Battle Cry

The story gets at what humanly would have happened in the days of the Great Western Expansion of America in both its shame & its moments of glory. Author, Ken Englade, paints a stunning picture of the United States at a time when there existed its own artistic forms, its own religious values & customs, & its own form of human greed as well as generosity. Superb description of characters that vary from a young idealistic male that has blemishes in his life; a French Canadian man who knows the environment & provides the needed care to the expansioners provides for the reader human interest elements. The book finds moments of genuine humor that makes it "user friendly". Also, the book dramatically illustrates conflicts within each race of people as well the conflict between the races. Finally, the book gives a realistic tribute to the Native American, abolishing the eroneous notion that they were just savages. Yet, he does expose their violent nature to prevent a false glorification of the people. The story line sustains your interest & it's a joy to read. I want more.

I have read all four of the People of the Plains series and have enjoyed each of them. I found it particular enjoying that the author switched the points of view from the soldiers and whites to the indians. I am excited to learn that there will be a fifth book in the series and look forward to reading it.

Writer Ken Englade's People of the Plains series is flawlessly accurate in a historical context. The stories flow wonderfully and the reader is exposed to well-developed characters while getting valuable information about the context of the times when the settlers clashed with the Plains indians -- militarily as well as culture. Englade's primary white character, Lt. Benoit, is totally human and believable. An Army officer, Benoit understands the culture of the red man and regrets some of what he must do to do his job. Paul Freeman