Customer Reviews

Feather on the Wind

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I loved this book, it was a real page turner, I could not put it down. The story was fast moving with clever plot twists and an ending that was completely unexpected. The characters Raina and Al-Mon grabbed me by the heart and refused to let go, they also made me laugh out loud. This story was original and one I will not soon forget. I am looking forward to this authors next book.

Wow! A great new author who can write a time-travel without bouncing back & forth between times confusing the reader. An incredible story of "love at first sight" between Al-Mon & Raina which constantly keeps the reader on "the edge of the next page" so to speak, to find out what perils lie in the way of their love. An interesting ending with a twist that makes you think..wow! what an imagination!. A must read. I can't wait for her next one!

I loved this book! Finally, an author who knows how to write outside the box and isn't afraid to try something new. The setting, the time period, the story are all wonderful! Al-Mon and Raina's attraction to each other and the impossibility of future happiness tugs at your heart. Like all heros Al-Mon will do whatever it takes to be with the woman he loves. And Raina is willing to forfeit her happiness to protect others. I hope to see more work from this gifted author...soon! A DEFINITE RECOMMENDED READ!

Feather on the Wind by Catherine Snodgrass

Courtesy of WWW.LOVEROMANCES.COM

Enter the world of the ancient civilization of the Mayans, in Catherine Snodgrass's historical romance FEATHER ON THE WIND. Snodgrass does a splendid job taking the reader into this ancient world where royalty lived among the riches of nature and civilization, and kings had the city's citizens at their beck and call.

The prologue immediately introduces to the reader the heir to the throne, Al-Mon, a handsome prince fit to be king. His story is that of twin sons born to the king and queen, but only one lived. That child was Al-mon. Although Al-mon was well-loved and cherished, he had a "birth defect" that made it difficult for him to secure a mate. His future queen needed to be a woman who would love him for who he was; a man not perfectly made in the image of the Mayan gods. His defect was the shape of his head. For some reason, Al-mon did not have the typical flattened forehead that the rest of the Mayans had, and because of this, Al-mon was having the hardest time attracting a woman who loved him despite this unattractive physical trait.

Speed forward into the 20th century, where Raina Cotterell is working hard at an archeological dig with her associates. She's at the site of a famous Mayan ruin, digging up information on the life of Al-mon, a famous king of ancient Maya. Her associates are Burke O`Neil, who she looks upon with contempt, and the Osbornes, Roy and Cynthia.

It seems like a typical day in the life of an archeologist, except for several things. When they find a stone carving of a Mayan king, they notice that it uncannily looks like Burke. Then, as they continue their exploration, Raina uncovers a passageway in an ancient building that leads them to something they will never be able to talk about: it's a passageway to the past. The unbelievable happens --- the four of them travel back in time, finding themselves in the world of Al-mon and eighth-century Maya. And they don't know how to get back.

From there on, their lives are changed forever. They meet Al-mon and are introduced to the lives of Mayan royalty. Because they are now living in the past, they know that they cannot do anything that will change the course of history, and unfortunately Al-mon sees these newcomers as messengers of the gods, and Raina his future queen. There seems to be no way out of this mess. They know it is important that all four of them return to the 20th century alive, so they do whatever it takes to keep from getting killed.

Of course the last thing that anyone wanted to happen does happen --- Raina and Al-mon fall in love. Raina knows her future is not with Al-mon and to preserve the path of history, she needs to find a way to tell him the truth about herself and her three friends, and return back home.

This reviewer had a difficult time deciding how to rate FEATHER ON THE WIND. Although the general story in itself was riveting and kept this reader's attention, there was a problem with the quality of writing. It almost read like a stereotypical romance, a type of book that many non-romance readers would avoid. Love scenes were written in such a way that this reviewer felt should have been either rewritten, or not put in the book at all. Some of the scenes felt contrived. On the other hand, detail to attention was a plus with this story. The author obviously did her research and studied up on the ancient Mayan civilization. The main problem was probably the characterization of the five main individuals in the story. This reviewer enjoyed the character of Al-mon, and although Burke was a very despicable type of person, he was well done as a main figure in this story. But overall, there was something lacking in this almost-wonderful book. The story was enough to keep one's attention, the ending brought tears to this reviewer's eyes (an appropriate happy ending) but it could have been better. This reviewer gives FEATHER ON THE WIND three stars.

Archaeologist Raina Cotterell longs to understand the Mayans that she studies. The descendants inhabiting the area surrounding the archaeology site only whet her appetite and encourage her dreams of finding a discovery that can answer her questions. Even the daily power struggles with fellow archaeologist Burke O'Neill cannot dampen her enthusiasm for gaining insight into the mysteries of the past.

Burke bears an uncanny resemblance to the Mayans they study, but his irritating self-importance negates any attraction Raina might else wise have felt. Then on the night of the autumnal equinox, Raina uncovers a capstone that leads to a passage ending in another time. Accompanied by Burke and two other members of their team, Raina unwittingly intrudes on a ceremony to select a bride for the Mayan prince, Al-Mon.

Al-Mon exists for the sole purpose of leading his people and bearing heirs for the future. Despite his dedication to his duty, he longs for a woman who would love him. When the golden hair woman appears, he believes her to be a gift of the gods. As the irritating Burke puts himself in danger with his overbearing and irritating ways, Raina eventually agrees to marry Al-Mon to save her colleague's life. Her growing feelings for Al-Mon are tempered, however, with the knowledge that when the spring equinox arrives, she must depart.

Author Catherine Snodgrass pens a fascinating romance in FEATHER ON THE WIND. The intricately woven plot and richly textured background lend the tale fresh originality. Characterizations, however, occasionally fall flat, especially with the sharp and sarcastic dialogue that so frequently surrounds Burke. Indeed, Burke's sudden character change at the end of the novel is rather unbelievable after he has so vividly displayed his character flaws. Nevertheless, the blossoming romance between Al-Mon and Raina more than compensates the novel's weaknesses, demonstrating a creative flair that holds great promise for this talented author. FEATHER ON THE WIND comes recommended.

What a great read by a new author. I truly enjoyed Raina and Al-Mon's story. These characters are so well defined that you care what happens to them from the moment they meet. The secondary characters are also very, very good - especially her collegues and his parents. I love time travel and the plot in this one is different than most. I enjoyed that it kept pace in one particular period after the beginning. It certainly is fast paced and keeps you turning page after page until the surprise ending.

Ms Snodgrass is a gifted storyteller and I hope she continues with time travel romances. If you are a fan of the genre, you won't be sorry if you try this one. I think it is a keeper.