Trooper Donovan

Donovan joins N Troop, not really wanting to become an experienced calvaryman but would rather serve out his enlistment on the safer side of any combat. however, Trooper Donovan will see plenty of action throughout this book. This is a pretty good read, smooth but stimulating as are all of the RODERUS books.

"Trooper Donovan" illustrates the timelessness of some themes. Though thoroughly grounded historically in the Indian fighting army of the immediate post-Civil War era, the experiences of a young army recruit thrust into a military unit are ones with which many of us Twentieth Century warriors can identify. Roderus skillfully blends the minor, almost insignificant, details of daily life with the 7th Cavalry's mission to give a realistic portrayal of one man's experiences.

Frank Roderus brings us another exceptional western in TROOPER DONOVAN. From the very first day John Donovan arrives at Camp Horan to his final decision at the end, you find yourself pulling for TROOPER DONOVAN. It is evident from the start that this is a very well researched book. Unlike other western fiction about the cavalary that tend to glorify being a horse soldier, TROOPER DONOVAN gives us an excellent window into what life must have really been like being a cavalry trooper in the old west. VERY WELL DONE FRANK!

Frank Roderus does it again. Wet behind the ears Trooper John Donovan joins the newly formed 7th Cavalry, and is issued with second (or even third hand) kit, a purposely deafened horse called "Handsome"... and life gets a lot worse from there. Frank Roderus has always got a knack for rolling a story right along, and whilst you`re skillfully transported there, you tend not to see all the little historical details he lovingly creates. But they just subconsciously add to the detail - and if the purpose behind a novel is to tranport the reader there, Frank does this splendidly. Close your eyes, and you can smell the coffee roasting. Recommended. As with all Franks` novels.Dave