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Series
The Earliest Americans presents newly divided and revised editions of several major stories from North America’s Forgotten Past. Its linked arcs move from the political struggle surrounding Salamander in an early Mississippi Valley town, through conflict among Ice Age peoples of the Pacific Northwest and upper Midwest, to rebellion against the Chacoan system in the ancient Southwest.
Each volume concentrates on a distinct stage of a larger narrative, expanding the struggles over leadership, captivity, climate change, prophecy and social collapse. The sequence uses archaeological settings while keeping its focus on individuals forced to make political and moral choices when established institutions can no longer protect their communities.
Reading order
Four thousand years ago in the lower Mississippi Valley, the death of a respected leader forces his younger brother Salamander into authority before he is ready. He inherits his brother’s wives, assumes responsibility for Owl Clan and is required to marry an enemy’s daughter to secure…
After White Bird’s death, the youth once mocked as Mud Puppy assumes the name Salamander and becomes Speaker for Owl Clan. He must complete his brother’s funeral obligations, marry the widows Pine Drop and Night Rain, and hold together a faction weakened by his mother’s mental…
Salamander’s leadership is threatened as the Snapping Turtle, Alligator and Frog clans compete for influence and accuse one another of witchcraft and betrayal. His wives Anhinga and Pine Drop try to protect their household while Mud Stalker uses every disappearance and rumour to weaken Owl Clan.…
As the Ice Age ends, Rain Bear struggles to protect the Raven People in a landscape where prey is disappearing and old enemies are moving to new ground. His warriors capture Tsauz, the blind son of North Wind chief Cimmis, and Rain Bear sees a chance…
The Chacoan rulers have conquered the First Moon People and built a great house above their communities, enforcing tribute through warriors commanded by Leather Hand. A prophecy from Cold Bringing Woman draws Ripple, Wrapped Wrist, Spots and Bad Cast into a rebellion against a system sustained…
Drought, famine and rebellion bring the Chacoan system to the edge of collapse as communities gather at Chimney Rock for the major lunar standstill. War Chief Left Hand intends to use the ceremony to destroy the Moon People and seize control of the remaining imperial network.…
War between the Nightland and Sunpath peoples intensifies around the melting ice and the unstable glacial lake. Skimmer enters the ice caves to kill the Nightland prophet Ti-Bish, while the Sunpath war chief Windwolf captures an enemy party and forces Deputy Keresa to question the loyalties…