Breaking Trail

Tom Patterson #3

by Jerry S. Drake

Abandoned in childhood in pre-Civil War Texas, Tom Patterson grows up tough, wily and, surprisingly good-natured. These traits serve him well as a conscript cavalryman in the Confederate Army. His courage in combat and his resourcefulness in dangerous situations earn the attention, admiration, and friendship of his sergeant, Ben Haley. Slightly older and more levelheaded, Ben is a big brother mentor to the impetuous Tom during the war, and afterwards, they continue as friends and partners. Seeking new lives in the West, the two young men sign on with the Union Pacific. Serving as mounted guards, their duty is to protect construction workers on the transcontinental railroad from marauding Indians. With the battles of the war behind them, new and exciting adventures await as Tom and Ben face the many perils and the violence of the expanding frontier.

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2011

Reviews

[Earl Vanderhoof · Rating 5 out of 5]

Running into trouble

A very good western with lots of fast moving action. The plot was very believable and had good information about how the people lived and worked before all our comforts.

[Jim Hirbe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book

This book was a great straightforward western. For that I really enjoyed the book. It left me wanting more of What happens to Tom Patterson. Perhaps there is a sequel...

[Kyle · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m a big fan of historical fiction but I haven’t ever ventured into the western genre before. Being a big fan of AMC’s new show Hell on Wheels, I picked up this book since part of the plot closely parallels that of the show (a Confederate soldier seeks a new life in the West by signing up with the railroad, protecting construction workers from the natives). However, I should have paid closer attention to how the author’s previous work was described on the back cover: “straightforward… thematically gentle… for those who aren’t looking for ambiguity.” Both plot and characterization lack any kind of complexity, leaving a lot to be desired.

[Barry · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very slow reading Historical/Western about post Civil War America.