Tag Archives: Weird Western

Showdown at High Moon by Jennifer Brozek

Book Review, ,
Overview
Image result for westward weird book cover

Title: Showdown at High Moon
Author: Jennifer Brozek
In: Westward Weird (Martin H. Greenberg & Kerrie Hughes)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Weird western
Dates read: 1st November 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Daw Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: She is your queen.

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Synopsis

Mena and Will just want to do one more job so that they can have their happily ever after. But this last job is a bit of a showdown, and seriously unexpected.

Thoughts

There was a really great uniqueness in this story – the idea of Scarabs and Shifters as two different beings constantly at war with one another. The fact that the Scarabs are the good guys just made me like this all that much more. I love when stories take a new and unique spin.

Mena and Will are such a nice couple. I love that as the story unfolds, you realise that everything they do, they do together. I always love stories which feature a couple that work as a team, it’s not necessarily a trope that I come across all that often.

There wasn’t anything about this short story that I didn’t enjoy. It was fun, engaging and totally unique. I would totally read more stories by Jennifer Brozek if this is anything to go by.

<- Renn and the Little MenThe Clockwork Cowboy ->

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Renn and the Little Men by Kristine Kathryn Rusch

Book Review, , ,
Overview
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Title: Renn and the Little Men
Author: Kristine Kathryn Rusch
In: Westward Weird (Martin H. Greenberg & Kerrie Hughes)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Weird western
Dates read: 31st October 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Daw Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: Yeah, not for me either.

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Synopsis

In a world where gunslingers rule all, Renn si the one who tuaght her brother, Kid Vicious to shoot. But how will she ever be taken seriously herself?

Thoughts

I knew that there were going to be little men in this story just from the title. But the way that they were in this and how the story evolved… that was something new. And fun. I really and seriously enjoyed this short story and, even after turning the final page, I couldn’t quite get it out of my head.

I love that Renn is the better shooter in her family. That even her brother, who is recognised as a gunslinger, admits that she is better. There aren’t many stories (or indeed brothers I believe) who would necessarily admit that. It made me really love her brother and left me smiling after I turned the final page.

The little twists and turns throughout this story were seriously enjoyable and kind of cute. I had a good giggle throughout and would most definitely read this short story again.

<- Maybe Another TimeShowdown at High Moon ->

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Sundown by Tobias S. Buckell

Book Review, ,
Overview
Image result for dead man's hand book cover

Title: Sundown
Author: Tobias S. Buckell
In: Dead Man’s Hand (John Joseph Adams)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Weird western
Dates read: 31st October 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Titan Books
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: The territories we purchased from the Russians after the war?

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Synopsis

Willie is a deputy Marshall on the hunt for something that can’t quite be explained. And will probably give you nightmares…

Thoughts

Entering a town that you don’t expect to survive is terrifying. Add to that airships, insects and all sorts of horrible things that go bump in the night… I was kind of surprised that anyone survived at the end of this story. And, of course, super grateful that they did.

I love that the Deputy Marshall is only described as negro only abut halfway through the story. Sit highlights the inherent racism and horribleness of people. And it also drove home how horrible it must be for people who experience this. Even though this was a bit of a fantasy story, this was the part of the tale that I focused on most… that racism and the horror of the crowd.

I really enjoyed this short story. Although I’m not 100% of what happened throughout. It was a little bit convoluted and insane. Which is probably why I enjoyed it so much…

<- BamboozledLa Madre Del Oro ->

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Maybe Another Time by Dean Wesley Smith

Book Review, , ,
Overview
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Title: Maybe Another Time
Author: Dean Wesley Smith
In: Westward Weird (Martin H. Greenberg & Kerrie Hughes)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Time travel, Weird western
Dates read: 24th October 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Daw Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: If I weren’t so scared, I’d be stunned at the beauty of it all.

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Synopsis

Brenda and her husband are travelling through time from 2016 to the 1800s and back again. What they discover will blow your mind.

Thoughts

I absolutely loved the time travelling theme in this story. It was completely unexpected, joyful and wonderful. It also dealt with time travel in a way that I understood better than I had expected. After all, I frequently find time travel stories to be seriously difficult and convoluted.

Brenda and her husband (isn’t it weird that whilst writing this, I remember her name, but not his?), are a really kick ass couple. Physicist and mathematician. Both with a thirst for knowledge and an interest in discovering the truth. The fact that this leads to time travel, mining and numerous realities that weren’t expected… all that much better in my book.

The crystals in this story reflect the insane and complex nature of time travel. The multitude of ways in which time travel can be explained. The different paths that one decision can cause…. It will give me a headache if I think about it for too much longer…

<- Coyote, Spider, BatRenn and the Little Men ->

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Coyote, Spider, Bat by Steven Saus

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
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Title: Coyote, Spider, Bat
Author: Steven Saus
In: Westward Weird (Martin H. Greenberg & Kerrie Hughes)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Gods, Mythology, Vampires, Weird western
Dates read: 20th October 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Daw Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: That’s what got these men all ready to jump into the arms of your girls.

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Synopsis

Coyote returns home to find her husband killed. Spider leaves home to save his lover. Then they confront Bat.

Thoughts

I really enjoyed the mix of mythologies in this short story. There is a nice balance between Native American and European mythology, whilst also showing the process of settling and colonisation in early America. It’s a really intriguing and well balanced story and one that I would read many more times.

I seriously love the fact that the Gods in this story are stronger than the vampires. But, there is still that horrible sense of colonisation and the beginning of the end. Or at least, a point of change after the grand battle in this short story. It’s a great way to deal with multiple themes. And I think that if I reread this, possibly with a little more knowledge of American history (of which I have none), I’d probably pick up on other great ideas and themes.

Not only is this a great short story. It’s also a great revenge story. One that I look forward to reading again and again in the future.

<- Surveyor of MarsMaybe Another Time ->

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Red Dreams by Jonathan Maberry

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
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Title: Red Dreams
Author: Jonathan Maberry
In: Dead Man’s Hand (John Joseph Adams)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Ghosts, Weird western, Wild west
Dates read: 19th October 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Titan Books
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: Then he fired.

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Synopsis

He is just spending a cold, dark night alone. But then a parade of the dead stream past and the Red Dreams begin…

Thoughts

The beginning of this story was a little bit convoluted and confusing. But, after a while, it started to get… less convoluted and confusing. And much, much better. And once the proverbial penny dropped in my teeny tiny brain… wow. I really, seriously loved this story! And, really, when you’re dealing with death and the dead… I kind of liked that it was so damn convoluted.

I love that this story was not only a parade of the murdered, but a reminder of the cost of war. A reminder that there is always a cost. Not just in soldiers, but also in those who are innocent, including the dogs and cats and horses… it was pretty gruesome really. But, seriously enjoyable.

I’ve love every single one of Maberry’s short stories that I’ve had the pleasure of reading. And this one was no exception. But, now I’m beginning to think that I should really start on some of the novels that I have sitting in my shelves…

<- Strong MedicineBamboozled ->

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Strong Medicine by Tad Williams

Book Review, , ,
Overview
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Title: Strong Medicine
Author: Tad Williams
In: Dead Man’s Hand (John Joseph Adams)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Time travel, Weird western
Dates read: 11th October 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Titan Books
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: The footprints were each more than a yard across, and the creature had also left a pile of dung as big as a wheelbarrow, now being swamped by beetles as big as dinner plates.

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Synopsis

Every Midsummer, the town moves through time. But, every thirty-nine years, it moves just a little bit farther than expected. Which, needless to say, can be quite dangerous.

Thoughts

I really liked the idea in this story – that a small town moves every year at Midsummer. Not in space, but in time. It made for a very interesting and imaginative story that I really didn’t want to put down. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would like to read more about this tiny, off-kilter town. A nice dream, even if it isn’t likely to happen. I guess I’ll just have to reread this short story at some point in the future…

The twist at the end of this story as to who the town’s “protector” was and his origins story… that just made everything about this so much better and more intriguing. Hitting me right in the happy place. I love that it wasn’t quite what I would have suspected, a pleasant little twist to finish off a pleasant short story.

All of the ideas throughout this story were brilliant. But what I truly loved most was the whole idea of an 1800s Wild West village… fighting dinosaurs. You honestly can’t get much better imagery than that in my book!

<- Madam Damnable’s Sewing CircleRed Dreams ->

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Madam Damnable’s Sewing Circle by Elizabeth Bear

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
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Title: Madam Damnable’s Sewing Circle
Author: Elizabeth Bear
In: Dead Man’s Hand (John Joseph Adams)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Steampunk, Strong women, Weird western
Dates read: 30th September 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Titan Books
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: Go on.

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Synopsis

In a parlour that offers services to those willing to pay, there are a certain set of rules. Ones which, if broken, can have some damnable consequences.

Thoughts

This short story was a lot of fun. Mostly because it was filled with a lot of blatantly obvious innuendos which had me giggling a little to myself. I’m a big fan of the subtle, but sometimes, it’s great to be… not so subtle. Specifically when you’re dealing with a story that is talking about a saloon…

There’s not many prostitute stories out there. Even fewer that are lighthearted and positive. It was exactly the kind of tale that I love. And, since I’ve now read a few of Elizabeth Bear’s short stories… it’s made me want to see what she can do in a full length novel… more books for my ever growing wishlist. Yay!

The only thing that I didn’t like about this short story… it ended. And now I’m sitting around, wondering where I can read more Elizabeth Bear and enjoy more of her unique and fun style of writing…

<- Alvin and the Apple TreeStrong Medicine ->

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Surveyor of Mars by Christopher McKitterick

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for westward weird book cover

Title: Surveyor of Mars
Author: Christopher McKitterick
In: Westward Weird (Martin H. Greenberg & Kerrie Hughes)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Space, Weird western
Dates read: 29th September 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Daw Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: Imagine what we can do without them.

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Synopsis

John is part of the surveyor town on Mars. But when the governing bodies continuously ask for more and more of their tithe, it might just be time to give up his pacifist ways and start a new way of life.

Thoughts

It took me a little bit to get really hooked into this short story. Mostly because there was something that I thought was really good on tv. But, in irony of ironies. I can’t remember what was on tv in that moment. But I can remember how much I actually enjoyed this short story. It just took me that first page or two to completely fall into the spell…

I love that the lead “cowboy” (space cowboy) in this story is constantly focusing on trying to be a pacifist. That it isn’t about violence, but just trying to live and let live. Of course, being a weird western, this didn’t quite work. But I did love that differentiation in character that you don’t always get. Particularly when his reflection on his family indicate that they are most definitely not the same in their proclivities.

This story was definitely one that focused on the idea of power and community. I love that, ultimately, the community joined together and won the day. Even if there was a little bit of violence, mostly it was about unification and everyone joining together in a fight for their own freedom and… well, community.

<- The Ghost in the DoctorCoyote, Spider, Bat ->

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Alvin and the Apple Tree by Orson Scott Card

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for dead man's hand book cover

Title: Alvin and the Apple Tree
Author: Orson Scott Card
In: Dead Man’s Hand (John Joseph Adams)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Weird western
Dates read: 29th September 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Titan Books
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: They got back to town well before dark.

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Synopsis

Alvin is a travelling man, and he believes in God. But when he runs into John Appleseed and the village he tried to help… well, things get a little topsy turvy.

Thoughts

Like some of the westerns that I’ve read lately – this one plays with ideas of Christianity and what it truly means to be a “good” Christian. Although, I loved how this story took that topic better than some of the other topics. It also pulled in ideas of Adam and Eve, the apple, the Tree of Life, connection to nature… it was a great amalgamation of topics that completely hooked me from pretty much the very beginning.

I’m not entirely sure how this fits into the western genre – which is why I didn’t put it on the westerns shelf, just under weird westerns. It didn’t quite feel western to me, I’m not sure why. Although there was a nice hint of the cowboy and Indian theme which tends to weasel its way into this genre… so maybe I just jumped to conclusions too quickly since the setting felt a lot more modern than many of the other short stories in this collection thus far…

I’m really glad that I enjoyed this short story so much. I just bought a trilogy written by Orson Scott Card, and it would have been damn awkward if I didn’t actually like the first thing I’d read by him. In fact, after finishing this great short story, I can’t wait to pick up the series that I’ve bought. This tale just had such a great sitting around the campfire, having a yarn kind of feeling to it that I thoroughly enjoyed.

<- Second HandMadam Damnable’s Sewing Circle ->

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