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Shadow Path: Reader's Reviews

Niki  — Transported back in time
"I looked forward to the sequel to Spirit Wolf ever since I finished that first novel by Michael O. Gibbs. Shadow Path did not disappoint! It is set between the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains in the 1700s, picking up a few years after the end of the first novel.
Gibbs brings his extensive knowledge of American Indian culture, animal behavior, and contemporary history into the interweaving storylines of this book. Old and new characters come to life, both human and animal, the plot is unexpected, and there is an exciting interplay of individuals and cultures. I love the way history, character, and the natural world come together to pull the story forward. In my youth, our family spent many weeks traveling and camping in the landscapes described in these novels, and I felt transported back in time to another world. I anticipate more good reads from this author."

Careful Shopper — Entertaining and Informative
"Would rate 4.5 if allowed. Well written with good character and story development. Good detail regarding the time, place, plant life, and animal and human behavior added realism and depth without much drag. The story was well crafted, like a Navajo chief's blanket with a relatively tight weave and good color. The author's writing skill has increased since his first book, Spirit Wolf, and makes the reader look forward to his next effort.

JEVH — Another great read.
With "Shadow Path," Mike Gibbs gives us another excellent installment of his High Plains Warrior series. The book is full of action from the beginning. Interesting, complex characters enter and are tied into the narrative in ways that gave a lot of smiling "ah hah" moments. Gibbs' knowledge of animal behavior and the history of indigenous people adds depth to the fast-moving plot. I read it is one full day - I Couldn't put it down.
We were introduced to a number of characters in Gibbs' previous novel, "Spirit Wolf," and he has developed them further in this book. He has also added new characters to the narrative, such as Lince and Ghost, that bring new interest and complexity to the story. These are strong people who live challenging lives in harsh environments. They are connected with a deep sense of place and an underlying sense of honor in their actions. I hope that we may see some of these new characters in a future installment of the series.

Ox Herding Ox — Longer and probably better than Spirit Wolf, in a very fresh plot with room for nostalgia
I enjoyed Shadow Path equally as much as I did its predecessor, Spirit Wolf; Michael Gibbs adds some fresh and interesting characters and even creates a second protagonist - a self-emancipated slave - whose path and adventures parallel those of Hunter, bringing them ever closer together until they finally join. The author shows a lot of skill, not spilling all the characters' details right away but rather letting them arise naturally as the plot unfolds. 
The book stays strong to the end, and the conclusion itself is very satisfying, having wrapped up all the loose ends and set everyone on firm paths toward their respective futures. Gibbs also leaves room to continue any of several stories (I fantasize that one day we may even see Hunter, having matured and with wisdom having crowded out his youthful tendency to act first and think later, assuming the role of Spirit Man to a new young warrior), but the ending brings good closure even as it is. Throughout the author's tracking and survival, knowledge and tips blend seamlessly into the narrative; I suspect some readers may learn quite a bit without even realizing it, which of course, is always the best way!
All in all, Shadow Path was an excellent read that would not have been easily guessed based on Book One, and I look forward to the saga continuing soon.

Careful Shopper — Entertaining and informative
/would rate 4.5 if allowed. Well written with good character and story development. Good detail regarding the time, place, plantlike, animal, and human behavior that added realism and depth without too much drag. The story was well crafted, like a Navajo chief's blanket with a relatively tight weave and good color. The author's writing skill has increased since his first book, Spirit Wolf, and makes the reader look forward to his next effort.

Michael H. Lundskow — Eagerly awaiting a third book
Michael Gibbs has written a thoroughly enjoyable book that displays superior tribal knowledge and outstanding woodsmanship. For those that love the outdoors, it shows that the woods have a great story to tell when we learn how to listen.






 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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