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My Dear Flinchy
A disillusioned degenerate named Harley meets the most stubborn, unenthused, and stinkiest magical white cow that ever existed in West Pillar.
Tasked with taking this cow to the southern end of a dangerous, red rock desert, Harley hopes to make a quick buck. She wants to head east to find a new home, since the west holds nothing for her but trauma caused by a slaver she never wants to think about again. Just as she gets started, she meets a plucky kid named Kade Kitt who begs for her help. She realizes he has powers that could help her navigate the dangers of this place, and decides she will use him, then lose him.
What she encounters is nothing short of fated crookery: fighting colossal scorpions, negotiating her way out of hairy situations, and surviving gunfights with bald cattle wranglers.
The only thing left for Harley to face? Her own cowardice . . . and the relentless rambling of her pesky companions.
Tasked with taking this cow to the southern end of a dangerous, red rock desert, Harley hopes to make a quick buck. She wants to head east to find a new home, since the west holds nothing for her but trauma caused by a slaver she never wants to think about again. Just as she gets started, she meets a plucky kid named Kade Kitt who begs for her help. She realizes he has powers that could help her navigate the dangers of this place, and decides she will use him, then lose him.
What she encounters is nothing short of fated crookery: fighting colossal scorpions, negotiating her way out of hairy situations, and surviving gunfights with bald cattle wranglers.
The only thing left for Harley to face? Her own cowardice . . . and the relentless rambling of her pesky companions.
- GenresFantasy
414 pages, Paperback
Published April 30, 2026
About the author
M.T. Christen
1 book3 followersM. T. Christen, if one can believe it, is not a villainous henchmen to the AI scourge reigning wide across the internet. She’s careful with her publications because in a world defined by an overheated capitalist frenzy, the last thing she wants to do is saturate the market with meaningless literature. Like everyone else, she’s been writing for years. Like everyone else, she threw common sense out the window with her science degree and pursued a Bachelor’s in Creative Writing. And just like everyone else, she likes to write about rough characters in rougher worlds. Trust the omniscient narrator following her life: she already sold her soul to the devil so that everyone can know her work is animated from her own ragged fingertips.
Even as a debut author, she’s also a founding partner for Inkcraft Publishing LLC and a digital artist. But when she isn’t writing, she’s usually with her Golden Retriever, Scotchie, lost in the wild somewhere and dreaming about more things to write. She’s also at total war with society’s hustle culture, a noble venture, she believes.
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Even as a debut author, she’s also a founding partner for Inkcraft Publishing LLC and a digital artist. But when she isn’t writing, she’s usually with her Golden Retriever, Scotchie, lost in the wild somewhere and dreaming about more things to write. She’s also at total war with society’s hustle culture, a noble venture, she believes.
You should sign up for my newsletter!!
https://rebrand.ly/6sd2d0q
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 7, 2026
If you want a unique, fast-paced read that's not only full of laughs (and maybe a few cries) but also has amazing character development, interesting world building, and a satisfying ending... then this is the book for you!
I haven't had this much fun reading a book in such a long time. "My Dear Flinchy" is a story that I could not put down. Harley, our protagonist and narrator, gives the story a witty and authentic voice that is so entertaining. But don't let the silly cadence of Harley's story fools you. This book will easily having you giggling one moment and crying the next. Despite the books comedic outer layer, the author does an amazing job presenting serious topics through her complex characters. This book leads you through so many twists and turns and had an unexpected ending that left me feeling satisfied but also wanting more (if that's possible). I can't wait to see what M. T. Christen has in store for us in the future!
I haven't had this much fun reading a book in such a long time. "My Dear Flinchy" is a story that I could not put down. Harley, our protagonist and narrator, gives the story a witty and authentic voice that is so entertaining. But don't let the silly cadence of Harley's story fools you. This book will easily having you giggling one moment and crying the next. Despite the books comedic outer layer, the author does an amazing job presenting serious topics through her complex characters. This book leads you through so many twists and turns and had an unexpected ending that left me feeling satisfied but also wanting more (if that's possible). I can't wait to see what M. T. Christen has in store for us in the future!
April 30, 2026
One of the most unique books I've read in a long time! The world of West Pillar is so different than your traditional fantasy setting that it pulls you right in, and has the fitting vibes and themes to keep you there. Instead of the soft, delicate princess girl and the big strong macho man, you get an abrasive, loud, and stubborn cowgirl and her kindhearted painter companion. Not to mention the cow!
This book fits perfectly into the Weird West genre with a big heaping spoonful of Absurd, but has just enough realism in it to keep you hooked. Can't recommend enough!
This book fits perfectly into the Weird West genre with a big heaping spoonful of Absurd, but has just enough realism in it to keep you hooked. Can't recommend enough!
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5
“My Dear Flinchy” is one hell of a colorful, unique, and absolutely WIIIIILD Western-themed epic-fantasy. It’s LOUD! It’s crass (but like in a fun way)! Most importantly, it’s an unapologetic tale and wholly in its own corral.
Maybe it’s an over-used cliché for some, but I truly LOVE whatever it is that’s wrong with Harley Sloan (narrator). She is a… resilient and rowdy, sarcastic and determined, certified desert baddie!! Her journey is peppered with unexpected entertainment and full of darker nuance; just like you’d expect on your own journey, if you were caught “between a (red) rock and a hard place”. She navigates conflicting/contradicting motivations and morals, costs of belonging vs isolation, and truly sooo much more—She’s just trying to make any semblance of a life while being thrown into a changing world posed to oppress and limit. The supporting characters, of all species, added their own nice touches of narrative flavor!
The Utah desert-inspired imagery and environment descriptions were delightful. Easy for my mind to sink into, it made me thirsty and craving water. And milk, too? Huh? Hehe
Harley’s journey felt wrapped up and completed in a meaningful way. Would love to see more adventures and lore come out of this world! Truly an astounding novel, additionally with consideration that this is the author’s debut work as a self-publisher.
Alright, now, why the .5 mark down?
I’m not a reader of epic-fantasy, as I often get overwhelmed by the world I’m forced to be immersed in, and then I just decide I’d rather read something else typically non-fiction instead. This reading experience was NOT like that. The informal .5 rating off from my review is probably due to my own reading preferences around some pacing of the plot. There was a (small) theme with characters I didn’t care for, which I found myself not really invested in. The tone/voice read somewhat mildly inconsistent to me in some places, but overall not something I got hung up on.
Saddle up, and enjoy the ride!!
*
Thank you for the advance copy! (M.T. Christen and Inkcraft publishing)
“My Dear Flinchy” is one hell of a colorful, unique, and absolutely WIIIIILD Western-themed epic-fantasy. It’s LOUD! It’s crass (but like in a fun way)! Most importantly, it’s an unapologetic tale and wholly in its own corral.
Maybe it’s an over-used cliché for some, but I truly LOVE whatever it is that’s wrong with Harley Sloan (narrator). She is a… resilient and rowdy, sarcastic and determined, certified desert baddie!! Her journey is peppered with unexpected entertainment and full of darker nuance; just like you’d expect on your own journey, if you were caught “between a (red) rock and a hard place”. She navigates conflicting/contradicting motivations and morals, costs of belonging vs isolation, and truly sooo much more—She’s just trying to make any semblance of a life while being thrown into a changing world posed to oppress and limit. The supporting characters, of all species, added their own nice touches of narrative flavor!
The Utah desert-inspired imagery and environment descriptions were delightful. Easy for my mind to sink into, it made me thirsty and craving water. And milk, too? Huh? Hehe
Harley’s journey felt wrapped up and completed in a meaningful way. Would love to see more adventures and lore come out of this world! Truly an astounding novel, additionally with consideration that this is the author’s debut work as a self-publisher.
Alright, now, why the .5 mark down?
I’m not a reader of epic-fantasy, as I often get overwhelmed by the world I’m forced to be immersed in, and then I just decide I’d rather read something else typically non-fiction instead. This reading experience was NOT like that. The informal .5 rating off from my review is probably due to my own reading preferences around some pacing of the plot. There was a (small) theme with characters I didn’t care for, which I found myself not really invested in. The tone/voice read somewhat mildly inconsistent to me in some places, but overall not something I got hung up on.
Saddle up, and enjoy the ride!!
*
Thank you for the advance copy! (M.T. Christen and Inkcraft publishing)
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was SUCH a fun read! The main character, Harley, is trying to run away from her past traumas but keeps getting pulled into obstacles, some hilarious and some genuinely dangerous, that prevent her from doing so. The magical white cow and the other travel companions she ends up with are lovable in a dopey kind of way.
The humor throughout had me laughing out loud in several scenes, and the adventure itself is exciting and fast-paced. I could easily see this being adapted into a film, with epic action sequences like fighting colossal scorpions, high-speed chase scenes with flying bullets, and stunning red rock desert scenery.
I'm personally not a huge fan of the western cowboy trope, but I truly enjoyed this setting. It is a fantasy world that closely mirrors the Wild West, so there is not too much to keep track of in terms of world-building if that concerns you. There are also fictional tribes that feel inspired by Native American cultures, and Harley herself has roots in one of these communities, which adds depth to her character and to the book’s themes of identity and belonging.
There’s also real heart in the story, especially in Harley’s character development. She’s unapologetically herself, with a bit of a mouth, so just be aware if you’re not a fan of occasional foul language.
Trigger warning (SA): The story does not go into detail, but it does reference a past assault as part of Harley’s backstory.
Thanks to the author M. T. Christen for the advanced copy! I loved it very much!
The humor throughout had me laughing out loud in several scenes, and the adventure itself is exciting and fast-paced. I could easily see this being adapted into a film, with epic action sequences like fighting colossal scorpions, high-speed chase scenes with flying bullets, and stunning red rock desert scenery.
I'm personally not a huge fan of the western cowboy trope, but I truly enjoyed this setting. It is a fantasy world that closely mirrors the Wild West, so there is not too much to keep track of in terms of world-building if that concerns you. There are also fictional tribes that feel inspired by Native American cultures, and Harley herself has roots in one of these communities, which adds depth to her character and to the book’s themes of identity and belonging.
There’s also real heart in the story, especially in Harley’s character development. She’s unapologetically herself, with a bit of a mouth, so just be aware if you’re not a fan of occasional foul language.
Trigger warning (SA): The story does not go into detail, but it does reference a past assault as part of Harley’s backstory.
Thanks to the author M. T. Christen for the advanced copy! I loved it very much!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I was lucky enough to get an early copy, and I’ve got to say, this is a fantastic, fun read! You can tell care went into the whole thing, from the character development to the world-building.
From the moment I cracked it open, I was in. Super strong first chapter title that hooked me immediately. That’s not easy to do, and Mindy nailed it right out of the gate. And the map! Very satisfying. I love it when the map is done right, and this one absolutely delivers. It sets the tone and pulls you into the world before you even start reading.
And what a world it is! On the surface, it’s a Wild West–style setting… but not the one you’re expecting. This is a whole other world, complete with giant scorpions, mystical powers, and magic portals. It’s gritty, imaginative, and just plain fun.
Then the protagonist, Harley! Love her. She’s sassy, raw, tough, and funny… exactly the kind of person you want to follow into chaos. I especially loved her vernacular. It feels real, grounded, and full of personality.
And ha ha! The personification of luck? That made me laugh out loud. Such a clever touch.
My first impression when I started reading it was: this is one of those books where you can tell you’re in good hands as a reader. Now that I’m halfway through, it’s been a fun romp every step of the way.
Highly recommend!
From the moment I cracked it open, I was in. Super strong first chapter title that hooked me immediately. That’s not easy to do, and Mindy nailed it right out of the gate. And the map! Very satisfying. I love it when the map is done right, and this one absolutely delivers. It sets the tone and pulls you into the world before you even start reading.
And what a world it is! On the surface, it’s a Wild West–style setting… but not the one you’re expecting. This is a whole other world, complete with giant scorpions, mystical powers, and magic portals. It’s gritty, imaginative, and just plain fun.
Then the protagonist, Harley! Love her. She’s sassy, raw, tough, and funny… exactly the kind of person you want to follow into chaos. I especially loved her vernacular. It feels real, grounded, and full of personality.
And ha ha! The personification of luck? That made me laugh out loud. Such a clever touch.
My first impression when I started reading it was: this is one of those books where you can tell you’re in good hands as a reader. Now that I’m halfway through, it’s been a fun romp every step of the way.
Highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely loved My Dear Flinchy. From the very first chapter, the voice of the main character pulled me in with its humor, grit, and completely unique personality. The story feels like a mix of western adventure, fantasy, and dark comedy, and it somehow makes all of those elements work together perfectly.
Harley is one of the most entertaining narrators I’ve read in a long time—sarcastic, unlucky, stubborn, and strangely lovable. The world-building is rich without being overwhelming, and the setting feels dusty, dangerous, and alive. The whole journey with the mysterious white cow had me laughing one minute and completely hooked the next.
What really stood out to me was how original the story feels. It doesn’t read like anything else out there. The writing has so much personality, and you can tell the author put a lot of heart into every page. The dialogue is sharp, the pacing keeps you turning pages, and the characters feel real in all their flaws.
If you like western fantasy, adventure stories, or books with strong, sarcastic main characters, I highly recommend this one. I’m already hoping there will be more stories in this world.
Harley is one of the most entertaining narrators I’ve read in a long time—sarcastic, unlucky, stubborn, and strangely lovable. The world-building is rich without being overwhelming, and the setting feels dusty, dangerous, and alive. The whole journey with the mysterious white cow had me laughing one minute and completely hooked the next.
What really stood out to me was how original the story feels. It doesn’t read like anything else out there. The writing has so much personality, and you can tell the author put a lot of heart into every page. The dialogue is sharp, the pacing keeps you turning pages, and the characters feel real in all their flaws.
If you like western fantasy, adventure stories, or books with strong, sarcastic main characters, I highly recommend this one. I’m already hoping there will be more stories in this world.
June 23, 2026
I loved this novel, it is extremely unique (at least for me, as I have never read or even heard of a fantasy western)!! The characters and world building are phenomenal!! I really enjoyed the main characters (Harley) emotional journey. She is a bit of an anti hero at first, very rough around the edges and extremely guarded, but for good reasons I won't spoil here. The world of west pillar is astoundingly well done, from the different cultures, religious groups and environments themselves! The way the author writes about nature made me appreciate the beauty of desert environments more. I really enjoyed the fantasy spin on the nature as well! The dialogue between the characters is very natural and entertaining. Also, this book is hilarious!! There were several times I laughed out loud (mostly due to Flinchy the cow). My Dear Flinchy has wonderful characters, world building, action and fantasy elements all centered around a magical cow, what more could you ask for. This is a standalone title but would definitely read more in this world if the author decided to write more! I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an epic adventure with brilliant characters and writing!
Review of advance copy received from Author
“My Dear Flinchy” is not only a love letter to our beautiful desert, but it is a story about finding one’s sense of belonging, bravery, friendship, and overcoming great obstacles, including one’s self.
M.T. Christen builds a vivid fantasy world inspired by our beautiful desert landscape. The descriptions are detailed so well that it is easy to visualize yourself among the obscure red rock formations watching a sunset full of colors alongside the main characters.
The heroine may be rough around the edges but she comes from a dark place many unfortunately have been. She is a helpful reminder that even those dark places can be overcome. A respectful take on heavy topics filled with raw emotion.
This story serves as a sweet reminder that friendship can save you in more ways than one and maybe that’s just bringing out the best version of yourself.
“My Dear Flinchy” has its lighthearted moments that will have you chuckling, but what lingers most is its sense of warmth and place.
M.T. Christen builds a vivid fantasy world inspired by our beautiful desert landscape. The descriptions are detailed so well that it is easy to visualize yourself among the obscure red rock formations watching a sunset full of colors alongside the main characters.
The heroine may be rough around the edges but she comes from a dark place many unfortunately have been. She is a helpful reminder that even those dark places can be overcome. A respectful take on heavy topics filled with raw emotion.
This story serves as a sweet reminder that friendship can save you in more ways than one and maybe that’s just bringing out the best version of yourself.
“My Dear Flinchy” has its lighthearted moments that will have you chuckling, but what lingers most is its sense of warmth and place.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I started reading ‘My Dear Flinchy’ two days ago and finished it this morning at 1 a.m.! I couldn’t put it down until I’d finished the last 100 pages!
I can honestly say I haven’t stayed up late reading a book in many years. I woke up thinking about the story, Harley, and Flinchy the cow, and found myself wanting to read another epic adventure involving these characters.
This young writer did an excellent job with her character development., and the fantasy world she created for them. It had everything in it I needed in a fun read to capture my attention.
I found myself laughing out loud at some of feisty Harley’s descriptions narrating her tale, as well as Flinchy the Cow’s antics. Flinchy the Cow is unforgettable. Loved this book, highly recommend it. Fun fantasy read!
I’m looking forward to this author’s next book!
I can honestly say I haven’t stayed up late reading a book in many years. I woke up thinking about the story, Harley, and Flinchy the cow, and found myself wanting to read another epic adventure involving these characters.
This young writer did an excellent job with her character development., and the fantasy world she created for them. It had everything in it I needed in a fun read to capture my attention.
I found myself laughing out loud at some of feisty Harley’s descriptions narrating her tale, as well as Flinchy the Cow’s antics. Flinchy the Cow is unforgettable. Loved this book, highly recommend it. Fun fantasy read!
I’m looking forward to this author’s next book!
April 30, 2026
Adventure, drama, comedy, action… this book has it all! A fantastic read that had me staying awake late into the night wrapped up in the story. I was swept away into a fantasy western world where Harley faces challenges that forged her into a strong woman, helping her to face her past and reluctantly build relationships that help her face her traumas. I found myself cheering for her to tear down her walls to let in not only the people she meets on her journey, but also Flinchy, the cow. What a brilliant mix of characters and experiences to build an enveloping story that grabbed hold of my emotions and took me for a ride! This was an unexpected heart warming adventure that I’m happy to have spent the time to read.
June 14, 2026
what an amazing book. a woman on her journey to run from her trauma encountering the one person in the desert who needs to run straight to the tales of her past to complete his quest. this story was very heartwrenching and wonderfully told. the title of the book made me tear up when i finished the story. who knew such a stubborn cow would be the most important thing thats happened to harley.
as for my review on the writing and style itself: for a debut author, i am SHOCKED. BEYOND AMAZED. this was well worth the read and I have very high hopes for M.T. Christen in the future. while i do believe my one star deduction is due to not having enough context of the magic system, ordines, and chaos, this book is not lacking in entertainment. it was a riveting story.
as for my review on the writing and style itself: for a debut author, i am SHOCKED. BEYOND AMAZED. this was well worth the read and I have very high hopes for M.T. Christen in the future. while i do believe my one star deduction is due to not having enough context of the magic system, ordines, and chaos, this book is not lacking in entertainment. it was a riveting story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Never in my life would I have expected to enjoy a story about a stinky, glittery white cow as much as I did here. My Dear Flinchy is a wild west absurdist fantasy that is equal parts hilarious as it is tragic. M.T. Christen has a knack for writing distinctly unique and interesting characters that you both love and hate. WARNING: if you love Red Dead Redemption, True Grit, The English, or practically any other wild west piece of media, you are going to LOVE this book! You come for the humor, you stay for the emotional depth.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
My dear flinchy is an adoring book that is chock full of wit, humor, and admiration. it’s whimsy setting inspired by the utah desert sticks forever in my mind with Christens amazing prose and provocative inner world. Harley is a character you love to hate and hate to love with her brashness and absurdity. yet you admire and look forward to how she changes and grows while she takes you on a wonderful ride next to a magical cow who steals your heart.
never will i look at our night sky the same again!
never will i look at our night sky the same again!
Review of advance copy received from Author
From chapter 1 I was hooked to follow Harley’s quest with her unlikely companions. Filled with adventure, humor, and heartfelt moments this story was beautifully crafted. After reading this book it leaves the reader questioning, are some of us just unlucky or do we create our own luck? Coming from a first time author, I can’t wait to see what M.T. Christen comes up with next.
May 19, 2026
The journey of Harley and her flinchies is exciting and refreshing! The world of west pillar is unique, complex, and full of surprises too with very memorable characters. It’s a wonderful read! Won’t give away any spoilers, but it is a fast paced and heartfelt adventure with emotional highs and lows for the aforementioned protagonist Harley. One of my favorite reads I’ve had in a long time!
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April 22, 2026This is such a fun read! It's like if Jack Sparrow was a woman in the Wild West! Fast paced, solid action, and all around funny! With some heavy parts, but mostly a comedic, ridiculous ride!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I'm a sucker for world creation especially in new settings and this has a perfect pacing with bringing you into a brand new world view of the west.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews