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Elemental Gunslinger #1
Flamespitter (Elemental Gunslinger, Book 1) - A Wild West Cultivation Story
A gunslinger with four affinities is a myth.
It’s the kind of story whispered in frontier saloons one drink before closing and around campfires in the dead of night. For the heroes and villains in those tales, that impossible power is a boon, a gift.
For Mr Jones, it’s a curse.
Of course, that’s not his real name. He’s had many.
Changing names is necessary when you possess a power that every lawman and outlaw would kill to obtain. To survive, you keep your head down, kill when you must, and never stay in one place too long. It’s a life governed by rules and hard lessons, drilled into him from a young age after his parents were murdered because of his ‘gift.’
Since then, the trail of bodies has only grown longer.
But all that is about to change. After years of chasing two-bit bounties, honing his skills, and growing his core, he’s finally caught the scent of the man he’s been searching for—the first of four bodies that will end this carnage once and for all.
Now, it’s time to put his cursed powers to use.
It’s time for revenge.
It’s the kind of story whispered in frontier saloons one drink before closing and around campfires in the dead of night. For the heroes and villains in those tales, that impossible power is a boon, a gift.
For Mr Jones, it’s a curse.
Of course, that’s not his real name. He’s had many.
Changing names is necessary when you possess a power that every lawman and outlaw would kill to obtain. To survive, you keep your head down, kill when you must, and never stay in one place too long. It’s a life governed by rules and hard lessons, drilled into him from a young age after his parents were murdered because of his ‘gift.’
Since then, the trail of bodies has only grown longer.
But all that is about to change. After years of chasing two-bit bounties, honing his skills, and growing his core, he’s finally caught the scent of the man he’s been searching for—the first of four bodies that will end this carnage once and for all.
Now, it’s time to put his cursed powers to use.
It’s time for revenge.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 8, 2024
About the author
Jonathan Smidt
22 books103 followersJonathan’s journey through life has been anything but slow. Being part of a military family, he moved across the world growing up, and having not learned his lesson, joined the Marine Corps right out of high school. This sent him on a whirlwind adventure, which even found him in the sands of Afghanistan. During all his travels, he found one thing always remained constant…he loved to read. Now, married and with life finally calming down a bit, he has begun to push his passion for literature even higher, aiming to give readers the kinds of books he has come to love with his own unique twist.
He has grown up in thousands of worlds, courtesy of not only literature and anime, but also his avid gaming life! Jonathan has spent countless hours on video games ranging from Final Fantasy to Pokémon to Guild Wars and WoW, while also enjoying tabletops such as D&D and Exalted.
Living in a game world isn’t enough for Jonathan though, and he has pushed to turn his own life into a classic RPG. On top of leveling up his writing and music abilities (he swears he is not a bard though!), he is currently learning the ancient art of blacksmithing, which places him at his forge working hot metal into blades on the weekends!
He has grown up in thousands of worlds, courtesy of not only literature and anime, but also his avid gaming life! Jonathan has spent countless hours on video games ranging from Final Fantasy to Pokémon to Guild Wars and WoW, while also enjoying tabletops such as D&D and Exalted.
Living in a game world isn’t enough for Jonathan though, and he has pushed to turn his own life into a classic RPG. On top of leveling up his writing and music abilities (he swears he is not a bard though!), he is currently learning the ancient art of blacksmithing, which places him at his forge working hot metal into blades on the weekends!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 12, 2024
This was poorly written. A revolver does not have a chamber the bullet moves in to. The cylinder is the chamber. There is no way that the MC would be able to see a fort from 10 to 15 miles away with a spyglass.
This author just wrote things down without bothering to do any research at all.
I felt like the author was writing for a goldfish that would only remember something for about 3 seconds.
He tells us he needs a foolproof plan and the next page, he says it again.
How many times do we need to be told that his parents and mentor were killed and it made him sad? About 250 times according to this book.
DNF.
This author just wrote things down without bothering to do any research at all.
I felt like the author was writing for a goldfish that would only remember something for about 3 seconds.
He tells us he needs a foolproof plan and the next page, he says it again.
How many times do we need to be told that his parents and mentor were killed and it made him sad? About 250 times according to this book.
DNF.
July 6, 2025
In the first few chapters, you'll know very little about the world, the magic, or the setting. Yet, you'll know EVERYTHING about the MC's tragic backstory, how strong he is compared to others, and about 9 total sentences that are spoken out loud between the 3 characters. The rest of the pages are filled with so much internal monologuing.
October 14, 2024
got potential
Like the idea. I know the MC is young but comes across and whiny and needing a good smack in some places. Will probably give the second book another try and see if this goes anywhere
Like the idea. I know the MC is young but comes across and whiny and needing a good smack in some places. Will probably give the second book another try and see if this goes anywhere
March 6, 2025
3.5 stars with a bullet.
A weird-west, cultivation, gunslinger progression fantasy isn't a thing I had thought about reading. But it turned out to be pretty entertaining.
The book has its problems: the writing, especially internal dialogue, is rather clunky. The first-person narrative is a bit distracting. and the audiobook narration has issues that occasionally took me out of the story.
The plot is decent: the mentor of the protagonist is killed by a group of criminals when the protagonist is in his teens and that protagonist swears out revenge on the whole group. This book covers the hunt for the first of those criminals. (Regrettably, the mentor is not named Johnny Diamond and the protagonist isn't Alan Bourdillion Traherne.)
The book is set in a post-Civil-War US West where the guns shoot magic bullets and the gunslingers are elemental cultivators. The MC, unsurprisingly, has a special talent for magic, but the inciting death interrupted his training, which drives a significant part of the story. The magic system hangs together pretty well and makes the story more interesting.
Being a first-person narrative, we get the most detail about the protagonist, who has anger issues (perhaps exacerbated by his elemental affinity). For most of the book, he is portrayed largely as personified vengeance. But toward the end, we start to get bits and pieces that hint of the a larger story.
The villains are caricatured and mostly disposable, though there is one character is obviously intended to be recurring. The supporting characters are better realized, but they tend toward one trick each. (And two of them fill very similar niches.)
The narration is multi-person, but not full cast, which I didn't much like, and some of the sound effects seemed gratuitous. I like all of the narrators, but together they were weaker than their individual skills would suggest.
All of which might suggest that I didn't like the book. But the unique subject and the writing kept my attention in a way that I find a bit surprising. There's currently only one book out, but I'm looking forward to book 2 in the series.
A weird-west, cultivation, gunslinger progression fantasy isn't a thing I had thought about reading. But it turned out to be pretty entertaining.
The book has its problems: the writing, especially internal dialogue, is rather clunky. The first-person narrative is a bit distracting. and the audiobook narration has issues that occasionally took me out of the story.
The plot is decent: the mentor of the protagonist is killed by a group of criminals when the protagonist is in his teens and that protagonist swears out revenge on the whole group. This book covers the hunt for the first of those criminals. (Regrettably, the mentor is not named Johnny Diamond and the protagonist isn't Alan Bourdillion Traherne.)
The book is set in a post-Civil-War US West where the guns shoot magic bullets and the gunslingers are elemental cultivators. The MC, unsurprisingly, has a special talent for magic, but the inciting death interrupted his training, which drives a significant part of the story. The magic system hangs together pretty well and makes the story more interesting.
Being a first-person narrative, we get the most detail about the protagonist, who has anger issues (perhaps exacerbated by his elemental affinity). For most of the book, he is portrayed largely as personified vengeance. But toward the end, we start to get bits and pieces that hint of the a larger story.
The villains are caricatured and mostly disposable, though there is one character is obviously intended to be recurring. The supporting characters are better realized, but they tend toward one trick each. (And two of them fill very similar niches.)
The narration is multi-person, but not full cast, which I didn't much like, and some of the sound effects seemed gratuitous. I like all of the narrators, but together they were weaker than their individual skills would suggest.
All of which might suggest that I didn't like the book. But the unique subject and the writing kept my attention in a way that I find a bit surprising. There's currently only one book out, but I'm looking forward to book 2 in the series.
August 29, 2025
Needs more editing.
Mistakes between referring to uncle/father or decade/ four years ago.
Repetitive explanation of backstory is annoying.
Inventive fantasy elements encouraged me to stick with the story to see where lead.
Mistakes between referring to uncle/father or decade/ four years ago.
Repetitive explanation of backstory is annoying.
Inventive fantasy elements encouraged me to stick with the story to see where lead.
May 12, 2026
The author fudges the magitech aspects of the story.
For example the introduction of the lever action rifle.. Winchester (1873) in this case. Historically chambered in a rifle/revolver cartridge .44-40 that was specifically praised for ease of use by folks for obvious reasons.
After the author has the MC buy and upgrade a lever action rifle to best suit him, he specifically goes into how for some reason the MC has issues with the difference between revolver handgun ammo and rifle amm0 them being so different in shape and what not and mana infusing/creating them is therefor a pain because he is not used to it. 🙄🙄🙄 If anything it should have been extra easy for the MC with only possibly increasing the power of his rounds being different.
On top of issues in the magical mechanics of the story there is another issue mentioned by other reviewers... The author keeps on and on about the background of his main character and honestly it came across as a used car salesman stuck on repeat trying to sell me a lipstick and makeup doctored pig.
There is also this very odd shifting between competence and confidence and cringing oddness.
It felt like listening to a power progression fantasy which fluctuates and the power/capability of the protagonist is inconsistent invalidating the progression part of such a story.
The only 5/5 and truly good thing about this book was the audio narration. So if you really want to give this book a go then I recommend the audiobook format. The one by soundbooth theatre.
For example the introduction of the lever action rifle.. Winchester (1873) in this case. Historically chambered in a rifle/revolver cartridge .44-40 that was specifically praised for ease of use by folks for obvious reasons.
After the author has the MC buy and upgrade a lever action rifle to best suit him, he specifically goes into how for some reason the MC has issues with the difference between revolver handgun ammo and rifle amm0 them being so different in shape and what not and mana infusing/creating them is therefor a pain because he is not used to it. 🙄🙄🙄 If anything it should have been extra easy for the MC with only possibly increasing the power of his rounds being different.
On top of issues in the magical mechanics of the story there is another issue mentioned by other reviewers... The author keeps on and on about the background of his main character and honestly it came across as a used car salesman stuck on repeat trying to sell me a lipstick and makeup doctored pig.
There is also this very odd shifting between competence and confidence and cringing oddness.
It felt like listening to a power progression fantasy which fluctuates and the power/capability of the protagonist is inconsistent invalidating the progression part of such a story.
The only 5/5 and truly good thing about this book was the audio narration. So if you really want to give this book a go then I recommend the audiobook format. The one by soundbooth theatre.
October 8, 2024
This book reminds me of the old 1960s TV show Wild Wild West but instead of a steampunk vibe you've got magic adding a special sauce.
The MC is an 18 year old orphan, Alexander Davenport, whose rich railroad industry parents were killed by a business rival when he was 8 and subsequently young Alex was raised by his butler / bodyguard Randal, a retired US Marshal. That is, until Randal's demise at the hands of a gang of ruffians that included Black Jack Pickam, the focus of this first book in the series. Alex was 14 at that time and vowed revenge on the villains who killed Randal, his mentor and friend.
This is Smidt's most ambitious novel so far. There's a mythic old west feel to the book that's very effective though the protagonist's youthful age occasionally seems off since the setting just calls for old weathered characters. Alex is remarkable due to having 4 affinities but since his training was halted at 14 when his mentor was murdered, he's only partially trained. That's a constant theme here as Alex tries to complete his training to better be able to find and destroy the outlaws that killed Randal. It's a tall order 'cause Black Jack is a very magically strong and morally twisted fellow with an evil gang to back him up and a great hideaway. It'll be interesting to see how Smidt ramps up the action in subsequent books in the series 'cause this book is intense, it won't be easy to top it.
The MC is an 18 year old orphan, Alexander Davenport, whose rich railroad industry parents were killed by a business rival when he was 8 and subsequently young Alex was raised by his butler / bodyguard Randal, a retired US Marshal. That is, until Randal's demise at the hands of a gang of ruffians that included Black Jack Pickam, the focus of this first book in the series. Alex was 14 at that time and vowed revenge on the villains who killed Randal, his mentor and friend.
This is Smidt's most ambitious novel so far. There's a mythic old west feel to the book that's very effective though the protagonist's youthful age occasionally seems off since the setting just calls for old weathered characters. Alex is remarkable due to having 4 affinities but since his training was halted at 14 when his mentor was murdered, he's only partially trained. That's a constant theme here as Alex tries to complete his training to better be able to find and destroy the outlaws that killed Randal. It's a tall order 'cause Black Jack is a very magically strong and morally twisted fellow with an evil gang to back him up and a great hideaway. It'll be interesting to see how Smidt ramps up the action in subsequent books in the series 'cause this book is intense, it won't be easy to top it.
February 2, 2025
If we're looking for a story that has western classic ideas mixed with the love of fantasical magic, this is the story you should read.
STOP HERE IF YOU DONT WANT SPOILERS.
Jonathan Smidt carefully weaved the world of the USA in the past with characters and towns that bring the story to life. Flamespitter reads in the first person perspective of Mr.Jones as he travels in hopes of finding his mentors killer.
Mr.Jones can come off cocky at times as he knows he has unique affinity abilities for the four nature types. His powers prove worthy in a multitude of scenarios but it also catches the eyes of the people he thought he would stay away from.
I won't go too much farther than that. However, the battle scenes are epic and well written. I personally find books with guns harder to write for because every fight scene almost is written the same, but Jonathan puts a unique twist on this aspect.
I give it a 4 out 5 for two reasons.
1. There is a lot of character building (which is good) but some parts of it are talked about a few too many times for my liking.
2. I did find there were a good amount of editing errors, but if you can look past them, unlike myself, you will be okay. It doesnt happen TOO much, but it was noticeable from time to time.
STOP HERE IF YOU DONT WANT SPOILERS.
Jonathan Smidt carefully weaved the world of the USA in the past with characters and towns that bring the story to life. Flamespitter reads in the first person perspective of Mr.Jones as he travels in hopes of finding his mentors killer.
Mr.Jones can come off cocky at times as he knows he has unique affinity abilities for the four nature types. His powers prove worthy in a multitude of scenarios but it also catches the eyes of the people he thought he would stay away from.
I won't go too much farther than that. However, the battle scenes are epic and well written. I personally find books with guns harder to write for because every fight scene almost is written the same, but Jonathan puts a unique twist on this aspect.
I give it a 4 out 5 for two reasons.
1. There is a lot of character building (which is good) but some parts of it are talked about a few too many times for my liking.
2. I did find there were a good amount of editing errors, but if you can look past them, unlike myself, you will be okay. It doesnt happen TOO much, but it was noticeable from time to time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2025
Well that was som'min else. To me it wasn't quite on par with Jonathan Smidt's other books, but it's really good. And it goes ta' show ya how creative Jonathan Smidt really is. And how versatile gamelit can be when someone as skilled as Smidt is, when he wielding his craft... In this book a young man goin by the name Jones is motivated by vengeance. His plan is to not only stop the men that killed his mentor but to end them and their ilk. Things seriously go pear-shaped.
But you're gonna hafta get the book to find out what happens! And I say be sure to grab the audiobook! Because Soundbooth Theater Productions are simply AwesomeSauce. No matter which narrators they choose, you always get a top notch performance.
But you're gonna hafta get the book to find out what happens! And I say be sure to grab the audiobook! Because Soundbooth Theater Productions are simply AwesomeSauce. No matter which narrators they choose, you always get a top notch performance.
October 15, 2024
Unlike most main characters, this one feels like his massive power is a curse (most love being over-powered). The story starts off strong and hooks you from the very beginning. Real world history is tied in with fiction in a way that feels natural and gripping. You find yourself unsure if the main character will end up as a good guy or bad guy and he perfectly skirts that line with his tragic history shaping who is. The author leaves room for several more books in the series as the main character is hunting down people individually from a group that caused him pain as a child. 11/10, I have both read the physical book AND listened to the audio. Both are amazing.
October 14, 2024
The book was great. I love the mix of fantasy elements with the Wild West theme. Really gives a Wild West avatar (the last air bender) feel. The main character is tough and rugged but you still get the fact that he is still a young adult. The supporting characters are all intriguing and I didn’t find any of them annoying or over bearing. The book also leads right to the fact that they will be more books. Honestly I can’t wait for the next story. Do yourself the favor and check this book out.
October 10, 2024
This ones a gem
I love the tough guy heroes, that can take a beating and get back up and do again next episode. Mixing cultivation and a post civil war old west was wonderful and handled very well here. I was a big fan of the wild wild west movie. I did think the author could pull it off and I was wrong. Give it a try, it's fun and a lot of things go Boom!
I love the tough guy heroes, that can take a beating and get back up and do again next episode. Mixing cultivation and a post civil war old west was wonderful and handled very well here. I was a big fan of the wild wild west movie. I did think the author could pull it off and I was wrong. Give it a try, it's fun and a lot of things go Boom!
October 12, 2024
Excellent, original
Well written, well told gunslinger revenge cultivation tale. It's completely true to itself and isn't wuxua but a solid western gunslinger tale that really does a natural job of making the gun slinging magic. Seriously nice job.
Well written, well told gunslinger revenge cultivation tale. It's completely true to itself and isn't wuxua but a solid western gunslinger tale that really does a natural job of making the gun slinging magic. Seriously nice job.
October 21, 2024
Loved the guns
Not many typos and I found only the one error. Other than that I enjoyed the story. Way too many times though the M.C. gets retrospective and it just Boggs the story down. I started skipping those and the book read a lot easier. Really good epilogue though.
Not many typos and I found only the one error. Other than that I enjoyed the story. Way too many times though the M.C. gets retrospective and it just Boggs the story down. I started skipping those and the book read a lot easier. Really good epilogue though.
March 9, 2025
An interesting fantasy western. A man who lives by a code to not kill unless it is necessary. He went through a great adventure protecting those who hired him, and in the end who he really is was revealed.
April 22, 2025
I liked the narration and world-building. Some of this was very good. But the main character was a twat prone to repetition (1st person narration). He started to get a clue toward the end, but remained an overpowered young'un. I don't think I'll stick around for other books in the series.
May 14, 2025
Really hard to begin , the main character is a 18 years old full of himself arrogant/emo bastard. The book gets easier to read as you go in after he gets humbled. And some more favorable personality traits shines through.
I will read the other books when they get out.
I will read the other books when they get out.
October 15, 2024
Really enjoyed this one
October 19, 2024
Another great beginning to a series. Hopefully book 2 comes out soon.
October 19, 2024
Awesome
I truly enjoyed reading this book - hero of story and supporting cast are very realistic and humble - looking forward to reading book 2
I truly enjoyed reading this book - hero of story and supporting cast are very realistic and humble - looking forward to reading book 2
December 6, 2024
good litrpg
Nice world building. Interesting system and leaves you wanting to read next book. MC is slowly maturing and making better decisions
Nice world building. Interesting system and leaves you wanting to read next book. MC is slowly maturing and making better decisions
December 24, 2024
Absolutely loved this book, can't wait for the next one!
March 22, 2025
Good, lot of talk
The main character did a lot of talking and repeating of himself. The plot was good and I am looking forward to the next book.
The main character did a lot of talking and repeating of himself. The plot was good and I am looking forward to the next book.
July 30, 2025
Fun western mixed with magic
January 6, 2026
One of my favorite reads recently. Love the characters and tone. Absolutely will be checking out the next one.
February 26, 2026
a different takeaway on a western. mana bullets and cores. still six shooters and rifles though
March 22, 2026
A very good fantasy western. I'll definitely continue the series.
February 16, 2025
A Gritty, Immersive Cultivation Western That Hits the Mark
I've really enjoyed Flamespitter. It’s a fantastic mix of Western grit and cultivation-style progression, with a clever system that deepens as the story unfolds. The Gunslinger classes are especially well done, making every fight feel dynamic and strategic.
The worldbuilding is rich, the pacing keeps things moving, and the MC’s growth feels natural. The system starts simple but evolves in ways that matter.
And the narration? Absolutely top-tier. Every narrator involved brings something special, making this an even more immersive experience. Can’t wait for the next book!
I've really enjoyed Flamespitter. It’s a fantastic mix of Western grit and cultivation-style progression, with a clever system that deepens as the story unfolds. The Gunslinger classes are especially well done, making every fight feel dynamic and strategic.
The worldbuilding is rich, the pacing keeps things moving, and the MC’s growth feels natural. The system starts simple but evolves in ways that matter.
And the narration? Absolutely top-tier. Every narrator involved brings something special, making this an even more immersive experience. Can’t wait for the next book!
February 17, 2025
This book was just too fun! Merging a western with cultivation elements was the invention I didn't know I wanted. It fits so seamlessly into the world--tying all too well into the mythos of those legendary gunslingers who are so good they seem untouchable. It's a perfect mix, with a great story behind it, and plenty of teasers for what's to come in book two. I'm stoked for that one to release!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews