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Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter – Review by Kristin Boutelle

Talks Like Thunder: Red With Native Blood: Novella OneTalks Like Thunder: Red With Native Blood: Novella One by Randal Nerhus
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book stands out among the others. It describes the life of an American Indian during the time when the English settlers came to America. The author does an impeccable job in describing what Talks like Thunder’s emotions and her life prior to the settlers taking over their village. The plot is very easy to follow and understand. The characters are very well thought out and do complement each other.

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Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter – Review by Ayla Phipps

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

Inspirational. This is the first book I have read by this author and while I don’t usually read historical fiction books everything about this book drew me in to give it a read. Primarily told from Desert Flower/ Talks Like Thunder’s perspective we get a few glimpses from her Grandfather Gray Fox.
1871, Desert Flower is only seven years old, her father has long passed and now so has her mother. While he tribe, the White Mountain Apache’s care for her, lack of food and illnesses from the white-eyes (blue coats) has wiped out several leaving her the only child that survived the stomach rot. Enter her grandfather Gray Fox and several of his Chiricahua warriors. Having heard of her mother’s passing he has come to reclaim his granddaughter and take her to his tribe, the Three Hills Chiricahua Apache’s. Very quickly her spirit is strong while she doesn’t want to leave her friends and the family of her tribe, she overhears the fear of starvation if she stays. Riding a horse for the first time she is scared, leaving her people, surrounded by strangers, and going to a place she has never seen or heard of. As part of her assimilation into her grandfather’s tribe she is given a new name, Talks Like Thunder. Finally, she understands and feels her grandfather’s affection for her and in time he calls her daughter as a term of endearment. Mastering many weapons, she is invited to the Warrior’s Society, and she is determined to prove she belongs or at least not go down without a fight. Once she officially becomes a woman, she truly feels that this is her dream tribe, and she belongs.
Can Thunder fulfill her goal of becoming a warrior? Will she get the husband of her dreams Golden Eagle (Sparrow)? With the invaders all around will her tribe be able to survive the battles to come. Learning about our history is only one side of it. This book, while fictionalized, is built upon historical events, and the sadness fills my soul for the loss of so many. The details, world building for the period and growth of the characters leaves you wanting more. Thunder is the female protagonist we all need. She is strong and fierce, and she is a woman that wants a husband and family. Her determination to protect her people and those she loves gives her strength every step of the way. I can’t wait to read more of this series, Falling Star, novella two and see more of this side of history that’s often forgotten.

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Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter – Review by Daree Blake

Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood: Novella One)Talks Like Thunder by Randal Nerhus
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Reading about the horrible treatment of the Native Americans is a painful reminder of the history of our country. Experiencing it through Talks Like Thunder’s eyes is heartbreaking. The Strength she finds within herself is a testament to the resilience of her people even today. I look forward to reading the next book and hearing where the story goes from here.

Reviewed by @daree222
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Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter – Review by Alison Risher

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

What a phenomenal book! I picked this book because I enjoy reading about Native Americans. I learned so much about Apache culture. Sadly, I was also reminded of things that were quite unpleasant, such as how natives were treated by the government, the army, and even everyday people. The story flowed with authentic pace. Best of all, this book is the first of a series!

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Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter – Review by Julie Johnson

Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood: Novella One)Talks Like Thunder by Randal Nerhus
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars

This is a work of fiction but is inspired by real events that have taken place. Desert Flower is only 7 years old when she is abducted by her grandfather to join his tribe of the Chiricahua. She doesn’t understand their ways at all and misses her family, who perished, as well as her friends left behind in her original tribe.

As custom is, Desert Flower receives a new name once she’s been assimilated into her grandfather’s tribe. She becomes Talks Like Thunder and oh, does she!! Thunder is a force to be reckoned with whether its from her own people or the Blue Coats.

This is a very emotional read. I have studied Native American history to some extent but reading these stories, even though fictional in nature, provides some context as to the treatment of these people. I found myself cheering for Thunder throughout all her trials and look forward to reading more about her people in future books.

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Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter – Review by katie stapleton

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

This book was incredible. Marjorie’s vision is brought to life by their collaborative words. It is heart wrenching and eye opening. Quite honestly, I feel like this should be required reading in high schools. History is important to experience through the eyes of oppressed peoples. I think that many people would experience a different world than they’ve been taught by reading this book. I am eager to read the rest in the collection. Especially at this time in the world, we can take many lessons from Native peoples to better connect with the earth and others. Brilliant.

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Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) Audiobook by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I was intrigued by the cover and description of this audiobook and decided to dive in… and my goodness …. this story was raw and emotional….and I was rooting for Talks Like Thunder all the way. This is the first book in the series and I will definitely be checking out the rest of the books and I am intrigued where the story goes from here.

Talks Like Thunder loses her parents at an early age and she is taken by her grandfather so he may protect her. She learns quickly how to be a warrior… but constantly thrown in different paths but tries to find a way to fight and protect her people.

This story was so good, drama and heartbreaking moments… but I love Talks Like Thunder and her focus and determination to help her people when they need her most.

Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) Audiobook by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter – Review by Toni Sellers

Talks Like Thunder is the first Novella in the Red With Native Blood series. This is a wonderfully written story of Dessert Flower and her journey to become Talks like Thunder. The first word that comes to mind is Beautiful, even though there is a lot of sadness in this story that will bring tears to your eyes in many parts, it is sadly the realistic truth of the of what happened to the native people. Being native myself I felt this book was written so well and truthful in so many ways, with great detail to the ways of the people, and all things that are important to us. I highly recommend this book. I can’t wait for the next. The narrator Aubriana Harshfield did an amazing job.

Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter – Review by Nina Maes

Loved this book. Very detailed, and articulate very well. This author knows how to grab you by your emotions and doesn’t let go until the appropriate time. Strong story line and strong characters. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading the rest of this series.

Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) Audiobook by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter – Review by Amanda Glaspie

This was a fascinating and heartbreaking story. There was so much hope and then absolute heartbreak. I felt each tear and every bout of anger. Very well written and told.

Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) Audiobook by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter – Review by Shelly Kittell

4/5 stars

This is an amazing novella of Desert Flower’s journey. This really is a story that grabs your attention. I was intrigued at how she started off her life and how strong she became. She is a true warrior spirit. The writing is so flowing and relatable that you must continue listening while you work. All of the characters are well-written from Grey Fox to those in the tribe. They all grew to mesh well, as a family should. This is about a young, indigenous girl that becomes a strong young woman. She overcomes a lot and finds her family. It’s a definite must listen to story. I do wish the narrator could have given a little more energy to her voice. It was a tad dry and I fell asleep a few times. I enjoyed the story, not the narrator, so much

Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter – Review by Carrie Reed

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

Wow! This book is painfully beautiful. I really enjoy learning and hearing about the Native American people and their culture and traditions. This book had my heart breaking for all the Native American’s from back then and even now. No one deserves the treatment they received and it makes me so angry that although this story was fictional, things like this did happen. I could not stop reading and can’t wait to pick up the next book in the series. I only hope Walks Like Thunder can once again meet with Golden Eagle, and together they can heal from their great loss.

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Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) Audiobook by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter – Review by Bobbi Wagner

This is my first audiobook by this author which I look forward to seeing what is next for this author.  I enjoyed how the narrator used different tones to make the story engaging.  They had me coming back for more, just to see what would happen next.  It is a story about a woman who takes you on a journey of compassion, respect and loyalty.  There is an entertaining value to this story that makes it easy to listen to.  This is one of my favorite audiobooks.  I highly recommend this audio book

Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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

Talks Like Thunder is Book One in the Red With Native Blood Series. It is set in the Arizona Territory in 1871 and tells the story of a seven-year-old Apache girl named Talks Like Thunder. She is suddenly uprooted from all that she knows by her estranged grandfather from the Chiricahua village. As she grows and matures into a young woman, she has the desire to prove herself and transforms herself into a fierce warrior. When she is taken captive by US soldiers, she vows to seek revenge.

Talks Like Thunder is a beautifully written, poignant, and moving story about a young Apache girl who perseveres no matter what challenges come her way. The storyline is compelling, the scenes are vividly described and immerse you fully into the story, and the characters are well developed. Talks Like Thunder is strong, smart, kind, gentle, determined, and a fierce warrior. Changing environments, and even time spent in captivity, did not break her spirit. This was an amazing story with Indigenous American history, beliefs, and culture, and full of raw emotions that will have you reaching for a Kleenex. I highly recommend this beautiful and thought-provoking novella.

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Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) Audiobook by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter – Review by Toni Sellers

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

Talks Like Thunder is the first Novella in the Red With Native Blood series. This is a wonderfully written story of Dessert Flower and her journey to become Talks like Thunder. The first word that comes to mind is Beautiful, even though there is a lot of sadness in this story that will bring tears to your eyes in many parts, it is sadly the realistic truth of the of what happened to the native people. Being native myself I felt this book was written so well and truthful in so many ways, with great detail to the ways of the people, and all things that are important to us. I highly recommend this book. I can’t wait for the next.

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Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) Audiobook by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter – Review by Cindy Mayberry

This was a hard story to listen to. I generally don’t listen or read historical stories. But this one caught my interest. I am happy I took the time to listen to the story. A story told by a young child of seven. Talks Like Thunder is a remarkably strong young child who had to grow up fast. Her family had been taken from her, then a strange man comes along claiming to be her grandfather. Taking her to a new reservation, where she knows nobody. But that is just the beginning for Talks Like Thunder. Her story is told well and the authors knew their history. While this story was heartbreaking. I felt like I was sitting close by watching and listening. The authors, while new to me, I will be looking for more from them. I am interested to see where they take this series.

Review@cinful

 

Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter – Review by Jenni Bishop

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

4.5 stars
WOW!
Talks Like Thunder is the first book in the Red With Native Blood Novellas and is an intense and emotional YA, Native American tale that will tear at your heartstrings, make your heartache and will brand your soul.
This powerfully written historical tale shows the passion and understanding of the subject by these two amazing co-authors. That Randal picked up the threads of the tale and finished Marjorie’s work is a testament to their friendship.
This complex and moving story is one that is hard to put down and will stay in your thoughts long after you have turned the last page.
The characters are hard to forget. The character of Thunder is a true wonder. She is strong, she is a warrior, she has grit, and I was with her every step of the way.
Talks Like Thunder transports us back to a time where the harshness and realities of life for Native Americans comes to life.
I absolutely cannot wait to get a hold of the next two books.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book #1) by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter – Review by Angela Hayes

Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood: Novella One)Talks Like Thunder by Randal Nerhus
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

4 Stars

 

Talks Like Thunder is the first book in the Red With Native Blood Series by Randal Nerhus and Marjorie Carter. This historical fiction story is an emotional and thought-provoking read full of Native American history, culture, and beliefs – with topics such as captivity, tension, pain, dedication, determination, spirit, revenge, family, honor, respect, and much more, this proved to be a raw and emotive read.
I really didn’t know what to expect going into this book, but it is so different to what I normally read, I thought I’d change things up a bit by plunging in and meeting Talks Like Thunder. She definitely has a tale to tell- and I am really glad I changed things up by taking a chance on this book. It really was worth the read.
I really recommend diving into this powerful, raw and emotive story without knowing too much about it, and let the author/s, the characters, and the story surprise you.
I see there are more books in this series, and I will definitely be adding them to my TBR to explore asap.
Well worth the read.
Happy Reading…

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter – Review by Shelly Kittell

Talks Like Thunder: Red With Native Blood: Novella OneTalks Like Thunder: Red With Native Blood: Novella One by Randal Nerhus
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an amazing novella of Desert Flower’s journey. This really is a book that will grab your attention. I was intrigued at how she started off her life and how strong she became. She is a true warrior spirit. The writing is so flowing and relatable that you can’t put it down. I found that I had to finish it. All of the characters are well-written from Grey Fox to those in the tribe. They all grew to mesh well, as a family should. This is about a young, indigenous girl that becomes a strong young woman. She overcomes a lot and finds her family. It’s a must read story.

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Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood: Novella One)Talks Like Thunder by Randal Nerhus
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first book by this author. It is a historical story that is inspirational. A story about a woman who takes you on a journey of compassion, respect and loyalty. It is a story that brought a lot of emotion and had me coming back for more. I enjoyed watching the characters grow from the beginning. They pulled me into their world with ease and kept my attention to the end. This is a fast paced story that is hard to put down. There is an entertaining value to this story that made it easy to read. I found this book to be well written and a roller coaster ride. I really enjoyed this book and what the characters brought to the story. I highly recommend this book.

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Review by @bjwagner

Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter

🔹 ༻🔹 ༺🔹BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE🔹 ༻🔹 ༺🔹
Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter
Genre – YA, Native American
Page Count – 147
Cover Designer – Laura Boyle

Arizona Territory, 1871. Seven-year-old Talks Like Thunder can’t imagine life outside of her Apache family. So after both her parents succumb to deadly disease, her heart is ripped in two when her estranged grandfather takes her to his Chiricahua village. And as she blossoms into a young woman, her extraordinary insights into ancient mystical beliefs transform her into a fierce warrior. 

Preparing to defend their sacred land from invading White men, the driven protector falls for a fellow fighter and his words of a brighter future. But when their tribe is captured by U.S. soldiers, Thunder’s years in captivity fuel her to return to those she loves and take revenge on those who stole her innocence.

Meticulously completed posthumously, author Randal Nerhus has lovingly curated Marjorie Carter’s remarkable fictional account of one woman’s journey of compassion, loyalty, and respect for the earth. Through three interconnected tales, Talks Like Thunder’s struggle to retain the dignity and freedom integral to her centuries-old culture serves as a reminder of the spiritual strength revealed in Indigenous American history.

If you like authentic historical backdrops, empowered female protagonists, and triumphs of the human spirit, then you’ll love Randal Nerhus and Marjorie Carter’s awe-inspiring odyssey.

Buy Talks Like Thunder to dive into a powerful past today!

~ AMAZON ~

Click here to view the Book Trailer for Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter

Click here to experience a Chapter Reading for Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter

Marjorie Carter was born in Salem, Missouri, on July 17, 1937. Of Cherokee descent, she learned the traditional ways of her relatives from early childhood. During the eighth grade, she was forced to leave school to work and provide for her younger brothers. At the age of nineteen, she moved to Texas and began her careers in the restaurant and real estate businesses. During her life, she was diagnosed with seven different cancers and fought against melanoma for 25 years. A Native American seer and shaman, she had a passion for art, poetry, and stories. She wrote at her ranch near San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, hoping that Red With Native Blood would help reservation students embrace their heritage. Marjorie died of pneumonia on July 12, 2004.

 

Randal Nerhus received a BS in Agricultural Studies from Iowa State University in 1982, and an MA in Oriental Philosophy and Religion from Banaras Hindu University, India, in 1988. Shortly after obtaining his agriculture degree, he volunteered with the Peace Corps in the Philippines. While traveling in the mountains on the island of Palawan, he visited a remote tribal village and encountered a very different way of life—one of community, contentment, happiness, and love. Fifteen years later, his interest in tribal traditions deepened while taking part in a ManKind Project initiation that used native approaches to bring men into a life of integrity. In 2002, Marjorie Carter took him under her shamanic guidance which complemented and expanded upon his early Christian foundations. From 2013 to 2016, he lived in Colombia’s Amazon jungle studying under Cocama shaman don Rogelio Cariguasari, and relevant parts of that experience were incorporated into the novel.

Author Interview with Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter

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Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) Audiobook by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter

🔹 ༻🔹 ༺🔹AUDIO BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE🔹 ༻🔹 ༺🔹
Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) Audiobook by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter
Genre – YA, Native American
Listening Length – 4 hours 30 min
Narrated by – Aubriana Harshfield
Cover Designer – Laura Boyle

Arizona Territory, 1871. Seven-year-old Talks Like Thunder can’t imagine life outside of her Apache family. So after both her parents succumb to deadly disease, her heart is ripped in two when her estranged grandfather takes her to his Chiricahua village. And as she blossoms into a young woman, her extraordinary insights into ancient mystical beliefs transform her into a fierce warrior. 

Preparing to defend their sacred land from invading White men, the driven protector falls for a fellow fighter and his words of a brighter future. But when their tribe is captured by U.S. soldiers, Thunder’s years in captivity fuel her to return to those she loves and take revenge on those who stole her innocence.

Meticulously completed posthumously, author Randal Nerhus has lovingly curated Marjorie Carter’s remarkable fictional account of one woman’s journey of compassion, loyalty, and respect for the earth. Through three interconnected tales, Talks Like Thunder’s struggle to retain the dignity and freedom integral to her centuries-old culture serves as a reminder of the spiritual strength revealed in Indigenous American history.

If you like authentic historical backdrops, empowered female protagonists, and triumphs of the human spirit, then you’ll love Randal Nerhus and Marjorie Carter’s awe-inspiring odyssey.

Buy Talks Like Thunder to dive into a powerful past today!

~ AUDIBLE ~

Marjorie Carter was born in Salem, Missouri, on July 17, 1937. Of Cherokee descent, she learned the traditional ways of her relatives from early childhood. During the eighth grade, she was forced to leave school to work and provide for her younger brothers. At the age of nineteen, she moved to Texas and began her careers in the restaurant and real estate businesses. During her life, she was diagnosed with seven different cancers and fought against melanoma for 25 years. A Native American seer and shaman, she had a passion for art, poetry, and stories. She wrote at her ranch near San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, hoping that Red With Native Blood would help reservation students embrace their heritage. Marjorie died of pneumonia on July 12, 2004.

 

Randal Nerhus received a BS in Agricultural Studies from Iowa State University in 1982, and an MA in Oriental Philosophy and Religion from Banaras Hindu University, India, in 1988. Shortly after obtaining his agriculture degree, he volunteered with the Peace Corps in the Philippines. While traveling in the mountains on the island of Palawan, he visited a remote tribal village and encountered a very different way of life—one of community, contentment, happiness, and love. Fifteen years later, his interest in tribal traditions deepened while taking part in a ManKind Project initiation that used native approaches to bring men into a life of integrity. In 2002, Marjorie Carter took him under her shamanic guidance which complemented and expanded upon his early Christian foundations. From 2013 to 2016, he lived in Colombia’s Amazon jungle studying under Cocama shaman don Rogelio Cariguasari, and relevant parts of that experience were incorporated into the novel.

Author Interview with Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter

~ FACEBOOK ~ INSTAGRAM ~ BOOKBUB ~ TWITTER ~ NEWSLETTER ~

~ WEBSITE ~ FACEBOOK ~ TWITTER ~ PINTEREST ~ YOUTUBE ~ INSTAGRAMFACEBOOK GROUP ~ TIKTOK ~

Azreya, Aztec Priestess: An Illustrated Mythology Legend by Tricia Copeland, Illustrated by Matt Maes – Review by Mary Espinoza

Azreya, Aztec PriestessAzreya, Aztec Priestess by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Azreya is a story about a young girl who is trying to find out who she is meant to be. She was marked from birth with different eyes and a mark on her hand. Her parents sought out the help of a shaman and the shaman ended up deceiving Azreya’s parents. She stays with the shaman for a few years until her eyes are opened to the deceitful ways of the shaman. Azreya leaves the shaman and is finally able to let Tecuani, her inner animal run free. Does Azreya/Tecuani fulfill their mission of letting the truth known? You’ll just have to read the book to find out! P.S. this novel has illustrations to help the imagination!

September, 2022

Mary Espinoza

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Azreya, Aztec Priestess: An Illustrated Mythology Legend by Tricia Copeland, Illustrated by Matt Maes – Review by Monique Espitia

Azreya, Aztec PriestessAzreya, Aztec Priestess by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Azreya is the story of a young Aztec girl, whose family believed she was cursed and her only salvation was to give her to a shaman at the age of three. She grows under his tutelage, wondering who she is and what her purpose should be. Can she trust those around her to be honest and have her best interests at heart? This story has it all, survival, betrayal, and disappointment in those who were supposed to love her the most. Azreya goes on a difficult journey where she learns to trust herself and her abilities as she attempts to save the very people who pushed her away.

I really enjoyed this story a lot. It was a very pleasant read and I couldn’t put it down.

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Azreya, Aztec Priestess: An Illustrated Mythology Legend by Tricia Copeland, Illustrated by Matt Maes – Review by Jasmin Marie

<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61654037-azreya-aztec-priestess” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Azreya, Aztec Priestess” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1658502599l/61654037._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61654037-azreya-aztec-priestess”>Azreya, Aztec Priestess</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14055439.Tricia_Copeland”>Tricia Copeland</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4979849154″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
This is a book for YAs aged 12+. It combines paranormal/fantasy, historical fiction, legend, and mythology. The main character Azreya is born marked by a demon. At the age of three, she is placed in the care of a shaman who promises to protect her. When the Spanish come to Azreya’s land, she sees two paths– one of saving her people and another that leads to their end. Can Azreya control her inner beast and convince her people to break from age-old patterns, or will the Aztecs be vanquished by the enemy?<br /><br />I love love love this author’s work. I can always tell that she just loves writing and this illustrated book is no different! The world-building is amazing, the characters are interesting and relatable, and the illustrations are an added bonus!<br />
<br/><br/>
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Azreya, Aztec Priestess: An Illustrated Mythology Legend by Tricia Copeland, Illustrated by Matt Maes – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Azreya, Aztec PriestessAzreya, Aztec Priestess by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really felt as though I had Journeyed back in time to unlock the secrets of the Aztec in this YA illustrated novel based on mythology and legends. Azreya has always accepted her place as one cursed by the gods, since she was three years old and placed in the care of Nukpana, a shaman. However, when she has foresight of an impending slaughter, Azreya dares to attempt to reverse the Aztec people’s fate, even though it means clashing with the shamans wishes. Forced to flee, and with her family refusing to take her in, Azreya is determined not to stand by and see the demise of her people, and so begins her quest to enlighten them. She faces many challenges, but the biggest one is the monster hiding under her skin. Azreya has to learn how to control her inner beast, in order to convince her people to break from their old ways, to prevent the Aztecs being vanquished by the enemy. The detailed descriptive narrative along with the wonderful illustrations really bring the characters and the setting to life, and made me feel immersed in the story.

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Azreya, Aztec Priestess: An Illustrated Mythology Legend by Tricia Copeland – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

Azreya, Aztec PriestessAzreya, Aztec Priestess by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Azreya is a young woman with a strong spirit inside her, she was given by her family to a shaman, Nukpana at the age of three, they were told that unless they did, she could become a danger to those around her, but that she would not be able to see them again until that was accomplished. She was taught to read, write and strengthen her body, mind and soul, as well as learn how to use her gifts, but all was not as it seems when a client comes to see Nukpana, but her advice is not what is given, it was advice which would only serve Nukpana, so when she finds out, she cannot be pacified and neither can the soul inside her, so she packs her things and leaves.

In her vision, Azreya has seen the future of the Aztec people, but if the wrong path of two chosen, it could mean the end of her people, so with the knowledge that her people can survive if they band together she sets off to speak to someone who will listen. She decides to stop by the home of her family on the way, however, the truth she finds there is devastating and she is thrown out by the ones she is supposed to be loved by the most. As she journeys to somewhere she is not known, she is determined to face her cursed birth head on and embrace the demon inside her which everyone seems to hate and fear, but this is only the start of her trials.

Will Azreya be able to control her inner demon and come to find a balance and peace within herself, or will the foretold danger to those around her come to the surface and destroy everything she is working towards? This is an epic tale of one girl, one vision and a whole lot of challenges, as she fights to save her people in a race against time which will keep you intrigued throughout and on the edge of your seat until the end.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

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Azreya, Aztec Priestess: An Illustrated Mythology Legend by Tricia Copeland, Illustrated by Matt Maes – Review by Brittany Angel

Azreya, Aztec PriestessAzreya, Aztec Priestess by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Azreya is the tale of a young girl who was born marked by a demon. Fearing for her future, her parents take her to a shaman seeking guidance, he tells them to bring her back to him after her third birthday so that he can teach her to tame the beast within. Azreya then grows and helps him gain status within their community through her work as a seer, though he tales all the credit. When there is talk of the Spainish coming and impending war, Azreya sees two paths, one is her peoples salvation and the other leads them to their doom. Will they listen to the word of a young girl or will they all perish?
This is the type of book you can finish in one sitting but it sits with you for longer. The mythology and mysticism in this was wonderfully written. Great for middle grade/YA readers!

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Azreya, Aztec Priestess: An Illustrated Mythology Legend by Tricia Copeland, Illustrated by Matt Maes – Review by Jerricka Brown

Azreya, Aztec PriestessAzreya, Aztec Priestess by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was so amazing. I felt a connection to the characters. The way the author builds the world inside makes for a great read. The illustrations were absolutely breathtaking. An amazing book for children. I will be reading this to my future children.

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Azreya, Aztec Priestess: An Illustrated Mythology Legend by Tricia Copeland, Illustrated by Matt Maes – Review by Jo Frizzell

Azreya, Aztec PriestessAzreya, Aztec Priestess by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was amazing! Azreya’s journey to accept herself and save her people was absolutely beautiful! I love the relationship between Azreya and Tecuani, as she learns to accept everything about herself, the byplay between them was stunning! Her ability to discern trustworthiness was something that I think many of us wish we could have in the day to day, and the relationship she builds with Cocotetzin after she trusts him is amazing. Going on her journey with her, I found myself hoping for success for her, and saddened when things didn’t always go as planned. If you enjoy stories with a basis in mythology, I would definitely recommend this one! Also, if you enjoy learning words in a different language, the glossary of Aztec words of Nahuatl is so interesting and I loved being able to learn new things!

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