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The Rendezvous Series #1-3
An extraordinary historical adventure from a NY Times Bestselling author. “Win Blevins has painted an epic saga of life in the early West on a huge canvas of vivid colors.”–Tony Hillerman "Blevins is a true storyteller in the tradition of Native American people.” Lee Francis, Director, Wordcraft Circle of Native Writers and Storytellers.
In 1822, Sam Morgan dreams of following in the footsteps of the Lewis and Clark expedition. When he steals away on a flatboat headed west, Sam’s epic adventure begins. Along the way, he meets a cast of unforgettable characters, including Capt. William Clark himself and fur traders Jedediah Smith and Irish Tom Fitzpatrick, mountain men well on their way to becoming legends.
In a brigade led by the heroic Smith, Sam crosses the fierce deserts to California—a first. But the land of the Golden Bear confronts him with dazzling perils. He must trek the Sierra Nevada and walk thirsty across the Great Basin Desert to save his comrades.
Sam learns that he can survive, love, live with nature, and thrive, by trusting himself, by pushing himself—and his dreams—to the limit.
REVIEWS
"The glory years of frontier life, fresh and rich.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Blevins’ sweeping vision of the American frontier is just plain irresistible.” – Michael and Kathleen Gear, The First Americans series.
“No one writes about the fur trappers' westering experience better than Blevins. He has a poet's way with words, and imagery to match the wilderness reality. Win has re-created that long-ago world where the improbable was commonplace, where courage and audacity made anything possible.”—Lucia St. Clair Robson, author of Ride the Wind, member of the Western Writers Hall of Fame.
SO WILD A DREAM
In the Ree villages, Sam faces treachery and death. While among the Crows, he falls in love with a woman named Meadowlark. From the Bois Brulés, Snakes, and Pawnees, he learns native crafts, lore, and mysticism. But Sam’s best teacher is hard-won experience.
On a grueling seven-hundred-mile trek, alone and on foot, across the Great Plains to Fort Atkinson on the Missouri River, he endures a devastating prairie fire and comes to grips with the price of survival.
BEAUTY FOR ASHES
Rich in historical detail, Beauty for Ashes continues Sam Morgan’s epic quest.
Sam yearns for more than wealth—he dreams of Meadowlark, the Crow Indian woman who taught him love. When his companions set a course for the Wind River country and Meadowlark’s village, Sam will have one more chance to win his heart’s desire.
First, however, he must survive the arduous journey, from cruel winter storms to debilitating illnesses. Sam learns to hunt buffalo and track beaver, and battles warriors of the Pawnee, Lakota, and Blackfeet tribes. Held captive by the Sioux, he makes a daring escape, and faces his most difficult challenge yet when Meadowlark’s family demands that he perform a great deed to prove himself worthy of her love.
DANCING WITH THE GOLDEN BEAR
Sam faces his harshest test yet. Jedediah Smith puts together a brigade for a trip into uncharted territory—Mexican California. Sam Morgan eagerly joins up, bringing his Crow wife, Meadowlark, along.
In 1822, Sam Morgan dreams of following in the footsteps of the Lewis and Clark expedition. When he steals away on a flatboat headed west, Sam’s epic adventure begins. Along the way, he meets a cast of unforgettable characters, including Capt. William Clark himself and fur traders Jedediah Smith and Irish Tom Fitzpatrick, mountain men well on their way to becoming legends.
In a brigade led by the heroic Smith, Sam crosses the fierce deserts to California—a first. But the land of the Golden Bear confronts him with dazzling perils. He must trek the Sierra Nevada and walk thirsty across the Great Basin Desert to save his comrades.
Sam learns that he can survive, love, live with nature, and thrive, by trusting himself, by pushing himself—and his dreams—to the limit.
REVIEWS
"The glory years of frontier life, fresh and rich.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Blevins’ sweeping vision of the American frontier is just plain irresistible.” – Michael and Kathleen Gear, The First Americans series.
“No one writes about the fur trappers' westering experience better than Blevins. He has a poet's way with words, and imagery to match the wilderness reality. Win has re-created that long-ago world where the improbable was commonplace, where courage and audacity made anything possible.”—Lucia St. Clair Robson, author of Ride the Wind, member of the Western Writers Hall of Fame.
SO WILD A DREAM
In the Ree villages, Sam faces treachery and death. While among the Crows, he falls in love with a woman named Meadowlark. From the Bois Brulés, Snakes, and Pawnees, he learns native crafts, lore, and mysticism. But Sam’s best teacher is hard-won experience.
On a grueling seven-hundred-mile trek, alone and on foot, across the Great Plains to Fort Atkinson on the Missouri River, he endures a devastating prairie fire and comes to grips with the price of survival.
BEAUTY FOR ASHES
Rich in historical detail, Beauty for Ashes continues Sam Morgan’s epic quest.
Sam yearns for more than wealth—he dreams of Meadowlark, the Crow Indian woman who taught him love. When his companions set a course for the Wind River country and Meadowlark’s village, Sam will have one more chance to win his heart’s desire.
First, however, he must survive the arduous journey, from cruel winter storms to debilitating illnesses. Sam learns to hunt buffalo and track beaver, and battles warriors of the Pawnee, Lakota, and Blackfeet tribes. Held captive by the Sioux, he makes a daring escape, and faces his most difficult challenge yet when Meadowlark’s family demands that he perform a great deed to prove himself worthy of her love.
DANCING WITH THE GOLDEN BEAR
Sam faces his harshest test yet. Jedediah Smith puts together a brigade for a trip into uncharted territory—Mexican California. Sam Morgan eagerly joins up, bringing his Crow wife, Meadowlark, along.
1071 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 29, 2017
421 people are currently reading
287 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 27, 2017
Interesting
A fine set of books with only a couple of problems. The first which I am extremely sensitive about and that being anyone denigrating the south. Our author had no problem with this but would point out time and again how you could not judge all Indians and Mountain Men by a few individuals. The "Samalo" story was by far the most irrational, unbelievable, fictional one of the books. It would have been wise to omit all of it. The second problem was the constant theme of the degradation of whites. One would think if there was a grain of truth in the author's stories there would not be a white man left by the 1900s. So stupid and racist they were. A quarter of the novels were repeat stories. I took to skimming them to get to the really great parts of the hardships of the mountain men. These novels were a great read and I applaud the author for his tremendous research.
A fine set of books with only a couple of problems. The first which I am extremely sensitive about and that being anyone denigrating the south. Our author had no problem with this but would point out time and again how you could not judge all Indians and Mountain Men by a few individuals. The "Samalo" story was by far the most irrational, unbelievable, fictional one of the books. It would have been wise to omit all of it. The second problem was the constant theme of the degradation of whites. One would think if there was a grain of truth in the author's stories there would not be a white man left by the 1900s. So stupid and racist they were. A quarter of the novels were repeat stories. I took to skimming them to get to the really great parts of the hardships of the mountain men. These novels were a great read and I applaud the author for his tremendous research.
December 7, 2024
Would You, Rendezvous?
I loved this series of books. It was a story of one American boy in the early 1800’s. His life is a symbol representing those experienced by the intrepid mountain men of the time . It was a journey through brilliant light and love, and bone chilling and harrowing darkness that would bring any man or woman to their knees. He crumbles, he soars. Through the perspective of Sam , aka Joins with Buffalo, we can imagine a colorful and wide range of characters. Some his enemies, and some his life-long friends. They hail from far and wide, speak a mish-mash of languages and signs to communicate with each other. Win Blevins dug deep into his marrow and fortified his stories with the real life stories of mountain men and the Native tribes of this Country. His stories will remain with me forever.
I loved this series of books. It was a story of one American boy in the early 1800’s. His life is a symbol representing those experienced by the intrepid mountain men of the time . It was a journey through brilliant light and love, and bone chilling and harrowing darkness that would bring any man or woman to their knees. He crumbles, he soars. Through the perspective of Sam , aka Joins with Buffalo, we can imagine a colorful and wide range of characters. Some his enemies, and some his life-long friends. They hail from far and wide, speak a mish-mash of languages and signs to communicate with each other. Win Blevins dug deep into his marrow and fortified his stories with the real life stories of mountain men and the Native tribes of this Country. His stories will remain with me forever.
October 13, 2017
Stunning
I was blown away by these books. So much detail, so many emotions felt by the reader as you are swept along on this journey.
This is based in facts about these men but the author enriches the story by adding characters that can be related to. The known history is not changed.
I have read much historical fiction but this may be the best written one I've ever read. I cannot get enough of Win Blevins and recommend anything written by this author. He is one of my permanent favorites!!
I was blown away by these books. So much detail, so many emotions felt by the reader as you are swept along on this journey.
This is based in facts about these men but the author enriches the story by adding characters that can be related to. The known history is not changed.
I have read much historical fiction but this may be the best written one I've ever read. I cannot get enough of Win Blevins and recommend anything written by this author. He is one of my permanent favorites!!
June 1, 2017
Three book series that works
This three book series is like one large book, in that the way each flows seamlessly into the next. It is a very intriguing story line that really grabs your interest and makes it very hard to put down. Sam Morgan, the main character, evolves from an innocent young lad to a seasoned mountain man that keeps your interest through the entire novel and makes you feel involved throughout. It's a can't miss thriller.
This three book series is like one large book, in that the way each flows seamlessly into the next. It is a very intriguing story line that really grabs your interest and makes it very hard to put down. Sam Morgan, the main character, evolves from an innocent young lad to a seasoned mountain man that keeps your interest through the entire novel and makes you feel involved throughout. It's a can't miss thriller.
July 20, 2017
A very interesting and enjoyable series, lots of action and drama, a really good love interest, and some very unusual activities. I liked that it was based on historical facts, lots of them, and that the various story lines kept crossing over each other. It took longer to read than my normal project, but there were 3 books to get through, each one flowing into the other so that I hardly noticed the change.
October 3, 2020
Win Blevens takes us in 3 volumes through the life of a Ohio-born Mountain Man. He lives and marries into the Crow nation. Hobknobs with many historical figures and visits some places I personally visited. So for me, it's a feel good reading experience, although he personally experiences many defeats, hardships, disappointments and successes. I liked it. I have read a number of his books and never have been disappointed.
December 10, 2017
My senses are filled!
Having traveled over most of the area covered in the story, I am amazed again that these men and women were able to do this on foot or horseback! Thank you for filling my senses! I look forward to rereading them and encourage every history buff to dive in! Now to choose another of your incredible sagas!
Having traveled over most of the area covered in the story, I am amazed again that these men and women were able to do this on foot or horseback! Thank you for filling my senses! I look forward to rereading them and encourage every history buff to dive in! Now to choose another of your incredible sagas!
April 15, 2018
Lots of good reading time if you like early western.
Blevins is a craftsman. He has obviously deeply researched the mountain men adventurers and how they lived, worked and made their way through life. The reality mixed with the story lines made this a very enjoyable read.
Blevins is a craftsman. He has obviously deeply researched the mountain men adventurers and how they lived, worked and made their way through life. The reality mixed with the story lines made this a very enjoyable read.
April 6, 2018
Stunning. Educational. Riveting
Not enough can be said for the authors writing style. His method of writing teaches almost as much as the book he writes about. Scenes are very well created and thoroughly detailed. Characters are well developed and come alive.
Not enough can be said for the authors writing style. His method of writing teaches almost as much as the book he writes about. Scenes are very well created and thoroughly detailed. Characters are well developed and come alive.
September 24, 2018
Very informative 3 books
I thoroughly enjoyed book 1-3, some factual and some fictional happenings. It really amazing how hard the traveling across the US was compared to traveling in a car, plane and or train.
I thoroughly enjoyed book 1-3, some factual and some fictional happenings. It really amazing how hard the traveling across the US was compared to traveling in a car, plane and or train.
November 21, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyable
Mr. Blevins ...what a great job you did, here. How in the world did these folks survive ad long as they did? Great information, made into a delightful, readable, enjoyable three books. Am eager to start on the next three. Thank you.
Mr. Blevins ...what a great job you did, here. How in the world did these folks survive ad long as they did? Great information, made into a delightful, readable, enjoyable three books. Am eager to start on the next three. Thank you.
November 24, 2018
Scholarly adventure of a young man’s travels and travails
Narrowly focused set of travelogues detailing the life and times of a young man’s journey from the East Coast- “civilization” in the mid-1800’s - all the way across the continent to California.
Narrowly focused set of travelogues detailing the life and times of a young man’s journey from the East Coast- “civilization” in the mid-1800’s - all the way across the continent to California.
August 22, 2024
Fact and fiction blended skillfully in an engaging tale
Whats not to like. Languge as colourful as the skillfully drawn characters. A factual account of the subjugation of a country and a people done without the illusions of contemporary bias. In general a good yarn.
Whats not to like. Languge as colourful as the skillfully drawn characters. A factual account of the subjugation of a country and a people done without the illusions of contemporary bias. In general a good yarn.
July 4, 2017
Completely enjoyable. Great characters, interesting stories, plenty of action and suspense. Well done, and a good read.
November 20, 2017
Took a long time to get through. Not always captive of my attention but it had a great historical backdrop and I felt like I was traveling west right along with the characters.
January 11, 2018
Good reading.
I would recommend this series.
It was a fast and compelling read. I plan to read the next books in the series as well.
I would recommend this series.
It was a fast and compelling read. I plan to read the next books in the series as well.
March 15, 2019
An interesting tale about the people who pushed back the frontiers in the west of America. There is however too much unnecessary detail which slows the narrative down
June 9, 2019
Great thanks for a wonderful series.
This series cost me several late nights , it was hard to put down. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Western books.
This series cost me several late nights , it was hard to put down. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Western books.
April 3, 2017
Win Blevins just became my fav. author of this era
The real and the fiction intertwine so well...the
characters became friends I cared about and
want to know more of their life journey..
Thanx W.B.
The real and the fiction intertwine so well...the
characters became friends I cared about and
want to know more of their life journey..
Thanx W.B.
April 3, 2017
Objectionable content quite early.
April 10, 2017
Enticing Read
I thought the series started off a bit slow but was intrigued by what the story line indicated lay ahead. Through each book, the story grew to the point where there was a need to know what was happening to Sam and Meadowlark. All in all, the story and characters grow on you as you become more immersed in the adventure. I'd recommend this series to anyone who likes "wild west" stories.
I thought the series started off a bit slow but was intrigued by what the story line indicated lay ahead. Through each book, the story grew to the point where there was a need to know what was happening to Sam and Meadowlark. All in all, the story and characters grow on you as you become more immersed in the adventure. I'd recommend this series to anyone who likes "wild west" stories.
April 11, 2017
Great
Loved it Ben was brought out perfectly. I would highly recommend to anyone who like a great story and historical accuracy.
Loved it Ben was brought out perfectly. I would highly recommend to anyone who like a great story and historical accuracy.
April 23, 2017
The first trip west
This is outstanding. The fact that it follows historical journals gives you the feeling of being right there while history was made. I am a mountain man follower and this book is very entertaining.
This is outstanding. The fact that it follows historical journals gives you the feeling of being right there while history was made. I am a mountain man follower and this book is very entertaining.
April 25, 2017
A story that draws you on to the next chapter and is hard to put down s
Almost as if you were there with them . A hard life you wonder why men leave every thing they know just to see what is over the next mountain.
Almost as if you were there with them . A hard life you wonder why men leave every thing they know just to see what is over the next mountain.
April 29, 2017
Extraordinary!
Terrific story about the taming of the west combined with the story of a young man gone west for adventure. The adversity, the struggles the mountain men faced were awesome and fearful and, to the modern reader, completely insurmountable. Blevins writes so well the reader begins to fathom starvation, dehydration, endless freezing cold, fear and the continuous threat of hostiles as well as the joys of rendezvous and the victory of making through another year. I would recommend this book to anyone.
Terrific story about the taming of the west combined with the story of a young man gone west for adventure. The adversity, the struggles the mountain men faced were awesome and fearful and, to the modern reader, completely insurmountable. Blevins writes so well the reader begins to fathom starvation, dehydration, endless freezing cold, fear and the continuous threat of hostiles as well as the joys of rendezvous and the victory of making through another year. I would recommend this book to anyone.
April 30, 2017
Good Entertaining Historical Fiction/Facts!
Although a bit redundant at times, overall this is a very interesting historical account of the early frontier and it's adventurous explorers and outdoorsman of that time. Also enjoyable is the accurate account of typical attitudes of various people's of that times and their means of survival.
Although a bit redundant at times, overall this is a very interesting historical account of the early frontier and it's adventurous explorers and outdoorsman of that time. Also enjoyable is the accurate account of typical attitudes of various people's of that times and their means of survival.
May 3, 2017
Welcome. what today brings, follow your wild hair
Both are a philosophy of the mountain men and are part of the book. A great read that should be continued.
Both are a philosophy of the mountain men and are part of the book. A great read that should be continued.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews