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The Dark Side of the Mountain
A blend of fact and fiction, The Dark Side of the Mountain describes two turbulent decades in the life of Anna Margaretha Mallow, an extraordinary woman caught up in events she cannot understand or control. Moved by her husband to the frontier of Virginia at the beginning of the French and Indian War, she and her five children are forced to seek safety at Fort Seybert from the notorious Chief Killbuck, who is on a death march to save his people and culture. Surviving what becomes a deadly massacre, Anna and her children are taken captive and marched to the Ohio River Valley where she endures indescribable losses and change. Only courage and perseverance sustain her during his dark period in American history.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 3, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 6, 2015
Poignant and Heart-wrenching!
This book is not for the faint of heart. The accuracy and true to life account of what the early settlers of America went through will wrench your heart. The Amount of research that obviously went into the writing of this novel is great and it shows in the fluidity of the story. I'm a huge fan of history, as well as genealogy. This author pulled from research records, and turned the oft times, dry, two dimensional lives found in historical documents into a story of great sorrow and triumph over the hardships immigrants to America faced every day. I recommend to anyone interested in reading of how many of our ancestors lives truly were.
This book is not for the faint of heart. The accuracy and true to life account of what the early settlers of America went through will wrench your heart. The Amount of research that obviously went into the writing of this novel is great and it shows in the fluidity of the story. I'm a huge fan of history, as well as genealogy. This author pulled from research records, and turned the oft times, dry, two dimensional lives found in historical documents into a story of great sorrow and triumph over the hardships immigrants to America faced every day. I recommend to anyone interested in reading of how many of our ancestors lives truly were.
October 28, 2017
This book is fact and fiction. Author tells the facts at the end of the book. It is about Indians and how they lived., how the whites and Indians thought of each other. It was a bad situation for both. This book is about Anna and her family, she was captured by Indians.
May 3, 2019
Timeline: 9/15/1749-4/28/1767.
The Phoenix had finally docked. Now the new life’s journey for Anna Margaretha Moser (wife, nee Mallow, wife, narrator, unborn child), Michael Moser (Anna’s husband) & 100’s of others had just begun.
The immigration process was in full swing.
Tulpehocken Valley, PA. Anna Barbara Moser (10, oldest daughter/sister), Johann Adam Moser (8, eldest son/brother), & Mary Moser (2 months, daughter/sister), were enjoying the New Year with their parents.
Chief Killbuck (Delaware tribe) & his band of 60+ Indian warriors threatened to attack the Upper Tract Fort.
The 18 rangers were soon wiped out. The scalps of the dead were a great booty.
Ft. Seybert could be next.
White Owl (Indian warrior) had taken Sarah Hawes (Dyer’s daughter) captive.
Anna Barbara Moser (wife/mother), Nicholas Seybert, Margaret Seybert (sister), Catherine Seybert (sister), Henry Seybert, Sarah Christina Mallow (sister/daughter), James Dyer, Mary (Anna’s daughter), Johann Adam (son/brother), Martha Woods (mother), Magdalene Woods (14, Martha’s daughter), Johnny Reger (son/brother), & Elizabeth Maus (7, daughter/sister) were prisoners. They were made to endure a very long march.
As their journey continues & seasons change who will survive & who will peris
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a very well written historical fiction adventure book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great wilderness adventure movie, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Soul Mate Publishing; BookSends; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
The Phoenix had finally docked. Now the new life’s journey for Anna Margaretha Moser (wife, nee Mallow, wife, narrator, unborn child), Michael Moser (Anna’s husband) & 100’s of others had just begun.
The immigration process was in full swing.
Tulpehocken Valley, PA. Anna Barbara Moser (10, oldest daughter/sister), Johann Adam Moser (8, eldest son/brother), & Mary Moser (2 months, daughter/sister), were enjoying the New Year with their parents.
Chief Killbuck (Delaware tribe) & his band of 60+ Indian warriors threatened to attack the Upper Tract Fort.
The 18 rangers were soon wiped out. The scalps of the dead were a great booty.
Ft. Seybert could be next.
White Owl (Indian warrior) had taken Sarah Hawes (Dyer’s daughter) captive.
Anna Barbara Moser (wife/mother), Nicholas Seybert, Margaret Seybert (sister), Catherine Seybert (sister), Henry Seybert, Sarah Christina Mallow (sister/daughter), James Dyer, Mary (Anna’s daughter), Johann Adam (son/brother), Martha Woods (mother), Magdalene Woods (14, Martha’s daughter), Johnny Reger (son/brother), & Elizabeth Maus (7, daughter/sister) were prisoners. They were made to endure a very long march.
As their journey continues & seasons change who will survive & who will peris
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a very well written historical fiction adventure book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great wilderness adventure movie, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Soul Mate Publishing; BookSends; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
April 26, 2018
Beautifully written
I received this book free from one of the book sites. I do not remember which one! This is my honest review.
Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres. Bonnie S. Johnston has written the best book that I have read , in this genre, for a very long time.
Anna Mallow is one woman, captured by Indian warriors, while at Fort Seybert. Her & her 5 children's lives changed forever the day of the massacre. Even reading this book, I still have a hard time imaging the emotional pain she suffered. First, 2 of her children were taken away by warriors to an Indian village. 2 children taken from loving arms. Second, during the enforced march from Fort Seybert, she lost another child to death. Third, her oldest son was taken by a warrior to his village. Fourth, she was sold into slavery along with her oldest daugyter. Fifth, she lost her daughter, when she was gifted to an Indian chief. All through this, she was pregnant (the fifth child).
How she survived mentally, I will never understand because I don't believe that I would. What could the children have been thinking, as they were taken awwy? Thankfully, young children are able to adapt.
This book has been written with so much care & love that it shows in every word. Experience the fear, anger, & the acceptance of Anna's journey with her children. I am at a loss for anymore words. This book has overwhelmed me. I highly recommend this to everyone.
I received this book free from one of the book sites. I do not remember which one! This is my honest review.
Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres. Bonnie S. Johnston has written the best book that I have read , in this genre, for a very long time.
Anna Mallow is one woman, captured by Indian warriors, while at Fort Seybert. Her & her 5 children's lives changed forever the day of the massacre. Even reading this book, I still have a hard time imaging the emotional pain she suffered. First, 2 of her children were taken away by warriors to an Indian village. 2 children taken from loving arms. Second, during the enforced march from Fort Seybert, she lost another child to death. Third, her oldest son was taken by a warrior to his village. Fourth, she was sold into slavery along with her oldest daugyter. Fifth, she lost her daughter, when she was gifted to an Indian chief. All through this, she was pregnant (the fifth child).
How she survived mentally, I will never understand because I don't believe that I would. What could the children have been thinking, as they were taken awwy? Thankfully, young children are able to adapt.
This book has been written with so much care & love that it shows in every word. Experience the fear, anger, & the acceptance of Anna's journey with her children. I am at a loss for anymore words. This book has overwhelmed me. I highly recommend this to everyone.
July 21, 2018
I really wanted to like this book but the blatant inconsistencies regarding story details, characters ages, and the main character herself - if she can't read or write, how can she keep a journal? And why was the story in 3rd person and the "journal" entries in first person? And why were those journal entries so repetitive, retelling exactly what I just read? Not to mention the spoken dialog was so formal and unemotional it just seemed silly.
I did find all of the details of frontier life for immigrants and the Indian's way of life fascinating, however, I never really got into this book or attached to the characters and I should have. What they went through was horrific but I never really felt sympathy or empathy for Anna, her family or the others captured along with her. Disappointing.
I did find all of the details of frontier life for immigrants and the Indian's way of life fascinating, however, I never really got into this book or attached to the characters and I should have. What they went through was horrific but I never really felt sympathy or empathy for Anna, her family or the others captured along with her. Disappointing.
December 9, 2017
A curious piece of historical fiction . . .
This book is a curious piece of historical fiction, relating a tale based on a true story of German immigrants to colonial America who were victims of a Native American raid - a woman captured, sold and kept as a slave, who eventually made her way home. In the epilogue, the author notes that the protagonist seems to be a maternal ancestor of President Barack Obama, so that was interesting.
This book is a curious piece of historical fiction, relating a tale based on a true story of German immigrants to colonial America who were victims of a Native American raid - a woman captured, sold and kept as a slave, who eventually made her way home. In the epilogue, the author notes that the protagonist seems to be a maternal ancestor of President Barack Obama, so that was interesting.
December 14, 2021
Good story
It is even better because it is basically a true story. What a terrible time these people had. But they continued to overcome this tragic time. There has always been so much conflict by several sides to gain Indian lands because all the lands of the U S was Indian lands. It is so bad that a longer peaceful solution could have not have been made to preserve these native Americans.
It is even better because it is basically a true story. What a terrible time these people had. But they continued to overcome this tragic time. There has always been so much conflict by several sides to gain Indian lands because all the lands of the U S was Indian lands. It is so bad that a longer peaceful solution could have not have been made to preserve these native Americans.
May 10, 2025
Certainly a good historical novel, similar to Follow the River. Not well written. Errors such as April 31st. Needs an editor!
Woman of grit and willpower, Anna was admirable. Sometimes whiny, though Hod knows she had things to complain about.
Thought it was interesting that she is an ancestor of Barack Obama!
Woman of grit and willpower, Anna was admirable. Sometimes whiny, though Hod knows she had things to complain about.
Thought it was interesting that she is an ancestor of Barack Obama!
August 18, 2018
Great story!
Loved all the history and detail ...can’t imagine the hardships of clearing the land- and then when you move ,you had to do the same thing all over again!! Very rough life.I have great admiration
for their generations!!
Loved all the history and detail ...can’t imagine the hardships of clearing the land- and then when you move ,you had to do the same thing all over again!! Very rough life.I have great admiration
for their generations!!
August 25, 2018
This is a very good read. If you like the Frontiersman you will also love Dark Side of the Mountain. t
The author has really done an
Outstanding job of helping us learn of the
Sacrifices our ancestors made. It should be read by everyone
The author has really done an
Outstanding job of helping us learn of the
Sacrifices our ancestors made. It should be read by everyone
February 21, 2019
I felt this was just okay. I didn’t really connect with any of the characters. If you want to read a compelling and well written true story of a woman captured by Native Americans then read Follow the River by James Alexander Thom. It was fantastic.
May 29, 2021
Wow
What a fantastic book. Loved every minute reading it. I would recommend this to anyone. I don’t live very far from where all of this happened, maybe that’s why I found it interesting
What a fantastic book. Loved every minute reading it. I would recommend this to anyone. I don’t live very far from where all of this happened, maybe that’s why I found it interesting
November 2, 2024
It's all about what the Indian did to the white man. Not what the white man did to the native people
So disappointed with this story.. Having Indian friends and studying the history there's nothing in text books about how the native people were treated. So very sad..
So disappointed with this story.. Having Indian friends and studying the history there's nothing in text books about how the native people were treated. So very sad..
November 2, 2024
Great read!
If you like a well written novel based on historical events, this is your book. No one can know these details, daily life etc., but this book does a great job with the details. Well done.
If you like a well written novel based on historical events, this is your book. No one can know these details, daily life etc., but this book does a great job with the details. Well done.
January 6, 2017
Interesting
Good read. I like the thoughts of Indian life versus immigrants life in the new world the author tried to convey. A little wordy at times. But overall a good book.
Good read. I like the thoughts of Indian life versus immigrants life in the new world the author tried to convey. A little wordy at times. But overall a good book.
June 24, 2018
Good reading
This is an excellent book. Full of hope as well as tragedy and perseverance. I'm looking forward to reading the next two books.
This is an excellent book. Full of hope as well as tragedy and perseverance. I'm looking forward to reading the next two books.
August 23, 2018
Good story
It took brave people to settle this land. The hard work and hardships is unthinkable today. This was a great history lesson.
It took brave people to settle this land. The hard work and hardships is unthinkable today. This was a great history lesson.
March 28, 2019
Really a 3.5. I listened to it and didn’t realize it was a true story til the end.
June 23, 2019
This fictionalized account is more real than not. It will break your heart, but it’s a necessary read.
June 28, 2020
Excellent Story
A good description of life of pioneers in the 1700. You could follow their steps on their unplanned adventures. Lived with them through their sad times.
A good description of life of pioneers in the 1700. You could follow their steps on their unplanned adventures. Lived with them through their sad times.
June 4, 2022
Incredibly detailed
This was a great piece of historical fiction. I loved all the info presented and the story of survival through persistence.
This was a great piece of historical fiction. I loved all the info presented and the story of survival through persistence.
November 12, 2022
Overall a good book but several inconsistencies were distracting. I’d go back and reread to see if I misunderstood. That took away from the flow of my reading.
March 9, 2019
It was good but long. I enjoyed it.
May 11, 2015
Slow start but gripping
The novel started off a tad slow but, when the plot picked up, it gained momentum that gripped. A harrowing tale of a woman abducted with her five children by Natives and sold into slavery. An experience beyond the imagination's capacity to comprehend the horrors and the determination to survive and return home. A remarkable tale.
The novel started off a tad slow but, when the plot picked up, it gained momentum that gripped. A harrowing tale of a woman abducted with her five children by Natives and sold into slavery. An experience beyond the imagination's capacity to comprehend the horrors and the determination to survive and return home. A remarkable tale.
March 13, 2016
The story of Anna Mallow, I began reading this for information related to the Dyer family (from which I am descended). This was an interesting book, although not the most entertaining or fact filled I have ever read. I wasn't reading it for fact, however, but for the overall story. If you are interested in historical fiction here in the United States, this may be a good choice.
June 20, 2016
Fantastic read
A blending of fiction and facts really bring the characters and time period to life. It was interesting to learn about the raid and learn of the outcome of the people who were taken captive. The author notes at the end of the story really add to the story and left me wanting to learn more about The Mallows.
A blending of fiction and facts really bring the characters and time period to life. It was interesting to learn about the raid and learn of the outcome of the people who were taken captive. The author notes at the end of the story really add to the story and left me wanting to learn more about The Mallows.
March 1, 2016
The story was very repetive. I became bored and felt as if I were re-reading the story over too many times.. The plot was OK, but could have had much more details. Than was written.. It read more like a genealogy, than a story...
January 21, 2017
The Dark Side of the Mountain
I love good story's about Indians and how they lived., how the whites and Indians thought of each other. It was a bad situation for both.
I love good story's about Indians and how they lived., how the whites and Indians thought of each other. It was a bad situation for both.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews