
audiobook
by Mayne Reid
The story opens with a sweeping portrait of the Great American Desert, a continent‑spanning wilderness that defies the simple image of endless sand. Readers learn that the region is a patchwork of white salt flats, sage‑covered prairies, black lava fields, towering Rocky‑Mountain ridges and hidden oases, each described with vivid, almost tactile detail. This richly textured backdrop sets the stage for an unexpected adventure, reminding us that even the harshest lands can hold surprising life and beauty.
The narrative follows a family who, drawn by curiosity or misfortune, finds themselves stranded far from any settlement. As they navigate treacherous dunes, sudden storms and the alien quiet of salt plains, they must rely on wits, teamwork, and the sparse resources the desert offers. Their early days of survival are marked by wonder at the landscape’s extremes, hinting at both the peril and the profound connection they may forge with the wilderness.
Language
en
Duration
~8 hours (506K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Nick Hodson of London, England
Release date
2008-01-13
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1818–1883
Best known for fast-moving adventure tales set on the American frontier, he turned his own travels and wartime experience into stories that fired the imaginations of young readers. His novels mix danger, landscape, and natural history in a way that still feels vivid.
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