Major James Brionne brought Dave Allard to trial for murder. Just before the hanging, Dave swore his brothers would take vengenance. . .Four year later the Allard boys retumed to settle the score. Only Brionne’s son escaped. They murdered his wife, destroyed his home, and left Brionne nothing but the charred ruins of his past to haunt him. Seeking peace and a new life, Brionne and the boy headed west. But the Allards hadn’t finished with him. He knew they’d call him for a showdown-and this time he’d be ready . . . .
A good hero, a good story I liked Brionne quite a bit. The country seemed so real, and I liked the history of the main character. Read this L’Amour for sure, and if you like it read Kirby Jonas’s Legend of the Tumbleweed. The call Jonas the New Louis L’Amour, and I concur. They write like a matched pair, and I’d be proud to recommend anything by either of them.
Moving on L’Amour’s story of a man whose wife has killed herself before a band of thieves and thugs can rape and murder her, keeps your interest from the first. Brionne’s concern with his son, traumatized by witnessing his mother’s attack and death, and his attempt to help a young woman in distress take him to wild country where the same band of outlaws are trying to kill him, his son, the young woman, and anyone else traveling with him. A good story.
I like this book but L’Amour has spoiled me! Brionne is a good western and an enjoyable read, but is simply not up to the standards L’Amour set for himself. The best part of his books is the unexpected twist that always comes in the climax. This time, I was dissapointed. The climax was spelled out through the whole book so there wasn’t much of a surprise when it finally came.Â