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Westward Sagas #4
Comanche Trace
Texas Ranger, Will Smith moved with his family to Texas during the early days of the Republic. Family strife is caused by the Comanche Indians who kill Will's brother James and abduct his nine-year-old nephew Fayette. Will pursues the Indians alone in hopes of rescuing the boy. Will ends up caught up in the rifts between the Republic of Texas, The Mexican government, and the Indian nation. His quest for revenge is waylaid when a Mexican beauty captures his heart. However, Will presses on and makes a frantic and dangerous journey back to Texas to warn President Mirabeau Lamar that the Mexican consider his Santa Fe Trade Expedition and armed invasion of Mexican Territory. It is a warning Lamar does not heed.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 17, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
August 20, 2023
The Review
As a fan of historical fiction, I was drawn into this series and I haven’t looked back since. The vivid detail that goes into the author’s work and the imagery that the author’s writing evokes in the reader’s mind really brings the era to life perfectly, as the setting becomes just as important a character as the rest of this amazing cast of characters. The gritty, Western style that the author brings to life and the tension that mounts as the story progresses really kept me engaged in this narrative.
Yet as with all of the author’s previous works, it was the emotional and gripping character development that really made this story shine. The way the author was able to shift perspectives between each chapter to see how life from all fronts of this looming battle came to unfold, and the understanding that comes with experience and truly getting to know someone, made this a compelling read, especially with the vengeance angle that begins this story and the emotional weight of that loss.
The Verdict
Memorable, compelling, and entertaining, author David Bowles’s “Comanche Trace” is a must-read Historical Fiction Western! The twists and turns in the growing narrative and the evolution of the characters as a mission of vengeance turns into a mission of peace and more made this a gripping story filled with tension, suspense, and emotional character development.
As a fan of historical fiction, I was drawn into this series and I haven’t looked back since. The vivid detail that goes into the author’s work and the imagery that the author’s writing evokes in the reader’s mind really brings the era to life perfectly, as the setting becomes just as important a character as the rest of this amazing cast of characters. The gritty, Western style that the author brings to life and the tension that mounts as the story progresses really kept me engaged in this narrative.
Yet as with all of the author’s previous works, it was the emotional and gripping character development that really made this story shine. The way the author was able to shift perspectives between each chapter to see how life from all fronts of this looming battle came to unfold, and the understanding that comes with experience and truly getting to know someone, made this a compelling read, especially with the vengeance angle that begins this story and the emotional weight of that loss.
The Verdict
Memorable, compelling, and entertaining, author David Bowles’s “Comanche Trace” is a must-read Historical Fiction Western! The twists and turns in the growing narrative and the evolution of the characters as a mission of vengeance turns into a mission of peace and more made this a gripping story filled with tension, suspense, and emotional character development.
August 31, 2020
This book won the North Texas Book Festival Award for Best Adult Fiction 2020! Bowles’ novel takes the reader back in time to the early days of Texas when it was a Republic with its own President trying to survive attacks internally from various groups of Native Americans and externally from Mexico. Will Smith, a Texas Ranger, is caught up in the chaos caused by the Comanche raids on Austin. When his brother is killed and his 9-year-old nephew, Fayette, is taken, Will pledges to his Mother that he will find Fayette and bring him home. There is certainly not a still moment in the story with political intrigue, gunfights, collecting scalps, and the struggle to find Fayette in the midst of everything else. If you like a good western and enjoy history this is a great read. The historical events are well researched and the fictional characters put the reader in the center of the developing state of Texas
January 5, 2024
I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. This is the fourth book in the Westward Saga. This one follows Texas Ranger, Will Smith and his family to Texas and the struggles they have to endure once they arrived. This one had a bit more of an impact on me being Native American. It was the wild west back than and it was a harsh time to be alive. My heart seemed to hurt a little for all involved. It was depicted so well it was like I was making that journey right along side of them.
August 30, 2019
Very informative, enjoyable, exciting book filled with history written about early settlers in Texas. Loved this particular 4th book & the other 3 books leading up to this one; they are just as fulfilling as this one to read. Hope David Bowles writes more about his family & all the history that surrounds them & Texas! So worth the read.
August 26, 2019
Could not put it down
Very engaging. David Bowles is a font of history and weaves it in a fascinating story. Could not put it down.
Very engaging. David Bowles is a font of history and weaves it in a fascinating story. Could not put it down.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews