Buffalos

by Creed Bratton, Nathan Edmondson

Unravel the tale of Alexander Johnson, a former slave turned Buffalo Soldier, navigating loyalty and identity amidst the U.S. Army's crusade against Native tribes. In his journey, witness a fresh angle on America's untold history, shaped by silence, empathy, and conflict.

Buffalos thrusts readers into the tumultuous years following the Civil War, a time rife with uncertainty and change. Alexander Johnson trades the shackles of his past for the uniform of a soldier. Dispatched to Nebraska as part of the Army's merciless campaign against the Cheyenne tribe, Johnson's world is turned on its head when he finds more respect from the enemy he has been sent to annihilate than from his own command.

As the U.S. military advances, Johnson is caught in the crossfire. With the looming threat of brutal plains battles, he grapples with allegiance and loyalty. Is he a friend or foe to the Cheyenne? Is he a soldier of the U.S. Army or is he a tool of a dispassionate campaign?

Buffalos is not just an action-packed Western. It's a narrative about identity, survival, and empathy amidst a brutal conflict.

A work of thrilling historical fiction, Buffalos is a "what-if" story set in the bloody plains west.

380 pages, Hardcover

Published June 3, 2025

Reviews

[Shaun Stanley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Buffalos is a historical fiction novel written by Creed Bratton and Nathan Edmondson. It was released in 2025.

After the fighting for the Union during the American Civil War, former slave turned soldier Alexander Johnson feels lost and homeless in this new world. He quickly finds himself back in the U.S. Army to battle the last remnants of Native tribes in the west. After being captured by the Cheyenne, Johnson will question his place in a country that sees him as nothing more than an expendable weapons compared to accused enemy who respect his bravery and warrior spirit.

I won the signed edition of Buffalos from an IG giveaway a couple months back. I’m a huge fan of The Office so I was very intrigued that actor Creed Bratton had wrote a novel set during a period of extreme turmoil in American history. It tackles some incredibly complicated topics and the main character has a very thought provoking character arc. As a white reader and the novel being written by two white writers, I would be very interested to hear native and black creators and/or historians’ thoughts on this story. I thought the book often lost its way in overwriting a lot of the setting and scenery, but I became very invested in the characters when Johnson was learning his place in his new way of life.

[What the Sam Hill are you reading? · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5. It was an entertaining trip into the west. The time period was very interesting, and you feel a sense of “homelessness” throughout the story. They did a great job at establishing the atmosphere and setting, but it did not feel very distinct from other stories of this nature. I wanted more from the characters, but I felt like they were all pretty monotoned, Johnson and his acculturation being a slight exception.

[Mckinley Bloom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book because I am a huge fan of Creed Bratton from The Office. He's a weird mix of hilarious and mysterious and I was curious to see him tackle a book this serious. This book plunged me into the turbulence of the post Civil War almost immediately. Set against the vast unforgiving landscape of the Western frontier, the story follows a former slave (Alexander Johnson), as he navigates racism, identity, and the brutal realities of the Indian Wars. Johnson's character is quite compelling as well, evolving from a battle hardened veteran to someone grappling with deeper questions of belonging. I also liked the story of the Cheyenne side, which added some nuance by portraying them as people defending their way of life. The vivid imagery throughout the book really made me feel like I was right there in the middle of things. I would recommend it to anyone who's into Westerns with a twist or interested in black and indigenous history. Prior to reading this book, I had no idea there was an all black regiment called the Buffalo Soldiers, so I thought it was really interesting to learn more about that. Definitely recommend!

[Nicole Behunin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this historical fiction/western novel was a thrilling and, at times, heart-wrenching journey. It’s the kind of book that pulls you in from the first page and leaves a lasting impression long after you’ve finished. It follows Alexander Johnson, a former slave forced into military service, as he confronts the harrowing realities of war and wrestles with the question of where his true loyalties lie.

I especially enjoyed the depth of the characters and the relationships they formed throughout the story. The author’s use of vivid, descriptive imagery brought the setting to life and I could easily picture it all in my mind.

Overall, this must-read novel was a powerful and immersive story that blended rich historical context with compelling characters and emotional depth. Highly recommend!

[Russel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book surprised me. It’s not just action — it really makes you think about right and wrong.

[Collin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A solid historical read with heart. The main character’s journey really stayed with me.

[Glacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not your typical Western. It felt personal, thoughtful, and full of inner conflict.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed how the story balanced action with deeper themes of survival and belonging.

[Vincett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked how it explored identity and loyalty during such a tough time in history.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buffalos by creed was perfectly written book.

[Lacy Falk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn't know Creed could write like this! My only consideration is that it could have been twice the length of book; once you're into the action, you want more. But it gives everything in an intense story and I absolutely loved the very end.