Title: Soaring Eagle with Many Coups
Author: James Safreno
Publisher: GoldTouch Press, LLC
ISBN: 978-1952155666
Pages: 614
Genre: Literature & Fiction/Genre Fiction
Reviewed by: Christina Avina
Pacific Book Review
No matter what kind of life we’ve led or what our circumstances may be, we all have at one point or another in our life had to deal with a question of identity. Who we are, and what our purpose is in life. Sometimes it’s a question of genealogy, hoping to gain insight into where we come from. Other times it’s a question of spirituality, asking ourselves if some higher power has a purpose for us, or are we meant to determine our own fate? Identity is a complex question that only we can answer for ourselves, and no one else.
In author James Safreno’s Soaring Eagle with Many Coups, the author explores the concept of identity through protagonist James York. Set in the 1800s, the author follows James after he is forced to leave his family at an early age, and soon he finds himself being raised by the Shoshone Tribe. Growing up in the Native American culture, he would become a greatly respected and feared warrior of the tribe. However, after years of living life with the Shoshone and purging the world of white man from his system, he is forced back into the white man’s world, and must struggle with both sides of himself to determine who he is, while being taught by his spirit guide what his life’s purpose will be.
This is a truly powerful and engaging story. The author really did a great job of delving into pioneer life in the 1800s, as well as the life of the Native American tribes at that time. It was truly great to see the author showcase the best and worst of both the white settlers and the Native American tribes of the area, showcasing that the land and the area belonged to the Native Americans first and foremost, and were not “savages” as so many throughout history believed. Violence and brutality occurred on all fronts of the pioneer lifestyle. Yet it was the in-depth character growth that really stood out to me. The gripping way James York’s life evolved overtime, showcasing the harshness of the era with the strength of family and the bonds we make overtime, really helped to give readers a character to get behind. Through this novel, readers could feel that family was so much more than blood, as the relationships we cultivate together are paramount.
A truly brilliant book, this was the perfect read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction style storytelling, especially in a genre-fiction and very cultural novel such as this. As a fan of historical fiction, I truly appreciated the in-depth look into all facets of life for everyone at that time, and the fact the novel never felt one-sided in any way. The imagery used in the author’s writing felt very much like the reader was being transported into the era, living on this rugged land before it was industrialized.
A remarkable, thought-provoking, and at times shocking read, author James Safreno’s Soaring Eagle with Many Coups is a truly amazing novel in the historical fiction genre. The attention to detail and truly gritty details about the actions and attacks by the various settlers and Native Americans was mind blowing to see come to life on the pages, and made for a really interesting read.
