The Texas-Mexico border, the winter of 1886—The Great Die Up. A raw rift separates Mexicans and Anglos. A loner cowpoke and a mute Mexican girl fight man and nature to reunite.
Out of work cowpoke Bud Eugen comes across Marta, a mute sixteen-year old Mexican girl whose family has been killed by Indians. Bud reluctantly takes her along, even though he’s never had to accommodate another person in … another person in his simple life. He’s unable to find anyone willing to take her. In spite of his prejudices, Bud grows to like the spunky girl (and her excellent cooking).
Eventually, they both find work on a border ranch. Here, the relationship between the girl and the young cowboy hesitantly grows. But banditos raid the ranch, kidnapping the rancher’s daughters and Marta. Bud, with twelve other men, pursue the banditos into the most desolate reaches of Mexico. Ambushes and battles with banditos, Rurales, and traitors are constant, and the brutal weather is as much a threat as the man-made perils. Life and death choices are made at every turn as one side gains the advantage, then the other.
The rancher’s daughters are rescued, and the exhausted party turns back. But Bud presses on alone, against insurmountable odds – determined to fulfill an unspoken promise to Marta.
Western Fictioneers Peacemaker Award for Best Western Novel 2014 Western Fictioneers Peacemaker Award Finalist for Best First Western Novel 2014 Western Writers of America Spur Award Finalist for Best Traditional Western Novel for 2013
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Really excellent story. I wasn’t sure about Bud in the beginning but he turned out to be one of my favorite characters. And that is saying something — I read hundreds of books a year. Bud’s and Marta’s story will stay with you for a long time. I felt the American spirit in these characters. Wonderful.
A slightly slower pace read from today’s wam bam type of reads, somehow more enjoyable as if the author had to spend more time on the character portrayals ,an original western.
Came across this as an introductory free incentive. I like westerns from time to time and this one simply said “Why not?” It was good. Very good, in fact. The characters were interesting and displayed a no-nonsense attitude that is found so much in western tales. The hero is not too heroic – meaning he can’t shoot the wings off a fly at 20ft, nor make every shot count just because he fired his guns. Simply a basic cowhand in over his head, trying to live his life and protect “his woman”. { The running gag is he doesn’t view her as such, making a point {continually} of denying the obvious. Kinda like Harriet Jones in Doctor Who. That got a bit old to me.} Still a great story and well worth the time. There are shoot-outs, chases, and many standard western events. The bad guys are really bad, while the good guys are just not quite as bad. LOL.
Good to see some follow-ups too. Definitely be checking them out.
bad language
worst piece of racist trash I’ve ever read killing Indians doesn’t count because they aren’t real people…. 5 Mexicans are domestic servants treated like pets, hundreds of others are whores, thieves, murderers. rapists, arsonists or traitorous kidnappers who “spoil women”
this garbage could be (maybe is?) aaa recruiting pamphlet for wall builders and, worst or most shamefully of all, written by a US Marine Corps trainer
Incredible story of the harsh realities of the old west, a sweet love that grew through racial tension and the perseverance of the people in this world. Quite a page turner!
A real page-turner with excellent character interpretation and a super love story. Knows the old west weapons very well AND how they worked, were used, and made efficient (for example, using same caliber for both hand and rifle).
First Western I.ve read in a while. Author sets the attitudes and biases of the time without appologies. Great read.
This was an enjoyable book to read. I had just finished a book that required a lot of deep thought, so this book came at the right time. Lots of action to keep you interested. Bud id’s such a likeable character that you couldn’t help wanting everything too work out for him.
This was my second cowboy read. The first being Lonesome Dove years ago. I absolutely loved this book. The characters are great! Makes me want to read more by this author!
Subeditor needed — 2013 Kindle edition.
Slow read and predictable
Difficult start due to conversational style of writing in pigeon English.
story of the old west.
I enjoyed this book. Following the characters through all the different adventures, and situations that they come up on. It has its sad moments and moments you want to cheer for the main characters.
First half was great, characters developed interestingly–last half, “the chase,” quickly became utterly boring. Too much about vengeance, for my taste. Well-written though.
I enjoyed it. I found it kept my interest and wanted to read to find out what would happen next. I also love happy endings!
Pacing super slow and repetitive, story not realistic.
Was the first book I read from my tablet. Wording is unconventional and I appreciated the originality. This was certainly a page turner for me. Enjoyed it immensely.
not what I usually read. Very good about putting you into a time period of the American Southwest.