Savage Wilderness

Coyle, who made his name on near-future military thrillers (Bright Star, etc.) and, more recently, Civil War dramas (Until the End, etc.) now moves back further in time to produce a vigorous, sweeping saga of frontier warfare during the bloody years of the French and Indian War. In the 1750s, French and British armies battled for colonies in the New World, from Canada to the Ohio River Valley. While European armies fought for king and empire, the Indians and colonists fought for survival. The protagonists here typify their times. Ian McPherson is a Scottish rebel exiled to the American colonies. As a colonial militiaman, he must fight for the king and a culture he hates, biding his time until he can avenge his persecution. Thomas Shields is an arrogant and ambitious British army captain, eager to win glory and fame at any cost; he knows everything about parade-ground tactics, but nothing at all about the American wilderness. Idealistic young French artillery officer Anton de Chevalier's fine mind and sense of duty can't save him from becoming as ""savage"" as his Indian allies. While English officers play at war, Anton understands its nature and purpose. From Fort Duquesne to Ticonderoga, and from Lake Champlain to Quebec, these men march and fight, enduring harsh terrain, military stupidity and unmatched mayhem. Each believes he has come to conquer the land, never realizing that the land slowly conquers all. Coyle's message is as clear as his storytelling is strong: great empires are won or lost by the blood, determination and ingenuity of a few individuals, grappling on the dark fringes of civilization. (Aug.)