Subject
Black Hills (S.D. and Wyo.) -- Fiction Books
Best books
Albert W. Aiken
Ben, the Trapper; Or, The Mountain Demon: A Tale of the Black Hills
"Ben, the Trapper; Or, The Mountain Demon: A Tale of the Black Hills" by Major Lewis W. Carson is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story focuses on the rugged life of trappers in the Black Hills during a time of conflict between territorial powers and Native American tribes. The main character, Ben Miffin, is a skilled trapper and hunter who, along with his companions—Jules, a Frenchman, and Jan, a Dutchman—navigates the dangers of the wild and confronts hostile forces, including a mysterious beast referred to as the "Mountain Devil." The opening of the tale introduces us to Ben Miffin and his companions as they establish a camp in the Black Hills. Their banter reveals their distinct personalities, setting the stage for their adventures. As they settle in, they discuss the harsh realities of their lives as trappers and face the immediate danger of a grizzly bear, showcasing Ben’s bravery and experience. The narrative hints at underlying tensions in the region, as well as future confrontations with both wildlife and Native American tribes. The dynamic between the characters and their humorous interactions provide a lively and engaging entry into the novel’s broader themes of survival, camaraderie, and the brutal realities of life on the frontier.
Oll Coomes
Rainbolt, the Ranger; or, The Aerial Demon of the Mountain
"Rainbolt, the Ranger; or, The Aerial Demon of the Mountain" by Oll Coomes is a novel written in the late 19th century. This story follows the adventures of Rodger Rainbolt, a rugged ranger, as he embarks on a thrilling quest to rescue Silvia Sanford, who has been kidnapped by villains Duval Dungarvon and Blufe Brandon in the treacherous landscape of the Black Hills. The narrative is filled with elements of danger, mystery, and the supernatural, centered around the conflict between good and evil. The opening of the novel introduces the tension-filled moments right before the train departs from Omaha, where two notorious criminals plot a kidnapping. Following this introduction, the narrative quickly shifts to the train journey through the wilderness, during which the abduction occurs amidst an attack by Cheyenne Indians. Colonel Wayland Sanford, Silvia's father, is drawn into the action as he rallies a group of companions to pursue the kidnappers. As chaos unfolds, the story hints at the supernatural element of an "Aerial Demon" lurking in the mountains, setting the stage for a gripping tale of heroism, rivalry, and mystery that is bound to engage readers looking for an adventure set in the American frontier.
Henry M. Avery
Old Bear-Paw, the trapper king; or, The love of a Blackfoot queen
"Old Bear-Paw, the Trapper King; or, The Love of a Blackfoot Queen" by Maj. Max Martine is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative follows the adventures of Lew Kelly, a scout and trapper, as he navigates the tumultuous landscapes of the Black Hills in search of gold and game, while also becoming embroiled in a conflict involving the Blackfoot Nation. Central to the plot are themes of love and loyalty, particularly between Lew and Snowdrop, the daughter of a Blackfoot chief. The opening portion of the book introduces the characters Lew and Jehiel, who are engaged in a scouting expedition for gold and game when they encounter a dire situation involving Snowdrop's abduction by the Sioux. As tensions rise with the unexpected appearance of an Indian chief, Gray Eagle, and the implications of his broken leg due to a previous skirmish, Kelly's promise to help rescue Snowdrop turns into a quest filled with both danger and opportunity. The narrative sets the tone for a story steeped in adventure, romance, and the harsh realities of frontier life, establishing stakes as the characters prepare for bigger confrontations ahead.
James Jackson
Tom Terror, the Outlaw
"Tom Terror, the Outlaw" by James Jackson is a thrilling novel written in the late 19th century, set in the wild and lawless landscapes of the American West. This action-packed story follows the notorious outlaw Tom Terror, who has a reputation steeped in danger and defiance. As he navigates various challenges, including confrontations with vigilantes and rival outlaws, the narrative unfolds the grim realities and moral dilemmas of frontier life. The novel primarily revolves around Tom Terror's return to Cut-throat Canyon, where he encounters an array of characters, including an indomitable young boy known as Judge Lynch, Jr., who administers his own form of frontier justice. The dynamic between Tom and his adversaries leads to intense confrontations that highlight themes of revenge, lawlessness, and redemption. Alongside the thrilling action, the story also delves into personal histories and secrets, particularly concerning the true identity of Myra, a young girl tied to the sordid pasts of the outlaw world. The climax brings together these various threads as the characters face reckoning and the ultimate struggle for power and survival in a beautiful yet brutal landscape.
Recently surfaced classics