Black Eagle

Gen Bailey weaves a compelling story, and the history she puts in her books is very compelling to me. I have always been interested in the past and am sincerely ashamed of all the things that have been done to the Indian tribes. Gen's writing touched my soul.

I always loved reading about the time period and adding a love story to it was, I thought, a pleasant slant. It was easy to read and I like Karens way of writing! I can not wait for her next book to come out ! 2 thumbs up! Mehendra

I've long been a fan of Karen Kay and when I discovered that Gen Bailey is a pen name for Karen, it was like discovering an old friend. I went out and bought the book immediately. I was not disappointed. The story line is fast paced and reminded me of The Last of the Mohicans. In fact, once started,I couldn't put the book down. One thing this author does is that she pulls me into the story. When I read her books I feel as if I am there. I can feel the pine needles beneath my feet -- it's as though you're walking it, perceiving it. Beautiful.

I am not sure if you all are aware that most authors have a pseudonym name. Google some of your favorite authors and you will see. Nonetheless, Karen Kay/Gen Bailey books are great at portraying the Native American culture, ways, and language. I, myself am Apache/Cherokee/African American and my husband is Luiseno, and many of the the stories portrayed in her books are true legends passed on from generations to generations followed by a love story and a history lesson of that time. She is by far my favorite Native American Romance Author because she without a doubt lives and breathes the culture and has done a phenomenal job in researching many of the tribes' history. Her passion for writing these novels, show in her eye for detail ,vivid scenes , and interesting characters that are more than one demitional. Reading Black Eagle, I felt like I was living her words.....Amazing is the least I can say!!!!

Set during the French and Indian War in upper New York in 1755 Gen Bailey's Black Eagle gives us the story of Marisa and Black Eagle. Black Eagle is a Mohawk warrior aligned with the English. When he sees Marisa he falls instantly in love with her. Marisa is the great-niece of John Rathburn, a wealthy English colonist who raised her on the death of her parents. Marisa overhears her uncle planning to take over a Dutch village in Pennsylvania and make slaves out of the villagers. As she thinks back on things her uncle has done, she realizes he is not honorable and she confronts him with his plans. She then decides to take her maid and go to New Hampshire for the summer but her uncle's plan include she never make it to New Hampshire. With Black Eagle as their guide, Marisa, her maid and Black Eagle travel through hostile tribal land and attempts are made on Marisa's life. When it is determined who is behind the attacks, Black Eagle suggests she come to his village and become his wife. Later Marisa is able to confront her uncle and make plans for her future. I enjoyed Black Eagle. It started slow and I wondered if I could finish it but as Gen Bailey begins to tell the customs and legends of the Mohawks, as well as the history, the story comes alive. This is not a period of history studied extensively in school and, therefore, it was a treat to read this historical romance. I learned something about the Mohawks and the other tribes of the Five Nations, later the Six Nations, and the philosophies handed down to our Founding Fathers by them. I also liked learning the importance of the women in the tribe. As the story unfolds I appreciated how Marisa began to question what she learned in regards to the native tribes. I liked how Black Eagle explained things to her and how she contrasted it against her experiences in English society. She and Black Eagle agree to disagree on many things but slowly, as Marisa lives among the Mohawks and sees how their society works, she begins to see the prejudices that exist and starts to choose how she wants to live. I loved how Black Eagle teaches Marisa to open her eyes to her surroundings. I also enjoyed how Black Eagle teaches Marisa not to be shy when making love. Black Eagle is patient but shows Marisa a new world that few English would accept. I don't want to ruin the ending but, based on the little history I have read about the English who were brought into native society, Marisa's feelings and wants are fact-based. Black Eagle by Gen Bailey is a good read. It is the first of her Warriors of the Iroquois series and if the rest of the series is as good, we are in for some enticing reads in the future.