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Grizzly Killer #1
Grizzly Killer: The Making of a Mountain Man
When Zach Connors and his pa left their Kentucky homestead in the summer of 1824 to see the Rocky Mountains, he didn’t realize he would never see his childhood home again or that he would find love, friendship, fame, and a new home in this wild and harsh wilderness. After a grizzly kills his pa, Zach struggles to survive a cold and brutal winter alone. After killing a rouge grizzly and fighting hostile Indians on his own, he becomes known as Grizzly Killer and is respected throughout the West. Along with his dog, Jimbo, whom the Indians call the Great Medicine Dog, he finds Running Wolf, an injured Ute warrior, and together they fight off a hostile war party. They rescue two Shoshone sisters from the brutality of a French trapper and take them as wives. After Zach saves Running Wolf’s beautiful sister, Shining Star, he is expected to take her as a second wife, but his Christian beliefs conflict with the Indian traditions, and he struggles within himself to accept the Indian ways. Set in the rugged Uinta Mountains of Northern Utah, this is a story of survival against nature and hostile Indians and the clash of cultures between the Indians and mountain men that were the first to brave this uncharted wilderness, seeking their fortune from the pelts of the beaver.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 11, 2017
1160 people are currently reading
211 people want to read
About the author
Lane R. Warenski
32 books46 followersLane R Warenski lives in a log home in Duchesne County, Utah, where he has an unrestricted view of the highest peaks in the mighty Uinta Mountains. Warenski was raised being proud of his pioneer heritage and with a deep love and respect of the outdoors. Ever since childhood, following his father, Lane R Warenski has hunted, fished, and camped the mountains of the West. Whether it was the daily journals of William Ashley and Jedediah Smith or the fictional stories written by the great storytellers like Louis L’Amour and Terry C. Johnston, throughout his life, Warenski loves reading the history of the first explorers that came west, most of whom never dreamed they were opening this wild and rugged land to the pioneers and settlers that followed.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
December 27, 2019
I read one of the books in the series and liked it enough to try out this first book in the series.
The book is well written and researched. Warenski does a good job writing a historical fiction. The author presents details about the daily life of a mountain man. Warenski reveals what life was like for the first men moving into the west and the rugged life they lived. The story takes place sometime around the 1820s. The characters are interesting as is the plot. The book makes an interesting read.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is eight hours and twenty-six minutes. Chase Bradley does a good job narrating the book. Bradley is a voice actor and audiobook narrator. He has an excellent voice for narration.
The book is well written and researched. Warenski does a good job writing a historical fiction. The author presents details about the daily life of a mountain man. Warenski reveals what life was like for the first men moving into the west and the rugged life they lived. The story takes place sometime around the 1820s. The characters are interesting as is the plot. The book makes an interesting read.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is eight hours and twenty-six minutes. Chase Bradley does a good job narrating the book. Bradley is a voice actor and audiobook narrator. He has an excellent voice for narration.
April 8, 2017
Zach Connors and his pa boldly ventured west from Kentucky in 1824 and discovered a natural paradise in the Rocky Mountains. However, when a grizzly kills his father, young Zach is suddenly left alone, facing almost insurmountable odds against the upcoming harsh winter. Brutal cold, hostile Indians and wild animals all converge upon this young mountain man, but despite these difficulties, Zach survives. Zach even manages to kill a grizzly bear, one of the most fearsome beasts inhabiting these astonishingly beautiful, yet often forbidding mountains. His fame quickly spreads and he becomes known as the Grizzly Killer.
Zach befriends a young dog, Jimbo, and rescues an injured Ute warrior, Running Wolf, setting his leg and helping to nurse him back to health. These three form a tightly knit group of friends, capable of fighting off a hostile band of Indians, and saving two Shoshone sisters from a cruel French trapper. The two lovely Indian maidens, Sun Flower and Raven Wing, become wives to Zach and Running Wolf.
Zach’s ideals are sorely tested when he rescues Running Wolf’s beautiful sister, Shining Star, and is expected to take her to wife as well. The white man’s ways conflict with accepted Indian beliefs and Zach must wrestle with his conscience as he struggles to find his place in this new land. Yet, Zach finds love, friendship, honor, and fame among these courageous mountain men and noble Indians. The end of the story leaves the reader with a tantalizing and spiritual glimpse of the future, one which lingers in the mind long after the last page is turned.
Lane Warenski writes of the rugged Uinta Mountains of northern Utah with an artist’s hand. His descriptions are so vivid that one can almost hear the fluttering rustle of the quakies dancing on the wind, smell the pungent scent of trappers gathered around a campfire, and hear the painful shriek of rapists as the natives enforce their own version of justice upon them. The western United States was settled by men and women such as these, people of courage and honor, who appreciated beauty, friendship, fairness and the rightful balance of our place upon this Earth. I cannot wait to read the second book in this marvelous adventure!
Zach befriends a young dog, Jimbo, and rescues an injured Ute warrior, Running Wolf, setting his leg and helping to nurse him back to health. These three form a tightly knit group of friends, capable of fighting off a hostile band of Indians, and saving two Shoshone sisters from a cruel French trapper. The two lovely Indian maidens, Sun Flower and Raven Wing, become wives to Zach and Running Wolf.
Zach’s ideals are sorely tested when he rescues Running Wolf’s beautiful sister, Shining Star, and is expected to take her to wife as well. The white man’s ways conflict with accepted Indian beliefs and Zach must wrestle with his conscience as he struggles to find his place in this new land. Yet, Zach finds love, friendship, honor, and fame among these courageous mountain men and noble Indians. The end of the story leaves the reader with a tantalizing and spiritual glimpse of the future, one which lingers in the mind long after the last page is turned.
Lane Warenski writes of the rugged Uinta Mountains of northern Utah with an artist’s hand. His descriptions are so vivid that one can almost hear the fluttering rustle of the quakies dancing on the wind, smell the pungent scent of trappers gathered around a campfire, and hear the painful shriek of rapists as the natives enforce their own version of justice upon them. The western United States was settled by men and women such as these, people of courage and honor, who appreciated beauty, friendship, fairness and the rightful balance of our place upon this Earth. I cannot wait to read the second book in this marvelous adventure!
April 7, 2021
Like reading one year out of a mountain man’s journal from 1826. Realistic and historically accurate, but I just ultimately failed to connect with the story. I really wanted to like it more but just couldn’t get into it. Very predictable.
September 11, 2025
What a great discovery! Really enjoyed this book
I could’ve done a little bit better without a little less Indian torture but I know it was part of the life back then—I’m a boob I guess. I love animals, grizzlies, dogs, horses, and I loved this story. Great characters here.
I could’ve done a little bit better without a little less Indian torture but I know it was part of the life back then—I’m a boob I guess. I love animals, grizzlies, dogs, horses, and I loved this story. Great characters here.
May 12, 2016
Grizzly Killer
Absolutely outstanding. No other adjectives are required to describe the contents of this book. You will love this read. So, "Giddy Up."
Absolutely outstanding. No other adjectives are required to describe the contents of this book. You will love this read. So, "Giddy Up."
January 22, 2021
An adventure filled 'mary sue' of a story where the young mountain man mc and his faithful dog and mule overcome all obstacles. Author knows the land, history, and tribes of the early 1800s Utah region of the Rockies and his survivalist descriptions were mostly interesting. Plotting was light but the year long arc of following the Grizzly Killer as he befriends a brave and hunts wild game was an enjoyable trip.
May 27, 2018
This was a book beyond my expectations. I just wanted to have something to read in between, something I could interrupt and have no problem with that, but I was mistaken, it was much more interesting and I will definitely read the rest of the series.
June 20, 2019
Lane R Warenski - Grizzly Killer Bk 1 - The Making of a Mountain Man - Reviewed 6/19/19
Mountain adventures, bear attacks, Indians, Loyal dog, the love of a woman……
After a tragedy happens to Zach Connors, he and his father leave city life behind for the adventures of the mountains of Utah. When a grizzly kills his dad, Zach has to learn to live on his own. He fights off Indians that want his horses and afterward finds a poor dog they left behind. After another Indian attack Zach finds a wounded Ute warrior and being who he was he could not leave him to die. Together the three of them learn what it takes to survive in the wild mountains.
What did I like? I love westerns and lately, I have really found some jewels, this being one of them. I have never been to this part of Utah but I have to say that the author described some of the most beautiful landscapes that I feel like I have been there now. Awesome descriptions and God’s country abound.
What will you like? Well written and developed storyline that is filled with pain, sorrow, action, danger, loyalty, friendship, excitement, and a young man’s new taste of first love. The most interesting way to find a new family after so much pain and loneliness. All this with the most wonderful detailed descriptions of the area and the life of a mountain man's survival in a desolate, dangerous, roughest, remotest country during the harshest time of our young country. I received this from the Publisher for an honest review, all opinions expressed are my own with no other compensation.
Mountain adventures, bear attacks, Indians, Loyal dog, the love of a woman……
After a tragedy happens to Zach Connors, he and his father leave city life behind for the adventures of the mountains of Utah. When a grizzly kills his dad, Zach has to learn to live on his own. He fights off Indians that want his horses and afterward finds a poor dog they left behind. After another Indian attack Zach finds a wounded Ute warrior and being who he was he could not leave him to die. Together the three of them learn what it takes to survive in the wild mountains.
What did I like? I love westerns and lately, I have really found some jewels, this being one of them. I have never been to this part of Utah but I have to say that the author described some of the most beautiful landscapes that I feel like I have been there now. Awesome descriptions and God’s country abound.
What will you like? Well written and developed storyline that is filled with pain, sorrow, action, danger, loyalty, friendship, excitement, and a young man’s new taste of first love. The most interesting way to find a new family after so much pain and loneliness. All this with the most wonderful detailed descriptions of the area and the life of a mountain man's survival in a desolate, dangerous, roughest, remotest country during the harshest time of our young country. I received this from the Publisher for an honest review, all opinions expressed are my own with no other compensation.
June 13, 2020
I really wanted to like this book. I love strong complex characters in impossible situations. And I love stories about the American West. Zach Conner is not a complex character and despite the fact that he's in his late teens and has lost his father, making his way in the untamed mountain west turns out to be pretty easy! Very little character development and an unbelievable story line made this book a slog and I have to admit that I had to skim the final 20 pages because it was so predictable. The main character is evidently a mountain man superhero, because with almost no experience at all he's the best trapper, shooter and all around mountain man. And along with his trusty mule and super-dog that he of course trained himself, they are out to save every indian in the west!
July 8, 2017
American History in action.
I didn't want to put it down. I strongly recommend this to any American History buffs. Makes one realize how fortunate we are living in the 21 century America.
I didn't want to put it down. I strongly recommend this to any American History buffs. Makes one realize how fortunate we are living in the 21 century America.
May 16, 2016
Great read
I almost could not put this down. I picked it up on a Sunday afternoon an was finished by evening!
I almost could not put this down. I picked it up on a Sunday afternoon an was finished by evening!
October 30, 2018
Grizzly Killer is a wonderful story. I love this type of story especially when it is written as well and with such emotion as this one. Zach Connors, Grizzly Killer, finds himself alone in the Rocky Mountains after a bear killed his father. Zach was twenty years old and they had been trapping for the past year. Zach knew no other life so he stayed in the mountains after burying his father and continued to trap. It is here that the legend of Grizzly Killer begins. As Zach travels and traps he finds himself in the Uinta-Wasatch Mountains of Northern Utah; the land of the Ute Indians. The characters are so compelling; the story alive with descriptions of the wild and rugged West of the 1800’s when trappers flowed into the untamed country to trap beaver. As lawless and dangerous as this early country was I think I would have loved and appreciated that life. The world of the Indians was so simple and honorable; their existence and connection with the land so honest and harmonious. I am reminded of one of my favorite movies, Jeremiah Johnson. If you have never watched this mountain man tale, look for it and enjoy. There are five books in the series and I plan on savoring every one of them.
May 12, 2021
Four Stars +
My android Kindle app only showed 1 star, but this book is definitely much more than that.
Mr. Warenski obviously knows and loves the territory in which this novel takes place. I've traveled throughout the west, but never in one place where I've learned the detail in this book. The actual history and real people in this book are as close to real as this amateur historian knows.
There are no spoilers in this review, so don't bother looking.
The story told is fast paced, the adventure is exciting and the descriptions of the mountain territory are amazing.
I enjoyed this book, obviously, and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys western novels.
My android Kindle app only showed 1 star, but this book is definitely much more than that.
Mr. Warenski obviously knows and loves the territory in which this novel takes place. I've traveled throughout the west, but never in one place where I've learned the detail in this book. The actual history and real people in this book are as close to real as this amateur historian knows.
There are no spoilers in this review, so don't bother looking.
The story told is fast paced, the adventure is exciting and the descriptions of the mountain territory are amazing.
I enjoyed this book, obviously, and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys western novels.
December 24, 2022
Some good some not so much
I enjoyed the story and recommend it as a very good and fast read . There area lot of exciting auction scenes and the characters are well developed. The reason for a four star instead of a five star is that the Descriptions of the scenery become over done. In the early part of the book the descriptions of the area was great and the author painted a beautiful picture. I could see the mountains, the creek and trees in my minds eye. It became to much as the story moved on. The Descriptions of ever valley and brook and mountain as they traveled across the country was to much. I plan on reading book two with hope that this will change.
I enjoyed the story and recommend it as a very good and fast read . There area lot of exciting auction scenes and the characters are well developed. The reason for a four star instead of a five star is that the Descriptions of the scenery become over done. In the early part of the book the descriptions of the area was great and the author painted a beautiful picture. I could see the mountains, the creek and trees in my minds eye. It became to much as the story moved on. The Descriptions of ever valley and brook and mountain as they traveled across the country was to much. I plan on reading book two with hope that this will change.
February 1, 2024
Now that both hubby and I have read this book, we are eager to begin Book Two. The adventures of father and son as they explored the high mountains, trapped beaver, prepared skins of all predatory animals and managed to build a dugout for the winter. Then, danger attacks leaving the twenty-year-old young man to live on his own. I loved his honesty and the respect he has earned by being a friend to all. Of course, there are always the bad guys that bring danger, but the way Zach Connors handles each event is amazing. From mountains to the rendezvous for supplies and selling pelts, the adventure is wonderful and beautifully written by this author.
February 11, 2019
"A Mountain Man's Journey"
I loved this wonderful historical story which includes facts of the 1800's of discoveries in the northern Utah mountains. One place in particular in the story is about the Mountain Man's discovery of Willow Valley, which is now called Cache Valley and where I live in the historic town of Wellsville. Our history highlights the hunter Jim Bridger (also mentioned here) with a huge wooden carved statue of him on our green. So, I loved reading this novel and will be reading more from this Utah author. He's truly a gifted storyteller!
I loved this wonderful historical story which includes facts of the 1800's of discoveries in the northern Utah mountains. One place in particular in the story is about the Mountain Man's discovery of Willow Valley, which is now called Cache Valley and where I live in the historic town of Wellsville. Our history highlights the hunter Jim Bridger (also mentioned here) with a huge wooden carved statue of him on our green. So, I loved reading this novel and will be reading more from this Utah author. He's truly a gifted storyteller!
June 17, 2019
Excellent adventure and relationship story
I really enjoyed this book. When reading it I became immersed in the story and felt like I was in a movie theater with surround sound. I liked how the writer made you feel about the main characters in the book and I could hear the voice of "Grizzly Killer". I bought the Audible so I could continue "reading" on my way to work...Though the voice of the narrator seemed so much older than how I perceived the protagonist. I think it was because of the terminology used at the beginning of the story. I guess that's because he used the word "Pa" - I see him being in his late teens early 20s. Anyway, I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I'll go ahead and buy the set of they have it available.☺
I really enjoyed this book. When reading it I became immersed in the story and felt like I was in a movie theater with surround sound. I liked how the writer made you feel about the main characters in the book and I could hear the voice of "Grizzly Killer". I bought the Audible so I could continue "reading" on my way to work...Though the voice of the narrator seemed so much older than how I perceived the protagonist. I think it was because of the terminology used at the beginning of the story. I guess that's because he used the word "Pa" - I see him being in his late teens early 20s. Anyway, I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I'll go ahead and buy the set of they have it available.☺
July 10, 2019
Love love love
Well, can you guess what I thought? I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. The character development was perfect, the plot was extremely interesting and enjoyable. The entire novel carried a ring of truth, it read exactly as one would think of for the early 1800's. I am a 64 year old woman, and I highly recommend this book to anyone . (It doesn't read like a history book, just a wonderful story of a man trying to find his way, and the friends he has found, and those who have found him.)
Well, can you guess what I thought? I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. The character development was perfect, the plot was extremely interesting and enjoyable. The entire novel carried a ring of truth, it read exactly as one would think of for the early 1800's. I am a 64 year old woman, and I highly recommend this book to anyone . (It doesn't read like a history book, just a wonderful story of a man trying to find his way, and the friends he has found, and those who have found him.)
December 28, 2022
I have read many of the GRIZZLY KILLER books. They always keep me totally immersed in the story. They are well written and I enjoy the knowledge I gain about our native Americans way of life. There were many conflicts between the white eyes and the natives and wrongs were committed on both sides but I believe the natives had a great way of life even if it was difficult at times. Mr. Warenski really gets into it and I feel like I am right with the people in the story.
I really enjoy his books and highly recommend them to anyone wanting a taste of the real old west mountain men.
I really enjoy his books and highly recommend them to anyone wanting a taste of the real old west mountain men.
December 13, 2018
A very enjoyable and entertaining story about the early Mountain Men of the American West.
This book of fiction about the life and times of the Mountain Men in America. The book has been well researched and authentic to the time period of 1822. The characters are believable and the pot is very interesting. I highly recommend this book of you are interested in the American Mountain Men.
This book of fiction about the life and times of the Mountain Men in America. The book has been well researched and authentic to the time period of 1822. The characters are believable and the pot is very interesting. I highly recommend this book of you are interested in the American Mountain Men.
December 18, 2018
Mountain man
I think a lot of us wish we had the chance to live in the wilderness of the great mountain. Reading the book narrated by the mountain man makes those wishes materialize. A very good story with a lot of details and geographic description. The adventure turns almost at every day. The description of the native American life is fascinating...I will read more from this author.
I think a lot of us wish we had the chance to live in the wilderness of the great mountain. Reading the book narrated by the mountain man makes those wishes materialize. A very good story with a lot of details and geographic description. The adventure turns almost at every day. The description of the native American life is fascinating...I will read more from this author.
July 16, 2021
The author’s reverence for the West and wilderness survival are depicted poignantly. And yet, the lack of a POV other than his own saddens me. The promotion of polygamous,Native-American mating practices disappoints me as a reader. I’m grateful to the author for offering his audience such grand description and practical familiarity with the American West. I hope future work incorporates feminist and First People’s perspectives.
June 10, 2023
Grizzly Killer: The Makings of A Mountain Man
The first book in a series, I discovered, while browsing through Kindle Unlimited offerings!
A great story line, beautiful descriptions of the area, in Utah, with which I am familiar with, having lived in the Four Corners area of NM, Az., Ut., and Co!
I live the story line of an honorable man discovering the land and the people of this area!
The first book in a series, I discovered, while browsing through Kindle Unlimited offerings!
A great story line, beautiful descriptions of the area, in Utah, with which I am familiar with, having lived in the Four Corners area of NM, Az., Ut., and Co!
I live the story line of an honorable man discovering the land and the people of this area!
June 16, 2024
It was good at first, but after a while the writing style just became really tedious. I liked the characters and overall atmosphere, though they don’t really make up for the weak plot. The story is quite slow, which isn’t inherently bad— in fact, I think it perfectly suits a book that depicts the day-to-day life of people living in the wilderness. However, it’s very wordy and there’s almost no dialogue, making it feel much longer and more sluggish than it actually is.
September 1, 2017
Review of "Grizzly Killer: The Making of a Mountain Man by John Lietzke
I found this book is very interesting. I didn't know Indians and white men were friends. I think Mountain men had a very hard living in the Rockies during the early 1800s. All being said, I think the book was excellent.
I found this book is very interesting. I didn't know Indians and white men were friends. I think Mountain men had a very hard living in the Rockies during the early 1800s. All being said, I think the book was excellent.
November 9, 2017
Interesting and knowledgeable read
Gives insight into how the Indians lived and fought among themselves. Also shows some of the impact with the coming of the white man. And overall shows what it took to live in the Rocky Mountains in those days. It also was a pleasant story and you grew to like the protagonists.
Gives insight into how the Indians lived and fought among themselves. Also shows some of the impact with the coming of the white man. And overall shows what it took to live in the Rocky Mountains in those days. It also was a pleasant story and you grew to like the protagonists.
March 29, 2019
Ahhh, the smell in the fresh mountain air...
The story is painted in beautiful detail. The Grizzly Killer is like able character that has many twists and turns in his life. He’s the envy of every man that loves the outdoors. This story brings me back to a time I wish I could visit. It was a great read and I’m looking forward to the other books in this series.
The story is painted in beautiful detail. The Grizzly Killer is like able character that has many twists and turns in his life. He’s the envy of every man that loves the outdoors. This story brings me back to a time I wish I could visit. It was a great read and I’m looking forward to the other books in this series.
April 8, 2019
I read this because I thought my grandson would enjoy it. It ended up that I enjoyed it too. The beauty of our great country, survival skills in the wild, the incredible bravery of these early mountain men - all of these were endlessly fascinating. There are others in this series so I will read on.
April 28, 2019
A look at 1828 western mountain life
I enjoyed reading this novel. The author captured a very descriptive period of history, much I found interesting concerning that period of time, Indian differences, their life styles, living conditions, and much more. A worthy read..."eatin' biscuits and drinkin' coffee..."
I enjoyed reading this novel. The author captured a very descriptive period of history, much I found interesting concerning that period of time, Indian differences, their life styles, living conditions, and much more. A worthy read..."eatin' biscuits and drinkin' coffee..."
May 12, 2019
I lived the life!
The author writes in a very descriptive way. I was a or to put myself right in the scenes he describes. I thoroughly enjoyed every page. Some of the s ends were hard to witness, but knew it was true to the Times and places. I highly recommend this author and his books! Please keep writing!
The author writes in a very descriptive way. I was a or to put myself right in the scenes he describes. I thoroughly enjoyed every page. Some of the s ends were hard to witness, but knew it was true to the Times and places. I highly recommend this author and his books! Please keep writing!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews