Book Review: The Other Madden by Brent Towns

The world’s most sporadic blogger is back.

My fiction writing has been keeping me busy, and I’m certainly not complaining. But I’ve decided to fire up the ol’ blog once more as I have a whole crop of reviews I’m excited to share.

And I’m proud to start with The Other Madden by Brent Towns.

The book centers on outlaw Trace Madden and his attempt to go straight. He’s in love with a good (and often hilarious) woman, and he wants to do right by her. Of course, there are complications starting with the murder of his brother. There’s also an evil land baron trying to claim the Madden Family ranch.

What we get is a straight-forward, old-fashioned western with plenty of grit and a dose of heart and humor. I particularly enjoyed the character of Trace’s mother. Ma has some hilarious lines and is a hoot throughout.

Brent Towns is my kind of writer. He doesn’t include a lot of filler. He offers gun-blazing tales with lots of action, and The Other Madden is no exception. There’s no filler here. This is a very lean story and it’s all the better for it.

Some of the story is told in first-person perspective through Trace's narration and some is told in the third. Brent handles the shifts pretty well and it didn’t take me long to get accustomed to the format.

Overall, the story is never dull, and it moves along at a very brisk clip. If you want lengthy exposition and reflective contemplation, look elsewhere. If you want a shoot ‘em up with likable characters and plenty of powder burned, give The Other Madden a shot. Solid 5 out of 5.

PS…Yes, the depiction of Trace on the cover is clearly modeled after John Wayne. Hey, if it’s good enough for the Duke then it’s good enough for me!

Book Review: Shadow Flats by Brent Towns

I picked up Shadow Flats on a whim, not knowing what to expected. It hasn't been on the market long, and I downloaded it to my Kindle only a few days after its release. I'd been in the mood to read a good western, and thankfully Brent Towns delivered. Not only was this a good western, but it was one of the best I've read in a while.

Several things make Shadow Flats unique. First of all, it is technically a movie tie-in novel. The screenplay was written by British author Ben Bridges--one of the famed Piccadilly Cowboys--and is currently (I believe) in the stages of production. Bridges is no stranger to the western genre and can more than hold his own when compared to his American counterparts.
The novel adaptation was written by Australian author Brent Towns. Brent is new to me, but has several westerns available. I'll be picking those up soon.
Shadow Flats has many familiar elements. It includes a bank robbery, a haunted Civil War veteran riding the vengeance trail, shoot-outs, and a harsh, unforgiving desert landscape. Yet all of this is done in a fresh way. The story is anything but stale. This is due in part to the supernatural elements. Yes, Shadow Flats falls within the "Weird Western" genre. The afore mentioned qualities are mixed together to produce a great deal of fun. It is exciting, fresh, and enjoyable from start to finish.
What struck me about Shadow Flats is the fact that it works as both a traditional western and a weird western. No matter which one of those you're craving, you won't be disappointed.
With smooth, seamless prose and lightning fast action, Shadow Flats is a quick, easy read. It takes the reader on an incredible journey, and I for one, want more. A solid 5 out of 5. This one is highly recommended.
On a side note, look at that cover! I'm not sure who did the art, but it is excellent! Y'all do yourselves a favor and grab this book. You'll thank me.