Fitz-Gerald really brought this story to life. I got so wrapped up in the story, I almost read it in one sitting. Wanders Far was an excellent character, well-developed, and you could swear he's real. Set in the 12th century, we get a peek into life back then among Native American tribes, and you can almost feel yourself transported back in time. This was obviously well-researched, as the setting and characters were brought to life within the pages. Perfect for anyone interested in fiction based in Native American history.

A gifted young boy of a New England tribe spends an idyllic childhood by the deep rivers, crystal lakes and virgin forests of the land that will become North America. He knows things, things other members of his family and tribe do not. He finds things, or they find him, aiding him on his journey. His connection to nature is profound. But this knowledge shows him the past and the future of the land they inhabit, and he knows that a change is coming and the people must prepare.
Well written, well researched, a very enjoyable read and quite different from my usual reading fare. I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.

This is the first book in the new Adirondack Spirit series and it is definitely an eye-opener, I thought when I came into this book that it would be a basic historical fiction with a bit of a supernatural feel, but oh, boy was I wrong, there is a really strong fantasy and supernatural elements within it, plus intrigue, suspense and mystery, you are probably thinking that it’s all a bit much for one story especially one that is pretty short, but it all falls together really well and comes together to make a fully immersive and enjoyable story.
Set during the early 12th century, America we follow the hero; Wanders-Far as he moves – quite rapidly – through life, as soon as the story opens and we meet him, you know that there is something very special about him, he is gifted and we soon see how, he has the ability to move quickly, he travels miles in no time at all, he has a photographic memory and more then he starts as a very young child to have visions all of this helps him through his life as he faces troubles and danger, as he helps protect his family and his tribe. I won’t say too much about the plot as even the slightest slip will give away far too much, but I will say it has some amazing character’s, a memorable plot and the most stunning setting and historic details.
This is a hugely original, thought-provoking and fascinating story, I was completely immersed into the hero; Wanders-Fars life, which is one full of adventure and intrigue. What I love about this is that you really get a sense of a history that we don’t really know that much about, I am fascinated by Native American history and their culture, yet there is so little in historical fiction about it, it was so enjoyable to become immersed in the era and get to know each character.
I will admit that as much as I thoroughly enjoyed this, it’s not completely my cup of tea – I think it was the fantasy feel that wasn’t for me, yet I was glued to the story, there is no denying that it is a highly enjoyable page-turner and that the author has a real skill at capturing the readers attention with his vivid and atmospheric writing.

A lovely story book about a native American family back in the 12th century and particularly the son,Wanders Far. It is an essentially matriarchal family with his mother at the head but with all members working together, mostly in harmony. The descriptions of their lives is fascinating and feels realistic. In the first half-ish of the book each chapter is a standalone story and this sort of continues later but with more of a follow-on thread. A very nice way to write. Each chapter has some event as the focus; that might be a battle but is, more often, an encounter with a shaman, a bear hunt, travelling to summer camps, visiting relatives and friends. It took a little getting into as I kept forgetting the gender of the various children - Dandelion, Squash and so on not being immediately helpful in this respect to a 21st century Caucasian! Wanders Far's character develops well throughout from a rumbustious little boy to an young man with itchy feet and a lot of spiritualism and visions. Most of the book relates to his journey to adulthood culminating in his marriage at about 25 - old for those times but the last couple of chapters make a huge leap to he and his wife being married 50 years so they're in their mid 70s. This felt - err, what happened in the intervening 50 years, besides three sets of twins! I have to assume, since this is the first instalment in the description on NetGalley, that subsequent books will fill in those 50 years. Given his vision of skating on a river or pond with shiny metal, ?steel skates, I wait to see how this turns out. Thanks to NetGalley and Outskirts Press Inc for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Wanders Far-An Unlikely Hero's Journey, Part of the Adirondack Spirit Series, David Fitz-Gerald

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: Historical Fiction, General Fiction (Adult)

I love stories about other cultures, and was drawn to this one.
Its a wonderful, gentle story, showing snippets of how life was for the Native Indians.

I really enjoyed the day to day aspect, learning about the long houses, Bear Fat's matriarchal group, and of course the journey Wanders Far's life takes him on. There were a few harsh moments, life was tough then, some folk were cruel, it was part of their culture, though seems awful looking at it from modern perspectives, but back then it was simply accepted.
Wanders Far is a wonderful young man, and his story was beautiful, marrying practicality with spirituality, and showing just how important stories and the Great Spirit was to the people. I liked that we how others in his extended family and friends grew up too.

Stars: Five, a beautiful read, and I look forward to more in the series.

Arc via Netgalley and publishers