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Moon of Bitter Cold
“Outstandingly well researched and superbly crafted, each page of this riveting work breathes new life into a period and a people obscured by time.”—W.E.B. Griffin
Moon of Bitter Cold begins in 1866 when the Civil War has ended, but the war in the West, with its bloody collision of cultures, is increasing in tension and danger. As the U.S. army builds ever more forts on the Great Plains and into the Wyoming Territory, the Plains Indians raid, attack, and skirmish, but with little effect.
Then Red Cloud, a Lakota Sioux war leader, assembles more than 3,000 warriors, uniting the Sioux with the Cheyenne, Arapho, and Crow, in order to make war on the white man. This is the only war that the Western Indians ever win against the encroaching settlers.
Chiaventone brings these historical figures to life. Thorough and impartial, Moon of Bitter Cold is a major narrative about a critical period and its pivotal figures on a frontier that won’t know peace for decades.
Moon of Bitter Cold begins in 1866 when the Civil War has ended, but the war in the West, with its bloody collision of cultures, is increasing in tension and danger. As the U.S. army builds ever more forts on the Great Plains and into the Wyoming Territory, the Plains Indians raid, attack, and skirmish, but with little effect.
Then Red Cloud, a Lakota Sioux war leader, assembles more than 3,000 warriors, uniting the Sioux with the Cheyenne, Arapho, and Crow, in order to make war on the white man. This is the only war that the Western Indians ever win against the encroaching settlers.
Chiaventone brings these historical figures to life. Thorough and impartial, Moon of Bitter Cold is a major narrative about a critical period and its pivotal figures on a frontier that won’t know peace for decades.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
448 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
March 17, 2018
Historical fiction, thoroughly researched. Like the author’s “A Road We Do Not Know” the story of Red Cloud’s war is presented in a compelling and unbiased way. It took me into the hearts and minds of people of the time and into savage battle. Enjoyable is not the right word as it defies the intensity of the conflict, but great read.
February 13, 2012
I first read "Moon of Bitter Cold" eight years ago and have just finished re-reading it. It takes an exceptional story teller to get me to read a book a second time.
This is an example of what a historical novel should be. The author uses his history background and original source material to craft a clear picture of the clash between Native Americans and the military in the northern plains.
The novel details the the events leading up to the Fetterman massacre, a victory by native americans that rivals the Custer defeat ten years later. The author provides great insight into intra-tribe indian politics and the effort Red Cloud put into the forming of a unique coalition of northern plains tribes to fight white expansion into the plains following the Civil War as well as the difficulties faced by the military in providing safety to travelers heading to the gold fields in Montana. He tells the story in an even handed way without showing a bias to either side. I highly recomend this novel to anyone interested in this clash of cultures that changed the West forever.
The late Terry Johnston also told this story in his novel "Sioux Dawn". I also highly recomend this novel.
This is an example of what a historical novel should be. The author uses his history background and original source material to craft a clear picture of the clash between Native Americans and the military in the northern plains.
The novel details the the events leading up to the Fetterman massacre, a victory by native americans that rivals the Custer defeat ten years later. The author provides great insight into intra-tribe indian politics and the effort Red Cloud put into the forming of a unique coalition of northern plains tribes to fight white expansion into the plains following the Civil War as well as the difficulties faced by the military in providing safety to travelers heading to the gold fields in Montana. He tells the story in an even handed way without showing a bias to either side. I highly recomend this novel to anyone interested in this clash of cultures that changed the West forever.
The late Terry Johnston also told this story in his novel "Sioux Dawn". I also highly recomend this novel.
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September 7, 2015Excellent historical fiction that depicts the clash between cultures in the Northern plains. Read it many years ago, right before traveling to Wyoming and visiting the edifice area where much of this story took place.
August 4, 2009
Good historical western.
May 25, 2012
Wonderful fictional account of post-Civil War on Bozeman Trail, focused on Ft. Kearny and its troops vs. Red Cloud and his consortium of Sioux, Arapaho, and Cheyenne.
February 17, 2016
Second time reading this book. I love it. He did such a good job portraying the Native and the Soldier view of the battles between them. My heart ached for both.
September 3, 2019
I wish there were more from the perspective of the Indians, not just their war councils but their lives, fears, hopes as well. Nevertheless, this was a very interesting read.
4.5
4.5
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews