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Billy the Kid: The War for Lincoln County
Age 14: Orphaned.
Age 15: Prison inmate.
Age 16: Escaped outlaw.
Age 17: Wanted killer.
In 1870s New Mexico, the territory is at a crossroads. The indigenous population is being driven out—and driven down—by the white settlers migrating west after the Civil War. The center of power isn’t the Governor but rather the Santa Fe Ring, a group of wealthy politicians, businessman, and landowners who exercise power through organized crime, theft, graft, and murder. Their main source of income is a mercantile store in Lincoln known as The House.
After escaping jail, William Bonney—aka Billy the Kid—is a seventeen-year-old orphan who’s been on the run for the better part of two years. All he wants is to belong, to find a place he can call home, and people he can call family.
He’d have been better off alone.
Billy falls in with a gang of ruthless rustlers and murderers who work as muscle for The House. But when Billy crosses one of the members, the gang sets out to kill.
Billy narrowly escapes, finding refuge under the tutelage of John Tunstall, an English immigrant new to the territory who has his sights set on opening a business in Lincoln—and he’s intent on competing directly with The House. But when Tunstall is murdered, any positive effect the mentor had on Billy is eradicated, leaving the Kid with only one thing on his mind …
Revenge.
From orphan to outlaw to killer, this is the truth behind the legend of Billy the Kid.
Age 15: Prison inmate.
Age 16: Escaped outlaw.
Age 17: Wanted killer.
In 1870s New Mexico, the territory is at a crossroads. The indigenous population is being driven out—and driven down—by the white settlers migrating west after the Civil War. The center of power isn’t the Governor but rather the Santa Fe Ring, a group of wealthy politicians, businessman, and landowners who exercise power through organized crime, theft, graft, and murder. Their main source of income is a mercantile store in Lincoln known as The House.
After escaping jail, William Bonney—aka Billy the Kid—is a seventeen-year-old orphan who’s been on the run for the better part of two years. All he wants is to belong, to find a place he can call home, and people he can call family.
He’d have been better off alone.
Billy falls in with a gang of ruthless rustlers and murderers who work as muscle for The House. But when Billy crosses one of the members, the gang sets out to kill.
Billy narrowly escapes, finding refuge under the tutelage of John Tunstall, an English immigrant new to the territory who has his sights set on opening a business in Lincoln—and he’s intent on competing directly with The House. But when Tunstall is murdered, any positive effect the mentor had on Billy is eradicated, leaving the Kid with only one thing on his mind …
Revenge.
From orphan to outlaw to killer, this is the truth behind the legend of Billy the Kid.
336 pages, Hardcover
Published October 15, 2024
13 people are currently reading
3152 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 16, 2024
Unsure how I liked this book. I enjoy fact based westerns or fiction, but this book lacked the facts I was seeking. It became a good fiction story and described the history of Billy the Kid and how the Lincoln County War developed. That is the only reason I gave it a 3.
November 16, 2025
★ ★ ★ 1/2 (rounded up)
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
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WHAT'S BILLY THE KID: THE WAR FOR LINCOLN COUNTY ABOUT?
I had to return the book, so I can't remember the name our protagonist starts out with (it's probably historical record, but who has time for that?). Anyway, the lad who will assume the name William H. Bonney is a petty, naive, juvenile delinquent who gets thrown in jail for a night in a proto-Scared Straight move. He finds a way to escape, and not knowing he was supposed to be taught a lesson, assumes he's a wanted fugitive and starts to live up to that.
He gets a little better at being a criminal, practically inadvertently becoming a murderer—which really does make him a wanted fugitive—and then he falls in with a gang, and everything goes south.
Basically, it's Billy the Kid's origin story. From neglected step-son to notorious killer and bandit.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT BILLY THE KID: THE WAR FOR LINCOLN COUNTY ?
Coleman talks about wanting to fill in a blank in Billy’s career. It’s not a period that we get a lot about (Young Guns and Young Guns II notwithstanding), so it’s a fertile ground for this kind of fiction. As that kind of thing, I think it works pretty well.
It’d be easy to walk away from this novel with the idea that Billy is someone in desperate need of affection—particularly parental affection. Both a mother-figure and a strong father-figure are really what he seems to be looking for, and it’s not getting them (or having them taken away) leads to his life of crime.
It’d also be easy to walk away from this book with the idea that Billy is desperate for a name for himself and is really only motivated by whatever’s compelling him at the moment. He’s practically Id unbound, an example of what can happen when poor impulse control is combined with someone with decent talent with a gun, a little luck, and a lot of charm (and, perhaps, a pretty shaky morality).
I’m probably not noting and/or am forgetting a few other interpretations of Billy that Coleman gives us. Those are just the ones that stuck with me.
In the end, however, the upheaval in this part of New Mexico can’t be laid at the feet of Billy, his allies, or most of his enemies. It’s about money—and bigger money than any of the characters that we spend most of our time with can imagine. I’m not an expert in Westerns—I’ve only read a handful over the last couple of decades, and another handful before that—but I don’t get the impression that it’s a common enough theme. I’m glad to see Coleman do that here.
I enjoyed the book. As I recall, it’s a better—and grittier—read than McMurtry’s Billy the Kid book (and I read that a couple of times). It captures the hardship of the West as well as the dreams most people had of the glories they all sought (mostly futilely) there, too.
It’s not necessarily going to drive me to seek out more Westerns in general—it’ll make me inclined to grab Coleman’s next read, whatever genre that ends up being.
And yes, despite not having listened to the album in decades, I had Jon Bon Jovi’s Blaze of Glory album running through the back of my mind while reading this. Readers of a certain age: you might want to make it easier on yourself and just pull it up to listen to while you read.
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
WHAT'S BILLY THE KID: THE WAR FOR LINCOLN COUNTY ABOUT?
I had to return the book, so I can't remember the name our protagonist starts out with (it's probably historical record, but who has time for that?). Anyway, the lad who will assume the name William H. Bonney is a petty, naive, juvenile delinquent who gets thrown in jail for a night in a proto-Scared Straight move. He finds a way to escape, and not knowing he was supposed to be taught a lesson, assumes he's a wanted fugitive and starts to live up to that.
He gets a little better at being a criminal, practically inadvertently becoming a murderer—which really does make him a wanted fugitive—and then he falls in with a gang, and everything goes south.
Basically, it's Billy the Kid's origin story. From neglected step-son to notorious killer and bandit.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT BILLY THE KID: THE WAR FOR LINCOLN COUNTY ?
Coleman talks about wanting to fill in a blank in Billy’s career. It’s not a period that we get a lot about (Young Guns and Young Guns II notwithstanding), so it’s a fertile ground for this kind of fiction. As that kind of thing, I think it works pretty well.
It’d be easy to walk away from this novel with the idea that Billy is someone in desperate need of affection—particularly parental affection. Both a mother-figure and a strong father-figure are really what he seems to be looking for, and it’s not getting them (or having them taken away) leads to his life of crime.
It’d also be easy to walk away from this book with the idea that Billy is desperate for a name for himself and is really only motivated by whatever’s compelling him at the moment. He’s practically Id unbound, an example of what can happen when poor impulse control is combined with someone with decent talent with a gun, a little luck, and a lot of charm (and, perhaps, a pretty shaky morality).
I’m probably not noting and/or am forgetting a few other interpretations of Billy that Coleman gives us. Those are just the ones that stuck with me.
In the end, however, the upheaval in this part of New Mexico can’t be laid at the feet of Billy, his allies, or most of his enemies. It’s about money—and bigger money than any of the characters that we spend most of our time with can imagine. I’m not an expert in Westerns—I’ve only read a handful over the last couple of decades, and another handful before that—but I don’t get the impression that it’s a common enough theme. I’m glad to see Coleman do that here.
I enjoyed the book. As I recall, it’s a better—and grittier—read than McMurtry’s Billy the Kid book (and I read that a couple of times). It captures the hardship of the West as well as the dreams most people had of the glories they all sought (mostly futilely) there, too.
It’s not necessarily going to drive me to seek out more Westerns in general—it’ll make me inclined to grab Coleman’s next read, whatever genre that ends up being.
And yes, despite not having listened to the album in decades, I had Jon Bon Jovi’s Blaze of Glory album running through the back of my mind while reading this. Readers of a certain age: you might want to make it easier on yourself and just pull it up to listen to while you read.
October 2, 2025
It was very good book i would read it a can . it up down down book
February 15, 2025
This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 3.5 of 5
I have to admit that I chose and started to read this book because I thought it was going to be a non-fiction book about Billy the Kid - an infamous outlaw about whom I know very little. I also know there's been a trend of non-fiction books that push the boundaries of non-fiction, giving dialog and intentions to historical figures without really knowing what was said, or why. For the first few pages, this is what I thought I had.
This book isn't non-fiction, but it's not quite a fiction novel, either. Author Ryan C. Coleman has a strong interest in the history of William Bonney (aka Billy The Kid) and, as he writes in his Author's Notes, "Everyone knows how Billy the Kid's legendary story ends. Here is how it began." It's fiction ... following all of the facts we can find, Coleman tells Bonney's story as if he were a character he'd created.
Coleman is clearly sympathetic to Bonney, playing him up as a victim of circumstance and, at heart, a young man of good moral fiber. Again he writes, in his Author's Notes: "Everyone arrives at a crossroads at some point, where a life-altering decision must be made." That point came for Bonney, he notes, when he was first arrested, at age fifteen, doing something for a friend. Other circumstances, such as his mother's death and his father's not wanting anything to do with him, added to Billy's crossroads moment.
For those interested in following Billy the Kid's path, from childhood to what we suspect is his end, then this is probably the most definitive account out there. But anyone wanting to read a western adventure might just find the book to be a little slow, providing more detail than necessary for a fiction story. Because of this, I find it difficult to rate. As a western adventure, it's probably a three. As a non-fiction biography, or historical fiction, perhaps a four. For this reason I'll post a rating between the two.
Looking for a good book? Billy the Kid: The War for Lincoln County by Ryan C. Coleman is a fictional account of the life of Billy the Kid, based on as much historical evidence as the author could find.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
I have to admit that I chose and started to read this book because I thought it was going to be a non-fiction book about Billy the Kid - an infamous outlaw about whom I know very little. I also know there's been a trend of non-fiction books that push the boundaries of non-fiction, giving dialog and intentions to historical figures without really knowing what was said, or why. For the first few pages, this is what I thought I had.
This book isn't non-fiction, but it's not quite a fiction novel, either. Author Ryan C. Coleman has a strong interest in the history of William Bonney (aka Billy The Kid) and, as he writes in his Author's Notes, "Everyone knows how Billy the Kid's legendary story ends. Here is how it began." It's fiction ... following all of the facts we can find, Coleman tells Bonney's story as if he were a character he'd created.
Coleman is clearly sympathetic to Bonney, playing him up as a victim of circumstance and, at heart, a young man of good moral fiber. Again he writes, in his Author's Notes: "Everyone arrives at a crossroads at some point, where a life-altering decision must be made." That point came for Bonney, he notes, when he was first arrested, at age fifteen, doing something for a friend. Other circumstances, such as his mother's death and his father's not wanting anything to do with him, added to Billy's crossroads moment.
For those interested in following Billy the Kid's path, from childhood to what we suspect is his end, then this is probably the most definitive account out there. But anyone wanting to read a western adventure might just find the book to be a little slow, providing more detail than necessary for a fiction story. Because of this, I find it difficult to rate. As a western adventure, it's probably a three. As a non-fiction biography, or historical fiction, perhaps a four. For this reason I'll post a rating between the two.
Looking for a good book? Billy the Kid: The War for Lincoln County by Ryan C. Coleman is a fictional account of the life of Billy the Kid, based on as much historical evidence as the author could find.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
November 28, 2024
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC in audiobook format.
Ryan C. Coleman’s Billy The Kid: The War for Lincoln County is a riveting historical novel that brings to life the tumultuous events of the Lincoln County War and the legendary figure of Billy the Kid. Narrated by the talented Roger Clark, this audiobook offers an immersive and engaging experience that transports listeners to the lawless frontier of 19th-century New Mexico.
The novel chronicles the rise of Billy the Kid, born Henry McCarty, against the backdrop of the Lincoln County War. At just 17, Billy finds himself entangled in a violent conflict between rival factions vying for control of the lucrative cattle trade. The story begins with Billy’s brief association with Jesse Evans’s gang, who work for the corrupt businessman Lawrence Murphy. When Billy aligns himself with the honorable rancher John Tunstall, he becomes part of the Regulators, a group seeking justice for Tunstall’s murder.
Roger Clark’s narration is a standout feature of this audiobook. His deep, resonant voice and skillful delivery capture the gritty atmosphere of the Old West and the complex emotions of the characters.
Coleman’s writing is vivid and meticulously researched, providing a rich tapestry of historical detail that brings the era to life. The novel’s structure, composed of short, fast-paced vignettes, keeps the story moving at a brisk pace while maintaining a high level of suspense.
Billy The Kid: The War for Lincoln County explores themes of loyalty, justice, and the corrupting influence of power. It delves into the moral ambiguities of frontier justice and the personal cost of living outside the law.
Billy The Kid: The War for Lincoln County is a compelling and well-crafted historical novel that offers a fresh perspective on a legendary figure. Roger Clark’s exceptional narration elevates the story, making it a must-listen for fans of Westerns and historical fiction. Ryan C. Coleman has succeeded in creating a vivid and engaging portrayal of one of the most iconic outlaws in American history.
Ryan C. Coleman’s Billy The Kid: The War for Lincoln County is a riveting historical novel that brings to life the tumultuous events of the Lincoln County War and the legendary figure of Billy the Kid. Narrated by the talented Roger Clark, this audiobook offers an immersive and engaging experience that transports listeners to the lawless frontier of 19th-century New Mexico.
The novel chronicles the rise of Billy the Kid, born Henry McCarty, against the backdrop of the Lincoln County War. At just 17, Billy finds himself entangled in a violent conflict between rival factions vying for control of the lucrative cattle trade. The story begins with Billy’s brief association with Jesse Evans’s gang, who work for the corrupt businessman Lawrence Murphy. When Billy aligns himself with the honorable rancher John Tunstall, he becomes part of the Regulators, a group seeking justice for Tunstall’s murder.
Roger Clark’s narration is a standout feature of this audiobook. His deep, resonant voice and skillful delivery capture the gritty atmosphere of the Old West and the complex emotions of the characters.
Coleman’s writing is vivid and meticulously researched, providing a rich tapestry of historical detail that brings the era to life. The novel’s structure, composed of short, fast-paced vignettes, keeps the story moving at a brisk pace while maintaining a high level of suspense.
Billy The Kid: The War for Lincoln County explores themes of loyalty, justice, and the corrupting influence of power. It delves into the moral ambiguities of frontier justice and the personal cost of living outside the law.
Billy The Kid: The War for Lincoln County is a compelling and well-crafted historical novel that offers a fresh perspective on a legendary figure. Roger Clark’s exceptional narration elevates the story, making it a must-listen for fans of Westerns and historical fiction. Ryan C. Coleman has succeeded in creating a vivid and engaging portrayal of one of the most iconic outlaws in American history.
November 23, 2024
Billy the Kid: The War for Lincoln County
Ryan C. Coleman
The setting is 1870 New Mexico. The Civil War is over, and the white settlers are making their way west. The native inhabitants are forced to leave their homes. A group of wealthy politicians, businessman and landowners form a cartel; they hold all the power it by theft, graft, and murder. They own The House, a store in Lincoln.
William Bonney, (Billy the Kid) is a seventeen-year-old orphan. He was jailed when he was 15. The sheriff planned to “scare him straight”, it didn’t work. Billy was so scared he escaped from jail, living on the run from the law ever since. Billy wants a family, a home and people that love him. His mother died. His stepfather is cruel and unloving; he doesn’t want to be bothered by Billy or his brother.
John Tunstall, a gang leader takes a liking to Billy and takes him under his wing. John is new to the area; he dreams of opening his own business in Lincoln, competing with The House. Tunstall is murdered, leaving Billy craving revenge.
Author Ryan C. Coleman demonstrates what it would be like to live in 1870. Billy’s childhood was very sad and that is what brought him to a life of crime. I enjoyed learning about Billy the Kid. He was part of American history that we tend to overlook. Much has been written about the folk hero; author Ryan C Coleman brings the real Billy to life; he comes off the pages brandishing his fire arm ready to fight.
Thank you NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the copy of this book for review. My reviews are my personal opinions.
Ryan C. Coleman
The setting is 1870 New Mexico. The Civil War is over, and the white settlers are making their way west. The native inhabitants are forced to leave their homes. A group of wealthy politicians, businessman and landowners form a cartel; they hold all the power it by theft, graft, and murder. They own The House, a store in Lincoln.
William Bonney, (Billy the Kid) is a seventeen-year-old orphan. He was jailed when he was 15. The sheriff planned to “scare him straight”, it didn’t work. Billy was so scared he escaped from jail, living on the run from the law ever since. Billy wants a family, a home and people that love him. His mother died. His stepfather is cruel and unloving; he doesn’t want to be bothered by Billy or his brother.
John Tunstall, a gang leader takes a liking to Billy and takes him under his wing. John is new to the area; he dreams of opening his own business in Lincoln, competing with The House. Tunstall is murdered, leaving Billy craving revenge.
Author Ryan C. Coleman demonstrates what it would be like to live in 1870. Billy’s childhood was very sad and that is what brought him to a life of crime. I enjoyed learning about Billy the Kid. He was part of American history that we tend to overlook. Much has been written about the folk hero; author Ryan C Coleman brings the real Billy to life; he comes off the pages brandishing his fire arm ready to fight.
Thank you NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the copy of this book for review. My reviews are my personal opinions.
December 1, 2025
I’ve been on Western kick for a while now.
I love westerns both novels and movies. My favorite westerns are ones that are written with more dialogue and action like the ones that Robert Parker wrote. It’s the less is more way of writing. Think of the “Postman always rings twice”by James M Cain although it’s not a western. I dislike westerns when the descriptions go on for pages and pages. I get it. It’s a western
Mr. Coleman Definitely writes in the same style as Robert Parker and James M Cain. I was interested in this novel from when it was first published. It just took me a while to get to it.
Once I read a preview and saw that it was written in the less is more style with more action and dialogue and less descriptions, I was doubly interested.
The only real problem with this book I thought was the pacing . It went very slow until the last hundred to 150 pages.
It’s really a piece of historical fiction that happens to be a western. The author uses the facts of what happened to Billy the kid in his life as the basis for the novel.
3 1/2 stars
I love westerns both novels and movies. My favorite westerns are ones that are written with more dialogue and action like the ones that Robert Parker wrote. It’s the less is more way of writing. Think of the “Postman always rings twice”by James M Cain although it’s not a western. I dislike westerns when the descriptions go on for pages and pages. I get it. It’s a western
Mr. Coleman Definitely writes in the same style as Robert Parker and James M Cain. I was interested in this novel from when it was first published. It just took me a while to get to it.
Once I read a preview and saw that it was written in the less is more style with more action and dialogue and less descriptions, I was doubly interested.
The only real problem with this book I thought was the pacing . It went very slow until the last hundred to 150 pages.
It’s really a piece of historical fiction that happens to be a western. The author uses the facts of what happened to Billy the kid in his life as the basis for the novel.
3 1/2 stars
April 5, 2025
FULL REVIEW WAS PUBLISHED THIS MONTH IN WWA'S ROUNDUP MAGAZINE Ryan C. Coleman has crafted an epic destined to extend the fascination of Billy the Kid to another generation. The debut novel moves the reader through a series of quick scenes. Such brief occurrences shift the focus from early New Mexico’s macro-economic and political currents to an “intelligent, learned, and easy to get on with” kid, pushing forward to face his recurring dream. The author points to a pivotal moment in Billy’s childhood to help frame those universal questions posed by the study of criminality. Was Billy a murderer incapable of accepting authority? Was he a misunderstood youth driven to wickedness by a corrupt world? Regardless, the reader confronts the tragic portrait of a life wasted that could have contributed to improving himself and humanity.
October 24, 2024
Thanks to Ryan C. Coleman, Blackstone Publishing, and NetGalley for access to the Advanced Reader edition of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Billy the Kid is a fascinating person in US western history and yet many of us know very little about his life and what really went on in the Lincoln County war.
In this novel, the author gives us a glimpse of what it was like at that time and place. He brings the characters to life as we roll through the history of Billy the Kid from an early age. This helps us understand the man he came to be and how he dealt with the circumstances and corruption that was rampant at that time and place.
Billy the Kid is a fascinating person in US western history and yet many of us know very little about his life and what really went on in the Lincoln County war.
In this novel, the author gives us a glimpse of what it was like at that time and place. He brings the characters to life as we roll through the history of Billy the Kid from an early age. This helps us understand the man he came to be and how he dealt with the circumstances and corruption that was rampant at that time and place.
October 14, 2024
I've been a fan of westerns since my uncles first said "here, read this". Ryan Coleman's BILLY THE KID is a fictionalized account of the early life of William Bonny, Billy the Kid. Coleman does an excellent job of showing readers the hardships and challenges of Bonny's youth that will push him to become one of the most feared gunmen of his era. The story stays true to the era, life was not easy and the law was what the gun in your hand could defend. This is my first title by Coleman but I'm checking his back library now.
November 10, 2024
I’ve been interested in Billy the Kid since I saw the movie Young Guns. This book starts with Billy’s childhood before he was Billy and tells how circumstances led him to a life a crime. Times were difficult and this does a good job of describing what was going on. I listened to this book and Roger Clark did a good job with the narration.
Thank you to the author, Blackstone Publishing- Audiobooks, and NetGalley for the Advanced Listener Copy (ALC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Thank you to the author, Blackstone Publishing- Audiobooks, and NetGalley for the Advanced Listener Copy (ALC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
June 2, 2025
A fascinating retelling retelling of Billy the Kid's life and legend focusing on a sliver of his life when he and some of his unsavory friends battle the also unsavory legal and land owning interests for control of Lincoln County Kansas ultimately leading to his demise. The novel delves into his minimal interests in some young ladies in the area. We also learn about his hot temper and family background. The novel is fair not portraying him either as a hero or a villain. This is for people who enjoy Westerns anchored in the stories of real people of the early West.
July 7, 2025
This was a very interesting book. I have always wondered about Billy the Kid, and this gives a good summery of his adventures and of his life. He was an interesting character that seemed to be destined for trouble! That he was likeable, a great shot and a peculiar person made this a good tale. The book also set-up the story around the town of Lincoln and the troubles people moving west ran into in a semi-lawless land filled with corruption and bad-intentioned people! Overall, I recommend this book! THX!
October 9, 2025
I’ve read countless books about Billy The Kid, both fiction and non fiction, this is history I know well. Ryan Coleman has written an absolute masterful book! He has managed to stay extremely close to the events thats transpired throughout Billy’s sorted story and weaving it into a riveting tale that both Billy The Kid armchair historians as well as casual western enthusiasts will equally enjoy! This was a fresh spin on history that I’ve visited at least a hundred times. Loved every page turner sentence! I highly recommend this read!
September 17, 2024
I love a good Western now and again. This one fit the bill quite nicely.
Billy the Kid tells the story of The Kid from his early days. Before his legend even began.
Ryan Coleman tells a great story here. I was looking forward to picking the book up again every time I had to put it down.
He brought The Lincoln County War to life with both fiction and some good nuggets of history.
I eagerly await Mr. Coleman’s next foray into the Old West.
Billy the Kid tells the story of The Kid from his early days. Before his legend even began.
Ryan Coleman tells a great story here. I was looking forward to picking the book up again every time I had to put it down.
He brought The Lincoln County War to life with both fiction and some good nuggets of history.
I eagerly await Mr. Coleman’s next foray into the Old West.
November 2, 2024
An immersive look into the Old West and one of the most infamous outlaws in history, Billy the Kid provides readers with a deeper understanding of this figure of American history, his origins, motivations, and the battle that made him famous.
Full review available here: https://fully-booked.ca/reviews/early...
Full review available here: https://fully-booked.ca/reviews/early...
December 9, 2024
Okay; a little sophomoric and ends abruptly.
A fun read, if sophomoric. The influence of “Young Guns” is very noticeable. Some information is not factual, but it is an entertaining read. Ends very abruptly after the fight at the McSween house, with little detail of later events and a quick gloss on Billy’s demise.
A fun read, if sophomoric. The influence of “Young Guns” is very noticeable. Some information is not factual, but it is an entertaining read. Ends very abruptly after the fight at the McSween house, with little detail of later events and a quick gloss on Billy’s demise.
October 31, 2024
Ese final que 😢, 4/5 para 90% del libro menos el final, pensaba que la vida de Billy the Kid seria más interesante
Me gustó mucho el desarrollo de personaje y todo el backstory para un personaje tan icónico , pero la acción me quedó debiendo
Me gustó mucho el desarrollo de personaje y todo el backstory para un personaje tan icónico , pero la acción me quedó debiendo
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2025
For fans of the legend of Billy the Kid, this is a great story. It tells the back story of what turned Henry McCarty into William "The Kid" Bonney. Ryan Coleman's storytelling just flowed from page to page. This was his first novel. I look forward to reading more of his work in the future.
November 15, 2024
I listened to the audiobook. This historical novel tells the life of Billy the Kid. Recommended.
December 19, 2024
Recommended.
Review posted at Tzer Island book blog:
https://www.tzerisland.com/bookblog/2...
Review posted at Tzer Island book blog:
https://www.tzerisland.com/bookblog/2...
December 22, 2024
Meh... Not gonna lie, I was excited to read this but lost interest about 1/3 of the way through.
March 18, 2025
2.5 stars
June 30, 2025
I liked this book, it was gifted to me as a present it’s not my normal kind of read but it was a good pallet cleanser! It wasn’t amazing but it wasn’t terrible
October 1, 2025
I love Billy the Kid so much, I feel so sad whenever I hear about him though because of his childhood. It was an easy read for me because of how untreated I was in the book, highly recommended!
October 21, 2024
It was my first western, but it was fantastic!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews