Jimmy Crisp peels back time in Life and Times of Jeb Ratliff: Dakota Storm. As the Civil War ends, some men find they have no one to go home to and such is the case of Jeb Ratliff. Death and killing had taken its toll on this young man; freedom of space and people are what he craved as he traveled to the northern plains. As he slowly interacts with good people who remind him of his family, he creates friendships and ties again. Big John was like a grandfather to Jeb and introduced him to Lone Eagle and the Lakota Indians. When the army closes in on the Indians, Jeb cultivates an idea of how the Indians can live off the land without jeopardizing their lives. He is a bold man who lives by principles, but will he be able to save these people before the wave of fearful, prejudiced, and greedy people engulfs this great area?   
 
As Jimmy Crisp recounts Jeb Ratliff’s life in Dakota Storm, we anticipate the ending we know could happen. Those who enjoy post-Civil War fiction will understand the friction that still existed between the Yankees and the Confederates. As in this novel, while some just wanted the war to be over, others continued to feed off the victory of the win. Seeming as if they still hungered for the blood of others, they now looked to the Indians for another conquest. Life and Times of Jeb Ratliff will not disappoint as this likable young man makes an impact everywhere he goes. His confidence is offensive to some and reassuring to others. I felt I was stepping back in time as Jimmy Crisp gives specific descriptions of this era and the terrain. I finished this novel feeling as if I had traveled beside Jeb and was disappointed to leave his company. Highly recommended to post-Civil War fiction fans.

Life and Times of Jeb Ratliff: Dakota Storm by Jimmy Crisp is a story that transports you right back to the heart of the old West. Jeb Ratliff, a southern rebel, survived the bloodiest war in history. Raised with the strongest of beliefs, taught that slavery was wrong, Jeb fought for the South and, after the war, headed West with many other survivors. There they settled in Dakota Territory, hoping to get back to the real values in life and away from the cities that were springing up around them. Making friends with the Lakota tribe, Jeb learns their ways but, a man raised to stand up for what is right, he starts to see things go bad as white settlers move in and start an upheaval that can only end in tragedy. Jeb tries to help the natives learn new ways so that they can exist peacefully with the new settlers but they were here first – why should they change their lives? This is an epic tale of war, survival and true values.

Life and Times of Jeb Ratliff: Dakota Storm by Jimmy Crisp really was an epic tale. And it was one that I thoroughly enjoyed. It was like reading real memoirs from the time, a story told from the heart. When you open this book, you will be transported from the daily grind of your own life back in time to a place steeped in history, some of it bloody. It is an enthralling story, one that will capture you from the very start and hold onto you until the last page. The story flows naturally at a steady pace with plenty of tension to keep you hooked. The characters, in particular Jeb, were really well developed and, like me, you will form a bond with the main protagonist, a strong, unshakeable bond that allows you to follow his story in his own footsteps as if you were there with him. You will feel every emotion in this story and you won't want to put it down. Fantastic story, and I really enjoyed it.

I'm not what you would call a big reader of books but I received a copy of the book Dakota Storm the life and times of Jeb Ratliff from my friend and author of the book Jimmy Crisp I will tell you this I started reading it and couldn't put it down. Jimmy has really hit a home run with this book if you want a book that will envelope you into the story and make you feel like you're there right along with the character Jeb Ratliff then this book is for you it's a must read. I promise you won't be disappointed!