Frank Kelso

The Apprenticeship of Nigel Blackthorn (The Apprentice Series Book 1) by Frank Kelso is an engagingly written YA novel that follows the life of Nigel Blackthorn as his life is changed forever. After his family is murdered, Nigel joins a muletrain as an apprentice, instead of going to an orphanage. Sometimes he thinks the orphanage might have been the better choice. Overcoming his overwhelming grief, Nigel manages to grow into his new role, even though it is difficult and filled with manual labor. Written in clear and highly descriptive language, you get a beautiful picture of the West at the time, the year of 1853. The characterization in the book is on point, while the settings are perfectly described. There's a good progression of Nigel's character within the story as he matures. Finely written with great attention to detail, this book is entertaining, thoughtful and educational. Recommended.… (més)

This story was dark, gritty, and absolutely brilliant. I thought the author did a great job of capturing the harsh realities of the wild west during the mid-19th century. The reader is truly transported back in time, and no punches are pulled. My heart ached for Nigel, and everything he went through. A brilliant story of survival against the odds in a world where many were lost along the way. If you're looking for a historical fiction that gives you a peek into the way life used to be, you’re going to want to grab this book.… (més)

This story was dark, gritty, and absolutely brilliant. I thought the author did a great job of capturing the harsh realities of the wild west during the mid-19th century. The reader is truly transported back in time, and no punches are pulled. My heart ached for Nigel, and everything he went through. A brilliant story of survival against the odds in a world where many were lost along the way. If you're looking for a historical fiction that gives you a peek into the way life used to be, you’re going to want to grab this book.… (més)

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.… (més)