Monday, March 5, 2012

Contact: The Battle for America Series Giveaway


When I was young, Native Americans were always portrayed as the bad guys. They raided wagon trains, slaughtered settlers, stole cattle, and were always in the wrong.

A Searing WindAs I got older, I realized life was never told from the view point of the Native American. Later when I came across books by the husband and wife writing team of W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O’Neal Gear, I finally found what I had been looking for. This writing duo are also archaeologists. Their books, while fiction, are steeped in history and facts and give the Native American’s view point.

For this reason, I adore their latest series - CONTACT: THE BATTLE FOR AMERICA. Book Three of that series, A SEARING WIND, is slated for release tomorrow. The previous books include: COMING OF THE STORM (Book One) and FIRE THE SKY (Book Two).

To celebrate this release, the lovely Melissa at Gallery Books is offering 1 set (all 3 books) as a giveaway. The giveaway is only open to residents of the U.S., however. Visitors have until 8 p.m. (EST) on Monday, March 12, to comment on this post to be entered to win. Be sure to leave your email address with your comment, if it’s not included in your profile.

A SEARING WIND by W. Michael Gear and 
Kathleen O’Neal Gear

A SEARING WIND is set during the time Hernando de Soto brutally invaded the southern portion of what would be the U.S. It depicts the native people’s struggle to defend their lives and homes against de Soto’s barbaric slaughter.

Banished earlier by his people for his cowardice in battle, Black Shell now works toward the destruction of de Soto and his army (the Kristianos). He is of the Chief Clan, of the Hickory Moiety of the Chicaza Nation.

Coming of the StormBlack Shell and his wife, Pearl Hand, have seen first hand the devastation the Kristianos bring with their impenetrable armor, their swift cabayos (horses) and their razor-sharp swords. It will take a trap using the Chicaza Nation and their resources to defend the monster and it will be at a great cost to Black Shell and Pearl Hand.

The story follows the couple from the chard ruins of Mabila (Alabama) as they Make their way back to the Chicaza Nation to forge the plan that will stop de Soto. The story details the hardships they endure and the savage destruction they witness.

Once again the Gears have crafted a story that combines historical and cultural information with aFire in The Sky narrative of what could have been as the native people faced de Soto. The authors give voice to the native people and the violence they encountered from strangers bent on taking everything away from them.

A SEARING WIND is a fast-pace adventure that will hold you spellbound. It’s a story of cruel greed and humanity, dedication and determination. Filled with authenticity, this is a look at our country’s history and the native people who gave so much. CONTACT: THE BATTLE FOR AMERICA is a mesmerizing series.

Authors W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O’Neal Gear’s website is www.gear-gear.com. The couple operates an anthropological research company, Wind River Archeological Consultants. 
 
The Searing Wind by W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O’Neal Gear, Contact: The Battle for America Series, Gallery Books, @2012, ISBN: 978-1439153901, Hardcover, 496 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
 
Have you read any of this series? What about other books, fiction and non-fiction, by the Gears? Thanks so much for stopping by today. 

19 comments:

  1. The covers look very dramatic. I bet the series is quite a read!

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    1. Harvee, this series is amazing. The covers portray a lot of what is in the books.

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  2. This fascinating post which introduced me to these two authors was enlightening. I haven't read their books but this series sounds compelling. many thanks. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Traveler, these books are enlightening. They share what Native Americans had to endure from the explorers wanting to take their land.

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  3. A very talented duo whose books are so intriguing. What a great series. I would treasure these book. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  4. These look amazing. You're right we have so little from their point of view.
    Ann
    cozyintexas@yahoo.com

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    1. Ann, I keep hoping that more will be written from their view point but so far it doesn't seem to be a popular subject.

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  5. I have not read this series but would love to. So true about Native Americans not being portrayed in a good way when I was young.

    Teresa

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    1. Teresa, I think we probably watched a lot of the same shows where the Native Americans were always the bad guys. I think you'd enjoy this series.

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  6. It's a fabulous series and I loved Searing wind. The Chicaza were formidable warriors in their own right. But who can stand against war dogs, horses, armor and swords? It changed the way they had to fight (which was very reminiscent of the English squares, wasn't it? Something people forget is that Spain of this time, was the premiere world power with top of the line weaponry. They were top dog and had the arrogance to back it up. Amazing story.

    You did a great job on the review!

    Sia McKye OVER COFFEE

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    1. Sia, thanks for the kind words. I so enjoyed your post on the Native American dogs and their place in their lives. I hadn't thought about Spain in that way, but you're right they were top dog at the time and had the arrogance in bunches.

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  7. I haven't read the series but it sounds super interesting.

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    1. Clarissa, it is an interesting and informative series.

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  8. I haven't read any of this series, but they sound intriguing, especially the "steeped in history" part.

    .......dhole

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    1. Donna, the historical facts included is one reason is series is so intriguing.

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  9. Not entering to win, but finding it from that viewpoint is rare. And the covers are amazing!

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    1. Alex, it is rare to find books that feature the Native American view point. I love all the covers of the Gears books, so vivid.

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  10. Karen, hi and thanks for dropping by. It is a genre that doesn't appeal to everyone.

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I'd love to hear your thoughts on today's post. Thanks for dropping by.