Herbert M. (vunderbar) reviewed People of the Masks (First North Americans, Bk 10) on + 209 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
This is an excellent adventure story and, like all the Gear books, it is well rooted in the ways of the people involved. This is pure fiction but at the same time it is a very plausible account of how the Iriquois confederation was born. Very few people are aware that the United States government was patterned after the Iriquois Confederation and it caused a change in the way people were governed throughout the world. As a matter of fact, it was the advice of a leader of the Iriquois, Canassatego, that caused the states to band together instead of facing England one at a time.
Denise H. (Lazeeladee) -
Helpful Score: 2
In ancient Iroquois culture, the miraculous deeds of dwarfs were the stuff of legend, so the birth of one has made Paint Rock the most feared village in the Turtle Nation. Nicknamed Rumbler by his mother, the boy, now nine but only as tall as a four-year-old, is pampered and coddled and consulted before any major clan decision is made. A precious member of the clan, Rumbler's premonition of his abduction worries the others, especially since Jumping Badger, the cruel war leader of Walksalong Clan, is known to believe Walksalong would be invincible if it had Rumbler. When Jumping Badger and his war party attack, they slaughter all in their path and take Rumbler captive. But instead of feeling empowered, the Walksalong villagers are frightened by the Power Child, and condemn him to death. Gangly, fearless 12-year-old Little Wren befriends him, and the bulk of the book is made up of their escape and flight from an enraged, insane Jumping Badger and his warriors.
Helpful Score: 1
All the books in this series are an excellent read, good story and lots of anthropological information. Each book stands alone but also continues a good storyline.
