BookView Review

Jacinto’s latest is a gripping frontier saga about survival, love, and the pursuit of freedom. Set after the Civil War, the story follows Thomas and Annie Wright, an immigrant couple chasing a fresh start in America. But their journey is far from easy.

Jacinto blends historical accuracy with raw, personal stakes, making the past feel immediate and alive. Whether describing the ferocity of a storm at sea, the quiet anguish of lovers separated by fate, or the solemn dignity of a Shoshoni chief facing an uncertain future, the narrative evokes a visceral response. Jacinto portrays the history not as a distant backdrop but as a living, breathing force that shapes his characters’ every choice. The Wrights’ journey through hardship is interwoven with America’s own transformation. The novel confronts the era’s harsh realities head-on, examining both the hope and ambition that fueled expansion and the displacement of Indigenous peoples, the ruthless nature of frontier law, and the moral compromises demanded by survival.  At its heart, this is a story about endurance. Through every setback, every loss, Tom and Annie push forward. And that’s what makes the book so compelling. It’s not just about the American dream; it’s about the grit it takes to get there. 

A raw, powerful, and unforgettable read.

***