James Koenig’s Reviews > Blood and Thunder: An Epic of the American West > Status Update

Well written historical saga. Enjoying learning about Kit Carson, John Fremont, and General Stephen Kearny's exploits in the Mexican-American War instigated by President Polk. Solid history!

Hampton Sides is a MASTERFUL storyteller. In this remarkable book, Sides interweaves the theadlines of the three central characters: Kit Carson, Captain Steven Kearney (leader of the Army of the West), and Narbona, a great Navaho Chief. Their paths will intersect in 1846 in the US - Mexican War, initiated by President James Polk, who wanted all of the southwest for America - from sea to shiny sea. Fascinating.