“Ridgeline” by Michael Punke is an interesting, fast-paced read. The ridgelines of the area featured in this novel set in 1866 played a vital role in the development of events; they were high lookout points for both the American soldiers and the Native Americans. They were also useful for hiding behind!

The novel, based on historical events, tells the story of how Colonel Henry Carrington was tasked with building a fort which would protect a new road to be used by settlers and gold miners. Colonel Carrington and his force arrive in the Powder River Valley and begin to strip the area of trees to build the fort. However, these were the hunting grounds of the Lakota people.

Red Cloud, the chief of the Lakota, and a young man called Crazy Horse share their feelings about this encroachment. They are horrified at the prospect of their land being taken and after a series of skirmishes with soldiers, they plan something much more drastic.

“Ridgeline” is a brutal novel, but if you are interested in American history, it should be read.

Ridgeline was an engrossing read, that focuses on a lesser-known part of history, and one that I’d only been peripherally aware of before reading this book. It has some of the liberties that all historical fiction must take to tell a story, not recite fact, especially for a part of history that is not as well recorded as other – but Punke has taken an incredibly balanced approach to the topic, alternating between the two sides for viewpoints, and buildup, and creating an incredibly atmospheric, believable and impactful account of how things came to be. I also appreciated that there is a detailed afterword to discuss historical notes, and offer further reading. The writing was fantastic across the board, from bringing the setting to life (and the title is just perfect), to capturing the strategic aspects from sides without losing the flow of the narrative, and the action was gripping. Highly recommend for anyone who enjoys historical fiction, or who has an interest in this period – this book should be on your shelf.

Ridgeline is an engrossing fictional narrative of one of the lesser-known battles in American history - the Battle of Little Big Horn in which Punke’s pitch-perfect depiction of the time and place bring the Old West to life. In December 1866, tensions were rising in Wyoming, between the Native American tribes who had lived on the land for generations and the settlers who would destroy their home. Crazy Horse and his fellow Lakota hunters had been watching for months as Colonel Carrington and his army set up camp on one of the most crucial swaths of hunting ground in hundreds of miles, and began to build forts. More disconcertingly, the settlers had brought women and children, which meant they planned to stay. As the Lakota and neighbouring tribes set forth with repeated attacks to discourage the settlers, Captain William J. Fetterman, anxious and arrogant, claimed that he could take offence and rid the area of Native American people with only a small army of 80 men.

And he would--unless Crazy Horse could find a way to lure the army to their doom. This is a compelling, evocative and richly atmospheric story in which the battle is vividly depicted in delightful detail with a steadily rising tension becoming increasingly more palpable with each turn of the page. Punke’s characterisation is incredible as he paints the main characters up brushstroke by brushstroke into complex, multilayered individuals. Crazy Horse is an admirable fighter who battles for the right reasons and this novel gives an authentic look into his mind and thought processes, which were fascinating. A story of protection and betrayal, of courage, wit, and perseverance against unfathomable odds, this tale grapples with essential questions about who owns land: those who are born on it, or those who would kill to claim it? Questions still being asked until this day. This is historical fiction at its absolute finest. Highly recommended.

A breathtaking, enthralling and gripping saga based on historical facts.
It's the first book I read by this author and won't surely be the last as I think he's a great storyteller and I love his style of writing.
A tightly knitted plot that flows, great characters, great storytelling.
The mix of fiction and historical facts works very well.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine