New e-book Red Willow’s Quest by Heidi Skarie is available for just$3.99 on Amazon. The historical novel
has received many good reviews here is one from Bloomsbury Review and from
Colorado Libraries.
Red Willow's Quest is a Historical Novel
With sometimes nonstop action and never-ending drama added to it's accurate historical details, it's not surprising that discussions for making a movie about the book have begun. And with an abundance of issues equally interesting to adults and young readers alike, it looks like a natural for the big screen. It helps that Red Willow was not a typical Shoshoni maiden! She knew how to use weapons and was very outspoken. She often heard the call of her Spirit Guide and believed that her destiny was to serve her people as a powerful medicine woman.
With sometimes nonstop action and never-ending drama added to it's accurate historical details, it's not surprising that discussions for making a movie about the book have begun. And with an abundance of issues equally interesting to adults and young readers alike, it looks like a natural for the big screen. It helps that Red Willow was not a typical Shoshoni maiden! She knew how to use weapons and was very outspoken. She often heard the call of her Spirit Guide and believed that her destiny was to serve her people as a powerful medicine woman.
HEIDI SKARIE is a passionate writer and storyteller. She gives workshops and teaches classes on writing and Spiritual topics, and is also a popular interview guest on radio and television.
Bloomsbury Review of books
Red Willow is a 16-year-old Shoshoni girl who
lives with her tribe in the Rocky Mountains near what is now the Missouri
River, in Montana. She is not a typical Shoshoni maiden: She knows how to use
weapons and is very outspoken. Red willow often hears the call of her Spirit
Guide and believes that her destiny is to be a powerful medicine woman who will
serve her people.
The novel begins in the season of melting snow, or the beginning of spring 1807. Red Willow is drawn to The Sacred Mountains where her grandfather, a respected shaman, insists she must go to fulfill her quest (consisting of four days of no sleep, food, drink, or speaking: it is supposed to allow a clear vision of an event in the future). Many members of her tribe believe that only warrior of the Shoshoni-not girls or women-go on spirit quests. But Red Willow is determined not to be stopped and sets off on her journey with Wind Chaser, her dog, and her strong and faithful stallion. Good Thunder.
In Red Willow's Quest Heidi Skarie displays a talent for mystical and spiritual writing. She explains the meaning and symbolism for each tradition mentioned, then adds action, adventure, and romance, bringing them all together into one powerful epic. Ultimately, Red Willow must make a challenging decision that will considerably change her life and conclude this intense novel. I enjoyed Red Willow' Quest from beginning to end.
The novel begins in the season of melting snow, or the beginning of spring 1807. Red Willow is drawn to The Sacred Mountains where her grandfather, a respected shaman, insists she must go to fulfill her quest (consisting of four days of no sleep, food, drink, or speaking: it is supposed to allow a clear vision of an event in the future). Many members of her tribe believe that only warrior of the Shoshoni-not girls or women-go on spirit quests. But Red Willow is determined not to be stopped and sets off on her journey with Wind Chaser, her dog, and her strong and faithful stallion. Good Thunder.
In Red Willow's Quest Heidi Skarie displays a talent for mystical and spiritual writing. She explains the meaning and symbolism for each tradition mentioned, then adds action, adventure, and romance, bringing them all together into one powerful epic. Ultimately, Red Willow must make a challenging decision that will considerably change her life and conclude this intense novel. I enjoyed Red Willow' Quest from beginning to end.
- Review by Kristen Woodruff
Author: Red Willow's Quest
Colorado Libraries, Vol. 27 No. 3
This Native American story is about Red Willow, a
sixteen-year-old Shoshoni girl who lives with her family and tribe in the early
1800s in what is now Montana.
Red Willow's Quest refers to her spiritual journey to the sacred Mountains where she hopes to learn the secret ways of becoming a medicine woman. This is very difficult because she must face the opposition of most of her tribe at a time when girls and women did not go on spirit quests. She is also faced with wild animals, enemy warriors, and dangerous white trappers. Her helpers along the way are her faithful dog-wolf companion, Wind Chaser, and her strong pony, Good Thunder.
The other main character, Masheka, a Kootenai warrior, offers his protection and help. The story is well written and rings true. Ms. Skarie has a wonderful voice for the character and obviously has extensive knowledge about the life and customs of the Shoshoni tribe.
Young teenage girls would enjoy reading this book because of Red Willow's strong character and the nature of the challenges she faces, and boys would enjoy it because of the dangerous adventures of both Red Willow and Masheka.
Adults who enjoy historical fiction that contains spirituality and mysticism would also find it interesting. There is a short bibliography that includes material for children and adults. This is Ms. Skarie's first book. In a recent interview she said she is at work on another historical adventure story. I will look forward to its appearance.
Red Willow's Quest refers to her spiritual journey to the sacred Mountains where she hopes to learn the secret ways of becoming a medicine woman. This is very difficult because she must face the opposition of most of her tribe at a time when girls and women did not go on spirit quests. She is also faced with wild animals, enemy warriors, and dangerous white trappers. Her helpers along the way are her faithful dog-wolf companion, Wind Chaser, and her strong pony, Good Thunder.
The other main character, Masheka, a Kootenai warrior, offers his protection and help. The story is well written and rings true. Ms. Skarie has a wonderful voice for the character and obviously has extensive knowledge about the life and customs of the Shoshoni tribe.
Young teenage girls would enjoy reading this book because of Red Willow's strong character and the nature of the challenges she faces, and boys would enjoy it because of the dangerous adventures of both Red Willow and Masheka.
Adults who enjoy historical fiction that contains spirituality and mysticism would also find it interesting. There is a short bibliography that includes material for children and adults. This is Ms. Skarie's first book. In a recent interview she said she is at work on another historical adventure story. I will look forward to its appearance.
- Review by Sandra Avery, Reference Librarian, Jefferson County
Public Library
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