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Wyrd West Chronicles #1
Showdown
~ Nominee for the Virtual Fantasy Con 2017 Awards for Best Fantasy Steampunk Novel and Best Fantasy Dystopian Novel. ~
From "Showdown":
The Desperado spat. “You ain’t goin’ to start something you can’t finish, are you, boy?” he sneered in a cold rasping baritone. His eyes were darker than coal-black. No apprentice then; this man had sold his soul to Hell and leased it back at compound interest. “You’re so wet behind the ears I don’t reckon you can sprout a beard yet.”
Graeme turned his head just slightly so that the Desperado could get a glimpse of the pointed ear sticking out of his hair under his hat brim.
The Desperado’s eyes narrowed. “Fuckin’ faeries,” he growled, almost under his breath. “Well, guess I got no real idea how old you are. But you smell like children to me. Why don’t you go back to your farm and leave the grown-ups to do their business?”
Graeme thought about the Gunslinger this man had cut down. He could still hear the gurgle and wheeze of her struggle to breathe. He could smell the iron of her blood seeping into the dust.
“I don’t think so.”
----------
In Queenstown, an untried youth is the only one who can face down a notorious Desperado. But Graeme Walsh is not a not yet. Will his training and his secret sorcerer's powers be enough to get the drop on the Outlaw, before the Outlaw gets the drop on him?
Welcome to the Wyrd West, the world next door, where Western meets high fantasy, apocalyptica and a dash of steampunk. This novelette serial will be published bimonthly in e-format, with collections published in print format once a year.
From "Showdown":
The Desperado spat. “You ain’t goin’ to start something you can’t finish, are you, boy?” he sneered in a cold rasping baritone. His eyes were darker than coal-black. No apprentice then; this man had sold his soul to Hell and leased it back at compound interest. “You’re so wet behind the ears I don’t reckon you can sprout a beard yet.”
Graeme turned his head just slightly so that the Desperado could get a glimpse of the pointed ear sticking out of his hair under his hat brim.
The Desperado’s eyes narrowed. “Fuckin’ faeries,” he growled, almost under his breath. “Well, guess I got no real idea how old you are. But you smell like children to me. Why don’t you go back to your farm and leave the grown-ups to do their business?”
Graeme thought about the Gunslinger this man had cut down. He could still hear the gurgle and wheeze of her struggle to breathe. He could smell the iron of her blood seeping into the dust.
“I don’t think so.”
----------
In Queenstown, an untried youth is the only one who can face down a notorious Desperado. But Graeme Walsh is not a not yet. Will his training and his secret sorcerer's powers be enough to get the drop on the Outlaw, before the Outlaw gets the drop on him?
Welcome to the Wyrd West, the world next door, where Western meets high fantasy, apocalyptica and a dash of steampunk. This novelette serial will be published bimonthly in e-format, with collections published in print format once a year.
- GenresFantasy
40 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 20, 2017
6 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 4, 2017
So I read this as part of #SPFBO and I have to say I am just not sure what this is meant to be. It's super short for a start, so maybe it's a novella, but I feel like it was also a bit random and didn't really appeal to me personally. This follows Graeme, a Gunslinger in training with some secret sorcery skills, as he has to face down an Outlaw in the Wild West. Apparently it is the start of a series which will continue to come out every few months, with a print copy ultimately out after every four issues, but for me this felt more like a chapter from a book rather than something I can judge entirely on its own merit and so although it was a quick easy read and wasn't a bad beginning, that's all it really was... 2*s from me judging on just this portion, if there was more maybe it would have got more, but as it is there's very little to go on.
July 14, 2018
This is the first novelette in a serial I'm writing that's geared primarily for e-platforms. Publication schedule will include one every two months, with a print collection intended for once a year with all of that year's stories included.
What is a serial? A serial is a series of stories published sequentially. In many cases they would end with cliffhangers that would encourage you to get the next one. I don't end things on cliffhangers, but they are designed to be read sequentially and continue more or less where the last one left off. Each is a complete story in and of itself, and each year's stories will have a consistent story arc between them.
The Wyrd West Chronicles are a genre-bender and a mixture of a lot of things, so they're not likely to be for everybody. In essence, it's what happens when a high fantasy meets a Western, set in a post-apocalyptic magical world that's a little bit steampunk (or cattlepunk, if you're familiar with that term). I guess the closest description of its genre is Weird West, where Western meets the supernatural. However, the supernatural element in Weird Westerns tends to be geared towards horror; vampires and zombies and the like. Mine is more like Tolkien meets Tombstone.
I think, however, that you could still legitimately call it a Western. The themes are based in Western themes; standing up for what you believe is right, rugged individualism, determined survivalists; that kind of thing. A dedicated Western fan will recognize a lot of tropes that they know and love (without the stereotypes, I hope; though that may not be evident right away.) This is a mythic West. Yet, all the tropes that remain exist for a reason that I think is consistent within the world I've constructed. Firefly fans might appreciate what I'm trying to do.
The setting is a post-apocalyptic Canadian West which has an American Midwestern presence. What was the Cataclysm that I speak of in the book? Why are things the way they are in this world? Don't worry, I will explain all that; just not right away. ;)
What is a serial? A serial is a series of stories published sequentially. In many cases they would end with cliffhangers that would encourage you to get the next one. I don't end things on cliffhangers, but they are designed to be read sequentially and continue more or less where the last one left off. Each is a complete story in and of itself, and each year's stories will have a consistent story arc between them.
The Wyrd West Chronicles are a genre-bender and a mixture of a lot of things, so they're not likely to be for everybody. In essence, it's what happens when a high fantasy meets a Western, set in a post-apocalyptic magical world that's a little bit steampunk (or cattlepunk, if you're familiar with that term). I guess the closest description of its genre is Weird West, where Western meets the supernatural. However, the supernatural element in Weird Westerns tends to be geared towards horror; vampires and zombies and the like. Mine is more like Tolkien meets Tombstone.
I think, however, that you could still legitimately call it a Western. The themes are based in Western themes; standing up for what you believe is right, rugged individualism, determined survivalists; that kind of thing. A dedicated Western fan will recognize a lot of tropes that they know and love (without the stereotypes, I hope; though that may not be evident right away.) This is a mythic West. Yet, all the tropes that remain exist for a reason that I think is consistent within the world I've constructed. Firefly fans might appreciate what I'm trying to do.
The setting is a post-apocalyptic Canadian West which has an American Midwestern presence. What was the Cataclysm that I speak of in the book? Why are things the way they are in this world? Don't worry, I will explain all that; just not right away. ;)
August 18, 2017
This honestly is not a genre that I would normally read. I never really touch anything Western.
...That's why I was surprised that I liked it so much. I loved the dialogue structure, the characters were so dynamic despite the story being so short, and the theme of necromancy is one that has always appealed to me! I love the way this evolved in such a short time!
...That's why I was surprised that I liked it so much. I loved the dialogue structure, the characters were so dynamic despite the story being so short, and the theme of necromancy is one that has always appealed to me! I love the way this evolved in such a short time!
April 11, 2017
A Terrific Tale
With vivid descriptions and a world you can almost reach out and touch, Showdown is a story that pleases. It's hopeful and gritty in all the right places with crystal-clear characters and a touch of toungue-in-cheek humor. Loved it!
With vivid descriptions and a world you can almost reach out and touch, Showdown is a story that pleases. It's hopeful and gritty in all the right places with crystal-clear characters and a touch of toungue-in-cheek humor. Loved it!
October 17, 2017
The Good:
A setting rich in thought, with lots of world-building behind it. The Wild West with Elves and Dwarves and Trolls and many more such things, including magic. This is NOT More Brand New Same Old Thing. Some serious thought has gone into building the world that is the background for the story. I could sit here and pick some things about it to pieces, but I could do that with a lot of good stories. The story works, at least on the surface level. It held my interest for as long as it needed to.
The Needs Improvement
Hops around in time with excessive information-dumps. It's a novellette, and a shortish one, not a novel. I didn't do a word-count, but I would be surprised if it was over ten thousand words. The hopping around in time conducting information dumping was distracting. This would be a better story told in a less non-linear fashion. The climax begs a big question of where the protagonist's father/trainer is.
With that said, each individual segment flows well from start to finish. It comes together to build a coherent picture of the protagonist that makes the climax make sense. I would like to read more.
I would give it about a seven on a ten scale, or three to three and a half stars on the five star system. By Amazon's definitions, a four star product.
A setting rich in thought, with lots of world-building behind it. The Wild West with Elves and Dwarves and Trolls and many more such things, including magic. This is NOT More Brand New Same Old Thing. Some serious thought has gone into building the world that is the background for the story. I could sit here and pick some things about it to pieces, but I could do that with a lot of good stories. The story works, at least on the surface level. It held my interest for as long as it needed to.
The Needs Improvement
Hops around in time with excessive information-dumps. It's a novellette, and a shortish one, not a novel. I didn't do a word-count, but I would be surprised if it was over ten thousand words. The hopping around in time conducting information dumping was distracting. This would be a better story told in a less non-linear fashion. The climax begs a big question of where the protagonist's father/trainer is.
With that said, each individual segment flows well from start to finish. It comes together to build a coherent picture of the protagonist that makes the climax make sense. I would like to read more.
I would give it about a seven on a ten scale, or three to three and a half stars on the five star system. By Amazon's definitions, a four star product.
October 3, 2017
Showdown by Diane Morrison is the first in the Wyrd West Chronicles. It's a quick, gripping read set in a post-apocalyptic 'West' with gunslingers, desperadoes, salons, ranches, holy bullets, magic, ghosts, elves (or fae) and demons. Hence the Wyrd West label. An emerging genre - wyrd, they say, often has a little bit of everything - scif-fi, horror, fantasy, goth, steampunk and western. Morrison does a great job of blending the elements together, with an authentic western feel.
Graeme Walsh is a half-elf apprentice Gunslinger. When he and his sister come to town, a face off between the Gunslinger (the law keeper) and a hell-tainted Despardo catapults Graeme into a showdown with the deadly assassin. The narrative flashes between past and present - as we learn more about Graeme and his sister and the events leading up to the showdown. It introduces us to the wyrd world and its colourful characters, while presenting Graeme with a coming of age challenge. Perhaps, a little too easy and predictable, it was still an interesting read with intriguing characters and gunslinging action. Graeme in particular came to life.
Graeme Walsh is a half-elf apprentice Gunslinger. When he and his sister come to town, a face off between the Gunslinger (the law keeper) and a hell-tainted Despardo catapults Graeme into a showdown with the deadly assassin. The narrative flashes between past and present - as we learn more about Graeme and his sister and the events leading up to the showdown. It introduces us to the wyrd world and its colourful characters, while presenting Graeme with a coming of age challenge. Perhaps, a little too easy and predictable, it was still an interesting read with intriguing characters and gunslinging action. Graeme in particular came to life.
July 18, 2017
An intriguing, neopagan western with six shooters and sorcery! This fantasy, paranormal, cattlepunk novellette is a short read that leaves room for dessert. I'm thinking a big bowl of ice cream - right now. Big enough to contemplate a quick draw elf and a damnable desperado.
Dianne Morrison's Showdown is new territory for me. This could become a thing considering the successes of Westworld, Hell on Wheels and Deadwood. Myself, I'll need more world-building backstory to wrap my mind around an elf that can break onetwothreefourfivesix pigeonsjustlikethat a la Cumming's Buffalo Bill. But I'm not opposed to such a world.
I'll be reading the next book in this series.
Dianne Morrison's Showdown is new territory for me. This could become a thing considering the successes of Westworld, Hell on Wheels and Deadwood. Myself, I'll need more world-building backstory to wrap my mind around an elf that can break onetwothreefourfivesix pigeonsjustlikethat a la Cumming's Buffalo Bill. But I'm not opposed to such a world.
I'll be reading the next book in this series.
March 20, 2017
A good read. It's a fast paced coming of age adventure set in the mysterious mystical landscape of the Wyrd West and you'll enjoy it.
January 21, 2018
Great feel to the book. Magic was woven into the story with great care.
February 9, 2018
Since the cataclysm, chemistry has become unstable and alchemy is quietly mingled into a world with remarkable parallels to the Spaghetti Westerns and John Wayne movies I used as a childhood outdoor survival guide. I grew where the Phoenix metro area met Arizona’s scrub desert and bordered Tonto National Forest, so the Old West themes were prevalent in culture as well as local tourism. A book friend told me about this world of gunfighting elves and I knew I was hooked! Then the writing was great, and that was a bonus!
Graeme and his sister Piper are in town on a family errand when they see a Gunslinger killed in a duel by a Desperado. Even though he’s only his Gunslinger father’s apprentice, Graeme challenges the killer. Showdown is the tale of Graeme and Piper’s backstory and the account of his first gunfight. It certainly blew me away!
My sister was a tomboy who grew up into an awesome veteran also qualified as an expert marksperson with a M16 machine gun. Piper, the kid sister who wants to take the Gunslinger’s path but has been forbidden, reminds me of her! Her share in the story has me most excited.
Go read Showdown. Then jump on facebook and join my club by tacking this onto the url “/groups/ShanesBookClub”. There will be a post of this serial waiting. Let’s talk!
Graeme and his sister Piper are in town on a family errand when they see a Gunslinger killed in a duel by a Desperado. Even though he’s only his Gunslinger father’s apprentice, Graeme challenges the killer. Showdown is the tale of Graeme and Piper’s backstory and the account of his first gunfight. It certainly blew me away!
My sister was a tomboy who grew up into an awesome veteran also qualified as an expert marksperson with a M16 machine gun. Piper, the kid sister who wants to take the Gunslinger’s path but has been forbidden, reminds me of her! Her share in the story has me most excited.
Go read Showdown. Then jump on facebook and join my club by tacking this onto the url “/groups/ShanesBookClub”. There will be a post of this serial waiting. Let’s talk!
May 13, 2017
I loved this book. It was like Fallout meets Firefly meets Supernatural meets Shannara. Set in Canada (yay! MOAR FANTASY SET IN CANADA PLS) along the Assiniboine River, ages after a Cataclysm that has destroyed our modern world, there is now magic in the world again -- fae, trolls, gnomes, dwarves, and various other non-human races intermingle with humanity in a future Wild West. The religion practiced by the Gunslingers is a mash-up of Christianity and Wiccanate Paganism, but sorcery is considered dangerous and must be hidden from the public eye, lest one ends up on the wrong end of a witch hunt.
I found myself wanting to know much more about the world the author has created. Though this is a quick read (being a novella), it is packed full of good characterization, a steady plot, and worldbuilding you can really sink your teeth into. I've already pre-ordered the next book in the series!
I found myself wanting to know much more about the world the author has created. Though this is a quick read (being a novella), it is packed full of good characterization, a steady plot, and worldbuilding you can really sink your teeth into. I've already pre-ordered the next book in the series!
May 29, 2018
Kudos to the author for trying something new, combining post apocalyptic story with westerns with fantasy. Novella is not badly written. I didn't like the story, characters or premise and finished only because it is short.
http://www.morebooksthantime.com/mini...
http://www.morebooksthantime.com/mini...
April 6, 2023
We need more fantasy westerns
This has the western feel and aesthetics mixed with fantasy and elves. This is my kind of read for sure. Short and fun read with well paced world building.
This has the western feel and aesthetics mixed with fantasy and elves. This is my kind of read for sure. Short and fun read with well paced world building.
Read
March 7, 2025an absolute burst of ideas and imagination. the worldbuilding feels ceaseless, almost crammed to the last words
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews