People of the Silence

In this vigorous eighth entry (after People of the Lightning) in their First North Americans series, the Gears present both an exciting tale about the age-old quest for power and a fictionalized solution to the riddle of the sudden dissolution of Anasazi culture at its peak, nearly 1000 years ago. Set in the ancient Anasazi lands of what is now northwestern New Mexico during the 11th century, the story begins dramatically, with the ritual sacrifice of a pregnant slave by the high priest Sternlight. The narrative then leaps ahead 16 years to the annihilation of a village ordered by the dying Great Sun Chief of the Anasazi in order to thwart a prophecy that a stolen child will one day return and conquer the Straight Path people. All in the village are killed except Cornsilk, a maiden of 16 ""summers"" whose life becomes entwined with that of Poor Singer, apprentice to the great mystic Dune. The mystery shrouding their lives--and their births--is revealed in an exciting, skillfully crafted and fast-paced story that also serves as an engrossing look at ancient culture. Often, the simple focus on what these people ate, what they wore and how they worshipped proves just as interesting as the intricate plot. The dialogue sounds strangely modern at times, but this minor flaw is far outweighed by the passion and rich detail the authors lavish on this fine addition to their fascinating series. Author tour. (Jan.)