Book Review: Red Rabbit by Alex Grecian

 

From the publisher:

A ragtag posse must hunt down a witch through a wild west beset by demons and ghosts—where death is always just around the bend—in this new supernatural horror by bestselling author Alex Grecian.

Sadie Grace is wanted for witchcraft, dead (or alive). And every hired gun in Kansas is out to collect the bounty on her head, including bona fide witch hunter Old Tom and his mysterious, mute ward, Rabbit.

On the road to Burden County, they’re joined by two vagabond cowboys with a strong sense of adventure – but no sense of purpose – and a recently widowed schoolteacher with nothing left to lose. As their posse grows, so too does the danger.

Racing along the drought-stricken plains in a stolen red stagecoach, they encounter monsters more wicked than witches lurking along the dusty trail. But the crew is determined to get that bounty, or die trying.

Written with the devilish cadence of Stephen Graham Jones and the pulse-pounding brutality of Nick Cutter, Red Rabbit is an epic adventure of luck and misfortune.

Red Rabbit by Alex Grecian is expected out September 19th 2023 from Tor Nightfire.

My Thoughts:

I gave Red Rabbit 5 out of 5 stars. I really enjoyed reading it. If weird westerns is your thing, then this would be a good book for you. Also if you enjoy horror that just happens to be set in the old west, you would probably enjoy this book as well. 

Old Tom and his mute ward Rabbit are on their way to catch a witch. The group grows first by 2 cowboys, then the recently widowed woman, and a ghost that none of them seem to know is there. So, you have a large group of characters going on a trip in this book, not to mention the witch herself.The group encounters horrors along the way - obstacles in their paths on the way to the witch. I liked the little group that tagged along with Old Tom basically because they had nothing better to do. I especially liked the widow woman and that the men she traveled with treated her well.

This book seemed pretty much to be a quest story. Generally, it's well-paced. Everyone had their reasons for being part of the group. And when their first goal seemed to fall through, they find another goal and keep going.

It's a well-written horror/adventure story. The way it ends leaves it open to sequels without being a cliffhanger. I definitely recommend this book if you like weird westerns or horror quest stories.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect my opinion.

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #470: Red Rabbit by Alex Grecian

 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlighted upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with Can't Wait Wednesday hosted over at Wishful Endings.

From the publisher:

From bestselling author Alex Grecian comes a folk horror epic about a ragtag posse that must track down a witch through a wild west beset by demons and ghosts—and where death is always just around the bend.

Sadie Grace is wanted for witchcraft, dead (or alive). And every hired gun in Kansas is out to collect the bounty on her head, including bona fide witch hunter Old Tom and his mysterious, mute ward, Rabbit.

On the road to Burden County, they’re joined by two vagabond cowboys with a strong sense of adventure – but no sense of purpose – and a recently widowed schoolteacher with nothing left to lose. As their posse grows, so too does the danger.

Racing along the drought-stricken plains in a stolen red stagecoach, they encounter monsters more wicked than witches lurking along the dusty trail. But the crew is determined to get that bounty, or die trying.

Written with the devilish cadence of Stephen Graham Jones and the pulse-pounding brutality of Nick Cutter, Red Rabbit is a supernatural adventure of luck and misfortune.

Red Rabbit by Alex Grecian is expected out September 19th, 2023 from Tor Nightfire.

Why am I waiting on this book? I like what some people call weird westerns. This book definitely qualifies. I want to know more about Sadie Grace. Is she really all that bad? And I think I would root for this ragtag bunch to be the ones to catch up to her.

What book are you waiting on this week? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Book Review: Lone Women by Victor LaValle

 

From the publisher:

Adelaide Henry carries an enormous steamer trunk with her wherever she goes. It’s locked at all times. Because when the trunk opens, people around Adelaide start to disappear.

The year is 1915, and Adelaide is in trouble. Her secret sin killed her parents, forcing her to flee California in a hellfire rush and make her way to Montana as a homesteader. Dragging the trunk with her at every stop, she will become one of the “lone women” taking advantage of the government’s offer of free land for those who can tame it—except that Adelaide isn’t alone. And the secret she’s tried so desperately to lock away might be the only thing that will help her survive the harsh territory.

Crafted by a modern master of magical suspense, Lone Women blends shimmering prose, an unforgettable cast of adventurers who find horror and sisterhood in a brutal landscape, and a portrait of early-twentieth-century America like you’ve never seen. And at its heart is the gripping story of a woman desperate to bury her past—or redeem it.

Lone Women by Victor LaValle is expected out March 28th, 2023 from One World.

My Thoughts:

Adelaide Henry is a strong woman. She's able to leave most of her past behind her, save what's in her trunk. Not that she doesn't have regrets perhaps, but rather that she is moving forward - taking positive action in light of what went before. Whatever is in that trunk though must be mighty important. But, it's for her eyes only. Dangerous things happen when other people open her trunk. I found the mystery surrounding the trunk irresistible. 

I liked Adelaide and the other women she befriends out in the sparsely populated area of Big Sandy, Montana. Some of the other folks, not so much. They were sneaky and kept the dark side of themselves hidden for the most part. I especially enjoyed watching her friendship with Grace and Sam grow.

The pacing of the book was good. The building of tension and the twists was nicely done as well. I found it hard to put the book down. The ending surprised me in a good way.

I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars. This blend of historical fantasy, western, and horror makes for a good read. You might also consider it as part of the weird western genre. I would definitely recommend this book if you enjoy those genres or if you've read other works by Victor LaValle.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect my opinions.

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #451: Lone Women by Victor LaValle

 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlighted upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with Can't Wait Wednesday hosted over at Wishful Endings.

From the publisher: Adelaide Henry carries an enormous steamer trunk with her wherever she goes. It’s locked at all times. Because when the trunk opens, people around Adelaide start to disappear.

The year is 1915, and Adelaide is in trouble. Her secret sin killed her parents, forcing her to flee California in a hellfire rush and make her way to Montana as a homesteader. Dragging the trunk with her at every stop, she will become one of the “lone women” taking advantage of the government’s offer of free land for those who can tame it—except that Adelaide isn’t alone. And the secret she’s tried so desperately to lock away might be the only thing that will help her survive the harsh territory.

Crafted by a modern master of magical suspense, Lone Women blends shimmering prose, an unforgettable cast of adventurers who find horror and sisterhood in a brutal landscape, and a portrait of early-twentieth-century America like you’ve never seen. And at its heart is the gripping story of a woman desperate to bury her past—or redeem it.

Lone Women by Victor LaValle is expected out March 28th, 2023 from One World.

Why am I waiting on this book? I like so called weird westerns - westerns that have a fantasy or paranormal element to them. This book seems to fit the bill. Also I've read other books by Victor LaValle and enjoyed them.

What book are you waiting on this week? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #449: Melinda West: Monster Gunslinger by K.C. Grifant

 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlighted upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with Can't Wait Wednesday hosted over at Wishful Endings.

From the publisher:

In an Old West overrun by monsters, a stoic gunslinger must embark on a dangerous quest to save her friends and stop a supernatural war.

Sharpshooter Melinda West, 29, has encountered more than her share of supernatural creatures after a monster infection killed her mother. Now, Melinda and her charismatic partner, Lance, offer their exterminating services to desperate towns, fighting everything from giant flying scorpions to psychic bugs. But when they accidentally release a demon, they must track a dangerous outlaw across treacherous lands and battle a menagerie of creatures—all before an army of soul-devouring monsters descend on Earth.

The Witcher meets Bonnie and Clyde in a re-imagined Old West full of diverse characters, desolate landscapes, and fast-paced adventure.

Melinda West: Gunslinger by K.C. Grifant is expected out February 2, 2023 from Brigids Gate, LLC.

Why am I waiting on this book? I like what's known as weird westerns where the paranormal and the old west collide. R.S. Belcher's Golgotha series starting with The Six-Gun Tarot is another example of a weird western as is Stoker's Wilde by Steven Hopstaken and Melissa Prusi. They are paranormal historicals.

What book are you waiting on this week? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #423: Tread of Angels by Rebecca Roanhorse

 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlighted upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with Can't Wait Wednesday hosted over at Wishful Endings.

From the publisher:

 Celeste, a card sharp with a need for justice, takes on the role of advocatus diaboli, to defend her sister Mariel, accused of murdering a Virtue, a member of the ruling class of this mining town, in a new world of dark fantasy from the New York Times bestselling author of Black Sun, Rebecca Roanhorse.

The year is 1883 and the mining town of Goetia is booming as prospectors from near and far come to mine the powerful new element Divinity from the high mountains of Colorado with the help of the pariahs of society known as the Fallen. The Fallen are the descendants of demonkind living amongst the Virtues, the winners in an ancient war, with the descendants of both sides choosing to live alongside Abaddon’s mountain in this tale of the mythological West from the bestselling mastermind Rebecca Roanhorse.

Tread of Angels by Rebecca Roanhorse is expected out November 15th, 2022 from Gallery Books.

Why am I waiting on this book? I like weird westerns. This looks like a mashup of a western with a fantasy which falls under the weird western umbrella. It looks interesting to me. I haven't read one that sounds like it before. You can read the first chapter here: https://www.bustle.com/entertainment/rebecca-roanhorse-tread-of-angels-cover-excerpt 

What book are you waiting on this week? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Book Review: Stoker's Wilde West by Steven Hopstaken and Melissa Prusi

 

Oscar Wilde and Bram Stoker have returned to their more or less normal lives after the events of Stoker's Wilde. But how normal can your life be when your brother is a werewolf or your coworker is a vampire. Their normal comes to an end when they receive a message that vampires have been found in America.

Bram Stoker and Oscar Wilde were already booked to go to America. One to manage a theater company and the other to have his play performed. Florence, Bram's wife, is along for the ride which turns out to be a very good thing when Bram finds himself on the wrong side of the law. They pretty much encounter all that the Wild West has to offer and then some.  

The story is told through telegrams , diary entries, meeting transcripts, and other first person point of view documents. This is much the same as Dracula. The majority of entries are from Oscar, Bram, and Florence although there are other sources. Entries really show each character's personality. Bram and Florence are slightly more reliable narrators than Oscar. Oscar tends to embellish a little though he usually admits to it in the end. 

I enjoyed the friendship that Florence strikes up with Calamity Jane. Oscar and Bram make a nice counter pair with their own relationship and adventures. 

While a little slow in a few places, overall the plot moved along at a good pace. There are also some nice twists. 

I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars. It's well-written and in an interesting format. At first the format makes it a little confusing as it introduces characters that aren't picked up again until much later. Overall, it's a good story and worth a read. It is a sequel, but can be read as a standalone, which I did. I would recommend it to people who enjoy weird westerns, vampire stories, or paranormal stories.

Stoker's Wilde West by Steven Hopstaken and Melissa Prusi was published  August 11th, 2020 by Flame Tree Press.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect my opinion or the content of this review.

Teaser Tuesday: Stoker's Wilde West by Steven Hopstaken and Melissa Prusi

 

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by The Purplebooker.

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title and author so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Oh, how I wish we could all be French and not have these things matter to us so much, but alas we are not. We are British and so pretending nothing has happened is the best we can do. (3% through on my Kindle)

The above quotation is from a section entitled "From the Journal of Florence Stoker." The book is written as excerpts from journals, letters, and telegrams much the same way Dracula was written. This is the sequel to Stoker's Wilde. Stoker's Wilde West by Steven Hopstaken and Melissa Prusi was published July 23rd, 2020 by Flame Tree Press.

Would you keep reading? What's your teaser this week? Share it or a link in the comments. Are you enjoying your book? Let us know! Happy Reading!

Review: Yea Though I Walk by J.P. Sloan

Yea Though I Walk by J.P. Sloan is what I think of as a weird western. It's a western, but there are paranormal beings and events in the story. Another good example of this sort of story is The Six-Gun Tarot by R.S. Belcher.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

"Never leave a devil without puttin’ it in the dirt." ~ First Law of the Godpistols. 

Gunning down the heathen monsters of the untamed West is the calling of the Godpistols, and may be Linthicum Odell’s only path to redemption. A Union Army deserter, Odell figures he has plenty of sins to atone for. As he has yet to earn the Godpistols’ trust, they send Odell on a thankless errand to Gold Vein, a mining town with two afflictions: a corrupt local justice named Lars Richterman, and a horde of cannibal wendigo in the surrounding hills. 

Half-dead from a Wendigo attack, Odell is nursed back to life by Denton Folger, a righteous pressman from the East Coast. Intent on settling debts, Odell takes up Folger’s cause against Richterman and his schemes on the land surrounding Gold Vein. Odell soon realizes that Richterman and the Wendigo in the hills are not the only monsters threatening the town. His greatest ally comes in the form of Folger’s ferociously capable wife, Katherina, who holds the secrets to the intrigues of this valley. To save Gold Vein, Odell must pry loose these secrets, though her dark allure may prove too much for Odell’s loyalties… both to his Godpistol dogma and to Folger. 

When Odell discovers the truth of what brought him to this valley, and why Katherina keeps this truth buried, will his virtue fail? Or will a bag of silver bullets be enough to survive this war between devils, virtue be damned?

Lars Richterman, Linthicum Odell, and Denton Folger are three of the most important characters in the book along with Katherina. The story is mostly told from Linthicum's perspective. Not sure one would really call him a hero, even though he has heroic moments. He has plenty of humbling moments as well.

It's a good story with some really interesting twists. In addition to the Wendigo, there are vampires of a sort called Strigoi. There is plenty of suspense. And it kept me turning the pages wanting to know what would happen next. The closer it gets to the end, the faster the pages seem to turn.

If I could tell you anything about this book, it's that as a fan of weird westerns, I enjoyed it and if you are intrigued by the genre, you will most likely enjoy it as well. I give it 4 out of 5 stars. This reads as a standalone. I'd read it again or another like it by the same author.

Yea Though I Walk by J.P. Sloan was published July 11th, 2016 from Curiosity Quills Press.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions herein are my own and freely given.

Teaser Tuesday: Yea Through I walk by J.P. Sloan

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by The Purplebooker.
Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title and author so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers! 

He continues, "It's a queer kind of life, I suppose. Certainly one the folk in town use to fuel endless rumor, as if it were necessary." (4% through on my Kindle) 

It's a queer kind of life indeed in this paranormal western featuring monsters such as the Strigoi - blood drinkers, and Wendigo - cannibals. In this quotation, Denton Folger is talking to Linthicum Odell regarding life on his homestead where his wife spends her days in the cellar as she has a peculiar affliction where she is sensitive to sunlight.

Yea Though I Walk by J.P. Sloan was published July 11th, 2016 from Curiosity Quills Press. If you're looking for a well-written weird western, this is a good one.

Would you keep reading? What's your teaser this week? Share it or a link in the comments. Are you enjoying your book? Let us know! Happy Reading!