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Man from Boston #1
The Morning River
During the winter of 1825, Richard Hamilton--a timid Harvard philosophy student--arrives in St. Louis on business for his father. Robbed and beaten, desperate to save his life, he reluctantly joins the crew of the Maria, a fur trader's keelboat. Bound for the beautiful, wild, and dangerous Indian country of the Upper Yellowstone River, the native Bostonian begins the education and adventure of a lifetime.
On a converging path is Packrat, a Pawnee warrior who captures a beautiful young Shoshone medicine woman named Heals Like a Willow. But slaves with ties to the spirit world can--and do--fight back.
As the Maria struggles deeper into the wilderness, Richard and Willow are cast together: seekers of knowledge and spirit, unwitting adversaries separated by time, space, and birthright. As inevitable as the collision of their two worlds, their love begins to unfold--and with it the terrible consequences of a forbidden consummation.
Morning River is the first novel in W. Michael Gear's Man from Boston series--a historical fiction saga of the dangers and possibilities of the American frontier.
On a converging path is Packrat, a Pawnee warrior who captures a beautiful young Shoshone medicine woman named Heals Like a Willow. But slaves with ties to the spirit world can--and do--fight back.
As the Maria struggles deeper into the wilderness, Richard and Willow are cast together: seekers of knowledge and spirit, unwitting adversaries separated by time, space, and birthright. As inevitable as the collision of their two worlds, their love begins to unfold--and with it the terrible consequences of a forbidden consummation.
Morning River is the first novel in W. Michael Gear's Man from Boston series--a historical fiction saga of the dangers and possibilities of the American frontier.
512 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
940 people are currently reading
512 people want to read
About the author
W. Michael Gear
181 books730 followersW. Michael Gear was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on the twentieth of May, 1955. A fourth generation Colorado native, his family had been involved in hard-rock mining, cattle ranching, and journalism. After his father's death in 1959, Michael's mother received her Master's degree in journalism and began teaching. In 1962 she married Joseph J. Cook, who taught tool and die making, and the family lived in Lakewood, Colorado, until 1968. At that time they moved to Fort Collins so that Joe could pursue his Ph.D.. During those years the family lived in the foothills above Horsetooth Reservoir.
It was there that Mike developed a love of history, anthropology, and motorcycles. They would color his future and fill his imagination for the rest of his life. During summers he volunteered labor on local ranches or at the farm east of Greeley and landed his first real job: picking up trash at the lake and cleaning outhouses. It has been said that his exposure to trash led him into archaeology. We will not speculate about what cleaning the outhouses might have led him to. On his first dig as a professional archaeologist in 1976 he discovered that two thousand year old human trash isn't nearly as obnoxious as the new stuff.
Michael graduated from Fort Collins High School in 1972 and pursued both his Bachelor's (1976) and Master's (1979) degrees at Colorado State University. Upon completion of his Master's - his specialty was in physical anthropology - he went to work for Western Wyoming College in Rock Springs as a field archaeologist.
It was in the winter of 1978 that he wrote his first novel. Irritated by historical inaccuracies in Western fiction, he swore he could do better. He was "taking retirement in installments," archaeology being a seasonal career, in the cabin his great uncle Aubrey had built. One cold January night he read a Western novel about a trail drive in which steers (castrated males) had calves. The historical inaccuracies of the story bothered him all night. The next morning, still incensed, he chunked wood into the stove and hunkered over the typewriter. There, on the mining claim, at nine thousand feet outside of Empire, Colorado he hammered out his first five hundred and fifty page novel. Yes, that first manuscript still exists, but if there is justice in the universe, no one will ever see it. It reads wretchedly - but the historical facts are correct!
Beginning in 1981, Michael, along with two partners, put together his own archaeological consulting company. Pronghorn Anthropological Associates began doing cultural resource management studies in 1982, and, although Michael sold his interest in 1984, to this day the company remains in business in Casper, Wyoming. During the years, Michael has worked throughout the western United States doing archaeological surveys, testing, and mitigation for pipelines, oil wells, power lines, timber sales, and highway construction. He learned the value of strong black coffee, developed a palate for chocolate donuts, and ferreted out every quality Mexican restaurant in eight states. He spent nine months of the year traveling from project to project with his trowel and dig kit, a clapped-out '72 Wonder Blazer, and his boon companion, Tedi, a noble tri-color Sheltie.
That fateful day in November, 1981, was delightfully clear, cold, and still in Laramie, Wyoming. Archaeologists from all over the state had arrived at the University of Wyoming for the annual meetings of the Wyoming Association of Professional Archaeologists. It was there, in the meeting room, way too early after a much too long night, that Mike first laid eyes on the most beautiful woman in the world: Kathleen O'Neal Gear. The BLM State Archaeologist, Ray Leicht, introduced him to the pretty anthropologist and historian, and best of all, Ray invited Mike to lunch with Kathleen. It was the perfect beginning for a long and wondrous relationship.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/wmicha...
It was there that Mike developed a love of history, anthropology, and motorcycles. They would color his future and fill his imagination for the rest of his life. During summers he volunteered labor on local ranches or at the farm east of Greeley and landed his first real job: picking up trash at the lake and cleaning outhouses. It has been said that his exposure to trash led him into archaeology. We will not speculate about what cleaning the outhouses might have led him to. On his first dig as a professional archaeologist in 1976 he discovered that two thousand year old human trash isn't nearly as obnoxious as the new stuff.
Michael graduated from Fort Collins High School in 1972 and pursued both his Bachelor's (1976) and Master's (1979) degrees at Colorado State University. Upon completion of his Master's - his specialty was in physical anthropology - he went to work for Western Wyoming College in Rock Springs as a field archaeologist.
It was in the winter of 1978 that he wrote his first novel. Irritated by historical inaccuracies in Western fiction, he swore he could do better. He was "taking retirement in installments," archaeology being a seasonal career, in the cabin his great uncle Aubrey had built. One cold January night he read a Western novel about a trail drive in which steers (castrated males) had calves. The historical inaccuracies of the story bothered him all night. The next morning, still incensed, he chunked wood into the stove and hunkered over the typewriter. There, on the mining claim, at nine thousand feet outside of Empire, Colorado he hammered out his first five hundred and fifty page novel. Yes, that first manuscript still exists, but if there is justice in the universe, no one will ever see it. It reads wretchedly - but the historical facts are correct!
Beginning in 1981, Michael, along with two partners, put together his own archaeological consulting company. Pronghorn Anthropological Associates began doing cultural resource management studies in 1982, and, although Michael sold his interest in 1984, to this day the company remains in business in Casper, Wyoming. During the years, Michael has worked throughout the western United States doing archaeological surveys, testing, and mitigation for pipelines, oil wells, power lines, timber sales, and highway construction. He learned the value of strong black coffee, developed a palate for chocolate donuts, and ferreted out every quality Mexican restaurant in eight states. He spent nine months of the year traveling from project to project with his trowel and dig kit, a clapped-out '72 Wonder Blazer, and his boon companion, Tedi, a noble tri-color Sheltie.
That fateful day in November, 1981, was delightfully clear, cold, and still in Laramie, Wyoming. Archaeologists from all over the state had arrived at the University of Wyoming for the annual meetings of the Wyoming Association of Professional Archaeologists. It was there, in the meeting room, way too early after a much too long night, that Mike first laid eyes on the most beautiful woman in the world: Kathleen O'Neal Gear. The BLM State Archaeologist, Ray Leicht, introduced him to the pretty anthropologist and historian, and best of all, Ray invited Mike to lunch with Kathleen. It was the perfect beginning for a long and wondrous relationship.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/wmicha...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
December 20, 2007
Naive Harvard idealist meets rugged frontier wilderness.
Poor Richard Hamilton, the affable, yet toolish young chap from Boston, is totally devoted to his philosophical bffs--Kant, Voltaire and Rousseau. In fact, as young Hamilton initially believes, there isn't any problem that can't be reasoned. Violence and savagery are the modus operandi on the western frontier precisely because it lacks the cultivation of ideals normal for civilized society. It would be tragic if young Richard found himself on the cusp of "savage" society only equipped with reason and some high culture driven morality. Oh boy. It happens. What follows is a tale masterfully combining beautiful story telling with history.
The interplay between cultured, European influenced reason verses the reality of American frontier life in 1825 is particularly fascinating.
Poor Richard Hamilton, the affable, yet toolish young chap from Boston, is totally devoted to his philosophical bffs--Kant, Voltaire and Rousseau. In fact, as young Hamilton initially believes, there isn't any problem that can't be reasoned. Violence and savagery are the modus operandi on the western frontier precisely because it lacks the cultivation of ideals normal for civilized society. It would be tragic if young Richard found himself on the cusp of "savage" society only equipped with reason and some high culture driven morality. Oh boy. It happens. What follows is a tale masterfully combining beautiful story telling with history.
The interplay between cultured, European influenced reason verses the reality of American frontier life in 1825 is particularly fascinating.
October 8, 2023
The morning river : saga of the mountain sage, book one.
By W. Michael Gear
A second read through this release of the series. I found more of the philosophy standing out. I have researched and cataloged the philosophical ideals that Richard Hamilton spouted in his ideological rants. The fundamental conflict between his eastern education and the wilds of the trade routes on the Missouri. The ideological role of man and the reality of the rough and tumble struggle of the fur trade. The book touches on great historical figures, and conflicts that shaped the northwestern fur trade.
His story contrasted with Heals like a Willows grief. Although she is just as ideological as Richard, she has a hard time with her grief and differences of belief with her husband's people. Like Richard she is forced into a life and death struggle with her captor.
They both have more hardships and struggles that will come out in June with the publication of White Mist dog.
By W. Michael Gear
A second read through this release of the series. I found more of the philosophy standing out. I have researched and cataloged the philosophical ideals that Richard Hamilton spouted in his ideological rants. The fundamental conflict between his eastern education and the wilds of the trade routes on the Missouri. The ideological role of man and the reality of the rough and tumble struggle of the fur trade. The book touches on great historical figures, and conflicts that shaped the northwestern fur trade.
His story contrasted with Heals like a Willows grief. Although she is just as ideological as Richard, she has a hard time with her grief and differences of belief with her husband's people. Like Richard she is forced into a life and death struggle with her captor.
They both have more hardships and struggles that will come out in June with the publication of White Mist dog.
September 5, 2013
I am so surprised by how much I liked this book. Not something I would normally read, but such an interesting book. I loved the commentary against nature being inherently good and humans ruining it. I think this book has a lo to say about humanity in general. So frustrated by the end though, with no relief to the building tension between Richard and Willow.
January 27, 2015
Set in a time when the early "settling" of the frontier was quickly changing the Native American way of life, The Morning River is a beautiful story of transformation and growth. This is one I will read again and again.
"A person could ask the questions, and the answers always came, but only after a long time."
"A person could ask the questions, and the answers always came, but only after a long time."
August 27, 2023
It was strange to so strongly dislike a main character for probably the first third of the book. But it was balanced out by the other main character’s story, and that we knew this philosophizing was leading somewhere in the story. Once it got going, I devoured it and ordered the sequel so I could begin it immediately after finishing the first book.
June 29, 2017
My all time favorite book.
March 6, 2020
Loved this book, descriptions were very evocative
September 15, 2023
The story is interesting but not great. Kind of over-described down to the last swallow, hiccup and gut -spewing incident. I found the dialogue a little bit overblown and at times boringly mundane, but I am also from the South so that's how some of the phrases and exclamations are actually spoken in a few scattered places.
As for the faces and places. No one knows, in our modern society, how the great plains actually must have appeared to newly planted white faces, so that much is suppostion. But some of the descriptions, like the conversational dialogue and prose are probably pretty close to accurate, given our access to modern forms of knowledge and historical map works. I will give it a solid pass on not knowing more about that.
But to choose a "doodle" like Richard Hamilton must have been- so fussy, silly, feminine and prudish is an insult to intelligence. Granted, having never worked a day in his life of wealth and privilege, being cocooned off in universities and places of higher learning must have in great part shaped his overall persona, I don't think I even have read a character I thoroughly dislike so very much. I actually saw his downfall by stupidity coming much sooner than it actually did. And I was cheering for the bad guys, who beat him senseless and robbed his father's bankroll so easily. Richard didn't attempt to hide his green behavior or snobbish mannerisms at all, in fact, he seemed to court villainy from his very first arrival on the boat. He is idiotic, vain, simpering and just purely stupid to think people, because of their crude speech and rough manners, might appreciate being condescended to, insulted, denigrated and ridiculed. He asked for what came to him, ten times over in the first two days of being river bound. I was delighted he took such a beating, but at the same time, I wonder what he expected? He's probably lucky he wasn't murdered in his sleep. He complains about everything. He whines, sniffles, grouses and tries every single time for an attitude of superiority as one hard-worked river local tries to help or school him.
To Richard, all of life is philosophy and can be explained by spouting the works of Rousseau, Hegal, Kant and others, ad nauseam. He never understands that no one gives a damn about his theories. He is a total milksop. Looking down his patrician nose at everyone and everything, he thinks their ignorance is stupidity and their lack of privilege is from willfulness, not lack of availability or money. I hated him.
His father, on the other hand, is equally reprehensible, but from the POV that because he has been bloodied in war, and has made a fortune from various adventures and investments, he also gets to run the world, and most importantly, his son's somewhat poor life choices. He will make a man of Richard or die trying. I guess I will see how that works out..
I did finish the first installment and have already begun the second, and if I can make it through to the end of that, I might consider the series as a good investment of time. Available to me at KU, I am getting what I paid for, but my final decision to keep going will be based on how the second installment plays out.
For now, Mr. Hamilton is about to learn more lessons, nurse more bruises, and suffer more indignities of faith, character, and illusion vs. reality. This works for now.
As for the faces and places. No one knows, in our modern society, how the great plains actually must have appeared to newly planted white faces, so that much is suppostion. But some of the descriptions, like the conversational dialogue and prose are probably pretty close to accurate, given our access to modern forms of knowledge and historical map works. I will give it a solid pass on not knowing more about that.
But to choose a "doodle" like Richard Hamilton must have been- so fussy, silly, feminine and prudish is an insult to intelligence. Granted, having never worked a day in his life of wealth and privilege, being cocooned off in universities and places of higher learning must have in great part shaped his overall persona, I don't think I even have read a character I thoroughly dislike so very much. I actually saw his downfall by stupidity coming much sooner than it actually did. And I was cheering for the bad guys, who beat him senseless and robbed his father's bankroll so easily. Richard didn't attempt to hide his green behavior or snobbish mannerisms at all, in fact, he seemed to court villainy from his very first arrival on the boat. He is idiotic, vain, simpering and just purely stupid to think people, because of their crude speech and rough manners, might appreciate being condescended to, insulted, denigrated and ridiculed. He asked for what came to him, ten times over in the first two days of being river bound. I was delighted he took such a beating, but at the same time, I wonder what he expected? He's probably lucky he wasn't murdered in his sleep. He complains about everything. He whines, sniffles, grouses and tries every single time for an attitude of superiority as one hard-worked river local tries to help or school him.
To Richard, all of life is philosophy and can be explained by spouting the works of Rousseau, Hegal, Kant and others, ad nauseam. He never understands that no one gives a damn about his theories. He is a total milksop. Looking down his patrician nose at everyone and everything, he thinks their ignorance is stupidity and their lack of privilege is from willfulness, not lack of availability or money. I hated him.
His father, on the other hand, is equally reprehensible, but from the POV that because he has been bloodied in war, and has made a fortune from various adventures and investments, he also gets to run the world, and most importantly, his son's somewhat poor life choices. He will make a man of Richard or die trying. I guess I will see how that works out..
I did finish the first installment and have already begun the second, and if I can make it through to the end of that, I might consider the series as a good investment of time. Available to me at KU, I am getting what I paid for, but my final decision to keep going will be based on how the second installment plays out.
For now, Mr. Hamilton is about to learn more lessons, nurse more bruises, and suffer more indignities of faith, character, and illusion vs. reality. This works for now.
August 18, 2024
Exploring the Saga of the Mountains: A Journey Through Time and Imagination
The "Saga of the Mountains" series by W. Michael Gear is a riveting collection that takes readers on a journey through the American frontier. The narrative begins with "The Morning River," where Richard Hamilton, a Harvard philosophy student, finds himself in the wilds of St. Louis in 1825. His odyssey of enlightenment commences aboard the Maria, a keelboat bound for the Upper Yellowstone River, setting the stage for a saga filled with danger and discovery. As the series unfolds, a rich tapestry of characters emerges, each embodying the spirit of courage, love, and perseverance. The concluding volume, "Coyote Summer," brings an enthralling end to the series against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. Here, the destinies of Richard Hamilton and Heals Like a Willow, a Shoshone medicine woman, converge in a story of affection and resolution during a Wyoming winter.
Gear's writing is deeply rooted in meticulous research and a deep appreciation for Native American culture and the historical era. His characters are not mere creations but echo the lives of real individuals who ventured into the unknown and shaped history. The series is a homage to the indomitable human spirit and the eternal pursuit of knowledge and connection. For those who seek adventure and a window into the past, "Saga of the Mountains" offers a thrilling and introspective experience. It reminds us that the lessons of yesterday can enlighten the twenty-first century and beyond. Embark on this literary journey and let W. Michael Gear guide you through an adventure that is as educational as it is exhilarating.
The "Saga of the Mountains" series by W. Michael Gear is a riveting collection that takes readers on a journey through the American frontier. The narrative begins with "The Morning River," where Richard Hamilton, a Harvard philosophy student, finds himself in the wilds of St. Louis in 1825. His odyssey of enlightenment commences aboard the Maria, a keelboat bound for the Upper Yellowstone River, setting the stage for a saga filled with danger and discovery. As the series unfolds, a rich tapestry of characters emerges, each embodying the spirit of courage, love, and perseverance. The concluding volume, "Coyote Summer," brings an enthralling end to the series against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. Here, the destinies of Richard Hamilton and Heals Like a Willow, a Shoshone medicine woman, converge in a story of affection and resolution during a Wyoming winter.
Gear's writing is deeply rooted in meticulous research and a deep appreciation for Native American culture and the historical era. His characters are not mere creations but echo the lives of real individuals who ventured into the unknown and shaped history. The series is a homage to the indomitable human spirit and the eternal pursuit of knowledge and connection. For those who seek adventure and a window into the past, "Saga of the Mountains" offers a thrilling and introspective experience. It reminds us that the lessons of yesterday can enlighten the twenty-first century and beyond. Embark on this literary journey and let W. Michael Gear guide you through an adventure that is as educational as it is exhilarating.
May 9, 2024
Very slow start. I almost gave up on it early on, and as it turned out, this flaw is the only thing keeping the book from five-stars. As the story slowly got better, I found myself getting involved with the plight of the characters, mostly Willow, the Pawnee girl. Another of the main protagonists, Richard Hamilton, was much different though. The son of a rich aristocrat, he is an arrogant, pompous ass. A most unlikeable person. I surely rooted against him when his misfortunes began to accumulate. The philosophy excerpts in the beginning of each chapter were a lot of double-speak and impossible to interpret as anything pertinent to the story.
Willow is a widow of a respected warrior. She is taken prisoner by ‘Packrat’ and is being towed across the prairie to be given away to his stepfather as a slave. William is sent to St Louis by his father to deliver a huge sum of cash on a business deal. Upon arrival he is soon robbed and sold into indentured servitude on a flat bottom keelboat plodding up the Missouri River with a troop of ruffians. He is thoroughly despised by them as a soft, snobbish ‘Doodle’.
I didn’t realize that this was not a standalone novel, but one of four books in a series. As interest continued to pile up, I became engaged enough to order the second book. For myself this is an unusual undertaking.
Willow is a widow of a respected warrior. She is taken prisoner by ‘Packrat’ and is being towed across the prairie to be given away to his stepfather as a slave. William is sent to St Louis by his father to deliver a huge sum of cash on a business deal. Upon arrival he is soon robbed and sold into indentured servitude on a flat bottom keelboat plodding up the Missouri River with a troop of ruffians. He is thoroughly despised by them as a soft, snobbish ‘Doodle’.
I didn’t realize that this was not a standalone novel, but one of four books in a series. As interest continued to pile up, I became engaged enough to order the second book. For myself this is an unusual undertaking.
July 17, 2023
A wonderful and disturbing view of early American settlement
The description of what a beautiful, fantastic, nature-filled wild and savage frontier becomes so vivid as the odd bunch of path-finders and displaced men forge their futures and try to conquer a world already populated with a people who co-exist with the land rather than trying to conquer it. The characters are as unique and challenging as the land that both supports them and tries to kill them. The wise ones have learned that experience, determination, and hard work are the foundations, and being able to read the land as well as their friends and enemies are the building blocks to achieve peace and progress. Reading this adventure feels like I’m right in the midst of the European’s pre-settled untamed America, as well as the familiar plains and hunting grounds of well-established tribes who rely on their customs and tried and true practices to go about their daily routines.
The description of what a beautiful, fantastic, nature-filled wild and savage frontier becomes so vivid as the odd bunch of path-finders and displaced men forge their futures and try to conquer a world already populated with a people who co-exist with the land rather than trying to conquer it. The characters are as unique and challenging as the land that both supports them and tries to kill them. The wise ones have learned that experience, determination, and hard work are the foundations, and being able to read the land as well as their friends and enemies are the building blocks to achieve peace and progress. Reading this adventure feels like I’m right in the midst of the European’s pre-settled untamed America, as well as the familiar plains and hunting grounds of well-established tribes who rely on their customs and tried and true practices to go about their daily routines.
October 4, 2023
This book has two distinctly different story-lines within the same area of early American history of living and shipping along the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. Sound confusing; well, it is a bit. One is the life, loss and brutalities within various Indian tribes in the area. The other, Boston elite young man travels to St. Louis where his life takes a drastic turn, and he becomes a slave on a boat. Not to give the theme away, this book began as a manuscript and has been adapted to literary books. This explains the cliffhanger, of sorts, and no doubt it will take four books to complete the adventure. Thanks for excellent writing and the challenge to understand the reasoning's of the characters in 1825.
December 7, 2023
Richard, son of a wealthy businessman and Willow a widowed native American,are both captives .
Mr Gear is a good writer and knowledgeable in the subject . As I read about Richard in the flooded river, I felt the cold black water carrying me away, I think I got frost bite while reading about Willow in the mountains with the cold rain adding to her misery of being tethered to a horse and being Packrats captive.
Mr Gear is a good writer and knowledgeable in the subject . As I read about Richard in the flooded river, I felt the cold black water carrying me away, I think I got frost bite while reading about Willow in the mountains with the cold rain adding to her misery of being tethered to a horse and being Packrats captive.
October 15, 2025
I devoured this book. But as the number of remaining pages dwindled while the story was still in full swing, I realized /feared there must be a sequel. I wish I’d known from the start. At least I have not one but three books to look forward to!
It’s an exciting adventure, and I loved the contrast between the philosophical extracts introducing each chapter and the events subsequently depicted.
It’s an exciting adventure, and I loved the contrast between the philosophical extracts introducing each chapter and the events subsequently depicted.
October 20, 2024
These series of 4 book were originally written as one book and it shows. Long descriptions and well written thoughts by the characters. It doesn't work to just cut a large volume into 4 pieces. I understand it makes more money for the publisher, but I don't think Gear needs this. The story ended abruptly, almost like in the middle of a sentence. I'll just leave the other 3 books in the series be.
July 11, 2023
Enjoyable
Learning about Native American history. Amazing my lack of knowledge regarding native tribes and their names. Omaha, Kansas and more. History lessons interwoven in a historical novel.
Learning about Native American history. Amazing my lack of knowledge regarding native tribes and their names. Omaha, Kansas and more. History lessons interwoven in a historical novel.
July 25, 2023
Excellent story about the opening of western America shortly after the Lewis and Clark, 1806 expedition. But don't confuse the word "western" with the classic cowboy westerns that usually take place from 1870-1890. This author is worth reading if you like events in the 1820s.
August 8, 2023
This is right up my alley. I so enjoy historical fiction relating to the westward expansion. I liked all the description of characters and where this first book is headed. Can’t wait to read book 2.
October 17, 2023
A story of great adventure.
The author has written a tale of hardship and the struggles taken to try to overcome them. This is a great tale full of excitement and adventure that will keep you entertained and guessing.
The author has written a tale of hardship and the struggles taken to try to overcome them. This is a great tale full of excitement and adventure that will keep you entertained and guessing.
February 10, 2024
An Exceptional Read
I've been waiting a long time to discover a book like this where the character development is surpassed only by the detailed descriptions of the environs in which the characters are placed. Looking forward to more of the same in the next book in this series.
I've been waiting a long time to discover a book like this where the character development is surpassed only by the detailed descriptions of the environs in which the characters are placed. Looking forward to more of the same in the next book in this series.
June 2, 2024
Good reading
I've read several books by W. Michael Gear and have enjoyed all of them. I've read another series the two Gears wrote back in I believe in the 90s along this same pattern. I would recommend that series also.
I've read several books by W. Michael Gear and have enjoyed all of them. I've read another series the two Gears wrote back in I believe in the 90s along this same pattern. I would recommend that series also.
January 8, 2025
Got pretty bored at times. A lot of overkill. Hope the second is better. Took me longer to read than it should. Started mind wandering at times. Could have been a lot better. Would get interesting then lose track because of useless information
October 16, 2025
This is a rich, slow-moving historical fiction that has both real facts and fictional people the reader can relate to. Michael Gear knows his stuff— the rivers, the keel boats, the mountain men. This is the first in a series of FOUR books.
June 12, 2023
Gear
Michael is one of my favorite authors, been reading his books from People of the Wolf and every book he has written, hard to stop.
Michael is one of my favorite authors, been reading his books from People of the Wolf and every book he has written, hard to stop.
July 5, 2023
John says
The writer must describe every thing in gross detail, I know what a stair case looks like I do not need a complete chapter to understand he walked up the stairs
The writer must describe every thing in gross detail, I know what a stair case looks like I do not need a complete chapter to understand he walked up the stairs
July 9, 2023
A great deal of 'world building' in this first of a four-book series. Very good so far.
August 26, 2023
Absorbing, irristable and compelling
Awakens the mind with the complexity of early nations lifestyles. Beautifully researched and written. Best read since Michner. What a treat!
Awakens the mind with the complexity of early nations lifestyles. Beautifully researched and written. Best read since Michner. What a treat!
September 12, 2023
Enjoyable book.
I'm looking forward to the second book in the series. Liked the writing style and the story line. Was a quick read for me.
I'm looking forward to the second book in the series. Liked the writing style and the story line. Was a quick read for me.
September 14, 2023
keeps you interested.
I have read most of Michael Gears books and I continue to learn from them of life in history! Looking forward to reading more.
I have read most of Michael Gears books and I continue to learn from them of life in history! Looking forward to reading more.
June 22, 2024
i goofed and read the second book in this series...kind of spoiled this for me. Well written with a lot of historical detail. Pretty gritty.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews