April Gardner

Warring Spirits by April Gardner is superb. It’s one of those books that you really can’t put down once you’re into it. I read it in two days, basically picking it up whenever I had a spare minute – literally. It is the sequel to her novel Wounded Spirits, bringing closure to that book’s romance between a native man and a white woman, and introducing another unlikely pairing between an American soldier and a runaway slave. The series takes place in the early 1800s in the American show more south during a time of turmoil between various native peoples and the onslaught of American settlement. From an historical point of view, I think she did a fantastic job of presenting the various points of view in a fair and unbiased way. The mix of unvarnished hardship and cruelty that was part of the era is juxtaposed beautifully with heart rending romance and believable characters. There is so much to this book – racism, prejudice, cruelty, graphic scenes of violence and undeniable romance that drives the characters. I loved it. I made me want to read both books again – soon. That to me is the sign of a great book. show less

I had the pleasure of reading this book in advance. April Gardner has a pen, and she knows how to use it! This book was excellent. If you like action, danger, heartache, and intrigue, this is a book for you. Set in the 1800's, follow her characters as they not only fight for their freedom, but fight their own inner demons as well. This isn't your typical historical fiction novel.

Warring spirits -

As soon as you pick up this book, you'll find yourself swept away by April Gardner's excellent show more story-telling abilities. This is one of those rare tomes that make sleep bothersome. With her haunting characters and rich imagery, she has written a wonderful sequel to Wounded Spirits that won't disappoint! Danger, deceit, heart-breaking pain, and finally, God's sustaining power and grace that helps the suffering overcome hardships, makes this a book you won't want to part with until you've finished reading the very last page. April Gardner is a writer to be watched. show less

"Warring Spirits" transports the reader back to 1816 when owning slaves in the south was normal, but it was also quite normal for those slaves to dream of freedom and risk their life to gain it. Milly was different than most slaves, she could pass as a white woman, except for her hair which was a dead giveaway. The only comfort she ever had during her years as a slave came from her friend Isam, so when she heard the rumor that Isam had been sold they both decide to escape and head for the show more Negro Fort. Will they achieve the freedom that they long for?
The US Army has been dispatched to join forces with the Creek Indians to overthrow the Negro Fort. Major Phillip Bailey's past wont let go and haunts him daily. The scar he carries on his face is nothing compared to his wounded spirit. When he sees what he thinks is a white woman near the Negro Fort he can't get her out of his mind, and wants to rescue her, but when he learns that Milly is actually a slave will he help her or return her to her master?

I am a huge fan of historical fiction and this story doesn't disappoint. The characters in this story really pulled me in. In the beginning pages I was drawn to Milly and Isum and had to know how their stories would work out. Their dream of freedom was tangible, and once they experienced it there was no going back.My heart broke on several occasions for Milly,and I could easily understand why she felt God had left her. Phillip was a true gentleman, something that Milly had never experienced in a white man.The author often allowed us to see Phillip's wonderful character from how he handled his relationship with Totka to the way he treated Enoch.

This was one of those stories that had my heart breaking on several occasions, but the author provided an ending that had my spirits soaring.

While "Warring Spirits" is the second book in the Creek County Saga I felt like the author provided enough background information that it could be read as a stand alone work, but honestly it's such a great series your going to want to read both books.

On a scale of one to five I would rate this series a six because it's just that good!

A complimentary copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. show less