Uncompahgre: Where Water Turns Rocks Red (Threads West, an American Saga) Paperback – Import, 13 March 2014

Although A bit repetitive on descriptions in Books one and two. Interesting story lines. Will go for book 4 to see what happens next

It seemed like I had to wait forever for this book to be released. It kept on being delayed and to be honest that was quite disappointing. I've read other reviewers that mentioned this too and I must concur. In a way this lets the author/publisher know that his books are well liked and that his followers are eager to continue with the series and that's why they complain when they are told one thing and then it doesn't happen. But the fact is that a book's release date should not be postponed again and again and again. I know...sometimes "crap" happens. Still, if it can be avoided then I'd recommend that this doesn't happen next time. You will lose readers.Here's the thing with "series" types of books: If they are being written at the same time the audience is reading them, then there are going to be delay points while the readers are all caught up and then must wait. However, if it's a series that is already completed, then there is obviously no problem. A good publisher should be able to assist an author with this issue.This series in not a trilogy. It goes on and on. There may be 10 books or more. People may want to wait to read the series when it's totally completed. That might be frustrating to the author - but the truth is, when you read 2 or more books and then have to wait a year or more for the next one....you're going to forget who the characters are or where you left off. Especially if you read as many books in a year as I do. One book starts to blend into the next.With that issue discussed...on to the book. In the beginning Mr. Rosenthal does go through the characters and reminds the reader who they are. This I found helpful. Thanks for that!Then he also adds a few chapters from the last book (#2). That...I personally did not need and it seemed to be a waste of space. However, some readers may not have the books any more and this would prove helpful for them to read & recall what came last before starting up fresh with book #3.So the story picks up with the main characters who are left and they move forward with their plans. They are finally at Cherry Creek where they now need to make some critical decisions. The secondary characters are also checked in on to see how they are and what's going on with them. New characters come along as well. I don't want to describe any spoilers of this book. That's just not the kind of review I write. But I will say there is still violence, killing, wounding, sex, love, hard work, hopes & dreams, successes, bad people, good people, and all the things in-between. Just like life is today. Only this is pre-civil war times.Most readers are not going to pick up this particular book and start reading it without first reading the other two. I guess you could; but it wouldn't make much sense to do that. I wouldn't say any of these books is a stand alone book that can be read as just a story on it's own. So if anyone is thinking they can just go ahead and skip to Uncompahgre - I wouldn't advise it. Take the time to start at the beginning.I've noticed in some of the other reviews there are people who mentioned the "sex" parts in the book so I want to address that as well. For some people this is offensive or they say they find it annoying that so and so is always trying to jump somebody else's bones. Okay, they object to these scenes in the book or feel there is too much of it - well that's their prerogative. Others of you may agree with this; but not say it. Then there are many who will enjoy it. Each to their own.Personally I don't mind it; however, I don't think it really adds to the story and if left out the books I feel the story would still be just as interesting. We must remember that many of us wouldn't be here now if our ancestors didn't have sex. Right? Whether or not there was so much pre-marital sex going on back then may be questionable. However, since there were no TV's or video games back then perhaps sex was an exciting activity to look forward to when you were out on the trail.Yet, people who are in a wagon train, walking or riding all day, possibly shooting it out with Indians - then circling the wagons at night, tending to the horses or oxen, having to make camp and cook food - I'm sure they would not have much energy left for fooling around. Not to mention how stinky they would all smell [not many available bathing places around]. But this is the author's book, his ideas as to how life was, and it's his right to write the characters and the scenes as he feels they should be. Those who don't like sexual content in books, then just don't read it. You can skip over it if it's not your cup of tea.All in all, I'm still enjoying this series and will continue reading the books as soon as they come out!

A great storyteller

Love the series and characters. I've lived, gone to school, ridden horseback, and traveled to many of the places written about in this series. Rosenthal paints an intersting, historical picture in his sagas. My biggest disappointment, is with the PA. Mennonites with the "Irish" surname. These people are my "ancestors" and my culture. The Anabaptists came from Switzerland and the Palatinate region of Germany/Alsace. Many stayed in the Netherlands before coming to America. They came for land and religious reasons. Marriage to "outsiders" was almost unheard of. This remains true today among the Old-Order sects.

“Uncompahgre: where water turns rock red” is the third book in the Threads West, An American Saga series by Reid Lance Rosenthal. I waited and waited for this book to be released and finally, it happened!! There are few authors who I can say, without a doubt, are born to write. Reid is one of those authors. Book three was more than worth the wait! I have been reading during every spare moment from the time it hit my mailbox and I finished the 480 pages last night, much to my disappointment. I wanted it to just keep going and going!The characters in all three books are so well developed and described in such depth and detail that you get to know them as well as your best friends. Reuben, Johannes, Sarah, Rebecca, Zeb, Dot, Black Feather, Eagle Talon and Walks with Moon have become as much a part of my life as those friends. I look forward to renewing our relationship every time Reid releases each book in the series and I can’t wait for book four now!! Each book, starting with the first builds on the last—new conflicts and dangers, resolutions of nail biting story lines, big surprises—and always more intrigue to be resolved in the upcoming novels!“Uncompahgre” is even better than the first two books if that is even possible. His descriptions of the characters and their emotions, the land and all it encompasses, and even the animals draw you into their world and do not let you go. It’s as if you’ve been magically transported into the past and into another life – one you don’t want to leave anytime soon. The series is a wonderful reminder of the diversity of the country and the strengths of the American spirit.My only regret is that this book ended way too soon for my liking. I will be anxiously awaiting book four, “Moccasin Tracks” to continue this journey Reid is taking us all on; one of family, cultures (each form their own perspective) thrown together by history, heritage and a long lasting legacy.