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Flight of the Hawk #1
The River
INTERNATIONAL BEST-SELLING AUTHOR W. MICHAEL GEAR TURNS HIS MASTER’S HAND TO THE FRONTIER WEST.
1812 Missouri Fur Trade – An intimate of the Burr conspiracy, the condemned and hounded John Tylor signs on as boatman with Manuel Lisa’s expedition. But the river is now contested as the British, Spanish, and other fur companies prepare to break Lisa’s hold. As the expedition battles its way up the violent river, Fenway McKeever lurks in Tylor’s shadow. Not only is the half-mad McKeever paid to kill Tylor, but he’s convinced himself that by destroying Lisa’s expedition, he can sell his services to the highest bidder.
“No one reads a Gear novel without being transformed in beautiful ways.” – Richard S. Wheeler
1812 Missouri Fur Trade – An intimate of the Burr conspiracy, the condemned and hounded John Tylor signs on as boatman with Manuel Lisa’s expedition. But the river is now contested as the British, Spanish, and other fur companies prepare to break Lisa’s hold. As the expedition battles its way up the violent river, Fenway McKeever lurks in Tylor’s shadow. Not only is the half-mad McKeever paid to kill Tylor, but he’s convinced himself that by destroying Lisa’s expedition, he can sell his services to the highest bidder.
“No one reads a Gear novel without being transformed in beautiful ways.” – Richard S. Wheeler
271 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2021
425 people are currently reading
431 people want to read
About the author
W. Michael Gear
183 books730 followersW. Michael Gear was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on the twentieth of May, 1955. A fourth generation Colorado native, his family had been involved in hard-rock mining, cattle ranching, and journalism. After his father's death in 1959, Michael's mother received her Master's degree in journalism and began teaching. In 1962 she married Joseph J. Cook, who taught tool and die making, and the family lived in Lakewood, Colorado, until 1968. At that time they moved to Fort Collins so that Joe could pursue his Ph.D.. During those years the family lived in the foothills above Horsetooth Reservoir.
It was there that Mike developed a love of history, anthropology, and motorcycles. They would color his future and fill his imagination for the rest of his life. During summers he volunteered labor on local ranches or at the farm east of Greeley and landed his first real job: picking up trash at the lake and cleaning outhouses. It has been said that his exposure to trash led him into archaeology. We will not speculate about what cleaning the outhouses might have led him to. On his first dig as a professional archaeologist in 1976 he discovered that two thousand year old human trash isn't nearly as obnoxious as the new stuff.
Michael graduated from Fort Collins High School in 1972 and pursued both his Bachelor's (1976) and Master's (1979) degrees at Colorado State University. Upon completion of his Master's - his specialty was in physical anthropology - he went to work for Western Wyoming College in Rock Springs as a field archaeologist.
It was in the winter of 1978 that he wrote his first novel. Irritated by historical inaccuracies in Western fiction, he swore he could do better. He was "taking retirement in installments," archaeology being a seasonal career, in the cabin his great uncle Aubrey had built. One cold January night he read a Western novel about a trail drive in which steers (castrated males) had calves. The historical inaccuracies of the story bothered him all night. The next morning, still incensed, he chunked wood into the stove and hunkered over the typewriter. There, on the mining claim, at nine thousand feet outside of Empire, Colorado he hammered out his first five hundred and fifty page novel. Yes, that first manuscript still exists, but if there is justice in the universe, no one will ever see it. It reads wretchedly - but the historical facts are correct!
Beginning in 1981, Michael, along with two partners, put together his own archaeological consulting company. Pronghorn Anthropological Associates began doing cultural resource management studies in 1982, and, although Michael sold his interest in 1984, to this day the company remains in business in Casper, Wyoming. During the years, Michael has worked throughout the western United States doing archaeological surveys, testing, and mitigation for pipelines, oil wells, power lines, timber sales, and highway construction. He learned the value of strong black coffee, developed a palate for chocolate donuts, and ferreted out every quality Mexican restaurant in eight states. He spent nine months of the year traveling from project to project with his trowel and dig kit, a clapped-out '72 Wonder Blazer, and his boon companion, Tedi, a noble tri-color Sheltie.
That fateful day in November, 1981, was delightfully clear, cold, and still in Laramie, Wyoming. Archaeologists from all over the state had arrived at the University of Wyoming for the annual meetings of the Wyoming Association of Professional Archaeologists. It was there, in the meeting room, way too early after a much too long night, that Mike first laid eyes on the most beautiful woman in the world: Kathleen O'Neal Gear. The BLM State Archaeologist, Ray Leicht, introduced him to the pretty anthropologist and historian, and best of all, Ray invited Mike to lunch with Kathleen. It was the perfect beginning for a long and wondrous relationship.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/wmicha...
It was there that Mike developed a love of history, anthropology, and motorcycles. They would color his future and fill his imagination for the rest of his life. During summers he volunteered labor on local ranches or at the farm east of Greeley and landed his first real job: picking up trash at the lake and cleaning outhouses. It has been said that his exposure to trash led him into archaeology. We will not speculate about what cleaning the outhouses might have led him to. On his first dig as a professional archaeologist in 1976 he discovered that two thousand year old human trash isn't nearly as obnoxious as the new stuff.
Michael graduated from Fort Collins High School in 1972 and pursued both his Bachelor's (1976) and Master's (1979) degrees at Colorado State University. Upon completion of his Master's - his specialty was in physical anthropology - he went to work for Western Wyoming College in Rock Springs as a field archaeologist.
It was in the winter of 1978 that he wrote his first novel. Irritated by historical inaccuracies in Western fiction, he swore he could do better. He was "taking retirement in installments," archaeology being a seasonal career, in the cabin his great uncle Aubrey had built. One cold January night he read a Western novel about a trail drive in which steers (castrated males) had calves. The historical inaccuracies of the story bothered him all night. The next morning, still incensed, he chunked wood into the stove and hunkered over the typewriter. There, on the mining claim, at nine thousand feet outside of Empire, Colorado he hammered out his first five hundred and fifty page novel. Yes, that first manuscript still exists, but if there is justice in the universe, no one will ever see it. It reads wretchedly - but the historical facts are correct!
Beginning in 1981, Michael, along with two partners, put together his own archaeological consulting company. Pronghorn Anthropological Associates began doing cultural resource management studies in 1982, and, although Michael sold his interest in 1984, to this day the company remains in business in Casper, Wyoming. During the years, Michael has worked throughout the western United States doing archaeological surveys, testing, and mitigation for pipelines, oil wells, power lines, timber sales, and highway construction. He learned the value of strong black coffee, developed a palate for chocolate donuts, and ferreted out every quality Mexican restaurant in eight states. He spent nine months of the year traveling from project to project with his trowel and dig kit, a clapped-out '72 Wonder Blazer, and his boon companion, Tedi, a noble tri-color Sheltie.
That fateful day in November, 1981, was delightfully clear, cold, and still in Laramie, Wyoming. Archaeologists from all over the state had arrived at the University of Wyoming for the annual meetings of the Wyoming Association of Professional Archaeologists. It was there, in the meeting room, way too early after a much too long night, that Mike first laid eyes on the most beautiful woman in the world: Kathleen O'Neal Gear. The BLM State Archaeologist, Ray Leicht, introduced him to the pretty anthropologist and historian, and best of all, Ray invited Mike to lunch with Kathleen. It was the perfect beginning for a long and wondrous relationship.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/wmicha...
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 23, 2021
W Michael Gear – The River Bk 1 – Flight of the Hawk – Reviewed 3/21/21 – Read 3/19-20/21
John Tylor has a secret, he joins an expedition to the upper river, always fearing death was close.
John Tylor, a cultured gentleman from the east, has a secret past that is haunting him, which also caused him to lose his beloved wife. Now he is trying to disappear in the West so that he can try to start his life over again. Reaching Saint Louis, a man in tattered rags, John approaches Manuel Lisa hoping to sign on with his new expedition that was leaving soon. The 1812 Missouri Fur Trade was in a battle between the British and Spanish, but Lisa had established a fair-trade route with the Native Indians. Making an impression on Lisa, John was hired on as a boatman known as an Engage. He knew this position was a dangerous, brutal one, with back-killing hard labor, sometimes laboring fifteen to twenty hours a day. It also required taking all orders, under any circumstances, and to not do so could mean your death. Even though he was almost skin and bones, John told Lisa that he would not let him down.
Unknown to John, Fenway McKeever spotted John in Saint Louis and was on his trail. McKeever was a man that was hired to track and kill for pay. John’s greatest enemy had done just that, in addition to stealing John’s wife.
And the journey begins…
What did I like? This was an intriguing read, one that is about the West but from another viewpoint, instead of punching cows, it is about the river trade. The fur business consisted of working with the Indians within reach of the mighty Mississippi River, nicknamed the Big Muddy, and going north. Passing the headwaters of the Missouri River, then rolling on towards Canada. The Fur Trade was a vicious and long dragged-out battle, which included the period of the “War of 1812” fought between the US and its allies. It was a time that was fraught with spies and upheaval during the beginning of the war, including the fractions brought on by settlers trying to settle Indian lands. It was a constant worry of the Indian's talk of going to war with the white eyes. Establishing his fur route required having Indians bringing their animal pelts for trade, this was a continuing issue with the river traders trying to keep and increase their profits. Many of the men that worked the flatboats were vicious and some even on the run from nefarious actions. John’s secret was minor compared to some of the men hired on these expeditions. Lisa was well aware of this and ruled his men with an IRON FIST, which required obedience at all times. Of course, some men took offense to this and hated Lisa for it. Now if that is not the case for an intriguing storyline?
What will you like? I have already talked about the problems that John carried on his back, the need for the authority and discipline handed out by Lisa, the laborious position of “Engage” that John was requesting to be hired on for, the fact that the “Fur Trade” was in a battle, the Indians talking about war, the problems involving the beginning of the “War of 1812”, but I have not mentioned, intrigue, mysterious killers, raiding parties, spies, and lost love. These are just a few of the problems that will be included in the enthralling storyline. It will keep you up late at night due to not being able to lay it down, you will hear the secret that lays heavily on John’s mind, in addition to the battle for his life that nearly succeeds. Join me on March 31, 2021, for the release of this “fascinating” read.
• File Size: 5365 KB
• Print Length: 271 pages
• Publication Date: 3/31/2021
• Publisher: Wolfpack Publishing
• ASIN: B08Y5XPNPW
• Genre: Classic Historical Fiction, Frontier & Pioneer Western Fiction, Men's Adventure Fiction
John Tylor has a secret, he joins an expedition to the upper river, always fearing death was close.
John Tylor, a cultured gentleman from the east, has a secret past that is haunting him, which also caused him to lose his beloved wife. Now he is trying to disappear in the West so that he can try to start his life over again. Reaching Saint Louis, a man in tattered rags, John approaches Manuel Lisa hoping to sign on with his new expedition that was leaving soon. The 1812 Missouri Fur Trade was in a battle between the British and Spanish, but Lisa had established a fair-trade route with the Native Indians. Making an impression on Lisa, John was hired on as a boatman known as an Engage. He knew this position was a dangerous, brutal one, with back-killing hard labor, sometimes laboring fifteen to twenty hours a day. It also required taking all orders, under any circumstances, and to not do so could mean your death. Even though he was almost skin and bones, John told Lisa that he would not let him down.
Unknown to John, Fenway McKeever spotted John in Saint Louis and was on his trail. McKeever was a man that was hired to track and kill for pay. John’s greatest enemy had done just that, in addition to stealing John’s wife.
And the journey begins…
What did I like? This was an intriguing read, one that is about the West but from another viewpoint, instead of punching cows, it is about the river trade. The fur business consisted of working with the Indians within reach of the mighty Mississippi River, nicknamed the Big Muddy, and going north. Passing the headwaters of the Missouri River, then rolling on towards Canada. The Fur Trade was a vicious and long dragged-out battle, which included the period of the “War of 1812” fought between the US and its allies. It was a time that was fraught with spies and upheaval during the beginning of the war, including the fractions brought on by settlers trying to settle Indian lands. It was a constant worry of the Indian's talk of going to war with the white eyes. Establishing his fur route required having Indians bringing their animal pelts for trade, this was a continuing issue with the river traders trying to keep and increase their profits. Many of the men that worked the flatboats were vicious and some even on the run from nefarious actions. John’s secret was minor compared to some of the men hired on these expeditions. Lisa was well aware of this and ruled his men with an IRON FIST, which required obedience at all times. Of course, some men took offense to this and hated Lisa for it. Now if that is not the case for an intriguing storyline?
What will you like? I have already talked about the problems that John carried on his back, the need for the authority and discipline handed out by Lisa, the laborious position of “Engage” that John was requesting to be hired on for, the fact that the “Fur Trade” was in a battle, the Indians talking about war, the problems involving the beginning of the “War of 1812”, but I have not mentioned, intrigue, mysterious killers, raiding parties, spies, and lost love. These are just a few of the problems that will be included in the enthralling storyline. It will keep you up late at night due to not being able to lay it down, you will hear the secret that lays heavily on John’s mind, in addition to the battle for his life that nearly succeeds. Join me on March 31, 2021, for the release of this “fascinating” read.
• File Size: 5365 KB
• Print Length: 271 pages
• Publication Date: 3/31/2021
• Publisher: Wolfpack Publishing
• ASIN: B08Y5XPNPW
• Genre: Classic Historical Fiction, Frontier & Pioneer Western Fiction, Men's Adventure Fiction
February 12, 2018
This is an incredible tale. It is centered, around the history of the Fur Trade, during 1812. It follows, Manuel Lisa, a Spanish fur trader. His efforts to get up the Missouri river, are written with magnificent detail.. You meet many historical figures, on this journey. It is quite a realistic view of the times. How easy, to become an outcast, form society. Enter John Tylor. He just wants to be forgotten, by society. As part of the Burr conspiracy, if his identity if found out, he will hang. He meets up with Lisa, who needs men, any men, to get his boat, Polly up the turbulent Missouri River. But, danger follows from bitter rivals, of both men. Their future lies up that river
We also meet Gray Bear, leading fifteen members of his tribe of Shoshone. Following Aspen Branch's vision to find the White man. Their enemies are unstoppable, with guns. They can not longer hunt, but must hide. To find a better future, he Dreams of a meeting ... I am eagerly awaiting the second book. I highly recommend this novel.
We also meet Gray Bear, leading fifteen members of his tribe of Shoshone. Following Aspen Branch's vision to find the White man. Their enemies are unstoppable, with guns. They can not longer hunt, but must hide. To find a better future, he Dreams of a meeting ... I am eagerly awaiting the second book. I highly recommend this novel.
July 14, 2021
I'm a huge Gear fan and this is my first of his historical fiction. It's about a man in the early 1800s running from his past and ending up on a fur-trading expedition up the Missouri river to escape those working to bring him in for execution as a traitor. After setting out in the crew of a keel-boat, he finds a ruthless man-hunter has joined the crew when the expedition makes a stop further up the river. During the journey up the Missouri, we find out more about what crimes he is fleeing, his mysterious past, and the plans and motivation of the violent Scottish killer. The descriptions of the backbreaking work of pulling the boat up the river by rope and pole, the lands and tribes along the wild river, and the hazards of floating logs, snags, and other river hazards, bring the adventure to life. The story takes place only a few years after the initial journey of discovery by Lewis and Clark from Saint Louis to the Pacific coast. I've ordered the second book in the two-book series, and can't wait to continue the tale.
February 21, 2022
Adventure on the Missouri Frontier
Set in 1812, the first year of the United States's war with Britain, this adventure takes the reader up the Missouri River where the only white people are trappers and traders. I enjoyed this portrayal of life during this era, and the political and economical power struggles at play. Excellent characters and a great plot. A must read.
Set in 1812, the first year of the United States's war with Britain, this adventure takes the reader up the Missouri River where the only white people are trappers and traders. I enjoyed this portrayal of life during this era, and the political and economical power struggles at play. Excellent characters and a great plot. A must read.
November 6, 2017
Flight of the Hawk: The River (A Novel of the American West #1)
by W. Michael Gear
Flight of the Hawk is the first book in a trilogy that will lead those fans that favor the Michael Gear’s Richard Hamilton books on another Manifest Destiny/ Frontier adventure. They will have an intellectual immersion into American History and the past they dream about. All the aspects of the original Coyote Summer and Morning River are present.
Michael Gear has a way to describing that would astound most readers, you not only see but feel the muck and detritus that the characters slog through in the opening pages of the book. You can almost smell the city of St Louis. Not a smell I would recommend. You will deeply understand the danger and adventure of the characters as they engage on a trading adventure.
The book shows the struggles of the rivermen from the engages to the leaders of the trading empire. The engages are light hearted men who sings brawny songs, and finds peace in pole and rope like, Baptiste Latoulipe.
Then there is Manuel Lisa the leader of the Missouri Fur Company. The Missouri Fur Company was the American trading company that built a trading empire along the Missouri river in the early 1800’s. Manuel Lisa many dreams and aspirations that are being challenged or encroached upon by many sides.
John Taylor the lead character is a learned man finds little delight in songs, and thoughts of simple things. The past haunts John Taylor, Hallie, his estranged wife is the focus of his dreams, and she is who haunts him because of his mistakes of the past. All his love spurred because of his rival. He has backed the wrong horse, and has nothing to show for it, just the ashes of the empire he dreamed about in his hands.
Grey Bear is a brave of the Shoshoni that is struggling to save his people. He has a dream about a way to save his people, but he has to risk everything to save them.
Setting up the intrigue who is John Taylor? What is his motivation for joining the expedition that might be the last hope of the Missouri Fur Company? Will they control the river? Or will they find a way to connect to the native population for trading? This book makes all the important character descriptions that will hook the audience. Fabulous Job Michael Gear as always.
by W. Michael Gear
Flight of the Hawk is the first book in a trilogy that will lead those fans that favor the Michael Gear’s Richard Hamilton books on another Manifest Destiny/ Frontier adventure. They will have an intellectual immersion into American History and the past they dream about. All the aspects of the original Coyote Summer and Morning River are present.
Michael Gear has a way to describing that would astound most readers, you not only see but feel the muck and detritus that the characters slog through in the opening pages of the book. You can almost smell the city of St Louis. Not a smell I would recommend. You will deeply understand the danger and adventure of the characters as they engage on a trading adventure.
The book shows the struggles of the rivermen from the engages to the leaders of the trading empire. The engages are light hearted men who sings brawny songs, and finds peace in pole and rope like, Baptiste Latoulipe.
Then there is Manuel Lisa the leader of the Missouri Fur Company. The Missouri Fur Company was the American trading company that built a trading empire along the Missouri river in the early 1800’s. Manuel Lisa many dreams and aspirations that are being challenged or encroached upon by many sides.
John Taylor the lead character is a learned man finds little delight in songs, and thoughts of simple things. The past haunts John Taylor, Hallie, his estranged wife is the focus of his dreams, and she is who haunts him because of his mistakes of the past. All his love spurred because of his rival. He has backed the wrong horse, and has nothing to show for it, just the ashes of the empire he dreamed about in his hands.
Grey Bear is a brave of the Shoshoni that is struggling to save his people. He has a dream about a way to save his people, but he has to risk everything to save them.
Setting up the intrigue who is John Taylor? What is his motivation for joining the expedition that might be the last hope of the Missouri Fur Company? Will they control the river? Or will they find a way to connect to the native population for trading? This book makes all the important character descriptions that will hook the audience. Fabulous Job Michael Gear as always.
January 17, 2018
With talk of a coming war with England, Manuel Lisa, an experienced trader, is in St. Louis preparing his river expedition for a dangerous journey on the Upper Missouri. While there, a ragged man with an odd air of quality about him, comes to see Lisa in hopes of joining his keelboat mission.
John Tylor has intentionally sought out Manuel Lisa after hearing rumors of the planned expedition. Tylor is well spoken and knowledgeable, which is completely out of character given his scruffy appearance. He applies for any available work and is ready to start immediately.
Lisa hires Tylor under doubtful eye, sending men to spy on Tylor before the expedition begins. The most disturbing secret he uncovers? John Tylor has books, and he reads! (Gotta love it!) For the times and the given conditions, it is a curious activity for any engage or hired man, especially one dressed in tattered clothing lacking personal hygiene. Suspecting Tylor is a spy, Lisa widens his search for information on this enigma of a man, but cannot find a reason to dismiss him.
Tylor soon sets sail with the Lisa expedition where a realistic account of life on the river in 1812 is handed to the reader on a silver platter. Native American clashes, British war threats, mosquitos, and murder plague the expedition, but when a letter written by Andrew Jackson is sent upriver, Tylor's life and his head earn a price tag.
This is a rare glimpse into the world of rivermen and fur traders in America. History buffs and historical fiction readers should snap up this story not only for the pure enjoyment of reading a realistic tale, but also for the historical facts and accuracy of a time period often overlooked.
Flight of the Hawk: The River caught my attention after falling in love with another frontier book by this author, Morning River, which was first released in the mid-90s. (I am still aghast that a movie hasn't been made out that fabulous book!) W. Michael Gear portrays this true-to-history life so well that his vivid descriptions and realistic dialogue pick you up and set you down on the banks of the Missouri. His expertise and talent for delving into the heart of the American frontier, especially the fur trade, is simply unbeatable!
John Tylor has intentionally sought out Manuel Lisa after hearing rumors of the planned expedition. Tylor is well spoken and knowledgeable, which is completely out of character given his scruffy appearance. He applies for any available work and is ready to start immediately.
Lisa hires Tylor under doubtful eye, sending men to spy on Tylor before the expedition begins. The most disturbing secret he uncovers? John Tylor has books, and he reads! (Gotta love it!) For the times and the given conditions, it is a curious activity for any engage or hired man, especially one dressed in tattered clothing lacking personal hygiene. Suspecting Tylor is a spy, Lisa widens his search for information on this enigma of a man, but cannot find a reason to dismiss him.
Tylor soon sets sail with the Lisa expedition where a realistic account of life on the river in 1812 is handed to the reader on a silver platter. Native American clashes, British war threats, mosquitos, and murder plague the expedition, but when a letter written by Andrew Jackson is sent upriver, Tylor's life and his head earn a price tag.
This is a rare glimpse into the world of rivermen and fur traders in America. History buffs and historical fiction readers should snap up this story not only for the pure enjoyment of reading a realistic tale, but also for the historical facts and accuracy of a time period often overlooked.
Flight of the Hawk: The River caught my attention after falling in love with another frontier book by this author, Morning River, which was first released in the mid-90s. (I am still aghast that a movie hasn't been made out that fabulous book!) W. Michael Gear portrays this true-to-history life so well that his vivid descriptions and realistic dialogue pick you up and set you down on the banks of the Missouri. His expertise and talent for delving into the heart of the American frontier, especially the fur trade, is simply unbeatable!
August 9, 2021
Heart stopping climax!
And an enjoyable trip getting there! W. Michael Gear certainly knows how to write stories that you can't put down! You gotta know what comes next! Flight of the Hawk: The River is definitely a page turner! My American History knowledge has been expanded through this telling of a man's journey in the period of the early 1800's American Expansionism. His journey is two-fold, the geographical journey AND a personal psychological journey, if you will. John Tylor begins in St. Louis as an outcast with a price on his head. He goes up the Missouri River, hired on to help haul a trade ship upriver into Indian Territory, through summer heat, mosquitoes & no see'ums, snakes, bluffs, ravines, rain, mud, severe thunderstorms, river debris, & floating trees. And bathing pigs! He risks his health every day with the intensely physical exertion, & his life as well, by drowning, snakebite, or any number of accidents that may occur on & around a ship. Plus, he lives 24/7 in fear that his identity will become known, all the while not knowing that a hired assassin targeting him is one of his crew mates! All in the hopes of eventually losing himself in the freedom of the wilderness. I didn't expect to like this story as much as I did because Westerns are not my usual reading choice. However, Mr. Gear's writing style is such that I've enjoyed everything he has written that I've read so far, whether writing on his own, as with this book, or with his co-author & wife, Kathleen O'Neal Gear. Solo & together, they have won multiple awards, including New York Times Best Sellers! I'll admit it...I'm hooked! Have been since I picked up my first Gear-Gear book, People of the Wolf, nearly 30 years ago! Recommend this book? Absolutely, YES! Now I have Flight of the Hawk: The Plains to begin!
And an enjoyable trip getting there! W. Michael Gear certainly knows how to write stories that you can't put down! You gotta know what comes next! Flight of the Hawk: The River is definitely a page turner! My American History knowledge has been expanded through this telling of a man's journey in the period of the early 1800's American Expansionism. His journey is two-fold, the geographical journey AND a personal psychological journey, if you will. John Tylor begins in St. Louis as an outcast with a price on his head. He goes up the Missouri River, hired on to help haul a trade ship upriver into Indian Territory, through summer heat, mosquitoes & no see'ums, snakes, bluffs, ravines, rain, mud, severe thunderstorms, river debris, & floating trees. And bathing pigs! He risks his health every day with the intensely physical exertion, & his life as well, by drowning, snakebite, or any number of accidents that may occur on & around a ship. Plus, he lives 24/7 in fear that his identity will become known, all the while not knowing that a hired assassin targeting him is one of his crew mates! All in the hopes of eventually losing himself in the freedom of the wilderness. I didn't expect to like this story as much as I did because Westerns are not my usual reading choice. However, Mr. Gear's writing style is such that I've enjoyed everything he has written that I've read so far, whether writing on his own, as with this book, or with his co-author & wife, Kathleen O'Neal Gear. Solo & together, they have won multiple awards, including New York Times Best Sellers! I'll admit it...I'm hooked! Have been since I picked up my first Gear-Gear book, People of the Wolf, nearly 30 years ago! Recommend this book? Absolutely, YES! Now I have Flight of the Hawk: The Plains to begin!
December 10, 2018
In this novel of the early Western fur trade, the mysterious John Tylor serves as the hook on which hangs all the adventures of Manuel Lisa’s company’s ascent of the Missouri. Who is John Tylor and why is he on the run? If he’s in hiding from someone or something, why does he use his own name? It comes to light that he isn’t very successful in running from the price on his head. He can’t hide the fact that he’s obviously educated, even if he is dressed in rags. Yet he fits in well with most of the voyageurs, and pulls his weight arduously poling or pulling Lisa’s boats up the Missouri. Is he perhaps a spy for the competition? It seems he knows his way around Indians, and has even spent time in Santa Fe. Tylor wants only to vanish into the wilderness. Can Tylor evade his pursuers? Lisa trust Tylor to put the company’s interests first? Flight of the Hawk is a thoroughly enjoyable novel of American history. My single concern, no fault of the author, was the poor copy editing of this work. Perhaps the publisher will take note, and that situation will improve with volumes Two and Three of The River trilogy.
August 6, 2021
A great story of redemption, intrigue, and adventure.
I liked the story because it involved many different stories besides the hero's story. The tale was very realistic, accurately displaying the many motivators for the actions of the characters. I also enjoyed the descriptions of the early frontier, with its' attendant challenges.
I liked the story because it involved many different stories besides the hero's story. The tale was very realistic, accurately displaying the many motivators for the actions of the characters. I also enjoyed the descriptions of the early frontier, with its' attendant challenges.
March 15, 2018
The author, being a Renaissance Western man, really seems to know the day-to-day details of life in the 19th Century. The book was educational, yet I felt it was a bit of a pot-boiler. The characters, at least the main ones, were fairly well drawn, but the interplay between some of them didn't ring true. The main bad guy was absolutely evil, and the protagonist was ideally good. Their interaction seemed a bit overwrought. Overall, not a bad book, but not up to the standard of James Fenimore Cooper.
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February 12, 2022John Tylor, wanted ,for treason, joins a Mountain Fur Expedtion going up the Missouri deep into the Northwest Territory. He soon finds that another boatman knows of his past and threatens to kill him if he doesn't help sabotage the mission.How he manages to defend his self and even kill the bad guy and still keep his word to the leader makes for an interesting and page turning story.
June 6, 2022
W. Michael Gear's exciting historical fiction novel realistically portrays the struggles of trappers, fur traders, and rivermen of the western frontier. Set in 1812 wilderness of the Missouri Fur Trade era, FLIGHT of the HAWK: The RIVER provides an authentic look at the conflicts and hardships of these pioneers without fantasizing the glamour associated with some western frontier novels.
May 12, 2018
Left wanting more
This kept me riveted and constantly wondering the direction of the story. Then the end came...what now???!!!! Is there a sequel to this and of so what is it????!!!
This kept me riveted and constantly wondering the direction of the story. Then the end came...what now???!!!! Is there a sequel to this and of so what is it????!!!
November 13, 2018
Historical Western set in the 1812 during the fur trade revolving around one man caught in the intrigue surrounding upcoming wars between rival nations. Seen from the economic viewpoint of who would control the wealth.
May 26, 2021
It’s a bit weak on character development. Premise is to blotchy and has no logical commonsensical dots to connect.
A very woke book with the villain being a white-on-white Irish Proud Boy; how predictable.
A very woke book with the villain being a white-on-white Irish Proud Boy; how predictable.
January 21, 2018
Flight of the Hawk
Another fantastic book by a fantastic writer! This one just would not let me or it down. Anxiously looking forward to the next one!
Another fantastic book by a fantastic writer! This one just would not let me or it down. Anxiously looking forward to the next one!
October 31, 2019
Simple yet compelling in its own way.
January 3, 2021
This is filled with suspense. The reader is on the edge of their chair the whole time that leads in the next book. Flight of the Hawk: The Plains
June 19, 2021
Good Reading.
Interesting, enjoyable and exciting as well as being well written and edited. Portrays what life must have been in days of the last frontier.
Interesting, enjoyable and exciting as well as being well written and edited. Portrays what life must have been in days of the last frontier.
September 27, 2021
Not my usual fare but, nonetheless a good read.
March 31, 2022
Straightforward until it curved in the end and surprised me absolutely. An entertaining historical mystery with a fine narration.
April 4, 2022
I met Michael Gear several years ago. Didn't know who he was except he was married to a friend's sister. Wow, he can tell a story. Finished this one and went on to the next.Love it.
February 21, 2025
I realize it’s the first of a series, so a lot of story set ups is happening, but it just didn’t work for me. Too many story lines and awkwardly placed/told flashbacks.
March 30, 2025
Not my absolute favorite read, but I appreciated the historical details woven within the plot!
April 17, 2021
Excellent read.
Great plot and keeps me reading as the interesting twists and turns grabs my curiosity. I need to read the next book to continue.
Great plot and keeps me reading as the interesting twists and turns grabs my curiosity. I need to read the next book to continue.
April 7, 2021
Highly entertaining and well written .
March 31, 2021
Early Frontier Historical Fiction
Overall, this book's plot was okay but could have been a page-turner if not so filled with too many characters in passing sprinkled throughout a bit too complex in places, times and past events.
Overall, this book's plot was okay but could have been a page-turner if not so filled with too many characters in passing sprinkled throughout a bit too complex in places, times and past events.
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