In Kathleen and W. Michael Gear's Eclipse Dancer, the thrilling finale of their People of the Longhouse series, the Iroquois Confederacy teeters on the brink of collapse. Atotarho's relentless war threatens to engulf the land, forcing the prophet Dekanawida to make a desperate plea for peace. His loyal companions, Baji and Hiyawento, must embark on a perilous mission, facing unimaginable sacrifices to unite the warring nations. Drawing on meticulous research of North American prehistory, the Gears deliver an epic historical fantasy, exploring the origins of the Iroquois League and the birth of a unique form of democracy. Will peace prevail against the encroaching darkness? Eclipse Dancer offers a gripping conclusion to a saga of courage, sacrifice, and the enduring power of hope.
Review Eclipse Dancer
The final installment of the Peacemaker’s Tale, Eclipse Dancer, left me with a complex mix of feelings. While undeniably a thrilling and well-written conclusion to a captivating series, certain aspects of the narrative, particularly concerning the character of Koracoo, felt jarringly anachronistic. The authors' attempt to portray a powerful, independent female warrior in a 14th-century setting sometimes felt more like a 21st-century feminist archetype than a historically grounded character. Her actions, particularly abandoning her village during an attack and her subsequent reaction to Gonda’s valiant efforts to defend it, struck me as inconsistent with the societal norms and expectations of the time. Her seemingly instant divorce felt incredibly abrupt, and the depiction of Gonda’s emotional response felt overly modern. The whole sequence felt dissonant with the otherwise believable historical setting.
To be clear, I'm not advocating for a completely sanitized or historically naive portrayal of women in the past. Strong female characters are essential, but their strength should be believable within the context of their time. Koracoo’s portrayal, while strong, felt anachronistically assertive in a way that clashed with the detailed and often nuanced depiction of the Iroquois culture and society provided elsewhere in the book. It felt as though she was a character transplanted from a different story altogether, her actions and motivations seemingly driven by modern sensibilities rather than those of a woman living within the constraints and realities of the time. The almost comical depiction of Gonda's grief also felt forced, and it detracted from the gravity of the situation and his heroism. His unwavering devotion to Koracoo twelve years after her actions felt equally implausible.
However, these reservations are largely confined to specific character arcs. The Gears' remarkable ability to bring the history of the Iroquois to life remains a strength throughout Eclipse Dancer. Their meticulous research is evident in the rich tapestry of details they weave into the narrative, creating a vivid and immersive world that transports the reader to ancient America. The descriptions of the battles, the political machinations, and the spiritual beliefs of the Iroquois people are compelling and respectful, demonstrating a deep appreciation for the culture they depict. The overall narrative arc is thrilling, with high stakes and compelling characters whose struggles resonate with the reader even beyond the specific historical context. The themes of peace, war, betrayal, and resilience are handled with skill and emotional depth.
In short, while the anachronistic portrayal of some characters occasionally detracts from the overall immersion, Eclipse Dancer remains a compelling and well-written book. The powerful storytelling, meticulous research, and gripping plot make it a worthy conclusion to a remarkable series. The strengths of the series greatly outweigh its flaws, and I would still wholeheartedly recommend the entire Peacemaker’s Tale to those interested in a meticulously researched and historically inspired fantasy series. The experience as a whole is engaging and unforgettable, despite the occasional historical inconsistencies.
Information
- Dimensions: 5 x 0.85 x 8 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 340
- Publication date: 2024
Preview Book
