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For A Few Days More
The Hinterlands are a lawless place of broken dreams and broken people.
Roth is a bodyguard trying to leave his dark past behind, but history has a way of turning back up. Cynthia is a bandit who's trying to make a future by wading through blood. They travel separately, trying to live by their own codes. All while a man in a red cloak tracks their blood-soaked footprints.
Roth is a bodyguard trying to leave his dark past behind, but history has a way of turning back up. Cynthia is a bandit who's trying to make a future by wading through blood. They travel separately, trying to live by their own codes. All while a man in a red cloak tracks their blood-soaked footprints.
- GenresFantasyDark Fantasy
221 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 7, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 17, 2026
The hardened group stood horror struck as the red cloaked man approached. Loosening his whip he smiled. Death had come for them.
Whoo hoo! What a ride! Billed as a Tarantino/Abercrombrie mash it certainly delivered! Ruthless, unforgiving & devilishly addictive!
⬆️
The above was a review I wrote back in January of 2024. I rated it five stars then and stand by that now on reread. If you are looking for a dark fantasy western themed grimdark look no further. The dialogue is snappy and humorous. The action thrilling, gruesome edge of your seat.
Beyond that though is the first peek at Steele’s work. Like I said before, a hint of Tarantino that keeps you on your toes. You don’t know what to expect.
Steele released his next series The Song of the Damned to fantastic critical acclaim. He has become a wonderful success story in the indie grimdark scene. Definitely his writing is a part but also his ability in promoting positivity in a world lusting for the negative. He’s the complete package and easy to root for.
I’m sure he will return to the Hinterlands in time. Regardless, I’ll gobble up any book he puts out. An easy recommendation from me.
Whoo hoo! What a ride! Billed as a Tarantino/Abercrombrie mash it certainly delivered! Ruthless, unforgiving & devilishly addictive!
⬆️
The above was a review I wrote back in January of 2024. I rated it five stars then and stand by that now on reread. If you are looking for a dark fantasy western themed grimdark look no further. The dialogue is snappy and humorous. The action thrilling, gruesome edge of your seat.
Beyond that though is the first peek at Steele’s work. Like I said before, a hint of Tarantino that keeps you on your toes. You don’t know what to expect.
Steele released his next series The Song of the Damned to fantastic critical acclaim. He has become a wonderful success story in the indie grimdark scene. Definitely his writing is a part but also his ability in promoting positivity in a world lusting for the negative. He’s the complete package and easy to root for.
I’m sure he will return to the Hinterlands in time. Regardless, I’ll gobble up any book he puts out. An easy recommendation from me.
January 5, 2025
My first read of the year was a banger
Really enjoyed this one, primarily because of the atmosphere, characters, and dialogue. I think your enjoyment will be based on how much you enjoy the dialogue. Its quick, witty, crude and pretty damn realistic considering the settings. I honestly don't laugh much when I read but there are some moments here that literally made me laugh out loud. Its good stuff.
I found this was a more enjoyable Blood Meridian in the style of Joe Abercrombie, which is probably the most pretentious sentence I have ever written on Goodreads. The world is dark, and despite the silly banter, there are some really awful scenes that suck the joy out of the story. Still, its enjoyable, if only for a character study, if nothing else. One of the themes I noticed was how most of the characters were evil, but had glimmers of good characteristics that sometimes shined through. However, anytime things grew dire, everyone quickly reverted to their violent instincts to do anything to survive. Makes you wonder if its really their fault if they're just forced that way by circumstance
The character are excellent. Tough to discuss without spoilers, but my two favorite by far were Cynthia and Red Cloak. Cynthia is probably the most complete and fleshed out, but Red Cloak is really special. I love this dude. In a world of characters struggling to find their place in a dark world, Red Cloak revels in being a monster. Reminds me of Judge Holden in a sense: a nightmare of a character with possible super natural abilities that always leaves destruction in his wake.
I honestly expect this book to take off in 2025. Its an excellent quick read with solid dialogue and prose.
Really enjoyed this one, primarily because of the atmosphere, characters, and dialogue. I think your enjoyment will be based on how much you enjoy the dialogue. Its quick, witty, crude and pretty damn realistic considering the settings. I honestly don't laugh much when I read but there are some moments here that literally made me laugh out loud. Its good stuff.
I found this was a more enjoyable Blood Meridian in the style of Joe Abercrombie, which is probably the most pretentious sentence I have ever written on Goodreads. The world is dark, and despite the silly banter, there are some really awful scenes that suck the joy out of the story. Still, its enjoyable, if only for a character study, if nothing else. One of the themes I noticed was how most of the characters were evil, but had glimmers of good characteristics that sometimes shined through. However, anytime things grew dire, everyone quickly reverted to their violent instincts to do anything to survive. Makes you wonder if its really their fault if they're just forced that way by circumstance
The character are excellent. Tough to discuss without spoilers, but my two favorite by far were Cynthia and Red Cloak. Cynthia is probably the most complete and fleshed out, but Red Cloak is really special. I love this dude. In a world of characters struggling to find their place in a dark world, Red Cloak revels in being a monster. Reminds me of Judge Holden in a sense: a nightmare of a character with possible super natural abilities that always leaves destruction in his wake.
I honestly expect this book to take off in 2025. Its an excellent quick read with solid dialogue and prose.
May 7, 2025
“Cynthia the Bloody stood up, her name earned once again as she looked like a crimson ghost amongst the snow.”
I loved this book but ZB definitely needs to pay me for therapy. It is not because he killed my favorite character, it is because he made me like the character that killed my favorite character. I have to go to a therapist and find out what is wrong with me.
The first scene has a character decapitating someone with a bladed whip and it only gets more dark from there. I was not ready. From there, I loved everything about the writing. The setting, the characters, the tone, the plot, the dialogue, the action, short chapters - everything is a win. The best way for me to describe it would be Red Dead Redemption 2- a game where every aspect of it is perfect- but with the darkness dialed all the way up. I don’t want to pick apart individual plot beads and expand because I firmly believe it is best enjoyed going in blind. If you have triggers, it is definitely advisable to check the trigger warnings before going in but if you’re a heathen that cannot get enough grimdark in your life, stop and rejoice because you have arrived.
“You’re not very forthcoming.”
“You didn’t pay for the drink.”
“I’m the one who knifed the bartender.”
“I’m sure he appreciated that.”
“Probably not,” Cynthia said as she topped off her own drink, “but paid in blood is paid indeed.”
The rising star of grimdark fantasy title is well warranted and this book becomes the easiest recommendation for dark fantasy and grimdark fans. It is short but ̶s̶w̶e̶e̶t̶ sinful book and you will love it. Or you will start questioning yourself. Either way, you WILL be engaged.
Side note, I didn’t even have to wait to finish the book to judge it as a 5 - star read; the first Vonnegut reference I came across I knew I wouldn’t be able to give it any less than 5 stars. I won’t talk about the person Z.B. but the author Z.B. - I am just genuinely scared of how much I’m falling in love with his writing.
I loved this book but ZB definitely needs to pay me for therapy. It is not because he killed my favorite character, it is because he made me like the character that killed my favorite character. I have to go to a therapist and find out what is wrong with me.
The first scene has a character decapitating someone with a bladed whip and it only gets more dark from there. I was not ready. From there, I loved everything about the writing. The setting, the characters, the tone, the plot, the dialogue, the action, short chapters - everything is a win. The best way for me to describe it would be Red Dead Redemption 2- a game where every aspect of it is perfect- but with the darkness dialed all the way up. I don’t want to pick apart individual plot beads and expand because I firmly believe it is best enjoyed going in blind. If you have triggers, it is definitely advisable to check the trigger warnings before going in but if you’re a heathen that cannot get enough grimdark in your life, stop and rejoice because you have arrived.
“You’re not very forthcoming.”
“You didn’t pay for the drink.”
“I’m the one who knifed the bartender.”
“I’m sure he appreciated that.”
“Probably not,” Cynthia said as she topped off her own drink, “but paid in blood is paid indeed.”
The rising star of grimdark fantasy title is well warranted and this book becomes the easiest recommendation for dark fantasy and grimdark fans. It is short but ̶s̶w̶e̶e̶t̶ sinful book and you will love it. Or you will start questioning yourself. Either way, you WILL be engaged.
Side note, I didn’t even have to wait to finish the book to judge it as a 5 - star read; the first Vonnegut reference I came across I knew I wouldn’t be able to give it any less than 5 stars. I won’t talk about the person Z.B. but the author Z.B. - I am just genuinely scared of how much I’m falling in love with his writing.
January 23, 2024
Absolutely fantastic!
40 pages in and I had laughed out loud several times, but also grimaced from violent imagery. Steele has outstanding descriptions, scene setting, plot development and twists, and character backstories and development.
The cold and calculating Cynthia is a great character who grows and develops as the story progresses. "A leader looks people in the eyes when he fucks them. And then they say thank you."
Roth: "the reaper was unbound and untethered." I love his story, his internal battles, and in particular his friendship with Teak. And Steele isn't afraid to tug at your heartstrings, or shock you for that matter.
Overall I highly recommend this book - not only for the fantasy enthusiast - and definitely looking forward to more from this promising new author!
40 pages in and I had laughed out loud several times, but also grimaced from violent imagery. Steele has outstanding descriptions, scene setting, plot development and twists, and character backstories and development.
The cold and calculating Cynthia is a great character who grows and develops as the story progresses. "A leader looks people in the eyes when he fucks them. And then they say thank you."
Roth: "the reaper was unbound and untethered." I love his story, his internal battles, and in particular his friendship with Teak. And Steele isn't afraid to tug at your heartstrings, or shock you for that matter.
Overall I highly recommend this book - not only for the fantasy enthusiast - and definitely looking forward to more from this promising new author!
January 20, 2024
“His fury took over his body, and Shaun fled existence. The Mad Dog shook the leash.”
Z.B. Steele’s writing feels so effortless but also intentional. I often forget a lot of details about the books I read, but I know that so many of the descriptions and scenes in this book will stick in my mind for quite some time. Definitely interested in future books from this author!
Z.B. Steele’s writing feels so effortless but also intentional. I often forget a lot of details about the books I read, but I know that so many of the descriptions and scenes in this book will stick in my mind for quite some time. Definitely interested in future books from this author!
December 26, 2023
Great book.
Read it in 2 days. Had a hard time putting it down. Roth a great character and hope to see him fight red cloak again. Lots of action and cleverly written.
Read it in 2 days. Had a hard time putting it down. Roth a great character and hope to see him fight red cloak again. Lots of action and cleverly written.
October 12, 2025
This was a good reminder of why ZB Steele is an instant read. Second half was incredible!
September 10, 2024
I loved the sound of this book when I first read the blurb and it went on the tbr. I SHOULD NOT OF WAITED TO READ THIS BOOK.
This book is absolutely beautifully brutal on levels not done before, world building that puts you there and characters so well written I could not put down. I wish it was longer.
You can see the influences in Steeles writing, by his own admission Streaks of Abercrombie and Tarantino in a grimdark western setting. To me, Steele has taken all the best parts of these influences and firmly stamped his own voice through beautifully dark & graphic prose with sprinkles of hope and goodness.
If you love grimdark fantasy, as I do, then this is a must read. If you struggle like me to find fantasy that really delves into those dark places and delivers in specific detail, making you feel the absence of all light, the suffocating wrongness that some characters can go to and acts of villainy that should only be kept in books. Steele has found a way to transcend his fellow authors in doing just this. The Western background for A Few Days More is a stroke of utter genius. It forces the reader to summon up those feelings of ‘could I survive the times in the old west’. Stark, hard country where lawlessness is rife and the lines between good and evil are so often severely blurred. It’s a feel that no one has got right, mixing fantasy and western together and in Steeles writing they compliment each other perfectly.
I also loved that there are no guns. Something that sets this book apart from the typical western genre and in my opinion works well on so many levels in that none of the characters use guns, they use swords and rapiers and other bladed weapons. A doth of the cap that brings west & fantasy together in spectacular fashion.
Steeles scene setting is outdone only in his character work which also balances out his graphically grim depictions and scene situations throughout the book. All the characters, be them main or side are expertly written, they all have their inner demons and struggles but in the midst of some seriously dark fantasy writing they shine with hope and intentions of doing some real good. Creating moments of happiness that beam off the pages. Steele also has the ability to make you invest in all his characters, good, bad and all the morally grey you can fit in between. This is yet another stroke of his ability because whilst you are invested let’s just say he uses the George R. R. Martin effect where no one is safe from a sudden, or not so sudden, brutal end.
There is so much more offered by this book, gods that are merely mentioned, characters in Roth and Cynthia, not to mention Red Cloak that I need to read more of. Nobles & outlaws, posses & lawmen. A whole cast system. Also the fact that given its old west vibe suggests to me that the landscape is vast and rife for exploration with infinite potential and possibilities.
Z. B. Steele has a new fan and I will be waiting with bated breath for whatever comes next.
This book is absolutely beautifully brutal on levels not done before, world building that puts you there and characters so well written I could not put down. I wish it was longer.
You can see the influences in Steeles writing, by his own admission Streaks of Abercrombie and Tarantino in a grimdark western setting. To me, Steele has taken all the best parts of these influences and firmly stamped his own voice through beautifully dark & graphic prose with sprinkles of hope and goodness.
If you love grimdark fantasy, as I do, then this is a must read. If you struggle like me to find fantasy that really delves into those dark places and delivers in specific detail, making you feel the absence of all light, the suffocating wrongness that some characters can go to and acts of villainy that should only be kept in books. Steele has found a way to transcend his fellow authors in doing just this. The Western background for A Few Days More is a stroke of utter genius. It forces the reader to summon up those feelings of ‘could I survive the times in the old west’. Stark, hard country where lawlessness is rife and the lines between good and evil are so often severely blurred. It’s a feel that no one has got right, mixing fantasy and western together and in Steeles writing they compliment each other perfectly.
I also loved that there are no guns. Something that sets this book apart from the typical western genre and in my opinion works well on so many levels in that none of the characters use guns, they use swords and rapiers and other bladed weapons. A doth of the cap that brings west & fantasy together in spectacular fashion.
Steeles scene setting is outdone only in his character work which also balances out his graphically grim depictions and scene situations throughout the book. All the characters, be them main or side are expertly written, they all have their inner demons and struggles but in the midst of some seriously dark fantasy writing they shine with hope and intentions of doing some real good. Creating moments of happiness that beam off the pages. Steele also has the ability to make you invest in all his characters, good, bad and all the morally grey you can fit in between. This is yet another stroke of his ability because whilst you are invested let’s just say he uses the George R. R. Martin effect where no one is safe from a sudden, or not so sudden, brutal end.
There is so much more offered by this book, gods that are merely mentioned, characters in Roth and Cynthia, not to mention Red Cloak that I need to read more of. Nobles & outlaws, posses & lawmen. A whole cast system. Also the fact that given its old west vibe suggests to me that the landscape is vast and rife for exploration with infinite potential and possibilities.
Z. B. Steele has a new fan and I will be waiting with bated breath for whatever comes next.
March 22, 2025
I was actually worried that none of the characters would survive this story!
Brutal, violent and oh so bloody for sure, but flashes of emotion, introspection and heart are there too.
Super inventive characters and backstories like this allow for less dramatic world building around them. The characters shine on their own merit and the reader can get attached quickly and mourn those we lose.
I was pleased with the ending! I hope we see more from this world.
My rating is 4.25 rounded for GR
Brutal, violent and oh so bloody for sure, but flashes of emotion, introspection and heart are there too.
Super inventive characters and backstories like this allow for less dramatic world building around them. The characters shine on their own merit and the reader can get attached quickly and mourn those we lose.
I was pleased with the ending! I hope we see more from this world.
My rating is 4.25 rounded for GR
May 30, 2025
This was one of the best ever grimdark stories I have ever read. All the main protagonists were so well described I could imagine meeting them in real life (with real trepidation). The interplay between the three groups and the Red Cloak were so cleaverly mapped out, and the coming together at the end play really satisfying.
I am not a book critic in anyway so can't comment on prose pacing or any of those bookish attributes but can only say I enjoyed the book immensely.
I am not a book critic in anyway so can't comment on prose pacing or any of those bookish attributes but can only say I enjoyed the book immensely.
September 6, 2024
For a Few Days More is a bloody, violent, and sometimes hilarious tale that feels like a Tarantino film. Z.B. Steele isn’t going to overwhelm you with flowery prose, instead he’s going to hit you in the face with action and character work that really plays out like scenes in a movie. While the pacing is probably not for everyone, if it *is* for you then you’re going to LOVE it. Follow a bad man trying to do better, a killer that wants to be more than she was destined to be, and a bounty hunter in search of more than justice.
Do yourself a favor and pick this up now. An easy recommendation and one of my favorite reads this year.
4.5/5 ⭐️
Do yourself a favor and pick this up now. An easy recommendation and one of my favorite reads this year.
4.5/5 ⭐️
March 28, 2024
A suspenseful tale of violence that does not shy away from the grotesque.
At times I found some of the action harder to follow as the story follows bands of characters without much distinction clearly ascribed to them; the style and pace of the story is brisk, and the body count is intentionally high, but it has the effect of flattening some of the most brutal deaths in the tale.
That said, the fight scenes featuring the unique and cruel weaponry of the villainous Red Cloak are quite exciting; a story of vengeance on loathsome people has its place.
At times I found some of the action harder to follow as the story follows bands of characters without much distinction clearly ascribed to them; the style and pace of the story is brisk, and the body count is intentionally high, but it has the effect of flattening some of the most brutal deaths in the tale.
That said, the fight scenes featuring the unique and cruel weaponry of the villainous Red Cloak are quite exciting; a story of vengeance on loathsome people has its place.
March 16, 2026
What a little onyx gem. Indie grimdark at its best. Almost makes me wish it were the first Steele book I've stumbled across because it hits all the right spots without descending into melodrama. Well done, Z.B.!
February 7, 2025
I spend a lot of time winding up Zack and telling him if he doesn’t read certain books I love then he is dead to me. I drive a hard bargain, what can I say. Anyway, it seemed time that I sat down and read his book to support him too.
As always when I know the author, I went into this absolutely worried what I would do if I hated it. I like Zack! We’re kinda friends! We reviewed for SFFI together. It’d be so awkward if I hated it. And once again, I am very pleased to say that this was not the case. I really enjoyed For a Few Days More. Even if I did tease Zack mercilessly for the many similes. So many similes. Like his editors for the second book are even coming for him. Probably because he’s southern and they have a lot of weird sayings.
The book has all the vibes of a Western but in a harsh winter landscape. So like, saloons but with actual doors cause it’s cold out. Because it has this outlaw, guns and Western vibes, it’s no surprise that there is a whole heap of violence. Like I cannot stress this enough, there is so much violence. Do not go into this book if you can’t cope with a spiked whip decapitating various people.
We start by being introduced to a man in a red cloak, a Justice Hunter who is arguably more interested in the ‘hunter’ aspect, interrupting some fireside stories…being shared by some bandits. Now being a bandit (which is not called banditing I learnt, that is apparently when you run a race without registering) is wrong but I don’t know if suddenly murdering four people really gives our man in a red cloak a platform to be superior. But we soon learn this man is an absolute machine and unmatched in his skill. Remember this man. He’s the devil when you say ‘Speak of the devil.’
Despite being the first we meet, the Justice Hunter in a red cloak is probably the third of our key characters. The first being Roth, a man trying to be better. I loved this because there is a scene in a bar where Zack keeps making reference to Roth trying to be better. Working on being better. Failing at being better. And it is FIERCE! It’s also weirdly enough, quite funny at points. Following this fierce scene, we meet the rest of the cast for Roth’s storyline. Now I don’t know about anyone else that read this or who will read it but mentally I cast Levi as John Goodman and Teak sounded like Foghorn Leghorn. I informed Zack of my casting choices and he was mad at how they fit. But mental voices aside, I loved these two side characters and the rest in the group that Roth was hired alongside to protect a woman and her daughter across the dangerous Hinterlands. I loved Roth and the daughter as well. That was…I’m not sure I can say wholesome but it was touching.
The second key character is part of the reason the Hinterlands are dangerous and she’s called Cynthia. She is just ruthless. She is also clever, calculating and driven for more than just being the grown up bandit child of a brothel worker. She has dreams of being a leader and damn if she doesn’t learn everything she can about being a great one. Arguably, there is still some room for improvement. I’d say most good leaders don’t cut anyone’s tendons but I’m sure history would prove me wrong. She’s part of a wider gang run by Lank. I do not have nice things to say about Lank. But I will say he was clever in his thinking about throwing bounty hunters off their scent by sending Cynthia and co. onto debauchery elsewhere. Well…he thinks it was clever. The group with Cynthia grew on me. Mostly. One didn’t but that kind of resolved itself. But the humour and the vulnerability between everyone else in the group was excellent.
So how does a man in a red cloak, a bodyguard that’s trying to be a better man and an outlaw that is looking to become a leader culminate into one coherent storyline? This sounds like the start of a really bad joke, not least because the bodyguard gets picked up in a bar. Like I said before, great scene. It’s not a bad joke. I pinky promise. All I can say on this note is: It comes together. You keep thinking it’ll happen and then ‘no wait, now it’ll happen.’ ‘Ok it has to happen now!’ and then you’re wrong. But when it does it’s so good. It’s worth the wait.
If you like your books with a Western showdown it’s-all-kicking off vibe but set in a frozen winterland, a probably-not-healthy amount of violence, a trio of captivating characters and just as intriguing side characters, and all this in a little over 200 pages then there is no question this book is for you. And if you’re like me, you will be super mad at Zack about certain things as well. He’s on Twitter and BlueSky so you can yell at him about it all on there
As always when I know the author, I went into this absolutely worried what I would do if I hated it. I like Zack! We’re kinda friends! We reviewed for SFFI together. It’d be so awkward if I hated it. And once again, I am very pleased to say that this was not the case. I really enjoyed For a Few Days More. Even if I did tease Zack mercilessly for the many similes. So many similes. Like his editors for the second book are even coming for him. Probably because he’s southern and they have a lot of weird sayings.
The book has all the vibes of a Western but in a harsh winter landscape. So like, saloons but with actual doors cause it’s cold out. Because it has this outlaw, guns and Western vibes, it’s no surprise that there is a whole heap of violence. Like I cannot stress this enough, there is so much violence. Do not go into this book if you can’t cope with a spiked whip decapitating various people.
We start by being introduced to a man in a red cloak, a Justice Hunter who is arguably more interested in the ‘hunter’ aspect, interrupting some fireside stories…being shared by some bandits. Now being a bandit (which is not called banditing I learnt, that is apparently when you run a race without registering) is wrong but I don’t know if suddenly murdering four people really gives our man in a red cloak a platform to be superior. But we soon learn this man is an absolute machine and unmatched in his skill. Remember this man. He’s the devil when you say ‘Speak of the devil.’
Despite being the first we meet, the Justice Hunter in a red cloak is probably the third of our key characters. The first being Roth, a man trying to be better. I loved this because there is a scene in a bar where Zack keeps making reference to Roth trying to be better. Working on being better. Failing at being better. And it is FIERCE! It’s also weirdly enough, quite funny at points. Following this fierce scene, we meet the rest of the cast for Roth’s storyline. Now I don’t know about anyone else that read this or who will read it but mentally I cast Levi as John Goodman and Teak sounded like Foghorn Leghorn. I informed Zack of my casting choices and he was mad at how they fit. But mental voices aside, I loved these two side characters and the rest in the group that Roth was hired alongside to protect a woman and her daughter across the dangerous Hinterlands. I loved Roth and the daughter as well. That was…I’m not sure I can say wholesome but it was touching.
The second key character is part of the reason the Hinterlands are dangerous and she’s called Cynthia. She is just ruthless. She is also clever, calculating and driven for more than just being the grown up bandit child of a brothel worker. She has dreams of being a leader and damn if she doesn’t learn everything she can about being a great one. Arguably, there is still some room for improvement. I’d say most good leaders don’t cut anyone’s tendons but I’m sure history would prove me wrong. She’s part of a wider gang run by Lank. I do not have nice things to say about Lank. But I will say he was clever in his thinking about throwing bounty hunters off their scent by sending Cynthia and co. onto debauchery elsewhere. Well…he thinks it was clever. The group with Cynthia grew on me. Mostly. One didn’t but that kind of resolved itself. But the humour and the vulnerability between everyone else in the group was excellent.
So how does a man in a red cloak, a bodyguard that’s trying to be a better man and an outlaw that is looking to become a leader culminate into one coherent storyline? This sounds like the start of a really bad joke, not least because the bodyguard gets picked up in a bar. Like I said before, great scene. It’s not a bad joke. I pinky promise. All I can say on this note is: It comes together. You keep thinking it’ll happen and then ‘no wait, now it’ll happen.’ ‘Ok it has to happen now!’ and then you’re wrong. But when it does it’s so good. It’s worth the wait.
If you like your books with a Western showdown it’s-all-kicking off vibe but set in a frozen winterland, a probably-not-healthy amount of violence, a trio of captivating characters and just as intriguing side characters, and all this in a little over 200 pages then there is no question this book is for you. And if you’re like me, you will be super mad at Zack about certain things as well. He’s on Twitter and BlueSky so you can yell at him about it all on there
December 17, 2024
For a Few Days More is a bloody, sweary, mayhem filled fantasy western version of Tombstone but if told thru the lens of Curly Bill and Johnny Ringo.
Like any true western, the Hinterlands is a lawless place of murder, deceit, and ill-placed justice. Scarred Roth is a man trying to be better than his blood-strewn past. He’s hired by a rich woman to guard her and her daughter across the Hinterlands. But things go awry and the rageful berserker itches to break free. Young Cynthia strives to break from the destiny her whore mother set for her, joining a famous gang, aiming to make a name for herself, even if it involves cold-blooded murder. The only source of justice in these lawless lands is Red Cloak, a man hunting down the worst of the worst.
This cast, yeah, they are bloody awesome, and just plain ol’ bloody. Roth is a man who wants to right the wrongs of his outlaw past, but no matter how hard he tries, his sins are always nipping at his heels. So it goes. Roth was fantastic. His interactions with the other mercs in the guard train was fun but his near father moments with the daughter were so heartfelt, they were the true hope in this hopeless land. Plus his berserker rages, yeahhhh those were intense indeed. Cynthia was also fun because she spent half her arc trying to mimic the actions of a leader or just flat out showcasing how badass she really is onside. She’s also one cold-blooded bitty, and I actually had to message Steele to tell him that after a certain scene that kinda shocked me. Red Cloak was pretty one note, but his chain whip and steel gauntlet was neat, of which he put to good use throughout the story. The rest of the cast was very well rounded. You have your typical cowboy tropes: the magnetic outlaw leader, the grizzled old mentor of sorts, the doe-eyed farmboy in love, the rich damsel to protect, the maniac out to kill. You know the types.
I just loved this world. It’s not a lore deep fantasy western, but it doesn’t need to be. We know this type of world from all the western stories out there, but I found it extremely fun with all fantasy weaponry instead of guns. It’s got your small frontier towns where drink and sex flourish. Blood is always a minute away from being spilled, a stray comment can set it all off. Death is the ultimate currency. Hangings, posses, false bravado galore. This world is just pure chaos and I’m here for it! The body count is massive despite the length and the action is intense. And yes, there is that tiny tendril of hope buried within it all. Love it.
This is a short book, about 200 pages and I feel like any longer and it would fall apart. The prose is solid, if I did spot a bit too many grammar mistakes from an editing perspective (and yet that never detracts from the story). But the dialogue is chef’s kiss. Everyone speaks in such a perfect manner for this type of story. No superfluous talk here. Grunts when that’s all that’s needed. Swears by the plenty and very imaginative too. It all just works as a story. The pace is lean and feisty, just like this world. It’s a very quick read altogether.
For a Few Days More gets under your skin like a burr and doesn’t let go. From start to finish, it’s a bloody trek, some redemption, mostly just a slew of bodies. I had so much fun with this story, I certainly hope Steele returns to this lawless world in the future.
Like any true western, the Hinterlands is a lawless place of murder, deceit, and ill-placed justice. Scarred Roth is a man trying to be better than his blood-strewn past. He’s hired by a rich woman to guard her and her daughter across the Hinterlands. But things go awry and the rageful berserker itches to break free. Young Cynthia strives to break from the destiny her whore mother set for her, joining a famous gang, aiming to make a name for herself, even if it involves cold-blooded murder. The only source of justice in these lawless lands is Red Cloak, a man hunting down the worst of the worst.
This cast, yeah, they are bloody awesome, and just plain ol’ bloody. Roth is a man who wants to right the wrongs of his outlaw past, but no matter how hard he tries, his sins are always nipping at his heels. So it goes. Roth was fantastic. His interactions with the other mercs in the guard train was fun but his near father moments with the daughter were so heartfelt, they were the true hope in this hopeless land. Plus his berserker rages, yeahhhh those were intense indeed. Cynthia was also fun because she spent half her arc trying to mimic the actions of a leader or just flat out showcasing how badass she really is onside. She’s also one cold-blooded bitty, and I actually had to message Steele to tell him that after a certain scene that kinda shocked me. Red Cloak was pretty one note, but his chain whip and steel gauntlet was neat, of which he put to good use throughout the story. The rest of the cast was very well rounded. You have your typical cowboy tropes: the magnetic outlaw leader, the grizzled old mentor of sorts, the doe-eyed farmboy in love, the rich damsel to protect, the maniac out to kill. You know the types.
I just loved this world. It’s not a lore deep fantasy western, but it doesn’t need to be. We know this type of world from all the western stories out there, but I found it extremely fun with all fantasy weaponry instead of guns. It’s got your small frontier towns where drink and sex flourish. Blood is always a minute away from being spilled, a stray comment can set it all off. Death is the ultimate currency. Hangings, posses, false bravado galore. This world is just pure chaos and I’m here for it! The body count is massive despite the length and the action is intense. And yes, there is that tiny tendril of hope buried within it all. Love it.
This is a short book, about 200 pages and I feel like any longer and it would fall apart. The prose is solid, if I did spot a bit too many grammar mistakes from an editing perspective (and yet that never detracts from the story). But the dialogue is chef’s kiss. Everyone speaks in such a perfect manner for this type of story. No superfluous talk here. Grunts when that’s all that’s needed. Swears by the plenty and very imaginative too. It all just works as a story. The pace is lean and feisty, just like this world. It’s a very quick read altogether.
For a Few Days More gets under your skin like a burr and doesn’t let go. From start to finish, it’s a bloody trek, some redemption, mostly just a slew of bodies. I had so much fun with this story, I certainly hope Steele returns to this lawless world in the future.
December 30, 2024
Let's fucking goooo!
If a book had a mantra, that would be it. What an absolute adrenaline fueled journey.
The long and short of it; the book takes place in a world so brutal, it would make most other "grimdark" stories cringe. And it was fucking AWESOME. Three main characters make up the book; Roth, a bad man trying to be better, Cynthia, an outcast who fell in with a group of bandits, and Red Cloak, a Justice Hunter, who is as merciless of a villain (is he though?) as any other you'd read about.
Their stories converge, twisting and turning around one another until their paths end up crossing in a climax of blood, betrayal and straight up mayhem.
Advertised as a book for fans of First Law and Tarantino, I can understand why. I think the main thing I loved about it was the dialogue. Full of insanely quotable characters and conversations that kept me on edge, and honestly, laughing. It was dark, mean, and fucking hilarious. Especially whenever Red Cloak got involved, he stalked after the other characters like an omnipresent Boogeyman, always lingering behind but never getting left there.
The rest of the characters that made up the bandit gangs were also not your usual background pieces; you got invested in their lives and actions, and the fates of their own stories became as important as the main ones.
As the journey went on and the stakes got higher, the writing got better which is a sign of great things to come in future books of his. Overall, I wish there was a sequel I could pick up right away. It was a perfect escape from other stories; not everything in fantasy needs to be a 1200 tome about how the universe is on knives edge, sometimes it's just a group of lives that can make the reader care the most, and that's what ZB excelled at doing here. Sharply focused, clean cut, just like so many of the wounds left on the bodies he left behind.
Loved, loved, loved this shit. Keep it up!
If a book had a mantra, that would be it. What an absolute adrenaline fueled journey.
The long and short of it; the book takes place in a world so brutal, it would make most other "grimdark" stories cringe. And it was fucking AWESOME. Three main characters make up the book; Roth, a bad man trying to be better, Cynthia, an outcast who fell in with a group of bandits, and Red Cloak, a Justice Hunter, who is as merciless of a villain (is he though?) as any other you'd read about.
Their stories converge, twisting and turning around one another until their paths end up crossing in a climax of blood, betrayal and straight up mayhem.
Advertised as a book for fans of First Law and Tarantino, I can understand why. I think the main thing I loved about it was the dialogue. Full of insanely quotable characters and conversations that kept me on edge, and honestly, laughing. It was dark, mean, and fucking hilarious. Especially whenever Red Cloak got involved, he stalked after the other characters like an omnipresent Boogeyman, always lingering behind but never getting left there.
The rest of the characters that made up the bandit gangs were also not your usual background pieces; you got invested in their lives and actions, and the fates of their own stories became as important as the main ones.
As the journey went on and the stakes got higher, the writing got better which is a sign of great things to come in future books of his. Overall, I wish there was a sequel I could pick up right away. It was a perfect escape from other stories; not everything in fantasy needs to be a 1200 tome about how the universe is on knives edge, sometimes it's just a group of lives that can make the reader care the most, and that's what ZB excelled at doing here. Sharply focused, clean cut, just like so many of the wounds left on the bodies he left behind.
Loved, loved, loved this shit. Keep it up!
January 15, 2024
"A dark fantasy novel that will keep your mind racing with its fast-paced storyline." ~ Nerdywordyreviews
For A Few Days More is a dark, and captivating story which takes place in the Hinterlands, a place full of crime, violence, and rivalry.
In the beginning, each chapter introduced new characters that were on different life paths. The story follows three main characters; Cynthia, a fowl-mouthed, strong-willed, knife-wielding outlaw who dreams of living a different life and leading people; Roth, a scarred man full of violent and bloody memories who is trying to move away from his past and turn to a brighter future and finally, the man in the red cloak; he who takes chaos and deems himself to be righteous enough to be the one who punishes evil people in the Hinterlands. Throughout the story, we learn about the past and present truths of some of the characters and follow the destruction they make or pass through to get to where their sights are set.
For A Few Days More is a dark fantasy with a Western resemblance. The core parts of the story are filled with violence, gore, foul language, and "bad guy" themes.
From the third chapter onward, I was hooked. Z.B. Steele wrote such a fast-paced, energy-filled storyline that it captivated my mind and made me want to read further. The who, what, where, and why were in my mind, trying to piece together certain situations and questioning who the man in the red cloak was and what he wanted.
If you enjoy raw, dangerous, gritty, deep, and violent dark fantasy, then this book is a rich choice.
Currently, For A Few Days More is available as an ebook on Amazon.
For A Few Days More is a dark, and captivating story which takes place in the Hinterlands, a place full of crime, violence, and rivalry.
In the beginning, each chapter introduced new characters that were on different life paths. The story follows three main characters; Cynthia, a fowl-mouthed, strong-willed, knife-wielding outlaw who dreams of living a different life and leading people; Roth, a scarred man full of violent and bloody memories who is trying to move away from his past and turn to a brighter future and finally, the man in the red cloak; he who takes chaos and deems himself to be righteous enough to be the one who punishes evil people in the Hinterlands. Throughout the story, we learn about the past and present truths of some of the characters and follow the destruction they make or pass through to get to where their sights are set.
For A Few Days More is a dark fantasy with a Western resemblance. The core parts of the story are filled with violence, gore, foul language, and "bad guy" themes.
From the third chapter onward, I was hooked. Z.B. Steele wrote such a fast-paced, energy-filled storyline that it captivated my mind and made me want to read further. The who, what, where, and why were in my mind, trying to piece together certain situations and questioning who the man in the red cloak was and what he wanted.
If you enjoy raw, dangerous, gritty, deep, and violent dark fantasy, then this book is a rich choice.
Currently, For A Few Days More is available as an ebook on Amazon.
March 4, 2025
This was definitely an exciting ride and I highly recommend it if you’re feeling stuck or in a reading slump. The ADHD in you will love how short and snappy these chapters are as it really keeps the ball rolling. Things progress from one event to the next quickly and gracefully making for a fast-paced novel that increases in violence as it goes on. There’s a solid roadmap from the start to the end, with several plot threads being subtly woven together throughout to create maximum tension by the time the book is through.
While there’s a ton of action, this is character focused. The multiple PoV characters have depth and motivations that keep the story engaging and the stakes high. A bit of humor, a lot of fights, and plenty of character connections.
While there’s a ton of action, this is character focused. The multiple PoV characters have depth and motivations that keep the story engaging and the stakes high. A bit of humor, a lot of fights, and plenty of character connections.
December 28, 2023
This is a dark, fast-paced fantasy novel for fans of Joe Abercrombie, westerns, and fun, thrilling books. It's not super long, but it nonetheless draws you into the world. The characters are flawed, foul-mouthed, and badass. The plot is straightforward and doesn't slow down. This is one of those books where you just tear through the chapters relentlessly because you need to know what happens. I'm really excited to see what else the author writes--if this is any indication, we got a very promising new fantasy writer on our hands.
December 6, 2024
I very much enjoyed this gritty, western style dark fantasy adventure. It moved along at a brisk pace, giving us characters with backstory that was revealed simply and efficiently, while packing a punch with action, action, action. This is a rich world revealed through just a brief snapshot, and I sense it’s a place I’d like to see more of.
Not live in, mind you. Just visit.
Well done, Z. B. Steele. This was a treat!
Not live in, mind you. Just visit.
Well done, Z. B. Steele. This was a treat!
December 13, 2024
Violent—extremely violent in a graphic way—and full of characters you wouldn’t necessarily consider likeable. EXCEPTIONALLY well-written. The book hooks you from the very first chapter and doesn’t let go. Declan the Tall, Cynthia, the Justice Hunter with a spiked glove—from the moment you meet these characters, you know you’re headed for a bloody conclusion, and you can’t tear your eyes away from the page, can’t look away. Wow!
July 27, 2025
If you enjoy violent dark fantasy, then this book is for you.
Personally I didn't find any redeeming qualities in anyone, even the villagers.
It's the sort of "grimdark" where everyone is black, the world is depressing and there is nothing fun or good in it.
I'll stick with the likes of Abercrombie.
September 9, 2024
Fast paced with just the right amount of detail! I really enjoyed the inner monologues of all the main characters and their moral ambiguity made them all so interesting!
March 13, 2025
This book isn't within my usual wheele house, but I'm so glad I read it! Wonderful from start to end.
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March 27, 2025yry5y4keieiei
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