The Heart of Unaga

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

23662

Title

The Heart of Unaga

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in the harsh Canadian North, this adventure follows police officer Steve Allenwood and his Indigenous scouts as they traverse the wilderness to confront a deadly secret involving a stolen drug and a tragic past. Blending frontier danger with deep emotional revelations, the novel explores themes of loyalty, redemption, and the enduring bonds between cultures.

Summary up to 500 words

In Ridgwell Cullum's *The Heart of Unaga*, the narrative unfolds against the unforgiving backdrop of the Canadian North, following Inspector Steve Allenwood and his Indigenous scouts, Julyman and Oolak. The story opens with the men enduring the brutal trail, discussing local legends of 'hibernating' Indians before reaching the awe-inspiring Unaga Spire. The plot intensifies as Steve investigates a conspiracy surrounding 'Adresol,' a deadly yet potentially beneficial plant substance. His investigation leads him to the grim discovery of Nicol, a former government agent and Steve's own stepfather, murdered in a storehouse by the drug's lethal effects. The narrative takes a profound emotional turn as Steve reveals his tragic backstory. He explains that his wife, Nita, and their child were lost to the very man he now hunts. After a fourteen-year absence, Steve returns to find his adopted daughter, Keeko, and her lover, Marcel. In a climactic revelation, Steve discloses that he is the father of Keeko's mother, Nita, and the grandfather of her daughter, Coqueline. This disclosure resolves long-held secrets and transforms the group's dynamic. The novel concludes with a powerful resolution of these familial bonds, emphasizing themes of forgiveness and redemption. Set against the vast, mysterious wilderness, the story highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the restorative power of family, even after years of separation and tragedy. Through the harsh conditions of the North and the danger of the Adresol conspiracy, Cullum weaves a tale of identity, loss, and ultimate reconciliation.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/23662.epub.noimages

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data/epubs/pg23662.epub

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2026-07-03 18:31 UTC

Categories

• Adventure
• Fiction