The story of J.D. Wilkes is the story of people's lives, of hard times, of redemption, real life choices and real life consequences. One should put away preconceived notions of what defines a "Western" when considering Shadow Soldier. J.D. Wilkes is three dimensional, not always right and not always moral. Shadow Soldier is literature, with deep emotional and even Christian themes running through the book as these things run through all of our lives. The choices he has to make are not easy and he struggles with doing the right thing. He is alienated and despised, feared and respected, ridiculed and honored as his actions are perceived by those around him as heroic or cowardly. On top of that, Shadow Soldier is historically correct and scrupulously researched. Times, places, people and events are accurate and told in such a way that many are unable to put it down after the seventh chapter. Try it and see.
This is the tale of a youngster becoming a warrior and young man, and finally a full man.
An imperfect man, to be sure. A scarred and brutalized man, who had occasion to leaves many others scarred, brutalized -- and dead.
Yet also a Christian man -- and that is what saves him, in the end. It also prevents the violence he endures and inflicts upon others from becoming his only code of conduct.
A man's journey through life is never truly completed. Until he draws his last breath, each man contains the capacity for both great good and great evil. The tests of our lives require us to make the decision, each and every day, whether we shall be proven good or evil.
This book tells the story of one man's journey toward that ultimate determination of good or evil, under the most difficult circumstances imaginable.
This one is worth the read. Fathers, share this one with your sons...and then have a long discussion about it.
Completely clean of anything inappropriate or of a sexual nature. There is violence, but it is the necessary violence of the young learning to be the guardians of the flock. Moral quandries are presented through this violence -- and strong lessons learned.
"Shadow Soldier: A Western Adventure" by T.L. Davis offers a compelling and multi-dimensional look at the life of J.D. Wilkes. This is not your typical Western; instead, it delves into deep emotional and Christian themes, presenting a raw and realistic portrayal of a man's struggle with morality and redemption.
Wilkes is a complex character, often caught between right and wrong, revered and reviled by those around him. Davis's meticulous historical research adds authenticity, bringing the setting and period to vivid life. The narrative's strong character development and moral quandaries keep readers engaged, making it a standout in the genre.
"Shadow Soldier" is a thought-provoking read that challenges traditional Western tropes, offering both action and introspection.
I dont usually like westerns, but i really enjoyed this book. The depth of the main character was one reason. The other is that action happened and the story moved forward. We didnt have to read every detail ad nauseam. It was interesting that Jeff had no romantic experiences written about, until the very end when he noticed Mary.