The US Review of Books (USRB) commended “Bloodline: The Legend of WindWalker” by Carol Colson because the story is “adventurous and dangerous, revelatory and riveting, and an open-hearted ” 

Carol Colson’s “Bloodline: The Legend of WindWalker” is highly praised by Michelle Jacobs of the US Review of Books, acknowledging that“… with its rich descriptive detail and strong character development, Colson’s story is powerful and inspiring. Teen readers will strongly relate to this moving coming-of-age story’s familial issues, identity crisis, and overall conflict. Colson also perfectly captures the Native American culture and the wonder of their ways and beliefs. With clear-eyed prose and the portrayal of authentic relationships, Colson depicts a teen’s life on the edge of despair but also in the beautiful throes of possibility and realization. Nhaya’s journey is adventurous and dangerous, revelatory and riveting, and an open-hearted addition to young adult fiction.”

The author is a native Idahoan. She lives for the time spent enjoying the great outdoors. After raising her son, two daughters, and two granddaughters, Carol began her writing journey. After learning the craft of writing children’s short stories, The Legend of WindWalker became her challenge.

Carol says, “I have been told everyone has a story to tell, WindWalker was mine. For me, writing is like breathing; essential, refreshing, and sometimes necessary for my sanity—and always fun.”

“Bloodline: The Legend of WindWalker” tells a story about reoccurring dreams of looming decisions that plague Nhaya, and they bring her to the point where she is forced to make a choice for the direction of her life—but what direction to choose? She believes the answer she’s looking for lies hidden in the folds of her Nez Perce heritage. But since the death of her father, Nhaya’s mother has forbidden her to explore that path. When Nhaya escapes to Camp Cocolalla, in the mountains of Northern Idaho, she finds herself in the woods at night chased by an unseen danger while racing to save her sister’s life.

In defiance of her mother and going against all that she knows to be right and true, Nhaya pursues the truth hidden in her bloodline as she seeks the only person who can help her, the legendary shaman, WindWalker.

Here’s an excerpt from the US Review of Books that highlights:

“The strong theme of reconciliation will resonate with readers as characters contend with feeling disconnected from their culture, their purpose, and their families. In this fertile place of searching and seeking, the story unfolds in layers of resounding truths and wisdom. As Nhaya learns to trust herself, the world opens up to show itself to her in healing ways. In the process, Colson connects readers to Native American culture, keeping traditions alive for a new generation to celebrate and embrace alongside Nhaya.”