The Long Trail
- Reads 38
- Votes 1
- Parts 4
Ongoing44m
Last published Mon, Nov 25, 2024
Set against the sprawling, untamed landscapes of the American West, The Long Trail follows a mismatched group of pioneers and outcasts on a perilous wagon train journey to California. Among them are Perry, a bookish runaway with a broken moral compass; Nelly, a fierce, independent teen grappling with her traumatic past; and Samson, a grizzled mountain man haunted by the ghosts of his failures. Together, they must navigate not only treacherous terrain but their own demons, as they battle bandits, harsh elements, and the unyielding pressures of survival.
As the group pushes westward, bonds are forged and fractured amidst the crucible of the trail. Perry learns the cost of lies and the value of redemption under Samson's reluctant mentorship, while Nelly fights to earn respect in a world that constantly underestimates her. Seth, a hesitant young leader, struggles to unite a fractious community and prove his worth to a demanding father. When betrayal and a devastating blizzard threaten to destroy everything, the travelers must rely on newfound courage and trust to reach their destination-or risk being consumed by the wilderness and their own failings.
Rooted in historical detail and rich with emotional depth, The Long Trail is an epic tale of survival, sacrifice, and self-discovery, where every mile tests the limits of humanity, and every step forward is a step into the unknown.
All Rights Reserved
#53
western
Join the largest storytelling communityGet personalized story recommendations, save your favourites to your library, and comment and vote to grow your community.
You may also like
Danger on the Oregon Trail
Beth and her father have been planning to move west for more than a year. They've purchased a covered wagon, and her father has signed a contract and paid for a spot on the next wagon train. But before they're scheduled to leave, he becomes sick with a strange illness and Beth is forced to continue their plans alone. She faces obstacles, being a single woman, and has to fight to be able to follow through with her father's dream. With the help of her long time best friend, she's able to leave on time, but if she only knew what was waiting on the trail. Can she make it all the way to Oregon?Complete
Exile: The Book of Ever
Centuries after the Fall, the United States has been wiped away. The crumbling remains of the great American empire are home now only to savage, lawless tribes and packs of ravening Damned-the twisted children of the apocalypse. Most of those few who survived humanity's destruction spend their short lives in a violent struggle for survival. But some light still flickers in the darkness: the Blessed of Bountiful live in seclusion, relying on walls both physical and spiritual to protect them from the Desolation that their world has become. Among them are the Saints, those few men and women born with superhuman abilities that the Blessed see as gifts from God. The violent apostate tribes of the Northeast Kingdom have always been a danger, but up until recently its small size and the vigilance of its people have made Bountiful an unappealing target. As attacks on the community grow harsher and more frequent, however, even the steadfast Blessed are forced to start preparing for the worst. With her home's very existence threatened, seventeen year old Ever Oaks, a Saint with the power to heal, is forced to make a difficult choice, one that may come to define her people's future... Exile was a semi-finalist in Mark Lawrence's Great Self-Published Fantasy Blog-Off (#SPFBO). Fantasy Faction said it was "extremely cool," and Bookish Lifestyle called it "more than just a story, a journey and an experience." When I'm asked about it, I often describe it as "X-Men meets The Walking Dead." In addition to reading it here for free, you can buy Exile in e-book or paperback on Amazon.com.Complete
Eclipsed Earth
After the catastrophic fallout of a radiation bomb, humanity's remnants retreated underground into a bunker built for 400 people. For years, the survivors clung to hope, dreaming of the day Earth would be livable again. That day finally arrives. Kora Meyer, a fiery 19-year-old who has carried the weight of grief since losing her family during the evacuation, is the respected but guarded leader of the group. Her tough exterior hides a deep passion and love for the people under her care. Alongside her stands Xavier Crane, the sharp-tongued yet golden-hearted second-in-command who can lighten any tense moment with a sarcastic remark but secretly harbors an unshakable loyalty to Kora. As they lead their people back to the surface, they find an Earth transformed-not the barren wasteland they expected, but a wild and untamed paradise. However, it's not uninhabited. Scattered across the land are powerful tribes, each with its own traditions, fiercely protective of their resources, and willing to turn hostile when provoked. With danger lurking at every corner and passion igniting between them, Kora and Xavier must navigate the complexities of rebuilding civilization, forging alliances, and keeping their people safe. But as they learn more about the tribes and uncover secrets of the past, the two leaders find themselves drawn to each other in ways they never anticipated. Their chemistry is electric, their connection undeniable-and in a world where survival is uncertain, their love becomes their strongest weapon. When old betrayals and new dangers threaten to destroy the fragile balance of their newfound world, Kora and Xavier must decide how far they're willing to go to protect their people-and each other.Complete
Fallout: Barren Wastelands
⚠️DISCLAIMER⚠️ This book involves very heavy depictions of gore, violence, drug use, alcohol use, weapon use, fun, mental health topics, and heavy language. Happy reading :) This story is about a young adult named Casey Elger making his way through the unforgiving wasteland along with the Walking Plains Caravan Company, continuing an expedition from North Carolina to California. See how men change as they walk from a clean city into a living hellscape, walking through 5 different commonwealths and 8 US states. Inspired by the Happy Trails Caravan Company in Fallout New Vegas, and Fallout 1's California environment and horror. This is also partially inspired by Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy, in my opinion the greatest novel of all time. DISCLAIMER: I do not own right to Fallout, that would be Bethesda Game Studios. I do in fact have rights to my own writing and characters. This is my first published writing piece so if you have any complaints as a professional writer please add feedback, I enjoy comments :)Complete
Grit and Grace (Iron Star Ranch Book 1)
In the untamed American frontier of 1870, 17-year-old Noemi is sold into marriage to Riven, a hardened Civil War veteran with a reputation as a ruthless cowboy. Scarred by his past and burdened with the responsibility of inheriting a sprawling ranch in Oregon, Riven is determined to keep his new bride at arms length. As they journey across the treacherous Oregon Trail, bound for a life neither of them envisioned, Noemi's fierce spirit and innocence begin to thaw Riven's hardened heart. Despite their rocky start, an unexpected bond forms between them, filled with moments of playful competition, mutual respect, and a deepening attraction that neither can ignore. But the trail is fraught with dangers, both from the wild terrain and the ghosts of their pasts. As they face the challenges of survival together, Noemi learns to harness her own strength, demanding to learn the skills that will allow her to stand beside Riven as his equal. Along the way, she uncovers a softer side of the man she's bound to, while Riven is forced to confront his fears of vulnerability and the possibility to love. Yet, as they near their destination, the question remains: can they truly leave behind the pain of their pasts and forge a future together on the unforgiving frontier, or will the harsh realities of the Wild West tear them apart before they even have a chance?Complete
Death Stranding: Lone Survivor
The battle at the Commonwealth was supposed to be their final stand. The group fought with everything they had to survive-but in the chaos of the fight, 11 witnessed 17's death at the hands of 3. Or so he thought. In the confusion, 17's body was lost, and the group moved on, believing that the last trace of their new companion had been extinguished. But 17 didn't die that day. Left behind, barely clinging to life, 17 was forced to navigate a world that seemed to turn its back on him. The once-promising new chapter of survival quickly turned into a brutal test of his will to live. With no allies and nothing but his instincts, 17 starts a solitary journey that leads him down a darker path. The world he knew is changing. New dangers are emerging, and the dead have evolved. As 17 crosses the remnants of old cities, abandoned roads, and decaying towns, he uncovers hints of an even greater threat looming on the horizon-something far worse than the creatures that haunt every step. He is forced to rely on his resourcefulness and determination to survive, but survival alone isn't enough. In a land where trust is a rare commodity, 17 meets new people along the way. Some are friends; some are foes. All have their own secrets. And as the truth of what happened to him during those lost days at the Commonwealth comes to light, 17 must make a choice: continue fighting alone, or join forces with others to face the new horrors that threaten to destroy what's left of the world. In this spinoff of Death Stranding, Lone Survivor takes you deeper into a post-apocalyptic world where survival is more than just living-it's about finding meaning in a life when everything else has crumbled. 17's journey will test his courage, his humanity, and his desire for vengeance. But no matter what, he must face the truth: in a world where everything is lost, there may be nothing left but the dead.Complete
Countless (Completed)
Four pretty-average teens get a rude awakening after a massive storm brings forward a zombie apocalypse. They set off on a road trip to Georgia but things don't quite go as planned. As their journey continues, they make some friends and lose some. This is a story about four individuals who face fear, heart break, love, suicidal thoughts, anger, and infection as they fight to survive in this new world of the undead. Will they survive? ****Disclaimer**** This story was intended to be read by people who are 14+. It will contain strong language and sensitive or frightening situations. If blood and guts turn your stomach, i highly advise you do not read this. ______________________________ |Cover Creds: adolxcents | |*You should definitely go follow her* | ------------------------------------------------Complete
Riding the Winds of Destiny - Book 1 of the "Whispers of the Frontier" Saga
In the rugged Wyoming frontier, 23-year-old Marjorie's world is shattered when she finds her father's lifeless body in the barn, his blood staining the earth beneath him. With no one to turn to but her own strength, Marjorie vows to uncover the truth behind his death. But in a lawless land where justice is a fleeting dream, the town sheriff brushes off her plea for help, dismissing her father as just another casualty of the Wild West. Determined to find the man responsible, Marjorie embarks on a perilous journey that will force her to confront outlaws, hidden secrets, and her own growing feelings for a mysterious drifter named Gabe. As she delves deeper into the dark underbelly of the frontier, Marjorie must decide how far she's willing to go for revenge-and if she's prepared to risk everything for the truth. Riding the Winds of Destiny is a gritty, emotional tale of loss, courage, and the unbreakable will of a young woman determined to seek justice, no matter the cost. Can Marjorie overcome the dangers of the unforgiving land and the shadows of her father's past? Or will she lose herself in the winds of vengeance? Join Marjorie on her journey in this thrilling Western saga where every decision could be her last.Complete
The Stranded Traveller: Doomed to the Myths of the Woods
"The Stranded Traveller: Doomed to the Myths of the Woods" is a psychological horror-fantasy epic set deep in the heart of the Appalachian wilderness-where the line between myth and reality no longer exists. When Cameron Brooks, a solitary backpacker and self-proclaimed skeptic, sets off on a routine hiking trip to clear his mind and document nature, he expects solitude, not superstition. But when he unknowingly steps off the trail and into a part of the forest that doesn't exist on any map, he finds himself trapped in a living, breathing maze of ancient legends. From ghostly children and shadowy witches to forgotten gods and creatures born of whispers, Cameron must navigate through 100 chapters of escalating terror-each step pulling him deeper into folklore that has long fed on the minds and bodies of those who dared to question its truth. The trail doesn't want him to leave. As days blur into nightmares and time itself fractures, Cameron is forced to confront his past, his fears, and the reality that he may not have been led here by mistake. Some stories are meant to be told. Others are meant to consume you. THIS IS PART ONE OF AN INVESTIGATION TRILOGYComplete
Matters To Me
"In a new world of hopes and dreams, met with disappointments and darkness of the real world, Billy held onto the hope that life would get better. It had to, as he looked at the stars, he made a wish, he knew that it had to get better." ~ Billy met Missie Bell at the darkest of times. The two in the worst of times always managed to make it out together. However, that was before Billy was Billy the Kid. Can the two make it out together before fate catches them? **CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR BILLY THE KID SEASON 1-2**
Beth and her father have been planning to move west for more than a year. They've purchased a covered wagon, and her father has signed a contract and paid for a spot on the next wagon train. But before they're scheduled to leave, he becomes sick with a strange illness and Beth is forced to continue their plans alone. She faces obstacles, being a single woman, and has to fight to be able to follow through with her father's dream. With the help of her long time best friend, she's able to leave on time, but if she only knew what was waiting on the trail. Can she make it all the way to Oregon?
More detailsContent Guidelines