Apacheria

by Jake Page

In this riveting, action-packed alternate history, the Apaches forge their own bold nation and enter the world of racketeering and politics--all the while maintaining their traditional ways--as a new neighbor to a United States that will never be the same again . . .

In 1884 only one thing stood in the way of United States expansion: the Apaches. The U.S. Army believed it could easily defeat this ragtag band of savages who viewed one another more as rivals than allies. But one of those "savages" was a military genius: Juh, "He Who Sees Ahead." It was Juh's vision that persuaded the various tribal leaders to set aside their differences and work together, thus turning the disconnected bands of warring Apaches into the most cohesive fighting force the West had ever seen--and crushing the invading army.

Thus was born Apacheria--the Apache Nation--and a world where Juh and his son, Little Spring, matched wits and weapons with a cast ranging from Teddy Roosevelt and Carrie Nation to Al Capone and J. Edgar Hoover. A world where it was best to stand with the Apaches, and never against them . . .

Genres: Alternate History, Science Fiction, Westerns, Science Fiction Fantasy

342 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published February 28, 1998

About the author

Jake Page was a celebrated editor, science writer, and novelist who made complex topics accessible through wit and clarity. Though he never studied science formally, his role editing Natural History Books at Doubleday sparked a lifelong passion for explaining science to general readers. As science editor and columnist at Smithsonian magazine, he wrote with elegance and humor on a wide range of subjects, from aspirin to Zane Grey. Page authored dozens of books, including works on birds, earthquakes, and Native American history. His fascination with the American Southwest led to a mystery series featuring a blind sculptor-detective. Collaborating with his wife, photographer Susanne Anderson, he produced detailed cultural studies like Hopi and Navajo. His major nonfiction achievement, In the Hands of the Great Spirit, traces 20,000 years of American Indian history. Whether exploring anthropology or writing fiction, Page championed curiosity, clarity, and the belief that science was too important to remain only in expert hands.

Reviews

[Peter Tillman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finally got around to reading this "what if the Apaches had won?" novel, by a well-known SW historian and mystery writer. It's pretty good, really, once you get past the implausibility of the premise -- which is, in essence, that the Apaches wore down the US to the point where in 1885, the US gave the Apaches a small, independent nation in southeastern Arizona and SW New Mexico. Page sets this up as best he can. It's still not convincing, but a good-enough premise for fiction, I thought.

[Matt D · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay. It could have been about a hundred pages shorter, though; it rambled at times, went off on tangents at others. It was an interesting concept, one I've always wanted to see done. I just wish this one had been done better.

[Jack · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting alternative history book.. Ok - but have read better

[Pat Fahrenthold · Rating 3 out of 5]

What if the Apaches had been given their own country in the SW United States?

[Ron · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Apaches manage to hang on to their land against all comers, whether white men, white women, G-Men or Mafia.