Mark Warren Knihy

*A 2022 Georgia Author of the Year Finalist for Literary Fiction.In 1941 Jonas Walks-Through-the-Storm, a full-blooded Cherokee horse trainer in rural North Carolina, trains an equestrian unit at Camp Tuckaseegee. As he straddles the racist divide while working with white men, a mutual love develops between him and the wife of an officer.In modern-day Chicago, Jonas’s one-quarter-native grandson, Russell, battles racism of another color. As a teacher at a mostly black school, he burns out in work, marriage, and self-esteem by sliding into alcoholic dissolution. Divorce, dismissal, and dejection quickly follow. Trying to exhume his self-respect, Russell attempts to revive his lineage through a self-imposed “trial by fire” alone in a night forest. This ceremony leads to a journey to retrace his grandfather’s story.Due to a past scandal, memories of Jonas have been erased in Russell’s family. Yet Russell’s childhood excursions with his grandfather persist. Wandering across Illinois and Wisconsin he interviews the people who knew Jonas and discovers a chain of sobering tragedies.When the search leads to North Carolina’s mountains, Russell comes full circle to his grandfather’s old homestead and discovers the love and purpose that the old man had bequeathed to him through a kinship with the land . . . and a brotherhood with horses.

Set against a backdrop of law enforcement and personal sacrifice, this gripping narrative follows the life of a dedicated officer navigating the challenges of duty and morality. The story delves into the complexities of justice, loyalty, and the impact of crime on communities. With rich character development and a compelling plot, it explores themes of honor and the weight of responsibility, making it a poignant read for fans of crime and police dramas.

The final installment of Mark Warren's historical fiction trilogy delivers a gripping conclusion filled with intense action and dramatic twists. Characters face pivotal choices that will shape their destinies, exploring themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the impact of history on personal lives. The narrative weaves together rich historical detail and compelling storytelling, ensuring readers are fully engaged until the last page.

In this fourth volume of the "Secrets of the Forest" series, outdoor educator Mark Warren describes the details of how to make and operate the tools that hurl projectiles toward a target including: - "firing" techniques of a sling, spear, atl-atl, bow and arrow, throwing knife, tomahawk, and blowgun. - a comprehensive lesson in the art of archery that includes the direct, lob, and clout shots, as well as shooting at a moving target. - primitive precision methods of creating your own Cherokee self-bow and rivercane arrows. - cementing projectile skills through a gamut of games and challenges. The second half of the book provides lessons on tandem canoeing, beginning on a lake or pond and evolving to whitewater. The pre-education of paddling starts on a creek with a self-made model boat to understand the dynamics of moving water. On the lake, using a full-sized canoe, paddlers learn how to take control of their craft. Once on current, paddlers are introduced to the never-relenting march of moving water, a phenomenon that must figure into every river maneuver, from planning routes by "reading" the water, eddy turns, lateral ferry maneuvers, peel-outs, hovering in place, and running rapids "dry," to river-rescue of capsized boats and "swimmers," and the joy and instruction of slalom. This volume contains more than two hundred original adventures.

The author, known for their acclaimed work on Wyatt Earp, An American Odyssey, has garnered multiple prestigious awards, including the 2020 Will Rogers Medallion Award and recognition as a 2019 Spur Award Finalist. Their writing has been highlighted as an "Editor's Choice" by The Historical Novel Society, showcasing their talent in historical storytelling and character development.

Focusing on wildlife interaction, this volume delves into techniques for stalking animals undetected, emphasizing the importance of posture, clothing, diet, and de-scenting. The author introduces "soft-walking," a meticulous approach that enhances stealth in nature. Through practical advice and insights, readers gain a deeper understanding of animal behavior and the skills necessary for immersive outdoor experiences.

The second volume of the Secrets of the Forest series delves into essential knowledge about fire for outdoor enthusiasts. It covers various topics, including fire safety, techniques for starting and maintaining fires, and the significance of fire in wilderness survival. This comprehensive guide aims to equip readers with practical skills and insights, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance their outdoor experience and ensure safety in the wild.

A 2023 Will Rogers Medallion Award-winner, The Westering Trail Travesties encompasses five Western tales, ranging from the surreal to the tear-jerker-told in a crucible of parody. In Rumors from the Edge of the World, Kid Concho and his Arizona outlaw gang of misfits stumble upon a prophetic Apache spring. Too Long in the Saddle follows the exploits of a Boston newspaper reporter who is ordered on assignment to frontier Kansas. During Code of the Ranger, one man travels with a quartet of Arizona Rangers who-without extradition papers-must ride undercover into Texas to bring back Bad Bob Banning. In Gourd, fourteen-year-old Curtis Blaydes continues to run his family's homestead after losing his father and mother, until a visitor arrives. Niobrara introduces a notable triangle of youngsters in northern Nebraska. In the vast landscapes of the Old West, these five unexpected tales weave together a tapestry of human resilience, raw adventure, and the oftentimes humorous spirit of the untamed frontier.

The book features the life of Wyatt Earp, exploring his legendary status in American history through a rich narrative. Recognized with the prestigious 2020 Will Rogers Medallion Award and a finalist for the 2019 Spur Award, it delves into Earp's complex character and the era he lived in. The work has also garnered acclaim from The Historical Novel Society as an "Editor's Choice," highlighting its engaging storytelling and historical accuracy.

Focusing on practical skills and knowledge, this volume offers detailed guidance on identifying and utilizing 100 wild plants for food, medicine, and crafts. It also teaches essential survival techniques such as shelter building and water purification. With over 200 hands-on activities, the book serves as a comprehensive resource for educators, outdoor leaders, and families, promoting self-reliance and a deeper connection with nature. It's ideal for anyone looking to enhance their outdoor experiences and embrace forgotten skills.