Vanderhaeghe follows the #1 rule of novelists - don't be dull. He also incorporates a great deal of history skilfully and seamlessly into an endlessly readable story about the Canadian west. He incorporates both the Fenian attack at Ridgeway and Sitting Bull's excursion into Canada - an eyebrow raising confluence of big Canadian historic events, but it doesn't feel forced. Wesley Case is the central character in this novel - he's a friend of Major Walsh who became a friend of Sitting Bull during his Canadian stay. He participated in the Battle of Ridgeway and is haunted by a shameful secret from that event. Shame and his desire to set a destiny apart from his father's political manipulations motivates in large part what he does throughout the events of this book. Wesley Dunne is the villain of the book, a thoroughly human and thoroughly despicable character who we nevertheless can understand if not sympathise with. Ada Tarr fills in the triangle.

As you might guess, Vanderhaeghe uses conventional literary structures and elements - this is not an experimental novel. But he combines and innovates with them in surprising ways, resulting in a thoroughly enjoyable and fresh read. On any level - writing, entertainment, historicity - this novel is a must-read and a winner.