When the pup escaped from the cardboard box, which had been abandoned along the roadside, he began a journey that was destined to collide with Robert Lee, the old man in the barn. Robert was not partial to having pets, but some of the farm animals took a favorable interest in the pup, which convinced Robert he should keep it. After losing his wife three years earlier, Robert’s life became less than routine, each day was like the day before and the one before that. However, the fateful day the pup entered the dimly lit barn, Robert’s life began to fill with excitement and love, the very things that were missing since his sweet wife Nellie passed.

When the dog suffered a potential life-ending injury, Robert reached out for help from Joseph and Jennie Weaver, a local Navajo family, where Jennie was known as a healer. The friendship that followed, and the dog’s protective and loving nature, led to the dog receiving the honored and revered Navajo name, when translated, meant Ancient Warrior protector of life. When Robert died, the dog continued to stand guard over his master while facing imminent death at the hands of the law, but with the help of a neighbor, Joseph came to its rescue. As companions, love, and devotion flourished between the dog and his new master which opened a new door of excitement and adventure for both of them. When attacked by wild beasts while on his trap line and high mountain camping trips, the dog’s unwavering courage stood between the attacking beasts and his beloved master. Even the icy hands of death could not keep the dog from protecting the Indian family. Then, Joseph did the unthinkable, which laid raw the emotions and deep love the Indian master had for his devoted friend, Ancient Warrior.

“Ancient Warrior, protector of life” is the prequel to the author’s earlier nonfiction book entitled, “His Name is Guck,” a story of a boy and his dog. Similar to stories by Jack London, the author weaves a tale that transports an audience to the natural world and the characters who inhabit it. Landon’s characters all connect through the travels of a lost pup who narrowly escapes the hardships of abandonment, and near-death by multiple calamities. Hard work, poverty, family, and life’s fragile finality are all expressed in the character’s interactions and actions. Ancient Warrior follows Joseph through the beauty of the wilderness and the hardships of railroad work camps, but the amazing dog cannot follow Joseph to the Second World War where Joseph lives the important and dangerous role of a code talker for the United States military. Action abounds throughout the novel and is elevated by the importance of family and the bond between a dog and its master.

Health and healing are revealed through time, care, and basic acts of kindness in Landon’s stories. Families respect their elders and care for their children. Neighbors watch out for one another and animals add vibrancy to the day-to-day duties and surprises. Farm animals and wild animals such as foxes, bears, and a mountain lion provide enough action and real excitement to keep every member of the family reading, reacting, and reliving the adventures of the Ancient Warrior. The brutalities of war, the limits, and advantages of language, and the intimate relationships between family and the natural world are all within Landon’s ability to create a great story. Ancient Warrior is a remarkable tale full of suspense, action, and feeling that is suitable for the entire family.