Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

Talks Like Thunder: Red With Native Blood: Novella One by Randal Nerhus
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Talks Like Thunder is the first book in the Red With Native Blood series. It is a coming-of-age story, suitable for YA readers, which follows a young woman whose life is turned upside down as a child by diseases brought by white settlers and who has to learn to live in a world where her community is constantly under threat.

This is an engaging story which draws on history both to educate and to enhance the reader’s experience. There are plenty of details which bring the story to life, as the writers paint a strong, sensory picture. It’s beautiful to read!

At times, this book gets quite dark and sad as it addresses historical atrocities. For younger or more sensitive readers, it may be worth reading together with someone else so you can discuss what happens and the issues that are raised.

I would recommend this to fans of historical fiction, particularly those with an interest in Indigenous American culture and history. It gets five stars from me, I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series!

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