Bluster’s Last Stand – My Review

Normally, I select only one quote from a book during a review, but these two stood out while I was reading Bluster’s Last Stand by Preston Lewis. They give readers a sense of the writing and story that Lewis has crafted. Honestly, writing here I was not sure I was going to like this western scenario, but my attention was piqued at the mention of Adobe Walls. Adobe Walls sits in the Texas Panhandle. It’s considered a sacred place by Indians and I believe it one of the most beautiful places in the Panhandle, other than the canyons. On a windless day, the Adobe Walls site is serenely ghostly and peaceful, so I was connected to the story immediately.

The story is formed around H.H. Lomax, a man who would be considered street smart in today’s world and only reads when he has to. He’s quite intelligent. The story follows him from being accused of stealing firewood from the Army to finding gold, to becoming more or less a security enforcer for a Texas whorehouse, and lastly being at Custer’s last stand. He saves a well-known Indian, who in turn later saves him.

Lewis’ writing and imagination carry this story brilliantly that it kept me engaged, laughing, interested and sometimes smiling at Lomax’s antics. It takes a brilliant author to make something seem so real that it jumps off the pages. I questioned if this was real or not, I have to say if this is all made up – then Lewis has done a dang fine job at creating authenticity for the period of time. For example, rattlesnakes – they are not just a current day occurrence during the springs and summers – they would’ve been all over the place in the 1800s. Not to mention the mosquitoes. Most authors would’ve missed these authentic touches.

Bluster’s Last Stand is a must read if you love reimagined U.S. history.