Rating: 
Summary: SPANISH PEAKS is a page-turner
Review: Book Review by Maryanne Raphael Dedicated to the author's grandfather who related the stories, THE SPANISH PEAKS, A Novel of Frontier Colorado, is based on historical personalities and events. Chandler's characters feel loss and seek retribution. The protagonist, Sam Tate, a legendary frontiersman with supernatural abilities seeks vengeance for the murders of his daughter and her family. He journeys alone through a stark landscape, dreamy and bloody, where meanings lie bare and people live in simplicity. Vivian Garcia, the villain, is intriguing. He has visions of the Virgin Mary who tells him to "kill Gringos." His own mother swears "it is the devil in the guise of Our Lady." Neither of his brothers believes Vivian's mission is divinely inspired, but they are eager to share his bloody adventures. Cowboy country is well described: "Constructed of adobe bricks covered with hardened reddish-brown mud, it melted into the landscape, looking more like a refuge for owls and varmints than for blue-coated soliders." The peaks themselves are characters. "Sam thinks they's spirits on the hills. Oh, not spirits like demons n sech, but spirits that tend to give ye a little courage when it's necessary.." The author plays with the coyote myths shared by many people's folklore. As the evil Vivian dies, a coyote whispers to him, "The Virgin will not come. We follow another path together, you and I." THE SPANISH PEAKS reminds us that human beings are essentially alone. The author pities them, loves them, and grieves with them. The characters struggle valiantly to survive, to raise their families and protect themselves. They tell us not to despair. The west is full of marvels and needs no excuse to make it sing. The rich narrative, interesting characters, and exciting action make this a memorable book. Reviewed by Maryanne Raphael, Writers World
Rating:
Summary: rich narrative, interesting characters and exciting action
Review: Book Review by Maryanne Raphael Dedicated to the author's grandfather who related the stories, THE SPANISH PEAKS, A Novel of Frontier Colorado, is based on historical personalities and events. Chandler's characters feel loss and seek retribution. The protagonist, Sam Tate, a legendary frontiersman with supernatural abilities seeks vengeance for the murders of his daughter and her family. He journeys alone through a stark landscape, dreamy and bloody, where meanings lie bare and people live in simplicity. Vivian Garcia, the villain, is intriguing. He has visions of the Virgin Mary who tells him to "kill Gringos." His own mother swears "it is the devil in the guise of Our Lady." Neither of his brothers believes Vivian's mission is divinely inspired, but they are eager to share his bloody adventures. Cowboy country is well described: "Constructed of adobe bricks covered with hardened reddish-brown mud, it melted into the landscape, looking more like a refuge for owls and varmints than for blue-coated soliders." The peaks themselves are characters. "Sam thinks they's spirits on the hills. Oh, not spirits like demons n sech, but spirits that tend to give ye a little courage when it's necessary.." The author plays with the coyote myths shared by many people's folklore. As the evil Vivian dies, a coyote whispers to him, "The Virgin will not come. We follow another path together, you and I." THE SPANISH PEAKS reminds us that human beings are essentially alone. The author pities them, loves them, and grieves with them. The characters struggle valiantly to survive, to raise their families and protect themselves. They tell us not to despair. The west is full of marvels and needs no excuse to make it sing. The rich narrative, interesting characters, and exciting action make this a memorable book. Reviewed by Maryanne Raphael, Writers World
Rating:
Summary: Spanish Peaks is a Peak Performer!
Review: Chandler's "Spanish Peaks" may be a western novel, but it kept this city slicker thoroughly entertained and turning the pages! It's a wonderful story played out by characters that represent the best of the west and the worst of the west.I'll pass it along to my friends... but only if they guarantee they'll bring it back!
Rating:
Summary: Spanish Peaks is a Peak Performer!
Review: Chandler's "Spanish Peaks" may be a western novel, but it kept this city slicker thoroughly entertained and turning the pages! It's a wonderful story played out by characters that represent the best of the west and the worst of the west. I'll pass it along to my friends... but only if they guarantee they'll bring it back!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Work!!
Review: I just finished reading The Spanish Peaks and I certainly recommend it. I had the fortune of meeting the author during my honeymoon. He told me about this book and I decided to read it. Not only was it entertaining but also quite enlighting. I have to admit that I did not know that much about Colorado's history, so the novel exposed me to very interesting facts. Also, I should add that I have become a bit of a western-cowboy novel fan. Congratulations to Mr. Chandler for a job well done!
Rating:
Summary: Fast-paced, intense, enjoyable reading!
Review: I was drawn to read Jon Chandler's first book because I had already been totally intrigued by his CD, Westerns. One of the songs on it, 'The Spanish Peaks' was so beautiful and emotional, I just had to read the book by the same name. It didn't disappoint! This book is full of action, and the characters and plot are fully developed. Anyone who likes a western flavor to their literature will enjoy this book. Don't expect it to read like any cheap western novelette, though--this writer has more talent than that!
Rating:
Summary: Fast-paced, intense, enjoyable reading!
Review: I was drawn to read Jon Chandler's first book because I had already been totally intrigued by his CD, Westerns. One of the songs on it, 'The Spanish Peaks' was so beautiful and emotional, I just had to read the book by the same name. It didn't disappoint! This book is full of action, and the characters and plot are fully developed. Anyone who likes a western flavor to their literature will enjoy this book. Don't expect it to read like any cheap western novelette, though--this writer has more talent than that!
Rating:
Summary: Intricately Plotted and Smoothly Told!
Review: John Chandler's breakthrough novel is a compelling and entertaining read that captures the reader from page one and makes the west a enjoyable journey for all. This is a must read!
Rating:
Summary: HIGHLY ENTERTAINING & VERY ENGROSSING!!!!!!!
Review: JON CHANDLER'S BOOK IS A SMASH HIT. iT RIVALS LOUIE LAMOUR'S BOOKS & SHOULD MAKE A DINAMITE MOVIE.
Rating:
Summary: SPANISH PEAKS is a page-turner
Review: Jon Chandler's forthright, flowing style kept me very interested in his novel. His ability to pack his sentences with action adds to the flavor of the book. Vivid descriptions give a clear picture of each character and situation. Vistas are portrayed in this manner as well. Tate seeks revenge for his daughter's death and the manner of her and her family's death, as well as his own sorrow. Jon writes a very effective portrayal of the villainous Garcias, one of whom thinks he is on a religious mission. Amos emerges as the most empathetic character, and one has many opportunities to worry about his welfare. The fact that this book won the 1999 Western Writers of America's Best First Novel Award adds an added inducement to read the novel. I could tell from the cover that SPANISH PEAKS would be wonderful reading, and it was!
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