Title:
Lord Of The Plains
Author:
T.L. Gray
Published By:
Amber Quill Press
ISBN:
Electronic:
1-59279-225-1
Print:
1-59279-851-9
Release Date:
Available Now
Format:
Electronic, Print
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A tragic tale of an Indian Chief, Gray Wolf, and his obsession with his white female slave, She-With-Hair-Of-Midnight, influences the lives of the following generations. Black Bear / Mato, the son of Indian Chief Red Hawk, is raised believing that to love and cede to a woman is a weakness that will bring bad fortune to his tribe. She-With-Hair-Of-Midnight, Elizabeth Taylor, has romanticised her time of capture by Gray Wolf and of her life with the tribe to her grandchildren, Jen and Brad Foster.
When Jen and Brad assist an unconscious Oglala woman, Doe Eyes, they incur the wrath of her tribe. Most of the white soldiers at the fort, their wives and children are slain. A few are taken for slaves. Jen is captured by Mato. At the Indian camp she discovers her brother, barely alive, lashed to a post. Although Jen knows a few Oglala words, these are of little use as she struggles daily within the constraints Mato has on her. As his father, Red Hawk, was the adopted son of Gray Wolf, Mato has been taught to understand English. He does not reveal this to Jen, instead forcing her to communicate as an Indian. Yet he can understand her anguish and fear for her brother clearly. Mato will not show her lenience in his punishments for mistakes, as it would bring shame on them both. As Jen gets to know her captor, his fairness within the tribe and his tender lovemaking, she believes that she could fall in love. Mato will never let any emotions for a woman, especially a white slave; have any bearing on his future role as a chieftain. Even if it breaks his heart to be so ruthless with Jen.
Ms. Gray is an exceptionally talented writer. Her eloquent prose has taken this reader back to the Dakota Territory in 1866 without long-winded detailed descriptions of the countryside and the Indian Camp. Although these elements are hinted at, the author gets straight to the heart of the story through her characters. I read over many sections twice to get the full impact of her beautiful style of writing, which seems to flow effortlessly.
Ms. Gray is an author well-worth keeping a watch for. After reading Lord Of The Plains this reader is hopeful that there will be a sequel featuring Brad and Doe Eyes. By far one of the best Western Historicals I have had the pleasure of reading. Lord Of The Plains and Ms. Gray definitely deserve a 5 Angel rating. Very Highly Recommended!Reviewed by: Naomi
