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This Quick Read edition includes both the full text and a summary for each chapter.
- Reading time of the complete text: about 9 hours
- Reading time of the summarized text: 19 minutes

"The Rainbow Trail," also known as "The Desert Crucible," is a sequel to Zane Grey's "Riders of the Purple Sage." The novel is set twelve years after the events of the first book and revolves around the victimization of women in Mormon culture. The protagonist, John Shefford, embarks on a journey to Arizona to find a mystery and himself. He encounters various characters, including Mary/Fay Larkin, a young woman coerced into Mormon polygamy, and Joe Lake, a young Mormon who disapproves of polygamy. The story unfolds in the borderlands of Utah and Arizona, featuring real locations such as Red Lake, Kayenta, and Willow Springs. The novel was well-received, with critics praising its emotional qualities and Zane Grey's portrayal of the West. The plot is filled with adventure, escape plans, and a pursuit through the Grand Canyon, making it a compelling read.