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Dust Devils
Beware when the vampires come to town!
When traveling actors recruited his wife for a plum role, Cody Wilson had no idea they would murder her. Twelve-year-old Willet Black was just as devastated the night the fiends slaughtered everyone he loved. Now Cody and Willet are bent on revenge, but neither of them suspects what they’re really up against.
For the actors are vampires. Their thirst for human blood is insatiable. Even if word of their atrocities were to spread, it would take an army to oppose them. But it is 1885 in the wilds of New Mexico, and there is no help for Cody and Willet. The two must battle the vampires—alone—or die trying.
When traveling actors recruited his wife for a plum role, Cody Wilson had no idea they would murder her. Twelve-year-old Willet Black was just as devastated the night the fiends slaughtered everyone he loved. Now Cody and Willet are bent on revenge, but neither of them suspects what they’re really up against.
For the actors are vampires. Their thirst for human blood is insatiable. Even if word of their atrocities were to spread, it would take an army to oppose them. But it is 1885 in the wilds of New Mexico, and there is no help for Cody and Willet. The two must battle the vampires—alone—or die trying.
280 pages, Paperback
First published February 4, 2014
20 people are currently reading
1472 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Janz
60 books2,085 followersJonathan Janz is an author and public schoolteacher. His sci-fi horror novel VEIL is now available, and you can find his story "Lenora" in THE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT: NEW TALES OF STEPHEN KING'S THE STAND. He’s represented for Film & TV by Adam Kolbrenner of Lit Entertainment, and his literary agent is Lane Heymont. His ghost story The Siren and the Specter was selected as a Goodreads Choice nominee for Best Horror. Additionally, his novels Children of the Dark and The Dark Game were chosen by Booklist and Library Journal as Top Ten Horror Books of the Year. Jonathan’s main interests are his wonderful wife and his three amazing children. You can sign up for his newsletter (http://jonathanjanz.us12.list-manage....), and you can follow him on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Amazon, Threads, Bluesky, TikTok, and Goodreads.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
August 7, 2021
4 STARS!
I really enjoyed reading Dust Devils with the Castle Dracula group on Goodreads and we were lucky enough that the author Jonathan Janz joined us for the discussion of the book and fun!
Dust Devils is that perfect formula of vampires and the Wild West.
Things go down in the Wild Wild West and it's buckets of fun and blood. 🤣😂
You would not think that these two things would work together but they did and very well.
Both topics, vampires and the Wild West have a raw brutality about them, and it was like peanut butter and jelly!
Dust Devils is set in New Mexico in the Las Cruces area and it’s around 1885. Our main character, Cody Wilson is struggling a bit in life. His marriage is not going well and he’s on the outs with his Dad.
Cody and a boy named Willett Black unfortunately run into a traveling group of stage actors that are more then they appear. Both of their lives are changed drastically from this point on.
The traveling group goes into old west towns and puts on a play at the saloon. After the play is over, town people disappear or wives leave husbands, as in the case for Cody’s wife.
The book starts off with a bang!
You are instantly pulled into the story because the action is intense.
In the beginning of the book, Cody has followed the stage actors back to a camp site in the middle of the wilds of New Mexico. What he sees at the campsite shocks and terrifies him, along with putting him in the path of Willett Black. Willett’s whole family has gone missing, and he’s also followed this group to the same location.
Dust Devils is lots of action, gore and violence.
It’s not for the reader that struggles with brutality because these vampires do not sparkle, and they don’t treat women well. In fact, there were some rather descriptive sex scenes in this that showed their lack of respect for the ladies.
But here’s the thing, we have a main character who balances the violence and evil in this book with his sense of humanity and love.
And I really enjoyed how Jonathan Janz puts some heart into this book with all of the violence and craziness.
Definitely get to this one if you are a fan of the horror genre and also love vampire tales that are raw and bloodthirsty!
I really enjoyed reading Dust Devils with the Castle Dracula group on Goodreads and we were lucky enough that the author Jonathan Janz joined us for the discussion of the book and fun!
Dust Devils is that perfect formula of vampires and the Wild West.
Things go down in the Wild Wild West and it's buckets of fun and blood. 🤣😂
You would not think that these two things would work together but they did and very well.
Both topics, vampires and the Wild West have a raw brutality about them, and it was like peanut butter and jelly!
Dust Devils is set in New Mexico in the Las Cruces area and it’s around 1885. Our main character, Cody Wilson is struggling a bit in life. His marriage is not going well and he’s on the outs with his Dad.
Cody and a boy named Willett Black unfortunately run into a traveling group of stage actors that are more then they appear. Both of their lives are changed drastically from this point on.
The traveling group goes into old west towns and puts on a play at the saloon. After the play is over, town people disappear or wives leave husbands, as in the case for Cody’s wife.
The book starts off with a bang!
You are instantly pulled into the story because the action is intense.
In the beginning of the book, Cody has followed the stage actors back to a camp site in the middle of the wilds of New Mexico. What he sees at the campsite shocks and terrifies him, along with putting him in the path of Willett Black. Willett’s whole family has gone missing, and he’s also followed this group to the same location.
Dust Devils is lots of action, gore and violence.
It’s not for the reader that struggles with brutality because these vampires do not sparkle, and they don’t treat women well. In fact, there were some rather descriptive sex scenes in this that showed their lack of respect for the ladies.
But here’s the thing, we have a main character who balances the violence and evil in this book with his sense of humanity and love.
And I really enjoyed how Jonathan Janz puts some heart into this book with all of the violence and craziness.
Definitely get to this one if you are a fan of the horror genre and also love vampire tales that are raw and bloodthirsty!
Want to read
July 7, 2019This Limited, Signed, Numbered, hardcover is Shadow Side Series Book 7 , 60 Copies , book is numbered 14 of 60 copies printed and is signed by author Jonathan Janz from Thunderstorm Books.
August 12, 2021
Vampire Thespian Imbroglio! Players or just Played! "Well, I just don't understand what happened. Talk about an overzealous theatre critic. One minute we're giving the best show since Shakespeare was in business, and the next people are showing up with pitchforks and scythes. Talk about a tough crowd. It's hell out there. You think being a vampire king in the wild west is easy - you try it. I dare you!" - Adam Price, Vampire King, Western Districts, - The Supernatural Gazette.
A very entertaining read by Jonathan Janz, well-drawn heroes, vile villains, plenty of action, suspense and buckets of gore.
Plus some heart-rending scenes.
A wild-west vampire novel with heart - what a winner.
Recommended. 5 'Dust and Blood Lust,' stars.
A very entertaining read by Jonathan Janz, well-drawn heroes, vile villains, plenty of action, suspense and buckets of gore.
Plus some heart-rending scenes.
A wild-west vampire novel with heart - what a winner.
Recommended. 5 'Dust and Blood Lust,' stars.
August 6, 2022
Wild West Vampire Reading Rumble!
A small backstory:
Cody Wilson is on the hunt for traveling stage actors after they abducted his wife. While on the hunt for the actors Cody comes across Willett Black who also has lost family members to the stage actors.
Cody and Willett track down the actors to a town, but they soon find out that the actors are not human, but are something far much worse than anything they could have ever imagined. Revenge will be sweet but they will have to go to hell and back to take out the actors as they are really on the hunt for vampires and they will need to keep their wits if they want to achieve that goal.
Thoughts:
I was pulled in quickly to the story and transported back in time to the old west. The story is centered around vampires that are traveling actors that go from town to town.
There is lots of action in the beginning of the book and there is lots of graphic sexual content as well throughout most of the book. The last 30% of the book is non-stop action with lots of blood and gore splashed across the pages! Giving this one four "Wild West Vampire" stars.
For images on this review, please see my blog:
https://booknookretreat.blogspot.com/...
A small backstory:
Cody Wilson is on the hunt for traveling stage actors after they abducted his wife. While on the hunt for the actors Cody comes across Willett Black who also has lost family members to the stage actors.
Cody and Willett track down the actors to a town, but they soon find out that the actors are not human, but are something far much worse than anything they could have ever imagined. Revenge will be sweet but they will have to go to hell and back to take out the actors as they are really on the hunt for vampires and they will need to keep their wits if they want to achieve that goal.
Thoughts:
I was pulled in quickly to the story and transported back in time to the old west. The story is centered around vampires that are traveling actors that go from town to town.
There is lots of action in the beginning of the book and there is lots of graphic sexual content as well throughout most of the book. The last 30% of the book is non-stop action with lots of blood and gore splashed across the pages! Giving this one four "Wild West Vampire" stars.
For images on this review, please see my blog:
https://booknookretreat.blogspot.com/...
August 11, 2021
I liked
Dust Devils
A LOT for a whole lotta horror-lover reasons. This was my introduction to Mr. Jonathan Janz's work. I can't think of a volume that would have been a better intro for me.
The whole tone to me felt like a narrative in the weird west. Kinda like when I played Deadlands Reloaded with some of my gaming buddies several years back. It has an old west feel to it, but monsters and supernatural and scary as crap events in it.
It also helped a whole lot that I got to read it as part of a group read in the Castle Dracula group. I had a lot of fun reading it, discussing it with them, interacting some with Mr. Janz. All of that adds up to a whole lot of not sucking.
Dust Devils takes place in New Mexico. The protagonist, Cody, is a young "everyman." He's not like a trained killer or a soldier. He's not super rich. And most of all, he's not the most courageous guy in the world. In other words, he's your average guy in the wild west just trying to get by. At least at first, he's not the kind of guy that would charge into battle, fearless and confident he can handle the situation. (More on that later.)
But Cody's smart. Not brilliant, but smart. He has a pretty solid means of reasoning his way to the solution to most problems. BUT... Cody has, in his history let himself be led into some pretty dumb-ass life decisions.
Like marrying Angela. Oh boy is she a piece of work. The story opens with some traveling actors coming to Cody's town. Frivolous, mean-spirited, and shallow as hell Angela whines, wheedles, then threatens/leaves to be part of their production at the town. Cuz they "need" an actress to play a part because they need a female.
What unfolds is an unpleasant scene where Angela
So that happens. And then life starts to go down the outhouse hole for Cody. He finds out that the actors are a bunch of low-down dirty vile demonic vampires. Lots of blood and slaughter ensues. Cody is watching and then makes an ally, young Willett, who is basically just a kid. The plot unfolds as Cody finds himself compelled to get revenge, then fleeing, then fighting. Rinse with the blood of innocents and repeat.
It's a real struggle for Cody. He's not inherently brave, which I kind of liked. It was refreshing. Not everyone is going to be a born/trained hero. He gets some help. He uses his best weapon, his brain to fight against this troop of vamps, who have created a mythology of vampires to misdirect as to what it really means to be a vamp. Cody gets help for some very appealing characters, Willett, and then Marguerite, a total badass, resilient lady encountered in a different town. You see a lot of growth in Cody. He makes decisions that might arguably be the wrong decision from a strictly mission based, tactical standpoint, but for a thinking feeling guy who cares about certain people, like Willett and Marguerite, they made sense to me. He comes into his own. He rises to the occasion, as does Marguerite and Willett to some extent.
Marguerite was an awesome character. It was proof positive that you shouldn't count anyone out. She was resilient and strong and smart. Let's just say
Dust Devils has great action scenes and emotional heart to it. I liked it. Well worth it. The story had nice twists and surprises. Loved that. It had a unique take on the vampire type of story. Lots of blood and gore and violence in it too.
There were just a few things, minor things that were probably just subjective to me, that led to a 4 star rating instead of 5:
1. I liked Cody as hero in this instance. But one thing that kind of pulled me out of the story on occasion. He's an ordinary person put into an extraordinary situation. Like I said above he's not a trained warrior or badass. Cody took ass-beating after ass-beating and injury after injury and I didn't get a sense of (or at least enough of a sense of) the cumulative toll it took on him. For example
2. In the first maybe third of the book maybe I was a little confused sometimes on the timeline/sequence of when thing happened.
3. I got that the vamps were really powerful and with that came a certain sense of hubris and invulnerability. BUT...
But don't get me wrong, these are very soft issues. I loved this book and the opportunity to read it with some good CD friends. Thanks everyone for making it such a wonderful experience.
The whole tone to me felt like a narrative in the weird west. Kinda like when I played Deadlands Reloaded with some of my gaming buddies several years back. It has an old west feel to it, but monsters and supernatural and scary as crap events in it.
It also helped a whole lot that I got to read it as part of a group read in the Castle Dracula group. I had a lot of fun reading it, discussing it with them, interacting some with Mr. Janz. All of that adds up to a whole lot of not sucking.
Dust Devils takes place in New Mexico. The protagonist, Cody, is a young "everyman." He's not like a trained killer or a soldier. He's not super rich. And most of all, he's not the most courageous guy in the world. In other words, he's your average guy in the wild west just trying to get by. At least at first, he's not the kind of guy that would charge into battle, fearless and confident he can handle the situation. (More on that later.)
But Cody's smart. Not brilliant, but smart. He has a pretty solid means of reasoning his way to the solution to most problems. BUT... Cody has, in his history let himself be led into some pretty dumb-ass life decisions.
Like marrying Angela. Oh boy is she a piece of work. The story opens with some traveling actors coming to Cody's town. Frivolous, mean-spirited, and shallow as hell Angela whines, wheedles, then threatens/leaves to be part of their production at the town. Cuz they "need" an actress to play a part because they need a female.
What unfolds is an unpleasant scene where Angela
So that happens. And then life starts to go down the outhouse hole for Cody. He finds out that the actors are a bunch of low-down dirty vile demonic vampires. Lots of blood and slaughter ensues. Cody is watching and then makes an ally, young Willett, who is basically just a kid. The plot unfolds as Cody finds himself compelled to get revenge, then fleeing, then fighting. Rinse with the blood of innocents and repeat.
It's a real struggle for Cody. He's not inherently brave, which I kind of liked. It was refreshing. Not everyone is going to be a born/trained hero. He gets some help. He uses his best weapon, his brain to fight against this troop of vamps, who have created a mythology of vampires to misdirect as to what it really means to be a vamp. Cody gets help for some very appealing characters, Willett, and then Marguerite, a total badass, resilient lady encountered in a different town. You see a lot of growth in Cody. He makes decisions that might arguably be the wrong decision from a strictly mission based, tactical standpoint, but for a thinking feeling guy who cares about certain people, like Willett and Marguerite, they made sense to me. He comes into his own. He rises to the occasion, as does Marguerite and Willett to some extent.
Marguerite was an awesome character. It was proof positive that you shouldn't count anyone out. She was resilient and strong and smart. Let's just say
Dust Devils has great action scenes and emotional heart to it. I liked it. Well worth it. The story had nice twists and surprises. Loved that. It had a unique take on the vampire type of story. Lots of blood and gore and violence in it too.
There were just a few things, minor things that were probably just subjective to me, that led to a 4 star rating instead of 5:
1. I liked Cody as hero in this instance. But one thing that kind of pulled me out of the story on occasion. He's an ordinary person put into an extraordinary situation. Like I said above he's not a trained warrior or badass. Cody took ass-beating after ass-beating and injury after injury and I didn't get a sense of (or at least enough of a sense of) the cumulative toll it took on him. For example
2. In the first maybe third of the book maybe I was a little confused sometimes on the timeline/sequence of when thing happened.
3. I got that the vamps were really powerful and with that came a certain sense of hubris and invulnerability. BUT...
But don't get me wrong, these are very soft issues. I loved this book and the opportunity to read it with some good CD friends. Thanks everyone for making it such a wonderful experience.
May 1, 2022
This was an accidental reread but I'm not mad at that. This was so action packed and exciting even the second time reading it. Not been reading his books lately but will try to read or reread more sooner rather than later
---
Set in 1885 its both a western and a vampire horror story, what's not to like? Seems to be oddly drawn to Jonathan Janz books recently. But I don't mind it at all. The books are fun an action packed and the book is as good as the blurb promises!
---
Set in 1885 its both a western and a vampire horror story, what's not to like? Seems to be oddly drawn to Jonathan Janz books recently. But I don't mind it at all. The books are fun an action packed and the book is as good as the blurb promises!
June 10, 2019
3.5! Rounded up for Goodreads
“Now remember, when things look bad and it looks like you're not gonna make it, then you gotta get mean. I mean plumb, mad-dog mean. 'Cause if you lose your head and you give up then you neither live nor win. That's just the way it is.”
― Forrest Carter, The Outlaw Josey Wales
Just finished DUST DEVILS by Jonathan Janz last night. I was still in my bed staring at the ceiling, searching the files of my brain for that damn, Josey Wales quote! Thank goodness for Google searches because it's just the perfect quote for this story.
The protagonist, our unlikely hero, Cody Wilson isn't full of "grit & spit" like you would expect from a Western. He's a bit craven and probably not the most intimidating fighter.
Even though he's on this revenge mission, the reader gets an early sense that Cody might be biting off more than he can chew pursuing a pack of wild, beefy vampires across the desert.
The book starts off in the eye of the storm with Cody watching the vampires from a safe distance. He encounters a young boy doing the same thing and the two of them make a hasty introduction--the kid showing he has more courage and balls than Cody, actually, and he tells Cody his revenge story.
Through some clever interludes of flashback, we get the basic idea of why Cody is trailing the vampires--from here, Cody develops a fatherly bond with Willet since they're basically on the same quest and neither one of them have any family to speak of. Part one: The story set up is my favorite part of this book. Although, I have to mention: One of my favorite aspects of the Western genre is how the environment/landscape is almost like another protagonist--the authors usually give a lot of page-time to its description and I feel like that element is missing; just a smattering of scenery details here and there.
But the scenes with Cody and Willet were really enjoyable--this is where Janz shines. He writes relationships so well and I've said this in another book review, but Janz is the most successful when he writes a bit of himself into the characters--Cody's fatherly protection of Willet is achingly sweet.
Part Two introduces one of my favorite characters in the story, Marguerite- a strong female protagonist as opposed to some of the other female characters who are just horribly unlikable.
The middle portion of this book is very graphic (both violently and sexually) and gives the reader their first real "look" at the vampires. I have to say--sometimes there truly is a threshold for how much sex and violence I can tolerate in my horror. It's so much more compelling when some evil act is implied, or the narrative cuts away and leaves a bit to the reader's imagination but in DUST DEVILS, everything is explicitly detailed and my brain does get weary of it (I'll even skim on to the next scene).
Kenny Rogers once sang, "You gotta know when to hold 'em. Know when to fold 'em." and the same goes for sex & violence.
(I always feel like I have to defend my sensibilities when I say something like that, but I'm a horror fan, so obviously, I like things dark, disgusting and depraved-just not needlessly "porny")
In the last part of the book, things pick up. I enjoyed the way Janz ended this tale. For a Western/Horror mash-up, I think it left a little to be desired, but I do think it's entertaining, compelling and full of some great characters. I would recommend it to other horror fans.
“Now remember, when things look bad and it looks like you're not gonna make it, then you gotta get mean. I mean plumb, mad-dog mean. 'Cause if you lose your head and you give up then you neither live nor win. That's just the way it is.”
― Forrest Carter, The Outlaw Josey Wales
Just finished DUST DEVILS by Jonathan Janz last night. I was still in my bed staring at the ceiling, searching the files of my brain for that damn, Josey Wales quote! Thank goodness for Google searches because it's just the perfect quote for this story.
The protagonist, our unlikely hero, Cody Wilson isn't full of "grit & spit" like you would expect from a Western. He's a bit craven and probably not the most intimidating fighter.
Even though he's on this revenge mission, the reader gets an early sense that Cody might be biting off more than he can chew pursuing a pack of wild, beefy vampires across the desert.
The book starts off in the eye of the storm with Cody watching the vampires from a safe distance. He encounters a young boy doing the same thing and the two of them make a hasty introduction--the kid showing he has more courage and balls than Cody, actually, and he tells Cody his revenge story.
Through some clever interludes of flashback, we get the basic idea of why Cody is trailing the vampires--from here, Cody develops a fatherly bond with Willet since they're basically on the same quest and neither one of them have any family to speak of. Part one: The story set up is my favorite part of this book. Although, I have to mention: One of my favorite aspects of the Western genre is how the environment/landscape is almost like another protagonist--the authors usually give a lot of page-time to its description and I feel like that element is missing; just a smattering of scenery details here and there.
But the scenes with Cody and Willet were really enjoyable--this is where Janz shines. He writes relationships so well and I've said this in another book review, but Janz is the most successful when he writes a bit of himself into the characters--Cody's fatherly protection of Willet is achingly sweet.
Part Two introduces one of my favorite characters in the story, Marguerite- a strong female protagonist as opposed to some of the other female characters who are just horribly unlikable.
The middle portion of this book is very graphic (both violently and sexually) and gives the reader their first real "look" at the vampires. I have to say--sometimes there truly is a threshold for how much sex and violence I can tolerate in my horror. It's so much more compelling when some evil act is implied, or the narrative cuts away and leaves a bit to the reader's imagination but in DUST DEVILS, everything is explicitly detailed and my brain does get weary of it (I'll even skim on to the next scene).
Kenny Rogers once sang, "You gotta know when to hold 'em. Know when to fold 'em." and the same goes for sex & violence.
(I always feel like I have to defend my sensibilities when I say something like that, but I'm a horror fan, so obviously, I like things dark, disgusting and depraved-just not needlessly "porny")
In the last part of the book, things pick up. I enjoyed the way Janz ended this tale. For a Western/Horror mash-up, I think it left a little to be desired, but I do think it's entertaining, compelling and full of some great characters. I would recommend it to other horror fans.
August 12, 2021
Vampires, and the Wild West… a perfect combination in this one! I’ve really enjoyed the other books by this author that I’ve read, and this was no exception. Filled with lots of action (really from the first few minutes in, and not relenting till the end!), fun characters and an excellent setting, all round this out for the complete package. If you like lots of action, and lots of gore as well, this would be an excellent addition to any horror collection. 4.5/5.0 stars for me!
August 2, 2021
A great vampire story. Liked that it was a different take on vampires. Be aware, though, it's quite graphic.😖
April 7, 2014
Man, oh man, Dust Devils has restored my faith in vampires. Add the twist with it being set in the old west and you have the finest horror novel of 2014! This one is a barn burner - Janz at his wildest and best. The dialogue is crisp and authentic, the action intense, the terror palpable. Dust Devils is one that can't be missed.
August 10, 2021
Vampires, the wild west and lots of blood. This one is full of action and a great way to spend 8.5 hours!
November 29, 2019
Dust Devils is a western with strong horror themes, an engaging cast of characters, and a tight linear plot which keeps the pages ticking over in rapid pulse pounding fashion.
The protagonist and accidental hero, Cody, is a man wronged by the sins of his wife who is forced unwillingly into a world of violence, pain and the preternatural amid a backdrop of a dust covered wasteland inhabited by dangers previously confined to nightmares.
I love the idea of a travelling troupe of nasties visiting isolated townships and reaping havoc, leaving nothing but death and despair in their wake...yeah that's a little morbid but I do like my horror most macabre and that's the sort of meal Janz dishes up here; a heady blend of vampire and cannibalism, scorched meat, and wet thick blood tapped straight from the vein.
My verdict: 5/5 stars.
The protagonist and accidental hero, Cody, is a man wronged by the sins of his wife who is forced unwillingly into a world of violence, pain and the preternatural amid a backdrop of a dust covered wasteland inhabited by dangers previously confined to nightmares.
I love the idea of a travelling troupe of nasties visiting isolated townships and reaping havoc, leaving nothing but death and despair in their wake...yeah that's a little morbid but I do like my horror most macabre and that's the sort of meal Janz dishes up here; a heady blend of vampire and cannibalism, scorched meat, and wet thick blood tapped straight from the vein.
My verdict: 5/5 stars.
August 18, 2016
Another good one from Mr. Janz. This one was a weird western, or western horror, and this is one of my favorite genres and one I have written novels in myself.
So we have a group of "vampires" travelling throughout the west and basically leaving carnage in their wake, but some of the victims decide to fight back. I thought there were several interesting things going on, such as the vampires posing as traveling actors. I also liked how Janz tweaked his vampires a little, so they were almost a new type of monster rather than traditional vamps (although I myself am a traditionalist, so I have no problems with old school vamps, either.)
I thought the first half of the book was good, but a little slow. Then about the midway point, things really take off and it really goes from there. Not quite as dark as some of the other Janz tales I've read(some may argue that point because it's plenty gruesome).
Overall just a good solid read. I think western horror is a genre that still has loads of untapped potential, so it's always good to see a more traditional horror writer exploring the old west like this.
I've been reading Janz's books out of order, and while this was really good, I do think his writing is constantly improving. I think that's expected, however, as most writers are constantly honing their craft. His writing just seems to get better with each new book that comes out.
As far as a recommendations go, any Janz fan of course, any weird western fan, any vampire fan, and really any horror fan in general will probably like this one. Not for the faint hearted, but a good read.
So we have a group of "vampires" travelling throughout the west and basically leaving carnage in their wake, but some of the victims decide to fight back. I thought there were several interesting things going on, such as the vampires posing as traveling actors. I also liked how Janz tweaked his vampires a little, so they were almost a new type of monster rather than traditional vamps (although I myself am a traditionalist, so I have no problems with old school vamps, either.)
I thought the first half of the book was good, but a little slow. Then about the midway point, things really take off and it really goes from there. Not quite as dark as some of the other Janz tales I've read(some may argue that point because it's plenty gruesome).
Overall just a good solid read. I think western horror is a genre that still has loads of untapped potential, so it's always good to see a more traditional horror writer exploring the old west like this.
I've been reading Janz's books out of order, and while this was really good, I do think his writing is constantly improving. I think that's expected, however, as most writers are constantly honing their craft. His writing just seems to get better with each new book that comes out.
As far as a recommendations go, any Janz fan of course, any weird western fan, any vampire fan, and really any horror fan in general will probably like this one. Not for the faint hearted, but a good read.
November 15, 2021
I never knew a vampire western was something I deeply desired until Janz went and fulfilled that unknown longing I had. Seriously though, can vampire westerns please be a new genre because I need more of that kind of brutal deliciousness. I like my vampires merciless and brutal and gory as fuck and this book delivers that in SPADES. I think the Dust Devils might honestly be my favourite vampires EVER and that’s saying a lot because I’ve read a metric fuck ton of vampire books. This one is just on another level of great though, it’s hard to even accurately describe how good it was because I’m still revelling in all the guts and gore and sex. Because you can’t truly have a vampire novel without some sex thrown in can you? All kidding aside, this is some next level vampire greatness and you’d be missing out by not picking it up and devouring it like I did.
February 17, 2014
In Dust Devils, Jonathan takes us on a wild and horrific ride.
He also reawakens my interest in vampires & westerns.
I find that in his books, I prefer not to guess what happens next, but best to sit back, read and enjoy the story as it unfolds.
There was non-stop action and lots of blood and gore, but also some laughs and tears.
As in his other books, the plot was intense & engrossing, and the characters provided some insights on human nature and family dynamics.
Dust Devils made me scared, made me cringe, made me sad, made me nostalgic, and made me happy I read it! : )
5 Malevolent Stars!
He also reawakens my interest in vampires & westerns.
I find that in his books, I prefer not to guess what happens next, but best to sit back, read and enjoy the story as it unfolds.
There was non-stop action and lots of blood and gore, but also some laughs and tears.
As in his other books, the plot was intense & engrossing, and the characters provided some insights on human nature and family dynamics.
Dust Devils made me scared, made me cringe, made me sad, made me nostalgic, and made me happy I read it! : )
5 Malevolent Stars!
October 24, 2017
This is the fantastic Thunderstorm Books hardcover. Number 41/40 (Shadow Side Series).
February 11, 2014
2.5 Stars
Cody and Willet are both suffering through a personal loss caused by these Dust Devils that roll into town, preying on the unsuspecting townsfolk.
Cody must muster up the courage needed to try and stop the monsters from destroying all that he cares for.
I found the pacing of the first half to be a little slow for my tastes, but I was able to learn a lot about Cody and Willet's background. Some moments in this story were a bit unbelievable and over-done, specifically when the vampires were humiliating Cody and the conversations between the two.
Cody started out as a weak character, unable or unwilling to stand up for himself, but by the end of the story, he more than made up for his lack of a back-bone.
The vampires were violent and unrelenting in their pursuit for fresh blood and I wish I could have experienced the story from their point of view.
In my opinion, this story would have had more of an impact as a novella.
This read could be a potential treat for jaded vampire fans.
*I was given an ARC in exchange for a truthful review*
Cody and Willet are both suffering through a personal loss caused by these Dust Devils that roll into town, preying on the unsuspecting townsfolk.
Cody must muster up the courage needed to try and stop the monsters from destroying all that he cares for.I found the pacing of the first half to be a little slow for my tastes, but I was able to learn a lot about Cody and Willet's background. Some moments in this story were a bit unbelievable and over-done, specifically when the vampires were humiliating Cody and the conversations between the two.
Cody started out as a weak character, unable or unwilling to stand up for himself, but by the end of the story, he more than made up for his lack of a back-bone.
The vampires were violent and unrelenting in their pursuit for fresh blood and I wish I could have experienced the story from their point of view.
In my opinion, this story would have had more of an impact as a novella.
This read could be a potential treat for jaded vampire fans.
*I was given an ARC in exchange for a truthful review*
December 1, 2019
This is a spectacular work of fiction that combines the western and horror genres neatly. While reading it I couldn’t help but be reminded of Stephen King’s Gunslinger, only Dust Devil’s is by far more action packed of the two stories. Yet it shares the same level of brutality and hardship in its stories telling.
Dust Devil’s is a story about a man called Cody seeking revenge for the murder of his wife at the hands of what he suspects are cannibals. What they actually are is something far worse. Cody Wilson is a great character; a resourceful yet flawed man that the reader quickly bonds with. I actually think he is my favourite character that Jonathan Janz’s has created so far. I encourage readers to go into this one with little or no knowledge of the story as Janz pulls some world class twists throughout the novels length that have you on the edge of your seat.
Dust Devil’s is a story about a man called Cody seeking revenge for the murder of his wife at the hands of what he suspects are cannibals. What they actually are is something far worse. Cody Wilson is a great character; a resourceful yet flawed man that the reader quickly bonds with. I actually think he is my favourite character that Jonathan Janz’s has created so far. I encourage readers to go into this one with little or no knowledge of the story as Janz pulls some world class twists throughout the novels length that have you on the edge of your seat.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2019
4.5 stars! Review to come this week on Sci Fi and Scary!
February 20, 2014
Arguably, there's nothing more American in print and film than the Western. It's iconic. The same can be said for that ages-old king of monsters in the horror genre: the vampire. No, I'm not referring to the teen heartthrob bloodsucker that sparkles in sunlight (no disrespect to that author) or the melancholic Euro-vamp who pines for his humanity whilst draining some hapless harlot (again, no disrespect to that author, either). But the nasty, relentless killing machine that shows no mercy in its mindless bloodlust. Yeah, those vampires.
While vampiric westerns have been done before, they haven't been done nearly enough in my estimation, and the latest release from Samhain by Jonathan Janz does this with fierce intensity and absolutely pulls no punches. Young rancher Cody Wilson tracks a mysterious cadre of actors, led by the enigmatic Adam Price, after his wife has been seduced by the troupe. But when he learns that they're bloodthirsty killers, Cody attempts to exact revenge...and stumbles onto another survivor of the Price gang's sanguinary lust, a young boy named Willet. But as Cody and Willet struggle to survive against these unstoppable foes, can they find a way to stop Price and his minions before its too late?
The theme of father-son relationships runs strong in this lean and sinewy novel, and adds a touching and poignant aspect to a brutally enjoyable novel by one of the bright rising stars of modern horror fiction. Definite must-read!
While vampiric westerns have been done before, they haven't been done nearly enough in my estimation, and the latest release from Samhain by Jonathan Janz does this with fierce intensity and absolutely pulls no punches. Young rancher Cody Wilson tracks a mysterious cadre of actors, led by the enigmatic Adam Price, after his wife has been seduced by the troupe. But when he learns that they're bloodthirsty killers, Cody attempts to exact revenge...and stumbles onto another survivor of the Price gang's sanguinary lust, a young boy named Willet. But as Cody and Willet struggle to survive against these unstoppable foes, can they find a way to stop Price and his minions before its too late?
The theme of father-son relationships runs strong in this lean and sinewy novel, and adds a touching and poignant aspect to a brutally enjoyable novel by one of the bright rising stars of modern horror fiction. Definite must-read!
July 1, 2019
Vampires have taken many forms throughout the centuries since the myth surrounding them came into being. Often they're portrayed as noble gentlemen, full of charm and chivalry, and more recently they've been portrayed as moody teenagers, either rocking torn jeans and leather jackets or--worse--SKINNY jeans and sparkling skin. There's also a plethora of other types who've fallen somewhere between these incarnations, making it clear that the vampire--at least as conjured in the minds of authors and filmmakers at the forefront of popular culture--is capable of shifting its form into many different archetypes as writers strive to keep the mythical creatures relevant and fresh.
For myself, I've always preferred the more monstrous imaginings of the beasts. And make no mistake, beasts they certainly are, no matter how they are portrayed or how the unfathomable gold flakes--somehow embedded in their skin and ONLY visible in sunlight--sparkle beneath the open sky. We're talking about monsters who hunt people and drink their blood. About abominations who force victims to drink blood from their own flesh so as to turn them into immortal creatures of the night, damning their souls and unnaturally sustaining themselves on the flesh and blood of the innocent. Ray Garton's masterpiece LIVE GIRLS comes to mind when I think of the monstrous vampire, which is still one of my all-time favorite imaginings of these undead fiends. Sex show dancers giving more than just a happy ending to the voyeurs who frequent their establishment, while running a night club which serves its vampiric patrons cocktails of blood while excited partyers are turned horrifically or devoured entirely in the back. THAT is the kind of vampire I like to read about and see in my movies, no matter the popularity of pale heartthrobs with a CGI sheen. You can keep that crap, thank you very much.
In Jonathan Janz's DUST DEVILS we are treated to the kind of vampire that vampires are SUPPOSED to be: unsympathetic, ruthless, soulless monsters.
We start out right in the thick of the action with our protagonist Cody watching from afar as the vampires roast and devour a family. He soon encounters a young boy named Willet who wants revenge on the monsters for killing his family. Cody too wants revenge because the vampires--who use the cover of a traveling band of actors--have seduced his beautiful but also shallow and cruel wife away from him to become a star in their shows, where she's ravaged sexually on display for entire towns to watch. It's 1885, and in the wilds of New Mexico, the law is sparse and no one will believe what the creatures are.
Then the vampires are hunting down Cody and Willet as they flee from town to town, all the while trying to formulate a plan to take them down and kill them all, at any cost.
I'm a HUGE fan of Jonathan Janz. If you follow my reviews either here or on my website, you're quite aware of that. As this is my seventh outing into the mind of Janz, I've come to expect strong characters with real human interactions and pains that elevate the stories above their basic premise and deliver literature that grabs hold of you deep down and pulls at your heartstrings while coating you in a thick film of glorious gore and wince-inducing descriptions of pain and suffering. DUST DEVILS is no different. It starts off with a bang and it never lets up for an instant. The setting in the Old West was perfect for this story, removing widespread communication and the presence of overwhelming law and order from the equation so that we get to focus on our wary hero as he attempts to rise to an occasion he neither wants nor is prepared for. While Janz doesn't spend too much time on describing the glorious horizons or the gritty landscapes in the way classic westerns tend to do--making the environment another character in the story--I didn't think it was necessary for this book. It wouldn't have added much. We all pretty much have a good idea of what the New Mexican desert would have looked like in 1885, and Janz knows this. So instead of retreading that territory and giving us redundant descriptions of what we already know is all around the characters, he keeps the focus on the action and the pursuit. And I, for one, am glad he did so.
There's hardly a moment to breathe throughout this bloodbath. The pacing was intense and the characters were formed just so to keep things galloping along and providing surprises and twists along the way. Yet, in spite of this breathless pacing, we still get a terrific character study of a young man who feels inadequate and like a failure to his father, his hero. We also get a terrific arc in Willet, the young boy who has lost his entire family and though he is consumed with revenge, is still a sweet boy with a good heart deep down.
There's also the terrific Marguerite, who comes into the story in its second third and brings a powerhouse female protagonist who helps to bring even further intensity to the story as feelings between her and Cody develop.
Old West Vampires may well be a new favorite iteration of the creatures for me, and their uncompromising viciousness and cruelty is what makes them so strong as antagonists. Nobody cares about vampires hunting deer in the Pacific Northwest, sparkling beneath the sunlit sky, I don't care HOW many teenage girls squeal and fawn over them and their Native American werewolf competitors! Sigh...that's another story, though. For DUST DEVILS, we're treated to a terrific feast of monsters rending the flesh of cowboys and prostitutes and families, and I found it to be purely and absolutely succulent (pun intended).
For fans of vampire novels, jump all over this one. For Westerns, if you can appreciate horror with your wide open skies, dive in. For anyone else, please, for the love of God, develop some frigging taste and start reading Jonathan Janz's work immediately to cleanse yourself of such fragile sensibilities. And why not start with DUST DEVILS? It isn't my favorite Janz novel, but that's hard for me to really explain, because they've all been 5-star blockbusters as far as I'm concerned, and this one is no different.
Crack open the canteen of the neck of the person next to, grab a few sips, and read DUST DEVILS. Now.
For myself, I've always preferred the more monstrous imaginings of the beasts. And make no mistake, beasts they certainly are, no matter how they are portrayed or how the unfathomable gold flakes--somehow embedded in their skin and ONLY visible in sunlight--sparkle beneath the open sky. We're talking about monsters who hunt people and drink their blood. About abominations who force victims to drink blood from their own flesh so as to turn them into immortal creatures of the night, damning their souls and unnaturally sustaining themselves on the flesh and blood of the innocent. Ray Garton's masterpiece LIVE GIRLS comes to mind when I think of the monstrous vampire, which is still one of my all-time favorite imaginings of these undead fiends. Sex show dancers giving more than just a happy ending to the voyeurs who frequent their establishment, while running a night club which serves its vampiric patrons cocktails of blood while excited partyers are turned horrifically or devoured entirely in the back. THAT is the kind of vampire I like to read about and see in my movies, no matter the popularity of pale heartthrobs with a CGI sheen. You can keep that crap, thank you very much.
In Jonathan Janz's DUST DEVILS we are treated to the kind of vampire that vampires are SUPPOSED to be: unsympathetic, ruthless, soulless monsters.
We start out right in the thick of the action with our protagonist Cody watching from afar as the vampires roast and devour a family. He soon encounters a young boy named Willet who wants revenge on the monsters for killing his family. Cody too wants revenge because the vampires--who use the cover of a traveling band of actors--have seduced his beautiful but also shallow and cruel wife away from him to become a star in their shows, where she's ravaged sexually on display for entire towns to watch. It's 1885, and in the wilds of New Mexico, the law is sparse and no one will believe what the creatures are.
Then the vampires are hunting down Cody and Willet as they flee from town to town, all the while trying to formulate a plan to take them down and kill them all, at any cost.
I'm a HUGE fan of Jonathan Janz. If you follow my reviews either here or on my website, you're quite aware of that. As this is my seventh outing into the mind of Janz, I've come to expect strong characters with real human interactions and pains that elevate the stories above their basic premise and deliver literature that grabs hold of you deep down and pulls at your heartstrings while coating you in a thick film of glorious gore and wince-inducing descriptions of pain and suffering. DUST DEVILS is no different. It starts off with a bang and it never lets up for an instant. The setting in the Old West was perfect for this story, removing widespread communication and the presence of overwhelming law and order from the equation so that we get to focus on our wary hero as he attempts to rise to an occasion he neither wants nor is prepared for. While Janz doesn't spend too much time on describing the glorious horizons or the gritty landscapes in the way classic westerns tend to do--making the environment another character in the story--I didn't think it was necessary for this book. It wouldn't have added much. We all pretty much have a good idea of what the New Mexican desert would have looked like in 1885, and Janz knows this. So instead of retreading that territory and giving us redundant descriptions of what we already know is all around the characters, he keeps the focus on the action and the pursuit. And I, for one, am glad he did so.
There's hardly a moment to breathe throughout this bloodbath. The pacing was intense and the characters were formed just so to keep things galloping along and providing surprises and twists along the way. Yet, in spite of this breathless pacing, we still get a terrific character study of a young man who feels inadequate and like a failure to his father, his hero. We also get a terrific arc in Willet, the young boy who has lost his entire family and though he is consumed with revenge, is still a sweet boy with a good heart deep down.
There's also the terrific Marguerite, who comes into the story in its second third and brings a powerhouse female protagonist who helps to bring even further intensity to the story as feelings between her and Cody develop.
Old West Vampires may well be a new favorite iteration of the creatures for me, and their uncompromising viciousness and cruelty is what makes them so strong as antagonists. Nobody cares about vampires hunting deer in the Pacific Northwest, sparkling beneath the sunlit sky, I don't care HOW many teenage girls squeal and fawn over them and their Native American werewolf competitors! Sigh...that's another story, though. For DUST DEVILS, we're treated to a terrific feast of monsters rending the flesh of cowboys and prostitutes and families, and I found it to be purely and absolutely succulent (pun intended).
For fans of vampire novels, jump all over this one. For Westerns, if you can appreciate horror with your wide open skies, dive in. For anyone else, please, for the love of God, develop some frigging taste and start reading Jonathan Janz's work immediately to cleanse yourself of such fragile sensibilities. And why not start with DUST DEVILS? It isn't my favorite Janz novel, but that's hard for me to really explain, because they've all been 5-star blockbusters as far as I'm concerned, and this one is no different.
Crack open the canteen of the neck of the person next to, grab a few sips, and read DUST DEVILS. Now.
April 9, 2017
This book was scary!!! But it was also AWESOME!!! The best vampire novel I’ve read since Dracula and ’Salem’s Lot! Jonathan Janz is on hell of a writer. With the exception of 13 Bullets, The Strain and 30 Days of Night, it’s a little hard to find good vampire fiction these days (Thank you Stephenie Meyer…you fucking bitch!). Dust Devils, however, was a refreshing and very enjoyable read. This book is a western. Yes! A western with vampires in it! Something I always wanted to see. Well, actually, I did get to see it back when I read American Vampire, Vol. 1 , but it was still good to find another Horror/Western. And I love westerns! From movies like Unforgiven, Tombstone, 3:10 to Yuma, and so on.
The book takes place in New Mexico in the year 1885, and follows the story of Cody Wilson, a young cattle rancher whose wife was murdered by vampires…or so he thinks. The vamps in this book are a traveling troupe of actors known as “the devils” who, on stage, pretend to be humans pretending to be vampires (just like in Interview with the Vampire). Now…. these vampires…are…..EVIL! Stone cold soulless killing machines. When they feed they take on hideous forms; demonic faces, razor sharp claws, flaming orange eyes, fangs the size of railroad spikes. And they tear their victims to pieces! “They don’t sip blood like wine snobs”, as Stephen King would say. They don’t just drink the blood, but they eat the flesh as well. Barbeque it over an open fire. Now, I’m not sure how I like that. It’s usually zombies that eat human flesh, not vampires. Vampires are supposed to just suck your blood. Well, I guess Jonathan Janz did that to make it a bit more scary and different. Oh well.
There’s also a lot of sex in this book as well. Almost a little too much. The vampires fornicating with their victims and so on…. a lot of it.
This is the ultimate battle of good vs. evil. These vamps come straight from hell. Led by master vampire, Adam Price, who is the sole embodiment of evil and harbinger of death.
The novel ends with a last stand between the surviving humans and the vampires to see if the forces of darkness can actually be defeated. And let me tell you it is not an easy battle. You will feel for these characters and be with them to the bitter end.
Dust Devils is a spectacular read! If you love vampires, westerns, horror or are just looking for a good scare…. go read this book!
The book takes place in New Mexico in the year 1885, and follows the story of Cody Wilson, a young cattle rancher whose wife was murdered by vampires…or so he thinks. The vamps in this book are a traveling troupe of actors known as “the devils” who, on stage, pretend to be humans pretending to be vampires (just like in Interview with the Vampire). Now…. these vampires…are…..EVIL! Stone cold soulless killing machines. When they feed they take on hideous forms; demonic faces, razor sharp claws, flaming orange eyes, fangs the size of railroad spikes. And they tear their victims to pieces! “They don’t sip blood like wine snobs”, as Stephen King would say. They don’t just drink the blood, but they eat the flesh as well. Barbeque it over an open fire. Now, I’m not sure how I like that. It’s usually zombies that eat human flesh, not vampires. Vampires are supposed to just suck your blood. Well, I guess Jonathan Janz did that to make it a bit more scary and different. Oh well.
There’s also a lot of sex in this book as well. Almost a little too much. The vampires fornicating with their victims and so on…. a lot of it.
This is the ultimate battle of good vs. evil. These vamps come straight from hell. Led by master vampire, Adam Price, who is the sole embodiment of evil and harbinger of death.
The novel ends with a last stand between the surviving humans and the vampires to see if the forces of darkness can actually be defeated. And let me tell you it is not an easy battle. You will feel for these characters and be with them to the bitter end.
Dust Devils is a spectacular read! If you love vampires, westerns, horror or are just looking for a good scare…. go read this book!
February 22, 2015
Dust Devils is a blood drenched tale that takes a different and refreshing spin on the vampire genre. These blood suckers don't sparkle or make angst-filled boyfriends. They are mean and nasty and are coming for your wife. At least this is what Cody Wilson finds out when the undead come to his town disguised as a traveling theatre group. They cast his star-struck wife as part of the show and don't give her back. While pursuing the actors, he teams up with 12-year old Willlet Black, who has lost his whole family to the same group. High on a bluff outside of town, they learn that the travelers are much more than murderers and that they'll have to take matters into their own hands to destroy the evil that rides in those carriages that only travel at night.
Janz shows in Dust Devils that he has the chops to deliver the goods with a few new twists on an old favorite. If you like your vampires to be evil, ruthless and staining the countryside with blood and gore, you'll love this story. Jonathan steps on the throttle with some extremely gruesome scenes that aren't for the faint of heart. Along the way, he develops interesting characters that you care about. I found myself turning the pages faster as the story went along. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go put the rest of Janz back catalog on my TBR list.
4 out of 5 stars
You can also follow my reviews at the following links:
https://kenmckinley.wordpress.com
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2J1...
TWITTER - @KenMcKinley5
Janz shows in Dust Devils that he has the chops to deliver the goods with a few new twists on an old favorite. If you like your vampires to be evil, ruthless and staining the countryside with blood and gore, you'll love this story. Jonathan steps on the throttle with some extremely gruesome scenes that aren't for the faint of heart. Along the way, he develops interesting characters that you care about. I found myself turning the pages faster as the story went along. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go put the rest of Janz back catalog on my TBR list.
4 out of 5 stars
You can also follow my reviews at the following links:
https://kenmckinley.wordpress.com
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2J1...
TWITTER - @KenMcKinley5
October 24, 2015
Vampires, when done right, are among my favorite monsters. Some excellent examples of vampires done right are I AM LEGEND, by Richard Matheson, SALEM'S LOT, by Stephen King, and THE STRAIN, by Guillermo del Toro. The vampires in these books are bloodthirsty, vicious killers and the thing that makes them good examples--in addition to fine writing--is that these vampires terrify. Another excellent example of vampires done right is DUST DEVILS, by Jonathan Janz.
DUST DEVILS is atypical of the vampire sub-genre. The stage is unique and appealing, and the characters are developed with a mastery that sets this book apart from others of it's kind. I've said before--and it remains true--that Jonathan Janz writes with a depth of emotion that is all too uncommon in modern fiction. His characters come off the page in three-dimensional high-def with surround sound. His monsters huff their fetid, carrion breath on the back of your neck, appalling and terrifying you, and his protagonists draw you into the story, hurtling you along with a sense of urgency and despair, racing towards a climax that is both horrific and intensely satisfying.
If you're in the mood for a ridiculously entertaining vampire story in this Halloween season, or you just want to read a damn good horror novel by a master artisan, I can't recommend DUST DEVILS enough. Jonathan Janz is a young author at the top of his game and he's only getting better with the passage of time. DUST DEVILS is a fine example of what I'm talking about.
DUST DEVILS is atypical of the vampire sub-genre. The stage is unique and appealing, and the characters are developed with a mastery that sets this book apart from others of it's kind. I've said before--and it remains true--that Jonathan Janz writes with a depth of emotion that is all too uncommon in modern fiction. His characters come off the page in three-dimensional high-def with surround sound. His monsters huff their fetid, carrion breath on the back of your neck, appalling and terrifying you, and his protagonists draw you into the story, hurtling you along with a sense of urgency and despair, racing towards a climax that is both horrific and intensely satisfying.
If you're in the mood for a ridiculously entertaining vampire story in this Halloween season, or you just want to read a damn good horror novel by a master artisan, I can't recommend DUST DEVILS enough. Jonathan Janz is a young author at the top of his game and he's only getting better with the passage of time. DUST DEVILS is a fine example of what I'm talking about.
June 20, 2019
I’ve been a huge fans of western’s since I was a young girl and stayed up late watching movies with my dad. He introduced me to some great western authors too. Then, I discovered horror and it became my new favorite genre. Imagine my excitement to find these two genres combined. Bliss!
Sure, I enjoy the less horrific vampires. But the truly nasty ones always win with me. Janz serves up the most evil of vampires. They’re sadistic and cunning. They have this rather creative cover to hide what they are and lure their victims to them. And once they decide it’s time to feed, heads will roll and blood will splatter. Egads, some scenes were almost too visual in my head.
I know when reading horror not to become too attached to the characters. Most have a bad outcome. There were a few in this book that I couldn’t help but connect with. Wish for their happy ending. This added to the suspense, and when I reached the end and the dust settled, I was sad about some that didn’t make it and happy for those that lived to fight another day.
If you like your vampires vicious and enjoy a rollicking, fast paced western, look no further. Grab your copy and dive in.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
Sure, I enjoy the less horrific vampires. But the truly nasty ones always win with me. Janz serves up the most evil of vampires. They’re sadistic and cunning. They have this rather creative cover to hide what they are and lure their victims to them. And once they decide it’s time to feed, heads will roll and blood will splatter. Egads, some scenes were almost too visual in my head.
I know when reading horror not to become too attached to the characters. Most have a bad outcome. There were a few in this book that I couldn’t help but connect with. Wish for their happy ending. This added to the suspense, and when I reached the end and the dust settled, I was sad about some that didn’t make it and happy for those that lived to fight another day.
If you like your vampires vicious and enjoy a rollicking, fast paced western, look no further. Grab your copy and dive in.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
July 18, 2019
“Being afraid isn’t a bad thing, contrary to what men want to believe. The average man pretends he’s afraid of nothing until the danger actually arrives. Then he’s full of terror and an absolute coward.”
Bloodthirsty vampires waging terror in New Mexico, back in 1885? Sign me up!
Let me start by saying that this was my very first time reading a Jonathan Janz book.
Whenever I read a book by an author that is new to me, I feel a little bit nervous. Mainly because I don't want to be disappointed. Who does?
Well, call me lucky. I haven't been disappointed so far.
Dust Devils was such a wild and fun ride!
“Make your own luck, kid. God gave you a brain, didn’t he? Use it and stop making excuses for yourself.”
As soon as I met Cody & Willet, I had instant Dark Tower vibes (Rolland & Jake). I'm not complaining!
I honestly had no idea how much fun this book would be. The story is action-packed from the very beginning.
Although I can't really say that I'm a western fan, it would be fair to say that I do like western horror now.
Janz's execution was excellent!
I can't wait to check out his other works.
Let me finish by thanking Flame Tree Press for sending me a copy of the book.
April 14, 2019
Absolutely brilliant! I love westerns and I also love well done horror...and therefore I love this book. Jonathan Janz has quickly become one of my favorite authors after finding him last year, and so far this may be my favorite book of his yet. All at once Salem's Lot and The Revenant, this book starts off so ghastly and yet so fast-paced and engaging, that I was equally sickened and sad while still being so enthralled that I could not put it down. It ramped up so quick that I was sure that Janz would not be able to sufficiently keep the pace as it was already so unbelievable, but I was wrong. As usual, Janz nails it! Stephen King, Brian Keene, Jack Ketchum, Larry Mcmurtry, and last but definitely not least, Elmore Leonard - should definitely be proud of this amazing author that they inspired.
November 26, 2020
After his wife is murdered by a band of traveling actors, Cody sets out across the desert in pursuit of revenge. Along the way, he discovers a young boy, Willet, whose family has been savagely killed by the same marauders Cody is chasing after. The actors on to them, however, and a late-night raid barely leaves Cody and Willet intact. They're the only ones who know the truth about Adam Price's troupe, though, and it's a secret that is going to drench the New Mexico desert in blood.
Dust Devils marks Jonathan Janz's first foray into Weird Western territory with this vampire horror story set in the late 1800s, but hopefully this won't be his last. While the majority of his work enjoys a contemporary setting, Janz acquits himself just as well in a stagecoach era narrative, bringing his usual familial themes and hardcore bloodlust into an earlier American period.
Despite its hot and sunny Southeast locale, Dust Devils is wonderfully dark and gritty, and exceptionally violent. While Janz's focus is on vampires this time around, there's nothing romantic about them. Price and his tribe more than live up the bloodthirstier aspects of their lineage, but Janz only roughly shades in typical vampire lore trappings. While Price and some of his compatriots seems to possess a degree of mind-reading and the ability to mesmerize, gone are the customary fear of crosses and garlic. In, however, are lots and lots of gunplay, beheadings, teeth gnashing, and graphic consumption of human plasma.
There's no shortage of action here, but its the easy familiarity with our protagonists that really make the book shine. The fatherly bond that's forged early on between Cody and Willet is touching, even sweet natured, as Cody attempts to become a pseudo-parent to the orphaned child. Cody has his own fair share of daddy issues, and his relationship with his father is complex. Jack has taken on an almost mythological significance in Cody's young life, even as he feels spurned and abandoned. His relationship with Willet marks a welcome exploration of fatherhood, even if only tentatively, but the meat of all this lies primarily in Cody's head and his childhood traumas.
The only aspect that didn't quite work for me here was an insta-love subplot between Cody and tavern-owner Marguerite, but given the insurmountable odds he faces against Price's crew it's hard to fault him for that welcoming bit of easiness.
Janz finds a significant amount to say about reconciliation and revenge, even if much of it is heavily painted in gore and blood-soaked to the bone. Perhaps that's what makes Dust Devils so compelling and satisfying. There's some rich family drama, but if you're aching purely for savage vampire violence you won't leave disappointed.
Dust Devils marks Jonathan Janz's first foray into Weird Western territory with this vampire horror story set in the late 1800s, but hopefully this won't be his last. While the majority of his work enjoys a contemporary setting, Janz acquits himself just as well in a stagecoach era narrative, bringing his usual familial themes and hardcore bloodlust into an earlier American period.
Despite its hot and sunny Southeast locale, Dust Devils is wonderfully dark and gritty, and exceptionally violent. While Janz's focus is on vampires this time around, there's nothing romantic about them. Price and his tribe more than live up the bloodthirstier aspects of their lineage, but Janz only roughly shades in typical vampire lore trappings. While Price and some of his compatriots seems to possess a degree of mind-reading and the ability to mesmerize, gone are the customary fear of crosses and garlic. In, however, are lots and lots of gunplay, beheadings, teeth gnashing, and graphic consumption of human plasma.
There's no shortage of action here, but its the easy familiarity with our protagonists that really make the book shine. The fatherly bond that's forged early on between Cody and Willet is touching, even sweet natured, as Cody attempts to become a pseudo-parent to the orphaned child. Cody has his own fair share of daddy issues, and his relationship with his father is complex. Jack has taken on an almost mythological significance in Cody's young life, even as he feels spurned and abandoned. His relationship with Willet marks a welcome exploration of fatherhood, even if only tentatively, but the meat of all this lies primarily in Cody's head and his childhood traumas.
The only aspect that didn't quite work for me here was an insta-love subplot between Cody and tavern-owner Marguerite, but given the insurmountable odds he faces against Price's crew it's hard to fault him for that welcoming bit of easiness.
Janz finds a significant amount to say about reconciliation and revenge, even if much of it is heavily painted in gore and blood-soaked to the bone. Perhaps that's what makes Dust Devils so compelling and satisfying. There's some rich family drama, but if you're aching purely for savage vampire violence you won't leave disappointed.
August 29, 2015
Yippy ky yay! Now that’s what I’m talking about, a good old fashioned western (vampire western) complete with saloons, watering holes and a massive gun fight. I’ve been looking for a book like this for a while now.
Dust Devils is a dark story about Cody Wilson and his need for revenge. His problem is that the targets of his vengeance are not mere mortals, but a traveling coven of vampires. What I enjoyed most about Cody’s character is how real he was. He is not a fearsome gunslinger who can inspire fear in everyone, he is just a regular Joe, he has problems, and personal demons that he has to deal with.
What makes a great western is the bad guys. Adam Price and his gang are pure evil. I had imagined them all with dark black hats. They have been terrorizing people for centuries, traveling from town to town, quenching their thirst for human blood.
The non-stop action pushes Dust Devils over the top. Jonathan Janz creates surprises for the reader at every turn. Just when you think you know where it’s going…BAM! He shocks you and twists the story again.
Dust Devils was a fantastic story that has taken me down a happy trail. We will meet again, partner.
*5 Stars
Dust Devils is a dark story about Cody Wilson and his need for revenge. His problem is that the targets of his vengeance are not mere mortals, but a traveling coven of vampires. What I enjoyed most about Cody’s character is how real he was. He is not a fearsome gunslinger who can inspire fear in everyone, he is just a regular Joe, he has problems, and personal demons that he has to deal with.
What makes a great western is the bad guys. Adam Price and his gang are pure evil. I had imagined them all with dark black hats. They have been terrorizing people for centuries, traveling from town to town, quenching their thirst for human blood.
The non-stop action pushes Dust Devils over the top. Jonathan Janz creates surprises for the reader at every turn. Just when you think you know where it’s going…BAM! He shocks you and twists the story again.
Dust Devils was a fantastic story that has taken me down a happy trail. We will meet again, partner.
*5 Stars
March 14, 2015
My first read of Jonathan Janz. I tried this book after hearing it being recommended by Brian Keene on his horror podcast. I can see why people like this guys work!
I really enjoyed this story. It's a vampire tale, but with a twist. A good way to describe it guess would be "The Lost Boys" meets "The Young Guns".
The story itself is great, it sucked me straight away. It obviously held me for the duration as well because I constantly found myself getting annoyed with the characters and their actions. Why didn't you do this? Why didn't you check that? Without giving anything away. These horrible blood suckers just don't die! I thought the story may go on forever!
I'll be checking out more work from this author. Definitely recommend.
All reviews can be found at http://lennonslair.blogspot.co.uk
I really enjoyed this story. It's a vampire tale, but with a twist. A good way to describe it guess would be "The Lost Boys" meets "The Young Guns".
The story itself is great, it sucked me straight away. It obviously held me for the duration as well because I constantly found myself getting annoyed with the characters and their actions. Why didn't you do this? Why didn't you check that? Without giving anything away. These horrible blood suckers just don't die! I thought the story may go on forever!
I'll be checking out more work from this author. Definitely recommend.
All reviews can be found at http://lennonslair.blogspot.co.uk
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