THE ANGEL AND THE WARRIOR is an interesting look into the spiritual world of Native Americans. Swift Hawk's tribe or clan has been banished from an earthly life to an otherworldly existence pending their absolution for a crime against the Thunderer. Their Creator worked out a deal to save them. Once every fifty years, in each new generation, each clan has an opportunity to have a boy leave his ghostly existence and become flesh and blood.

Swift Hawk is chosen to save his clan from an eternity apart from an earthly life and has twenty summers to determine what it would take and how to accomplish the feat. He immerses himself in learning what he can about the world that he has reentered -- year 1816. A time when wagon trains are traversing the country, heading toward a new future while passing through undeveloped areas. People join these wagon trains west for many reasons, some looking for a better life for their families, some looking for a fresh start and others looking to escape a dire predicament. Angelia Honeywell, her brother Julian and their preacher father spent most of their lives dodging the proverbial bullet by developing a knack for getting out of town fast. Townspeople weren't always favorably impressed by what the preacher had to say and oftentimes the Honeywell's were run out of town. Mississippi in 1834 was just their latest. Angel and Julian join up with a wagon train and meet up with Swift Hawk, one of the scouts. And then the adventure begins. Swift Hawk has met his match with Miss Angel who fervently believes in the equality of all people that her father preaches about and is unafraid to speak her mind. The dialog between them is peppered with sarcasm and humor.

Karen Kay has a talent for humanizing her characters. As stoic as an Indian can be, so can he be kind and loving and have a sense of humor. Native Americans are not portrayed as having special talents but having been taught to use what they have wisely. Kay's Indians show their resourcefulness and intelligence. THE ANGEL AND THE WARRIOR is a fast moving and engaging tale. Anyone who enjoys a well written tale about Indians will find this book a delight to read. Anyone who believes there are things that are just unexplainable will enjoy the spiritual aspect of this story.