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Titus Bass #7

Ride the Moon Down

terry c. johnston

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The time of the mountain man is coming to an end...but some--like Titus Bass will not exit gently. A brilliantly exciting and thoroughly researched novel of the end of the dream that was the unmapped and virgin wilderness in the American West starring the king of the mountain men, Titus Bass. 


From the Paperback edition.

576 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published November 3,1998
Series
Titus Bass

This edition

Format
576 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published
July 6, 1999 by Bantam
ISBN
9780553572827
ASIN
0553572822
Language
English

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About the author

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terry c. johnston

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Terry C. Johnston was born January 1, 1947 in Arkansas City, Kansas.
Nineteen publishers rejected Johnston's first novel, Carry the Wind, before it was printed in 1982. However, this first novel was to gain the honor of receiving the Western Writers of America Medicine Pipe Bearer's Award for best first fiction. Johnston is known for his eye for historical detail, and he is a stickler for accuracy. He is known for traveling and exploring down known and unknown dusty roads during the hot summer months, and traversing slippery, muddy roads and hiking through snow to stand upon a historical sight that he would tell his readers in an upcoming book. "Parking in the lower lot, I trudged up the hill to reach the spot where Colonel John Gibbon's infantry waited out the last hours before their attack on the unsuspecting camp. Standing there in the icy snowstorm I was totally overwhelmed by the sight of those skeletal cones of lodgepoles standing stark against the low, gray sky . . ." Some of the sites that he would stand upon were known to the world like the Little Big Horn Battlefield and others would be obscure to the average reader like the Weippe Prairie north of Lochsa. He is known to combine "a roaring good tale with fascinating insights into the lives and times of his principal characters, generally managing to employ his extensive knowledge to enhance a story rather than intrude upon it" (Whitehead, 1991). Johnston would say that he considered himself "not a literary writer but a storyteller." His desire was to reach and teach thousands if not millions of readers about the early western frontier.

He accomplished part of this goal, not only through his books, but through discussions given to elementary children, lectures at symposiums, and historical one-week tours "during which you will re-live the grit and blood, the tears and tragedy of the great Indian Wars." He would blend historical fact with human emotion to re-create the past during his historical tours each summer. One presentation he gave to a fourth grade class was about the Plains Indian culture. He held a discussion with a Honors English class in Castle Rock middle school about "research, writing, and editing that goes into producing two historical novels each year, when compared to their "term papers." He gave keynote speeches at seminars and lectures at symposiums. He traveled all around Montana to sign books for fans, and he signed the books at the local Albertson's in each town. He held radio interviews that "took me into cities, talking before audiences, I never would have managed to reach otherwise."

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Community Reviews

Rating(4.2 / 5.0, 13 votes)
5 stars
5(38%)
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13 reviews All reviews
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MokoNovo
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Not at all my usual genre.

I bought this book for just 25 cents at a garage sale. It sat on my shelf for almost a year before I decided to pick it up and give it a try.

When I finally realized that this book was part 7 of a nine-book series, something magical happened. I was completely hooked.

I instantly fell for the characters of Titus Bass and Waits by the Water. Their adventures and the way they interacted with each other and the world around them were simply captivating.

But it wasn't just the characters that drew me in. I also fell in love with the history of the mountain man and the early west that was so vividly描绘 in the pages of this book.

This single book had such a profound impact on me that it caused me to devour the rest of the series in a matter of weeks. I couldn't get enough of the story, the characters, and the rich historical backdrop.

It just goes to show that sometimes, the most unexpected finds can turn out to be the most precious and enjoyable.
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Malone3443
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I absolutely loved this book when I was a high school kid. It holds a special place in my heart as a truly great adventure book.

The story was filled with excitement, mystery, and thrilling moments that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.

The characters were well-developed and their adventures were both captivating and inspiring.

It was a book that took me on a journey to far-off places and introduced me to new and exciting ideas.

I remember spending countless hours lost in its pages, imagining myself as one of the characters, embarking on my own adventures.

Even now, as an adult, I still look back on this book with fondness and nostalgia.

It was truly a remarkable reading experience that I will never forget.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves adventure and a good story.

It is a classic that will appeal to readers of all ages and is sure to become a favorite in any book lover's collection.
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BioMegaBear
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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In the mid-1880s, a trapper embarked on a journey through the wild west. He was accompanied by his Crow wife and their infant daughter.

The trapper, with his weathered face and calloused hands, had spent years in the harsh landscapes, mastering the art of trapping. His wife, a beautiful Crow woman, walked beside him with grace and strength. Her long black hair flowed in the wind, and her eyes held a deep wisdom.

Their infant daughter, bundled up warmly, slept peacefully in a carrier on the trapper's back. The family traveled through vast plains, where the grass swayed in the gentle breeze. They passed by majestic mountains, their peaks capped with snow.

Along the way, they encountered various challenges. The trapper had to hunt for food and set traps to catch fur-bearing animals. His wife helped him with the chores, such as cooking and mending their clothes. Despite the difficulties, the family remained strong and determined.

As they continued their journey, they made friends with other settlers and Native American tribes. They shared stories and learned from each other's cultures. The trapper's wife taught the settlers about the Crow way of life, while the trapper shared his knowledge of the land and its resources.

In the end, the trapper and his family found a place to call home. They built a small cabin and started a new life in the west. Their story is a testament to the courage and perseverance of those who dared to explore the unknown.
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shibalover
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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History and a great story ensure a good read. When you live in the West and are familiar with the places described in the book, it's wonderful to read about them along with the great characters that Mr. Johnson inserts into a very good story. I found nothing wrong with his descriptions of the people, the time, or the places. It's truly a good read. The way he weaves the historical context with the fictional elements creates a captivating narrative. You can almost picture the scenes unfolding in front of your eyes as you turn the pages. The characters come to life, and you become invested in their adventures and fates. Whether you're a history buff or just looking for an entertaining story, this book has something for everyone. It's a must-read for those who appreciate a well-written tale that transports you to another time and place.

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Yahan
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Good read

This piece of writing is truly a good read. Although it can be a bit long winded at times, it is well worth the effort. The author has described the days of beaver trapping with remarkable detail, down to the tiniest nuances. It makes you feel as if you could have been there, witnessing the entire process unfold.

Just imagine the excitement and challenges that came with trapping beavers. The author's vivid descriptions bring this bygone era to life. You can picture the trappers setting their traps, patiently waiting for the beavers to come. The anticipation, the careful planning, and the skill required are all palpable in the words on the page.

It's a fascinating glimpse into a different way of life, one that is now mostly a thing of the past. Reading this makes you appreciate the hard work and determination of those who came before us. It also makes you wonder what other stories and experiences are waiting to be discovered and shared.

Overall, this is a captivating read that will transport you to another time and place. It's a must-read for anyone interested in history, nature, or simply a good story.
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Mohan_Krishna
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This is yet another what I would refer to as a masterpiece within this series.

As I progress through the series and find myself closer to the end, a sense of melancholy is starting to creep in. However, I remind myself that there are still two books left to enjoy.

The action and adventure in this installment are of the top-notch quality that I have come to anticipate from this author. Every page is filled with excitement and thrills that keep me on the edge of my seat.

Overall, I would rate this book a solid 5/5. It has exceeded my expectations and continues to maintain the high standard set by the previous books in the series. I can't wait to see how the story concludes in the remaining two volumes.
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Mr_PC
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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The blurb claims the book is "thoroughly researched", and I concur with that assessment. However, it also describes the book as "brilliantly exciting", and I strongly disagree. I abandoned this book at the 44% mark as I simply couldn't muster enough interest to complete it. When I set a book aside and don't feel an urgent need to pick it up again shortly, I know it's not to my taste. I haven't read any of the previous Titus Bass stories, so his struggle to deal with the encroachment of "civilization" into the wilderness didn't evoke any sympathy from me.

Moreover, I disliked the author's decision to have the characters communicate using 19th-century slang. This made a significant portion of the dialogue unclear and unexplained. Even more disturbing, many of the characters frequently employed racial epithets, which are highly offensive to modern sensibilities. Additionally, I had an issue (at least in the Kindle edition) where the scene would change abruptly without any indication. This forced me to go back and reread to determine the location, time, and who was speaking. I'm unlikely to read any more works by this author.

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IsuCho
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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In the 1830s in the West, the era of the mountain men and trappers was gradually coming to an end.

For the protagonist trapper, his life was filled with love for his Crow wife and young children, as well as a sense of honor that guided his actions. However, it was also a life constantly fraught with peril.

He faced numerous challenges in the wild, from harsh weather conditions to dangerous predators. Yet, he persevered, determined to provide for his family and uphold his values.

The story is loaded with exciting action as the trapper navigates through the untamed wilderness, encountering various interesting characters along the way.

These characters add depth and color to the narrative, making it a captivating tale of survival, love, and adventure in the American West.
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