This is the fifth book in the Wilderness series and once again it is hard to put down. The story this time takes place right away from Lake in the Clouds, mostly in New Orleans at the time of the war of 1812. The characters involved are Hannah, Luke and Jennet and of course plenty of new ones. Plus Nathaniel and Runs-from-Bears make an appearance in the last part of the book, but all the other favourite characters are only referred to in conversations and letters. However this does not detract from the story, which as usual, is exciting, romantic, sad and horrifying in varying degrees. I can't wait to read the next instalment, which I gather goes back to the north. I hope there will be more to come after that. I think this book could be read without having read the others but I would strongly advise new readers to start at the beginning - you're in for a treat!