Nevada!

Wagons West #8

by Dana Fuller Ross

Virginia City, 1861. As thousands of fortune-seekers descend on the silver-rich boomtown hoping to cash in on the Comstock Lode, a very different cause unites the ranks of courageous soldiers in the coming Civil War - the supreme battle for America's future. Major General Lee Blake is assigned the treacherous task of transporting silver to the Union troops in Missouri - while enemies plot to sabotage his mission. By his side are some of the bravest men and women Blake has ever known: wagon-master Whip Holt, Holt's quick-tempered son Toby, sharp-shooting newswoman Suzanne Fulton, and English widow Allison White, who may be forced into espionage. With states seceding one by one, and tensions rising everyday, the fate of a nation is riding on their journey. But there are those who will stop at nothing to keep the "silver train" from reaching its destination. And there are those who will sacrifice up everything - even their lives - for the golden promise of America...

Genres: Historical Fiction, Westerns, Fiction, Romance, Historical

336 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1982

About the author

Dana Fuller Ross is a pseudonym used by Noel B. Gerson and James M. Reasoner.

Noel Gearson specializes in historical military novels, westerns, and mysteries. He also writes under the pseudonyms, "Dana Fuller Ross.", Anne Marie Burgess; Michael Burgess; Nicholas Gorham; Paul Lewis; Leon Phillips; Donald Clayton Porter; Philip Vail; and Carter A. Vaughan. He has written more than 325 novels.

James Reasoner (pictured) is an American writer. He is the author of more than 150 books and many short stories in a career spanning more than thirty years. Reasoner has used at least nineteen pseudonyms, in addition to his own name: Jim Austin; Peter Danielson; Terrance Duncan; Tom Early; Wesley Ellis; Tabor Evans; Jake Foster; William Grant; Matthew Hart; Livia James; Mike Jameson; Justin Ladd; Jake Logan; Hank Mitchum; Lee Morgan; J.L. Reasoner (with his wife); Dana Fuller Ross; Adam Rutledge; and Jon Sharpe. Since most of Reasoner's books were written as part of various existing Western fiction series, many of his pseudonyms were publishing "house" names that may have been used by other authors who contributed to those series

Reviews

[Robin Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite the title, most of the book takes place on a wagon train, and then a real train, traveling from Nevada to New York, with some unexpected delays and rerouting. Another solid entry in the Wagons West saga, and part of that real train journey had me on the edge of my seat.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

These books are like Cheetos. I know why they are not good, but they are addicting. Its a huge soap opera but more "manly" so guys can read it.

This one does touch on the Civil War a bit and includes two African-American characters - both of whom are traveling back East to take part. Our heroes are pro-Union but the only people who mention slavery are the two African-American characters and a bit of reflection by Beth Blake.

The white men in these books are holier than thou double standard doofuses, in general, with some exceptions.

[Brent Ecenbarger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a bounce back in quality following Colorado. The bulk of the plot centers on a wagon train full of silver, followed by an actual train (and accompanying train heist) with the union trying to purchase munitions for the Civil War. The Wagon Train gets tons of familiar characters, including Whip Holt, Andrew Brentwood, Toby Holt, Beth Blake, and Caroline Brandon. The wagon train portions are similar to the stuff that hooked me with this series originally, while the train heist was exciting stuff that you'd find in an episode of a classic western tv show.

There's also a twist ending here involving Toby Holt, who has seemed destined to marry Beth Blake and keep the two main families in this series connected. There are two black characters in this book who get put into a very traumatic situation which the author kind of handwaves away after the fact. Of all the characters in the book, these two could have been developed more than what we got here.

[Mgsmith · Rating 4 out of 5]

May sound somewhat repetitive here but I got hooked on the first book and it was like an addiction.
The author shows how the westward movement affected families and individuals while placing them within history itself.

[Helen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is one of those cases when reading the actual history is far more exciting and entertaining.

[Gene Heinrich · Rating 1 out of 5]

So far the worst book in the series. All the others were about the State in the title, you actually learned something about that location. In this book they stayed in Nevada for about 100 pages and then started a wagon train (and then just a regular train) to Washington, DC. The whole idea was they were taking Nevada silver to help fund the Civil War... So, during that entire 100 pages in Nevada all they talked about was shipping that silver to Washington, DC. Then the rest of the book was basically the first 3 books condensed. If this series continues like this, I really don't think I will make it through all 25 books... thank god I am using them as throw away reads between books of quality.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This started out a little slowly, but the last half of the book really rallied and became kind of a page turner. It made me want to dig up the next one in the series and get started on it right away!

[Donna (Currently Busy) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was probably the worst book in the series that I've read so far. It details the wagon and train trip led by Whip Holt, his son Toby, and Andy Brentwood to deliver silver from Nevada to New York. So this is more Wagons "East" than West. It also introduces a couple of new characters that may be featured in the next book.

Have to admit, it was hard re-starting this series after reading Ellen O'Connell's work. She spoiled me when it came to describing tactics used by CW soldiers/veterans for escaping and evading capture. Readers of "Nevada!" will definitely figure out how the Confederates plan to stop or stall the Union silver bullion transfer before it actually happens. When one such episode is executed by the Confederates, I found myself saying "well duh!" out loud. The Union soldiers should have seen that one coming from many miles away.

Lastly, and this is going to sound REALLY bad, but have you ever encountered a character in a book that you wish the author would just kill off but doesn't? There's one in this book. And it's the reason I'm going to read the next book in the series.

[Amanda Eiden · Rating 3 out of 5]

this one started off very slow, but as soon as they boarded the real train i was hooked again. the double train heist was epic, even though you know how it has to end. and always love the rushed marriages.

as for the couple on the cover of the book, this is the first time i truly have no idea. Wong Ke even though he isn’t in this book?? is that a Union uniform? no clue

[Amanda-Has-A-Bookcase · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brings back the famous Whip Holt and also features his son Toby. Knowing that the series will mainly feature Toby it's nice to see his "first appearance" so to speak. Nevada! has everything I've come to expect from this series including a fast pace ending!

[Roxanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as adventurous as I expected. Had some plot turns for me. A lot of the story was on a train but it really stepped it up some. I did like it. Took me awhile to read this one because I read another book beside it.

[Kraig Kinnamon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my favorite Wagons West series title. Something to listen to as I drive but not too exciting.

[Gerda Leek · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe for adolescent boys?

[Eric Mayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one in the series was very good. Very thrilling and gripping.

[Marcia Hobbs]

Again, Dana Fuller Ross did not disappoint! Action, adventure and romance, along with a lot of American history.

[Lisa Marks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Union troops are transporting silver that is needed to sustain the fight against the rebels. Highly dangerous, edge of your seat action!

[Kennedy Maxey · Rating 3 out of 5]

The introduction of Toby to the series has been great. Although, I continue to be frustrated by the love interests. Fingers crossed that we get more Toby and Beth.

[Jennifer Gelert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series! The determination of the men and women to brave the elements, the challenges and everything else to find their place in the ever growing United States.

This book deal with Whip Holt leading a secret mission. Taking several wagons of silver from Virginia City to New York to help pay for the cost of the civil war. The Confederates are determined to make sure he does not succeed.

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

After the last two this one was kind of a dud.

The first two thirds really drug on, seriously another wagon train, yawn!

The last part was pretty good, the high jacking of the train was exciting, of course the great Whip Holt prevailed, was there any doubt? After all he is a legend, and I think we were reminded in every chapter!

[Billye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Silver mines were discover in Nevada near Virginia City. The Union bought many of these mines and tries to transport wagon loads of silver from Nevada to New York to help pay for the armaments for the Civil War. The Southerns find out about this and try to capture the train. Excellent. This is the 8th book in this series.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting reading the reviews almost more interesting than the book. I have stayed with the series chronologically. This one was probably the easiest so far for speed reading. I am finding that the characters are kina repeating, but I most like the series for the historical facts mixed with the fiction. I bought the next 4 as well.

[Luckngrace · Rating 3 out of 5]

As the two halves of the country geared up for the Civil War, both armies needed munitions and money to pay for them. Nevada's silver mines became the focus of foreign investors as well as the warring parties. This rousing Western has plenty of action, romance and intrigue.

[Aldafan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually liked this one more than the few previous. I learned some history and there was more "story" to it. LIving in the south, I don't hear much about the Union side although I am a born Yankee!

[Kellyanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love Nevada the state so much.. This was the only book in the series that was a disappointment in any way! But still part of s great series so it is definitely worth reading!!
I just felt there could have been a little more appealing properties in the description of Nevada...

[Virginia Markhart · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one I enjoyed a little ore that the previous one. Some things are getting rather hard to believe and the story lines seem to be repeating themselves just with different characters. It is interesting to watch the timeline of history being made...or how it was perceived.

[Mandy Pinoteau · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first couple books in this series were great, so i went and bought them all. After about the fourth book things just went down hill. Stories seem the same and it's turned out to be rather disappointing.

[Partridge Public]

Ross, Dana Fuller PB

[Cws]

W Ros

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! I cannot get enough of the Holts, Blake's and the Brentwoods. My favorite part was when the bullion train was in the south. This is my third time reading this series.

[David A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

#8 in the Wagons West series. This was as good as any so far.