Storykeeper by Daniel A. Smith is about a first encounter between two completely different cultures and the tragic results that followed. It unfolds through fireside stories told to and by three young protagonists, each a generation apart. In June of 1541, the Spanish conqueror Hernando de Soto and his army of three-hundred conquistadors arrived in Arkansas bringing a host of deadly old-world diseases, a powerful new religion, and war. The social, political, and religious unrest they caused, resulted in the decimation of the native population.
Storykeeper was named a Winner in the Historical category of the 2022 Book Excellence Awards. The international book award competition recognizes books for excellence in writing, design and overall market appeal. The competition celebrates both independent and traditionally published authors in over 100 countries around the world.
“As a first-time novelist, I’m thrilled and honored to have my book validated by winning this award from such a noted international company,” says author Daniel A. Smith. Growing up in Arkansas, Smith was exposed to Native American artifacts, but had little knowledge of the history of the nations or people behind them. In writing Storykeeper, Smith’s goal was to unmask the untold stories from his state and highlight one of humanity’s most basic and defining characteristics: the unique ability and driving desire to tell stories. “I wanted to expose readers to a lost period of history through a storytelling ritual that was essential to the inhabitants of America long before the Europeans arrived...all stories, from ancient cave painting to the most structured novel contribute to the enduring nature of mankind and are crucial for the survival of cultures.”
Well-paced and expertly plotted, Storykeeper weaves together several standout features that put it in a class of its own. The characters are relatable and authentic, helping readers connect emotionally and viscerally with each time and place depicted. In addition, themes of destruction, survival and courage tie the work together in a memorable way, showing the power of storytelling as a whole, in its ability to bring history back to life by sharing important, forgotten truths about the past.
The book has received positive reviews from some of the most well-renowned literary organizations and reviewers around the world. Helen Hollick, Managing Editor of the Historical Novel Society writes, “Storykeeper is a stunning novel…with a wealth of well-researched historical content…I was not only entertained by this book, but educated about a period of history of which I knew nothing.” Tammy Snyder from The Arkansas Book Reviewer writes, “Storykeeper, is a tender, poignant, powerful story of a people’s strength, endurance and history. Smith not only turned his research of those days of Hernando De Soto in the 1500’s into a story that honors the Indians that lived through it, but created a lesson on the importance of storytelling.”
A powerful saga you won’t soon forget, Storykeeper is available for sale on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple iBooks, Kobo, Nook, Google Play and other online bookstores.
Until July 20th, 2022, readers can get a copy of the eBook for only $0.99. Fans of historical fiction are encouraged to purchase their copy today.
About the Author
Daniel A. Smith is the multiple award-winning author of Storykeeper, a masterwork of historical fiction that encapsulates the history of a forgotten Native American tribe through powerful storytellers who are determined to keep their ancestry alive. He is currently working on the second novel of his “Nine-Rivers Valley” series set at the beginning of the written history of America during a little-known but pivotal time.
Daniel traveled the country performing in 45 states and 5 provinces of Canada, as an audio engineer mixing the sound for concerts, festivals and rallies manipulating what is heard to entertain, inform, while observing all manner of mass gatherings. Now he prefers to live, roam, and write in Arkansas with his life-long friend and wife.
Connect with Daniel A. Smith:
Website: http://www.danielasmith.org/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/storykeeper.danielasmith
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanielASmith24
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KTcCu-su-E
Media Contact
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Country: United States
Website: authornewsnetwork.com
