Seeds of Deception

"A debt owed is not a gift given." ~ 16%

That moment when you are browsing Goodreads, reading direct messages and a book cover captures your attention... Such is the case for Seeds of Deception by Arlene L. Walker. Just look at it. A beautiful shade of blue background with bold dark red lettering and a silhouette of a woman of color with natural hair. For the cover alone, I was interested immediately. Love it!

There is a clash between Cherokee Indians and their former African slaves in the tribal town of Feather Falls Township. On the same day that Sput Louie McClendon is evicted, her husband goes missing. She stumbles upon a dark deep-seated secret during her frantic search. Not only does it affect her family but the whole town.

"Men will be men, but us women—well, but then you're only three-fifths of one aren't you? Niggers aren't people. Not really." ~ 55%

With a colorful cast of characters, Seeds of Deception grabbed hold of my attention from the first chapter. Besides Sput, there is the strong Benjamin that would do anything to protect his family. The wise man in a dress, Two Bird. The Old Crow whom is to be blamed for everything. And a small group of town folk. They all add to the richness of the story that is more folklore than novel.

Kudos to the author for following Toni Morrison's advice. She wrote the book she wanted to read. Seeds of Deception is more than just a new fiction novel. Sprinkles of history shed light on the relationship among the Cherokee, Negroes and blond-hairs, bread payments and land. I sure learned a thing or two so I know you will.

Drawn upon her parents' past, Arlene L. Walker brings readers a novel among the ranks of Warmth of the Sun and Killers of the Flower Moon but the fiction version. I was all in from the beginning but it really got good around 60%. So much so that I read nonstop until finished. Who doesn't love a good plot twist? This author is definitely on my radar now and I look forward to her upcoming books.

"Not holding land in a territory where land was abundant was like being thirsty in the midst of water." ~ 2%

Now that the last word in Seeds of Deception has been read, excuse me while I look up flights to Oklahoma. Time to visit my own Chickasaw tribe with Chickadee!

Happy Belated Pub Day, Arlene L. Walker! Seeds of Deception is now available.

Disclaimer: This book was received directly from the author for review purposes only. In no way does it influence my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins.

Title: Seeds of Deception
Author: Arlene L. Walker
Published: June 2019
Pages: 210
Edition: eBook
Rating: 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤