Cheyenne Raiders

By: Robert Jordan writing as Jackson O'Reilly

Narrated by: Michael Kramer

Length: 8 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's Summary

Thomas McCabe is on his way to a brilliant career as a lawyer when, in 1837, he gives everything up to take a job with the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Sent to live with a tribe in the wilds of Missouri, McCabe soon saves the life of a young brave. Subsequently, yet grudgingly, he is accepted by the Cheyenne, until he falls hopelessly in love with the beautiful, and betrothed, Night Bird Woman. Determined to marry her, McCabe must prove himself to the tribe. During his initiation, he is visited by a Spirit of Vision that carries a message powerful enough to teach Thomas the true meaning of courage, and to remake the lives of the proud people he will come to call family.

©1982 Robert Jordan (P)2001 Books on Tape, Inc.

Critic Reviews

"Michael Kramer reads this fast-paced, picturesque novel as if he were living it. Jordon's words bring the 1830s alive, and Kramer personifies McCabe, aka Horse Runner. Kramer dramatizes the life-and-death struggles and effortlessly distinguishes characters, regardless of gender with a well-modulated but crisp and distinct reading style. Caught between the two cultures and lifestyles, McCabe's ultimate choice will fascinate listeners of all ages." (AudioFile)

LOVED IT!

This was dam fine book and made me feel just like I was part of the story. I really enjoyed it and would highly recomend it.

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

really like the book

Where does Cheyenne Raiders rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

one of the best ever. I never put any one book above another unless there are the same book different authors.

What did you like best about this story?

everything, not one specific item but as a whole.

What about Michael Kramer’s performance did you like?

outstanding. he puts you there. one of the best audio performances

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

transformation of a white cheyenne

Any additional comments?

outstanding book. as with all stories it has its ups its downs and shows how the struggle between two worlds can merge into one.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Outstanding

I bought this book with low expectations. I couldn't stop listening! More than fiction -- great descriptions of the Cheyenne tribe and a fantastic story overall. Some others have commented on the ending being too sad....personally, I thought it suited the story line and made it more authentic.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Good for WoT fans

I bought this book in my post Wheel of Time euphoria, just after I finished the final installment of the series. I am a big fan of the western genre and I wasn't quite ready to come down from my Robert Jordan high, so I thought I give this one a go.

Let me say first that Robert Jordan is not William Faulkner, and the technical aspects of his writing often lean toward the juvenile. However, I do believe that it isn't a requirement for all writers to have pretty prose, and what Jordan lacks in technique he makes up for in an engaging story. The story is very dynamic and exciting with well developed (albeit somewhat two-dimensional) characters who I did grow to have feelings for. And while I don't know for sure how accurate it is, Jordan seems to be very knowledgeable about the subject he writes about.

And for the Wheel of Time fans who are thinking of buying this, it is fun to see where some of the ideas in WoT might have come from. I can really see a lot of Aiel in the Cheyenne, in their dialogue and actions. This obviously can't live up to WoT but any WoT fan would enjoy it. I laughed out loud when McCabe entered the Cheyenne camp and his mouth went dry (a common physical nervous reaction in WoT).

I would recommend this as a light read in between heavy hitters. It's a short fun story that is highly entertaining and well suited for audiobook. Michael Kramer does a good job as well. Like I said, this is a light read. If you are looking for a western along the lines of McCarthy or McMurtry, look elsewhere. But if you are just looking for an entertaining story, give it a try.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Good western tale

This old west tale is well written and narrated. It does put you there and held my interest til the end. That was my only problem, I did not like the ending. But alas, most things end badly or they wouldn't end. Worth the credit though.

4 of 5 people found this review helpful

One-dimentional

Not sure why this has received such high ratings. The characters are one-dimensional and the plot is okay, but nothing special. The main character, though in the 1800s, has the ideas and sensibilities of a modern person, which strikes me as inauthentic. This is the kind of story I would have enjoyed when I was in the 6th grade - Indian lore, black and white morality, a succession of events in which the hero is always always strong, brave and is invariably triumphant against all challenges. Makes it seem sophomoric to me as an adult, though.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

One of the best and inspiring stories I've read

This was one of the funnest and inspiring books I've read. Learning more about the settling of the west, the lives of a Cheyenne tribe, and a man who loved the Cheyenne people. This took me back and once the book ended I wanted more but the ending is perfect at the same time. You will not go wrong listening to this book.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful