Carry the Wind

Reading "Carry the Wind", as with any Terry C. Johnston book, takes the reader on an adventurous journey to a time and place in which men battle nature, the great predators of the wilderness, and each other. "Carry the Wind" is the first of a nine book series about mountain man Titus Bass. Bass, also known as "Scratch" in the books, comes upon young Josiah Paddock who has fled St. Louis and a charge of murder for the Rocky Mountains and the chance at becoming a mountain man. Bass soon mentors Paddock and the two set out for rendezvous and a wealth of other adventures. Other reviewers have listed Johnston's writing as "long-winded" and I will agree that he goes into detail not only about his characters but also about the weapons they use, the geography of the land, and the history that they became a part of. For me, it was not tedious writing. Instead, I soon became aware of the significance all of the information presented and how it related to establishing a strong sense of time and place. I savor each of Johnston's books, but especially the nine-book Titus Bass series because I can easily imagine sitting next to a warm, crackling fire on a cold winter night and having old Scratch himself come in and recount the adventures he has been through. Johnston's narrative moves quickly and the characters seem real. Titus Bass is a character of mythical proportion yet has his faults and his sensitivities as we all do. Johnston truly is the master story teller and you simply can't go wrong with "Carry the Wind", the book has it all-history, action, violence, geography, and a damn good story that will leave you wanting more.

I have purchased the complete Plainsmen Series Books by Terry C Johnston. And I have never more enjoyed these Historical/Novels and I'm 70 years old. I can completely and wholeheartedly recommend the reading of Mr. Johnston.s Books, not only "Carry the Wind". I'm truly sorry that he passed away in 2001 and that was the end of a wonderful author. Richard Reupert, Snohomish WA

Equal to any if not the best book I have ever read. A unique gift and presentation by the author.

Following Scratch and Josiah through the Rocky mountains is one of the greatest adventures I've ever encountered in fiction. I felt like I was there with them and really understand the joys and hardships they encountered. One of the best books I have ever read!!!!!!

Terry C. Johnston must have done an incredible amount of research to be able to recreate the Rocky Mountain fur trade as practiced by the "mountain men" of the early 19th century. This is the first of six (so far) Titus Bass novels, and I suppose it is still my favorite. Chronologically, this book would be the fourth in the series, but Johnson wrote it first, and I agree that it seems the best place to start. But if I only credit Johnston for his historical research and attention to detail, I'm neglecting to mention what a truly wonderful writer he is. He keeps you deeply involved in the story and makes you want to keep reading. The constant struggle for survival in that place and time makes for very exciting reading, as Titus (also known as "Scratch")is always having to get out of some jam involving angry Blackfeet warriors or perhaps a four-legged predator. If you have any love at all for the spirit and freedom of the mountain man's way of life and the incredible skill/luck it took to survive this lifestyle, then by all means give this book a read. Then read the other five books in the series. You'll thank me!