Road to Reckoning

Embark on a gripping journey through the untamed American wilderness with Robert Lautner's "Road to Reckoning," a powerful novel that echoes the spirit of classics like "Cold Mountain" and "True Grit." Published in 2021 by The Borough Press, this compelling coming-of-age story follows twelve-year-old orphan Tom Walker as he navigates a treacherous path home in 1837. Tom, despite his young age, is determined to prove his manhood. Fate intervenes, thrusting him into a world of hardship and danger. Leaving New York behind, Tom travels westward, tasked with selling Samuel Colt's revolutionary new revolver. Each town becomes smaller, the forests denser and the paths more perilous. A devastating encounter leaves Tom stranded and alone in the unforgiving wilderness, testing his resilience and forcing him to confront the harsh realities of survival. "Road to Reckoning" is more than just an adventure story; it's a deeply moving exploration of resilience, friendship, and the complex bond between man and boy. Lautner masterfully depicts the brutal beauty of the American landscape, drawing readers into a world where survival depends on courage and the unexpected connections forged in the face of adversity. With echoes of Charles Portis and Cormac McCarthy, Lautner crafts a narrative that is both raw and tender, showcasing the enduring power of the human spirit. Readers have praised Lautner's ability to create characters that are both flawed and deeply sympathetic, and his evocative descriptions of the natural world. Expect a story that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.