Customer Reviews

The Seventh Mesa: A Novel

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

 

 

...with a smidge of Stargate as well. The plot's been done before but it can still be fun if given the right twist. The ending's rather obvious so I'm giving anything away by explaining that this is one of those stories where a small group of people are drawn together by fate or inhuman forces or whatever to discover that humans are descendants of aliens and that all ancient monuments were really built by them, etc. It's hard to tell though if the author is presenting this seriously as some sort of secret wisdom or if she is simply letting her imagination run wild.

I'm glad I got this book used because I never would want to pay full price for this (if I had, I might have been less willing to give three stars). The emotion behind it is very warm and light hearted, although the author's writing style kept me from full enjoyment. The prose is amateurish and naive to the point of distraction. It reminded me of early Nancy Drew, of all things. (Seriously. Try to read those again as an adult.) The story was very slow to get going, one of the plot points is abandoned towards the end, and I had to force myself to get to the finish. I was constantly reminded about why you should stick to writing what you know. For example, if you're going to make a character an anthropoligist, been sure you know a good deal about anthropology. Or if you set the story on a college campus, know something about what life there's like. And really know that a professor is not allowed to date one of his students, flaunt it all over campus, including in front of his boss, and have everyone accept it. The story is best when it sticks to the one thing the author seems to know, which is Native American culture and ceremonies. Nevertheless, the intent behind the book seems so well meaning, I just couldn't hate it. And I do think in the right hands it could even make a good tv movie.

I recently reread this book and thought it was just as good if not better than the first time. I looked at this area on a map and about 10 years ago a friend of mine and I took a road trip out northeast of that area by chaco canyon. It is mysterious and beautiful out there and makes you wonder if it really is true! I think this is my favorite out of all the books Mary has written. I am a huge fan of Mary's writtings and think she is a very special lady. I am currently reading Hidden Dimensions, a book by B. Alan Wallace. It is a tough read but inspired by Mary's wisdom. Thank you for everything and giving so much of yourself.
~Turtle

I was so excited to get my copy of The Seventh Mesa. I had read most of the author's ealier works and found them insightful. I was disappointed with this novel. It has the flowery descriptors used by MSR, but the plot, pace, and mystery itself were very basic and predictable. It was like reading a youth mystery with large words. I didn't even read it straight though. I got bored after a few chapters, skipped and skimmed, and it gave me about an hour of enjoyable distraction. This wasn't on the same level as the other things she had written. I suppose the teachings and prophecies of No-Eyes create more palatable subject matter.

I have read a number of Mary Summer Rain books. I found this one to be amoung one the top 3 that I have enjoyed of the many books in my collection. I was drawn to come back and read more after I set it down. I love the introduction of characters in the beginning. It gives the reader background and brings them into the story. I kept asking myself through out the book, "are these some actual truths being shared in a fictional setting". Read for youself and you decide.

This book brings characters from unrelated settings together in a quest to return a valuable papyrus, that was taken from a hidden chamber under the seventh mesa in the desert. There is mystery and histroy found. Blending a number of cultures and even star people (aliens) all existed together with great knowledge. This underground chamber is waiting for man kind change and mature to reveal its mysteries back to man kind. I like the way Mary Summer Rain portrays Native American people in a correct light.

This is a wonderful novel. There is a treasure of knowledge hiddden in the mesa. Four people learn about this sacred place and seek to find it. What they find is most amazing. This book will hold you attention from start to finish