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Threads West #2
Maps of Fate
The romance of America, Her people, Her spirit, and the West. The ongoing story of us.
Second book of the #1 bestselling, Threads West series, recipient of eight National Awards--Western, Romance and Historical Fiction! Compared by reviewers, authors and readers alike to Lonesome Dove, Centennial, and L'Amour.
Set in 1855, Book Two, continues the page turning tale of four richly-textured, complex generations of unforgettable personalities. Suspense builds as they hurtle towards unknown destinies, propelled by one adventure, danger, romantic twist and encounter to the next.
Forged in the crucible of history, shaped on the dangerous anvil of the land, the threads of their lives and torrid loves interweave with the evolution of the West. Indian conflicts, the rancor of slavery, and the discovery of gold, all create lethal surprises when the characters are forced to defend their lands, their loved ones, and their honor. The tragic end of the First Nations begins to unfold. New characters with dark hearts, lost souls, and hopeful innocence, color the tapestry of this epic saga. Others, in search of place rightful freedom, and catapult into the story.
An unexpected convergence of events sets in motion the thrilling, yet heartrending Conclusion of Book Two, setting the stage for the passionate tumult of the next Maps of Fate era novel; Book Three of the Threads West saga.
This is not only their story. It is our story.
It is Threads West, An American Saga.
threadswestseries.com
Second book of the #1 bestselling, Threads West series, recipient of eight National Awards--Western, Romance and Historical Fiction! Compared by reviewers, authors and readers alike to Lonesome Dove, Centennial, and L'Amour.
Set in 1855, Book Two, continues the page turning tale of four richly-textured, complex generations of unforgettable personalities. Suspense builds as they hurtle towards unknown destinies, propelled by one adventure, danger, romantic twist and encounter to the next.
Forged in the crucible of history, shaped on the dangerous anvil of the land, the threads of their lives and torrid loves interweave with the evolution of the West. Indian conflicts, the rancor of slavery, and the discovery of gold, all create lethal surprises when the characters are forced to defend their lands, their loved ones, and their honor. The tragic end of the First Nations begins to unfold. New characters with dark hearts, lost souls, and hopeful innocence, color the tapestry of this epic saga. Others, in search of place rightful freedom, and catapult into the story.
An unexpected convergence of events sets in motion the thrilling, yet heartrending Conclusion of Book Two, setting the stage for the passionate tumult of the next Maps of Fate era novel; Book Three of the Threads West saga.
This is not only their story. It is our story.
It is Threads West, An American Saga.
threadswestseries.com
- GenresHistorical Fiction
450 pages, Paperback
First published April 15, 2012
43 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Reid Lance Rosenthal
20 books61 followersReid is fourth generation land and cattle, a rancher, and a multiple #1 bestselling author whose works have been honored with fifteen national awards. His cowboy heart and poet’s pen capture the spirit of the western landscape and its influence on generations of its settlers. His long-standing devotion to wild and remote places and to the people—both past and present—who leave their legend and footprint upon America and the American West, is the inspiration and descriptive underpinning of all of his writing.
“If your mind and spirit are seduced by images of windswept ridge tops, flutters of aspen leaves caressed by a canyon breeze and the crimson tendrils of dying sun…if your fingers feel the silken pulse of a lover and your lips taste the deep kisses of building desire…if nostrils flare with the conjured scents of gunpowder and perfume, sage brush and pine, and your ears delight in the murmur of river current…if your heart pounds at the clash of good and evil and with each twist and turn of interwoven lives you feel a primal throb, then I have accomplished my mission.”
~Reid Lance Rosenthal
Passion fuels each thrilling, history, action and romance-packed novel in this widely acclaimed five-generation epic series of the historical and contemporary American west. Threads West has been compared to L’Amour, and Centennial, and some call the series, the “Gone With The Wind of the West.”
“If your mind and spirit are seduced by images of windswept ridge tops, flutters of aspen leaves caressed by a canyon breeze and the crimson tendrils of dying sun…if your fingers feel the silken pulse of a lover and your lips taste the deep kisses of building desire…if nostrils flare with the conjured scents of gunpowder and perfume, sage brush and pine, and your ears delight in the murmur of river current…if your heart pounds at the clash of good and evil and with each twist and turn of interwoven lives you feel a primal throb, then I have accomplished my mission.”
~Reid Lance Rosenthal
Passion fuels each thrilling, history, action and romance-packed novel in this widely acclaimed five-generation epic series of the historical and contemporary American west. Threads West has been compared to L’Amour, and Centennial, and some call the series, the “Gone With The Wind of the West.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
August 21, 2012
An enjoyable Western adventure story, Reid Lance Rosenthal’s Maps of Fate takes the mixed cast of characters from book one of Threads West on a wagon train across America in the late 1850s. Readers really don’t need to have read the first book to enjoy this story, and I never found myself referring back to it. While there are lots of characters, the structure of the wagon train keeps them well-defined—who lives in which wagon, who rides with whom etc. Nicely drawn details of everyday living bring the world to life, from how to circle wagons to the problems of crossing a river, from jerky fires to women’s laced boots, Kentucky long rifles and the feel of a horse’s “warm, moist muzzle” brushing a character’s cheek.
I liked the sense of North America about to contract as railroads promise development. Slavery’s becoming a national issue. Immigrant Jews are moving West. And Indians struggle with broken treaties as wrong-doers on both sides erode their sense of trust.
The novel follows the wagon train to journey’s end in a small town, with miles yet to be traveled, maps to be studied and claims to be set, but the story still has a pleasing sense of completion, even as characters come to the fore. Book three will, I'm sure, be just as interesting.
I enjoyed book two more than book one in this series. The history, while not completely accurate, was pleasingly evocative. The writing, while occasionally wordy, felt appropriate and kept me turning pages. The characters became deeper, making me really care about them. And the dialog felt true to life. An enjoyable Western, sufficiently complete to satisfy, complex enough to build genuine mystery and character, and sufficiently incomplete to leave the reader wanting more, this one’s a good solid read, evoking a life long gone in a world of possibilities.
Disclosure: I received a free ecopy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
June 19, 2019
3 stars
This is a series of novels about the Old West and the white settling thereof. Please be aware that these books have many, many characters and that they are cliffhangers.
It is a pretty competent telling that begins in 1854. I must admit straight off that I personally would not have had the strength or courage to do what the characters in this book did.
I decided early on that I would review all three books in one review for there is much sameness in the books and I had a very hard time trying to come up with three differing reviews.
In the books we have wagon train travelers complete with travails and romance, mountain men trying to scratch out a living from pelts and living an isolated life, Native Americans fighting for their way of life, grownig tension between the Union and the South that errupts into war, differences of opinion based on cultural views, gamblers and ne'er-do-wells of all stripes.
These books were adequately written and plotted. (No barnburner...) Larry McMurtry Mr. Rosenthal is not. I am not sure why the two authors were so linked in the introductory blurbs.
I want to thank NetGalley and Greenleaf Book Group/Rockin' SR Publishing for forwarding to me a copy of these books for me to read, enjoy and review.
This is a series of novels about the Old West and the white settling thereof. Please be aware that these books have many, many characters and that they are cliffhangers.
It is a pretty competent telling that begins in 1854. I must admit straight off that I personally would not have had the strength or courage to do what the characters in this book did.
I decided early on that I would review all three books in one review for there is much sameness in the books and I had a very hard time trying to come up with three differing reviews.
In the books we have wagon train travelers complete with travails and romance, mountain men trying to scratch out a living from pelts and living an isolated life, Native Americans fighting for their way of life, grownig tension between the Union and the South that errupts into war, differences of opinion based on cultural views, gamblers and ne'er-do-wells of all stripes.
These books were adequately written and plotted. (No barnburner...) Larry McMurtry Mr. Rosenthal is not. I am not sure why the two authors were so linked in the introductory blurbs.
I want to thank NetGalley and Greenleaf Book Group/Rockin' SR Publishing for forwarding to me a copy of these books for me to read, enjoy and review.
February 21, 2019
Way, way, way too much sex! I was looking for an adventure about American history and the west not 50 Shades of Grey. I find it difficult to believe that any sane person would compare these books to Michener. I gave the 2nd one a chance but I'm done and disappointed.
July 2, 2012
I was sold on book 1 and couldn't wait for book 2 which did not disappoint! I enjoy reading about the early settlers of our country as it amazes me how they got here, what they endured, and their reasons for coming here in the first place. Reid Lance Rosenthal is a master at bringing his words to life. As I read each page, characters, scenery, wagon trains, encounters with Indians, small towns just coming to life - all of this became a reality. The tale he tells is so vividly detailed that I feel like I am one of the characters in the book
This is a story about the brave and adventurous people from other continents who came to America all for various reasons, each with their own story. Not all of them made it here but Reid Lance Rosenthal puts it together in a thrilling, romantic, adventure that keeps you turning the pages.
I can't wait for book 3! The West belongs to Reid Lance Rosenthal.
This is a story about the brave and adventurous people from other continents who came to America all for various reasons, each with their own story. Not all of them made it here but Reid Lance Rosenthal puts it together in a thrilling, romantic, adventure that keeps you turning the pages.
I can't wait for book 3! The West belongs to Reid Lance Rosenthal.
January 24, 2013
This book was refreshingly differnt for me as I have never read a western. I have to say I was drawn to the characters and the direction of the story right away. After reading "Threads West", I immediately started reading "Maps of Fate", the 2nd book in the series. I found it to be a page tuner and have recommended both books to my friends and to my book club. I think not only the ladies will enjoy this book but the men as well. There is something for everyone. The author adds suspense, as the characters inch their way towards their uknown destinies. The author interweaves Indian conflicts as well as slavery to the continued adventure and sizzling romance. The characters remain strong and hopeful and I find myself cheering them on as well as shedding a few tears for the lives lost. Mr. Rosenthal does an excellent job of portraying the American land and it's people.
Hats off to the author. (cowboy hats of course) Can't wait for third book......... ."The East Coast Girl"
Hats off to the author. (cowboy hats of course) Can't wait for third book......... ."The East Coast Girl"
May 19, 2018
Whoever would have thought that a fourth-generation cattleman and rancher, with his feet firmly grounded in the soil of the American Midwest, would have the imaginary zeal and literary prowess to bring to fruition, in a series of novels of sweeping grandeur, the essence of the evolving landscape of the largest nation on the North American continent? Yet that is exactly what Reid Lance Rosenthal has done, and is continuing to do, in Threads West, An American Saga. Following on his first, much- acclaimed volume in the series, Threads West, comes Maps of Fate, which has already garnered a host of awards in the Western, Fiction and Romance categories.
Rosenthal’s command of the nuances of the English language is fluent and strong. His descriptions range from the sensual and evocative, such as in his exploration of the relationship of the Native American Walks with Moon with her husband (“She savored the warmth of his whispers.”), to the harsh and dramatic, as is so clearly visualized in his account of the renegade marauding party (“Black Feather rose, scalp in one bloody hand and the silver-red knife dripping in the other.”). Rosenthal is as aware of the intricacies of his own language as the characters are of themselves (to be seen, for instance, in mountain man Zeb’s feeling “a grin grow under the bushy shadow of the handlebar curve of his heavy, long mustache”) and their surroundings (as when the slave woman Lucy, in her plans to escape the oppression of their conditions, speaks “in a low tone, with a glance at the door”).
Apart from his excellent characterization of all those that people this novel, Rosenthal also pays conscientious and painstaking attention to details of the setting in which he portrays his wide-ranging cast, going so far even as to pay attention to minute intricacies of their dress.
Rosenthal’s incisive and dramatic revelation of the core elements of spiritual and moral fiber that have contributed to the making of the American nation makes for an unforgettable saga that has already been favorably compared to Larry McMurtry’s bestselling Pulitzer prizewinning account of life in the American West, Lonesome Dove (with the promise of Rosenthal’s work surpassing the other in both scope and extent) and to James A. Michener’s inviting glimpses into the entire history of North America in one volume in Centennial (with the Threads West series being more focused in time, thus allowing for greater in-depth exploration of character). With growing awareness of, and interest in, the unfolding and evolving saga, it is likely that Rosenthal’s epic masterpiece will come, in popularity, to rival even some of Louis L’Amour’s best-loved work.
Rosenthal’s command of the nuances of the English language is fluent and strong. His descriptions range from the sensual and evocative, such as in his exploration of the relationship of the Native American Walks with Moon with her husband (“She savored the warmth of his whispers.”), to the harsh and dramatic, as is so clearly visualized in his account of the renegade marauding party (“Black Feather rose, scalp in one bloody hand and the silver-red knife dripping in the other.”). Rosenthal is as aware of the intricacies of his own language as the characters are of themselves (to be seen, for instance, in mountain man Zeb’s feeling “a grin grow under the bushy shadow of the handlebar curve of his heavy, long mustache”) and their surroundings (as when the slave woman Lucy, in her plans to escape the oppression of their conditions, speaks “in a low tone, with a glance at the door”).
Apart from his excellent characterization of all those that people this novel, Rosenthal also pays conscientious and painstaking attention to details of the setting in which he portrays his wide-ranging cast, going so far even as to pay attention to minute intricacies of their dress.
Rosenthal’s incisive and dramatic revelation of the core elements of spiritual and moral fiber that have contributed to the making of the American nation makes for an unforgettable saga that has already been favorably compared to Larry McMurtry’s bestselling Pulitzer prizewinning account of life in the American West, Lonesome Dove (with the promise of Rosenthal’s work surpassing the other in both scope and extent) and to James A. Michener’s inviting glimpses into the entire history of North America in one volume in Centennial (with the Threads West series being more focused in time, thus allowing for greater in-depth exploration of character). With growing awareness of, and interest in, the unfolding and evolving saga, it is likely that Rosenthal’s epic masterpiece will come, in popularity, to rival even some of Louis L’Amour’s best-loved work.
July 14, 2019
Reid Lance Rosenthal is an Author that has me up in the air. I can't decide if I love him or hate him! While I admit his writing style is a bit slow for my taste, the stories themselves are interesting. This second story continues immediately where the first one ends, thank God! The only real issue I had with this story (other than the pace) was the fact this Author actually had my emotions all over over the damn place. I was bawling like a baby, several times, and hoping to God someone would kill the sonofabitch villain in in the story! While I know death happens, I sure wasn't expecting it to happen like it did and I started yelling at the book in the middle of my company's Terminal which caused several people to look at me as if I were crazy! Another thing that got me in this story, unlike the first, is how about a dozen chapters took place all on the same day, whereas in the first story, every two or three chapters was a different day. But I have to give Mr. Rosenthal credit, he packs a tremendous amount of "action " in the chapters, if you can call it action - or maybe information is a better word. Regardless, this second story is a Hell of a lot better than the first, and the third seems to be even better than this one. I can't wait to finish that one next!
September 11, 2019
This is from Net Galley,the second book in this series! This has them traveling across the wildness,the west with all their adventures! You can just read this alone I would think,but then you miss the background of these very well true to life characters you will know and enjoy! The history that was in this part was very well written and researched and you will think you are on this long trip tho where ever they are going,experiencing the way of life way back when! It takes guts to do what these people did,lots losing their lives for a better way of life. I will really the rest of this series and so will you cause you don't want to miss this adventure of so many emotions and say of life back then! As my father used to tell us kids when we complained about something he would say,Well that's the way it was moving out West!! Which I finally figured out,we have it so much better than these people did,we really have nothing to complain about! If it wasn't for all these people exploring for us,who knows where we would be!!
July 1, 2019
This is the second in a trilogy set in the 1850s, following the adventures of a small and diverse group who have now arrived in America and begun their travels across the country to their new lives in the uncharted West.
The story stands alone, but is better when read after part 1, as you will have met the characters and know their back stories. They are a mixed bunch, with both good and bad, greedy and kind, as well as the Native American perspective and Negroes covered too.
The characters are interesting and well rounded. The author does rather linger on their romantic liaisons in this book, but there is plenty of action to counteract this!
I find myself keen to read the third in the series now, to find out what happens when they reach their destinations with their various maps in hand.
Thank you to NetGalley, Greenleaf Book Group and Rockin' SR Publishing for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story stands alone, but is better when read after part 1, as you will have met the characters and know their back stories. They are a mixed bunch, with both good and bad, greedy and kind, as well as the Native American perspective and Negroes covered too.
The characters are interesting and well rounded. The author does rather linger on their romantic liaisons in this book, but there is plenty of action to counteract this!
I find myself keen to read the third in the series now, to find out what happens when they reach their destinations with their various maps in hand.
Thank you to NetGalley, Greenleaf Book Group and Rockin' SR Publishing for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 1, 2019
Maps of Fate is book 2 in the Threads West series by Reid Lance Rosenthal. Book 2 continues the story of several individuals on their journey west. Rosenthal weaves a vividly rich detailed account that is throughly researched. Wonderfully written history of those who helped settle the United States, Overall, loved the second book minus the repeats of passages from book 1. For anyone who has read the 1st book in the series this is really annoying; as some of the passages are verbatium from book 1. Series often try to repeat and fill in events from the 1st book as a reminder or so the book can be read as a stand=alone. However, usually it is a quick summary not a complete repeat of full chapters. Other than that, book 2 was enjoyable.
August 19, 2019
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is the second book in the series and follows the main characters from St. Louis to Cherry Creek in their wagon train, almost to the Uncompahgre where their land is located. A few new characters are introduced who are also headed west. On the way they travel unforgiving land and meet Indians both friendly and hostile. And there is also an enemy within the groupset on revenge.
Great western/romance/adventure book full of action and descriptions of beautiful scenery! I look forward to reading the rest of this series.
This is the second book in the series and follows the main characters from St. Louis to Cherry Creek in their wagon train, almost to the Uncompahgre where their land is located. A few new characters are introduced who are also headed west. On the way they travel unforgiving land and meet Indians both friendly and hostile. And there is also an enemy within the groupset on revenge.
Great western/romance/adventure book full of action and descriptions of beautiful scenery! I look forward to reading the rest of this series.
August 23, 2019
Threads West continues in Maps of Fate. The characters we met in the first book are now in the United States, ready to make their fortunes. The back story detail I loved in the first book continues in this one. You can see the scenery, you recognize some landmarks, this builds the story to be so much more. I did wonder if I'd have the same reaction if I listened to audiobook and I really don't think I would. It is so easy to picture our cast as they weave through the many roadblocks they meet on the way to find their destiny as it's marked on the map. Keep reading...this story has a long way to go.
September 3, 2019
A very enjoyable read and of course a new to me author.
This is one reason that I love Netgalley is because they introduce some wonderful authors.
I love how the 1st pioneers came West. It's easy to imagine yourself on a wagon train heading West and living as pioneers did. I don't think I'd make a very good pioneer lol. Too much stuff I won't eat.
Such a great read and meeting new characters a wonderful plot. This author has neatly wrapped it up.
However I'm glad that I only chose the one book. I gave this book 4 stars because at first it was slow going but then it picked up.
My thanks to Netgalley. NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own
This is one reason that I love Netgalley is because they introduce some wonderful authors.
I love how the 1st pioneers came West. It's easy to imagine yourself on a wagon train heading West and living as pioneers did. I don't think I'd make a very good pioneer lol. Too much stuff I won't eat.
Such a great read and meeting new characters a wonderful plot. This author has neatly wrapped it up.
However I'm glad that I only chose the one book. I gave this book 4 stars because at first it was slow going but then it picked up.
My thanks to Netgalley. NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own
January 29, 2023
The reader reviews cited in this book are ridiculous. To compare this book to Lonesome Dove is to not have actually read Lonesome Dove. This book reads like a cheap romance novel. The editing is sloppy, much of the story line is not believable, many of the historical references, while accurate, don't add anything to the story, some aren't so accurate, and finally, the romance is unnecessarily graphic and detailed and in no way enhances the story but instead leaves the reader wondering what Mr. Rosenthal spends most of his time thinking about. Don't waste your time or money on this. Ditto for volume 1.
October 28, 2023
Book 2 in the series just adds onto what was built in Book 1.
This book has some sprinklings of every thing you want to see in a good Western. Bad guys, run ins with the Native Americans, and good old school justice.
At the end of this book we see our group of travelers reach the end of the wagon train and determine what the future means for each of them apart and together- good thing there is already a book 3 an 4 written.
This book has some sprinklings of every thing you want to see in a good Western. Bad guys, run ins with the Native Americans, and good old school justice.
At the end of this book we see our group of travelers reach the end of the wagon train and determine what the future means for each of them apart and together- good thing there is already a book 3 an 4 written.
March 4, 2021
Excellent His Novel
I thoroughly enjoyed this second novel in the Threads West series. The characters are very well developed and so authentic to the times. This novel brings the reality of settling our great country alive. I highly recommend novel to anyone who enjoys the historical genre!
I thoroughly enjoyed this second novel in the Threads West series. The characters are very well developed and so authentic to the times. This novel brings the reality of settling our great country alive. I highly recommend novel to anyone who enjoys the historical genre!
September 27, 2019
I throughly enjoyed book 1 and most of this second book of the Theeads West series. I skipped over part of chapters 31 and 40 as I don’t need explicit sexual details. I feel it took away from an otherwise excellent book. I’m hoping book 3, which I had already bought, doesn’t have more of the same.
September 12, 2021
Breath Taking
What a wonderful series. Can't wait to start book 4. Love the way there are so many characters that will eventually meet at some point. Read it. You won't be disappointed.
What a wonderful series. Can't wait to start book 4. Love the way there are so many characters that will eventually meet at some point. Read it. You won't be disappointed.
June 19, 2019
This is a decent series with decent writing. The books are even to slow paced. There are several characters.
August 20, 2019
This was an enjoyable series, I liked the plot of all four books and the characters in them. Overall I thought these were a great western series.
January 14, 2021
Awesome western series
October 31, 2023
I love the western history of the US! Stories of the lands I was born to!
September 18, 2024
Western and romance novel rolled into one.
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24 in '24 - Western
PCLS Book Bingo - Second book in a series
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24 in '24 - Western
PCLS Book Bingo - Second book in a series
February 1, 2025
Just like the first book this was one just as exciting! Looking forward to number 3
April 20, 2025
Loved most of it
I still feel, for me, that the "Shades of Grey" overly described sex scenes could be left out. But I do love the story and the characters.
I still feel, for me, that the "Shades of Grey" overly described sex scenes could be left out. But I do love the story and the characters.
April 9, 2012
I just finished Maps of Fate and was given the distinct privilege of reading an advanced copy. All I can say is "Amazing". This is the second book in a series called, Threads West, An American Saga. After reading the first book I was impressed with the author's style and ease at telling the tale and introducing the characters to the readers. The descriptive writing style flowed beautifully and you found yourself lost in the book not realizing how long you had actually been reading. As I began reading Maps I found myself swept back in time and fully immersed into the story. The characters are real....I felt like I was there with them..Never have I been so moved by the written word of another.. I wept so many tears for loves lost, battles fought and hearts broken. You could feel the emotion that they felt. Not to spill the beans, but...I felt much satisfaction from a little revenge!!
One thing that struck me is the way this author could so easily pull you in...by the way, the author is a guy...not only a guy but, a guy's guy. Reading his words, I must say..I had to keep reminding myself of that..hahaha...I have never met a man that can express so much emotion, be it the male or female characters. Not only is there a clear message of courage and strength in these characters but, also the undertones of love of country, respect of our great land and what it means to be a citizen of this great nation of ours. In the trouble times of today, it is such a gift to be able to step back and feel what we all should be feeling now.
I come from a very long line of pioneers and being of Native American descent on one side, my father's and Italian immigrants on my mom's, I have lived and breathed much of what is in this book. Finding ones place in this world...and by place, I mean your spot on this earth that truly calls you and speaks to you and gives you that sense of HOME and something that stirs your soul is well expressed in this book. . I've lived in the east, in fact was raised there and lived on the west coast having had something call to me and am now settled deep in the heart of Texas. I've traveled across this amazing land and it never gets old. The expanse of the beautiful country and how it speaks to you and will call to you was truly felt while reading how the characters grew from the experience of crossing our great land.
This is a must read!!!! and one of my daughters will be starting to read Threads West, the first book in this series and continue on. She is 16 and I feel it is quite appropriate for her age and very educational.
Bravo, Mr. Rosenthal and bring on book 3.
One thing that struck me is the way this author could so easily pull you in...by the way, the author is a guy...not only a guy but, a guy's guy. Reading his words, I must say..I had to keep reminding myself of that..hahaha...I have never met a man that can express so much emotion, be it the male or female characters. Not only is there a clear message of courage and strength in these characters but, also the undertones of love of country, respect of our great land and what it means to be a citizen of this great nation of ours. In the trouble times of today, it is such a gift to be able to step back and feel what we all should be feeling now.
I come from a very long line of pioneers and being of Native American descent on one side, my father's and Italian immigrants on my mom's, I have lived and breathed much of what is in this book. Finding ones place in this world...and by place, I mean your spot on this earth that truly calls you and speaks to you and gives you that sense of HOME and something that stirs your soul is well expressed in this book. . I've lived in the east, in fact was raised there and lived on the west coast having had something call to me and am now settled deep in the heart of Texas. I've traveled across this amazing land and it never gets old. The expanse of the beautiful country and how it speaks to you and will call to you was truly felt while reading how the characters grew from the experience of crossing our great land.
This is a must read!!!! and one of my daughters will be starting to read Threads West, the first book in this series and continue on. She is 16 and I feel it is quite appropriate for her age and very educational.
Bravo, Mr. Rosenthal and bring on book 3.
April 10, 2012
Reid Lance Rosenthal has done it again!! His second book of the Threads West, an American Saga series, Maps of Fate, brings all the excitement, adventure, romance and passion of the first book and more. I was drawn back into the lives of his cast of wonderful book one characters from the first page and thrilled to the new personalities I met in book two.
My idea of a really great historical novel is one that will take me back in time and invite me to stay amongst its characters, feeling what they feel, seeing what they see and experiencing everything they experience. Maps of Fate is such a novel! Rich in its locations and atmospheres, I could picture myself riding along on one of the wagons as the group of characters introduced in book one travels West into adventures they could not have dreamed. Once you begin reading this book, you will not want to put it down! Forget the activities of everyday life because you will want to stay totally immersed in this book to the end!
I will recommend this book to everyone I know and anxiously await book three! If you love novels rich in American history, long on nail biting action, and spiced with romantic sizzle, you will definitely love Maps of Fate! Hunker down with a good cup of coffee, a warm blanket and savor every page of this book!!!
My idea of a really great historical novel is one that will take me back in time and invite me to stay amongst its characters, feeling what they feel, seeing what they see and experiencing everything they experience. Maps of Fate is such a novel! Rich in its locations and atmospheres, I could picture myself riding along on one of the wagons as the group of characters introduced in book one travels West into adventures they could not have dreamed. Once you begin reading this book, you will not want to put it down! Forget the activities of everyday life because you will want to stay totally immersed in this book to the end!
I will recommend this book to everyone I know and anxiously await book three! If you love novels rich in American history, long on nail biting action, and spiced with romantic sizzle, you will definitely love Maps of Fate! Hunker down with a good cup of coffee, a warm blanket and savor every page of this book!!!
May 19, 2012
MAPS OF FATE: THREADS WEST, AN AMERICAN SAGA by Reid Lance Rosenthal is an American Saga set in the spring of 1855. It is continues the story of generations through the wilds of the west. While, “Maps of Fate” is book #2 in the “Threads West an American Saga” series, it can be read as a stand alone. See, “Threads West”. A complex saga of family,Indians,tragedy,lost,grief,honor,sacrifice,innocence and love. An epic tale of love,struggle,passion of our forefathers of the West.A fast paced,action packed adventure. If you enjoy the T.V. series,”Lonesome Dove” and the stories of L’Amour you will want to pick up your copy of ”Maps Of Fate”. A heart rendering tale with an explosive conclusion which will stay with the reader long after the last page and leave the reader looking forward to Book 3 in the series. A must read for Western,historical,Old West,Americana,and romance readers. Written with vivid descriptions and rich details of the era. Received for an honest review from the publisher/author. Details can be found at Rocking’SR Publishing,the author’s website, and My Book Addiction and More.
*Coming next, Book Three of the “Threads West,An Americal Saga Series*
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING:Sweet: No sex or scenes of physical intimacy except some kissing. No graphic violence or profanity.
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction and More
*Coming next, Book Three of the “Threads West,An Americal Saga Series*
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING:Sweet: No sex or scenes of physical intimacy except some kissing. No graphic violence or profanity.
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction and More
May 29, 2014
Even better than the first book! This book continues where the first left off, with the push past civilization into the unknown. The scenery is mesmerizing, as Mr. Rosenthal describes what the characters see and feel in beautiful ways. I especially like how he creates his characters. Both those who are good and those who are evil have clear motivations and goals that are believable. This makes the reasons the good people push through difficulties and trials that would stop a lesser person seem plausible. It makes the evil ones almost sympathetic while still chilling you to the bone because their twisted logic almost makes sense.
While still not a quick read due to its thoroughness, it is highly enjoyable. I find myself thinking about the characters long past putting the book down.
While still not a quick read due to its thoroughness, it is highly enjoyable. I find myself thinking about the characters long past putting the book down.
July 5, 2012
Reid did it again! If you read his first book Threads West, and that book was excellent, Maps was an awesome read...Reid made his characters come to life again, and he made you feel like you were on that wagan train going west. I don't want to spoil what happens if you haven't read it yet, but I felt the weather and how strong the women had to be on this journey for they do alot of manly duties,firing a rifle and driving the wagons when needed, you couldn't be a sissy. I loved the book and I'm a big fan of Reid's and hisstory-this is our story and its written so beautifully...can't wait for the next book and all the others.
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