Edward Sylvester Ellis's Deerfoot in The Mountains is the third book in a series, but it stands perfectly well on its own as a self-contained wilderness chase. It's a classic adventure story set in the untamed American West of the early 1800s.

The Story

The plot is straightforward and exciting. Deerfoot, a skilled and noble Shawnee warrior, teams up with his two loyal friends, the brothers George and Victor Shelton. Their peaceful life is shattered when they learn that a young boy, the son of a settler, has been kidnapped. The trio immediately sets out on a rescue mission, plunging deep into the dangerous and uncharted Rocky Mountains. Their journey is a constant battle against nature itself—scaling cliffs, fording raging rivers, and evading predators. But their biggest threat might be the Blackfeet warriors who are also hunting in the same territory and see them as intruders. The book is essentially a long, tense pursuit, where every decision could mean life or death.

Why You Should Read It

What makes this book special isn't just the action, it's the heart. Deerfoot is a fantastic character—he's incredibly capable, but also deeply spiritual and honorable. His friendship with the Shelton boys feels genuine; they admire him, learn from him, and have his back completely. Ellis avoids making the 'frontier' a simple backdrop. The challenges feel real and earned. You get a real sense of the vastness of the land and how small and vulnerable even the bravest people were within it. The pacing is excellent—it’s one exciting episode after another, so you’ll fly through the pages.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect pick for anyone who loves a good, clean adventure tale. It’s great for younger readers looking for exciting historical fiction, but adults who enjoy classic authors like James Fenimore Cooper or Jack London will find a lot to love here, too. It’s also a fascinating window into how people in the late 1800s viewed the frontier and Native American figures. If you want a story about loyalty, survival, and quiet courage set against an epic landscape, Deerfoot in The Mountains is a timeless and satisfying read.