Savage Wilderness » (Unabridged)

In his new novel of the French and Indian War, this master storyteller takes us back to a time when America's vast riches were up for grabs, and British forces, led by General Edward Braddock, joined by the American colonial militias, and the French aided by their Indian allies, were locked in battle over the great territories of the Ohio valley. From 1754 through 1759, the fighting was almost constant, and sometimes hopeless, as both sides, exhausted from war, nearly conceded defeat. In the end, only one side could prevail. In Savage Wilderness Coyle draws on his own long and distinguished Army service as an armor officer, his detailed research, and a command of combat that is without peer, to create this portrayal of the grim reality of life and death on the battlefield.

Publishers Weekly

Coyle, who made his name on near-future military thrillers (Bright Star, etc.) and, more recently, Civil War dramas (Until the End, etc.) now moves back further in time to produce a vigorous, sweeping saga of frontier warfare during the bloody years of the French and Indian War. In the 1750s, French and British armies battled for colonies in the New World, from Canada to the Ohio River Valley. While European armies fought for king and empire, the Indians and colonists fought for survival. The protagonists here typify their times. Ian McPherson is a Scottish rebel exiled to the American colonies. As a colonial militiaman, he must fight for the king and a culture he hates, biding his time until he can avenge his persecution. Thomas Shields is an arrogant and ambitious British army captain, eager to win glory and fame at any cost; he knows everything about parade-ground tactics, but nothing at all about the American wilderness. Idealistic young French artillery officer Anton de Chevalier's fine mind and sense of duty can't save him from becoming as "savage" as his Indian allies. While English officers play at war, Anton understands its nature and purpose. From Fort Duquesne to Ticonderoga, and from Lake Champlain to Quebec, these men march and fight, enduring harsh terrain, military stupidity and unmatched mayhem. Each believes he has come to conquer the land, never realizing that the land slowly conquers all. Coyle's message is as clear as his storytelling is strong: great empires are won or lost by the blood, determination and ingenuity of a few individuals, grappling on the dark fringes of civilization. (Aug.)