Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #971123 in Books
• Published on: 1996-11-14
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 493 pages

From Publishers Weekly
In this vigorous eighth entry (after People of the Lightning) in their First North Americans series, the Gears present both an exciting tale about the age-old quest for power and a fictionalized solution to the riddle of the sudden dissolution of Anasazi culture at its peak, nearly 1000 years ago. Set in the ancient Anasazi lands of what is now northwestern New Mexico during the 11th century, the story begins dramatically, with the ritual sacrifice of a pregnant slave by the high priest Sternlight. The narrative then leaps ahead 16 years to the annihilation of a village ordered by the dying Great Sun Chief of the Anasazi in order to thwart a prophecy that a stolen child will one day return and conquer the Straight Path people. All in the village are killed except Cornsilk, a maiden of 16 "summers" whose life becomes entwined with that of Poor Singer, apprentice to the great mystic Dune. The mystery shrouding their lives?and their births?is revealed in an exciting, skillfully crafted and fast-paced story that also serves as an engrossing look at ancient culture. Often, the simple focus on what these people ate, what they wore and how they worshipped proves just as interesting as the intricate plot. The dialogue sounds strangely modern at times, but this minor flaw is far outweighed by the passion and rich detail the authors lavish on this fine addition to their fascinating series. Author tour.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
Another tale of life in ancient North Americaa from a best-selling team.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
The Gears ingeniously interweave archaeological fact with fiction, producing a stunning historical novel based upon the dissolution of the Anasazi empire. Renowned for their delicate artistry, magnificent architecture, and exceptional engineering skills, the Chacoan Anasazi thrived for hundreds of years in the arid American Southwest. However, the onset of an extended drought in the mid-twelfth century signaled the beginning of the end for this surprisingly sophisticated civilization. As resources continued to vanish, the Anasazi were also plagued by rival internal factions and external threats from other nations. Amid the confusion and chaos wrought by famine and warfare, two youngsters join forces in a hazardous quest for self-identity. While Cornsilk and Poor Singer seek to illuminate two pasts shrouded in secrecy, their mystical journey parallels the inevitable decline and collapse of the Anasazi culture. A grand, spellbinding adventure steeped in myth, legend, and spirituality. Margaret Flanagan

Customer Reviews

Made up for the lapse with "Lightning"
I will read anything about the American Southwest. I love it out there, and this book took me back there to Big Sky Country. This book gets back to the old style, The One, Power, Spiral, Singers, Wolfdreamer...and a very, very, clever way to tie this story to some events in "River".
Oh yeah, along the way there is a twisting plot about a killer, a madman ruler and a mystery about who's child is that of a ruler.
Great read!

Entire series wonderfull
The first book I bought from this series was People of the Mist.I really enjoyed it so I bought People of the Wolf.After reading the second book I realized the story followes through from one book to the next.I went out and got the entire series.I am now on my third time reading these books.I never get tired of them.There is history,romance,action,adventure and mystery all wrapped up in every book.Well worth the investment.Not for young readers,adult content.

wonderful
It takes you there. You begin to love the charachter's and want to stand up and cheer for them! I loved this book, like I've loved the whole series. I just finisdhed book 10 and I wish there where more.