Testimonials
BOOK 1 & 2. THE DISTINGUISHED CAREER OF WINFIELD SCOTT HANCOCK: REBELLION AND TURNING POINT (2019)
The Online Book Club Forum
This is a vital insight into one of the great U.S. leaders of the 19th century. The book is exceptionally well-written. It provides both military aspects of Hancock’s youth, time at West Point, and as a young military officer, and personal insights from family and friends. Mr. Kelly does an excellent job of providing insights into Hancock’s personality. I was unfamiliar with the Mexican War, but the book provided a good background. WELL DONE!!
The Online Book Club Forum
Intense Moments Make Great Men
I am a Soldier, First, and Always – The Distinguished Career of Winfield Scott Hancock: Turning Point by James Kelly is a well-written book about the career of General Winfield Hancock. This is the second of two books covering the War in Pennsylvania, the overland battles, and the war with the Plains Indians. If the reader loves history, specifically the Civil War, there is much to love about his book. General Hancock distinguished himself at Gettysburg, an actual turning point in his career, and the campaign overland. This would land him assignments in the war against the Plains Indians and then an assignment to help with Reconstruction in the South. His popularity was such that the Democrats ran him for president, and he barely lost to President Garfield.
The Online Book Club Forum (shejustlovesbooks)
I am a Soldier, First and Always offers readers a captivating glimpse into the life and career of one of America’s most esteemed military figures, Winfield Scott Hancock. Authored with meticulous research and a deep appreciation for history, this biography pays tribute to a man whose dedication to duty and honor left an indelible mark on the nation.
The book skillfully navigates through the life of Winfield Scott Hancock, from his early days as a young cadet at West Point to his distinguished service during the American Civil War and beyond. The author’s attention to detail is commendable, as they meticulously reconstruct the historical context in which Hancock lived and the challenges he faced.
Furthermore, the author’s writing style is engaging and accessible, making it suitable for history enthusiasts and general readers. The narrative flows smoothly, and incorporating primary sources and anecdotes from Hancock’s contemporaries adds authenticity to the storytelling. <u>”I Am a Soldier, First and Always”</u> is a fitting tribute to a remarkable military figure in American history. Winfield Scott Hancock’s unwavering dedication to his country and his legacy as a soldier of honor are vividly brought to life in this biography. While it may require some patience due to its level of detail, it offers a compelling and informative exploration of a man whose contributions to the nation should not be forgotten. If you are interested in the Civil War era and the lives of influential military leaders, this book is a worthy addition to your reading list.
I Am a Soldier, First and Always: The Distinguished Career of Winfield Scott Hancock by James Harold Kelly is a gripping historical fiction military story featuring the life and career of Lieutenant General Winfield Scott Hancock. From the first page, I knew this would be an action-packed story, and I was not disappointed! Filled with battle scenes and military tactics, this book was gripping.
The writing created scenes that were so real I could visualize them. I was highly impressed with the author’s ability to make these pictures with his words. The author, James Harold Kelly, is a military history student, and his impressive writing showed his knowledge.
I rated “I Am a Soldier, First and Always”: The Distinguished Career of Winfield Scott Hancock by James Harold Kelly a four out of four stars because it is well-written and creates a gripping tale for the reader.
The Online Book Club Forum (Dissettedanielle)
“I am a Soldier, First and Always”: The Distinguished Career of Winfield Scott Hancock by James Harold Kelly is a passionate portrait of the logistics and emotions of war. Centered on a respected general and his pathway through the Civil War, the book highlights the perspectives of opposing armies as they navigate these historical events. The wonders and horrors of war are captured among the despair, death, and hope rendered by Kelly.
It isn’t easy to pinpoint what I like most about the book. Kelly’s extensive academic research supports a profoundly realistic tone. He writes a richness within the characters that round out the full context of the story. Every soldier reflects the mindset of the time. The steady presence of the general’s thoughts and prayers for his wife and children back home is where I find my most substantial personal connection to the book. My most powerful moment is a particularly poetically illustrated death in battle.
I did not dislike anything about this book. The demonstration of the depth of the characters engages the reader in each event. It cannot be emphasized enough how thorough the consideration of historical elements is throughout the writing. Kelly’s voice is brilliant and articulate as he captures an impressively broad scope of the period and its occupants.
The Online Book Club Forum (Tam Rose)
I am a Soldier, First and Always; The Distinguished Career of Winfield Scott Hancock, Vol. II, Turning Point by James Harold Kelly follows the significant events in General Hancock’s career, from the battles at Gettysburg to his final promotion to Lieutenant General on his deathbed. Hancock oversaw the execution of Mary Stuart and other conspirators after President Lincoln’s assassination. He was placed in command of the Department of Missouri for a time and later sent to New Orleans to govern the Reconstruction. He served in the Department of Dakota, contributing to the creation of Yellowstone National Park. He ran for President against Garfield. His career ended in New York on Governors Island. He lost his grandson, daughter, son, and faithful aide, William Mackenzie, to a fever along the way and succumbed to complications of diabetes in 1886.
I give this book a 4 out of 4 stars. Kelly did extensive research and presented it in an engaging format. I expected a list of dates and accomplishments. I understood how warriors and soldiers thought, how strategies were planned on the run, and how the toll of endless battles shaped the men involved. He made the people come alive through their manners, actions, and failings.
The Online Book Club Forum (Kendra Tompkins)
“I am a Soldier, First and Always,” The Distinguished Career of Winfield Scott Hancock, Volume II: Turning Point, is a story about the title-mentioned Winfield Scott Hancock. In this novel volume, readers follow the distinguished soldier through the battle of Gettysburg, his dealings with the Native Americans in the Midwest, and his political career. Each turn offers new insight into the depth of character of the esteemed soldier and patriot of the young United States of America.
I enjoyed the narrative of this book. The way the author presented the storyline impressed me. James Kelly iterated the battle details as though you and he were soldiers experiencing all that raged around you. I also appreciated the perspectives of both armies given in the book. The back and forth made it feel like you were again on the battlefield with the soldiers.
Furthermore, Kelly included the occasional map to help his readers visualize the battle lines as they were formed and how each Army moved toward one another in each conflict. Finally, the author paints the horror of war well. While the engagement of war is severe enough, the toll it takes on its participants is just as intense, if not more so. Kelly prudently shed light on that toll.
I give this book 4 out of 4 stars. However, as previously mentioned, James Kelly writes that he was there and does a phenomenal job of pulling his readers into the scene with him.
I would recommend this book for readers 18 and older. The book is necessarily graphic in some places–as war is as graphic as Kelly portrays it. I would also recommend this book to anyone who appreciates history and the lives of the soldiers who have made our freedom possible.
In conclusion, this book is a great read. It will go on my list of favorite books ever read, and I will keep my eyes open for more books by this author.
The Online Book Club Forum (Lisa Thomason)
This novel was exciting as the author depicted the fighting scenes and the camaraderie among the soldiers. There were conversations shared that helped the reader to understand the feelings of those involved in the fight. I liked that the author, James Harold Kelly, inserted maps of the area and the Army’s position and course. I found the descriptions of the war and the soldiers’ fatigue and wounds very believable.
I found the story to be fascinating. I rate I Am Soldier, First and Always: The Distinguished Career of Winfield Scott Hancock five out of five stars. This book had only one error, proving it was well-edited. I felt that the storyline was very well described. The events, scenery, and characters were adequately portrayed.
I am recommending this book for readers of all walks of life. I think the young reader can glean historical information regarding the Civil War, and the mature reader will enjoy the camaraderie of the soldiers. All will be able to appreciate the life of a soldier and all that our country went through during this time.
The Online Book Club Forum (Sally Haley Thurman)
I particularly liked this book because the background story of General Hancock was woven into a chapter of American history and some of America’s most trying times. Winfield’s love of country is quite evident to the reader. Winfield was loved by his family, revered by his soldiers, and feared by his enemies. I enjoyed reading about Winfield meeting Miss Almira Russell at a social function. They were immediately smitten with each other. They were married in 1850 in her father’s house. They later had two children. They were devoted to each other, and she followed him back and forth across the country. This book was exceptionally well edited.
I gave the book 5 out of 5 stars. The description of the Battle of Fredericksburg was one of the most exciting parts. Bureaucratic delays and poor decisions from General Burnside prevented the Union army from reaching their destination soon enough. They had to cross under fire from the Confederate Army because the Confederates already had their trenches in place. The Confederate Army was entrenched along the sunken wall on the heights behind the city. The Union Army suffered more than twice the casualties of the Confederate Army. General Burnside was relieved of his command.
I highly recommend this book, especially if you love Civil War history and are an admirer of heroes. I enjoyed reading about the Mexican War, as I didn’t know much about it previously. The Civil War history is well-written and impressive. There is more to come in a second volume I will indeed read. The excitement and terror of battle energized General Hancock, while others appeared battle-worn. His career spanned four decades.
The Online Book Club Forum
I gave the book 5 out of 5 stars. “I Am a Soldier, First and Always: The Distinguished Career of Winfield Scott Hancock” by James Harold Kelly is an exceptional biography that delves into the remarkable life of one of America’s most distinguished military figures. Kelly’s meticulous research and engaging narrative style bring to life the incredible journey of Winfield Scott Hancock, leaving readers inspired and enlightened.
From the very first page, Kelly skillfully paints a vivid portrait of Hancock’s early years, allowing readers to understand the influences and experiences that shaped his character. The book takes us through Hancock’s impressive military career, highlighting his pivotal role in significant battles, including the Mexican-American War and the Civil War. Kelly’s attention to detail and ability to capture the intensity of these historical events make the book a gripping and immersive read.
Kelly’s writing style is engaging and accessible, making complex military strategies and historical contexts easy to comprehend. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a casual reader, “I Am a Soldier, First and Always” keeps you captivated from start to finish. The seamless blend of historical facts and personal anecdotes creates an intimate connection with Hancock, allowing readers to truly appreciate his contributions to American history.
I Am a Soldier, First and Always: The Distinguished Career of Winfield Scott Hancock is a triumph in biographical literature. James Harold Kelly’s thorough research, engaging storytelling, and thoughtful presentation of Winfield Scott Hancock’s life make this book a must-read for anyone interested in American history, military leadership, or the inspiring stories of individuals who shaped our nation. It is a fitting tribute to a remarkable man and his enduring legacy.
The Online Book Club Forum (Tomah)
The book is a treat for fans of historical fiction and military novels, as the author does an impeccable job recreating events from the past using a mix of thorough research and creativity to fill in the gaps. “I am a soldier, first and always”: The Distinguished Career of Major General Winfield Scott Hancock delivers precisely what it promises: engaging lessons in military history with some literary flavor.
For this reason, I rate the book 4 out of 4 stars.
BOOK 3. These Sacred Lands (2022)
The Historical Fiction Company
James Harold Kelly takes readers back into history to an age-old question that has plagued humanity since the beginning. The story takes place during the American settler’s expansion into the West, during the push of the Lakota Sioux and the Cheyenne into what is now Wyoming and Colorado. A Lakota Sioux, who happens to be the great Sioux warrior Red Cloud’s young cousin, meets a U.S. Calvary Officer’s son outside of Fort Laramie, Wyoming. The two lads, barely teenagers, meet by accident, and like many adolescents who come face to face with a culture they have never encountered, naturally, they are both curious.
Shadow Hawk and Joshua are from two different worlds. Young Shadow Hawk feels that young Joshua can teach him many things about the white man’s perspective, and Joshua feels he can learn many things from the Sioux; the problem is getting their parents to agree. Joshua’s father is an officer in the U.S. Calvary under General Crook’s command, and this requires his father, Jedediah, to duly inform his superior officer and to receive his blessings in allowing the two boys to meet. The ultimate decision to enable this friendship to continue brings remarkable changes and is in all parties’ best interests. They become friends and learn many things from each other.
Joshua decides to follow his father’s career path. As with most indigenous cultures, there are certain rituals a male must enter to achieve warrior status among their prospective tribes. These Sacred Lands explore what happens when two friends from two different sides of the fence return years later and are respected in their field of choice. Shadow Hawk already understands there is a high probability he will have to face his friend on the battlefield.
A soldier’s duty has always been to follow their superiors’ orders first and foremost. One’s personal feelings must be set aside whether said friend is the enemy or on the same side. Men and women have had to confront this phenomenon throughout history. The author does an excellent job of revealing the themes throughout the storyline, and it is a very worthy read.
“These Sacred Lands” by James Harold Kelly receives five stars from The Historical Fiction Company and the “Highly Recommended” award.
Jaime Engle, The Write Engle, LLC
It’s such a beautiful story. I enjoyed this journey in the love of family and country and the depths of the relationship between warring nations who found friendship. It’s well-written and engaging, and it is a tale I want to remain within the boundaries of long after I close the book.
Historical Fiction at its Best!
I could not put this down! The story, for me, centered around the two young men of opposite cultures and their intertwined paths. The author did a fabulous job of making both of their stories flow chronologically and smoothly. Very well done!
Tremaine: A Lakota Warrior in Roosevelt’s Rough Riders by James Harold Kelly is a historical fiction book that builds on many historical events in the late 19th century to create a gripping and thrilling narrative of a foreign boy in a native world. Tremaine’s life is pivotal in the book, exploring the hurdles he had to overcome as he grew up. The story features his responsibility to his family and the responsibilities he feels inclined to both as the son of the Lakota tribe and the son of the white Lieutenant Joshua Tremaine Mackenzie.
James Harold Kelly has provided a great history of the Lakota tribe, the progress of the Sioux War, and the beginning to the end of the Spanish-American War. Being a historical book, the lifestyle descriptions and interactions during these times have not been missed. It is a journey around America in the impounds of the 19th century.
I rate Tremaine: A Lakota Warrior in Roosevelt’s Rough Riders 4 out of 5 stars by James Harold Kelly. The depiction of historical figures, including Theodore Roosevelt, McKinley, Russell A. Alger, Shafter, and many others, ensured authenticity, although it was fictional.
This book includes a lot of action, especially in the field. It is written at a pace that ensures a detailed description of events.
I recommend Tremaine: A Lakota Warrior in Roosevelt’s Rough Riders to readers interested in historical events and war stories. It is a book that provides entertainment and insight into historical events.
The Online Book Club Forum
James Harold Kelly’s These Sacred Lands is a stunning and evocative exploration of the American Southwest and its indigenous cultures. Based on his experiences, extensive research, and interviews with tribal leaders and members, Kelly comprehensively examines the region’s history, geography, and spiritual significance.
One of the strengths of “These Sacred Lands” is Kelly’s ability to capture the natural beauty of the Southwest. His descriptions of the landscape are vivid and poetic, conveying the majesty and power of the region’s red rock formations, mesas, and canyons. He also writes eloquently about the flora and fauna of the Southwest, from the cacti and wildflowers that bloom in the desert to the eagles and coyotes that call the region home. Through his writing, Kelly creates a powerful connection between the reader and the environment, inviting us to see the Southwest as a sacred and vital part of the world.
Kelly’s book is a tribute to these cultures, and he writes with deep respect and admiration for their traditions and values. He explores the complex relationships between these cultures and the dominant American society, tracing the history of colonization and the ongoing struggles of indigenous communities to protect their land, language, and heritage.
“These Sacred Lands” is a beautifully written and deeply insightful exploration of the American Southwest and its indigenous cultures. It is a book that will leave a lasting impression on its readers, inviting them to see the world in a new and more profound way. Whether you are interested in history, spirituality, or environmentalism, this book has something to offer, and it will surely inspire and enlighten anyone who reads it. James Harold Kelly has created a true masterpiece that will stand the test of time and continue to captivate readers for years. I give it 5 out of 5. It is amazing; it is one of the best books ever.
The Online Book Club Forum
This book was fantastic! The author managed to take both the American and Native American cultures and draw you into their worlds. The two men, from different worlds and lives, had a fantastic story of friendship, hardship, and culture. The family dynamics in both cultures were fascinating and informative. Modern schools never discussed many battles, so this book was instructive. Kudos to the author for a fantastic novel!
I can not find any fault in this book. It was well written; everything flowed in chronological order; all in all, it was a great read. I am rating this 4 out of because it got my attention, and I could not put it down, and 5 out of 5 because it was incredibly written and captures your imagination!
The Online Book Club Forum
James Harold Kelly’s These Sacred Lands is a stunning and evocative exploration of the American Southwest and its indigenous cultures. Based on his experiences, extensive research, and interviews with tribal leaders and members, Kelly comprehensively examines the region’s history, geography, and spiritual significance.
One of the strengths of “These Sacred Lands” is Kelly’s ability to capture the natural beauty of the Southwest. His descriptions of the landscape are vivid and poetic, conveying the majesty and power of the region’s red rock formations, mesas, and canyons. He also writes eloquently about the flora and fauna of the Southwest, from the cacti and wildflowers that bloom in the desert to the eagles and coyotes that call the region home. Through his writing, Kelly creates a powerful connection between the reader and the environment, inviting us to see the Southwest as a sacred and vital part of the world.
Kelly’s book is a tribute to these cultures, and he writes with deep respect and admiration for their traditions and values. He explores the complex relationships between these cultures and the dominant American society, tracing the history of colonization and the ongoing struggles of indigenous communities to protect their land, language, and heritage.
“These Sacred Lands” is a beautifully written and deeply insightful exploration of the American Southwest and its indigenous cultures. It is a book that will leave a lasting impression on its readers, inviting them to see the world in a new and more profound way. Whether you are interested in history, spirituality, or environmentalism, this book has something to offer, and it will surely inspire and enlighten anyone who reads it. James Harold Kelly has created a true masterpiece that will stand the test of time and continue to captivate readers for years.
I give it 5 out of 5. It is amazing; it is one of the best books ever.
The Online Book Club Forum
This book was fantastic! The author managed to take both the American and Native American cultures and draw you into their worlds. The two men, from different worlds and lives, had a fantastic story of friendship, hardship, and culture. The family dynamics in both cultures were fascinating and informative. Modern schools never discussed many battles, so this book was instructive. Kudos to the author for a fantastic novel!
I can not find any fault in this book. It was well written; everything flowed in chronological order; all in all, it was a great read. I am rating this 4 out of because it got my attention, and I could not put it down, and 5 out of 5 because it was incredibly written and captures your imagination
The Online Book Club Forum
What is impressive about this book is the way it expresses the agitation of the Indians. The dilemma of choosing between their way of life or embracing another way to let peace reign. Though this is a war story, it centers on the characters, their day-to-day experiences, and their sentiments regarding the war. Readers will enjoy the constant diversions from violence.
The characters are well-developed. The attention to detail is captivating. I love the author’s writing style, the simplicity, diction, and the imagery evoked. The book is professionally edited. Apart from some repetition of some points, for example, how the soldiers love training Joshua, their commander’s first son, there is nothing to detest about These Sacred Lands. The book is worthy of a rating of 5 out of 5 stars, for it expresses the motive behind the war without being biased. For lovers of war stories and historical fiction, this book is enticing.
The Online Book Club Forum
These Sacred Lands by James Harold Kelly is a historical fiction about the Great Sioux War, a series of battles over vast land territories between two peoples of different languages, cultures, and lifestyles: the Lakota (Sioux) people, led by war chiefs and native to the land, are nomads, hunters, and warriors by nature; and the Americans, led by the Army, who are on a conquest, dubbed ‘Manifest Destiny,’ to expand their territory.
The novel is simply a great work of art. James Harold’s attention to detail and vivid descriptions are top-notch, painting a clear picture inside the reader’s mind that places the reader at the battle scenes as if witnessing. It keeps one glued to the narrative, following closely, anxious to see what happens next. His neutrality is also noteworthy, as he doesn’t lean towards one side more than the other. He balances appropriately between the two sides, giving equal attention to the lives of the two significant characters, Joshua and Hawk. He draws parallels between the two youngsters’ journeys, encompassing their relationships with elders and family, their ‘careers,’ and their transformation from boys to men, each corresponding to their people’s ways and standards.
The character introduction and development for major and minor characters is spot on. The plot development is steady, neither too fast nor too slow. The author also creates a healthy air of balance, breaking what would otherwise be the monotony of war by touching on the family lives of the two sides, away from the battlefields. Like a qualified physician, Harold prescribes the appropriate dosage of romance, never overdoing it. This prevents the story from becoming dull. I loved the humor when Captain Jedidiah’ freezes’ his hand to use it to wake young Joshua up before embarking on one of his routine patrols with his cavalry. This historical account is highly educative as it teaches about coexistence and tolerance between people of diverse cultures, lifestyles, and divergent views. I highly recommend this book to historical and action/war thrillers fans.
I would honestly buy this book myself; I also feel it could have potential for a future film. I enjoyed the reading, but it was hard to stop. I read for long periods, and there are not many books to which I give my full attention. I am pleased to read it, and I hope it grows well. The book was descriptive and detailed, relating to events and how they all played out.
What is impressive about this book is the way it expresses the agitation of the Indians. The dilemma of choosing between their way of life or embracing another way to let peace reign. Though this is a war story, it centers on the characters, their day-to-day experiences, and their sentiments regarding the war. Readers will enjoy the constant diversions from violence.
The characters are well-developed. The attention to detail is captivating. I love the author’s writing style, the simplicity, diction, and the imagery evoked. The book is professionally edited. Apart from some repetition of some points, for example, how the soldiers love training Joshua, their commander’s first son, there is nothing to detest about These Sacred Lands. The book is worthy of a rating of 5 out of 5 stars, for it expresses the motive behind the war without being biased. For lovers of war stories and historical fiction, this book is enticing.
The Online Book Club Forum
These Sacred Lands by James Harold Kelly is a historical fiction about the Great Sioux War, a series of battles over vast land territories between two peoples of different languages, cultures, and lifestyles: the Lakota (Sioux) people, led by war chiefs and native to the land, are nomads, hunters, and warriors by nature; and the Americans, led by the Army, who are on a conquest, dubbed ‘Manifest Destiny,’ to expand their territory.
The novel is simply a great work of art. Harold’s attention to detail and vivid descriptions are top-notch, painting a clear picture inside the reader’s mind that places the reader at the battle scenes as if witnessing. It keeps one glued to the narrative, following closely, anxious to see what happens next. His neutrality is also noteworthy, as he doesn’t lean towards one side more than the other. He balances appropriately between the two sides, giving equal attention to the lives of the two significant characters, Joshua and Hawk. He draws parallels between the two youngsters’ journeys, encompassing their relationships with elders and family, their ‘careers,’ and their transformation from boys to men, each corresponding to their people’s ways and standards.
The character introduction and development for major and minor characters is spot on. The plot development is steady, neither too fast nor too slow. The author also creates a healthy air of balance, breaking what would otherwise be the monotony of war by touching on the family lives of the two sides, away from the battlefields. Like a qualified physician, Harold prescribes the appropriate dosage of romance, never overdoing it. This prevents the story from becoming dull. I loved the humor when Captain Jedidiah’ freezes’ his hand to use it to wake young Joshua up before embarking on one of his routine patrols with his cavalry. This historical account is highly educative as it teaches about coexistence and tolerance between people of diverse cultures, lifestyles, and divergent views. I highly recommend this book to historical and action/war thrillers fans.
I would honestly buy this book myself; I also feel it could have potential for a future film. I enjoyed the reading, but it was hard to stop. I read for long periods, and there are not many books to which I give my full attention. I am pleased to read it, and I hope it grows well. The book was descriptive and detailed, relating to events and how they all played out.
BOOK 4. TREMAINE, A LAKOTA WARRIOR IN ROOSEVELT'S ROUGH RIDERS (2024)
The Historical Fiction Company
From the first lines of “TREMAINE: A Lakota Warrior in Roosevelt’s Rough Riders,” James Harold Kelly draws the reader in, laying the groundwork for a narrative that spans decades and explores the core of the American spirit. The opening line immediately hooks the reader with its promises of adventure, emotional depth, and a trip through a significant historical period.
We are immediately drawn into the story of this little boy, a Lakota, raised by the only family he ever knew, the Mackenzies. We want to see the answer to Tremaine’s question from the first paragraphs. Why was he given to Joshua Mackenzie?
Through the story of Tremaine “Running Deer,” Kelly gives readers an insight into the mind of a nation grappling with its identity, which keeps the book gripping from start to finish. It’s a story that honors the human spirit’s ability to persevere in the face of hardship and builds a bridge between two very different cultures. Pulling you in page after page is a compelling and thought-provoking plot.
Tremaine’s development as he navigates his background and the world of the white man illustrates a journey full of obstacles, successes, and self-discovery. It’s an engaging read because of the depth and complexity of the plot, which keeps the reader interested. The character development is one of the book’s best aspects. As the primary character, Tremaine is a fully developed figure whose development from a young guy torn between two cultures is sensitively and nuancedly portrayed.
Kelly’s attention to detail in language and historical correctness makes the story more authentic. Kelly keeps the plot’s many story arcs together by ensuring a fluid narrative flow. The reader is kept focused on Tremaine’s life narrative and the changing American environment, even with the years and historical events depicted. The skillful handling of transitions achieves this and never feels dry or dull.
The book ends in a way that is both rewarding and heartfelt. To sum up, without giving away any surprises, Tremaine’s voyage completes the circle and provides a resolution consistent with the novel’s themes of identity, legacy, and reconciliation.
The conclusion attests to Kelly’s talent as a storyteller and leaves the reader feeling fulfilled and reflective. “Tremaine” offers a distinctive viewpoint on a troubled era in American history. Kelly provides a novel and intriguing perspective to the historical narrative genre by concentrating on the life story of a Lakota warrior overcoming the difficulties of juggling two cultures. The investigation of friendship, identity, and the price of advancement gives the narrative a unique touch.
Kelly writes in a rich and evocative style with a sharp eye for detail and the ability to conjure the settings, feelings, and turbulent times of the story’s setting. We see Kelly’s storytelling skills in the deft treatment of speech, especially in capturing the subtleties of several cultures and eras. Every stage of Tremaine’s life adds to his growth and the plot’s forward motion. The arc reflects the more significant themes of change, resiliency, and the search for knowledge by taking the reader on a historically essential and intensely personal trip.
James Harold Kelly’s TREMAINE: A Lakota Warrior in Roosevelt’s Rough Riders is an exceptional book that shines in every way. It is a narratively complicated story with a rich historical background and emotional depth. Anyone interested in how history, culture, and identity connect should read this book.
"Tremaine" by James Harold Kelly receives five stars and the "Highly Recommended" Award of Excellence from the Historical Fiction Company.
Jaime Engle, The Write Engle, LLC
This epic story was full of history, characters, depictions of a world not too long ago, and very well researched. I loved the Lakota American, Tremaine, and his incredible story, love, loyalty, and pride. It’s a great story.
The Online Book Club Forum (Kigen Valarie)
Tremaine: A Lakota Warrior in Roosevelt’s Rough Riders by James Harold Kelly is a historical fiction book that builds on many historical events in the late 19th century to create a gripping and thrilling narrative of a foreign boy in a native world. Tremaine’s life is pivotal in the book, exploring the hurdles he had to overcome as he grew up. This features his responsibility to his family and the responsibilities he feels inclined to as the son of the Lakota tribe and the son of the white Lieutenant Joshua Tremaine Mackenzie.
James Harold Kelly has provided a great history of the Lakota tribe, the progress of the Sioux War, and the beginning to the end of the Spanish-American War. Being a historical book, the lifestyle descriptions and interactions during these times have not been missed. It is a journey around America in the impounds of the 19th century.
I recommend Tremaine: A Lakota Warrior in Roosevelt’s Rough Riders to readers interested in historical events and war stories. It is a book that provides entertainment and insight into historical events.
I rate Tremaine: A Lakota Warrior in Roosevelt’s Rough Riders 4 out of 5 stars by James Harold Kelly. The depiction of historical figures, including Theodore Roosevelt, McKinley, Russell A. Alger, Shafter, and many others, ensured the feeling of a significant reconstruction, although it was a fictional story.