have been possible without her. It took little to provoke her to hand her own son over to what should have been certain death.
Overall, the book was well written. Vivid detail carried you through the slower lulls that are in every story. It was rich with knowledge of war, hunting, passion and the overall lives the first North Americans may have led. Would I recommend this book? Absolutely! Even if it pales in comparison to some of the other books in series, it still shines like the lightning birds who soared in the skies over Standing Hollow Horn.
February 19, 2017
I love all of W. Michael and Kathleen's books!
March 20, 2013
I like the First Americans series despite my reservations about the fantasy element. I don't believe that ancient peoples were somehow in touch with a more spiritual aspect of the Universe so I find the ability of some of the characters to "see" what's going on, or even more unbelievably, predict what's going to happen via some mystical forces as total baloney. Of the series I think this was one of the best I've read so far (despite my reservations).
It's Ancient Florida and the tribes are being harassed by a powerful, mystic warrior, Cottonmouth, who has predicted the end of the world. He is linked through a tempestuous, failed marriage to a great female warrior, Musselwhite, whose tribe has been badly mauled by Cottonmouth's warriors. In order to gain allies Musselwhite ends up marrying an albino Lightning Boy, Pondwader, who is unaware of the powers that he could unleash.
I know it all sounds a bit too fantastical but in fact there is quite a gripping and down-to-earth storyline which builds the characters well and comes to a thrilling finale. My only problem is - why do I keep reading Pondwader as Pondwater?
It's Ancient Florida and the tribes are being harassed by a powerful, mystic warrior, Cottonmouth, who has predicted the end of the world. He is linked through a tempestuous, failed marriage to a great female warrior, Musselwhite, whose tribe has been badly mauled by Cottonmouth's warriors. In order to gain allies Musselwhite ends up marrying an albino Lightning Boy, Pondwader, who is unaware of the powers that he could unleash.
I know it all sounds a bit too fantastical but in fact there is quite a gripping and down-to-earth storyline which builds the characters well and comes to a thrilling finale. My only problem is - why do I keep reading Pondwader as Pondwater?
June 1, 2013
Very well written book which was hard for me to put down. Pondwater is an albino and becomes White Lightning Boy. Legends predict that Lightning Boy will make Sister Moon bury her face in the clouds and weep falling stars and the winds of destruction will be unleashed. The First American series of books tell in detail the day-to-day life, rituals, ceremonies and skills. There are currently 16 books in this series. I have nearly all the books and have read and re-read them. I learn something new every time. Their books are available in hardcover and paperback. Their first book is People of the Wolf and their latest is People of the Blcak Sun
Both authors are archeologists who study prehistoric American peoples. Both authors teach at universities. Each author has written many books as well. W. Michael Gear is State Archeologist for Colorado.
Website: http://www.gear-gear.com/
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kathlee...
Both authors are archeologists who study prehistoric American peoples. Both authors teach at universities. Each author has written many books as well. W. Michael Gear is State Archeologist for Colorado.
Website: http://www.gear-gear.com/
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kathlee...
July 11, 2010
This was a good story, with some major points that irritated me. Primarily the thought that thousands of years ago a woman would be trim and fit and sexually attractive to a young teen, when she herself was in her 40s, let alone willing to marry him with all that entails. Ugh.
I would have liked to have seen more about the people than the main characters, simply because of the information that would be available. I enjoyed reading the interpretation of the burial rites, and the true depiction of the madness of one of the main characters was well done.
Overall though it didn't quite make the mark.
I would have liked to have seen more about the people than the main characters, simply because of the information that would be available. I enjoyed reading the interpretation of the burial rites, and the true depiction of the madness of one of the main characters was well done.
Overall though it didn't quite make the mark.
October 19, 2012
Tracing the imagined lives of Native Americans approximately 5000 years ago in the Florida region this tales the tale of a 'lightning boy' an albino boy marked with special powers. He is thrown into the conflict between two warring communities and unwittingly draws the central people to the final confrontation acting as a lightning rod of sorts.
Gear and Kathleen O'Neal Gear's works on early Native Americans is full of historic detail that is interesting and informative and reveals their great knowledge and research on the subject. I read this purely for that and not for any literary merits since the plotting and dialogue can be clumsy and tedious at times.
Gear and Kathleen O'Neal Gear's works on early Native Americans is full of historic detail that is interesting and informative and reveals their great knowledge and research on the subject. I read this purely for that and not for any literary merits since the plotting and dialogue can be clumsy and tedious at times.
September 14, 2012
The Gears really can do no wrong. Brilliant world-building, this time set in pre-history Florida, conjures a mystical and multifarious pre-colonization America and the fascinating cultures of indigenous tribes. Rather than writing historical fiction of Native American tribes, the Gears use extensive anthropological research to create absorbing stories that are informed and molded after the beautiful and exceptional cultures they study. Elements of magic and sublime wonder abound which creates an inimitable storytelling background for a diverse cast of characters.
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