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People of Cahokia #5
Lightning Shell
Lightning Shell marks the dramatic conclusion to the People of Cahokia sub-series by bestselling authors W. Michael and Kathleen O'Neal Gear.
Spotted Wrist’s squadrons are about to launch an assault on Evening Star Town. Meanwhile, the new Keeper’s loyal squadrons have taken control of central Cahokia.
Blue Heron’s enemies have declared her dead, a supposed victim of the fire that consumed her palace. She’s alive and in the end it will be her wits, Seven Skull Shield’s licentious cunning, and a desperate gamble that determine who lives and who dies in Cahokia.
Meanwhile, in the distant east, a desperate three-way race is underway. Walking Smoke—the Lightning Shell witch—hastens to make his way back to Cahokia, understanding that the cure for his impotence lies atop Morning Star’s Mound.
Night Shadow Star means to stop him before he can get to Morning Star. Following in her wake, Fire Cat is merciless. He will stop at nothing to ensure that it is he, not Night Shadow Star, who pays the ultimate price.
The final showdown will shake Cahokia to its roots, and nothing will be the same again.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
Spotted Wrist’s squadrons are about to launch an assault on Evening Star Town. Meanwhile, the new Keeper’s loyal squadrons have taken control of central Cahokia.
Blue Heron’s enemies have declared her dead, a supposed victim of the fire that consumed her palace. She’s alive and in the end it will be her wits, Seven Skull Shield’s licentious cunning, and a desperate gamble that determine who lives and who dies in Cahokia.
Meanwhile, in the distant east, a desperate three-way race is underway. Walking Smoke—the Lightning Shell witch—hastens to make his way back to Cahokia, understanding that the cure for his impotence lies atop Morning Star’s Mound.
Night Shadow Star means to stop him before he can get to Morning Star. Following in her wake, Fire Cat is merciless. He will stop at nothing to ensure that it is he, not Night Shadow Star, who pays the ultimate price.
The final showdown will shake Cahokia to its roots, and nothing will be the same again.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
473 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 12, 2022
28 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
About the author
W. Michael Gear
178 books728 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 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 10, 2022
Lightning Shell (People of Cahokia #5; North America's Forgotten Past #27)
by W. Michael Gear
W. Michael Gear, and Kathleen Gear are masters at chess. They play the series as if they are playing a game that would show the reader the world in a spiritual light. Many of the First American Series books show the spiritual and mythological beliefs of the North American indigenous culture. As I saw the end of the character I expected to be the dreamer, Lady Night Shadow Star. I figured out something, the whole series was not following her, but Fire Cat. Each book shows Fire Cate how the world of Cahokia is, from its lowest level of slaves, to the height of the Morning Star Mound (Monks mound). His journey shows the problems of Cahokia, how corruption of the dream causes problems for the people. He also sees how the belief is spread and is needed throughout the society of Cahokia. It also is evident that this book does bring the spiral back into mirror image of the original book, People of the Wolf. The Hero / Dreamer is an echo of Wolf Dreamer, the reluctant hero accepting what power leads that risk to all that he values and loves. The book mirrors the original book but like the Gears always say that it's flipped and reversed. Where Wolf Dreamer died in People of the Wolf, the main hero/dreamer here lives.In People of the Wolf, the people are born from the union of the dreamer and his love, our hero only gets a few short months with his love, and no issue from their love. The twist was surprising to this long-time reader, but as you read the final epilogue you discover that it is connecting not only the short People of the Morning star series but the entire First North American series. With a clue to the fans of which book should be read in the chronological series of the books, hinting at a trilogy of stories that has always been connected to Cahokia.
This is a final swan song for Cahokia, showing how societies are built, as Mike says in four generations. That the first generation starts things, the second enhances it spreads it, the third generation tries to change the world to their twisted view and the fourth generation begins the end. Morning star line started with the grandfather bringing the belief of the Morningstar being embodied in him. His grandson spreads the influence of Cahokia up and down the river, from colonies, to religious change. It is a violent time of change, with many battles, and warriors risked to spread the influence. By the end of the story you find you were in the fourth generation as the entire house of cards is crumbling. The book hints at what archeologists explore now at the Cahokia site. It's a large change from the original Cahokia book People of the River.
by W. Michael Gear
W. Michael Gear, and Kathleen Gear are masters at chess. They play the series as if they are playing a game that would show the reader the world in a spiritual light. Many of the First American Series books show the spiritual and mythological beliefs of the North American indigenous culture. As I saw the end of the character I expected to be the dreamer, Lady Night Shadow Star. I figured out something, the whole series was not following her, but Fire Cat. Each book shows Fire Cate how the world of Cahokia is, from its lowest level of slaves, to the height of the Morning Star Mound (Monks mound). His journey shows the problems of Cahokia, how corruption of the dream causes problems for the people. He also sees how the belief is spread and is needed throughout the society of Cahokia. It also is evident that this book does bring the spiral back into mirror image of the original book, People of the Wolf. The Hero / Dreamer is an echo of Wolf Dreamer, the reluctant hero accepting what power leads that risk to all that he values and loves. The book mirrors the original book but like the Gears always say that it's flipped and reversed. Where Wolf Dreamer died in People of the Wolf, the main hero/dreamer here lives.In People of the Wolf, the people are born from the union of the dreamer and his love, our hero only gets a few short months with his love, and no issue from their love. The twist was surprising to this long-time reader, but as you read the final epilogue you discover that it is connecting not only the short People of the Morning star series but the entire First North American series. With a clue to the fans of which book should be read in the chronological series of the books, hinting at a trilogy of stories that has always been connected to Cahokia.
This is a final swan song for Cahokia, showing how societies are built, as Mike says in four generations. That the first generation starts things, the second enhances it spreads it, the third generation tries to change the world to their twisted view and the fourth generation begins the end. Morning star line started with the grandfather bringing the belief of the Morningstar being embodied in him. His grandson spreads the influence of Cahokia up and down the river, from colonies, to religious change. It is a violent time of change, with many battles, and warriors risked to spread the influence. By the end of the story you find you were in the fourth generation as the entire house of cards is crumbling. The book hints at what archeologists explore now at the Cahokia site. It's a large change from the original Cahokia book People of the River.
January 22, 2023
Finally, after a couple of years, the People of Cahokia story wraps up. Spotted Wrist and Rising Flame have turned the city upside down. Collumela and Flat Stone Pipe are minor characters, but still play spoilers. Night Shadow Star and Fire Cat retrace their steps for a final battle with Walking Smoke. Seven Skull Shield and his monstrous dog Farts have their hands in everything, including the unwatched stew pot!
The Gears tell a wonderful story of America's past, and they offer a reason for the fall of Cahokia. I really enjoyed the series.
The Gears tell a wonderful story of America's past, and they offer a reason for the fall of Cahokia. I really enjoyed the series.
October 19, 2025
This is the last book in the “People Series”. It sums up The people of Cahokia. Some characters finally receive the death sentence they deserved. I would have enjoyed watching Spotted Wrist being hung in the square, he was pure evil. One of my favourite characters died, but, not in vein, it helped bring balance back to the existing world. My favourite characters were Seven Skull Shield, and his dog Farts, they were in and out of trouble many times, and always managed to be hidden. I wish this series could go on.
September 15, 2022
Too much time had elapsed since I read the previous books in W. Michael and Kathleen Gear's People of Cahokia series. I needed a scorecard to keep my characters straight, and I had forgotten so much of what happened previously.
Cahokia is in chaos. A war leader has taken control. The Morning Star is secluded in his palace. A witch is determined to rape and murder his sister. Just another day in paradise.
Seven Skull Shield and Blue Heron have the best relationship. Love them.
Cahokia is in chaos. A war leader has taken control. The Morning Star is secluded in his palace. A witch is determined to rape and murder his sister. Just another day in paradise.
Seven Skull Shield and Blue Heron have the best relationship. Love them.
September 1, 2025
I had a lukewarm reaction to the first book in this series, largely because of some fairly gruesome violence (not my thing). However I was fascinated by the details about everyday life, the settings, etc. Then I became invested in the characters and then even more delighted with the character development. And now I may go back and read some of the earlier books again. It certainly enhanced my visit to Cahokia Mounds last month!
February 5, 2023
The last of the Cahokia series (I think?) As with the other books in this series, a well written story combining political intrigue, pre-Columbian mysticism, well developed characters, and intriguing story lines. And a great ending. I have read about a dozen of the Gears’ stories and thoroughly enjoyed each one.
July 24, 2022
Spectacularly Imagined as always
The Gears never disappoint. From love & loyalty through spiritualities, sacrifice, leadership, governance and human history you get it all in these stories. Do yourself a favor read them all!
The Gears never disappoint. From love & loyalty through spiritualities, sacrifice, leadership, governance and human history you get it all in these stories. Do yourself a favor read them all!
July 16, 2022
The final climatic conclusion
The entire series is a great work. The Gears writing makes you a part of the story you feel the emotions of the characters. So so wonderfully written.
The entire series is a great work. The Gears writing makes you a part of the story you feel the emotions of the characters. So so wonderfully written.
July 24, 2022
What an amazing ending! This series has made me laugh, cry and try to figure out the mystery. I highly recommend this book, and all the others before it.
August 4, 2022
Lightning Shell
Excellent series. Especially if you are interested in the Native American history and culture. Loved the last book, Lightning Shell. Made it last as long as I could.
Excellent series. Especially if you are interested in the Native American history and culture. Loved the last book, Lightning Shell. Made it last as long as I could.
August 9, 2022
The Gears are great at writing about our Native American cultures. Lightning Shell concluded this wonderful series about Cahokia. These writers never disappoint!
June 15, 2023
cubbie0149
I love to read their books. They are interesting and captivating at the same time.
I have most of books, they never disappoint
I love to read their books. They are interesting and captivating at the same time.
I have most of books, they never disappoint
October 25, 2025
Excellent final book in the People of Cahokia saga.
October 26, 2025
Fantastic book...love the series!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews