Tag Archives: Westerns

Hellfire on the High Frontier by David Farland

July 19, 2020Book ReviewCyborgs, David Farland, Dead Man's Hand, Weird Western, Westernsskyebjenner

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Title: Hellfire on the High Frontier
Author: David Farland
In: Dead Man’s Hand (John Joseph Adams)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Cyborgs, Weird western, Westerns
Dates read: 23rd June 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Titan Books
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: The cigar clenched between his teeth smelled of sulfur.

Morgan is hunting a murderer and a skinwalker. Then, after accepting help from a stranger, he is sent on a journey. To try and stop another murderer, one that he has little hope of surviving.

I really liked the book ending of this story – it started with Morgan on a hunt for justice. And ended with him on another hunt for justice. Two totally different culprits, but that same need for justice that made me wonder what was going to happen next almost from the very first moment. I loved that sense of justice – it’s always a great driver for a story in my mind – justice is almost impossible to truly get, but always desired.

Morgan is a great lead character. You spend the whole time hoping and wishing that he’s going to get his happily ever after. But you’re kind of resigned to something that’s not going to be so happy… it’s a weird dichotomy. You know that there will be a tragic ending because this story has great emotional foreshadowing, but you also hope against hope that you’re wrong. Since Morgan is just such a beautiful, relatable character.

This is a great reminder that there is no justice, only money. Particularly in the Old West which is run by gunslingers and gamblers. Demons and ghouls. And emotionless cyborgs.

<- The Old Slow Man and His Gold Gun From Space

The Hell-Bound Stagecoach ->

Image source: Amazon

Early Americana by Conrad Richter

July 17, 2020Book ReviewConrad Richter, The Mammoth Book of Westerns, Westernsskyebjenner

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Title: Early Americana
Author: Conrad Richter
In: The Mammoth Book of Westerns (Jon E. Lewis)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Westerns
Dates read: 17th June 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: Their place was back in a gentler land where farmers hever heard of turning a furrow with a rifle lashed to the plough handles and where, on a Sunday morning, his mother used to say, she could still remember the peaceful sound of church bells drifiting across the blue-grass.

Life on the frontier is not always easy. But there is always a beautiful, feminine light at the end of the tunnel.

I really loved the setting description in this short story. Again, being a Western, I wasn’t completely hooked on it. But it was so beautifully described, so that helped to draw me in in a way that many of the other stories in The Mammoth Book of Westerns hasn’t been able to.

I really loved the book ending in this story. It starts with a wedding, and ends with one. Alright, the first wedding has a bit of a tragedy surrounding it… but there is still that fantastic beginning and hope for the future. And you end up finishing this short story with the hope that even if the first wedding ending tragically… there will be a positive ending to the final wedding.

This is one of those short stories that really doesn’t try and glorify the trials of life on the frontier. It is brutal and cruel. And completely tragic. Although, there is a great sense of light at the end of the story.

<- At the Sign of the Last Chance

The Wind and the Snow of Winter ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

The Temptation of Eustace Prudence McAllen by Jay Lake

July 15, 2020Book ReviewDemons, Jay Lake, Weird Western, Westerns, Westward Weirdskyebjenner

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Title: The Temptation of Eustace Prudence McAllen
Author: Jay Lake
In: Westward Weird (Martin H. Greenberg & Kerrie Hughes)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Demons, Weird western, Westerns
Dates read: 16th June 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Daw Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: His shout smoked the air blue and called dark clouds into swirling overhead.

Eustace Prudence McAllen is being blamed for the fires being set in his town. So he goes on a ride to find out what is starting the fires in Hell’s Kitchen….

I really liked the way that this story was told more in the traditional oral style. It was like a conversation with the narrator. Even including some not-so-veiled insults throughout for interrupting the flow of narration. It was really quite clever, and whilst not out and out hilarious, it was quite entertaining. And left me smiling throughout.

This story combines fires, the devil and cattle. Cattle rustling and cattle farming. It had all the elements of what I picture when I think Western… but included with that is also Lucifer and the problems that a conversation with The Devil come with. Actually, throughout this whole story, all I could think about was stories of deals at crossroads and the song The Devil Went Down to Georgia. There was just this great, hauntingly familiar feel to the story line. One that felt a little like coming home.

This wasn’t a hilarious short story. But it was an entertaining and slightly funny one. Mostly through the voice of the narrator – the narrator added an extra sense of flair and humour to the story line that I really wasn’t expecting. And honestly, I just really enjoyed this unique take on a Western story.

<- Westward Weird

The Last Master of Aeronautical Winters ->

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At the Sign of the Last Chance by Owen Wister

July 11, 2020Book ReviewOwen Wister, The Mammoth Book of Westerns, Westernsskyebjenner

Title: At the Sign of the Last Chance
Author: Owen Wister
In: The Mammoth Book of Westerns (Jon E. Lewis)
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Westerns
Dates read: 13th June 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: “He oughtn’t,” said Henry.

He’s a western cowboy who has stopped into the Last Chance. What follows is a lot of reminicsing and discussing of those that they all know.

This is a nice little western short story. All written in the first person POV. Something that I quite enjoy when I’m reading – after all, it helps you to situate yourself within the characters’ mindset so much quicker than any other POV.

This story is basically a huge gossip fest. It didn’t have that feeling of beginning, middle and end that I’m somewhat used to. But rather, it was a series of stories and anecdotes about the people that are known. Kind of more realistic because of this – after all, that’s how conversations go in real life. And to a degree, how stories are told.

I really enjoyed the language of this short story. It wasn’t necessarily incredibly engaging as a tale to read – but it was really approachable. It was nice to read a short story that I didn’t have to think too hard about and reread sentences to understand what was going on. It was just… simple. Pleasantly simple.

<- Wine on the Desert

Early Americana ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

The Old Slow Man and His Gold Gun From Space by Ben H. Winters

July 10, 2020Book ReviewAliens, Ben H. Winters, Dead Man's Hand, Urban Fantasy, Westernsskyebjenner

Title: The Old Slow Man and His Gold Gun From Space
Author: Ben H. Winters
In: Dead Man’s Hand (John Joseph Adams)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Aliens, Urban fantasy, Westerns
Dates read: 13th June 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Titan Books
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: The old man snorted.

Two men are hunting for gold. But a surprise visit from an alien changes everything. Him and his Gold Gun from Space.

When I think about westerns, this is the kind of story that I imagine. Alright, there’s an alien and whatnot. But the backstabbing, guns and gold rush… that’s honestly what I picture when I think about a western. Not convoluted sentences and hard-to-understand story lines. But a story in which there are the rough and tumble cowboys in a lawless world.

I have this weird image of a gold rush in my head. A completely lawless world filled with men in cowboy hats. And a lack of rules. And tiny, dirty little towns that are completely out of the way. It might be a somewhat ridiculous and unrealistic image. But it is one that I really enjoy and like. This story fed into that image of a realm in which everyone is out for themselves. Which is probably why I enjoyed it so much.

One of my favourite parts of this story is that from fairly on, they are told not to pull the trigger. So, of course. You want someone to pull the trigger. Desperately want someone to pull the trigger. Which of course, someone does. Ad then that leads to all kinds of happy thoughts and had me laughing a little. It wasn’t a good result, but I’m twisted, so I loved that this was how the story ends… with the trigger being pulled.

<- The Red-Headed Dead

Hellfire on the High Frontier ->

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The Red-Headed Dead by Joe R. Lansdale

July 7, 2020Book ReviewDead Man's Hand, Joe R. Lansdale, Urban Fantasy, Weird Western, Westernsskyebjenner

Title: The Red-Headed Dead
Author: Joe R. Lansdale
In: Dead Man’s Hand (John Joseph Adams)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Urban fantasy, Weird western, Westerns
Dates read: 8th June 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Titan Books
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: No one answered.

This is a story that starts with a dead horse… and steadily goes downhill.

I love that this weird western story includes the origins story of vampires. As in, the Judas origins story. I’m not really sure why… but I always love when this mythos is included in any kind of story. Partnering that with a western? It worked ridiculously well.

Although I enjoyed this story because of the content, I didn’t necessarily love the writing style. I found it a little disjointed and unapproachable. And a little hard to follow at times. Yet, I did really enjoy the storyline. So I found it hard to be frustrated by the style of writing when I was drawn in by the content.

This is a story that starts with a dead horse. That has had a pole flung through it’s brain. And that is the least violent moment throughout. It just steadily gets bloodier and bloodier. Which is exactly what a western should be… or at least, a weird western that features a vampire risen from the dead…

<- Dead Man’s Hand Collection

The Old Slow Man and His Gold Gun From Space ->

Image source: Amazon

Wine on the Desert by Max Brand

July 5, 2020Book ReviewMax Brand, The Mammoth Book of Westerns, Westernsskyebjenner

Title: Wine on the Desert
Author: Max Brand
In: The Mammoth Book of Westerns (Jon E. Lewis)
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Westerns
Dates read: 3rd June 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: In the middle of the rainless season the well ran dry but, long before that, Tony had every drop of the water pumped up into a score of tanks made of cheap corrugated iron.

What happens when your flask is filled with wine instead of water? And you’re in the middle of the desert.

I’m a little vague on the storyline of this short story. But I seem to be finding that the case with all the westerns I’m reading in the Mammoth Book of Westerns collection. There is just something about it that doesn’t stick in my swiss cheese brain after I’ve turned the last page.

Yet, I still found enjoyment while reading this. Although, after sitting down to write this review, I’ve realised I should jot down notes for the remainder of the short stories in this collection… I’m enjoying the act of reading them. But then have not much to say when it comes down to it.

The aspect of this short story that I did love was the idea of accidentally having wine in the desert. Instead of water. I like the stories in which people are kind of moronic and do moronic things. Things which could lead to death, but when they don’t are funny…

<- The Ranger

At the Sign of the Last Chance ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

The Ranger by Zane Grey

July 2, 2020Book ReviewThe Mammoth Book of Westerns, Westerns, Zane Greyskyebjenner

Title: The Ranger
Author: Zane Grey
In: The Mammoth Book of Westerns (Jon E. Lewis)
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Westerns
Dates read: 2nd June 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: It was fight.

The Ranger is beginning to think about settling down and finding his own happily ever after. But that might just not be possible.

I’ve always imagined a ranger / cowboys life as being something dangerous and risky. Particularly when you think of the old-style westerns. And I always imagine it as something that you would want to escape… which this story kind of backs up. It’s a short story that is all about getting out of the life and finding your own happily ever after.

I did really like this whole vibe about gaining your own happily ever after. About finding your own ending that you an live with and treasure. One that is kind, tame and involves a long, well lived life. That’s not to say that he does or does not get that in this story. But I like that it is the desire.

All in all, I enjoyed this short story. It was easy, accessible and kind of hopeful. There was a fight, a love interest and a journey. Just what you need in a little departure from the pressures of reality.

<- Under the Lion’s Paw

Wine on the Desert ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

Under the Lion’s Paw by Hamlin Garland

June 23, 2020Book ReviewHamlin Garland, The Mammoth Book of Westerns, Westernsskyebjenner

Title: Under the Lion’s Paw
Author: Hamlin Garland
In: The Mammoth Book of Westerns (Jon E. Lewis)
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Westerns
Dates read: 24th May 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: I was working’ for myself an’ babes –

A cute, easy read of a Western to whil away the hours.

It doesn’t seem to matter how many westerns I read, I’m still not getting that into them. But I’ll keep trying.

This wasn’t a bad short story. I remember enjoying it while reading it… but that’s all I can remember.

Like I literally can’t remember what happened or what it was about. So this is the review that I’m writing.

Pleasant but forgettable.

<- The Last Thunder Song

The Ranger ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

The Last Thunder Song by John G. Neihardt

June 19, 2020Book ReviewThe Mammoth Book of Westerns, Westernsskyebjenner

Title: The Last Thunder Song
Author: John G. Neihardt
In: The Mammoth Book of Westerns (Jon E. Lewis)
Rating Out of 5: 2.5 (Readable, but not worth reading again)
My Bookshelves: Westerns
Dates read: 20th May 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: Very few have recognized it as such; there was so little noise along with it.

An interesting mix of cowboys and Native Americans. Rituals and practices.

In this collection, The Mammoth Book of Westerns, this is the first of the short stories that has a very obviously Native American influence. Which was incredibly refreshing. It was nice to have a Western which didn’t feature cowboys and the such. Although, it still did… just not as overwhelmingly so. Overall, this was quite a nice, differently featured short story.

I was hoping that as I read through this collection, the genre of westerns would begin to grow on me… so far, it hasn’t happened. However, I think that this story made a good attempt. I did enjoy it, I just wasn’t totally enthralled by it.

As with many of the other short stories in this collection, this was a nice, simple and easy read. It was quick and pleasant. But not the kind of story that I plan on reading again and again.

<- All Gold Canyon

Under the Lion’s Paw ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

Earth and Skye

The ramblings of a bibliophile.

Tag Archives: Westerns

Hellfire on the High Frontier by David Farland

Early Americana by Conrad Richter

The Temptation of Eustace Prudence McAllen by Jay Lake

At the Sign of the Last Chance by Owen Wister

The Old Slow Man and His Gold Gun From Space by Ben H. Winters

The Red-Headed Dead by Joe R. Lansdale

Wine on the Desert by Max Brand

The Ranger by Zane Grey

Under the Lion’s Paw by Hamlin Garland

The Last Thunder Song by John G. Neihardt