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Outlaw Blood
Clye Galler is the last of his outlaw gang. Or so he thinks.
On the run from the law and the guilt that haunts him, Clye sets out to redeem his sullied name.
Turned loose with a posse of bounty hunters, Clye cuts a deal to capture his former blood brother in the Yeller gang. The lawmen want him alive for hanging–to satiate the town’s lust for blood.
Clye has enough skill with a pistol to make a lawman blush, enough power with sand to blind the keenest hawk, and a load of guilt heavy enough to sink a cathrahd to its knees.
In a western sandscape where honor’s everything, Clye is pitted against a conquering gang that has mercy only on those willing to give a finger in sacrifice.
In his stunning debut book, Noah J. Matthews conjures up the depth and grit of Cormac McCarthy, the fluid prose of C.S. Lewis, and the imagination of Neil Gaiman.
They say the blood of an outlaw ain’t worth a pint of milk.
Clye’s bartered with a lot of things in his life–never with his blood.
Yet.
On the run from the law and the guilt that haunts him, Clye sets out to redeem his sullied name.
Turned loose with a posse of bounty hunters, Clye cuts a deal to capture his former blood brother in the Yeller gang. The lawmen want him alive for hanging–to satiate the town’s lust for blood.
Clye has enough skill with a pistol to make a lawman blush, enough power with sand to blind the keenest hawk, and a load of guilt heavy enough to sink a cathrahd to its knees.
In a western sandscape where honor’s everything, Clye is pitted against a conquering gang that has mercy only on those willing to give a finger in sacrifice.
In his stunning debut book, Noah J. Matthews conjures up the depth and grit of Cormac McCarthy, the fluid prose of C.S. Lewis, and the imagination of Neil Gaiman.
They say the blood of an outlaw ain’t worth a pint of milk.
Clye’s bartered with a lot of things in his life–never with his blood.
Yet.
163 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 3, 2025
12 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Noah J. Matthews
2 books10 followersNoah J. Matthews is an author and aspiring filmmaker from the woods of Northern Michigan.
Noah’s calling is to entertain people with artful media, while at the same time inspiring them to pursue their deepest dreams.
He regularly blogs about how to get serious about your calling and bring your dreams into reality.
Noah’s calling is to entertain people with artful media, while at the same time inspiring them to pursue their deepest dreams.
He regularly blogs about how to get serious about your calling and bring your dreams into reality.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
February 19, 2025
This was a fun read! I appreciated the author’s creativity with the worldbuilding elements (think Dune x Western) and the effort put into the gritty, western voices of the characters. You can feel the author’s desire to weave a strong theme into the story (and the cover looks absolutely awesome!) As a writer I can really appreciate the amount of work it takes to get a novel to completion like this, so well done to Matthews!
That being said, I agree that it had some interesting threads and potential, but there wasn’t enough time to deal with or to expand them to the level they needed to invest the reader; because of that, it felt a little bit rushed, and I found it hard to connect to the characters (I felt there was a disconnect between the way the main character was meant/presented to be and the way he acted on the page). It just felt like it needed a little more work.
Solid 3 stars and I’d definitely recommend if you’re looking for a gritty & honest story with a burst of Western dust 🤠
That being said, I agree that it had some interesting threads and potential, but there wasn’t enough time to deal with or to expand them to the level they needed to invest the reader; because of that, it felt a little bit rushed, and I found it hard to connect to the characters (I felt there was a disconnect between the way the main character was meant/presented to be and the way he acted on the page). It just felt like it needed a little more work.
Solid 3 stars and I’d definitely recommend if you’re looking for a gritty & honest story with a burst of Western dust 🤠
November 13, 2025
A great sci-fi western!
There’s a lot of nuance at play here, surrounding the costs of redemption. Clye is a sympathetic narrator because he’s capable but also begging for the chance to right past wrongs. An obvious allegory of Christian mythos but it doesn’t feel forced - Matthews blends the brutality of his world with universal desires for living a good life.
Honestly I think my biggest complaint is that I wanted more worldbuilding because Jute and Drode are such interesting places!
Thank you to Noah J. Matthews for the review copy.
There’s a lot of nuance at play here, surrounding the costs of redemption. Clye is a sympathetic narrator because he’s capable but also begging for the chance to right past wrongs. An obvious allegory of Christian mythos but it doesn’t feel forced - Matthews blends the brutality of his world with universal desires for living a good life.
Honestly I think my biggest complaint is that I wanted more worldbuilding because Jute and Drode are such interesting places!
Thank you to Noah J. Matthews for the review copy.
February 12, 2025
I want a cathrahd for Christmas.😎
This was awesome! It’s a sci-fi western (which is a combination I had never even heard of before this book), and if you’re wondering (like I was) how you make that work, imagine Dune/Princess Bride without the romance as a western novel.
One thing I enjoyed about this book is it’s highly quotable, and I love books that have little gems like that. Another was the Christian aspect woven into the story. Clye’s journey reminded me of a growing relationship with God, going from wondering about some distant entity to completely trusting Him no matter the circumstance. My favorite part was the chapter that Clye had his encounter with the Sandwalker, aka the book’s Jesus, and was cleansed, clearing his name by faith in the Sandwalker instead of climbing the social ladder or doing good things. I absolutely loved the faith aspect of it, especially since I’ve been craving some good Christian fiction.
Clye was such a compelling and relatable character that he was my instant favorite, and I loved following his character arc. It’s so hard not to spoil the ending…I’ll just say it’s 100% unexpected. 😁
I’d LOVE to see more from this universe, possibly other outlaws following in Clye’s footsteps toward faith. I HIGHLY recommend to Dune fans of all ages.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go find a wenkiid to lasso. ✌🏻
This was awesome! It’s a sci-fi western (which is a combination I had never even heard of before this book), and if you’re wondering (like I was) how you make that work, imagine Dune/Princess Bride without the romance as a western novel.
One thing I enjoyed about this book is it’s highly quotable, and I love books that have little gems like that. Another was the Christian aspect woven into the story. Clye’s journey reminded me of a growing relationship with God, going from wondering about some distant entity to completely trusting Him no matter the circumstance. My favorite part was the chapter that Clye had his encounter with the Sandwalker, aka the book’s Jesus, and was cleansed, clearing his name by faith in the Sandwalker instead of climbing the social ladder or doing good things. I absolutely loved the faith aspect of it, especially since I’ve been craving some good Christian fiction.
Clye was such a compelling and relatable character that he was my instant favorite, and I loved following his character arc. It’s so hard not to spoil the ending…I’ll just say it’s 100% unexpected. 😁
I’d LOVE to see more from this universe, possibly other outlaws following in Clye’s footsteps toward faith. I HIGHLY recommend to Dune fans of all ages.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go find a wenkiid to lasso. ✌🏻
February 9, 2025
TL;DR - well-written fantasy western novella with phenomenal worldbuilding! But be aware the author didn't just mention Cormac McCarthy for the fun of it.
I have a lot of mixed feelings about this book.
The quality of the writing is excellent (I'm lowkey obsessed with the vivid, eerie imagery), & I adore the worldbuilding. The culture of Drode was incredibly rich & vibrant, & it permeated every character's actions. Many books have interesting worldbuilding concepts the authors toss in but never truly use; Outlaw Blood explored its world to the fullest, & I am HERE for it. I would read absolutely anything set in this world. Seriously. Hand me a Drodite cookbook & I would, pun intended, eat that thing up.
I've got some quibbles pertaining to gun safety - do not shoot if you can't see your target, especially when there are friendlies in play - but nothing that pulled me out of the story.
So why the mixed feelings?
One particular past crime of Clye's made him extremely difficult to sympathize with as a woman, even with all his remorse & his goal of clearing his name. His personality & crimes were realistic given his background, but due to them he also wasn't my favorite character on earth to read about. A good deal of this is purely personal. I've never connected with hotheaded, impetuous, emotion-driven characters; conversely, many people I know love that sort of character. Clye was undoubtedly well-written! He simply, crimes aside, wasn't the sort of character I tend to like.
& the ending... I'm not going to spoil anything, but oh, it's difficult... I wasn't expecting it, to be sure. Likely it's just me, but I'm not sure I understand how it strengthens the theme of the book. Still not spoilers outright, but this might give too much away, so I'm hiding it:
Will this be everyone's cup of tea? Of course not. But then, it was never meant to be. It's a raw, brutal, heartfelt story &, love it or not, this is a book no reader will soon forget.
I have a lot of mixed feelings about this book.
The quality of the writing is excellent (I'm lowkey obsessed with the vivid, eerie imagery), & I adore the worldbuilding. The culture of Drode was incredibly rich & vibrant, & it permeated every character's actions. Many books have interesting worldbuilding concepts the authors toss in but never truly use; Outlaw Blood explored its world to the fullest, & I am HERE for it. I would read absolutely anything set in this world. Seriously. Hand me a Drodite cookbook & I would, pun intended, eat that thing up.
I've got some quibbles pertaining to gun safety - do not shoot if you can't see your target, especially when there are friendlies in play - but nothing that pulled me out of the story.
So why the mixed feelings?
One particular past crime of Clye's made him extremely difficult to sympathize with as a woman, even with all his remorse & his goal of clearing his name. His personality & crimes were realistic given his background, but due to them he also wasn't my favorite character on earth to read about. A good deal of this is purely personal. I've never connected with hotheaded, impetuous, emotion-driven characters; conversely, many people I know love that sort of character. Clye was undoubtedly well-written! He simply, crimes aside, wasn't the sort of character I tend to like.
& the ending... I'm not going to spoil anything, but oh, it's difficult... I wasn't expecting it, to be sure. Likely it's just me, but I'm not sure I understand how it strengthens the theme of the book. Still not spoilers outright, but this might give too much away, so I'm hiding it:
Will this be everyone's cup of tea? Of course not. But then, it was never meant to be. It's a raw, brutal, heartfelt story &, love it or not, this is a book no reader will soon forget.
February 12, 2025
Fast-paced, with a great world and thought provoking themes. I'm still mulling over the ending - I'm not sure what to think of it, tbh, but at least it left me contemplating the themes.
February 2, 2025
Overall solid as a debut. There are a lot of ideas and themes in here that are very interesting, though aren't given enough time to be fleshed out with the length of the book. Especially the ending, something like that needs time to sink in and marinate, which it doesn't have time to do. But I think the author has a lot of potential, and I'd be interested to see what comes next.
March 27, 2025
This rating is more of a reflection on me, someone who doesn't read fantasy or westerns, rather than the book.
Outlaw Blood is a fast paced, with expansive worldbuilding and really cool concepts. The characters (from what I saw) felt authentic, the world was very cool, and the ending left me thinking about the themes. Cover design is fantastic, and I would likely read other novels set in this world.
I think this novel needed more time and space to flesh out the worldbuilding and characters. As someone who doesn't read a lot of fantasy, I did get lost with how many neat worldbuilding concepts there were. From different animals to a magic system to social rules to environmental hazards, there was a lot of otherworldly lore for me as a reader to keep up with. I also did not expect or enjoy the ending--I see how the ending supports the theme, but it uses a trope that I as a reader do not enjoy.
In all, Outlaw Blood is a very good debut novel that stands on its own and I would recommend it to others; I'm just not quite the audience.
Outlaw Blood is a fast paced, with expansive worldbuilding and really cool concepts. The characters (from what I saw) felt authentic, the world was very cool, and the ending left me thinking about the themes. Cover design is fantastic, and I would likely read other novels set in this world.
I think this novel needed more time and space to flesh out the worldbuilding and characters. As someone who doesn't read a lot of fantasy, I did get lost with how many neat worldbuilding concepts there were. From different animals to a magic system to social rules to environmental hazards, there was a lot of otherworldly lore for me as a reader to keep up with. I also did not expect or enjoy the ending--I see how the ending supports the theme, but it uses a trope that I as a reader do not enjoy.
In all, Outlaw Blood is a very good debut novel that stands on its own and I would recommend it to others; I'm just not quite the audience.
April 9, 2025
Writing is not that easy (I sound like that Grammarly ad).
Trust me, I know, because I want to be an author someday. I am also an English major and I work daily with writing in many different capacities. Writing is hard, especially creative writing, because in creative writing we, as authors, bear our souls onto the pages and allow others to read the most secret parts of our hearts.
And we do it willingly--for some reason.
As much as I know writing is hard and often comes from the heart, I must also be honest, because Christ told us the truth will set us free. In honesty, this book was just not ready for publication. No matter how good your concept (and it had some good points), a book cannot survive without capable, experienced writing. This book fell flat because of the inexperience of the author. Writing is a craft that takes years, decades, to hone and I hope the author will pursue this craft and continue to grow and learn. The last thing I, as a fellow writer, would ever want to do is discourage someone from writing. We need more Gospel-centered stories in this world and I want as many people as feel led to write their stories. But as Christians, we cannot abandon excellence--in fact, we should pursue it even more.
I don't wish to start lecturing, but I do hope I can share a bit of advice that I learned over my years in college and in my own personal writing time. First, read books. Read lots of books. You don't have to be fast (I'm not), but just read. The only way a writer can learn how to write is by reading good books. Read classics, read in your genre, read outside your genre, read children's books, read comics. Read everything and then read some more.
Second, study grammar. I know the rules are meant to be broken, but a good study of grammar and sentence structure will elevate any and all writing. Then, when you have a good understanding of grammar, you might be able to get away with breaking some rules in the name of "creative license". I suggest reading from cover to cover the Grammar Blue Book. I have read it and use it constantly as a reference.
And, finally, seek the Lord in all things and He will show you the way. At no point am I suggesting the author did not do this, I am just encouraging everyone who reads this review to keep going.
Okay, I'm done now. I know this is a bit more like a blog post than a review, but hey, I'm taking creative liberties.
Trust me, I know, because I want to be an author someday. I am also an English major and I work daily with writing in many different capacities. Writing is hard, especially creative writing, because in creative writing we, as authors, bear our souls onto the pages and allow others to read the most secret parts of our hearts.
And we do it willingly--for some reason.
As much as I know writing is hard and often comes from the heart, I must also be honest, because Christ told us the truth will set us free. In honesty, this book was just not ready for publication. No matter how good your concept (and it had some good points), a book cannot survive without capable, experienced writing. This book fell flat because of the inexperience of the author. Writing is a craft that takes years, decades, to hone and I hope the author will pursue this craft and continue to grow and learn. The last thing I, as a fellow writer, would ever want to do is discourage someone from writing. We need more Gospel-centered stories in this world and I want as many people as feel led to write their stories. But as Christians, we cannot abandon excellence--in fact, we should pursue it even more.
I don't wish to start lecturing, but I do hope I can share a bit of advice that I learned over my years in college and in my own personal writing time. First, read books. Read lots of books. You don't have to be fast (I'm not), but just read. The only way a writer can learn how to write is by reading good books. Read classics, read in your genre, read outside your genre, read children's books, read comics. Read everything and then read some more.
Second, study grammar. I know the rules are meant to be broken, but a good study of grammar and sentence structure will elevate any and all writing. Then, when you have a good understanding of grammar, you might be able to get away with breaking some rules in the name of "creative license". I suggest reading from cover to cover the Grammar Blue Book. I have read it and use it constantly as a reference.
And, finally, seek the Lord in all things and He will show you the way. At no point am I suggesting the author did not do this, I am just encouraging everyone who reads this review to keep going.
Okay, I'm done now. I know this is a bit more like a blog post than a review, but hey, I'm taking creative liberties.
November 23, 2025
I have never quite read a book like this. Noah takes a dystopian approach to the western genre in a quite fascinating spin. He seems to take the reader and drop them in the middle of a foreign world happening around them. I liked the morals placed into the story. The sandwalker was a great parallel with the gospel. It took me a long time to read this book because I had so many books to read and review 🤣it was great!
April 8, 2025
This was a fun and really unique read; a solid debut from a new author. I loved the way Matthews tackles difficult topics and his handling of sin and guilt. This book’s setting and premise really was original (which is hard to find these days) and I loved the twist at the very end. I wasn’t expecting a brand new author to write that kind of an ending, and it surprised me in the best way. I also really loved the prose. The prose was excellent and probably my favorite part of the story itself. It had a short, to-the-point, cowboy sort of feel. It was perfect for the book.
If I was to share any problems I had with the book, I’d echo what some other reviewers have already said; that there wasn’t enough depth to the characters and that different parts of the story felt a little illogical. Overall I’d say the book felt undeveloped; I never got a good scope for the world. We were kind of thrown head in, and at the end I don’t know if I could clearly articulate what some of the creatures were, what the abilities and limits were when it came to the sand, etc. However, I think that literally all the ingredients are there in the story; The story itself just needed to be longer.
When I first got the book in the mail I was surprised at how small it was because I’d been expecting a novel (more along the lines of 250 to 350 pages). Outlaw Blood is more of a novella, but I think the questions, characters, and premises it tries to tackle can’t be totally developed in the page time they’re given. If we had only had more time to delve into the complexities of the characters and how to understand their pain, I think the gospel allegory and the ending would have been much more compelling.
But then again, as a fellow writer I know I have a lot of opinions about how things should be done in storytelling. I also don’t fully know the intentions of the writer, and while I think more length would have improved the story, that’s just my opinion. The author understands more about his story than I do. (:
Overall, this was excellent. Noah, you did one heck of a job. Keep bleeding those stories out into the world. We need them.
If I was to share any problems I had with the book, I’d echo what some other reviewers have already said; that there wasn’t enough depth to the characters and that different parts of the story felt a little illogical. Overall I’d say the book felt undeveloped; I never got a good scope for the world. We were kind of thrown head in, and at the end I don’t know if I could clearly articulate what some of the creatures were, what the abilities and limits were when it came to the sand, etc. However, I think that literally all the ingredients are there in the story; The story itself just needed to be longer.
When I first got the book in the mail I was surprised at how small it was because I’d been expecting a novel (more along the lines of 250 to 350 pages). Outlaw Blood is more of a novella, but I think the questions, characters, and premises it tries to tackle can’t be totally developed in the page time they’re given. If we had only had more time to delve into the complexities of the characters and how to understand their pain, I think the gospel allegory and the ending would have been much more compelling.
But then again, as a fellow writer I know I have a lot of opinions about how things should be done in storytelling. I also don’t fully know the intentions of the writer, and while I think more length would have improved the story, that’s just my opinion. The author understands more about his story than I do. (:
Overall, this was excellent. Noah, you did one heck of a job. Keep bleeding those stories out into the world. We need them.
March 4, 2025
All right, so I have some mixed feelings about this book.
The good:
- Beautiful and well-written descriptions. The descriptions made me feel very grounded in the world of the story, and also made it easy to visualize each part of the story.
- On a similar note, the worldbuilding was truly excellent. The magic system, religion, and other world building elements felt similar enough to the real world to easily understand, but also very unique to this story. This was probably my favorite element of the story--I can tell the author spent quite a bit of time developing the world, and it's very immersive.
- The plot was well-structured, with each scene leading naturally into the next and a genuinely surprising ending.
- Speaking of the ending.... I'm still not sure how to feel. It went a different direction than I would have expected, and I think it worked? The theme of the story was very clear in the final scene, and I appreciated the depth. But I can't say I /liked/ how it ended....only that I understand why the author went that direction with it.
The bad:
- Sadly, I didn't connect with any of the characters presented here. I'm not quite sure what went wrong, but none of the characters stole my heart in the way they usually do when I read. Most of the side characters felt a bit stereotypical and didn't seem to have much depth or experience much personal struggle. The main character had more depth, but I didn't find him to be particularly relatable. To be fair, I'm not the target audience for this book, so perhaps someone who reads more Westerns than I would be able to connect more with these (very Western-style) characters.
- Other than that, there were just a few moments that didn't ring true (such as people acting surprised that someone would kill them during a duel to the death), and I also felt like the book was a bit too short to do justice to the story Matthews is telling.
Overall, this is a great debut novel and I would recommend it to anyone who is a fan of Westerns! I hope to read more by Noah Matthews in the future.
The good:
- Beautiful and well-written descriptions. The descriptions made me feel very grounded in the world of the story, and also made it easy to visualize each part of the story.
- On a similar note, the worldbuilding was truly excellent. The magic system, religion, and other world building elements felt similar enough to the real world to easily understand, but also very unique to this story. This was probably my favorite element of the story--I can tell the author spent quite a bit of time developing the world, and it's very immersive.
- The plot was well-structured, with each scene leading naturally into the next and a genuinely surprising ending.
- Speaking of the ending.... I'm still not sure how to feel. It went a different direction than I would have expected, and I think it worked? The theme of the story was very clear in the final scene, and I appreciated the depth. But I can't say I /liked/ how it ended....only that I understand why the author went that direction with it.
The bad:
- Sadly, I didn't connect with any of the characters presented here. I'm not quite sure what went wrong, but none of the characters stole my heart in the way they usually do when I read. Most of the side characters felt a bit stereotypical and didn't seem to have much depth or experience much personal struggle. The main character had more depth, but I didn't find him to be particularly relatable. To be fair, I'm not the target audience for this book, so perhaps someone who reads more Westerns than I would be able to connect more with these (very Western-style) characters.
- Other than that, there were just a few moments that didn't ring true (such as people acting surprised that someone would kill them during a duel to the death), and I also felt like the book was a bit too short to do justice to the story Matthews is telling.
Overall, this is a great debut novel and I would recommend it to anyone who is a fan of Westerns! I hope to read more by Noah Matthews in the future.
March 6, 2025
(Contains Spoilers)
First of all, I want to say how much I appreciate the heart behind this book. We need more Christian storytellers who strive to tell excellent stories woven throughout with the truth. Considering that this was Matthews' first book, I am excited to see what he produces in the future.
There were several things that I genuinely did enjoy about this story. The writing was clean and easy-flowing. The style in which Matthews wrote really allowed me to envision the characters and the setting in which the story took place. The world-building was creative and fun! Plus, I always enjoy coming across a book that fits the under-explored genre of "fantasy western," and Matthews' did a great job of capturing that "western feel." Additionally, its clear that Matthews is not afraid to address hard topics, which is much needed in today's Christian Fiction market.
However, I feel that this book misses the mark in a couple of ways, and I will be honest, as I feel that this story deserves it. For starters, I felt myself feeling frustrated at times with the characters' seemingly illogical decisions. For example, when one character is told by a band of outlaws that they are going to kidnap his mother, instead of immediately acting to try and prevent the kidnapping and protect his beloved mother, he just waits...until she is kidnapped. A few of the plot choices also didn't make sense to me, especially the ending. At times the message behind the story, though appreciated and beautiful, felt a little too heavy handed. Additionally, I sometimes found the characters inconsistent and a bit unbelievable. Clye, the main character, is mentioned to have committed some terrible crimes in his past (murder, rape (!!), etc.), however, I had a hard time believing that he as a character was capable of some of these evils. He seemed too young and tender-hearted. In the end, I found myself wishing for more of his story, so I could know how he came to the point of repentance and a desire for change. And that's a good thing. :)
I look forward to seeing more from this author in the future!
First of all, I want to say how much I appreciate the heart behind this book. We need more Christian storytellers who strive to tell excellent stories woven throughout with the truth. Considering that this was Matthews' first book, I am excited to see what he produces in the future.
There were several things that I genuinely did enjoy about this story. The writing was clean and easy-flowing. The style in which Matthews wrote really allowed me to envision the characters and the setting in which the story took place. The world-building was creative and fun! Plus, I always enjoy coming across a book that fits the under-explored genre of "fantasy western," and Matthews' did a great job of capturing that "western feel." Additionally, its clear that Matthews is not afraid to address hard topics, which is much needed in today's Christian Fiction market.
However, I feel that this book misses the mark in a couple of ways, and I will be honest, as I feel that this story deserves it. For starters, I felt myself feeling frustrated at times with the characters' seemingly illogical decisions. For example, when one character is told by a band of outlaws that they are going to kidnap his mother, instead of immediately acting to try and prevent the kidnapping and protect his beloved mother, he just waits...until she is kidnapped. A few of the plot choices also didn't make sense to me, especially the ending. At times the message behind the story, though appreciated and beautiful, felt a little too heavy handed. Additionally, I sometimes found the characters inconsistent and a bit unbelievable. Clye, the main character, is mentioned to have committed some terrible crimes in his past (murder, rape (!!), etc.), however, I had a hard time believing that he as a character was capable of some of these evils. He seemed too young and tender-hearted. In the end, I found myself wishing for more of his story, so I could know how he came to the point of repentance and a desire for change. And that's a good thing. :)
I look forward to seeing more from this author in the future!
November 6, 2025
This read was a new one for me - Fantasy Western! The world building was really fun, and you really felt like you were in a different world! It had a lot of complexity, which was fun for a short read! The story of Clye trying to redeem himself and his family name made for a great story. I am a sucker for a redemption arc & this did not miss! Thank you so much Noah for reaching out!! This was a fun, different read!!
December 1, 2025
A solid 3.5-4 stars. I don’t normally read westerns or sci-fi but I thought it would be a good read as a short story and I was right. The author took liberties with word building which is straight out of the sci-fi world. Great writing, interesting story and recommend if you have time for a short story in your To Be Read list!
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March 2, 2025Wow! Outlaw Blood is a thought-provoking story about shame, identity, redemption and justice with a twist at the end I did not see coming and I’m still pondering what I think about it… give it a read and let me know what you think.
March 3, 2025
Outlaw Blood demolishes the bounds of modern Christian fiction. It's for deep thinkers looking for something cool, especially fans of Frank Herbert's Dune.
March 3, 2025
Phenomenonal tale of redemption and overcoming shameful pasts! I can't recommend this book enough for teen boys looking for a gritty book with biblical themes!
March 17, 2025
I really enjoyed this fantasy Western by a brand new author! It kept my interest from beginning to end and touched on the struggle we all have to find inner peace.
March 21, 2025
Outlaw Blood is an adventurous fantasy western, featuring Clye Galler–outlaw, of the fearsome Yeller gang. But he’s tired of this life of crime and hardships. He’s seen too much death, too much blood spilled in the sand, too many kives like him hanging from blood-red gallows. So he sets off to clear his name, armed with only his conscience and his bad habits to guide him. And a whispered, old prayer… “Sandwalker, guard my name…”
This is Noah J. Matthews’ debut novel, just released March 3rd, and I must say, I did enjoy the journey of reading this. I’ve read maybe… one other western in my life? (Does The Alchemist count?) So this was completely out of my reading zone, but still–this was good.
Matthews paints such beautiful imagery here, using a healthy dose of analogies and detailed descriptions. The worldbuilding of Outlaw Blood was honestly my favorite part–desert fantasies always lend themselves to some beautiful pictures, and Matthews does not disappoint. The sand here is deadly, and seductive. Let it touch your feet, and you’ll dry up faster than you can blink. Inhaling it is basically a drug–there’s quite a few characters, Clye included, that use the sand as a substance, heightening their senses and in some cases, rendering themselves useless from the addiction. Sand as a drug isn’t a concept I’ve ever since before, and honestly I love the idea, and would love to see more of it somewhere. And then we have the even deeper idea that the sand itself can be a weapon…
“The dark-skinned outlaw paused, boots scraping to a stop on the dry sand. The flickering moonlight inched down at him, glinting off the revolver at his hip. He inhaled the parched desert air.
That sent him into a coughing fit.”– Outlaw Blood, Chapter 1, pp. 1
Of course, I have to talk about the cast of characters. Though there’s a fun and feisty cast in the novel, we don’t see many of them until about halfway through the book. So, I’ll simply speak about our fierce main character, Clye Galler. As I mentioned before, he’s just a man–a sinner–wanting to be washed clean. I really enjoyed this goal of his. It was his driving force, his passion, his aspiration. Every time he made a mistake, or fell back into old habits–which we see on quite a few occasions–he comes back to this goal, and uses it to pick himself back up. To get back on the right track.
It’s an analogy I’m sure many are familiar with. Wanting to stay in the right, even as you feel those little grains of sin whipping at your being. It’s a deep struggle, one that’s explored in this book. Ultimately, Clye seeks to find who can really cleanse him–and I won’t spoil, but I will say, it’s not his gun that heals him.
As the above quote mentions, Clye Galler is… dark-skinned? And also, blue eyed. I’m guessing this is a delicate manner of saying Black. But I’m not sure if this is Black or just tanned. Or something else entirely–this is a fantasy world. Several times within the story, we’re told that other characters are even darker skinned then Clye. A different type of description, I suppose. And then we have the correlation between darker-skinned people and hanging… it’s quite the dark history, and I’m not sure how much of that knowledge was thought about in the novel.
Overall, Clye’s goal was my favorite part about him. I couldn’t find myself connecting with him. Perhaps because this isn’t my genre. Maybe because there were a couple of his crimes that struck a wrong chord with me. It could also be the fact that this novel is third person, and I can’t usually relate to third person novels.
But he was intriguing, and did drive the story, so I’ll give him that.
“Somehow he’d redeem his name. The name of Clye Galler would be a name of honor, a name to live on in family and crimson embroidery. The name of Lyle Yeller would be buried forever–under the hot and secret sands.” – Outlaw Blood, Chapter Two, pp. 16
The plot for Outlaw Blood is largely character-driven. Throughout the story, Clye is trying to clear his name, and that leads us on a wild series of adventure, whirlwind battles, and right into the hands of conniving characters.
The story was interesting, and I love so many of the concepts brought up. Trying to clear a record, the sand drug thing (I have to keep coming back to this!). We’re constantly giving this image of the waiting, red noose–through analogies, a scene with a hanging, rotting corpse, and Clye passing the noose many times in town. It’s jarring, and a great trick for tension.
Clye goes through a series of chases to clear his name, and while I enjoyed the concept, the story felt quick to me. Granted, the novel is 164 pages. But I don’t think we were given quite enough time to settle on the whirlwind of events that happened. Once things got started, they happened quickly, were over, and moved onto the next thing. During each battle, I kept holding off, thinking it was building into something bigger or it was just a quick victory before a plot twist, but… it just ended up being the end. Which was a little disappointing. I was left with so many more questions than answers–one of my pet peeves in books–and it left me wanting.
I was also disappointed in the ending for this book. There was a point near the end where I was satisfied–it felt like the story was coming to a close, it was leading up to a nice parallel–and then the story continued and left me empty. I was left wanting–and maybe it was needed. For us to feel that wanting Clye has. But… I don’t know.
On another note, I need some space to briefly rant more about the epic worldbuilding here, specifically two things: the hat culture in Outlaw Blood and the curse words.
The hat culture in here is stunning. I’ve never seen a book that had so much detail in something like that, and it was a lot of fun. Miner’s have little metal hats, with light-up, poisonous mushroom light. Blacksmith’s have snappy fedoras. Bartenders have cute little bowlers. Cowboys have wide cowboy hats, naturally. It’s so intriguing, and I wanted to know so much more about it!
And the cursing–fantasy curses are so fun. The words here–kive, hona, etc–allowed for us to see the roughness of the characters, without actually exposing readers to harsh language. I appreciated the creativity and thoughtfulness in that, and they were fun to read.
Content Warnings
There were quite a few content warnings in this book. We have mentions of rape and murder. There’s a good amount of gore–a detailed, hanging corpse, bodies, and blood. Plenty of death, shooting, and fantasy cursing. (I find fantasy cursing less of a content warning, but I figured I’d mention it anyways. The curses in this book were so interesting!) Drug use, due to the sand. Some alcohol and drunkenness, in a bar. Hanging, and nooses.
Conclusion
Overall, I don’t think this was the book for me. There are so many intriguing concepts, characters, and ideas presented, but I don’t think they were pursued in a satisfying manner for me, and it left me wanting. But there’s a lot of potential here–I look forward to seeing Noah J. Matthews' climb into the literary world.
I rate Outlaw Blood two out of five stars; I loved the worldbuilding and the concepts, but the main character and the pacing fell flat for me. I recommend to readers 13+, and for anyone who enjoys desert fantasies and quick cowboy novels.
For more of my reviews and other fun bookish things, check out my blog, at zrisewrites.com. I'd love to see you there!
This is Noah J. Matthews’ debut novel, just released March 3rd, and I must say, I did enjoy the journey of reading this. I’ve read maybe… one other western in my life? (Does The Alchemist count?) So this was completely out of my reading zone, but still–this was good.
Matthews paints such beautiful imagery here, using a healthy dose of analogies and detailed descriptions. The worldbuilding of Outlaw Blood was honestly my favorite part–desert fantasies always lend themselves to some beautiful pictures, and Matthews does not disappoint. The sand here is deadly, and seductive. Let it touch your feet, and you’ll dry up faster than you can blink. Inhaling it is basically a drug–there’s quite a few characters, Clye included, that use the sand as a substance, heightening their senses and in some cases, rendering themselves useless from the addiction. Sand as a drug isn’t a concept I’ve ever since before, and honestly I love the idea, and would love to see more of it somewhere. And then we have the even deeper idea that the sand itself can be a weapon…
“The dark-skinned outlaw paused, boots scraping to a stop on the dry sand. The flickering moonlight inched down at him, glinting off the revolver at his hip. He inhaled the parched desert air.
That sent him into a coughing fit.”– Outlaw Blood, Chapter 1, pp. 1
Of course, I have to talk about the cast of characters. Though there’s a fun and feisty cast in the novel, we don’t see many of them until about halfway through the book. So, I’ll simply speak about our fierce main character, Clye Galler. As I mentioned before, he’s just a man–a sinner–wanting to be washed clean. I really enjoyed this goal of his. It was his driving force, his passion, his aspiration. Every time he made a mistake, or fell back into old habits–which we see on quite a few occasions–he comes back to this goal, and uses it to pick himself back up. To get back on the right track.
It’s an analogy I’m sure many are familiar with. Wanting to stay in the right, even as you feel those little grains of sin whipping at your being. It’s a deep struggle, one that’s explored in this book. Ultimately, Clye seeks to find who can really cleanse him–and I won’t spoil, but I will say, it’s not his gun that heals him.
As the above quote mentions, Clye Galler is… dark-skinned? And also, blue eyed. I’m guessing this is a delicate manner of saying Black. But I’m not sure if this is Black or just tanned. Or something else entirely–this is a fantasy world. Several times within the story, we’re told that other characters are even darker skinned then Clye. A different type of description, I suppose. And then we have the correlation between darker-skinned people and hanging… it’s quite the dark history, and I’m not sure how much of that knowledge was thought about in the novel.
Overall, Clye’s goal was my favorite part about him. I couldn’t find myself connecting with him. Perhaps because this isn’t my genre. Maybe because there were a couple of his crimes that struck a wrong chord with me. It could also be the fact that this novel is third person, and I can’t usually relate to third person novels.
But he was intriguing, and did drive the story, so I’ll give him that.
“Somehow he’d redeem his name. The name of Clye Galler would be a name of honor, a name to live on in family and crimson embroidery. The name of Lyle Yeller would be buried forever–under the hot and secret sands.” – Outlaw Blood, Chapter Two, pp. 16
The plot for Outlaw Blood is largely character-driven. Throughout the story, Clye is trying to clear his name, and that leads us on a wild series of adventure, whirlwind battles, and right into the hands of conniving characters.
The story was interesting, and I love so many of the concepts brought up. Trying to clear a record, the sand drug thing (I have to keep coming back to this!). We’re constantly giving this image of the waiting, red noose–through analogies, a scene with a hanging, rotting corpse, and Clye passing the noose many times in town. It’s jarring, and a great trick for tension.
Clye goes through a series of chases to clear his name, and while I enjoyed the concept, the story felt quick to me. Granted, the novel is 164 pages. But I don’t think we were given quite enough time to settle on the whirlwind of events that happened. Once things got started, they happened quickly, were over, and moved onto the next thing. During each battle, I kept holding off, thinking it was building into something bigger or it was just a quick victory before a plot twist, but… it just ended up being the end. Which was a little disappointing. I was left with so many more questions than answers–one of my pet peeves in books–and it left me wanting.
I was also disappointed in the ending for this book. There was a point near the end where I was satisfied–it felt like the story was coming to a close, it was leading up to a nice parallel–and then the story continued and left me empty. I was left wanting–and maybe it was needed. For us to feel that wanting Clye has. But… I don’t know.
On another note, I need some space to briefly rant more about the epic worldbuilding here, specifically two things: the hat culture in Outlaw Blood and the curse words.
The hat culture in here is stunning. I’ve never seen a book that had so much detail in something like that, and it was a lot of fun. Miner’s have little metal hats, with light-up, poisonous mushroom light. Blacksmith’s have snappy fedoras. Bartenders have cute little bowlers. Cowboys have wide cowboy hats, naturally. It’s so intriguing, and I wanted to know so much more about it!
And the cursing–fantasy curses are so fun. The words here–kive, hona, etc–allowed for us to see the roughness of the characters, without actually exposing readers to harsh language. I appreciated the creativity and thoughtfulness in that, and they were fun to read.
Content Warnings
There were quite a few content warnings in this book. We have mentions of rape and murder. There’s a good amount of gore–a detailed, hanging corpse, bodies, and blood. Plenty of death, shooting, and fantasy cursing. (I find fantasy cursing less of a content warning, but I figured I’d mention it anyways. The curses in this book were so interesting!) Drug use, due to the sand. Some alcohol and drunkenness, in a bar. Hanging, and nooses.
Conclusion
Overall, I don’t think this was the book for me. There are so many intriguing concepts, characters, and ideas presented, but I don’t think they were pursued in a satisfying manner for me, and it left me wanting. But there’s a lot of potential here–I look forward to seeing Noah J. Matthews' climb into the literary world.
I rate Outlaw Blood two out of five stars; I loved the worldbuilding and the concepts, but the main character and the pacing fell flat for me. I recommend to readers 13+, and for anyone who enjoys desert fantasies and quick cowboy novels.
For more of my reviews and other fun bookish things, check out my blog, at zrisewrites.com. I'd love to see you there!
March 4, 2025
What an impressive debut!
I read this in only two sittings and have a lot of mixed feelings.
What I loved:
- the worldbuilding! The author clearly spent a lot of time fleshing out his story world and it shows! From the very start, I was engrossed and could practically feel the sun and sand as the protagonist traveled. The creatures, towns, mountains, names, cultures, religions, traditions, sayings, etc...it was incredibly immersive and I would love to read more books in this world!
- the writing style. The prose itself was excellent. Clear and precise, but also poetic at the same time. I found it very engaging, and enjoyed much of the description and dialogue.
- the author's twist on "Christian fiction". I enjoyed the worldbuilding aspects regarding The Sandwalker in particular. It was prominent, but didn't feel forced to me. The liberties taken to make it fit the world, without sacrificing the key components made sense, and I respect both the creativity and integrity. The redemption arcs were lovely.
- the general feel of the world. I'm not overly familiar with westerns, but this felt extremely accurate to the genre. Very gritty, intense, thought-provoking, and adventurous.
- the characters! There was a fun variety of side characters, and while I /liked/ very few of them, I enjoyed the mix of professions, ages, and life experiences featured. I really enjoyed scenes with Esta and Kobe in particular. Each character felt real, and as though they had families, lives, and goals all their own - not just for the sake of the plot.
What I struggled with:
- the lack of gun safety. I rarely read westerns, so maybe I'm unfamiliar with the genre's conventions, but gracious, shooting when you can't see?? There were numerous instances where I was mentally shouting at the protagonist, "be careful, you're going to shoot an innocent!"
- the repeated "made-up" swears. I'm very appreciative that there wasn't a single instance of real-life swearing, but the fictional ones were frequent enough (and you could tell what they alluded to) that I would have liked a few less. That said, I'll take fictional over real-world any day, and it probably makes sense in a western. It's a small qualm.
- the protagonist. This is also a minor qualm. I was more and more invested in Clye and his journey as the story progressed, but I can't say I ever fully liked him. Maybe that was the point! I could respect and root for him, and certainly feel for him (his guilt and grief tugged at my heart repeatedly), but knowing especially dark parts of his past and not ever seeing resolution for some of them made it hard to completely cheer for him and all of his actions.
- The length. I would have loved this book to be longer! It clipped along at an engaging pace, and I enjoyed the action, but there were such deep and thoughtful themes and potential character development that I don't feel the shorter length allowed to reach full fruition. Even more time spent diving into the character and theme exploration especially would have made certain aspects of the story even more meaningful, I think. Speaking of...
- ...the ending. I won't spoil anything, but ouch. As a fellow Christian author, I understand what the author was intending to portray, and the themes he wanted to convey, and I respect them. I do understand why the choice was made, and if the book was longer and had explored those themes even more, I think it could be truly powerful. As is, I felt a bit cheated, and I think a lot of readers might feel the ending actually negates the intended messages. Mixed feelings, and I don't hate it by any means, but I'm not sure it was necessary.
In conclusion:
If you're a fan of gritty westerns, immersive and creative worldbuilding, masterful prose, and thought-provoking Christian themes, this book is absolutely worth a try! Even as a rare western reader, I enjoyed this book a lot and am glad I gave it a chance. It's an impressive debut and I'll be looking forward to trying more stories by this author in the future! Just don't go into it expecting a fluffy unicorn-filled rainbow of happy endings...
Content to be aware of: frequent action and violence (sword fights, gun fights), mentions of alcohol and "sand"/drug-like substances, sand magic (reminded me of the Force from Star Wars), lightly-described injuries, several semi-detailed mentions of a corpse hanging from the gallows, hangings, undetailed deaths, overall heavy themes, repeated fictional swears, dysfunctional friendships and parental relationships, one kiss between a married couple (side characters).
I read this in only two sittings and have a lot of mixed feelings.
What I loved:
- the worldbuilding! The author clearly spent a lot of time fleshing out his story world and it shows! From the very start, I was engrossed and could practically feel the sun and sand as the protagonist traveled. The creatures, towns, mountains, names, cultures, religions, traditions, sayings, etc...it was incredibly immersive and I would love to read more books in this world!
- the writing style. The prose itself was excellent. Clear and precise, but also poetic at the same time. I found it very engaging, and enjoyed much of the description and dialogue.
- the author's twist on "Christian fiction". I enjoyed the worldbuilding aspects regarding The Sandwalker in particular. It was prominent, but didn't feel forced to me. The liberties taken to make it fit the world, without sacrificing the key components made sense, and I respect both the creativity and integrity. The redemption arcs were lovely.
- the general feel of the world. I'm not overly familiar with westerns, but this felt extremely accurate to the genre. Very gritty, intense, thought-provoking, and adventurous.
- the characters! There was a fun variety of side characters, and while I /liked/ very few of them, I enjoyed the mix of professions, ages, and life experiences featured. I really enjoyed scenes with Esta and Kobe in particular. Each character felt real, and as though they had families, lives, and goals all their own - not just for the sake of the plot.
What I struggled with:
- the lack of gun safety. I rarely read westerns, so maybe I'm unfamiliar with the genre's conventions, but gracious, shooting when you can't see?? There were numerous instances where I was mentally shouting at the protagonist, "be careful, you're going to shoot an innocent!"
- the repeated "made-up" swears. I'm very appreciative that there wasn't a single instance of real-life swearing, but the fictional ones were frequent enough (and you could tell what they alluded to) that I would have liked a few less. That said, I'll take fictional over real-world any day, and it probably makes sense in a western. It's a small qualm.
- the protagonist. This is also a minor qualm. I was more and more invested in Clye and his journey as the story progressed, but I can't say I ever fully liked him. Maybe that was the point! I could respect and root for him, and certainly feel for him (his guilt and grief tugged at my heart repeatedly), but knowing especially dark parts of his past and not ever seeing resolution for some of them made it hard to completely cheer for him and all of his actions.
- The length. I would have loved this book to be longer! It clipped along at an engaging pace, and I enjoyed the action, but there were such deep and thoughtful themes and potential character development that I don't feel the shorter length allowed to reach full fruition. Even more time spent diving into the character and theme exploration especially would have made certain aspects of the story even more meaningful, I think. Speaking of...
- ...the ending. I won't spoil anything, but ouch. As a fellow Christian author, I understand what the author was intending to portray, and the themes he wanted to convey, and I respect them. I do understand why the choice was made, and if the book was longer and had explored those themes even more, I think it could be truly powerful. As is, I felt a bit cheated, and I think a lot of readers might feel the ending actually negates the intended messages. Mixed feelings, and I don't hate it by any means, but I'm not sure it was necessary.
In conclusion:
If you're a fan of gritty westerns, immersive and creative worldbuilding, masterful prose, and thought-provoking Christian themes, this book is absolutely worth a try! Even as a rare western reader, I enjoyed this book a lot and am glad I gave it a chance. It's an impressive debut and I'll be looking forward to trying more stories by this author in the future! Just don't go into it expecting a fluffy unicorn-filled rainbow of happy endings...
Content to be aware of: frequent action and violence (sword fights, gun fights), mentions of alcohol and "sand"/drug-like substances, sand magic (reminded me of the Force from Star Wars), lightly-described injuries, several semi-detailed mentions of a corpse hanging from the gallows, hangings, undetailed deaths, overall heavy themes, repeated fictional swears, dysfunctional friendships and parental relationships, one kiss between a married couple (side characters).
July 18, 2025
Outlaw Blood starts off at a slow pace, and it takes a little while to get a clear grasp of the setting and what’s truly at stake. The beginning can feel somewhat disorienting, with minimal context or explanation, making it a bit difficult to fully connect with the narrative right away. However, once things start moving, the story gradually pulls you in.
The main character, Clyle, is written with enough depth to feel somewhat relatable. His internal conflicts and the way he handles the harsh world around him give the reader something to hold on to emotionally. Unfortunately, most of the supporting characters don’t get quite the same treatment — their roles feel too brief or underdeveloped, making it harder to fully understand or connect with them.
That said, the writing itself is strong. Matthews has a way with atmosphere and tone, and there’s a gritty, grounded realism in the prose that suits the world of Outlaw Blood well. It’s clear the author put a lot of thought into the themes of loss, justice, and identity that run throughout the story.
______________ Spoiler ______________
One of the emotional highlights of the book is the relationship — or the quiet, barely-spoken potential for one — between Clyle and Jen. It’s a very understated dynamic — never overtly romantic, but filled with moments that suggest something more beneath the surface. This makes Jen’s sudden death all the more impactful and heartbreaking. It feels like there was something still growing between them, something left unresolved. His loss leaves a lasting emotional mark, both on Clyle and the reader.
The ending is equally gut-wrenching. Clyle’s own death is both surprising and tragic, leaving a sense of unfinished business and emotional weight. It’s not a conventional or comforting conclusion, but it’s certainly memorable — and it drives home the harsh, unforgiving world Matthews has created.
The main character, Clyle, is written with enough depth to feel somewhat relatable. His internal conflicts and the way he handles the harsh world around him give the reader something to hold on to emotionally. Unfortunately, most of the supporting characters don’t get quite the same treatment — their roles feel too brief or underdeveloped, making it harder to fully understand or connect with them.
That said, the writing itself is strong. Matthews has a way with atmosphere and tone, and there’s a gritty, grounded realism in the prose that suits the world of Outlaw Blood well. It’s clear the author put a lot of thought into the themes of loss, justice, and identity that run throughout the story.
______________ Spoiler ______________
One of the emotional highlights of the book is the relationship — or the quiet, barely-spoken potential for one — between Clyle and Jen. It’s a very understated dynamic — never overtly romantic, but filled with moments that suggest something more beneath the surface. This makes Jen’s sudden death all the more impactful and heartbreaking. It feels like there was something still growing between them, something left unresolved. His loss leaves a lasting emotional mark, both on Clyle and the reader.
The ending is equally gut-wrenching. Clyle’s own death is both surprising and tragic, leaving a sense of unfinished business and emotional weight. It’s not a conventional or comforting conclusion, but it’s certainly memorable — and it drives home the harsh, unforgiving world Matthews has created.
March 14, 2025
I’m not generally one for Westerns.
But man, throw some unique creatures, an awesome magic system, and some really thought-provoking themes, and this reader can get very much on board for a great quick fantasy Western novella.
There’s a lot in this book for fans of fast-paced adventure and creative worldbuilding to love, and I very much enjoyed the time spent in this world as Clye looked for ways to clear his name and become a better person. What’s stood out the most to me about this book, however, is the way that the story forced me as a reader to grapple with my own hesitancies about the protagonist.
You see, the protagonist of this story is an ex-outlaw. And not the Jack Sparrow kind who may technically be a pirate, but hasn't done things that bad--so we can easily give him a pass for breaking the law. No, Clye has done some pretty dark things in his past that, when they were revealed in the story, gave me pause for if I even wanted to still be rooting for this character. What does a real redemption arc look like for an outlaw who has committed the kinds of crimes that this man has? Can acting heroically now really make up for all those past wrongs?
Some stories would glaze over that question. What I loved about the story, though, is the way the ending unexpectedly put me on trial as the reader to force me to grapple with what I truly believe about what justice and grace should look like for transformed criminals.
The author makes a fair number of bold decisions with the way he tells this story, particularly with the ending. I don’t expect that every reader will be on board for all the places that takes this story. But I do think that this is a story that’s going to make you think and grapple with thorny questions.
And that, to me, is a story worth reading.
But man, throw some unique creatures, an awesome magic system, and some really thought-provoking themes, and this reader can get very much on board for a great quick fantasy Western novella.
There’s a lot in this book for fans of fast-paced adventure and creative worldbuilding to love, and I very much enjoyed the time spent in this world as Clye looked for ways to clear his name and become a better person. What’s stood out the most to me about this book, however, is the way that the story forced me as a reader to grapple with my own hesitancies about the protagonist.
You see, the protagonist of this story is an ex-outlaw. And not the Jack Sparrow kind who may technically be a pirate, but hasn't done things that bad--so we can easily give him a pass for breaking the law. No, Clye has done some pretty dark things in his past that, when they were revealed in the story, gave me pause for if I even wanted to still be rooting for this character. What does a real redemption arc look like for an outlaw who has committed the kinds of crimes that this man has? Can acting heroically now really make up for all those past wrongs?
Some stories would glaze over that question. What I loved about the story, though, is the way the ending unexpectedly put me on trial as the reader to force me to grapple with what I truly believe about what justice and grace should look like for transformed criminals.
The author makes a fair number of bold decisions with the way he tells this story, particularly with the ending. I don’t expect that every reader will be on board for all the places that takes this story. But I do think that this is a story that’s going to make you think and grapple with thorny questions.
And that, to me, is a story worth reading.
March 25, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.5
𝑶𝒖𝒕𝒍𝒂𝒘 𝑩𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅 🏜️
“Outlaw Blood” by Noah J. Matthews features Clye Galler, an outlaw of the Yeller gang, who seeks redemption and attempts to leave his life of crime behind. In the story, he embarks on a journey to clear his name, carrying the weight of his violent past. This goal leads him to intense adventures and battles.
Noah J. Matthews debut is a fast-paced fantasy western, which was released on 3 March and have 163 pages. It’s easy to read and the plot is well-structured, progressing logically from scene to scene.
The story delves with themes such as shame, redemption and justice, while exploring the weight of past decisions, highlighting the desire for change.
The world-building is creative, with creatures, a hat culture and a system of magic. While the storyline is captivating, i felt there was a lack of depth to the characters and a more detailed exploration of the creatures and magic system was needed.
Although i was invested in Clye's journey, i found it difficult to connect with him, because of his past actions and crimes.
The book raises questions about redemption: Is redemption truly possible for someone with a deeply stained past?
Even though westerns aren't my usual genre, i was interested in the story and wanted to know what would happen next. As for the ending, it has a twist i wasn't expecting.
“Outlaw Blood” is recommended for fans of western and cowboy novels.
The book contains potentially sensitive content, including violence and crime.
𝑶𝒖𝒕𝒍𝒂𝒘 𝑩𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅 🏜️
“Outlaw Blood” by Noah J. Matthews features Clye Galler, an outlaw of the Yeller gang, who seeks redemption and attempts to leave his life of crime behind. In the story, he embarks on a journey to clear his name, carrying the weight of his violent past. This goal leads him to intense adventures and battles.
Noah J. Matthews debut is a fast-paced fantasy western, which was released on 3 March and have 163 pages. It’s easy to read and the plot is well-structured, progressing logically from scene to scene.
The story delves with themes such as shame, redemption and justice, while exploring the weight of past decisions, highlighting the desire for change.
The world-building is creative, with creatures, a hat culture and a system of magic. While the storyline is captivating, i felt there was a lack of depth to the characters and a more detailed exploration of the creatures and magic system was needed.
Although i was invested in Clye's journey, i found it difficult to connect with him, because of his past actions and crimes.
The book raises questions about redemption: Is redemption truly possible for someone with a deeply stained past?
Even though westerns aren't my usual genre, i was interested in the story and wanted to know what would happen next. As for the ending, it has a twist i wasn't expecting.
“Outlaw Blood” is recommended for fans of western and cowboy novels.
The book contains potentially sensitive content, including violence and crime.
October 27, 2025
Outlaw Blood doesn’t just ride into the Western genre; it redraws its borders. From the first chapter, you’re dropped into a world where honor is currency, blood is barter, and guilt rides shotgun. Clye Galler, the last of the Yeller gang, is a man stitched together by regret and survival instinct. He’s not a hero. He’s not even trying to be. And that’s what makes his journey so compelling.
Matthews writes with a voice that’s both poetic and punchy. The prose is lean, but it lingers, like dust in your throat after a long ride. The invented slang and spiritual undertones give the world a mythic texture, and the Christian themes are woven in with nuance, never sermonizing. You feel the weight of Clye’s choices, the ache of his past, and the tension in every deal he makes.
The worldbuilding is standout: a sandscape where justice is brutal, mercy is rare, and survival demands sacrifice. The bounty hunters, the blood brother betrayal, the gallows, all of it feels cinematic yet grounded in emotional truth.
If there’s a critique, it’s that the novella format leaves you wanting more. Some arcs beg for deeper exploration, and the ending, while thematically bold, might divide readers. But that’s the risk of writing something that dares to be more than genre. Matthews doesn’t just tell a story. He asks you to wrestle with it.
Outlaw Blood is a debut that doesn’t flinch. It’s raw, reflective, and unforgettable.
Matthews writes with a voice that’s both poetic and punchy. The prose is lean, but it lingers, like dust in your throat after a long ride. The invented slang and spiritual undertones give the world a mythic texture, and the Christian themes are woven in with nuance, never sermonizing. You feel the weight of Clye’s choices, the ache of his past, and the tension in every deal he makes.
The worldbuilding is standout: a sandscape where justice is brutal, mercy is rare, and survival demands sacrifice. The bounty hunters, the blood brother betrayal, the gallows, all of it feels cinematic yet grounded in emotional truth.
If there’s a critique, it’s that the novella format leaves you wanting more. Some arcs beg for deeper exploration, and the ending, while thematically bold, might divide readers. But that’s the risk of writing something that dares to be more than genre. Matthews doesn’t just tell a story. He asks you to wrestle with it.
Outlaw Blood is a debut that doesn’t flinch. It’s raw, reflective, and unforgettable.
April 14, 2025
First I’d like to say thanks to Noah for gifting me a copy of his debut novel, Outlaw Blood I greatly appreciate it!
This was very different from what I usually read. I do read a lot of fantasy, which is primarily the books I gravitate towards. And never thought I’d be very interested in the whole western cowboy/outlaws theme of a book. But the combination of the two did peak my interest. This would be the first time I’ve read anything along the lines of a “western fantasy” theme.
Overall, I thought this was a good read! It paints the picture of what you would imagine life could possibly look like from the perspective of an outlaw, trying to undo the bad deeds of his past life. The characters and setting were very interesting. I personally would have liked it to include more details/backstories to discover more about what made the people and places as unique as they were in the story.
I think it’s a solid read for a debut. The book moved at a fast pace, and generally an easy read due to the length of it. Not sure if it’s something everyone would be into, but if you’re into the western feel then this is right up your alley.
This was very different from what I usually read. I do read a lot of fantasy, which is primarily the books I gravitate towards. And never thought I’d be very interested in the whole western cowboy/outlaws theme of a book. But the combination of the two did peak my interest. This would be the first time I’ve read anything along the lines of a “western fantasy” theme.
Overall, I thought this was a good read! It paints the picture of what you would imagine life could possibly look like from the perspective of an outlaw, trying to undo the bad deeds of his past life. The characters and setting were very interesting. I personally would have liked it to include more details/backstories to discover more about what made the people and places as unique as they were in the story.
I think it’s a solid read for a debut. The book moved at a fast pace, and generally an easy read due to the length of it. Not sure if it’s something everyone would be into, but if you’re into the western feel then this is right up your alley.
October 13, 2025
This is an extremely imaginative Christian allegory set in a fantasy old-west-type society. The allegorical elements are well integrated into the plot. The action sequences are also very well done. The descriptions are well-written and interesting, but I would have liked to have had a little more clarity about how certain aspects of the story world worked and have understood some of the motivations of some of the side characters a little better.
That said, it is important to note that I don’t usually read this kind of a story and I am actually not a huge fan of westerns, so definitely check out the blurb if you are a fan. Also, you may want to be aware that there are fantasy words used in place of English curse words, so… but it’s free of English curse words! And there’s no spice. There is some violence, blood, and death - just like in the historical cowboy Westerns. It isn’t too overly graphic, but there is also the detail-free mention of dark deeds done in the past, so it may not be suitable for younger audiences. Just FYI.
That said, it is important to note that I don’t usually read this kind of a story and I am actually not a huge fan of westerns, so definitely check out the blurb if you are a fan. Also, you may want to be aware that there are fantasy words used in place of English curse words, so… but it’s free of English curse words! And there’s no spice. There is some violence, blood, and death - just like in the historical cowboy Westerns. It isn’t too overly graphic, but there is also the detail-free mention of dark deeds done in the past, so it may not be suitable for younger audiences. Just FYI.
October 3, 2025
Let me start by confessing I have never before read a western, and I didn’t know western fantasy was a genre. Whew, ok, I got that off my chest. How did I find myself here? I was given a digital copy of this book for free in exchange for a review.
Outlaw Blood follows a former outlaw in a fantasy world who wants to start anew but can’t outrun his past. Action packed and with Christian undertones, he finds himself accepting his redeemer thanks to the care of a rancher who shows him he doesn’t need a spotless past to be worthy.
If a western met Dune and they went to church together, you would get Outlaw Blood. Fast-paced and thought-provoking, it’s a great start for a debut author.
Outlaw Blood follows a former outlaw in a fantasy world who wants to start anew but can’t outrun his past. Action packed and with Christian undertones, he finds himself accepting his redeemer thanks to the care of a rancher who shows him he doesn’t need a spotless past to be worthy.
If a western met Dune and they went to church together, you would get Outlaw Blood. Fast-paced and thought-provoking, it’s a great start for a debut author.
October 18, 2025
Outlaw Blood is a rugged, poetic journey through guilt, loyalty, and redemption. Noah J. Matthews writes with the grit of the frontier and the heart of a philosopher, giving us a Western that feels both timeless and intimate.
Clye Galler’s story lingers long after the final page a man hunted not only by the law, but by his own past. The prose is rich with dust and blood, yet beneath the violence runs a quiet ache for forgiveness and truth. Matthews captures the soul of the outlaw with haunting clarity, showing that redemption is often the hardest duel of all.
This debut doesn’t just honor the Western tradition it redefines it with grace, moral depth, and unforgettable atmosphere.
Clye Galler’s story lingers long after the final page a man hunted not only by the law, but by his own past. The prose is rich with dust and blood, yet beneath the violence runs a quiet ache for forgiveness and truth. Matthews captures the soul of the outlaw with haunting clarity, showing that redemption is often the hardest duel of all.
This debut doesn’t just honor the Western tradition it redefines it with grace, moral depth, and unforgettable atmosphere.
December 29, 2025
I was completely impressed by the story and the character development. I’ve never read a book about outlaws or cowboys before and only watched movies about them. But it's safe to say that I had the best time reading this. The story kept me on the edge of my seat and tugged at my heartstrings. The Sandwalker was easily one of my favorite parts of the entire book! It was so well written that it truly pulled me into the universe of Clye (the protagonist), making me feel as if I were right there alongside him. Noah’s writing brought the story to life in a powerful and immersive way. I highly recommend reading Outlaw Blood!
September 5, 2025
Outlaw Blood
Noah reached asking for me to read his book. I was very honored as this was the first time I was able to do it.
The book had a good and important message that was shared without being preachy. The setting is very cool and interesting with a unique take on a magic system- a little bit Dune and a little bit Avatar the Last Airbender.
It does need a little fine tuning and more expansion on the world would be nice.
It made me want to read some westerns which I did not expect!
Overall, a solid start!
Noah reached asking for me to read his book. I was very honored as this was the first time I was able to do it.
The book had a good and important message that was shared without being preachy. The setting is very cool and interesting with a unique take on a magic system- a little bit Dune and a little bit Avatar the Last Airbender.
It does need a little fine tuning and more expansion on the world would be nice.
It made me want to read some westerns which I did not expect!
Overall, a solid start!
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