FROM AMAZON:
5.0 out of 5 stars
January 10, 2013
By Ms. Bernice F. Wilbanks “Namaste’” (Monett, MO)
EXCELLENT.
I loved, loved loved the concept of this book. I am a Native American at heart and also believe there is more to the universe AND that we CAN change the damage done to our people’s and planet. Please read this book and take it to heart. Pay attention and you too can be a part of peace on earth. Namaste`
5.0 out of 5 stars A Native-American, Space and Visionary Saga Full of Heart and Soul April 11, 2012
By Editrix Gal
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
I loved this novel. Its scope is immense; it is a unique fantastical view of Native American history – yet plausible to those who believe in the power of the spirit.
The author’s respect and love for the Mandan culture and way of life (which was thoroughly researched and seamlessly integrated into the plot) is evident in the way the story progresses. The story takes twists and turns as unpredictable events befall the characters as time moves on, yet the entire saga is cohesive and stays true to its themes and possibilities.
I was enthralled and moved. A wonderful story. I can’t recommend it highly enough!
AMAZON UK
Perched high upon lofty cliffs, overlooking the turbulent waters of the Missouri River, the great Mandan tribe could survey the river and the wild prairies of North Dakota. From these walled fortresses, like ruling kings from medieval times, the rich and powerful Mandan knew how to wield magic, magic taught to them by the great god, Lone Man, one of The People from Above.
According to the Mandan myths and lore, the People from Above sped through the skies in vehicles that were like comets and landed on the prairie. When Lone Man visited, he taught them magic because they were special. They were his chosen ones.
This is a unique take on real events, with magic, the supernatural, and . . . the promised return of the god Lone Man.
Indians and Aliens?
The year is 1837. Clayton Pinckney is enthralled with the Indians. He is a sixteen-year-old, aspiring writer who has little interest in his advantaged life. He is handsome, well educated, and the son of a wealthy plantation owner. However, his enthrallment with the Indians is a shame to his family. Clayton is determined to prove his is not just a foolish boy with silly ideas, such as his ideals about the Indians. He feels he can ignite imaginations and provoke curiosities with his writing, A heated clash with his father is all that is needed to prompt him to run away from home in search of that wild and exotic Mandan tribe and follow his calling.
When he does find the, the naïve Clayton is thrilled with this unique tribe, their elaborate culture, and their amazing appearance. Many have blond hair and others have white hair. They are like nothing he has ever seen or even imagined.
At first, he is completely enamored with what looks to him like a utopian society. He becomes very involved with the flamboyant Chief Rained for Many Days and falls hopelessly in love with the chief’s magical, young daughter, the exotic and, at times, very frightening, Crying Wind.
However, as he learns more about the Mandan, he finds he has a big problem – much of what he has seen is too unbelievable to reveal.
SEE BELOW FOR A SHORT EXCERPT:
REVIEWS:
5.0 out of 5 stars
This is a Journey, not Just a Book, March 9, 2012
By MJ (San Francisco)
A Whisper from Eden, A Native American Fantasy (Kindle Edition)
I normally do not read this genre, but the unique combination of Native Americans and Science Fiction? Too cool. Once I began reading it, what hooked me was how the writer pulls you into another time and place. She’s a master. Her attention to detail and deep, deep knowledge of the Mandan is what makes this story…SO believable. I REALLY, REALLY recommend this novel to people who are interested in taking a journey and not just reading a book.
5.0 out of 5 stars What a pleasurable mix of old west meets aliens. LOVED IT!, March 8, 2012
By Redhead
5.0 out of 5 stars Highly RecommendedA Whisper from Eden, March 8, 2012
By Rayjordy
This story intrigued me so I checked it out. The characters are loveable and so full of life! There was very much enough suspense to keep me “turning the pages” so to speak. I would definitely recommend this book to ANYONE. It covers just about every genre so you will walk away satisfied.
A Whisper from Eden kept me on the edge of my seat like a thriller but is written in a lyrical style that evokes emotional pictures of a time past that speaks to us today.
A Whisper from Eden is a beautifully written book that brings to light a way of living that will appeal to modern man in his overly complicated world. It depicts a simpler way of life and the ties we have to our beautiful planet and a sense of what is really there. Though a work of fiction, A Whisper from Eden will give you pause to think about your own spirituality.
A Whisper from Eden is a young man’s epic journey from idealistic youth to manhood and his successful striving to find himself and his relationship with the world. Set against the backdrop of mid-ninetieth century America, Clayton Pickney discovers the Indian culture, a culture so much different from his white upbringing. He understands that his race is certainly decimating the Indian population on the east coast and continuing their genocide as the whites spread west.
He feels he can get the whites to look more carefully at the reds and their heritage and find a value in what they observe and thus stop exterminating the Indians, but learn from them. He just needs to write Indian stories that will capture people’s imagination.
He has heard about a very unusual tribe called the Mandan in the Dakota Territories and travels alone to find them so as to have stories to write. There he discovers a most unique people. Their love of life and ability to live opulently on the harsh planes of North Dakota are a wonder to him. As is their belief in their extra-terrestrial god, Lone Man.
He is soon embroiled in “The Plan” which, unknown to him, seeks to solve the problems of the white man invading the planes. He also finds love for the beautiful shaman, Crying Wind. Clayton becomes a member of the tribe and is soon taking part in their daily life as an honored warrior.
In time, the white man’s influence overwhelms the tribe in the form of the deadly smallpox and Clayton’s hope of educating the whites are dashed, the plan is dead.
How this unfolds to a dramatic conclusion is for you the reader to experience. This epic novel will make you laugh, cry and search your soul for the meaning to your own life and your connection to all life and this planet.
Anonymous: One of the best and orginal stories I’ve read in awhile.One of the best and original stories I’ve read in awhile. The author really knows how to weave a story. Recommend.
EXCERPT:
And Lindmann was right. They didn’t look like any tribe he had ever seen. The sentry led him up to a lodge and motioned for Clayton to stay at the entry. The sentry went in. In a few moments, he reappeared and stepped to the side.
The figure that emerged and stood before him stunned him into gaping. He was truly the most magnificent and picturesque man Clayton had ever seen.
The striking man was tall, about six feet, with an angular face and a long narrow nose. His hair was light brown with a white streak on the top of his head, about three or four inches wide. The white bangs were long and twisted with a decorative thong. His eyes were blue, set like pale jewels in a dark face that was painted with small designs across his nose and over the cheekbones.
He was dressed in a tunic and leggings of soft, mountain goatskin, tanned to stark white and trimmed with ermine. The tunic was finely decorated with colorfully dyed porcupine quills and bright beads and was painted with several designs that looked like a pictorial of hunting exploits. A fringe was sewn into the seam from the shoulder to the cuff with black hair, maybe from the hair from the heads of enemies he had slain, Clayton thought. No, maybe from the mane of a horse.
His moccasins were a rare work of art, decorated with intricate beads and teeth. He had an elaborate neckpiece of beads, bear teeth, and hundreds of small black tails with white tips. All fantastic. But his headgear was the most spectacular. It was the most elaborate feather bonnet Clayton had ever seen, with a multitude of brown and white feathers fanning from his face and trailing to the ground, framing his entire body.
The proud man surveyed him. Clayton tried to regain his composure. He made the signs to again say that he had journeyed far to meet the great chief and was a friend. His hands flowed in the rhythm and the graceful movements of sign language.
Clayton was hoping the man would be impressed with his proficiency.
I arrived here – his right index finger, moving and touching the palm of his left upright hand.
To see – his separate index and middle fingers of his right hand place under his eyes and then pushed forward.
The chief, one man over all men – his fingers of the left hand, palm out and passing his right index finger over left fingers.
I am a friend – holding up his right index and middle fingers together, palm out, bringing them upward above his shoulder.
“Are you a missionary?” the chief asked in perfect English.
Clayton’s face flushed. “You speak English?”
“Good thing. You don’t speak Mandan.”
Clayton let out a laugh that was more like a choke. He took a deep breath and cleared his throat. He tried to collect himself.
“Ah…well, yes. Quite true. No, I’m not a missionary. My name is Clayton Pinckney. I’m a traveler, an explorer who came all this way to meet the people of the Mandan tribe.”
“Why?”
“Um…” He collected himself again. “I wish to learn more about you and your tribe. I’ve heard about you in…myth…well, I’ve heard about you in stories from travelers. I’ve heard of your tribe and I’m relieved that you speak English. Obviously, that will make things easier. I am a writer.”
He stared stupidly at the beautiful man. “I’ve read a lot of books.”
The chief brightened. “Ah, books. What books?”
“What books?” He stared at him.
The man said nothing.
“Well, just about everything. I have read everything. In several languages.”
The chief suddenly rattled off some orders in Mandan to several tribesmen who were standing close by. They moved in to take Clayton’s horses away.
“Hey! Hey! Just wait a minute now. I…”
The chief suddenly reached over and put his arm around Clayton’s shoulders. Clayton flinched.
“Do not worry, boy. Do not worry. We will take care of your horses. Come in. Come in and have some food and talk.”
AMAZON US
So where can we purchase this really awesome book? I would like to read the whole thing!!!