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Outpost in the Desert: A Classic Western Novel
LAWLESS LANDS, FRONTIER STRIFE, AND AN EPIC BATTLE OF HEART OVER LEGACY.
John Mason never imagined his path to a comfortable life in Washington, D.C., would detour through the unforgiving terrain of Fort Verde, deep in Apache territory. A young second lieutenant, he hoped to serve his time quietly, but the violent tension brewing between the Army and the Apache nation has upended that possibility. Old Kohana and his braves seek peace, while ruthless warrior Talako vows to expel the white man from his people’s sacred lands.
As John navigates the treacherous landscape, he finds himself caught in a deadly fued spun by a cunning land speculator determined to claim the Apache lands for himself. With Fort Verde’s drunken commander firmly under control, the fate of both the Apaches and John’s future hangs in the balance. If he intervenes to prevent the impending massacre, he risks court-martial and imprisonment. But if he remains silent, he will lose Sakari Blue Stream—the only woman he has ever loved.
Raised by an Apache chief after being saved as a child, Sakari is torn between her love for John and her loyalty to her people. John’s heart is also divided, haunted by the shadow of his father’s heroic legacy and the difficult choice between duty and disgrace.
In the battle that looms, blood will be shed, and lives will be lost. The choices John makes will determine not only his future but the fate of the land itself. And in a place where loyalty is tested and love stands on a knife’s edge, he must decide who he truly is before it’s too late.
Saddle up and join the fight in this action-packed classic Western, full of grit, loyalty, and cowboy heart.
John Mason never imagined his path to a comfortable life in Washington, D.C., would detour through the unforgiving terrain of Fort Verde, deep in Apache territory. A young second lieutenant, he hoped to serve his time quietly, but the violent tension brewing between the Army and the Apache nation has upended that possibility. Old Kohana and his braves seek peace, while ruthless warrior Talako vows to expel the white man from his people’s sacred lands.
As John navigates the treacherous landscape, he finds himself caught in a deadly fued spun by a cunning land speculator determined to claim the Apache lands for himself. With Fort Verde’s drunken commander firmly under control, the fate of both the Apaches and John’s future hangs in the balance. If he intervenes to prevent the impending massacre, he risks court-martial and imprisonment. But if he remains silent, he will lose Sakari Blue Stream—the only woman he has ever loved.
Raised by an Apache chief after being saved as a child, Sakari is torn between her love for John and her loyalty to her people. John’s heart is also divided, haunted by the shadow of his father’s heroic legacy and the difficult choice between duty and disgrace.
In the battle that looms, blood will be shed, and lives will be lost. The choices John makes will determine not only his future but the fate of the land itself. And in a place where loyalty is tested and love stands on a knife’s edge, he must decide who he truly is before it’s too late.
Saddle up and join the fight in this action-packed classic Western, full of grit, loyalty, and cowboy heart.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 12, 2024
711 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
Robert Vaughan
449 books135 followers Robert Vaughan is an American writer. He has also written a series of contemporary and historical romance novels under several pseudonyms including "Paula Moore" and "Paula Fairman". His father served in the military and Robert followed him in the 1950s, entering army aviation. He served until the Vietnam War and won numerous medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, the Air Medal with several oak-leaf clusters, the Meritorious Service Medal, and several other medals.
His early books reflected his military background: the first novel was about the US Army along the DMZ in Korea, followed by a trilogy set in Vietnam. There are more than 9 million of his books in print under various names. He was inducted into the Writers’ Hall of Fame in 1998.
His early books reflected his military background: the first novel was about the US Army along the DMZ in Korea, followed by a trilogy set in Vietnam. There are more than 9 million of his books in print under various names. He was inducted into the Writers’ Hall of Fame in 1998.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 13, 2024
The Master has delivered yet another masterpiece. It's so captivating that I couldn't put it down!
Outpost in the Desert by Robert Vaughan is a classic Western novel that transports readers to the unforgiving terrain of Fort Verde, deep in Apache territory. The story follows John Mason, a young second lieutenant who hoped for a quiet service but finds himself amidst violent tensions between the Army and the Apache nation. Old Kohana and his braves seek peace, while the ruthless warrior Talako vows to expel the white man from their sacred lands. As John navigates this treacherous landscape, he becomes entangled in a deadly feud spun by a cunning land speculator determined to claim the Apache lands for himself.
With Fort Verde's drunken commander under the speculator's control, the fate of both the Apaches and John's future hangs in the balance. John faces a moral dilemma: intervene to prevent an impending massacre and risk court-martial and imprisonment, or remain silent and lose Sakari Blue Stream, the only woman he has ever loved. Raised by an Apache chief after being saved as a child, Sakari is torn between her love for John and her loyalty to her people. In a place where loyalty is tested and love stands on a knife's edge, John must decide who he truly is before it's too late. This action-packed Western is full of grit, loyalty, and cowboy heart, making it a compelling read for fans of the genre. Pick up your copy today for this exciting read!
• ASIN: B0DHDF6V8S
• Publisher: Wolfpack Publishing
• Publication Date: 11/12/2024
• File Size: 3041 KB
• Print Length: 235 pages
• Genre: Louis L'Amour Westerns Frontier & Pioneer Western Fiction, Western Fiction Classics
Outpost in the Desert by Robert Vaughan is a classic Western novel that transports readers to the unforgiving terrain of Fort Verde, deep in Apache territory. The story follows John Mason, a young second lieutenant who hoped for a quiet service but finds himself amidst violent tensions between the Army and the Apache nation. Old Kohana and his braves seek peace, while the ruthless warrior Talako vows to expel the white man from their sacred lands. As John navigates this treacherous landscape, he becomes entangled in a deadly feud spun by a cunning land speculator determined to claim the Apache lands for himself.
With Fort Verde's drunken commander under the speculator's control, the fate of both the Apaches and John's future hangs in the balance. John faces a moral dilemma: intervene to prevent an impending massacre and risk court-martial and imprisonment, or remain silent and lose Sakari Blue Stream, the only woman he has ever loved. Raised by an Apache chief after being saved as a child, Sakari is torn between her love for John and her loyalty to her people. In a place where loyalty is tested and love stands on a knife's edge, John must decide who he truly is before it's too late. This action-packed Western is full of grit, loyalty, and cowboy heart, making it a compelling read for fans of the genre. Pick up your copy today for this exciting read!
• ASIN: B0DHDF6V8S
• Publisher: Wolfpack Publishing
• Publication Date: 11/12/2024
• File Size: 3041 KB
• Print Length: 235 pages
• Genre: Louis L'Amour Westerns Frontier & Pioneer Western Fiction, Western Fiction Classics
November 7, 2024
This is a story of a young lieutenant fresh out of West Point. He gets assigned in the west to Fort Verde. There are local peaceful Apaches living in the area but also a few renegades attacking ranches and the stages. It doesn't take lieutenant Mason long to find out the commander of the fort is an alcoholic and hates the indians. There is trouble brewing that will take time for him to understand. There are several skirmishes with the Army and the renegades which help to make for interesting reading. I really did enjoy reading this story as I know where the places in it are and although the story is fictional the places do exist.
November 19, 2024
Outpost in the Desert by Robert Vaughan
Mr. Vaughan has once again written a great Western Novel! The story is set in the desert of our country and includes all the aspects of a quality Western. The main character has just graduated from West Point, a son of a fallen Union officer looking to live up to his family name despite of having other interests. He adapts well and proves to be a solid officer his troops admire. Along the way there is great western action, romance, intrigue, and an inner storyline that surprise’s and satisfies the reader!
Mr. Vaughan has once again written a great Western Novel! The story is set in the desert of our country and includes all the aspects of a quality Western. The main character has just graduated from West Point, a son of a fallen Union officer looking to live up to his family name despite of having other interests. He adapts well and proves to be a solid officer his troops admire. Along the way there is great western action, romance, intrigue, and an inner storyline that surprise’s and satisfies the reader!
December 19, 2024
My first read from this author. I liked the story. It was not complicated with a lot of “twists” so popular among authors trying to make it in the thrill genre. Reminds me of the writings of C. J. Petit, whose near 100 books I have read, and I classify as comfortable reading. As for Petit, I liked the learnings from reading this Vaughn book. I got a better, more realistic perspective on the interactions and complicated motivations between the Native Americans and the soldiers who tried to take over their land.
December 17, 2024
Good read
An Army lieutenant, fresh from West Point, arrives to begin serving at a fort in Arizona Territory. He meets a young white woman, raised as an Apache. John Mason is engaged to a General's daughter. Elizabeth arrives at the post, promptly changes her mind and leaves the next morning. John and Sachari help solve a mystery and stop a war between the whites and the Apache. There is an interesting twist near the end. Highly recommended.
An Army lieutenant, fresh from West Point, arrives to begin serving at a fort in Arizona Territory. He meets a young white woman, raised as an Apache. John Mason is engaged to a General's daughter. Elizabeth arrives at the post, promptly changes her mind and leaves the next morning. John and Sachari help solve a mystery and stop a war between the whites and the Apache. There is an interesting twist near the end. Highly recommended.
January 21, 2025
Very enjoyable book
I enjoyed this book, at first it seemed a bit familiar, I thought maybe a old western but as I read further it changed. It's a fairly quick read with a little over300 pages but once you start it you won't want to put it down. I fairly new to this author but what books I've read by him I've enjoyed and look forward to reading more of his novels!
I enjoyed this book, at first it seemed a bit familiar, I thought maybe a old western but as I read further it changed. It's a fairly quick read with a little over300 pages but once you start it you won't want to put it down. I fairly new to this author but what books I've read by him I've enjoyed and look forward to reading more of his novels!
December 15, 2024
Railroads, Indians and greed.....!
The battle for peace between the Indians and whites becomes a challenge when greed rates it's ugly head. The story kept up the tension and my interest throughout.
The battle for peace between the Indians and whites becomes a challenge when greed rates it's ugly head. The story kept up the tension and my interest throughout.
March 31, 2025
Outpost in the Desert
A great read and haanve enjoyed other Robert Vaughn reads. I am not looking for a sequel , because it didn't seem to take me to one!! Great story!!
Dave Cochran
A great read and haanve enjoyed other Robert Vaughn reads. I am not looking for a sequel , because it didn't seem to take me to one!! Great story!!
Dave Cochran
January 8, 2026
I really enjoyed this little historical gem! What interested me the most was that the setting is in an area of Arizona I am familiar with...the Prescott- Camp Verde-Sedona area.
A great read that inspired me to look into other historical fiction books set in the same locale.
A great read that inspired me to look into other historical fiction books set in the same locale.
December 15, 2024
Justice on the west side
Frankly this. Is not
A friendly place danger. And excitement. Not anytime for romance. Love will find a eay. Betrayal and. Deciete justice prevails
Frankly this. Is not
A friendly place danger. And excitement. Not anytime for romance. Love will find a eay. Betrayal and. Deciete justice prevails
January 22, 2025
Good read
This novel was great 👍 I enjoyed the story, Iand it kept me second guessing the ending.
I will be a fan.
Looking forward to my next book.
This novel was great 👍 I enjoyed the story, Iand it kept me second guessing the ending.
I will be a fan.
Looking forward to my next book.
May 30, 2025
One of his best.
Another great story with all the elements that make it interesting, action, mystery, romance, with a surprising twist to the story to top it off.
Another great story with all the elements that make it interesting, action, mystery, romance, with a surprising twist to the story to top it off.
December 26, 2025
Great book!
I liked the book from the very first page. The author creates the atmosphere of surprise and great interest of what might happen next.
I liked the book from the very first page. The author creates the atmosphere of surprise and great interest of what might happen next.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews