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The Nations
THE NATIONS also known as "Indian Territory", "Robber's Roost" and "No-Man's Land", was regarded in the latter part of the 19th century as the bloodiest and most dangerous place in the world. It was a refuge for outlaws men from all over the North American continent. There were only 200 Deputy U.S. Marshals made up of whites, blacks and Indian to police the vast area of 74,000 square miles under Federal Judge Issac C. Parker, known as the hanging judge. The Nations is based on actual cases and is crammed full of excitement, suspense and the everyday humor that develops between men as they live and fight and sometimes die together. From the action and dialogue, the guns, wardrobe and historical authenticity, The Nations paints a story of the Old West as it really was.
It is the year 1885. A notorious band of outlaws, known as the "Larson Gang", has been terrorizing Arkansas, Missouri and the Nations for years. When they kill five Deputy Marshals while rescuing Ben Larson, the vicious younger brother of the leader Wes Larson—it is too much for Judge Parker. He orders an all-out concerted effort to capture the Larson Gang and bring them to justice. "If they will not respect the law; then by God we will make them fear it."
Black Marshal Bass Reeves, the first black marshal west of the Mississippi, and white Marshals Jack McGann, Tobe Bassett and John L. Patrick recapture the youngest member of the gang, Ben Larson, a true sociopath. Along with two Indian Police, known as Lighthorse, the lawmen begin the treacherous journey to Fort Smith with their prisoners—Preacher Budlow, a gospel quoting, whiskey running and somewhat demented old scalawag, Jed Neal, a tough, but honorable black man mistakenly accused of killing a cowboy on the trail, and Ben—shackled to the bed of the Tumbleweed Wagon.
In the small town of Checotah, the Marshals encounter the Larson gang unexpectedly. A wild gun battle ensues and when the smoke clears, all of the outlaws are dead, except Ben, who does indeed get to Fort Smith to stand trial under Judge Parker.
"It is not the severity of the punishment that is the deterrent… but the certainty of it." - Judge Issac C. Parker.
It is the year 1885. A notorious band of outlaws, known as the "Larson Gang", has been terrorizing Arkansas, Missouri and the Nations for years. When they kill five Deputy Marshals while rescuing Ben Larson, the vicious younger brother of the leader Wes Larson—it is too much for Judge Parker. He orders an all-out concerted effort to capture the Larson Gang and bring them to justice. "If they will not respect the law; then by God we will make them fear it."
Black Marshal Bass Reeves, the first black marshal west of the Mississippi, and white Marshals Jack McGann, Tobe Bassett and John L. Patrick recapture the youngest member of the gang, Ben Larson, a true sociopath. Along with two Indian Police, known as Lighthorse, the lawmen begin the treacherous journey to Fort Smith with their prisoners—Preacher Budlow, a gospel quoting, whiskey running and somewhat demented old scalawag, Jed Neal, a tough, but honorable black man mistakenly accused of killing a cowboy on the trail, and Ben—shackled to the bed of the Tumbleweed Wagon.
In the small town of Checotah, the Marshals encounter the Larson gang unexpectedly. A wild gun battle ensues and when the smoke clears, all of the outlaws are dead, except Ben, who does indeed get to Fort Smith to stand trial under Judge Parker.
"It is not the severity of the punishment that is the deterrent… but the certainty of it." - Judge Issac C. Parker.
219 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 16, 2012
145 people are currently reading
209 people want to read
About the author
Ken Farmer
73 books55 followersKen Farmer didn't write his first full novel until he was sixty-nine years of age. He often wonders what the hell took him so long. At age seventy-nine…he's currently working on novel number thirty-seven.
Ken spent thirty years raising cattle and quarter horses in Texas and forty-five years as a professional actor (after a stint in the Marine Corps). Those years gave him a background for storytelling…or as he has been known to say, "I've always been a bit of a bull---t artist, so writing novels kind of came naturally once it occurred to me I could put my stories down on paper."
Ken's writing style has been likened to a combination of Louis L'Amour and Terry C. Johnston with an occasional Hitchcockian twist…now that's a combination.
In addition to his love for writing fiction, he likes to teach acting, voice-over and writing workshops. His favorite expression is: "Just tell the damn story."
Writing has become Ken's second life: he has been a Marine, played collegiate football, been a Texas wildcatter, cattle and horse rancher, professional film and TV actor and director, and now…a novelist. Who knew?
Ken Farmer's dialogue flows like a beautiful western river…it's the gold standard…Carole Beers
Ken spent thirty years raising cattle and quarter horses in Texas and forty-five years as a professional actor (after a stint in the Marine Corps). Those years gave him a background for storytelling…or as he has been known to say, "I've always been a bit of a bull---t artist, so writing novels kind of came naturally once it occurred to me I could put my stories down on paper."
Ken's writing style has been likened to a combination of Louis L'Amour and Terry C. Johnston with an occasional Hitchcockian twist…now that's a combination.
In addition to his love for writing fiction, he likes to teach acting, voice-over and writing workshops. His favorite expression is: "Just tell the damn story."
Writing has become Ken's second life: he has been a Marine, played collegiate football, been a Texas wildcatter, cattle and horse rancher, professional film and TV actor and director, and now…a novelist. Who knew?
Ken Farmer's dialogue flows like a beautiful western river…it's the gold standard…Carole Beers
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 14, 2025
I mostly enjoyed this.
August 18, 2015
NOTE: The Nations has just been awarded the Laramie Award for Best Classic Western - 2014.
This was a fun book to write. The original story, or much of it, came from a screenplay I co-wrote with Russ Marker back in 1986. Being a western fan most of my life as well as not only a working cowboy but also a movie cowboy (actor) I had already done hours and hours of research into the subject matter. I found it interesting that no one had approached doing a novel on who is arguably the best Deputy US Marshal in the long history of the US Marshal's Service—Bass Reeves. He was the first black US Marshal west of the Mississippi, served as a Deputy for 32 years, killed 14 men in the line of duty, served over 3,000 felony warrants and was never wounded. Had to be a story there.
Here it is—"THE NATIONS".
This was a fun book to write. The original story, or much of it, came from a screenplay I co-wrote with Russ Marker back in 1986. Being a western fan most of my life as well as not only a working cowboy but also a movie cowboy (actor) I had already done hours and hours of research into the subject matter. I found it interesting that no one had approached doing a novel on who is arguably the best Deputy US Marshal in the long history of the US Marshal's Service—Bass Reeves. He was the first black US Marshal west of the Mississippi, served as a Deputy for 32 years, killed 14 men in the line of duty, served over 3,000 felony warrants and was never wounded. Had to be a story there.
Here it is—"THE NATIONS".
October 27, 2012
The Nations by the Ken Farmer and Buck Steinke writing team of the Black Eagle Force series has headed into the old west with a very exhilarating story about Marshal Bass Reeves, the first black U.S. Deputy Marshal. In 1885, the gang known as the Larson Gang terrified Arkansas, Missouri and The Nations (Oklahoma Territory) until they were challenged by Judge Isaac C. Parker by the arrest and sentencing of the youngest member, Ben. The story takes us (yes, we feel as if we are riding right along with the Deputy Marshals) on their trip fraught with danger and death to deliver Ben Larson to his hanging. It is within this story that we are entranced with the rich history and a small part of the record of the U.S. Deputy Marshals, principally Bass Reeves. They relate both his sense of justice and tenderness toward family and friends. We are caught up in the time and place as if we are there.
““I cain’t do it, Jack…Jest cain’t,” Bass said as tears filled his eyes. “Been a slave…Won’t make an innocent child one.””
I know you will become a fan of the Farmer-Stienke team if you are not already one. This is a little detour from their former works, but it is still packed with fascinating excitement – just in a little different era. Another hit for the team!
Buck Stienke is a retired captain and fighter pilot for the United States Air Force and a graduate from the Air Force Academy. He was a pilot for Delta Airlines for over 25 years and also executive producer of the award winning film Rockabilly Baby.
Ken Farmer served in the Marine Corps and graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University. Ken has been a professional actor, writer and director with memorable roles in Silverado, Friday Night Lights and Uncommon Valor. He continues to write and direct award-winning films, including Rockabilly Baby.
““I cain’t do it, Jack…Jest cain’t,” Bass said as tears filled his eyes. “Been a slave…Won’t make an innocent child one.””
I know you will become a fan of the Farmer-Stienke team if you are not already one. This is a little detour from their former works, but it is still packed with fascinating excitement – just in a little different era. Another hit for the team!
Buck Stienke is a retired captain and fighter pilot for the United States Air Force and a graduate from the Air Force Academy. He was a pilot for Delta Airlines for over 25 years and also executive producer of the award winning film Rockabilly Baby.
Ken Farmer served in the Marine Corps and graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University. Ken has been a professional actor, writer and director with memorable roles in Silverado, Friday Night Lights and Uncommon Valor. He continues to write and direct award-winning films, including Rockabilly Baby.
August 27, 2012
A True Western-Not just for the Western Fan
Authors Ken Farmer and Buck Stienke continue to exceed expectations in their latest Novel, The Nations, is a story that takes place in the late 1900’s about the real life US Deputy Marshall Bass Reeves who worked the Indian Territories for the infamous Hanging Judge—Judge Isaac C. Parker.
The Nations and the accounting of Marshall Reeves encounters with the lawless, his thirty year career, and the fact that Bass Reeves was also a Black Man, is brilliantly told through the authors unique and excellent writing style of telling a story through the characters themselves. The reader is drawn into the story with the sense of participation through dialogue and details of the era that gives a true sense of being there. The Nations is more than a Western; it has characters, sub-story lines and subject matter that are identifiable with the problems and issues of people today.
The Nations is a true western with a real hero and authentic characters and details. As with all of Farmer-Stienke novels, the Nations is packed full of action, adventure, twist and turns, and saying any more would ruin the story for future readers.
For the Western buffs, this is a winner, and for those who’ve never liked Westerns, the Nations will change your mind and give you a new admiration for the way of the West.
Authors Ken Farmer and Buck Stienke continue to exceed expectations in their latest Novel, The Nations, is a story that takes place in the late 1900’s about the real life US Deputy Marshall Bass Reeves who worked the Indian Territories for the infamous Hanging Judge—Judge Isaac C. Parker.
The Nations and the accounting of Marshall Reeves encounters with the lawless, his thirty year career, and the fact that Bass Reeves was also a Black Man, is brilliantly told through the authors unique and excellent writing style of telling a story through the characters themselves. The reader is drawn into the story with the sense of participation through dialogue and details of the era that gives a true sense of being there. The Nations is more than a Western; it has characters, sub-story lines and subject matter that are identifiable with the problems and issues of people today.
The Nations is a true western with a real hero and authentic characters and details. As with all of Farmer-Stienke novels, the Nations is packed full of action, adventure, twist and turns, and saying any more would ruin the story for future readers.
For the Western buffs, this is a winner, and for those who’ve never liked Westerns, the Nations will change your mind and give you a new admiration for the way of the West.
May 7, 2013
The Nations
There is a unique blend of talent between Ken Farmer and Buck Stienke as writers. They create characters that draw the reader into the story like no other writers I have read in five decades. They create dialogue that is real to each individual character and rings of truth with every word. The action is always taut, heart pounding and true to life. I can smell the cordite, hear the lead cracking as it passes or impacts objects close by and taste the salty flavor of the blood and sweat they describe.
The way Ken and Buck handle the horses, mules and the dog ‘Boot’ in this tale is so perfect only those who truly know the subject first hand can write it. As a horse and mule rider for decades I usually find this part of a western lacking. Not so with ‘The Nations’.
Every scene is riveting whether action or simple description of life in a time long gone. Drawing of water from a well with a bucket is described exactly as I recall doing it as a young boy on ranches in West Texas. The emotions between Bass Reeves and two orphan children brought a lump to my throat.
I recommend ‘The Nations'. Not only as an outstanding western but also as a novel about people and how they live their lives. Some good. Some bad.
Doran W Ingrham
Inactive US Marine
Retired Risk Management Specialist
Author ~ Actor ~ Director
There is a unique blend of talent between Ken Farmer and Buck Stienke as writers. They create characters that draw the reader into the story like no other writers I have read in five decades. They create dialogue that is real to each individual character and rings of truth with every word. The action is always taut, heart pounding and true to life. I can smell the cordite, hear the lead cracking as it passes or impacts objects close by and taste the salty flavor of the blood and sweat they describe.
The way Ken and Buck handle the horses, mules and the dog ‘Boot’ in this tale is so perfect only those who truly know the subject first hand can write it. As a horse and mule rider for decades I usually find this part of a western lacking. Not so with ‘The Nations’.
Every scene is riveting whether action or simple description of life in a time long gone. Drawing of water from a well with a bucket is described exactly as I recall doing it as a young boy on ranches in West Texas. The emotions between Bass Reeves and two orphan children brought a lump to my throat.
I recommend ‘The Nations'. Not only as an outstanding western but also as a novel about people and how they live their lives. Some good. Some bad.
Doran W Ingrham
Inactive US Marine
Retired Risk Management Specialist
Author ~ Actor ~ Director
August 27, 2012
For someone not having the last name of L'amour or Grey, you have to wonder where has this book been hiding? Presumably it has been in a holding pattern in the heads of Ken Farmer and Buck Steinke, and be very glad it decided to finally make a landing!
Written around historical figures and places, this is the kind of book that isn't merely read. It is experienced. You will find yourself expecting to feel a horse moving beneath you, or at times a wagon; smell the food being cooked over a campfire, or at times the cordite; and when all is said and done, you will KNOW Marshall Bass Reeves is not to be trifled with.
While technically it took me three days to finish this book, if it wasn't for my day job I'd have finished it in one. That doesn't happen often, so I put that down to the master storytellers Farmer and Steinke who set this story to paper for us! Do yourself a favor and move this one to the top of your list!
Written around historical figures and places, this is the kind of book that isn't merely read. It is experienced. You will find yourself expecting to feel a horse moving beneath you, or at times a wagon; smell the food being cooked over a campfire, or at times the cordite; and when all is said and done, you will KNOW Marshall Bass Reeves is not to be trifled with.
While technically it took me three days to finish this book, if it wasn't for my day job I'd have finished it in one. That doesn't happen often, so I put that down to the master storytellers Farmer and Steinke who set this story to paper for us! Do yourself a favor and move this one to the top of your list!
September 11, 2012
This book is set apart from the standard fare one reads by the unique subject matter it takes on. Based on the real life happenings of the hanging judge, Issac Parker, in the Nations and his famous black U.S. Deputy Marshal (first one west of the MIssissippi) you already know the content is primed to sizzle. The choice of the Nations and the volatile nature of that period make this book more than promising; it is a contract with the reader for something greater than a run of the mill western. The characters do not fail in this re-creation via the medium of creative non-fiction mixed into the fictional storyline. Take the word of an author who grew up in the land, if not the time, of the nations. This portrayal of raw justice as it really was will keep you in your seat reading. Ken Farmer and Buck Steinke prove they can write more than military novels; they "rock this genre" and any sequels will be welcome. Author Joyce Godwin Grubbs; Greyhound Lady Walking series.
September 9, 2012
Having grown up reading Zane Grey and Louis L'Amour westerns, I have always liked a good western novel and that is what a reader will get when they open up The Nations by Ken Farmer and Buck Stienke. This novel, adapted from a screenplay is as visual a book as they come and the snappy, colorful, jargon-packed dialogue might have you thinking that you are indeed watching a movie instead of reading a book. Farmer and Stienke who gave made a name for themselves with their Black Eagle Force action thrillers are in top form again as they write about a notorious band of outlaws wreaking havoc in "The Nations" in 1885 America. Like their action thrillers, the action is non-stop and hard hitting, and the author's knack for authenticity comes through on every page. For fans of the western genre, you don't want to pass this one up!
August 29, 2012
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Once again, Ken Farmer and Buck Stienke have delivered an adventurous, gritty story that will keep you turning pages so fast, you won't need your air conditioner! Seriously...this is a gripping, realistic work of fiction that reads well enough to give you that "I am there!" feeling. Keep track of people you loan THE NATIONS to, because you will want it back! (Loree Lough, best-selling author of nearly 100 award-winning books, including A MAN OF HONOR.)
Once again, Ken Farmer and Buck Stienke have delivered an adventurous, gritty story that will keep you turning pages so fast, you won't need your air conditioner! Seriously...this is a gripping, realistic work of fiction that reads well enough to give you that "I am there!" feeling. Keep track of people you loan THE NATIONS to, because you will want it back! (Loree Lough, best-selling author of nearly 100 award-winning books, including A MAN OF HONOR.)
September 11, 2012
Great Historical Fiction about the Eastern Oklahoma Territory known as The Nations in 1885! Using two known Historical Characthers Judge Isaac Parker{The Hanging Judge} and Deputy Marshal Bass Reeves, Ken and Buck weave a riveting story of the times! If your a Western Novel Buff, The Nations, is right down your alley!
Vernon Reeves Jr
Vernon Reeves Jr
July 28, 2015
I love historical fiction that makes you want to research the "real" lives of their characters. I had never heard of Bass Reeves... now I'm hooked. The attention to late 19th century dialects, machinery, horsemanship, etc. is fantastic. I'll most likely read the follow up books as well. This was a fun read.
Read
November 17, 2012loved it
February 11, 2018
I chose to read this western for the Book Riot challenge because it featured U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves, a former slave said to be the inspiration for the Lone Ranger. I wonder how true is his claim that in the west, man was judged by his actions rather than by the color of his skin. This book was a very quick read, thanks to the engaging prose and characters. I also liked the final showdown, which featured a lot of missed and empty shots, and frontier dishes like watermelon rind preserves and buttermilk pie.
December 7, 2018
The incomparable Bass Reeves
I bought this book some time ago then lost track of it on my Kindle. I would highly recommend this story. Anyone who enjoys historical fiction will enjoy it.
I bought this book some time ago then lost track of it on my Kindle. I would highly recommend this story. Anyone who enjoys historical fiction will enjoy it.
December 12, 2025
Despite this being historical fiction (which I didn’t know going in) there was one section about a third of the way through where I felt the melodrama was laid on just a bit too thick. Aside from that it was an otherwise outstanding western, or book of any genre for that matter.
The ending was perfectly satisfying in every way.
The ending was perfectly satisfying in every way.
August 9, 2017
This is one author we will definitely read again. Really enjoyed the book.
February 11, 2018
The Nations
A good fast moving western. Plenty of action. Good shoot out at the end. First in the series. I will enjoy the next story.
A good fast moving western. Plenty of action. Good shoot out at the end. First in the series. I will enjoy the next story.
July 5, 2019
Slow start but developed into a good story of how the law cleaned up the Nation's. Good men finally win over the bad men.
September 11, 2019
If you like westerns...
This is one of the better stories of the western genre I've had the pleasure to read. It held my attention from the first page. Highly recommended.
This is one of the better stories of the western genre I've had the pleasure to read. It held my attention from the first page. Highly recommended.
October 18, 2016
The Nations
Great book about law trying to keep the peace in the Indian Nation and the men of Judge Parker's Marshal Corp. Great stories about Bass Reeves.
Great book about law trying to keep the peace in the Indian Nation and the men of Judge Parker's Marshal Corp. Great stories about Bass Reeves.
May 26, 2015
Characters so Alive You Could Speak to Them
The Nations, by Ken Farmer and Buck Stienke, is historical fiction at its finest. The fact that it’s FICTION says the authors may take poetic license and slip their story line into real history, real locales, among real people and their culture, and it doesn’t have to be true in the fullest sense of the word. If it were, it would be written for history books. This is fiction and these authors make full use of their poetic license. That’s exactly what I expected when I began to read, but I found so much more.
Not only did the story line keep my interest – I read the book in one evening – I was amazed at the dialogue, which kept me in fits of laughter. These authors didn’t have to describe their characters’ personalities, they built their characters by using dialogue. The language is as I would expect from the time period of the late 1800s, but it was so much more. The side-splitting retorts, metaphors and similes kept coming and I kept flipping pages on my Kindle. And details – what good are details if kept inside the writer’s head? Details make a story and these authors know which details to employ to enhance the settings and action and what to leave out. The historical details included in this story are amazing, not just from the locales and characters, but the guns they used, what clothes were made of, how buildings were built, the food they ate – rustlers on the run definitely aren’t eating home cooking – I could taste the possum stew. So much appropriate detail surrounds you in each scene.
This is the kind of writing I expect in historical fiction. These authors have incredible reserves of information and knowledge about the area locations and peoples of The Nations series. I accidentally happened onto #4 in the series first, but after that, came back to read the rest. Together, these two authors project a voice in their books like no other I have read. If you like historical fiction, I highly recommend this series, not only for the fast moving action, incredibly real characters, but for the language and dialogue of a by-gone era that will have you repeating phrases long after you’ve finished the book.
The Nations, by Ken Farmer and Buck Stienke, is historical fiction at its finest. The fact that it’s FICTION says the authors may take poetic license and slip their story line into real history, real locales, among real people and their culture, and it doesn’t have to be true in the fullest sense of the word. If it were, it would be written for history books. This is fiction and these authors make full use of their poetic license. That’s exactly what I expected when I began to read, but I found so much more.
Not only did the story line keep my interest – I read the book in one evening – I was amazed at the dialogue, which kept me in fits of laughter. These authors didn’t have to describe their characters’ personalities, they built their characters by using dialogue. The language is as I would expect from the time period of the late 1800s, but it was so much more. The side-splitting retorts, metaphors and similes kept coming and I kept flipping pages on my Kindle. And details – what good are details if kept inside the writer’s head? Details make a story and these authors know which details to employ to enhance the settings and action and what to leave out. The historical details included in this story are amazing, not just from the locales and characters, but the guns they used, what clothes were made of, how buildings were built, the food they ate – rustlers on the run definitely aren’t eating home cooking – I could taste the possum stew. So much appropriate detail surrounds you in each scene.
This is the kind of writing I expect in historical fiction. These authors have incredible reserves of information and knowledge about the area locations and peoples of The Nations series. I accidentally happened onto #4 in the series first, but after that, came back to read the rest. Together, these two authors project a voice in their books like no other I have read. If you like historical fiction, I highly recommend this series, not only for the fast moving action, incredibly real characters, but for the language and dialogue of a by-gone era that will have you repeating phrases long after you’ve finished the book.
February 12, 2013
The Nations is the first western effort from the writing team of Ken Farmer and Buck Stienke, but should not be their last. The Nations is set in Indian Territory, now known as Oklahoma, during the late 1800s, arguably one of the most dangerous time periods in our country’s history. The story surrounds the lives of two well known historical figures, Judge Isaac C. Parker known as The Hanging Judge, and one of his US Marshalls, Bass Reeves, the first black Marshall west of the Mississippi.
The story takes the reader through a search for horse thieves, robbers, killers and the notorious Larson Gang, guilty of all. The reader is transported to a time and place where lawlessness was rampant, and a few good men spent every waking hour trying to ensure the safety of The Nations inhabitants and travelers. The reader will think of the characters as their own protectors as they grow to know more about them. The authors show not only the tough side but the compassionate side of Reeves along with the nasty despicable side of some of the outlaws.
The Farmer-Stienke team has ventured from their normal thriller with the release of this western, but it is obvious they truly enjoy what they do. Readers will not be disappointed with this first, but hopefully not last, western for the writing duo.
The story takes the reader through a search for horse thieves, robbers, killers and the notorious Larson Gang, guilty of all. The reader is transported to a time and place where lawlessness was rampant, and a few good men spent every waking hour trying to ensure the safety of The Nations inhabitants and travelers. The reader will think of the characters as their own protectors as they grow to know more about them. The authors show not only the tough side but the compassionate side of Reeves along with the nasty despicable side of some of the outlaws.
The Farmer-Stienke team has ventured from their normal thriller with the release of this western, but it is obvious they truly enjoy what they do. Readers will not be disappointed with this first, but hopefully not last, western for the writing duo.
August 8, 2016
RIDING WITH PRIDE
The life threatening jobs of the U. S. MARSHALS, weren't any different than their modern counterparts of the twenty first century. These marshals were constantly risking their lives trying to bring justice and capturing the back shooters, horse thieves, rapes, cattle hustlers and murderers to justice. The conditions they had to work under, such as inclement weather, sleeping on the ground; inadequate food and the scarcity of clean drinkable water. Their horses drank from the same water sources. They seldom spent quality times with their families some of the marshals didn't want families because of their working conditions. Great plot and expressive descriptions of the countrysides they rode through and the people who met these challenges. It's great to hear about the BLACK MARSHALS who helped to clean up the west...RIDING WITH THE MARSHALS..a great insight into their lives...I could see Beau Bridges and Samuel L. Jackson as riders of the plains...ENJOY ENJOY....
The life threatening jobs of the U. S. MARSHALS, weren't any different than their modern counterparts of the twenty first century. These marshals were constantly risking their lives trying to bring justice and capturing the back shooters, horse thieves, rapes, cattle hustlers and murderers to justice. The conditions they had to work under, such as inclement weather, sleeping on the ground; inadequate food and the scarcity of clean drinkable water. Their horses drank from the same water sources. They seldom spent quality times with their families some of the marshals didn't want families because of their working conditions. Great plot and expressive descriptions of the countrysides they rode through and the people who met these challenges. It's great to hear about the BLACK MARSHALS who helped to clean up the west...RIDING WITH THE MARSHALS..a great insight into their lives...I could see Beau Bridges and Samuel L. Jackson as riders of the plains...ENJOY ENJOY....
July 31, 2015
Ken Farmer and Buck Stienke have just been added to my group of favorite authors. For me, Elmer Kelton was my favorite western author, before I added Don Bendell and Steven Law to the list. I have to agree with another reviewer to noted that "the Nations" was hard to put down - I would say near impossible. I read this book in two days because I had to go to sleep or I wouldn't be competent for work the next day. The characters were colorful and very interesting. The dialogue rings true to life. And the pace of the action makes it hard to keep up. I intend to read these two guys' military fiction (I have already ordered two of their Black Eagle Force) series, but I forward to more western fiction. For me, historical fiction is generally more readable than PhD-written western history. Farmer and Stienke have written a true modern western epic - with a clear "good guy, a clear "bad guy", along with life-or-death conflict.
March 26, 2016
If I could I would give this book more then five stars. Since I live in Arkansas and close to Fort Smith the history of Marshal Bass Reeves and the Hanging Judge was something that drew me to the book and the story. This one pulled me in and wouldn't let me go until I finished. I love that it has everything the Marshals lives as Marshals but also as men who have families and lives outside of Marshaling. The authors did a great job of fleshing out the story and the characters so that you were ducking when the bullets flew and pulling for the Marshals when they were under fire. There is romance but it really adds to the story and is not what the whole book is about. It is about the wild west and the hard job the Marshals had of trying to keep the peace in a huge territory.
Judge Issac Parker was a force to be reckoned with also. His saying "and you will be dead,dead,dead" was a one of many in the book that I liked.
I would highly recommend this book.
Judge Issac Parker was a force to be reckoned with also. His saying "and you will be dead,dead,dead" was a one of many in the book that I liked.
I would highly recommend this book.
July 20, 2016
Down and dirty is a pretty apt description of the work of the deputy U. S. Marshalls in the late 1800's. Bass Reeves and his companions, along with serving a lot of arrest warrants, are on the lookout for members of the Larson gang. The Larsons, particularly the youngest, Ben, are a group of blood thirsty outlaws who shoot first, and don't even bother asking questions. The story unfolds in "The Nation", one of the names given to the territory in the mid-West where the American Indians were relocated from the American Southwest. Reeves and his team face overwhelming odds as they try to carry out the orders of Isaac C. Parker, known as the "hanging judge". As with all Farmer and Stienke books, there is a lot of ammunition expended, a lot of bodies, and very little down time.
April 16, 2018
A U.S. Marshals Western - Oklahoma Territory/The Nations
IF has penned a western about the U.S. Marshals that served in the Oklahoma Territory. The men served under Judge Parker who assigned and directed the Marshals. He was never selective when making those assignments. The outlaws were the worse because they came to the nation's to avoid the law enforcement. The dedication the US Marshals had was answered by many who attended the funerals when they passed. This is an variation, of a true story worked around fiction, and is an excellent read for the genre.....ER
IF has penned a western about the U.S. Marshals that served in the Oklahoma Territory. The men served under Judge Parker who assigned and directed the Marshals. He was never selective when making those assignments. The outlaws were the worse because they came to the nation's to avoid the law enforcement. The dedication the US Marshals had was answered by many who attended the funerals when they passed. This is an variation, of a true story worked around fiction, and is an excellent read for the genre.....ER
July 18, 2016
Eh. The story itself wasn't so bad, but Ken Farmer's reading of the book made me want to slam my head against the steering wheel of my car. He typically paused after about every third word, often with a rising inflection as if he was asking a question, and it almost sent me over the edge. As I said, the story itself wasn't so bad, but I'd recommend reading it yourself. It did make me want to know more about Bass Reeves.
January 7, 2017
Don't read to write reviews ,simply for relaxation and enjoyment.
I feel reviews should be written by recognized critics, not be mandatory. The selection of a star rating should be sufficient evaluation by most readers.
I feel reviews should be written by recognized critics, not be mandatory. The selection of a star rating should be sufficient evaluation by most readers.
March 20, 2015
This novel does not compare to the other novels.
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