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Riders of the Wind
Riders of the Wind is an epic novel of adventure and romance set in the scene of aviation during the turbulent times of the nineteen twenties and thirties. The book follows the lives of Charles and Doretta Cross through the era of the great depression, prohibition, the airmail, and the formation of the infant airlines. It graphically portrays the danger, excitement and romance of flight in the pioneering years before World War Two and takes the reader into the cockpit with the airmail pilots of the twenties and the airline route survey pilots flying the heart of the Amazon jungles. . The reader will experience the golden age of aviation including the great air races, rumrunning, the birth of the airlines, exploration in the jungles of Brazil and much more. This novel is filled with romance, adventure, humor, sadness and mysticism, something for everyone. A “must read” for anyone interested in aviation or, for that matter, anyone who is merely interested in the history, dress and lifestyle of the pre-WWII era. This is the first novel of the epic “Riders of the Wind” series.
557 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2001
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 20, 2013
This story opens up with such a moving scene having to do with a young man’s drive to fly an airplane. Already I can feel the passion the characters in this book and author has for the love of flying. Immediately the reader is being pulled into that passion with a one thrilling sensation after another.
"Riders of the Wind is a engaging story with a ton of adventure and just the right amount of romance. This book centers around airplane technology but there is so much more and I found this book to be written with heart and great sensitivity. I really got to know and fall for the characters. The feel of the times was clearly laid out by the author in vivid detail. It reminded me of some of the old time movies I used to watch with my dad when I was young. I could see the scenery all around me while I was reading. It was a great history lesson but at the same time an endearing love story.
"With the words still unspoken they walked arm and arm back to the hotel. Charlie was about to leave Doretta at the door of her room when she suddenly threw her arms about his neck and reached her soft red lips to touch his. Charlie's arms went around her waist and the kiss turned into a long, lingering embrace that shook both of them to their very souls. He felt the warm softness of her body the entire length of his and it seemed as if a wild hot wind was blowing through him."
"Riders of the Wind is a engaging story with a ton of adventure and just the right amount of romance. This book centers around airplane technology but there is so much more and I found this book to be written with heart and great sensitivity. I really got to know and fall for the characters. The feel of the times was clearly laid out by the author in vivid detail. It reminded me of some of the old time movies I used to watch with my dad when I was young. I could see the scenery all around me while I was reading. It was a great history lesson but at the same time an endearing love story.
"With the words still unspoken they walked arm and arm back to the hotel. Charlie was about to leave Doretta at the door of her room when she suddenly threw her arms about his neck and reached her soft red lips to touch his. Charlie's arms went around her waist and the kiss turned into a long, lingering embrace that shook both of them to their very souls. He felt the warm softness of her body the entire length of his and it seemed as if a wild hot wind was blowing through him."
February 27, 2012
A gem for anyone who loves to fly.
Riders of the Wind is the first in an epic series that outlines the very beginnings of the aviation industry as we know it today. The story is weaved through the life of Charlie Cross, who starts out as simply a man who discovers his love of flying as a teenager and follows his dream becoming a mail courier pilot and eventually part owner in an airline servicing the budding passenger airline industry amid such soon-to-be big name players as Pan Am, TWA, and Continental.
The book details changes in airplane technology as well as political and cultural climates from the late 1920s through the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Central to the plot is the romance between Charlie and his wife Doretta, who through their adventures become heroes in their own right.
Overall I thought the story was charming, and as a reader I appreciated the depth and care that the author paid to developing each of the characters- there is a large supporting cast that eventually become integral to the Cross’s lives, both personally and professionally. There is a deft handling to the larger issues of times- the bootlegging days of the late 1920s, the devastating impact of the Great Depression, and the fear and uncertainty as the world watched Germany and Japan move against the rest of the world. There is even a subplot that takes Charlie and Doretta to Brazil, where they explore the Amazon and meet an “invisible” indigenous people and fight to help them protect their way of life.
My only complaint would be that the pacing of the overall story seemed a bit uneven. The front end of the book seemed overlong with the majority of it being spent in 1929 and the very early 1930s. But once the timeline picked up, the next ten years literally flew by (I say a bit tongue in cheek).
Anyone with an interest in aviation will definitely appreciate the level of detail in this novel and find it an entertaining read.
*I was provided a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest review.*
Riders of the Wind is the first in an epic series that outlines the very beginnings of the aviation industry as we know it today. The story is weaved through the life of Charlie Cross, who starts out as simply a man who discovers his love of flying as a teenager and follows his dream becoming a mail courier pilot and eventually part owner in an airline servicing the budding passenger airline industry amid such soon-to-be big name players as Pan Am, TWA, and Continental.
The book details changes in airplane technology as well as political and cultural climates from the late 1920s through the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Central to the plot is the romance between Charlie and his wife Doretta, who through their adventures become heroes in their own right.
Overall I thought the story was charming, and as a reader I appreciated the depth and care that the author paid to developing each of the characters- there is a large supporting cast that eventually become integral to the Cross’s lives, both personally and professionally. There is a deft handling to the larger issues of times- the bootlegging days of the late 1920s, the devastating impact of the Great Depression, and the fear and uncertainty as the world watched Germany and Japan move against the rest of the world. There is even a subplot that takes Charlie and Doretta to Brazil, where they explore the Amazon and meet an “invisible” indigenous people and fight to help them protect their way of life.
My only complaint would be that the pacing of the overall story seemed a bit uneven. The front end of the book seemed overlong with the majority of it being spent in 1929 and the very early 1930s. But once the timeline picked up, the next ten years literally flew by (I say a bit tongue in cheek).
Anyone with an interest in aviation will definitely appreciate the level of detail in this novel and find it an entertaining read.
*I was provided a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest review.*
August 26, 2011
A historical fictional story about the early years of aviation. Charlie and Doretta take us through the years and different airplanes in the years before WWII. The author does a good job of explaining the differences the pilots were dealing with as each new plane came along without getting too technical, yet leaving you feeling like you might be able to fly one with the knowledge shared and how the commercial airlines came about, the pilots clothing and the different types of pilots/planes by weaving the story of Charlie and Doretta into it all. Do be aware this is nearly 700 pages long so you won't be able to read it all in one sitting! I got the feeling the author had experienced some of the things in the story as he is a pilot himself.
March 18, 2013
Riders of the Wind takes the reader on a journey with Charlie and Doretta Cross during the pioneering days in aviation of the late 1920’s until the beginning of World War II. This couple participated in the great air races, rumrunning, the birth of the airlines and exploration in the jungles of Brazil.
I enjoyed reading this book because it gave me a glimpse back in time to an era I am very interested in and even though the book is quite long, I was never bored. Aviation is the main theme running through the novel but it is not only about airplanes. It is filled with romance, adventure, humor, sadness and mysticism, something for every reader.
I recommend this book to everyone who enjoys a really good story.
February 13, 2012
via the books description: "Riders of the Wind is a fascinating tale of romance and adventure in the pioneering world of aviation", I jumped to the book for the chance to read a good love story and received so much more. I was totally entertained with the adventures and love between Charlie and Doretta Cross, while being subtly educated about aviation and points in history. I loved this book and can't wait to read DeBurgh's next book in the series Winds of Fate.
February 9, 2014
We all know the stories about wooden ships and iron men. Riders of the Wind by Robert F. Deburgh might well be considered another, except it’s about men and women, and the ships are aircraft.
We take it for granted anywhere on earth with running hot water can be reached in micro seconds and arrived at within a day. This book is a fascinating account of American aviation, of bridging distance, and closing time gaps for travel, goods and information flow.
Riders of the Wind by Robert F. Deburgh tells the story of Charlie and Doretta Cross, of how they lived and loved in the twenty’s and thirties of the twentieth century. They were aviators; brave souls who dared to fly the mail, under low cloud and the biting cold, with ice on their wings and hope in their hearts. A time when the only support they received was well wishes on departure and relieved greetings upon arrival. They flew bi-planes with canvas-covered wings and open cockpits, navigating by experience, landmarks and a good deal of luck.
As the book unfolds so too do the characters. They develop with the aircraft they fly and are drawn closer together as are the distant destinations they expect to reach.
This is a wonderfully researched work of fiction that travels on the back of know points in history. It’s a beautiful saga, my kind of book. Robert F. Deburgh will introduce you to the romance of flying and the hard fought yards that guided air travel towards what we’ve grown to expect in many more ways than simply flying. Now days we eat fruit grown halfway around the world without the slightest thought about how it got to our table.
This book will get you thinking and fill you with snapshots of living alongside the wonder that grow in front of our great grandmother's eyes.
Simply magic, a well-earned five stars.
We take it for granted anywhere on earth with running hot water can be reached in micro seconds and arrived at within a day. This book is a fascinating account of American aviation, of bridging distance, and closing time gaps for travel, goods and information flow.
Riders of the Wind by Robert F. Deburgh tells the story of Charlie and Doretta Cross, of how they lived and loved in the twenty’s and thirties of the twentieth century. They were aviators; brave souls who dared to fly the mail, under low cloud and the biting cold, with ice on their wings and hope in their hearts. A time when the only support they received was well wishes on departure and relieved greetings upon arrival. They flew bi-planes with canvas-covered wings and open cockpits, navigating by experience, landmarks and a good deal of luck.
As the book unfolds so too do the characters. They develop with the aircraft they fly and are drawn closer together as are the distant destinations they expect to reach.
This is a wonderfully researched work of fiction that travels on the back of know points in history. It’s a beautiful saga, my kind of book. Robert F. Deburgh will introduce you to the romance of flying and the hard fought yards that guided air travel towards what we’ve grown to expect in many more ways than simply flying. Now days we eat fruit grown halfway around the world without the slightest thought about how it got to our table.
This book will get you thinking and fill you with snapshots of living alongside the wonder that grow in front of our great grandmother's eyes.
Simply magic, a well-earned five stars.
March 22, 2014
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
History was my least favorite subject in school. I found it boring and lifeless. If they would switch from mundane texts to stories like this one, I think students would be happy to go to class each day.
There are so many aspects to the story between Charlie and Doretta. I found myself laughing, cheering, intrigued, and flying right along in my mind. You can tell by the details and information that is discreetly tucked into the paragraphs that DeBurgh is a man with a passion for flying, planes, and history.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in history and learning about the first pioneers of aviation without spending a majority if the time yawning. The story of Charlie and Doretta make it special and entertaining.
History was my least favorite subject in school. I found it boring and lifeless. If they would switch from mundane texts to stories like this one, I think students would be happy to go to class each day.
There are so many aspects to the story between Charlie and Doretta. I found myself laughing, cheering, intrigued, and flying right along in my mind. You can tell by the details and information that is discreetly tucked into the paragraphs that DeBurgh is a man with a passion for flying, planes, and history.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in history and learning about the first pioneers of aviation without spending a majority if the time yawning. The story of Charlie and Doretta make it special and entertaining.
February 14, 2011
Riders of the Wind is a look back at life in the 1920's and 30's during the pioneering days in aviation. It is a novel that will appeal to lovers of aviation, history, action, adventure and mysticism. The description of the era and the people makes the reader feel as if he/she were really there.
The novel revolves around airplanes, airports, exploring mail and airline routes but there is more to it. Rider's of the Wind takes you on a journey and introduces you to people and places you will never know in real life. You do not have to be knowledgable about aviation to enjoy the book. It is a great story that will keep the reader's interest from the first page to the last.
The novel revolves around airplanes, airports, exploring mail and airline routes but there is more to it. Rider's of the Wind takes you on a journey and introduces you to people and places you will never know in real life. You do not have to be knowledgable about aviation to enjoy the book. It is a great story that will keep the reader's interest from the first page to the last.
February 15, 2014
I could not believe my good fortune when I won a copy of this book in an on line drawing. I found I had stumbled into a remarkable treasure of entertainment and history. This extremely well researched book had me going to the library and numerous online searches to find out more about this time period between the two world wars and especially the nonfictional characters in it. The story revolves around the life of Charles A. Cross and the early days of aviation from the early 1920's through to the start of World War II in 1941. Combining great story telling with an encyclopedic knowledge of the aircraft of this era, Mr. Deburgh has created a master piece to enjoy for generations to follow.
March 29, 2014
Robert F. DeBurgh's RIDERS OF THE WIND is an adventure filled airborne journey through the heady early days of commercial aviation, the time of Lindbergh and Earhart, inaugural records, and sometimes tragic exploits. The main characters, Charlie Cross, an easy to like humble hero, and his wife, Doretta, a lovable spitfire of a girl with incredible spirit, lead the reader through triumphs and tribulations, both aeronautic and personal, that leave the reader feeling as if he or she had been right there beside them through their adventures and adversities. I highly recommend RIDERS OF THE WIND for anyone who enjoys tales of aviation, or a great love story.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews