Hunted and Harried By: Robert Michael Ballantyne (1825-1894)
Hunted and Harried by Robert Michael Ballantyne is an exhilarating adventure novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end. Set in the unforgiving wilderness of northern Canada, this thrilling tale follows the trials and tribulations of its protagonist, a young fur trader named Rupert Rollater. Ballantyne's vivid descriptions of the harsh landscapes and the dynamic wildlife that inhabit them transport readers right into the heart of the story. With every turn of the page, one can almost feel the bone-chilling cold of the Canadian winter and hear the haunting howls of wolves echoing through the forest. The author's meticulous attention to detail truly brings the setting to life, creating an immersive experience for the reader. The character development in Hunted and Harried is exceptional, particularly when it comes to the main character, Rupert Rollater. Throughout the novel, readers witness Rupert's transformation from an inexperienced and naive young man into a courageous and resilient survivor. His journey is fraught with danger and hardship, with each obstacle serving as a test of his resourcefulness and determination. Ballantyne skillfully captures the complexities of human nature, showcasing both the flaws and strengths of his character in a way that feels authentic and relatable. Additionally, the pacing of the story is expertly executed. The plot unfolds at just the right speed, gradually building suspense and tension with each new twist and turn. From encounters with hostile Native American tribes to treacherous encounters with wild animals, there is never a dull moment throughout the narrative. Readers will find themselves eagerly flipping through the pages, desperate to know what fate has in store for Rupert. However, it must be noted that the narrative occasionally suffers from a somewhat didactic tone. Ballantyne, known for his educational background and his desire to impart knowledge, occasionally uses his novel as a platform to deliver lessons on topics such as survival skills and the fur trade. While these informative passages are interesting in their own right, they can at times disrupt the flow of the story and feel slightly detached from the main plotline. Overall, Hunted and Harried is a captivating adventure novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy tales of survival, exploration, and overcoming extraordinary odds. With its vivid descriptions, compelling characters, and nail-biting suspense, this book is sure to captivate audiences of all ages. Robert Michael Ballantyne's masterful storytelling abilities shine throughout this thrilling tale, solidifying his status as a renowned author of adventure fiction. First Page: HUNTED AND HARRIED, BY R.M. BALLANTYNE. CHAPTER ONE. ON THE HUNT. On a brilliant summer morning in the last quarter of the seventeenth century a small troop of horsemen crossed the ford of the river Cairn, in Dumfriesshire, not far from the spot where stands the little church of Irongray, and, gaining the road on the western bank of the stream, wended their way towards the moors and uplands which lie in the neighbourhood of Skeoch Hill. The dragoons, for such they were, trotted rapidly along the road that led into the solitudes of the hills, with all the careless dash of men whose interests are centred chiefly on the excitements of the passing hour, yet with the unflagging perseverance of those who have a fixed purpose in view their somewhat worn aspect and the mud with which they were bespattered, from jack boot to iron headpiece, telling of a long ride over rugged ground. The officer in command of the party rode a little in advance. Close behind him followed two troopers, one of whom was a burly middle aged man with a stern, swarthy countenance; the other a youth whose tall frame was scarcely, if at all, less powerful than that of his comrade in arms, though much more elegant in form, while his youthful and ruddy, yet masculine, countenance suggested that he must at that time have been but a novice in the art of war... Continue reading book >>

Hunted and Harried By: Robert Michael Ballantyne (1825-1894)

Hunted and Harried by Robert Michael Ballantyne is an exhilarating adventure novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end. Set in the unforgiving wilderness of northern Canada, this thrilling tale follows the trials and tribulations of its protagonist, a young fur trader named Rupert Rollater.

Ballantyne's vivid descriptions of the harsh landscapes and the dynamic wildlife that inhabit them transport readers right into the heart of the story. With every turn of the page, one can almost feel the bone-chilling cold of the Canadian winter and hear the haunting howls of wolves echoing through the forest. The author's meticulous attention to detail truly brings the setting to life, creating an immersive experience for the reader.

The character development in Hunted and Harried is exceptional, particularly when it comes to the main character, Rupert Rollater. Throughout the novel, readers witness Rupert's transformation from an inexperienced and naive young man into a courageous and resilient survivor. His journey is fraught with danger and hardship, with each obstacle serving as a test of his resourcefulness and determination. Ballantyne skillfully captures the complexities of human nature, showcasing both the flaws and strengths of his character in a way that feels authentic and relatable.

Additionally, the pacing of the story is expertly executed. The plot unfolds at just the right speed, gradually building suspense and tension with each new twist and turn. From encounters with hostile Native American tribes to treacherous encounters with wild animals, there is never a dull moment throughout the narrative. Readers will find themselves eagerly flipping through the pages, desperate to know what fate has in store for Rupert.

However, it must be noted that the narrative occasionally suffers from a somewhat didactic tone. Ballantyne, known for his educational background and his desire to impart knowledge, occasionally uses his novel as a platform to deliver lessons on topics such as survival skills and the fur trade. While these informative passages are interesting in their own right, they can at times disrupt the flow of the story and feel slightly detached from the main plotline.

Overall, Hunted and Harried is a captivating adventure novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy tales of survival, exploration, and overcoming extraordinary odds. With its vivid descriptions, compelling characters, and nail-biting suspense, this book is sure to captivate audiences of all ages. Robert Michael Ballantyne's masterful storytelling abilities shine throughout this thrilling tale, solidifying his status as a renowned author of adventure fiction.

First Page:

HUNTED AND HARRIED, BY R.M. BALLANTYNE.

CHAPTER ONE.

ON THE HUNT.

On a brilliant summer morning in the last quarter of the seventeenth century a small troop of horsemen crossed the ford of the river Cairn, in Dumfriesshire, not far from the spot where stands the little church of Irongray, and, gaining the road on the western bank of the stream, wended their way towards the moors and uplands which lie in the neighbourhood of Skeoch Hill.

The dragoons, for such they were, trotted rapidly along the road that led into the solitudes of the hills, with all the careless dash of men whose interests are centred chiefly on the excitements of the passing hour, yet with the unflagging perseverance of those who have a fixed purpose in view their somewhat worn aspect and the mud with which they were bespattered, from jack boot to iron headpiece, telling of a long ride over rugged ground.

The officer in command of the party rode a little in advance. Close behind him followed two troopers, one of whom was a burly middle aged man with a stern, swarthy countenance; the other a youth whose tall frame was scarcely, if at all, less powerful than that of his comrade in arms, though much more elegant in form, while his youthful and ruddy, yet masculine, countenance suggested that he must at that time have been but a novice in the art of war... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Adventure
Fiction
History
Religion
Teen/Young adult
Travel

eBook links
Wikipedia – Robert Michael Ballantyne
Wikipedia – Hunted and Harried

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