An Indian Scout Faces the Fiercest Battles of Her Life - an Editorial Review of "In the Wrath of Legends"

Book Blurb:

"If you love Michael Crichton, James Rollins, or Preston & Child, you'll dig Buzan." - Gin Coleman, author of Desert Bold

Chenoa Winterhawk is a battle-hardened member of Oregon's elite U.S. Army Indian Scouts, sworn to protect travelers across treacherous mountain terrain and dark forests whispering of ancient terrors. As the daughter of legendary Civil War hero Chief Jolon Winterhawk, Chenoa is also a warrior bound by duty, struggling with injustices brought upon the Nez Perce amidst the broken promises that have forced another relocation of her tribe.

While escorting a military leader carrying a mining map of an underground river hidden deep inside the Blue Mountains, Chenoa is ambushed by a rogue Army unit in a deadly dirigible assault. Their sadistic leader is a traitor from her past, driven by revenge to destroy her family's legacy. The diabolical plan-destroy the mine and unleash the underground river, bringing a destructive flood onto sacred tribal lands to avenge personal betrayals.

Engaging ruthless military forces throughout unforgiving mountain wilderness and abandoned mines, Winterhawk wages the fiercest battle of her life. But she soon discovers that a much darker terror is also stalking her. Monstrous legends, roused from their ancient lair. These enormous creatures of myth were once faced by her father in an epic battle to the death. And now, it's her turn...

Book Buy Link: https://geni.us/QlBaK

Author Bio:

David Buzan is an Oregon novelist and screenwriter. His bestselling debut novel, "In the Lair of Legends," became a multiple award-winner, including the 2023 Best Thrillers Book Award for Historical Thriller of the Year. A graduate of

the Vancouver Film School, Buzan also holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Liberty University.

"In the Wrath of Legends" is his second novel.

Editorial Review:

Title: In the Wrath of Legends

Author: David Buzan

Rating: 4.0

"In the Wrath of Legends" by David Buzan book two in the Winterhawk Saga, is a historical fantasy thriller set in the American West in 1905. The core plot revolves around a sinister plan to flood the lands of the Nez Perce people, by placing explosives inside an abandoned mine in order to unleash a hidden underground river. This act of terrorism is orchestrated by Akando Winterhawk, as an act of revenge against his own tribe and government. His goal goes beyond blaming the government for the disaster, in one of the most dark conspiracy of all times.

“You claim to fight for your people,” Quinn said, “yet you’d drown all of them for your own personal glory.”

“When the Creator points the way, His hand also clears the path...” Akando narrowed his eyes. “There’s also an old saying among my people: Those who lie down with dogs, stand up with fleas...” Then, he needed to assemble a band of conspirators. Akando had encountered Briggs first. The man had harbored such a hatred and resentment for the domestic policies of President Roosevelt it acted like a magnet that brought him into contact with other like-minded sordid military characters.

This scene is a masterclass in building tension and in deepening character through dialogue and internal monologue. It is primarily structured around a tense verbal duel, with the author using carefully selected words to convey conflict. Here, the reader is offered a privileged insight into Akando's manipulative nature, as well as what maybe a "hollow" promise, delivered in just the right amount of sincerity to appear believable. By focusing on Akando's twisted ideology, the scene forces the reader to engage emotionally, where they are not just rooting for the protagonist but where they are fearing for a fanatic's revenge.

"The only chance she had would be to grab the side of the tram bucket. But at this speed and trajectory, grabbing on to the lip would result in her shoulder being wrenched completely out of its socket, dropping her back into the air. Then, if the fall didn’t kill her, Akando would make sure another hail of bullets would. 50-feet. Winterhawk was positioned directly above the bucket now. The next

two seconds of the fall would decide whether she lived or died. There was absolutely no room for error now. Even a miscalculation of a single foot would surely result in her death. Just breathe, amiga. As you fall, look down; carefully spot the exact landing point. Keep your feet splayed out, knees slightly bent. Your hands should be up, elbows bent. Grab the bucket ledge, then immediately straighten your arms. You’ll slide for a moment, but let your legs absorb the impact."

This passage offers a moment of existential peril and technical execution. Its divided into two distinct parts; The "What if" of failure and the "How-to" of survival. The sentences are short but packed with imperative commands in the internal monologue of the protagonist, whose rapid-fore thoughts reveal her as someone operating on pure instinct and extreme duress. The excerpt reveals her understanding of kinetics as well as her own bodily limits. Here, we see her as a tactical genius, and a level of mental fortitude that is as important to her character as her physical prowess. To the reader, it creates a moment that creates an unbearable sense of visceral suspense and a deep respect for the protagonist's competence.

"Chenoa had proven herself to be a remarkably clever and resilient adversary against Akando and his Army conspirators. And in the midst of the fight, she had promised to come back for him. Quinn believed that she would. But the hard truth was that even if Winterhawk had survived the battle on the river, if she somehow made her way here, she would be facing overwhelming odds. And more than likely, certain death."

Here we don't see the protagonist acting, but building her legend. Her actions have been so remarkably clever and resilient, that they have inspired faith in a doomed man. The "overwhelming odds" tagged here are a direct result of meticulous planning by the antagonist, which reinforces him as formidable. This excerpt feels like its taking a deep breath before the plunge. It beautifully consolidates the past, assesses the present and casts a shadow over the future. This ensures that the reader is emotionally and psychologically ready for a finale where the price of victory maybe the protagonist herself.

"In the Wrath of Legends" by David Buzan is a book you can jump right in and immediately experience a thrilling, smart, and emotionally resonant adventure that re-envisions the American West through a fresh and powerful lens, led by an unforgettable heroine. If you enjoy the gritty tone and revenge-driven plots of authors like Cormac McCarthy or the "Dark Tower" series by Stephen King, but want a narrative that centers a powerful, indigenous protagonist, you will find this one deeply compelling.

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