The Spirit Traveler, The Northwest Indian War in Ohio Country

The Spirit Traveler, The Northwest Indian War in Ohio Country

…a good overview of the history of the Midwest in the late 1700s. This is an often-overlooked history but was actually very important to the growth of the United States. Really good book.”- verified reader

I absorbed the main character as if I were him…”- verified reader

 

War Fiction

 

In the 18th century North America, the American-Indian war was swirling viciously through the continent. Whitacre’s setting was taken advantage of in his story The Spirit Traveler, which centers around a young Virginia frontiersman who travels through the Ohio countryside as a scout for the U.S. Army during the American-Indian Wars. Whitacre thrills the casual reader and history buff alike by accentuating events and people from history in his story of adventure and romance. Going further than just the creation of an incredible story, the author also brings to light a story of history that is often overlooked—a story not to be missed.

Whitacre introduces readers to an intricately researched narrative that blends history, folklore, and vivid storytelling. The book delves into the world of the woodland tribes of Native Americans, skillfully capturing the reverence and mystique surrounding their powerful spirits, the Manitous. Through detailed descriptions, such as the prominence of the Northwest Trade Guns and the life at Kekionga, the author breathes life into a bygone era.

The inclusion of fascinating tidbits—like the disputed stone weight or the etymology of “painter” as a regional term for panther—adds depth and context to the world being built. These details provide an enriching backdrop that grounds the reader in both the technical and cultural elements of the time. The unit conversions and historical references create a tactile sense of authenticity without overwhelming the reader with unnecessary complexity.

What stands out most is the seamless integration of historical facts with a narrative voice that is both authoritative and accessible. The result is a narrative that informs as much as it immerses. It’s a promising start to a work that promises to engage readers with its rich tapestry of American history and legend.

The opening chapter sets a high bar for the rest of the book, leaving readers eager to uncover more of the stories and historical gems to come. A must-read for history enthusiasts and casual readers alike, it is a compelling work of notable craftsmanship.

 

About the Author: Kirby Whitacre is a retired educator and athletic administrator.  His M.A. includes a minor in history, and his areas of expertise are colonial America, ancient Greece, and the Middle East in modern times.  His hobbies and interests include family, his dogs, softball, basketball, and the study and practice of Mahayana Buddhism. In addition to having been a guest presenter at international, national, regional, and state-level professional conferences and workshops, he is the author of numerous journal articles, poems, and newspaper articles. He is also the author of the book Buddhism, A Westerner’s Compendium.

  

The book has been reviewed over 5x. Cover art has been awarded a 5-star rating by Mobius. Comparative title: Code Talker: A novel about the Navajo Marines of World War Two

 Abstract terms: AmericanIndian War, Northwest American-Indian War, Ohio Country, Savage warfare. Frontier, Adventure, Romance, Spiritual, Exploration, United States History, Tutelage, Shaman, Forts Washington, Green Ville, Recovery, Wayne, Miami Indian, Anthony Wayne, Little Turtle, Arthur St. Clair

 Published in hardcover, paperback and eBook formats. The book contains approximately 345 pages. Genre: War Fiction ISBN-10, 1506908853, ISBN-13, 978-1506908854