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Wir sind die Könige von Colorado
»Im Sommer 1963, als ich dreizehn war, stieß ich meinem Vater ein Messer in die Brust.«
David E. Hilton hat mit Wir sind die Könige von Colorado einen Roman geschrieben, der an William Goldings Herr der Fliegen erinnert: ein Werk, das auf schonungslose Weise Auskunft gibt über den Verlust der Unschuld, die Natur des Bösen und die Macht wahrer Freundschaft.
Während der Vater überlebt, wird Will - eigentlich noch ein Kind - zu einem zweijährigen Zwangsaufenthalt auf einer abgelegenen Erziehungsranch hoch in den Bergen von Colorado verurteilt. Gemeinsam mit anderen Jugendlichen muss er dort wilde Pferde zähmen. Die Arbeit ist hart, und schon bald muss Will erfahren, dass auf dieser Ranch nicht nur der Wille von Tieren gebrochen werden soll. Doch er findet auch Freunde: Coop, Benny und Mickey, die eine verschworene Gemeinschaft bilden. Während die Jungen der Willkür der sadistischen Aufseher und eines hinterhältigen Mitgefangenen ausgesetzt sind, machen sie sich immer wieder gegenseitig Mut: »Scheiß auf die Welt da draußen. Hier drinnen sind wir Könige. Wir sind die Könige von Colorado.«
Als eines Tages Pferde ausbrechen, soll ein Trupp von Gefangenen und Wärtern die Tiere wieder einfangen. Auch Will und seine Freunde nehmen an dieser Expedition teil - bei der es für die Jungen schon bald ums nackte Überleben geht.
David E. Hilton hat mit Wir sind die Könige von Colorado einen Roman geschrieben, der an William Goldings Herr der Fliegen erinnert: ein Werk, das auf schonungslose Weise Auskunft gibt über den Verlust der Unschuld, die Natur des Bösen und die Macht wahrer Freundschaft.
Während der Vater überlebt, wird Will - eigentlich noch ein Kind - zu einem zweijährigen Zwangsaufenthalt auf einer abgelegenen Erziehungsranch hoch in den Bergen von Colorado verurteilt. Gemeinsam mit anderen Jugendlichen muss er dort wilde Pferde zähmen. Die Arbeit ist hart, und schon bald muss Will erfahren, dass auf dieser Ranch nicht nur der Wille von Tieren gebrochen werden soll. Doch er findet auch Freunde: Coop, Benny und Mickey, die eine verschworene Gemeinschaft bilden. Während die Jungen der Willkür der sadistischen Aufseher und eines hinterhältigen Mitgefangenen ausgesetzt sind, machen sie sich immer wieder gegenseitig Mut: »Scheiß auf die Welt da draußen. Hier drinnen sind wir Könige. Wir sind die Könige von Colorado.«
Als eines Tages Pferde ausbrechen, soll ein Trupp von Gefangenen und Wärtern die Tiere wieder einfangen. Auch Will und seine Freunde nehmen an dieser Expedition teil - bei der es für die Jungen schon bald ums nackte Überleben geht.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
29 people are currently reading
979 people want to read
About the author
David E. Hilton
2 books57 followersBorn in 1974, David E. Hilton’s family moved to West Texas in an attempt to rid his chronic asthma. He considers growing up in that region to be a constant inspiration for many of his stories. In Alpine, he was a boy scout, backpacked throughout Big Bend National Park, and has even seen a Marfa Ghost Light at close range.
He earned a bachelor’s degree from Howard Payne University in 1998, and began writing short stories soon thereafter, some of which can be found on various online webzines and pod cast sites, such as “The Harrow,” and “Pseudopod.” He was also a contributor to the short horror story collection, “Nights of Blood 2.” David lives outside Austin, and has two sons, Drew and Cameron, and is the Austin American-Statesman bestselling author of Kings of Colorado.
He earned a bachelor’s degree from Howard Payne University in 1998, and began writing short stories soon thereafter, some of which can be found on various online webzines and pod cast sites, such as “The Harrow,” and “Pseudopod.” He was also a contributor to the short horror story collection, “Nights of Blood 2.” David lives outside Austin, and has two sons, Drew and Cameron, and is the Austin American-Statesman bestselling author of Kings of Colorado.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 240 reviews
July 31, 2021
4,5 Sterne
February 1, 2018
i have honestly never read a book as absolutely heart wrenching as this one
October 1, 2011
I absolutely loved the protagonist Will Sheppard. Sadly, he was a 'real' character, one you may have passed on the street and not given a second glance. My heart broke for him. I cheered for him. Cried for him. Pulled for him. A strong kid, and a strong man. He's definitely earned a place on my list of all-time unforgettable characters.
This novel was beautifully written. I was drawn into Will's world and felt as if I was experiencing his life right by his side. Painful, wrought with emotion, disturbing... yet not without a few bright spots and a little humor. Not a book to be easily forgotten. You become so enthralled, so interested in finding out what happens to the boys at the ranch, that you can't put it down. When, and if you do, you think about the story and can't wait to get back to it.
Thirteen year old Will has been abused verbally, mentally and physically. So has his mother. By a drunken monster with the titles of 'father' and 'husband'. Will's tenth birthday present from dear old 'dad' was a broken arm. Christmas Eve, 1962. Will comes home to his father beating his mother. That night, twelve year old Will makes the decision that if his mother won't protect herself, he will. Eight months later, Will has to act on his decision. Said 'father' comes home drunk, and starts hitting, kicking and bashing Will's mother with a cast iron pan. When Will hears the crack from his mother's arm breaking, he steps up and tells the monster to stop. Will stabs his father twice with a Davy Crockett pocket knife. 'Dad' lives. Still walks around free. However, thirteen year old Will gets sent away.
I hated the fact that Will got punished for what he did. But even more, I hated the place they sent him to. The Swope Ranch Boys' Reformatory; an isolated valley in the side of a mountain residing 13000 feet above sea level. No way out except to serve your sentence, or die attempting escape. Reformatory? More like a 2 year sentence in Hell. Or a concentration camp for youthful offenders. Reminded me of a much harsher, crueler version of "Holes", except for the differences in locations. "Stand By Me" Alcatraz style.
The other kids at the ranch were also very well written; you cared about them, enjoyed them, became attached to them. Well, most of them anyway, with the exception of Silas Green. Silas Green was a bad seed, cruel and maniacal. Evil is a mild word for that kid, and the things he did to others; like ripping a kids ear off with his bare hands because the kid simply lost a fight. A real boy scout from Hell if you get my drift.
The warden and the cowboy guards were as bad as Silas, with only a few exceptions. The whole setup there stunk as bad as the manure they mucked out of the stalls, and was as crooked as the one way winding dirt road into the ranch. They dealt out their own brand of 'justice' on these kids. At times the horrible things they did were not merely for punishment or discipline, but simply to coerce a boy into doing something they wanted. Things such as dragging a boy behind a horse until he's almost dead, simply for refusing to fight the new boy. The fights are mere blood sport for the warden and guards; they place bets on the fights.
This is not a light, happy read by any means. At times it's painful, disturbing and heartbreaking. However, it is real, honest and poignant; and it will stay with you long after you finish it. I'm looking forward to more by David E. Hilton.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free through Goodreads. (Thank you Simon and Schuster Publishing for the opportunity to read this book). I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
This novel was beautifully written. I was drawn into Will's world and felt as if I was experiencing his life right by his side. Painful, wrought with emotion, disturbing... yet not without a few bright spots and a little humor. Not a book to be easily forgotten. You become so enthralled, so interested in finding out what happens to the boys at the ranch, that you can't put it down. When, and if you do, you think about the story and can't wait to get back to it.
Thirteen year old Will has been abused verbally, mentally and physically. So has his mother. By a drunken monster with the titles of 'father' and 'husband'. Will's tenth birthday present from dear old 'dad' was a broken arm. Christmas Eve, 1962. Will comes home to his father beating his mother. That night, twelve year old Will makes the decision that if his mother won't protect herself, he will. Eight months later, Will has to act on his decision. Said 'father' comes home drunk, and starts hitting, kicking and bashing Will's mother with a cast iron pan. When Will hears the crack from his mother's arm breaking, he steps up and tells the monster to stop. Will stabs his father twice with a Davy Crockett pocket knife. 'Dad' lives. Still walks around free. However, thirteen year old Will gets sent away.
I hated the fact that Will got punished for what he did. But even more, I hated the place they sent him to. The Swope Ranch Boys' Reformatory; an isolated valley in the side of a mountain residing 13000 feet above sea level. No way out except to serve your sentence, or die attempting escape. Reformatory? More like a 2 year sentence in Hell. Or a concentration camp for youthful offenders. Reminded me of a much harsher, crueler version of "Holes", except for the differences in locations. "Stand By Me" Alcatraz style.
The other kids at the ranch were also very well written; you cared about them, enjoyed them, became attached to them. Well, most of them anyway, with the exception of Silas Green. Silas Green was a bad seed, cruel and maniacal. Evil is a mild word for that kid, and the things he did to others; like ripping a kids ear off with his bare hands because the kid simply lost a fight. A real boy scout from Hell if you get my drift.
The warden and the cowboy guards were as bad as Silas, with only a few exceptions. The whole setup there stunk as bad as the manure they mucked out of the stalls, and was as crooked as the one way winding dirt road into the ranch. They dealt out their own brand of 'justice' on these kids. At times the horrible things they did were not merely for punishment or discipline, but simply to coerce a boy into doing something they wanted. Things such as dragging a boy behind a horse until he's almost dead, simply for refusing to fight the new boy. The fights are mere blood sport for the warden and guards; they place bets on the fights.
This is not a light, happy read by any means. At times it's painful, disturbing and heartbreaking. However, it is real, honest and poignant; and it will stay with you long after you finish it. I'm looking forward to more by David E. Hilton.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free through Goodreads. (Thank you Simon and Schuster Publishing for the opportunity to read this book). I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
May 5, 2011
Kings of Colorado came highly recommended from Mrs. Thomas, my 11th grade English teacher and mother of a long-time friend. She said it was an interesting first novel (light bulb!) and that the writing was noteworthy (light bulb!). She laid out the gist of the story (light bulb!) and said that the only drawbacks she had were a handful of brutal scenes at the boys' correctional ranch, but accepted them in the name of authenticity. Sold!
Since I'm attempting a work of my own in pared-down third-person narration, I wasn't excited about Colorado's first-person perspective and the introspection that I'm trying to avoid in my writing. But Mrs. Thomas was right: the writing was exceptional, so I read on...until I reached a hang-up around page 70. At Swope Ranch Boys’ Reformatory, when faced with threats and other obstacles, narrator Will Sheppard responds with defiant action that seems to contradict his intimidated, insecure inner thoughts. Sure, he landed at Swope for stabbing his abusive drunk father, but that was the lone rogue act in a life more commonly spent cowering in his room, wishing he had the guts to intervene while his mother was beaten. Now all of the sudden he's Cool Hand Luke? I didn't buy it.
Fortunately, Mrs. Thomas came by the library on the day I was considering giving up on the novel. I expressed my misgivings and, out of nowhere, said, "Do you think he's testing his own limits and seeing if he can be this other person?" She said, "Yes," and that was enough to give me a new perspective on the story. I was no longer bothered by the apparent contradiction and became thoroughly (re)engaged with Will and his fellow delinquents. Publisher's Weekly calls Colorado "a sort of Stand by Me behind bars," but considering its setting, another Stephen King story seems a more apt comparison: The Shawshank Redemption. The friendships forged and the presence of unexplainable evil feel straight out of Andy's and Red's world. It's similarly moving, too.
As the story progresses and the tension and chills are elevated, melodrama closely follows, but the characters are so well-crafted that it's easy to be swept up in the final stunning events. David E. Hilton has written an impressive debut novel and I'm glad that I read it in its entirety. Thanks, Mrs. Thomas!
Since I'm attempting a work of my own in pared-down third-person narration, I wasn't excited about Colorado's first-person perspective and the introspection that I'm trying to avoid in my writing. But Mrs. Thomas was right: the writing was exceptional, so I read on...until I reached a hang-up around page 70. At Swope Ranch Boys’ Reformatory, when faced with threats and other obstacles, narrator Will Sheppard responds with defiant action that seems to contradict his intimidated, insecure inner thoughts. Sure, he landed at Swope for stabbing his abusive drunk father, but that was the lone rogue act in a life more commonly spent cowering in his room, wishing he had the guts to intervene while his mother was beaten. Now all of the sudden he's Cool Hand Luke? I didn't buy it.
Fortunately, Mrs. Thomas came by the library on the day I was considering giving up on the novel. I expressed my misgivings and, out of nowhere, said, "Do you think he's testing his own limits and seeing if he can be this other person?" She said, "Yes," and that was enough to give me a new perspective on the story. I was no longer bothered by the apparent contradiction and became thoroughly (re)engaged with Will and his fellow delinquents. Publisher's Weekly calls Colorado "a sort of Stand by Me behind bars," but considering its setting, another Stephen King story seems a more apt comparison: The Shawshank Redemption. The friendships forged and the presence of unexplainable evil feel straight out of Andy's and Red's world. It's similarly moving, too.
As the story progresses and the tension and chills are elevated, melodrama closely follows, but the characters are so well-crafted that it's easy to be swept up in the final stunning events. David E. Hilton has written an impressive debut novel and I'm glad that I read it in its entirety. Thanks, Mrs. Thomas!
November 9, 2011
First things first…I loved this book! I have worked in treatment centers of the mentally ill, the developmentally disabled and boys who are out of control. I have even spit on my meal to be sure that one of those boys in treatment didn’t steal off my plate(necessary or your food disappears every time you take your eyes off the plate.) This book captured the pain and hurt you see in those kids eyes. Broken homes, drug and/or alcohol abuse, physical/emotional abuse, gang life, the list goes on and on and you can see the need for love and acceptance in each of their faces. This book broke my heart and yet it was life affirming at the same time.
A bit of Stand By Me, a bit of Lord of the Flies, a bit of what every teenager goes through and a bit of life as we all know it. The story comes to life in your head so full of color that it is hard to believe that this is a debut novel for this author. It is beautifully written and so full of life. I can’t wait to see what else David comes out with in the future.
Since this is about teen boys in treatment for crimes, it has language and adult situations you would expect. I loved this book and would give it 5 stars, but that to me means that it is a must read for everyone and this one may not be for everyone. I personally loved this story and I hate to cry, I refuse to watch a movie if someone dies because I hate to cry that much. But I cried and cried, I laughed and my heart shattered during my journey through these pages. What an extraordinary book this one is. Relationships are what we have in this life that are truly ours, embrace those you care about today.
This is a story that means more than just the words on the pages, it gives you things to think about. It makes you thankful for what you have in this life and it affirms what you hold most important. This is a book I will be keeping to read again and for my kids to read.
A bit of Stand By Me, a bit of Lord of the Flies, a bit of what every teenager goes through and a bit of life as we all know it. The story comes to life in your head so full of color that it is hard to believe that this is a debut novel for this author. It is beautifully written and so full of life. I can’t wait to see what else David comes out with in the future.
Since this is about teen boys in treatment for crimes, it has language and adult situations you would expect. I loved this book and would give it 5 stars, but that to me means that it is a must read for everyone and this one may not be for everyone. I personally loved this story and I hate to cry, I refuse to watch a movie if someone dies because I hate to cry that much. But I cried and cried, I laughed and my heart shattered during my journey through these pages. What an extraordinary book this one is. Relationships are what we have in this life that are truly ours, embrace those you care about today.
This is a story that means more than just the words on the pages, it gives you things to think about. It makes you thankful for what you have in this life and it affirms what you hold most important. This is a book I will be keeping to read again and for my kids to read.
December 24, 2020
It's not a bad book but I wasn't in the right headspace for this and didn't get anything special from it, but I'm not writing it off yet, I Will re-read this is in a better time when I can give it my full attention and hopefully enjoy it more. A 3 stars for now but hopefully it will change later
July 9, 2022
This book kept me rivited throughout. I didn't expect it to be as good as it is, for unknown reasons. Four boys around age 13-14, become friends during their time at a fictitious reform school in western Colorado. The time frame is early 1960s. Each boy has a different reason for landing in reform school, but one of them didn't do anything wrong. He took the blame for something a sibling did. This is the story, related by one of those boys all grown up, of his time in Colorado and all that happend. The book is loaded with action and memorable characters, and events you won't soon forget.
The reform school breaks horses, and some of the boys are selected to be breakers, after some time there. The others tend the horses in one way or another, and also do other necessary chores. They all work every day. Even one of the horses is a character and the lady who acts as a nurse to them all and sometimes a mother, is unforgettable. This book will break your heart. It is well written and mesmerizing.
The passages about the location and areas in Colorado seem accurate to me. I live in Colorado. I'm surprised more people haven't read this book. It's a good read, so put it on your list!
The reform school breaks horses, and some of the boys are selected to be breakers, after some time there. The others tend the horses in one way or another, and also do other necessary chores. They all work every day. Even one of the horses is a character and the lady who acts as a nurse to them all and sometimes a mother, is unforgettable. This book will break your heart. It is well written and mesmerizing.
The passages about the location and areas in Colorado seem accurate to me. I live in Colorado. I'm surprised more people haven't read this book. It's a good read, so put it on your list!
March 8, 2025
This is one of the saddest books I’ve ever read. Mix “A Little Life” with “Holes” and a sprinkle of “Lord of the Flies” and you get “Kings of Colorado”.
Be careful. This book is dark, disturbing, and heart-wrenching. The content follows some of the worst kinds of violence. These kids have been through it!😭😭 I was SOBBING for the last 30(ish) pages!
Despite how devastating the content was, I loved it. I found my heart aching for these boys. I loved the memoir-style reflecting as William tells the story of his youth. David combined the horrors of criminals with the hope of boyhood in a story that I’ll think about for years to come.
These boys deserved better. 😭😭😭
Trigger warnings:
death, murder, r*pe, bullying, language, gore, animal violence (AND basically anything you can imagine regarding violence)
Be careful. This book is dark, disturbing, and heart-wrenching. The content follows some of the worst kinds of violence. These kids have been through it!😭😭 I was SOBBING for the last 30(ish) pages!
Despite how devastating the content was, I loved it. I found my heart aching for these boys. I loved the memoir-style reflecting as William tells the story of his youth. David combined the horrors of criminals with the hope of boyhood in a story that I’ll think about for years to come.
These boys deserved better. 😭😭😭
Trigger warnings:
death, murder, r*pe, bullying, language, gore, animal violence (AND basically anything you can imagine regarding violence)
January 26, 2011
Put the book down that you are now reading and grab this one!!!!!!
This is the story of 13 year old William Sheppard. He is living in Chicago with his mother and abusive father. One day his father is beating his mother and he grabs a pen knife and stabs his father several times. His father lives but William is sent to a Boy's Reformatory outside Gunnison, Colorado. He is sentenced to two years on a ranch that breaks mustangs. Remember this young man is from Chicago.
William is faced with cold weather, mucking out stalls, and finding that the caretakers have no interest in the boy's welfare.
"Kings of Colorado" tells of the bonds that are formed, both good and bad, by the boys in the reformatory. The boys are pretty much left to their own devices and find a way to survive in a hostile world.
Their lives are somewhat mirrored in the horses that they must tame, but at what price. When, and at what point in life, does one stand up for what is good and just.
William finds that his relationship with his friends is being sorely tested. The true test of their relationship and friendship comes down to a search for some missing mustangs. They are teamed with a rival set of boys who overpower their guards and both sets of boys begin a cat and mouse game that can only lead to death.
This is one of the best books I have read, and is a little reminiscent of "Animal Farm" or "Lord of the Flies". This book will stay with you long after you have put it down, and it will have you recommending to your friends.
This is the story of 13 year old William Sheppard. He is living in Chicago with his mother and abusive father. One day his father is beating his mother and he grabs a pen knife and stabs his father several times. His father lives but William is sent to a Boy's Reformatory outside Gunnison, Colorado. He is sentenced to two years on a ranch that breaks mustangs. Remember this young man is from Chicago.
William is faced with cold weather, mucking out stalls, and finding that the caretakers have no interest in the boy's welfare.
"Kings of Colorado" tells of the bonds that are formed, both good and bad, by the boys in the reformatory. The boys are pretty much left to their own devices and find a way to survive in a hostile world.
Their lives are somewhat mirrored in the horses that they must tame, but at what price. When, and at what point in life, does one stand up for what is good and just.
William finds that his relationship with his friends is being sorely tested. The true test of their relationship and friendship comes down to a search for some missing mustangs. They are teamed with a rival set of boys who overpower their guards and both sets of boys begin a cat and mouse game that can only lead to death.
This is one of the best books I have read, and is a little reminiscent of "Animal Farm" or "Lord of the Flies". This book will stay with you long after you have put it down, and it will have you recommending to your friends.
March 26, 2017
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. David Hilton managed to tell a heart-rending tale in such a way that it was bearable, strangely uplifting--and haunting. I'm spoiled by what might be termed "high literature," which made me wonder at times, in the beginning, why I was reading this book. However, the story itself sucked me in and after a while I felt that the way it is written is perfect for the tale. It isn't flowery in any way, and it shouldn't be. It's the story of a boy--several boys--who become friends on a ranch which is a juvenile facility in the Colorado mountains. That's all you need to know, really. Read this book.
January 21, 2012
In the Kings of Colorado, a fifty year old man looks back to when he was a boy and they sent him to a boys ranch in Colorado for stabbing his abusive father. It is a coming of age tale that keeps you turning the page. I highly recommend it.
June 25, 2013
Kings of Colorado By David Hilton Wow what A book! I could not put it down. The story felt so real , so poignant. The characters most of them teens; loosing their chilhood, showed courage jealosy hope and redemption. I hope this author write more books
May 17, 2011
This is a detour from what I normally read, and it turned out to be a good adventure. It is a brutal story about coming-of-age, friendship, and learning to accept the past. Really, it wasn't what I expected, and there were some nice parallels drawn seamlessly together.
The main character, Will, is complex and likeable. However, I don't know if I felt like he really evolved as a person. He attacks his abusive father and ends up in a juvenile ranch in Colorado where it's every man for himself. The experiences he has there are brutal and, at times, unreal in their violence. The last experience in the woods lasts a long time and it is awful. I cannot imagine living through something like it and being sane afterwards. We see an older Will at the end of the novel and he is a man torn apart by guilt and haunted by ghosts from those days in Colorado. The attack on his father is never addressed really. I wanted him to come to grips with that whole thing in one way or another. Whether he finishes the job, namely Silas Green, and actually kills someone or he turns completely away from violence and sees it as something despicable. I just don't know if Will really is a fully changed man by the end of the novel. I wanted him to be better because of or in spite of his experience, but that didn't happen.
Will's friends are each very unique. I loved Benny the most. You don't really get to know Coop well enough and I wish his character were developed more before he was taken out of it simply because of how much of a crux his part became later on. Mickey is interesting, and he was not my favorite at first, but I grew to like him. Each of their stories are more and more depressing than the last. Benny's story is simply the most heartbreaking especially as it evolves. Benny is the only character that I think really grows and becomes a different person by the end. His accident makes him slower and whatnot but there is something magical and beautiful about him. I love the scene where Benny is carrying Will to the cave.
If you're looking for a light read to lift your spirits this is not it. However, it has managed to be a haunting story to me. All in all I'm glad I read it, and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for something gritty and a little thought-provoking. I gave it three out of five wild horses.
The main character, Will, is complex and likeable. However, I don't know if I felt like he really evolved as a person. He attacks his abusive father and ends up in a juvenile ranch in Colorado where it's every man for himself. The experiences he has there are brutal and, at times, unreal in their violence. The last experience in the woods lasts a long time and it is awful. I cannot imagine living through something like it and being sane afterwards. We see an older Will at the end of the novel and he is a man torn apart by guilt and haunted by ghosts from those days in Colorado. The attack on his father is never addressed really. I wanted him to come to grips with that whole thing in one way or another. Whether he finishes the job, namely Silas Green, and actually kills someone or he turns completely away from violence and sees it as something despicable. I just don't know if Will really is a fully changed man by the end of the novel. I wanted him to be better because of or in spite of his experience, but that didn't happen.
Will's friends are each very unique. I loved Benny the most. You don't really get to know Coop well enough and I wish his character were developed more before he was taken out of it simply because of how much of a crux his part became later on. Mickey is interesting, and he was not my favorite at first, but I grew to like him. Each of their stories are more and more depressing than the last. Benny's story is simply the most heartbreaking especially as it evolves. Benny is the only character that I think really grows and becomes a different person by the end. His accident makes him slower and whatnot but there is something magical and beautiful about him. I love the scene where Benny is carrying Will to the cave.
If you're looking for a light read to lift your spirits this is not it. However, it has managed to be a haunting story to me. All in all I'm glad I read it, and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for something gritty and a little thought-provoking. I gave it three out of five wild horses.
May 5, 2012
I selected this book because it is about juvenile delinquent boys at a camp in Colorado. Having traveled quite a bit in Colorado, I enjoyed the descriptions of the scenery and found the sections about breaking wild mustangs interesting. Since the audience of the books is adults, the story goes beyond young adult books like Holes with descriptions of violent crimes. The darkness of the story was too much for me. I was overwhelmed by the injustices experienced by boys within the criminal justice system.
The review on the back of the book captures it best when Will Lavender says, "For years I have searched for an heir to Golding's Lord of the Flies, and this is it. But in Kings of Colorado, Hilton allows you to look into these characters and see that redemption is possible." There just wasn't enough redemption for me to recommend the book.
The review on the back of the book captures it best when Will Lavender says, "For years I have searched for an heir to Golding's Lord of the Flies, and this is it. But in Kings of Colorado, Hilton allows you to look into these characters and see that redemption is possible." There just wasn't enough redemption for me to recommend the book.
November 3, 2021
Emotionally and dramatically this book is a success. It is meant to be a heart rending story of youth, tragedy, and friendship which it certainly is. It is difficult to read at times, but the ending is one of hope and redemption. It is well paced and a powerful read. It should be a five star book. BUT. . .
The book is flawed with sloppy mistakes on the part of the author. Some are small like stating the wake up is at 6:00 am and the next page, he states they do calisthenics at 5:30.am. But by far the worst is the blatant wrongness of the setting. One reason I chose this book is that it is set in Colorado where I have lived all my life. The setting is a ranch that is a juvenile detention center for boys high in the Colorado Rockies. It is supposed to be at 13,000 feet elevation. But the setting he describes is a heavily forested area with tall cottonwood trees and pretty temperate weather. He mentions raccoons, snakes, deer, and wild mustangs. Even this does not sound like Colorado, it is too dry here for large cottonwood forests. We have cottonwoods but they are sparse and only found along streams and rivers. And they don't grow above 6500 feet. The forests that we have in the mountains are aspen and pine and even they don't grow at 13,000 feet. Timberline in Colorado is around 11,500 feet; above that there are no trees. The ecosystem is tundra, there are no raccoons, snakes or deer that high, it's too cold. If he wanted a setting in this ecosystem, it would have been an entirely different book with different challenges. It makes me wonder how he chose that elevation other than drawing it from a hat. It seems obvious Mr. Hilton had never visited Colorado or experienced the high altitude. This total lack of basic research is to me a major flaw.
The book is flawed with sloppy mistakes on the part of the author. Some are small like stating the wake up is at 6:00 am and the next page, he states they do calisthenics at 5:30.am. But by far the worst is the blatant wrongness of the setting. One reason I chose this book is that it is set in Colorado where I have lived all my life. The setting is a ranch that is a juvenile detention center for boys high in the Colorado Rockies. It is supposed to be at 13,000 feet elevation. But the setting he describes is a heavily forested area with tall cottonwood trees and pretty temperate weather. He mentions raccoons, snakes, deer, and wild mustangs. Even this does not sound like Colorado, it is too dry here for large cottonwood forests. We have cottonwoods but they are sparse and only found along streams and rivers. And they don't grow above 6500 feet. The forests that we have in the mountains are aspen and pine and even they don't grow at 13,000 feet. Timberline in Colorado is around 11,500 feet; above that there are no trees. The ecosystem is tundra, there are no raccoons, snakes or deer that high, it's too cold. If he wanted a setting in this ecosystem, it would have been an entirely different book with different challenges. It makes me wonder how he chose that elevation other than drawing it from a hat. It seems obvious Mr. Hilton had never visited Colorado or experienced the high altitude. This total lack of basic research is to me a major flaw.
May 23, 2011
When 13 year old William Shepard stabs his stepfather in the side with an ivory handled pocket knife after trying to protect his mother from his brutal abuse, he is quickly sent off to Swope Ranch Boys’ Reformatory in the remote hills of Colorado for a stint of two years. Even though Will’s stepfather ends up surviving, the punishment for the boy is swift and severe. Though the facility is ostensibly a place for juvenile delinquents to do correctional time, the boys who live at the ranch are also responsible to care for and break the wild mustangs that are caught in the hills for eventual sale to other ranches. As William soon discovers, life at the ranch is always precarious and sometimes brutal, not only due to the attitudes of the inmates but also due to the power plays and aggressive behavior of the guards and wardens. Although his new life is harsh, William soon forms a small group of friends, and as they fulfill their sentences day by violent day, the boys become closer than brothers. When one by one the other boys begin to fall prey to horrible incidents, Will’s heart begins to break and he must hold on to himself and his sanity as life around him swirls into a maelstrom of violence, hatred and vengeance. In this debut by David E. Hinton, the terror and senseless atrocities of a boys’ correctional facility is rendered in flawless and stark detail, sharing the tale of Will and his ragtag band of friends.
I had originally thought this book would be suitable for a YA audience; however, when I began to read it, I quickly discovered that this was not the case. Though the story deals with teenage protagonists, this is in no way a story for an immature audience, and as I pressed further and further into the book, I nearly became nauseated by some of the atrocities that befell the boys of the ranch. This book reminded me very much of the movie Stand by Me, with the focus being on boys’ friendships in times of trouble, but unlike Stand by Me, this was much darker and told a story of unending sadness and heartbreak. Though it was an extremely difficult book to stomach, it was also remarkable and had the ability to pull me in to its difficult tale headfirst, and keep me trapped within its story until the very last page.
The conditions at Swope Ranch are violent and primitive, and Will must learn to navigate in a world where he must watch his back not only from the boys, but the guards as well. There is something about the way that Hilton captures the frenzy of the boys in these sections that was not only frightening to read about, but that rang true to me. In a place stacked to the gills with boys who are already known as juvenile offenders, Swope seemed to have the atmosphere of an almost dystopian community, and the conglomeration of boys reminded me of the children that populated the island in Lord of the Flies. There was one particular boy named Silas who simply seemed to be the epitome of evil, and I do not say this lightly. He was not only indifferent to the suffering of others, he was almost hungry and gleeful for it, and some of the things he does in this book were so upsetting that I had to take small frequent breaks while reading, which is something I haven’t had to do for a long while.
In his story, Hilton manages to get the alchemy of boys’ bravado and smack-talking to a level I’ve not seen before. Reading through the chapters, the gravity and impact of the boys’ daily interactions and skirmishes rang very realistically true. Reading the dialogue was like sitting unnoticed among a group of teenage boys discussing their lives and conquests, both real and imagined, and it drew me deeply into the story and heightened my compassion for these wayward boys who were just trying to get along and do their stint. There was a great camaraderie between Will and his band of friends, and just as they could throw out insults and cut each other down, they were also capable of stunning acts of kindness and loyalty.
A certain portion of the book also deals with the breaking of a particularly aggressive and ornery mustang, and in the attempts of the boys to bring her into the fold, I could see various allusions to the breaking of the boys themselves and the persistence with which they fought the impetus to change into people who are unrecognizable versions of themselves. That horse and her actions symbolized so many thing so beautifully, and I thought Hinton did a great job incorporating that particular storyline into the book.
Though there were tender times, there were times that the violence was intensely difficult to read about. The rivalries and confrontations were caustic and sometimes deadly, and the book had the capacity to be stunningly and piercingly violent, disturbing and severe. There were times that my stomach was twisting in knots and I began to get light-headed, which is something that has never happened to me before while reading a book. It was a graphic and brutal display of narrative and at times it left me breathless with rage and sorrow. Anyone considering reading this book needs to know these things before they begin, I think, as coming across some of this unaware could be startling and might turn readers off the book early.
Though there was copious violence here, there was also beauty and a deep exploration of friendship and brotherhood that would touch even the most hardened hearts. It was a story that had me moving from lofty highs to abysmal lows and back, and I think Hilton did a magnificent job creating the type of story and characters that you can’t help but become invested in. This is a book I won’t forget for many reasons, and if you’re the type of reader who can stomach strong violence and pathos, I would recommend Kings of Colorado to you heartily.
I had originally thought this book would be suitable for a YA audience; however, when I began to read it, I quickly discovered that this was not the case. Though the story deals with teenage protagonists, this is in no way a story for an immature audience, and as I pressed further and further into the book, I nearly became nauseated by some of the atrocities that befell the boys of the ranch. This book reminded me very much of the movie Stand by Me, with the focus being on boys’ friendships in times of trouble, but unlike Stand by Me, this was much darker and told a story of unending sadness and heartbreak. Though it was an extremely difficult book to stomach, it was also remarkable and had the ability to pull me in to its difficult tale headfirst, and keep me trapped within its story until the very last page.
The conditions at Swope Ranch are violent and primitive, and Will must learn to navigate in a world where he must watch his back not only from the boys, but the guards as well. There is something about the way that Hilton captures the frenzy of the boys in these sections that was not only frightening to read about, but that rang true to me. In a place stacked to the gills with boys who are already known as juvenile offenders, Swope seemed to have the atmosphere of an almost dystopian community, and the conglomeration of boys reminded me of the children that populated the island in Lord of the Flies. There was one particular boy named Silas who simply seemed to be the epitome of evil, and I do not say this lightly. He was not only indifferent to the suffering of others, he was almost hungry and gleeful for it, and some of the things he does in this book were so upsetting that I had to take small frequent breaks while reading, which is something I haven’t had to do for a long while.
In his story, Hilton manages to get the alchemy of boys’ bravado and smack-talking to a level I’ve not seen before. Reading through the chapters, the gravity and impact of the boys’ daily interactions and skirmishes rang very realistically true. Reading the dialogue was like sitting unnoticed among a group of teenage boys discussing their lives and conquests, both real and imagined, and it drew me deeply into the story and heightened my compassion for these wayward boys who were just trying to get along and do their stint. There was a great camaraderie between Will and his band of friends, and just as they could throw out insults and cut each other down, they were also capable of stunning acts of kindness and loyalty.
A certain portion of the book also deals with the breaking of a particularly aggressive and ornery mustang, and in the attempts of the boys to bring her into the fold, I could see various allusions to the breaking of the boys themselves and the persistence with which they fought the impetus to change into people who are unrecognizable versions of themselves. That horse and her actions symbolized so many thing so beautifully, and I thought Hinton did a great job incorporating that particular storyline into the book.
Though there were tender times, there were times that the violence was intensely difficult to read about. The rivalries and confrontations were caustic and sometimes deadly, and the book had the capacity to be stunningly and piercingly violent, disturbing and severe. There were times that my stomach was twisting in knots and I began to get light-headed, which is something that has never happened to me before while reading a book. It was a graphic and brutal display of narrative and at times it left me breathless with rage and sorrow. Anyone considering reading this book needs to know these things before they begin, I think, as coming across some of this unaware could be startling and might turn readers off the book early.
Though there was copious violence here, there was also beauty and a deep exploration of friendship and brotherhood that would touch even the most hardened hearts. It was a story that had me moving from lofty highs to abysmal lows and back, and I think Hilton did a magnificent job creating the type of story and characters that you can’t help but become invested in. This is a book I won’t forget for many reasons, and if you’re the type of reader who can stomach strong violence and pathos, I would recommend Kings of Colorado to you heartily.
January 30, 2021
full disclosure: skimmed it quite a bit because there was a book club deadline - but it was well-written in all its brutality, and I wouldn't have at all minded giving it my full attention & time, if I could have.
April 10, 2021
This book has reminded me so much of “a little life.” This book has left me so shocked and sad it made me crazy. I thought this book was so well written I was really into it. But my gosh it was so sad.
It made me happy that in the end everything worked out even after so much bad stuff happened at the ranch. I had no idea what to expect and I was shocked at everything that went on!
It made me happy that in the end everything worked out even after so much bad stuff happened at the ranch. I had no idea what to expect and I was shocked at everything that went on!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2017
HOLES (by Louis Sachar) for adults, and then some.
November 9, 2011
Zum Inhalt: Es ist das Jahr 1963, Will ist gerade einmal dreizehn Jahre alt. Bereits seit Jahren wird er immer wieder Zeuge wie sein Vater seine Mutter verprügelt und vergewaltigt. Und immer öfter ist auch er selbst Opfer der Gewalt. Bis er es nicht mehr aushält und seinem Vater ein Taschenmesser in die Brust sticht. Daraufhin wird er zu zwei Jahren Haft verurteilt, welche er jedoch nicht in irgendeinem Jugendknast verbringt, sondern auf einer Ranch in Colorado. Dort warten nicht nur harte Arbeit und ein streng geplanter Tagesablauf auf ihn, sondern auch noch jede Menge mehr Gewalt, als er es sogar von seinem Vater gewohnt war. Zum einen sind da natürlich die Aufpasser, welche in vielen Fällen tatsächlich die Pferde auf der Ranch besser behandeln als die Kinder. Allen voran Frank Kroft, dem das Leiden der Kinder sogar Spaß bereitet. Zum anderen gibt es aber auch unter den anderen Gefangenen einige fast schon sadistische Personen, welche Will das Leben schwer machen.
Aber zwischen all der Gewalt und Grausamkeit findet Will auch wunderbare Freunde - und das nicht nur unter den Menschen.
Meine Meinung: Ich weiß gar nicht, was ich zu diesem Buch schreiben soll. Ich habe das Gefühl, dass Worte ihm kaum gerecht werden können. Ich hatte ja bereits bei fireez (http://fireez.blogspot.com) gelesen, wie sehr sie dieses Buch umgehauen hat. Das war ja auch der Grund, weshalb ich bei ihrem Gewinnspiel mitgemacht hatte. Ich glaube, wenn ich die Inhaltsangabe im Buchladen gelesen hätte, wäre ich nie auf die Idee gekommen, das Buch zu lesen. Und das wäre wirklich eine Schande gewesen.
Ich habe es angefangen und war sofort in der Geschichte drin. Sprachlich ist es sehr flüssig und klar geschrieben, was sehr gut zum Charakter von Will passt, aus dessen Sicht es geschrieben ist. Zwar ist er aufgrund der Ereignisse verwirrt und sorgt sich um seine Mutter und sich selbst, aber dennoch merkt man immer wieder, dass er letztendlich den Blick für das Wesentliche behält und recht einfach gestrickt ist. Das spiegelt sich auch in der Sprache wieder. Sie ist unverschnörkelt, aber realistisch und wirkt dadurch nicht dramatisch, aber emotional.
Die Charaktere sind geradezu unfassbar gut und real beschrieben. Jeder hat seine eigene Geschichte und es gibt zu fast jedem einen Einblick in dessen Vergangenheit und die Umstände, unter denen er auf die Ranch kam. Ich hatte schon etwa nach der Hälfte des Buches das Gefühl, jeden einzelnen von ihnen persönlich zu kennen. So empfand ich nicht nur Sympathie für einige von ihnen, sondern echte Wut anderen gegenüber und stellenweise auch echte Trauer. Ich konnte auf jeder Seite Wills Gefühle nachempfinden und so auch seine Reaktionen verstehen.
Es gibt viele wirklich wunderschöne Momente, die so simpel und vielleicht gerade deshalb so besonders waren. Aber ihnen gegenüber steht jedes Mal auch die grausame Realität, welche Will und die anderen "Könige" immer wieder einholt. Und diese besteht aus solch einer Masse an Gewalt und Grausamkeit, dass ich manchmal echt einfach nicht weiterlesen konnte. Dabei gibt es zwar viele Momente, die wirklich eklig sind und die, wäre dies ein Film, fast schon in die Kategorie "Splatter" fallen würden, aber dennoch rutscht Hilton hier nie auf ein plattes Niveau ab, dass nur darauf aus ist, den Leser durch Grauen und Ekel zu faszinieren. Viel mehr weckte das in mir noch mehr Sympathie für die Charaktere und ihr Handeln und ließ mich verstehen, warum Kleinigkeiten wie z.B. ein Foto von Wills Mutter ihnen so viel bedeuten. Das Schlimmste ist, dass man sich gar nicht sicher sein kann, wie fiktiv und unrealistisch die Geschehnisse dieses Buches sind. Die Ranch ist relativ abgeschieden von allen umliegenden Orten und vielleicht ist es gerade das, was alle Anwesenden dazu bringt, ohne Reue zu handeln. Vielleicht gibt es aber auch Menschen, die tatsächlich einfach "böse" sind? Letztendlich ist es diese Frage, die der Leser sich immer wieder stellt und deren Antwort wohl jeder für sich anders finden muss.
Ich bin jedenfalls begeistert von "Wir sind die Könige von Colorado" und zähle es schon jetzt zu meinen Lieblingsbüchern. Insofern möchte ich mich auch nochmal bei fireez bedanken für den Lesetipp und das Gewinnspiel!
Diese und weitere Rezensionen findet ihr auch auf meinem Blog: http://rabbitholereading.blogspot.com
Aber zwischen all der Gewalt und Grausamkeit findet Will auch wunderbare Freunde - und das nicht nur unter den Menschen.
Meine Meinung: Ich weiß gar nicht, was ich zu diesem Buch schreiben soll. Ich habe das Gefühl, dass Worte ihm kaum gerecht werden können. Ich hatte ja bereits bei fireez (http://fireez.blogspot.com) gelesen, wie sehr sie dieses Buch umgehauen hat. Das war ja auch der Grund, weshalb ich bei ihrem Gewinnspiel mitgemacht hatte. Ich glaube, wenn ich die Inhaltsangabe im Buchladen gelesen hätte, wäre ich nie auf die Idee gekommen, das Buch zu lesen. Und das wäre wirklich eine Schande gewesen.
Ich habe es angefangen und war sofort in der Geschichte drin. Sprachlich ist es sehr flüssig und klar geschrieben, was sehr gut zum Charakter von Will passt, aus dessen Sicht es geschrieben ist. Zwar ist er aufgrund der Ereignisse verwirrt und sorgt sich um seine Mutter und sich selbst, aber dennoch merkt man immer wieder, dass er letztendlich den Blick für das Wesentliche behält und recht einfach gestrickt ist. Das spiegelt sich auch in der Sprache wieder. Sie ist unverschnörkelt, aber realistisch und wirkt dadurch nicht dramatisch, aber emotional.
Die Charaktere sind geradezu unfassbar gut und real beschrieben. Jeder hat seine eigene Geschichte und es gibt zu fast jedem einen Einblick in dessen Vergangenheit und die Umstände, unter denen er auf die Ranch kam. Ich hatte schon etwa nach der Hälfte des Buches das Gefühl, jeden einzelnen von ihnen persönlich zu kennen. So empfand ich nicht nur Sympathie für einige von ihnen, sondern echte Wut anderen gegenüber und stellenweise auch echte Trauer. Ich konnte auf jeder Seite Wills Gefühle nachempfinden und so auch seine Reaktionen verstehen.
Es gibt viele wirklich wunderschöne Momente, die so simpel und vielleicht gerade deshalb so besonders waren. Aber ihnen gegenüber steht jedes Mal auch die grausame Realität, welche Will und die anderen "Könige" immer wieder einholt. Und diese besteht aus solch einer Masse an Gewalt und Grausamkeit, dass ich manchmal echt einfach nicht weiterlesen konnte. Dabei gibt es zwar viele Momente, die wirklich eklig sind und die, wäre dies ein Film, fast schon in die Kategorie "Splatter" fallen würden, aber dennoch rutscht Hilton hier nie auf ein plattes Niveau ab, dass nur darauf aus ist, den Leser durch Grauen und Ekel zu faszinieren. Viel mehr weckte das in mir noch mehr Sympathie für die Charaktere und ihr Handeln und ließ mich verstehen, warum Kleinigkeiten wie z.B. ein Foto von Wills Mutter ihnen so viel bedeuten. Das Schlimmste ist, dass man sich gar nicht sicher sein kann, wie fiktiv und unrealistisch die Geschehnisse dieses Buches sind. Die Ranch ist relativ abgeschieden von allen umliegenden Orten und vielleicht ist es gerade das, was alle Anwesenden dazu bringt, ohne Reue zu handeln. Vielleicht gibt es aber auch Menschen, die tatsächlich einfach "böse" sind? Letztendlich ist es diese Frage, die der Leser sich immer wieder stellt und deren Antwort wohl jeder für sich anders finden muss.
Ich bin jedenfalls begeistert von "Wir sind die Könige von Colorado" und zähle es schon jetzt zu meinen Lieblingsbüchern. Insofern möchte ich mich auch nochmal bei fireez bedanken für den Lesetipp und das Gewinnspiel!
Diese und weitere Rezensionen findet ihr auch auf meinem Blog: http://rabbitholereading.blogspot.com
November 14, 2012
With Kings of Colorado, David E. Hilton has managed to recreate Lord of the Flies for a whole new Generation. This novel, is the story of stark circumstances and terrible violence all residing in world of hidden beauty. We follow the protagonist William Shepherd after he plunges his Davy Crocket hunting knife into his abusive father's chest, an act that gets him shipped off to SWOOP reformatory in Colorado. This reformatory is nothing like David has ever seen holding both evil and good characters and a series of untamable wild horses. David quickly fosters friendships with three other delinquent boys (Coop, Mickey, and Benny), each of which possesses their own story of violence and tragedy.
Together these boys deem themselves Kings of Colorado, mastering the art of breaking horses as well as coming to terms with the acts that they have committed. However within swoop evil will attempt to over power. Silas Green, an older boy, is the merciless commander within the reformatory. His acts of violence exceed what the other boys can comprehend. Silas is so uncontrolled and inhuman that one scene even depicts him pulling off another boys ears, with a sense of calmness that belongs in church. Evil also flows through the men in charge of the reformatory. The guards gamble on fights that occur between the boys and one guard in particular uses his power to take advantage of the boys in a sexual manner.
Tragedies fall down upon the boys from these sources of either, yet one thing remains constant. William longs to tame the horse, Reaper, a beautiful white mare as wild as they come. Through the taming as well as the brutal acts he endures William becomes aware that he is no longer within the confines of safe society but rather now in a savage world where their lives mean next to nothing. In the end horses escape and a group of boys ascend into the mountains where they will encounter one more final and terrible test.
In short I loved this book. It was a fast read and I did not find myself drifting off or loosing interest. All the characters are incredibly engaging, each possessing something that pulls the reader in and demands their attention and sympathy. The stark contrast between good and evil is what propels this book forward. It presents us with characters so evil we know there will be no redemption while making us sympathize with characters who's evil acts are what grant them redemption. It demands the reader to think about the difference between a punishable act and one that should be rewarded.
A warning in advance though, the violence is graphic. Bullet wounds are described clearly and with no censor. An ear gets pulled off, fists are thrown, Knives are used. This is not a story for those who have a fear of blood or getting dirty. I personally have no complaint against the violence, in my eyes it does nothing more then to further our understanding of this stark violent world our protagonist finds himself in. The imagery is lovely in a very "Cormac McCarthy"esque way. We must accept that what is terrible may also be beautiful, and what is beautiful may hide dark and terrible secrets. Over all though I felt this was a coming of age story for Will Shepherd, who must rebuild his life from the dust that he has been left with.
Excellent Book! I would suggest it to any reader.
Together these boys deem themselves Kings of Colorado, mastering the art of breaking horses as well as coming to terms with the acts that they have committed. However within swoop evil will attempt to over power. Silas Green, an older boy, is the merciless commander within the reformatory. His acts of violence exceed what the other boys can comprehend. Silas is so uncontrolled and inhuman that one scene even depicts him pulling off another boys ears, with a sense of calmness that belongs in church. Evil also flows through the men in charge of the reformatory. The guards gamble on fights that occur between the boys and one guard in particular uses his power to take advantage of the boys in a sexual manner.
Tragedies fall down upon the boys from these sources of either, yet one thing remains constant. William longs to tame the horse, Reaper, a beautiful white mare as wild as they come. Through the taming as well as the brutal acts he endures William becomes aware that he is no longer within the confines of safe society but rather now in a savage world where their lives mean next to nothing. In the end horses escape and a group of boys ascend into the mountains where they will encounter one more final and terrible test.
In short I loved this book. It was a fast read and I did not find myself drifting off or loosing interest. All the characters are incredibly engaging, each possessing something that pulls the reader in and demands their attention and sympathy. The stark contrast between good and evil is what propels this book forward. It presents us with characters so evil we know there will be no redemption while making us sympathize with characters who's evil acts are what grant them redemption. It demands the reader to think about the difference between a punishable act and one that should be rewarded.
A warning in advance though, the violence is graphic. Bullet wounds are described clearly and with no censor. An ear gets pulled off, fists are thrown, Knives are used. This is not a story for those who have a fear of blood or getting dirty. I personally have no complaint against the violence, in my eyes it does nothing more then to further our understanding of this stark violent world our protagonist finds himself in. The imagery is lovely in a very "Cormac McCarthy"esque way. We must accept that what is terrible may also be beautiful, and what is beautiful may hide dark and terrible secrets. Over all though I felt this was a coming of age story for Will Shepherd, who must rebuild his life from the dust that he has been left with.
Excellent Book! I would suggest it to any reader.
May 24, 2017
This is probably my favorite book of the year so far. I loved the characters, you could just feel their pain and their anguish. It seemed as though I was right there with them.
October 9, 2011
~*Die Story*~
Es ist der Sommer 1963. Ein Sommer, der alles verändert.
William Sheppard, auch Will genannt, ist 13 Jahre alt und eigentlich noch ein Kind. Sein Alltag zuhause ist geprägt von den gewaltsamen Schlägen und Demüdigungen seines Vaters. Als der sich wiederholt gegen seine Mutter richtet, entscheidet sich Will unbeholfen zu einer verzweifelten Tat: Er sticht zu. Für seine Mutter, für ihn – für das Ende eines Alptraums!
Doch sein Vater überlebt!
Will wird zu 2 Jahren Strafe auf einer Erziehungsanstalt in Colorado verurteilt. Gemeinsam mit anderen straffälligen Jugendlichen soll er dort seine „gerechte“ Strafe aussitzen. Ein Einzug in eine noch dunklere Hölle!
Es beginnen 24 Monate, die ihm zu einem noch schlimmeren Alptraum werden sollen, als er bis dahin vermutet. Denn auf der abgelegenen Erziehungsanstalt in Colorado passieren weit dramatischere Dinge als das Abrichten von Wildpferden.
In Benny, Coop und Mickey findet er Verbündete. Sie werden zu seinen Freunden.
Es scheint, als könnten sie gemeinsam alles sein. Auch Könige, die Könige von Colorado.
~*Meine Meinung*~
Zugegeben, David E. Hiltons Geschichte hat mich an meine persönlichen Grenzen stoßen lassen. Sie ist derart erschreckend und gewaltsam, dass ich mich an einigen Stellen zusammenreißen musste, weiter zu lesen. Bereits auf den ersten Seiten wurde ich von Hilton auf eine harte Probe gestellt, in der er mir das dramatische Ableben eines Pferdes beschrieb. Eine Sache, die zu dem Entschluss weiter zu lesen, nicht unbedingt beigetragen hat.
Die Dinge, die in der Geschichte passieren, sind oft brutal. Wirklich brutal. Hilton nennt sie unverblühmt beim Namen. Oft schüttelte ich mich vor Ekel und Entsetzen, musste einige Sekunden in mich gehen, damit das Kopfkino welches sich unweigerlich vor meinen Augen abspielte wieder abflachte. Ja, ich hab gekämpft!
Jedoch, und das muss man Hilton wirklich zu Gute halten, erzählte er mir auch eine wunderbare rührende Geschichte von Freundschaft und vom Leben. Von einem Leben, welches sich erschreckenderweise wirklich so ereignen kann.
Hilton hat mir eines sehr deutlich gemacht. Ein einziger Moment oder eine einzige Tat kann tatsächlich alles verändern – dein gesamtes restliches Leben. Unser aller Leben ist geprägt von schier unerträglichen und wahnsinnig schönen Momenten. In „Wir sind die Könige von Colorado“ zeigte mir Hilton, dass ganz kleine Dinge, die uns oft alltäglich erscheinen und von uns nicht selten für selbstverständlich genommen werden, alles bedeuten können. Für Will waren diese Momente Rettungsanker. Rettungsanker auf einer qualvollen Reise.
Hilton hat mich entsetzt und gebannt zugleich. Seine Schreibstil ist fesselnd, ausschmückend und irgendwie grandios. Trotz aller Qualen, die er mir aufgezeigt hat, hat er mich in meinem Entschluss gestärkt, auch seinen nächsten Roman zu lesen. Ich kann nur hoffen, dass dieser einfach ein bisschen harmloser wird!!
Es ist der Sommer 1963. Ein Sommer, der alles verändert.
William Sheppard, auch Will genannt, ist 13 Jahre alt und eigentlich noch ein Kind. Sein Alltag zuhause ist geprägt von den gewaltsamen Schlägen und Demüdigungen seines Vaters. Als der sich wiederholt gegen seine Mutter richtet, entscheidet sich Will unbeholfen zu einer verzweifelten Tat: Er sticht zu. Für seine Mutter, für ihn – für das Ende eines Alptraums!
Doch sein Vater überlebt!
Will wird zu 2 Jahren Strafe auf einer Erziehungsanstalt in Colorado verurteilt. Gemeinsam mit anderen straffälligen Jugendlichen soll er dort seine „gerechte“ Strafe aussitzen. Ein Einzug in eine noch dunklere Hölle!
Es beginnen 24 Monate, die ihm zu einem noch schlimmeren Alptraum werden sollen, als er bis dahin vermutet. Denn auf der abgelegenen Erziehungsanstalt in Colorado passieren weit dramatischere Dinge als das Abrichten von Wildpferden.
In Benny, Coop und Mickey findet er Verbündete. Sie werden zu seinen Freunden.
Es scheint, als könnten sie gemeinsam alles sein. Auch Könige, die Könige von Colorado.
~*Meine Meinung*~
Zugegeben, David E. Hiltons Geschichte hat mich an meine persönlichen Grenzen stoßen lassen. Sie ist derart erschreckend und gewaltsam, dass ich mich an einigen Stellen zusammenreißen musste, weiter zu lesen. Bereits auf den ersten Seiten wurde ich von Hilton auf eine harte Probe gestellt, in der er mir das dramatische Ableben eines Pferdes beschrieb. Eine Sache, die zu dem Entschluss weiter zu lesen, nicht unbedingt beigetragen hat.
Die Dinge, die in der Geschichte passieren, sind oft brutal. Wirklich brutal. Hilton nennt sie unverblühmt beim Namen. Oft schüttelte ich mich vor Ekel und Entsetzen, musste einige Sekunden in mich gehen, damit das Kopfkino welches sich unweigerlich vor meinen Augen abspielte wieder abflachte. Ja, ich hab gekämpft!
Jedoch, und das muss man Hilton wirklich zu Gute halten, erzählte er mir auch eine wunderbare rührende Geschichte von Freundschaft und vom Leben. Von einem Leben, welches sich erschreckenderweise wirklich so ereignen kann.
Hilton hat mir eines sehr deutlich gemacht. Ein einziger Moment oder eine einzige Tat kann tatsächlich alles verändern – dein gesamtes restliches Leben. Unser aller Leben ist geprägt von schier unerträglichen und wahnsinnig schönen Momenten. In „Wir sind die Könige von Colorado“ zeigte mir Hilton, dass ganz kleine Dinge, die uns oft alltäglich erscheinen und von uns nicht selten für selbstverständlich genommen werden, alles bedeuten können. Für Will waren diese Momente Rettungsanker. Rettungsanker auf einer qualvollen Reise.
Hilton hat mich entsetzt und gebannt zugleich. Seine Schreibstil ist fesselnd, ausschmückend und irgendwie grandios. Trotz aller Qualen, die er mir aufgezeigt hat, hat er mich in meinem Entschluss gestärkt, auch seinen nächsten Roman zu lesen. Ich kann nur hoffen, dass dieser einfach ein bisschen harmloser wird!!
March 16, 2012
I received this book back in July from a First-Reads Giveaway and I finally found time to read it....from the first page.....I was sucked right in and I really struggled to put it down so I could do real life things.....I give the book 4 stars instead of 5 because of the language and violence.....but still a wonderful book.
This book broke my heart.....there were several times that I caught myself crying for the dear boys in each of their tragic situations. This is a very violent book....the physical violence that is evident throughout the novel is, at times, almost too much to bear...I admit there are some things that were done that I had never even heard of before and now wish I could forget them. At the same time, the simple act of violence is a huge part of why this book gets under your skin so strongly and makes you feel and care for this bunch of world-weary teens. Will Shepherd is such a sweet young man and to having to endure all that he does thru this story.....causes you to bond with him as though you are a brother or sister for you get to know him so very well and know that he does not belong in this 'hell' in the Colorado Rockies....
I felt, at times, that this book had a bit of 'Of Mice and Men' by John Steinbeck running thru it.....the caring, intelligent boy and the strong dim-witted boy. There were such tender moments in the book between the boys and their bonds that I would find myself crying for them....wanting them to be anywhere else....away from Swope Reformatory and living normal young adult lives. Just thinking about Will and his memories of his mother and a very emotional and tender moment with his sneaker.....my eyes start welling up again.
There are some very horrible and evil people on the ranch......that do unspeakable things to the boys i.e., Frank Croft and Silas Green. Those two will forever haunt my mind as being probably the most deplorable and inhumane characters of any book I have ever read. Even though there is much ugliness at Swope....there is a sanctuary in the infirmary where William and his friends find hope and love thru the actions of the nurse, Miss Little.
The ending will not disappoint and you will never again look the same way at a simple little toy jack.....this was an amazing book with a tough love story and I will certainly be looking forward to reading more of David E. Hilton's work in the future.
This book broke my heart.....there were several times that I caught myself crying for the dear boys in each of their tragic situations. This is a very violent book....the physical violence that is evident throughout the novel is, at times, almost too much to bear...I admit there are some things that were done that I had never even heard of before and now wish I could forget them. At the same time, the simple act of violence is a huge part of why this book gets under your skin so strongly and makes you feel and care for this bunch of world-weary teens. Will Shepherd is such a sweet young man and to having to endure all that he does thru this story.....causes you to bond with him as though you are a brother or sister for you get to know him so very well and know that he does not belong in this 'hell' in the Colorado Rockies....
I felt, at times, that this book had a bit of 'Of Mice and Men' by John Steinbeck running thru it.....the caring, intelligent boy and the strong dim-witted boy. There were such tender moments in the book between the boys and their bonds that I would find myself crying for them....wanting them to be anywhere else....away from Swope Reformatory and living normal young adult lives. Just thinking about Will and his memories of his mother and a very emotional and tender moment with his sneaker.....my eyes start welling up again.
There are some very horrible and evil people on the ranch......that do unspeakable things to the boys i.e., Frank Croft and Silas Green. Those two will forever haunt my mind as being probably the most deplorable and inhumane characters of any book I have ever read. Even though there is much ugliness at Swope....there is a sanctuary in the infirmary where William and his friends find hope and love thru the actions of the nurse, Miss Little.
The ending will not disappoint and you will never again look the same way at a simple little toy jack.....this was an amazing book with a tough love story and I will certainly be looking forward to reading more of David E. Hilton's work in the future.
February 22, 2015
The novel Kings of Colorado by David E. Hilton was one of the most compelling and emotionally draining books I've read. It tells the story of Will Sheppards's experiences during 2 years at a boy's reformatory ranch in Colorado. Woven throughout the novel are the stories of several other boys living at the ranch and their impact on Will's life. Will is sent to the reformatory ranch in Colorado after stabbing his father with a knife when he is once again beating up on Will's mother. After going to the ranch, Will forms a bond with 3 other boys, all close to him in age---Benny, Cooper, and Mickey and all having ended up there through their role in fighting back at horrible situations in their families. These boys cling to their relationships with each other in the midst of unbelievable brutality they face in their daily existence on this ranch from both staff at the ranch and one boy, Silas Green. At times it was difficult to read about the physical brutality they endured from the warden and staff and the brutality that was allowed to be inflicted by the boys themselves upon those who were weaker and younger. Two of the 4 boys, Cooper and Benny, end up dead as victims of such brutality by the end of the novel. However, the novel is only about violence and brutality. The friendship of these 4 boys and their loyalty toward each other transcends all the ugliness of their situation. The author has done an amazing job of developing the relationships between the boys and looking deep into the human heart and emotions.
September 5, 2021
I rarely write reviews when I dislike a book, because I feel my opinion should not matter to another person when deciding whether or not to read a book, but this book was so disappointing and frustrating to read, that I need to vent. Anyone interested in this book should still read it, because it was a great story, but it was so poorly executed, that at times I found myself unable to concentrate on the pages, because thoughts of how it should have been written kept drowning out the words. I had to go back and reread pages so many times. My biggest complaint is with the fact that there is no character development whatsoever in this book. It makes everything seem like a cliche and characters just hollow shells. If I don't care about the characters, I don't care what happens to them. That's a given rule to writing. At one point the author even goes out of his way to avoid character development. I don't want to put spoilers in this review, but at one of the biggest plot points of the book, a time in which character development should be hard to avoid, this author does just that! He actually uses the words, "I don't want to tell you too much about ____, or how it affected me. As important and as personal as those things are..." It has to be the laziest writing I've ever seen. Read it and judge for yourself, but I am shocked by the poor execution of this book. It's a first draft at best.
November 1, 2013
The passage(s) that I decided has shaped the book so far...
"Mickey ran up, out of breath, and just stared openmouthed. When I whispered Benny’s name, Mickey held his head and squatted, as though feeling every ounce of the pain himself.
It was my fault, I wanted to say. I may have even mouthed it, but Mickey didn’t see. Guilt flooded my heart as the scene replayed itself in my head. It had been my fault. I turned to vomit, and when nothing came, I fell to my knees and cried.”
This passage is immediately after they find their friend on the ground that had just had his head smashed in from getting hit by a horse. Will (main character) feels so guilty because it was supposed to be his stall to clean but benny (the friend who was hit) had done it for him and later got injured while doing it. I feel this passage defines the book so far and really captures how close they had become since meeting on the ranch. This passage is significant because it shows how devastated they were to lose a friend almost weeks after they had just lost their other friend. Will and mickey (other friend) know that they will become even closer after this and that they must stick together if they want to make it through the rest of their time at the ranch. Just from this passage you are able to see how hard the loss is for them and how close they had become.
"Mickey ran up, out of breath, and just stared openmouthed. When I whispered Benny’s name, Mickey held his head and squatted, as though feeling every ounce of the pain himself.
It was my fault, I wanted to say. I may have even mouthed it, but Mickey didn’t see. Guilt flooded my heart as the scene replayed itself in my head. It had been my fault. I turned to vomit, and when nothing came, I fell to my knees and cried.”
This passage is immediately after they find their friend on the ground that had just had his head smashed in from getting hit by a horse. Will (main character) feels so guilty because it was supposed to be his stall to clean but benny (the friend who was hit) had done it for him and later got injured while doing it. I feel this passage defines the book so far and really captures how close they had become since meeting on the ranch. This passage is significant because it shows how devastated they were to lose a friend almost weeks after they had just lost their other friend. Will and mickey (other friend) know that they will become even closer after this and that they must stick together if they want to make it through the rest of their time at the ranch. Just from this passage you are able to see how hard the loss is for them and how close they had become.
July 15, 2011
This is an amazing book! 4.5!!!
This is the story of Will Shepard and the time he spent at a juvenile correction/reform camp high in the mountains of Colorado in the mid 60's. It is a coming of age story, but not in the ordinary sense. These boys have already been broken by the circumstances that have landed them here in the first place. The job of the ranch is to break horses and the boys sent there. There is a brutality in the lives of these boys that will be unfamiliar to those of you who have had a happy days childhood. As the story unfolds, the reader is brought into each boys circumstance. The boys have to learn to trust each other and make a family or be alone to face what lies ahead.
What really struck me about this story is that we never forget the things that happen to us in childhood. We can tuck them away, so far into our heads, that we almost forget and then you are 63 yrs old and come across an accident on the freeway and it all comes rushing back like it was yesterday.
There is a lot of violence in this story, but it is essential and it is the reality of many lives. This book may make you uncomfortable in sections, but it is well worth the effort.
This is the story of Will Shepard and the time he spent at a juvenile correction/reform camp high in the mountains of Colorado in the mid 60's. It is a coming of age story, but not in the ordinary sense. These boys have already been broken by the circumstances that have landed them here in the first place. The job of the ranch is to break horses and the boys sent there. There is a brutality in the lives of these boys that will be unfamiliar to those of you who have had a happy days childhood. As the story unfolds, the reader is brought into each boys circumstance. The boys have to learn to trust each other and make a family or be alone to face what lies ahead.
What really struck me about this story is that we never forget the things that happen to us in childhood. We can tuck them away, so far into our heads, that we almost forget and then you are 63 yrs old and come across an accident on the freeway and it all comes rushing back like it was yesterday.
There is a lot of violence in this story, but it is essential and it is the reality of many lives. This book may make you uncomfortable in sections, but it is well worth the effort.
January 5, 2023
I decided this book was one of my favorites after the first chapter. You instantly get sucked into the story line. This book was one of the sadest, goriest, beautifulest book I've ever read. It horrifies you and touches your heart. I couldn't believe all the things the boys in the book were exposed to. What happened in the main characters life is unimaginable. I feel like this book is something everyone should read. It shows you the beauty in life and the horrers in life. The book was beautifully written with plenty of details. There were no plot holes. The author did an amazing job at portraying the lifes of the characters in the book and their feelings. I never thought I'd ever pick up a book like this but it will always have a place in my heart. This is book is truely unforgettable. I highly recommend it.
I should warn you that if you have a weak stomach this book may be more disturbing for you. It has some gory parts but I didn't think it was too bad and I have a rather weak stomach.
I should warn you that if you have a weak stomach this book may be more disturbing for you. It has some gory parts but I didn't think it was too bad and I have a rather weak stomach.
October 13, 2014
I read this book in only four days. I was surprised when I realized this. It moves very fast and the images are sometimes painful and mainy times disturbing. Because I was reading before bed, I would think, "I should go to sleep but I can't end on that scene, it'll give me nightmares." Anyone who knows me, knows I don't go in for horror and that's not what this is - it's suspense, coming-of-age, maybe even a little bit thriller at the end, but mostly it's just a well-written story with characters that are well-crafted and tug at your heart strings. I found tears forming time and again and I actually got angry with the author at times - how could you do this??? He truly pushed the envelope in terms of nearly alienating his reader at times. Still, amazing debut, so I'm more than a little jealous. Bravo, Mr. Hilton.
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