Tatham Mound

Tatham Mound follows the journey of Throat Shot, a young Native American warrior from the Toco tribe in pre-colonial Florida. After an injury leaves him partially disabled, he receives a supernatural mission from the spirit of a burial mound. The quest requires Throat Shot to locate a mystical crystal called the Ulunsuti, which is protected by a fearsome creature known as the Uktena. Given the ability to communicate with the dead and freed from fear, he must undertake this task to protect his people from an approaching threat. The story moves through the rich landscape of 16th century Florida, incorporating authentic details of Native American life, customs, and beliefs. The narrative includes encounters with various tribes, spirits, and supernatural elements drawn from indigenous folklore. This novel explores themes of duty, sacrifice, and cultural preservation against the backdrop of impending historical change. Through its blend of historical fiction and fantasy elements, the book presents a unique perspective on a pivotal moment in Native American history.

Readers describe Tatham Mound as a departure from Anthony's usual fantasy works, offering a historical fiction account of Native American life. Several reviews note the book's thorough research and attention to period details. Readers appreciated: - The portrayal of pre-Columbian Native American culture - The main character's growth throughout the story - The historical accuracy and anthropological elements Common criticisms: - Slower pacing compared to Anthony's other works - Graphic violence and dark themes that some found disturbing - Cultural interpretations that some readers questioned Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (499 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (31 ratings) Multiple reviewers on Goodreads mentioned the book left them with a lasting impact, though several noted it was "hard to read at times." One Amazon reviewer called it "Anthony's most serious and meaningful work," while another described it as "unflinching in its depiction of cultural collision."

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🔸 Piers Anthony, born Piers Anthony Dillingham Jacob, has written over 100 novels in his career and is particularly known for his long-running Xanth series of fantasy novels. 🔸 The real Tatham Mound, located in Citrus County, Florida, was excavated in 1985 and contained over 350 burials spanning from 1200 to 1700 CE. 🔸 The Tocobaga people were indeed a historical Native American tribe who lived in Florida's Tampa Bay region from about 900 to 1700 CE, known for building temple mounds and having a complex social structure. 🔸 Archaeological evidence from Tatham Mound shows the devastating impact of European contact, with many remains showing signs of diseases like smallpox - a theme explored in the novel. 🔸 The crystal mentioned in the novel may be inspired by the real crystal artifacts found in Florida Native American burial mounds, which were often used in religious ceremonies and traded across vast distances.