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In this rip-roaring Wild West adventure, intrepid bounty hunters Pocahontas and John embark on a dangerous mission to stop a train run by a sadistic, slave-driving madman.
***
“How many?” John was panting. His adrenaline kicked in at the sound of the shot.
“One.”
“There’ll be more. That car’ll empty out quick.”
That was bad. They’d be outnumbered by at least a dozen.
“Did you do it?”
John shifted, scouting the opposite side of the train with a glance. “Not enough,” he pulled his own silver Colt and unslung his rifle. “This is more than a six bullet situation.”
***
Welcome to Good Tales For Bad Dreams, a short-fiction series of re-imagined fairy tales. Each story is set in a different time and place. Some will be familiar, others will not. This tale shifts the story of Pocahontas from Colonial Times to the Wild West. So, strip bare your assumptions, open your mind and see these tales told like never before.
***
“How many?” John was panting. His adrenaline kicked in at the sound of the shot.
“One.”
“There’ll be more. That car’ll empty out quick.”
That was bad. They’d be outnumbered by at least a dozen.
“Did you do it?”
John shifted, scouting the opposite side of the train with a glance. “Not enough,” he pulled his own silver Colt and unslung his rifle. “This is more than a six bullet situation.”
***
Welcome to Good Tales For Bad Dreams, a short-fiction series of re-imagined fairy tales. Each story is set in a different time and place. Some will be familiar, others will not. This tale shifts the story of Pocahontas from Colonial Times to the Wild West. So, strip bare your assumptions, open your mind and see these tales told like never before.
62 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 29, 2014
2 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
V.M. Sawh
7 books132 followersIt all began with Alan Moore’s “The Anatomy Lesson”.
When I was far too young to be reading such things, I picked up a small, dirty, plastic-wrapped comic digest from my local library. The first and featured story was a piece by Alan Moore which started with the line: “It’s raining in Washington tonight.”
It tells the story of a mad doctor who is awaiting the resurrection of a character whose name I won’t reveal here.
Suffice it to say, I was both horrified and intrigued. My young mind had never encountered such a dark and twisted tale, whose ending at the time shocked me. I remember being transfixed by the power of Alan Moore’s imagery and the depth of his narrative. That story still haunts me to this day.
I first picked up the pencil at age 6 to start creating a few stories of my own. Haven’t stopped since. My first trilogy was completed by age 16. Despite the urging of my Writer’s Craft professor, I never published it. At that time, I found the entire publication industry far more frightening than anything I had ever read.
The Good Tales For Bad Dreams series have all hit #1 in their respective categories.
Connect with me on Instagram: @v.m.sawh
When I was far too young to be reading such things, I picked up a small, dirty, plastic-wrapped comic digest from my local library. The first and featured story was a piece by Alan Moore which started with the line: “It’s raining in Washington tonight.”
It tells the story of a mad doctor who is awaiting the resurrection of a character whose name I won’t reveal here.
Suffice it to say, I was both horrified and intrigued. My young mind had never encountered such a dark and twisted tale, whose ending at the time shocked me. I remember being transfixed by the power of Alan Moore’s imagery and the depth of his narrative. That story still haunts me to this day.
I first picked up the pencil at age 6 to start creating a few stories of my own. Haven’t stopped since. My first trilogy was completed by age 16. Despite the urging of my Writer’s Craft professor, I never published it. At that time, I found the entire publication industry far more frightening than anything I had ever read.
The Good Tales For Bad Dreams series have all hit #1 in their respective categories.
Connect with me on Instagram: @v.m.sawh
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 19, 2016
This is the second of V.M. Sawh's stories I have read, the first being "Cinders" some time ago.
"Hontas" is a western and since I do enjoy a good horse opera now and again and I enjoyed "Cinders", I was thrilled to learn Sawh had written a western. This book is tough and gritty as the Wild West itself. Hontas is a strong, can-do kind of girl who keeps fighting even when the odds and the rest of the world around her are stacked up against her. Sawh has some good things to say about the perception of some that skin color matters to the point of making some humans superior and others "animals". Aside from the thought provoking passages, the rest of the book is filled with harsh action and fantastic descriptions.
The only thing that did not work for me was the villain, Smythe. While the rest of the story was well fleshed out, Smythe fell a bit flat, coming across like a comic book villain. Even some of his dialogue felt out of Evil Villain 101. "Well, what have we here?" "He and I are having a nice long chat". Smythe felt out of place and almost comical in this otherwise tense and gripping tale
"Hontas" is a western and since I do enjoy a good horse opera now and again and I enjoyed "Cinders", I was thrilled to learn Sawh had written a western. This book is tough and gritty as the Wild West itself. Hontas is a strong, can-do kind of girl who keeps fighting even when the odds and the rest of the world around her are stacked up against her. Sawh has some good things to say about the perception of some that skin color matters to the point of making some humans superior and others "animals". Aside from the thought provoking passages, the rest of the book is filled with harsh action and fantastic descriptions.
The only thing that did not work for me was the villain, Smythe. While the rest of the story was well fleshed out, Smythe fell a bit flat, coming across like a comic book villain. Even some of his dialogue felt out of Evil Villain 101. "Well, what have we here?" "He and I are having a nice long chat". Smythe felt out of place and almost comical in this otherwise tense and gripping tale
May 27, 2015
Hard to imagine so much magnetic power can be held in so few words! Hontas by V.M.Sawh is so well written it feels like a tome five times its size! You want action, injustice, survival and personal strength with an ending that brands itself into your mind? It’s all right here!
Based on Pocahontas, and placing her in the Wild, wild West, we are witness to the inner strength of a woman taken from the only life she has ever known in her fight for survival. Get ready to absorb the new Hontas into your realm of imaginary friends with guts. Now a bounty hunter with her partner, John, their mission is meant to be a tough one, paying the big bucks, but is I more than they can handle? Hontas past comes back to haunt her with ghosts of those she left behind. Will she use her proud heritage to make her strong or will she be swallowed up by its power?
V.M. Sawh has some major talent here and I’m hoping to see it in a longer tale, but for now, if he just keeps on writing in the crisp and clean style he uses as he colors each page with taut action and strong characters I’ll be one happy reader. An impressive short story, perfect for the pool or beach, when you finish, it’s time to flip over and start another of his tales!
I received this copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Good Tales for Bad Dreams - Book 3
Publication Date: October 29, 2014
Publisher: V. M. Sawh
Genre: Adult Dark Fantasy
Print Length: 62 pages
Available from: Amazon
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Based on Pocahontas, and placing her in the Wild, wild West, we are witness to the inner strength of a woman taken from the only life she has ever known in her fight for survival. Get ready to absorb the new Hontas into your realm of imaginary friends with guts. Now a bounty hunter with her partner, John, their mission is meant to be a tough one, paying the big bucks, but is I more than they can handle? Hontas past comes back to haunt her with ghosts of those she left behind. Will she use her proud heritage to make her strong or will she be swallowed up by its power?
V.M. Sawh has some major talent here and I’m hoping to see it in a longer tale, but for now, if he just keeps on writing in the crisp and clean style he uses as he colors each page with taut action and strong characters I’ll be one happy reader. An impressive short story, perfect for the pool or beach, when you finish, it’s time to flip over and start another of his tales!
I received this copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Good Tales for Bad Dreams - Book 3
Publication Date: October 29, 2014
Publisher: V. M. Sawh
Genre: Adult Dark Fantasy
Print Length: 62 pages
Available from: Amazon
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
August 2, 2015
After reading Cinders, I absolutely had to pick up the next in series and I'm quite glad I did. This is where the grit that was missing from Cinderella's gritty reboot ended up. This story, while equally as dark, takes on a whole different style. For one, there's an awareness of the true, unromanticized history of North America's colonization and western expansion. As such, Sawh doesn't pull any punches and what we get is a tight, action packed, and very tense story that explores the issue of cultural identity and the price of progress.
There is a lot of violence and while I didn't feel that any of it was gratuitous, there were a couple of scenes that were very difficult for me personally to get through. At one point I was beginning to worry that the all out bloody battle that ensued would not have a payoff, but without spoiling anything, the tragic beauty with which the final scenes are written make it worth the tense moments.
I really can't wait to see what direction this series is going to go in next.
There is a lot of violence and while I didn't feel that any of it was gratuitous, there were a couple of scenes that were very difficult for me personally to get through. At one point I was beginning to worry that the all out bloody battle that ensued would not have a payoff, but without spoiling anything, the tragic beauty with which the final scenes are written make it worth the tense moments.
I really can't wait to see what direction this series is going to go in next.
December 21, 2022
It is a short fairy tale. It was the second part of Good tales for bad dreams. The last book of same author was Cinders which was a very good story. It was a never ending fairy tale. I like reading the books of author V.M.Sawh because all the books have different story and mysterious ending.
Hontas is a story of Hontas (Pocahontas) and john. Hontas is a brave girl who can achieve whatever she wants. She fights every situation whatever it be. John is white man and a friend of Hontas. She likes his company and specially horse riding.
They are assigned a job which consists of disrupting the laying of train track by a magnate known as Smythe. There first attempt does not goes well and ends up with wounded Hontas in jungle.There are more twist and turns in the story. I found it a very satisfying sequence.
It was a good book with series of adventure and twist.
Recommended to everyone who likes short but intriguing fairy tales.
Happy Reading!
Hontas is a story of Hontas (Pocahontas) and john. Hontas is a brave girl who can achieve whatever she wants. She fights every situation whatever it be. John is white man and a friend of Hontas. She likes his company and specially horse riding.
They are assigned a job which consists of disrupting the laying of train track by a magnate known as Smythe. There first attempt does not goes well and ends up with wounded Hontas in jungle.There are more twist and turns in the story. I found it a very satisfying sequence.
It was a good book with series of adventure and twist.
Recommended to everyone who likes short but intriguing fairy tales.
Happy Reading!
September 16, 2023
I just love V.M. Sawh's stories. His characters come to life on the page and you find an immediate connection with them. Hontas faces more than danger, she confronts her past and her place in the world. It is an extremely satisfying story, full of action and unexpected twists. The story-telling is vivid, the story is gritty and packs an emotional punch.
September 21, 2015
This review is also posted on my blog: http://theshortreviewer.blogspot.com/...
Another dark and twisted fairy tale in the Good Tales for Bad Dreams series, although this one was more action packed than the others. Hontas (a.k.a Pocahontas) has teamed up with John as a bounty hunter. The mission they're on is a dangerous one, and the historical depiction of the harsh treatment of Native Americans is disturbing.
This story was brutal and violent, but there was depth and emotion to it as well. It was interesting to see the interactions between Hontas and other Native Americans, and it was certainly not what I would have expected. But it honestly made a ton of sense.
I loved the relationship between Hontas and John, although I was hoping to see more of it.
Overall, this was a well-written and compelling tale, and I look forward to reading more works by V.M. Sawh in the future.
*Disclosure: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Another dark and twisted fairy tale in the Good Tales for Bad Dreams series, although this one was more action packed than the others. Hontas (a.k.a Pocahontas) has teamed up with John as a bounty hunter. The mission they're on is a dangerous one, and the historical depiction of the harsh treatment of Native Americans is disturbing.
This story was brutal and violent, but there was depth and emotion to it as well. It was interesting to see the interactions between Hontas and other Native Americans, and it was certainly not what I would have expected. But it honestly made a ton of sense.
I loved the relationship between Hontas and John, although I was hoping to see more of it.
Overall, this was a well-written and compelling tale, and I look forward to reading more works by V.M. Sawh in the future.
*Disclosure: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 5, 2016
View this review, and many more, on my blog https://jessjesinghaus.wordpress.com
Having already read another novella from this author, Cinders, I was familiar with the concept of twisting a fairy tale into a new and darker retelling. What I wasn't prepared for was the idea of Pocahontas getting such a treatment; regardless, I loved it.
The wild, young American West was a wonderful setting for the story and Hontas (as Pocahontas is know in this tale) as a bounty hunter was a great twist. I genuinely loved the story, the narrative was rich and the dialogue true to life. I enjoyed the struggle Hontas faced trying to reconcile her life as a Red Indian with the life she lived riding with her white partner, John.
Unfortunately, there were some editing blips (missing or extra words) peppered throughout. If those were rectified, this would be a solid 5 star read, for sure! But even with said editing snafus I can only deduct a half star, I was able to remain in the moment and in the world with Hontas throughout.
A truly engaging read.
Having already read another novella from this author, Cinders, I was familiar with the concept of twisting a fairy tale into a new and darker retelling. What I wasn't prepared for was the idea of Pocahontas getting such a treatment; regardless, I loved it.
The wild, young American West was a wonderful setting for the story and Hontas (as Pocahontas is know in this tale) as a bounty hunter was a great twist. I genuinely loved the story, the narrative was rich and the dialogue true to life. I enjoyed the struggle Hontas faced trying to reconcile her life as a Red Indian with the life she lived riding with her white partner, John.
Unfortunately, there were some editing blips (missing or extra words) peppered throughout. If those were rectified, this would be a solid 5 star read, for sure! But even with said editing snafus I can only deduct a half star, I was able to remain in the moment and in the world with Hontas throughout.
A truly engaging read.
November 13, 2014
The Western genre holds a special place for me. What little boy didn't dream of being a cowboy or an Indian? I believe I was equal parts of both most times.
There just isn't enough GOOD Westerns being written these days.
While this is a novella size story, it packs big Western punch. It carries with it the grit and fortitude of the old West. You can smell the gunsmoke and the campfires just reading this one. There isn't much character development, but that leads an air of mystery to the shady denizens of this tale. It is hard to pick out who is good and who is bad but instead settles for shades of grey.
Speaking of characters, that is another shot that this one fires into the bullseye. Usually, if you take a historical character out of their setting you are doing it for comedic value. I can assure you that is not the case here. This is a rough around the edges and tough as nails Pocahontas.
I look forward to more displaced character stories and hopefully a full length novel.
There just isn't enough GOOD Westerns being written these days.
While this is a novella size story, it packs big Western punch. It carries with it the grit and fortitude of the old West. You can smell the gunsmoke and the campfires just reading this one. There isn't much character development, but that leads an air of mystery to the shady denizens of this tale. It is hard to pick out who is good and who is bad but instead settles for shades of grey.
Speaking of characters, that is another shot that this one fires into the bullseye. Usually, if you take a historical character out of their setting you are doing it for comedic value. I can assure you that is not the case here. This is a rough around the edges and tough as nails Pocahontas.
I look forward to more displaced character stories and hopefully a full length novel.
September 13, 2016
Gritty wild west action. Sawh draws you into the world of prejudice and violence, greed and revenge. You can almost smell the gunsmoke. John and Hontas make an unlikely partnership, but it works although both red and white men don't understand. The pair are bounty hunters, but this is one job that doesn't go according to plan.
If graphic, bloody violence isn't within your comfort zone, this one probably isn't for you, but for those not seeking a candy coated version of the wild west, this is a good read.
If graphic, bloody violence isn't within your comfort zone, this one probably isn't for you, but for those not seeking a candy coated version of the wild west, this is a good read.
July 7, 2015
Oh my word! What a journey! So much action is such a short book. Written so beautifully you can't help but be there as you read. It felt a little disjointed at the beginning, but that was the literary choice of the author to begin with a dramatic scene before bouncing back in time to then bring you back to where we start and then slipping past to finish the story. There's no fairytale ending here, but I don't want to give away any spoilers, so, I don't think I should say anything beyond "this is well worth the read!"
November 9, 2014
Westerns have never been high on my "to read" list, or even really made an appearance, but this short story by Sawh is both captivating and unique. I love the re-use of characters from history, as well as Sawh's story telling skills.
Once again, I read this book in one sitting, unable to tear myself away from the pages. It's action packed with just a smidge of romance (my favorite kind). It's the little hints that leave you wanting more!
Excellent short read. I highly recommend it!
Once again, I read this book in one sitting, unable to tear myself away from the pages. It's action packed with just a smidge of romance (my favorite kind). It's the little hints that leave you wanting more!
Excellent short read. I highly recommend it!
December 28, 2015
It had been years since I'd read a western. If this is a retelling, I couldn't tell. I'm just guessing because others in the series are.
This little story reads well with just enough descriptions to make you feel as if you were watching a movie, or better yet, there with the characters. If you like westerns, if you need something short to entertain you, this book offers you total immersion and even a few twists to complete the package.
This little story reads well with just enough descriptions to make you feel as if you were watching a movie, or better yet, there with the characters. If you like westerns, if you need something short to entertain you, this book offers you total immersion and even a few twists to complete the package.
May 14, 2022
What a wonderful read a great different story than the one we’re fed from history books.
This Pocahontas has been saved from slaughter by John and he teaches her how to take care of herself and they take a bounty to destroy a railroad builder and find it’s not as easy as they imagined. A must read
This Pocahontas has been saved from slaughter by John and he teaches her how to take care of herself and they take a bounty to destroy a railroad builder and find it’s not as easy as they imagined. A must read
January 1, 2023
Lovely gritty western
Neat tale that is not my usual fare. Certainly captures the true nature of that time but not in a lecture finger wagging way so many books do now
Neat tale that is not my usual fare. Certainly captures the true nature of that time but not in a lecture finger wagging way so many books do now
July 5, 2016
A Red Raven Reads Review of “Good Tales for Bad Dreams 1-4” by V.M. Sawh
www.redravenreads.wordpress.com // www.booksarefood.wordpress.com
Recently I’ve had the pleasure to read a series of four novellas written by Mr. V.M. Sawh for in exchange for an honest review.
THE STORY:
We begin with “Cinders,” a retelling of Cinderella where our protagonist, Rella, must kill the prince to appease her brothel-running caretaker when her feet fit into glass slippers designed for murder. The next tale, “Anastasia,” regards one of Rella’s “stepsisters” from her life on the seas in transition to her life as a prostitute of the Black House. Thirdly, “Hontas” describes a Western-based retelling of Pocahontas, horses and pistols and bounty hunters and all—even romance. Ugh, my heart. Finally, “GR3T3L-1” is a futuristic retelling of Hansel and Gretel with robots fighting to survive and find purpose in a countdown to their imminent demises.
THE GOOD:
I say this wholly and without falter: Sawh’s writing is nothing short of masterful. It’s brilliant, truly; emotionally impactful and compellingly real. I’ve never read anything like it. To be honest, I was upset when I finished all four novellas… I wanted more. I already can’t wait to read the tales again and to recommend them to everyone I know. The characters are incredible. Even Anastasia, an undeniably cruel character as apparent in “Cinders,” makes her plight realistic and capable of sympathy in her own tale. How do you do that?! The author even makes robot characters complex and dynamic in “GR3T3L-1.” The deftness with which these novellas were executed matches the magic of the original stories (and, of course, the magic of the stories retold).
THE BAD:
The only complaint I can muster is that, at times, I felt like there was “too much” of something. Too much sadism, unnecessary grotesqueness, and, while only in the case of the fourth novella, “GR3T3L-1,” too much exposition. None of these would bother me if I found them to be realistic or necessary, but in a few rare cases, I was put off by it. There were a few typographical errors as well but I didn’t care one bit; I was too engulfed by the stories.
THE CONSENSUS:
These. Stories. Are. So. Damn. Good. I adored every moment and can’t wait for the free time to read them over again. They’re brutal, cutting, graceful, and haunting, but most importantly, they are stunning. They shimmer with mastery and reflect reality. THIS is how to write novellas. Take notes, people. These stories demand to be read and recognized. While “Hontas” was easily my favorite, all four were so incredible. I am thrilled to have these novellas in my kindle library and will forever treasure them.
THE RATING:
I am elated to give this series five out of five stars, and it deserves every single one of them.
www.redravenreads.wordpress.com // www.booksarefood.wordpress.com
Recently I’ve had the pleasure to read a series of four novellas written by Mr. V.M. Sawh for in exchange for an honest review.
THE STORY:
We begin with “Cinders,” a retelling of Cinderella where our protagonist, Rella, must kill the prince to appease her brothel-running caretaker when her feet fit into glass slippers designed for murder. The next tale, “Anastasia,” regards one of Rella’s “stepsisters” from her life on the seas in transition to her life as a prostitute of the Black House. Thirdly, “Hontas” describes a Western-based retelling of Pocahontas, horses and pistols and bounty hunters and all—even romance. Ugh, my heart. Finally, “GR3T3L-1” is a futuristic retelling of Hansel and Gretel with robots fighting to survive and find purpose in a countdown to their imminent demises.
THE GOOD:
I say this wholly and without falter: Sawh’s writing is nothing short of masterful. It’s brilliant, truly; emotionally impactful and compellingly real. I’ve never read anything like it. To be honest, I was upset when I finished all four novellas… I wanted more. I already can’t wait to read the tales again and to recommend them to everyone I know. The characters are incredible. Even Anastasia, an undeniably cruel character as apparent in “Cinders,” makes her plight realistic and capable of sympathy in her own tale. How do you do that?! The author even makes robot characters complex and dynamic in “GR3T3L-1.” The deftness with which these novellas were executed matches the magic of the original stories (and, of course, the magic of the stories retold).
THE BAD:
The only complaint I can muster is that, at times, I felt like there was “too much” of something. Too much sadism, unnecessary grotesqueness, and, while only in the case of the fourth novella, “GR3T3L-1,” too much exposition. None of these would bother me if I found them to be realistic or necessary, but in a few rare cases, I was put off by it. There were a few typographical errors as well but I didn’t care one bit; I was too engulfed by the stories.
THE CONSENSUS:
These. Stories. Are. So. Damn. Good. I adored every moment and can’t wait for the free time to read them over again. They’re brutal, cutting, graceful, and haunting, but most importantly, they are stunning. They shimmer with mastery and reflect reality. THIS is how to write novellas. Take notes, people. These stories demand to be read and recognized. While “Hontas” was easily my favorite, all four were so incredible. I am thrilled to have these novellas in my kindle library and will forever treasure them.
THE RATING:
I am elated to give this series five out of five stars, and it deserves every single one of them.
March 9, 2015
Reviewed on behalf of Readers' Favorite
Hontas by V.M. Sawh is another short story in the series, “Good Tales for Bad Dreams.” This time, we are taken to Western Wyoming in 1880. Hontas is a bounty hunter with her trusted partner, John. They have been given the task of hunting a man called Smythe. The bounty promised would set the pair up for a life of luxury and get them out of the bounty business for good. When they manage to track down the target, the pair find themselves in deeper than they imagined. Does Hontas have the courage to face her Native American past in order to survive?
Hontas by V.M. Sawh is an intense story. Based on Pocohontas, Sawh completely twists the story to apply to the tragic slaughter of thousands of Native Americans across the Western Territories. I enjoyed this story much more than Cinders, another installment in this series. I found the characters better developed and the scenery much clearer to picture. This story is not for the faint of heart as there are graphic descriptions of violence. I was curious to learn more about Native Americans pushed into slavery. I did not know they were made to work on the railroads so that is something I will have to read up on. It was an interesting twist to have a character called John and a character called Smythe. It was almost as if the author were presenting two sides of how white people felt about the Native Americans. Overall, this is a quick, dramatic read with a satisfying ending.
Hontas by V.M. Sawh is another short story in the series, “Good Tales for Bad Dreams.” This time, we are taken to Western Wyoming in 1880. Hontas is a bounty hunter with her trusted partner, John. They have been given the task of hunting a man called Smythe. The bounty promised would set the pair up for a life of luxury and get them out of the bounty business for good. When they manage to track down the target, the pair find themselves in deeper than they imagined. Does Hontas have the courage to face her Native American past in order to survive?
Hontas by V.M. Sawh is an intense story. Based on Pocohontas, Sawh completely twists the story to apply to the tragic slaughter of thousands of Native Americans across the Western Territories. I enjoyed this story much more than Cinders, another installment in this series. I found the characters better developed and the scenery much clearer to picture. This story is not for the faint of heart as there are graphic descriptions of violence. I was curious to learn more about Native Americans pushed into slavery. I did not know they were made to work on the railroads so that is something I will have to read up on. It was an interesting twist to have a character called John and a character called Smythe. It was almost as if the author were presenting two sides of how white people felt about the Native Americans. Overall, this is a quick, dramatic read with a satisfying ending.
January 19, 2024
I'm giving this a 4.5 star rating!
Another gritty wonderful tale for V.M. Sawh's collection of short stories, only this time set in the West. This Pocahontas retelling seems well researched and true to the struggles of those times, instead of the romanticized view of the Wild West you often see. And like any good western, this one's full of action and violence all the way to the end. I'm warning you now to prepare for some rather dark moments when reading this, nothing is held back.
Once again I must compliment Sawh's ability to paint a picture with well written words, without over the top flowery nonsense. He gets to the point, while still giving you enough detail to suck you into the world he's building as he writes.
I will say that the end felt like it was written in a rush. There were more mistakes that I wished had been combed through to match the quality of the beginning half. I get it, that's where things escalate in a rather crazy way, but it disrupted my reading having to pause to mentally plug in a missing word here or edit out a word that didn't belong there.
All in all, another favorite of mine from him! I can't really choose between Cinders and Hontas on which is number one for me. Maybe I'll rank them once I read them all? Speaking of, I'm eager to jump into the next one in Good Tales For Bad Dreams!
Another gritty wonderful tale for V.M. Sawh's collection of short stories, only this time set in the West. This Pocahontas retelling seems well researched and true to the struggles of those times, instead of the romanticized view of the Wild West you often see. And like any good western, this one's full of action and violence all the way to the end. I'm warning you now to prepare for some rather dark moments when reading this, nothing is held back.
Once again I must compliment Sawh's ability to paint a picture with well written words, without over the top flowery nonsense. He gets to the point, while still giving you enough detail to suck you into the world he's building as he writes.
I will say that the end felt like it was written in a rush. There were more mistakes that I wished had been combed through to match the quality of the beginning half. I get it, that's where things escalate in a rather crazy way, but it disrupted my reading having to pause to mentally plug in a missing word here or edit out a word that didn't belong there.
All in all, another favorite of mine from him! I can't really choose between Cinders and Hontas on which is number one for me. Maybe I'll rank them once I read them all? Speaking of, I'm eager to jump into the next one in Good Tales For Bad Dreams!
March 13, 2015
Hontas by V.M. Sawh is the story of Hontas (Pocahontas) and John, bounty hunters extraordinaire in Wyoming 1880, the real wild west. They are assigned a job which consists of disrupting the laying of train track by a magnate known as Smythe. Their first attempt doesn’t go so well and ends up with a wounded Hontas careening through a rushing river, sliced and expelled. The non-linear story timeline and non-stop action means this is a hard short to put down.
The second confrontation with Smythe goes more to Hontas’s way of liking. I found it a very satisfying sequence, with a surprise twist. The larger themes of the story are equally satisfying, both that, as Hontas says, “Red. White. We all bleed the same,” as well as the idea that progress (such as the laying of train track over the west) inevitably destroys traditional ways of life. Craft wise, there is some repetition of words and some minor omissions but nothing that seriously detracts from your enjoyment of this fast-moving piece. There are several evocative descriptions of authentic scenery, although I wished there might have been even more, since this is one of the things people love about Westerns, the vast and exhilarating landscape. All in all a fun read over lunch or with a cold drink in hand.
The second confrontation with Smythe goes more to Hontas’s way of liking. I found it a very satisfying sequence, with a surprise twist. The larger themes of the story are equally satisfying, both that, as Hontas says, “Red. White. We all bleed the same,” as well as the idea that progress (such as the laying of train track over the west) inevitably destroys traditional ways of life. Craft wise, there is some repetition of words and some minor omissions but nothing that seriously detracts from your enjoyment of this fast-moving piece. There are several evocative descriptions of authentic scenery, although I wished there might have been even more, since this is one of the things people love about Westerns, the vast and exhilarating landscape. All in all a fun read over lunch or with a cold drink in hand.
March 24, 2016
Another short read of V.M.Sawh, I like the way he portraits the classic tales and make them more dark and real, just like the originals grimm brothers would have wanted.
I did like that he researched so good and have hontas a tale to remember the cruelty of white men towards indian people back in the days and the way he puts the romance that can never be between john and hontas,
The tale is rich and interesting from the begining to the end. So if you're looking for a good retale in a dark way you have found a series that will give you good tales for bad dreams.
I did like that he researched so good and have hontas a tale to remember the cruelty of white men towards indian people back in the days and the way he puts the romance that can never be between john and hontas,
The tale is rich and interesting from the begining to the end. So if you're looking for a good retale in a dark way you have found a series that will give you good tales for bad dreams.
February 14, 2015
Twisted, without too much of a dark turn to it, and was very enjoyable to read.
I love the imagery he uses. It’s very vivid and you can clearly see what he was trying to portray. I’m very much so a visual thinker, and I kept picturing Picasso like scenes as I read it. A bit from each of his periods.
I did enjoy the authors stories.
I love the imagery he uses. It’s very vivid and you can clearly see what he was trying to portray. I’m very much so a visual thinker, and I kept picturing Picasso like scenes as I read it. A bit from each of his periods.
I did enjoy the authors stories.
January 28, 2016
What an excellent story! Every character was vividly clear in my mind, with depth and backstory fully constructed. As a retelling, it made for a great read, and I look forward to reading other works by V.M. Sawh. There was violence in the story, but it fit the situation, and was not what I would called graphic. The writing was easy to follow, leading me through the story with ease. Great job!
June 1, 2015
A fantastically raw, new twist on the Native American princess... and what you thought you knew about her story.
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