Official Review: Native Companions by Jenni Barnett

Please use this forum to discuss historical fiction books. Common definitions define historical fiction as novels written at least 25-50 years after the book's setting.
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Re: Official Review: Native Companions by Jenni Barnett

Post by Emmanuel Abiodun Olutayo »

Jenni Barnett's "Native Companions" promises to be an interesting read. No tribe on this planet deserves to be sidetracked.
Congrats on being BOTD.
Great reviews.
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Post by Creole »

It would be interesting to learn about the pre-European Aboriginal tribes. I hope Rex will be successful in his quest. This book is a worthwhile read. Thanks for an engaging review.
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Post by Seamstress »

This is the first book of the Dreamtime Mysteries Trilogy and if the rest live up to the same promising potential as this anthropological adventure, I will certainly look forward to them. Granted, I know little about the Aboriginal tribes of Australia and am drawn to the story by its educational value as well. Congrats with BOTD!
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Post by Alissa Deann Devargas »

'To get in touch with his ancestors and their stories, Rex finds refuge under the great tree of memories called Gran Yan.'
I think this book is a combination of modern and folklore events.
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Post by Victory Ositaorah »

Native Companions sounds amazing because it talks about the lives, myths, and survival skills of ancient Aboriginal tribes. Congratulations on BOTD!!
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Post by Judy Burr »

Thank you for your review. I read the sample. Rex explores his heritage through artifacts and taking a walkabout in Australia. This is an interesting story about ancient people, their culture, and their beliefs.
Judy
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Post by Elavarasi Charles »

Even after a long time of reading this book, the dream-like experience is still fresh in my mind. I loved every minute of being one with the tribe's legend and culture. I'll surely be rereading it sometime soon. For putting immense effort into bringing out such brilliant myths and tales of lost voices, I want to thank the author.
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Post by SophiaNd »

Jenni Barnett's "Native Companions," the first of the Dreamtime Mysteries trilogy, immerses readers in a rich and imaginative portrayal of pre-European Aboriginal culture, blending anthropology with mythology to capture the essence of their traditions and spirituality through the journey of a student connecting with his ancestral dreamtime.
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Post by azza lia »

Your review got me more curious about the Dreamtime mysteries. The history of this tribe is an interesting topic to explore. I'm intrigued by the tale-within-a-tale in this book. I'm still confused, though. So in this book, Rex is actually asleep the whole time. And his quest is in the second book. Guess I have to read the book for better understanding. Anyways, thank you for your honest review.
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Post by Surabhi Rani »

'Official Review: Native Companions: Dreamtime Mysteries' by Jenni Barnett illustrates the contents of historical fiction. It provides a complete background to the author's work. The book chronicles the daily lives of the tribals and restores rites, customs, belief systems, and their behavioral patterns. Rex Graham promises his dying grandmother to search for the key to her great-grandfather's dreamtime mysteries and publish them. This work focuses on a distinct stage in the tribes' struggle to survive under the most difficult circumstances. Readers who cherish great epics will appreciate the tales, myths, and legends!
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Post by Benjamin Pierre »

I really appreciated how you highlighted the way the author captures the Australian landscape and the complexities of the characters' emotional journeys. It sounds like Native Companions offers a beautiful blend of coming-of-age themes and vivid setting, which really appeals to me. Thank you for such a detailed and thoughtful review!
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Post by Hlengiwe Chemane »

Native Companions is a story about Rex Graham, a young man who is part Aboriginal. After his grandmother dies, he decides to learn more about his family's history. His journey takes him to a special tree called Gran Yan, where he has powerful dreams about the lives and traditions of his ancestors, the Booran people.

The book is full of interesting details about Aboriginal culture, including their ceremonies, stories, and way of life. Jenni Barnett uses beautiful descriptions and even includes hand-drawn pictures and a glossary to help readers understand the Aboriginal words.

Sometimes there are small grammar mistakes, but they don't ruin the story. The book is very rich in culture and makes you feel close to nature and the traditions of Australia's First People. It is a good book for anyone who enjoys learning about history, traditions, and different cultures.
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Post by Rady Espinoza »

Jenni Barnett's lifelong interest in anthropology, indigenous civilizations, traditional medicine, and the survival abilities of bushmen in isolated areas of Australia is reflected in the first book in her fantastic Dreamtime Mysteries trilogy, Native Companions. Very interesting and good BOTD I love it.
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Post by Sushan Ekanayake »

"Native Companions" by Jenni Barnett brings the myths, legends, and survival stories of pre-European Aboriginal tribes to life through the dream-visions of Rex Graham under the sacred Gran Yan tree. A vivid celebration of culture, resilience, and connection to nature. Congratulations on being BOTD!
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Post by Rose Angela »

Native Companions: Dreamtime Mysteries by Jenni Barnett blends fiction with Aboriginal mythology, following Rex Graham as he uncovers his ancestral history through art and legends.
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