What do you think?
Rate this book
The Apprentice #1
The Apprenticeship of Nigel Blackthorn
Nigel must choose between entering an orphanage or entering an apprenticeship on a mule train.
The APPRENTICESHIP OF NIGEL BLACKTHORN is a coming-of-age story set in the American West of 1853. The story relates the adventures of a thirteen-year-old English boy whose missionary parents came to convert the wild heathens to the way of Christ.
Comanches slaughter Reverend John Blackthorn and his family before he preaches one word. Nigel survives by following his mother’s instructions to hide in a hollow tree. Pascal LeBrun, a roaming muleteer, rides to the smoke of the burning wagons to find Nigel, the lone survivor.
Plump, lazy, and spoiled, Nigel enters an unwelcome new world–work or starve. He finds survival is the way of life on the prairie. Worse yet, English is a little used third language. Two hundred miles later, when the mule train reaches the first white settlement, Pascal gives Nigel a choice: enter an orphanage, or enter an apprenticeship on the mule train for a piddling wage.
Years later, Nigel wonders if the orphanage would have been easier.
The APPRENTICESHIP OF NIGEL BLACKTHORN is a coming-of-age story set in the American West of 1853. The story relates the adventures of a thirteen-year-old English boy whose missionary parents came to convert the wild heathens to the way of Christ.
Comanches slaughter Reverend John Blackthorn and his family before he preaches one word. Nigel survives by following his mother’s instructions to hide in a hollow tree. Pascal LeBrun, a roaming muleteer, rides to the smoke of the burning wagons to find Nigel, the lone survivor.
Plump, lazy, and spoiled, Nigel enters an unwelcome new world–work or starve. He finds survival is the way of life on the prairie. Worse yet, English is a little used third language. Two hundred miles later, when the mule train reaches the first white settlement, Pascal gives Nigel a choice: enter an orphanage, or enter an apprenticeship on the mule train for a piddling wage.
Years later, Nigel wonders if the orphanage would have been easier.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 18, 2017
735 people are currently reading
7133 people want to read
About the author
Frank Kelso
12 books368 followersFrank Kelso grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, the origin of the Santa Fe Trail. Historic sites, monuments, and statues abound highlighting the journey west, including the Wagons West, Pioneer Women and the Indian Scout located on the bluffs overlooking the wide Missouri. Writing western themed books fit in with his upbringing. Frank has won numerous prizes for his writing. Most recently, Frank’s short story, “Tibby’s Hideout” in The Posse anthology that Frank edited and published. He won the Silver Medal for the Will Rogers Medallion Award for 2017 and was a finalist for the Western Fictioneer’s Peacemaker Award. Frank’s full length novels have received acclaim and have 50+ reviews. Zach's Gold, the 2nd book in the Jeb & Zach series begun in California Bound was released in Nov 2018. Juan’s Revenge, the 3rd book in the Jeb & Zach series is due in January 2019.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
January 31, 2018
Frank Kelso painted a vivid landscape of the picturesque American West. I could taste the dust and feel the chilling winds. The main protagonist as I had come to know was well-drawn. Scene-by-scene paraded this character-driven narrative through whispering prairies and challenging mountains. Harsh realities of the untamed wilderness had claimed many a life. Trembled as I read to a storyline caked with thickened blood. I was not disappointed with an ending that blossomed with a fitting tribute to courage.
Narrowly escaping death, Nigel Blackthorn found himself the sole survivor of a savage attack on his beloved family. A warring party of Comanches were to blame. It was the worst of times imaginable for this naive 13 year old. Abandoned, he was surely going to die at the hands of the unforgiving prairie had it not been for a chance encounter with two men leading a mule train. The time had come to say goodbye to the life he had once known.
Good fortune was on his side. He was quickly taken under the wing by his two saviors, Pascal and LaFleur. They were in the business of transporting cargo with a team of pack mules. By far not an easy way to survive. Most of the time back-breaking work. And back in 1853, a risky one at that. Many Indian nations were randomly spread about. Not all friendly to trespassers of their land.
Desperate to stay alive, Nigel quickly understood what options were available to him. Work or starve. That meant learning how to become a useful part of a traveling mule train. An apprentice frontiersman.
The men had hearts of gold and were eager to train him. For that he could count his blessings. Little by little he caught on. Though still overtaken with overwhelming grief, he prayed every night for the souls of his lost family.
In the beginning, the going was tough. Nigel'd been raised a spoiled child and was not used to any form of manual labor. That all changed in a heartbeat. He adapted quickly as more responsibility was thrown his way.
A raging fire burned within him. All he dreamed of was revenge for his family. He lived for the day when he would kill those murdering Comanches. Every last one of them. He'd buy his time until he was ready. It couldn't come soon enough.
I would like to thank author Frank Kelso for this digital copy in exchange for an unbiased review.
Narrowly escaping death, Nigel Blackthorn found himself the sole survivor of a savage attack on his beloved family. A warring party of Comanches were to blame. It was the worst of times imaginable for this naive 13 year old. Abandoned, he was surely going to die at the hands of the unforgiving prairie had it not been for a chance encounter with two men leading a mule train. The time had come to say goodbye to the life he had once known.
Good fortune was on his side. He was quickly taken under the wing by his two saviors, Pascal and LaFleur. They were in the business of transporting cargo with a team of pack mules. By far not an easy way to survive. Most of the time back-breaking work. And back in 1853, a risky one at that. Many Indian nations were randomly spread about. Not all friendly to trespassers of their land.
Desperate to stay alive, Nigel quickly understood what options were available to him. Work or starve. That meant learning how to become a useful part of a traveling mule train. An apprentice frontiersman.
The men had hearts of gold and were eager to train him. For that he could count his blessings. Little by little he caught on. Though still overtaken with overwhelming grief, he prayed every night for the souls of his lost family.
In the beginning, the going was tough. Nigel'd been raised a spoiled child and was not used to any form of manual labor. That all changed in a heartbeat. He adapted quickly as more responsibility was thrown his way.
A raging fire burned within him. All he dreamed of was revenge for his family. He lived for the day when he would kill those murdering Comanches. Every last one of them. He'd buy his time until he was ready. It couldn't come soon enough.
I would like to thank author Frank Kelso for this digital copy in exchange for an unbiased review.
April 9, 2018
One of the best reads ever
Great book enjoyed every page in the tradition of the great Louis full of wisdom and history. Must read will recommend to all my friends.
Great book enjoyed every page in the tradition of the great Louis full of wisdom and history. Must read will recommend to all my friends.
April 27, 2018
This is a story about a young boy from Wales who is taken to the American West by his father who wishes to bring Christianity to the 'heathens.' The family are attacked and young Nigel is left alone. He is adopted by a man who runs long mule trains to carry cargo across the expanses between settlements, the story now follows Nigel into this alien and harsh life.
This book is surprisingly detailed and unique. It is a combination of a coming-of-age story and a historical western.
For me the book's strengths lie in the characterisation and the setting. The people Nigel has to rely on are rough and appear unreliable to him and yet they are helping him to learn to survive. The strongest part of the narrative is the last quarter or so when Nigel is living with the Cheyenne. This is where the characters and the pace pick up and the development of Nigel is greatest. There is a great deal of detail about life with the People and the reasons why they live as they do. This part of the story is the best for me. I didn't want this to end and was interested in the other characters within the tribe's community. The detail is meticulous and added to the richness of the life in the tribe's village.. There are few women within the book until we reach the Cheyenne. The attitude towards the women and their roles in the tribal village were very interesting and made a thoughtful contrast to the Victorian attitudes that Nigel had learned were appropriate for his mother and sisters.
The earlier part of the book describes Nigel's life with the mule train. This again is described in great detail - and for me sometimes a little too much detail. Yet it created a sense of repeated daily life that reinforced the strangeness of Nigel's new situation. He is in a harsh environment but is in the early teen years when he is neither man nor child. The description of the country that Nigel moves through is vivid and well-drawn.
Some of the writing was repetitve such as describing that Nigel 'ran' or 'prayed' or that 'the days passed' often at the end of each chapter. This lost impact as it kept being used..
Overall this is a different, very detailed and informed book about the time of the Wild West and survivial there.
For the originality and breadth of interest in this story I am looking forward to the next part of Nigel's story.
I was given a copy of this by Netgalley for an honest review.
This book is surprisingly detailed and unique. It is a combination of a coming-of-age story and a historical western.
For me the book's strengths lie in the characterisation and the setting. The people Nigel has to rely on are rough and appear unreliable to him and yet they are helping him to learn to survive. The strongest part of the narrative is the last quarter or so when Nigel is living with the Cheyenne. This is where the characters and the pace pick up and the development of Nigel is greatest. There is a great deal of detail about life with the People and the reasons why they live as they do. This part of the story is the best for me. I didn't want this to end and was interested in the other characters within the tribe's community. The detail is meticulous and added to the richness of the life in the tribe's village.. There are few women within the book until we reach the Cheyenne. The attitude towards the women and their roles in the tribal village were very interesting and made a thoughtful contrast to the Victorian attitudes that Nigel had learned were appropriate for his mother and sisters.
The earlier part of the book describes Nigel's life with the mule train. This again is described in great detail - and for me sometimes a little too much detail. Yet it created a sense of repeated daily life that reinforced the strangeness of Nigel's new situation. He is in a harsh environment but is in the early teen years when he is neither man nor child. The description of the country that Nigel moves through is vivid and well-drawn.
Some of the writing was repetitve such as describing that Nigel 'ran' or 'prayed' or that 'the days passed' often at the end of each chapter. This lost impact as it kept being used..
Overall this is a different, very detailed and informed book about the time of the Wild West and survivial there.
For the originality and breadth of interest in this story I am looking forward to the next part of Nigel's story.
I was given a copy of this by Netgalley for an honest review.
February 27, 2019
The year is 1853 and 13-year-old Nigel Blackthorne has just been orphaned as the result of an Indian attack. His father was a Methodist minister and the entire family had been sent from Wales to the American West to convert the wild heathens. Fortunately, a mule-team driver and his partner happen by and young Nigel is taken under his wing. Thus begins Nigel’s apprenticeship in the ways of survival in the West.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this story but was happy to discover its treasures. The first half of the book finds Nigel’s adventures mostly confined to learning lessons while traveling. Most readers will learn a lot themselves when it comes to daily life on the trail, following along as they make their way through Texas, Northern Mexico, New Mexico and Colorado. The second half of the book holds a bit more traditional adventure when Nigel stays with a tribe of Cheyenne for an entire season. His education continues, not just with survival and hunting skills but also with wisdom, and his journey toward manhood makes great strides.
I hesitate to even classify this as a “Western”, at least not in the way that term is usually applied. It’s much more a historical novel that takes place in the American West. It’s also only the first book of a series and since the whole book only covers a couple of years, I can imagine Nigel’s apprenticeship still has much more to come. Watching Nigel’s growth and development, both physically and mentally, was a lot of fun so I hope there are several more novels to come. With the education he is getting I can only imagine that he will become a great leader of men at some point in his future. I hope to be along for the entire ride.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this story but was happy to discover its treasures. The first half of the book finds Nigel’s adventures mostly confined to learning lessons while traveling. Most readers will learn a lot themselves when it comes to daily life on the trail, following along as they make their way through Texas, Northern Mexico, New Mexico and Colorado. The second half of the book holds a bit more traditional adventure when Nigel stays with a tribe of Cheyenne for an entire season. His education continues, not just with survival and hunting skills but also with wisdom, and his journey toward manhood makes great strides.
I hesitate to even classify this as a “Western”, at least not in the way that term is usually applied. It’s much more a historical novel that takes place in the American West. It’s also only the first book of a series and since the whole book only covers a couple of years, I can imagine Nigel’s apprenticeship still has much more to come. Watching Nigel’s growth and development, both physically and mentally, was a lot of fun so I hope there are several more novels to come. With the education he is getting I can only imagine that he will become a great leader of men at some point in his future. I hope to be along for the entire ride.
October 25, 2018
I loved this story about Nigel Blackthorn. Spoiled, lazy and a mama's boy, Nigel was unprepared for the Indian raid on his family where they killed his parents and kidnapped his sisters. Thanks to the kindness of French traders, he was given, not only a chance to live, but also to flourish and grow into a responsible and brave young man. I never lost interest throughout this story. The author did a superb job of bringing each scene to life with vivid imagery. His attention to detail sets this story apart. Either he spent a good deal of time researching the workings of a mule train, or else he has first-hand experience. He made me feel as if I was there with Nigel and the two traders. But, the scenes inside the Indian camp, for me, were the most vivid. I loved how Nigel grew through the story and by the end of the book, he was no longer Nigel Blackthorn, but Black Wolf and had earned the respect of his tribe the hard way. If you love stories written in the Zane Grey vein, you will definitely love this story from Frank Kelso! The end left me wanting more.
June 8, 2018
Great Coming of Age Story
I thoroughly enjoyed this historical coming of age story set in 1853 at a time wagon trains crossed lands of hostile tribes. Young Nigel, barely a teen, follows his mother's orders as the family is attacked by Comanches and is the o lying o e to escape. He is found by an interesting pair of mule packers who start him on the way to adulthood. I enjoyed the descriptions of working with mules, the benefits and challenges of using them to haul freight at that point in time, and the interactions between the characters. The story came to a good conclusion, but it is obvious there is more to Nigel's story in another book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this historical coming of age story set in 1853 at a time wagon trains crossed lands of hostile tribes. Young Nigel, barely a teen, follows his mother's orders as the family is attacked by Comanches and is the o lying o e to escape. He is found by an interesting pair of mule packers who start him on the way to adulthood. I enjoyed the descriptions of working with mules, the benefits and challenges of using them to haul freight at that point in time, and the interactions between the characters. The story came to a good conclusion, but it is obvious there is more to Nigel's story in another book.
October 4, 2019
full published copy Digital Book Spot October 4, 2019
GNA This is a very special historical novel, and the first of several following the life of Nigel Blackthorn.
We follow Nigel from June 20, 1853 when he is a boy of 13, through October 1855 when he rejoins Pascal LeBrun as a man in the eyes of the Cheyenne. Born into the family of Methodist Reverend John Blackthorn and his lady wife in Wales, The Blackthorn family leaves England in 1852 at the invitation of the American Board of Missions to convert the heathens to Christ. By June of 1853 the family is on their way to their first posting in west Texas to a Cherokee reservation on the Canadian River, traveling alone as the majority of the wagon train heads north, to Oregon. Their scout gets lost and leaves the family and their driver to await his return after he finds Fort Adobe, which is their destination.
Nigel is the youngest of three children - he just turned 13, and he has an older sister Georgiana, 17, and Eugenia, 15. And he is pretty spoiled by his mother, a little soft and with few if any chores which the girls fuss about often. He is awakened from a nap by the sound of running horses and the screams of his sisters. His mother hands him his shoes, pushes him out the back of the tent, and tells him to hide across the creek, and don't look back. Ever.
He is rescued the next day by a muleskinner, a defrocked Jesuit priest named Pascal LeBrun from France and his mute companion, LaFleur. They find Nigel asleep in the ashes of the camp near his dead mother, and call him Petite Noir. His father is also dead, but the girls are just gone. In the morning they bury his parents, and Noir's life changes 180 degrees. He is at first horrified to be dealing with a papist, and one who curses often, and there will be no spoiling. They travel as fast as the loaded mules can take them, and Noir must carry his own weight - doing the chores he is instructed to, walking and running for part of the day and riding only as he has lessons in French and Spanish. When they reach their first community Nigel has the choice of traveling on with the Frenchman or going to an orphanage - an option he does not take, to the great relief of Pascal, as the local orphanage is a very bad one.
On the trail he learns about some of the things that can hurt him - rattlesnakes and gopher holes, scorpions, poison waterholes, dry waterholes, wolves and cougars and bad men and hostile indians. And every night he says prayers for his parents and his missing sisters, as he had promised his mom he would do, and to never look back. Not anymore.
They winter at a ranch in Mexico where Nigel learns many things he will need as an adult, and head back north to begin hauling trade goods and essentials from the well traveled Santa Fe Trail to more remote communities. The face of transporting goods is changing, as the railroad is coming in, and many places are accessible now to wagon and cart, which is a much simpler way of supplying forts and communities. Pascal is changing the way he thinks as well. But as they travel north on what might be the last mule train, there is a great deal of unrest among the southern Indian tribes, and he fears for Nigel's safety. Pretty much against his will, they leave him with a group of Cheyenne who are personal friends of Pascal and his scout, Philippe, with plans to gather him back up on their way south to winter in Mexico.
Netgalley
pub date Oct 18, 2017
rec Jan 6, 2018
Beachfront Press
GNA This is a very special historical novel, and the first of several following the life of Nigel Blackthorn.
We follow Nigel from June 20, 1853 when he is a boy of 13, through October 1855 when he rejoins Pascal LeBrun as a man in the eyes of the Cheyenne. Born into the family of Methodist Reverend John Blackthorn and his lady wife in Wales, The Blackthorn family leaves England in 1852 at the invitation of the American Board of Missions to convert the heathens to Christ. By June of 1853 the family is on their way to their first posting in west Texas to a Cherokee reservation on the Canadian River, traveling alone as the majority of the wagon train heads north, to Oregon. Their scout gets lost and leaves the family and their driver to await his return after he finds Fort Adobe, which is their destination.
Nigel is the youngest of three children - he just turned 13, and he has an older sister Georgiana, 17, and Eugenia, 15. And he is pretty spoiled by his mother, a little soft and with few if any chores which the girls fuss about often. He is awakened from a nap by the sound of running horses and the screams of his sisters. His mother hands him his shoes, pushes him out the back of the tent, and tells him to hide across the creek, and don't look back. Ever.
He is rescued the next day by a muleskinner, a defrocked Jesuit priest named Pascal LeBrun from France and his mute companion, LaFleur. They find Nigel asleep in the ashes of the camp near his dead mother, and call him Petite Noir. His father is also dead, but the girls are just gone. In the morning they bury his parents, and Noir's life changes 180 degrees. He is at first horrified to be dealing with a papist, and one who curses often, and there will be no spoiling. They travel as fast as the loaded mules can take them, and Noir must carry his own weight - doing the chores he is instructed to, walking and running for part of the day and riding only as he has lessons in French and Spanish. When they reach their first community Nigel has the choice of traveling on with the Frenchman or going to an orphanage - an option he does not take, to the great relief of Pascal, as the local orphanage is a very bad one.
On the trail he learns about some of the things that can hurt him - rattlesnakes and gopher holes, scorpions, poison waterholes, dry waterholes, wolves and cougars and bad men and hostile indians. And every night he says prayers for his parents and his missing sisters, as he had promised his mom he would do, and to never look back. Not anymore.
They winter at a ranch in Mexico where Nigel learns many things he will need as an adult, and head back north to begin hauling trade goods and essentials from the well traveled Santa Fe Trail to more remote communities. The face of transporting goods is changing, as the railroad is coming in, and many places are accessible now to wagon and cart, which is a much simpler way of supplying forts and communities. Pascal is changing the way he thinks as well. But as they travel north on what might be the last mule train, there is a great deal of unrest among the southern Indian tribes, and he fears for Nigel's safety. Pretty much against his will, they leave him with a group of Cheyenne who are personal friends of Pascal and his scout, Philippe, with plans to gather him back up on their way south to winter in Mexico.
Netgalley
pub date Oct 18, 2017
rec Jan 6, 2018
Beachfront Press
January 7, 2019
Remember back in high school English they taught us that there were three main types of plots: Man against Man, Man Against Nature, and Man Against Himself. Curiously, I have found few novels of the Man Against Himself variety. I can, however, now add one to that list: THE APPRENTICESHIP OF NIGEL BLACKTHORN by Frank Kelso.
While the action in this (young adult?) book involves the life of thirteen-year-old Nigel Blackthorn after his family is massacred by Indians, the main plot really involves Nigel having to wrestle with his own ideas, beliefs, and upbringing.
Nigel is befriended, and apprenticed, by Pascal and LaFleur, two of the more interesting characters I’ve come across in recent westerns. The two are muleteers on the prairies in the early 1850s. What makes them interesting is that they are also former Jesuits who were kicked out of the order for giving in to their desires for women, whiskey, and other earthly pleasures. In spite of that, they retain some of their spiritual training. It makes for an interesting combination.
Nigel is the somewhat spoiled (and naïve) son of a Methodist minister. He starts out lazy and a whiner. His first challenge is to overcome these negative character traits in order to survive the new, harsh life on the prairie. This takes up much of the book.
Along the way Kelso provides a fascinating introduction into the trade of the two muleteers.
Nigel must also overcome his hatred of all Indians. This comes about when he is required to spend a summer with a Cherokee tribe. As a result, he becomes almost Indian. Nigel also starts to learn to be a man.
This would be an enjoyable story for any age reader, though be aware that as Nigel approaches adulthood, some very adult themes are discussed in the context of Indian culture, which might make some readers uncomfortable.
While the action in this (young adult?) book involves the life of thirteen-year-old Nigel Blackthorn after his family is massacred by Indians, the main plot really involves Nigel having to wrestle with his own ideas, beliefs, and upbringing.
Nigel is befriended, and apprenticed, by Pascal and LaFleur, two of the more interesting characters I’ve come across in recent westerns. The two are muleteers on the prairies in the early 1850s. What makes them interesting is that they are also former Jesuits who were kicked out of the order for giving in to their desires for women, whiskey, and other earthly pleasures. In spite of that, they retain some of their spiritual training. It makes for an interesting combination.
Nigel is the somewhat spoiled (and naïve) son of a Methodist minister. He starts out lazy and a whiner. His first challenge is to overcome these negative character traits in order to survive the new, harsh life on the prairie. This takes up much of the book.
Along the way Kelso provides a fascinating introduction into the trade of the two muleteers.
Nigel must also overcome his hatred of all Indians. This comes about when he is required to spend a summer with a Cherokee tribe. As a result, he becomes almost Indian. Nigel also starts to learn to be a man.
This would be an enjoyable story for any age reader, though be aware that as Nigel approaches adulthood, some very adult themes are discussed in the context of Indian culture, which might make some readers uncomfortable.
November 24, 2021
This is a well researched novel about Nigel, an orphaned English boy, and his harsh introduction to western America in 1853 when America was still very much a fledgling country. I very much enjoyed the plot and the character development, I found myself thinking about young Nigel long after I’d finished reading the book.
I found this to be a real page-turner. Be aware that you might stay up late trying to find out what was going to happen next, as I did.
Overall an entertaining adventure that was in parts amusing, not to mention educational about the period, and very entertaining. Highly recommended.
I found this to be a real page-turner. Be aware that you might stay up late trying to find out what was going to happen next, as I did.
Overall an entertaining adventure that was in parts amusing, not to mention educational about the period, and very entertaining. Highly recommended.
October 14, 2019
The Apprenticeship of Nigel Blackthorn
What a fantastic story! I enjoyed this book more than any other book I have read. This story takes you back to the 1800’s when the United States had buffalo that roamed the plains, the native Indians were free. The story is about a young boy who looses his family from the Cheyenne. He learns how to survive.
Absolutely enjoyed how the Author told the story, you will feel bad for Nigel and you will laugh at some of the lessons he learns.
I highly recommend this book!
What a fantastic story! I enjoyed this book more than any other book I have read. This story takes you back to the 1800’s when the United States had buffalo that roamed the plains, the native Indians were free. The story is about a young boy who looses his family from the Cheyenne. He learns how to survive.
Absolutely enjoyed how the Author told the story, you will feel bad for Nigel and you will laugh at some of the lessons he learns.
I highly recommend this book!
April 10, 2018
I loved this story, and eagerly await the second, coming in October. Nigel's entire family is wiped out by Comanches in the first few pages, so no spoiler. From then on, his apprenticeship to a French muleskinner and his mute partner begins an epic well worth reading. From mules to early manhood to Indian life on the prairie it is an enjoyable read with characters who become family.
November 25, 2018
Thanks, Frank for a believable story of the Old West. Having lived many years in Texas and Wyoming, I found the story reminded me of those places I remember fondly.
Damn I hate to have to keep rambling to meet the minimum number f words! I have to be an author to leave a review...and my Kindle will not let me go to my library until I write a review! Do I get paid by the word?
Damn I hate to have to keep rambling to meet the minimum number f words! I have to be an author to leave a review...and my Kindle will not let me go to my library until I write a review! Do I get paid by the word?
February 18, 2018
Fan for life
I found more accurate depiction of human interaction than 90 percent of all formal history books,more real information about nature than biology books, and more adventure than most science fiction books. I will dig my way through Frank's existing bibliography and wait impatiently for his next writings.
I found more accurate depiction of human interaction than 90 percent of all formal history books,more real information about nature than biology books, and more adventure than most science fiction books. I will dig my way through Frank's existing bibliography and wait impatiently for his next writings.
June 15, 2018
Amazing and wonderful
If you've ever been interested in the time where white men were crowding the red men, this will be your cup of tea. I loved this book and will look for more by this author. Highly recommend.
If you've ever been interested in the time where white men were crowding the red men, this will be your cup of tea. I loved this book and will look for more by this author. Highly recommend.
November 26, 2018
So.good....will not do a " book report"....
Read the thing and enjoy the insight and
Research and how life can be lived simply,
Although physically challanging,
With deep understanding of nature as a daily
menue.....with or without bows & arrows...
Look forward to book #2.....
Read the thing and enjoy the insight and
Research and how life can be lived simply,
Although physically challanging,
With deep understanding of nature as a daily
menue.....with or without bows & arrows...
Look forward to book #2.....
December 23, 2018
A must read for history buffs
Besides being a great read this book was a fountain of knowledge about the old American west. I enjoyed the story and the various emotions that it elicited. From drama and pain to humor so I am really looking forward to reading the next installment.
Besides being a great read this book was a fountain of knowledge about the old American west. I enjoyed the story and the various emotions that it elicited. From drama and pain to humor so I am really looking forward to reading the next installment.
March 10, 2019
Very good story.
Liked this alot. What to continue the series, just have to find next book some where. Recommend this book, you will like it.
Liked this alot. What to continue the series, just have to find next book some where. Recommend this book, you will like it.
October 18, 2017
If you love history and specifically the old west, you will really enjoy this book. It will tug at your heart but also make you delve into the reality of life in the 1850’s old west. Nigel Blackthorn, is 13 yrs old and has come from England to America with his parents. Out in the old west to convert the unbelievers to Christ, his missionary parents and siblings are traveling as they preach the word. Unexpectedly, Indians surprise then and murder his parents. Nigel survives due to his mother urging him to hide. The story takes off at this point with Nigel being rescued ( using the term loosely!) by a muleteer Frenchman. Nigel is forced to grow up and make life decisions which he is ill prepared to do! The author makes you feel you are there with Nigel by his rich descriptions on the surroundings and the emotions and fears of Nigel. Take this journey with Nigel and be prepared to be taken over by the story!
March 29, 2019
The apprenticeship of Nigel Blackhorn
This was an interesting book about Mule Train trade as opposed to wagon train trade tha evolved later. It had its share of Indian raids and the attempt of traders to get along with all the tribes . Basic story of a young boy from England that was the only survivor of an Indian raid that killed his family. He was adopted by a former Jesuit mule trinity trader. He later spent a few months with a Cheyenne Tribe that would liked to have adopted him.
This was an interesting book about Mule Train trade as opposed to wagon train trade tha evolved later. It had its share of Indian raids and the attempt of traders to get along with all the tribes . Basic story of a young boy from England that was the only survivor of an Indian raid that killed his family. He was adopted by a former Jesuit mule trinity trader. He later spent a few months with a Cheyenne Tribe that would liked to have adopted him.
October 26, 2017
Couldn’t stop thinking about what’s next
I do not normally read westerns, this was AMAZING! I became quite curious about how the mule train works and what it looks like when in action!
Very happy there is a second part but seems like a long time before it comes out!
I do not normally read westerns, this was AMAZING! I became quite curious about how the mule train works and what it looks like when in action!
Very happy there is a second part but seems like a long time before it comes out!
November 22, 2018
Wonderful book
A very good story about a white man’s growing up and interactions with the Cheyenne people. There are lots of little tid bits in the story so pay chose attention to descriptions of things and animals. I recommend this book to everyone.
A very good story about a white man’s growing up and interactions with the Cheyenne people. There are lots of little tid bits in the story so pay chose attention to descriptions of things and animals. I recommend this book to everyone.
April 30, 2018
The Apprenticeship of Nigel Blackthorn by Frank Kelso. Five stars! My favorite western author has always been Louis L'Amour - but I think, in reading The Apprenticeship of Nigel Blackthorn, that author Frank Kelso has just ranked up with him. In this narrative, Kelso manages to tell a simple tale about Nigel Blackthorn, a young boy whose missionary family is slaughtered on their way to a new life in the West, and who is plucked up from destitution by a French trader, Pascal, who roams the west with caravans of goods. Pascal, the wiley yet street-smart trader, sees something in Nigel, and takes him under his wing and starts him on a rigorous regimen to learn about survival, life, being a man, as well as educating him on the arts. The dialogue is real, sincere, compelling and, in the vein of L'Amour's books, Kelso also teaches the reader about survival in the rugged west. How to find food, how to find water, how to avoid dangers, how to exist in a beautiful yet brutal land where death is just a snake-bite away. The characters are wonderfully developed, each with their foibles and quirks. The story line, though simple and sometimes appearing uneventful, parallels life as it must have been while trying to traverse and tame a land as big as the American west. The final chapter of Nigel's apprenticeship is unique and beautifully rendered - capturing a piece of the native culture of the Redmen (not Indians as the author correctly points out) in a way that makes one yearn that simplicity, that pure unadulterated existence before the invasion of the white man debased an entire culture.
November 24, 2017
I have no idea how to review this
I have enjoyed the book up to the 75% point. From there the tale turned to teen sexuality and puberty. Some conversations were embarrassing, while others made me laugh out loud! The language is clean enough but spoke from a preacher's kid's perspective living among Native Americans. The conversations were so odd because the ways of this tribe are so different from Christian views.
Before this part of the story, I truly enjoyed the book and would give it 5 stars!
I have enjoyed the book up to the 75% point. From there the tale turned to teen sexuality and puberty. Some conversations were embarrassing, while others made me laugh out loud! The language is clean enough but spoke from a preacher's kid's perspective living among Native Americans. The conversations were so odd because the ways of this tribe are so different from Christian views.
Before this part of the story, I truly enjoyed the book and would give it 5 stars!
November 20, 2018
Good book
Enjoyed reading it, and it’s not my usual fare, science fiction and fantasy stories are my staples. I like stories of young people overcoming their fears etc while becoming an adult. This fit the bill, and I will def. get the next book so I learn what happens next. I’m not sure of the authenticity of what life was like back when this was supposed to be written, but it felt real enough to me, the plot and the people held my interest. I would recommend this book to young and old.
Enjoyed reading it, and it’s not my usual fare, science fiction and fantasy stories are my staples. I like stories of young people overcoming their fears etc while becoming an adult. This fit the bill, and I will def. get the next book so I learn what happens next. I’m not sure of the authenticity of what life was like back when this was supposed to be written, but it felt real enough to me, the plot and the people held my interest. I would recommend this book to young and old.
March 13, 2019
Good story
I was surprised by the story. I usually don't like it read western but this was a very good story. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves reading about cowboys and indians.
I was surprised by the story. I usually don't like it read western but this was a very good story. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves reading about cowboys and indians.
August 30, 2023
A coming-of-age Western story that never quites comes of age.
I read this with my 12 year old son over the summer and was both pleasantly surprised and disappointed. In 1853, 13-year-old British missionary Nigel Blackthorne and his missionary family were attacked by Comanches, and Nigel's reverend father was killed while his mother and sisters were kidnapped and taken away. Nigel barely escaped and finds himself enlisted into a mule train run by a former French Jesuit priest, Pascal, and his mute partner La Fleur.
This book has the potential to be a solid coming of age story about an entitled, whiny, ill-prepared English boy who must learn hard lessons of the plains and become a man in order to survive. Unfortunately, most of Nigel's lessons are....not that hard. He learns to care for the mules, is made to exercise daily, and learn French. Eventually, he gets a rifle and learns to shoot. All in all, it sounds like a grand adventure for a young boy.
This is mostly because Nigel never really experiences/expresses any real hardship or complaints about his treatment. There might be a pasing line or two, but overall, Nigel seems quite taken with his new life (notwithstanding occasional comments about how he still wants revenge on the Comanches that victimized his family)
Because there's little real character development/evolution, we're left with the plot to save us. Alas, there isn't much of one here either. Nigel isn't actively seeking revenge, Pascal/La Fleur aren't actively seeking an end state or goal with their mule train and trade goods. The narrative is really just a series of "A to B to C to D back to A" chapters where we get a healthy amount of wikipedia-esque exposition dumps from Pascal to Nigel as the former explains something about the terrain, native tribes, flora or fauna. It's perfectly serviceable but rarely engrossing.
The final quarter of the book has Nigel living with a Cheyenne tribe and learning their ways/language under the name of "Black Wolf." This is the most intriguing section only because there's an actual antagonist in the form tall Bear, the man whose family is housing Nigel. While there's still nothing in the way of plot or real conflict, this section at least has an engaging "fish out of water" vibe that keeps the book flowing until it abruptly ends.
Overall, this first volume (of a trilogy it seems) could have done a better job of showing Nigel's negative "sofdt" traits initially which would make his transition to manhood and man of the West all the more engaging to the reader (in this case, both 12 yr old and 44 year old dudes) and more engaging as both a period piece and a YA coming-of-age Western.
I read this with my 12 year old son over the summer and was both pleasantly surprised and disappointed. In 1853, 13-year-old British missionary Nigel Blackthorne and his missionary family were attacked by Comanches, and Nigel's reverend father was killed while his mother and sisters were kidnapped and taken away. Nigel barely escaped and finds himself enlisted into a mule train run by a former French Jesuit priest, Pascal, and his mute partner La Fleur.
This book has the potential to be a solid coming of age story about an entitled, whiny, ill-prepared English boy who must learn hard lessons of the plains and become a man in order to survive. Unfortunately, most of Nigel's lessons are....not that hard. He learns to care for the mules, is made to exercise daily, and learn French. Eventually, he gets a rifle and learns to shoot. All in all, it sounds like a grand adventure for a young boy.
This is mostly because Nigel never really experiences/expresses any real hardship or complaints about his treatment. There might be a pasing line or two, but overall, Nigel seems quite taken with his new life (notwithstanding occasional comments about how he still wants revenge on the Comanches that victimized his family)
Because there's little real character development/evolution, we're left with the plot to save us. Alas, there isn't much of one here either. Nigel isn't actively seeking revenge, Pascal/La Fleur aren't actively seeking an end state or goal with their mule train and trade goods. The narrative is really just a series of "A to B to C to D back to A" chapters where we get a healthy amount of wikipedia-esque exposition dumps from Pascal to Nigel as the former explains something about the terrain, native tribes, flora or fauna. It's perfectly serviceable but rarely engrossing.
The final quarter of the book has Nigel living with a Cheyenne tribe and learning their ways/language under the name of "Black Wolf." This is the most intriguing section only because there's an actual antagonist in the form tall Bear, the man whose family is housing Nigel. While there's still nothing in the way of plot or real conflict, this section at least has an engaging "fish out of water" vibe that keeps the book flowing until it abruptly ends.
Overall, this first volume (of a trilogy it seems) could have done a better job of showing Nigel's negative "sofdt" traits initially which would make his transition to manhood and man of the West all the more engaging to the reader (in this case, both 12 yr old and 44 year old dudes) and more engaging as both a period piece and a YA coming-of-age Western.
August 25, 2018
The MAKING OF A CHEYENNE WARRIOR
A young boy traveling with his family who have just arrived from Wales to convert the so called "Savages" of the American West. It's a bit boring but you may enjoy it, but it's wordy and you'll find yourself lost while reading..You make the decision...READ READ
A young boy traveling with his family who have just arrived from Wales to convert the so called "Savages" of the American West. It's a bit boring but you may enjoy it, but it's wordy and you'll find yourself lost while reading..You make the decision...READ READ
October 12, 2018
I was a kid again
This book took me back 60 years to the beginning of my love for books and reading. Thanks for reminding me Frank . All those nights under the blanket flashlight in hand wishing the Redman would come and steal me away. It's not to late , you made it happen again. Thank you, thank you , thank you.
This book took me back 60 years to the beginning of my love for books and reading. Thanks for reminding me Frank . All those nights under the blanket flashlight in hand wishing the Redman would come and steal me away. It's not to late , you made it happen again. Thank you, thank you , thank you.
November 28, 2018
Great story
Wonderful story about life and growth of a child orphaned by Indian attack...Very good information about old method of cargo transporting and great insight to Indian traditional life
Wonderful story about life and growth of a child orphaned by Indian attack...Very good information about old method of cargo transporting and great insight to Indian traditional life
December 9, 2021
The Apprenticeship of Nigel Blackthorn – Frank Kelso
Book starts with dedication page and other works by the author.
Story starts out with Nigel and he's told to hide as the bad men are there and they are being attacked. Mother tells him not to hear their cries.
Females are being bruttally attacked and die, same as his father, the minister. They had left Boston to head to Oregon but were told to go a different route to help agency Indians who had people to form a church.
French Canadians find the boy days later and teach him how to take care of himself and the donkeys. They are the key to them all surviving.
Loved learning all about the times he spent with others learning what they had to teach him: fiiring guns, cleaning, aiming, running and why, snaring animals for food, hunting, learning how to use hides for clothing.
So educational. This book takes Black Wolf up to his teen years and others explain what is happening with his body.
Continues in another book by the author The Apprenticeship of Nigel Blackthorn Part II North in the Spring.
Ends with listing of author's other friends who write western novels.
Really enjoyed the travel and places they stopped at. Learning of signs around you knowing what to eat by what other animals have eatten, very educational.
Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
Book starts with dedication page and other works by the author.
Story starts out with Nigel and he's told to hide as the bad men are there and they are being attacked. Mother tells him not to hear their cries.
Females are being bruttally attacked and die, same as his father, the minister. They had left Boston to head to Oregon but were told to go a different route to help agency Indians who had people to form a church.
French Canadians find the boy days later and teach him how to take care of himself and the donkeys. They are the key to them all surviving.
Loved learning all about the times he spent with others learning what they had to teach him: fiiring guns, cleaning, aiming, running and why, snaring animals for food, hunting, learning how to use hides for clothing.
So educational. This book takes Black Wolf up to his teen years and others explain what is happening with his body.
Continues in another book by the author The Apprenticeship of Nigel Blackthorn Part II North in the Spring.
Ends with listing of author's other friends who write western novels.
Really enjoyed the travel and places they stopped at. Learning of signs around you knowing what to eat by what other animals have eatten, very educational.
Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews