Sacred Ground

"Sacred Ground" is one of Mercedes Lackey's more serious urban fantasy offerings. It's steeped in Native American culture, folklore and legend (as much that would have been history was destroyed long before the start of this book -- early 1990s -- by unsuspecting, unthinking or uncaring sorts), and it illustrates several major and growing problems.1) How are Native Americans treated in this country?2) Can spirituality be integrated into a modern person's life in a meaningful way?3) Is it worthwhile to help people, always knowing that there are more people who need help than you can afford to help out there?The last two are answered with an emphatic "YES!" The first one is problematic at best. Jennifer Talldeer, an interesting character if I've ever seen one, talked about the problems of "registering" with the Bureau of Indian Affairs vs. _not_ registering, and chose not to register (as most of her family, if not all, had also chosen). She also showed the difficulty of doing a tough job (private investigator) well, despite being less than five feet tall and rather slight of build. She uses her mind, her heart, and her spirituality to get her through; I think she's an admirable role model for anyone seeking such, and an excellent protagonist for a whole series of novels (would Tor care to resurrect the series, something that looks highly doubtful at this point).Jennifer's relationship with her grandfather, Mooncrow, is also intriguing. Mooncrow isn't all that traditional in some senses; he loves Nintendo, he eats lots of pizza, he cooks, and he's after her throughout the book to, um, find a fulfilling lover. Not too many grandfathers do this, I don't think.Mooncrow is a highly contradictory person, as evidenced by his name. Crows are never white, nor do they fly at night, yet Mooncrow . . . well, he delights in being contrary. So it's no surprise that he's found a spiritual successor in his granddaughter, despite that being highly unusual. It's also no surprise that he's teaching her everything he knows, despite the fact that women normally aren't taught so much. ("Good for Mooncrow" is what I kept muttering while reading.)Jennifer's true name is Kestrel-Hunts-Alone, which is a far, far more straightforward name by any standard than Mooncrow's, and as such, she's shown to be driven, nearly obsessed, and that obsession has cost her things she hasn't realized. There is external conflict in the mystery, which quickly turns from "who did it" to "why did he do it?" And there is loads of internal conflict provided by Jennifer herself, her mission(s), and her relationship with David Spotted Horse, the man who "got away" years ago. (Of course, he was not worth keeping years ago, either. Perhaps now is different?)Ms. Lackey effortlessly shows how modern women make a living, and combines that with a spiritual quest, some thrilling action-adventure, and a romance. This is an extremely moving book, it is emotionally honest, and it gets almost e

It has been several years since I read "Sacred Ground" but it is still on my mind. I really enjoyed the lead character of Jennifer Talldeer. I enjoy reading books with strong female leads. The additional ingredients of Native American lore and psychic abilities makes for a brilliant combination. I just wish there was a follow-up story ! If there is, I haven't found it yet. But it would be the next book on my reading list. Cindy

I like the way Lackey has written Jennifer, she is on par with Diana Tregard. The mystery of the book is great, and the charachters are well developed.

This book is a great one for those of you that like a little mystery and romance along with a bit of spirituality in it. I loved this book and anyone who reads it more than likely will to. :o)

Though not one of her better books, I still found it very interesting, and hard to put down. In some places the book made my hair stand on end! I love all the little 'adventures' Miss Talldeer went through to find out where this magical force was coming from. The "Little people" I found really neat and interesting. My friend told me not to bother buying this book because it wasn't very good. I bought it anyways (at a used bookstore, just in case I didn't like it so I could get it cheep) and I loved it. A Mercedes Lackey book to treasure