Power in the Blood

by Greg Matthews

Siblings separated on an orphan train reunite years later to seek revenge in the lawless West in this “great novelist’s masterwork” (Stephen King). In 1869, the Dugan siblings board an orphan train in upstate New York. Adopted by different families at separate stops along the train’s westward journey, Clay, Zoe, and Drew vow to find one another as soon as they can, but tragic circumstances conspire against them.   Clay avenges the brutal murder of his foster parents and becomes one of the most feared bounty hunters in the West. Raped by her new father, Zoe gives birth to a daughter whose vivid blue birthmark portends the gift of second sight. And Drew, abandoned in the desert by a religious fanatic, is rescued by renegade Apache brothers and falls in with a crowd of murderers, prostitutes, and bank robbers.   When fate finally reunites the siblings, Zoe enlists Clay and Drew in a plot against a ruthless Colorado gold magnate bent on stealing her fortune. Decades spent practicing the art of survival have taught the Dugans that the odds are always stacked against them—but if they stopped to consider the odds, they would have been dead long ago.   Hailed by the Chicago Tribune as a “great page-turning, stay-up-late-into-the-night-saga” and ideal for fans of Larry McMurtry and Cormac McCarthy, Power in the Blood takes readers on an epic journey into the dark heart of the American frontier.  

Genres: Historical Fiction, Westerns, Fiction, Historical

1093 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 1993

About the author

Greg Matthews is the author of eleven books, including The Further Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, heralded by the Christian Science Monitor as “the true sequel to Mark Twain’s masterpiece,” and two acclaimed sagas of the Old West, Heart of the Country and Power in the Blood. He has published three books—Callisto, The Dolphin People, and The Secret Book of Sacred Things—under the nom de plume Torsten Krol. The author describes himself as “a guy in a room, writing, writing.”

Reviews

[Melki · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Never take the word of any man who is not blood of your blood."

In 1860, orphaned siblings, aged 13, 10 and 7, are put on a train and sent to find new homes in the Midwest. When it becomes clear that no one is going to adopt all three of them, the oldest boy promises he will find his brother and sister again, and the children go to separate homes in different states. The years spin by and they grow to maturity. All are scarred, both physically and emotionally, and they give up hope of ever seeing one another again.

Clay, the eldest becomes a sheriff, a marshal and a bounty hunter. The youngest, Drew, serves a memorable stint in the army before turning to a life of crime. And middle child, Zoe, gives birth to a strange daughter with unworldly powers.

Matthews, who wrote one of my favorite books, Heart of the Country, again proves a marvelous storyteller. It's hard to keep the reader rapt through over 850 pages, but he does it. There is a wagonload of wonderful characters here - soldiers, whores, scoundrels, assassins and soul-weighers. This was an involving, unforgettable read.

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

" A great novelist's masterwork -- a looming, driving, resonant tour de force."
-- Stephen King

It's funny that King would have read this and given the blurb on the front cover. Especially since, as I'm reading this, I'm thinking that this could EASILY have been written by King himself. Not to mention the fact that, trying to research the author Greg Matthews, I can find almost NOTHING about this guy online. Only one or two author pictures, and a few vague biographical descriptions. He's from Australia and moved to the US in 1983, and that he's written only seven or eight novels, a few of them under a pen name Torsten Krol.

Is it possible...? Did Stephen King write under more than one name? Was Richard Bachman replaced suddenly, in the early 1990s? Someone should look into that ;0)

So about this book -- It was really, really good. It's an epic historical fiction disguised as a western. But it's so broad in its scope. A lot of the novel takes place in Colorado. Most of it, actually. But there's many POV characters, many threads being spun in a giant web that may (or may not?) come together -- I can't say much more, in case anyone reading this review wants to read the book. I went into this COMPLETELY BLIND, and I'm so glad that I did. This was such a surreal experience.

There's a major supernatural element to this story, and this story would not have worked if it wasn't included. But I must say this, because it doesn't show up right away, and it'd be good for any reader to be able to suspend disbelief when appropriate.

Of course, like any book, this doesn't come without criticism. If I had to complain about one aspect of this GIANT brick of a novel, it's that there were parts I felt may have been a bit over-written. Very much in the vein of King's writing, Greg Matthews loves to write stream of consciousness -- endless inner thoughts and dialogs, which isn't bad in itself, but they can get a bit long. There were a lot of pages where there may have been only one paragraph break, and these pages were filled with small print. So some patience is required.

Said criticisms, for me, was not enough to deter, or lower my rating. I won't say that this was my favorite read of the year, but it's up there. I love historical fiction, but I've never read anything like this before.

[Blondish And Bookish · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a powerfully written book, with four major characters (siblings Clay, Drew, and Zoe, and Zoe's daughter Omie) and multiple minor characters, all of whose stories intertwine together.

Orphaned and separated into growing up in different homes, the story covers most of the lives of the siblings. Clay seeks revenge for murders and becomes a sheriff and a bounty hunter. His life involves justice and lots of killing. Drew is befriended by homicidal Indians, then later falls in with gang of rustlers and criminals—that Clay is after. Zoe is raped and gives birth to Omie, who has psychic powers. Her adventures take her all over Colorado and she goes from poverty to wealth.

So, what I like about this book is first and foremost, it is a wild west adventure story. Tons of action, twists, murders, chases, love, hate, accidents, etc. Just a fun read that you can NOT put down.

Second, I love books that have multiple threads where they all mesh, and even the minor characters' roles are nicely wrapped up at the end. And a very satisying conclusion to boot! I read this book years ago, then read everything else Greg Matthews had written (which, as always, is my highest mark of praise!). I recently reread it and it was just as engrossing. Great book to read on a long trip where you want to be entertained. Perhaps not great literature, but who cares when the book is this engrossing!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

 Wow, I'm afraid that nothing I can say will convey the absolute greatness of this book. And the ending!...Haunting enough to stick in my head for a long time to come.
 This book is 858 pages! Yet I could not put it down. If you enjoy richly written characters, and superb storytelling, this is a book you must read. 
 To be honest, I wouldn't even know how to categorize it. It deserves a category all it's own, western, drama, suspense, horror, paranormal, and a dash of humor.

[Brett · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have read in a long time. It was so unpredictable, unusual and completely entertaining. A great escape read with no politics or agendas inserted like overrated authors Daniel Silva or Taylor Jenkins Reid. Greg Matthews books "High Country" and "Power in the Blood" are some of my favorite books. I would love to read them again down the road.

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a hard book to rate. Although the plot was quite intricate and it was definitely a page turner, I felt there was way too much unnecessary detail and exposition. Most of the extra characters the author introduced eventually had something to do with the overall story, but not so much that I needed whole chapters devoted to them. The playwright, for instance: what purpose did his story serve the prevailing storyline? I also thought the ending was a little weak and rushed; I plowed through 800+ pages to get to the siblings' reunion, then...nothing. (Ok, something BIG did happen after their reunion, but we weren't privy to any of their thoughts/emotions after they find each other again, which was strange because we were essentially privy to EVERYTHING else in the preceding 800 pages.) Anyway. I vacillated between 3 and 4 stars, but decided that these factors ultimately detracted one star for me. Otherwise, I enjoyed it. It was kind of like an old western version of Days of Our Lives.

[Dustin]

"Heart Of The Country established Greg Matthews as one of the two or three most important novelists now working in America and writing about her. I might speculate that it takes an outsider to see the whole forest instead of just a few trees, but a novel like 'Power In The Blood' renders speculation both foolish and superfluous. It is a great novelist's masterwork- a looming, driving, resonant tour de force. In terms of it's narrative power, it makes me think of 'The Thorn Birds' and 'Lonesome Dove', but as a reader who is drawn irresistibly to eccentric characters, I am of course reminded of Charles Dickens. What else can I say? That I wish I'd written it, I suppose- that I had the talent required to write it. And that I'd recommend it. And that I envy the thousands of readers who are about to be exposed to Greg Matthews formidable storytelling talents for the first time."

-Stephen King

Need I say more?

[Tina Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book for the most part,though lots of characters were introduced and I sometimes forgot who was who, though managed to figure it out in the end. The story follows three sibling children who were adopted out to different families when the came off the orphan train so you end up having several smaller stories within the one big story as they move through life and have different experiences and adventures. The characters were likeable and you find yourself rooting for them all the way. It was an easy read and kept my interest all the way through but I was very disappointed with the ending. To me it was a big let down and I wished that I hadn't wasted my time reading it because of that. I would have ended it much differently.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a book that stretches across decades and sweeps from one side of the country to the other. I love reading about characters and events that seem insignificant, but later fit into the bigger picture in important ways. I think this book is incredible. I picked it up when I was probably too young to really understand all of it, and over the years I've read it several more times. It gets better with every read.

Just to be clear, this book can probably be classified as a western, but it's much more than that. I hate the "western" genre, whether it be movies, television or books, but I love this book.

[Bethel · Rating 5 out of 5]

it made me love my family. you know, i never did. and it's beyond any teenage rebel drama. you see, my family is weird (and cute and lovely in the end). this book has made me love them in a powerful binding way. the kind of love that sustains me well and everyday now that i am far from them. i love them. i am wearing their name like a crown. i love them, the world has to hear me.


thank you greg

[mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting but a very long book

A well written book, but just a little too long for my liking. I did not enjoy the excessive number of characters, and then the story line kept jumping back and forth between their lives. Maybe it's just because I'm a little older?

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is an epic! There is so much I loved about it but a few I didn't, hence the 3 stars. I haven't read anything exactly like it but I would generalize it as a cross between Lonesome Dove, Pillars of the Earth and The Grapes of Wrath.

What I didn't like: I give this book an "R" rating for outlandish grotesque murders (Think Hannibal Lecter in the West -Kincaid searching for souls) and outrageously detailed adult sexual situations (Leo and Lovey Doll). Cutting these items out would probably take less than 100 pages and still keep the story intact with the same impact to the characters and theme line. Honestly these items didn't begin to appear until about 2/3's of the way in. I was disappointed because otherwise I would highly recommend and have given 5 starts.

On the positive note, I loved so much about this novel. First, the genius way the author wove each character major and minor into the overall story line. I loved each and every character from the moment they were introduced and as they popped up here and there throughout the story. I was fascinated by the historical fiction of the west which was covered in so many areas: gold mining, farming, religion, role of women, outlaws, greed, crime, politics, bounty hunters, westward expansion, and mental disease/defect, family and the human heart. Unexpectedly, I also like the sci- fi/fantasy angle of the character Omie (a mix of Danny from he Shining and Carrie from Carrie) Although I am a sucker for a happy ending, I was greatly impressed with the author's closure. There were so many times throughout my reading I would gasp aloud or even say "Oh, no!" in disbelief of the events unfolding. Even with the length of this novel, it was easily devoured by me and my curiosity as to what would happen next! :)

In short, read at your own risk. I would love to see this novel condensed into a Reader's Digest version that would be a bit more family friendly.

[Qelilah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have no idea when I read this book. I just know it was a long time ago and I have never forgotten this book. It is probably the only western I have read and if all westerns were like this, I probably would have read all westerns. But, I am a history buff and cannot remember why I picked up this book. Usually the first few pages hook me and I believe Greg Matthews did this to me also.
Anyway, it's about a family after the Civil War gets on hard times and the children pay for the mistakes of the parents by being sent on an orphan train. The father has gone away to get products for his family's survival and never returns. You see, he's hit his head and has amnesia.
On the orphan train the children vow to see each other again as they get split up.
This is where I stop because from here on there are twists and turns and the ending will leave you like me. Searching for the book after many years, finding the book, and the searching for an audiobook. This book should be a screenplay in the hands of a genius because, you know how it is, a Michael Crichton book will be so awesome and then you see it at the theatre and talk to the screen through the whole movie and leave disgruntled because it was obvious that the director and producer did not think us grass chowing aliens from earth could fathom that scientific language in his book so they water the movie down for a 4th grader.
I'll tell you this. There's a gold rush, there's lots of gold, there's prostitution, there's a mine collapse, there's a hero, there's a robbery, and there's a reunion. AND....you will be left with your mouth open. If you decide to read this book. DO NOT READ THE END. Wrap it with a rubber band or something if you feel tempted. Then, get back here and tell me I was right on this one. This makes me wonder about his other books. If I can find one on Audiobook, it's a keeper. Happy reading.

[Ben · Rating 1 out of 5]

Epic, weird novel

"A Power in the Blood" wound up in my Kindle because it had five and four star reviews, and the sample chapters read well. In fact, the first 200-250 pages were an interesting story of three orphaned children of the late 1 880's who were put on an Orphan Train from NY to the west. The idea was that they would be paraded before parents who were either childless or had suffered the death of a loved child and decided adopt.
Mr. Masters tells a wonderful story for the first third of his book. The characters of the Dugans were fully filled out so that we know them , their thoughts, emotions and actions bringing this reader's Attention to every page. Then, as new people were introduced into the narrative , the story began to get weird , even grotesque. To me it seemed that the author had started to write a western epic of the Larry McMurtry school, only to veer off into Stephen King territory.
Mr.Masters ladles out sexual depravity , psychotic killers, and a young child with a blue birthmark who has "The Power." Yet with all that going on, I found long chapters in which characters' inner thoughts rambled on and on and others filled with long descriptive passages that were simple boring. I found myself skimming through many such chapters. There was some good writing in the book, with the promise of an interesting family saga, but I was quite disappointed how badly the book went off into the Grande Guignol of excess.
Notes to readers: gore, with violence graphically described; sexual entanglements of nearly every possible mode; and a growing wonder if this family would ever be reunited before the bloodbaths engulfed them.
Not recommended.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good Book, but...

The story of 3 siblings, separated, then follows their lives & the people they meet, is long. And unrelentingly dark. There is not one completely "good" character - sort of a "Western noir". The settings are mostly dirty, depressing places. Even when a setting is a mansion it is peopled with characters that are just plain bad. "Power In the Blood" is a well written book - one of the most different books I have ever read. However, the situations for the 3 main characters never get better. One bad thing after another happens. The book does satisfactorily conclude every plot point by the end. I would probably would recommend this to a friend as there is a lot to discuss about the book.

[Hen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a mixture of the humor of Mark Twain, the darkness and magic of Stephen King, and a nice slightly soap opera-like adventure story. Surprising sudden twists, with enexpected deaths, and imaginative direction changes, I very much enjoyed the read. It is the story of three orphans living horrible hardscrabble lives, and suffering as they tried to survive in the late 1800's U.S. Brought together finally for a brief instant hatching a rediculus scheme. No story book ending to this though.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Western science fiction. I normally don't read this type of book but was good for a change. Different chapters are about different people, sort of hard to follow. It all comes together at the end. This is a dark book, not uplifting. Very long book but well written.

[Denise Kearney · Rating 3 out of 5]

IBook-$1.99-Early Bird Books. A well-written book with interesting characters,but R rated sex as well as descriptions of physical problems best left to medical journals. The paranormal inclusion was a dumb addition.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of my all-time favorites. I love the way Greg Matthews writes!

[Chawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very interesting book. My mother and my grandmother both loved it. It sat on my shelf for several years and I finally picked it up and read it. I really enjoyed it!

[karen Richards · Rating 2 out of 5]

Strange

Not what I was expecting. Did not enjoy the book but kept reading hoping the story would eventually redeem itself.
Far too strange for my liking.

[Jrcdsharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

A favorite book. I have read and re-read this many times.

[Debbie Lalala · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this book so complex and interesting

[Mike Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big sprawling novel set in the post-Civil War West reminds me of Larry McMurtry for its colorful characters, Dickens for its use of coincidence, and slightly of Stephen King for Omie, a girl with supernatural powers. The premise of the novel is that the three Dugan siblings are placed on an orphan train, separated and lead very different lives until their near-miraculous reunion. Along the way, we meet a number of interesting, almost outrageous characters whose lives are intertwined with those of the Dugans. In fact, at times I wondered why Matthews devoted so much time to these secondary characters, especially Slade who appears and reappears in lengthy chapters which do not seem particularly closely related to the three Dugans. However, it does all ultimately fit together and all the loose ends are tied up.
The climax of the novel is a spectacular train robbery which to me seemed rather cobbled together as if the author had brought everybody this far and wasn't sure what to do with them in order to get to the satisfying and surprising final pages where the fates of all the Dugans are revealed and the final aforementioned loose end is dealt with.

[Cindy O · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written book about 3 orphan siblings who were separated and how their lives criss cross Unbeknownst to them over the course of several decades in the western areas of the US during the latter part of the 19th century.
There are an abundance of interesting characters and many story lines. It never gets boring although the book is very long. It's nice that the author didn't break the book up into a series.
I was a slight bit disappointed with the ending. After spending so much time reading this, I felt very invested in the main characters and wanted more for them. Such is life though. Even the best blood lines can die out.
This is a book that once read, you never forget. It reminds me of James Michners books, Hawaii, Alaska & Chesapeake Bay.

[Marc Jentzsch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really don't know what to make of this book. I loved it and I hated it. As westerns go, it's got plenty of violence and melodrama. Preachers and Apaches and train robbers and mining towns and remote cabins and bordellos and assassins and...well, there's more. Unexpected more. Irregular more. More that doesn't fit and yet manages to work anyway. The prose is seductive and florid, capturing and cajoling, only to sit down and pick at stray threads. When it finally notices there's a reader along, it stands up and takes the next step toward the apex, leaping forward and carried aloft by a goat song in a cowboy hat.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd round this up to 4.5 stars! To hang in there for 903 pages means this was one heck of a story, one heck of a good book!
Set in the American West in the 1800s, we follow the lives of three orphaned siblings who get shipped west on one of those Orphan trains. This is gritty and sugarcoats nothing about life back then. There is train robbing, bounty hunting, love, death, murder, and a bit of magical realism thrown in! This could easily have been made into a fantastic TV series that would last about 5 seasons. Great book if you appreciate "westerns". I do. It was a fabulous read!

[Dane Peacock · Rating 1 out of 5]

850 page masterpiece! Too bad it's 858 pages long.

Imagine Leonardo DaVinci for months crafting his epic work, The Last Supper. It's a masterpiece! Only, it isn't quite finished. It should be finished, but with his last two or three minutes, DaVinci hurriedly paints googly eyes on all the disciples. Done!

That's what Greg Matthews did with Power in Blood. He created a tale of epic proportions. A magnificent Western. The ending to the 800 page story is great. Five stars. And then... Ug. The last couple of paragraphs. WTH? Five stars to one just like that.

[Grecia Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this is not generally a genre I go for, this book was amazing. The story was intricate and the details were so amusing. It was like historical fiction meets Western. This book might actually be my introduction to westerns. It definitely did not feel as long as it actually was. Gripping from first page to last. Not really sure how I felt about that ending though.

[Leonard · Rating 3 out of 5]

A round about story that rambled quite a bit. It was good that he did have the three orphans meet up when they were adults. I could have done without all the sexual scenes. A long somewhat ponderous book that had a lot of funny scenes.