This book was a very pleasant surprise! Not that I was expecting I wouldn’t like it, I just never know with classics on must read lists. Often it is hThis book was a very pleasant surprise! Not that I was expecting I wouldn’t like it, I just never know with classics on must read lists. Often it is hard for me to determine what about the book gets people excited about it or what exactly made it a classic. With Death Comes for the Archbishop, it was not difficult to see the appeal at all!
I listened to this book in its entirety in one sitting on the road coming back from Spring Break. The storytelling and the characters were a great way to pass the time and end a fantastic vacation. I wish all books I try as “road books” ended up being this good because I have encountered some that try their best to put me to sleep!
The structure of the plot is a series of short stories all taking place in the world of missionaries in the American Southwest during the expansion of the country. The story is influenced by a lot of real-life circumstances involving cultural clashes, native people, cowboys/frontiersmen, and old religion vs new religion. The characters you meet along the way are extremely interesting and extremely fascinating to follow on their journey.
One thing I think I appreciated the most about this book is that it is quick and too the point. Often it seems like these classics drag things out unnecessarily and it starts to get kind of bloated and boring. Cather sticks to what is important and keeps the story moving along which is I think is much better than overdoing it with excess exposition.
You should give this one a try – I hope you will be pleasantly surprised as well! ...more
4 to 4.5 stars (Rounding up because I was so darn entertained)
I read Riders of the Purple Sage several years ago and always wanted to try Zane Grey ag4 to 4.5 stars (Rounding up because I was so darn entertained)
I read Riders of the Purple Sage several years ago and always wanted to try Zane Grey again. However, after reading Riders and looking at several other titles as possible follow-ups, I always assumed my next would be a classic Western. But, that is not the case with Boulder Dam.
While Boulder Dam does take place in the American West just outside of Las Vegas, it is not the typical cowboys and cattle rustler type story. Instead, as the title would indicate, the events of the story take place during the construction of Boulder Dam (eventually Hoover Dam) and deal with corruption and human trafficking in Las Vegas and the newly constructed Boulder City.
I found this title while looking through some options on Audible. Grey was a very prolific writer and this appears to be one of his lesser know titles. But, I think I found a gem! It jumped out at me because I visited Hoover Dam a few years ago and was fascinated by the history of the construction. To read a historical fiction novel based on that time period, location, and the people who built it was perfect!
The story is a perfect balance of action, suspense, intrigue, and history. If you have zero interest in the history of the construction of Hoover Dam, some of the sequences may not interest you. I love how all the characters are sort of caricatures of certain types instead of being realistic written: manly heroes, vile villains, hard-nosed lawmen, damsels in distress. I felt like I was watching a black and white film from the 40s with borderline bad acting and I loved it!
If you love historical fiction and "sort-of" Westerns - especially anything relating to the early days of Las Vegas - do yourself a favor and check this one out!...more
I know that some of you might be familiar enough with my reviews to know that Longmire is not my favorite Wyoming mystery novel series *3.5 to 4 stars
I know that some of you might be familiar enough with my reviews to know that Longmire is not my favorite Wyoming mystery novel series *cough*Joe Pickett*cough*. So, I won't risk sounding like a broken record getting into that again. I will say that The Dark Horse is a decent and entertaining entry in this series.
The novel takes place over a 10 day period with a lot of time jumps from present to "such-and-such" days ago. Overall this format worked and kept progressing what the reader knew based on what Longmire had learned on his way to his current predicaments. A few times the time jumps had me confused and I couldn't remember if I was now or then, but all in all it was not too much of a distraction and worked for the story.
There is something about the way that Johnson writes that makes it a chore for me to stay engaged. I cannot quite put my finger on it other than to say I am never quite comfortable in the narrative. It is probably the main thing that has kept me from loving any of his books. I keep hoping I find one that clicks for me.
If you enjoy or are interested in trying out Western mysteries, Longmire is certainly a decent option. It is not quite where I would suggest you start *cough*Joe Pickett*cough*, but it wouldn't hurt to give him a try. While The Dark Horse could possibly stand alone, there are enough references to the previous novels that it is probably best to start at the beginning....more
A decently entertaining volume of this very odd sci-fi/horror/western! At times, I ask myself why I am reading this because I can’t real4 Stars
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A decently entertaining volume of this very odd sci-fi/horror/western! At times, I ask myself why I am reading this because I can’t really tell if I am enjoying it or not. But, usually by the end of each volume I think to myself, “Yeah, that was pretty cool!”
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The story of East of West is so weird, each time I start a new volume I am not really sure what is happening. But, then again, it is likely that I had no idea what was happening at the end of the last volume either. This is a title where you just have to sit back and go with the flow.
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This volume seemed extra heavy on the big, epic art panels. Instead of a bunch of cells per page, I felt like I was more often looking at one large focused image. This was pretty cool as it allowed me to really take in the art without words in the way. And, the art is really, really awesome so I was glad to see this.
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If you are into bizarre, mind-bending, sci-fi/horror mixed with a bit of alternate history, this is for you! (Did I add too many criteria points there? If someone specifically defines their interests as “weird, mindbending, sci-fi/horror, alternate history” I would be surprised. But you never know!
This graphic novel series continues to be very unusual.
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It is a cyberpunk western with cultural and religious conflict at its core. You could sThis graphic novel series continues to be very unusual.
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It is a cyberpunk western with cultural and religious conflict at its core. You could say that it takes the conflicts we see in our society today to an extreme and then puts them in a futuristic, yet late 1800s America. Like I said, unusual!
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Is unusual good? I think that is for the eye of the beholder. There is some very cool and interesting stuff here. But, for me, the few cool and interesting things do not make this entire volume mind shattering. In fact, when I finished, I was thinking to myself that not much really happened between point A and point B in this one. Because of that, I would refer to this volume in a way you may have seen in some other reviews: A Transitional Volume. Which to me means that it doesn’t stand all that well on its own, but hopefully redeems itself by connecting the volume before it and the volume after it.
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I do continue to enjoy the art. With a few of the panels, you don’t even need the dialogue – just sit back and enjoy the scenery! Overall the whole series has been very dark and sometimes disturbing. This volume maybe even more so than others. Especially considering the transitional nature of this volume, all of the dark, disjointed, and disturbing (ah, alliteration, my old friend!) images which are low on context left me a bit unsettled. Another thing that I cannot specifically say is good or bad . . . maybe you want to be unsettled, so that is good!
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The series so far has been worth my time. Maybe not blowing me away, but satisfying. I am hoping one of the volumes coming up really brings it all together....more
In the immortal words of the celebrated thespian, Keanu Reeves . . .
"Woah"
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This series continues to impress with volume two. It is the perfect mIn the immortal words of the celebrated thespian, Keanu Reeves . . .
"Woah"
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This series continues to impress with volume two. It is the perfect mix of historical fiction and sci-fi horror. It is suspenseful. It is funny. It is gruesome. A little part of me really wishes the exploration of the American West was just like this.
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I'm still loving the art. For the most part, the panels have a bit of a sepia aura to add to the historical feel - as if pulled straight from the journals of the Lewis and Clark expedition. But, then, every few pages there is a full page image with intense colors and dramatic presentation highlighting one of the key horrors being encountered. Great stuff!
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This title is just great, creepy, horror-filled fun. If you are looking for a graphic novel that is a complete escape to enjoyable reading, give this one a shot.
This is the issue of the graphic novel series where we join the events of the original book series at the beginning of the first book. While the quoteThis is the issue of the graphic novel series where we join the events of the original book series at the beginning of the first book. While the quote didn’t make an appearance, here is a reminder:
“The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed.”
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For those who have not read the series . . . you probably should before reading the graphic novels. Or, at least start at the beginning of the graphic novels. It has been my opinion as I have gone along that these graphic novels are best read after you have already gathered everything from the books. But, honestly, they do a pretty job at sharing the story, so you will get everything if you just read these
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The art continues to be great! It does a fantastic job at graphically presenting the essence of the Gunslinger’s world. A world on its way out. A world in decay. A world of darkness and mystery. A world lacking in beauty and rich in death. A world where the choice to head off across the barren desert with no idea of what is on the other side is actually the best choice. All of these things are represented in every line and every brushstroke.
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I hope that this series continues strong. I have heard rumors that it doesn’t hold up the farther that it gets into the story line from the book series. Also, it appears that they published the last volume back in 2017 with the series unfinished and, at this time, there is no information as to whether it will ever continue. I kind of hate knowing this early on that I may get to the end and it will be unfinished – even knowing what happens from the book series. We shall see!
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Regardless of any concerns for the future, this series has been great so far – very enjoyable! I highly recommend it to any King and/or graphic novel fan. ...more
Box’s latest entry into the Cassie Dewell series is very good. I still have not got as into any of them as I have the Joe Pickett series, but that is Box’s latest entry into the Cassie Dewell series is very good. I still have not got as into any of them as I have the Joe Pickett series, but that is kind of comparing apples to oranges. While they are both mystery series that take place in the Rockies, the characters and the scenarios feel so different. I find the Dewell series to be much darker and more brutal – which may be saying a lot and Pickett has his share of dark and brutal, too!
I found the mystery and the twists and turns in this book to be unique and creative. That is a great thing to find in a genre where most scenarios have been used already. While it is still likely that a storyline is going to have shades of a previously used scenario, as long is you don’t feel like you are dealing with something that is blatantly rehashed, that is a success. Box seems to always approach his stories with a fresh eye and adds in twists you never see coming.
For this one, I did not go the full five stars because it was good, but I cannot avoid comparing those apples to oranges in my head. With how strong several of the recent Pickett titles have been, I must put Dewell in second place . . . at least for now. Maybe her next adventure will move her to the top? That is a race I am greatly enjoying being a part of! ...more
This was an entertaining little western story. A collection of anecdotes chronicling the notorious Sisters Brothers as they journey West to complete aThis was an entertaining little western story. A collection of anecdotes chronicling the notorious Sisters Brothers as they journey West to complete a job in Gold Rush era California. It has all the elements you might expect in a western – gunfights, crazy prospectors, horses, grimy locales, outlaws, snake oil salesmen, women of the night, etc. – delivered in a sometimes dark, sometime humorous, sometimes thought-provoking fashion.
I really enjoyed the beginning of the book. The dialogue was quick and witty. The story moved a long at a decent clip. Lots of different things were happening to keep me engaged. My only complaint taking this from a 5 star down to a 4 is that it kind of bogged down about 2/3 of the way through. Not that it got bad, it was just as if I was racing my horse down a good quality trail and then it suddenly started to pour rain and the path quickly became a sticky quagmire that required some extra effort to push through. I would have liked to see it end at the same pace that it had begun.
My favorite element of the story was the character building of the Sisters Brothers. Each of them unique in their own way, but together, a force to be reckoned with. Eli: attempting to lose weight to impress the ladies and interested in new-fangled technology like tooth brushing. Charlie the more ruthless and deadlier of the two – trying to maintain his badassness while dealing with alcoholism and the misadventures of his not quite so focused brother. But, again, their reputation precedes them and, while we as the reader see the true, intricate nature of the brothers, when they walk into a bar and people find out that these are the infamous Sisters Brothers, the temperature drops, and people start diving behind the bar and out the window!
If you like westerns, give this one a try. While it has shades of other westerns I have read, it is definitely unique. ...more
Hmmm . . . I dunno . . . still pretty good, but so strange. I have read a couple of graphic novels recently where the story just flowed and gra[image]
Hmmm . . . I dunno . . . still pretty good, but so strange. I have read a couple of graphic novels recently where the story just flowed and grabbed me. This one still feels a bit like work.
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I will say that I am not completely lost. But it is a case where I start to feel like I know what is going on and then the story goes on some seriously odd, hallucinogenic-fueled side trip and I am totally lost again. It’s a mental tennis match with my mind going back and forth: “AH-HA!” – “WHAT?” – “AH-HA!” – “WHAT?
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The art continues to be really impressive. At least I know if I am totally confused in the story I can take a few minutes to stop and enjoy the scenery.
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Am I still enjoying the series? Yes! Has my understanding of things digressed? Absolutely! Will I continue to the next issue? You betcha! Will I start to understand the story more? Not a chance!
A few times I had no idea what was happening. A few pages later I was enthralled with the storHow is East of West going? Good . . . I think!?!?
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A few times I had no idea what was happening. A few pages later I was enthralled with the story. It is a wild ride between western lore and sci-fi mayhem. I think lots of people will really dig this series, as long as they are okay with losing touch with reality every so often.
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The art continues to be phenomenal. From soft Western landscapes to severe, technological, Geiger-esque cities; you will constantly be fighting with your grasp on what time period this story is supposed to be in. Also, there are some particularly creepy creatures that were fun to see. All in all, a feast for the eyes!
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At the end of this volume I was even more interested in seeing what happens next than I was at the end of volume one. So, if you are thinking of trying this one, I suggest giving it a couple volumes. This is especially good advice if in the middle of it you find yourself completely lost. Just buckle down and push through – it will all make sense (maybe) in a few pages! At least it should keep you interested in the midst of your confusion. 🙂
This might be the most “That-was-not-what-I-was-expecting-at-all” experience I have ever had with a graphic novel. I have seen it listed on Hoopla befThis might be the most “That-was-not-what-I-was-expecting-at-all” experience I have ever had with a graphic novel. I have seen it listed on Hoopla before and always wanted to give it a try. Fate brought it my way sooner than expected when my Father-In-Law handed me the first three volumes and said, “These were weird, want to read them?” . . . . Well, of course I do!
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The premise is a futuristic America where we never quite got past the Wild West. I guess you could call it a Cowboy-Punk story (does that work as a genre???) And, on top of that, the world is in the middle of the biblical apocalypse. But, the apocalypse cannot go quite according to plan when not all the horsemen are on board.
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So, yes, it was weird, a bit hard to follow, and it took a half to two thirds for me to really get into what was a going on. But, I was quite fascinated by the story and I look forward to seeing where it goes. The minds behind this are twisted and creative – I cannot imagine how they came up with this craziness!
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Art wise, I am enjoying it so far. Sometimes the faces felt a little bit off to me, but overall, it is pleasing to the eye. I thought it was cool how in any of the flashbacks the art was the same, but had a washed out quality. Another thing that this book incorporated in the art that I have seen in several other graphic novels is very precise artistic panels combined with more impressionistic panels to give just a general feeling for the atmosphere, landscape, etc. It all works together very nicely.
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If weird, futuristic sci-fi with a western feel sounds like your thing, try it out. Just remember that I warned you that it is really weird!
This was a very good adaptation of the short story from King's collection Everything's Eventual. At times I thought I was going to go 4 stars (I didn'This was a very good adaptation of the short story from King's collection Everything's Eventual. At times I thought I was going to go 4 stars (I didn't really get into it until about halfway through), but it ended at a full 5 stars.
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The story of the Little Sisters is very creepy and mysterious. Also, it's perfect transition story between Roland's early life in Gilead and the Dark Tower stories from the novels. As the world decays around Roland and unknown evil begins seeping in, Roland must find inner strength and divine intervention to continue his quest toward the elusive Tower.
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The art in this volume is fabulous. From beauty to absolutely terrifying images from the bowels of hell itself - all of it is music for the eyes. These are the images that dreams and nightmares are made of.
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I have heard rumors that the graphic novel adaptations of The Dark Tower story begin to stumble as they move farther along. So far I am not seeing it - and will gladly continue this awesome series!
5 stars all the way - this graphic novel is excellent! Do you like westerns? Do you like vampires? Do you like vampire-westerns? If you answered yes t5 stars all the way - this graphic novel is excellent! Do you like westerns? Do you like vampires? Do you like vampire-westerns? If you answered yes to one or more of the above, then step right up!
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I figured it sounded interesting, but I did not think I would end up reading one of the best approaches to the vampire genre I have seen. It is creepy, gory, sexy, etc. - all the things you expect in a good vampire tale. Also, it has the element of wondering exactly who you should be cheering for - at some points I found myself very intrigued by the charisma of the main protagonist/antagonist. Will I be for him or against him in the future? I am hooked and I look forward to more.
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As a graphic novel, the art is great. I would say it has a slightly less cartoonish feel than Chew, but there is a similar look. The monsters and the gore are well done. And, as I started my Red Dead Redemption II journey last night, I am loving the western art.
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I think this is a worthwhile selection for vampire fans to try even if they are not into the graphic novel format....more
Such a creative and well written story combining legends of the past, the peril of the present, and the hoThis series is awesome, do ya kennit?
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Such a creative and well written story combining legends of the past, the peril of the present, and the hopelessness of the future in Stephen King’s Dark Tower Universe. This volume completes the path from the innocence of youth to the responsibility of adulthood for our protagonist, Roland, and his group of friends. Some of this story you know from The Dark Tower novels, but this graphic novel series is now really starting to expand on stories that King only hinted at.
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I didn’t do any research into this, but I felt like the artwork changed in this volume. It still had the same feel, but I felt like the characters looked different than in the earlier volumes and, in general, it has become more impressionistic. I am thinking the main artist might have changed? I still think the art is great, but I did not like it quite as much as I did earlier.
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King fans, graphic novel fans, fantasy fans, western fans, Arthurian legend fans, and people who like things that are good should all check this series out!
First off, I will say that this is definitely not Bird Box. If you want to read this because you loved Bird Box, that is okay, but if you think you wiFirst off, I will say that this is definitely not Bird Box. If you want to read this because you loved Bird Box, that is okay, but if you think you will be disappointed if it is not like Bird Box, then you probably won’t like it.
I thought it was pretty good! I was leaning towards 5 starts until the end when things started to get awfully convenient. In fact,(view spoiler)[the book is called Unbury Carol, and the whole actual unburying is just kinda “BOOM! Done” after a lot of buildup (hide spoiler)]. I feel like I have been reading a lot of books lately where I am invested until the very end and then it just kind of peters out.
But, all the stuff leading up to the end is pretty cool. Both the good and the bad characters are interesting. It is a quest book with a nice map to follow in the beginning – that is pretty cool, too. Also, some of the action sequences and mysteries are creative and intriguing. Definitely worth the exposition if you don’t mind a slightly blah payoff.
One big thing about this book is it kept reminding me of the Dark Tower series by Stephen King; especially the parts of the Dark Tower that take place prior to the main story line. It has a gritty Western-Fantasy feel. I thought this was very well done and I enjoyed envisioning the world in my head.
To summarize: • If you need this to be another Bird Box – DON’T READ • If you need a spectacular ending – DON’T READ • If you like exposition and world building (and don’t mind if it doesn’t have the best payoff) – READ • If you are a fan of the Dark Tower series – READ • Final thought – I liked it and I am glad I read it. I am looking forward to more from Malerman, I just hope he can avoid wrapping things up too conveniently in the future!...more
Up until now, I have not really been super impressed with the Longmire series. I found the first 3 books kind of convoluted and hard to stay interesteUp until now, I have not really been super impressed with the Longmire series. I found the first 3 books kind of convoluted and hard to stay interested in. I have kept going with the series because I am originally from Wyoming and I love to check out any books set there. Luckily, my struggles with Longmire have all changed with book 4.
Another Man's Moccasins was great! Lots of action and mystery. Interesting characters and backstory. I definitely stayed enthralled all the way through. And, the story didn't feel as contrived and convoluted, so either it is better or I am just getting used to Johnson's style of writing.
What I felt he did really well was combine two stories/mysteries. One a flashback to Longmire's time in Vietnam, the other set it modern day. The two stories reflect on each other and weave together perfectly. Not sure if Johnson spent any time in Vietnam, but it seems he researched it well and his words made me feel it and see it.
It might be tough to pick up this series mid-stream, but I would definitely recommend this book over the predecessors....more
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