This historical action-adventure novel is an epic journey of action, romance and inspiration. It is visionary author Heidi Skarie's re-telling of the story of Red Willow, a young Shoshoni maiden who undertook a dangerous quest in the early 1800’s to become a medicine woman. (See the book cover.)

I confess when I first read it I was drawn completely into Red Willow’s world. As the story builds, and Skarie’s luminous storytelling brings to life characters such as the Kootenai warrior Masheka and the powerful shaman Grandfather, the novel begins to generate an almost alternate-reality inducing power.

Reading it felt like being given a rare and fascinating glimpse into what it was like to live as a Shoshoni of that era, in the time just a year after Lewis and Clark completed their explorations of the Western territories.

While Red Willow’s Quest is a compelling and vividly-told story, thanks to Skarie's extensive travel and research into the story's time and place, it is a fascinating and accurate historical novel as well.

Called "talented mystical and spiritual writing.... action, adventure, and romance (brought) together into one powerful epic" by the venerable Bloomsbury Review of Books, it begins with Red Willow following the guidance of her inner voice to journey to a sacred Native American cave.

Her life's mission is revealed to her eventually in that cave, and to fulfill her dangerous vision she faces enemy warriors, dangerous white trappers, wild animals and tribal opposition with little help.

It helps that Red Willow was not a typical Shoshoni maiden! She knew how to use weapons and was very outspoken. She often heard the call of her Spirit Guide and believed that her destiny was to serve her people as a powerful medicine woman.

With sometimes nonstop action and never-ending drama added to it's accurate historical details, it's not surprising that discussions for making a movie about the book have begun. And with an abundance of issues equally interesting to adults and young readers alike, it looks like a natural for the big screen.

But what I love most about this novel is how it pours courage and strength into you. It sweeps you along so clearly on Red Willow's inner and outer journey that you can't help but feel what it is like to be fully true to yourself. Many readers find Red Willow’s Quest strikes a deep personal chord with them.

"Several days after reading it, I am still glowing with Red Willow’s story and the lessons she imparted ... I feel awakened to the sacred inherent awareness of purpose I felt as a child.. I stand straighter, believe in myself and take my own quest more seriously" ...Read all reader comments.

And by giving you back that inner energy and aliveness that modern stress can sometimes drain from you, it’s a story we need to hear today. I felt I was the recipient of a personal spiritual gift after reading it. I highly recommend this wonderful blend of exciting and inspiring adventures to all readers from age 11-12 and up

And for anyone struggling to stay true to themselves or looking for a more personal relationship with all things spiritual, it is an inspirational must-read. It has that rare power to return us to the deepest, most authentic part of ourselves.

In fact, some readers think that the novel's power comes from Red Willow herself, who they believe returned to life again today to write this book and share her inspiring story with modern readers. But whether you believe in past lives or not, this is a compelling and fun to read story that brings a past era to life. And I'll see you in line when the movie comes out!

  Read the author interview, Part 1: "The sign of the Hawk appears"       

 Buy the book for 33% off — only $9.99!