After Mexican raiders attack and kill her family, Siki has no option but to join the male Apache warriors to avenge their deaths - So begins the thrilling tale of courage and survival of Siki and her tribe, the Black Mountain Apache - Although she only young, Siki is taken seriously by the elders as she has the deaths of her mother and brother to avenge. Accepted as a novice warrior she is set numerous tasks and lessons and learns to pass through the pain barrier on her way to becoming a fully-fledged warrior who will serve the Apache Nation - Risks, enemies within, and the 'white-eye' soldiers and settlers test the Apaches. Siki is also personally tested: she has to confront rumours about her absent, possibly dead father. Was he a coward? With the coming of the 'white-eyes', it is easy for readers to see how prejudices grow from simple misunderstandings; how warfare comes from misinformation, fear and differences. There are also many parallels to be drawn between the experiences of the Indigenous Americans and Indigenous Australians.