Storykeeper
Nine-Rivers Valley Book 1
by Daniel A. Smith
Genre: Historical Fiction
"A
stunning novel and a joy to read" Helen Hollick, Managing Editor
- Historical
Novel Society
"Smith
writes fluidly, and the society he depicts is intriguingly complex."
- Kirkus Reviews
"Steeped
in immediacy and vivid detail." D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer
- Midwest Book
Review
The first recorded Europeans to cross the Mississippi
River reached the western shore on June 18, 1541. Hernando De Soto
and his army of three hundred and fifty conquistadors spent the next
year and a half conquering the nations in the fertile flood plains of
eastern Arkansas.
Three surviving
sixteenth-century journals written during the expedition detailed a
complex array of twelve different nations. Each had separate beliefs,
languages, and interconnected villages with capital towns comparable
in size to European cities of the time. Through these densely
populated sites, the Spanish carried a host of deadly old-world
diseases, a powerful new religion, and war.
No other Europeans ventured into this land until French explorers
arrived one hundred and thirty years later. They found nothing of the
people or the towns that the Spanish had so vividly described. For
those lost nations, the only hope that their stories, their last
remaining essence will ever be heard again lies with one unlikely
Storykeeper.
~~~Editorial Reviews of Storykeeper, winner
of Best
Indie Book Award 2013
"'A
man without a story is one without a past,' Smith writes, 'and a man
without a past is one without wisdom.' By the time readers have
wandered freely through the strange realm of the Storykeeper, they
may well find those words more prophetic, and more powerful."
- Kirkus
Reviews
"Storykeeper
is a complex read . . . With both perspective and time in flux,
readers are carried along on a historical and cultural journey that,
while compelling, requires attention to detail: not for those seeking
light entertainment, it's a saga that demands - and deserves -
careful reading and contemplation." D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer
- Midwest Book
Review
"I
was not only entertained by this book, but educated about a period of
history of which I knew nothing. I loved the chapter structure which
has a rhythm of its own, all wrapped in an attractive and appropriate
cover. I have no hesitation in recommending this book no matter where
your historical interest may lie. I give it 5 stars!" Helen
Hollick, Managing Editor - Historical
Novel Society (Editor's Choice)
"Smith
has created a wealth of history and culture that will make you weep.
Creating words and phrases with a poetic sense, building a feel for
Native American culture that feels so genuine and, yet, is eminently
readable." Kathy Davie - Books,
Movies, Reviews!
"I
love this story, and I applaud Daniel A. Smith on his diligent
research. Smith writes some strong characters in this gripping story.
Every human emotion is engaged, and at times I felt like I was right
there with Manaha and the tribes who fought against DeSoto. Superbly
done. I'm sure I will be reading this book again." SK - The
Jelly Bomb Review
"The
book's images, enhanced by objective historical writing are portals
into the distant past, sometimes humorous, often heartbreaking, but
always illuminating." Fred Petrucelli - Log
Cabin
**On Sale for Only .99 cents!!**
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Also by the author, a telling of the inspiration behind Storykeeper:
One summer weekend, my wife and I were enjoying one of our favorite pastimes, exploring the back roads of Arkansas. The state has such a diversity of landscapes and inspiring scenery, a day-drive is always an adventure. We happened to drive through an out-of-the-way community with a number of unusual spherically-shaped boulders or orbs (diameters ranging from 1 to 4.5 feet), prominently displayed in front of homes, businesses and even the local post office. These intriguing boulders piqued my curiosity and pulled me back to the mysterious area many times over the next few years. In the orb stones, I didn’t find the story I was searching for and needing to write, but I discovered a palatable mystic, an inquisitive urge and inspirations that influenced and contributed my historical novel, Storykeeper.
Orb Stones and Geoglyphs: A Writer's Journey
by Daniel A. Smith
Genre: NonFiction, Biography, Geology
A soulful mix of writing, geology, rock and roll, and ancient lost nations comes from the author of the award winning historical novel, Storykeeper. The thought-provoking account of a ten-year search for mystical orbs, mysterious earthworks, and forgotten history intends to inspire the storyteller in all of us to begin their own journey.
"Highly recommended for a wide audience." Donovan's Literary Services - Midwest Book Review
"More an adventure tale than a chronicle of schooling." Big Al - Books and Pals
**Get it FREE!!**
Daniel grew up in Arkansas. In his youth, he began working for his father riding in a Studebaker pick-up truck around the state, servicing refrigeration units in tourist courts and small country stores. Years later, Daniel traveled some of those same back roads for his own business, installing sound systems. For the first time, he began to notice the surprising number of ancient earthworks that covered the state.
He realized that like most everyone else, he had no idea who built them, when, or why. What began as an observation grew to a driving curiosity to research historical documents and the state's vast archeological findings. The untold stories and lost history all around him inspired Daniel's debut novel, Storykeeper.
Smith began his artistic career as a professional audio engineer. For over thirty-five years, he crossed the country, providing sound engineering services for all types of events from outdoor music festivals, concerts, and political rallies to lectures. A parcel list of celebrities Smith worked with includes numerous dignitaries such as Presidents: Ronald Reagan, George H. Bush, William Jefferson Clinton, and George W. Bush, also Bob Hope, Colin Powell, Paul Harvey, Martha Stewart, and Dr. Ruth, and a wide variety of entertainers, including, Kris Kristofferson, Alice Cooper, Dolly Parton, Steve Martin, Allman Brothers Band, Jimmy Buffet, Barbara Mandrell, Ray Charles, Reba McEntire, Dizzy Gillespie, Iron Butterfly, Dave Brubeck Quartet and Willie Nelson.
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