Escape to Fort Abercrombie

that Fort Abercrombie was known historically as "the Gateway to the Dakotas?" It was the first permanent United States military fort established in what was to become North Dakota. It was also the only post in the area to be besieged by Dakota (Sioux) warriors for more than six weeks during the US-Dakota War of 1862. During the conflict, Minnesota Volunteer soldiers manned the fort when area settlers sought shelter there.

Drawing of an aerial view of the Fort layout around 1863.

Award winning author, Candace Simar, gives the reader an opportunity to experience first hand a tumultuous time period through the eyes of Scandinavian pioneers living on the prairie in her newest book “Escape to Fort Abercrombie.” 

The book is action packed and plot driven narrated by 14 year old Ryker. 

Simar's evocative prose shines in this book with her carefully chosen words that create vivid images and historically accurate descriptions of pioneer life on the prairie. Her well crafted words draw the reader into the developing harrowing events that surround the children fleeing from a deadly Sioux attack on their homestead. When 14 year old Ryker and 9 year old twins Sven and Klara arrive home from school they find their mother and baby sister Elsa are missing and their father is dying with an arrow in his chest. Frantic for help, they set out to walk to Fort Abercrombie, a civil war-era fort on the banks of the Red River, through the tall prairie grasses. 

Despite his young age Ryker now is forced to assume being head of the house and make good on his promise to his dying father to care for his siblings, find his mother and baby Elsa. A sense of responsibility weighs heavily on him. Their older brother Martin has been gone from home for many months with his regiment. Throughout the story Ryker has many difficult decisions to make facing a succession of obstacles that challenge him and his siblings trying to reach the fort. Remembering Mama and Papa's words, Ryker puts his trust in God  hoping they'll find help at the fort to locate his family.

Simar's characters are well developed and believable displaying characteristics appropriate for their age. As the story moves along you learn more about each one but holding your breath wondering if they will survive. Numerous twists and turns in the plot challenge Ryker's determination and resourcefulness. One can't help but admire the children's resilience and devotion to each other as they encounter obstacle after obstacle.

Once you start reading this book I guarantee you won't want to stop. The bittersweet ending does feel real and satisfying since all good endings come at a cost and ends are not all always neatly tied up. Your imagination propels you into thinking what life could hold for each of the characters with all sorts of possibilities. I was mesmerized by Simar's storytelling skills. She is a gifted writer.  

Simar has created a winning story with “Escape to Fort Abercrombie.” The book falls into a YA Crossover category geared for middle school students all the way through adulthood. 

Order online at Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Escape-Fort-Abercrombie-Candace-Simar/dp/1432838180
and check out Candace Simar's website for a complete list of her previous books.
https://candacesimar.com/