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Yeehaw Dragons #1
Wild Skies
I’ll trade ya a story for a drink.
It’s a story about a handsome son of a gun and his trusty dragon, Bean, on the hunt for the notorious train robber, Talon. In a land shaped by dragons, magic, and bullets, Dale Hartwell is just trying to make a living hunting down bandits and bounties while searching for his kidnapped parents. When the hunt for Talon takes him to the Melted Lands, Dale finds that he’s bitten off more than he can chew. He comes face to face with ancient dragons, old magic, and a new lead on his missing family. If he fails this job, not only will he lose his chance to find his parents, he might lose his life. In a showdown with a common enemy, unlikely allies will have to take to the skies, fighting tooth and talon for their lives and the future of the Melted Lands.
It’s a story about a handsome son of a gun and his trusty dragon, Bean, on the hunt for the notorious train robber, Talon. In a land shaped by dragons, magic, and bullets, Dale Hartwell is just trying to make a living hunting down bandits and bounties while searching for his kidnapped parents. When the hunt for Talon takes him to the Melted Lands, Dale finds that he’s bitten off more than he can chew. He comes face to face with ancient dragons, old magic, and a new lead on his missing family. If he fails this job, not only will he lose his chance to find his parents, he might lose his life. In a showdown with a common enemy, unlikely allies will have to take to the skies, fighting tooth and talon for their lives and the future of the Melted Lands.
- GenresFantasy
130 pages, Paperback
Published November 22, 2024
4 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
K.E. Andrews
14 books216 followersSpfbo 9 Finalist, Indie Ink Award Finalist, Next Generation Indie Book Awards Finalist, 2023 Page Turner Awards Finalist, & 2025 Indie Author Project runner up. K.E.Andrews has always been an avid reader, which sparked her passion for writing at an early age. Most days, she spends her time daydreaming about stories and making mood boards. When she's not writing, she tends to her plants, plans out her next crafting project, and binge-watches shows on Netflix. She currently lives in Powder Springs, Georgia with her family and cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
November 18, 2024
This review was originally published on Before We Go Blog
So, if you’ve always found yourself wishing for a story that blends cowboys and dragons, then K.E. Andrews has got a true treat for you in Wild Skies. Full of mystery, magic, and mayhem, this western fantasy novella is the rip-roaring heist adventure you didn’t know you needed in your life.
Now, I am not kidding when I say that the very first page of Wild Skies made me go: “Yee-freaking-haw, I am IN”. Andrews just does an absolutely phenomenal job of establishing the immersive atmosphere of this uniquely intriguing fantasy western world, and I quickly found myself invested in our charmingly roguish bounty hunter Dale and his trusty dragon companion Bean. We follow this dynamic duo through the magical wild west on their hunt for the notorious train robber Talon, but the stakes soon become sky-high as they find themselves launched into a wild adventure full of old secrets, hidden identities, unlikely allies, and lots of dangerous magical mayhem.
Even though Dale immediately came off as a bit of a wise-cracking (though very good-hearted) scoundrel to me, it didn’t take me long to discover that there’s much more hiding behind his smart quips and snark. Why yes, we’ve got ourselves a damaged man with a tragic past; one of my personal favourite character types in any story. I loved getting little peeks into his dark backstory, especially because the traumatic events of his past are so seamlessly and intricately interwoven into the mysteries and schemes that he finds himself pulled into now, all these years later.
For a novella with such a fast pacing and so much action, it is really remarkable how much character depth and layered world building Andrews is able to deliver. The intricacies of the unique take on the traditional dragonrider bond, the clash of magic and science, the complex and amusing interpersonal relationships that start to develop, I was just eating it all up. Sure, as a character-driven I wouldn’t have minded even more time to dig into the trauma and the complex interpersonal relationships that we get to see develop over the course of this adventure, but Dale’s strong inner voice and the irresistible air of mystery and intrigue kept me deeply immersed and invested.
I especially liked the uniquely unconventional dynamic between Dale and Talon, and their sharp banter had me grinning the entire way through. Some of the dialogue was maybe a bit too exaggerated and caricaturish for me, but I also can’t deny that it fit the western cowboy vibes and became part of the charm of the characters. See, while I wouldn’t call this a cosy fantasy considering the heavy action, dark themes, and high stakes, there is just a lot of warmth, humour and heart to Wild Skies that makes it an inexplicably fun comfort read to me.
After Cal Black set the bar for fantasy westerns ridiculously high with No Land For Heroes, I never thought I would find another one that could live up to that high standard, but K.E. Andrews proved me wrong in Wild Skies. Even though it feels like we have barely scratched the surface of all the exciting stuff this world and these characters have to offer, I think the Yeehaw Dragons series couldn’t have started off with a bigger bang, and I already can’t wait for more!
Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Wild Skies is scheduled for release on 22 November, 2024.
So, if you’ve always found yourself wishing for a story that blends cowboys and dragons, then K.E. Andrews has got a true treat for you in Wild Skies. Full of mystery, magic, and mayhem, this western fantasy novella is the rip-roaring heist adventure you didn’t know you needed in your life.
Now, I am not kidding when I say that the very first page of Wild Skies made me go: “Yee-freaking-haw, I am IN”. Andrews just does an absolutely phenomenal job of establishing the immersive atmosphere of this uniquely intriguing fantasy western world, and I quickly found myself invested in our charmingly roguish bounty hunter Dale and his trusty dragon companion Bean. We follow this dynamic duo through the magical wild west on their hunt for the notorious train robber Talon, but the stakes soon become sky-high as they find themselves launched into a wild adventure full of old secrets, hidden identities, unlikely allies, and lots of dangerous magical mayhem.
Even though Dale immediately came off as a bit of a wise-cracking (though very good-hearted) scoundrel to me, it didn’t take me long to discover that there’s much more hiding behind his smart quips and snark. Why yes, we’ve got ourselves a damaged man with a tragic past; one of my personal favourite character types in any story. I loved getting little peeks into his dark backstory, especially because the traumatic events of his past are so seamlessly and intricately interwoven into the mysteries and schemes that he finds himself pulled into now, all these years later.
For a novella with such a fast pacing and so much action, it is really remarkable how much character depth and layered world building Andrews is able to deliver. The intricacies of the unique take on the traditional dragonrider bond, the clash of magic and science, the complex and amusing interpersonal relationships that start to develop, I was just eating it all up. Sure, as a character-driven I wouldn’t have minded even more time to dig into the trauma and the complex interpersonal relationships that we get to see develop over the course of this adventure, but Dale’s strong inner voice and the irresistible air of mystery and intrigue kept me deeply immersed and invested.
I especially liked the uniquely unconventional dynamic between Dale and Talon, and their sharp banter had me grinning the entire way through. Some of the dialogue was maybe a bit too exaggerated and caricaturish for me, but I also can’t deny that it fit the western cowboy vibes and became part of the charm of the characters. See, while I wouldn’t call this a cosy fantasy considering the heavy action, dark themes, and high stakes, there is just a lot of warmth, humour and heart to Wild Skies that makes it an inexplicably fun comfort read to me.
After Cal Black set the bar for fantasy westerns ridiculously high with No Land For Heroes, I never thought I would find another one that could live up to that high standard, but K.E. Andrews proved me wrong in Wild Skies. Even though it feels like we have barely scratched the surface of all the exciting stuff this world and these characters have to offer, I think the Yeehaw Dragons series couldn’t have started off with a bigger bang, and I already can’t wait for more!
Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Wild Skies is scheduled for release on 22 November, 2024.
December 29, 2024
Review originally on JamReads
Wild Skies is a Western adventure fantasy novella, part of the Yeehaw Dragons series, written by K.E. Andrews. A story full of mystery and mayhem, evolving into a great heist while treating themes such as environmental conservation and the damage made by colonization, with a gunslinger-dragon duo that is adorable; can you ask for more?
A novella that follows Dale, a bounty hunter, that together with his trusty and adorable dragon Bean, uses his hard earned coin to investigate about his parents' disappearance; his next mission is trying to capture the train robber known as Talon. When the hunt goes wrong, Dale will find himself in the side he would never expect, facing old dragons and magic, and surprisingly, discovering a new path to find his parents, even if that means accepting new company in her quest.
We are early introduced to the angular piece of this novella for me, the relationship between Dale and Bean, his trustworthy dragon, a part of his family at this point; swapping horses for dragons in this Western setting is simply brilliant, as later, it is used as the base for some of the themes discussed, such as the exploitation of nature by the hand of the colonizers, and how the indigenous people are trying to protect them.
While at the start this could be seem as a more goofy story, as long as we advance in the plot we can see hints of a bigger scope arc, doing an excellent job with the Western aesthetic to create memorable scenes (and especially the train heist is just chef kiss). The pacing is great, keeping you engaged at any single moment.
Wild Skies is a promising starter of the Yeehaw Dragons series; if you are looking for a great Western fantasy story with a lovable set of characters, look no more, this is your book. I wonder how K.E. Andrews will continue with the series, but for sure, we will continue covering it!
Wild Skies is a Western adventure fantasy novella, part of the Yeehaw Dragons series, written by K.E. Andrews. A story full of mystery and mayhem, evolving into a great heist while treating themes such as environmental conservation and the damage made by colonization, with a gunslinger-dragon duo that is adorable; can you ask for more?
A novella that follows Dale, a bounty hunter, that together with his trusty and adorable dragon Bean, uses his hard earned coin to investigate about his parents' disappearance; his next mission is trying to capture the train robber known as Talon. When the hunt goes wrong, Dale will find himself in the side he would never expect, facing old dragons and magic, and surprisingly, discovering a new path to find his parents, even if that means accepting new company in her quest.
We are early introduced to the angular piece of this novella for me, the relationship between Dale and Bean, his trustworthy dragon, a part of his family at this point; swapping horses for dragons in this Western setting is simply brilliant, as later, it is used as the base for some of the themes discussed, such as the exploitation of nature by the hand of the colonizers, and how the indigenous people are trying to protect them.
While at the start this could be seem as a more goofy story, as long as we advance in the plot we can see hints of a bigger scope arc, doing an excellent job with the Western aesthetic to create memorable scenes (and especially the train heist is just chef kiss). The pacing is great, keeping you engaged at any single moment.
Wild Skies is a promising starter of the Yeehaw Dragons series; if you are looking for a great Western fantasy story with a lovable set of characters, look no more, this is your book. I wonder how K.E. Andrews will continue with the series, but for sure, we will continue covering it!
December 1, 2024
A fantastic western fantasy done right. Plus there is a dragon named Bean. What more could you possibly want.
November 24, 2024
Cowboys and dragons...what could be better? This short little adventure starts with a bounty hunter and ends with a full-fledged showdown of magic and guns with fast action and fun characters.
If you want something with dragons, bizarre landscapes, intriguing world-building, and wild chases, look no further!
If you want something with dragons, bizarre landscapes, intriguing world-building, and wild chases, look no further!
December 12, 2024
Thank you to the author for the earc copy! Unfortunately this book of hers did not become my favorite, I liked the ideas, but I hated the main character.
Pros:
▪︎ dragons placed in a western setting.
▪︎ a strong side character (who could have been given more roles or even a lead role).
▪︎ special dragons.
▪︎ presentation of the world and the impending danger.
▪︎ presentation of the Alluvialians.
Cons:
▪︎ I really didn't like Dale. I didn't like the way he treated Talon and her people when he could see with his own eyes that they weren't enemies.
▪︎ the story slows down a bit while Dale is in "captivity".
The problem is... if I don't like the main character or he/she annoys me, then I can't enjoy the story. That's what happened here. I liked Talon better, I would have much preferred to read the story from her perspective. I loved her courage and the fight she fought for her people.
Dale's behavior improves by the end of the story. It even provides information that Dale may finally be closer to finding his parents. Essentially there is a chance of a sequel, which I don't know yet whether I will continue.
Pros:
▪︎ dragons placed in a western setting.
▪︎ a strong side character (who could have been given more roles or even a lead role).
▪︎ special dragons.
▪︎ presentation of the world and the impending danger.
▪︎ presentation of the Alluvialians.
Cons:
▪︎ I really didn't like Dale. I didn't like the way he treated Talon and her people when he could see with his own eyes that they weren't enemies.
▪︎ the story slows down a bit while Dale is in "captivity".
The problem is... if I don't like the main character or he/she annoys me, then I can't enjoy the story. That's what happened here. I liked Talon better, I would have much preferred to read the story from her perspective. I loved her courage and the fight she fought for her people.
Dale's behavior improves by the end of the story. It even provides information that Dale may finally be closer to finding his parents. Essentially there is a chance of a sequel, which I don't know yet whether I will continue.
November 25, 2024
4.5/5 Stars Rounded to 5 Stars
I recieved an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I’m convinced K.E. Andrews can write any genre with tact, skill and compelling storytelling.
Calling all dragon rider fans! Wild Skies blends dragon rider fantasy and westerns creating a refreshing and action packed story you won’t want to put down.
Upon reading we meet Dale, a bounty hunter and his dragon, Bean on their way to collect their most recent bounty. At the Sheriff's he sees a wanted poster for a notorious train robber known only as “Talon”. No one has been able to catch this thief and Dale figures this might be just the job to set him up for some time. Meanwhile, he’s collecting what clues he can about his kidnapped parents. It doesn’t take long for Dale to realize he’s bitten off more than he can chew and the story that follows is one of heart, action and suspense.
K.E. Andrews really brings these characters to life with thoughtful plotting, vulnerable moments, suspense and plenty of action. Bean for example may be a dragon but he behaves similar to a puppy in ways. How the dragons interact in Wild Skies often reminded me of the dragons in How to Train your Dragon. They have such personality making them loveable while having themes from dragon rider fantasy such as bonding, and depth to their history with plenty still to discover.
As for Dale, he’s a typical gun wielding bounty hunter, a difficult profession but one that allows him to keep searching for his kidnapped parents. His mission is endearing and his trauma is well handled within the overarching plotline. While encountering things he thought only to be legend, he faces compelling internal conflicts amid life or death situations.
The world is familiar to both fantasy and westerns yet has unique traits helping it stand apart from the rest. And we’ve only scratched the surface! Wild Skies is only the first instalment in A Yeehaw Dragons Story series and it sets up the characters, world, conflicts, mystery and magic beautifully while leaving you craving more.
Not only that, but how K.E. Andrews blends the genres together seamlessly done, bringing together the best parts of both worlds and storytelling.
As this is a novella, its pacing remains steady and builds to a grand and fast paced ending making this hard to put down.
So, if you’re looking for a quick refreshing read packed with action, bounty hunters, cowboys, dragons, train robberies, mystery, and conflicting cultures, this is one you won’t want to miss.
I recieved an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I’m convinced K.E. Andrews can write any genre with tact, skill and compelling storytelling.
Calling all dragon rider fans! Wild Skies blends dragon rider fantasy and westerns creating a refreshing and action packed story you won’t want to put down.
Upon reading we meet Dale, a bounty hunter and his dragon, Bean on their way to collect their most recent bounty. At the Sheriff's he sees a wanted poster for a notorious train robber known only as “Talon”. No one has been able to catch this thief and Dale figures this might be just the job to set him up for some time. Meanwhile, he’s collecting what clues he can about his kidnapped parents. It doesn’t take long for Dale to realize he’s bitten off more than he can chew and the story that follows is one of heart, action and suspense.
K.E. Andrews really brings these characters to life with thoughtful plotting, vulnerable moments, suspense and plenty of action. Bean for example may be a dragon but he behaves similar to a puppy in ways. How the dragons interact in Wild Skies often reminded me of the dragons in How to Train your Dragon. They have such personality making them loveable while having themes from dragon rider fantasy such as bonding, and depth to their history with plenty still to discover.
As for Dale, he’s a typical gun wielding bounty hunter, a difficult profession but one that allows him to keep searching for his kidnapped parents. His mission is endearing and his trauma is well handled within the overarching plotline. While encountering things he thought only to be legend, he faces compelling internal conflicts amid life or death situations.
The world is familiar to both fantasy and westerns yet has unique traits helping it stand apart from the rest. And we’ve only scratched the surface! Wild Skies is only the first instalment in A Yeehaw Dragons Story series and it sets up the characters, world, conflicts, mystery and magic beautifully while leaving you craving more.
Not only that, but how K.E. Andrews blends the genres together seamlessly done, bringing together the best parts of both worlds and storytelling.
As this is a novella, its pacing remains steady and builds to a grand and fast paced ending making this hard to put down.
So, if you’re looking for a quick refreshing read packed with action, bounty hunters, cowboys, dragons, train robberies, mystery, and conflicting cultures, this is one you won’t want to miss.
December 12, 2024
This review was originally posted on SFF Insiders.
I’ve always said that what westerns were missing the most was dragons. Well, actually, I’ve never said that, but thanks to Wild Skies, I’m going to be saying it more often, so watch out. K.E. Andrews has written a real charmer here, with Wild West drama with a fantasy flair, so saddle up, cowpokes, it’s time for some Yeehaw Dragons!
Dale Hartwell is a bounty hunter, trying to earn enough coin to fund his search for his missing parents. Together with his trusty dragon mount, Bean—named for the dragon’s favorite food, obviously—he takes on a mark to hunt a notorious train robber known as Talon. When the hunt goes topside, though, Dale finds himself in greater danger than he thought possible, faced with ancient dragons and old magic, as well as an unseen side to his quarry. If he is to have any hope of tracking down his parents, he needs to survive this trial—by any means necessary, and with whomever may help him.
The aesthetics of Wild Skies is the big winner here. There is something incredibly endearing about Dale’s relationship with his dragon Bean, a faithful mount in all but name. Taking out the horses from the western and throwing in dragons made for an instantly iconic setting, and the lore Andrews has laid down in just under 130 pages is immaculate. The world of Yeehaw Dragons is replete with ancient godlike dragons, guns that shoot magic, and conspiracies and heists. On paper, it’s a simple concept, but in execution, it’s done wonderfully.
It helps that Andrews is a master with character work and prose. Having been familiar with her poetry collections, I went in expecting beautiful writing, and I was not disappointed. The tone is perfect, managing a great balance between the seriousness of the plot’s circumstances and the overall silliness of the concept. Wild Skies is both lighthearted and heartfelt, but knows when to tone down to match the gravity of the situation. The dynamic between Dale and Bean is certainly a star of this show, but his interactions with Talon were a big surprise. Things take an unexpected turn rather quickly, and a different side of Talon is presented, adding welcomed depth and dimension in such a short span.
If there is anything I could say against Wild Skies, it’s that I just wanted more of it. It’s a short book and is perfectly paced for what it is—and I think there’s more than enough here to expand it into a full novel. Which ultimately, isn’t a huge knock against it. It’s just that there’s enough intrigue here that I’m looking forward to the next story already.
If you’re looking for a western that has the perfect combination of drama and action with some silliness thrown in, then Wild Skies may be the book for you. The world of the Yeehaw Dragons is just getting started, and I’m ready for the ride.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m gonna go attach wings to the first horse I can find and teach him to fly. My next train heist is gonna be hot!
I’ve always said that what westerns were missing the most was dragons. Well, actually, I’ve never said that, but thanks to Wild Skies, I’m going to be saying it more often, so watch out. K.E. Andrews has written a real charmer here, with Wild West drama with a fantasy flair, so saddle up, cowpokes, it’s time for some Yeehaw Dragons!
Dale Hartwell is a bounty hunter, trying to earn enough coin to fund his search for his missing parents. Together with his trusty dragon mount, Bean—named for the dragon’s favorite food, obviously—he takes on a mark to hunt a notorious train robber known as Talon. When the hunt goes topside, though, Dale finds himself in greater danger than he thought possible, faced with ancient dragons and old magic, as well as an unseen side to his quarry. If he is to have any hope of tracking down his parents, he needs to survive this trial—by any means necessary, and with whomever may help him.
The aesthetics of Wild Skies is the big winner here. There is something incredibly endearing about Dale’s relationship with his dragon Bean, a faithful mount in all but name. Taking out the horses from the western and throwing in dragons made for an instantly iconic setting, and the lore Andrews has laid down in just under 130 pages is immaculate. The world of Yeehaw Dragons is replete with ancient godlike dragons, guns that shoot magic, and conspiracies and heists. On paper, it’s a simple concept, but in execution, it’s done wonderfully.
It helps that Andrews is a master with character work and prose. Having been familiar with her poetry collections, I went in expecting beautiful writing, and I was not disappointed. The tone is perfect, managing a great balance between the seriousness of the plot’s circumstances and the overall silliness of the concept. Wild Skies is both lighthearted and heartfelt, but knows when to tone down to match the gravity of the situation. The dynamic between Dale and Bean is certainly a star of this show, but his interactions with Talon were a big surprise. Things take an unexpected turn rather quickly, and a different side of Talon is presented, adding welcomed depth and dimension in such a short span.
If there is anything I could say against Wild Skies, it’s that I just wanted more of it. It’s a short book and is perfectly paced for what it is—and I think there’s more than enough here to expand it into a full novel. Which ultimately, isn’t a huge knock against it. It’s just that there’s enough intrigue here that I’m looking forward to the next story already.
If you’re looking for a western that has the perfect combination of drama and action with some silliness thrown in, then Wild Skies may be the book for you. The world of the Yeehaw Dragons is just getting started, and I’m ready for the ride.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m gonna go attach wings to the first horse I can find and teach him to fly. My next train heist is gonna be hot!
January 6, 2025
Straddling up on his trusty dragon the exhilarating yet dangerous bounty begins. With guns a blazin’ & ancient magic a weavin’, revelation stands as the greatest haul.
Yeehaw! What in tarnation?! Another blazing book with heart, action & fun. Great novella! Finished in one sitting. :)
Yeehaw! What in tarnation?! Another blazing book with heart, action & fun. Great novella! Finished in one sitting. :)
November 4, 2024
This book was the Western Fantasy I didn't know I needed! If the classic western genre met How To Train Your Dragon, it would be something like Wild Skies.
With his trusty dragon Bean, bounty hunter Dale hunts down wrongdoers, hoping to someday earn enough money to search for his parents who were kidnapped when he was a boy. When he comes across a life-changing reward offered to bring in the infamous outlaw Talon, he decides that the risk is worth it for the prize money. But Talon is dangerous, and Dale is about to find himself drawn into a plot that has intensely personal stakes for him.
I believe Western Fantasy is an underused genre; there are few historical settings as mythic as the American West. This short book captures the feeling of the classic western story, while adding in dragons; and the result is so much fun. I would recommend Wild Skies to fans of historical fantasy, westerns, or anyone looking for a fun short read. I am looking forward to the next book in this series!
Thank you to the author for this arc in exchange for a fair & honest review.
With his trusty dragon Bean, bounty hunter Dale hunts down wrongdoers, hoping to someday earn enough money to search for his parents who were kidnapped when he was a boy. When he comes across a life-changing reward offered to bring in the infamous outlaw Talon, he decides that the risk is worth it for the prize money. But Talon is dangerous, and Dale is about to find himself drawn into a plot that has intensely personal stakes for him.
I believe Western Fantasy is an underused genre; there are few historical settings as mythic as the American West. This short book captures the feeling of the classic western story, while adding in dragons; and the result is so much fun. I would recommend Wild Skies to fans of historical fantasy, westerns, or anyone looking for a fun short read. I am looking forward to the next book in this series!
Thank you to the author for this arc in exchange for a fair & honest review.
January 9, 2025
“Seen a lotta hunters and trained mageslingers come through, but it’s a fool’s quest, chasin’ after a ghost like that. Few ever come back.”
Saloons,Taverns, bars, and seedy establishments- every time a fantasy story opens in one of these, it’s always comforting and gives me a feel that I’m gonna enjoy it. Plus, this story has a dragon called bean. How charming is that? A fantasy western where horses are replaced by dragons and guns have regular & not-so-regular bullets. I was so glad that there was a huge train heist scene.
For a novella, it sure does pack in a lot. I love that there are special types of dragons (we know how deadly dragons are, imagine one that can turn invisible) and magic bullets for guns and at the same time, themes of environmentalization and how colonizers rewrite history are packed in the book as well. The writing and world building were excellent as well. There is one place in the melted lands that was described so vividly, I instantly wanted to travel there. The mystery aspect to the plot in the second half also was done very well.
One thing that was a stumbling block for me was the main character Dale. He was likeable initially but he didn’t remain likeable through the book. At some points he was behaving very young and at different points he acted a lot more grown up. And even in a place where his ingrained bias should have been destroyed immediately, he doesn’t change. Since this is a novella, I didn’t know how deep his biases were and whether that was a reason that it took a lot of time for him to change his mind. I don’t dislike him but he wasn’t as engaging to me as another side character (Talon) was. Talon was easily a more compelling character to follow and I definitely hope we see more of Talon in future installments.
Overall it is a very fun story with a lot of action and despite me not connecting a lot with the main character, I’ll definitely pick up book 2 when it arrives.
Saloons,Taverns, bars, and seedy establishments- every time a fantasy story opens in one of these, it’s always comforting and gives me a feel that I’m gonna enjoy it. Plus, this story has a dragon called bean. How charming is that? A fantasy western where horses are replaced by dragons and guns have regular & not-so-regular bullets. I was so glad that there was a huge train heist scene.
For a novella, it sure does pack in a lot. I love that there are special types of dragons (we know how deadly dragons are, imagine one that can turn invisible) and magic bullets for guns and at the same time, themes of environmentalization and how colonizers rewrite history are packed in the book as well. The writing and world building were excellent as well. There is one place in the melted lands that was described so vividly, I instantly wanted to travel there. The mystery aspect to the plot in the second half also was done very well.
One thing that was a stumbling block for me was the main character Dale. He was likeable initially but he didn’t remain likeable through the book. At some points he was behaving very young and at different points he acted a lot more grown up. And even in a place where his ingrained bias should have been destroyed immediately, he doesn’t change. Since this is a novella, I didn’t know how deep his biases were and whether that was a reason that it took a lot of time for him to change his mind. I don’t dislike him but he wasn’t as engaging to me as another side character (Talon) was. Talon was easily a more compelling character to follow and I definitely hope we see more of Talon in future installments.
Overall it is a very fun story with a lot of action and despite me not connecting a lot with the main character, I’ll definitely pick up book 2 when it arrives.
December 3, 2024
What's better than a western with dragons? Nothing!
I loved this fast paced novella featuring a dragon riding cowboy, an infamous outlaw and the most adorable dragon, Bean.
Pair those with a quest to find family, a mysterious businessman and a situation that isn't quite as it seems, and you've got a wonderful story!
I hope we see more of all of these characters!
My rating 4.75!
I loved this fast paced novella featuring a dragon riding cowboy, an infamous outlaw and the most adorable dragon, Bean.
Pair those with a quest to find family, a mysterious businessman and a situation that isn't quite as it seems, and you've got a wonderful story!
I hope we see more of all of these characters!
My rating 4.75!
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November 13, 2024Final edits are done!
January 6, 2025
4.5. This was SUCH a fun cowboy adventure!
I was lucky enough to be an arc reader for this one!
My first thought when I heard about this one: Dragons and Cowboys? Yes Please!!! This story was chock full of rootin’-tootin’, dragon-flying FUN! The combination of Western and Fantasy elements was nearly seamless. The story was also really interesting— it combined amazing world building, harrowing battle, and of course a major heist into such a cool plot. I do wish the magic system was explained a little more in the beginning, but it’s easy to figure out. Overall, I’d recommend this one to fans of historical fantasy.
Rating: 4.5/5
I was lucky enough to be an arc reader for this one!
My first thought when I heard about this one: Dragons and Cowboys? Yes Please!!! This story was chock full of rootin’-tootin’, dragon-flying FUN! The combination of Western and Fantasy elements was nearly seamless. The story was also really interesting— it combined amazing world building, harrowing battle, and of course a major heist into such a cool plot. I do wish the magic system was explained a little more in the beginning, but it’s easy to figure out. Overall, I’d recommend this one to fans of historical fantasy.
Rating: 4.5/5
November 23, 2024
The Good The Bad and The Ugly meets Eragon in this high flying, fast paced dragon riding Fantasy Western! Dale Hartwell and his loyal dragon Bean take to the skies to wrangle up outlaws for a price. There is however more to Dale than just collecting bounties. Dale is looking for his parents who were taken when he was very young. Dale and Bean must team up with an unlikely ally to stop a power hungry villain while also unraveling the secrets of his past.
K.E. Andrew’s blends two genres beautifully while maintaining a fast paced and exciting story. Readers will find themselves engaged not only in the action but also in the mystery that Dale is seeking to unravel.
K.E. Andrew’s blends two genres beautifully while maintaining a fast paced and exciting story. Readers will find themselves engaged not only in the action but also in the mystery that Dale is seeking to unravel.
December 4, 2024
Though I was missing a bit of feel and backstory, I really enjoyed the western dragons world and loooved the protagonist's cute dragon Beans. More of Beans, please!
Aside from that, Andrews' description and world building is always 👌
Coarse language: none
Violence & gore: mild violence, no gore
Sexual content: none, no romance in this one whatsoever
*I received a free copy from the author, this did not influence my rating or review
Aside from that, Andrews' description and world building is always 👌
Coarse language: none
Violence & gore: mild violence, no gore
Sexual content: none, no romance in this one whatsoever
*I received a free copy from the author, this did not influence my rating or review
January 11, 2025
What a ride!
Cowboys and dragons, what's not to love? It's a fun, fast pace story with surprising depth. I want to know more about Dale and Bean and the outlaw village. I want to go on a train ride through the melted lands. I want more of everything. Please Golden Flame, can I have more?
Cowboys and dragons, what's not to love? It's a fun, fast pace story with surprising depth. I want to know more about Dale and Bean and the outlaw village. I want to go on a train ride through the melted lands. I want more of everything. Please Golden Flame, can I have more?
November 9, 2024
I love the setting! Wild west but make it dragons instead of horses? It's so interesting!
January 6, 2025
An amazing blend of magic, western and dragons! Love it!!
November 13, 2024
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novella from the author. My review is honest and my opinions are my own!
In this fantasy western novella, Dale, a dragon-riding bounty hunter, is in search of his missing parents. A mystery surrounds their disappearance fifteen years before and all he has are sketchy memories and a necklace his mother wore, that happens to bear the same logo as the trains used by a notorious gun runner. Could there be a connection?
His latest bounty might just lead him to some of the answers he seeks if only he can survive.
This little story was compelling and had me addicted right from the get-go.
The mysterious and fearsome “Talon” was a wonderful character and the mystery surrounding Dale’s parents provided a brilliant twist to the novella. The bond between Dale and his dragon, Bean, was heartwarming and Bean was a really adorable animal companion for Dale. Wild Skies has wonderful world-building and characterization, as I have come to expect from this author.
In this fantasy western novella, Dale, a dragon-riding bounty hunter, is in search of his missing parents. A mystery surrounds their disappearance fifteen years before and all he has are sketchy memories and a necklace his mother wore, that happens to bear the same logo as the trains used by a notorious gun runner. Could there be a connection?
His latest bounty might just lead him to some of the answers he seeks if only he can survive.
This little story was compelling and had me addicted right from the get-go.
The mysterious and fearsome “Talon” was a wonderful character and the mystery surrounding Dale’s parents provided a brilliant twist to the novella. The bond between Dale and his dragon, Bean, was heartwarming and Bean was a really adorable animal companion for Dale. Wild Skies has wonderful world-building and characterization, as I have come to expect from this author.
November 29, 2024
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC for free.
Just a heads up, as I’ve gotten older and developed as both a reader and writer, my reviews often sound more negative then they are. I assure you, right from the get-go, if I think something is bad, I say it is BAD. I frequently start out with criticisms and end with praise; it’s how I like to be reviewed and critiqued, so it’s how I review others. Anyways, with that out of the way, let’s begin:
Wild Skies by K.E. Andrews is a rootin’ tootin’ fantasy western which is something right up my alley. I love fantasy, and despite it’s rather gruesome and painful history, the wild west is one of my favorite settings for anything ever. When I saw the cover for this book and saw it described as “cowboys riding dragons” I was immediately hooked; however, I’ve been hooked before by things I love and left extremely upset and let-down. Thankfully, this was not one of those times.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that I really, REALLY love the written word. I’m highly envious of people who can string beautiful sentences together and form pictures in my mind not just through standard descriptions, but through use of incredible word play. This book…doesn’t really offer that.
That being said, it isn’t a bad thing. While I do love me some poetic writing, I understand it is not everybody’s cup of tea. Many people are more interested in getting straight into the plot and the characters, and I can respect that. This is absolutely not a criticism of this book itself, more of just an observation. The prose in this book is absolutely fine; there’s nothing truly outstanding about it, but honestly, compared to a lot of other books I’ve read in recent years, I will take fine any day.
Much like the prose, some of the dialogue is a bit clunky. It isn’t awful by any measure, and though there are some lines that really accentuate the characters and the setting, most of it is simply moving the plot forward without a lot of time for dilly-dallying; it is highly utilitarian. However, as someone who likes to read dialogue aloud, I do think that the dialogue in this book does a good job of conveying strong voices and personalities among the characters, especially if you keep that western cowboy vibe in mind.
Speaking of characters, I’ve a very small (albeit one that takes up nearly 350 words of this 1000-word review) complaint in regard to a scene involving our main character, Dale. Not to spoil anything, but it should come as no surprise that our dragon-riding, gun-toting, bounty-hunting cowboy has a tragic past involving missing parents. This supposedly happened over fifteen years ago, yet at times Dale lashes out in a way that’d make you think it happened much more recently, and it makes him feel more like a teenager than an adult (I don’t recall if we’re given a specific age, but I think at some point it’s stated that he’s in his late twenty’s/early thirty’s).
As a writer, I understand trying to convey a character’s motivations as strong and passionate, but a part of me feels this is far too cinematic. Early on in the book (Chapter 3 I believe), Dale snaps at Russel, his old friend and mentor, and it reads as something out of a soap-opera; Russel says Dale’s been searching for his missing parents for 15 years, and Dale with hands clenched at his sides, proclaims, “And I’ll look another fifteen years if I need to!”
It’s not a bad scene, but as I was reading, I interpreted this line as a more subdued and quiet fury, but that little exclamation point at the end, as well as describing his fists tightly clenched sold it to me as a melodramatic outburst. Now, I for one love my melodrama, but I do believe it works best in visual media such as television or comics. One of the strengths of literary writing is that we have access to a character’s inner thoughts in a way that is wholly organic to the medium. We don’t need Dale to emotionally snap to convey his passions, because we can gain that from his thoughts, which I do think the paragraph immediately following does pretty well.
I don’t want to harp on this one scene any longer; it’s just the one that stuck out to me the most when reading, and I think it was more my inner editor coming out in regard to something I see a lot in contemporary writing.
Moving on, I do want to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the world this story took place in. Much like my love of prose, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that I don’t really need deep dive into the lore and history of a world for me to enjoy a fun fantasy story. Little things like seeing how people interact with the magical and fantastical— having them do things that are so wonderous to us, but mundane to them—is something that goes a long way for me, as does a character simply using a magical term or referencing various breeds of dragon.
And that’s not to say the world isn’t deep or well thought out, quite the contrary. it’s more to say that the book doesn’t do any large exposition dumps just to explain how the world works. We don’t need long paragraphs explaining the difference between dragon breeds or what it means that the bad guy has a fully “Sparked” dragon. This world clearly has a lot of thought put into it, and it has plenty of little splashes of flavor hear and there to let you know that. A writer shouldn’t be expected to have whole historical texts or legendarium for their world to feel fully fleshed out; I don’t need logical answers to why the climate in the Melted Lands makes it so, I don’t need a detailed history on why and how dragons came to be tamed and ridden.
Some people like all of that stuff—I get it—but I don’t think every fantasy needs it.
All in all, I think Wild Skies by K.E. Andrews is an exciting fantasy western filled to the brim with fun characters, exciting action, and is a delightful romp from beginning to end.
Just a heads up, as I’ve gotten older and developed as both a reader and writer, my reviews often sound more negative then they are. I assure you, right from the get-go, if I think something is bad, I say it is BAD. I frequently start out with criticisms and end with praise; it’s how I like to be reviewed and critiqued, so it’s how I review others. Anyways, with that out of the way, let’s begin:
Wild Skies by K.E. Andrews is a rootin’ tootin’ fantasy western which is something right up my alley. I love fantasy, and despite it’s rather gruesome and painful history, the wild west is one of my favorite settings for anything ever. When I saw the cover for this book and saw it described as “cowboys riding dragons” I was immediately hooked; however, I’ve been hooked before by things I love and left extremely upset and let-down. Thankfully, this was not one of those times.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that I really, REALLY love the written word. I’m highly envious of people who can string beautiful sentences together and form pictures in my mind not just through standard descriptions, but through use of incredible word play. This book…doesn’t really offer that.
That being said, it isn’t a bad thing. While I do love me some poetic writing, I understand it is not everybody’s cup of tea. Many people are more interested in getting straight into the plot and the characters, and I can respect that. This is absolutely not a criticism of this book itself, more of just an observation. The prose in this book is absolutely fine; there’s nothing truly outstanding about it, but honestly, compared to a lot of other books I’ve read in recent years, I will take fine any day.
Much like the prose, some of the dialogue is a bit clunky. It isn’t awful by any measure, and though there are some lines that really accentuate the characters and the setting, most of it is simply moving the plot forward without a lot of time for dilly-dallying; it is highly utilitarian. However, as someone who likes to read dialogue aloud, I do think that the dialogue in this book does a good job of conveying strong voices and personalities among the characters, especially if you keep that western cowboy vibe in mind.
Speaking of characters, I’ve a very small (albeit one that takes up nearly 350 words of this 1000-word review) complaint in regard to a scene involving our main character, Dale. Not to spoil anything, but it should come as no surprise that our dragon-riding, gun-toting, bounty-hunting cowboy has a tragic past involving missing parents. This supposedly happened over fifteen years ago, yet at times Dale lashes out in a way that’d make you think it happened much more recently, and it makes him feel more like a teenager than an adult (I don’t recall if we’re given a specific age, but I think at some point it’s stated that he’s in his late twenty’s/early thirty’s).
As a writer, I understand trying to convey a character’s motivations as strong and passionate, but a part of me feels this is far too cinematic. Early on in the book (Chapter 3 I believe), Dale snaps at Russel, his old friend and mentor, and it reads as something out of a soap-opera; Russel says Dale’s been searching for his missing parents for 15 years, and Dale with hands clenched at his sides, proclaims, “And I’ll look another fifteen years if I need to!”
It’s not a bad scene, but as I was reading, I interpreted this line as a more subdued and quiet fury, but that little exclamation point at the end, as well as describing his fists tightly clenched sold it to me as a melodramatic outburst. Now, I for one love my melodrama, but I do believe it works best in visual media such as television or comics. One of the strengths of literary writing is that we have access to a character’s inner thoughts in a way that is wholly organic to the medium. We don’t need Dale to emotionally snap to convey his passions, because we can gain that from his thoughts, which I do think the paragraph immediately following does pretty well.
I don’t want to harp on this one scene any longer; it’s just the one that stuck out to me the most when reading, and I think it was more my inner editor coming out in regard to something I see a lot in contemporary writing.
Moving on, I do want to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the world this story took place in. Much like my love of prose, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that I don’t really need deep dive into the lore and history of a world for me to enjoy a fun fantasy story. Little things like seeing how people interact with the magical and fantastical— having them do things that are so wonderous to us, but mundane to them—is something that goes a long way for me, as does a character simply using a magical term or referencing various breeds of dragon.
And that’s not to say the world isn’t deep or well thought out, quite the contrary. it’s more to say that the book doesn’t do any large exposition dumps just to explain how the world works. We don’t need long paragraphs explaining the difference between dragon breeds or what it means that the bad guy has a fully “Sparked” dragon. This world clearly has a lot of thought put into it, and it has plenty of little splashes of flavor hear and there to let you know that. A writer shouldn’t be expected to have whole historical texts or legendarium for their world to feel fully fleshed out; I don’t need logical answers to why the climate in the Melted Lands makes it so, I don’t need a detailed history on why and how dragons came to be tamed and ridden.
Some people like all of that stuff—I get it—but I don’t think every fantasy needs it.
All in all, I think Wild Skies by K.E. Andrews is an exciting fantasy western filled to the brim with fun characters, exciting action, and is a delightful romp from beginning to end.
January 3, 2025
K. E. Andrews is one of those authors who continues to prove that they’re not a one-trick-pony, and Wild Skies is an expansion on the evidence of that. But just how successful can one author be writing from multiple styles and genres?
Dale is a scrappy bounty hunter who, with his dragon, Bean, is always in search of his next bounty, hoping that his next lead will help him find what happened to his long-lost parents. But the Melted Lands are as dangerous as they are arid, and his latest bounty leads him to his most dangerous criminal yet—one who may just give him the answers he’s always wanted.
Wild Skies is a fantasy story that greatly benefits from the fact that it adopts many of the tropes and expectations we want and crave from a Western while infusing them with fun, fantasy elements. Anyone with experience with Western novels or films will easily feel at home here without the need for lengthy explanations to establish the world we find ourselves in.
Its classic, Western cannon setting also allows for its quick-pacing novella length. The story doesn’t overstay its welcome. Instead of layering in complex plot lines, the story is focused and streamlined, allowing you to feel like you’re watching a movie.
Dale isn’t an entirely unexpected character, and because the story moves along briskly, Dale isn’t as fully rounded as he could be in a longer entry. That doesn’t mean he is a character you won’t enjoy, but I love the idea that he could be fleshed out even more with subsequent entries if Andrews delivers more stories in this world. Andrews gives us the broad strokes here so that we’re invested.
Thematically, the Western genre is often occupied with a white-hat, black-hat dichotomy. It’s actually a trope in Westerns that is generally beloved. Here, Andrews takes a card from the modern fantasy landscape, and steps into the gray. Dale is forced to reckon with a world that’s not quite what he thought, and the consequences of the new paradigm could shatter his perception of why he is who he is.
Wild Skies is wide open for a sequel. In fact, I’m expecting it. We’re left with some unanswered questions and so much more to explore.
Of course, we can’t ignore the fact that there are dragons in this world. From Bean, who is a fantastic animal companion to our protagonist, to the many subspecies of dragons presented and hinted at in this world, I find myself wondering what other types of dragons exist in the Melted Lands and, indeed, the other fantastic creatures that can be found in a potentially unique ecology.
Wild Skies is an excellent romp, that doesn’t take itself so seriously that it exactly matches the typical Western tone (I mean, it’s called a Yeehaw Dragons book!), but it doesn’t swerve into the realm of comedy. And I can recommend it to anyone who enjoys stories like Mistborn Era 2, but wouldn’t mind a shorter, more focused story. Or if you’re just looking for something to read as a palette cleanser between much longer reads, you probably won’t go wrong here.
Dale is a scrappy bounty hunter who, with his dragon, Bean, is always in search of his next bounty, hoping that his next lead will help him find what happened to his long-lost parents. But the Melted Lands are as dangerous as they are arid, and his latest bounty leads him to his most dangerous criminal yet—one who may just give him the answers he’s always wanted.
Wild Skies is a fantasy story that greatly benefits from the fact that it adopts many of the tropes and expectations we want and crave from a Western while infusing them with fun, fantasy elements. Anyone with experience with Western novels or films will easily feel at home here without the need for lengthy explanations to establish the world we find ourselves in.
Its classic, Western cannon setting also allows for its quick-pacing novella length. The story doesn’t overstay its welcome. Instead of layering in complex plot lines, the story is focused and streamlined, allowing you to feel like you’re watching a movie.
Dale isn’t an entirely unexpected character, and because the story moves along briskly, Dale isn’t as fully rounded as he could be in a longer entry. That doesn’t mean he is a character you won’t enjoy, but I love the idea that he could be fleshed out even more with subsequent entries if Andrews delivers more stories in this world. Andrews gives us the broad strokes here so that we’re invested.
Thematically, the Western genre is often occupied with a white-hat, black-hat dichotomy. It’s actually a trope in Westerns that is generally beloved. Here, Andrews takes a card from the modern fantasy landscape, and steps into the gray. Dale is forced to reckon with a world that’s not quite what he thought, and the consequences of the new paradigm could shatter his perception of why he is who he is.
Wild Skies is wide open for a sequel. In fact, I’m expecting it. We’re left with some unanswered questions and so much more to explore.
Of course, we can’t ignore the fact that there are dragons in this world. From Bean, who is a fantastic animal companion to our protagonist, to the many subspecies of dragons presented and hinted at in this world, I find myself wondering what other types of dragons exist in the Melted Lands and, indeed, the other fantastic creatures that can be found in a potentially unique ecology.
Wild Skies is an excellent romp, that doesn’t take itself so seriously that it exactly matches the typical Western tone (I mean, it’s called a Yeehaw Dragons book!), but it doesn’t swerve into the realm of comedy. And I can recommend it to anyone who enjoys stories like Mistborn Era 2, but wouldn’t mind a shorter, more focused story. Or if you’re just looking for something to read as a palette cleanser between much longer reads, you probably won’t go wrong here.
December 15, 2025
I read a copy of this book as a judge for the SFINCS (Speculative Fiction Indie Novella Championship). This review is a reflection of my opinion and not directly of the book's performance in the competition.
This book has a really strong setting and a super strong start! This author really excels at writing action, and I loved the concept and the dragons a whole bunch. The character voice of the narrator is also really strong, which is neat.
Everything else about the book is okay and I wasn't the biggest fan of the dialogue-based exposition. If you're okay with books that slow wayyyy down in the middle, this one might also hit for you, because there's a lot of exposition and character work that the narrative has to get through in the middle third. It didn't quite work for me, but the bones of this story are still So good. A lot of thought has clearly gone into the world and where it's going next.
This book has a really strong setting and a super strong start! This author really excels at writing action, and I loved the concept and the dragons a whole bunch. The character voice of the narrator is also really strong, which is neat.
Everything else about the book is okay and I wasn't the biggest fan of the dialogue-based exposition. If you're okay with books that slow wayyyy down in the middle, this one might also hit for you, because there's a lot of exposition and character work that the narrative has to get through in the middle third. It didn't quite work for me, but the bones of this story are still So good. A lot of thought has clearly gone into the world and where it's going next.
November 17, 2024
Wild Skies is the perfect blend of Wild West and fantasy magic. For someone who grew up watching old westerns and reading fairy tales, this story tics all the boxes. Andrews excells at world-building, and the vivid settings, descriptive vocabulary, and sensory details suck you in immediately. Though this is a novella, there's enough closure for a satisfying ending while still dangling intriguing loose ands and unanswered questions that make you eager to read more. It slows a little in the middle but picks up again with some exciting action sequences. I'm looking forward to further adventures of Dale and Bean! How to Train Your Dragon meets The Train Robbers.
Rounded up from 4.5
Rounded up from 4.5
April 5, 2025
Short review: It's a western with cowboys on dragons instead of horses. Get to reading it pilgrims!
Actual review: K. E. Andrews tells a fantastic tale of a fantasy western where cowboys dominate the skies with dragons. What's not to love on that? The story follows a bounty hunter named Dale, he's got his own motives that clash against a bounty he tries to collect. This leads to possibly something he's been searching for his whole life.
It's a great little story that approaches the western from a fantasy angle. It's got some mystery, action, and adventure. It's easy to read and follow, so you'll be easily entertained and enthralled. I'll be looking forward for the next story.
Actual review: K. E. Andrews tells a fantastic tale of a fantasy western where cowboys dominate the skies with dragons. What's not to love on that? The story follows a bounty hunter named Dale, he's got his own motives that clash against a bounty he tries to collect. This leads to possibly something he's been searching for his whole life.
It's a great little story that approaches the western from a fantasy angle. It's got some mystery, action, and adventure. It's easy to read and follow, so you'll be easily entertained and enthralled. I'll be looking forward for the next story.
April 19, 2025
I loved the mix of Western and fantasy elements—it felt really original, especially with the idea of riding dragons instead of horses.
The story had some twists I didn’t see coming, which kept me hooked. It's also a very quick read, which I enjoyed a lot in between the chunky books I've read the last few days.
Dale was a great main character—daring and easy to root for—but honestly, Bean totally stole the show. A loyal, goofy dragon who behaves like a puppy? Instant favorite.
Can’t wait to see where the series goes next☺️
And, of course, I'll need to check out the other books by the author.
The story had some twists I didn’t see coming, which kept me hooked. It's also a very quick read, which I enjoyed a lot in between the chunky books I've read the last few days.
Dale was a great main character—daring and easy to root for—but honestly, Bean totally stole the show. A loyal, goofy dragon who behaves like a puppy? Instant favorite.
Can’t wait to see where the series goes next☺️
And, of course, I'll need to check out the other books by the author.
December 10, 2024
KE Andrews does not disappoint in this new entry into a fantasy western series. From prehistoric bacon to a bounty hunter & his faithful dragon mount, Bean, this story blends together two genres with a great cast of characters and a compelling narrative. This is the 2nd book I've read from Katie & the world feels unique from the other story. Aside from the cast of loveable characters, the magic system in play & dynamics of the world are well thought out. I can't wait to see where she takes us in this new series!
December 22, 2024
I'll be honest, the idea of Yeehaw Dragons immediately sold me on Wild Skies, the latest book from K.E. Andrews. I love fantasy, I love westerns so combine them and give me a dragon riding bounty hunter and I am absolutely all in. Thankfully Wild Skies did not disappoint, there is a lot of story packed into this relatively short book which follows Dale Hartwell and his trusty dragon steed Bean as they hunt for notorious train robber Talon. If they happen to uncover what happened to Dale's parents who were rounded up and taken away years before, so much the better. Dale's manhunt leads him in some very unexpected directions and he soon finds himself in the mysterious Melted Lands where the things he learns will truly shock him and is forced to team up with an unlikely ally.
I loved this fast paced fantasy western, the mystery behind the train robberies is well crafted and the ties to Dean's past well handled. I love a good animal companion and the relationship between Dale and Bean is simply a delight. The mysterious Talon is intriguing and I look forward to learning more about the history and lore of the Melted Lands as the series continues, as well as seeing how Dale's quest to find his family unfolds. With strong characters and a compelling story this is a strong entry to a new series from an author that I already admire. I read an ARC courtesy of the author, all opinions are my own .
I loved this fast paced fantasy western, the mystery behind the train robberies is well crafted and the ties to Dean's past well handled. I love a good animal companion and the relationship between Dale and Bean is simply a delight. The mysterious Talon is intriguing and I look forward to learning more about the history and lore of the Melted Lands as the series continues, as well as seeing how Dale's quest to find his family unfolds. With strong characters and a compelling story this is a strong entry to a new series from an author that I already admire. I read an ARC courtesy of the author, all opinions are my own .
December 17, 2024
When I came across this novella that combines cowboys and dragons, I just had to give it a shot. The only other series that comes close to this is The Dark Tower, which I LOVED, so I was intrigued to see how another author intertwined Western and Fantasy. I was pleasantly surprised and had a lot of fun! It started off feeling like just a fun, easygoing story but it started to add more depth to the characters and world the farther you got. If you like westerns and/or dragonrider fantasy, you will enjoy it too.
January 13, 2025
"Fantasy western" is now one of my favorite genres thanks to this novella. The dialogue and plot points were very reminiscent of classic western stories, and the characters were very grounded with their goals and emotions. This made for a wonderful contrast with the magic and fantasy elements in the story, and kept me rooting for Dale's mission to find his parents. The personification of dragons in this world is lovely, and I find myself wanting to learn more about the world at large in future novellas.
November 24, 2024
This was a really fun book! The western cowboy meets dragon rider is a great idea for a fantasy world, and the descriptions of the magic are fun. Bean is a gem!
I got a little confused by the names of things that were thrown out, but it didn't hurt my understanding of the story. I know it's a novella, but I wanted a few more pages at the end.
I got a little confused by the names of things that were thrown out, but it didn't hurt my understanding of the story. I know it's a novella, but I wanted a few more pages at the end.
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