Wanders Far-An Unlikely Hero's Journey: Part of the Adirondack Spirit Series

Adirondack Spirit #1

by David Fitz-Gerald

Wanders Far lived in dangerous times and was faced with one difficult challenge after another. He was a skinny, quiet boy who was raised on the banks of a tributary of New York State’s Mohawk River, hundreds of years before colonists arrived. One lifetime was not enough for Wanders Far’s old soul.

From a very young age, his wanderlust compelled him down one path after another. No village could contain him.

He was happy living a simple life in the physical world during challenging times. The spirit world had other plans.

A wise, enigmatic shaman mentored Wanders Far and helped him cultivate the supernatural visions that haunted him. His guide could only help him so far.

He set out to become a runner, carrying important messages across the lands of his people and their enemies. He ended up fulfilling a much greater destiny than he ever imagined.

This is the first installment in the Adirondack Spirit Series.

You might like this book if you like historical novels, westerns, supernatural thrillers, or books featuring distance hikers. If you like all of those, hopefully this book will be one of your favorites.

Table of Contents
Grandfather Is Dead
A Good Place to Start a New Life
Runaway Toddler
Too Many Trout to Count
Ambushed
Swamp Creature
The Fierce Scream of a Fisher Cat
Trading with the Narraganset
Choosing a New Chief
Attacked at Dawn
An Algonquin Captive
Utopia
Magic Crystal
Stealing Souvenirs from a Camp of Giants
A Malevolent Presence
Great Roaring Waterfalls
He Who Follows the Stars
That Is How Your Story Should Be Told, My Friend
People of the Longhouse
The Great White Stag
Justice
The First Full Moon of Summer
A Young Man with an Old Soul

About David Fitz-Gerald
David Fitz-Gerald is an author. Okay, make that amateur author. If you’re looking for the atheist activist author by the same name, keep looking—this book is DEFINITELY not for you! After a chaotic day as a business person, Dave enjoys getting lost in the settings he imagines and spending time with the characters he creates. Writing historical fiction is like making paintings of the past. He loves to weave fact and fiction together, stirring in action, adventure, romance, and a heavy dose of the supernatural with the hope of transporting the reader to another time and place. He is an Adirondack 46-er, which means he has hiked all of the highest peaks in New York State, so it should not be surprising when Dave attempts to glorify hikers as swashbuckling superheroes in his writing. Wanders Far—An Unlikely Hero’s Journey is the first in a series of books in the Adirondack Spirit Series.

Genres: Fiction

173 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 11, 2019

About the author

David Fitz-Gerald writes frontier and pioneer western fiction from the wilds of western Vermont—about as far west as you can get without slipping into New York.

Though he’s never wrangled beeves to market, Dave was a top hand on his grandfather’s dude ranch in the Adirondack Mountains… before he turned ten. He’s lived most of his life on dirt roads. Whenever he gets the chance, he travels west to recharge his spirit on the windswept prairies.

He’s an Adirondack 46’er which means that he’s hiked to the top of every mountain in the park. In 2018, Dave completed the 1960s fitness craze by hiking 50 miles in one day. That’s one heck of a long walk, but not nearly as grueling as the iconic trails that he chases in his fiction.

Even after all these years, Dave still has his head in the clouds like Ken from My Friend Flicka, and a quiet, self-reliant spirit like Sam from The Trumpet of the Swan. That blend of wonder, heart, and spirit runs through the characters he portrays. His editor states he is “exceptionally good at creating real moments between characters”—and readers seem to agree.

Dave’s breakthrough series, Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail won Chanticleer’s Grand Prize for Book Series. He’s now the author of nearly twenty novels and counting, and as long as there’s coffee in the kitchen, Dave will be plotting one adventurous story after another.

Reviews

[Nursebookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wanders Far: An Unlikely Hero's Journey (Part of the Adirondack Spirit Series).

I thoroughly enjoyed this amazing book by David Fitz-Gerald, Wanders Far - An Unlikely Hero's Journey. Reading this book felt to me like I was reading an epic adventure story, yet is told so brilliantly in just 187 pages. The genre of this book is Historical Fiction but has definite elements of the supernatural and also some suspense and mystery within the story. Though this is an Adult Fiction, those who enjoy Young Adult will definitely enjoy the themes in this book. The book certainly moved fast and followed the very exciting life of Wanders Far. The book is set in current day upstate New York in the beautiful Adirondack region.

Right away you know that Wanders Far is a very special child. He has definite gifts of photographic memory and we realize that he is given a lot more gifts which will be important for their tribes and future survival. He is able to discern subtle differences in rocks and trees and will never get lost. At the young age of 8, Wanders Far traveled miles, and survived the dangers of the wild, not just from the natural elements and bears, but from neighboring enemy tribes. His gift of travelling to different areas easily and quickly, became the bridge to unify people. The art of storytelling is also a huge part of how information traveled between the tribes. His stories and adventures helped with this unification process.

Wanders Far is from the Bear Clan Village of the People of the Flint (Mohawk tribe) that is lead by his mother, Bear Fat. The other tribes include Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga and Seneca which will eventually form The Iroquois (Confederacy of Five). Bear Fat is an amazing leader that thoughtfully leads her tribe fairly and democratically.

Fitz-Gerald writes of a well researched novel in this beautifully imagined world full of interesting cast of characters, though it is centered around Wanders-Far. No detail is left out. Through reading this book, I became fully immersed in their day to day life and goings on. The story spanned from the year 1125 through about 1192. I enjoyed the beautiful detailed descriptions of the beauty of their surroundings as well as their long houses, their crafts and specialties independent of the tribes, their traditions and beliefs, the display of matriarchal democracy, and the importance of family bonding. Of course there are also a lot of adventures and difficulties when the tribes were warring with each other. Some of the lifestyle and the way of survival during the 1100's could be a bit graphic and at times even violent.

If you enjoy learning about different cultures and enjoy stories about Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse or Geronimo, then Wanders Far is a definite must read for you. I am pleasantly surprised that I would enjoy this very much! The storytelling and immersion into the characters are brilliantly told and the story flowed very well for me. I highly recommend this book.

I received a copy of this book from the author and this review is voluntary. All opinions expressed are my own honest opinion.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wanders Far was a pleasant surprise for me. I chose to read it because the Blurb was intriguing and the cover was striking. I am so glad I gave this one a shot. A quick and enriching. Historical fiction has captured my heart in 2019 and I’m happy to add this novel to the list.

The characters are absolutely brilliant. David Fitz-Gerald has not only written well-rounded characters, but he brought them to life. I love the descriptions, the lives of every day Native Americans in the mid-1100s. It was brilliantly researched to feel as realistic as possible.

I love the bit of mystery mixed in with spiritual insights. It the novel this mystical air to it. I think this was clever and insightful.

Overall, Wanders Far was a wonderfully crafted novel with real feeling characters and expertly researched facts to give this historical fiction a realism that not every novel achieves. Highly recommended!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of a blog tour with Historical Fiction Blog Tours. All opinions are my own.*

[Paul Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Iroquois Confederacy - comprised of the Mohawk, Onondaga, Oneida, Cayuga, and Seneca tribes was just one example of the sophisticated governments and societies practiced by these so-called savage peoples who had called the "New World" home for thousands of years. In Wanders Far the author has created an intriguing look at a time and place prior to the European 'discovery', and settlement. A coming of age tale of an enigmatic, and precocious boy, who plays an important role in the founding of the confederacy of the tribes, Wanders Far is also a well researched look at the cultures and history of the tribes living in what is now upstate New York. An enjoyable page turner, Wanders Far (the young man) takes the reader on his spiritual journey to discover the Path he must follow to fulfill his destiny.  4 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Fitz-Gerald’s talent shines through in his Wanders Far-An Unlikely Hero's Journey. I really enjoyed this well written and easy to read story. I really felt like I was right there living among the native people. I loved getting to Wanders Far and his family.

Wanders Far-An Unlikely Hero's Journey gets a well-deserved five plus stars from me. I hope to see more books from Mr. Fitz-Gerald in the near future. This one is a keeper.

I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

[Frankie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the new Adirondack Spirit series and it is definitely an eye-opener, I thought when I came into this book that it would be a basic historical fiction with a bit of a supernatural feel, but oh, boy was I wrong, there is a really strong fantasy and supernatural elements within it, plus intrigue, suspense and mystery, you are probably thinking that it’s all a bit much for one story especially one that is pretty short, but it all falls together really well and comes together to make a fully immersive and enjoyable story.
Set during the early 12th century, America we follow the hero; Wanders-Far as he moves – quite rapidly – through life, as soon as the story opens and we meet him, you know that there is something very special about him, he is gifted and we soon see how, he has the ability to move quickly, he travels miles in no time at all, he has a photographic memory and more then he starts as a very young child to have visions all of this helps him through his life as he faces troubles and danger, as he helps protect his family and his tribe. I won’t say too much about the plot as even the slightest slip will give away far too much, but I will say it has some amazing character’s, a memorable plot and the most stunning setting and historic details.
This is a hugely original, thought-provoking and fascinating story, I was completely immersed into the hero; Wanders-Fars life, which is one full of adventure and intrigue. What I love about this is that you really get a sense of a history that we don’t really know that much about, I am fascinated by Native American history and their culture, yet there is so little in historical fiction about it, it was so enjoyable to become immersed in the era and get to know each character.
I will admit that as much as I thoroughly enjoyed this, it’s not completely my cup of tea – I think it was the fantasy feel that wasn’t for me, yet I was glued to the story, there is no denying that it is a highly enjoyable page-turner and that the author has a real skill at capturing the readers attention with his vivid and atmospheric writing.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I give this book 5 stars simply for the historical aspect of it.
The writing is slow but we learn how it was for the Indians.
I liked being in the Indians' camp and listening to them tell stories. They have families just like we do. I felt like I made friends with them.
Life has everyday challenges for Wanders Far. But then life does for every single person even in today's world.
I enjoyed learning about Wanders Far. His life's journey was fascinating. How interesting it must've been to live back even before the colonists did! I felt like I was seeing it through Wanders Fars' eyes for the 1st time! Just wow!
The story was entertaining and I learned much.
I strongly recommend this book! You will learn much!
I will look for more from this author in the future. This book was fabulous!
My thanks to the author for a copy of this book. NO compensations were received. All opinions are my own.

[Melanie Matulonis · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s difficult to categorize the genre of Wanders Far – adventure, mystery, historical fiction. It’s really all of the above. The author brilliantly describes the characters, emotions, challenges and events in this novel in a way that transcends time. The themes of family, adventure and societal expectations are as relevant today as they were in 1,125. As a woman with Canadian Indian ancestry, I felt a special connection with Wanders Far: An Unlikely Hero’s Journey. It is apparent that the location and topic resonates in a special way with the author. It is genuine, relevant, insightful and I highly recommend this book.

[Xerxes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wanders Far is one of those novels that focuses less on the action and more the individual. Sometimes some novels don’t need action, being the heavy action-reader I am. This novel is unique in respecting Native American Cultures, which I don’t know about. I felt I was immersed in the time period. The amount of spiritualness and religion in this story is staggering and this is amazing.

The story itself has a more joint and vibrant mood. This is why I would say that in this novel, be prepared for less action and more story. Sometimes in that ancient period, some people did get to live the lives they wanted. That wasn’t the case for others. I liked all the characters, Big Canoe, Bear Fat who resembles a lot of mothers in personality and charm.

There are plenty of visions that will make you go, wow, did that really happen? How much time the author put into researching a novel like this is staggering. In a way, Wanders’s Far gift of storytelling and traveling is very similar to the Celtic Tribes, which placed an emphasis on their Bards to relay news and sing songs. There is also a vivid description of the houses, the landscapes, the forests, and since it is around 1192, you know that by the year 1492 the Spanish arrive in Mexico, and then Jamestown in 1607. It is a harrowing future, as you think that time is short for Mohawk tribe that Wanders Far is from, and you get a sense of this throughout it. The Aztecs had been receiving strange omens from their Gods heralding the arrival of strange men.

I do not know enough about the subject matter in detail to write more about the culture, but I loved this. It’s a nice, pleasant story that you can read to children, it is a story with less violence/action and its more realistic. It’s like real life. My rating is a 5/5.

[Jacqui Huntley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely story book about a native American family back in the 12th century and particularly the son,Wanders Far. It is an essentially matriarchal family with his mother at the head but with all members working together, mostly in harmony. The descriptions of their lives is fascinating and feels realistic. In the first half-ish of the book each chapter is a standalone story and this sort of continues later but with more of a follow-on thread. A very nice way to write. Each chapter has some event as the focus; that might be a battle but is, more often, an encounter with a shaman, a bear hunt, travelling to summer camps, visiting relatives and friends. It took a little getting into as I kept forgetting the gender of the various children - Dandelion, Squash and so on not being immediately helpful in this respect to a 21st century Caucasian! Wanders Far's character develops well throughout from a rumbustious little boy to an young man with itchy feet and a lot of spiritualism and visions. Most of the book relates to his journey to adulthood culminating in his marriage at about 25 - old for those times but the last couple of chapters make a huge leap to he and his wife being married 50 years so they're in their mid 70s. This felt - err, what happened in the intervening 50 years, besides three sets of twins! I have to assume, since this is the first instalment in the description on NetGalley, that subsequent books will fill in those 50 years. Given his vision of skating on a river or pond with shiny metal, ?steel skates, I wait to see how this turns out. Thanks to NetGalley and Outskirts Press Inc for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Elizabeth Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a celebration of nature and family. I really enjoyed learning about daily life among the native people of North America, hundreds of years before Europeans reached its shores. This felt like someone telling a story around a campfire, although a couple things interrupted the "narrative dream" for me. One was the narrator's voice in the audiobook. It didn't *quite* work for me. This is probably going to sound weird, but I found it too cheerful. I would have preferred a deeper voice with more gravity, but that might just be my personal taste. The narrator also pronounced the word "hearth" as "herth" the first two times, which was odd. The author also made some word choices that kept reminding me I was listening to a story written in the modern era. Examples are backpack and "photographic memory." I've done this myself so I know, it is incredibly tough to describe a completely different world without anachronistic-sounding words, still have the listener/reader understand you, and not slow down your story. The choices here didn't always work for me, but it's still a wonderful story capably told. Tales in Native American settings are often violent, and I appreciated that Mr. Fitz-Gerald didn't go too far in that direction. I think this really is meant for all ages. In the end, it was transporting.

[gwendalyn _books_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was received as an ARC from the Author, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own

Wanders Far-an Unlikely Hero's Journey - Part of the Adirondack Spirit Series
David Fitz-Gerald, has written a thought provoking early American historical fiction. The story spans from the year 1125 through about 1192. Rich in Imagery, the author has given us a glimpse into life among the the native people of North America, hundreds of years before Europeans Colonist reached its shores. An intriguing storyline with well developed characters. Wonderful atmospheric details, that catapult you into the struggle and hardships of the natives. The setting takes place in what is now the Adirondack’s mountain range, in upstate New York.

Wonders Far, is name given to the main protagonist in the story. In the beginning of the story we are introduced to this precocious young boy who has been with gifted talents that he will use throughout the book. His mother is the tribal leader, Bear Fat.
It is a traditional matriarchal family with his mother at the head but with all members working together in unity. Wanders Far, has wanderlust and curiosity that will send him down many different paths. He become a runner early carrying important messages across the lands of his people and their enemies. Encountering the elements along wild animals. This is a coming of an age story we see him grow through trials and tribulations to marriage and his spiritual beliefs.
An enjoyable well crafted novel of early American historical fiction that I really enjoyed immensely.
Captivated and enduring characters, that you can easily feel connected to, and they kept me engaged throughout their struggles. The heartwarming sense of family and enduring family ties. The author has done a great job in making the characters well fleshed out. I was completely captivated and fully immersed in adventures tale.
Fitz-Gerald, has an intriguing written an engaging and thought provoking story, that gives a glimpse into the traditions, culture of the people, their crafts. I enjoyed learning about the others tribes and their sophisticated government as well.
There are some dramatic scenes, and tribal warfare, along with great adventures that made for a non stop read and had me glued to the pages. The author has meticulously blended historical, spiritual, along with adventurous elements. I am highly anticipating the next book in the this series

If you enjoyed the stories about Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse or Geronimo, then Wanders Far is a definite must read for you.
Thank you @hfvbt for the spot in this tour.
The Iroquois Confederacy was comprised of the Mohawk, Onondaga, Oneida, Cayuga, and Seneca tribes it had sophisticated governments and societies.

[Just another reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wanders Far is an amazing multi-genre tale, panning several decades. It's has elements of a historical fiction, an adrenaline-throbbing survival thriller, and a racy adventure, all brilliantly woven together. Spotlighting the years from 1125 through 1192, the story takes us through the life of Wanders Far, a remarkably brave and self-righteous protagonist who would stay in our minds for long after we finish the story. With tribal wars and clash of the clans as its primary theme, David also gives us a dose of his take of how lives were led those days, with a spy-glass. Concepts of familial togetherness, ethics, democracy, are all dealt with tactfully by the author.
I loved the characterization, especially that of Bear Fat, the mother of Wanders Far. She is an awe-inspiring fearless leader and I loved the matriarchal governance idea. The pace was gripping, and the articulation was quite engaging.
A superb book. I am so glad I got to read it. My sincere thanks to Amy Bruno from HF Promotions, Outskirts Press, and David Fitz-gerald for gifting me a copy of this book for an honest review.

[Kate Eminhizer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like the title tells us, this book is a journey. It encompasses elements from historical fiction, adventure, romance, and spiritual genres. This book is a quick read but that in no way diminishes its impact on the reader. This is a tale about a boy named Wanders Far. The author describes the world of the Native Americans so brilliantly that you will feel transported back in time. As Wanders Far grows he learns more about himself and the tribes surrounding his own family. He becomes aware of his abilities and his opportunities to help others as a result. We see how Wanders Far evolves into a man in conjunction with the evolution of the Native American tribes in the Northeast. The simplicity of this book is its strength. It doesn't contain that one key moment or event. Fitz-Gerald's writing is such that you are absorbed without really knowing why. A beautiful book.

[M. Apple · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful YA historical novel

As a fellow Adirondacker and outdoor enthusiast with a passion for history, I was intrigued by the premise of this story, and it did not disappoint. I would have liked the middle chapters related to the Great Peacemaker and Hiawatha legend to be cut into a couple of smaller chapters, to keep the consistency of the first part of the book. And the main character seemingly can do no wrong from day one. But the characters in general are sympathetically presented, and the plot is compelling. A great short novel for young adults.

[Mike Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story

I read it in one day. The story moved and was moving. The tale of Wanders Far and his people and their village lives enveloped me and kept me reading to the very end.

[Vicky Peplow · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book and an amazing story that kept me hooked but for some reason, it felt like it was missing something.

[Laurice]

DNF

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unseen but perfect ending to this hero’s journey

A beautifully written tale of Native people in what will become the US.
Wanders Far is an energetic and gifted young man with an old soul.
I found only 2 grammatical errors, and those were in the last few pages of this tale.

[Ari Maayan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an interesting book for me as I am American Indian. I'm from a southern tribe so I learned a lot. I would say that this was a sweet book. I really liked it.

[Debbie Tremel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Lovely Story

This is a well told, gentle story. It does not have the fast paced racing of so many books, but winds it's ways through memorable characters and intriguing events. Indigenous living is well depicted and believable. The author tends to skip around at times with the point of view of different characters in a scene, but at least is clear on whose eyes we are seeing through.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice read. Historically beautiful scenery along with relatable characters.

[Jeannie Zelos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wanders Far-An Unlikely Hero's Journey, Part of the Adirondack Spirit Series, David Fitz-Gerald

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: Historical Fiction, General Fiction (Adult)

I love stories about other cultures, and was drawn to this one.
Its a wonderful, gentle story, showing snippets of how life was for the Native Indians.

I really enjoyed the day to day aspect, learning about the long houses, Bear Fat's matriarchal group, and of course the journey Wanders Far's life takes him on. There were a few harsh moments, life was tough then, some folk were cruel, it was part of their culture, though seems awful looking at it from modern perspectives, but back then it was simply accepted.
Wanders Far is a wonderful young man, and his story was beautiful, marrying practicality with spirituality, and showing just how important stories and the Great Spirit was to the people. I liked that we how others in his extended family and friends grew up too.

Stars: Five, a beautiful read, and I look forward to more in the series.

Arc via Netgalley and publishers

[CECILE G · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a pleasure to read David Fitz-Gerald’s historical novel, Wanders Far: An Unlikely Hero’s Journey. The story opens with Wanders Far’s mother, Bear Fat—matriarchal leader being distracted from her proposal to relocate the three clans to ensure good food supply and continued well-being. Her thoughts return often to the moment she saw her baby girl being snatched while she was digging for tubers a short distance away. As her meeting concludes, her young son runs up to her to tell that her father had died. This dynamic beginning to the story continues developing the reader’s interest with the birth of Wanders Far, his many adventures to his thoughts after fifty years of marriage, evolving relationships among members of the family and those they meet, descriptions of every day Native American life of the mid-1100s, hunting and putting food by, traveling, the efforts to join the five tribes, deepening spiritual insights and spirit interventions—interspersed with a few major surprises. Throughout, Wanders Far is insightful, reasonable, clever, reflective, responsible, aspiring and wise. Within the happenings and Wanders Far’s adventures are descriptions of the land, rivers, lakes and waterfalls and the myths from New York lore. I thoroughly enjoyed Wanders Far: An Unlikely Hero’s Journey, This is an enriching read and I highly recommend this book.

[S Roeser-Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wanders Far – An Unlikely Hero’s Journey – is a beautifully written tale of a special man and the loving family that surrounds him. The story centers on Wanders Far – a gifted and sensitive soul whose journey from child to elder, from runner to seer, is filled with adventure, courage, wisdom, an abundance of love, and more than a little bit of magic. As enjoyable as it was to spend time with Wanders Far, I was equally entranced with his family and friends – Bear Fat, Gentle Breeze, Seeks Wampum, Squash, and more – characters so richly drawn that they became friends, and I was saddened when it was time to say goodbye. A very enjoyable read - I highly recommend.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book from beginning to end. Wanders Far in particular was a delight to follow as he grew from child to man to runner and seer. The Indian culture as told through this book showed the hardships while accentuating the strong family ties.

[Dan Cross · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wanders Far is the titular character of this delightful novel about a young Iroquois Indian and his insatiable desire to explore his surroundings—12th century New York State. The story begins shortly before the protagonist’s birth and tracks his early years towards manhood and the self-discovery of some remarkable abilities. Rather than following a conventional plot, David Fitz-Gerald takes the reader on a tour of the historical Iroquois culture and the world they inhabited. Through the eyes of Wanders Far, his friends, and his family, we discover the extraordinary manner in which the Mohawk named one another and cared for family members, how they contributed to the tribe and relaxed with their loved ones, and the rituals they performed to understand their gods or ward off attacking neighbours.

The novel uses a third-person, unlimited narrator, hopping from one character’s perspective to the next. While at times this results in an overabundance of telling (rather than showing), this form allows the story to move at pace; useful as the story features a large cast of characters over a long timeframe. Still, David manages to do this in a way that makes the characters interesting, especially those within Wanders Far’s own nuclear family, and the reader puts the book down with a sense of having learned something both enthralling and important about this fascinating culture.

[Coleen Dailey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this book and was a little disappointed. The initial part of the story was really good, but once Wanders Far got married it seems that the author ran out of story. I was really looking forward o a story that dealt with the early part of the Iroquois confederacy. I enjoyed the part of WAnder's Far family, his youth and his coming of age. At times I thought I was listening to a book for a younger reader but that part wasn't too bad. I just wish we hadn't skipped 50 years in such a short period of time.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fitz-Gerald really brought this story to life. I got so wrapped up in the story, I almost read it in one sitting. Wanders Far was an excellent character, well-developed, and you could swear he's real. Set in the 12th century, we get a peek into life back then among Native American tribes, and you can almost feel yourself transported back in time. This was obviously well-researched, as the setting and characters were brought to life within the pages. Perfect for anyone interested in fiction based in Native American history.

[Chelsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was written with the story line in the life of Wanders Far, but yet each chapter was like its own story within the storyline. I could almost feel myself sitting around a fire listening to someone tell these folklore tales, that could have been passed through each generation. I would definitely read more of these. It would be interesting to read about some of the siblings or even Somersault.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book and the character of Wanders Far. I liked the names given to the Indian children by their parents, they had meaning and purpose. Who wouldn’t like to be called Gentle Breeze or Somersault. Their lives had purpose and all worked together for the community, which is something today’s world could use more of as well.