Wren, the daughter of a Nimiipuu chief, has been fated to save her people ever since her vision quest. When a warrior from the enemy Blackleg tribe asks for her hand in marriage to bring peace between the tribes, her world is torn apart.
When an evil spirit threatens Wren’s life, Himiin must leave the mountain to save her. But to leave the mountain means he’ll turn to smoke…
Pronunciation of Nimiipuu words
Nimiipuu (Ne-Mee-poo) The People (Nez Perce)
Himiin (He-meen) wolf
Wewukiye (Way-woo-keya) bull elk
Sa-qan (Saw-kawn) bald eagle
Weyekin (Way-ya-kin) guardian spirit
Tiw`et (Tee-wat) shaman
Weippe (way-epay) meadow where root gathering and races was held
Kouse (ko-oo-sa) an edible root
Keeh-keet (kawh-kat) an edible root
Kehmmes (kawh-maas) an edible root
Thlee-than (t-hilla-t-hawn) an edible root
Praise
"...from the first chapter, I realized that I was reading something truly special. Not just a well-written romance (Eppie Winner Jager has proven her chops in that arena), but a truly original portrait of Native culture before it was Native American, before White men arrived. It’s slightly reminiscent of Clan of the Cave Bear, but more lyrical and with all the boring parts removed to showcase the love story."
"There were plenty of moments when I truly wasn’t sure if there would be a happy ending, but rest assured that I was weeping tears of a different sort in the final pages. Every last drop of emotion is wrung from the pages. The characters bleed for each other, both physically and emotionally, and it’s gut wrenching to watch, yet looking away is not an option.
Historical fans are a natural audience for this tale, but it will also resound with paranormal and contemporary fans who crave deeply emotionally stories. Fans of tear jerkers look no further, this is a must read for you. And the emotion is not gratuitous—I didn’t feel jerked around like I do with *certain* contemporary authors who play with my emotions. Each event in the plot is necessary, and the longing realistic. If you loved the Man From Stone Creek, this will resonate with you as this longing is also born of two people determined to do the right thing. ... This book has broad appeal and deserves a wide audience."
~5 Star review at Cloudy with a Chance of Books
Spirit of the Mountain, a fascinating tale of love, legend, and lore with an added flavor of the supernatural, immerses the reader into late eighteenth century northwest American Indian culture.
Wren, the daughter of Chief Proud and Tall of the Nimiipuu, has a special connection with the mountain where the tribe summers each year. On this mountain, she received a grand “gift” when she went on her vision quest at age nine. In her vision, she saw a white wolf with blue eyes that influences much of the action in the story. Wren, opinionated, strong-willed, and intelligent, falls in disfavor with her father often, but she vows to be true to her vision and her people and do what she must to save them, even if she must give up her greatest desire. Her relationship with the Spirit of the Mountain, a shape-shifting spirit, is beguiling and soul stirring.
Himiin, the Spirit of the Mountain, performs his duties in the form of a white wolf most of the time, but when he shifts to human form, he is a magnificent, breathtaking creature with flaxen hair and blue eyes. His reaction to the mortal Wren is magical and brings to mind “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” The connect Wren and Himiin have is compelling.
The supporting characters, like his spirit siblings and the Nimiipuu tribe, add tension, concern, and conflict to the plot. Of course, the antagonists: the Blacklegs, Hawk, and the Black Spirit, add a dark, cruel, sinister texture to the plot. They create a living hell for Wren and Himiin that keeps the reader turning pages to see how they overcome such evil.
Paty Jager uses exquisite imagery and descriptions that are breathtaking. The reader’s senses are engaged to the fullest. Whether enraptured with the vista of the mountain or horrified by the degradation in the cold, dark cave, the reader’s vicariously shares the experience. The paranormal elements she uses seem believable and add a mysterious magic to the story. The Indians words distracted a little, but they do give the story a unique flavor. The lore and legends woven into the story add a special richness.
This trip into the paranormal certainly takes readers away from the usual and lures them into a world that pulsates with passion and possibilities of “what-if”. Spirit of the Mountain is captivating.
http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.com/2011/01/spirit-of-mountain-by-paty-jager.html
Wren’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. “My gift is to save The People. The weyekin who came to me in my vision quest said this.” She wrapped her arms around herself as if staving off a cold breeze.
Himiin hated that they argued when they should relish their time together. He moved to her, drawing her against his chest, embracing her. The shape of her body molded to his. Her curves pressed against him. Holding her this way flamed the need he’d tried to suppress.
He placed a hand under her chin, raising her face to his. The sorrow in her eyes tugged at his conscience. To make her leaving any harder was wrong. But having experienced her in his arms, he was grieved to let her go. Even for the sake of their people.
Her eyelids fluttered closed. Her pulse quickened under his fingers. Shrugging off the consequences, he lowered his lips to hers. They were softer than he imagined. Her breath hitched as he touched her intimately. Parting his lips, he touched her with his tongue, wanting to see if she tasted as sweet as she smelled.
Honey.
She tasted of sweet honey straight from the bosom of a bee tree.
One taste was not enough. He pulled her closer, moving his lips across hers, tasting and savoring the feel of them.
Her mouth opened and she sighed.
His body came to life. The sensations transcended anything he’d experienced before. How could one woman make him feel powerful and vulnerable at the same time? Why did he wish to crush her to him and never let go and yet feel compelled to treat her with the tenderness
one would give the tiniest of creatures? He couldn’t continue this way.
To hold her, to touch her soft skin. He would never be able to let her go.
He must.
He released Wren and stepped back, avoiding her eyes. How could he show her the sensations she brought to him then turn around and tell her they couldn’t see one another any more?
“Himiin? Did I do something wrong?” The pain in her voice drew his gaze to her face.
The anguish and fear in her eyes cut through him like a knife.
“You did nothing wrong. It is I. I should not touch you so. It is wrong.” He took one step forward, before remembering he could not touch her and remain sane. “You are spoken for. We should not be together.”
