Synopsis:~
Abducted by Mohawk Indians at fourteen and renamed Burning Sky, Willa Obenchain is driven to return to her family’s New York frontier homestead after many years building a life with the People. At the boundary of her father’s property, Willa discovers a wounded Scotsman lying in her path. Feeling obliged to nurse his injuries, the two quickly find much has changed during her twelve-year absence—her childhood home is in disrepair, her missing parents are rumored to be Tories, and the young Richard Waring she once admired is now grown into a man twisted by the horrors of war and claiming ownership of the Obenchain land.
When her Mohawk brother arrives and questions her place in the white world, the cultural divide blurs Willa’s vision. Can she follow Tames-His-Horse back to the People now that she is no longer Burning Sky? And what about Neil MacGregor, the kind and loyal botanist who does not fit into in her plan for a solitary life, yet is now helping her revive her farm? In the aftermath of the Revolutionary War, strong feelings against “savages” abound in the nearby village of Shiloh, leaving Willa’s safety unsure.
Willa is a woman caught between two worlds. As tensions rise, challenging her shielded heart, the woman called Burning Sky must find a new courage–the courage to again risk embracing the blessings the Almighty wants to bestow. Is she brave enough to love again?
My take:~
Evocative. Haunting. Breathtaking. Burning Sky is all that and much more.
Lori Benton’s debut novel is a treasure that unfurls page by page, revealing the searing depths of a young woman’s pain as she wrestles grief, scorn, fear, and a burning desire to belong. Lori’s prose is beautifully measured, her dialogue meaningful, and she demonstrates an innate talent for communicating the nuances of human emotion straight into the reader’s heart. Willa is an intriguing and deftly layered character yet it is Neil MacGregor and Tames-His-Horse, two very different men in talent, ability, and drive, that fascinate me. Both are deeply courageous, heroic men, who wear honour as naturally as their clothing, yet are refreshingly authentic, battling vulnerabilities and opposing dreams. The love story Lori weaves into this poignant and historically accurate novel breaks your heart yet restores it by book’s end. Lori immerses her readers in the era, a time where fear was never far away, and scars, both physical and emotional, marked each member of the community. Through minor characters Lori gives expression to prejudice, revenge, greed, and hate that the Revolutionary War left in its wake, along with characters whose steadfast faith grew compassion and forgiveness. If you enjoy your historical novels rich and raw in emotion and gripping in a way that won’t let go, don’t miss this one. As impressive a debut novel as Julie Cantrell’s Into the Free, Burning Sky is simply captivating in every way and Lori, one of the finest historical fiction writers I’ve had the pleasure to read. Her second book can’t come quickly enough for me.
With thanks to Waterbrook Press for my review copy
Relz Reviewz Extras
Visit Lori’s website
Buy Burning Sky from Amazon or Koorong
August 7, 2013 at 10:56 am
Hi Rel, yours was the review I was waiting for, for Burning Sky. I’ve read it and am blown away by Lori’s words.
I am SO glad you enjoyed it!!
August 7, 2013 at 5:50 pm
Jennifer Major » Really?! Thanks for the encouragement. Isn’t it lovely when someone else enjoys a book as much as you do?!
August 7, 2013 at 1:32 pm
Historical fiction is my favorite genre. Thanks for this review, and I look forward to reading Burning Sky.
August 7, 2013 at 5:41 pm
Sherry » well then, you are going to ADORE this story, Sherry. Would love to hear your thoughts when you do.
August 7, 2013 at 3:33 pm
Lovely, lovely review! One hundred percent spot on – I, too, was intrigued by Tames-His-Horse and Neil MacGregor. Heroes, in Lori’s storyworld, certainly come in varied packages, don’t they? Brilliant novel, brilliant review.
Grace and peace to you!
Becky
August 7, 2013 at 5:29 pm
Becky Doughty » thanks for your kind words, Becky. Lori’s heroes are quite something to behold and so not of the cookie cutter variety. Loved that so much!
August 7, 2013 at 3:39 pm
Easily the best book so far of 2013.
August 7, 2013 at 5:27 pm
Sally Bradley » Yes, it’s just beautiful in so many ways.
August 7, 2013 at 10:34 pm
You’ve absolutely sold me on Burning Sky, Rel. If the book is as beautifully written as your review, I’ll love it! Thank you for bringing great books to the attention of your readers!
August 7, 2013 at 11:31 pm
Oh, Cathy – it’s WAY better than my review! That said, I will treasure your sweet words. I think you will love Lori’s book 🙂
August 8, 2013 at 1:01 am
I told myself I wasn’t going to add anymore to my TBR, but I can’t resist adding this one!
August 12, 2013 at 11:17 pm
Jamie » You will not be disappointed, Jamie!
August 8, 2013 at 5:09 am
Rel, Your review is perfect! Lori’s book is the best novel I’ve read in a *very* long time. I urge everyone to get a copy and dive in. I couldn’t put it down, and read late into the night to finish the story. I’ve known Lori for years, and am absolutely thrilled at her achievement with Burning Sky.
August 12, 2013 at 11:17 pm
Ann Shorey » Thanks Ann – that means a lot. I’m thrilled we both loved Lori’s book – I keep thinking about it 🙂
August 11, 2013 at 3:33 am
Thank you, Rel. What a blessing this review is, and you are for writing it.
August 12, 2013 at 11:14 pm
Lori Benton » You have blessed us with your book, Lori – so wonderful!
August 13, 2013 at 1:57 am
I loved Julie Cantrell’s Into The Free, so I am looking forward to Burning Sky, too. The cover is riveting!
August 13, 2013 at 1:27 pm
Jolina Petersheim » Given that I’m getting a peek at what you like as I read The Outcast, I think you will love Burning Sky, Jolina. So evocative and the heartlfelt emotions and struggles of the characters are not dissimilar to yours!
August 13, 2013 at 11:48 pm
Your review for “Burning Sky” is so well-written, Rel. I’m willing to give the book a try after reading it… Even though I’m not necessarily a fan of very emotional reads. But I’m guessing this one is worth the read. It sounds beautiful. Hmmm.. I really am interested. 🙂 Thanks for sharing.
August 17, 2013 at 4:07 pm
Ganise » Your words are very kind, Ganise. I hope you do read this one, I think it’s worth the emotional ride!