I was gratified to find a long, thoughtful review of my book on the Goodreads website written by Beth, an historian in England whose avocation is reviewing historical fiction and other genres. As a new fiction author, I very much appreciate Beth taking the time to formulate this review. I’ve excerpted some of her comments below.

“….The story reminded me strongly of the Native American myths and legends I read as a child, it manages to capture the same spirit and essence, but the characters and the plot are all new, and Lamont adds a fresh twist to the tale by including elements of the modern … Whilst the story implies that Europeans don’t arrive in the Tongva’s lands during Tacu’s lifetime, these little hints convey perfectly the steady encroachment into the Tongva’s consciousness, and later way of life, and best of all it’s done so subtly and without drawing undue attention to itself – for that is not the plot here, only the background setting…. [I]t is a joy to come across an author who draws such implications deftly and without breaking stride from the main plot of the novel, and Lamont implies more changes to come than sweeping doom and gloom.

Tacu’s story is reminiscent of the classic coming-of-age tales which have a popular place in Native American legend, and although it has a fresh twist to it, its foundation is grounded in the timeless story of a character in that awkward, transitional phase of life, struggling to find his or her place in the world….

It’s very clear that Lamont has done her research and knows her stuff, but as a writer she also knows how to employ it. Authentic details are used to garnish the setting and the plot, but Lamont does not allow them to distract from the plot or become the novella’s heart. The characters and the storyline are what bring The Way of the Eagle to life.
“-Beth, Goodreads.com”