Wilson, John. Victorio’s War.

Wilson, John.     Victorio’s War. (Desert Legends Trilogy)  Orca  157p $12.95 978-1-55469-882-0       ms/hs       E-BN      Historical Fiction     

Jim Doolen has served as an army scout for the Buffalo Soldiers in Indian Territory.  Taken captive by the Apache and saved from execution by Wellington, a friend who is aligned with them, Jim lives to tell his tale.  The first part of the book sets the scene as Jim is sharing his last year’s experience as a scout and captive with Santiago, an old friend from the first book.  The author exhibits masterful storytelling -- readers will smell the dust, hear the whizzing bullets and arrows, and experience the conflicted loyalties that are all a part of the Jim’s story.  Jim must decide whom to support as the Apaches seek freedom and travel from their reservation to Mexico.  The Apache are pursued by either the U.S. or  Mexican armies, depending upon which side of the border they are on.  Jim comes to understand Native American spirituality, the power of storytelling, how lives can become intertwined, and the Apache desire for freedom.  By the end of the book, Jim sees his Apache friends dying with honor and the futility of the Indians seeking to establish their own homeland.  Could there be another trilogy in the offing chronicling the travels of Jim and the Indian girl he saves by buying her at auction?  This reviewer certainly hopes so.  This is an outstanding fast-paced tour of the Old West that will appeal to all ages, from grades 6 to 12.  Gritty battle scenes, conflicted loyalties, and harsh conditions make the Old West come alive for today's readers.         

Apache-Fiction, Buffalo Soldiers-Fiction, Historical fiction

                                                            -- Lois McNicol