AWARD WINNING AUTHOR

It is Florida in 1835 during the time that would come to be known as the Trail of Tears. Andrew Jackson’s army is on the march to enforce The Indian Removal Act. The Cherokee, Chickasaw, Creek and Choctaw have already been marched to the western territories beyond the far Mississippi River. Only the Seminole and Estelusti, the descendants of centuries of escaped slaves, resist.

Estelusti leader John Horse and Seminole chiefs Osceola, Alligator and Wild Cat fight back. Bloody ambushes fill the swamps of west Florida and slave revolts leave the east coast sugar plantations in flames.

Seen through the eyes of Pete Horse, a fourteen-year-old Estelusti boy-warrior, the Second Seminole War rages. In vicious, desperate jungle warfare from the Cove of the Withlacoochee to the shore of Lake Okeechobee, the Estelusti and Seminole frustrate and defeat the American generals time after time.

After each defeat, a new general with a larger army comes, slowly forcing the defenders deeper into the treacherous Everglades. Facing annihilation and enslavement, the Estelusti must fight to the bloody end.

Praise for The Estelusti Trail

“This novel will stick with me for a long time. I won't forget the scenery of the wild Floridian swamps, the steadfastness and fierceness of the Estelusti warriors, and the hope that I had for them... It made me mad, curious, and thoughtful about present-day Florida and its indigenous history.” —Hayley Morse, Reedsy Discovery

"The Estelusti Trail weaves themes of honor, sacrifice, and resilience, capturing a tumultuous period in history through the lens of these compelling characters. The book proves to be a captivating epic…” —DK Marley, Historical Fiction Company

“Readers interested in learning more about swept-under-the-rug American history will find a lot to appreciate about The Estelusti Trail. It challenges the reader to think about the rights of others and their own personal responsibility and would be a great choice for book club conversation.” —Kathy L. Brown, The Independent Book Review

“In The Estelusti Trail, Roy V. Gaston gives us a compelling story that addresses a period of tragedy, trauma, and terrible violence. Seen through the eyes of a teenage Pete Horse, the complex mix of political and social forces at work in this conflict is laid bare. The…fast-moving plot engages the reader with vivid details that reflect the brutality of the time and the determination of a people fighting for their freedom.” —Kimberlee J Benart, Readers' Favorite

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