The Revenant: A Novel of Revenge

This story is truly gripping in a way the move never could be. The words leap off the page in the dusty colors of the American West, punctuated by the bright red of blood spilled in the pursuit of many things - profit, revenge, a place to live. As if the "Revenant" himself is the eye of a storm, the world of the prairie swirls about him, throwing off images of a world long gone. To read this book is to be transported and immersed in this world with all it's dangers and beauty.

"The Revenant's" fast pace and expert storytelling make it as much action/adventure as western epic. Punke's vivid detail of the early west combines with his sharp characterizations to create a compelling story, one that had me both squirming and turning the pages in anticipation. The book's focus on revenge, justice and humanity, make it especially relevant today.I look forward to Punke's next novel.

Rarely do I finish a book and immediately want to read it again. This, however, was the case with The Revenant. It is a novel of revenge yet includes so much more. The usual predictablity of this genre was lost on Punke as he relives life in the early mountain west. The story is vivid and captivating; written in such a way that you feel personally involoved. Furhtermore, the ending will leave you pondering your own resolve...Truly a great read and a debut that suggests great things for Punke's future as a writer.

This thrilling, gripping novel brings to life the adventure and drama of the West in the 1820s, the era of the fur trappers. Based on the true story of Hugh Glass, a trapper who sought revenge after being left for dead by his colleagues following a bear mauling. The writing is vivid and compelling and, well, you'll have a hard time putting it down. Michael Punke has obviously done his research, too, because the reader practically can feel what it must have been like to have been on the Missouri River in the 1820s. Probably the best novel about the early West since Larry McMurtry's Lonesome Dove books.

From the opening chapter, setting the tone for the entire work, to the end at which you find yourself pondering your own sense of justice, The Revanant flows like a sparkling river. It is a great read, and is filled with dramatic and well-described moments that will stay with you for a long time.As unbelievable as it sounds, the basic tale of this mountainman's maiming by a grizzly bear and his abandonment by his comrades, and his survival, is true. The author's imagination adds details and color that are truly remarkable and compelling. For example, the scene where the Indians who find Glass are cleaning his infected and infested wounds is full of realistic details, and helps to illustrate what Glass has gone through. The other scene that I won't forget is the snowy camp where Glass arrives to take revenge on one of the comrades who regretfully left him to die after the attack. Punke also has a great style which weaves the past with the present to keep the story flowing while giving important background information that helps explain the impetus behind all the characters' actions.These are rich characters, too -- characters who epitomize the developing West. There are lawless men, leaders, and followers. There are men of justice and those who are seeking justice beyond the courts of Men. It is a story that could only come from a author from the West, as Punke is (born and raised on the Platte River in Wyoming according to the book cover). You can feel his love for the land, for the danger, for the adventure, and his appreciation for the men who journeyed through this area of the country 175 years ago, blazing the way for others, and discovering truths about themselves and about America.The chapters are short, making the book hard to put down. You will find yourself wanting to read it aloud, too, because of the richness of the language and the detail that Punke includes. If you are like me, you will also be thinking about how this would look on the big screen. As I understand Punke has already sold the movie rights, it's only a matter of time before this story finds its way to theaters. It is perfect for a movie -- big moments, big characters, big scenery, and big themes.I look forward to Punke's future works. If this is his first book, you have to expect big things from him.

Not only is The Revanant a compelling story about revenge, but it also is a story about the overwhelming human survival instinct, particularly in early frontier America. The historical story of Hugh Glass is amazing in and of itself, but The Revanant brings it to life. The book graphically describes the seemingly insurmountable obstacles faced by trapper Hugh Glass, first in trying to survive, then in seeking vengeance. You can almost feel Hugh Glass' shattered body. In addition to being a gripping story, The Revanant literally transports you to the wild, unpredictable American West of the 1820's. It is impeccably well researched with extensive and fascinating historical detail. This detail, combined with great writing and an incredible story results in a perfect adventure novel for any summer reading list.