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The Juniper Wars #2
Killdeer Winds
It is the year 2058. The Sino-American War has decimated several generations of men, and the Sterility Epidemic has made 90% of the surviving males sterile. Electricity does not function in five western states. Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, and Montana are territories once again. Collectively, they are known as the Juniper. It is the most dangerous place on Earth. Cavatica Weller and her sisters have one chance to save their family ranch--a desperate post-apocalyptic cattle drive across a violent wasteland. Having escaped from Denver, the Weller family will have to face the worst of the Juniper's outlaws, the Psycho Princess. And still an inhuman army dogs their every step. The mystery deepens-who is the lost boy Micaiah and why would the richest man on earth spend billions to find? And will Micaiah's secrets tear the Weller family apart?
274 pages, Paperback
First published August 19, 2016
17 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Aaron Michael Ritchey
34 books201 followersAaron Michael Ritchey was born with Colorado thunderstorms in his soul. He's sought shelter as a world traveler, an endurance athlete, a story addict, and even gave serious thought to becoming a Roman Catholic priest. After too brief a time in Paris, he moved back to the American West and lives semi-comfortably with three forces of nature: a little, blonde hurricane, an artistic tornado, and a beautiful, beautiful blizzard.
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April 4, 2017KILLDEER WINDS nearly kill-deer-ed my soul …
The second book in Aaron Michael Ritchey’s JUNIPER WARS series punched me in the gut. I still haven’t forgiven Mr. Ritchey for the h-e-double-hockey-sticks he put me and his characters through, yet I’m anxious for the next book.
KILLDEER WINDS picks up right where DANDELION IRON left off. Our heroine and her pals face the Cuius Regios, but they’re the least of the characters’ woes. In this story, we learn more about the mysterious Micaiah and why his evil aunts (and the rest of the dang universe) are after him. We see Cavvy Weller stepping up as a total bad@$$. Pilate reveals some secrets of his own. And there’s tragedy. Lots of tragedy to make your heart clench.
Suffice it to say, where DANDELION IRON set the stage for the Weller girls herding thousands of cattle across the Juniper against all odds, KILLDEER WINDS throws even more tumbleweeds into the fire with the appearance of the Psycho Princesses, aka the Madelines, an increased surge of attacks from the Vixx sisters, the appearance of the elusive Wind River People, and a bitter clash among family members. Readers get key information about the Sterility Epidemic, and it’s a doozy. Like, BOOM-doozy!
Our favorite characters shine even more brightly than they did in the first book. Pilate hasn’t changed a bit: “I whispered a prayer for Pilate. I could picture Jesus scratching His head. ‘Did someone really pray for Pilate? Gee, that’s a new one.’”
And neither has Wren: “She turned and threw a sleeping bag at me. That was Wren, always throwing stuff—curses, words, sticks, machine guns.” Okay, maybe Wren did change, but she’s still the same crotchety, mouthy Wren with a few upgrades, and I love her. :-)
Mr. Ritchey also deals with important issues along the way that strike a chord with adult and young adult readers alike. The ever-present topic of female empowerment is handled respectfully and subtly. In addition to being physically strong, the cast of predominantly female characters is also painted in brilliant hues that focus on their intelligence and ability to think quickly on their feet. Gender equality isn’t directly addressed, but shown through strategically placed lenses in appropriate contexts throughout the story. I love how Mr. Ritchey turns sexism on its head by portraying the males in his world in much the same way as females are often depicted in the real world. It certainly gives the reader something to think about and challenges us to see sexism for what it is.
Post-Traumatic Stress is also addressed through the eyes of a couple main characters who are portrayed as strong and determined fighters despite their internal struggles. Mental health is a hard subject to tackle, but Mr. Ritchey deals with it respectfully and realistically in KILLDEER WINDS. I felt the characters’ regrets and guilt over tough things they had to do to keep each other and their country safe.
The bombshells dropped near the end of KILLDEER WINDS had my heart racing and kept the pages turning. I couldn’t put the book down, especially once I got to the last few chapters.
I eagerly await the next book in the JUNIPER WARS series, BINDWEED HIGHWAY. If you haven’t read DANDELION IRON, I highly recommend it along with KILLDEER WINDS. These books totally rocked my world!
The second book in Aaron Michael Ritchey’s JUNIPER WARS series punched me in the gut. I still haven’t forgiven Mr. Ritchey for the h-e-double-hockey-sticks he put me and his characters through, yet I’m anxious for the next book.
KILLDEER WINDS picks up right where DANDELION IRON left off. Our heroine and her pals face the Cuius Regios, but they’re the least of the characters’ woes. In this story, we learn more about the mysterious Micaiah and why his evil aunts (and the rest of the dang universe) are after him. We see Cavvy Weller stepping up as a total bad@$$. Pilate reveals some secrets of his own. And there’s tragedy. Lots of tragedy to make your heart clench.
Suffice it to say, where DANDELION IRON set the stage for the Weller girls herding thousands of cattle across the Juniper against all odds, KILLDEER WINDS throws even more tumbleweeds into the fire with the appearance of the Psycho Princesses, aka the Madelines, an increased surge of attacks from the Vixx sisters, the appearance of the elusive Wind River People, and a bitter clash among family members. Readers get key information about the Sterility Epidemic, and it’s a doozy. Like, BOOM-doozy!
Our favorite characters shine even more brightly than they did in the first book. Pilate hasn’t changed a bit: “I whispered a prayer for Pilate. I could picture Jesus scratching His head. ‘Did someone really pray for Pilate? Gee, that’s a new one.’”
And neither has Wren: “She turned and threw a sleeping bag at me. That was Wren, always throwing stuff—curses, words, sticks, machine guns.” Okay, maybe Wren did change, but she’s still the same crotchety, mouthy Wren with a few upgrades, and I love her. :-)
Mr. Ritchey also deals with important issues along the way that strike a chord with adult and young adult readers alike. The ever-present topic of female empowerment is handled respectfully and subtly. In addition to being physically strong, the cast of predominantly female characters is also painted in brilliant hues that focus on their intelligence and ability to think quickly on their feet. Gender equality isn’t directly addressed, but shown through strategically placed lenses in appropriate contexts throughout the story. I love how Mr. Ritchey turns sexism on its head by portraying the males in his world in much the same way as females are often depicted in the real world. It certainly gives the reader something to think about and challenges us to see sexism for what it is.
Post-Traumatic Stress is also addressed through the eyes of a couple main characters who are portrayed as strong and determined fighters despite their internal struggles. Mental health is a hard subject to tackle, but Mr. Ritchey deals with it respectfully and realistically in KILLDEER WINDS. I felt the characters’ regrets and guilt over tough things they had to do to keep each other and their country safe.
The bombshells dropped near the end of KILLDEER WINDS had my heart racing and kept the pages turning. I couldn’t put the book down, especially once I got to the last few chapters.
I eagerly await the next book in the JUNIPER WARS series, BINDWEED HIGHWAY. If you haven’t read DANDELION IRON, I highly recommend it along with KILLDEER WINDS. These books totally rocked my world!
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October 4, 20164.5/5.0
Read full review in the 2016 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2016 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.
September 6, 2016
Psycho Princess Hiring: Prom dress wielding gunslinger, has an opening for new freind. Must love the darker side of things, wearing fancy dresses, good aim preferable but is willing to train. NO MEN.
Do I have your attention? Thought so.
KILLDEER WINDS, book two of the Juniper Wars Saga. First, let me say that DANDELION IRON was a new level of epic in a way I wasn’t expecting. Not to say that I haven’t been impressed with Aaron Michael Ritchey’s books before, because if you don’t believe me, then check out my other reviews (p.s. there awesome). This new epic series though, wow. It throws a punch where you least expect it to and just when you think it’s over, guess what: it’s not.
Killdeer Winds picks right up where Dandelion Iron ended, leaving no questions about the fate of our main characters. If you haven’t read Dandelion Iron, stop and do that. I’ll wait…
Okay? Done? How about now?
At the end of Dandelion Iron, we all wanted to know what was up with Micaiah. Why was he on the cover of the magazine, who is the Psycho Princess, will Cavatica Weller and her sisters make it out of the Juniper alive? So many questions and the quest continues. As I’ve mentioned in other reviews, as a general rule book 2 usually sucks. But Ritchey destroyed all of my expectations, making me second guess my theory. This book never stopped, and continued to push the bounds of not only my expectations, but my mind. I was glad to see continued growth in the characters, especially the three Weller sisters. Had that been stunted or lost amongst the fray I would have been disappointed. Ritchey holds true to the story and doesn’t let the reader down.
All I can say is Aaron Ritchey, will you please hurry up and publish book three already?! Crazy fact: I don’t like westerns, Firefly and the Juniper Wars are the only exceptions to my rule. It’s way more than that though. It’s a futuristic time trap, with gunslingers, blimps, crazy technology, and Psyco Princess(es). Waiting for the next book is the worst part. Until then, I’m going to scour Ritchey’s blog for short stories in the Juniper.
Do I have your attention? Thought so.
KILLDEER WINDS, book two of the Juniper Wars Saga. First, let me say that DANDELION IRON was a new level of epic in a way I wasn’t expecting. Not to say that I haven’t been impressed with Aaron Michael Ritchey’s books before, because if you don’t believe me, then check out my other reviews (p.s. there awesome). This new epic series though, wow. It throws a punch where you least expect it to and just when you think it’s over, guess what: it’s not.
Killdeer Winds picks right up where Dandelion Iron ended, leaving no questions about the fate of our main characters. If you haven’t read Dandelion Iron, stop and do that. I’ll wait…
Okay? Done? How about now?
At the end of Dandelion Iron, we all wanted to know what was up with Micaiah. Why was he on the cover of the magazine, who is the Psycho Princess, will Cavatica Weller and her sisters make it out of the Juniper alive? So many questions and the quest continues. As I’ve mentioned in other reviews, as a general rule book 2 usually sucks. But Ritchey destroyed all of my expectations, making me second guess my theory. This book never stopped, and continued to push the bounds of not only my expectations, but my mind. I was glad to see continued growth in the characters, especially the three Weller sisters. Had that been stunted or lost amongst the fray I would have been disappointed. Ritchey holds true to the story and doesn’t let the reader down.
All I can say is Aaron Ritchey, will you please hurry up and publish book three already?! Crazy fact: I don’t like westerns, Firefly and the Juniper Wars are the only exceptions to my rule. It’s way more than that though. It’s a futuristic time trap, with gunslingers, blimps, crazy technology, and Psyco Princess(es). Waiting for the next book is the worst part. Until then, I’m going to scour Ritchey’s blog for short stories in the Juniper.
November 15, 2016
You're a cruel author, Aaron Michael Ritchey. You're cruel to those poor Weller girls, and you've cost me several hours' sleep.
I loved the book, even so. We learn more about Cavatica and her sisters, and how they do love each other in spite of all their fighting. Even Wren becomes more of a person, and she's a tough character to like. We see the dangers to them, and to Micaiah, get even worse than they already were--and they were already dire. We learn quite a lot more about Micaiah. Heh. Go read it; I don't do spoilers. If you haven't already read "Dandelion Iron" the I strongly recommend you do that before starting this one. Ritchey's world building is solid, intricate stuff, and though he refreshes our memories nicely in book 2, you really need to have read book 1 first so that you understand the limitations that bind our characters, and why it's so important to get those cattle across the wild lands of the Juniper that people are willing to risk death to do so.
The struggle to get the cattle through the Juniper is one thing that makes this book different from the usual quest novel. Not all of our band of adventurers are dedicated to The Cause; some are just hired hands, and understandably reluctant to get killed on its behalf. The logistics of getting the herd through many miles of land where their food and water must be supplied by dirigible are a welcome comic relief at times.
And oh, I loved the Wind River people and their single-rider zeppelins. I'd like to have seen more of them. The Madelines are a prom nightmare gone metastatic.As for the Vixx sisters, and the Regios, all I can say is that Ritchey has enough villains for several series in here. Somehow, it never feels crowded; maybe that's the effect of all those empty places.
Read it. Just don't pick it up when you have to get somewhere next morning.
I loved the book, even so. We learn more about Cavatica and her sisters, and how they do love each other in spite of all their fighting. Even Wren becomes more of a person, and she's a tough character to like. We see the dangers to them, and to Micaiah, get even worse than they already were--and they were already dire. We learn quite a lot more about Micaiah. Heh. Go read it; I don't do spoilers. If you haven't already read "Dandelion Iron" the I strongly recommend you do that before starting this one. Ritchey's world building is solid, intricate stuff, and though he refreshes our memories nicely in book 2, you really need to have read book 1 first so that you understand the limitations that bind our characters, and why it's so important to get those cattle across the wild lands of the Juniper that people are willing to risk death to do so.
The struggle to get the cattle through the Juniper is one thing that makes this book different from the usual quest novel. Not all of our band of adventurers are dedicated to The Cause; some are just hired hands, and understandably reluctant to get killed on its behalf. The logistics of getting the herd through many miles of land where their food and water must be supplied by dirigible are a welcome comic relief at times.
And oh, I loved the Wind River people and their single-rider zeppelins. I'd like to have seen more of them. The Madelines are a prom nightmare gone metastatic.As for the Vixx sisters, and the Regios, all I can say is that Ritchey has enough villains for several series in here. Somehow, it never feels crowded; maybe that's the effect of all those empty places.
Read it. Just don't pick it up when you have to get somewhere next morning.
October 6, 2016
Killdeer Winds by Aaron Michael Ritchey
Killdeer Winds is a rip-roaring dystopian adventure, with a Wild West flair, that will have you on the edge of your seat during the whole book. Everyone’s resolve is put into question, relationships are tested, secrets are revealed, and then everyone dies. (Just kidding.) Maybe…
Tensions run high as the plot twists and turns. Wild risks are taken as the cattle drive is now being led by Cavatica, and she is only sixteen years old. She is forced to match wits with the crazy Madelines, the Wind River Tribe, and the Vixx Sisters’ army of biologically altered soldiers. All while trying to come to terms with a budding new love, that flipping New Morality Code, and family turmoil. It’s an out of control emotional roller-coaster ride as each new battle adds more complications.
Killdeer Winds is not a relaxing read by any stretch of the imagination. I’ve never read anything like this story before. It’s a thought provoking adventure that will grab you by your throat as well as your heart. And just as you think everything is going to work out, things go to hell in a hand-basket. Yep, of course there is a cliffhanger ending.
FYI: Killdeer Winds is book two in The Juniper Wars series. It is necessary to read the first in the series Dandelion Iron. **Originally written for "BigAl’s Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy.** September 23, 2016
Format/Typo Issues: I was given an ARC to read before the book was published and cannot comment on the finished book.
Killdeer Winds is a rip-roaring dystopian adventure, with a Wild West flair, that will have you on the edge of your seat during the whole book. Everyone’s resolve is put into question, relationships are tested, secrets are revealed, and then everyone dies. (Just kidding.) Maybe…
Tensions run high as the plot twists and turns. Wild risks are taken as the cattle drive is now being led by Cavatica, and she is only sixteen years old. She is forced to match wits with the crazy Madelines, the Wind River Tribe, and the Vixx Sisters’ army of biologically altered soldiers. All while trying to come to terms with a budding new love, that flipping New Morality Code, and family turmoil. It’s an out of control emotional roller-coaster ride as each new battle adds more complications.
Killdeer Winds is not a relaxing read by any stretch of the imagination. I’ve never read anything like this story before. It’s a thought provoking adventure that will grab you by your throat as well as your heart. And just as you think everything is going to work out, things go to hell in a hand-basket. Yep, of course there is a cliffhanger ending.
FYI: Killdeer Winds is book two in The Juniper Wars series. It is necessary to read the first in the series Dandelion Iron. **Originally written for "BigAl’s Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy.** September 23, 2016
Format/Typo Issues: I was given an ARC to read before the book was published and cannot comment on the finished book.
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November 12, 2016Wow! I loved Dandelion Iron, and Killdeer Winds was even better. Aaron Michael Ritchey has me hooked. I can’t wait to read Thistle Inferno!
July 22, 2017
Original…Uplifting…Whirlwind Adventure full of plot twists and cliffhangers!
Wren : She knew all about taking the hard way.
Sharlotte: I needed her to be my rock. I needed her to be in control.
Cavatica: “….had died because of Micaiah’s secrets. The guilt blackened my heart, and I prayed, with all my heart, and I prayed, with all my might, that her sacrifice hadn’t been in vain. That Micaiah’s quest would make her death noble”.
Suspense, good character development, action, original new setting, and ending on cliff hangers that makes you eagerly anticipate the next book, these are all the outstanding characteristics of The Juniper Wars by Aaron Michael Ritchey : Dandelion Iron (The Juniper Wars Book 1), Killdeer Winds (The Juniper Wars Book 2) and coming soon Thistle Inferno (The Juniper Wars Book 3). Although written for young adults, this series is an outstanding read for audiences of all ages!
The relationship between sisters is like a kaleidoscope, you never know how the pattern will turn out, but be assured the ties that bind are made of iron. To quote Sharlotte, “We’re connected, a cluster of thorns stuck in God’s heel, forever vexing Him, reminding Him about us and all our troubles”(Dandelion Iron).
Killdeer Winds (The Juniper Wars Book 2)
Book two starts with a recap of the main events in Book I. All three books are told in 1st person point of view by Cavatica Weller, the youngest of the Weller sisters. Cavatica is recovering from gunshot wounds and finds herself in the ranch house of one of her mother’s old friends, Jenny Bell Scheutz. Worried about where she is, and if the Regios commanded by the Vixxes (genetically altered, women, super solders) are still on their trail in addition to what she has revealed about Micaiah, she reflects, “Jenny Bell hadn’t talked about Micaiah, so I’d keep him a secret. I wasn’t sure yet if knowing about him would keep her safe or put her in more danger. All along, Micaiah said his true identity was like the apple in the Garden of Eden—one bite would damn us forever”. And after the revelation on the magazine cover she found under her bed, his pronouncement felt like a prophecy. She finds out that they are north of Fort Collins, and the Wyoming border is only eighty kilometers away. They had come along way but true halfway remained out of reach. Pilot is still alive but unconscious in the next room. Charlotte brought them to Jenny’s ranch. There is mention of a Ms. Jankowksi who invented the Eterna battery who is a hero of Cavatica. Then disaster strikes and the Regios have arrived at the ranch. Cavatica scrambles to hide Micaiah, the weapons and the ammunition. They are fenced in… it could all end here… Sharlotte’s words to Cavvy “I’m sure his kisses were sweet, but he’s gone and his six million dollar reward is gone with him. Good, Prolly just another lie anyway …and maybe we won’t be able to escape, but maybe dying here wouldn’t be so bad..” Unfortunately Wren is M.I.A. so the wrath of “Shakti” is not around to tip the scales or rescue the day.
Possible allegiances with June Mai Angel, revelations from Pilate and the Vixx sisters arrive to take vengeance and death follows. All that is left is to continue on. Sharlotte stood her jaw set, “Okay, let’s pack ‘em up. Can’t wait to see what the Psyco Princess is going to do to us. We’ve pissed off everyone else in the Juniper” The trail and drive goes on but roles shift and the enemy of my enemy becomes my friend…
Wren : She knew all about taking the hard way.
Sharlotte: I needed her to be my rock. I needed her to be in control.
Cavatica: “….had died because of Micaiah’s secrets. The guilt blackened my heart, and I prayed, with all my heart, and I prayed, with all my might, that her sacrifice hadn’t been in vain. That Micaiah’s quest would make her death noble”.
Suspense, good character development, action, original new setting, and ending on cliff hangers that makes you eagerly anticipate the next book, these are all the outstanding characteristics of The Juniper Wars by Aaron Michael Ritchey : Dandelion Iron (The Juniper Wars Book 1), Killdeer Winds (The Juniper Wars Book 2) and coming soon Thistle Inferno (The Juniper Wars Book 3). Although written for young adults, this series is an outstanding read for audiences of all ages!
The relationship between sisters is like a kaleidoscope, you never know how the pattern will turn out, but be assured the ties that bind are made of iron. To quote Sharlotte, “We’re connected, a cluster of thorns stuck in God’s heel, forever vexing Him, reminding Him about us and all our troubles”(Dandelion Iron).
Killdeer Winds (The Juniper Wars Book 2)
Book two starts with a recap of the main events in Book I. All three books are told in 1st person point of view by Cavatica Weller, the youngest of the Weller sisters. Cavatica is recovering from gunshot wounds and finds herself in the ranch house of one of her mother’s old friends, Jenny Bell Scheutz. Worried about where she is, and if the Regios commanded by the Vixxes (genetically altered, women, super solders) are still on their trail in addition to what she has revealed about Micaiah, she reflects, “Jenny Bell hadn’t talked about Micaiah, so I’d keep him a secret. I wasn’t sure yet if knowing about him would keep her safe or put her in more danger. All along, Micaiah said his true identity was like the apple in the Garden of Eden—one bite would damn us forever”. And after the revelation on the magazine cover she found under her bed, his pronouncement felt like a prophecy. She finds out that they are north of Fort Collins, and the Wyoming border is only eighty kilometers away. They had come along way but true halfway remained out of reach. Pilot is still alive but unconscious in the next room. Charlotte brought them to Jenny’s ranch. There is mention of a Ms. Jankowksi who invented the Eterna battery who is a hero of Cavatica. Then disaster strikes and the Regios have arrived at the ranch. Cavatica scrambles to hide Micaiah, the weapons and the ammunition. They are fenced in… it could all end here… Sharlotte’s words to Cavvy “I’m sure his kisses were sweet, but he’s gone and his six million dollar reward is gone with him. Good, Prolly just another lie anyway …and maybe we won’t be able to escape, but maybe dying here wouldn’t be so bad..” Unfortunately Wren is M.I.A. so the wrath of “Shakti” is not around to tip the scales or rescue the day.
Possible allegiances with June Mai Angel, revelations from Pilate and the Vixx sisters arrive to take vengeance and death follows. All that is left is to continue on. Sharlotte stood her jaw set, “Okay, let’s pack ‘em up. Can’t wait to see what the Psyco Princess is going to do to us. We’ve pissed off everyone else in the Juniper” The trail and drive goes on but roles shift and the enemy of my enemy becomes my friend…
May 7, 2020
I was hoping this would come out on audible, but I couldn't wait any longer. I love following these Weller sisters. There were several moments where I was holding my breath, praying for all these ladies. I'm excited to read the next one!
September 10, 2017
Fresh Story
Such an interesting book and story! The author does a great job at writing books that suck you in from cover to cover!
Such an interesting book and story! The author does a great job at writing books that suck you in from cover to cover!
July 20, 2019
The Sino-American war had turned the Juniper into the most dangerous area in the world. The Weller sisters, attempted to drive their cattle across a violent wasteland to save their ranch which their mother had left heavily indebted. They met up with Micaiah, a young boy who seemed to be wanted, but why? Juniper outlaws, the psycho princess and an inhuman army turned their cattle-drive into a suicide mission and one which nearly tore their family apart. The sterility epidemic had caused a shortage of viable man, so when the sisters came across Micaiah, Wren wanted to sell him but Sharlotte and Cavatica had both fallen in love with him. The souls of women were under siege and the trauma they faced when they returned home from the Sino-American war was something they were not prepared for. The sterility epidemic, the hysteria of the New Morality movement topped by the marketing campaigns of the ARK devastated them, however as women are wont to do, they coped and rallied round and did what they do best, they survived and the Weller sisters were some of the toughest cookies around and they were ready to fight both powers that be, the religious and the political always at the forefront of any fight, both greedy for power but Sally Brown Burke and Tibbs Hoyt had not bargained on coming across the Weller Sisters. I hate the hill billy slang used in the series but the action and the hardcore gutsy females in the novel make the read worthwhile.
July 29, 2019
Determined to take the headcount where it's needed to go, Cavatica Weller refuses to stand on the sidelines while the Vixxs and Regios are intent on doing away with her and her sisters. The fact that they harbor a guarded secret is of no consequence. Their lives are on the line. There's no way they're going to cede their freedom when they're so close to achieving an end to their own means.
Machine-Gun Girls picks up where book 1 left off, right in the heart of Cavatica's plight. She and her sisters refuse to step down from what they deem is right. They've so much to contend with, yet they don't back down from their ultimate goals no matter what comes their way.
Aaron paints such vivid pictures that you can imagine the world these girls and the rest of the characters live in. I kid you not! The America within this series is so different from the America we know now. The book honestly makes me want to explore it. To see the contrasts of both worlds with my own eyes. That's how good the author has created the visuals for the complex world he's created.
I honestly can't wait to see what's coming next for Cavatica and the others. Hopefully, they'll be able to shape the world exactly how they want it to be.
Machine-Gun Girls picks up where book 1 left off, right in the heart of Cavatica's plight. She and her sisters refuse to step down from what they deem is right. They've so much to contend with, yet they don't back down from their ultimate goals no matter what comes their way.
Aaron paints such vivid pictures that you can imagine the world these girls and the rest of the characters live in. I kid you not! The America within this series is so different from the America we know now. The book honestly makes me want to explore it. To see the contrasts of both worlds with my own eyes. That's how good the author has created the visuals for the complex world he's created.
I honestly can't wait to see what's coming next for Cavatica and the others. Hopefully, they'll be able to shape the world exactly how they want it to be.
August 12, 2019
I read both books back-to-back, so I'm posting the same review for both books.
I was blown away with the dystopian world the author created. The books are set roughly 30 years in the future, and there are two major factors: First, for some unknown reason, 90% of all men are sterile, and 90% of all births are female, making viable men a rarity. Second, after a nuclear war with China, a massive volcanic event in Yellowstone has resulted in five western US states losing electricity. The premise is that the magnetic fields from the flood basalt interferes with electronics. Those states (Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, and Montana) have been downgraded back to territories, and the whole area is collectively known as "The Juniper."
I have no idea if flood basalt COULD interfere with electronics, but I'm not a geologist. It's essentially a plot device that causes the affected areas to revert to 19th century technology.
The characters in the story are definitely interesting, and I was impressed with the amount of thought and detail the author put into the story. I'm looking forward to the next book(s) in the series.
I was blown away with the dystopian world the author created. The books are set roughly 30 years in the future, and there are two major factors: First, for some unknown reason, 90% of all men are sterile, and 90% of all births are female, making viable men a rarity. Second, after a nuclear war with China, a massive volcanic event in Yellowstone has resulted in five western US states losing electricity. The premise is that the magnetic fields from the flood basalt interferes with electronics. Those states (Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, and Montana) have been downgraded back to territories, and the whole area is collectively known as "The Juniper."
I have no idea if flood basalt COULD interfere with electronics, but I'm not a geologist. It's essentially a plot device that causes the affected areas to revert to 19th century technology.
The characters in the story are definitely interesting, and I was impressed with the amount of thought and detail the author put into the story. I'm looking forward to the next book(s) in the series.
January 4, 2017
Oh man. I don't even know where to start. I picked up this book after pestering Aaron Michael Ritchey and he still had the guts to asks.
I knew I would like it but assumed in an amused that is cute fashion.
I was wrong. I love it. And not only because the concept makes me say "hell yeah girl power."
The writing is well done. I love the references and nods to other things I love. The storytelling is brilliant. Each chapter ends compelling me to continue to the next.
At one point he broke my heart, gave it back, broke it again the sucker punched me and I couldn't get enough. I swore it was unforgivable but I was wrong.
I knew I would like it but assumed in an amused that is cute fashion.
I was wrong. I love it. And not only because the concept makes me say "hell yeah girl power."
The writing is well done. I love the references and nods to other things I love. The storytelling is brilliant. Each chapter ends compelling me to continue to the next.
At one point he broke my heart, gave it back, broke it again the sucker punched me and I couldn't get enough. I swore it was unforgivable but I was wrong.
June 9, 2020
Louis La'mour Meets Robert Heinlein In Westworld
Mr. Richey is very close to becoming my very favorite Kindle Unlimited author, and that's after only reading two of of his Juniper Wars books. Great imagination totally retooled the same tired old tropes of post-apocalyptic genre. Half western, half science fiction, this continuing saga of the Weller sisters is alternately happy, sad, romantic, non-stop action and very romantic. Yeah, it's kind of got it all going on and beautifully written too. If you dig Rebecca Roanhorse you'll love Ritchie.
Mr. Richey is very close to becoming my very favorite Kindle Unlimited author, and that's after only reading two of of his Juniper Wars books. Great imagination totally retooled the same tired old tropes of post-apocalyptic genre. Half western, half science fiction, this continuing saga of the Weller sisters is alternately happy, sad, romantic, non-stop action and very romantic. Yeah, it's kind of got it all going on and beautifully written too. If you dig Rebecca Roanhorse you'll love Ritchie.
October 18, 2016
4.5/5.0
The Wild West springs larger than life from the pages of this thrilling steampunk tale of hardship, secrets, and desperate hope!
Read full review in the 2016 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.
The Wild West springs larger than life from the pages of this thrilling steampunk tale of hardship, secrets, and desperate hope!
Read full review in the 2016 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.
September 22, 2019
4 and 1/2 stars
April 6, 2017
WOW. This book deserves 5 stars and more. It's really poetic about life, so many subtle points brought home by the protagonist and her struggles. The plot twisted and turned and I couldn't predict it! I liked #1 a lot, but this (#2) I LOVED. Great development of the series and I cannot wait to read more. Really can't wait--it wraps everything up and then leaves a cliffhanger at the very end!!
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