Between Book Pages

Forget dusty textbooks and dry lectures! Buckle up as we in this Series Monday embark on a captivation adventure through time, guided by the crackling energy of lightning itself. “The People of the Lightning,”— the eighth installment in the enthralling “North America’s Forgotten Past” series by W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O’Neal Gear, throws open the doors to a world 8,000 years in the making.

This unique tale unfolds not through sterile prose but through the vibrant, living voice of an elder. Prepare to be charmed by the elder’s engaging narration, complete with delightful tangents and playful suggestions of stories yet to be told. Imagine a cozy fire crackling nearby as the elder paints a picture of ancient Florida, a land teeming with life and steeped in mystery.

Intrigued by the very notion of lightning people and the humor promised by the elder’s narration? Then delve deeper into this electrifying exploration of a forgotten past. I guarantee it will be a journey unlike any others, filled with laughter, intrigue, and a vivid glimpse into the lives of those who walked the land millennia ago.

War, Love, and Lightning: A Clash of Destinies in Ancient Florida

Musselwhite, leader of the Windy Cove village, faces a relentless enemy—her own former lover, Cottonmouth, who is driven by a ruthless ambition to dominate the world. Cottonmouth has ravaged nearby villages, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake. Musselwhite’s one vibrant community, now decimated by his attacks, stands on the precipice of oblivion. Musselwhite’s husband, Diver, has been captured by Cottonmouth, and it is further fueling her desperation.

Enter Pondwander, a young man ostracized for his albinism and deemed “the lightning boy” by his people. He is forced into an unlikely marriage with Musselwhite to settle a debt. But fate has a more profound role in store for him. 

Meanwhile, Cottonmouth’s sole purpose is to break Musselwhite and destroy everything she holds dear. As Musselwite and Pondwander embark on a daring rescue mission to save Diver, they find themselves entangled in a web of destiny. 

Poundwander is guided by the enigmatic figure Dogtooth and by the whisper of a powerful entity, the Turtle Bone Doll. He may be ostracized for his appearance, but within him lies a power waiting to be unleashed as he begins to unlock his true potential.

Legends speak of a singular “lightning boy” who will unleash chaos upon the land. Will Pondwander fulfill the prophecy and become the harbinger of destruction, or can he rewrite his fate and become a force for good? Musselwhite’s destiny and the fate of their world hinge on his transformation.

A Tapestry of Lives: The Key Players in “The People of the Lightning”

Musselwhite

A warrior queen, hardened by loss but undeterred in her leadership. Once married to Cottonmouth, she now leads the Windy Cove village. She is married to Diver and she married Pondwander when she believed Diver was dead on the war path

Seedpod

The wise elder and spiritual anchor of Windy Cove. He is Musselwhite’s father and closest confidant. He is a source of unwavering support for Musselwhite.

Diver

Musselwhite’s husband and unwavering supporter for 25 years. Believed dead after a scouting party attack, Diver finds himself captivated by Cottonmouth, enduring physical and psychological torture.

Cottonmouth

A twisted prophet fueled by vengeance and a warped vision of the world’s end. He seeks to destroy all that he perceives as corrupt, including Musselwhite, upon whom he blames the death of their son, Glade.

Glade

The tragic ghost of Cottonmouth and Musselwhite’s past. This infant son was killed by Musselwhite when he was ill and in a coma. He is leading to a rift that shaped their destinies.

Pondwander

The ostracized “lightning boy,” who is an albino. Despite his physical limitations, Pondwander possesses a compassionate nature and a hidden potential as a dreamer. In his arranged marriage with Musselwhite, he finds himself caught in a web of destiny much larger than himself.

Kelp

Pondwander’s fiercely loyal sister. A skilled hunter and fierce protector, she serves as his rock and confidante.

Matrone Moonsnail

The stern matriarch of the Heartwood village and Kelp and Pondwander’s grandmother. She is also the mother of Dark Rain.

Diamondback

Musselwhite and Diver’s injured son. He was with his father on the scouting party attack. 

Beaverpaw

The former war-leader of Heartwood was seduced by Dark Rain’s charm and ultimately stripped of his power and dignity.

Bowfin

Like Beaverpaw, he also falls prey to Dark Rain’s manipulations.

Dark Rain

A cunning outcast woman who survives through gambling and seduction. Her desperate actions lead to Pondwander’s marriage to Musselwhite, highlighting the complex moral landscape of the narrative.

Dogtooth

An enigmatic hermit and dream teacher. Utilizing riddles as cryptic messages, he guides Pondwander on his journey of self-discovery.

Turtle Bone Doll

This mysterious doll, once belonging to Cottonmouth’s deceased son, Glade, now holds powerful significance in the story’s unfolding. 

Should you read it?

Absolutely! Here’s why:

• Unique Twist on Destiny. You learn Pondwander’s fate early on, but the way it unfolds throws back a curveball, keeping you engaged. Sure, the ending might feel a touch of jumbled, but it’s an intriguing departure from the expected
• Spiritual Depths. This installment delves deeper into the concept of spirit destiny, a refreshing change from the series’ usual focus on Dreamers. It’s one of the easier aspects of the book to grasp.
• Vivid Portrayal. The Gear’s signature well-written style shines through. Vivid details transport you to the world of these ancient North Americans, even during slower stretches of the narrative.
• A Window to the Past. Prepare to be enriched! The book overflows with knowledge about warfare, hunting, the passionate lives of these people, and the overall tapestry of their existence.

The End of My Journey, But Yours Can Begin

Sadly, my library doesn’t have the following books in the series, so this is where my exploration ends. However, this experience has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve gained a deeper understanding of a civilization lost to time and an appreciation for their unique way of life.

The Gears are masters at bringing the past to life. They craft characters who feel genuine and relatable, despite the vast historical and cultural gulf.

It has been an educated learning experience to follow this series. It has taught me about a culture vastly different from my Scandinavian background—their beliefs, traditions, food, and everyday lives.

So, if you’re looking for a captivating historical fiction novel that educates while entertaining, the “North America’s Forgotten Past” series is a must-read. It might just spark your own journey into the lives of people inhabiting the world thousands of years ago.

You might be interested in “The People of The Wolf” and “The People of the Fire“