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Jess Williams #1
The Reckoning
The Reckoning is the first in the series of Jess Williams western novels written by Robert J. Thomas. Jess Williams is an ordinary young boy with a loving family growing up in Black Creek, Kansas. That all changes when he comes home and finds his family brutally murdered.Forced to become a man overnight, he vows to avenge his family's savage deaths. He begins to practice with his Pa's Colt .45 and then a stroke of destiny arrives when he discovers a new pistol and holster that mysteriously appears. Jess practices with it relentlessly until he becomes so quick that he is inbeatable on the draw.He leaves home transformed from a boy to a highly skilled shootist with no reason to live except to hunt down and kill each of the three men responsible for the murders. as he begins his journey, he does so with a pistol and holster that no one has ever seen before--and won't again for almost one-hundred years.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2003
600 people are currently reading
616 people want to read
About the author
Robert J. Thomas
192 books61 followersLibrarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
In 1990 Robert J. Thomas was sworn in as the full time mayor for the city of Westland, Michigan. He served twelve years, making him the longest serving mayor in Westland's history.
While he was mayor he wrote his first book titled, How to Run for Local Office, which has now sold over 25,000 copies worldwide.
He has written and published on Kindle, the Jess Williams Westerns series. Retired, he now lives in Mississippi with his wfe Jill.
In 1990 Robert J. Thomas was sworn in as the full time mayor for the city of Westland, Michigan. He served twelve years, making him the longest serving mayor in Westland's history.
While he was mayor he wrote his first book titled, How to Run for Local Office, which has now sold over 25,000 copies worldwide.
He has written and published on Kindle, the Jess Williams Westerns series. Retired, he now lives in Mississippi with his wfe Jill.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
October 10, 2023
The Reckoning is the first book in a 95-novel series of westerns featuring Jess Williams by Robert J. Thomas. It starts with Jess at 14 growing up in Black Creek, Kansas, but he is not quite an adult before his family is gunned down by three lowlife villains who rape his sister before they kill her. Jess wants revenge, but he decides to take two years to work his family plot of land and train himself as a gunman. Little by little, he patiently sells his produce and cattle, liquefying his assets to make himself more transient, and at the age of 16, he sets off for revenge, but not before dealing with the son of a land baron that kills the sheriff.
When he leaves Black Creek, he already has awed the folks at home. This is an exciting read that transported me back. There is a science fiction / time travel aspect that is ancillary, and I hate. I really could do without it, but I mention it because it is there. I ignore it, but I can see where some folks might not. I enjoyed the characters. It was a fun, escapist story that I enjoyed, and feel confident that others will too. Like I mentioned, there are over 90 books in the series.
When he leaves Black Creek, he already has awed the folks at home. This is an exciting read that transported me back. There is a science fiction / time travel aspect that is ancillary, and I hate. I really could do without it, but I mention it because it is there. I ignore it, but I can see where some folks might not. I enjoyed the characters. It was a fun, escapist story that I enjoyed, and feel confident that others will too. Like I mentioned, there are over 90 books in the series.
February 2, 2016
This is my first book by Robert J Thomas. I have only recently read some of the new western authors and have found them exciting. They have found different ways of approaching and modifying the old western stories to make them fresh and packed with action.
The plot of this book is a very familiar one for a western. Jess Williams a 14 year old boy is sent to town, Black Creek, Kansas for supplies by his father. On his arrival home he finds his entire family brutally murdered. The author creates an exciting new twist to the old western plot and provides a hook with the sudden appearance of a futuristic handgun and holster that would not be seen again in a hundred years. In the story the reader can feel and sense the character change in the beginning of the book. My only complaint is with the repetition of “Jess will go after the killers” I found it annoying after a bit.
The book is well written, fast paced and action packed a great get away book. The author tried to stay close to the historical facts of the time, except for the gun and holster. I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. Jay Emmitt Caudill does a good job narrating the book.
The plot of this book is a very familiar one for a western. Jess Williams a 14 year old boy is sent to town, Black Creek, Kansas for supplies by his father. On his arrival home he finds his entire family brutally murdered. The author creates an exciting new twist to the old western plot and provides a hook with the sudden appearance of a futuristic handgun and holster that would not be seen again in a hundred years. In the story the reader can feel and sense the character change in the beginning of the book. My only complaint is with the repetition of “Jess will go after the killers” I found it annoying after a bit.
The book is well written, fast paced and action packed a great get away book. The author tried to stay close to the historical facts of the time, except for the gun and holster. I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. Jay Emmitt Caudill does a good job narrating the book.
September 26, 2014
This was a very interesting story. It has all of the elements of your classic western in it...a boy's family gets killed by outlaws, the boy learns how to handle a gun, the boy searches for his family's killers, the boy rights some other wrongs along the way and to top it off the good guys really like this boy who has now turned into a man. But, there is some science fiction in this as well but it is not so much science fiction that you forget you are reading a western. The science fiction is very smoothly woven into the story so that you often forget that it is there. This was a real good book and I don't know how the rest of the series will go (there are a lot of books in this series) but if they are anything like this one you had better hold onto your hat because this horse is running. If you are looking for an interesting twist on an old tale - this is it.
July 12, 2019
“The Reckoning” (Jess Williams Trilogy #1) is a shoot-em-up wild west adventure brimming with exciting potential, but which flops thanks to stale writing and formulaic storytelling.
To be honest, wild west dramas are not my usual genre, but I’m open to anything and capable of enjoying everything with a well-told story and decent writing. The Reckoning had a good plot with a believable premise: a teenage boy vows revenge on the men that murder his family. The synopsis makes it sound like a whirlwind adventure with guns and detective work and thrilling chases, but in the end the story progressed simply and predictably and didn’t offer anything to really make it stand out.
The biggest issue I had with it is that it suffers from “invincible protagonist” syndrome. Jess Williams can do no wrong and will never lose, even though every foe is the “best of the best”. Unfortunately, that makes this book entirely boring, because you know the outcome of every gunfight.
In the plot, everything was too easy for Jess. It didn’t take much effort at all to find the murderers and exact his revenge, and everything resolved painlessly and simply. There was no conflict, no tension, no suspense; there were only gunfights, and by the time you have read through two of them, you already know how the rest are going to turn out.
The other issue with this story is that, even though there were lots of different conflicts throughout, they were all exactly the same. There was no variety in the story. While I think the plot progressed nicely and actually had really great pacing, it became formulaic, which was boring.
I also thought Jess’ character was kind of hollow. I think the author made a valiant attempt at fleshing him out and almost had it, but it didn’t quite get there for me. I felt like I was reading about a robot at times. The side characters, on the other hand, were actually much more realistic; I could really imagine each character and hear their voices when they spoke. I think characterization is where this author shines, and as such he should have taken advantage of that in his storytelling.
Finally, for me, the part where novel suffered the most was the tedious and repetitive writing. I won’t go so far as to say the writing bored me to tears, but with passages like, “Jess looked at the man. He could tell that the man looked like trouble. Jess kept an eye on him while he sipped his beer” (not an actual quote but close enough), you really don’t feel stimulated to visualize the scene.
There was very little descriptive language, no sentence variation, and a staccato pace. There’s a reason why we have the old adage “Show, don’t tell,” and this book is a good example of that.
All in all, I was disappointed in the missed potential of this story. It might get better with the next two books of the trilogy, but unfortunately the first book just wasn’t good enough for me to continue on in the series. “The Reckoning” may be something fans of Westerns will love, and those who aren’t looking for a serious read, but for regular readers this book will be overall dissatisfying.
To be honest, wild west dramas are not my usual genre, but I’m open to anything and capable of enjoying everything with a well-told story and decent writing. The Reckoning had a good plot with a believable premise: a teenage boy vows revenge on the men that murder his family. The synopsis makes it sound like a whirlwind adventure with guns and detective work and thrilling chases, but in the end the story progressed simply and predictably and didn’t offer anything to really make it stand out.
The biggest issue I had with it is that it suffers from “invincible protagonist” syndrome. Jess Williams can do no wrong and will never lose, even though every foe is the “best of the best”. Unfortunately, that makes this book entirely boring, because you know the outcome of every gunfight.
In the plot, everything was too easy for Jess. It didn’t take much effort at all to find the murderers and exact his revenge, and everything resolved painlessly and simply. There was no conflict, no tension, no suspense; there were only gunfights, and by the time you have read through two of them, you already know how the rest are going to turn out.
The other issue with this story is that, even though there were lots of different conflicts throughout, they were all exactly the same. There was no variety in the story. While I think the plot progressed nicely and actually had really great pacing, it became formulaic, which was boring.
I also thought Jess’ character was kind of hollow. I think the author made a valiant attempt at fleshing him out and almost had it, but it didn’t quite get there for me. I felt like I was reading about a robot at times. The side characters, on the other hand, were actually much more realistic; I could really imagine each character and hear their voices when they spoke. I think characterization is where this author shines, and as such he should have taken advantage of that in his storytelling.
Finally, for me, the part where novel suffered the most was the tedious and repetitive writing. I won’t go so far as to say the writing bored me to tears, but with passages like, “Jess looked at the man. He could tell that the man looked like trouble. Jess kept an eye on him while he sipped his beer” (not an actual quote but close enough), you really don’t feel stimulated to visualize the scene.
There was very little descriptive language, no sentence variation, and a staccato pace. There’s a reason why we have the old adage “Show, don’t tell,” and this book is a good example of that.
All in all, I was disappointed in the missed potential of this story. It might get better with the next two books of the trilogy, but unfortunately the first book just wasn’t good enough for me to continue on in the series. “The Reckoning” may be something fans of Westerns will love, and those who aren’t looking for a serious read, but for regular readers this book will be overall dissatisfying.
April 6, 2014
The main reason I was reading it was because I needed a book for my historical fiction book report and I found this book online for free. I thought I'm probably not gonna like this and it will take me a while to finish. So I started reading the book, it took a while to get through the first part of the book, but as time went on, I couldn't put the book down. It was really good. It did get kind of graphic at some parts, but in a way it kind of made it better. I think this book is really worth reading, and I have never said that about a historical fiction book.
December 9, 2023
Good western. Fascinating characters and plots.
I really enjoyed this. This book was well written against a long ago western backdrop without using words like "purty or 'th". Jess, the main character has to grow up fast from the time he was 14 years old. The book was mainly reality based with the exception of an article disappearing in the present and showing up in 1800's. Hmm...woo woo...Otherwise, a great page turner. R.J. THOMAS is my favorite western author so far. However, I did just start reading this genre in the last week. I plan on buying more in this series.
I really enjoyed this. This book was well written against a long ago western backdrop without using words like "purty or 'th". Jess, the main character has to grow up fast from the time he was 14 years old. The book was mainly reality based with the exception of an article disappearing in the present and showing up in 1800's. Hmm...woo woo...Otherwise, a great page turner. R.J. THOMAS is my favorite western author so far. However, I did just start reading this genre in the last week. I plan on buying more in this series.
April 5, 2014
I don't have much good to say about this book. This was one of the worse westerns I have read. It was just a kill fest with the main character shooting everyone left and right. There is a bit of a science fiction portion where Jess Williams acquires a gun from the future and, without it, he would never have been able to kill as many people as he did.
This is just a pulp novel and if that is what you like this is the book for you. It was not the book for me.
This is just a pulp novel and if that is what you like this is the book for you. It was not the book for me.
January 10, 2022
I love reading western fiction in the class of Louis L'Amour, but Robert Thomas is not in that class. I was able to finish The Reckoning, but cannot,with good conscience, read any more of Thomas's writings. He is too profane for my conscience.why not just leave off the filthy language?
ish The Reckoning, but cannot,with good conscience, read any more of Thomas's writings. He is too profane for my conscience.why not just leave off the filthy language
ish The Reckoning, but cannot,with good conscience, read any more of Thomas's writings. He is too profane for my conscience.why not just leave off the filthy language
October 13, 2021
Good read
A bit of magic in this story of a modern day quick draw gun going back in time to help a 16 year old male kill three murderers, responsible for the deaths of his family. Lots of killing action in this book.
A bit of magic in this story of a modern day quick draw gun going back in time to help a 16 year old male kill three murderers, responsible for the deaths of his family. Lots of killing action in this book.
March 25, 2015
A western tale of revenge with a little supernatural thrown in.
Read
September 13, 2014I got addicted to this series. A young gunfighter trying to survive. I would recommend this book. I did however burn myself out with too much too soon.
March 5, 2018
2002, The Shooting Corral gun range. Dave Walters is a top-notch competition pistol shooter.
Bob Graham built the 45-cal. pistol.
Bob Mernickle designed/built the custom holster.
Pat (competition pistol shooter) was timing him on each shot.
Dave was entering the Fast Draw contest.
Pat Johnson (Dave’s BMF) is the champion of the world.
5/1876, Black Creek, KS. Jess Williams Sr. (father, farmer/rancher, former Sheriff) built the homestead & the ranch.
The other William’s family members are: Becky (wife/ Jess’s mom, seamstress shop), Jess Jr. (14, son/brother), & Samantha (7, daughter/Jess’s sister).
8/1878, Jess Jr. had been out working cattle & headed back to the house.
He looked in horror. Becky had been killed & her body was just hanging in the doorway.
John had been shot/killed in the field.
Samantha’s body was buried under some hay in the barn.
had arrived.
For now, Jess would stay with Jim Smythe (general store owners), & Sara Smythe (Jim’s wife).
The 3 bodies were taken back to the ranch & buried in the little cemetery plot.
The Sheriff & the posse were out/bout.
Fast forward: rummaging around in the barn Jess Jr. (16) found a gun (Ruger Blackhawk. 41 cal. Mag.) & a holster with a tag on it that read; Bob Mernickle on it.
Sheriff Diggs informed Jess the cold-blooded killers are: Randy Hastings, Blake Taggert, & Hank Beard.
Jess (19) went to see Mr. Jameson (banker).
Wanted poster: Randy Hastings has a $500 bounty on his head, dead/alive.
Red Carter (Frank’s son, gunslinger) had just shot/killed Sheriff Diggs.
Jess went to confront Red at the bar.
William (barkeep) watched as the 2 of them jawed back/forth.
BANG! Red would never kill again.
Jess told Jim & Sara he had a lead on 1 of his family’s killers & was headed to Tarkenton.
What did Sara tell him before he headed out?
Spurs Saloon. Jess met with Sheriff Manley.
Scott Vogan (Last “C” ranch hand), & Saul Littman (hired gun) were the next 2 not going to see the sun rise ever again.
Timber, TX. Sheriff Mark Steele came in to the saloon, Paul & Ben Grady (hired gun) were lying in pools of blood.
The shootout in the saloon had been between Sheriff Steele, Jess, Paul Mason (rancher),
& his 4 hired guns.
Frank Reedy (bounty hunter, former US Marshall), & Todd Spicer (bounty hunter partner) stopped in to chat with Sheriff Steele.
Jess Williams (17) is wanted for murder of Red Carter back in Black Creek, KS.
Dick Carter (Red’s father) hired the 2 of them to bring him back.
Sheriff Steele escorted the 2 over to the bar where Jess was eating supper.
Largo, TX. Jess introduced himself to Sheriff A. J. Rubel.
Jess went to Jonesville, TX. & then Red Rock, TX.
He met with Sheriff Clancy (60+).
Will Jess finish his quest for justice?
1 of my 35 top 2018 books.
Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a very well wild west (dual timeline) book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a large set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great wild west movie, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; BookSends; R & T Enterprise Inc.; 1st. Edition; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Bob Graham built the 45-cal. pistol.
Bob Mernickle designed/built the custom holster.
Pat (competition pistol shooter) was timing him on each shot.
Dave was entering the Fast Draw contest.
Pat Johnson (Dave’s BMF) is the champion of the world.
5/1876, Black Creek, KS. Jess Williams Sr. (father, farmer/rancher, former Sheriff) built the homestead & the ranch.
The other William’s family members are: Becky (wife/ Jess’s mom, seamstress shop), Jess Jr. (14, son/brother), & Samantha (7, daughter/Jess’s sister).
8/1878, Jess Jr. had been out working cattle & headed back to the house.
He looked in horror. Becky had been killed & her body was just hanging in the doorway.
John had been shot/killed in the field.
Samantha’s body was buried under some hay in the barn.
had arrived.
For now, Jess would stay with Jim Smythe (general store owners), & Sara Smythe (Jim’s wife).
The 3 bodies were taken back to the ranch & buried in the little cemetery plot.
The Sheriff & the posse were out/bout.
Fast forward: rummaging around in the barn Jess Jr. (16) found a gun (Ruger Blackhawk. 41 cal. Mag.) & a holster with a tag on it that read; Bob Mernickle on it.
Sheriff Diggs informed Jess the cold-blooded killers are: Randy Hastings, Blake Taggert, & Hank Beard.
Jess (19) went to see Mr. Jameson (banker).
Wanted poster: Randy Hastings has a $500 bounty on his head, dead/alive.
Red Carter (Frank’s son, gunslinger) had just shot/killed Sheriff Diggs.
Jess went to confront Red at the bar.
William (barkeep) watched as the 2 of them jawed back/forth.
BANG! Red would never kill again.
Jess told Jim & Sara he had a lead on 1 of his family’s killers & was headed to Tarkenton.
What did Sara tell him before he headed out?
Spurs Saloon. Jess met with Sheriff Manley.
Scott Vogan (Last “C” ranch hand), & Saul Littman (hired gun) were the next 2 not going to see the sun rise ever again.
Timber, TX. Sheriff Mark Steele came in to the saloon, Paul & Ben Grady (hired gun) were lying in pools of blood.
The shootout in the saloon had been between Sheriff Steele, Jess, Paul Mason (rancher),
& his 4 hired guns.
Frank Reedy (bounty hunter, former US Marshall), & Todd Spicer (bounty hunter partner) stopped in to chat with Sheriff Steele.
Jess Williams (17) is wanted for murder of Red Carter back in Black Creek, KS.
Dick Carter (Red’s father) hired the 2 of them to bring him back.
Sheriff Steele escorted the 2 over to the bar where Jess was eating supper.
Largo, TX. Jess introduced himself to Sheriff A. J. Rubel.
Jess went to Jonesville, TX. & then Red Rock, TX.
He met with Sheriff Clancy (60+).
Will Jess finish his quest for justice?
1 of my 35 top 2018 books.
Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a very well wild west (dual timeline) book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a large set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great wild west movie, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; BookSends; R & T Enterprise Inc.; 1st. Edition; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
May 25, 2018
When I go over who I am as a reader, I find that I enjoy stories about time anomalies that involves an artifact going through time travel and I also enjoy stories about people fighting for what's right. If you also enjoy these topics in books then, you’ll enjoy The Reckoning by Robert J. Thomas. It is a story about a young man, named Jess Williams, who is stopping criminals by being a gunslinger. The book is similar to an addicting flavor of hot sauce for a person who can't stand spicy things. I mean that by the way, the story unfolds itself, one moment you want to put the book down because the story gets heated up, and other times you can't stop reading it because of the renewed interest of the story.
To start with, there were several things in this book I found interest in. One of the things I enjoyed was the fact that Jess fought the good fight and he never caused his friends to get hurt by his actions. Also, Jess was a good person and he was always kind to the people around him. As well as his attitude, he held himself to a moral code that he would never ignore, such as his determination to stop murderers. There was only one thing I did not enjoy was the length Jess would go to stop the murderers. Jess would try his best to protect his friends.
Secondly, there are some things you may not enjoy. Things like Jess’ tactics may seem like overkill. Jess uses some overkill by using his weapons like a madman would. Most times he uses an unnecessary force. He also becomes a bounty hunter and started killing men for money. But, I enjoyed the book thoroughly and there were some bad patches but the book was good in my opinion. Moreover, I enjoyed the fact that Jess brought down many bad guys.
Next, the people who would enjoy this book would be people who enjoy people fighting for justice and peace. Jess is fighting to keep families like his own safe from murderers and bandits that target defenseless families and travelers. He is doing this because his family was brutally murdered. So, if you enjoy themes like honesty, rightful justice, and the quest for adventure this book is for you. Also, if you enjoy western based novels, this book is full of that.
July 1, 2020
This book is showing just over four stars, I have to give it two for a variety of reasons.
One is that there is absolutely no reason for the storyline involving Dave. My assumption is that somehow he plays into the second book because otherwise, it makes no sense.
Jess supposedly had a twin out there but that plot just dies off with no explanation. Again, makes no sense to have a loose end like that.
The writing was sophomoric, at best. The sentence structure was choppy, ideas were reiterated too often, and words were used repetitively and very close to each other.
I may read the second book because, I admit, I’m curious to see if the issues I have with this book are resolved in the next but if I don’t - I’m ok with that.
One is that there is absolutely no reason for the storyline involving Dave. My assumption is that somehow he plays into the second book because otherwise, it makes no sense.
Jess supposedly had a twin out there but that plot just dies off with no explanation. Again, makes no sense to have a loose end like that.
The writing was sophomoric, at best. The sentence structure was choppy, ideas were reiterated too often, and words were used repetitively and very close to each other.
I may read the second book because, I admit, I’m curious to see if the issues I have with this book are resolved in the next but if I don’t - I’m ok with that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2018
I have no idea what took me so long to find Author Robert J. Thomas. He's written over sixty titles in his Jess Williams series and I'm starting at No. 1. I loved it, and am glad I have two more in his introductory trilogy to complete. Thomas' characters are authentic and charismatic and, it goes without saying, young Jess Williams is the toughest teenager in the Wild West. He is hell bent on avenging his family's murder and wastes little time doing it. Thomas' preface and epilogue are eye-opening and mysteriously entertaining. I can't wait to read more.
January 6, 2019
There is a lot of killing and gruesome events, which surprised me that I ended up enjoying this series. So I have continued on but have to take breaks and read something else. What I do enjoy about the books in this series is the author makes up quite interesting characters. I love how the character names go with the characters personalities. Makes it unique and kind of funny too added into the killing.
Read
November 25, 2021excellent Currently. reading bk #36. Love that he wins! Love that he respects women. Love the various characters he meets along the way. Each story is holding my interest to the end.
I'm an 85 yr old lady who grew up on a farm in AR in the 40's. We ate rabbits & squirrels, drank coffee -- can relate on that easily. "Keep on killing those dastardly villains & bringing justice to the West -- Jess!!!"
I'm an 85 yr old lady who grew up on a farm in AR in the 40's. We ate rabbits & squirrels, drank coffee -- can relate on that easily. "Keep on killing those dastardly villains & bringing justice to the West -- Jess!!!"
October 7, 2022
Great story!
I had started this book when I was on a western kick but had walked away about a chapter in, after reading the premise. Something made me come back to it. I'm a fan of the weird west and th
at usually entails some witchcraft or zombie horde of sorts, but this book is so well done you forget that portion of the story. It's up there with any Johnstone or Ralph Compton book. I'm definitely going to continue on the Jess Williams trail.
I had started this book when I was on a western kick but had walked away about a chapter in, after reading the premise. Something made me come back to it. I'm a fan of the weird west and th
at usually entails some witchcraft or zombie horde of sorts, but this book is so well done you forget that portion of the story. It's up there with any Johnstone or Ralph Compton book. I'm definitely going to continue on the Jess Williams trail.
July 7, 2024
Started out good.
Sensed and understood Jess's rage and cold heart but as soon as he got on the road instead of just seeking the guys he's was looking for his smart aleck answers and attitude of course drew every tin horn looking for a fight. Then it became like so many other chintzy westerns "Draw". Bang you killed him. I'm looking for something more. A real story and this ain't it!
Sensed and understood Jess's rage and cold heart but as soon as he got on the road instead of just seeking the guys he's was looking for his smart aleck answers and attitude of course drew every tin horn looking for a fight. Then it became like so many other chintzy westerns "Draw". Bang you killed him. I'm looking for something more. A real story and this ain't it!
July 3, 2017
Excellent
I've always been a Louis L'Amour fan and had pretty much given up on finding a western writer that I would like as much. Robert J. Thomas and his Jess Williams stories may well be it. Great story with colourful characters and lots of action. Well done Mr. Thomas. I eagerly look forward to reading more ...
I've always been a Louis L'Amour fan and had pretty much given up on finding a western writer that I would like as much. Robert J. Thomas and his Jess Williams stories may well be it. Great story with colourful characters and lots of action. Well done Mr. Thomas. I eagerly look forward to reading more ...
July 22, 2017
Be very careful this series is very addictive. It's like potato chips you can't read just one.
I love this book series. I started on book sixty and started back through the series then book 61 came out, read that, then went back on the series to book 36 then I thought I would like to start at the beginning , so book number one and it is outstanding.
I love this book series. I started on book sixty and started back through the series then book 61 came out, read that, then went back on the series to book 36 then I thought I would like to start at the beginning , so book number one and it is outstanding.
January 24, 2018
A very enjoyable book to read and liked
I really liked reading this story. The whole connection between the past and the present really made wonder and consider. The characters developed nicely were very believable. Hooray for Robert!! He has caught my attention as an author I definitely to read more of in the future.
I really liked reading this story. The whole connection between the past and the present really made wonder and consider. The characters developed nicely were very believable. Hooray for Robert!! He has caught my attention as an author I definitely to read more of in the future.
March 7, 2021
The Rectoning
Well I had not read how jess was started in bounty . I have read a lot of his books. Now I have to find some I haven't read. I ENJOY His books. I guess he Neverending married. If the gun was given to someone else. Any way read Jess Williams books. They are fine reading. And he helps so many people. JD
Well I had not read how jess was started in bounty . I have read a lot of his books. Now I have to find some I haven't read. I ENJOY His books. I guess he Neverending married. If the gun was given to someone else. Any way read Jess Williams books. They are fine reading. And he helps so many people. JD
March 9, 2023
The best western series I have ever read
I am now 73 years old and been a western fan since has long has I can remember. I am now starting from the beginning again (Dementia does have its advantages) and this is the best of every author I have ever read and I think I must have read them all in my lifetime
I am now 73 years old and been a western fan since has long has I can remember. I am now starting from the beginning again (Dementia does have its advantages) and this is the best of every author I have ever read and I think I must have read them all in my lifetime
November 8, 2023
Damned good book!
Robert J, I'm a Robert J, too...Robert J Ralph, we both have a first name for a last name...Loved your first book and I'll read EVERY single one of them. I even passed you on to one of the stars of the television show 'Emergency'. He's my fraternity brother and a dampened good friend to this day. Thank you, Robert!!
Robert J, I'm a Robert J, too...Robert J Ralph, we both have a first name for a last name...Loved your first book and I'll read EVERY single one of them. I even passed you on to one of the stars of the television show 'Emergency'. He's my fraternity brother and a dampened good friend to this day. Thank you, Robert!!
February 28, 2024
Review for THE RECKONING by Robert J. Thomas
I thought the book was well written and had interesting subjects and material until the author began explaining the appearance of the special gun and bolster which I can considered had come either from his father of maybe the gun smith. The explanation was NOT necessary ! The whole epilogue was bologna in my opinion.
I thought the book was well written and had interesting subjects and material until the author began explaining the appearance of the special gun and bolster which I can considered had come either from his father of maybe the gun smith. The explanation was NOT necessary ! The whole epilogue was bologna in my opinion.
January 24, 2025
I had to take the time….
To give this one praise. Author drops you into the old west, believably and with a mystery (more than one) right at the beginning.
Thomas ties the present to the past seamlessly, and sprinkled with just enough supernatural to hold your attention..and I can’t wait to start the second in the series.
To give this one praise. Author drops you into the old west, believably and with a mystery (more than one) right at the beginning.
Thomas ties the present to the past seamlessly, and sprinkled with just enough supernatural to hold your attention..and I can’t wait to start the second in the series.
May 19, 2017
This story was lost in time!
While the story was fiction, I was bothered by facts that 16 years old boy could handle all of the beer and rye whiskey and not be slowed down a little bit to multiple gun fights in a day. The morals of revenge were okay but some seem carried too far!
While the story was fiction, I was bothered by facts that 16 years old boy could handle all of the beer and rye whiskey and not be slowed down a little bit to multiple gun fights in a day. The morals of revenge were okay but some seem carried too far!
January 15, 2018
Excellent author
I have read a lot of westerns and this one by Robert J. Thomas has been one of the best. Going from the present to the past and back to the present. It was very very unique and interesting.
I have read a lot of westerns and this one by Robert J. Thomas has been one of the best. Going from the present to the past and back to the present. It was very very unique and interesting.
December 1, 2018
Western like nothing I ever read
This is a bloody and vengeful story, but one that I would live out if I was the main character. Very entertaining and a pleasure to read. Fast paced, heavy with authenticity and the main character is well written.
This is a bloody and vengeful story, but one that I would live out if I was the main character. Very entertaining and a pleasure to read. Fast paced, heavy with authenticity and the main character is well written.
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