Review of 'To The Wild Horizon' by Imogen Martin
Review of 'To The Wild Horizon' by Imogen Martin
Release date: February 7th, 2024
Published by: Storm Publishing
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REVIEW
Captivating, sweeping, exciting, absorbing, exceptional and authentic historical fiction are just a few words I would use to express Imogen Martin’s newest novel To The Wild Horizon! I did not know what to expect when I started because I had not read her highly acclaimed first book (mostly due to my oversized reading pile) but once I dove into this storyline (which was at the first paragraph!), I knew I was going to love this novel. And I was right.
First, the characters came alive on the page perfectly drawn. I felt I knew them completely by the end of the story. They had layers in their personalities and carried an artist’s touch of skilled shading. I could visualise their physical attributes, their quirks and mannerisms. They were more than mere sketches on a developing canvas. Even the minor characters were properly formed and fit in every appropriate space. And the major ones were never just black and white but paraded across the settings in living colour, often against the sepia tones of a wilderness landscape. Throughout all their hardships, I felt compassion—understood their disappointments and cheered on their aspirations. A real community spirit developed on the journey—especially between the women. Grace, of course, was their true leader in every way. A forerunner of things to come. She constantly helped those who needed assistance.
As for the setting itself, I could feel the brown dust mixed with crushed golden leaves against my skin, the dry particles of earth swirling in the wind from clouds of hoofprints stinging my eyes. I was on the wagon with Grace, beside her on the seat, watching her movements, hearing her secrets and admiring her fierce unbeatable determination. She was an incredible example to the women (and men) of courage, skill, ability and unfathomable strength. Yes, she was on the run from an incident that haunted her. An impending violation she did not provoke. But in her defence, who would not have done what she did—if able? To protect her young brother and herself, she aimed a gun and fired. Did she kill the man? She never waited to find out but shot (pardon the pun) through, leaving the frontier town of Independence, Missouri in a hurry after packing her belongings. Then with her little brother in tow, she made her way to the next group of travellers on their way to Oregon across the Great Plains. She was not just running away but heading toward a new life in the west where their other brother already lived. She needed to see him, deliver a message and parcel from their late father—in hopes of mending a father-son relationship.
The army was part of this convoy and the captain was a ‘different sort of leader—rigid, authoritarian—even dictatorial…’ In order to join the group, she had to make him believe she was married, had a child and her husband was already in Oregon. Her brother was a small ten, and he played his part well. But those fabrications would catch up to her when least expected. Yet, even then, she handled the situation well. The captain would show his true nature and their connection would spark and their relationship change. I really enjoyed his personal journey, too, and the effects Grace had on him.
I felt the effects of the time period, the well described locations, and the restraints and expectations on women. The challenges were realistic and they affected everyone. Who wouldn’t change after such horrendous circumstances—especially the pioneers? They put new meaning in the word ‘resilience’ and ‘fortitude’. Stretched and pushed beyond ordinary limits, they had to survive the odds. The Wild West would have been a challenge for anyone crossing the plains, mountains and rivers but the women who found themselves venturing in such untamed territory, would have been battling not only the terrain, the elements, wild animals and sickness but also less-than-friendly natives who did not want anyone trespassing on their land. I won’t get into the particulars of this kind of warfare but Imogen certainly provides a vivid caption of the encounter and destruction that happened when the travelling pioneers encountered these people. Plenty of fear ravaged even the bravest for many were struck down or injured on both sides.
This is a story about courage, resilience, love, hope, fresh starts, unlikely unions, awakenings, sacrifice and so much more. A beautifully delivered novel that kept me on the edge of my seat and my hand over my heart. I truly felt transported to the 1840s and was caught up in the dramas, felt my pulse race during the dangerous moments, grieved over the horrid violations but at the end when justice is served, lovers are united and everything is rebalanced, I was so glad to have made the journey with these characters across the Great Plains, for like them I felt changed by the experience and filled with new contemplations. This is an exceptional read that I highly recommend. Now I must go back and read Imogen’s first novel and wait anxiously for her next! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for my review copy.
