THE EXCITING HISTORICAL FICTION
by DEAN O'QUINN
What would you do to get home to the loved ones that had been left behind? How hard would you fight to be by their side? Especially when years have gone by fighting in the Civil War and you have been held prisoner in the infamous "Andersonville Prison."
The Soldiers Who Ate Rattlesnakes tells the story of three childhood best friends Gar Anderson, Al Alfreddson, and Kevin Dorey, who grow up in the farmlands of Minnesota and are thrust into the bloody battles of America's Civil War.
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They thought fighting through the battles of Antietam and Gettysburg were going to be the hard part of this journey. However, that was just the beginning of this adventurous trek. The journey to be by their side would prove to be much more hazardous.
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To get home to their loved ones, they must survive the worst steamboat explosion in American history, they must face wild animals...desperate outlaws...and travel on a perilous journey to find home.
What would you face or put yourself through to be by your loved one's side once again? Especially if they think that you are already dead, and they have moved on!
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This then becomes an unbreakable journey of love and a journey of discovery in the wilds of the American west after the Civil War. Once again, what would you put yourself through for the family left behind?
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This is mainly the story of fictional characters who dig deep and live through the true battles of the Civil War, the true events of America's worst steamship accident, and the undaunting true tales that impacted the lives of people living in the post-Civil War era in the unknown and dangerous lands of the American west.
REVIEWS
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"I loved the story of the families that fought to stay together. I enjoyed the inclusion of familiar places and some character names. I chuckled over The inclusion of the Madame Mustache. I have read of her business. The alternating stories kept me engaged. I learned more from the story concerning the Civil War brutality."
"If I had seen your novel on the bookshelf, I would not have bought it. It looked like such a guy book. However, it is bloody and violent, but I loved how you mixed the adventures with tthe fight to get home and the romances between the characters of the story. I found the book to be almost hypnotic. I could not put the book down. I had to know what would happen next. I truly think that you are brilliant!"
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"The Soldier's Who Ate Rattlesnakes" is the story of the hero 'Siete the Ghost', but it is so much more. It's a history lesson that covers event, places of historical significances, cultural practices, and social norm of the 1860's. Simultaneous stories thread their ways through this novel emerging as fine fabric at the end of cliff hangers at the end of each chapter. There is something for every reader in this book. This novel will awaken one's curiosity of American history while another reader will be heart warmed by loves true course. Another person will be immersed in lore, legend and myth. A highly recommended read.
Anonymous
Sandy B.
Steve DePuydt
BIO
I never expected to become an author and publishing a novel was the last thing on my mind. I wrote "A Knight's Journey!" after being admitted into a nursing home for a year I had been badly injured several times, including 6 concussions, a skull fracture, and 2 TBI's. I began writing as a form of therapy for a replaced shoulder and to keep my mind sharp. Writing saved my life during this time.
I grew up in a small agricultural community in central Montana and I was raised on the hard work that comes with being involved in the operations of a family farm. Our farm was surrounded by several very large cattle ranching businesses, and I truly enjoyed helping them with branding or during calving season.
I grew up hiking or motorcycling on the mountain trails of Montana. We also kayaked and fished the majestic lakes and rivers during the summer months. During the winter months, we went on snowmobile adventures in the towering mountains and vast plains.
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I have always enjoyed history and was enthralled by the historic sites that have always surrounded me in the great state of Montana. I have been enamored with the stories of the old west, as well as the history of our great country and also of the history of western civilization.
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I do have a degree in history and have been involved with a year-long internship at the illustrious C.M. Russell Museum. I was also involved with the archaeological dig of the original fort in the birthplace of Montana, Fort Benton. I also lived in the Alberta Bair home for one month, cataloging all of the property's vast heritage and collections. This is now a museum, and I am proud to say that I contributed to that!
CONTACT
Eventually I am going to have a store associated with this website that sells my books, along with my mother's much heralded western art prints (She passed away in 2018), and any other items that are made or come from the great state of Montana. If you would like to represent any of the artists, would like to sell your items, or have a question for any of us. Please contact us at:
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