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Vengeance: The Last Stands of Custer, Crazy Horse, and Sitting Bull
Not yet published
Expected 12 May 26A dramatic new look at Custer's last stand in time for the 150th anniversary of the Battle of the Little Big Horn, by the #1
New York Times
bestselling coauthor of
The Heart of Everything That Is
.
On June 25–26, 1876, the Battle of the Little Bighorn, commonly referred to as Custer's Last Stand, was fought between combined forces of the Lakota Sioux, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes and the 7th Cavalry Regiment of the United States Army. Along the Little Bighorn River in Montana Territory, the battle resulted in the devastating defeat of U.S. forces and was the most significant action of the Great Sioux War of 1876.
Now, for the 150th anniversary of this famous engagement, #1 New York Times bestseller and coauthor of the biography of Sioux warrior Red Cloud, The Heart of Everything That Is, Tom Clavin takes a fresh look at Custer's Last Stand.
This dramatic look at the Little Bighorn battle has to not only include the Native American point of view―with two dynamic Native figures, Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse, on prominent display―but also the impact it had on the Plains Indians. It turned out to be their last stand too because a vengeful nation quashed any remaining resistance, with a conclusive massacre at Wounded Knee in 1890, almost simultaneous with the murder of Sitting Bull.
In addition, Custer’s character by June 1876 is at the heart of this world-famous disaster. For all his celebrated bravery, especially at Gettysburg 13 years earlier, Custer became a devout media hound, desperate to gain fame. Even, some say, his own demise was a misguided attempt at grabbing national He envisioned a massacre—just not his own. As both the camera and the tabloid came of age, George Armstrong Custer became America’s first bona fide celebrity.
Vengeance is a thrilling listen, filled with action, legendary characters, and poignance for the impact this had on Native Americans and the shape of the American West.
On June 25–26, 1876, the Battle of the Little Bighorn, commonly referred to as Custer's Last Stand, was fought between combined forces of the Lakota Sioux, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes and the 7th Cavalry Regiment of the United States Army. Along the Little Bighorn River in Montana Territory, the battle resulted in the devastating defeat of U.S. forces and was the most significant action of the Great Sioux War of 1876.
Now, for the 150th anniversary of this famous engagement, #1 New York Times bestseller and coauthor of the biography of Sioux warrior Red Cloud, The Heart of Everything That Is, Tom Clavin takes a fresh look at Custer's Last Stand.
This dramatic look at the Little Bighorn battle has to not only include the Native American point of view―with two dynamic Native figures, Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse, on prominent display―but also the impact it had on the Plains Indians. It turned out to be their last stand too because a vengeful nation quashed any remaining resistance, with a conclusive massacre at Wounded Knee in 1890, almost simultaneous with the murder of Sitting Bull.
In addition, Custer’s character by June 1876 is at the heart of this world-famous disaster. For all his celebrated bravery, especially at Gettysburg 13 years earlier, Custer became a devout media hound, desperate to gain fame. Even, some say, his own demise was a misguided attempt at grabbing national He envisioned a massacre—just not his own. As both the camera and the tabloid came of age, George Armstrong Custer became America’s first bona fide celebrity.
Vengeance is a thrilling listen, filled with action, legendary characters, and poignance for the impact this had on Native Americans and the shape of the American West.
352 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication May 12, 2026
1 person is currently reading
4215 people want to read
About the author
Tom Clavin
45 books524 followersTom Clavin is the author/coauthor of eleven books. His most recent is That Old Black Magic: Louis Prima, Keely Smith, and the Golden Age of Las Vegas.
His articles have appeared in Cosmopolitan, Family Circle, Men's Journal, Parade, Reader's Digest, and others.
He was a contributing reporter for the New York Times for fifteen years.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This period of our history has been inspected from every angle, and this author has combined all of that to give us a complete picture encompassing the entire battle, what caused it and the direct consequences for everyone connected with the battle. There are no punches pulled and no excuses given, the cause and effect is laid bare with no judgment issued. I have read a great deal of the background materials but have never had both sides of the battle laid out so well to see how it all functioned. Highly recommend for those interested in the Plaines Indians and Custer's last command, you won't find any new information but will be able to appreciate the new viewpoint.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
352 pages
4 stars
Vengeance is a remarkable book about the circumstances that led up to the incident that history recalls as Custer’s Last Stand. It recounts the political, military, Native, cultural and Custer’s own actions at the time of the disastrous confrontation between Natives aligned with Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse and their allies in 1876.
The lies told by the American government to the tribes did much to foster mistrust and subsequent perceived negative actions by the Natives. This would only escalate the negative behavior of the government.
While this was going on, we are treated to the history of Custer’s own behavior resulting in court martials and suspensions. His impulsiveness, short-sightedness and hubris are all on display. He was inclined to tout himself in the media as well.
All of these factors combined to lead to the disaster of Little Big Horn. But it turned out to be a pyrrhic victory for Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse and their cohorts. For it led to the end of their freedom - and their dreams.
Well written, laid out in easy-to-read prose, this book is a triumph of research and clarity. I applaud Mr. Clavin for his hard work and excellent writing skills. This is perhaps my favorite book of his that I have read.
I want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for forwarding a copy of this very good book to me for my reading enjoyment. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.
4 stars
Vengeance is a remarkable book about the circumstances that led up to the incident that history recalls as Custer’s Last Stand. It recounts the political, military, Native, cultural and Custer’s own actions at the time of the disastrous confrontation between Natives aligned with Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse and their allies in 1876.
The lies told by the American government to the tribes did much to foster mistrust and subsequent perceived negative actions by the Natives. This would only escalate the negative behavior of the government.
While this was going on, we are treated to the history of Custer’s own behavior resulting in court martials and suspensions. His impulsiveness, short-sightedness and hubris are all on display. He was inclined to tout himself in the media as well.
All of these factors combined to lead to the disaster of Little Big Horn. But it turned out to be a pyrrhic victory for Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse and their cohorts. For it led to the end of their freedom - and their dreams.
Well written, laid out in easy-to-read prose, this book is a triumph of research and clarity. I applaud Mr. Clavin for his hard work and excellent writing skills. This is perhaps my favorite book of his that I have read.
I want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for forwarding a copy of this very good book to me for my reading enjoyment. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.
February 5, 2026
As we approach the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Little Bighorn, “Vengeance” presents a timely account of this momentous piece of US History. While not necessarily a new piece of research, author Tom Clavin instead brings together a neatly, detailed retelling of the prelude, climax, and aftermath of Custer’s Last Stand by drawing on many prior lauded works. Easy to read, and fast paced throughout, this would be recommended for anyone looking to be introduced to this topic, which ultimately marked the beginning of the close of the Great Plains. A special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advanced copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
One of history’s stunning events and one that has always grabbed my interest was the Battle of the Little Bighorn. This new account, due out next year which marks the 150th anniversary of the massacre, is one of the best. It is written in clear detail, bringing the participants to life and developing their characterizations to make them more human. The outcome is obvious from the very beginning but the author draws you in and holds your attention all the way through with excellent writing, not just dry, overstated facts. I recommend this book for all, history aficionados or not.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I want to thank NetGalley for the ARC of this book. Tom Calvin manages to take the history of these events that have been written about time and again and given them a new fresher life. He doesn’t just rehash dates and names for a boring history book. He brings the people he is writing about to life with an emotional depth. Also, the ease of reading is incredible. It reminds me of books by Jeff and Michael Shaara without drifting into more fictional dialogues and thoughts. I greatly enjoyed this book and will definitely be interested in more by this author.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews