To Tame a Land: A Novel

This is the "first" of his novels to try and set the record straight of how the west really was. Written in first person it tells the story of Rye Tyler from the age of twelve to early adult hood and the hard lessons of life he learned as he grew. I would rate it readable, but not exceptional.

I have to admit this is my first Louis L'Amour book I've read. I remember my dad used to read L'Amour, besides the sports page it's the only thing I ever saw him read. I loved it and read it in two sittings. I just couldn't put it down. It flows so smoothly, almost like he wrote it in one sitting. It's a coming of age story for Ryan Tyler orphaned at the age of twelve after an Indian raid as his family is stranded from the wagon train with a broken wheel. The story never loses your attention. I loved this book and look forward to reading more of L'Amour.

I have read almost all of L'Amour's books and to this day find them very enjoyable to re-read. I have passed these books onto my sons and they too have been spellbound by his great story telling. Some berate his style of writing, however I would much more enjoy this style than of the more current blood and gore of the modern writer. This story of Rye Tyler is a classic, being on his own from a young age, learning about life the hard way, growing up in the wild country, falling in love and betrayal of a friend. What more could you ask for!! READ THIS BOOK!!

When I was just a little boy... My cousin gave me a box set of five Louis L'Amour books and To Tame a Land was the first one I read. It was also the first book I remember reading that was not written for children and it hooked me. Completely. An epic story with a moral but deadly hero, To Tame a Land tells the story of a boy orphaned on a wagon train headed west. With natural skill and the luck of Raggedy Andy he grows into a gunfighter as fast as John Wesley Hardin, a bronc buster, a gold miner, a card sharp and a cattle driver. The story starts with a sad little boy and ends with man fighting for the woman he loves. Corny Cliches - sure - but this book captures the language and feel of the old west. Scratch that - it DEFINES the old west as we all know it. I re-read the book recently and twenty years later it still works (although it seemed awfully short the second time around...).

Ryan Tyler was a boy when his father got killed by marauding indians and was then left alone, without a father or family. In steps Logan Pollard, a loner and a drifter without ties to anyone or anybody. The moment they meet their lives change forever. To Tame a Land has got to be one of the best books L'Amour wrote. The plot is tight and fast moving and the chapters are woven seemlessly together. The characters are diverse and complicated, while Ryan Tyler's character is tough, hard, and sad all at once. If you are a person who loves action and adventure, then pick this one up. As soon as you open the book, you will be transported to a time where a romance was pure and danger was real. A time when good prevailed against evil and your friends are what stood between you and death. If you have nothing to do on a weekend, or are longing to be transported from the day to day grind of life in the new millenium, then pick this one up amigo, you will not regret the time spent reading this book. So, cinch up your saddle and reload your pistol because you are on your way to a fast paced ride through the west.

Louis L'Amour has written many good books, and I say this one tops them all! This must have one of the greatest plots ever. If there is not a movie for this one I think there should be.