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Tatham Mound
Sent by the spirits, Hotfoot, a native American prophet, travels among the various tribes of North America to deliver his people from the devastation that awaits them. Reprint.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 1991
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 16, 2022
There are parts of this book that are really great. There are parts that could be cut entirely. A recommend read if you're interested in a fictional story about Native American history & culture.
November 7, 2022
2.5 stars.
This is a fantasy based on archaeological findings of a Native American burial mound in Florida. The author makes a lot, I mean A LOT, of assumptions about the people who used the mound, why they didn't survive, etc. When I first commented on this book, I said it's genre should be "White Male Fantasy," because Anthony uses so many cheesy assumptions about "savages" and how they lived. These include:
1. coming of age for males = violence
2. coming of age for females = sex
3. "Savages" don't wear much clothing
4. they are sexually liberated (I guess), which of course means lots of sex scenes
5. The main character (Native American) goes on a spiritual quest
6. Most Native cultures were more or less the same, they just had different shaped houses
Part of the problem, I think, is that archaeology is a (predominantly) white man's gig. So, when they "discover" something, they do their best to interpret what they find, but it is always shaped by their presuppositions. In this case it's one new burial mound. The facts are that it was an old mound that was re-used centuries later. Unfortunately we can never really know anything about the people who lived in Florida hundreds (or thousands) of years before Europeans got there. Most of what we claim to "know" is stuff that was documented by white explorers, but this too is corrupted by misunderstandings and misinterpretations - we literally don't have the same linguistic concepts when it comes to complex social and theological ideas.
But on to the actual book:
Let me state frankly that I hate the word "nubile." (this is why I chose gender in fiction as a tag, because this is an example of what not to do, writers!) This book is full of sex with 10, 11, 12 year old girls who are somehow "nubile." But, the sex is their choice! It's how they "choose" to come of age!
Just no. Nope. Ick.
Oh and also, if you're a man travelling from village to village, part of a village's hospitality is measured in the youth and "quality" of the maidens who come to you in the night and fuck your brains out (of their own choice). Because, of course! I'm sure there are plenty of archaeological records of that.
"So, how did this book even get 2.5 stars?" you ask.
Well...It's highly readable. I did actually like the main character. He's suitably flawed and humble while also being a compassionate and smart enough guy. The supporting characters were also interesting and relatable. I liked them and wanted to know what happened to them.
The invading Castiles are pretty much demonized, although some individuals are good and/or honorable.
The author's use of stories within the story gave him a great opportunity to share stories from the different cultures in North and Central America and that was interesting. I have no idea if Anthony created these stories himself or if they were collected from Native communities.
One more note to writers: Author intrusion bothered me here. There were several instances of something like "They were so happy. Little did then know, it wouldn't last long." Don't do that! It pulled me out of the story and into my own analysis of the story, which in this case was not very favorable.
This is a fantasy based on archaeological findings of a Native American burial mound in Florida. The author makes a lot, I mean A LOT, of assumptions about the people who used the mound, why they didn't survive, etc. When I first commented on this book, I said it's genre should be "White Male Fantasy," because Anthony uses so many cheesy assumptions about "savages" and how they lived. These include:
1. coming of age for males = violence
2. coming of age for females = sex
3. "Savages" don't wear much clothing
4. they are sexually liberated (I guess), which of course means lots of sex scenes
5. The main character (Native American) goes on a spiritual quest
6. Most Native cultures were more or less the same, they just had different shaped houses
Part of the problem, I think, is that archaeology is a (predominantly) white man's gig. So, when they "discover" something, they do their best to interpret what they find, but it is always shaped by their presuppositions. In this case it's one new burial mound. The facts are that it was an old mound that was re-used centuries later. Unfortunately we can never really know anything about the people who lived in Florida hundreds (or thousands) of years before Europeans got there. Most of what we claim to "know" is stuff that was documented by white explorers, but this too is corrupted by misunderstandings and misinterpretations - we literally don't have the same linguistic concepts when it comes to complex social and theological ideas.
But on to the actual book:
Let me state frankly that I hate the word "nubile." (this is why I chose gender in fiction as a tag, because this is an example of what not to do, writers!) This book is full of sex with 10, 11, 12 year old girls who are somehow "nubile." But, the sex is their choice! It's how they "choose" to come of age!
Just no. Nope. Ick.
Oh and also, if you're a man travelling from village to village, part of a village's hospitality is measured in the youth and "quality" of the maidens who come to you in the night and fuck your brains out (of their own choice). Because, of course! I'm sure there are plenty of archaeological records of that.
"So, how did this book even get 2.5 stars?" you ask.
Well...It's highly readable. I did actually like the main character. He's suitably flawed and humble while also being a compassionate and smart enough guy. The supporting characters were also interesting and relatable. I liked them and wanted to know what happened to them.
The invading Castiles are pretty much demonized, although some individuals are good and/or honorable.
The author's use of stories within the story gave him a great opportunity to share stories from the different cultures in North and Central America and that was interesting. I have no idea if Anthony created these stories himself or if they were collected from Native communities.
One more note to writers: Author intrusion bothered me here. There were several instances of something like "They were so happy. Little did then know, it wouldn't last long." Don't do that! It pulled me out of the story and into my own analysis of the story, which in this case was not very favorable.
January 10, 2016
The idea for this novel came about when one of Anthony's daughters was involved in a local archaeological dig. Tatham Mound is a real place, a previously undiscovered Safety Harbor burial mound belonging to the Tocobaga tribe. The burials dated to the time of Spanish exploration of Florida, probably during the expedition led by Hernando de Soto. Based on the discoveries in the mound, Anthony has created a tale of what life might have been like for the people before they were virtually wiped out by war and disease.
This has been a favorite book of mine since it first came out. The protagonist is a man known as Tale Teller (he has other names throughout his life, but this is his final one). He is dying and recounts his life story to the Spirit of the Mound, hoping that his failure to complete a quest to obtain a magic crystal which would have saved his people might now be forgiven, and he may be permitted to be buried with his loved ones. The journey takes him from Florida north, up among the Cherokee and passing through various other tribes, before returning to the area in which he was born. Much of it is conjecture, because cultures have died out, but by extrapolating what is known from other cultures and artifacts gleaned from sites, Anthony has managed to flesh out a story that follows the life of one man, as well as the last days of an entire people.
This has been a favorite book of mine since it first came out. The protagonist is a man known as Tale Teller (he has other names throughout his life, but this is his final one). He is dying and recounts his life story to the Spirit of the Mound, hoping that his failure to complete a quest to obtain a magic crystal which would have saved his people might now be forgiven, and he may be permitted to be buried with his loved ones. The journey takes him from Florida north, up among the Cherokee and passing through various other tribes, before returning to the area in which he was born. Much of it is conjecture, because cultures have died out, but by extrapolating what is known from other cultures and artifacts gleaned from sites, Anthony has managed to flesh out a story that follows the life of one man, as well as the last days of an entire people.
February 18, 2009
This is one awesome book! I read it over 10 years ago and it still stays with me. Usually Piers Anthony does some rather far out and not my genre type science fiction. THis book is about the Mound building Indians of the mid west. It was interesting to read this book and then visit one of the areas of the Mound Indians in Iowa. Talk about feeling the ghosts around...really a moving experience!
January 27, 2010
Really engaging read. I read the Xanthe novels while in high school and swore off Piers Anthony when I "grew up." I am so glad I dropped that judgment and picked this book up. It is a well told tale, that kept me interested without going over the top. This book would probably be a good teacher from those who don't know what really happened when Europeans came to this "new world."
March 31, 2021
all of you are very questionable. no one seems as appalled by this book as they should be... this has zero value as literature and is little more than this sad old pervert's fantasies. anyone who liked this should not be allowed around children. Just saying.
June 27, 2018
2.5/5
Throat Shot is a likable character, he takes part in a raid, does well by killing a man, but he hates it and is filled with guilt. He dislikes the praise he gets and reject the woman who tries to have sex with him as is custom after one becomes a man in his tribe. It's refreshing from the usual brooding/murder happy MC.
He is chosen by his god to save his tribe and from a foreign enemy and has his fear taken away to aid his quest. He meets a intelligent Mayan girl and a trader along the way as they go from village to village in the native american world.
Problem is the book is too long or rather the switch of POV to other characters I did not care about cause me to check out and I just started skipping pages.
Throat Shot is a likable character, he takes part in a raid, does well by killing a man, but he hates it and is filled with guilt. He dislikes the praise he gets and reject the woman who tries to have sex with him as is custom after one becomes a man in his tribe. It's refreshing from the usual brooding/murder happy MC.
He is chosen by his god to save his tribe and from a foreign enemy and has his fear taken away to aid his quest. He meets a intelligent Mayan girl and a trader along the way as they go from village to village in the native american world.
Problem is the book is too long or rather the switch of POV to other characters I did not care about cause me to check out and I just started skipping pages.
September 28, 2021
I came across this book in a thrift store, I'd been a long time fan, but hadn't read anything for a few years. I had forgotten what a wonderful writer he is. I have some catching up to do, I see he has three more books in his "Incarnations of Immortality" series, something to look forward to! Piers always said he was a writer of light fiction, but "Tatham Mound" is a deep and sensitive portrayal of early American Indians, far more than light fiction. Thank you Piers.
March 26, 2020
It has been years and looking to read
this fine piece of literary art once more.
Now I have kindles I am rebuilding my libaray.
This is my fourth go at it. Still have over 1,000 print books
to that you can add more than 17,300. I plAy some online games and one of my bards was TALDSPINNER
BE SAVE all save journeys for the travelers.
this fine piece of literary art once more.
Now I have kindles I am rebuilding my libaray.
This is my fourth go at it. Still have over 1,000 print books
to that you can add more than 17,300. I plAy some online games and one of my bards was TALDSPINNER
BE SAVE all save journeys for the travelers.
October 25, 2017
I picked up this book at a community books sale and had to have it. initially I thought it was a Xanth novel. in reality it is part fantasy, part mythology and part historical fiction and I couldn't be more happy. Piers Anthony is a brilliant writer and this is the best book I've read by him.
January 7, 2018
Way too sexual! If you loved The Magic of Xanth series, as I did, this isn't fit for your kids:
January 15, 2023
I loved this book it was a fast read for me an I was truly captured in hotfoots journey.
A must read for individuals who believe in spirit walkers an the paths we are lead..
A must read for individuals who believe in spirit walkers an the paths we are lead..
July 20, 2025
his book was not one I enjoyed. I felt it was rather annoying to read.
March 28, 2007
A great book about the life of an american indian traveling storyteller set just after the european arrival. Well researched and full of insight into what it may have been like in native american society. Not one of his typical fantasy novels, more of a historical fiction work.
September 23, 2012
Anthony's fictionalised supposition of the history of the Indian tribe responsible for a giant burial mound discovered in Florida
Includes detail derived from his original research into the Indian tribe in question.
Includes a view into the interactions with the first European settlers
Includes detail derived from his original research into the Indian tribe in question.
Includes a view into the interactions with the first European settlers
December 30, 2013
Fascinating theoretical life story of a young Native American named Throat Shot and his various adventures ranging fro Florida to the Mississippi. Anthony has done his usual task of researching even the tiniest detail, and we all know the man can spin a tale.
October 7, 2015
It didn't really captivate me in the way I like books to do. My favorite part was the first couple pages of the author's note where Piers was explaining the facts versus the story. Otherwise this book is a "meh."
August 23, 2008
This was one of the best books I've ever read. This is more of an historical fiction and has little to nothing to do with magic or science fiction which is what Anthony typically writes.
December 5, 2008
I remember this being okay, but not great. Reading the blurb doesn't even help me recall the story, so it obviously didn't stick with me very well.
February 2, 2012
Another surprise outside his normal Genres and very well done. If I had only one word, "Transporting"
April 22, 2012
A long story, but very worth wile! Such details! Very interesting.
November 21, 2013
This work of historical fiction is beautifully told. I gave it five stars because it stands out. An enjoyable book with staying power. I think it will be worth the shelf space years from now.
November 14, 2014
Good, but rather on the long side. I especially enjoyed reading about the Illini Indians since I'm from Illinois. Alas, they were not great warriors.
June 10, 2016
I read this book because of the author, however it isn't his usual style. It was a good story but it wasn't what I was expecting
February 15, 2009
Pinjeman dari siapa ya? Tina gitu? Lupa gue...
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews