Rating: 
Summary: Superbly written, each page is totally engaging.
Review: If you are a fan of James Fenimore Cooper (but prefer factual information), you will love this book.
Rating:
Summary: A fabulous historical journey
Review: Let me just say right off the bat that my favorite movie in the entire world is The Last of the Mohicans. So, when I was browsing through Amazon.com and found Sara Donati's sequel, I knew I had to read it. I was not disappointed in the least. From the captivating first sentence, she draws you into the world of early frontier America and the fascinating character of Elizabeth, and she never lets you go. I've never read the novel of Last of the Mohicans, because I've heard that it's very different from the film, and in my opinion the story from the movie is just about perfect. Donati must have loved it too, because she stays very faithful to the storyline. Not only does this book reintroduce you to the lives of the enigmatic Hawkeye, his noble father Chingagchook, and the spirited Cora (who figures in posthumously), but there are all new characters to love, including the intelligent child Hannah, and most importantly the passionate lovers Nathaniel and Elizabeth. My only small criticism with the book is that in many places throughout the story Donati seemed to be holding herself back a bit. In some cases - the sex scenes, for example - this works effectively because it leaves some mystery and imagination to the reader. In other parts, however, it seemed as though she was just refusing to tell that part of the story - to give it a description - for whatever reason. This I would attribute to the fact that it's her first novel, but fleshing parts of her tale out would make it a more well-rounded and richer text. Aside from that small caveat, however, Into the Wilderness is an exemplary addition to the genre of American historical fiction. In her main character Elizabeth, Donati has created a heroine who is entirely believable despite being unconventional. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction. Buy it and the soundtrack to Last of the Mohicans, curl up in front of a roaring fire, and let yourself be transported back to early America and the stirring romance of Nathaniel and Elizabeth.
Rating:
Summary: A very well done story
Review: The story and characterization were both detailed and believable. Once I picked up this book I could not put it down. I felt I was with Elizabeth through each of her adventures and I could emphatize with her emotions as she was experiencing them. I highly recommend this book for those interested in the post-revolution era of the US as well as those interested in adventurous historical romance!
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful book to fall into!
Review: I loved the strong characters in this book, particularly, Elizabeth. She is independent and strong willed -- unlike so many female characters in historical fictions! Sara Donati's writing is very evocative; she really brings the characters and the settings to life in very vivid detail. Although the book is over 700 pages, it is a quick read. I found I could not put it down for long and the characters and situations they got into would stay with me throughout the day. It was a book I did not want to see end, and yet I could not stop reading it! I'm very much looking forward to the sequel.
Rating:
Summary: GREAT BOOK! I loved it!
Review: I absolutely loved this book! The descriptions and images of the scenery and action were wonderful and pulled me right in. It is a very visual book. I felt like I was there. I couldn't wait to finish the book but I didn't want it to end. When I saw that there was a sequel coming I was so excited! I can't wait! I may not read another book until then- I don't want to lose my memories of Elizabeth and Nathaniel. Thank you Sara Donati!
Rating:
Summary: Escaping "Into the Wilderness" was wonderful!
Review: This novel will take your breath away. I love wilderness adventures and going through the woods with Elizabeth was one adventure after another. I loved her spirit and hunger for knowledge. Nathaniel is so compelling, I know he can't be bested. I only wish it wasn't so sensual, so my children could read it. I do hope to see it on the big screen and can't wait to escape to "The Farthest Shore" with Sara Donati's sequel.
Rating:
Summary: Historical romance/adventure of colonial America
Review: This is a well written story of a woman finding her place in life, and living life to its fullest in the constrainsts of her time. Dialogue is interesting and the plot keeps moving, although at times it is predictable. I couldn't put this book down and eagerly await a sequel. If you have read Diana Gabaldone's series, (of which her characters, the Frasers, are mentioned in passing), you will enjoy this book. five stars.
Rating: 
Summary: Great for the most part
Review: I love to read historical books from this time period. I fell in love with Nathaniel. We need more men like him. I enjoyed every page until the last few charters. It seems to be setting up the next book and was drug out somewhat. All in all I am waiting for her next book.
Rating:
Summary: wonderful
Review: I found this novel because it was featured in my hometown paper -- I live just where it is set, north of the Mohawk River. The map on the inside of the cover really convinced me to take it on, because otherwise I am wary of such big long novels. And I'm glad I did. A great adventure story, and a love story too.
Rating: 
Summary: A Diana Gabaldon clone, but still a good light read
Review: Maybe because this isn't my usual genre, I didn't enjoy this as much as the other reviewers did. I read 3 of Diana Gabaldon's 4 books; I enjoyed them as light reading but don't think I'll be wanting to read them again in 10 years. I would rate this book in the same class. I don't find it surprising that Ms. Gabaldon has a review on the cover of the hard-cover version; characters from her "Outlander" series even appear in this book. I'll give Ms. Donati high marks for an interesting and intelligent heroine, but I would question some of her history: if I'm not mistaken, the school that Elizabeth runs is 30-40 years ahead of its time.
| 
