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People of Cahokia #4
Star Path
The fourth novel in the Cahokian story cycle, Star Path is an evocative tale about America's greatest pre-Columbian city by New York Times bestselling authors W. Michael and Kathleen O'Neal Gear
How do you say no to a god?
Cahokia recovers from a year of chaos following a near civil war and the god incarnate, Morning Star, has declared that his human sister Night Shadow Star and her slave Fire Cat must make a dangerous journey to far off Cofitachequi. For an old threat has arisen on the other side of the great eastern mountains - their brother, Walking Smoke, a madman who is convinced that he is the true deity destined to rule Cahokia.
Night Shadow Star is also ruled by the Underworld Lord, Piasa, but this power dangles a chance of happiness in front of Night Shadow Star and Fire Cat - if they succeed with his agenda, they might become nameless, clanless, and worthless. And thus free.
But the treacherous Tenasee River that they must travel holds its own perils.
And at the end of the journey, Walking Smoke prepares to spring his trap.
Star Path, the fourth book in the Gears' People of Cahokia series, takes the reader out of the great city of Cahokia and into a land of rivers, forests, tribes, and exiled colonies, providing us with a rare look into the mystical underpinnings of Native American culture and the founding of Mississippian civilization.
How do you say no to a god?
Cahokia recovers from a year of chaos following a near civil war and the god incarnate, Morning Star, has declared that his human sister Night Shadow Star and her slave Fire Cat must make a dangerous journey to far off Cofitachequi. For an old threat has arisen on the other side of the great eastern mountains - their brother, Walking Smoke, a madman who is convinced that he is the true deity destined to rule Cahokia.
Night Shadow Star is also ruled by the Underworld Lord, Piasa, but this power dangles a chance of happiness in front of Night Shadow Star and Fire Cat - if they succeed with his agenda, they might become nameless, clanless, and worthless. And thus free.
But the treacherous Tenasee River that they must travel holds its own perils.
And at the end of the journey, Walking Smoke prepares to spring his trap.
Star Path, the fourth book in the Gears' People of Cahokia series, takes the reader out of the great city of Cahokia and into a land of rivers, forests, tribes, and exiled colonies, providing us with a rare look into the mystical underpinnings of Native American culture and the founding of Mississippian civilization.
464 pages, Hardcover
Published June 25, 2019
65 people are currently reading
428 people want to read
About the author
W. Michael Gear
181 books730 followersW. Michael Gear was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on the twentieth of May, 1955. A fourth generation Colorado native, his family had been involved in hard-rock mining, cattle ranching, and journalism. After his father's death in 1959, Michael's mother received her Master's degree in journalism and began teaching. In 1962 she married Joseph J. Cook, who taught tool and die making, and the family lived in Lakewood, Colorado, until 1968. At that time they moved to Fort Collins so that Joe could pursue his Ph.D.. During those years the family lived in the foothills above Horsetooth Reservoir.
It was there that Mike developed a love of history, anthropology, and motorcycles. They would color his future and fill his imagination for the rest of his life. During summers he volunteered labor on local ranches or at the farm east of Greeley and landed his first real job: picking up trash at the lake and cleaning outhouses. It has been said that his exposure to trash led him into archaeology. We will not speculate about what cleaning the outhouses might have led him to. On his first dig as a professional archaeologist in 1976 he discovered that two thousand year old human trash isn't nearly as obnoxious as the new stuff.
Michael graduated from Fort Collins High School in 1972 and pursued both his Bachelor's (1976) and Master's (1979) degrees at Colorado State University. Upon completion of his Master's - his specialty was in physical anthropology - he went to work for Western Wyoming College in Rock Springs as a field archaeologist.
It was in the winter of 1978 that he wrote his first novel. Irritated by historical inaccuracies in Western fiction, he swore he could do better. He was "taking retirement in installments," archaeology being a seasonal career, in the cabin his great uncle Aubrey had built. One cold January night he read a Western novel about a trail drive in which steers (castrated males) had calves. The historical inaccuracies of the story bothered him all night. The next morning, still incensed, he chunked wood into the stove and hunkered over the typewriter. There, on the mining claim, at nine thousand feet outside of Empire, Colorado he hammered out his first five hundred and fifty page novel. Yes, that first manuscript still exists, but if there is justice in the universe, no one will ever see it. It reads wretchedly - but the historical facts are correct!
Beginning in 1981, Michael, along with two partners, put together his own archaeological consulting company. Pronghorn Anthropological Associates began doing cultural resource management studies in 1982, and, although Michael sold his interest in 1984, to this day the company remains in business in Casper, Wyoming. During the years, Michael has worked throughout the western United States doing archaeological surveys, testing, and mitigation for pipelines, oil wells, power lines, timber sales, and highway construction. He learned the value of strong black coffee, developed a palate for chocolate donuts, and ferreted out every quality Mexican restaurant in eight states. He spent nine months of the year traveling from project to project with his trowel and dig kit, a clapped-out '72 Wonder Blazer, and his boon companion, Tedi, a noble tri-color Sheltie.
That fateful day in November, 1981, was delightfully clear, cold, and still in Laramie, Wyoming. Archaeologists from all over the state had arrived at the University of Wyoming for the annual meetings of the Wyoming Association of Professional Archaeologists. It was there, in the meeting room, way too early after a much too long night, that Mike first laid eyes on the most beautiful woman in the world: Kathleen O'Neal Gear. The BLM State Archaeologist, Ray Leicht, introduced him to the pretty anthropologist and historian, and best of all, Ray invited Mike to lunch with Kathleen. It was the perfect beginning for a long and wondrous relationship.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/wmicha...
It was there that Mike developed a love of history, anthropology, and motorcycles. They would color his future and fill his imagination for the rest of his life. During summers he volunteered labor on local ranches or at the farm east of Greeley and landed his first real job: picking up trash at the lake and cleaning outhouses. It has been said that his exposure to trash led him into archaeology. We will not speculate about what cleaning the outhouses might have led him to. On his first dig as a professional archaeologist in 1976 he discovered that two thousand year old human trash isn't nearly as obnoxious as the new stuff.
Michael graduated from Fort Collins High School in 1972 and pursued both his Bachelor's (1976) and Master's (1979) degrees at Colorado State University. Upon completion of his Master's - his specialty was in physical anthropology - he went to work for Western Wyoming College in Rock Springs as a field archaeologist.
It was in the winter of 1978 that he wrote his first novel. Irritated by historical inaccuracies in Western fiction, he swore he could do better. He was "taking retirement in installments," archaeology being a seasonal career, in the cabin his great uncle Aubrey had built. One cold January night he read a Western novel about a trail drive in which steers (castrated males) had calves. The historical inaccuracies of the story bothered him all night. The next morning, still incensed, he chunked wood into the stove and hunkered over the typewriter. There, on the mining claim, at nine thousand feet outside of Empire, Colorado he hammered out his first five hundred and fifty page novel. Yes, that first manuscript still exists, but if there is justice in the universe, no one will ever see it. It reads wretchedly - but the historical facts are correct!
Beginning in 1981, Michael, along with two partners, put together his own archaeological consulting company. Pronghorn Anthropological Associates began doing cultural resource management studies in 1982, and, although Michael sold his interest in 1984, to this day the company remains in business in Casper, Wyoming. During the years, Michael has worked throughout the western United States doing archaeological surveys, testing, and mitigation for pipelines, oil wells, power lines, timber sales, and highway construction. He learned the value of strong black coffee, developed a palate for chocolate donuts, and ferreted out every quality Mexican restaurant in eight states. He spent nine months of the year traveling from project to project with his trowel and dig kit, a clapped-out '72 Wonder Blazer, and his boon companion, Tedi, a noble tri-color Sheltie.
That fateful day in November, 1981, was delightfully clear, cold, and still in Laramie, Wyoming. Archaeologists from all over the state had arrived at the University of Wyoming for the annual meetings of the Wyoming Association of Professional Archaeologists. It was there, in the meeting room, way too early after a much too long night, that Mike first laid eyes on the most beautiful woman in the world: Kathleen O'Neal Gear. The BLM State Archaeologist, Ray Leicht, introduced him to the pretty anthropologist and historian, and best of all, Ray invited Mike to lunch with Kathleen. It was the perfect beginning for a long and wondrous relationship.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/wmicha...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 9, 2019
It’s the same gripping and colourful story telling that fans of these authors are used to. Having read the previous book of the storyline as well as knowing full well I‘ll 100% also buy the next one, I enjoyed this book a lot.
However, for people who might stumble over this book without being aware of the authors or that this is part of a series, yeah... I figure they’ll end up pretty lost and unsatisfied.
It strongly relies on you knowing already established characters and previous incidences. Frankly the last book of this storyline i read so long back, even for me it took some time ‘till I could recollect all past events that characters were constantly referring to. On top of that the narration ends right at the pinnacle of the story. Nothing is resolved, the main character is in grave danger, secondary characters are moving to help her/save their world. In short, this Book ends on a cliffhanger.
So if you only just stumbled over Gear & Gear, you’d be better advised to pick up one of their older Peoples series books first, which can be better read as stand alone books. Or if you want to dive into this story which is admittedly a lot more fast paced and suspenseful than many of the older books, then pick up the previous part of the series first.
If you already know and love the authors‘ work you might consider waiting for the next book to come out so you can read them back to back... but who am I kidding, we all know you won’t be able to wait ;)
So yeah, one star less, cause it’s really not very well readable as standalone. But four stars still cause it was definitely the much needed dose of Gear & Gear after a way too long ‚dry‘ period.
However, for people who might stumble over this book without being aware of the authors or that this is part of a series, yeah... I figure they’ll end up pretty lost and unsatisfied.
It strongly relies on you knowing already established characters and previous incidences. Frankly the last book of this storyline i read so long back, even for me it took some time ‘till I could recollect all past events that characters were constantly referring to. On top of that the narration ends right at the pinnacle of the story. Nothing is resolved, the main character is in grave danger, secondary characters are moving to help her/save their world. In short, this Book ends on a cliffhanger.
So if you only just stumbled over Gear & Gear, you’d be better advised to pick up one of their older Peoples series books first, which can be better read as stand alone books. Or if you want to dive into this story which is admittedly a lot more fast paced and suspenseful than many of the older books, then pick up the previous part of the series first.
If you already know and love the authors‘ work you might consider waiting for the next book to come out so you can read them back to back... but who am I kidding, we all know you won’t be able to wait ;)
So yeah, one star less, cause it’s really not very well readable as standalone. But four stars still cause it was definitely the much needed dose of Gear & Gear after a way too long ‚dry‘ period.
July 19, 2019
They suckered me in, again.
I have a thing for W. Michael and Kathleen O'Neal Gear's books about Native Americans. I have a special spot in my heart for the ones about Cahokia. I've read dozens of their books, endured confusing chapters about power and dreaming, gotten nervous about the dangers facing my favorite characters and been traumatized by the horrors of torture committed against innocent people, particularly children.
They suckered me with this one, though.
All of the hours I spent reading and worrying. They got me. The story doesn't end. They set up the book for a sequel. All I know is that Night Shadow Star is in a world of trouble. Fire Cat is on his way, desperately trying to save her. Back in Cahokia, Blue Heron and Seven Skull Shield might just worm their way out of the trouble they're in.
Aargh! How long do I have to wait?
I have a thing for W. Michael and Kathleen O'Neal Gear's books about Native Americans. I have a special spot in my heart for the ones about Cahokia. I've read dozens of their books, endured confusing chapters about power and dreaming, gotten nervous about the dangers facing my favorite characters and been traumatized by the horrors of torture committed against innocent people, particularly children.
They suckered me with this one, though.
All of the hours I spent reading and worrying. They got me. The story doesn't end. They set up the book for a sequel. All I know is that Night Shadow Star is in a world of trouble. Fire Cat is on his way, desperately trying to save her. Back in Cahokia, Blue Heron and Seven Skull Shield might just worm their way out of the trouble they're in.
Aargh! How long do I have to wait?
March 6, 2019
Star Path (North America's Forgotten Past #25; People of Cahokia #4)
by W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O'Neal Gear
It’s hard to gather my thoughts on this book, I am caught in on the edge of a cliff metaphorically. Left at a the moment of anticipation wanting to know the end of the story, will the characters overcome their difficulties? Will they survive? And will life be worth living if they do survive?
Lady Night Shadow Star has a mission from Piasa, to kill her horrific brother Walking Smoke, the witch Lightning Shell. The battle of Powers of the Sky and the Underworld is wound around her life, from the moment she was allied with Piasa. She has to face her world and her place in it. The dramatic change in her creates a new polished aspect to her character that makes her more real, and more enduring. No longer the high polished Lady, who knows nothing of her world. The bravery and reliance of her characters transformation may be the one thing that will enable her to survive, a bet for a little bit longer.
Fire Cat has learned to love Lady Night Shadow Star in a way that he never expected. He thought he knew love and his responsibilities when he was the war leader of the Red Wing village. His absolute devotion to Night Shadow has grown from mutual respect and admiration of her resilient and powerful soul. He will risk everything, anything to save her. He spends the travel of the across the known world, not only trying to survive but to protect her in every way.
Seven Skull Shield may be the one character who has the most relevance in story. He is faced with ultimate power, and complete and utter devastation. He goes from the great power and control of being in charge of Lady Night Shadow Star’s house hold, to a tortured prisoner. It is his friendship that not only cost him nearly everything, but also what may save him.
Blue Heron, deposed Keeper of the Four Winds Clan, will have to use her wits to survive her greatest change. She will lose all she owns, all she values, and have to rely on Seven Skull Shield is a way she never anticipated, but it is that friendship she needs to survive.
I anticipate Lightning Shell the next book in the series with great want and need. The resolution of Night Shadow Star’s quest is something this avid reader is impatient to find resolved. Michael and Kathleen Gear have a way of writing that bring not only events but characters to life. Their readers like themselves live the lives of the characters in the story. Wanting what they want, and hoping for a future for the character that is as grand as their tortured story can allow. You are caught up in the story, turning pages over and over in succession with a need to find the next step in the process, hoping that your fears do not come true, but also getting lost in the story and characters in an almost addictive way. Star Path is another step in the masterpiece that is the People of Cahokia series.
by W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O'Neal Gear
It’s hard to gather my thoughts on this book, I am caught in on the edge of a cliff metaphorically. Left at a the moment of anticipation wanting to know the end of the story, will the characters overcome their difficulties? Will they survive? And will life be worth living if they do survive?
Lady Night Shadow Star has a mission from Piasa, to kill her horrific brother Walking Smoke, the witch Lightning Shell. The battle of Powers of the Sky and the Underworld is wound around her life, from the moment she was allied with Piasa. She has to face her world and her place in it. The dramatic change in her creates a new polished aspect to her character that makes her more real, and more enduring. No longer the high polished Lady, who knows nothing of her world. The bravery and reliance of her characters transformation may be the one thing that will enable her to survive, a bet for a little bit longer.
Fire Cat has learned to love Lady Night Shadow Star in a way that he never expected. He thought he knew love and his responsibilities when he was the war leader of the Red Wing village. His absolute devotion to Night Shadow has grown from mutual respect and admiration of her resilient and powerful soul. He will risk everything, anything to save her. He spends the travel of the across the known world, not only trying to survive but to protect her in every way.
Seven Skull Shield may be the one character who has the most relevance in story. He is faced with ultimate power, and complete and utter devastation. He goes from the great power and control of being in charge of Lady Night Shadow Star’s house hold, to a tortured prisoner. It is his friendship that not only cost him nearly everything, but also what may save him.
Blue Heron, deposed Keeper of the Four Winds Clan, will have to use her wits to survive her greatest change. She will lose all she owns, all she values, and have to rely on Seven Skull Shield is a way she never anticipated, but it is that friendship she needs to survive.
I anticipate Lightning Shell the next book in the series with great want and need. The resolution of Night Shadow Star’s quest is something this avid reader is impatient to find resolved. Michael and Kathleen Gear have a way of writing that bring not only events but characters to life. Their readers like themselves live the lives of the characters in the story. Wanting what they want, and hoping for a future for the character that is as grand as their tortured story can allow. You are caught up in the story, turning pages over and over in succession with a need to find the next step in the process, hoping that your fears do not come true, but also getting lost in the story and characters in an almost addictive way. Star Path is another step in the masterpiece that is the People of Cahokia series.
January 26, 2020
The story is wonderful and I really wanted to give "Star Path" more stars, but the book ends before the story does. The characters are all in place for the climactic finish and then "... we'll finish up in the next book." If this had been stated elsewhere, like on the front cover, that was going to be a two-part book, then I would have given more. I invested a month into this book and now have to wait even longer to find out the end of the story.
All that aside, the Gears do a fantastic job of portraying life in Cahokia. Getting back in touch with Blue Heron, Seven Skull Shield, Night Shadow Star, the Morning Star, Crazy Frog, Columnella, and all the others is a journey with friends.
The Morning Star sends a great expedition to Cofitichekia with Night Shadow Star at the head. She and Piasa have different plans and she slinks off in the middle of the night with Fire Cat. She leaves Seven Skull Shield in charge of her household. The thief embarrasses the Keeper, Spotted Wrist, in front of the Morning Star. This leads to his capture. Spotted Wrist expands his revenge and takes bigger steps to take control of Cahokia.
Night Shadow Star and Fire Cat navigate the Tenesee River, heading east. They stop at various villages and Cahokia colonies along the way. They are pursued by Blood Talon, Spotted Wrist's Squadron Frist, and his men. Fire Cat is able to hinder the pursuit, leaving Night Shadow Star with an unknown Trader leading the rest of the way.
The characters are great, the story is wonderful, the historical detail is fantastic. Really wished the story would have ended when the book did.
All that aside, the Gears do a fantastic job of portraying life in Cahokia. Getting back in touch with Blue Heron, Seven Skull Shield, Night Shadow Star, the Morning Star, Crazy Frog, Columnella, and all the others is a journey with friends.
The Morning Star sends a great expedition to Cofitichekia with Night Shadow Star at the head. She and Piasa have different plans and she slinks off in the middle of the night with Fire Cat. She leaves Seven Skull Shield in charge of her household. The thief embarrasses the Keeper, Spotted Wrist, in front of the Morning Star. This leads to his capture. Spotted Wrist expands his revenge and takes bigger steps to take control of Cahokia.
Night Shadow Star and Fire Cat navigate the Tenesee River, heading east. They stop at various villages and Cahokia colonies along the way. They are pursued by Blood Talon, Spotted Wrist's Squadron Frist, and his men. Fire Cat is able to hinder the pursuit, leaving Night Shadow Star with an unknown Trader leading the rest of the way.
The characters are great, the story is wonderful, the historical detail is fantastic. Really wished the story would have ended when the book did.
October 2, 2023
I love this series! Having read the last three books of the People of the Cahokia series, I knew I would enjoy this one.
This book takes you out of the great city of Cahokia and into a land of rivers, forests, tribes, and excited colonies. You get a rare look into the mystical ways of the Native American culture and the founding of the Mississippian civilization.
After a year of chaos and following a near civil war, Cahokia is recovering and the god incarnate, Morning Star has declared his human sister, Night Shadow Star, and her slave Fire Cat must travel on a dangerous journey to far-off Cofitachequi. There is an old threat that has arisen on the other side of the great eastern mountains—their brother, Walking Smoke, a madman who is convinced that he is the true deity destined to rule Cahokia.
Follow along the treacherous Tenasee River, as the Underworld lord, Piasa dangles his power and a chance of happiness in front of Night Shadow Star and Fire Cat—and if they succeed with his agenda, they might become nameless, clan less, and worthless. And thus free. But at the end of the journey, Walking Smoke prepares to spring his trap! Enjoy this intriguing story!
This book takes you out of the great city of Cahokia and into a land of rivers, forests, tribes, and excited colonies. You get a rare look into the mystical ways of the Native American culture and the founding of the Mississippian civilization.
After a year of chaos and following a near civil war, Cahokia is recovering and the god incarnate, Morning Star has declared his human sister, Night Shadow Star, and her slave Fire Cat must travel on a dangerous journey to far-off Cofitachequi. There is an old threat that has arisen on the other side of the great eastern mountains—their brother, Walking Smoke, a madman who is convinced that he is the true deity destined to rule Cahokia.
Follow along the treacherous Tenasee River, as the Underworld lord, Piasa dangles his power and a chance of happiness in front of Night Shadow Star and Fire Cat—and if they succeed with his agenda, they might become nameless, clan less, and worthless. And thus free. But at the end of the journey, Walking Smoke prepares to spring his trap! Enjoy this intriguing story!
August 2, 2019
The Cahokia series continues with the noble lady Night Shining Star on a mission from her brother, the living god, Morning Star, ruler of Cahokia and Piasa, spirit lord of the underworld, to bring down their brother, the exiled Walking Smoke. She must travel the hazardous Tenasee River, accompanied by her slave and lover Fire Cat while pursued by the forces of the man who would make her his wife.
Meanwhile, the thief, Seven Skull Shield, is facing torture and death as the result of his earlier actions in the series.
It all comes together in a cliffhanger that will lead to the final book in the series. Will Night Shining Star be able to complete her mission? Can Fire Cat save her? What will become of Seven Skull Shield and his dog, Farts?
Yes, it is frustrating to have no answers, but I am also looking forward to the conclusion of the series.
Meanwhile, the thief, Seven Skull Shield, is facing torture and death as the result of his earlier actions in the series.
It all comes together in a cliffhanger that will lead to the final book in the series. Will Night Shining Star be able to complete her mission? Can Fire Cat save her? What will become of Seven Skull Shield and his dog, Farts?
Yes, it is frustrating to have no answers, but I am also looking forward to the conclusion of the series.
November 6, 2020
I took a break from the series of books the Gears where writing when they veered off on a direction I wasn't interest in. Years later I was looking for stuff to read and came back into picking up their books again. It was fascinating to delve back into ancient native American history and see the possibilities if things had taken an abrupt left turn. Which happens in history.
This is not their longest history. Their stories about the "wolf bundle" is their longest. However, this series about Cahokia in Illinois is fascinating. A settlement that probably rivaled todays cities and behaved like the Roman Empire that if it failed would have disastrous consequences.
Book 4 continues the journey of the main characters to kill a madman while back in Cahokia two of the nobility plan for the take over and destruction of Cahokia itself. The final pages had me on pins and needles.
This is not their longest history. Their stories about the "wolf bundle" is their longest. However, this series about Cahokia in Illinois is fascinating. A settlement that probably rivaled todays cities and behaved like the Roman Empire that if it failed would have disastrous consequences.
Book 4 continues the journey of the main characters to kill a madman while back in Cahokia two of the nobility plan for the take over and destruction of Cahokia itself. The final pages had me on pins and needles.
September 18, 2019
In this fourth of the People of Cahokia series, the Morning Star sends his sister Night Shadow Star and her slave Fire Cat on a dangerous journey through the Tenasee River valley to far-off Cofitachequi to confront and destroy an old threat: their brother Walking Smoke, a perverse madman who believes he is destined to rule the entire Cahokian world, while he faces threats of a more political nature at home.
Had I known the book's ending would leave the reader hanging, I'd have waited to read it until the fifth of the series, Lightning Shell, comes out to finish the story next year.
Had I known the book's ending would leave the reader hanging, I'd have waited to read it until the fifth of the series, Lightning Shell, comes out to finish the story next year.
July 25, 2025
If you have read the previous People Of Cahokia books, you are very familiar with the main characters by now. The other books could perhaps be stand alone reads, but this one ends in a cliffhanger, leaving the endgame of most of the characters completely unresolved. So be prepared to get your hands on a copy of Lightning Shell so you can sleep at night 😉. I am visiting Cahokia mounds next week and due to the Gears detailed descriptions, I feel like I know the place. I can’t wait to actually see it!
June 19, 2020
Star Path
Beautifully written descriptions of the land during the travels, the river currents and how they required constant observation to avoid problems and get the shores revealed opportunistic p!aces to hide and rest. All the time the pressure to avoid capture plays a huge part of the subplots The main plot is never forgotten and builds with intensity to the end. A great read.
Beautifully written descriptions of the land during the travels, the river currents and how they required constant observation to avoid problems and get the shores revealed opportunistic p!aces to hide and rest. All the time the pressure to avoid capture plays a huge part of the subplots The main plot is never forgotten and builds with intensity to the end. A great read.
May 1, 2022
Book four in the Cahokia sereis...I inadvertantly skipped book three but will correct that oversight soon. I have enjoyed every book by Michael Gear that I have read. The Cahokia novels are a joint effort with his wife Catherine. As was the case with books books one and two, I found the character development, incorporation of pre-Columbian history, and the interactions of the many characters outstanding.
December 18, 2019
This is a novel setting for me- a historical fantasy set in the ancient pre Cahokia culture. It evokes Peter Jennings in many ways though I felt a little lost due to it not being the first in the series and this is the first book of theirs I picked up. I need to start with book 1 and then my review may change.
October 27, 2020
This was another great book about Cahokia. There were several paragraphs that show the exceptional skill of the writer. The problem is, the author has left us in suspense as to what is going to happen next. The next move is critical, but the next episode will not come out for at least a year and a half. We will be there waiting with anticipation.
September 7, 2019
The continuing saga of Night Shadow Star and Fire Cat is the fourth book in this series! It takes the reader out of Cahokia and on a journey towards Morning Star and Night Shadow Star’s mad brother who believes he is the only one who should rule Cahokia!
September 10, 2020
Randomly picked this book up from the library and fell in love with it. Incredibly rich experience, drawing you into the customs, natural world, spirituality, politics, and beliefs of our North American Indigenous peoples. Highly recommend.
July 11, 2022
Left me hanging!!
I sincerely hope there is a resolution to this crazy cliffhanger with Night Morning Star and her delusional brother. I hope People of the Canyon puts an end to this battle. I couldn't stand it if the red wing & Night Morning Star do not persevere!! Please!m
I sincerely hope there is a resolution to this crazy cliffhanger with Night Morning Star and her delusional brother. I hope People of the Canyon puts an end to this battle. I couldn't stand it if the red wing & Night Morning Star do not persevere!! Please!m
July 6, 2019
An entire book of buildup. No climax or resolution. The buildup was good, but Im left quite unsatisfied.
July 12, 2019
Grrr...left me w/a cliffhanger. Can't wait until the next one.
August 18, 2019
I really enjoyed this book right up to the almost ending. GOT wannabes
June 26, 2020
Love Michael and Kathleen Gear's books!
August 10, 2020
Never fails to disappoint. What a cliff hanger, I will desperately be waiting for the next book!
September 18, 2020
Arrrrrhgh! It ended at the most exciting spot! This was only a part 1. It doesn't say that at the beginning. You just have to read it through to know. Now I have to order more books!
July 6, 2021
I had a hard time putting it down. I can’t wait for the next in this series.
October 19, 2019
As usual an awesome read
From beginning to end a masterpiece of fiction. I love all of the characters especially Seven Skull Shield. Cannot wait until the next book.
From beginning to end a masterpiece of fiction. I love all of the characters especially Seven Skull Shield. Cannot wait until the next book.
August 27, 2019
I recently got to travel down a road called STAR PATH-the fourth book in Kathleen O'Neal and W. Michael Gear's MORNING STAR series, the continuing story of America's forgotten past. Total satisfaction!!!!
The Gears have the incredible ability to bring to readers books which are part of a series, yet can stand alone. Kathleen and Michael capture the reader from the first word until the very last word.
STAR PATH stands as a marvel to me. Not only does the reader get the struggle of politics in the Cahokian population centers, but they take the reader on a grand adventure across the untouched beauty of the North American continent. With the Gear's writing plus my minds ability to see what I read, I finally have seen my country as the Eden it was before men overused it's resources. I am proud to be of Native decent..
Profound is my gratitude to Kathleen and Michael Gear for sharing the knowledge woven into these historical fiction writings. I recommend all books from the Gears to everyone I come in contact with. My life serves others because the Gear's shared their work with me.
THANK YOU!!!!♥
Tess Cole
The Gears have the incredible ability to bring to readers books which are part of a series, yet can stand alone. Kathleen and Michael capture the reader from the first word until the very last word.
STAR PATH stands as a marvel to me. Not only does the reader get the struggle of politics in the Cahokian population centers, but they take the reader on a grand adventure across the untouched beauty of the North American continent. With the Gear's writing plus my minds ability to see what I read, I finally have seen my country as the Eden it was before men overused it's resources. I am proud to be of Native decent..
Profound is my gratitude to Kathleen and Michael Gear for sharing the knowledge woven into these historical fiction writings. I recommend all books from the Gears to everyone I come in contact with. My life serves others because the Gear's shared their work with me.
THANK YOU!!!!♥
Tess Cole
July 4, 2019
I DIDNT WANT IT TOO END.. BUT WHAT A RIDE
The staggering talent of Kathleen and Michael, has somehow been topped. By themselves.
This story picks up, after the events of MOON HUNT, Blue Heron, no longer Keeper, but has friends in the right places. Will it save her?! Seven Skull Shield is back too his usual antics, with Farts, his dog as irreverent as he is.. all antics have consequences....
Fire Cat and Night Shadow Star, on Powers business.. her Master, Piasa, Lord of the Underworld, sends her to fight a Powerful enemy...
World collide . Political intrigue abounds... enemies who reluctantly find themselves working together..The battles are absolutely amazing. The writing, the tactics blew my mind. I do live n the area written about... I cannot wait, until LIGHTNING SHELL comes out.
Back to gleefully, reread the series...
The staggering talent of Kathleen and Michael, has somehow been topped. By themselves.
This story picks up, after the events of MOON HUNT, Blue Heron, no longer Keeper, but has friends in the right places. Will it save her?! Seven Skull Shield is back too his usual antics, with Farts, his dog as irreverent as he is.. all antics have consequences....
Fire Cat and Night Shadow Star, on Powers business.. her Master, Piasa, Lord of the Underworld, sends her to fight a Powerful enemy...
World collide . Political intrigue abounds... enemies who reluctantly find themselves working together..The battles are absolutely amazing. The writing, the tactics blew my mind. I do live n the area written about... I cannot wait, until LIGHTNING SHELL comes out.
Back to gleefully, reread the series...
October 25, 2025
This is the 4th book in the People of Cahokia stories. The Gears continually outdo themselves and this book is no exception. Unfortunately there was no ending and we have to wait impatiently for the 5th in the series but I'll be there wondering if Blue Heron and Seven Skull Shield save Cahokia from Spotted Wrist and if Fire Cat and Night Shadow Star defeat the evil Walking Smoke. And what part will the mysterious Morning Star in all of this?
June 26, 2019
Great Read,
I can't wait until the next book. This is one of my favorite series. I enjoyed the descriptions of the land in the mountains, and the continuing character development and growth.
I can't wait until the next book. This is one of my favorite series. I enjoyed the descriptions of the land in the mountains, and the continuing character development and growth.
July 2, 2019
I wish this book had finished the story. Now I must wait till the next one comes out.
November 2, 2019
Beautifully written and takes the reader into pre-Columbian America ...but did not like the ending!
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