Dry Blood Springs: A Battle of Hope Versus Darkness Set in the West

by Bryon K. Saxton, Bryon Saxton

Dry Blood Springs is a vampire/Western adventure set in a southern Utah town in the late 1850s that pits a man’s search for self-respect against pure evil, and the length he will go to putting his most prize possession, his family, at risk in order to obtain it.

Dry Blood Springs is a story about heroism, desperation and the fear that goes into changing one’s persona.

Newspaper man James Edward Furst, a.k.a. Jef, a fish-out-of-water cowboy envisions his bravery in writing articles about the town’s unexpected guest, a blood thirsty vampire, will gain him all the respect he needs from his fellow town members. But Jef’s plan is knocked off track when his protective wife and two children, family that is his most prize possession, is put at risk in all of his scheming.

Genres: Westerns

372 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 5, 2015

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cowboys and vampires? What more do you need? This is a thoroughly entertaining novel with quirky characters and lots of action. Nice twist on western themes. Treat yourself!

[Dad · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent story with a lot of surprises in the characters. One that really surprised me was that Wily was not only tied to the vampire but in cahoots with him. I liked Jef and his beautiful wife. Squeak was believable as were Parsons and Ajacks and Prudy Richards.
The vampire was illustrated in a good way. I had never read a vampire book. I'd seen them on TV but not read about them in a book. I didn't know bullets didn't affect them.
The final battle with the vampire was well done along with the fight of Ajacks and Squeak against Ike. I was hoping to predict the final demise of the vampire but would not have dreamed it was to be a missed swipe of a hammer that led to the falling into the vampire by Jef. I figured Lola would be a hero with the small crossbow but she only helped but if she wouldn't have been there Roman Oscuro would have conquered. I should not dismiss the help of the dog Ranger.
One big flaw in the printing of the book was it was hard to read the page numbers. I couldn't tell the 6's from the 8's, etc. It needs a larger type or different font.

[Ben Marble · Rating 4 out of 5]

I highly enjoyed this story. It's an original concept in a day of retread ideas. The story is good and engaging , an full of colorful characters.

[Jordon Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading "Dry Blood Springs" by Bryon K. Saxton, and I have to say it was an incredible read. The novel seamlessly blends horror, western, and fantasy elements into a thrilling and engaging story. At first, I was skeptical, but now I can’t wait to read the second novel within the trilogy! The protagonist, Jake, is a complex and compelling character who I thought made the book all the more interesting! The action scenes are well-written, and the writing overall is vivid and immersive. The novel overthrows genre expectations and delivers twists and surprises that kept me hooked until the very end. I highly recommend "Dry Blood Springs" to anyone looking for an exciting and original tale of heroism and hope in the face of darkness. However, I caution you because it is one of those books that will keep you reading through the night….

[Denae · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the twists & turns throughout the book and the plot of the story. I have not read a vampire book before, and would have never thought to put them in this setting, what a unique idea! I felt that the book got better the deeper I got into the story. Not sure if this was from better writing or just a more developed story line as the book moved along(?) It took me way too long to read this book, due to other reading obligations, not due to the book itself. Once I truly got started reading this book, it only took a few days, so this is actually a quick read! Anyway, hats off to the author on his first book! The way the book ended, I think we may see a "Dry Blood Springs 2" in the future!