RED HAWK'S WOMAN

Author: Karen Kay ISBN: 0425216039 6/2007 HISTORICAL Publisher: BERKLEY SENSATION
Time Period: 1867 Montana Territory

Many centuries ago, a village killed the children of the Thunder god. For their crime the Creator banished them to live a half existence in the land of shadlows, neither dead nor alive. But once in a generation, a brave is given the opportunity to save his clan. In 1866, that warrior is Red Hawk. When he was a boy, Red Hawk spent a single afternoon with a beautiful, nymphlike girl. Now, years later, in the quest to free his people, he has tracked her down—and she could very well hold the key to break the centuries-old curse... The daughter of a renowned archaeologist, Effie Rutledge is determined to finish the project her father started and recover the four precious artifacts that could free the Lost Clan. Acting as her guide, Red Hawk finds himself consumed by a once-in-a-lifetime passion. But as Effie and Red Hawk struggle to trust each other, they risk the Thunder god's wrath—and the future of the whole Lost Clan...

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

It has been a long while since I have read a historical romance featuring Native Americans. So, it was with some excitement that I picked up Karen Kay's RED HAWK'S WOMAN. Unfortunately, it did not leave me with the feeling that I have missed out on much.

Some readers may recognize RED HAWK'S WOMAN as a continuation of a story featuring the Lost Clan. Although I think the concept of the disappearance of an entire tribe being banished for a misdeed against their Thunder God is a good one, the actual story falls flat. Indeed, the concept is the best thing about it.

The characters are dull and their personalities are glossed over. I don't know enough about them to care what happens to them. I don't even remember if they all speak or are just spoken about. But, what is really lacking is the story surrounding those characters. The silly plot involving a supposed "outsider" attacking the small, close knit group of archaeologists is so predictable, that it makes the book boring. There is no fire here, just speculation and a trek through the woods that should have been more engrossing than it is.

If you are looking for a truly moving, deeply emotional Native American story, you won't find it here. But, if you are just looking for a bit of interesting folk-lore you may enjoy this one.

Shannon Johnson