This is a book that is written by a Texan and primarily for Texans or at least those who like things Texan. If you enjoy getting most of your news (and views) from the New York Times, you probably will not enjoy this book. Save your money. On the other hand, if your heros have always been cowboys, you should be entertained by this novel. This is a story of how Texas came into being, how it was torn from the Mexicans and the Indians after these two groups had no doubt taken it from previous tribes, and how it became a large part of the greatest nation that the world has known. Herein, in novel form, is the story of how the Texas Rangers became world famous and why they became blood enemies of the Mexican nation. The book brings to life the days when great fortunes were built, when great adventure was daily life, and when men and women were tested by the frontier constantly, The reader will discover where the great pride and kinship that Texans share had part of its roots. Men and women came to the Land of the Laguna Madre from all over the world and the unique challenges that they faced there and the fact that, for nine difficult years, they were a sovereign nation created a bloodline and a culture that defines us to the present day.