Danny froze as the man in the black hat spoke, his voice as soft as the shadows that half hid him. "Howdy, Daniel. What brings you here so late at night?"
Raised in the wild, young state of Texas, Danny Hawthorne has been working toward the day when he can start his own claim and raise horses. But in the course of one night he is thrust from the life he knew and into the midst of killers led by the one man he believed was dead--his father. Having been expected to become one of the Blood Ring members without question, Danny is faced with making a choice–either ride with them, or die. When he is given a chance at escape, Danny must learn whether or not he can counter the tide of his father’s legacy, or go down in the shadow of the Blood Ring’s heritage.
Full of action and suspense, Blood Heritage will sweep you into a wild ride along with Danny, as you face the Blood Ring together!
5+ stars (6/10 hearts). Oh, my, I LOVED THIS! Both these authors are totally new to me, and I don’t often read Westerns, but this book’s blurb was so intriguing that I decided to chance it, and I am SO glad I gave it a shot!!
First, the CHARACTERS. Danny was a good, solid MC. He had his flaws, but he was sensitive + responsible + just plain likeable, and his arc was SO good. I was thrilled by his story proving that night matter your origins and beginnings, you can make choices and yourself. Besides him, there were Jed & Blade, both fascinating and loveable in their own ways; and a handful of satisfyingly despicable villains, plus kind old Dr. Fletcher.
Second, the PLOT. Boy, talk about starting off with a bang. The action just kicked in! But it wasn’t just an action/adventure novel—it was deep, with some serious topics to think over. The pacing was good, too and I was throughly invested in Danny’s story. The ending was unexpected and SO. GOOD. and I hope so, so much that there's a sequel because I NEED to see more of J & B and hear their story, plus see Danny live out his new life (young sheriff, maybe?? I would absolutely flip out if that happened) and perhaps even Black Jack confronted, reconciled, or something...? Anyways, I definitely need to know more about Uncle Sam and Danny’s mother!!!
So yeah. A highly enjoyable, exciting, thoughtful, well-done western for all ages. Can’t wait to read more by these authors!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
4.5 stars Wow... this was such a gripping, thrilling story. I really haven't read a lot of Westerns, and these authors being new to me, I wasn't sure what to expect. Blood Heritage is such a different book to my usual read, but I absolutely loved it. It had me sitting on the edge of my seat, but at the same time, it wasn't all about the plot. Most of all, I loved it for the characters. *The rest of the review may contain very mild spoilers.* Danny was an extremely likeable lead - he reminded me a little bit of David from Kidnapped. He's young, a little hotheaded, resourceful, and brave, but he also has limits. Serious limits, and things that he needs to overcome to be able to conquer the challenges he has to face. And that's where Jed comes in. Jed... Jed was hands down my favourite. At first I wasn't sure if I was supposed to trust him or not, but I loved him right away. And I only came to love him more and more as the book went on. His friendship with Danny is what made this book for me - I just loved it. The other characters were very interesting and complex. Even now, I don't know what I think of Blade. I just want him to have a happy ending. XD Another thing I loved was Armonia - I loved all her tricks and how much Danny relied on her. I liked the horse training aspect of the story, too. The last third or so of the book, I read in one afternoon - I just couldn't put it down. The climax and the final few scenes were so good and so suspenseful, I just loved them. I was so worried things would turn worse, but I was very satisfied with the ending! I don't know what the rest of the trilogy will be about, but I really hope we get to see more of Jed and Danny. :D Either way, I'm really looking forward to reading it! Blood Heritage is a highly enjoyable, fast-moving Western with amazing characters, great relationships, and just the right amount of action for me personally. I highly recommend it and I can't wait to read more by these authors.
Note: I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I need duplicate and triplicate copies. I need copies to gift people. I need a special edition copy.
I’m expected to be capable of writing a review?!?! 🫠
I loved this. 🥹 And I neeeeed to see Jed, “Colt,” and Blade return. Please tell me the next books in the trilogy are on their way already.
Content warnings schmontent warnings. I would have devoured this as a kid. But as a courtesy: It’s a western: expect violence/gun violence (not gory, mentions of blood/injury). Death, grief. Zero romance, so obvs no spice.
Maybe I should start tagging these top favorite book reviews as being from “the very unserious reviewer” since I cannot force myself to be serious when I’m fangirling.
Anyway. You should read this book, whoever is reading this review. 😁