What do you think?
Rate this book
The Whitlock Trilogy #1
River of Light and Shadow
After mob violence threatens their lives, they flee to the wilderness
During Missouri’s Mormon Wars of the mid-1800s, the Whitlock family seeks to escape mob violence on the state’s western frontier by hiding in the rugged north Missouri wilderness where the Hill Spring Trail crosses the Chariton River. Here, in constant fear of discovery, David Whitlock meets and falls in love with Suzanna Shattuck, the independent and spirited daughter of a nearby settler.
>>Drawn together by love, divided by different worlds
As David and Suzanna struggle with their growing passion for each other and with the differences that separate their families, two other figures move inescapably toward each other and the young couple. In Jefferson City, legislator Jacob Randall champions the cause of Missouri's outcasts while Sheck Rogers, a self-appointed Mormon hunter, roams the state murdering and mutilating those he suspects of belonging to a church against which the Governor has issued an extermination order.
>>>In this entrancing historical novel of love, fear, courage and redemption, two young lovers seek to find themselves and each other in Missouri’s untamed wilderness.
Their families struggle to survive the politics and passions of one of the nation’s most tumultuous periods. River of Light and Shadow touches the deepest recesses of the heart while provoking, inspiring and teaching in ways that characterize the best historical fiction.
During Missouri’s Mormon Wars of the mid-1800s, the Whitlock family seeks to escape mob violence on the state’s western frontier by hiding in the rugged north Missouri wilderness where the Hill Spring Trail crosses the Chariton River. Here, in constant fear of discovery, David Whitlock meets and falls in love with Suzanna Shattuck, the independent and spirited daughter of a nearby settler.
>>Drawn together by love, divided by different worlds
As David and Suzanna struggle with their growing passion for each other and with the differences that separate their families, two other figures move inescapably toward each other and the young couple. In Jefferson City, legislator Jacob Randall champions the cause of Missouri's outcasts while Sheck Rogers, a self-appointed Mormon hunter, roams the state murdering and mutilating those he suspects of belonging to a church against which the Governor has issued an extermination order.
>>>In this entrancing historical novel of love, fear, courage and redemption, two young lovers seek to find themselves and each other in Missouri’s untamed wilderness.
Their families struggle to survive the politics and passions of one of the nation’s most tumultuous periods. River of Light and Shadow touches the deepest recesses of the heart while provoking, inspiring and teaching in ways that characterize the best historical fiction.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 28, 2012
176 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Allen Kent
24 books35 followersAllen Kent is the author of the popular “Unit 1” thriller series, the Whitlock Trilogy in historical fiction, and a number of other mysteries and action novels. His books are published in electronic form by Kindle Press and in paperback by AllenPearce Publishers. He lives and writes in rural southwest Missouri.
Kent is a former Air Force pilot and educator who spent four years of his early life living in Iran and England. He has traveled and worked extensively in Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia – experiences that are often reflected in his writing.
Writing as Kent Farnsworth, Kent has also published two works of non-fiction: “Grassroots School Reform” and “Leadership as Service.”
He and his wife Holly are avid travelers, gardeners, and conservationists, and live in an eco-friendly home near the community of Neosho.
See: https://www.amazon.com/Allen-Kent/e/B...
Kent is a former Air Force pilot and educator who spent four years of his early life living in Iran and England. He has traveled and worked extensively in Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia – experiences that are often reflected in his writing.
Writing as Kent Farnsworth, Kent has also published two works of non-fiction: “Grassroots School Reform” and “Leadership as Service.”
He and his wife Holly are avid travelers, gardeners, and conservationists, and live in an eco-friendly home near the community of Neosho.
See: https://www.amazon.com/Allen-Kent/e/B...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 2, 2021
This book spoke to my heart so much I found that I just couldn't put it down. This is the first book of a trilogy but it can be read as stand alone. In this first book we become immersed in the lives of Suzanna Shattuck and David Whitlock and their families. The time period for this book is during the time of the Mormon Wars. It was a terrifying time for the Mormon church. Just as other people 's were misunderstood such as Native Americans and the Negro Race so were the Mormons. What brings on such misunderstandings is it really the people themselves or is it fear because they are different? Isn't this something that still affects our world today? My legs are shaking at the injustice that is suffered upon people. I guess just like so many others I wish we could have a world of peace. Anyway I am getting off topic. David is a Mormon and Suzanna is a Christian this brings many difficulties to their blossoming relationship. Mr Kent has done an amazing job of telling a story at this time in history that pulls you in. The story is so vivid even though you know that you are reading a book, I felt it alive before my eyes. You will find this book at times difficult to read for the things that happened. But you will also read on with excitement of what is going to happen next. You will cry with Suzanna and you will shout with her also. This is a young woman with such a strong beautiful personality that you will love her. David is every womans hero. I hope you will give this book a try and I don't think you will be disappointed. I am so excited to read and see where our story goes next.
Thank you to the publisher that gave me a free copy of this book , I was asked for nothing in return. I wrote this review because I absolutely loved the book but than again this is my own opinion.
Thank you to the publisher that gave me a free copy of this book , I was asked for nothing in return. I wrote this review because I absolutely loved the book but than again this is my own opinion.
October 2, 2019
Long ago I read the "Work and the Glory" series and really liked it. My life has changed somewhat since then (no longer active in the church) so I wasn't sure how I'd feel about this series. I have read a few books with Mormon connections still. This was offered on AudioBoom (free audio w/review) and I got approved, so I figured I'd give it a try.
I had a little trouble connecting at the start. It begins with David falling off his horse, and immediately ties that to a memory from shortly before. Listening to the audio I was a bit confused at the quick transition try to place what was happening now, and what was memory. Luckily, the Kindle copy was available as part of Kindle Unlimited, so I was able to grab the text and do a quick perusal before moving on.
Having a basic knowledge of many of the historical events, many of the accounts were familiar to me. There were places in the book where it felt more like an instructional handbook than a novel. It finally moved beyond that, and I did start to make a connection with the characters, and cared about the events happening. Horrific events. I never quite understood (before or after this book) the hatred toward the Mormons, so much that it could cause others to kill kids and families in cold blood, and that it would be allowed.
So while it took me a bit to get into the story, it was a good read.
Not for the faint of heart, with violence and rape, but an ending that leaves you hopeful for the future.
I had a little trouble connecting at the start. It begins with David falling off his horse, and immediately ties that to a memory from shortly before. Listening to the audio I was a bit confused at the quick transition try to place what was happening now, and what was memory. Luckily, the Kindle copy was available as part of Kindle Unlimited, so I was able to grab the text and do a quick perusal before moving on.
Having a basic knowledge of many of the historical events, many of the accounts were familiar to me. There were places in the book where it felt more like an instructional handbook than a novel. It finally moved beyond that, and I did start to make a connection with the characters, and cared about the events happening. Horrific events. I never quite understood (before or after this book) the hatred toward the Mormons, so much that it could cause others to kill kids and families in cold blood, and that it would be allowed.
So while it took me a bit to get into the story, it was a good read.
Not for the faint of heart, with violence and rape, but an ending that leaves you hopeful for the future.
August 19, 2020
I listened to book 2 first and fell in love with it. Book 1 explains how the couple from book 2 met and why they were so far from family. It also gives a lot more background on the Mormon roots of this family barely mentioned in book 2.
This book gives an historical telling of the Mormon Wars. It does not give opinions on the religion as right or wrong, but explains the differences from the Methodist faith as some of the other characters hold to, and the fears many political and regular people faced during this time. Of course much is about the persecution of the Mormons and those who allow the Mormons to live as they desire too. I felt the author did an accurate telling and stayed far from opinions on the validity of the Morman faith. The focus, besides a budding romance, was to tell of the horrific persecution of people from a different belief system than the major Christian views held by America at the time. In honesty, it's a repeated scar across American history from the Natives, to the slaves, to the immigrants. Those nominal Christians (those in name only) persecute what's unknown and what they're afraid of. Many in the name of Christ, but they couldn't be farther from the teachings of Christ!! I pray that we read books like this so we don't end up repeating our country's mistakes!
The narration was impeccable!!
This book gives an historical telling of the Mormon Wars. It does not give opinions on the religion as right or wrong, but explains the differences from the Methodist faith as some of the other characters hold to, and the fears many political and regular people faced during this time. Of course much is about the persecution of the Mormons and those who allow the Mormons to live as they desire too. I felt the author did an accurate telling and stayed far from opinions on the validity of the Morman faith. The focus, besides a budding romance, was to tell of the horrific persecution of people from a different belief system than the major Christian views held by America at the time. In honesty, it's a repeated scar across American history from the Natives, to the slaves, to the immigrants. Those nominal Christians (those in name only) persecute what's unknown and what they're afraid of. Many in the name of Christ, but they couldn't be farther from the teachings of Christ!! I pray that we read books like this so we don't end up repeating our country's mistakes!
The narration was impeccable!!
February 13, 2022
This historical novel describes not only the life in sparsely settle Missouri in the 1830's but it contains information about the Mormon trek across the country. They were sought out and slaughtered as they moved ever further westward.
Suzanna lived with her father, two brothers, and their wives. A new family settled a more or so away. Suzanna's family believed them to be Mormons and left them to fend for themselves. Suzanna, however, was very interested in David, their son.
This story contains not only historical events and locations, it contains information about how the early settler's lived. I was fascinated by the description of collecting honey from a "honey tree," an active natural hive. Also contained is information about settlers creating flax and linen for their cloth, hunting for their meat, building sod cabins, and making barrels from trees
The story contains multiple violent events. Therefore, I recommend this book for mature audiences. Readers who enjoy reading about United States history, will enjoy this well-researched and well written book, the first in a series.
I listened to the audio version of this book. The narrator is excellent as is the audio quality.
Suzanna lived with her father, two brothers, and their wives. A new family settled a more or so away. Suzanna's family believed them to be Mormons and left them to fend for themselves. Suzanna, however, was very interested in David, their son.
This story contains not only historical events and locations, it contains information about how the early settler's lived. I was fascinated by the description of collecting honey from a "honey tree," an active natural hive. Also contained is information about settlers creating flax and linen for their cloth, hunting for their meat, building sod cabins, and making barrels from trees
The story contains multiple violent events. Therefore, I recommend this book for mature audiences. Readers who enjoy reading about United States history, will enjoy this well-researched and well written book, the first in a series.
I listened to the audio version of this book. The narrator is excellent as is the audio quality.
March 14, 2020
I chose to listen to this book after receiving a free audio copy from the author. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.
I’ve enjoyed historical fiction since I was a young teen and my dad suggested I read Blood Brother by Elliott Arnold. I’ve read quite a bit about early America, but this is the first book I’ve read about the Mormons and what they had to endure before they found their home in Utah.
This is the love story of David and Suzanna and the many obstacles they have to overcome. Luckily, Suzanna’s father is a sensible man, and he gives them his blessing even though he knows that David being a Mormon may cause difficulties.
The characters of David and Suzanna portray innocence and goodness. They make a life for themselves and even though they’re mostly happy where they are, I figured eventually David will feel the need to find a Mormon settlement.
The narrator did a good job. I was able to keep the different characters separate and the timing and pace were good.
I’m looking forward to listening to the second book in the series soon.
I’ve enjoyed historical fiction since I was a young teen and my dad suggested I read Blood Brother by Elliott Arnold. I’ve read quite a bit about early America, but this is the first book I’ve read about the Mormons and what they had to endure before they found their home in Utah.
This is the love story of David and Suzanna and the many obstacles they have to overcome. Luckily, Suzanna’s father is a sensible man, and he gives them his blessing even though he knows that David being a Mormon may cause difficulties.
The characters of David and Suzanna portray innocence and goodness. They make a life for themselves and even though they’re mostly happy where they are, I figured eventually David will feel the need to find a Mormon settlement.
The narrator did a good job. I was able to keep the different characters separate and the timing and pace were good.
I’m looking forward to listening to the second book in the series soon.
October 18, 2019
Let me start by saying that I listened to the audiobook of this story. This is a historical romance set in Missouri in the mid 1800s against the backdrop of the Mormon wars. I learned some things about this historical event and felt the book was well-researched. This is the story of Suzanna and David. David is a Mormon whose mother and father left their home to make a home in the wilds of Missouri. He meets and is attracted to Suzanna who while not opposed to the Mormons, some in her family are. Hence, their meeting and romance begins and is followed throughout the book. The story was good but with the audiobook, at times, I found it difficult to keep the characters separated in my mind by their voice. Overall, I really enjoyed the book and the story and look forward to reading/listening to other books by this author. I received a copy of this audiobook at my request and have left this review voluntarily.
June 28, 2020
I enjoyed listening to this audiobook because it did have some history with some fiction about the
Missouri's Mormon Wars of the mid 1800s as told by the Whitlock and Shattuck families. There was violence on the western frontier by hiding in the rugged north Missouri wilderness where the Hill Spring Trail crosses the Chariton River. Suzanna Shattuck falls in love with David Whitlock who is a Mormon and experiences the hatred for Mormons by some men who don't like people that are like they are.
In Jefferson City, legislator Jacob Randall champions the cause of Missouri's outcasts while Sheck Rogers, a self-appointed Mormon hunter, roams the state murdering and mutilating those he suspects of belonging to a church against which the Governor has issued an extermination order.
River of Light and Shadow touches the deepest recesses of the heart while provoking, inspiring and teaching in ways that characterize the best historical fiction
Missouri's Mormon Wars of the mid 1800s as told by the Whitlock and Shattuck families. There was violence on the western frontier by hiding in the rugged north Missouri wilderness where the Hill Spring Trail crosses the Chariton River. Suzanna Shattuck falls in love with David Whitlock who is a Mormon and experiences the hatred for Mormons by some men who don't like people that are like they are.
In Jefferson City, legislator Jacob Randall champions the cause of Missouri's outcasts while Sheck Rogers, a self-appointed Mormon hunter, roams the state murdering and mutilating those he suspects of belonging to a church against which the Governor has issued an extermination order.
River of Light and Shadow touches the deepest recesses of the heart while provoking, inspiring and teaching in ways that characterize the best historical fiction
May 14, 2019
A fascinating historical story
At times I wanted to delete this novel without completing it because the story had such gruesome scenes in it. I do not agree with violence or Mormonism, which is a cult which was hated so fiercely at that period of time in American history leading to wars and killing people for their beliefs. However, the love story between the two central characters was so clean and decent that I counld not stop reading. Tiredness deserted me. I was wide awake! Savage attacks by wolves, pelt trading and the rape of Suzanna and her subsequent pregnancy were traumatic to read which compelled me to finish it in one evening, reading until after midnight.
Recommended.
At times I wanted to delete this novel without completing it because the story had such gruesome scenes in it. I do not agree with violence or Mormonism, which is a cult which was hated so fiercely at that period of time in American history leading to wars and killing people for their beliefs. However, the love story between the two central characters was so clean and decent that I counld not stop reading. Tiredness deserted me. I was wide awake! Savage attacks by wolves, pelt trading and the rape of Suzanna and her subsequent pregnancy were traumatic to read which compelled me to finish it in one evening, reading until after midnight.
Recommended.
May 30, 2019
May the truth be found and exposed.
This historical novel tells of some of the murders and running off of some of the Mormons from their homes, business and lands. One family flees to the Missouri wilderness where David Whitlock meets a non-mormon girl that lives in the wilderness with her family near the Chariton River. As their Love develops discord between the Mormons and others grows stronger as a man named Sheck Rogers hunts down the Mormons to kill them. Having read much of the history of the early Mormon church I found the book very interesting.
This historical novel tells of some of the murders and running off of some of the Mormons from their homes, business and lands. One family flees to the Missouri wilderness where David Whitlock meets a non-mormon girl that lives in the wilderness with her family near the Chariton River. As their Love develops discord between the Mormons and others grows stronger as a man named Sheck Rogers hunts down the Mormons to kill them. Having read much of the history of the early Mormon church I found the book very interesting.
June 1, 2019
A Book I Could Not Put Down!
I read a few pages two nights ago and sleepiness caused me to put the book aside. Yesterday, I got back to the book as soon as I could and read late into the night. I slept a little and had to finish the book. The details about life during the historical period grabbed my attention. The information about prejudice against the Mormans and the attempt to eradicate them compelled me to read on. I look forward to other books in this series by this talented author.
I read a few pages two nights ago and sleepiness caused me to put the book aside. Yesterday, I got back to the book as soon as I could and read late into the night. I slept a little and had to finish the book. The details about life during the historical period grabbed my attention. The information about prejudice against the Mormans and the attempt to eradicate them compelled me to read on. I look forward to other books in this series by this talented author.
December 9, 2019
River of Light & Shadow catches your attention in the first paragraph and holds it throughout the book. It is a work of fiction but as with all good fiction it is based on fact. Prejudice is often used as an excuse for brutality and bullies abound in plenty in this book. The longing for a home where people could live without fear continued to drive people West. This book is the beginning of such a drive - I enjoyed it and look forward to the next two books that complete the series. I shall look for more from this author.
December 31, 2019
Set against the violence of Missouri's "Mormon troubles" of the 1830's and 40's, this book follows a family that chooses to leave the community of the Latter-Day Saints and make it on their own in the woods. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is more of a background than a topic for the book, and is treated respectfully by the author. The pioneer way of life seems well researched; I feel like I know how to build a sod house now. The romance between the main characters is passionate but sweet.
Note: same review I left on Audible
Note: same review I left on Audible
January 17, 2019
I recently finished this book and enjoyed it so much that I can't wait to dig into the next two books of this series. The book is perfectly written with great character development. I am a huge historical novel book fan and this book surely fit the bill. I have lived in Missouri and enjoyed learning more of the history of that state. I highly recommend this book to all historical novel lovers!
September 5, 2019
Good Read
I enjoy reading historical based novels, and River of Light and Shadow did not disappoint. The writer did a good job of his description of the land and nature. His cuz we're well developed and real. A very good read, will look forward to reading the authors other books.
I enjoy reading historical based novels, and River of Light and Shadow did not disappoint. The writer did a good job of his description of the land and nature. His cuz we're well developed and real. A very good read, will look forward to reading the authors other books.
January 6, 2020
Enjoyed Very Much
I enjoyed this novel about the history of Missouri during the time the Mormons were being driven out. People today don't appreciate how at that time state governments could sanction wholesale murder of a people because of their religious beliefs. Great characters and plot, and a heartwarming romance.
I enjoyed this novel about the history of Missouri during the time the Mormons were being driven out. People today don't appreciate how at that time state governments could sanction wholesale murder of a people because of their religious beliefs. Great characters and plot, and a heartwarming romance.
May 11, 2021
A terribly and heartbreaking realistic depiction of the pains and tragedies of that age.
A good blend of history and fiction. Not only on the religious front - which is a big part of this novel - Mormon vs Methodist. A very descriptive and thorough novel. This narrator is very good. I’m very appreciative that she sang the song rather than just reading the lyrics.
A good blend of history and fiction. Not only on the religious front - which is a big part of this novel - Mormon vs Methodist. A very descriptive and thorough novel. This narrator is very good. I’m very appreciative that she sang the song rather than just reading the lyrics.
October 23, 2024
4 stars Well written and narrated. This told of a topic I knew nothing about and was well done. Obvious the author had done a lot of research.
I received this audiobook for free, and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received this audiobook for free, and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 16, 2019
Great read
I really enjoyed this book from start to end. I loved that is was a clean read and kept me interested.
I really enjoyed this book from start to end. I loved that is was a clean read and kept me interested.
May 29, 2019
Moving Westward
Wonderfully written story. I enjoyed hearing about all the families, with all of them being favorites. Looking forward to book two in this series.
Wonderfully written story. I enjoyed hearing about all the families, with all of them being favorites. Looking forward to book two in this series.
January 11, 2020
Great story
The characters were realistic and the story was easy to follow.
I hope there will be another book about the Whitlock family.
The characters were realistic and the story was easy to follow.
I hope there will be another book about the Whitlock family.
November 13, 2019
ROLS
Throughout the novel, I often thought of my grandparents. My grandmother hails from Missouri; and although, I was not raised a Mormon, I did investigate the religion early in my adult life. There were some very exciting parts in the story and then some boring parts as well. I look forward to book 2. Thank you.
Throughout the novel, I often thought of my grandparents. My grandmother hails from Missouri; and although, I was not raised a Mormon, I did investigate the religion early in my adult life. There were some very exciting parts in the story and then some boring parts as well. I look forward to book 2. Thank you.
October 11, 2019
Read all three books and loved the story line. I was amazed at the amount of history these three book held. If you want to read a historical fiction series, with a good story line and lots of history, I would highly recommend. They are page turners.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews