In an ancient Native American world, Koicto dreams of leading his people through the ravages of war. Summoned by the Tribal Elders, this gifted warrior forges a bond of brotherhood with the irascible cougar, Kitchi, and proves he's worthy to lead. But the Elders proclaim Koicto a shaman-a medicine man. They force him into an arranged marriage, ignoring his love for the beautiful Pavati, and casting aside his burning desire to become chief of the Nahchee Nation. When Koicto's vision of war unfolds, he finds his village desecrated and Pavati taken. With Kitchi by his side, Koicto must now fulfill destiny and avenge these wrongs. If he fails, the Nahchee will be no more. AMY JARECKI lives in Southwest Utah with her husband, Robert. Together they hike the red rock canyons that include smatterings of petroglyphs inscribed by the ancient Fremont and Anasazi Indians. Only twenty minutes from their home is Parowan Gap where Amy found her inspiration to write "Koicto." Born in Alturas, California, Amy holds an MBA from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland and works as a plant manager in the plastics industry.