A Forgotten Evil

by Sheldon Russell

In the American West, as the nation heals from the Civil War that nearly destroyed it, new battle lines are being drawn. Caleb Justin, orphaned and grieving, and his comrade Joshua Hart, a tough, worldly runaway, leave their home along the Ohio River bound for Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, intent to join Sheridan's troops in their pursuit of Indian lands. But a badly healed foot injury ends Caleb's dream of joining up. While Joshua is assigned to George Armstrong Custer's troops, Caleb finds himself alone and undefended on the war-ravaged prairie, picking up whatever work he can--until his capture by Indians changes everything.

Joan Monnet, daughter of a wealthy railroad magnate, is traveling West when her caravan is attacked by Indians. A timely rescue saves her life but leaves her lost on the vast American prairie with Caleb. Together, they must fight their way back to the world they once knew.

But in the winter of 1868, as the snow drifts, Custer is set to turn his cavalry on a Cheyenne camp along the Washita River. Joshua, Joan, and Caleb find themselves trapped in the crossfire of one of the bloodiest battles of frontier history. Will their desperate courage be enough for them to survive?

Genres: Westerns, Historical Fiction

280 pages, Paperback

Published October 8, 2019

About the author

My biography is available on my website: http://www.sheldonrussell.com

Reviews

[Alma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Russell captured Western life, and what it was like for the Cheyenne to be slaughtered and have their ancestral land taken away. The repercussions that came from Custer’s massacre of a peaceful village led to many of the Cheyenne incursions against the soldiers. Russell tells their side of the story so readers aren’t left with the usual “Custer was a hero” mentality from books about the Indian wars. Read more about this book on my blog: https://shouldireaditornot.wordpress....

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very moving “authentic” Western novel. First time I’ve read Sheldon Russell & he took me to a place & time where I could actually smell, hear & feel the story. Very glad I stumbled on this book. The West without any glamour.

[Quay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This could have been 5 stars but…

I hated the ending! It was a good story and I enjoyed it until the last page, then, the author absolutely ruined his own story. Too abrupt of an ending and really just ridiculous.

[Sarah Cate Lay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my typical read but still enjoyable! I want to read more westerns + books by Oklahoma authors and “A Forgotten Evil” was recommended by a roomie. It was an easy read, however slow at times, but with vivid descriptions and complex issues.

[Linda W. Magowan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good read in spite of the sad ending.