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Red Elf Ranch #1
Red Elf Ranch
A cowboy is just a man with guts and a horse.
Connor Mills is only trying to earn some summer money for school by working the Green River Drift cattle drive in Wyoming. The Fates have something else in mind for him.
Thrust into a dark realm both familiar and eerily twisted, Connor finds himself at the center of a struggle between goblin tycoons, corrupt wolf-kin lawmen, and a town full of people who’ve had all the hope wrung out of them.
Connor is only one man, but the strange energies of the Faerie world have made him much more than he was.
When a grieving elven girl asks for Connor’s help to save her ranch after her father's murder, he has to decide just where he’s going to take a stand.
Because even in Faerie, a man is nothing more than his word and his willingness to stand behind it.
Red Elf Ranch is an isekai fantasy adventure in the theme of classic Western pulp cinema.
Connor Mills is only trying to earn some summer money for school by working the Green River Drift cattle drive in Wyoming. The Fates have something else in mind for him.
Thrust into a dark realm both familiar and eerily twisted, Connor finds himself at the center of a struggle between goblin tycoons, corrupt wolf-kin lawmen, and a town full of people who’ve had all the hope wrung out of them.
Connor is only one man, but the strange energies of the Faerie world have made him much more than he was.
When a grieving elven girl asks for Connor’s help to save her ranch after her father's murder, he has to decide just where he’s going to take a stand.
Because even in Faerie, a man is nothing more than his word and his willingness to stand behind it.
Red Elf Ranch is an isekai fantasy adventure in the theme of classic Western pulp cinema.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 10, 2024
288 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
About the author
Michael Dalton
82 books322 followersMichael Dalton is a professional journalist and editor.
Michael wrote his first piece of fiction in third grade, for which he was immediately accused of plagiarism by his teacher. Since then, he has been writing more or less steadily, interrupted only by occasional demands of work and family.
Michael lives with his family and multiple pets in Southern California.
Michael wrote his first piece of fiction in third grade, for which he was immediately accused of plagiarism by his teacher. Since then, he has been writing more or less steadily, interrupted only by occasional demands of work and family.
Michael lives with his family and multiple pets in Southern California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
September 23, 2024
Rating 4.0 stars
A good story. Almost a slice of life story but not quite. Guy has been working on a ranch for the last couple of summers. When he was a kid he loved hearing about cowboys and this was a way to live that fantasy. After shooting a few wolves who go after his flock, he needs to track down an injured one that got away. He doesn't want the animal to suffer. He ends up going through a cave and finds himself in new world. His kind is known as a leaker. Someone who leaks from other realities to this world. There are elves, orcs, beast-kin, goblins and more. A good start to the series.
A good story. Almost a slice of life story but not quite. Guy has been working on a ranch for the last couple of summers. When he was a kid he loved hearing about cowboys and this was a way to live that fantasy. After shooting a few wolves who go after his flock, he needs to track down an injured one that got away. He doesn't want the animal to suffer. He ends up going through a cave and finds himself in new world. His kind is known as a leaker. Someone who leaks from other realities to this world. There are elves, orcs, beast-kin, goblins and more. A good start to the series.
August 9, 2024
I've read several Isekai Fantasy Westerns. I grew up reading classic Westerns books and watching classic Westerns on the TV with my great-grandmother who as a young girl traveled the Oregon Trail to Idaho.
I love Westerns and have come to enjoy some Isekai Fantasy Westerns. I am not sure why more authors in this rather popular genre are not writing more books, but perhaps that is a good thing as quality is more important to me rather than quantity.
This was a great start to what I hope will be a popular series. Other authors, not so talented, have had to abandon a series because it just didn't sell.
I liked how the MC is just a normal kid working his way through college. He was not some former Super Secret Squirrel high-speed type, but rather just your average guy.
The author is familiar enough or had the good sense to get advice from someone who knows guns and did not make any cringe-worthy firearm mistakes. No revolvers reloaded with a magazine, or a safety on a revolver (yes, some revolvers have safeties now, but not the ones mentioned in the book).
I used to think that there was a special place in Hell for people who put optics on a lever gun. I find as I get older, I cannot see the front sight anymore and will have to take up residence in that special place after I pass on. I own most of the firearms mentioned in the book, with the Marlin 45-70 one of my favorites.
The sex is graphic, but not quite Penthouse Letters. All sex is unsafe, and no condoms are used. There is some light lesbianism, but not full on bi women (yet). YMMV It was also plainly obvious that the MC was quickly going to have a harem of at least four monster girls. The bond with the wolf was an interesting twist that I liked.
I liked the end of this book, but it appears as if our MC might be the ridiculously overpowered one that we see frequently in this genre. I would like to see a bit more balanced of a MC. This being the first book, if there is a second, it will be interesting to see how the story and the MC develope.
I love Westerns and have come to enjoy some Isekai Fantasy Westerns. I am not sure why more authors in this rather popular genre are not writing more books, but perhaps that is a good thing as quality is more important to me rather than quantity.
This was a great start to what I hope will be a popular series. Other authors, not so talented, have had to abandon a series because it just didn't sell.
I liked how the MC is just a normal kid working his way through college. He was not some former Super Secret Squirrel high-speed type, but rather just your average guy.
The author is familiar enough or had the good sense to get advice from someone who knows guns and did not make any cringe-worthy firearm mistakes. No revolvers reloaded with a magazine, or a safety on a revolver (yes, some revolvers have safeties now, but not the ones mentioned in the book).
I used to think that there was a special place in Hell for people who put optics on a lever gun. I find as I get older, I cannot see the front sight anymore and will have to take up residence in that special place after I pass on. I own most of the firearms mentioned in the book, with the Marlin 45-70 one of my favorites.
The sex is graphic, but not quite Penthouse Letters. All sex is unsafe, and no condoms are used. There is some light lesbianism, but not full on bi women (yet). YMMV It was also plainly obvious that the MC was quickly going to have a harem of at least four monster girls. The bond with the wolf was an interesting twist that I liked.
I liked the end of this book, but it appears as if our MC might be the ridiculously overpowered one that we see frequently in this genre. I would like to see a bit more balanced of a MC. This being the first book, if there is a second, it will be interesting to see how the story and the MC develope.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2024
Great book
Although it's got a western flair, I wouldn't really call it a Western. The MC is great compared to most in the genre. He doesn’t just do what his women tell him to. He isn't arrogant. He doesn’t start acting like he's some kind of alpha male just because a few women like him. He's smart and questions his circumstances and makes a plan on how to deal with them, rather than just getting lucky.
The women in the story are strong and play a significant role in the story development rather than just being filler material. I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would from the blurb description.
Very much looking forward to book two.
Although it's got a western flair, I wouldn't really call it a Western. The MC is great compared to most in the genre. He doesn’t just do what his women tell him to. He isn't arrogant. He doesn’t start acting like he's some kind of alpha male just because a few women like him. He's smart and questions his circumstances and makes a plan on how to deal with them, rather than just getting lucky.
The women in the story are strong and play a significant role in the story development rather than just being filler material. I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would from the blurb description.
Very much looking forward to book two.
May 9, 2024
Excellent!
Well done! I liked seeing the twists on old tropes done a new way and wholly agree with the author about the genre lacking western-themed settings. Overall well written, which is common to expect from MD, but I’d put this up there as one of his better works. My one complaint would be that it’s too short, but that just doesn’t seem like enough to lose a star when everything in the book reads well it was just a quick read for me. Plus clearly setting up for a sequel.
Side note: I actually tend to dislike authors bringing in worlds from some of their other series for me, but oddly the way MD did this one didn’t bother me that much, I think because it was a bit more subtle than it’s usually done by others. Hope he keeps that up in the sequels!
Well done! I liked seeing the twists on old tropes done a new way and wholly agree with the author about the genre lacking western-themed settings. Overall well written, which is common to expect from MD, but I’d put this up there as one of his better works. My one complaint would be that it’s too short, but that just doesn’t seem like enough to lose a star when everything in the book reads well it was just a quick read for me. Plus clearly setting up for a sequel.
Side note: I actually tend to dislike authors bringing in worlds from some of their other series for me, but oddly the way MD did this one didn’t bother me that much, I think because it was a bit more subtle than it’s usually done by others. Hope he keeps that up in the sequels!
April 24, 2024
Wild Wild erotica
Dalton tells a tell of a lost cowboy and his animal companion has they find a land were the old west still lives on and with villains and heroes can die if your to slow to pull your gun.
The story makes a believable lore for the magic comments and actually makes the gun fights the best things to happen has when they happen they become a shout out to the winner and when the author throws in some strong erotica fantasy girls for erotica fun you got a gem for this year.
Dalton tells a tell of a lost cowboy and his animal companion has they find a land were the old west still lives on and with villains and heroes can die if your to slow to pull your gun.
The story makes a believable lore for the magic comments and actually makes the gun fights the best things to happen has when they happen they become a shout out to the winner and when the author throws in some strong erotica fantasy girls for erotica fun you got a gem for this year.
April 25, 2024
Gunfight at the ok corral but with fantasy inhabitants
The story was well written as a fantasy cowboy vs the greedy land baron senario. The various beast-kin races, orcs, elves and the gobblin villains gave extra dimension to the western genre. The fantasy theme followed the path of Aether users being rare and the MC becoming an artificer beastmaster made him even more unique. I was especially intrigued by the descriptions of beast-kin grooming as the MC gains potential harem candidates.
The story was well written as a fantasy cowboy vs the greedy land baron senario. The various beast-kin races, orcs, elves and the gobblin villains gave extra dimension to the western genre. The fantasy theme followed the path of Aether users being rare and the MC becoming an artificer beastmaster made him even more unique. I was especially intrigued by the descriptions of beast-kin grooming as the MC gains potential harem candidates.
April 13, 2024
This is a good, short fantasy western in the harem subgenre. Competently written with a rich, interesting setting and a tight, engaging plot; all the hallmarks of a Michael Dalton book. It has some of the usual shortcomings as well, chief among them being a little bit of lacking depth in the love interests. It's also rather short. Overall a good book; I like the western motif, and I liked this book's execution of it.
April 24, 2024
Western with a Twist
Alternate universe, base building, faerie, magic, harem adult situations
Conner enjoys working on Frank's ranch, when following up on a task, he accidentally crosses over in a part of faerie that's similar to the rural Wyoming he left behind. The setup was believable, distinct characters, and the situation was a classic Western. Exceptionally well edited. Greatly enjoyed. Even better, there will be a book 2! Looking forward to that!
Alternate universe, base building, faerie, magic, harem adult situations
Conner enjoys working on Frank's ranch, when following up on a task, he accidentally crosses over in a part of faerie that's similar to the rural Wyoming he left behind. The setup was believable, distinct characters, and the situation was a classic Western. Exceptionally well edited. Greatly enjoyed. Even better, there will be a book 2! Looking forward to that!
April 10, 2024
really enjoyed this one, the western aspect was great
I have like a lot of this author’s work for a long time, but enjoyed this more than some. Other works. The story was tight and the motifs were spot on, the character development was great and it tied all together very well. I do look forward to more and the audible version too!
I have like a lot of this author’s work for a long time, but enjoyed this more than some. Other works. The story was tight and the motifs were spot on, the character development was great and it tied all together very well. I do look forward to more and the audible version too!
April 13, 2024
Great book!
I didn't think western themed books would be needed in the harem genre, but I couldn't put this book down once I started.
I think the author hit it on the head with the setting and the characters. The story felt just like reading an old west novel with some good tailbrushing added in.
Definitely recommend picking this up and giving it a read!
I didn't think western themed books would be needed in the harem genre, but I couldn't put this book down once I started.
I think the author hit it on the head with the setting and the characters. The story felt just like reading an old west novel with some good tailbrushing added in.
Definitely recommend picking this up and giving it a read!
April 28, 2024
This is what I've been looking for!
I love westerns and I love isekai. I've wanted a combination of the both, but didn't want it to be just slapped together. This is exactly what I wanted! It's written extremely well and the story carries itself along. The characters are believable also. I want #2 now!
I love westerns and I love isekai. I've wanted a combination of the both, but didn't want it to be just slapped together. This is exactly what I wanted! It's written extremely well and the story carries itself along. The characters are believable also. I want #2 now!
May 1, 2024
Great western story
I do recommend this book it was a great western story I have to say I found some slow points here and there but overall a good turn out Turn turn turn I think anyone who enjoys joy is a good western Would like like like this book and would find it very appealing
I do recommend this book it was a great western story I have to say I found some slow points here and there but overall a good turn out Turn turn turn I think anyone who enjoys joy is a good western Would like like like this book and would find it very appealing
May 4, 2024
Old West meets fantasty world
Great story. I have read many fantasies and this one is different. I like the cowboy theme and the man protecting the women. The characters are well presented and fit the story perfectly. It's is enjoyable to read and I had a hard time stopping when I needed to do other things. I'm waiting for book 2.
Great story. I have read many fantasies and this one is different. I like the cowboy theme and the man protecting the women. The characters are well presented and fit the story perfectly. It's is enjoyable to read and I had a hard time stopping when I needed to do other things. I'm waiting for book 2.
May 6, 2024
very good haremlit with western genre as back drop
i loved how the author was able to put an interesting spin on combining magic and gunfights. the story line feels very much like a classic movie western with a little bit of magic and sex thrown in. looking foward to reading more adventures in this realm!
i loved how the author was able to put an interesting spin on combining magic and gunfights. the story line feels very much like a classic movie western with a little bit of magic and sex thrown in. looking foward to reading more adventures in this realm!
May 8, 2024
Great Start!
Very nice start to a new series. Good characters and a nice premise for an alternate world. Like the protagonist and his ladies.
Hoping that the next book in this series does not take too long.
Now going to try some other stories from this author. Hope they are as good.
Very nice start to a new series. Good characters and a nice premise for an alternate world. Like the protagonist and his ladies.
Hoping that the next book in this series does not take too long.
Now going to try some other stories from this author. Hope they are as good.
October 15, 2024
isekai, western, tropy. Maybe it's more my general disinterest in westerns, it's a tired genre, probably one of the oldest "gimmicky" genres, stopped this from being exceptional. Just feels slightly above average for the genre. The writing is top notice, just the plot felt a little just 'average'. seems like a three book series.
November 11, 2024
Yee- Haw
Being old enough to have grown up when westerns like Bonanza and Gunsmoke were the best shows on TV and John Wayne was my hero, I loved this book. The good guy wins and gets the girl(s) but doesn't ride off into the sunset. He’s hanging around for more adventures. I can't wait. Good one Mike.
Being old enough to have grown up when westerns like Bonanza and Gunsmoke were the best shows on TV and John Wayne was my hero, I loved this book. The good guy wins and gets the girl(s) but doesn't ride off into the sunset. He’s hanging around for more adventures. I can't wait. Good one Mike.
April 10, 2024
Good read
The book was very good. Well written. My only complaint is that I wish it had been longer. But I have that complaint for every book that's not over 500 pages. But still, I cannot wait til you get the next one out.
The book was very good. Well written. My only complaint is that I wish it had been longer. But I have that complaint for every book that's not over 500 pages. But still, I cannot wait til you get the next one out.
April 14, 2024
very good book
There is far to little of western harem type books or western anything, but of course Dalton brought to life a very good book, I look forward to reading the next book in series hope it’s not too long of a wait!!
There is far to little of western harem type books or western anything, but of course Dalton brought to life a very good book, I look forward to reading the next book in series hope it’s not too long of a wait!!
April 14, 2024
An excellent story!!!!
As with anyone who has read this author, the world building and character development is excellent!!! This theme and world do feel perfect to this genre!!! I will eagerly await the next book from this author!!!
As with anyone who has read this author, the world building and character development is excellent!!! This theme and world do feel perfect to this genre!!! I will eagerly await the next book from this author!!!
April 15, 2024
Awesome read!
This was just a good book period. Regardless of the genre. Fun story with well written characters and plenty of action. The romance feels real as do the stakes. Exactly what I would expect from this author. Can’t wait for the next one in the series.
This was just a good book period. Regardless of the genre. Fun story with well written characters and plenty of action. The romance feels real as do the stakes. Exactly what I would expect from this author. Can’t wait for the next one in the series.
April 18, 2024
Quite enjoyable.
I always did enjoy a good western cowboy story. This fills the bill admirably. Bad guys and heros and pretty damsels needing rescuing. With such delightful rewards.
I always did enjoy a good western cowboy story. This fills the bill admirably. Bad guys and heros and pretty damsels needing rescuing. With such delightful rewards.
April 19, 2024
Fun Western
This one was a fun change of pace in setting. I’ve read a couple of western themed books but not that many. It hit all the good parts of a Michael Dalton book and made for a fun read. Looking forward to the next in the series!
This one was a fun change of pace in setting. I’ve read a couple of western themed books but not that many. It hit all the good parts of a Michael Dalton book and made for a fun read. Looking forward to the next in the series!
April 21, 2024
Good Story
This is the fifth Michael Dalton book I’ve read this year and each of them was well crafted with believable characters and a great storyline. This book is no exception. I’m going to have a hard time waiting for book 2 but I know it will be worth the wait.
This is the fifth Michael Dalton book I’ve read this year and each of them was well crafted with believable characters and a great storyline. This book is no exception. I’m going to have a hard time waiting for book 2 but I know it will be worth the wait.
April 25, 2024
A different take on fantasy stories
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am eagerly awaiting the next installment. I think Mr Dalton has a hit that can be stretched across several sequels long using the old west as a back drop
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am eagerly awaiting the next installment. I think Mr Dalton has a hit that can be stretched across several sequels long using the old west as a back drop
May 10, 2024
Excellent Beginning, Can't Wait for the Next One!
Really liked the MC. A cut above the usual extremes (Hopeless nerd or OP testosterone overdosed Chad) in the genre. The western flavor also was a nice change. I definitely recommend!!
Really liked the MC. A cut above the usual extremes (Hopeless nerd or OP testosterone overdosed Chad) in the genre. The western flavor also was a nice change. I definitely recommend!!
May 24, 2024
Great story!
Damn I love western themed fantasy, and they are hard to find. This is one of the best I've found, and I can't wait for the second book. If you like Westerners and enjoy fantasy, then give this one a read. You will enjoy it.
Damn I love western themed fantasy, and they are hard to find. This is one of the best I've found, and I can't wait for the second book. If you like Westerners and enjoy fantasy, then give this one a read. You will enjoy it.
June 21, 2024
A very well written story with great characters!
This story keeps you from putting it down! A very good plot with interesting twists, and great characters! I look forward to the next book!
This story keeps you from putting it down! A very good plot with interesting twists, and great characters! I look forward to the next book!
August 30, 2024
Very enjoyable.
It was not a very complex story, but It didn't need to be. Everything felt good, great characters. A very good combination of Western and fantasy. I'm interested to see where the story goes and will continue with the series.
It was not a very complex story, but It didn't need to be. Everything felt good, great characters. A very good combination of Western and fantasy. I'm interested to see where the story goes and will continue with the series.
January 21, 2025
Excellent story
Delightful tale set in a Western style. It was completely enjoyable. I love character development, and it was well done.
Good world building. Getting book 2 now. Looking forward to seeing where it takes us!
Delightful tale set in a Western style. It was completely enjoyable. I love character development, and it was well done.
Good world building. Getting book 2 now. Looking forward to seeing where it takes us!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews