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[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "War Cry" by Dave Lloyd.]

There's something magical about reading a book on how things used to be. Perhaps it is the longing humans have for times past, maybe it is a throwback to a simpler time, or maybe we are just fascinated at how different the world around us used to be. War Cry by Dave Lloyd capitalizes on all of these sentiments and leads the reader to the infancy of North America and the heyday of its fur trapping period.

After killing two brothers in a duel while in the 10th Royal Hussars, James Hamilton sheds his commission, family name, and well to do English family to jump on a ship to the new world. Without much of a plan, except to start over now known as James Palmer, he soon finds himself in St. Louis, out of money, and looking for a means of employment. Having heard about the untamed beauty of the American wilderness, it isn't surprising that he quickly ends up on the payroll of "The Company", one of several fur trading companies of the time, as a clerk. Needless to say, James' life changes forever as he makes his way up the Missouri for the first trading season. His military experience and expert dueling skills come in handy as he and his new comrades attempt to survive the trapping season against the elements, the wildlife, and the hostile natives of the area.

I was sucked into Lloyd's story immediately. He has a way of writing that easily places the reader squarely beside his protagonist in the backwoods of Yellowstone, the fields of England, or a Mississippi riverboat. The reality of his book, that much of this really happened in one shape or form (if not exactly like this), is refreshing and allows the reader to relate even more to the words in front of him/her. You can't help wondering how you would do had you grown up in those wild times instead of living the life you do today. What I like the best about this book, however, is that it isn't only a great story in and of itself. Very subtly, Lloyd is educating you on North American history, native culture, the fur trading enterprise, the colonization of the West, and much more. Even if you weren't looking for it, you come away a smarter person having read this book.

There were only a couple of minor items I disliked in this book. Although professionally edited, I did come across a few typos/errors, but none of this took away from my enjoyment of the story. What I liked the least was that although it only had one timeline, the book was somewhat disjointed. There was, arguably four or five individual stories throughout this novel. Each of these stories had very little influence on the others. The pieces flowed together very well and I still enjoyed them all, but if that writing style annoys you, you may have more of an issue with it than I did.

Despite those minor points mentioned above, I am more than happy to give this book 4 out of 4 stars. It was exciting, educational, and brought out the inner adventurer in me. Anyone that loves historical fiction, wilderness stories, or stories about the early colonization of North America should immediately add this to their to-read list. If you don't like violence in your books or are squeamish when it comes to makeshift medical procedures, you may want to skip this one as they both play prominent roles in the book. All in all, I loved War Cry and am convinced that if you pick it up too, you'll be just as engrossed as I was.

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War Cry
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Scerakor, this was a nicely written review! You drew me in right away and I wanted to read the book! I have to find just the right mood for this genre, but there are times when I really love a good historical novel, especially when it goes into details about what things were like and draws me into the time, place, and life. It is going on my to read shelf!

Beautiful review. I could actually see myself transported back in time through your eyes.

Lovely review. In some aspects, things were simpler back then. But I still don't want to live without the internet.

Historical fiction is not my go to genre, but I do enjoy it every once in a while. Sounds pretty interesting. Thanks for the review.

Great review! I have not read many books written in the setting of the American wilderness. The setting can really carry the story and it looks like it has in this case.

Nice review. This book will transport me to a time of discovery and simplicity. For that, I would greatly enjoy it.

Great review!! It sounds interesting, would definitely like to read the book.

Thanks for the review, it is excited, and therefore, makes the book sounds interesting.

I love stories that take me back in time. This is in an area of the country not normally focused on in historical fiction. It's nice to see more and more time periods being covered in this way.

Your review is great and enticing. I love novels that explain how life was long ago, it gives me a sense of belonging. The novel is explaining the great lengths that people go to in order to achieve what they want.

I love historical fiction and your great review makes me want to pick this one up and read it right away!

Thank you for the great recommendation.

I love books with multiple narratives that weave through one another, and the setting sounds fascinating. Definitely worth a consideration. Thank you for the great review!

This makes me wish that authors from where I am would write more of our history. I've read a few novels set in the early days of America, and I've actually enjoyed them. I would definitely give this a try. Thanks for the review.

I like history and, I guess that I will enjoy reading this book. I love a historical fiction book. Thanks.