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The Captured Girl: A Novel of Survival during the Great Sioux War
The Captured Girl is an enthralling saga that follows Lieutenant Will Raines’s crucible of combat and young Morgan O’Connor’s struggle for survival after her capture by the Cheyenne. More than four years later in 1875, when the cavalry attacks her Indian village, she is rescued by Lieutenant Raines. Now eighteen, she returns to white society with her Cheyenne son at her side. Her struggle for survival has just begun.
Filled with fascinating characters: outlaws, soldiers and warriors, English Dukes, Robber Barons, and the upstairs downstairs of back east society, this epic story of love and survival transports us from the Indian camps of Montana Territory to the mean streets of Gilded Age New York, and back again, right into the heart of the Great Sioux War.
Reviews:
“Realistic dialog; interpersonal entanglements and characterizations that come alive. It all adds authenticity to a historical work that makes for a delicious read.” Foster W. Cline, M.D, author of Parenting with Love and Logic.
“The Captured Girl is a captivating story of survival and strength. Morgan’s is a tale of courage wouldn’t let go of my imagination even after I sadly turned the last page.” Mary Haley author of Ghost Writer, The Great Potato Murder.
“An excellently written and fascinating story of the Sioux War of the 1800s. It is obvious that the author Tom Reppert has spent many hours researching that period of history, and he has made it come alive as few authors can. You can feel and identify with the inner struggle that his hero, a young soldier, goes through during his first battle.” Ana Parker Goodwin, author of Justice Forbidden
Filled with fascinating characters: outlaws, soldiers and warriors, English Dukes, Robber Barons, and the upstairs downstairs of back east society, this epic story of love and survival transports us from the Indian camps of Montana Territory to the mean streets of Gilded Age New York, and back again, right into the heart of the Great Sioux War.
Reviews:
“Realistic dialog; interpersonal entanglements and characterizations that come alive. It all adds authenticity to a historical work that makes for a delicious read.” Foster W. Cline, M.D, author of Parenting with Love and Logic.
“The Captured Girl is a captivating story of survival and strength. Morgan’s is a tale of courage wouldn’t let go of my imagination even after I sadly turned the last page.” Mary Haley author of Ghost Writer, The Great Potato Murder.
“An excellently written and fascinating story of the Sioux War of the 1800s. It is obvious that the author Tom Reppert has spent many hours researching that period of history, and he has made it come alive as few authors can. You can feel and identify with the inner struggle that his hero, a young soldier, goes through during his first battle.” Ana Parker Goodwin, author of Justice Forbidden
374 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 8, 2016
201 people are currently reading
424 people want to read
About the author
Tom Reppert
8 books37 followersTom Reppert is a veteran who served with 5th Special Forces Group in Vietnam. After earning a BA in English and History at Western State College and master’s degrees in Creative Writing from Colorado State University and Professional Writing from University of Southern California, he spent decades teaching History, Literature, and Writing all over the world, mostly in Africa and Asia to international students. He has written several well-received historical and time-travel novels including The Far Journey, the Captured Girl, Assassin 13, and now The Light at Midnight. Look for them on Amazon and Audible.com or ask for them at your favorite bookstore.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
January 13, 2022
Excellent! Should be on film
likelikeI like the cover of this book. It's made to look.like a dime store novel, quite charming! I love historical fiction set in the late 19th century in the West. Unfortunately, most novels set in that time period really are dime store novels; not authentic to that time period at all.
I was hungering for a really good Western, one that was authentic and that I could lose myself in. I noted that the author of "The Captured Girl" is a history professor, and became hopeful that this is the book I was looking for.
It did not disappoint! It's an excellent blend of fiction with real life historical events and people, mostly army officers. It's set during the Indian Wars, mostly in the area of Montana and Wyoming territory, though part of the story takes place in New York City.
It's an action and adventure story that isn't always easy to read. In it's authenticity it gets violent and bloody. The characters don't get much rest. Children grow up fast.
It is the story of strong woman, captured by Indians at age 14. She is assimilated into that culture, then returned along with her young son, to White culture. It also tells the story of a young army lieutenant, raised in wealthy society, who becomes a man in his own right as he carries out his military duties and falls in love with our heroine, the captured girl. All the characters in this book evolve and grow. It's why they will stay with me for quite some time.
One of my favorite perks about reading historical fiction is that I learn so much without trying. I especially like reading on a Kindle, because I can easily fact check to separate the fiction from known history and look up words that are leaving our everyday vocabulary.
This book would make a great movie or miniseries. I'm surprised it's not more well known. Something that did take away professionalism are the typos and misspellings. They weren't rampant, but they were there. Careless mistakes like different spellings of the characters names, and inaccurate capitalization, along with bad punctuation. There was only one instance where I couldn't make out what the storyteller meant, due to a typo.
However, the book was so good that I easily overlooked those mistakes. I really enjoyed this author's writing and will definitely be reading more of his work!
likelikeI like the cover of this book. It's made to look.like a dime store novel, quite charming! I love historical fiction set in the late 19th century in the West. Unfortunately, most novels set in that time period really are dime store novels; not authentic to that time period at all.
I was hungering for a really good Western, one that was authentic and that I could lose myself in. I noted that the author of "The Captured Girl" is a history professor, and became hopeful that this is the book I was looking for.
It did not disappoint! It's an excellent blend of fiction with real life historical events and people, mostly army officers. It's set during the Indian Wars, mostly in the area of Montana and Wyoming territory, though part of the story takes place in New York City.
It's an action and adventure story that isn't always easy to read. In it's authenticity it gets violent and bloody. The characters don't get much rest. Children grow up fast.
It is the story of strong woman, captured by Indians at age 14. She is assimilated into that culture, then returned along with her young son, to White culture. It also tells the story of a young army lieutenant, raised in wealthy society, who becomes a man in his own right as he carries out his military duties and falls in love with our heroine, the captured girl. All the characters in this book evolve and grow. It's why they will stay with me for quite some time.
One of my favorite perks about reading historical fiction is that I learn so much without trying. I especially like reading on a Kindle, because I can easily fact check to separate the fiction from known history and look up words that are leaving our everyday vocabulary.
This book would make a great movie or miniseries. I'm surprised it's not more well known. Something that did take away professionalism are the typos and misspellings. They weren't rampant, but they were there. Careless mistakes like different spellings of the characters names, and inaccurate capitalization, along with bad punctuation. There was only one instance where I couldn't make out what the storyteller meant, due to a typo.
However, the book was so good that I easily overlooked those mistakes. I really enjoyed this author's writing and will definitely be reading more of his work!
January 1, 2023
I bought this novel because of the rave reviews and because I love stories of the Wild West. However,I almost put it down because of the poor editing. Wow! I couldn‘t believe how poorly it was written. BUT, it has a great plot based on the last Indian wars in the Dakotas in the mid 1870‘s. Morgan O‘Conner is kidnapped along with her younger brother Conor when the Cheyenne raid their farm, killing the rest of her family. Four years later she is rescued along with her Indian son and returned to a fort where she meets Lieutenant William Raines. The two become close friends and later fall in love. Morgan goes to New York in hopes of finding relatives, only to discover they have also died. She goes to work as a maid for a wealthy family, leaving her son in the care of a loving family. After many twists and turns she is reunited with William as her husband and her brother who had remained with the Cherokee for over 6 years, and they all return to the farm where it began.
November 19, 2016
Won this story in a Goodreads giveaway. This story follows the life and adventures of a girl who was taken by the Cheyenne during an Indian raid, rescued and returned to society. It not only follows her struggles, but also a handful of other interesting characters. Going on the pretense of being a dime novel, the reader will more than get his moneys worth from this one. Good and well researched novel.
November 19, 2016
I won this book through Goodreads which did not influence my review. This story about an Irish girl named Morgan who lived with Indians four years and birthed a son, moves across America with speed and emotion. Her life changes drastically from her family's death to her return to find her brother. This is an excellent descriptive read if you love the west and her history.
December 20, 2016
3.5 stars
"The Captured Girl" is a novel about the Sioux War, focusing on two main characters- Morgan O'Connor, an Irish woman who was captured by the Sioux at 14 (4 years ago) and Will Raines, a young military man. Morgan has been living with the Sioux since they killed her parents and took her and her brother, Conor (yes, Conor O'Connor), prisoner. Her parents had taken them from NYC for a hopefully better life on the frontier. After their capture, Conor was adopted and raised as one of the Sioux, while Morgan was treated as a slave until she cut off a man's ear and was given in marriage to a chief. She seemed to be happier then and found purpose in her son, Ho'nehe.
Anyway, the military is now taking out all the Sioux in a brutal manner, which Raines is not sure about and has an interesting vantage point right from the start. He meets Morgan when she is almost killed by another military man during battle. There is an instant attraction and after she is rescued, he continues to find reasons to spend time with her. Morgan is known as "The Captured Girl" and people are interested in her life for that reason. She is trying to piece back together who she is now that everything has once again upended for her.
Overall, it's a steady book which captures the feeling of history and the Sioux War, I think, quite well (from what I know about it). As a warning, there is mentions and some limited description (not terribly graphic but it is described) of when she was raped. There are also some graphic descriptions of scalping and war in the book. It's an interesting book which combines the intensity of war with the day-to-day tedium of the times in between (descriptions of the women Morgan stays with, etc.). I found it steady to slow leaning in terms of pace. I think history buffs will really enjoy this one.
Please note that I received this book through a goodreads giveaway. All opinions are my own.
"The Captured Girl" is a novel about the Sioux War, focusing on two main characters- Morgan O'Connor, an Irish woman who was captured by the Sioux at 14 (4 years ago) and Will Raines, a young military man. Morgan has been living with the Sioux since they killed her parents and took her and her brother, Conor (yes, Conor O'Connor), prisoner. Her parents had taken them from NYC for a hopefully better life on the frontier. After their capture, Conor was adopted and raised as one of the Sioux, while Morgan was treated as a slave until she cut off a man's ear and was given in marriage to a chief. She seemed to be happier then and found purpose in her son, Ho'nehe.
Anyway, the military is now taking out all the Sioux in a brutal manner, which Raines is not sure about and has an interesting vantage point right from the start. He meets Morgan when she is almost killed by another military man during battle. There is an instant attraction and after she is rescued, he continues to find reasons to spend time with her. Morgan is known as "The Captured Girl" and people are interested in her life for that reason. She is trying to piece back together who she is now that everything has once again upended for her.
Overall, it's a steady book which captures the feeling of history and the Sioux War, I think, quite well (from what I know about it). As a warning, there is mentions and some limited description (not terribly graphic but it is described) of when she was raped. There are also some graphic descriptions of scalping and war in the book. It's an interesting book which combines the intensity of war with the day-to-day tedium of the times in between (descriptions of the women Morgan stays with, etc.). I found it steady to slow leaning in terms of pace. I think history buffs will really enjoy this one.
Please note that I received this book through a goodreads giveaway. All opinions are my own.
July 26, 2021
Wow, what a great read, what a powerful story, what an amazing woman. A very good description of the contrasts of American society in the late 19th century, with the very rich living in oblivious luxury in their New York palaces, versus the pioneers' constant struggles to survive in the dangerous West. All of it, on the background of the Native Americans ineluctable genocide.
Must be read after Morgan's captivity.
Must be read after Morgan's captivity.
January 31, 2022
I got this because I read The Far Journey. This is a decent Western. The only problem I had with it was how much it was like Journey....I prefer Journey, because of the time travel “twist.”
Fourteen year old Morgan O’ Connor and her family are living on the frontier, after leaving the slums of New York. Morgan is actually quite good with a rifle, and supplies much of the family’s meat. Then an Indian party attacks, and captures her.
Lots of violence and just plain evil folks.
Fourteen year old Morgan O’ Connor and her family are living on the frontier, after leaving the slums of New York. Morgan is actually quite good with a rifle, and supplies much of the family’s meat. Then an Indian party attacks, and captures her.
Lots of violence and just plain evil folks.
May 13, 2023
The Captured Girl
This is a great book with a very good storyline, about a young girl who saw her mom, dad, older brother,and younger sister killed by raiding Indians, while she, and her only remaining brother,who was younger than her were carried away by different Indians.She spent several years with an Indian family, before she was rescued by a white trader,who was worse than the Indians. She made her escape from him, and made her way back East.
This is a great book with a very good storyline, about a young girl who saw her mom, dad, older brother,and younger sister killed by raiding Indians, while she, and her only remaining brother,who was younger than her were carried away by different Indians.She spent several years with an Indian family, before she was rescued by a white trader,who was worse than the Indians. She made her escape from him, and made her way back East.
June 21, 2021
The Sioux War-The Battles at Rosebud.
This was a well written book of the end of the Sioux Nation. The greed of the white man well documented, yes it was inevitable but it was still not a proud day for our Nation. From history we hopefully learn what not to do. This tells of the nature of a young white girl and her little brother and how they survived. Very good book!
This was a well written book of the end of the Sioux Nation. The greed of the white man well documented, yes it was inevitable but it was still not a proud day for our Nation. From history we hopefully learn what not to do. This tells of the nature of a young white girl and her little brother and how they survived. Very good book!
July 30, 2021
Story of a white women's quest to find family.
Takes you back in time to the struggle of the native Americans to keep their hunting grounds and heritage from the greedy white men. Wonderful story of a white woman who had been rescued from the Cheyennes with her half breed child of a feared chief.
Takes you back in time to the struggle of the native Americans to keep their hunting grounds and heritage from the greedy white men. Wonderful story of a white woman who had been rescued from the Cheyennes with her half breed child of a feared chief.
January 6, 2022
Servitude and romance.
Enjoyed reading this book as it paints a good depiction of the wild west, Indian life and brings characters vividly to life. The romance is portrayed in a believable, sensitive way. It is a tale to warm the soul without being too complex, with a satisfactory outcome.
Enjoyed reading this book as it paints a good depiction of the wild west, Indian life and brings characters vividly to life. The romance is portrayed in a believable, sensitive way. It is a tale to warm the soul without being too complex, with a satisfactory outcome.
March 9, 2022
For Real!
I enjoyed this book very much! I don't know how much of it was real or imagined by this author. I know the basic idea of what happened is true. None the less, the characters did have a great deal of emotions. That kept me reading! The last third of the book had me up all night long so I could learn what happened to the main characters. A great read!
I enjoyed this book very much! I don't know how much of it was real or imagined by this author. I know the basic idea of what happened is true. None the less, the characters did have a great deal of emotions. That kept me reading! The last third of the book had me up all night long so I could learn what happened to the main characters. A great read!
February 22, 2023
Admirable female protagonist
The “Captured Girl” proves herself worthy in every way in this depiction of the Indian Wars of 1870-1877. There are some plot turns that defy reality, but overall they blend in to a well told story. I had a little trouble distinguishing who was who at the start of the book, but that improved greatly within a couple of chapters.
The “Captured Girl” proves herself worthy in every way in this depiction of the Indian Wars of 1870-1877. There are some plot turns that defy reality, but overall they blend in to a well told story. I had a little trouble distinguishing who was who at the start of the book, but that improved greatly within a couple of chapters.
November 25, 2024
Wonderfully written of life in Old West
A enthralling story of the old west. Descriptive of hard life, American Indians and their culture, mixed with societal norms of the 1870’s in New York. I couldn’t put this book down! Totally engrossing for those that love this time people in American history!!
A enthralling story of the old west. Descriptive of hard life, American Indians and their culture, mixed with societal norms of the 1870’s in New York. I couldn’t put this book down! Totally engrossing for those that love this time people in American history!!
August 9, 2023
Good read
I found it to be less biased than. many other novels about this subject. It portrayed both sides as good and evil. Not just showing the evil on 1 side against all good on the other.
I found it to be less biased than. many other novels about this subject. It portrayed both sides as good and evil. Not just showing the evil on 1 side against all good on the other.
August 30, 2023
Fantastic entertainment
Great characters, strong storyline and a sense of realism that drew me in. I was desperate to reach the end of the narrative but at the same time I didn't want it to end.
Great characters, strong storyline and a sense of realism that drew me in. I was desperate to reach the end of the narrative but at the same time I didn't want it to end.
November 6, 2025
Did not want this story to end!!!!
I loved this book! Such realistic descriptions, character development, and storyline peppered throughout this must-read book kept me interested and focused. It had to end....stay tuned for Part Two......
I loved this book! Such realistic descriptions, character development, and storyline peppered throughout this must-read book kept me interested and focused. It had to end....stay tuned for Part Two......
August 1, 2017
This story kept me turning the pages. Loved everything about it. It was also totally romantic.
January 8, 2021
Very Exciting
I thoroughly enjoyed this well written, well researched story. It grabbed my interest from the first sentence. I’m sorry it ended.
I thoroughly enjoyed this well written, well researched story. It grabbed my interest from the first sentence. I’m sorry it ended.
January 28, 2022
The Captured Girl: A novel Of Survival
This has been a. Wonderful story and I have really enjoyed this great book. I recommend it to anyone that likes this genre.
This has been a. Wonderful story and I have really enjoyed this great book. I recommend it to anyone that likes this genre.
April 22, 2022
Probably my favorite Tom Reppert book and audiobook! The characters are alive, interesting, and set in an exciting era. I’m thankful to hear he’s working on a sequel! An expert author!
May 20, 2022
I enjoyed this book, the ending was 'no surprise' but it was a fun book to read...
May 4, 2023
Great read full of action and a complete ending...
June 15, 2023
great story
I couldn’t put this book down. The story was riveting and so believable! I will be looking for other books written by this author.
I couldn’t put this book down. The story was riveting and so believable! I will be looking for other books written by this author.
December 5, 2023
But push on past the 1st chapter.
January 23, 2024
Captured girl
Great book tom really enjoyed reading the way you described the 1876 campaign and love between will and Morgan heartwarming
Great book tom really enjoyed reading the way you described the 1876 campaign and love between will and Morgan heartwarming
January 24, 2024
very entertaining
Very entertaining, I have always thought this of historical fiction. I often think I was born hundred years too late.
Very entertaining, I have always thought this of historical fiction. I often think I was born hundred years too late.
March 2, 2024
I enjoyed the story! The author did a good job with the flow of things and the characters.
September 8, 2024
the captured girl
The time period was similar to One Thousand White Women I recently read. Both of them were good detailed books.
The time period was similar to One Thousand White Women I recently read. Both of them were good detailed books.
April 3, 2025
Excellent. Well-written, credible characters, good details, and fascinating.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews