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Readers` Reviews

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
lisa stevens
I didn't think I would like this book at all. Several times I put it down thinking I would just delete it, because it seemed dark and hopeless. The characters were in deep poverty and times were so hard; however, I soon discovered that I was becoming fascinated by this book. I've never read anything like "Thieving Forest" and I read everyday. I am interested in various stories, but this book covers a longer period of time than most. It is suspenseful in that you can't imagine how it will possibly end. I recommend it to a serious reader who will give the
writer time to tell her story. Martha Conway is a gifted storyteller. I look forward to reading more of her books.
I would love to read others' reviews about "Thieving Forest"!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
shawne
I *loved* this book. It's a classic American settler story, with tough yet tender female heroines. It reminded me of "Cold Mountain" but also (in a much edgier way) the "Little House" series and "Caddie Woodlawn." It's ultimately about the bond between sisters but weaves in so much more into the story. There's adventure, romance, friendship, the relationship with the natural world.
The characters, all of them, are just fantastic.

Another thing about the book that really moved me was how the author captured the complex relationships & tension between the native American tribes and the white settlers. It is described with such balance, in various, surprising, and honest ways that disrupted my notions of what the world was like at that time. I knew *nothing* about Ohio before reading the book, so it was super interesting to delve into that world.

(SPOILER ALERT)
Also, this book has the perfect ending. Perfect, as in, not happily ever after, but perfect for the book. I could reread the last thirty pages a hundred times. Lately, I've read too many books that are wonderful until the last twenty pages...but the ending of this book was awesome.

I read the eBook but I'm going to get the hard copy b/c it deserves a place on my bookshelf.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
yaara
My mother's family is from Indiana. As a child I loved listening to my grandmother tell me her grandmother's stories about the Indians and settlers of the Fort Wayne and New Haven area. I purchased the audio version of this book and so enjoyed listening to the story of Susanna and her sisters. The book was interesting from the beginning and and kept my interest until the end. The reader did an excellent performance.
The Enchanted Forest Chronicles: (Boxed Set) :: Forest of a Thousand Lanterns (Rise of the Empress) :: Machine Learning With Random Forests And Decision Trees :: The Blood Forest (The Tree of Ages Series Book 3) :: The Dark Forest (Remembrance of Earth's Past)
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
jeanie
Martha Conway's story about four sisters in Northwestern Ohio in the 19th century is a compelling and informative read. I not only learned about the times, and the intimate relations that the Quiner sisters had with other pioneers and native Americans, like the Potawatomi, but I was also enthralled with the narrative, which was well researched and beautifully written. It was a joy to read about that time in history, when dreamers were settling the Midwest. Especially when it's brought to you in such vivid detail. To write about nature, the outdoors, takes an incredible eye and an even more incredible writer to pull it off. And the heroine of the story, Susanna, is an engaging spirit, a woman with a lot of fire and heart. Highly recommend this novel.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
rawda
I've never read anything by Martha Conway before but after reading "Thieving Forest" I will definitely try another one of her books. This book kept my attention from the very beginning. There weren't any parts of the book that seemed to just drag on. I find that so often. The characters were interesting . This book is very well written and enjoyable.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
bill kerwin
Before I get into why I liked this book so much even though I’m not a fan of historical fiction, I’m going to explain why fans of historical fiction will love it.

First, it’s got the "historical." Conway did her research, and the result is an incredibly detailed account of life in early 1800’s Ohio. And not just life in any one white settlement or Indian tribe, but across a wide range of diverse groups. Second, it’s got the "fiction." If you like stories, here are five: four sisters kidnapped by Indians, and a fifth who sets out in pursuit. The stories of the sisters branch, some of them rejoining and some of them reaching ends of their own, and Conway follows them all.

I loved this book for its steady tone that, like the forest itself, served as a kind of matter-of-fact backdrop to the wild highs and lows the sisters undergo, the characterizations that were remarkably free of cliché and stereotype even among the minor characters, and the overall shape of the story that comes together at the end.

Note: some readers might be confused or disappointed fairly early in the book when it turns out it’s not going to be the simple story of rescue or whodunit that it might appear at first to be. But hang in there, because the ultimate picture, though not perhaps as dramatic or colorful as a simpler story might have been, is almost certainly truer to real life as it’s lived in most times and places.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
jenny adcock
In the spirit of full disclosure, I received a paperback copy of this book from the author via a Goodreads Giveaway. That said, I LOVED Thieving Forest! It's a great and obviously well-researched look at life as pioneer for a family who has lost their parents and are left to figure everything out. Conway weaves the story with skill and draws the reader into the Thieving Forest with indians, black swamps and raging rivers. It's easy to find yourself in each of the scenes as the story unfolds. You will find yourself feeling all the characters feel, rooting for them and sighing with relief as life finally turns around for them. Beautifully written.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
amanda hancock
I just finished this wonderful story...traveling back in history with a family of red headed girls....as their lives are turned upside down by and event that results in their traveling in Indian territories as they try to bring their family back together...awesome read...fast...easy to follow.. great characters...read and enjoy this well written story:)
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
marjie s
It's 1806 and the state of Ohio contains little but scattered outposts when Susanna Quiner sees her sisters abducted from their home by the Potawatomi. Little does she know that her drunken neighbor planned the attack to gain access to the only things - a dry goods store, wagon, horses, and chickens - the orphaned girls have left to survive. Despite enormous odds and no one willing to help her, Susanna sets off into the "Black Swamp" and "Thieving Forest" to find her sisters who are scattered across a vast wilderness filled with swamp fever, poisonous snakes, and aggressive natives keen on taking captives. It's a place where all the sisters must fight for their lives. Susanna's naive bravery compels her to track down each of her sisters. Susanna begins the pilgrimage as a slightly spoiled, helpless youngest sister, but the emotional journey she takes through her experiences with injury, death, slavery, survival, and sacrifice in the forest proves even greater than the countless physical steps she takes, and the events alter her and her sisters in ways they could never have imagined.

I loved that Ms. Conway's book covers such a unique time and place in history. I doubt you could find much else written about the barren Ohio countryside during the early 19th century. The local geography, Native American tribes and their customs, local flora and fauna, the complicated relationships between the local populations during that time - Conway's tale captures it all. You can feel Susanna's panic as her sisters are stolen out of their home, her fears as she enters the unknown, the stubborn courage that pushes her onward, and the bitter disappointment when she finds her sisters only to discover that despite everything she has gone through, she may have arrived too late to save them. A fascinating adventure that reveals a little known world, don't miss.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
jonas
This is an interesting bit of historical fiction that attempts to paint a picture of what life was like when the Western European settlers and the Native Americans were on equal ground in northwestern Ohio. Some of the characters are realistic, some are two dimensional. I am not sure how realistic it was but it was a fun read.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
lynn mercurio
Thieving Forest is probably one of my favorite reads for this year. I love this time period and not many authors tackle writing during this time.
The story tells of sisters being kidnapped by Native Americans in the Ohio frontier. I absolutely loved the character of Susanna. I admired her determination to reunite with her sisters and her will to survive.
I thought this book reminded me of those written by the fabulous authors, Jody Hedlund and Laura Frantz.
A great, clean read.
5 stars.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review, which was given.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
stephanie piontkowski
I really like this book. It is a book written about women, for women, all ages of women. It is an interesting and yet sobering tale, describing realistic but unique characters, whose actions and reactions are often unexpected. It refreshingly does not try to convince the reader that one culture or subculture is superior to the other; it just tells me its story. It attempts to neither shock nor bore, but it does quietly instruct. The characters' abilities to adapt and survive in the wild are remarkable to someone living in today's world - it makes me feel rather ashamed of my appalling lack of the most basic survival skills in comparison to these strong, capable women. I plan to get my 12-year old daughter to also read it and look forward to hearing her opinion. How I wish there were more books of this quality and style. It contains modern & grown-up echoes of some of the favorites of my childhood, like Laura Ingalls Wilder or Jean Fritz or JF Cooper. I suppose, like the riddle in the story, like the bear and the red-haired sisters, it is unique but not altogether unique.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
elisabeth
Finally a well written, evocative book of loss and a quest by a headstrong young woman to find her abducted sisters and reunite her family. What she ultimately finds is her own strength and the ability to love, forgive and accept that loss and joy are just opposite sides of the same coin. She also finds that family comes in who you help and care for and w how is there for you. Good story,good read.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
rabia
This is fast paced, engrossing, and meticulously researched. Full of rich detail, Thieving Forest gives the reader a real taste of the life of early settlers in Ohio, and of the Native American tribes around them. This is a delightful change of pace, as it focuses on female protagonists and treats Native American culture much more fairly than many other novels set in this time period.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
michelle morar
A beautiful story about sisterhood, friendship, adventure, betrayal, and self-discovery. Full of light and life, her characters move through the lost landscapes of Thieving Forest and the Great Black Swamp, discovering themselves, and the peoples who once lived there. A lyrical, and masterful, and beautiful story that parts the mists of time, and offers glimpses into a quieter place, allowing the reader to enter into a time and place with an imagination and a life of its own. A great read!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
roxanne
I've always enjoyed books about our early Americans & what life was like. This story didn't disappoint. I've also felt that American Indians respected life & our earth & feel so sad that we couldn't learn more from them . I enjoy reading about what people ate & how they survived. This book satisfied me & I really enjoyed it!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
vitor
A story about how diverse peoples can get along and learn from each other--sorely needed today. Recommending this story to all my friends. The sisters are strong and resourceful, and the native Americans are presented with dignity and complexity. An excellent reflection on how diverse peoples can live together honorably. The survival and nature details are fascinating, too.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
rego hemia
Totally taken in by what people faced to survive the frontier of northwestern Ohio in the early 1800s ... pioneer settlers and native Americans.

As a reader, I initially found the choice to use present tense a little odd and unfamiliar. However, with the author's exceptional story-telling and pace, I soon stopped stumbling at it and was fully committed to see what happened next. Good book, worth reading.
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
nathan wade carter
I enjoyed learning about the lives of Native Americans in this area of the US, however, the twists and turns that happened to the characters towards the end started to get annoying and I just wanted something positive to happen to the main character.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
shery
It's 1806 and the state of Ohio contains little but scattered outposts when Susanna Quiner sees her sisters abducted from their home by the Potawatomi. Little does she know that her drunken neighbor planned the attack to gain access to the only things - a dry goods store, wagon, horses, and chickens - the orphaned girls have left to survive. Despite enormous odds and no one willing to help her, Susanna sets off into the "Black Swamp" and "Thieving Forest" to find her sisters who are scattered across a vast wilderness filled with swamp fever, poisonous snakes, and aggressive natives keen on taking captives. It's a place where all the sisters must fight for their lives. Susanna's naive bravery compels her to track down each of her sisters. Susanna begins the pilgrimage as a slightly spoiled, helpless youngest sister, but the emotional journey she takes through her experiences with injury, death, slavery, survival, and sacrifice in the forest proves even greater than the countless physical steps she takes, and the events alter her and her sisters in ways they could never have imagined.

I loved that Ms. Conway's book covers such a unique time and place in history. I doubt you could find much else written about the barren Ohio countryside during the early 19th century. The local geography, Native American tribes and their customs, local flora and fauna, the complicated relationships between the local populations during that time - Conway's tale captures it all. You can feel Susanna's panic as her sisters are stolen out of their home, her fears as she enters the unknown, the stubborn courage that pushes her onward, and the bitter disappointment when she finds her sisters only to discover that despite everything she has gone through, she may have arrived too late to save them. A fascinating adventure that reveals a little known world, don't miss.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
lauren regenhardt
This is an interesting bit of historical fiction that attempts to paint a picture of what life was like when the Western European settlers and the Native Americans were on equal ground in northwestern Ohio. Some of the characters are realistic, some are two dimensional. I am not sure how realistic it was but it was a fun read.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
janet
Thieving Forest is probably one of my favorite reads for this year. I love this time period and not many authors tackle writing during this time.
The story tells of sisters being kidnapped by Native Americans in the Ohio frontier. I absolutely loved the character of Susanna. I admired her determination to reunite with her sisters and her will to survive.
I thought this book reminded me of those written by the fabulous authors, Jody Hedlund and Laura Frantz.
A great, clean read.
5 stars.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review, which was given.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
frank grodio
I really like this book. It is a book written about women, for women, all ages of women. It is an interesting and yet sobering tale, describing realistic but unique characters, whose actions and reactions are often unexpected. It refreshingly does not try to convince the reader that one culture or subculture is superior to the other; it just tells me its story. It attempts to neither shock nor bore, but it does quietly instruct. The characters' abilities to adapt and survive in the wild are remarkable to someone living in today's world - it makes me feel rather ashamed of my appalling lack of the most basic survival skills in comparison to these strong, capable women. I plan to get my 12-year old daughter to also read it and look forward to hearing her opinion. How I wish there were more books of this quality and style. It contains modern & grown-up echoes of some of the favorites of my childhood, like Laura Ingalls Wilder or Jean Fritz or JF Cooper. I suppose, like the riddle in the story, like the bear and the red-haired sisters, it is unique but not altogether unique.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
cl udia
Finally a well written, evocative book of loss and a quest by a headstrong young woman to find her abducted sisters and reunite her family. What she ultimately finds is her own strength and the ability to love, forgive and accept that loss and joy are just opposite sides of the same coin. She also finds that family comes in who you help and care for and w how is there for you. Good story,good read.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
mandy voisin
This is fast paced, engrossing, and meticulously researched. Full of rich detail, Thieving Forest gives the reader a real taste of the life of early settlers in Ohio, and of the Native American tribes around them. This is a delightful change of pace, as it focuses on female protagonists and treats Native American culture much more fairly than many other novels set in this time period.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
peter gerdes
A beautiful story about sisterhood, friendship, adventure, betrayal, and self-discovery. Full of light and life, her characters move through the lost landscapes of Thieving Forest and the Great Black Swamp, discovering themselves, and the peoples who once lived there. A lyrical, and masterful, and beautiful story that parts the mists of time, and offers glimpses into a quieter place, allowing the reader to enter into a time and place with an imagination and a life of its own. A great read!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
emiliegrace
I've always enjoyed books about our early Americans & what life was like. This story didn't disappoint. I've also felt that American Indians respected life & our earth & feel so sad that we couldn't learn more from them . I enjoy reading about what people ate & how they survived. This book satisfied me & I really enjoyed it!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
saralyn
A story about how diverse peoples can get along and learn from each other--sorely needed today. Recommending this story to all my friends. The sisters are strong and resourceful, and the native Americans are presented with dignity and complexity. An excellent reflection on how diverse peoples can live together honorably. The survival and nature details are fascinating, too.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
davey morrison dillard
Totally taken in by what people faced to survive the frontier of northwestern Ohio in the early 1800s ... pioneer settlers and native Americans.

As a reader, I initially found the choice to use present tense a little odd and unfamiliar. However, with the author's exceptional story-telling and pace, I soon stopped stumbling at it and was fully committed to see what happened next. Good book, worth reading.
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
brandin greco
I enjoyed learning about the lives of Native Americans in this area of the US, however, the twists and turns that happened to the characters towards the end started to get annoying and I just wanted something positive to happen to the main character.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
henrietta
Martha Conway's Thieving Forest puts me in mind of two books that I love: Charles Frazier's Cold Mountain and Barbara Kingsolver's Prodigal Summer. The story is enriched by its historical depth and an intimacy with the natural world as its protagonist scrambles to survive in a search for her sisters after an unprovoked attack by Potawatomi Indians. In addition, it's such a page turner I couldn't bear to do anything else until I finished it.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
karen wood
My first book with native Americans and I loved how it would jump from one perspective to another. It kept the story going even though some spots were slow it was still entertaining to read on how they survived on so little. It was a wonderful read.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
brett ortiz
I loved this book! It grabbed me from the first page and never let me go! In fact, I was really sorry when the novel ended, because I did not want to part with Susana and her sisters. The plot was engaging, the language simple, yet vivid and entertaining, and the characters compelling and intriguing. I also gained a tremendous amount of knowledge about the historical setting of the time. Thieving Forest would make a great movie! I highly recommend this novel and look forward to reading other novels by Martha Conway.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
laima z
Engaging and informative writing stands on its own, and "Thieving Forest" is a fabulous example of this. I don't normally read historical fiction, but since I was familiar with Martha's work from reading the Edgar nominated "12 Bliss Street" (highly recommend) - I decided to give it a try. Historically accurate, the book moves along at the clip of a literary thriller (loved that about the book). I read and re-read many of the character and setting descriptions: Martha's style is lush, but never overbearing and her skill as a writer is evident by the vivid 'word pictures' she creates for the reader to savor. But by far my favorite part of reading this book was participating in the protagonist Susanna Quiner's journey. What she experienced would be life changing in any era, but in the setting of 1800's Ohio, it was profound. While my secret wish is that Martha write more mysteries, "Thieving Forest" is an accomplished and entertaining work and I'll look forward to Martha's next book!
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
islam
This is an interesting book, I really liked the history of native Americans! It tells the life's of a group of sisters who take completely different paths. The author develops the separate characters of the sisters in a way that reflects reality, I really think each sister deserves a separate book, it would've made a great series. It's an easy book to read.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
elody
Each sister a true individual, the interaction between the sisters when at first all together and later in different pairings and places is also exquisitely done. Different Indian ethos and mores even better! Plot twists, romance and the uncertainty of everything in a beautiful stew of fiction. A compelling read. Worth every minute and only wish there was more.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
nathan hill
While reading this book I was taken back to my childhood playing pioneer woman in the brambles and woods behind my house and in neighboring forests (now chiseled sub-developments). I loved those wild adventures. And this book brought it all back home and more so. Like Martha Conway's first book, 12 Bliss Street, Thieving Forest delivers a thrilling plot with a strong, multi-dimensional female protagonist - and in this case a family of strong and varied women. Too often you get one or the other and not enough to discuss with friends. Not so with Thieving Forest - a great read and lots to explore.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
kexiah js
A sisters love is the backbone of the story. I very much enjoyed the way one of the sisters went through all kinds of deprivation searching for her sisters who were stolen by Indians. I liked the way the author related how each sister tried to help one another, even though it many times meant sacrificing their own safety. This was a family oriented book.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
jeremy taber
This was a really fun book with strong female lead characters (which is a rare find). Women setting off on adventures with "Indians" in the forest is a great childhood dream and Martha Conway brings it to life. The history is interesting (and educational). The dynamics between sisters is well captured and seems like such dynamics are probably timeless. I was engaged by these sisters and always eager to get back to reading to find out what would happen next. I highly recommend this book.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
amy mather
Thieving Forest by Martha Conway is by far one of the best books I've read in a long time! The characters, vivid descriptions, history, adventure, and suspense all kept me wanting more. It is a real page turner - I finished it within 3 days and was sorry when it was over. I would love to follow these sisters on more adventures! It was also so interesting learning about the Native American communities in Ohio during this time period. Conway obviously did a great deal of research while writing this book. Her writing style is so pleasurable and easy to read. She really knows how to describe a scene as well pull you into the emotions of the characters in it. I felt like I was right there with them. I look forward to the next book by Conway. I know it will be wonderful!
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
stine
this was a good read. it started off slow but the pace quickened and I thoroughly enjoyed the book. If one is interested in how the pioneers and Indians lived in the mid 1800s this book answers a lot of questions. I liked the characters and kept reading hoping that everything would work out in their favor.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
srinath
I don't read a lot of historical fiction, but I found this book very absorbing. The author does an excellent job of creating the characters of the five sisters and making you care about the fate of each. The portrait of frontier life and the interactions of Native Americans and white settlers is told with quiet, even-handed authority and is fascinating. And there are many moments of real tension and excitement as the very different fates of the sisters are revealed. I look forward to her next book.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
ravenna
This novel was lush, absorbing and an absolute pleasure to read. It was so refreshing to read a family drama (that’s the category I cast it in, but it's also historical fiction and could almost be a thriller, too) that was intelligent and rich with interesting detail. And the pacing keeps you hooked. Great interplay between hope and hopes dashed, again and again. Best of all, the characters are complex. Not one of the sisters is exactly as you would expect her to be. Neither are the Native Americans, for that matter.

Which, speaking of, Martha’s portrayal of Native American culture in the Ohio River Valley was most intriguing of all. There were no stereotypes (that I could tell). I loved her portrayal of how they lived and interacted. They were real people. In a real book.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
jemma
I enjoyed this book and the storyline. I lived along the Maumee river in Ohio which made the story even better. I felt like I was able to picture Susanna searching along its banks for her sisters. I felt the Indian history was interesting without being overbearing. An adventure from start to finish.
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
sansan
The story kept my interest, and I enjoyed it...at least until the end, which seemed very rushed. A new character was introduced in the last chapters and it just seemed like the author ran out of steam and wanted to get the story over. It would have been better if the ending was developed with the same depth and detail as the rest of the book. As a result, it's a good read but not great.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
jason rovillo
Took a bit to get used to the writing style but I was swept along quickly by the story! Loved the characters and did not want the story to end. No bad language and free of sexual content was a nice! Please write something else Martha!! Checked this out from Kindle but I will be buying this one for my library.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
dora lee
Unusual and fascinating writing style . Wonderful character development. Totally engaging story of Susanna's determination to locate her sisters after they have taken by Indians from their home in frontier Ohio.
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
joel van valin
The story is compelling and the history is interesting but I couldn't quite connect with any of the sisters, except Susanna. A harrowing journey to find her kidnapped sisters leads Susanna through dangers of the wilderness , Indians both peaceful and not , a friendship with an orphan Indian girl, a man who loves her and the realization that her life is not her sisters'.

A satisfying ending gets this book a generous three stars .

Thanks to Smith Publicity and NetGalley for this ARC.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
loveness wesa
Susanna Quiner, one of six siblings living in nineteenth century America, watches as her four older sisters are stolen away by a group of Potawatomi Indians. Through the eyes of each girl, Conway unfolds an authentic account of the dangers of frontier life and the choices you have to make to survive. Throughout Susanna's distressing journey to find her sisters, you experience her emotional and individual growth apart from the sisters she always felt her future bound to. This novel was so well researched I felt as if I was watching Susanna face these obstacles as I stood beside her and felt her pain and anxiety at each step. As a lover of historical fiction, I was pleasantly surprised by this novel and I turned the last page not wanting it to end.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
bulu iraddim
The adventures of the six red headed sisters in the wilderness are amazing. This author has a great store of imagination and makes every part of this book spellbinding. I'd like to read what happens next. I hope she continues the story.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
cold coffee
The novel has an incredible sense of place. The author made the forest come alive - I could see, smell and feel the depth, chill and darkness of the woods. I could really relate to the sisters, and their insistance upon their own identities - when you are one of many girls, I'm not sure if you create your label/identity or let others create it for you. Each Quiner girl took on an identity to distiguish herself, and the life in the woods put those identities to the test. With beautiful writing and description of character and place, the author created a world that became real for me. I hope this is just the beginning of the story of the Quiner sisters, I would love to read more.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
jason gervase
I was not sure what to expect when I started this novel, but now that I have finished this amazing journey, I feel lucky to have read it. I was swept up in Susanna's journey and was touched by all the people and places and unexpected situations she had to deal with...
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
tatiana boncompagni
The book was not what I expected, but I enjoyed it. It was hard to imagine the logistics and the time it took to get from one place to another, I liked the characters and the change in character personalities.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
trey kennedy
This novel will grab you from the first page – four sisters captured, one left behind to search for them. In a time when women were generally controlled by the men in their lives we find Susanna Quiner — ready to fight and scheme for the lives of her sisters and determined to learn how. You will root for Susanna as she makes her way through the Great Black Swamp!  Wonderful read!!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
dave schumaker
So suspenseful, from the first chapter to the very last page. What you think at first might be a simple tale of white women abducted by "savages" turns out to be a deeper mystery with lots of twists and turns. Full of fascinating historical detail about frontier life and the complex mix of native societies trying to survive in this harsh and beautiful natural world. The five unique Quiner sisters will sometimes frustrate you as much as they frustrate each other, but you will be fascinated to follow each of their fates.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
amy b
I really enjoyed this historical novel. I felt as if I had a glance into real frontier life, a different and unique view of native Americans. An honest portrayal of human emotions and dedication to helping one another.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
amanda blanda
I thoroughly enjoyed this fast-paced quest story! If you're in the mood for an adventure featuring a strong female character while learning some interesting things about the past at the same time, this might be the book for you!
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
indivar
I enjoyed the story of a strong woman who learned to survive off the land and use Indian ways to overcome her fear to
Find her sisters. She also learned to appreciate Indians and overcome her racism.
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
paiige
Enjoyed the story's historical setting, the dynamics of the sibling relationship, and some behaviors of the characters that surprised me. A solid read that I recommend if you enjoy twists and turns of human nature
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
faith barr
I just finished this amazing, incredible book. The story is exciting; it's about a woman living in Ohio in the 1800's, who takes off into the wilderness to find her sisters who were kidnapped by a small group of Potawatomi. I was thoroughly caught up in this woman's journey of survival through the wild landscape. Conway's detailed knowledge of the native populations living side by side with settlers, along with her in-depth sense of the land make this historical novel engrossing and very impressive. I entered a vivid world that I was sorry to leave when it was over.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
susan lewis
Thoroughly enjoyable novel. I lived in the Thieving Forest for the three days it took me to read the book. Two weeks later, the forest, the sisters and the communities they inhabited are still with me. That's how I know I have read something of quality. I hope Conway writes a sequel--I really love this family and I want to know their next chapter.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
ezra gray
I finished this in several days, just could not leave it alone. It continued to hold my interest with a sustaining blend of plot, characters, and pacing. The ending was satisfying, but I wanted to have a sequel in hand! The fact that this won an award drew me in and what a pleasure to be able to agree with the critics on this one. Now, Ms. Conway, could you write a little faster?
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
siouxsie
I'm a fan of historical fiction and the premise of this book hooked me. Meticulous attention to setting, spare prose that immediately transports the reader, and a fascinating and believable story of survival and transformation.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
misty garcia
I've just started reading, but I'm stunned and impressed with the sisters. They are well drawn and realistic and i am so scared about what's about to happen to them. Martha Conway really gets sisters.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
glorilyn lee
Wonderful to find a book that you read at every chance. Historically fascinating. I really cared for the characters. I believe this is a wonderful book for adults and teens as well. I loved the rich forest descriptions and being lost their with the characters..
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
lhizz browne
I loved this book...I do most of my reading at night and I couldn't wait to go to bed to get back into the story. I really liked the characters and how Martha told this story...I was bummed when it ended.
★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
shina
2.5/5

It's always so disappointing when you come across a book with a great idea but poor execution. Unfortunately that was the case with this book, I found the plot to be super interesting, but it just wasn't enough to make up for the amateur writing and poor character development. Maybe in a few more years or perhaps with a tougher editor I am sure that this author will improve.

Buy,Borrow or Bin Verdict: Bin

Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
kerry jewell
2.5/5

It's always so disappointing when you come across a book with a great idea but poor execution. Unfortunately that was the case with this book, I found the plot to be super interesting, but it just wasn't enough to make up for the amateur writing and poor character development. Maybe in a few more years or perhaps with a tougher editor I am sure that this author will improve.

Buy,Borrow or Bin Verdict: Bin

Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
annie shannon
Can’t say much about historical accuracy but this story of hardship after capture by Indians is short on excitement. Unlike books a reader can’t put down, this one can be put down several times. The attention to detail is such that, after putting the book down, there is that temptation to resume reading. Wondering what nature of hardship the author can inflict on the main characters is enough to assure that a reader gets all the way through it.
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