Comanche

O'Sullivan Chronicles #3

by Blair Howard

On a dark day in April 1865, a band of former Confederate guerillas slaughtered more than forty Comanches, most of them women and children. This began a six-month reign of terror along the Santa Fe Trail as Comanche chief, White Eagle, took his revenge. The U.S. Cavalry was assigned the task of tracking White Eagle and his warriors down. Lieutenant Colonel Ignatius O'Sullivan's orders were to either bring them in or kill them. O'Sullivan, with two companies of cavalry tracked the Comanches through the mountains for more than six weeks, until.... O'Sullivan took to the trail in July of 1865, and followed them into the mountains along the northern border of Comanche lands. Can he bring the wily chief and his well-armed warriors to bay? Can his soldiers fight the Comanche on their own ground? And which of them will survive the battle?

Genres: Westerns

276 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 12, 2015

About the author

Blair C. Howard is a Royal Air Force veteran, a retired journalist, and the best-selling author of more than 50 novels, including the international best-selling Harry Starke series, and 23 travel books. In 2021, having been fascinated by the heavens almost from childhood, and a SciFi fan for almost as long, he decided to try his hand at writing a military space opera. His first journey into this genre resulted in the Sovereign Stars series. Book 1 in the series, Avenger was quickly followed by Gods of War and Armored Fleet.

Blair lives in East Tennessee with his wife Jo, and Jack Russell Terrier, Sally.

Reviews

[Clay Davis · Rating 1 out of 5]

The one star in this rating is only for the story. There was only a modest attempt by the author at editing this book, multiple misspellings and missing quotation marks. Minie balls were used in this story by breach loading rifles. The word Minie balls was later spelled Minnie balls. Chapter 19 began at the bottom of a page when all the other chapters began at the top of the page. There are two Chapter 19 's. The lack of dialog between the Indians did not seem believable.

[Connie Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Comanche" is a stand-alone continuation of "The Chase". Chief White Eagle's family was murdered by a diabolical band of ex-confederate soldiers who were on the run from Federal troops after one nasty killing spree in a small town in Kansas. White Eagle vowed revenge, not only for his family but for the senseless Sand Creek massacre by Federal "Indian fighters".

Once again, O'Sullivan and Coffin return as Federal officers who are now given command of two companies of cavalry in order to hunt down White Eagle to either bring him back or kill him. Two officers under O'Sullivan's command are veterans of the Sand Creek massacre. Both of these men give O'Sullivan reason to watch his back at all times.

This is not an ordinary "Western". There is a true moral and values dilemma taking place. O'Sullivan has to come to terms with following orders from General Sherman, who is a true believer of the saying, "The only good Indian is a dead Indian". Or to follow his own conscience and do what is right, even if it means risking his own career by insubordination. That is, if something doesn't befall him first.

Some may consider this great story as a sequel. I prefer to view it as the next chapter in the lives of O'Sullivan, Coffin, and Lieutenant Warwick from "The Chase". This book may have more serious undertones, but the anticipation, suspense and intrigue is once again taken to the next level by author, Blair Howard. You don't have to read "The Chase" first to enjoy this new story. I do love how Mr. Howard summarizes each of his previous books, following "Comanche", for any reader interested in his other books.

[G.J. Griffiths · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much as I suspected, when I began reading this book, about the historical struggles of native North American Indians, I was about to become both outraged and intrigued by the events that would be described. Comanche is a novel about Chief White Eagle and his people who also feature in other books by Blair Howard. However, this story is both complete and compelling by itself and you do not need to have read the other books in the series. It is somehow even more upsetting when the reader discovers that it is based around the actual massacre that took place at Sand Creek.

O'Sullivan is an officer in the Federal army who is given direct orders from General Sherman to hunt down White Eagle and either bring him back or kill him. Colonel O'Sullivan has command of several hundred cavalry and artillery troops but which include two officers who resent his recent promotion and are likely to cause him serious problems. These two were present at Sand Creek and known to have revelled in the slaughter of the Indians, whether men, women or children. O'Sullivan is a man with a conscience who finds it difficult to follow the orders from Sherman. There are many varied and vivid descriptions of the territory covered by the Santa Fe Trail through Kansas, Texas and Colorado, and which are helped a little by the map included in the book. Although the author’s use of language is excellent in describing these settings the map is rather inadequate and Howard does direct the reader to a larger one on his website – but who has time to keep coming out of the novel to do that?

I have intended to read the “Western” novels by Zane Grey for many years but I’ve not quite got round to it. Having found this book both full of adventure, suspense and serious incident I think that I may well have to read more of Blair Howard’s series first. It is extremely well written with pace, believable dialogue and strong characters and a great ending. But there were a few editing issues or confusing points that spoilt the pace at times: such as different spellings of the same word, eg. Sergeant and Sarjent; Pierce and Pearce; “want” instead of went; and missing page breaks between some chapters.

I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.

[Cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely amazing and so heartbreaking to think that there are people that are so ignorant to others based on the color of their skin or their lifestyle. My heart breaks to think of the suffering that has happened in our history. I truly don't understand how someone can look at another person and feel no pain to cause it to someone else. This story may only be based on one fact but the rest of the story even though fiction could definitely have happened as similar things are still happening in our society today. I really enjoyed this story as I have with every book I have listened to or read of this author's. The narrator did a fairly good job with the story but at times his voice did become monotone as if he was tired and maybe should have taken a break. This doesn't detract from a great book.
I received a free code for this book from the publisher to listen to on Audible.com. This review is my own honest opinion.

[Arthur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comanche: a Novel of the Old West

Howard takes you back in time to the 19th Century before the West was won! Comanche Chief War Eagle, enraged over the massacre at Sandy Creek, where his family was raped, tortured and killed by Union army troops under General Sherman's command, is at war with the "white" man attacking at random whoever got in the way. Though fictional, you're in for a great read and action as you witness the battle between two men, both with a high sense of honor. Thanks for another great read.

[RJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting and well-told story through the eyes of one cavalry officer. I enjoyed the tale thoroughly and have no problem recommending it to any western fan. My only complaint is that this is the third book of a series and I have not had the pleasure of experiencing the first two volumes. This third book can live on its own though. This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.

[Holly Lenz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comanche masterfully combines history and fiction into an entertaining piece of historical fiction about the Indian wars. The story has horrible violence which the author mercifully fades out before it becomes to much for the reader to bare. The characters are complicated, and some leave the reader torn as to whether they are truly heroes or villains.

The narrator of the audiobook does a terrific job bringing the story to life.

[David Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a fan of Blair Howard’s Harry Starke books and hadn’t been aware of his western series. I must admit that western stories aren’t my typical or preferred genre, but Comanche has me reconsidering that preference. Seriously, this reconsideration has resulted in buying his Civil War and Western series collection, which are now high on my to-be-read list. C.J. McAllister’s narration took an excellent story and elevated it to pure enjoyment.

[D. E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fierest tribe of Indians in the west, the Comanche. They were repeatedly hunted, attacked and starved to non-existence. The U.S. Calvary constantly harassed them. If not the Calvary then it was the Texas Rangers. BH. Has combined fiction with fact and explained how the Comanche Indians lived in the American Southwest. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS

[Ray Cooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A Classic Western"

A classic Cavalry & Indian story.
Gripping from page 1, I loved this audio book - what else can I say.
Well written at the top of the genre.
Narration is excellent.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

My third read from author Blair Howard and the third in his Civil War/Western Series picks up shortly after the second book's end. It won't be my last since I've already started Three Days in Hell. A well-written historical blend of fact and fiction.

[Philip Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A modern version of a Western novel loosely based around the Sand Creek Massacre, an actual event. An encampment along Big Sandy Creek was attacked by a militia led by U. S. Army Colonel John Chivington. The slaughter of over one hundred Indians, more than two thirds of them women and children sparked back and forth atrocities in retaliation. Not to give anything away but while reading this I could not help thinking of the reported atrocities occurring in the Middle East by the group known as ISIS. The comparison is for each reader to decide, but it certainly speaks to the capacity of warring humans to inflict despicable acts on other humans and seemingly justifiable as acts of war. All that aside the novel is none the less an edge of your seat read and we of the older generation are well familiar with the conquest of America by white settlers. How would this have been handled in today’s politically correct Amewrica?

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars! I have only read a couple of Blair Howard's books, but I love his writing style - clean, to the point, but paints a perfect picture in your mind of the action. Set after the massacre at Sand Creek, this is a classic Western story of soldiers chasing after Indians who have been raiding and killing. But while it's a quick read, the story is never trite, presents the viewpoint of both sides, and is full of action. It more than kept me interested and wanting to know what happened next. Many thanks to Reading Deals for allowing me to read a copy in exchange for a review. Great plot, great characters, great read!

[marvin shults · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Comanche and the Army

This was a very sad and tragic tale about the early American army and a group of Indians who in their past been lead to believe they could live In peace but instead were killed by a group of unforgiving soldiers bent on revenge. There are always 2 sides to every story so this is true for this story as well .

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comanche Chief White Eagle wanted revenge, after a gang of ex confederates running from the Federal troops and then killing mostly woman and children. Historical event happened on Sand Creek. A gripping tale, and heartbreaking of what happened

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't found a book by Blair Howard that I didn't love. He has a way with words that make you feel as you are part of the action.

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well Done

This my second Blair Howard book. If he continues to written this well we will rank him among the great Western writers.
My heart bleeds for the horrors committed by both side in the literal conquest of the West...