This historical novel, set during the French and Indian War, follows the exploits of Ranger Jacob Clarke and Rogers’ Rangers, a rough-hewn group of frontiersmen, in the British efforts against the French. Jacob, due to his skill as a leader, rises quickly in the army’s ranks. Camped at Fort William Henry, Jacob proves his abilities as he is sent on scouting expeditions to bring back word of the French. When he, fellow Ranger Samuel, and Jacob’s Native-American friend, Konkapot, find three orphaned wolf pups, they each adopt one. The pups, Smoke, Raven, and Otto, become an asset to the Rangers, going with them on scouting adventures. As the war progresses, Clarke meets indentured servant Maggie, who works for Frederick Best, the camp’s store owner. With the war raging on, Clarke and Maggie grow close while the French become an increasing threat to the British, bringing Rogers’ Rangers to the forefront of the British war efforts.

Nason has created a wonderful tale of the importance of Rogers’ Rangers during the French and Indian War. His attention to detail brings the Rangers to life. One gets a sense of not only the usefulness of this group of frontiersmen but also of the failure of the British forces to grasp their importance. The author does a wonderful job of getting into the mire and muck of war with attention to the nuances of eighteenth-century colonial life both on and off the field. The budding romance between Clarke and Maggie brings a needed break in the narrative, which mostly consists of the Rangers’ war adventures. The novel holds the reader’s attention from start to finish. Though the first in a series, this novel can be read as a standalone. Its fast-paced action should appeal to fans of American history and war strategy.

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