This book is an excellent showcase of what life was like in the old west. The plot focuses on the Kerney family, starting with John Kerney all the way to his grandson CJ Kerney. Michael McGarrity does a wonderful job placing emotion into this book. With following the Kerney family the entire time, you almost feel like you know them personally. All of the events are very realistic and believable, and the enviorment is very detailed. This is rather a long novel, (604 pages) but it is an excellent book.