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Buffalos
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.
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
16 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
October 7, 2025
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!
June 23, 2025
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!
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!
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews