Review: Clash of Empires delves into the military and political landscape of the French and Indian War, following the Mallory family’s transition from farming to trading. The narrative skillfully portrays their journey amidst the conflict between Britain and France vying for control over the new world. Liam Mallory, the protagonist, marries into the Mohawk tribe, only to face tragedy as his family’s newfound life is shattered. This plunges Liam into the war, shaping the remainder of the tale.
Bennett crafts a detailed historical novel, intricately weaving together the Mallory family’s experiences with the broader political turmoil. The emotional depth in depicting Liam’s losses evokes strong sentiments, making the narrative poignant yet unsettling. Despite the grim moments, the novel maintains an engaging pace, ensuring readers remain captivated until the end.
The author adeptly merges historical accuracy with an engaging plot, providing a riveting account of a pivotal period in American history. Action-packed sequences and a well-crafted narrative make this debut novel a compelling and worthwhile read for history enthusiasts and fiction lovers alike.
Ethan thought about scraping the remnants of the pig sty off of his boots, but after one look at the amount of mud and shit collected halfway up his shins, he just removed them, dropping his encrusted gloves as a final gesture of disgust. He had gotten used to having Abner deal with the pigs, but Abner was in Vincennes with Bert doing some trading. Ethan muttered quietly about smelly, dirty pigs, but when he entered the house, the smell of frying bacon put a quick smile on his face. “Ah, the smell of redemption,” he said to his mother, “and along with a cup of coffee, the path to paradise.”
Deborah laughed, “So poetic for the early morning.” She handed him a plate of bacon, “Careful, these just came out of the pan.”
Blowing on the hot, greasy rasher, the heat singeing his fingers, “This is for the time I slipped in the shit,” he said putting the bacon into his mouth. He wiped the grease from his mouth, “Do you know when Bert and Abner are due back? I’ll gladly hand over my boots to Abner, so I can get back to hunting with Bo.”
Deborah plated the rest of the bacon placing it on the table with a basket of fresh rolls. “There that should be enough for Glen and Steven.” She sat down taking a sip of her coffee, “I’m not sure when to expect Bert, but it shouldn’t be too much longer. They’ve been gone for five days, that’s typical. I’m also expecting your father to come home from visiting Waban down in the Piankashaw village. He said he’d be gone for two days, but knowing him he’s forgotten all about time. He has so much fun with our grandson. I can’t believe he’s already four. Of course, I realize he’s also concerned about the future of our Piankashaw friends and family.”
“It can’t be easy for them being kin to the Miami,” said Ethan “Seems every month we hear of another Miami-Shawnee raid on a white settlement.”
Deborah was about to reply when Steven and Glen entered the kitchen engaged in a lively discussion. “I’m telling you we ought to check it out,” Steven said, “You know I’m right.”
Glen shrugged his shoulders, “Let’s talk to Bo when he wakes up. I’d like to hear his tale after he’s had some sleep. He was almost incoherent when he was talking last night.”
“Is Bo back?” asked Deborah.
“Oh, good morning Deborah,” replied Glen, “Yes, ma’am, he returned a few hours ago with a nice buck, and was talking about some buffalo tracks he says he found.”
“Well come and sit down,” she said pouring each a cup of coffee, “Buffalo tracks? It’s been awhile since we’ve any sight or evidence of the herd.”
Steven took a bite of the biscuit and bacon sandwich, smoothing away the crumbs lingering in his beard. “The tracks, according to Bo, are leading across the Wabash. I reckon they feel a mite crowded with all the new settlements.”
“That would explain a lot,” said Deborah, “sadly it’s not just the animals feeling a mite crowded.”
“Even some of the Piankashaw are growing angry.” Glen said, “One of the things Bo said before he fell asleep was that he traveled a bit with two Piankashaw warriors. They told him they were hunting, but they weren’t acting like hunters; making all sorts of noise. He believes they were heading to a Miami village to join in the raids.”
“Did Bo say where he found the tracks?” asked Ethan.
“Yes I did,” said Bo walking into the kitchen, “It was just a little north of where we rescued Hannah, in that thicket with the large willow tree hanging over the bank of the river.
“Good morning son,” said Deborah, “I figured you’d be in bed for a few more hours.”
“So did I, but that damn rooster won’t shut up,” Bo replied, “He was in some sort of contest with a couple crows. I figured I may as well get up and start skinning and butchering that deer. How much of the meat do you want for right now, Ma? I’ll put the rest in the smokehouse.”
While they discussed the venison, Ethan was thinking back to that day they came upon a band of Miami in the throes of attacking and killing her father and uncle. When they had killed or driven off the attackers, Hannah had fainted into Ethan’s arms. While the others took care of burying the two men, Ethan sat with Hannah. At first she sobbed uncontrollably, but eventually he was able to get her to talk. They camped that night around the fire pit, bringing Hannah with them in the morning back to Buffalo Meadow where she stayed for a few weeks. Feeling strong enough to get on with her life, she went with Bert to Vincennes to begin anew working as a clerk in Two Bird’s Trading Post. Before she left, she thanked Ethan for all he’d done for her, giving him a kiss on the cheek. He reached up and touched the spot wondering if he’d ever see her again.
Ethan’s daydream came to an end as Glen and Steven got up from the table jostling him in the process. “It’s been a few days since our last patrol,” said Steven, “I and Glen are going to take a turn around the compound.”
Bo wolfed down another biscuit, “I’ll take care of the deer. Perhaps Ethan could give me a hand. Sooner we finish our tasks; we can get ready to find those buffalo.”
Mallory Saga 