The story of the Sacketts gives a compelling picture of the first settlers of the New World. Most of these men and women came seeking freedom from the feudal system of England, the wars of Ireland, or the poverty of the commoner. They came seeking riches, land, and new adventures when Europe was filling up and cramping their style. Some were lawless, others seeking solitude. Still more were only curious. But one thing they had in common was they were daring and resilient—willing to brave the wilderness and Indians they called savages. Louis L’Amour, having been quite the wanderer, has brought this world to life. His vivid narratives of how the Sacketts fought and survived gives his readers a rousing picture of the rowdy life of pirates, traders, and settlers. I could almost smell the sweat and blood in the skirmishes with Indians and the salty sea and acrid smoke in the battles with pirates. The 1600s was a pivotal period in America’s history, and The Sackett Novels bring the reader up close and personal with those times.

The first volume consists of the first three books in the series. First is Sackett’s Land, which begins with an unlikely discovery that changes Barnabus Sackett’s life forever. Accused of a crime he never committed, Barnabus is forced to give up his lands in The Fens, where he was born, and flee from arrest by the Queen’s officers. Seeking a fresh start, he ventures to the New World. Once he’s seen the vast forests and bounty of the land, he’s convinced that’s his destiny. To the Far Blue Mountains—the second book—documents Barnabus’s harrowing journey to the land of his dreams, where he starts a family with Abigail and a group of good friends he’s made along the way. The third book, The Warrior’s Path, tells the story of Yance and Lin Ring, two of Barnabus and Abigail’s sons, both born and raised in the wilderness of Virginia. Lin travels to Jamaica on a mission to stop slavers from kidnapping young white girls from the colonies. After almost dying for what he believes in, he brings Diana home to a settlement called Shooting Creek, where they make a home. ( )

Sackett's Land: Barnabas Sackett (progenitor of the dynasty); 1599 to 1603; England, West Indies, and Carolina coast; love interest--Abigail Tempany; fleeing bad guys, starting new life

To the Far Blue Mountains: starts a few months after the first book, continues the story and ends with the death of Barnabas decades later, more fleeing bad guys and expanding new life

The Warrior Path: Kin Ring Sackett (oldest son, ugly one) with his brother Yance Sackett (pretty one, married to Temperance Penney); Carolinas, Massachussetts, Jamaica; 1630; love interest--Diane Macklin; Samuel Maverick makes an anachronistic appearance; rescuing girls from white slavers helped by Maroons ( )