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Cold Silver for Souls
Bounty Hunter. Necromancer. Outcast.
She goes on the hunt when the law doesn’t want to get its hands dirty.
Born and bred in the harsh northern winters, Hunter collects bounties on thieves and murderers for a handful of coin, dragging Rip, her animated corpse, behind her. Trust wears thin in the wild Territories, and the law doesn’t always land on the side of justice. Or the side of a necromancer.
Shadowed by the influence of a wealthy Shadesilver baron, Hunter takes on one last job. But instead of an easy payday, Hunter finds something she never expected, something that will tear open old wounds and set her on a path to find justice… for someone else.
She goes on the hunt when the law doesn’t want to get its hands dirty.
Born and bred in the harsh northern winters, Hunter collects bounties on thieves and murderers for a handful of coin, dragging Rip, her animated corpse, behind her. Trust wears thin in the wild Territories, and the law doesn’t always land on the side of justice. Or the side of a necromancer.
Shadowed by the influence of a wealthy Shadesilver baron, Hunter takes on one last job. But instead of an easy payday, Hunter finds something she never expected, something that will tear open old wounds and set her on a path to find justice… for someone else.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 27, 2025
18 people are currently reading
542 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
April 11, 2025
I'm so thrilled to have this story finally taking flight. These characters have come to mean so much to me, and I can't wait to write more of Hunter's story. Thank you to everyone who supported and encouraged me along the journey. I couldn't have done it alone. I hope you enjoy the read!
May 4, 2025
This review was originally published on Grimdark Magazine
4.5 stars
You know, I honestly just about died from excitement when Tori Tecken announced Cold Silver for Souls. Just hear me out, a necromancer bounty hunter fantasy western with a lone wolf and cub dynamic and the best found family vibes, all set in a world inspired by the wild west and the Yukon Gold Rush? Say no more. It’s dark, it’s gritty, it’s so darn cool, but most of all, it’s a soul-stirring tale of growth, change, connection, healing and the unimaginable resilience of the human spirit.
“It’s not as bad as Paradise, but even here, I’m still the necromancer. The corpse raiser. The northerner. It’s like they’re never quite sure if I am human or not.”
From the moment I met my girl Hunter, I was completely in love. Okay, in love and maybe also slightly intimidated, because she more than lives up to her fearsome name and she’s honestly so much cooler than I ever could be. I mean, she’s a fierce redhead born and bred in the merciless northern winters who spends her days collecting bounties by hunting down thieves and murderers together with her animated corpse, Rip. In a way, she could so easily have fallen into the ‘not like other girls’ strong female character archetype, and yet she totally doesn’t. She’s a complicated woman who contains multitudes, and I absolutely loved peeling back a few of her layers as her latest mission goes a bit off the rails and turns her entire world upside down.
“It’s never too late to start a new life. You’ll never run so far that you can’t come back.”
Now, in her previous works The Blood Stones and Phased, Tecken already showcased and proved her exceptional skill at writing complex characters with real human emotions and the most complicated interpersonal relationships, but I feel like she took that to the next level in Cold Silver for Souls. See, much as Hunter likes to pretend she is a cold-hearted outcast with a lot of swagger who totally thrives on wandering the cold plains all by her lonesome, she is honestly a really tender soul with a heart of gold (or should I say silver?) who will do anything to protect the ones who have earned her love, loyalty and affection. I mean, I am always a sucker for some good unexpected found family vibes, and this book delivers on that in spades.
Especially the lone wolf and cub dynamic between Hunter and Johnny, a young boy with budding necromancer powers who she somewhat reluctantly takes under her wing, gave this dark and gritty story so much heart, and the tentative blossoming of their relationship tugged on my heartstrings in all the most unexpected ways. But then we also have Addy with her irresistible Charm (what a hoot!), the kind Reverend Ambrose, the badass Jo Farstep, and of course the gentle queen of the kitchen, Kay (this book made me way more hungry than it had any right to!). While most of them are not (yet) as three-dimensional as Hunter, they each pop off the page with personality (even the horses, much to Hunter’s dismay) and add so much heart to the story.
“If there’s something people fear more than death, it’s being forgotten. Of being insignificant like the dirt somewhere underneath the snow. But I figure sticks tied to a cross aren’t much of a remembering. If there aren’t people living and breathing who remember you fondly, well then, I guess you might not be worth remembering much.”
Moreover, I loved how their unwavering support and little gestures of kindness towards Hunter shone all the brighter in contrast to the cold cruelties that she has to endure in this unforgiving world day in and day out. The way that Tecken interweaves the internal and external conflicts and explores themes of trauma, loss, othering, morality, humanity, faith, exploitation, the fear of the unknown, and the dangerously thin line between justice and vengeance is extremely powerful to me, and I think that is exactly what makes Cold Silver for Souls such a gripping and unforgettable tale despite its shorter page count.
“It’s the easiest thing in the world for a person to let go of something that wasn’t done to them. They’ll tell you what would be best, and how you can live for more. But it’s not their wound that’s bleeding out.”
Yes, we hit the ground running and just keep moving along at a steady pace as both old and new threats emerge around every corner, but I never felt like the development of the world or the characters suffered for it. Hunter’s intimate and increasingly vulnerable first person (present tense) narration was just so immersive to me, and I soon felt like I was transported straight into the wild Territories myself; I felt the biting cold of the North, I was overwhelmed by the awe-inspiring beauty and power of mother nature, and I just revelled in all the intense emotional turmoil that these characters experienced as their past came back to haunt them.
“You don’t mess around with things up here. If it’s not the cold that gets you, its teeth and claws. And if it ain’t either of those two things… it’s the Shades. When you’ve met a Shade face to face, getting eaten by a mountain bear doesn’t sound all that bad.”
Similarly to in Sarah Chorn’s Of Honey and Wildfires, this fantasy western world feels both terrifyingly realistic and excitingly strange and miraculous, and I loved how Tecken evoked the wild west vibes of the Gold Rush Era but put her own fantastical spin on it all. To me, Tecken does a masterful job of scattering in just enough little nuggets of history (be that personal history or world history) to breathe so much life into the world and the characters, while also keeping certain details shrouded in mystery for now to maintain an addictive level of tension and intrigue that had me ripping through the pages. What is up with the Shades and Shadesilver? What exactly happened to Hunter’s Pops? How did Rip end up being tethered to her and why does she harbour so much resentment towards him? Is Rip gaining sentience and autonomy? I am dying of curiosity and would honestly sell my soul for the next instalment now!
“Sometimes I wonder how much he does feel, connected to me the way he is through that tiny splinter of soul. He might get a little of whatever I experience, tiny wisps of emotions through the magic linking us. If that’s all he gets, held in the Between, then that’s fine by me. He was damned long before I found him.”
With the Shadesilver series being inspired by the episodic storytelling style of the 60s and 70s, it really feels like we have only barely scratched the surface here and I am so ready to mine even deeper to uncover all the treasures that this world and these characters have to offer. Cold Silver for Souls is honestly everything I didn’t know I needed in my life, and I can’t recommend it highly enough if you like the sound of a necromancer bounty hunter adventure with a fantasy western twist, a deadly high cool-factor, and equal parts action, grit, emotion and heart.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Cold Silver for Souls is scheduled for release on May 27th.
4.5 stars
You know, I honestly just about died from excitement when Tori Tecken announced Cold Silver for Souls. Just hear me out, a necromancer bounty hunter fantasy western with a lone wolf and cub dynamic and the best found family vibes, all set in a world inspired by the wild west and the Yukon Gold Rush? Say no more. It’s dark, it’s gritty, it’s so darn cool, but most of all, it’s a soul-stirring tale of growth, change, connection, healing and the unimaginable resilience of the human spirit.
“It’s not as bad as Paradise, but even here, I’m still the necromancer. The corpse raiser. The northerner. It’s like they’re never quite sure if I am human or not.”
From the moment I met my girl Hunter, I was completely in love. Okay, in love and maybe also slightly intimidated, because she more than lives up to her fearsome name and she’s honestly so much cooler than I ever could be. I mean, she’s a fierce redhead born and bred in the merciless northern winters who spends her days collecting bounties by hunting down thieves and murderers together with her animated corpse, Rip. In a way, she could so easily have fallen into the ‘not like other girls’ strong female character archetype, and yet she totally doesn’t. She’s a complicated woman who contains multitudes, and I absolutely loved peeling back a few of her layers as her latest mission goes a bit off the rails and turns her entire world upside down.
“It’s never too late to start a new life. You’ll never run so far that you can’t come back.”
Now, in her previous works The Blood Stones and Phased, Tecken already showcased and proved her exceptional skill at writing complex characters with real human emotions and the most complicated interpersonal relationships, but I feel like she took that to the next level in Cold Silver for Souls. See, much as Hunter likes to pretend she is a cold-hearted outcast with a lot of swagger who totally thrives on wandering the cold plains all by her lonesome, she is honestly a really tender soul with a heart of gold (or should I say silver?) who will do anything to protect the ones who have earned her love, loyalty and affection. I mean, I am always a sucker for some good unexpected found family vibes, and this book delivers on that in spades.
Especially the lone wolf and cub dynamic between Hunter and Johnny, a young boy with budding necromancer powers who she somewhat reluctantly takes under her wing, gave this dark and gritty story so much heart, and the tentative blossoming of their relationship tugged on my heartstrings in all the most unexpected ways. But then we also have Addy with her irresistible Charm (what a hoot!), the kind Reverend Ambrose, the badass Jo Farstep, and of course the gentle queen of the kitchen, Kay (this book made me way more hungry than it had any right to!). While most of them are not (yet) as three-dimensional as Hunter, they each pop off the page with personality (even the horses, much to Hunter’s dismay) and add so much heart to the story.
“If there’s something people fear more than death, it’s being forgotten. Of being insignificant like the dirt somewhere underneath the snow. But I figure sticks tied to a cross aren’t much of a remembering. If there aren’t people living and breathing who remember you fondly, well then, I guess you might not be worth remembering much.”
Moreover, I loved how their unwavering support and little gestures of kindness towards Hunter shone all the brighter in contrast to the cold cruelties that she has to endure in this unforgiving world day in and day out. The way that Tecken interweaves the internal and external conflicts and explores themes of trauma, loss, othering, morality, humanity, faith, exploitation, the fear of the unknown, and the dangerously thin line between justice and vengeance is extremely powerful to me, and I think that is exactly what makes Cold Silver for Souls such a gripping and unforgettable tale despite its shorter page count.
“It’s the easiest thing in the world for a person to let go of something that wasn’t done to them. They’ll tell you what would be best, and how you can live for more. But it’s not their wound that’s bleeding out.”
Yes, we hit the ground running and just keep moving along at a steady pace as both old and new threats emerge around every corner, but I never felt like the development of the world or the characters suffered for it. Hunter’s intimate and increasingly vulnerable first person (present tense) narration was just so immersive to me, and I soon felt like I was transported straight into the wild Territories myself; I felt the biting cold of the North, I was overwhelmed by the awe-inspiring beauty and power of mother nature, and I just revelled in all the intense emotional turmoil that these characters experienced as their past came back to haunt them.
“You don’t mess around with things up here. If it’s not the cold that gets you, its teeth and claws. And if it ain’t either of those two things… it’s the Shades. When you’ve met a Shade face to face, getting eaten by a mountain bear doesn’t sound all that bad.”
Similarly to in Sarah Chorn’s Of Honey and Wildfires, this fantasy western world feels both terrifyingly realistic and excitingly strange and miraculous, and I loved how Tecken evoked the wild west vibes of the Gold Rush Era but put her own fantastical spin on it all. To me, Tecken does a masterful job of scattering in just enough little nuggets of history (be that personal history or world history) to breathe so much life into the world and the characters, while also keeping certain details shrouded in mystery for now to maintain an addictive level of tension and intrigue that had me ripping through the pages. What is up with the Shades and Shadesilver? What exactly happened to Hunter’s Pops? How did Rip end up being tethered to her and why does she harbour so much resentment towards him? Is Rip gaining sentience and autonomy? I am dying of curiosity and would honestly sell my soul for the next instalment now!
“Sometimes I wonder how much he does feel, connected to me the way he is through that tiny splinter of soul. He might get a little of whatever I experience, tiny wisps of emotions through the magic linking us. If that’s all he gets, held in the Between, then that’s fine by me. He was damned long before I found him.”
With the Shadesilver series being inspired by the episodic storytelling style of the 60s and 70s, it really feels like we have only barely scratched the surface here and I am so ready to mine even deeper to uncover all the treasures that this world and these characters have to offer. Cold Silver for Souls is honestly everything I didn’t know I needed in my life, and I can’t recommend it highly enough if you like the sound of a necromancer bounty hunter adventure with a fantasy western twist, a deadly high cool-factor, and equal parts action, grit, emotion and heart.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Cold Silver for Souls is scheduled for release on May 27th.
April 24, 2025
Tori doesn’t miss! Full of great characters and AWESOME fantasy western vibes. This book is a quick read that is sure to delight.
July 9, 2025
Really enjoyable book, fast and fun with good characters and just enough tantalizing magic (read: necromancy) and unanswered questions to keep the reader turning the page. I don't really like westerns, so most of the tropes in this book are tropes I specifically buck against, but that is a point in the book's favor that I still enjoyed it as much as I did. The writing is smooth and engaging, and the biggest compliment I can give it is that I would completely forget I was reading a friend's book. I'm always nervous about reading a book from someone I know so to have that fall away completely while reading is great.
I have also sampled the opening of one of Tecken's other books, The Blood Stones, which feels completely different, so the atmosphere with Cold Silver feeling very western in comparison added to my appreciation of the writing.
I have also sampled the opening of one of Tecken's other books, The Blood Stones, which feels completely different, so the atmosphere with Cold Silver feeling very western in comparison added to my appreciation of the writing.
May 28, 2025
5/5 Stars
A fantasy western slump buster! Tori Tecken never fails to deliver a gripping story that will keep you reading well past your bedtime.
Note: I alpha read CSfS and already plan on rereading it because I had such a great time with the characters, world and plot. This review is based on my alpha read, and I will update it once I’ve read the released version.
Cold Silver for Souls follows a bounty hunter, necromancer and outcast simply known as Hunter. Taking on jobs for a wealthy businessman, she finds herself in a situation that will tear open old wounds and seek justice for someone else.
While this can be read as a fast paced slump buster, it also doubles as a great read for those who love foreshadowing, depth to character work and subtle thematic exploration. You can easily enjoy this as the episodic epic fantasy western it is, or you delve further giving this a wider reader reach.
The story begins with a hunt for a criminal through freezing mountain weather, and the pacing and tension continues throughout the story. With Hunter being a lone wolf, there’s a sense that she’s always on alert adding to the already tense circumstances she finds herself in.
It also features gripping character work, a dynamic cast, motley crew and budding found family vibes, intriguing worldbuilding and leaves you satisfied yet wanting more.
The worldbuilding seamlessly blends western and fantasy. You feel the grit of the western setting not just through world building but also through dialogue. Meanwhile the fantasy aspects blend in through added aspects that not only fit that western setting but enhance it.
Finally, the exploration of themes was subtle, yet well done. Who defines the law? Who delivers justice? There’s also an exploration of the lone wolf through character work and a big aspect I appreciate is the integrity of the characters being maintained while being challenged. As a character driven reader, I really appreciated the attention and care put into the characters throughout this story.
A great read for anyone looking to delve into fantasy westerns, looking for their next slump buster, and their next fast paced episodic adventure.
A fantasy western slump buster! Tori Tecken never fails to deliver a gripping story that will keep you reading well past your bedtime.
Note: I alpha read CSfS and already plan on rereading it because I had such a great time with the characters, world and plot. This review is based on my alpha read, and I will update it once I’ve read the released version.
Cold Silver for Souls follows a bounty hunter, necromancer and outcast simply known as Hunter. Taking on jobs for a wealthy businessman, she finds herself in a situation that will tear open old wounds and seek justice for someone else.
While this can be read as a fast paced slump buster, it also doubles as a great read for those who love foreshadowing, depth to character work and subtle thematic exploration. You can easily enjoy this as the episodic epic fantasy western it is, or you delve further giving this a wider reader reach.
The story begins with a hunt for a criminal through freezing mountain weather, and the pacing and tension continues throughout the story. With Hunter being a lone wolf, there’s a sense that she’s always on alert adding to the already tense circumstances she finds herself in.
It also features gripping character work, a dynamic cast, motley crew and budding found family vibes, intriguing worldbuilding and leaves you satisfied yet wanting more.
The worldbuilding seamlessly blends western and fantasy. You feel the grit of the western setting not just through world building but also through dialogue. Meanwhile the fantasy aspects blend in through added aspects that not only fit that western setting but enhance it.
Finally, the exploration of themes was subtle, yet well done. Who defines the law? Who delivers justice? There’s also an exploration of the lone wolf through character work and a big aspect I appreciate is the integrity of the characters being maintained while being challenged. As a character driven reader, I really appreciated the attention and care put into the characters throughout this story.
A great read for anyone looking to delve into fantasy westerns, looking for their next slump buster, and their next fast paced episodic adventure.
December 1, 2025
3.5 stars
Fantasy western isn't usually my thing, but I enjoyed the author's short story of the same name in the anthology The Advent of Winter. That short story is contained within these pages, forming a couple of chapters in the middle of the book, and I liked seeing both the build-up and the aftermath as those events were expanded upon.
The world didn't really work for me (due to my tastes, not due to the author's execution), but I feel that the writing style of the first-person narrative was very well-suited to the theme. I liked learning more about the magical side of the world, with the descriptions of necromancy (and other charms) at work, and also all the details around the shadesilver that lends its name to the series title.
Although it wasn't for me, I was still able to enjoy the actual story, and some of the characters. If you like the combination of fantasy and western, I would definitely recommend trying out this one.
Fantasy western isn't usually my thing, but I enjoyed the author's short story of the same name in the anthology The Advent of Winter. That short story is contained within these pages, forming a couple of chapters in the middle of the book, and I liked seeing both the build-up and the aftermath as those events were expanded upon.
The world didn't really work for me (due to my tastes, not due to the author's execution), but I feel that the writing style of the first-person narrative was very well-suited to the theme. I liked learning more about the magical side of the world, with the descriptions of necromancy (and other charms) at work, and also all the details around the shadesilver that lends its name to the series title.
Although it wasn't for me, I was still able to enjoy the actual story, and some of the characters. If you like the combination of fantasy and western, I would definitely recommend trying out this one.
Read
April 10, 2025I was an alpha-reader for this book, so I haven't read the final version (YET) to rate it, but I can tell you that people are going to have a great time with this book. I love a fantasy western and this one is a page-turner. I'm fascinated by the cast we have so far, and I know it's going to get bigger. Like fantasy westerns? Like a series that's about to something great with a motley crew? Look no further. Will be discussing more upon it's release in May on my YouTube channel, BellTube.
May 21, 2025
Fantasy fans looking for that fast-paced "palate cleanser" type of book need to look no further than Cold Silver for Souls. (Or, if you're looking for a fantasy Western, the same sentiment applies!). Tecken's voice through the first person narrator, Hunter, grabbed me from the start, as the language, word choice and structure made the Western setting feel authentic. I really enjoyed how the author masked the overall story until it downright erupted at the end. This was a fast-paced page-turner with no "fat" that was compelling from start to finish. While very different than the other work of hers I've read, The Blood Stones, I enjoyed my time with this story as much, and eagerly await future stories following Hunter in this western-inspired fantasy world.
The author provided me with an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
The author provided me with an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 11, 2025
Full review coming soon.
June 14, 2025
Let me cut to the chase. I’ve been reading a lot of self pub fantasy this year, and this book is absolutely one of the best.
Cold Silver for Souls is a western inspired fantasy novel and the second novel I’ve read from Tecken.
It’s told from a first person perspective of a necromancer bounty hunter named…well… “Hunter” as she negotiates a life on the…well…hunt as she literally and metaphorically runs from her past. When a bounty job goes sideways she finds she must take the role of one who protects and defends life rather than one who takes life or reanimates it.
You’ll hear a lot of fantasy fans say things like “I don’t like westerns” or “they’re just not for me”. That’s definitely true for some people, but other readers I just don’t think have really tried it. (Watching a John Wayne movie or True Grit when you were 9 doesn’t count) Tecken writes this as a western first and a fantasy novel second.
I mentioned before the first person point of view and that’s one of this book’s strongest points. Hunter is a very compelling character and you get her personality and worldview on every page and in every description of a setting or character that she encounters.
This is more than a bounty hunter novel, or a wolf and cub story. It’s about a woman running from the ghosts of her past and learning to overcome her own personal demons. This is personified by the ghostly shades that populate the north and the corpse that she animated and now travels as her walking muscle.
The novel reads as somewhat episodic as Hunter’s setting and goals change throughout, but her inner conflict remains as the one constant throughout.
By the end I still have some questions and some pretty big things that are left open ended. Hopefully it’s addressed in a sequel. The finale itself is somewhat understated. I think it will come across smoother when we get the sequel.
This cemented Tecken as a favorite author in the self pub space. I really liked Blood Stones, but I LOVED this one. Highly highly recommend.
Thanks to the author for providing an ARC of this book.
Cold Silver for Souls is a western inspired fantasy novel and the second novel I’ve read from Tecken.
It’s told from a first person perspective of a necromancer bounty hunter named…well… “Hunter” as she negotiates a life on the…well…hunt as she literally and metaphorically runs from her past. When a bounty job goes sideways she finds she must take the role of one who protects and defends life rather than one who takes life or reanimates it.
You’ll hear a lot of fantasy fans say things like “I don’t like westerns” or “they’re just not for me”. That’s definitely true for some people, but other readers I just don’t think have really tried it. (Watching a John Wayne movie or True Grit when you were 9 doesn’t count) Tecken writes this as a western first and a fantasy novel second.
I mentioned before the first person point of view and that’s one of this book’s strongest points. Hunter is a very compelling character and you get her personality and worldview on every page and in every description of a setting or character that she encounters.
This is more than a bounty hunter novel, or a wolf and cub story. It’s about a woman running from the ghosts of her past and learning to overcome her own personal demons. This is personified by the ghostly shades that populate the north and the corpse that she animated and now travels as her walking muscle.
The novel reads as somewhat episodic as Hunter’s setting and goals change throughout, but her inner conflict remains as the one constant throughout.
By the end I still have some questions and some pretty big things that are left open ended. Hopefully it’s addressed in a sequel. The finale itself is somewhat understated. I think it will come across smoother when we get the sequel.
This cemented Tecken as a favorite author in the self pub space. I really liked Blood Stones, but I LOVED this one. Highly highly recommend.
Thanks to the author for providing an ARC of this book.
May 7, 2025
4.5 - Stars
Another book from Tori that I just love so many of the characters! The setting of this one isn't something I get to experience often. A Western Fantasy type is something I have read maybe 5 or 6 times now and that's it. A couple of them including this one has me anxiously waiting for the next installment in their series!
Full review to follow.
Another book from Tori that I just love so many of the characters! The setting of this one isn't something I get to experience often. A Western Fantasy type is something I have read maybe 5 or 6 times now and that's it. A couple of them including this one has me anxiously waiting for the next installment in their series!
Full review to follow.
July 18, 2025
I love a good fantasy Western abc this book delivered with its vibrant cast of characters, bounty hunters, necromancy, and magic. I really enjoyed the short story that this book developed into, and Tecken has set up a really cool world. This book used one of my favorite tropes of grumpy older guardian adopts child. Gets me every time. I wish the Reverend wasn't so old otherwise I would ship him and Hunter. I like their dynamic. I enjoyed seeing some of the small Easter eggs she planted in the story with some familiar names. My only complaint was some of the pacing. Some chapters felt too short and could have been longer while some scenes kind of merged into each other without warning. Other than that, this was a gun-slinging, corpse-hauling fun story and I can't wait to read the sequel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2025
When I started reading Cold Silver for Souls, I was in a bit of a rut. I had been very busy and had almost no time to read for several weeks. But thankfully, Tori Tecken's wild west fantasy story quickly got me out of that rut.
A necromancer bounty hunter as an MC-that premise alone will probably get you interested. But there's so much more here. It's a fast read as Tecken trims absolutely all the fat from the story and the plot moves at a really great pace. I definitely did the "one more chapter" bit a few times. Hunter was definitely the standout character for me, but really the whole cast is great.
This is just a really solid, fun story that you can tell was crafted with a lot of thought and love. Cold Silver for Souls is one of my favorite Indie reads of the year.
8.04/10
4.5/5 ⭐️
A necromancer bounty hunter as an MC-that premise alone will probably get you interested. But there's so much more here. It's a fast read as Tecken trims absolutely all the fat from the story and the plot moves at a really great pace. I definitely did the "one more chapter" bit a few times. Hunter was definitely the standout character for me, but really the whole cast is great.
This is just a really solid, fun story that you can tell was crafted with a lot of thought and love. Cold Silver for Souls is one of my favorite Indie reads of the year.
8.04/10
4.5/5 ⭐️
May 27, 2025
Yet, another reason I love indie writers: cowgirls, necromancy, and reanimated corpses! What a fun mash-up. Tori does a great job introducing our heroine, Hunter, in this period piece with a twist. This character driven story had me turning pages to find out about this bounty hunter as she rode from town to town with Rip (love the name) in tow.
While Hunter has a past, we are not given all the details. That will be unwound in the next installments.
If you are looking for a fun fantasy in a wild west setting, Cold Silver for Souls will have you galloping along. Saunter on over to your fave online bookseller and pick up your copy today!
While Hunter has a past, we are not given all the details. That will be unwound in the next installments.
If you are looking for a fun fantasy in a wild west setting, Cold Silver for Souls will have you galloping along. Saunter on over to your fave online bookseller and pick up your copy today!
May 31, 2025
3.5 stars
Hunter is a bounty hunter who is blessed and cursed with being a necromancer. Her sidekick(?), Rip, is a zombie that she raised after killing him some years before. The plot here follows her interactions with several notable characters in The Territories.
The character work here ranges from good to exceptional. Hunter and a few of the supporting cast are drawn with intricate detail and react very believably to the events of the plot. In particular, Hunter's background, which is revealed slowly throughout the book, and her job are creating a great deal of conflict in her life, and this plays out very well over the course of the narrative.
The plot early in the book is episodic, but as the story evolves, we get what seems will be the backbone plot of the series ... Hunter and friends against the corrupt powers of the northern Territories. This plot structure fits well with the tone of the novel, and the flow of the narrative is compelling.
The book is written in first-person, present tense, from Hunter's POV. First person can be tricky to pull off, and it is here that my biggest problem with the book arises. There seems to be a tonal mismatch between Hunter's internal monologue, the things she pays attention to (based on the descriptions we get of her surroundings), and the dialogue of the book. There is quite a bit of typical US Old West slang used, but it is mixed with what I perceive to be modern British slang as well. Slang being what it is, it's entirely possible that "bits & bobs" could have been used in the same society as "skedaddle", but I found it jarring while reading.
That aside, the dialogue in the book didn't really ring true to me in many cases, feeling a bit too simplistic at times. But there were moments of inspiration: "...I'm a bounty hunter. I'm the one they send when the law doesn't want to get its hands dirty", is truly excellent.
The other problem that I had, and this is a problem that I suspect will not be perceived by most people, is that the map in the book didn't make sense to me. The mountains Hunter passes in her first job are noted as being in the Cathedrals and to the north of Paradise, but they are shown directly to the east. And the rivers drawn on the map don't do what rivers do on real terrain. Either the tributaries run to the north while the main rivers run south or the rivers split, with some part of the flow continuing to the sea while other parts of the flow go into the prairie and die out. Neither of these makes sense. This is the kind of pedantic quibble that I'm sure would annoy an author, but there's a map that's nice enough to pay attention to, and it doesn't work with the narrative.
In spite of any flaws the book might have, the read was enjoyable and now that the setup for the world is done, I'm looking forward to the next volume in the series.
Hunter is a bounty hunter who is blessed and cursed with being a necromancer. Her sidekick(?), Rip, is a zombie that she raised after killing him some years before. The plot here follows her interactions with several notable characters in The Territories.
The character work here ranges from good to exceptional. Hunter and a few of the supporting cast are drawn with intricate detail and react very believably to the events of the plot. In particular, Hunter's background, which is revealed slowly throughout the book, and her job are creating a great deal of conflict in her life, and this plays out very well over the course of the narrative.
The plot early in the book is episodic, but as the story evolves, we get what seems will be the backbone plot of the series ... Hunter and friends against the corrupt powers of the northern Territories. This plot structure fits well with the tone of the novel, and the flow of the narrative is compelling.
The book is written in first-person, present tense, from Hunter's POV. First person can be tricky to pull off, and it is here that my biggest problem with the book arises. There seems to be a tonal mismatch between Hunter's internal monologue, the things she pays attention to (based on the descriptions we get of her surroundings), and the dialogue of the book. There is quite a bit of typical US Old West slang used, but it is mixed with what I perceive to be modern British slang as well. Slang being what it is, it's entirely possible that "bits & bobs" could have been used in the same society as "skedaddle", but I found it jarring while reading.
That aside, the dialogue in the book didn't really ring true to me in many cases, feeling a bit too simplistic at times. But there were moments of inspiration: "...I'm a bounty hunter. I'm the one they send when the law doesn't want to get its hands dirty", is truly excellent.
The other problem that I had, and this is a problem that I suspect will not be perceived by most people, is that the map in the book didn't make sense to me. The mountains Hunter passes in her first job are noted as being in the Cathedrals and to the north of Paradise, but they are shown directly to the east. And the rivers drawn on the map don't do what rivers do on real terrain. Either the tributaries run to the north while the main rivers run south or the rivers split, with some part of the flow continuing to the sea while other parts of the flow go into the prairie and die out. Neither of these makes sense. This is the kind of pedantic quibble that I'm sure would annoy an author, but there's a map that's nice enough to pay attention to, and it doesn't work with the narrative.
In spite of any flaws the book might have, the read was enjoyable and now that the setup for the world is done, I'm looking forward to the next volume in the series.
June 30, 2025
Cold Silver for Souls
By Tori Tecken
Cold Silver for Souls is a fantasy western told from the perspective of Hunter, a bounty hunter who also happens to be a necromancer. We follow Hunter as she treks across The Territories wrangling up marks that she has been hired to bring in dead or alive. She is accompanied by a reanimated corpse she calls “Rip.”
This has all of the fun western vibes that you would want included in a western novel with also a twist of magic. Along with being a gun and knife toting baddie, there is also more to our protagonist than meets the eye. Throughout the story more is revealed about Hunter through her inner monologue as well as life lessons she remembers from her father and childhood Reverend.
Cold Silver for Souls features gun fights and long journeys across the plain but also dives deeply into themes of living with past trauma, and the importance of friendship. Found family is an important trope in this book and the need to trust others.
This book features some of Tecken’s best and most impactful writing in my opinion. There is much that will stick with you long after you have closed the book. I highly recommend that readers of high fantasy and fantasy westerns give this a try.
By Tori Tecken
Cold Silver for Souls is a fantasy western told from the perspective of Hunter, a bounty hunter who also happens to be a necromancer. We follow Hunter as she treks across The Territories wrangling up marks that she has been hired to bring in dead or alive. She is accompanied by a reanimated corpse she calls “Rip.”
This has all of the fun western vibes that you would want included in a western novel with also a twist of magic. Along with being a gun and knife toting baddie, there is also more to our protagonist than meets the eye. Throughout the story more is revealed about Hunter through her inner monologue as well as life lessons she remembers from her father and childhood Reverend.
Cold Silver for Souls features gun fights and long journeys across the plain but also dives deeply into themes of living with past trauma, and the importance of friendship. Found family is an important trope in this book and the need to trust others.
This book features some of Tecken’s best and most impactful writing in my opinion. There is much that will stick with you long after you have closed the book. I highly recommend that readers of high fantasy and fantasy westerns give this a try.
June 1, 2025
What a breath of fresh air! This is a short, concise, character driven western fantasy story that manages to feel like a slow burn. It’s set in a world that is lived in, well developed, and unique. The story is slow, allowing you to get to know Hunter and the world she lives in without rushing. It builds steady momentum, revealing bits and pieces of backstory and lore without slipping into the trap of info dumping.
The characters are interesting, mostly for their potential. This is the first book in a series, and it feels that way with many of the characters. Aside from Hunter (whose first person perspective we are anchored to), we don’t get to know many of the other players very well. But there is enough there to be engaging, and the hints of backstory and depth are appealing.
There were a couple minor continuity errors, and at times the language feels a little overworked. The balance of the book is a bit off. It’s very heavily weighted in the first three quarters to setup. The last quarter is where all the plot happens like a fist to the face. But for all my minor quibbles, I enjoyed this immensely. I am looking forward to the next book in the series!
The characters are interesting, mostly for their potential. This is the first book in a series, and it feels that way with many of the characters. Aside from Hunter (whose first person perspective we are anchored to), we don’t get to know many of the other players very well. But there is enough there to be engaging, and the hints of backstory and depth are appealing.
There were a couple minor continuity errors, and at times the language feels a little overworked. The balance of the book is a bit off. It’s very heavily weighted in the first three quarters to setup. The last quarter is where all the plot happens like a fist to the face. But for all my minor quibbles, I enjoyed this immensely. I am looking forward to the next book in the series!
July 10, 2025
What else could you ask for?
A fantasy book less than 300 pages
A female lead character who isn't male-coded
Necromancers
Gunslingers
Bounty Hunters
Cowboys
Action
Mystery
The best thing about Cold Silver for Souls is that there will be more.
The story rollicks along from one risky encounter to the next, collecting a rag-tag assortment of characters as we go, who in turn are all dragging troubling baggage behind them. We discover some truths along the way, but others remain in the murky depths of the past just waiting to bite this closed mouthed motley crew in the bum.
This is also a secret GIRL-POWER book. Halfway through the book I realized that almost all of the named characters are women. Not only is there Hunter, our central character. We get a gun-toting saloon owner, an efficient tailor, a taciturn retired mercenary, a slew of cooks and maids, and a very talented businesswoman. Every single one of them is competent, flawed, and holding the reins of their own lives.
More please.
A fantasy book less than 300 pages
A female lead character who isn't male-coded
Necromancers
Gunslingers
Bounty Hunters
Cowboys
Action
Mystery
The best thing about Cold Silver for Souls is that there will be more.
The story rollicks along from one risky encounter to the next, collecting a rag-tag assortment of characters as we go, who in turn are all dragging troubling baggage behind them. We discover some truths along the way, but others remain in the murky depths of the past just waiting to bite this closed mouthed motley crew in the bum.
This is also a secret GIRL-POWER book. Halfway through the book I realized that almost all of the named characters are women. Not only is there Hunter, our central character. We get a gun-toting saloon owner, an efficient tailor, a taciturn retired mercenary, a slew of cooks and maids, and a very talented businesswoman. Every single one of them is competent, flawed, and holding the reins of their own lives.
More please.
June 15, 2025
A weird west style story?/ Sign me up
This was one of those books I didn't want to put down, Our MC of Hunter is a badass bounty hunter with one major issue (advantage), they are also a necromancer, and are consistently followed by a corpse, who over the course of the tale we find out bits about.
As a result, Hunter is an outcast, and following a job for a local Mining Boss, she ends up finding a bit of a kindred soul, who she decides needs a second chance, and takes them south to a friend who can get them set up, against their better judgement, which allows Hunter to go from being mildly unlikeable to fully sympathetic by the end.
This is reinforced by the vibe of the world, the wild rest,edge of civilization feel is expertly written, with money being the true driver of the law, and justice being an illusion at best,add in the fact that choices made by the characters have real consequences later, and what you have is a rip-roaring western adventure with a fantasy edge.
Also, I did not realise going in that this was a book 1, and I cannot wait for the second book to ride into town
This was one of those books I didn't want to put down, Our MC of Hunter is a badass bounty hunter with one major issue (advantage), they are also a necromancer, and are consistently followed by a corpse, who over the course of the tale we find out bits about.
As a result, Hunter is an outcast, and following a job for a local Mining Boss, she ends up finding a bit of a kindred soul, who she decides needs a second chance, and takes them south to a friend who can get them set up, against their better judgement, which allows Hunter to go from being mildly unlikeable to fully sympathetic by the end.
This is reinforced by the vibe of the world, the wild rest,edge of civilization feel is expertly written, with money being the true driver of the law, and justice being an illusion at best,add in the fact that choices made by the characters have real consequences later, and what you have is a rip-roaring western adventure with a fantasy edge.
Also, I did not realise going in that this was a book 1, and I cannot wait for the second book to ride into town
June 8, 2025
I was so intrigued by the premise of this book (necromancer bounty Hunter in the Wild West) and the beautiful cover! Thank you to the author for providing an ARC copy of the book for me.
I enjoyed the story and it delivered on the necromancy and bounty hunting! However, I had a hard time getting into it and I also feel like not a lot happened throughout the book. I was starting to get an idea of what the actual storyline was going to be when the book ended. It’s almost like what happened in this whole book could have been a flashback in order for us to get to the good part.
This is a series, so I am glad to know more of the good stuff will be happening in book two and beyond!
I enjoyed the story and it delivered on the necromancy and bounty hunting! However, I had a hard time getting into it and I also feel like not a lot happened throughout the book. I was starting to get an idea of what the actual storyline was going to be when the book ended. It’s almost like what happened in this whole book could have been a flashback in order for us to get to the good part.
This is a series, so I am glad to know more of the good stuff will be happening in book two and beyond!
June 24, 2025
Cold Silver for Souls is my first introduction to Tori Tecken (which I really hope is pronounced Tekken for the geek in me) and what an introduction it proved to be. This fantasy western is as appealing as it is curious, in all the right ways to stick with me.
It revolves around the various challenges and personal hangups of a bounty hunter aptly named Hunter. She's a prickly one, largely due to the way the world has treated her for being what they refer to as a Soulless, read necromancer, and that is the first real brush we have with the magic of this world Tori had created.
To my great joy the book leans heavier on the western part over the fantasy and it shows a level of confidence and restraint that makes the lands we travel and the people we meet more real. I have no doubt that as the story grows and evolves that the magic will take a greater hold on it, but for this novel that is not the case. It stays rooted with Hunter and the troubles that wander her way, and I do mean wander.
This is a bit of a slow burn (there's that confidence again). It takes its time making sure you are set in a particular pair of boots and slowly setting up the world and its players through a series of smaller events and journeys that all come together in a climax designed, I believe, to lead to a set of adventures that will do the same only on a larger scale. I greatly respect this angle, for somewhat obvious reasons, but it is tackled from both a first person and present tense sort of way.
I have yet to truly love either in prose, but this book is the first where it didn't grate against my admittedly picky tastes. Long story short, whatever Tori has planned for Hunter and her crew going forward, I'm along for the ride.
It revolves around the various challenges and personal hangups of a bounty hunter aptly named Hunter. She's a prickly one, largely due to the way the world has treated her for being what they refer to as a Soulless, read necromancer, and that is the first real brush we have with the magic of this world Tori had created.
To my great joy the book leans heavier on the western part over the fantasy and it shows a level of confidence and restraint that makes the lands we travel and the people we meet more real. I have no doubt that as the story grows and evolves that the magic will take a greater hold on it, but for this novel that is not the case. It stays rooted with Hunter and the troubles that wander her way, and I do mean wander.
This is a bit of a slow burn (there's that confidence again). It takes its time making sure you are set in a particular pair of boots and slowly setting up the world and its players through a series of smaller events and journeys that all come together in a climax designed, I believe, to lead to a set of adventures that will do the same only on a larger scale. I greatly respect this angle, for somewhat obvious reasons, but it is tackled from both a first person and present tense sort of way.
I have yet to truly love either in prose, but this book is the first where it didn't grate against my admittedly picky tastes. Long story short, whatever Tori has planned for Hunter and her crew going forward, I'm along for the ride.
May 26, 2025
I finished this in 2 days. If I hadn't been so busy, it might have been 1. Hunter has a couple of guns, a couple of knives, and very large animated corpse at her disposal. This still doesn't mean a bullet can't put a serious crimp in her day. Bounty hunting is one of the few jobs a necromancer can get in the territories and she's hard pressed to pass up a mark even when it's given to her by one of the most dangerous and least trustworthy men in the area. From there it's non stop action - gunfights, knife fights, and ticked off drunks seem to follow her wherever she goes and she's not about to bite her tongue and smile sweetly to make nice with any of the people who consider people like her... necromancers... soulless... a stain on decent society. Because Hunter has her own kind of law to uphold and a few dishonest businessmen, hired guns, bought judges, feckless lawmen, and heart devouring shades aren't going to change her mind anytime soon. Well, and Rip helps. Kind of nice when your partner can't die.
August 18, 2025
This is actually the first book I’ve finished in months. The short chapters and episodic style made it easy to pick up at in-between times (typically while my kids were in Jiu Jitsu class) without feeling like I had to spin myself up to get back into the flow.
While I did not connect as deeply to this book as I did to Tori Tecken’s The Blood Stones—which I highly recommend!—it is an intriguing start to a whole other world.
Cold Silver takes place in an Old West flavored world (though not the literal historical Old West) during a period similar to the Gold Rush, and it is told in first person present tense. First person present tense is, ironically, one of the hardest narrative styles for me to connect with, however it worked here because of the very unique voice and the fact that our main character Hunter—who is an ostracized bounty hunting necromancer—spends a lot of time alone with her thoughts.
In an odd way, this book called to mind that early 1990s Zorro TV show that I and my siblings absolutely adored. You have your core characters, episodes are usually self-contained, the setting is one you can sort of relax into, and the additional characters are just passing through. The ephemeral nature of so many of the characters did present something of a challenge for me, leaving me feeling distanced during a few sections/events of the story. However, characters like Johnny and Reverend Ambrose were endearing and alive on the page and I enjoyed every single one of Hunter’s interactions with both of them. It could have been just those three for the whole book!
There were a couple of specific struggles I had, most notably during the Grand Junction section of the story. I felt very disconnected to character Addy, who is the main friend Hunter has to bounce of off during that piece of the story, aside from Johnny. And since I couldn’t get clear of that disconnect, I was indifferent to their interactions, and therefore slightly withdrawn from the story. (It’s interesting, because it is during this section of the story that Hunter herself is quite justly accused of withdrawing herself from others.)
Also, there’s something that happens right at the end where I feel like the build up and the emotional fallout weren’t fully explored. Something pretty serious and deeply complex happens and we move on from it so quickly, and I had a hard time with that.
That aside, there are some beautiful themes being embarked on in this story about the weight of grief and anger and hurt, about the things we carry and hold on to, and I think we’re only just beginning to scratch the surface.
I have LOTS of questions that I am hoping subsequent books will answer for me, mostly to do with Rip (Hunter’s animated corpse), how all THAT originally went down, the significance of the strange INSTANCES that happen with him throughout the book, the tension and strain in Hunter’s magic, and all the personal history that is hinted at but not revealed. I also hope to see so much more of the Reverend!
Luckily, I know there will be more to come, and more to explore in this series, more answers and probably more questions.
Favorite quotes:
“You just get so drawn into yourself sometimes. And then you start to look through people like they aren’t there.”
“Maybe you can stop putting all your energy into the dead and start giving some attention to the living”
“When you’re dead and in the ground, then you won’t feel anything. I’ve seen lots of folks try to feel nothing while they’re still alive.”
“Reverend Ambrose once told me that the Almighty protects us even when we’re stupid. But that doesn’t mean we can’t die if we try hard enough.”
AND ABSOLUTE MOST FAVORITE:
“The Dark After is chasing you, girl. And I’m afraid it always will. But the Almighty walks beside you.”
While I did not connect as deeply to this book as I did to Tori Tecken’s The Blood Stones—which I highly recommend!—it is an intriguing start to a whole other world.
Cold Silver takes place in an Old West flavored world (though not the literal historical Old West) during a period similar to the Gold Rush, and it is told in first person present tense. First person present tense is, ironically, one of the hardest narrative styles for me to connect with, however it worked here because of the very unique voice and the fact that our main character Hunter—who is an ostracized bounty hunting necromancer—spends a lot of time alone with her thoughts.
In an odd way, this book called to mind that early 1990s Zorro TV show that I and my siblings absolutely adored. You have your core characters, episodes are usually self-contained, the setting is one you can sort of relax into, and the additional characters are just passing through. The ephemeral nature of so many of the characters did present something of a challenge for me, leaving me feeling distanced during a few sections/events of the story. However, characters like Johnny and Reverend Ambrose were endearing and alive on the page and I enjoyed every single one of Hunter’s interactions with both of them. It could have been just those three for the whole book!
There were a couple of specific struggles I had, most notably during the Grand Junction section of the story. I felt very disconnected to character Addy, who is the main friend Hunter has to bounce of off during that piece of the story, aside from Johnny. And since I couldn’t get clear of that disconnect, I was indifferent to their interactions, and therefore slightly withdrawn from the story. (It’s interesting, because it is during this section of the story that Hunter herself is quite justly accused of withdrawing herself from others.)
Also, there’s something that happens right at the end where I feel like the build up and the emotional fallout weren’t fully explored. Something pretty serious and deeply complex happens and we move on from it so quickly, and I had a hard time with that.
That aside, there are some beautiful themes being embarked on in this story about the weight of grief and anger and hurt, about the things we carry and hold on to, and I think we’re only just beginning to scratch the surface.
I have LOTS of questions that I am hoping subsequent books will answer for me, mostly to do with Rip (Hunter’s animated corpse), how all THAT originally went down, the significance of the strange INSTANCES that happen with him throughout the book, the tension and strain in Hunter’s magic, and all the personal history that is hinted at but not revealed. I also hope to see so much more of the Reverend!
Luckily, I know there will be more to come, and more to explore in this series, more answers and probably more questions.
Favorite quotes:
“You just get so drawn into yourself sometimes. And then you start to look through people like they aren’t there.”
“Maybe you can stop putting all your energy into the dead and start giving some attention to the living”
“When you’re dead and in the ground, then you won’t feel anything. I’ve seen lots of folks try to feel nothing while they’re still alive.”
“Reverend Ambrose once told me that the Almighty protects us even when we’re stupid. But that doesn’t mean we can’t die if we try hard enough.”
AND ABSOLUTE MOST FAVORITE:
“The Dark After is chasing you, girl. And I’m afraid it always will. But the Almighty walks beside you.”
November 29, 2025
By and large, it was a solid read, though I expected it to be a lot more adventurous and action-packed. The Title, cover and description are quite misleading here. "Cold Silver for Souls" has an at times almost cozy and slice-of-life feel to it (except that slice-of-life here means traveling on horseback trough wide open landscapes). It sometimes reminded me of watching an old western with a slow pace, but in a way that was mostly enjoyable, though occasionally a little boring.
In fact, it was the early chapters that threw me off a little. The initial hook of the story is rather weak (Hunter, the protagonist, gets a contract and goes about it in a slightly unexpected way) and the early chapters have the main character mostly travel alone and reminisce way too often about her past, her father and the strange bond that she has with the zombie that she's dragging around. Then something happens in the first real action scene and i was immediately curious what will come of this later on. To my disappointment, though, that particular aspect of the plot wasn't addressed any further and is probably reserved for a sequel.
After that, the book gets a lot better. Hunter travels with a companion which leads to an interesting and charming dynamic as well as good character exploration. Nothing significant happens, and the book sometimes just throws in a dramatic scene for the sake of it, but the web of characters that unfolds and plays off of each other is nice and fun to read. Like I said, it feels, at points, more like a slice-of-life-story. The finale then comes rather sudden, but is well put together and builds competently on everything that has been previously set up.
The book is also carried by more than solid prose. I never read a novel in 1st person singular before, but I got used to it very quickly. The author nails the main character in terms word choice and makes it easy and fun to experience the world through Hunters eyes. Lots of great phrasings, maybe a little too much reminiscing about "Pops" and her friend Reverend Ambrose, but otherwise very little fluff and solidly paced out chapters. There wasn't a moment where I wasn't enjoying the flow of words in this novel. The world-building, I feel, is also done in the exact right way. This novel lets you experience the world rather than delivering endless lore-dumps. Information about history and geography is handed naturally through dialogue or when it is appropriate (e.g. when Hunter stops in front of a painting and thinks about the historical event depicted in it).
So, overall, I enjoyed this book. The story is pretty slim, but the main character is fun reading about. The beginning drags, and not much happens throughout large stretches of the novel, but a competent writing-style carried me easily to the end. Not sure, if I would read the next installment; it might just turn out to be another very slow experience. I guess, the mood has to strike me for that, so who knows ...
In fact, it was the early chapters that threw me off a little. The initial hook of the story is rather weak (Hunter, the protagonist, gets a contract and goes about it in a slightly unexpected way) and the early chapters have the main character mostly travel alone and reminisce way too often about her past, her father and the strange bond that she has with the zombie that she's dragging around. Then something happens in the first real action scene and i was immediately curious what will come of this later on. To my disappointment, though, that particular aspect of the plot wasn't addressed any further and is probably reserved for a sequel.
After that, the book gets a lot better. Hunter travels with a companion which leads to an interesting and charming dynamic as well as good character exploration. Nothing significant happens, and the book sometimes just throws in a dramatic scene for the sake of it, but the web of characters that unfolds and plays off of each other is nice and fun to read. Like I said, it feels, at points, more like a slice-of-life-story. The finale then comes rather sudden, but is well put together and builds competently on everything that has been previously set up.
The book is also carried by more than solid prose. I never read a novel in 1st person singular before, but I got used to it very quickly. The author nails the main character in terms word choice and makes it easy and fun to experience the world through Hunters eyes. Lots of great phrasings, maybe a little too much reminiscing about "Pops" and her friend Reverend Ambrose, but otherwise very little fluff and solidly paced out chapters. There wasn't a moment where I wasn't enjoying the flow of words in this novel. The world-building, I feel, is also done in the exact right way. This novel lets you experience the world rather than delivering endless lore-dumps. Information about history and geography is handed naturally through dialogue or when it is appropriate (e.g. when Hunter stops in front of a painting and thinks about the historical event depicted in it).
So, overall, I enjoyed this book. The story is pretty slim, but the main character is fun reading about. The beginning drags, and not much happens throughout large stretches of the novel, but a competent writing-style carried me easily to the end. Not sure, if I would read the next installment; it might just turn out to be another very slow experience. I guess, the mood has to strike me for that, so who knows ...
May 30, 2025
AN ENGAGING WESTERN FANTASY WITH THE BEST LUMBERING UNDEAD I THINK I'VE READ.
Cold Silver For Souls is from a subgenre I've only recently started to learn about but was extremely interested in diving into - Western Fantasy. And wow was this an incredible introduction for me.
Following a bounty hunter named Hunter, who also happens to be a Necromancer, and her undead companion Rip whose history with her prior to his death remains a mystery, we jump right into the story. A choice that serves the shorter length of this novel very well, I would add. Considering the length, our cast of named characters is on the smaller side as well, but it works for the story being told.
The world and time period within it combined with magic and a protagonist who makes use of Necromancy makes for an immensely enjoyable combination, especially in combination with the protagonist's relationship with faith and the priest-equivalent who plays a major role in her life. Her inner struggle with her own magic and her connection to Rip and then the boy, Johnny, are what make the book work.
Without those things, Cold Silver For Souls would just be a good but uninspired story with a semi-interesting concept. Thankfully author Tori Tecken knew what she was doing, providing the "meat" for the "sandwich" (the book) that not only tied things together but allowed the book to soar.
With the ending written as an obvious lead-in to a future sequel, I'm very much looking forward to seeing where things go from here!
Cold Silver For Souls is from a subgenre I've only recently started to learn about but was extremely interested in diving into - Western Fantasy. And wow was this an incredible introduction for me.
Following a bounty hunter named Hunter, who also happens to be a Necromancer, and her undead companion Rip whose history with her prior to his death remains a mystery, we jump right into the story. A choice that serves the shorter length of this novel very well, I would add. Considering the length, our cast of named characters is on the smaller side as well, but it works for the story being told.
The world and time period within it combined with magic and a protagonist who makes use of Necromancy makes for an immensely enjoyable combination, especially in combination with the protagonist's relationship with faith and the priest-equivalent who plays a major role in her life. Her inner struggle with her own magic and her connection to Rip and then the boy, Johnny, are what make the book work.
Without those things, Cold Silver For Souls would just be a good but uninspired story with a semi-interesting concept. Thankfully author Tori Tecken knew what she was doing, providing the "meat" for the "sandwich" (the book) that not only tied things together but allowed the book to soar.
With the ending written as an obvious lead-in to a future sequel, I'm very much looking forward to seeing where things go from here!
June 7, 2025
My rating 4.6
The western fantasy book "Cold Silver for Souls" by Tori Tecken is a very well-written story set in the world of the rush for the magical Shadesilver. Tori's main idea for this story was the Yukon Gold Rush, which fit perfectly into her story about the magical Shadesilver. I loved reading Westerns when I was younger, and her writing style reminds me a lot of Zane Grey, whose books I loved to read. In my opinion, Tori did a great job with this book because she effectively connected Western and Fantasy Elements, which I appreciated. The main character is a perfect combination, with his secrets, past, and attitude. I liked her immediately. The world in which the story takes place is fantastically described, as are the small towns in which the story takes place—all in all, a great book for Western and fantasy fans. If you expect magic to be flying everywhere, you might be disappointed. There is magic, but you have to enter the soul to control it.
The story follows a red-haired woman who identifies as Hunter. She was a necromancer who took with her an animated corpse, Rip. She is a bounty hunter who has fallen out of favor and has few friends. During her quest for the magical Shadesilver, human destinies are intertwined with good and evil, and they easily cross over to the dark side. Hunter is perfectly suited to these times and makes a living by hunting down those who have broken the law. But in a world of lawlessness, you never know who is the worst of them all, as Hunter discovers when she deviates from the bounty hunter code and breaks the rules. This decision will show her the true evil and put her in immediate danger.
I would recommend the book to fans of Western Fantasy.
The western fantasy book "Cold Silver for Souls" by Tori Tecken is a very well-written story set in the world of the rush for the magical Shadesilver. Tori's main idea for this story was the Yukon Gold Rush, which fit perfectly into her story about the magical Shadesilver. I loved reading Westerns when I was younger, and her writing style reminds me a lot of Zane Grey, whose books I loved to read. In my opinion, Tori did a great job with this book because she effectively connected Western and Fantasy Elements, which I appreciated. The main character is a perfect combination, with his secrets, past, and attitude. I liked her immediately. The world in which the story takes place is fantastically described, as are the small towns in which the story takes place—all in all, a great book for Western and fantasy fans. If you expect magic to be flying everywhere, you might be disappointed. There is magic, but you have to enter the soul to control it.
The story follows a red-haired woman who identifies as Hunter. She was a necromancer who took with her an animated corpse, Rip. She is a bounty hunter who has fallen out of favor and has few friends. During her quest for the magical Shadesilver, human destinies are intertwined with good and evil, and they easily cross over to the dark side. Hunter is perfectly suited to these times and makes a living by hunting down those who have broken the law. But in a world of lawlessness, you never know who is the worst of them all, as Hunter discovers when she deviates from the bounty hunter code and breaks the rules. This decision will show her the true evil and put her in immediate danger.
I would recommend the book to fans of Western Fantasy.
June 22, 2025
"She doesn't understand it because she doesn't carry the burden. It's the easiest thing in the world for a person to let go of something that wasn't done to them. They'll tell you what would be best and how you can live for more. But it's not their wound that's bleeding out." Hunter
This is my second book of Tori's, and vastly different from the Blood Stones. The prose is a simple, easy read. But please don't confuse that with bad writing. It was a bit of a slow start for me, but that fit with how character driven this story is. And Hunter, the main character, is very hard to get to know. She is an outcast that practices a type of magic that is basically considered blasphemous. And she has the gall to drag around her Animated Rip (dead corpse). You slowly find out as you go how this magic works, why she re-animated Rip and what other magic exists in this world. She is a loner, but as we go we get a found family, whether Hunter wants one or not. And of course there are antagonists that are after money and control. They are outside the law, and so is Hunter. I'm looking forward to seeing where Tori takes this series. The first book ends with a few loose ends that may be important in future books but it isn't a cliffhanger.
This is my second book of Tori's, and vastly different from the Blood Stones. The prose is a simple, easy read. But please don't confuse that with bad writing. It was a bit of a slow start for me, but that fit with how character driven this story is. And Hunter, the main character, is very hard to get to know. She is an outcast that practices a type of magic that is basically considered blasphemous. And she has the gall to drag around her Animated Rip (dead corpse). You slowly find out as you go how this magic works, why she re-animated Rip and what other magic exists in this world. She is a loner, but as we go we get a found family, whether Hunter wants one or not. And of course there are antagonists that are after money and control. They are outside the law, and so is Hunter. I'm looking forward to seeing where Tori takes this series. The first book ends with a few loose ends that may be important in future books but it isn't a cliffhanger.
September 5, 2025
This is a 3-star review. Maybe a weak 3.5 star experience.
This book combines the "wild west" with a gold rush with magic with land barons with company towns. And it is a fun and easy read. If anything about the author's/publisher's synopsis makes this book sound even remotely attractive, then go read it. A good experience awaits you.
So...why only 3 stars?
This fictional world has rules. Some of them are explained. Most are at best half explained. If there are rules, then I'd like to understand them.
There is a ton of backstory that is implied but never really explored within the book. This appears to be the first in a series that is enticing readers to hang around to get the "rest of the story".
I'm a fan of the first book in any series being self-contained. The reader should be able to walk away from book 1 with a solid experience and no expectation that the rest of the answers will come later in the series. If the reader elects to continue the series, then have all the cliffhangers you want. But book 1 should stand alone.
Peter V. Brett did a masterful job of that in The Warded Man.
This book combines the "wild west" with a gold rush with magic with land barons with company towns. And it is a fun and easy read. If anything about the author's/publisher's synopsis makes this book sound even remotely attractive, then go read it. A good experience awaits you.
So...why only 3 stars?
This fictional world has rules. Some of them are explained. Most are at best half explained. If there are rules, then I'd like to understand them.
There is a ton of backstory that is implied but never really explored within the book. This appears to be the first in a series that is enticing readers to hang around to get the "rest of the story".
I'm a fan of the first book in any series being self-contained. The reader should be able to walk away from book 1 with a solid experience and no expectation that the rest of the answers will come later in the series. If the reader elects to continue the series, then have all the cliffhangers you want. But book 1 should stand alone.
Peter V. Brett did a masterful job of that in The Warded Man.
July 5, 2025
4.5 stars
An action-filled fantasy western featuring a necromancer bounty hunter.
By "western", I mean this is a fantasy world with a western feel - this is not the American West (I actually referenced the map several times!)
The main character was complex, well-described, and understandable, even likeable. She has a whole host of baggage from her past that she tries to run away from, but it keeps showing up. The main character has a very distinctive voice, which made the first-person narrative a perfect choice.
While not by any means a cozy novel, it does have a few vibes trending in that direction - shorter plot arcs, no high-stakes save-the-world plot, and a reasonable amount of page space devoted to character development and everyday life. Love!
Honestly, half-point deduction was only for the incredibly unsatisfying ending. While several plot threads were (mostly) ended, the ending left even more possibilities wide open. I would love to see more books in this world.
Content: gun violence, physical violence, drinking. Death.
An action-filled fantasy western featuring a necromancer bounty hunter.
By "western", I mean this is a fantasy world with a western feel - this is not the American West (I actually referenced the map several times!)
The main character was complex, well-described, and understandable, even likeable. She has a whole host of baggage from her past that she tries to run away from, but it keeps showing up. The main character has a very distinctive voice, which made the first-person narrative a perfect choice.
While not by any means a cozy novel, it does have a few vibes trending in that direction - shorter plot arcs, no high-stakes save-the-world plot, and a reasonable amount of page space devoted to character development and everyday life. Love!
Honestly, half-point deduction was only for the incredibly unsatisfying ending. While several plot threads were (mostly) ended, the ending left even more possibilities wide open. I would love to see more books in this world.
Content: gun violence, physical violence, drinking. Death.
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