Forbidden Land: A Novel of the First Americans

In William Sarabande's Forbidden Land: First Americans, Book III, the saga of mankind's survival in the brutal 'age of Ice' reaches its apex. The main characters have been solidly built up in the the first books and the birth of a new civilization is sketched. Torka, the middle-aged headman is leading with his growing array of children. He is a kind leader who will not tolerate the abandonment of the elderly, sick or young children (like a very early predecessor of FDR!) They are in the forbidden land to the West, where no tribe has traveled before. The band follows their totem, the great wooly mammoth. The main conflict lies with Karana, Torka's adopted son and the magic man of the First Americans. He is severely depressed and wrestling with the knowledge that one of Torka's twin sons lives with the Wanawut, a man-beast that all humans have long feared. Not only does a wanawut mother the fully human child of Torka (Manavarak), but also the half-human sister of Karana--fathered by the evil Navahk. The writing, research and pacing are on point. The ending is a bit rushed in Book III, but the reader will no doubt continue in this fine series to find what happens next to a fascinating group of early man. Sarabande is at his best when coloring the personalities of the moody and eccentric personalities that do not quite fit in with the expected norms of cavemen.

I have never read any of William Sarabande's books before. This book is excellent. I plan to read more of his books in the near future.

William Sarabande's series in this saga of the stone age man is far superior than others I have read. Her insight and storytelling of how it used to be back then seems well researched and exciting, filled with action and adventure as well. The characters are very strong and very enjoyable to read. There is alot of intrigue and things happen that you dont expect - which I like in a book. This is a must read!

After reading the first book in this series, I immediately purchased the next three. The books are so good that I've been pacing my reading...I'll read one, then read something by another author or two and then read another. Why? Because I hate for the story to come to an end. This book, like the previous two I've read, is very good. This author has an incredible ability to "paint" a picture of the characters and scenery that almost makes you believe you're there. You can almost feel the biting winter winds, as the characters trudge through the snow in search of food and shelter. You feel their pain and despair as they find themselves faced with cruelty from other people and danger from the elements and animals they hunt to live. By the time you finish with the first of these books, you'll feel as if Torka and Lonit and the host of other characters are old friends.And to make things even better, the author leaves you no time to get bored because there's always something going on...both good and bad. Even though this type of novel (historical) is not the typical type of book I read, this series has left me hungering for more books covering this time period, or at a minimum, other authors with the writing talent that Sarabande has.

Reading the first three books of William Sarabande's American series, I am ready to pick up the next book and be enchanted again by such an author. He has created characters such as 'Torka' and his band who face the cruelties of an unknown land,the laughter and awed storytelling of long ago people and hunts,and the continuing love and devotion of Torka to allow every baby to stay alive including his own infant son. Following 'Life Giver',the largest mammoth of all,the totem of Torka,Lonit,and their children, into the forbidden land where no man has been before. Can the magic man,Karana,and son of Torka,keep these people well with his Seeing powers or will guilt eat at his spirit until he is dust on the wind? Read the American Series books for the most thrilling journey of all!