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Cossack Three Ponies
Protecting a delegation of Russian aristocrats on a goodwill mission, Viktor predicts trouble when his charges murder a Native American, an event that sparks an ambush and places Viktor in a dangerous adventure to save his life. Original.
278 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1997
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 13, 2021
James Reasoner – Cossack Three Ponies – Reviewed 4/12/21 – Read 3/28-30/21
When does arrogance overrule common decency? When a privileged aristocrat thinks he owns the world!
A Russian delegation visits the wilds of the Montana Territory. The group included Count Frederick Orlov, his betrothed Alena, her aunt as a chaperon for Alena, his brother, Sasha, an assembly of friends with some of their wives, along with a regiment of Cossacks for protection to the party. The Cossacks were led by Viktor, an almighty and proven warrior, but a man that was willing to learn from those around him. This detail was not one that he enjoyed other than being near to protect Alena, the daughter of a very dear departed friend, from any and all threats to her. The only other enjoyment for Viktor was the chance to see a new land as he had never visited this continent.
Count Orlov, being a privileged person in his own country felt that he could do anything that he wanted, with no regard to what anyone else said. He treated everyone that he made contact with as beneath him and led with threats. His main goal during this visit was to hunt animals for sport only and seeing wild Indians.
When the group was hunting one day, they spotted some Indians watching them. Being the arrogant person that he was, he told his friends to watch this. Taking his gun, he proceeded to shoot one of the Indians just standing by his horse. Needless to say, this action would lead to the tribe's retribution for the loss. Of course, this would be a massacre of all the white eyes. Who will survive and what will happen if anyone does?
And the story begins…
What did I like? I have read quite a few of James’s books and I enjoy his style of writing. He is very meticulous in the details, making sure that his descriptions will bring his story to life. His research has always been excellent, and this book is no exception. I also like the way that he curves facts into fiction, making his characters stand out in the past so that I feel like I know them. Naturally, I fall in love with every one of them. As in the case of Viktor, a very fierce Cossack, an intelligent man that takes his past knowledge and uses that in his dealing with the Indians. This will show you how he weaves these amazing stories he creates.
What will you like? Don’t we all love to hate an ornery character in a storyline? Well, let me tell you “Count Frederick Orlov” is just that character that you want to do away with yourself. I wanted to lynch the man, and then…well, let us not go there. The action is incredible, it’s emotional and totally amazing. I could go on with more adjectives to tell you how exciting this book is, but I really think that you have the picture. You will just have to read it to see how justice is dealt out, and it is one that you would not expect. Excellent read, this will go well in any Western Library!
• File Size: 626 KB
• Print Length: 278 pages
• Publication Date: 5/20/2011
• Publisher: The Book Place
• ASIN: B0051XS3S2
• Genre: Westerns, Historical Fiction
When does arrogance overrule common decency? When a privileged aristocrat thinks he owns the world!
A Russian delegation visits the wilds of the Montana Territory. The group included Count Frederick Orlov, his betrothed Alena, her aunt as a chaperon for Alena, his brother, Sasha, an assembly of friends with some of their wives, along with a regiment of Cossacks for protection to the party. The Cossacks were led by Viktor, an almighty and proven warrior, but a man that was willing to learn from those around him. This detail was not one that he enjoyed other than being near to protect Alena, the daughter of a very dear departed friend, from any and all threats to her. The only other enjoyment for Viktor was the chance to see a new land as he had never visited this continent.
Count Orlov, being a privileged person in his own country felt that he could do anything that he wanted, with no regard to what anyone else said. He treated everyone that he made contact with as beneath him and led with threats. His main goal during this visit was to hunt animals for sport only and seeing wild Indians.
When the group was hunting one day, they spotted some Indians watching them. Being the arrogant person that he was, he told his friends to watch this. Taking his gun, he proceeded to shoot one of the Indians just standing by his horse. Needless to say, this action would lead to the tribe's retribution for the loss. Of course, this would be a massacre of all the white eyes. Who will survive and what will happen if anyone does?
And the story begins…
What did I like? I have read quite a few of James’s books and I enjoy his style of writing. He is very meticulous in the details, making sure that his descriptions will bring his story to life. His research has always been excellent, and this book is no exception. I also like the way that he curves facts into fiction, making his characters stand out in the past so that I feel like I know them. Naturally, I fall in love with every one of them. As in the case of Viktor, a very fierce Cossack, an intelligent man that takes his past knowledge and uses that in his dealing with the Indians. This will show you how he weaves these amazing stories he creates.
What will you like? Don’t we all love to hate an ornery character in a storyline? Well, let me tell you “Count Frederick Orlov” is just that character that you want to do away with yourself. I wanted to lynch the man, and then…well, let us not go there. The action is incredible, it’s emotional and totally amazing. I could go on with more adjectives to tell you how exciting this book is, but I really think that you have the picture. You will just have to read it to see how justice is dealt out, and it is one that you would not expect. Excellent read, this will go well in any Western Library!
• File Size: 626 KB
• Print Length: 278 pages
• Publication Date: 5/20/2011
• Publisher: The Book Place
• ASIN: B0051XS3S2
• Genre: Westerns, Historical Fiction
February 21, 2017
Excellent novel of American History taking place in the Montana territory. Includes Russian nobles, Cossacks, the army and the Blackfeet Indians
March 25, 2011
Portions of this novel are loosely based on real historical incidents. The Blackfoot chief Stu-mick-o--sucks(Buffalo's Back Fat) and his wife Eeh-nis-kin(Crystal Stone) and their grandson, who was kidnapped and rescued from the Crow people several times were real.
Viktor Dorochenko led the Cossack band assigned to protect the Russian diplomats and their families on their trip to America. They were now on a hunting expedition in Montana territory shooting buffalo, antelope, whatever for the skins, leaving most of the meat to rot. The leader, Count Frederick Orlov was an officious man, assured in his nobility, used to getting his way, even with the army escort accompanying them.
When he gets upset about having to return to the fort, he spots two Indians, boys really, watching from a hill, he grabs a rifle and kills one of them before anyone could stop them. The two mountain men know what that means and starts hustling them to leave. It's not fast enough.
Blackfoot warriors shortly rise up from all sides and the battle rages, slaughtering the army escort, the Cossack band, most of the nobles. Viktor wakes in a village and learns that the beautiful young princess Alena has survived as well.
The chief, Buffalo's Back Fat, offers him a deal. His six year old grandson is again a prisoner of the Crow. He must get him safely back and he and his woman will be spared.
The big Cossack sets out with a brave who hates him, and wants Alena for himself, at his side to rescue the boy and save his life.
And become a legend among the Blackfoot, dubbed Three Ponies because of his size.
J.L.Reasoner is James and Livia Reasoner.
Viktor Dorochenko led the Cossack band assigned to protect the Russian diplomats and their families on their trip to America. They were now on a hunting expedition in Montana territory shooting buffalo, antelope, whatever for the skins, leaving most of the meat to rot. The leader, Count Frederick Orlov was an officious man, assured in his nobility, used to getting his way, even with the army escort accompanying them.
When he gets upset about having to return to the fort, he spots two Indians, boys really, watching from a hill, he grabs a rifle and kills one of them before anyone could stop them. The two mountain men know what that means and starts hustling them to leave. It's not fast enough.
Blackfoot warriors shortly rise up from all sides and the battle rages, slaughtering the army escort, the Cossack band, most of the nobles. Viktor wakes in a village and learns that the beautiful young princess Alena has survived as well.
The chief, Buffalo's Back Fat, offers him a deal. His six year old grandson is again a prisoner of the Crow. He must get him safely back and he and his woman will be spared.
The big Cossack sets out with a brave who hates him, and wants Alena for himself, at his side to rescue the boy and save his life.
And become a legend among the Blackfoot, dubbed Three Ponies because of his size.
J.L.Reasoner is James and Livia Reasoner.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews