Author: David A. Jacinto

Publisher: Meadow Vista Publishing

ISBN: 979-8-2184977-2-9

What would you risk for the dream of a better life? This heartwarming question invites you into the remarkable journeys of 19th-century pioneers, immersing you in a world filled with hope, fear, and unyielding ambition.

Their bravery in overcoming challenges is nothing short of inspiring!

David A. Jacinto's historical epic, Where Eagles Fly, is more than just another historical novel—it's an engaging, cinematic adventure that will grab your attention from the very first page.

Drawing inspiration from the history of the author's own ancestors, the story is grounded in true events of the time, yet it is richly embellished to create a compelling narrative. While the story is fictionalized based on these true events, it feels like history unfolding right in front of you, making it a captivating read that you won't want to put down.

Grounded in extensive historical detail and captivating storytelling, this saga offers not only a thrilling journey but also a tribute to the incredible spirit of those who shaped America.

With its gripping action, genuine emotion, and vivid imagery, Jacinto brings to life the hardships faced by 19th-century pioneers.

Right from the start in June 1868, you're swept up in the excitement of a perilous voyage aboard the Colorado. Here, Tom Wright, his pregnant wife Annie, and their siblings navigate cramped quarters, questionable food, and a fierce hurricane that threatens their journey. Jacinto's colorful descriptions of the storm and the passengers' fears draw you in, making you feel their struggle for survival.

The challenges persist as relentless heat, dust, and exhaustion push the characters to their limits. However, the real adventure begins in Shoshone territory, where the Wrights face an unexpected ambush, with arrows flying and chaos erupting.

This intense moment keeps readers engaged and serves as a vivid reminder of the historical conflicts that shaped America, as well as the resilience of those who fought through it all.

When they arrive in the lawless town of Benton, Wyoming, the Wrights encounter a rough frontier life filled with excitement and uncertainty.

Jacinto paints a raw, realistic picture that brings the era to life, making it hard to look away. You'll empathize with the couple's quest for survival in a world where luck and determination often go hand in hand.

The vivid portrayal of Benton creates an atmosphere reminiscent of a thrilling Western film. As Tom moves on from Benton, he meets influential figures like General Grenville M. Dodge, the chief engineer of the Union Pacific Railroad, and Joseph Young, son of Brigham Young.

Dodge sees Tom's potential and helps him step into the world of railroad construction, where he quickly becomes a leader among the workers. Tom experiences the grueling labor, hardship, and shady dealings that come with this colossal project.

The stark reality of exploitation hits hard when he and his coworkers endure tough conditions—only to find themselves unpaid for more than a year. At the heart of this injustice is Thomas "Doc" Durant, the crafty vice president of Union Pacific. He manipulates company funds through deceit, leaving hard-working laborers in desperate circumstances.

When pushed too far, the workers take matters into their own hands, capturing Durant and demanding their wages. With his life hanging in the balance, officials rush to pay the workers, avoiding a potential disaster. Durant's near-miss serves as a powerful reminder of the greed that drove the railroad's construction, with many benefiting while the laborers who built it struggled.

By blending historical facts with engaging storytelling, this novel unveils both the groundbreaking achievement of the railroad and the tough realities faced by those who made it happen.

If you're fascinated by the untold stories of those who shaped America, Where Eagles Fly is a delightful read that captures the adventurous spirit of the frontier. Jacinto beautifully mixes historical details and captivating drama, leading to a final act filled with surprises and a twist that you won't see coming. Just when you think you know how it will end, Jacinto changes the game, delivering an unforgettable conclusion.

While the book's depth can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming, a more streamlined approach might enhance the flow.

Still, if you appreciate historical epics, Where Eagles Fly offers a powerful dive into the struggles, sacrifices, and aspirations of pioneers seeking a better life. By intertwining real historical figures with fiction, and drawing from his ancestors' history, this novel gives readers a personal look at the tough labor, heart-wrenching losses, and intense conflicts that forged the Transcontinental Railroad and the American West.

Tom Wright confronts it all—rough landscapes, tough clashes, and unrestrained greed—as he transforms into a true railroad man, embodying the remarkable grit of human endurance.

Even long after you've turned the final page, the vivid depiction of perseverance and the cost of progress will stay with you, sparking inspiration and reflection.

Follow Here To Read Norm's Interview With David A. Jacinto as they explore the writing of the novel. You won't want to miss this interesting interview.