Bryce and Paytah's story. Bryce suffered a terrible loss and Paytah has a deep secret that changed him. Bryce accepts to go back to the reservation with his friends. He meets Paytah and it is not a so pleasant encounter. When they meet again a friendship starts and they feel free enough to confess many things. Together with their friends and families they begin to heal. It is a great story that will make you laugh, cry and understand that together people can make a difference. I am liking this series more and more. Being native myself it's nice to see something reflected that (while not my particular nation) still underscores that we're a part of the genre as well. So for that, props to Mr. Grey.Now, with that aside I can discuss the book: It was nice to see the author do something with Bryce. The first book obviously centered around John and Jerry but it was a nice element that he'd bothered to make Bryce a character who could have something more to say.[Small spoiler alert] We learn at the onset of this book that Bryce's wedding is called off due to his partner losing his life in a terrible accident just days before their ceremony. I was glad that the author didn't take us 'down the well of sorrow' for his losing Percy so abruptly. Instead he was respectful of the relationship he hinted in the first book and allowed Bryce to grieve over it (peppering his doubts about moving on before doing so). Now for Paytah: The love interest that Bryce moves onto might be a difficult character for western audiences to grapple with. Natives do have quite a bit of reticence when it comes to cultural issues and mixing with non-natives - it's a learned response to what we often perceive as cultural invasion. That aside, I think that Mr. Grey paid it its due and moved onto the deeper obstacle in their blossoming relationship: one of sexual abuse. So yeah, Paytah's got a lot to deal with, none the least of which is the despair that often permeates rez life. I didn't grow up on the rez but my dad did so I learned a lot by what he told me about his life and what I experienced when I went back home. So I get where the community (and more importantly for this story) and Paytah's perspective come from in this story. When the tide turns in Bryce and Paytah's direction, things really get to moving and we feel the men coming together (each needing the other for different reasons but needing each other to heal just the same). Nice use of the sexual scenes to heighten the drama of their burgeoning relationship. All n' all a nice addition to the native community related series and a great addition to the community he is building with this series (characters from one book weaving in and out of whoever is the focus for the next book in the series. Has great continuity yet keeps it fresh for each volume to stand on its own). Kudos, Andrew. Hope you find enough sparks in this community to continue the series (have already finished the third tome -- will review it shortly) and eagerly hope there will be a fourth. Bravo!
What do You think about The Fight Within (2013)?
God these native american guys are so sweet..loved Peytah
—pajka
Amazing Brilliant beautiful!!I love this series!
—Dyneishaa1234
