Zadayi Red [Hardcover]

Caleb Fox (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 7, 2009

A compelling new voice in fantasy brings us a tale like no other in the genre. 

A young Shaman of the Galayi people has had a powerful and frightening vision: it is of the Eagle Feather Cape, the gift of the Thunderbird, which is worn by the Seer of the People to see the future and gain the guidance of the gods.  The cape is torn and bloody, and it will no longer bring visions to the Seer of the People.  But the Shaman's vision also tells her of the cure:  a child will be born to the People, a hero who will restore the cape and return the goodwill of the gods to the People. 

Dahzi may be that hero, if he can survive the hatred of his grandfather.  He was born after his mother’s death, as she fled from her father’s anger.  But Dahzi carries the hope of all of his People, along with the power to become a great Chief.  He will be tested--by his family, by his people, and by the Gods.

Zadayi Red is a magnificent retelling of a Cherokee legend. It brings to life an ancient people and a time of magic in a warm and intimate storyteller’s voice.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In this thoughtful debut, a retelling of an ancient Cherokee myth, Sunoya, born under a sign revealing that her life would be either one of great blessings or darkness, sets out on a path toward becoming her tribe's medicine chief. When she is grown and a vision shows her people facing destruction, the responsibility to save them—at the cost of a great sacrifice—falls first on her and then, years later, on Dahzi, a boy she's rescued and adopted. Dahzi struggles with his heritage and typical teen desires as he fights for his people and eventually confronts the Immortals, the beings who created the world. Fox elegantly blends the old tale and contemporary fantasy without being anachronistic or plodding, bringing depth and humor even to often-clichéd elements such as Sunoya's spirit guide. (July)
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Review

"“[Fox has] done a truly remarkable job of bringing forth the North American Indian traditions, and I do not think anyone has done it in this way before."--Vincent Wilcox, retired curator of Native American artifacts at the Smithsonian Museum, on Zadayi Red

"Fox possesses a rare skill in masterfully telling a story. He is a true storyteller in the tradition of Native people."--Lee Francis, Associate Prof. of Native American Studies, University of New Mexico

"Caleb Fox is a major new writer. Adventure, drama, emotion, magic, imagination, mysticism, insight into prehistoric peoples--this book is an amazing ride into the unknown!"--Tony Hillerman

--This text refers to the Mass Market Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: Tor Books; First Edition edition (July 7, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0765319926
• ISBN-13: 978-0765319920
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,071,075 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Caleb Fox was born on the edge of what was once called Indian Territory. When he was a teenager, his aunts revealed to him that he was part Cherokee, or "redneck on one side of the mountain, redskin on the other." They told him that no one in the family would ever discuss this fact with him again.

Though Caleb needed to take care of college, grad school, and learning to make a living, he finally gave in to his curiosity about who his ancestors were and why they hid their red blood. The search brought him to many Native people of a number of tribes, to thousands of stories both mythic and modern, hundreds of sacred ceremonies, and to his own commitment to walking the red road.

Since that time he has lived near or among Native people, gathering their wisdom and sharing their laughter at life. So far he has published two novels of historical fantasy about the ancestors of the Cherokees, ZADAYI RED and SHADOWS IN THE CAVES.

His joys are spending every day with his wife, the novelist Meredith Blevins, writing, reading fiction, and playing music.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read...and then read again., July 12, 2009

By 

Meg Mathews (Boston, MA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Zadayi Red (Hardcover)

There are a few fantasy writers I love--Ursula LeGuin tops the list. Caleb Fox is now on the same list.

Zadayi Red was astonishing, thoughtful, suspenseful, wildly imaginative, and the writing style is pure magic. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to be transported to a different world.

Now... Here I must comment on the review which gave the book one star and called it racist and boring. Any book that shows the power inherent in a belief system that respects the natural world, inside and out, does not portray racist feelings about those people. Quite the opposite. (Particularly considering the author is writing about those who came before his own Cherokee ancestors.)

I found that reviewer's racism statement offensive. Very. I checked that reviewers other reviews, wondering what she might like. Every book she read was given one star, so considering the source is apt.

(Harriet Klausner's review was right on, as they usually are.)

This book will work for young adults, urbanites who feel a tug of wonder as they enter a cave and imagine ages past, and many of us who are in the middle of that spectrum.

I am already looking forward to the next in this series by the new writer, Caleb Fox. (And I thank him for giving me a great and mind-opening read!)

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A new voice in fantasy, September 3, 2009

By 

Ethan Blevins (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Zadayi Red (Hardcover)

As a life-long fantasy reader, I was excited to find a novel, and emerging author in fantasy. Zadayi Red has all of the elements of good fantasy while remaining unique and true to an idiosyncratic style and story. Characters were easy to engage and feel attached to. For a first run at fantasy, Caleb Fox has made a very good impression. I will definitely read Fox's books in the future.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars fabulous fresh Native American fantasy, July 8, 2009

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Zadayi Red (Hardcover)

Ever since Sunoya was born under an omen of duality either she will be a great enlightener or an even greater darkness bringer. To influence the path, she has been mentored by the medicine man of the Galayi tribe to one day replace him. His mission is to see she goes down the path to help their people. The young shaman sees a horrific vision of the tribe's greatest artifact the magical Cape of Eagle Feathers that helps keep the tribe safe and thriving as the Seer of the People wears it so he (or she) can see the future. Sunoya sees it bloodied and dirty. Her foretelling means hard times for her people.

However, Sunoya also foresees a hero will restore the cape to its previous glory and restore the tribe back to a better lifestyle. She believes the hero is her second cousin, infant Dahzi. The tribe anoints the baby as their savior and over the years he faces much danger including an envious evil loathing grandfather who along with several others who wants him dead. Sunoya keeps Dahzi safe as both will sacrifice plenty for their people.

This is a fabulous fresh Native American fantasy that fans of the sub-genre will fully enjoy. The keys to the story line are the two heroes as Sunoya and Dahzi struggle with what they must personally give up to save their people. Mindful of Aimee Thurlo's fine tales, ZADAYI RED is a super thriller.

Harriet Klausner