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Review of TEMPERED BY FATE: Bk 2Exciting Continuation of the Battle Axe Saga
This second book in the series develops the relationships of the three sons: Chet, Matt, and Tom, with their potential romantic partners in more detail. Their conflicts and issues with the demands of a working ranch operated by several generations also continues, particularly with the character of the Matt, the middle son. The author develops excellent descriptions of the Wyoming landscape on the ranch, including some spectacular scenes of mountain storms which can come up fast. The seasons and the seasonal work on a ranch are accurately detailed throughout the story. The chapter on the family's first branding is very well described and accurate in the details, showing the collaboration necessary to get the job done. Included throughout are the contributions women ranchers make, and what a ranch is like without them. I also particularly enjoyed the Norse folktales the older generation passes on to the children as they rest after the branding day is done. I look forward to Book 3 as the series continues. ---Barbara Smith
Review of TEMPERED BY FATE : Bk 2Family Dynamics Evolve
Another evolving and interesting story about a family struggling to survive after the events in the Book 1 of the Battle Axe Ranch Series. This story is tighter and well-written, keeps the reader engaged waiting to find out what happens next. Life on a ranch in Wyoming is rewarding and tough work. JMC North conveys the "get the job done" attitude and "be grateful for what you have" mentality of Wyoming. I enjoyed reading this book and looking forward to #3. ---MC Douthit
Review of TEMPERED BY FATE : Bk 2Great read! Well developed characters
Tempered by Fate is the ongoing saga of a Wyoming ranching family set in the 1960s. As much as I enjoyed the development of the romantic interests of the characters, I enjoyed JMC North's description the mountains, the weather, the seasons and small town Wyoming life in the 1960s. The author makes the scenes come alive--at the end of a long day of branding, I could feel the tiredness and satisfaction of everyone there. I'm looking forward to book number three. ---Barbara Sowada
BATTLE AXE RANCH : Bk 1A good book. Battle Axe Ranch will be of particular interest to today’s readers with a fascination for real life in the wilds of Wyoming. It’s not the imagined, exaggerated world of movie Westerns but a detailed, authentic description of the real challenges facing a Wyoming family. Author JMC North knows well the landscape, the communities, the people, and the kinds of work they do in a sparsely populated corner of America. In years to come, future readers will appreciate North’s ability to preserve the details a way of life so different from that experienced by most Americans. Read Battle Axe Ranch and give yourself a taste of the real West. ---Karen Love, Professor Emeritus, WWCC
BATTLE AXE RANCH : Bk 1A well-written novel about two Wyoming families in the 1960's. It shows their vulnerabilities, their strong work ethic and how they band together to get through hard times. Once you start you won't want to put the novel down. ---MC Douthit
BATTLE AXE RANCH : Bk 1This story of a Wyoming ranching family, the Fletchers, paints a clear and accurate portrait of the ranching world set in the modern times, complete with the always looming problems of how to stay afloat and keep the ranch and family dependent on it going. The author also depicts a generational conflict between fathers and sons. In a classical conflict, the father wants his sons to do what he wants, to have the same vision of the future. To make his dreams come true, he needs his sons to work the ranch, to sacrifice their ambitions in order for the family to succeed. It’s a compelling story, set in a changing world, with the family moving to the Battle Axe Ranch, with new opportunities and challenges. There are also plenty of interesting characters with real life interests, including boys and girls, men and women trying to find love, and a red Corvette! Packed with contemporary challenges and current issues and set in the real, not fictional West, this is a great read.
---Barbara Smith, Professor Emeritus, author, "The Last Best Place: A Montana Anthology" and "Leaning into the Wind: Women Write from the Heart of the West."
BATTLE AXE RANCH: Bk 1The story kept me reading, I did not want to stop! Liked the relationship among the characters and the way the author described small town Wyoming life in the 60s. Very real. ---Barbara Sowada
BATTLE AXE RANCH: Bk 1Good characters. Loved the time period of the 60's and racing of cars. This is an emotional story, filled with love, grief, loneliness, and friendship. The struggle against the wild natural, rugged mountains dominates the setting with the wolves and grizzlies. The families are in a real battle, individually and together. The ancient Viking traditions add an interesting dimension to the story. A page turner. ---Cindy Hafner, WWCC Aquatic Director
Kindra, as a wife and smith, now faces new challenges that test her courage, fortitude, and strength. Suddenly, a killer begins to mysteriously murder young maidens. Departing on their summer raiding campaign, the warriors travel the North Sea on their longships to distant lands and go into battle. Nordic pagan beliefs dominate their culture while the spiritual leaders protect their way of life with rituals and ceremonies.