The Raiders: Sons of Texas

Book Two of The Sons of Texas Trilogy written by Elmer Kelton under the Tom Early name continues the Michael and Andrew Lewis family saga as they settle into their new life in early Texas; but an old family feud has followed them from Tennessee, the Blackwood brothers, Isaac, Luke, and one-armed Finis, have arrived and begin causing trouble. This is good, typical Kelton story telling, readable, enjoyable, historical, and worth having in your library. Get the other two well, Sons of Texas and The Rebels. P.S. This book was also published using the Tom Early name.

The first was Trevanian's "Incident at Twenty Mile" or something like that. I particularly enjoyed and was attracted to this set of novels in the first place because of their setting, East Texas, which is where I live. Each of these three novels kept me up reading and kept me from doing anything constructive until I finished them.

This is another of the believable and somewhat history lessen of the Great state of Texas.

I have read and enjoyed all three books in this trilogy about a family, through two generations,from Tennessee who make their way to Texas in the early 1800's. It is well researched with accurate historical facts mingled with the storyline. It is well written and caused me to stay up past my bedtime more than once! I only wish this was an ongoing series.

In book two of the Lewis family trilogy, THE RAIDERS: SONS OF TEXAS, veteran author Elmer Kelton delivers a finely wrought western set in the early days of Mexican-ruled Texas. To keep their land in Stephan Austin's colony, Michael and Andrew Lewis battle the elements and raiding hostiles. Michael's frequent wanderlust causes hardships for his wife, Marie, and small son. Andrew works Michael's land in his brother's absence, but Andrew's apparent fondness for his sister-in-law drives a wedge between the brothers. Their lives are endangered by the appearance of old enemies, the Blackwood brothers. In an effort to ease tensions Marie suggests that Andrew should leave for a while and use the time away to hunt for a wife. While on his journey, Andrew visits Stephan Austin who sends him to Nacogdoches to ascertain if rumors of a revolt are true. Andrew meets a lovely young woman named Petra, but he is very confused about his feelings for Marie. During his travels Andrew makes a sworn enemy, Tolliver Beard. Elmer Kelton's skillful narration exposes the resilience of love intertwined with gutsy determination. This second volume is rich in detail and strong characterization. I'm certain that the third book in the Lewis trilogy will be excellent reading.