About Forest Folk (The Folklore Cycle Book 2):
How did Davy Crockett gain his legendary courage? What if Ichabod Crane’s encounters with the supernatural were more than mere tales? In this enchanting sequel to the acclaimed Mountain Folk, award-winning author John Hood weaves a spellbinding tapestry of early American history and fantasy that reimagines the War of 1812 and the Trail of Tears through a magical lens.Following their triumph in the American Revolution, three extraordinary fairy rangers — Goran the sylph, Har the dwarf, and Dela the water maiden — find themselves facing new challenges in a growing nation. As America struggles to live up to its founding ideals, these magical defenders must forge alliances with legendary figures such as Davy Crockett, Johnny Appleseed, and the Cherokee hero Junaluska to combat sinister forces threatening peace on the frontier.Hood masterfully blends historical accuracy with fantastical elements, creating a narrative that makes early American history accessible and exciting for readers of all ages. From the beginnings of the abolitionist movement to the tragedy of the Trail of Tears, real historical events are enhanced by the presence of folklore creatures who witness — and influence — the shaping of a nation.Perfect for fans of both historical fiction and fantasy, Forest Folk continues the tradition of its predecessor, praised by The Mountain Times as the most engaging treatment of America’s founding since John Jakes’ American Bicentennial series. This unique blend of history and fantasy illuminates the human stories behind pivotal moments in American history while asking profound questions about justice, freedom, and the true meaning of courage.About the AuthorJohn Hood combines the meticulous research of a historian with the imaginative flair of a storyteller. As both a critically acclaimed author of political and economic histories and a passionate creator of speculative fiction, he brings a unique perspective to historical narrative. His work has appeared in prestigious publications including The Wall Street Journal, Reader’s Digest, and National Review, while his syndicated column reaches readers across fifty North Carolina newspapers.Beyond his writing, Hood shares his knowledge as a public policy instructor at Duke University and a commentator for such media outlets as Fox News, NBC News, and National Public Radio. A previous book, Catalyst: Jim Martin and the Rise of North Carolina Republicans, earned recognition from the North Carolina Society of Historians.When not crafting historical fantasies or teaching graduate students, Hood can be found teaching tap dancing to young performers, bringing the same energy and creativity to the dance floor that he brings to his writing. He lives near Raleigh with his wife and three children, where he continues to explore the intersection of American history and folklore.
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Author Bio:
John Hood is president of the John William Pope Foundation, a Raleigh-based grantmaker that supports public policy organizations, educational institutions, arts and cultural programs, and humanitarian relief in North Carolina and beyond.
Hood is also the former chairman of the board at the John Locke Foundation, a North Carolina think tank that issues reports, hosts events, produces broadcast programs, and publishes Carolina Journal, which serves a monthly audience of more than half a million North Carolinians through its print, radio, and online editions as well as its news service. Hood helped found JLF in 1989 and served as its president from 1995 to 2014.
Since 1986, Hood has written a syndicated column on politics and public policy for North Carolina newspapers. It currently appears regularly in the Winston-Salem Journal, Greensboro News & Record, Triangle Business Journal, and newspapers in 50 other communities. Hood is a frequent radio and TV commentator and teaches at Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy.
Hood is the author of nine books, including two novels in his Folklore Cycle series of historical-fantasy tales: Mountain Folk (2021), largely set during the American Revolution, and Forest Folk (2022), largely set during the War of 1812. His other books include Catalyst: Jim Martin and the Rise of North Carolina Republicans (2015), Our Best Foot Forward: An Investment Plan for North Carolina’s Economic Recovery (2012), Selling the Dream: Why Advertising is Good Business (2005), Investor Politics (2001), The Heroic Enterprise: Business and the Common Good (1996), and two volumes of family history.
A former Bradley Fellow at the Heritage Foundation, Hood writes and comments frequently for national media outlets. His articles have appeared in magazines such as National Review, Readers’ Digest, The New Republic, The Spectator, Military History, and Reason as well as newspapers such as The Wall Street Journal and USA Today.
At JLF, Hood created the E.A. Morris Fellowship for Emerging Leaders, which prepares young North Carolinians for leadership roles in the public and private sectors. He also serves on the faculty and as board chairman of the N.C. Institute of Political Leadership; as co-chair of the North Carolina Leadership Forum, based at Duke University; as vice-chair of the James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal; and on the boards of directors of the State Policy Network and the Student Free Press Association. He is a former member of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill Board of Visitors and currently serves as vice chair of North Carolina Public Radio (WUNC) and on the foundation board for UNC’s Hussman School of Journalism and Media.
Hood received his B.A. in journalism from UNC-Chapel Hill. He earned a M.A. in liberal studies and a graduate certificate in nonprofit management from UNC-Greensboro. He is a Mecklenburg County native and currently resides in Wake County with his wife, two sons, and a stepdaughter.