This book is so engrossing and thorough, I feel as though I’ve completed a college course on "everything you thought you knew about Indian history but didn’t". This is such a well-written, historically accurate and enjoyable read. I had no idea these two Cherokee leaders, The Ridge and John Ross, were so instrumental in the survival and productivity of the Cherokee nation, then as a result of their bitter hatred for one another, the ultimate downfall and despair of their beloved people. It’s a sad read, because of course, given its history; we already know how it ended. Terribly, sadly, embarrassingly; an ending that America still hasn’t acknowledged or come to grips with.
Through reading this, I met so many other colorful and interesting characters that could easily stand alone in their own book. Doublehead was the most impressive. How is it I’ve never heard of this man? What a colorful bloodthirsty warrior, fighting for whatever he, and especially he, wanted. John Sedgwick brings to life others we’ve heard of, but never as lively and humanely as shown here. For example, Tecumseh, Sequoyah, Harriet Ruggles Gold. And he sheds a less glamorous light on Andrew Jackson, well deserved after how he connived and treated the Indians.
This is one of those books that I have to buy in hardback, there’s just too much to absorb and keep at my fingertips that can’t be done in eBook format. I love good historically accurate books, and this one surely outshines so many others.
I appreciate the opportunity to read and review this engrossing novel, and I highly recommend it to anyone with any desire to learn about the Cherokee nation and their fight for survival during the formative years of America.
(I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review. Thank you to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for making it available.)

This has been one of the most rewarding histories I've read in last months, if not year. Perhaps slightly OTT at times in the narrative style, it is a piece of Americana that I had no idea of, and it greatly enhances my understanding of political nous of people under pressure. It is reflected in immigrants today trying to bargain with the principal powers in the land and still maintain their own strengths. I won't forget it.

Blood Moon is quite an intriguing and interesting read. I highly recommend it for all history buffs. 5 stars.

John Sedgwick is a professional and gives a very entertaining story about the history of the internal politics of the Cherokee Nation. Without a doubt it is entertaining. Also it is well researched. Sadly this is also the source of its deficiencies. Sedgwick loves dramatic, over the top and sensationalist description. He wants to weave a riveting yarn. I personally feel he does this at the expense of giving a clear, readable and respectful history of one of the most important societies and civilizations of the Americas.

That said, there is very little out there to match the breadth of research and importance of the subject in respect to First Nations history. As such its well worth the read, although you may sigh occasionally as the to excitable and bizarre descriptive capacity of Sedgwick.

I really connected with this book. I have Cherokee in me. Very fascinating story, you don't see many books like this out there. Trust me I have looked. Thank you to the author for this insight.

Oh my gosh, if you like real history this is it

Two Chiefs, one tribe, and a hungry America. Battles, bloodshed, and a true tale and trail of tears in the Cherokee nation. More of our history just waiting for YOU TO DISCOVER IT! Great job done here!!

Well written and researched history of the Cherokee Indians and their two most visible, powerful and influential leaders throughout the 19th century before, during and after their removal from The Blue Ridge Mountains in NC/TN/GA to AK/OK via the Trail Of Tears.

<b>5 rival stars to Blood Moon</b> 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟

I’ve read some great nonfiction during the last year, and I’ve always said, the best nonfiction reads as smoothly as fiction. Blood Moon fits right into this category. Who knew that two rival chiefs of the Cherokee caused turmoil and destruction, so much so, that it would arguably exceed that caused by Andrew Jackon’s work and The Trail of Tears.

John Ross was the primary chief of the Cherokee for a number of years, and his polar opposite in stature, skin color, and beliefs about the future of the Cherokee, would be The Ridge, who had also been Ross’ closest confidante and aide. These two would split and their decisions impacted every facet of Cherokee life for over 100 years.

Following the birth of The Ridge all the way through the Civil War and just after, this book is epic in its scope, abundant in its research, and fulfilling in its storytelling. John Sedgwick is an author to watch.

Thank you to John Sedgwick, Simon & Schuster, and Netgalley, for the opportunity to read and review this fine nonfiction novel.