Following the Frontier
***** Overall *****Story *****Performance – The Old West comes to life – Review By Rox Burkey
SUMMARY
A BLAZING NOVEL OF MEN AND WOMEN CAUGHT IN THE NAVAJO-CAVALRY WARS—BASED ON TRUE EVENTS
Rick Lindquist, scout under Colonel Kit Carson, is ordered to lead an Army of destruction against the Navajo, driving them out—or killing them.
Captured by the Navajo, Rick meets Micaela Castaneda, daughter of a nearby rancher, who has grown up among them and argues the Navajo cause forcefully. This was their home, their country. And the U. S. government had signed a treaty granting the land to them in perpetuity.
So Lindquist decides to help the Navajo stop Carson from driving them out. Carson brands Rick a traitor. That makes him a deserter in no-man’s land. Now the Navajo will kill him on sight—and so will the Army!
Now, Rick and his friend Steve Grayson are alone in the middle of the sun-parched desert. Twenty yards away, two Navajos lean against the pull of taut bowstrings! One arrow is centered between Steve’s shoulders. The other has Rick’s name on it. “Get rid of your gun, Steve,” Rick says. “Drop it to the ground—carefully.”
Rick isn’t afraid to die, but he’d just as soon avoid it if he can. Suddenly, the idea of death seems much more real—as real as the canyon walls that close him in, the vengeance-hungry tribe he faces, and the beautiful savage woman who stands with them.
- What did Rick Linquist learn while a captive of the Navajo that changed him into one of their strongest supporters?
- How does Micaela Castanada, whose father owns a nearby cattle ranch, fit in?
- Has Col. Kit Carson deliberately planned certain events?
Navajo Canyon provides the answers.
REVIEW
‘Navajo Canyon’ unfolds during a tumultuous period in American history, marked by challenges that test the resilience and spirit of its characters. The plot weaves through various challenges, centering on warfare and the complex interactions between settlers and Native Americans. The story centers on Rick Lindquist, a scout who was once under the command of Kit Carson. He is a strong and capable man whose physical strength is matched only by his moral integrity. The plight of the Navajo resonates with that of the frontiersman, particularly after being explained by Micaela, who spent her entire life around these Indians.
The detailed player development and realistic dialogue by Mr. Blackburn make each character relatable and engaging. Rick Lindquist thinks for himself after examining a problem from all angles. Indians, the army, or a woman cannot trifle with this man. Mr. Blackburn includes the iconic Kit Carson, an experienced frontiersman who navigates the dangers of the wilderness, battling not only the harsh elements but also the conflicts that arise in a rapidly changing world. Micaela, another central character, is portrayed as fiercely proud and determined. Her character embodies the struggles faced by women during this era, as she fights for her place in a world dominated by men. She proves to be not just a support to the Navajo but an intuitive partner with Rick in the face of adversity.
The depth of her character adds layers to the narrative, revealing her inner strength and complexities as she navigates love, loyalty, and survival. Juanito, a mythically mighty Navajo leader, brings a touch of wisdom and guidance to the group. As a Native American figure, he illustrates key perspectives on the historical tensions between his people and the encroaching settlers. His character serves to illustrate the rich cultural tapestry of the time, underscoring the importance of understanding and respect among diverse cultures.
Moments of intense action highlight the dangers of the frontier, while quieter scenes reveal internal struggles, such as personal demons and evolving relationships. The romance between Rick and Micaela develops against this backdrop, adding emotional depth to their adventures. The rich descriptions and detailed prose create a vivid landscape that brings history to life. The carefully crafted action scenes draw readers and listeners into the heart of the struggles.
Jack de Golia delivers a stellar rendition in his narrative, utilizing his immense voice-acting skills. The narrative pacing is ideal, with a tonality that effectively highlights the tension of the battles. There were no problems or issues with this media. While dialogue is sparse, the strength of the characters and the weight of their experiences resonate throughout due to the rich voice of Mr. de Golia.
Overall, ‘Navajo Canyon’ is a journey into the heart of the Old West, filled with themes of courage, love, and the quest for justice. It captures the essence of frontier life through well-drawn characters who embody the era’s hardships and triumphs, making it a worthwhile listen (or read) for anyone interested in Western literature.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Thomas W. Blackburn was a highly successful Western writer, having penned over 300 stories (written in ten years) for magazines such as The Saturday Evening Post, Argosy, Ranch Romances, Collier’s, and the pulps. He came by his knowledge of the West honestly, having been born on the T.O. Ranch in New Mexico, where his father was employed as an engineer installing a ranch-wide irrigation system. Afterward his father remained in Colorado and Wyoming working at various jobs – including town marshal. No wonder the Springfield (MO) News-Leader hailed his westerns as “authentic and realistic.” Blackburn wrote all the scripts for the Walt Disney Davy Crockett features, and all the lyrics for the famous Ballad of Davy Crockett as well.
Thomas Wakefield Blackburn (June 23, 1913 – August 2, 1992) was an American author, screenwriter and lyricist. His work included various Western novels and television screenplays, as well as the lyrics to “The Ballad of Davy Crockett” (his first) and other songs.
In the mid-1950s 1950s Blackburn worked in the story department at Walt Disney‘s studio, and it was there, in addition to working on the Davy Crockett films and teleplays (among other projects), that he also began composing lyrics. Among his most successful efforts are “The Ballad of Davy Crockett” and “Farewell” for that series and “Johnny Tremain” and “The Liberty Tree” for Johnny Tremain (Buena Vista, 1957).
ABOUT THE NARRATOR
Jack records in a Gretch-Ken Pro double-walled sound isolation booth, using a Studio Projects C1 mic, Scarlett Solo interface, and MacBook Air computer running the Twisted Wave recording app.
An award-winning audiobook narrator, e-learning voice, video game actor, and storyteller: Jack will give you winning, ahead-of-schedule voice work for audiobooks, e-learning, political ads, cartoons, commercials, and video games, and anything involving character voices. With a PR & stage-acting career spanning four decades, Jack brings a seasoned and always fresh approach to voiceover work. It’s been said he has the voice of “every man’s man.” While Jack is based in Las Vegas, his studio lets him work all over the world as a male voice actor.
