Beyond the Horizon by Douglas Boren
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Product Details
- Pub. Date: July 2003
- Publisher: Publish America
- Format: Paperback, 315pp
- ISBN-13: 9781592864300
- ISBN: 1592864309
Synopsis
In the early days of the Civil War, when things were going mostly for the South, the Confederacy planned to extend its empire to California, taking advantage of the Pacific ports and vast goldfields. But first, they had to secure the New Mexico Territory. For Mace Alexander and his friends, the Civil War was just the beginning. Through the crucible of war, they would become brothers . . . though not all would survive. In the broiling heat of the desert, and across sun-swept mountains, they would become frontiersmen. But the deadliest, most ruthless enemy of all awaited them . . . the Apache Snake Dancers! Their unholy sacrifices and blood crazed ferocity threatened to drive out the struggling white man forever. In the inevitable clash to come, there could be only one victor . . . one survivor. Only one to see . . . Beyond the Horizons.
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Beyond the Horizonby Anonymous
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January 01, 2006: The exciting cover of Beyond the Horizons by Douglas Boren immediately attracted me. I expected an adventurous fictional war story. But I discovered so much more! I found an obviously well researched major literary novel of the period in our history, both before the end and after the Civil War, as the nation pushed further west to colonize new lands. In fact, those that enjoyed 'Into the West' on television should consider this book as a must-read. The time period may be the same however, the characters and storyline are sufficiently different to explore this author?s unique presentation. This is not an exciting book it is not one that you read straight through because of the action-packed suspense and mystery. It includes significant historical coverage of the times and settings chosen. In fact, although it is not footnoted, as would be a nonfiction book of the period, much of Beyond the Horizons could stand as a significant research narrative. Some of the book is extremely hard to read?its graphic images of actual war experiences are far worse than any fictional tale. Why? Well, the reader is drawn into the war stories in such detail that when actual events are described, they are more realistic. Even though they may be created images by the author, you are not quite sure?did these things actually happen in America? Can ?man? actually be as evil as this? The shudders you experience are more real because you know that the characters were once alive?and died?protecting and fighting for what they believed in. The author?s underlying distinction between good and evil characters is presented in ?overkill,? perhaps to ensure his readers realize that horrific evil exists and can overtake no matter in what war you fight or where you are. He succeeded! But this definitely makes it an adult-level book. If you have ever bonded with a friend, so much so that you feel they have become your brother or sister, then you can visualize the primary characters in this book. Knowing that these rare and special friendships come with only one or two individuals in a lifetime, Douglas Boren uses that type of friendship to create men and women who are the backbone for good. You recognize these individuals immediately, whether they are main or minor characters. At the same time, Boren?s evil characters are inexplicably just as real to you. In addition to the enemy apache snake dancers, there are men within the ranks of the soldiers and in their families, whose pride, ego, arrogance and selfishness result in just as many deaths or just as much abuse as do the ?supposed? enemies defined by the war. Readers?be aware that I have not even started telling you about the story! In fact, the storyline is one of the few things that is not surprising, since most of us are at least minimally aware of the historical details of the Civil and Indian Wars. And, as expected there are several ?boy-meets-girl? intrigues. What I want to share instead are actual excerpts that, in my mind, were especially illustrative and compelling. One poor Yankee soldier was seen loading and reloading as if in a trance and firing straight up into the air. P. 16 Every Apache male was drilled from childhood in the primary virtues of cunning and toughness?the twin sources of his people?s strength?He was taught that trickery ranked above pure courage. P.183 The snake pit became the center for their religious activities? P. 214 Boren effectively uses...
Beyond the Horizonby Anonymous
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February 16, 2004: Doug Boren is ruthless. It wasn't enough for him to craft this epic Civil War novel with the skill of a master storyteller or for him to move and enlighten his readers with the multitude of rich historical content he injected into this saga. No, he ruthlessly makes his defenseless readers feel as if they are witnessing first-hand the brutality of war, imprisonment, massacres, and the cruelty that dwells in the hearts of evil men. And yet, amidst all the blood and gore and horrors of battle, he manages to introduce us to characters who love and care for each other so deeply that it sustains them throughout their lives. It's amazing that the same book that contains scenes that horrify and repulse can also contain scenes that abound with tender emotions, sensitivity and an appreciation of life's true pleasures and the beauty to be found all around us. The main characters of Mace, Tom, George, and Louie are the embodiment of the spirit that made the American West wild, but there is nothing typical about any of them. They have other dimensions that are wonderfully illustrated in their relationships with each other, with the men they meet and respect, and with the women they love. We rage with them, laugh with them, suffer, cry and love with them as they travel over the untamed landscapes of their lives. Mr. Boren even makes us feel for the vile, despicable character of Chactoke--a renegade Apache who is almost evil incarnate. We hate him fiercely for the horrific things he does, but we know that even he has suffered in his past and can't help feeling for him at times. This is not a feel-good book to curl up with and savor--it's too real for that. But when you finish reading it, you will have gained a better understanding of just how much our forefathers endured for us. Sometimes, ruthlessness is a good thing.
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