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The Strange and Astounding Memoirs of Watt O'Hugh the Third #1
The Ghosts of Watt O'Hugh
Watt O'Hugh III is a self-made man, Civil War vet, Time Roamer, former orphan of the New York slums and dime novel hero of the lost, magical West of the 1870s - and his riotous adventures mark one of the most original literary fantasy novels in recent memory. When O'Hugh returns to New York as the star of a Wild West show, he thinks his ship has come in. But that's before he wakes up in a Wyoming penitentiary facing a murder charge, a corrupt Wall Street banker turned outlaw and a 2000-year-old Chinese mystery that could change the world forever. All he really wants is to woo Lucy Billings again, the woman he loved and lost in a gilded New York City before the War ....
214 pages, Paperback
First published June 28, 2011
27 people are currently reading
563 people want to read
About the author
Steven S. Drachman
4 books28 followersI am a writer and critic whose work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Boston Phoenix, Entertainment Weekly, The Village Voice and The Chicago Sun-Times, among other places. I grew up in Maryland and I currently live in Park Slope, Brooklyn.
I suppose that rather than write ten other books, I put everything that I love into the Watt O'Hugh trilogy. So this is a Western, and a sci-fi/fantasy novel, a love story, and a historical novel of ancient China and 19th century America that I researched carefully. If I could have made it a musical too, maybe I would have. You'll find ghosts, time Roaming Western gunmen, women of the dark arts, Chinese emperors from the First and the 19th Century, an army of "Deadlings" (they're like zombies, only different), a breathless horseback tour of New York City in 1874, shoot-outs in Nebraska and in Manhattan's Great Roman Hippodrome theater that I think you'll remember for a while, and various true historical figures, such as J.P. Morgan and Oscar Wilde. I've tried my best to give you a smart and wild ride, and I hope you'll enjoy it.
If you've read my book, or are interested in my book, and want to get in touch, please do. I would love to hear from you. (If you're a blogger, and you'd like to review my book, please let me know!)
I suppose that rather than write ten other books, I put everything that I love into the Watt O'Hugh trilogy. So this is a Western, and a sci-fi/fantasy novel, a love story, and a historical novel of ancient China and 19th century America that I researched carefully. If I could have made it a musical too, maybe I would have. You'll find ghosts, time Roaming Western gunmen, women of the dark arts, Chinese emperors from the First and the 19th Century, an army of "Deadlings" (they're like zombies, only different), a breathless horseback tour of New York City in 1874, shoot-outs in Nebraska and in Manhattan's Great Roman Hippodrome theater that I think you'll remember for a while, and various true historical figures, such as J.P. Morgan and Oscar Wilde. I've tried my best to give you a smart and wild ride, and I hope you'll enjoy it.
If you've read my book, or are interested in my book, and want to get in touch, please do. I would love to hear from you. (If you're a blogger, and you'd like to review my book, please let me know!)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 8, 2015
Watt O'Hugh the Third is a gunslinging cowboy in a wild west show but he's also something much more. When J.P. Morgan gets Watt thrown into a Wyoming prison, what has he gotten himself into? And can he bust out and reunite with the woman he loves?
The Ghosts of Watt O’Hugh is the first part of a memoir written by a time-traveling cowboy. Watt goes from roaming the West to starring in a Wild West show to finding himself railroaded by J.P. Morgan into stopping whatever it is that's going on in the paradisaical mountain town of Sidonia.
As you might be able to tell, The Ghosts of Watt O'Hugh is a genre-bender with an epic scope. It's also a tale of lost love since Watt can't put his feelings for Lucy Billings aside.
The book was actually pretty funny at times, although there's an underlying current of sadness. There were enough unanswered questions to keep me plowing through the book when I should have been doing other things.
I liked this book but I wanted to love it. I don't know if it was a case of wrong book, wrong time, but I felt like I was in the dark for a lot of it. Watt's a pretty interesting character, though, and I'm curious about what finally shakes out. I'll probably wait until the trilogy is completed, though. Three out of five stars, though I plan on re-reading it once the trilogy is complete.
The Ghosts of Watt O’Hugh is the first part of a memoir written by a time-traveling cowboy. Watt goes from roaming the West to starring in a Wild West show to finding himself railroaded by J.P. Morgan into stopping whatever it is that's going on in the paradisaical mountain town of Sidonia.
As you might be able to tell, The Ghosts of Watt O'Hugh is a genre-bender with an epic scope. It's also a tale of lost love since Watt can't put his feelings for Lucy Billings aside.
The book was actually pretty funny at times, although there's an underlying current of sadness. There were enough unanswered questions to keep me plowing through the book when I should have been doing other things.
I liked this book but I wanted to love it. I don't know if it was a case of wrong book, wrong time, but I felt like I was in the dark for a lot of it. Watt's a pretty interesting character, though, and I'm curious about what finally shakes out. I'll probably wait until the trilogy is completed, though. Three out of five stars, though I plan on re-reading it once the trilogy is complete.
August 29, 2012
Ghosts has a big heart and will appeal to lovers of Western mash-ups. You’ve got mysticism. You’ve got zombies. You’ve got a fascist utopia. You’ve got time travel. You’ve got ghosts and gunfighters. You’ve got politics. But it’s carried off with a restrained quality that prevents the story from careening off the rails. Even the violence is restrained. The reluctant hero, Watt O’Hugh, tends to the laconic, and he relates his shootouts in matter-of-fact style. In fact, I would describe the predominant emotional tone of the novel as melancholic. In some ways, The Ghosts of Watt O’Hugh is a tragic romance. The reluctant hero has lost his one true love and spends much of the novel pining for her or seeking her out.
Numerous hanging threads are left to a sequel – Why is Watt aided (and his shot guided true) by a gang of ghosts? What are the plans of the supposedly good (questionably so) time-traveling master who helps him escape from jail? What exactly are the leaders of the utopia doing? How are they taking over cities and driving violence before them? How do they control the zombies (deadlings) they create? What exactly is the utopian leader’s purpose for creating these deadlings? How have they accessed so much mystical power? Watt finds himself just trying to survive his adventures against this mysterious backdrop—he trusts no one and gets few clear answers. Like Watt, I was also left wanting to understand the situation more clearly and was left unsure what to believe. Looks like a sequel might be needed to puzzle together the pieces.
I reckon 4 stars for lovers of Westerns, 3 stars for those who don’t cotton to the genre.
Numerous hanging threads are left to a sequel – Why is Watt aided (and his shot guided true) by a gang of ghosts? What are the plans of the supposedly good (questionably so) time-traveling master who helps him escape from jail? What exactly are the leaders of the utopia doing? How are they taking over cities and driving violence before them? How do they control the zombies (deadlings) they create? What exactly is the utopian leader’s purpose for creating these deadlings? How have they accessed so much mystical power? Watt finds himself just trying to survive his adventures against this mysterious backdrop—he trusts no one and gets few clear answers. Like Watt, I was also left wanting to understand the situation more clearly and was left unsure what to believe. Looks like a sequel might be needed to puzzle together the pieces.
I reckon 4 stars for lovers of Westerns, 3 stars for those who don’t cotton to the genre.
August 22, 2011
The American West is already imbued with a near mythological quality in the American imagination and thus the combination of the American West with elements of the fantastic is an infrequent occurrence. Given its infrequency I rather look forward to that special combination of familiar American mythology made strange by the mystical or the macabre. So when author Steven S. Drachman asked me to take a look at his novel The Ghosts of Watt O’Hugh I was excited to once again delve into the magic of the American West.
The Ghosts of Watt O’Hugh is part time travel tale, part ancient mystery, part romance, and part Western adventure. The title character, Watt O’Hugh III, is an orphan, turned cowboy turned Western Hero turned showman. As the novel opens he is living large as the star of his very own Western show funded by none other than J. P. Morgan. Of course things don’t go smoothly for O’Hugh and he soon finds himself embroiled in a scheme to rescue the love of his life, secure money stolen from J. P. Morgan, and stop the discovery of an ancient Chinese secret from destroying the world.
The time travel elements of The Ghosts of Watt O’Hugh are subtle despite being prevalent. Drachman cleverly side-steps the typical difficulties of time travel stories by carefully setting out that Roamers can only observe and never change the outcome of past events. It is a nice touch and gives Watt O’Hugh to useful means to get a change in perspective. Of course there is an exception to this rule; a man who Watt eventually (and reluctantly) becomes an agent of. Bizarrely (and refreshingly) the titular Ghosts are never quite addressed completely. You learn where the Ghosts come from but our narrator (Watt himself) is hardly impartial and while his companions question their presence Watt himself (and thus the novel at whole) never does. I think this is a nice touch; it keeps the magic magical.
The heart of The Ghosts of Watt O’Hugh is a love story. The novel opens up with Watt’s last brief, cherished encounter with Lucy Billings. Watt’s rose-tinted view of his last moments with Lucy are cut short by the New York Draft Riots and what follows is a hard-scrabble life that eventually leads to some fame and eventually back to Lucy. That reunion is well worth the journey and is one of the most touching scenes I’ve read in a long time. Lucy is the real impetus behind Watt’s actions and her presence, even when she isn’t physically in the novel, is palpable throughout.
The novel, narrated by a future incarnation of Watt, employs a deft tone of both loss and humor. The novel’s only real stumbling block (a well-documented pet peeve of mine) was a lengthy spat of exposition. Said exposition deals with the ancient Chinese secret which, even after all the exposition, I wasn’t too clear on (I suppose because it is still a secret). The pacing up until that point was pretty solid and it took me a minute or two switch gears. It really is a minor issue and Drachman does his best to break it up a little bit but it remains the only part of the novel that really did not work for me. Really that section was just Drachman tapping lightly on the brakes before smashing the gas pedal straight to the floor. The final chapters fly by and feature some of the funniest (Oscar Wilde’s cameo!) and most over-the-top ridiculous (holes in reality!) scenes of the novel.
The Ghosts of Watt O’Hughis one of the most exciting and original debuts I’ve read in years. While it’s being released independently I wouldn’t be surprised to see it picked up by a major publisher at some point in the future. Tragic, funny, thrilling and something completely different The Ghosts of Watt O’Hugh is well worth a look for fans of westerns, fantasy, and adventure. This is only the beginning and I really look forward to seeing where Drachman takes Watt next. You can read a sample of the novel, and find out more about the book, at www.watt-ohugh.com.
The Ghosts of Watt O’Hugh is part time travel tale, part ancient mystery, part romance, and part Western adventure. The title character, Watt O’Hugh III, is an orphan, turned cowboy turned Western Hero turned showman. As the novel opens he is living large as the star of his very own Western show funded by none other than J. P. Morgan. Of course things don’t go smoothly for O’Hugh and he soon finds himself embroiled in a scheme to rescue the love of his life, secure money stolen from J. P. Morgan, and stop the discovery of an ancient Chinese secret from destroying the world.
The time travel elements of The Ghosts of Watt O’Hugh are subtle despite being prevalent. Drachman cleverly side-steps the typical difficulties of time travel stories by carefully setting out that Roamers can only observe and never change the outcome of past events. It is a nice touch and gives Watt O’Hugh to useful means to get a change in perspective. Of course there is an exception to this rule; a man who Watt eventually (and reluctantly) becomes an agent of. Bizarrely (and refreshingly) the titular Ghosts are never quite addressed completely. You learn where the Ghosts come from but our narrator (Watt himself) is hardly impartial and while his companions question their presence Watt himself (and thus the novel at whole) never does. I think this is a nice touch; it keeps the magic magical.
The heart of The Ghosts of Watt O’Hugh is a love story. The novel opens up with Watt’s last brief, cherished encounter with Lucy Billings. Watt’s rose-tinted view of his last moments with Lucy are cut short by the New York Draft Riots and what follows is a hard-scrabble life that eventually leads to some fame and eventually back to Lucy. That reunion is well worth the journey and is one of the most touching scenes I’ve read in a long time. Lucy is the real impetus behind Watt’s actions and her presence, even when she isn’t physically in the novel, is palpable throughout.
The novel, narrated by a future incarnation of Watt, employs a deft tone of both loss and humor. The novel’s only real stumbling block (a well-documented pet peeve of mine) was a lengthy spat of exposition. Said exposition deals with the ancient Chinese secret which, even after all the exposition, I wasn’t too clear on (I suppose because it is still a secret). The pacing up until that point was pretty solid and it took me a minute or two switch gears. It really is a minor issue and Drachman does his best to break it up a little bit but it remains the only part of the novel that really did not work for me. Really that section was just Drachman tapping lightly on the brakes before smashing the gas pedal straight to the floor. The final chapters fly by and feature some of the funniest (Oscar Wilde’s cameo!) and most over-the-top ridiculous (holes in reality!) scenes of the novel.
The Ghosts of Watt O’Hughis one of the most exciting and original debuts I’ve read in years. While it’s being released independently I wouldn’t be surprised to see it picked up by a major publisher at some point in the future. Tragic, funny, thrilling and something completely different The Ghosts of Watt O’Hugh is well worth a look for fans of westerns, fantasy, and adventure. This is only the beginning and I really look forward to seeing where Drachman takes Watt next. You can read a sample of the novel, and find out more about the book, at www.watt-ohugh.com.
September 12, 2011
This book refuses to be labeled. It begins a memoir, turns into a Western with some flashy fantasy heels, then becomes an action and adventure novel, followed closely by a time-traveling extravaganza.
I knew I was going to like it from the first page. How? Because the narrator has a fresh, unique voice that captures the reader’s attention from the very beginning. This is not as easy to do as it might seem. Watt is charmingly sarcastic, with wit enough to send the reader laughing.
The plot itself is a bit complicated, but it tends to hold itself together well. The time travelling was handled carefully, with the author not allowing his Roamers to change any events during their travels. A wise choice, since otherwise the novel would resolve itself without much trouble. The love story which is at the book’s center, I think could have been built up a tad bit more. I didn’t get a real sense of the love Watt and Lucy held for each other, which makes many actions on Watt’s part not as coherent as I’d like.
There are many action scenes that really leave the reader breathless, the pacing is wonderful. The writing itself is comfortable, not ostentatious but clear and to the point.
This was a very fun book, and I can recommend it to all of those who like to read “different” books.
I knew I was going to like it from the first page. How? Because the narrator has a fresh, unique voice that captures the reader’s attention from the very beginning. This is not as easy to do as it might seem. Watt is charmingly sarcastic, with wit enough to send the reader laughing.
The plot itself is a bit complicated, but it tends to hold itself together well. The time travelling was handled carefully, with the author not allowing his Roamers to change any events during their travels. A wise choice, since otherwise the novel would resolve itself without much trouble. The love story which is at the book’s center, I think could have been built up a tad bit more. I didn’t get a real sense of the love Watt and Lucy held for each other, which makes many actions on Watt’s part not as coherent as I’d like.
There are many action scenes that really leave the reader breathless, the pacing is wonderful. The writing itself is comfortable, not ostentatious but clear and to the point.
This was a very fun book, and I can recommend it to all of those who like to read “different” books.
November 3, 2019
An entertaining read about an occasionally time traveling cowboy with ambiguous special powers. He's actually a humble guy. There aren't many fiction books that I enjoy all the way through but this is one of them.
January 4, 2012
Drachman's book is a genre-bending page-turner. When I think about the laundry list of things that are in the book (gun slinging adventures, evil plots from all around the world, mythological creatures, a very manly woman (or is it a womanly man?), NYC in 1860s, J. P. Morgan and his love interests, the wild west, prison breaks, cowboys, outlaws, broadway shows...) I wonder how any of it came together to make any sense, but it all does. Drachman writes well, though the language sometimes borders on cliche, but not often enough to make me roll my eyes or stop reading. The narrator often addresses the reader and comments on the actual happenings of the story, which at times is perfectly done and at times it is a bit too much. The only time I found myself lost in a way I did not want to be lost was during the change of direction into the story of the town of Sidonia. Especially the beginning of this, for about 20 pages, I kept wondering "Where is this going?" but the writing and the story was captivating, so I was able to keep reading.
I'll be looking out for the continued adventures of Watt O'Hugh III.
I'll be looking out for the continued adventures of Watt O'Hugh III.
July 14, 2012
I paid money out of my own pocket for a copy of this book because Steven Drachman is a gentleman with a good sense of humor.
"The Ghosts of Watt O'Hugh" is the memoir of a 19th century shootist-turned-hapless-time-traveler who is conscripted into The Cause, a mission he doesn't understand. Drachman weaves a labyrinthine narrative of history, blending famous (and infamous) period personalities in a mystery about love, life, and death.
The plot develops at its own pace, lumbering through the book at a plodding crawl and then leaping ahead in a dizzying flash. Forget the plot. The author has given us an addictive wallow-fest in lyrical English prose that defies speed-reading and rewards those who take their time and savor every sensory sentence.
The book is not perfect, nor does it pretend to be. But, Oh! To be able to write like Steven Drachman!
"The Ghosts of Watt O'Hugh" is the memoir of a 19th century shootist-turned-hapless-time-traveler who is conscripted into The Cause, a mission he doesn't understand. Drachman weaves a labyrinthine narrative of history, blending famous (and infamous) period personalities in a mystery about love, life, and death.
The plot develops at its own pace, lumbering through the book at a plodding crawl and then leaping ahead in a dizzying flash. Forget the plot. The author has given us an addictive wallow-fest in lyrical English prose that defies speed-reading and rewards those who take their time and savor every sensory sentence.
The book is not perfect, nor does it pretend to be. But, Oh! To be able to write like Steven Drachman!
December 11, 2014
This book has a line-up to appease every readers interests. From zombies, conspiracy, mysticism, and the wild west all tossed into a fascist Utopian world where Civil War vet, Watt O'Hugh III can jump through time and meets some of the most notorious people in American history.
This book is written like no other jumping from one genre to another, which I found very enlightening and gave the book such a vivid depth. It was as if when writing the book he was watching television and when he was ready to change up the plot he would change channels and whatever came on was what came next. It's a brilliant style of writing and I hope he continues to write in this same style for many books to come.
This book is written like no other jumping from one genre to another, which I found very enlightening and gave the book such a vivid depth. It was as if when writing the book he was watching television and when he was ready to change up the plot he would change channels and whatever came on was what came next. It's a brilliant style of writing and I hope he continues to write in this same style for many books to come.
April 15, 2012
I won this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway.
I'm not even sure where to begin with this review. This book managed to fit so much into so few pages and the author somehow manages to do this with a brilliant blend of world building, character growth, and an intense need to know what happens next.
My only complaint was that it was too short, and I can't wait for the next instalment to see how this beautiful world fleshes out and the story unfolds.
I'm not even sure where to begin with this review. This book managed to fit so much into so few pages and the author somehow manages to do this with a brilliant blend of world building, character growth, and an intense need to know what happens next.
My only complaint was that it was too short, and I can't wait for the next instalment to see how this beautiful world fleshes out and the story unfolds.
January 24, 2012
Received this from Goodreads First read. This book was a fun read, nothing spectacular. Tried being too much at once I think. One of those rare times, when a movie might would be better than the book. I would actually love to see this book made into a movie.
August 11, 2014
The story goes that this novel was sat festering away at the back of Drachman’s mind until a stay in the hospital after working too long and too hard for a law firm. It was during this stay that he encountered the story of noted ex-lawyer, gunslinger and chin of the year winner Brisco County Jr. The semi-factual science fiction/fantasy adventure spurned Drachman on to finish his own tale with the intention that Brisco and Watt would one day meet up to fight bad guys and ride into the sunset together.
For those who know of Brisco County Jr you will already have an idea about the nature of this book but for those who don’t I will explain. ‘Watt O Hugh the third’ is a good natured man riding along during the time of the wild west. He encounters outlaws and bandits as well as a smattering of real world historical figures and inventions, often slightly out of place or time. Nothing major mind you but perhaps a few years out, or attributed to the wrong man. Think of the invention of Velcro by aliens in ‘Taken’ or ‘Star Trek Enterprise’ and you won’t be too far off the mark. However while Brisco dabbled in the occult and tried to offer an explanation for everything, usually by pointing the finger at the “orb” and muttering something about future tech Watt O Hugh dives into the occult feet first and while the story is decent and the characters interesting and the voice of said character strong and likeable it does leave you more than a little puzzled.
Near the start of the story Watt is shot off a high beam over a circus ring and falls to his certain death, except that he is saved by his ghosts. How they do this is never quite explained, nor who they are or what they want. In fact for several sections of the novel they are entirely absent no doubt for fear that they would break the suspense and drama entirely. Yet while this is noted by the main character we are never offered anything other than a lampshade to place atop it. This perhaps wouldn’t have been so bad had it remained consistent across the story but it like several other things in the book are merely tossed in. For instance the story is told to us by Watt O Hugh himself as he nears the end of his life as he races to transcribe and flesh out his diaries to preserve his memory. Due to a long life and an ability to travel through time he has seen a lot and yet things like his ability to travel through time are merely introduced halfway through the book and used for little more than a few flashbacks and reminisces with nothing of any worth coming from it. He learns this talent from a man who could be, at least the inspiration for, Jesus actual literal Christ and yet this character pops up only a handful of time with nothing really to say or do. Instead only asking Watt to do a mission for him in helping to bring down a weird cult; who are able to bring the dead back to life and construct a utopia for one and all which is as you guessed not fleshed out beyond the most basic framework.
As I said before I enjoyed the people I met in this book and the only down side to Watt’s narration is the parts where he feels absent, most usually when he is telling us about scenes where he wasn’t present but have been pieced together later. My only complaint was that there is so many, out there ideas which would support entire novels or series by themselves which are thrown in, mentioned once or twice and then never explored or used. Perhaps this is meant to reflect on the nature of the show Brisco County Jr which would have a historical figure pop up for an episode or centre an episode on a piece of tech currently vital to the plot but usually forgotten thereafter. This would explain why Oscar Wilde shows up for a chapter but the problem is that he seems to only be there for something to slap on the back of the book or list along with, ghosts and time travel in order to sell the story because he doesn’t do anything or say anything of note nor feel that interesting and leaves before you can care that he’s here.
The pacing of the story is decent but there is no real sense of conclusion to the story and though it definitely feels like the first in a series I’m not sure I trust them to pick up the pieces for the start of the next book.
Personally the author shows great promise I just wish I could say the same about the series.
For those who know of Brisco County Jr you will already have an idea about the nature of this book but for those who don’t I will explain. ‘Watt O Hugh the third’ is a good natured man riding along during the time of the wild west. He encounters outlaws and bandits as well as a smattering of real world historical figures and inventions, often slightly out of place or time. Nothing major mind you but perhaps a few years out, or attributed to the wrong man. Think of the invention of Velcro by aliens in ‘Taken’ or ‘Star Trek Enterprise’ and you won’t be too far off the mark. However while Brisco dabbled in the occult and tried to offer an explanation for everything, usually by pointing the finger at the “orb” and muttering something about future tech Watt O Hugh dives into the occult feet first and while the story is decent and the characters interesting and the voice of said character strong and likeable it does leave you more than a little puzzled.
Near the start of the story Watt is shot off a high beam over a circus ring and falls to his certain death, except that he is saved by his ghosts. How they do this is never quite explained, nor who they are or what they want. In fact for several sections of the novel they are entirely absent no doubt for fear that they would break the suspense and drama entirely. Yet while this is noted by the main character we are never offered anything other than a lampshade to place atop it. This perhaps wouldn’t have been so bad had it remained consistent across the story but it like several other things in the book are merely tossed in. For instance the story is told to us by Watt O Hugh himself as he nears the end of his life as he races to transcribe and flesh out his diaries to preserve his memory. Due to a long life and an ability to travel through time he has seen a lot and yet things like his ability to travel through time are merely introduced halfway through the book and used for little more than a few flashbacks and reminisces with nothing of any worth coming from it. He learns this talent from a man who could be, at least the inspiration for, Jesus actual literal Christ and yet this character pops up only a handful of time with nothing really to say or do. Instead only asking Watt to do a mission for him in helping to bring down a weird cult; who are able to bring the dead back to life and construct a utopia for one and all which is as you guessed not fleshed out beyond the most basic framework.
As I said before I enjoyed the people I met in this book and the only down side to Watt’s narration is the parts where he feels absent, most usually when he is telling us about scenes where he wasn’t present but have been pieced together later. My only complaint was that there is so many, out there ideas which would support entire novels or series by themselves which are thrown in, mentioned once or twice and then never explored or used. Perhaps this is meant to reflect on the nature of the show Brisco County Jr which would have a historical figure pop up for an episode or centre an episode on a piece of tech currently vital to the plot but usually forgotten thereafter. This would explain why Oscar Wilde shows up for a chapter but the problem is that he seems to only be there for something to slap on the back of the book or list along with, ghosts and time travel in order to sell the story because he doesn’t do anything or say anything of note nor feel that interesting and leaves before you can care that he’s here.
The pacing of the story is decent but there is no real sense of conclusion to the story and though it definitely feels like the first in a series I’m not sure I trust them to pick up the pieces for the start of the next book.
Personally the author shows great promise I just wish I could say the same about the series.
October 10, 2011
Where Watt O’Hugh the III goes, legend follows. The Ghosts of Watt O'Hugh is an eclectic mix of western, time travel, romance, and magic and with a myriad of famous characters, it reads like a historical who’s who of the late 1800s. 4 stars out of 5.
The author excelled at maintaining character continuity; Watt flourished as a flawed human being. He didn't feel characterized; he felt real and this was a great strength for the story.
The fantasy and romance elements in this book were kept simple and I liked that the details showed Watt's own curiosity and emotional maturity. The book and the character very much exuded that the world "is what it is" and no amount of understanding would change it. I liked that the time travel aspect didn't have a deep metaphysical explanation; things happen because they happen. As the book said, “Understanding it doesn’t help…not any more than Newton’s law of gravitation help(s) you keep your balance.”
The main thing that kept me from completely enjoying this book was the memoir format. I felt that Watt’s frequent references to “the reader” pulled me out of the story and took away any suspense that could have built. Also, Watt spends a lot of time telling other peoples' stories and with the numerous new characters introduced, sometimes the narrative was too tangential from the main story-line. Watt also frequently reminds the reader that he will die in a year and to me it took away from the build up of the story. I would have felt more sympathy for his plight if I I didn’t know his outcome.
Overall, The Ghosts of Watt O’Hugh is a memorable read. It is offbeat and filled with history and unique details that make the character of Watt unforgettable. The ending gives Watt a greater purpose and the author's end notes make for an entertaining and fresh way to close the story.
Review by: Erica of Sift Book Reviews
Sift Book Reviews received a free copy for review from the author. This has, in no way, affected the reviewer's opinion.
The author excelled at maintaining character continuity; Watt flourished as a flawed human being. He didn't feel characterized; he felt real and this was a great strength for the story.
The fantasy and romance elements in this book were kept simple and I liked that the details showed Watt's own curiosity and emotional maturity. The book and the character very much exuded that the world "is what it is" and no amount of understanding would change it. I liked that the time travel aspect didn't have a deep metaphysical explanation; things happen because they happen. As the book said, “Understanding it doesn’t help…not any more than Newton’s law of gravitation help(s) you keep your balance.”
The main thing that kept me from completely enjoying this book was the memoir format. I felt that Watt’s frequent references to “the reader” pulled me out of the story and took away any suspense that could have built. Also, Watt spends a lot of time telling other peoples' stories and with the numerous new characters introduced, sometimes the narrative was too tangential from the main story-line. Watt also frequently reminds the reader that he will die in a year and to me it took away from the build up of the story. I would have felt more sympathy for his plight if I I didn’t know his outcome.
Overall, The Ghosts of Watt O’Hugh is a memorable read. It is offbeat and filled with history and unique details that make the character of Watt unforgettable. The ending gives Watt a greater purpose and the author's end notes make for an entertaining and fresh way to close the story.
Review by: Erica of Sift Book Reviews
Sift Book Reviews received a free copy for review from the author. This has, in no way, affected the reviewer's opinion.
May 19, 2014
Fresh and startling in its sheer unpredictability, Vol. 1 of Watt O’Hugh’s adventures is a treasure chest of fantastical delights from beginning to end. The bold underlying concept is itself realized in a such a free-flowing, risk-taking style, it’s a wonder the book was written without a safety net.
In the midst of the gritty surrealism that suffuses every aspect of the story, there surges an ongoing grim humor—shedding light, dark, bemusement and an undercurrent of fascination for the sheer absurdity embedded in all aspects of everyday life. In this respect the story spares nothing, taking to task our roles, responsibilities, loves, fears, aspirations and most especially our moments of despair.
Of course, none of that would matter if it weren’t for the fact that THE GHOSTS OF WATT O’HUGH is just dang entertaining—and written in a style that meets every meaningful criteria for “literary” as well as “popular” fiction. I defy anyone with even a hint of an interest in mid-19th century America not to take an immediate interest.
Funny thing is, I’d lay down the same challenge to anyone intrigued by Chinese history, magic, time travel, reincarnation, ghost stories and, of course, tales of the Old West, complete with six-shooters, bar fights and out-of-tune saloon pianos.
Not least on the list of reasons for the book’s success is the unerring clarity of Drachman’s prose—always direct, precise, specific yet compellingly mysterious, as if “the truth of the matter” were only a page or two away.
And, in fact the novel’s ultimate charm is the masterful way the subject of truth is explored in such fanciful depth. You come away realizing that Watt O’Hugh’s ambiguous relationship to truth may not be as distant from your own perceptions as you’d like to believe.
I encourage everyone to pick up this book and get caught up in a thoroughly original story by turns comical, dramatic, sensational and inexplicably moving. You’ll surely emerge with a greater appreciation for everything that’s right with your world.
In the midst of the gritty surrealism that suffuses every aspect of the story, there surges an ongoing grim humor—shedding light, dark, bemusement and an undercurrent of fascination for the sheer absurdity embedded in all aspects of everyday life. In this respect the story spares nothing, taking to task our roles, responsibilities, loves, fears, aspirations and most especially our moments of despair.
Of course, none of that would matter if it weren’t for the fact that THE GHOSTS OF WATT O’HUGH is just dang entertaining—and written in a style that meets every meaningful criteria for “literary” as well as “popular” fiction. I defy anyone with even a hint of an interest in mid-19th century America not to take an immediate interest.
Funny thing is, I’d lay down the same challenge to anyone intrigued by Chinese history, magic, time travel, reincarnation, ghost stories and, of course, tales of the Old West, complete with six-shooters, bar fights and out-of-tune saloon pianos.
Not least on the list of reasons for the book’s success is the unerring clarity of Drachman’s prose—always direct, precise, specific yet compellingly mysterious, as if “the truth of the matter” were only a page or two away.
And, in fact the novel’s ultimate charm is the masterful way the subject of truth is explored in such fanciful depth. You come away realizing that Watt O’Hugh’s ambiguous relationship to truth may not be as distant from your own perceptions as you’d like to believe.
I encourage everyone to pick up this book and get caught up in a thoroughly original story by turns comical, dramatic, sensational and inexplicably moving. You’ll surely emerge with a greater appreciation for everything that’s right with your world.
June 30, 2014
I won this book as part of a First Reads contest. The publisher was extremely kind and sent me copies of both books in the series. The fact that The Ghost of Watt O'Hugh is getting fairly good reviews on this site makes me feel a bit better about not liking it very much myself. I began reading with certain expectations and most of them were not met. Specifically, I was expecting an adventure novel about a classic pulp-era hero in the vein of the Shadow or John Carter or Doc Savage. Watt O'Hugh isn't that. The book is mostly exposition with very little, mostly perfunctory, action. Drachman undercuts any suspense by having characters explain to the hero (and us) exactly what's going to happen before it happens. He does this to illustrate O'Hugh's helplessness, but it kills the novel's already little momentum. And O'Hugh himself gets into the excitement killing, explaining to the reader that IF he were a real pulp hero he'd be right in the middle of things throwing punches and swinging from the ceiling, but he's REAL, so he doesn't do any of that. And he doesn't. Then there's the extremely awkward shifting between the first person and third person points of view. Books don't do this because it doesn't work. You'd think a first time novelist wouldn't push his luck with tricky POV shifts, but here you have it. Drachman's got great ideas, but it seems like he mostly wants to tell them to the reader rather than fashion a novel around them. My intention was to read both books and review them, but I think I'd better stop with the first. Reviews lead me to believe the second is better than the first, but they don't seem to deal with my problems with this novel, so, thanks publishers but I think I'll skip it.
August 15, 2012
Overall Feedback: Unbelievable book from an greatly skilled writer. Steven mesmerizes the reader from page to page and so fully integrates many different genres into one book, a feat that deserves accolades all by itself. But Steven does more than mix genres into one story, he writes an endearing and action packed one at that. I did not want to ever put it down but alas a person does need to sleep on occasion. This is one you should not let pass as your imagination will be tickelled from every angle. Pass through time, go out west, throw in a love story and you are all set.
Point of View: You are Watt Hugh the Third and will enjoy a story that only a hero can write. (Written as a memoir)
Voice: You can not help but enjoy the wit and humor involved in this book and Watt conveys the person of least interest that is of more interest than you think. His history is our past.
Character Development: Very well developed and unbelievably involved. You will feel for every character before the end.
Plot: Once you catch the plot then it will become clear but you may have to give the first few chapters to gain that understanding.
Dialogue: Spot on and delivered perfectly.
Pacing: This will hold onto you even after you put it down. You will continuously wonder what is going to happen next.
Setting: Our past...who knew?
Continuity: Leap frogging through history can be fun can't it? You will have to take time at first but once you get the idea you wont stop.
Point of View: You are Watt Hugh the Third and will enjoy a story that only a hero can write. (Written as a memoir)
Voice: You can not help but enjoy the wit and humor involved in this book and Watt conveys the person of least interest that is of more interest than you think. His history is our past.
Character Development: Very well developed and unbelievably involved. You will feel for every character before the end.
Plot: Once you catch the plot then it will become clear but you may have to give the first few chapters to gain that understanding.
Dialogue: Spot on and delivered perfectly.
Pacing: This will hold onto you even after you put it down. You will continuously wonder what is going to happen next.
Setting: Our past...who knew?
Continuity: Leap frogging through history can be fun can't it? You will have to take time at first but once you get the idea you wont stop.
April 17, 2015
I was supplied a free copy of this book from the author to review. I just want to give a big thanks to the author and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this and helping me to discover a new-to-me author. I love the way that this book has been printed on high quality paper as it looks really good sitting on my bookshelf.
I really enjoyed this book. It was an interesting story to read and has a light-hearted take on many elements. Many different elements are involved in this story but i just have to say that i think that they work together quite well and make for a fascinating read. I can see this story becoming a movie one day!This story is almost larger than life.
The author has really pulled off a unique tale that is a little quirky but well worth the time reading it. I got my husband to give this a read and he really enjoyed the book as well. I recommend this story to anyone looking for a book that is a little unusual. I look forward to seeing more of this author's work in the future
I really enjoyed this book. It was an interesting story to read and has a light-hearted take on many elements. Many different elements are involved in this story but i just have to say that i think that they work together quite well and make for a fascinating read. I can see this story becoming a movie one day!This story is almost larger than life.
The author has really pulled off a unique tale that is a little quirky but well worth the time reading it. I got my husband to give this a read and he really enjoyed the book as well. I recommend this story to anyone looking for a book that is a little unusual. I look forward to seeing more of this author's work in the future
February 1, 2012
This genre-mashup is the story of a Civil War vet with an odd habit of slipping loose in time. In 1875, when trying to track down the woman he loved before the War, Watt stumbles on a Montana centered anti-government conspiracy that has its roots in ancient China. In the course of his adventures, he crosses paths with J.P. Morgan, Oscar Wilde, and even Leopold Kronecker, the 19th century mathematician (who seems to be a villain), some women of the dark arts, a couple of dragons, and an army of "Deadlings."
The depiction of old New York is detailed and believable, as is the description of the old Western towns, which I think are also real places. The story works on a few levels: it is a real Western, a real fantasy/sci-fi novel, and as historical fiction. It packs a lot of crazy stuff into just over 200 pages, and while it lags a couple of times the book is mostly fast, funny, imaginative, and beautifully written.
The depiction of old New York is detailed and believable, as is the description of the old Western towns, which I think are also real places. The story works on a few levels: it is a real Western, a real fantasy/sci-fi novel, and as historical fiction. It packs a lot of crazy stuff into just over 200 pages, and while it lags a couple of times the book is mostly fast, funny, imaginative, and beautifully written.
June 9, 2014
I confess to having mixed feelings when I was done with The Ghosts of Watt O’Hugh, by Steven S. Drachman, but the book’s relative brevity, strong finish, and the fact that its sequel, Watt O’Hugh Underground, was an improvement, means in the end I feel OK in recommending it, with a few caveats.
The cover will tell you right away we’re in Western world, with its neckerchiefed, gun-toting, cowboy-boot-wearing hero with the square jaw dodging a bullet, all of it drawn in that classic comic book Western style a la Kid Colt: Outlaw or Western Bandit. That’s Watt himself, and he’s clear Western material — with his self-told “yarn,” his “shootist” skill and cattle drive experience. The hints that this is more than a simple Western though come early in the way that Watt address his 21st century readers in ways that ... Read More: http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
The cover will tell you right away we’re in Western world, with its neckerchiefed, gun-toting, cowboy-boot-wearing hero with the square jaw dodging a bullet, all of it drawn in that classic comic book Western style a la Kid Colt: Outlaw or Western Bandit. That’s Watt himself, and he’s clear Western material — with his self-told “yarn,” his “shootist” skill and cattle drive experience. The hints that this is more than a simple Western though come early in the way that Watt address his 21st century readers in ways that ... Read More: http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
July 13, 2012
Genre: Defies categorization!
Rating: 4.5 stars.
In The Ghosts of Watt O'Hugh, Steven S. Drachman effectively blends several different genres - fantasy, science fiction, tall tales, and American folklore (I'm sure I'm forgetting some) - and the result is a dazzling hallucination of a frontier adventure with an Alice in Wonderland vibe that defies categorization.
At its core, The Ghosts of Watt O'Hugh is a tale of unrealized love and the pursuit of one man to assuage heartache by reuniting with the woman he loves. It's an intense, poignant romp and Watt's dry, understated voice lends it an easy and natural humor. This is a wonderful tale filled with the unexpected. An excellent read that I couldn't put down!
~Vlad Vaslyn~
Author of Brachman's Underworld
Rating: 4.5 stars.
In The Ghosts of Watt O'Hugh, Steven S. Drachman effectively blends several different genres - fantasy, science fiction, tall tales, and American folklore (I'm sure I'm forgetting some) - and the result is a dazzling hallucination of a frontier adventure with an Alice in Wonderland vibe that defies categorization.
At its core, The Ghosts of Watt O'Hugh is a tale of unrealized love and the pursuit of one man to assuage heartache by reuniting with the woman he loves. It's an intense, poignant romp and Watt's dry, understated voice lends it an easy and natural humor. This is a wonderful tale filled with the unexpected. An excellent read that I couldn't put down!
~Vlad Vaslyn~
Author of Brachman's Underworld
July 3, 2014
I received The Ghosts of Watt O’Hugh and Watt O’Hugh Underground from Goodreads First Reads. The Ghost is a good summer read, living in the New York area I found it interesting how the author Steven S. Drachman has woven the City and its history into his book. I don’t want to give away the entire story line in this review other than to say that you follow the main character adventures from his early life as a child of the street in New York City to his adulthood as a cowboy in the West. The writing is done as a memoir from the journals of Watt O’Hugh III we discover how he learned to travel through time, he has his little ghost protectors and that he is a man of honor.
For me there are several questions unanswered, and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series Underground.
For me there are several questions unanswered, and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series Underground.
October 14, 2011
I found this book at my community bookstore, which features local authors. I'll admit that I was attracted by the beautifully-designed cover, but then I was drawn in immediately by the gripping, genre-bending storyline and compelling characters. I'm surprised this book hasn't gotten more attention, particularly because of its rich historical detail. Drachman paints a vivid portrait of American life in the 1800's, and I especially loved his descriptions of New York City. I can only imagine the hundreds of hours of painstaking reseach that went into this book. I'm not usually one to take the time to write on-line reviews, but I thought this book was worth the effort. I look forward to seeing more from this promising author.
July 18, 2014
As the title says it is strange and astounding indeed. This surprisingly fresh novel was honestly unlike anything I've read. A mash up of western, sci-fi, and metaphysical musings, it was somehow so much more than the sum of it's parts.
The first chapter had me puzzled but intrigued. I had no idea what to expect as I turned page after page being drawn deeper into the world (or rather many worlds) of Watt O'Hugh. Strong and well defined characters, a plot that left my head whirling and the pure pleasure of reading such a unique novel left me wanting more.
The publisher kindly sent the sequel as well and I'll be diving in tomorrow!
The first chapter had me puzzled but intrigued. I had no idea what to expect as I turned page after page being drawn deeper into the world (or rather many worlds) of Watt O'Hugh. Strong and well defined characters, a plot that left my head whirling and the pure pleasure of reading such a unique novel left me wanting more.
The publisher kindly sent the sequel as well and I'll be diving in tomorrow!
October 2, 2014
Terrific time-traveling western, and I'm not normally a fan of westerns. The book is engagingly written, funny and suspenseful, and touches on a lot of 19th century history, like the Civil War draft riots and J.P. Morgan (who doesn't come off too well), for starters. I read the Kindle edition, but I recommend the paperback edition, with it classic comic-book cover.
January 31, 2012
Great first effort. Obviously, a lot of knowledge of 19th New York and Wild West was utilized in this book. The genre bending of Fantasy and Western merge well into a unique and memorable read. Some great descriptive passages. Looking forward to more from this author.
Want to read
October 11, 2011I won this book from the first reads giveaways and I am so excited to read it. Thanks.
November 11, 2019
I liked the book it was different, but I was honestly confused for a good portion of the book lol
September 8, 2011
Great book. Imaginative, funny, entertaining, and emotionally compelling.
December 2, 2019
So, if you want a weird west timetravel thriller, this is the book for you.
If you don't want that...read something else.
If you don't want that...read something else.
August 2, 2024
A bit muddy throughout the plot. Some interesting characters but not my favorite journey. lol
February 9, 2013
I don't normally read Westerns, but I love Magical American Realism so I was optimistic when I received this book. Unfortunately, the book fell into some kind of uncanny valley that made it difficult to stay invested in. The plot was slippery and difficult to track, with lots of tangents that might have been better placed elsewhere. The narrators word choice was also strange, in parts slipping into old timey western speak and then a few paragraphs later throwing in modern phrasing WITHOUT it seeming like a byproduct of the character being able to roam time. It also seemed to end in a strange place, without a satisfying resolution and with the main character purposefully raising more questions and pointing out the other places the book could have ended. It was more aggravating than clever. I guess it was a pretty comprehensive example of why I didn't like the narrator's constant allusions to being able to time travel and knowing the future.
The main character only served to further unbalance the mix of realistic and fantastic. Everyone around him would have fit in quite well in the Magical American Realism genre. Watt, on the other hand, was often bewildered and confused by the magic happenings. I'm used to characters accepting what happens to them, or at least questioning it far less when it is such an integral part of their entire world.
The main character only served to further unbalance the mix of realistic and fantastic. Everyone around him would have fit in quite well in the Magical American Realism genre. Watt, on the other hand, was often bewildered and confused by the magic happenings. I'm used to characters accepting what happens to them, or at least questioning it far less when it is such an integral part of their entire world.
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