In this epic tale of survival set in Paleolithic America, the authors of "People of the Nightland" bring readers to the banks of the great Mississippi River more than one thousand years ago. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

The Mississippian chiefdoms of 13th-century North America rule the latest Forgotten Past novel from the Gears (People of the Wolf, etc.). Split Sky City is the cultural and political center of a region ruled by the Chief Clan of the Sky Hand tribe who in turn rule over several subjugated tribes. When the Chahta, of White Arrow Town, dare to resist the Sky Hand retribution, led by sadistic Smoke Shield, is swift and vicious. As the political climate grows hotter, the fate of the entire region may rest on three wanderers with mysterious pasts: Old White, aka the Seeker, who has wandered from one end of the known world to the other; Trader, a traveling merchant who guards his past as an exiled head of the Chief Clan; and Two Petals, a young woman who, as a Contrary, is magically and spiritually powerful, but is almost incomprehensible to normal people. The three know they are fated to change things irrevocably at Split Sky City, but first they have to get there. Fastidious attention to detail in politics, military strategy, trade, dress and characterization make for a fascinating ride. (Apr.) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information

Once again, the Gears, husband-and-wife archaeologists-turned-best-selling authors, score big with another absorbing installment in their North America's Forgotten Past series. This volume traces the path of Old White, an inveterate wanderer labeled the "Seeker," who is constrained by visions and spirits to return home to his roots. His journey leads him to the life-affirming Mississippi, where his fate becomes intertwined with Two Petals, an almost mystical creature fated to live life backward without the help of both Old White and Trader, another loner with problems and a past of his own. As usual, the strength of the narrative lies in the fact that the knowledgeable Gears have firmly interwoven history, geology, and archaeology into a compelling narrative that reanimates and breathes new life into a neglected era of Native American history. This is historical fiction at its best, well researched and well thought out. Be assured that this new volume will prove as popular, and garner as much critical respect, as the previous volumes in this impressive series. Flanagan, Margaret. From: Syndetics Solutions, Inc. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.