Redemption: A Western: A tale of the Wild West

by Stephen Wilson

After robbing a bank, the Colter Gang stumble on the scene of the massacre of a Cherokee tribe by Calvary soldiers intent on "pacification." The sole survivor of the raid is a young Indian baby. Even with a posse hot on their trail, young outlaw Frank Palmer refuses to simply leave the child to die from exposure to the cold. He pledges to join up with the gang as soon as he can find a place to drop off the child. His plans go awry and he finds himself joining a wagon train to avoid the lawmen closing in on him. Still with the baby as his responsibility, he forms close ties with a preacher's family and their beautiful young daughter. Palmer finds it difficult to leave both the girl and his young charge to their fate when the Cherokee target their wagons in retaliation for the massacre. To survive, the wagon train needs the help that only an experienced gunman can provide. But will Palmer take on the responsibility as protector or take flight to rejoin his gang?

Genres: Westerns

86 pages, Paperback

Published December 9, 2015

Reviews

[Steve · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this from Audiobook Blast and the narrator, Scott Bennett, in exchange for an honest review. Also, in the interest of transparency, westerns are definitely NOT my favorite genre, not even in the top ten.

2 stars (1 for the story, and another 1 for the audio performance)

This is obviously a western, and it's a pretty short story/novella about a young man who, on the run with a bank-robbing gang, comes across the site of an Indian massacre, finding an infant who somehow survived. He leaves the gang to try to take the Indian baby to someone who will raise him.

I can't say I really liked this one. There's a lot to be desired with this story, starting with a least a little bit of realism, especially the gun play. For example, there is no way he's going to shoot someone sitting on a horse from 600+ yards with the firearms of the day; it's just not possible.

And the baby seems to get lost in the story, and is rarely mentioned after he catches up with a wagon train. The book blurb made it out that he was doing everything he could to rescue the baby, but that wasn't the case.

The narration was good, and Scott Bennett does have the right amount of "twang" in his voice to characterize this book. His performance raised the rating by a star.

If you enjoy westerns, you may like this one, but be prepared to suspend belief.

[Jim]

I got through it, but can only give it a 2 star rating at best. Since it only has 3 ratings, that would hurt, so I'm not rating it & hoping this won't show in the community reviews. The author has some talent. Scott Bennet read it well & the story itself was OK, although it's been done many times - like almost every western.

The characters were pretty good, but the hero was a bit too heroic. The situations were designed to make him so to the story's detriment. For instance, cauterizing the preacher's wound. Even the blacksmith knew what he intended as soon as he mentioned a fire & it was a common enough cure at that time. He could have taken part, but taking the lead was just too much. It also generally required several men holding the patient down which wasn't mentioned at all. And women generally did the nursing duties, but instead our hero had to sit up with him. Too much!

It also hit a few of my HATE buttons. That baby went a really long time before his first diaper change & slings were not unknown. The guns were awful. No one ever hit shit fanning a pistol nor did they make 600+ yard shots with a gun they never shot before off the shoulder of a nervous man. And then to toss the rifle to the ground!!! Oh, I just wanted to beat him with it & then smack the author. No way to treat a gun, especially not one capable of such a shot & you're planning on needing shortly.
:(

I was given this book free for an honest review, but there is no Audible edition for this book, just a Kindle edition. Before asking people for reviews, the proper edition should be available.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast."

This was a quick listen. I enjoyed the realistic descriptions of the characters and the settings.This made me want the next story.


The narration was excellent bringing the characters to life.

[Todd Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Redemption was great! I've never listened to a western. Redemption was my first and it won't be my last. I think I may have found a new genre I enjoy!! I will definitely be following Stephen Wilson and his Frank Palmer series. Great narration by J. Scott Bennett.

[Trevor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short story following Frank Palmer, reluctant bank robber, who finds himself on a wagon train after finding an abandoned Indian baby. Good book, reminds me a bit of alias Smith and Jones, bank robber wanting to go straight.

[David Sanner · Rating 1 out of 5]

cheap trick

So you get involved in the story line and find the book stops and you have to buy another book. On top of that, the second book costs 3.99 when the first book was .99. Cheap trick, won’t be reading this author again!

[Macky · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️3.5⭐️

[laurel kingman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent western

Very well written and thought out plot. Loved the characters and story line. I could hardly put it down. Moving on now to the next book in the series.

[Teressa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the Audible audio version of this book.

"A Well-Written Western That Stands Up to the Genre"

REDEMPTION was a good solid short western written by Stephen Wilson that I think would stand with any other good western. With this being a short story, it had the feel of a full length novel. All the elements were in place such as the plot, the setting. and the characters; both good and bad. Being an outlaw-ish type, Palmer, the protagonist was a likable character. He had morals when the others didn't, which made for a good contrast.

The western genre is one I like and this one held up. I could feel the trail dust in the air and smell the the gritty leather and horses. That coupled with an experienced narrator made this a welcome listen.

J. SCOTT BENNETT rendered a flawless performance with his vocal skills. His voice lent an old west quality that was absolutely perfect. "Redemption" was a great match of author/reader and I'd like to hear more from both in the future. I'll definitely keep my eye out.

"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast."

[Leslie Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. This was a great story of someone who got caught up with the wrong crowd, then sees an opportunity to turn his life around and takes it, all set against the backdrop of the old west. I really liked the main character, Frank Palmer/Mark Cross. In fact, all the characters were well developed and realistic. My only complaint is that the book is so short! Time just flew, so I'm really looking forward to the other books in the series. I listened to the Audible audio version of the book narrated by J. Scott Bennett. I have listened to lots of book narrated by him (he is probably the only narrator I actively search out), and he never disappoints. His voice lends well to western-theme books, as he can sound a little rough for the male characters, and softer for the females (without sounding screechy or high-pitched). His characters are always easy to follow and his narration always adds a lot to the story.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book has a good, old-time feel to it, the dialogue fit the setting well, and it felt pretty natural.
My first impression was that the Colter gang was a real group of outlaws, it felt like a James-Younger historical account.

Excellent narration by J. Scott Bennett.

[R.C. Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first of a series. I found it engaging and that I developed an interest for the characters. Even though it is a stand-alone book, when I had finished it I was looking forward to the next installment. Quick read.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story ! Kept my interest

Enjoyed this easy read. Kind of short, was able to read in one sitting. Good character development I quickly became attached to the main players. Looking forward to the next story.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received the audiobook free for a honest review. I grew up on Max Brand and Louis L'Amour so I found this book to be quite enjoyable. Characters were good, nicely developed, story was good. Looking forward to the next book.

[Scott Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed it a lot. I finished narrating it and submitted it to the author for approval. Should be available to listen to soon!

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

This is the second book I have read by Stephen Wilson. Easy to read and follow the plot. Just don't read book two first like I did.

[Martha Peebles · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read

If you love westerns you must read this one. It is a great story. I have totally enjoyed this book. I look forward to part tw.

[Lisa C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good descriptions, characters were well developed and the story moved quickly.