Customer Reviews

Wind in the Grasses Dancing (Dancing the Dream Series)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was mesmerized. I've read many Native American novels, from Historical Fiction to Historical Romance, and this is the first book that I was able to connect with and really feel for what the characters were experiencing. I've never been compelled to write a review until now. Wind in the Grasses Dancing is written with so much compassion and detail into the lives and culture of the Lakota that if time travel were possible, I would believe that Terrie McClay actually lived in the 1800's. The characters are very real and believable, and the chemistry between Dancing Wind and Amber is awesome. There is definitely romance in the story, but it is so much more than your typical romance novel. It was extremely educational, and very detailed, more so than any of the historical romance novels that I've read. Therefore, I would definitely classify it in the genre of Historical Fiction. It's evident that the author did a lot of research into the history and culture of the Lakota. Her description of the Battle of Rosebud and the Little Horn brought the travesties of war to life through the characters. Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull jumped from the pages and became real to me. Through the characters, I felt the loss of the Black Hills, and what they truly meant to the Lakota.

The first third of the story introduces the characters and brings out the differences and the prejudices of both the white and the Native American cultures, building up to the battles of Rosebud and the Little Big Horn. The story then takes you into the harsh winter of 1876, then Crazy Horse's surrender and Sitting Bulls flight to Canada in the spring of 1877. If you have ever wondered what happened to the Lakota after the Battle of the Little Big Horn, then Wind in the Grasses Dancing is a book that you must read.

Terrie McClay has a style that is her own. It's a wonderful story, and is well written. I definitely recommend it. I am holding my breath for the sequel, so please hurry. Does anyone know when it will be available?

Outstanding! A rare jewel! Many have written about the ending days of Native American life in the 1800's. Very few have had the ability to imbue the deep connection these people had with each other, their way of life and the heartbreak they endured. It is almost as though Terri McClay has physically stepped back in time. Much more than a love story, it is an education. Written with eloquence, beauty, compassion and attention to detail, Wind In The Grasses Dancing has raised the bar in achievement. I highly recommended this book to anyone studying Native American Culture; or anyone, regardless of skin color, who feels a deep and abiding connection to these people and times. I will cherish this story for many moons to come.
L.M Jackson
(Author of 'Perfect Circles')

I am enthralled. What wonderful writing. McClay vividly describes the life and times of Dancing Wind. She humanizes history and brings it to life. This is such a magnificent tale. So well done. Masterful! From one page to the next, it is a jewel of writing. While reading, I became very emotional at times. The book is that good. Not many things can make a grown man cry, but this book is an exception. I love the author's attention to detail, including indigenous plants and animals. The characters are so well-defined. Her in-depth research is evident throughout. I loved how McClay described how the Lakota dressed and painted themselves, how they tanned skins, how they built lodges, and on and on. My goodness! What a work of art!

Ms. McClay has written a story to satisfy the heart as well as the mind. While the romance is poignant, I equally enjoyed the well researched work into Native American life and lore. This lady knows her material and is a natural storyteller. I highly recommend it.

Frances Anderson-Jackson, Author of "Patience - Bold Rider"

This is a very exciting saga which wraps real history around a wonderful love story. The characters are real and each one has a very separate and interesting personality. The history is fascinating and, I suspect, truer than what is typically written in the history books. It is said that "history is written by the winners" and this is one story that relates the unfortunate truth of the native american story. Well done!!

I read this book befor eit went to be published. I'm not a reader, but it capivated me and hold me into the scences and the romance. The story gave me chills up my spine and had tears in my eyes at times. So to make it short I only sat the book down to get some sleep and was back up in the morning at 4;30 to read more of Wind in the grasses dancing. Wow it was truly a good book. Hope you enjoy reading it the way I did. Thank you for giving me the honor of a good book to read.

Wind in the Grasses Dancing,,,, In terms of warrior & spiritual customs, I found this book surprisingly informative and interesting to me especially considering that I mostly love a love story ---- and that is what I truly was in the mood for when I picked it up. A Love Story is told, yes,,, it satisfies, then takes a turn, and leaves you wanting more. The twist is that the leaving you wanting more part is another love story that is truly just beginning.

First and foremost, McClay has written a beautiful if heartbreaking story set in the 19th century of the genocide of the Lakota and other Native American peoples in order to achieve the theft of Native lands by the U.S. government on behalf of white settlers. The novel is well conceived, researched and constructed and is very much worth reading. That said, so much could have been gained by good editing, especially rudimentary copy editing. I found many instances of poor wording, odd juxtaposition of past and present tenses, and incorrect use of words. Most distracting, however, was the poorly applied punctuation, in particular the misuse and overuse of commas. Surely an effort as fine as McClay's deserves the services of an editor to help her novel achieve its full potential!

Although I have not completed the book, I love what I have read so far. I like the historic facts intermixed into the fictional story line. It gives the story an additional dimension.

i am very pleased with my purchase. i am not finished with this novel yet but drawn into its conclution. great job on relaying truth and heart. patti d