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Matt Bannister Western #10
Dragon's Fire
U.S. Deputy Marshal Matt Bannister is once again going head-to-head with Wu-Pen Tseng.
Wu-Pen Tseng is not getting the respect he craves. To use a bit of deception, he comes up with an operation he calls "Dragon's Fire.” Dragon's Fire has three goals, and when all three are fulfilled, Wu-Pen is pleased. That is, until Matt Bannister begins an investigation and follows the evidence into Chinatown. Suspicion leads him to his prime suspect: Wu-Pen.
Wu-Pen has sabotaged the silver mine and brought a compassionate smile, shelter, and food for the families of the now missing minors, while they wait to know the fate of their loved ones.
Inside of the mountain holding the tunnels, drifts and mining works of the Slater Silver Mine, Joe Thorn is the only uninjured of the survivors and he is forced to make a lifesaving decision with only what he could find five-hundred-feet underground to save Lawrence Barton. Four men work together through their injuries and fears to stay alive and care for their most injured man. With no promise of a tomorrow and a heavy load of regrets, the men emerge from the mine with a whole new outlook on life…
Wu-Pen Tseng is not getting the respect he craves. To use a bit of deception, he comes up with an operation he calls "Dragon's Fire.” Dragon's Fire has three goals, and when all three are fulfilled, Wu-Pen is pleased. That is, until Matt Bannister begins an investigation and follows the evidence into Chinatown. Suspicion leads him to his prime suspect: Wu-Pen.
Wu-Pen has sabotaged the silver mine and brought a compassionate smile, shelter, and food for the families of the now missing minors, while they wait to know the fate of their loved ones.
Inside of the mountain holding the tunnels, drifts and mining works of the Slater Silver Mine, Joe Thorn is the only uninjured of the survivors and he is forced to make a lifesaving decision with only what he could find five-hundred-feet underground to save Lawrence Barton. Four men work together through their injuries and fears to stay alive and care for their most injured man. With no promise of a tomorrow and a heavy load of regrets, the men emerge from the mine with a whole new outlook on life…
257 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 23, 2021
297 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
Ken Pratt
36 books21 followersKen Pratt worked to make a living, but his passion has always been writing. Having a busy family, the only "free" time he had to write was late at night getting no more than five hours of sleep a night. He has penned several novels that are being published along with several children stories as well. Ken Pratt says, "If you want something bad enough, you'll sacrifice something else to get it. I sacrifice sleep. I do not write to be a best seller or for wealth, I write to bring hope into the lives of the hopeless and encourage the disheartened through the lives of the characters and God's providence in my stories. There is always 'Hope' and that is the purpose of my books."
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 24, 2021
The story had some circumstances that were disturbing as justice was dealt with two chinamen who were unprepared to die. Matt wasn't so sure they were guilty but couldn't prove it.
Dragon's Fire was full of mystery and suspense, while Matt Banister wrestled with performing his job with a clear conscience. I loved how the townspeople came together to help the unfortunates who were injured in the mine incident.
I can't wait to see what comes next.
Dragon's Fire was full of mystery and suspense, while Matt Banister wrestled with performing his job with a clear conscience. I loved how the townspeople came together to help the unfortunates who were injured in the mine incident.
I can't wait to see what comes next.
March 26, 2021
I have been an avid Matt Bannister fan since his first story was released by Mr. Pratt and each new story law and seemed better than the previous one! This compassionately motivated story certainly touches anyone's heartstrings, when Matt, along with his extended family and friends go above and beyond when they assist a family displaced by a mine disaster!
Most definitely another five star masterpiece of heartwarming western folklore experiences involving Marshal Matt Bannister, as he struggles with his decisions in which an explosion in a silver mine kills and maims several of the miners! Matt continues to doubt the intentions of the Oriental leader when he comes up with two brothers he accuses of the deaths!
Some of most compelling storylines I have had the opportunity to follow, and there have been plenty! No slow downs in this compassionately outstanding portrayal of realistically renditions of old American western folklore adventures! Too the Author's outstanding descriptive character selections were unsurpassed in their commanding assignments from beginning sentences to the final paragraph has been
Definitely recommend this compassionately motivated story to all readers but especially you compassionately motivated western enthusiasts! Yes, even to all of you skeptical non-western enthusiasts will find yourselves completely captivated by Matt Bannister, his family and friends as they strive to bring the relief needed to bring peace to the families involved! Very heartwarming yet gut wrenching episodes you do not want to misd!!!😃
Most definitely another five star masterpiece of heartwarming western folklore experiences involving Marshal Matt Bannister, as he struggles with his decisions in which an explosion in a silver mine kills and maims several of the miners! Matt continues to doubt the intentions of the Oriental leader when he comes up with two brothers he accuses of the deaths!
Some of most compelling storylines I have had the opportunity to follow, and there have been plenty! No slow downs in this compassionately outstanding portrayal of realistically renditions of old American western folklore adventures! Too the Author's outstanding descriptive character selections were unsurpassed in their commanding assignments from beginning sentences to the final paragraph has been
Definitely recommend this compassionately motivated story to all readers but especially you compassionately motivated western enthusiasts! Yes, even to all of you skeptical non-western enthusiasts will find yourselves completely captivated by Matt Bannister, his family and friends as they strive to bring the relief needed to bring peace to the families involved! Very heartwarming yet gut wrenching episodes you do not want to misd!!!😃
March 25, 2021
Very good series western stories
I very seldom give 5 stars, 4 means I liked it quite a bit. And I did.
This was a very well written series of stories about life in an Oregon town back in late 1800's. Great characters, both good and bad guys with good plots for each story. There is a strong christian ethic here, it adds to stories rather than distracts.
I recommend this to anyone who enjoys decent western stories, good fun reading.
Thank you
I very seldom give 5 stars, 4 means I liked it quite a bit. And I did.
This was a very well written series of stories about life in an Oregon town back in late 1800's. Great characters, both good and bad guys with good plots for each story. There is a strong christian ethic here, it adds to stories rather than distracts.
I recommend this to anyone who enjoys decent western stories, good fun reading.
Thank you
March 20, 2022
It's sad with an unbelievable ending
I can't believe how well you captured the underworld of the Chinese modus beginnings in a small America community. I believe what is sadder is the greed of two men. Two different nationalities same here greed.
Ending with the all encompassing love that we Christians are supposed too have and share. What a beautiful ending to a very sad tale.
I can't believe how well you captured the underworld of the Chinese modus beginnings in a small America community. I believe what is sadder is the greed of two men. Two different nationalities same here greed.
Ending with the all encompassing love that we Christians are supposed too have and share. What a beautiful ending to a very sad tale.
March 4, 2024
The greatest of these is love
I readily identified with Lucille and Lawrence since I've been in similar dire circumstances.
The rendering of this tale makes me think of the Bible verse that says God wants only for us to do what is right, love mercy, and walk humbly with HIM.
IN SPITE OF THE WORLD'S EVIL, WE CAN REMEMBER THIS AND ACT ACCORDINGLY.
Great story. It speaks to a person's heart.
I readily identified with Lucille and Lawrence since I've been in similar dire circumstances.
The rendering of this tale makes me think of the Bible verse that says God wants only for us to do what is right, love mercy, and walk humbly with HIM.
IN SPITE OF THE WORLD'S EVIL, WE CAN REMEMBER THIS AND ACT ACCORDINGLY.
Great story. It speaks to a person's heart.
April 12, 2021
Grammar sucks
I could not finish this one. I've read all the others ( note- others-plural) but finally had enough of malformed sentences, possessives instead of plurals and the use of questionable when questioning was meant.
Despite good plotting and well developed characters I just can't stand any more.
I could not finish this one. I've read all the others ( note- others-plural) but finally had enough of malformed sentences, possessives instead of plurals and the use of questionable when questioning was meant.
Despite good plotting and well developed characters I just can't stand any more.
April 15, 2021
My Thoughts!!!
I have read all 10 of your books, and each one was page turners.i so appreciate Matt for his Christian walk, his integrity, and his honor. I would recommend to anyone who loved Westerns and good clean writing. I cried like a baby at the end of this one. You will not be disappointed...
I have read all 10 of your books, and each one was page turners.i so appreciate Matt for his Christian walk, his integrity, and his honor. I would recommend to anyone who loved Westerns and good clean writing. I cried like a baby at the end of this one. You will not be disappointed...
April 3, 2021
Must read book
Ken Pratt knows how to make the reader feel like he can feel the story, like he is part of the action. You have to read the whole book to see how the people of the town got together to help out other people who had their lives changed and lost everything.
Ken Pratt knows how to make the reader feel like he can feel the story, like he is part of the action. You have to read the whole book to see how the people of the town got together to help out other people who had their lives changed and lost everything.
December 13, 2021
By now you know that Wu-Pen is Godfather of the Chinese mafia. His smile and helpfulness doesn't fool Matt. His assistance in a mine cave in that he created, isn't going to help. In the aftermath of death and destruction, Matt has to prove what he suspects.
April 17, 2022
Good story
This book like the others in this series gives you something to ponder on. How can two innocent men die for the evil of another, then the out pouring of love to help a broken family. Took me through a range of emotions..
This book like the others in this series gives you something to ponder on. How can two innocent men die for the evil of another, then the out pouring of love to help a broken family. Took me through a range of emotions..
March 26, 2021
This is a very good western. I loved the story and characters. It needs a bit of editing but is still very good.
March 27, 2021
Best of the Matt Bannister series yet!
I couldn't put it down. Would recommend it to anyone who enjoys western fiction with a Christian perspective. When's the sequel due to be out?
I couldn't put it down. Would recommend it to anyone who enjoys western fiction with a Christian perspective. When's the sequel due to be out?
April 16, 2021
Switch
In the start of this story you believe it is just going to be another Western. It quickly changes to something else.
In the start of this story you believe it is just going to be another Western. It quickly changes to something else.
April 29, 2021
Book 10
I have read 10 of Ken Pratt’s books and have enjoyed them all. It’s refreshing to read a good western written by an author that has Christian values.
I have read 10 of Ken Pratt’s books and have enjoyed them all. It’s refreshing to read a good western written by an author that has Christian values.
Read
May 1, 2021Enjoyable read but I am anxious to find out what's next in the series, does Matt marry Christine?
Does Wu-Pen get arrested? Etc
When does book eleven come out?
Does Wu-Pen get arrested? Etc
When does book eleven come out?
May 12, 2021
Good read.
Love the characters. Don’t particularly like the loose ends when the books are finished. Anxious for the next book in the series so I can see if justice finally prevails.
Love the characters. Don’t particularly like the loose ends when the books are finished. Anxious for the next book in the series so I can see if justice finally prevails.
August 5, 2021
Another good read
Thank you for continuing to write the Matt Bannister story. I never get sick of reading his exploits and his very large family
Thank you for continuing to write the Matt Bannister story. I never get sick of reading his exploits and his very large family
June 29, 2022
I think this was the best yet
This book in the series touched my heart the most because of the unexpected twists and turns. Can't wait for more.
This book in the series touched my heart the most because of the unexpected twists and turns. Can't wait for more.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews