Review by valeriejane -- Flat Top Mountain Ranch -- the ...
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Valerie Garske
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Review by valeriejane -- Flat Top Mountain Ranch -- the ...
[Following is a volunteer review of "Flat Top Mountain Ranch -- the beginning" by James E Doucette.]
Flat Top Mountain Ranch -- the beginning is a piece of fiction by James E. Doucette and a western, reminiscent of Louis L’Amour. Spanning the period from 1863-1875, the story progresses rapidly. It begins shortly before the end of the American Civil War, continues through the Reconstruction, and ends after the Indian wars. If you love traditional westerns or are a fan of history, then you will enjoy this book. I enjoyed the book because I am an avid Louis L’Amour fan, and was pleased to read a current western without profanity or sexual violence. Keep in mind; this book does contain violent scenes, although they are not overly graphic. Nevertheless, this is a western, so expect scalping, gun fighting, and regrettably, some animals were injured during the telling of this story.
Once he is of age, Jack Donaldson enlists in the Union army. Even though he was born free, and many considered it not his fight, Ty Jones considered it his patriotic duty to enlist and defend against the northern invaders. The two young men soon came to know the harsh realities of war. And as soon as their enlistment is up, they headed west. It is a chance meeting in Adobe Walls, defending against an Indian attack, which establishes a bond and the beginning of a lifelong friendship. Jack and Ty recognize they are kindred spirits. Both are disillusioned with the divided loyalties of the country and want to put the war behind them. The unlikely pair dream of starting a ranch. With the help of seasoned, experienced western men, Jack and Ty learn firsthand what it means to be a cowboy.
I enjoyed this book because it was an old-fashioned western. Furthermore, I enjoyed the descriptions of the Texas landscapes as well as the hardships and work ethic of the times. Mr. Doucette described the cattle drive so well that I felt I was there. What’s more, it was refreshing to read about positive female role models. The women in the story were determined and kind. They worked alongside their men and did what had to be done to survive.
One thing I disliked about the book was it moved too fast and frequently at a frenetic pace. Important relationships and events were relegated to oblivion or described in a dispassionate manner. The book skims significant events such as when Ty learns who his father is, the death of Jake’s father, and the birth of their children. Unfortunately, there are missed opportunities to expand the characters and add depth and emotion to the story.
Indeed, this work is exceptionally well edited and well written. It was a nice story, but it could have been a great book. Have you ever met someone you thought was interesting, but the time together is too short, and so you miss the chance to forge a meaningful connection? This is how I felt after reading this book. There wasn’t enough emotional content to develop a rapport with any of the characters. I felt let down and consequently, I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars.
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Flat Top Mountain Ranch -- the beginning
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Flat Top Mountain Ranch -- the beginning is a piece of fiction by James E. Doucette and a western, reminiscent of Louis L’Amour. Spanning the period from 1863-1875, the story progresses rapidly. It begins shortly before the end of the American Civil War, continues through the Reconstruction, and ends after the Indian wars. If you love traditional westerns or are a fan of history, then you will enjoy this book. I enjoyed the book because I am an avid Louis L’Amour fan, and was pleased to read a current western without profanity or sexual violence. Keep in mind; this book does contain violent scenes, although they are not overly graphic. Nevertheless, this is a western, so expect scalping, gun fighting, and regrettably, some animals were injured during the telling of this story.
Once he is of age, Jack Donaldson enlists in the Union army. Even though he was born free, and many considered it not his fight, Ty Jones considered it his patriotic duty to enlist and defend against the northern invaders. The two young men soon came to know the harsh realities of war. And as soon as their enlistment is up, they headed west. It is a chance meeting in Adobe Walls, defending against an Indian attack, which establishes a bond and the beginning of a lifelong friendship. Jack and Ty recognize they are kindred spirits. Both are disillusioned with the divided loyalties of the country and want to put the war behind them. The unlikely pair dream of starting a ranch. With the help of seasoned, experienced western men, Jack and Ty learn firsthand what it means to be a cowboy.
I enjoyed this book because it was an old-fashioned western. Furthermore, I enjoyed the descriptions of the Texas landscapes as well as the hardships and work ethic of the times. Mr. Doucette described the cattle drive so well that I felt I was there. What’s more, it was refreshing to read about positive female role models. The women in the story were determined and kind. They worked alongside their men and did what had to be done to survive.
One thing I disliked about the book was it moved too fast and frequently at a frenetic pace. Important relationships and events were relegated to oblivion or described in a dispassionate manner. The book skims significant events such as when Ty learns who his father is, the death of Jake’s father, and the birth of their children. Unfortunately, there are missed opportunities to expand the characters and add depth and emotion to the story.
Indeed, this work is exceptionally well edited and well written. It was a nice story, but it could have been a great book. Have you ever met someone you thought was interesting, but the time together is too short, and so you miss the chance to forge a meaningful connection? This is how I felt after reading this book. There wasn’t enough emotional content to develop a rapport with any of the characters. I felt let down and consequently, I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars.
******
Flat Top Mountain Ranch -- the beginning
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Worldlines by Adam Guest
