Wagons West Independence!

Wagons West, Book 1

By: Dana Fuller Ross

Narrated by: Phil Gigante

Length: 10 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

The year is 1837. The American West is untamed, uncivilized, and largely unclaimed. U.S. President Andrew Jackson, in a race with the British and Russians, sends a wagon train of would-be settlers into the uncharted Oregon territory, led by his close friend, mountain man and veteran Sam Brentwood. Teaming up with trail hand Whip Holt, widow Claudia Humphries, and a colorful group of courageous pioneers, Brentwood sets off from New York, heading westward to Independence, Missouri - the last outpost of civilization before the unknown and treacherous dangers of a new frontier. Along the way they will form unbreakable friendships, fight unforeseen enemies, and face unimaginable and often fatal odds. But in spite of the hardships and heartaches, the tragedies and triumphs, they will risk their lives to follow their dreams - and forge a nation's destiny. This is their story.

©1984 Dana Fuller Ross (P)2009 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Captivating

United States President Andrew Jackson, and financier and fur trader, John Jacob Astor, are in a race with the British and the Russians to settle and claim the Oregon Territory. Jackson calls upon his close friend, mountain man and rugged veteran Sam Brentwood, to put together a wagon train with the purpose of traveling overland to Oregon and settling the territory. The train of prairie schooners eventually includes over 500 people - folks who were willing to risk their lives to make the first overland trip across America in an entourage of this kind. They were motivated by the gift of 600 acres of free land to homestead in Oregon, and the opportunity to start new lives. The financial situation in the US was terrible during this period. Due to a major depression many of the potential Oregonians had lost their jobs, life savings and/or property.
Brentwood, the wagonmaster, and his assistant Whip Holt, begin the journey in Long Island along with a beautiful, feisty widow, her younger sister, and the sister's elderly husband. The small group pick up more people and covered wagons as they slowly move cross-country to Independence, Missouri. Missouri will be the pioneers' last look at civilization until the Pacific Northwest is reached.

This fictional account of the first wagon train to cross the US is extraordinary. The characters are complex and very well developed. They obviously grow and change throughout the journey of almost three years. The author vividly brings history to life here. And the politics behind the settling of the West are fascinating, as are the descriptions of the land and the Native Americans the group encounters along the way. As one would expect, the novel is filled with tales of adventure, hardship, courage, love, loss, tragedy and triumph.

Have already enjoyed 3 in this series!

I finished this book a week ago and am nearly finished with Book 3 in this series. If you are a fan of American frontier history, you should enjoy this series. I love it. The author, Dana Fuller Ross has created a series which allows one to enjoy American history during the 1900's, state by state. I really enjoyed the intrigue of espionage as the young country of America struggles to survive and expand amidst competing Russia, England, and Native Americans of different tribes. The story includes acts of courage, romance, brutality, generosity, honor, and fierce determination against natural and human adversities. After starting with the "Texas" book 4, I realized it was part of a series(thanks to Audibles new feature of identifying "series"). Once I realized the Texas book was book 4 of a 10+ series, I purchased book 1: "Independence". Now I'm hooked, finished books 1 , 2, 4 and am nearly finished with Book 3: Nebraska. The narrator, Phil Gigante, does an outstanding job. I love the continuity of his voice from book to book. I was planning to switch to modern day espionage "The Gray Man series" but I'm so enjoying the "Wagon's West" series that I haven't yet started listening to the two of three "The Gray Man" modern day espionage books I downloaded to my library. I'm hooked on audio books. I listen to them before bed, while driving, etc. Enjoy the "Wagons West" series. I recommend highly.

Love this series!

I read this series back in high school. 20 plus years later and getting to hear them now they are just as enjoyable and draw me in just as much.

Simple, but enjoyable

It's a pretty simple story without any complex plots. No conflict ever takes more than a chapter to sort out, but it's a good story none the less if you have interest in the Oregon Trail.

The narrator is outstanding. His accents are diverse and he is easy to listen to.

A must listen if you are interested in the topic and want an easy book to listen to.

Excellent book!!! Fantastic story and narrator

An excellent book on its own but I will listen to all in the series. I just bought the second one and can't wait to listen. The characters are so well developed and the story is fantastic.

Wagons West Delivers!!

I've always loved this series and was thrilled when I found the unabridged audio books available. Phil Gigante did an excellent job reading this book and added just the right amount of excitement to his reading. Hoping that Audible will eventually record all the books in the series!

#Audible 20 Review Sweepstakes Entry

Everything I Expected

What did you love best about Wagons West Independence!?

Having already read the Series in paperback I was most pleased that the speaker was easy to listen to and easy to follow. I also was impressed with the ability to stop and start without loosing my train of thought, even from one day to the next.

What did you like best about this story?

The actual story of the book was an awesome undertaking. Although a fictional version of an actual event it never-the-less gave a very realistic touch to historical facts. It incorporated the spirit of the American People and the "Pioneer Spirit" of the explorers of this day and age. The hardships, the victories, the failures, and the dreams, hopes and aspirations of our young nation and the great effort of the people that have always stepped to the forefront when needed.

What about Phil Gigante’s performance did you like?

Mr Gigante's performance was excellent and I will continue to purchase the remaining books of this series.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Wagons West of Course

Loved it

it was a re-read. My father and I (female) read the whole entire series when I was young. Haven't had time to sit down and read since I had kids. It was nice being able to do the house cleaning and stuff and listen to a book at the same time.

Appreciating Our Ancestors and a good story too.

Hubby and I have been listening to this series of books while traveling in the car and are up to book 3. It's a great way to experience a little about the trials and hardships our ancestors dealt with while heading west. We've enjoyed the story and recommend it.

A Relaxing Listen

Where does Wagons West Independence! rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Being retired & not driving any more I find Books like Wagons West to be most relaxing. I chose Audible Books over radio & TV, no commercials. I enjoyed the cast of characters, a microcosm of the then society!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Wagons West Independence!?

How the Wagon Train leader overcame the last obstacle.

What about Phil Gigante’s performance did you like?

He did a very good job reading.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, I usually fall asleep & continue later. My Books last longer that way.

Any additional comments?

I am checking out Volume 2 now.