Rosie’s Book Review Team #RBRT Cathy reviews Two Rivers by Zoe Saadia

Today’s review comes from Cathy, she blogs at http://betweenthelinesbookblog.wordpress.com

Cathy chose to read and review Two Rivers by Zoe Saadia

Set in twelfth century upstate New York and South Eastern Canada, the story centres around three main protagonists. Tekeni, who was taken captive and adopted into the Wolf Clan after his father was killed, but has always been considered an outsider. He finds an ally in Two Rivers, an enigma among his people and also on the fringes of his society. I love the way Two Rivers is portrayed and the way his feelings and thoughts which he’s not afraid to express, along with the doubts and resistance against the prophecy, are described.

Two Rivers knows the time for change is fast approaching, and questioning his people’s need to war with each other he advocates a more peaceful existence. The clans are stuck in an endless cycle of fighting with nothing to show for it. Even so, the majority of the clans dislike and distrust what they perceive as Two Rivers’ extremist ideas and principles.

Tekeni’s real troubles begin when a fight with a cowardly bully results in serious injury and Tekeni is compelled to atone with a task unheard of for any lone person never mind someone so young. Two Rivers’ choice to assist Tekeni further alienates him from most other members of the clans.

Tekeni is very taken with the beautiful Seketa, a young girl of the Turtle Clan who proves to be both brave and resourceful, but the path of true love does not run smoothly and Two Rivers, Tekeni and Seketa fight almost overpowering odds as they each begin to realise the inevitability of their futures.

I really enjoyed this first of the Peacemaker series, the man who was destined to form the constitution of The Great League of the Iroquois is an intriguing character and I look forward to following his story. The life and distinct culture of the Native American clans is brought to life vividly and realistically by Zoe Saadia, their politics, everyday life and struggles. Along with the dramas, jealousies and rivalries that can escalate into dangerous situations, showcasing others’ loyalty and courage. There’s some great action and a lovely budding romance.

The basis of the story is obviously very well researched and it combines the facts with an entertaining and enjoyable narrative and the three main characters are strong, very likeable and well defined, drawn with insight and warmth. The fascinating beginning of the Peacemaker’s journey is a really great read.

Find a copy here from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com

Two Rivers by Zoe Saadia

Two Rivers by Zoe Saadia

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Two Rivers is the first book in a four book series. It’s a Native American historical fiction based around the Great League of the Iroquois people of upstate New York, lake Ontario and bordering Canadian areas. The year is 1141, the people live in towns with clans and are held together by councils and precious laws handed down to the people.

We meet Tekeni a 17 year old boy who has been adopted into The Wolf Clan after his capture during a raid on his own people, the People of the Falls. Although officially adopted to replace warriors lost in battle he is treated as an out-sider, a low-life and often finds himself in trouble.

Two Rivers is a 30 year old warrior, but one not afraid to speak his mind, he questions the constant war between other clans, he finds it destructive and not a long-term answer to the future of the tribes, yet his arguments are not welcome amongst the people. When Tekeni is attacked during a ball game by a thug, Two Rivers steps in to his rescue, further alienating both against the people.

Seketa is the only person to see more in Tekeni than everyone else and her faith in him gives him hope as well as his help from Two Rivers. Both men have a prophecy to fulfil and when things come to a vicious head their best hope is to leave and set out on a dangerous unknown path which we can follow in book 2.

This is a good start to a series, you get a feel for the way the characters think and how they keep to traditions whilst is also hints at reasons for their current situation, looking forward to reading more of the adventure.

Find a copy here from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com

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Rosie’s Book Review Team #RBRT Terry reviews Across The Great Sparkling Water by Zoe Saadie

Today we have a book review from team member Terry, she blogs at http://terrytylerbookreviews.blogspot.co.uk/

Terry chose to read and review Across The Great Sparkling Water by Zoe Saadie

5 out of 5 stars

This is the second in the Peacemaker series, a fictional account based on fact, about how the Great League of the Iroquois was formed. More than a few scholars agree that the latter day USA constitution was influenced by this Great Law of Peace. I’ll just mention that it’s important to read the first in this series, Two Rivers, first. It’s a while since I read the first one so I had to recap, after which the two stories flowed together.

So readable just as an adventure story on its own, Across the Great Sparkling Water (the body of water later to be known as Lake Ontario) is fascinating in that it tells so much about the customs of the time, and the day to day living – and yes, yes, it made me want to go back in time and live amongst them, as all good historical fiction should do. A time and place when life was lived according to the rules of nature only, but with civilised regimes set in place for the efficient survival of communities.

The Great Peacemaker, named Two Rivers, is marvellously multi-faceted, single-minded in his mission to bring about ruling councils and end the warring between the nations, yet so human, too; unlike others of Zoe Saadia’s books that I’ve read, this one contains an element of love and passion of the more mature variety which is very convincing, as Two Rivers fights his feelings for a woman, concerned that it will distract him from his cause. Okay, I admit it; I ended up fancying him myself!

There are other terrific characters in this story: Tekeni, from the first book, a young man who accompanies Two Rivers on his journey; Onheda, a fierce and independent young woman trying to return from a kind captivity to her own people; Hionhwatha, the strong, proud, displaced leader of the Onondaga people, and Jikonsahseh, a wise old woman.

This is an excellent series, so well written and easy to read. I can’t recommend it too highly, and I am just off to Amazon to buy the next one!

Find a copy here from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com

Or start the series with Two Rivers from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com