The Promised One (Cherokee Mists)

Adventure, drama, emotion, magic, imagination, mysticism, insight into prehistoric peoples—this book is an amazing ride into the unknown!" Tony Hillerman. The Promised One is a magnificent retelling of a Cherokee legend. It brings to life an ancient people and a time of magic in a warm and intimate storyteller’s voice. A young Shaman of the Galayi people has had a powerful and frightening vision: it is of the Eagle Feather Cape, the gift of the Thunderbird, which is worn by the Seer of the People to see the future and gain the guidance of the gods. The cape is torn and bloody, and it will no longer bring visions to the Seer of the People. But the Shaman's vision also tells her of the cure: a child will be born to the People, a hero who will restore the cape and return the goodwill of the gods to the People. Dahzi may be that hero, if he can survive the hatred of his grandfather. He was born after his mother’s death, as she fled from her father’s anger. But Dahzi carries the hope of all of his People, along with the power to become a great Chief. He will be tested--by his family, by his people, and by the Gods. Reviews From Publishers Weekly ~ "In this thoughtful debut, a retelling of an ancient Cherokee myth, Sunoya, born under a sign revealing that her life would be either one of great blessings or darkness, sets out on a path toward becoming her tribe's medicine chief. When she is grown and a vision shows her people facing destruction, the responsibility to save them—at the cost of a great sacrifice—falls first on her and then, years later, on Dahzi, a boy she's rescued and adopted. Dahzi struggles with his heritage and youthful desires as he fights for his people and eventually confronts the Immortals, the beings who created the world. The authors elegantly blend the old tale and contemporary fantasy without being anachronistic or plodding, bringing depth and humor even to elements such as Sunoya's spirit guide. (July) Copyright © Reed Business “A truly remarkable job of bringing forth the North American Indian traditions, and I do not think anyone has done it in this way before."--Vincent Wilcox, retired curator of Native American artifacts at the Smithsonian Museum, on The Promised One. "The Blevins’s possess a rare skill in masterfully telling a story. True storytellers in the tradition of Native people."--Lee Francis, Associate Prof. of Native American Studies, University of New Mexico. Originally published as 'Zadayi Red.'