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The X-Troop
Steampunk, wild west
155 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 20, 2015
3 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 9, 2024
I enjoyed this read.
The ‘steampunk’ genre? Yes, I had to look that one up.
Think Jules Verne and H.G. Wells, then technology, the Wild West thrown in, alternative histories, and a being a sub-genre of science fiction, and you’re on track.
The ‘steampunk’ genre? Yes, I had to look that one up.
Think Jules Verne and H.G. Wells, then technology, the Wild West thrown in, alternative histories, and a being a sub-genre of science fiction, and you’re on track.
December 15, 2020
Three and a half stars
Wild, Wild Steampunk West
The old Wild, Wild West tv series was almost positively an inspiration for this book. Though, as I think about it, the premise is much more similar to the 1999 movie. Entertaining, but it was hard for me to have any sympathy for or empathy with Custer, Sheridan, Grant and company. At least the main villain and leader of the gang was a renegade yankee general not a Confederate.
Wild, Wild Steampunk West
The old Wild, Wild West tv series was almost positively an inspiration for this book. Though, as I think about it, the premise is much more similar to the 1999 movie. Entertaining, but it was hard for me to have any sympathy for or empathy with Custer, Sheridan, Grant and company. At least the main villain and leader of the gang was a renegade yankee general not a Confederate.
June 1, 2021
I enjoyed this alternative historical fiction with elements of steampunk. Set in the wild west during the post-civil war era; Grant is President, the country is in economic dire straits, and there is a band of thieves called the "Locusts" who will stop at nothing to steal the gold meant to save the American economy. The story had espionage, action, adventure and suspense and I found well written and entertaining.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review-- thank you!
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review-- thank you!
August 28, 2021
This is a book I thought was not my type when I read the first sentence about army operations. But Clay Davies’s book got me hooked as I delved deeper, getting a glimpse into military arts and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Set in Philadelphia in 1876, we are introduced to Colonel Ritter who selects his special commanders the way Lord Jesus selected the calibre of his disciples with wisdom. They are highly skilled, the very best and hand-picked regardless of their race, creed, colour and sex! They are a secret fighting unit, risk takers who under Colonel Ritter of the USA army use unorthodox methods to solve problems in the country. Readers will enjoy the humour, the historical references and allusions. Christian readers will draw parallels with some bible characters and scenes. Colonel Ritter is a veteran, a family man, obedient, loyal and diligent but he was a prisoner! This is just like Commander Naaman in the bible sharing such qualities but was a leper! Custer reminded me of Uriah’s betrayal and set up to get rid of him by powerful army generals. Also there are incidents that show that though the afflictions of the righteous are many, God delivers them from ALL. I loved this character, Orsen Ritter when I met him the first time. As soon as Ritter is released from prison, he and the troop are involved in so many tension gripping scenes and intrigues that made my adrenalin pump fast. The writer titles each chapter, engaging the reader’s focus and interest and giving a great insight to the lives of each handpicked recruitee in the X – Troop. Davies’ writing style takes a life of its own. Example – There to meet him were two warriors, one was human the other animal. This is a book that can be enjoyed by readers from both the younger and older generations. The book ends abruptly leaving readers wondering if there’ll be a sequel to this amazing and engaging novella. Definitely worth its 5 stars.
December 16, 2020
This is an awesome book. It was very well written and historically acurrate. I recommend this book to all.
March 23, 2015
I am a fan of Orsen Ritter, and for that I thank you Mister Davis.
A solid western went across the pages of my mind, peppered with steampunk and old school, two-fisted heroes of a diverse set.
This read like a western, and I disagree with one review on Amazon about a lack of dialogue. There was talking aplenty here.
Interesting how we are given the American West and East as separate entities, almost separate nations. But Clay Davis dips into the politics of DC, how it affected the West, and vice versa.
Liked it a lot. Technical issues were alignment of chapter headings, but it didn't slow my reading. I don't know if it's writer error or how Kindle arranges it, but that was the lone flaw.
Congratulations Clay. May Colonel Ritter and X Troop ride again.
A solid western went across the pages of my mind, peppered with steampunk and old school, two-fisted heroes of a diverse set.
This read like a western, and I disagree with one review on Amazon about a lack of dialogue. There was talking aplenty here.
Interesting how we are given the American West and East as separate entities, almost separate nations. But Clay Davis dips into the politics of DC, how it affected the West, and vice versa.
Liked it a lot. Technical issues were alignment of chapter headings, but it didn't slow my reading. I don't know if it's writer error or how Kindle arranges it, but that was the lone flaw.
Congratulations Clay. May Colonel Ritter and X Troop ride again.
April 10, 2015
The X-Troop is an entertaining speculative western adventure about a top secret military unit which must fight villainy in post Civil War America. The idea of the military unit offers a lot of storytelling potential and in this novella, we certainly see a mix of espionage, political thriller, and plenty of western action. Davis has a good grasp on the history and politics of the period, which lends this fantastical tale an air of authenticity.
The X-Troop was an enjoyable debut from Clay Davis and I hope to see more of Colonel Orsen Ritter and his cavalry unit in the future.
The X-Troop was an enjoyable debut from Clay Davis and I hope to see more of Colonel Orsen Ritter and his cavalry unit in the future.
June 28, 2025
Great Story, Well Written, & Entertaining
The X-Troop by Clay Davis is an original book that is a great take on the Western genre. It is a Western steampunk novel that is highly entertaining and well-written, with a compelling world and interesting plot twists. If you are a fan of the old Wild Wild West television series, you will love this book.
The story centers on Colonel Orsen Ritter, a military officer who was wrongly convicted of a crime. He accepts a conditional pardon – he must lead a new cavalry unit “The Elite Cavalry Territorial Guard” also known as “X-Troop.” Colonel Ritter and the X-Troop are soon pitted against the Four Horseman, a group of outlaws equipped with amazing locomotive-like fighting vehicles. The story is fast-paced and entertaining. You will appreciate the strong characterization. There are many diverse characters whose personalities and motivations are distinct and memorable. My favorite character is Colonel Ritter, and I also LOVE the biblical imagery (Locusts, Apollyon, Four Horsemen). The action scenes are fast-paced and just violent enough that you understand the danger, scope, and size of them.
I recommend The X-Troop to anybody who loves a great story, especially those who love Westerns. I look forward to the sequel.
The X-Troop by Clay Davis is an original book that is a great take on the Western genre. It is a Western steampunk novel that is highly entertaining and well-written, with a compelling world and interesting plot twists. If you are a fan of the old Wild Wild West television series, you will love this book.
The story centers on Colonel Orsen Ritter, a military officer who was wrongly convicted of a crime. He accepts a conditional pardon – he must lead a new cavalry unit “The Elite Cavalry Territorial Guard” also known as “X-Troop.” Colonel Ritter and the X-Troop are soon pitted against the Four Horseman, a group of outlaws equipped with amazing locomotive-like fighting vehicles. The story is fast-paced and entertaining. You will appreciate the strong characterization. There are many diverse characters whose personalities and motivations are distinct and memorable. My favorite character is Colonel Ritter, and I also LOVE the biblical imagery (Locusts, Apollyon, Four Horsemen). The action scenes are fast-paced and just violent enough that you understand the danger, scope, and size of them.
I recommend The X-Troop to anybody who loves a great story, especially those who love Westerns. I look forward to the sequel.
June 17, 2022
This is a novel that nicely straddles two genres: Steampunk and The Old West. The author uses an interesting mix of genders, races, nationalities for his characters.
The Old West is reflected in the author’s use of language which added to the atmosphere and he’s introduced some interesting Steampunk machinery. No spoilers but I loved the pipe trick about halfway through.
Mr Davies did some excellent research into American history with various well known and slightly lesser known characters contributing to the plot. The ending was both evocative and threatening, it hinted that this is the beginning of a series of adventures. Hopefully the X-Troop and the Four Horsemen will clash again in the future soon. I certainly hope so.
The Old West is reflected in the author’s use of language which added to the atmosphere and he’s introduced some interesting Steampunk machinery. No spoilers but I loved the pipe trick about halfway through.
Mr Davies did some excellent research into American history with various well known and slightly lesser known characters contributing to the plot. The ending was both evocative and threatening, it hinted that this is the beginning of a series of adventures. Hopefully the X-Troop and the Four Horsemen will clash again in the future soon. I certainly hope so.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews