I’ve been away for a
while, but it is time to blog again! So, let’s jump right into my latest review…
Outlaw
Ranger by James Reasoner is one of the best western novels I’ve
read in a long time. I won’t give away any plot details (there will be no
spoilers here), but I will tell you that this book is just a ton of fun! The
plot isn’t overly complex, and that’s okay with me. The characters are still
fully developed, and by the end of the book I felt like I knew G.W. Braddock,
the Outlaw Ranger himself, pretty good. And speaking of characters, this story
features one of the meanest villains I’ve come across in a long time! In fact,
he’s so downright evil you’re rooting for him to get every bit of what’s coming to him.
The novel is short
and that is not a knock. In fact, I think the briskness works in the book’s favor.
It comes out of the gate strong and never lets up, and there’s not a dull
moment to be found. Elmore Leonard once made a statement that a writer should
leave out the parts readers tend to skip. In other words, dispense with the “filler.”
Mr. Reasoner understands this as there’s not a lot of padding. Instead, we get
a taut, lean thrill ride with more than enough action.
Unfortunately, the
big publishing houses have canceled many of their Western titles. The news might
sound bad, but I’m actually not worried. I feel like we’re living in a great
time for Western readers and writers as the ebook era is opening up even more
avenues of possibility. While we may not be able to pick up paperbacks at the
local drugstore anymore, we can sign onto our Kindle and download hundreds of
good titles in an instant. I’m grateful for authors like James Reasoner who are
making their older titles available when possible, and releasing new works often.
In fact, Reasoner launched his own publishing arm sometime back called Rough
Edges Press. Not only can you find many of his works at reasonable prices, but
also other talented authors to boot.
If you’re in the mood
for a good, fast paced Western, check out Outlaw
Ranger. Thankfully this is a series, and I’ll be reading the second and
third installments soon! For more information about this book, click here.
PS…If you’re a member
of Kindle Unlimited, which I highly recommend, you can read it for free!