Libraries and readers looking for Western fiction that sparkles with thought-provoking contrasts in belief systems and behaviors, and which defies the usual stereotypes of the kinds of Western figures will find Tom Sharp: The Man and the Legend not only a powerful addition, but worthy of high recommendation to book club readers examining historical fiction’s potential for revitalizing and revising Western history tradition.

Some of the incidents depicted here are based upon true-life events in Sharp’s life and Steel makes these moments come alive. The author wisely includes a recommended bibliography for readers interested in learning more. The dialogue throughout is realistic and the author certainly knows how to manage the pacing and action. I’m rating this one as the best “Historical Fiction” I’ve read this year.

Reading Charlie Steel’s new novel is like listening to a master storyteller weave a story filled with history, adventure, and suspense. Given the genre of the tale, you’ll also feel that you and the storyteller have gone back in time and are sitting next to a campfire somewhere in the Old West. I was sorry when I reached the last page of this wonderful book. It’s the kind of story that stays with you.

If I had been introduced to historical fiction in middle or high school, I would have had a greater interest in history much sooner. What better way to learn about our past than to ride along with Tom Sharp as he heads West after the Civil War? The book introduces the building of the Transcontinental railroad, the Gold Rush, Westward Expansion, treatment of Native Americans, and more all through a story of one man's journey. The harsh realities of life in the Wild West are portrayed honestly, but the relationships between the different people and how they helped one another are also described. I had to keep reading to find out what happened to Tom Sharp.