Without The Star: Classic Old West Adventure

by Donald L. Robertson

When he runs into a vicious band of thieves, can a Western hero bent on retiring ride away from a brutal confrontation?

Jack Sage is ready to hang up his guns. So after rescuing a family from a flooded house, the guarded lawman is delighted to discover a steal of a price for a string of horses and 400 head of cattle to start his ranch. But to get his herd from Texas to Kansas, he faces a seven-hundred-mile journey fraught with swollen rivers, difficult crossings, and a cutthroat gang of rustlers.

Meeting a sheriff who asks for his help bringing in the wanted outlaws, the aspiring rancher refuses to be distracted from his plan. But when those ruthless criminals attack them leaving a trail of carnage in their wake, Jack vows to do whatever it takes to deliver justice…

Following a path littered with blood and bodies, will he turn up dead or alive?

Without The Star is the action-packed second book in the Jack Sage Western series. If you like well-developed characters, gritty gunfights, and authentic settings, then you’ll love Donald L. Robertson’s ace in the hole.

Buy Without The Star to aim true today!

Genres: Westerns, Fiction

269 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2023

About the author

I am a retired Southwest Airlines pilot. My wife Paula and I, live with our Chihuahua, Gabe, in Mesa, Arizona in a 55+ Golf Resort even though we don't play golf. It affords my wife a very active lifestyle while I spend my time writing. As a child, I enjoyed going to the Saturday matinee and spending the day watching westerns and daydreaming about the old west. I shared a passion with one of my aunts and read every western I could get my hands on. John Wayne was my favorite actor and Louis L'Amour my favorite writer. I miss those days where the good guys win, they treat the ladies right, have honor and are trustworthy. So, in about 2014, I started writing my own westerns and became quite shocked that people enjoyed them. I am so thankful to those of you who read my books, take the time to write reviews and email me. John Wayne said it best when he said "without you, I wouldn't be here". Please accept my deepest appreciation.

Reviews

[Joy Maples · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story

I hated for this book to end ...it is an exciting story and is good clean vocabulary ... I don't read to hear vulgarity or curse words ... A great story doesn't need this to make it a better book ..I will be looking for more books by this author .

[Art · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Jack Sage saga. Having forsaken his role of town marshal and moved on to seek his fortune and the dream of a ranch of his own, Jack finds himself in a number of adventures including a cattle drive and the wrath of mother nature among others. This is an action filled tale of the old west with a plot and subplots that keep the pages turning. Don Robertson is my favorite living western writer and I always look forward to a new book. This book like his other offerings, didn't disappoint. 

[Carolyn Hone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I am ready for book three—where is it? This is a great series and after reading the first two books one right after another I am sad book three is not quite ready. I love the character Jack Sage. 6’ 4” confident tough guy with a quick draw for justice and a a lot of savvy. I love his interaction with other people, especially with the young boy called Buster. He is always helping families in need. Great horses in the story as well. Cool ending with the number 17. Robertson really brings to life some very entertaining and interesting characters. Couldn’t put it down.

[j truswell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good western.

This was another good western in the Jack Sage series not quite as good as the first book but still it's a good read . I found the story was a bit all over the place and the ending was a bit abrupt and disappointing but apart from that I still enjoyed the book. It is very well written full of believable characters and the description of the Texas landscape and it's western towns was very well done. And it is full of gunfights and action with good guys and bad guys.This series is a must read for any fans of classic westerns.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Donald L. Robertson only has one problem with his writing. He doesn't write fast enough for me! I love his work. His Jack Sage character should be immortalized. I thoroughly enjoyed both books. I can't wait until the third. I must say I wish it could if continued with Bronco, Monty and Buster. There was such a chemistry there! Please don't leave them behind!!!!!

[Connie Skief · Rating 5 out of 5]

Providence is on his side

Too much happens for it to be luck. Some good some bad. Not sure I like the end, but the next book will tell. Very exciting book, almost never stops. Main character is a good man, who tries to do right, and gets taken a few times. Love the kids character.Highly recommended for all readers.

[virgil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining Western

A great western novel starts with a good story, a likable, competent main character and quality writing. Add well developed characters, an interesting time and place, and plenty of action. This novel (as do most of Mr. Robertson's novels) provides all that and then some.

[Michael T. Spilker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Without the star

Turned out to be a pretty good read. Plenty of action and true meaning. I would surly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good Western. This was book #2, so I'm anxious to read the next book in the series. I'm sure it will be just as good if not better.

Continue Reading, a!ways better than any movie!!

[Paul C. Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great western

Donald Robertson is one of my favorite writers. Without The Star confirms this. I liked it a lot. He does such a great job with the plot and character development.

[Jack Burkhalter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Old Fashioned Western Story

The author’s Jack Slade character is atypical of those western heroes who tamed the west after the Civil War, and even when they are wronged go on to help others who cannot help themselves.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

Another great book by this author to add to this series. Great story line, awesome characters and lots of action. Would highly recommend this series and all other books written by this author.

[John McAbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gun Smoke with additional features.

Reader is entertained with excellent writing and realistic story. Jack Sage walks softly and carries a big stick. Excellent read that will be hard to put down.

[John Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really great series

Although it has only been two books so far I hope that there will be more to follow. Great storylines and lots of old west action and intrigue. I'm definitely a fan.

[John G Baylis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting action packed Western

This is the 2nd book of the series and I plan to continue to follow the character Jack Sage.. I recommend this book to anyone interested in the Western genres.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book...Now I am waiting on Book No. 4. I love Jack Sage...he is ruthless but fair and I am hoping for a lady to enter his life and he can settle down for awhile. Great series, as usual.

[Barbara Daniels Dena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reminders of the old West

Without the Star, book two in the Jack Sage series is just as exciting and well thought out as the first book. What a twist to the ending. Happy reading to those who love a good tale of the old West.

[Joseph Halsted · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gun series of westerns

Jack has it all - conscience, ability, and leadership. Still finds himself in very credible and challenging situations. Good stories and with often unseen twists.

[robert mcintosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great

Brilliant.once again .Great story .great descriptive writing .felt as if I was in the characters skins.and living the action as it unfolded .can't wait to read the next book in the series.thanks

[Bill Pupkis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little history along with a good storyline

This was an interesting storyline that included some cattle drive history. It had adventure, violence, passion, and humility. I look forward to the next book.

[Lesley M Jeffords · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack is the star

Jack's character is deep but revealing. He has a long history and real life experience. Fast moving and gripping. I would recommend this book to my friends.

[CARL D. BIZIAK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once a Lawman , always a Lawman

So far these are 2 of the best written stories I have read in quite a while. Looking fwd to the next one.

[Dianne P. Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well crafted

Second of this series.⁹ Resonates well. Not trite, not cookie cutter, just a really good read. I'm looking forward to the next installment.

[Ron England 2nd Kindle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great series

Thank you for another Goodread I have enjoyed all of your books . Please keep them coming can't wait for the next.

[James Pavao · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good adventure

This second book was just as good as the first. Lots of action and suspense. Never boring. Looking forward to the next!

[Mike Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

The story is a great example of how to make a western come alive for the next book. Great read🤗

[Margean S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent series!!!

[W.D. Cochran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without the Star

Just finished Book Two, which I enjoyed much! I like Mr Robinsons writing and am looking for another when I finish this note,!!
Dave Cochran

[Donald P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good and fun reading

Surprised, our hero rode off to carry on getting the bad guys and not settling down with the beautiful girl. Good!

[Rodney Blasingame · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good read. Lots of action and I really like Jack Sage’s character. Interesting twist and turns that keep your interest throughout the story.

[steven kudera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dandy 2 book series

This author writes very good historically correct books. One of my favorite authors!

I highly recommend any of his books.