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Crockett and Crane #1
Horseman
In the year 1790, monster hunter Ichabod Crane searched for a mysterious creature called the Headless Horseman. His quest ended in an embarrassing failure that marked his family with disgrace for generations.
Now, in 1891, his descendant (and part-time centaur) Todd Crane is determined to clear his family’s name. There's just one problem--Todd deals in illegal magic potions. This puts him on the wrong side of U.S. Marshal Amy Crockett.
When the Headless Horseman returns to menace the western frontier, Todd and Amy must join forces to stop the monster once and for all. But if they're going to succeed, they'll have to make sacrifices that will change their lives forever.
Enter a Wild West where centaurs wear six-shooters and dragons soar over the deserts. Welcome to the United States of Neverica.
Now, in 1891, his descendant (and part-time centaur) Todd Crane is determined to clear his family’s name. There's just one problem--Todd deals in illegal magic potions. This puts him on the wrong side of U.S. Marshal Amy Crockett.
When the Headless Horseman returns to menace the western frontier, Todd and Amy must join forces to stop the monster once and for all. But if they're going to succeed, they'll have to make sacrifices that will change their lives forever.
Enter a Wild West where centaurs wear six-shooters and dragons soar over the deserts. Welcome to the United States of Neverica.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2019
34 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
About the author
Kyle Robert Shultz
41 books156 followersKyle Robert Shultz is the creator of the Aftermythos, an interconnected collection of stories set in an alternate universe where fairy tales and mythology are history. Shultz is a completely ordinary human being with no remarkable qualities whatsoever. Accounts suggesting that he is a dangerous wizard exiled from a parallel reality, a cleverly-disguised magical creature passing off the history of another world as original fiction, a mysterious trickster entity described in the folklore of a circumscribed region of Wales, or a pseudonym adopted by three talking otters stacked up in a trench coat should be dismissed as not entirely accurate.
Note: I'm not active on Goodreads, so I may not see messages or other notifications. I only use this profile for business, so don't be offended if I don't accept your friend request. If you want to get in touch with me, email me at kyle@aftermythos.com.
Note: I'm not active on Goodreads, so I may not see messages or other notifications. I only use this profile for business, so don't be offended if I don't accept your friend request. If you want to get in touch with me, email me at kyle@aftermythos.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
June 9, 2018
One of the best books ever. Just sayin'. Gosh dang.
-- The writing style was AMAZING. It really set the tone and the POV was always well done and hilarious. But it gave great descriptions so things were soo realistic.
-- The story and plot were E-P-I-C. I love the universe and the history and the magic, how it was all handled... it was insane. The story also didn't get confusing, remaining well paced but always clear.
-- The characters were fantastic. Each of them. Except for the bad guys -- also done well -- they can go lick the dust. My favorite character was probably... well, Todd Crane, because we have nothing in common but man, was he relatable nonetheless... and Amy, Meg, and Julio were just awesome and realistic.
Overall, I loved this book. I was laughing (till tears came, y'all) more than once... I CANNOT wait till the next book! And I'm promptly inspired to go try and draw a centaur. Let's hope my drawing skills are better than Todd's.
-- The writing style was AMAZING. It really set the tone and the POV was always well done and hilarious. But it gave great descriptions so things were soo realistic.
-- The story and plot were E-P-I-C. I love the universe and the history and the magic, how it was all handled... it was insane. The story also didn't get confusing, remaining well paced but always clear.
-- The characters were fantastic. Each of them. Except for the bad guys -- also done well -- they can go lick the dust. My favorite character was probably... well, Todd Crane, because we have nothing in common but man, was he relatable nonetheless... and Amy, Meg, and Julio were just awesome and realistic.
Overall, I loved this book. I was laughing (till tears came, y'all) more than once... I CANNOT wait till the next book! And I'm promptly inspired to go try and draw a centaur. Let's hope my drawing skills are better than Todd's.
August 1, 2024
UPDATED REVIEW (first reread December 2021, five stars):
I adore all of the Afterverse books. So much. This is, in my opinion, one of the author’s funniest books, and even though I’ve skimmed it numerous times, it just keeps getting funnier. (In everyday conversation, you can find me not-so-subtly slipping Afterverse quotes into my sentences. These books are just so quotable.)
(For this reread, I listened to the Audible audiobook, and Kieran Flitton’s narration is excellent. I especially loved his voice for Julio, and I listened to Chapter 9 multiple times because it’s just. so. hilarious.)
All of these characters are three-dimensional and lively; I aspire to create characters with the same depth as Kyle Robert Shultz’s characters. Todd’s character arc, especially, is excellently written as this hurting, reclusive, apathetic con man who hides behind witty humor transforms into a selfless, determined, and fiercely loyal hero and friend.
The main things in this book that aren’t my most favorite are some of the magical terms used, like “familiars” and “astral projection.” None of the magic is occultist in any way, and those terms are all defined uniquely within the boundaries of the author’s creative magic system. Just seeing some of those terms makes me feel a little uncomfortable.
I didn’t think about it in these terms when first reading Horseman, but I love how this book explores the theme of stories, how they become more powerful the more they’re told and the more people believe them. There is power in a good story, and there is dark, manipulative power in a lie.
There is virtually nothing to dislike about this series. It’s a witty, well-written reimagining of “American” history with surprising depth to it. I recommend the Afterverse books to almost everyone I know, and I know I will be rereading these books many more times.
I can’t wait until the author releases more of his wonderful stories.
ORIGINAL REVIEW (first read May 2021, four stars):
As soon as I cracked open this book, it promised to be just as delightful as the Beaumont & Beasley series. And oh, my goodness. In true Shultz fashion, Horseman managed to be at the same time absolutely hilarious, so much fun, and full of feels. (Seriously. The feels. Especially for Beaumont & Beasley fans.)
I loved the “Neverican” Wild West setting. And the new cast made the book. They’re just as witty and brilliant and hilarious as all the author’s other characters. (And there’s a found family trope, which is one of my favorite tropes ever!) It was a sheer delight to be in the head of the point of view character: part-time centaur, con man with a heart of gold, and snark master Todd Crane (descendant of Ichabod Crane). There’s also feisty U.S. Marshal Amy Crockett (descendant of Davy Crockett), the sweet, compassionate bookworm Meg, and the sassy, friendly, Mexican (well, “Quixotan”) dragon shapeshifter Julio. (Julio who may or may not have a connection to another amazing, sassy Afterverse dragon...*winks*)
I will say that, although I know it was played for humor, I wasn’t a fan of how some of the characters kept threatening to literally murder each other. (I mean, Amy literally started strangling Todd at one point...) Also, I do not like vampires. At all. While it was never gory or exceedingly detailed, I was not a fan of any of the vampire legends in this book. However, those were pretty much my only concerns/annoyances. Overall, the author has succeeded in getting me to love all of his characters and stories. :)
The epilogue blew my mind, as always.
It’s official. I will read everything that Kyle writes.
(You can read and understand the Crockett & Crane series without having read any of Kyle’s other books, but I personally recommend reading the Beaumont & Beasley series first. You’ll be able to catch the mind-blowing cameos and plot tie-ins. :) )
Content: mild violence, some creepiness, magic
I adore all of the Afterverse books. So much. This is, in my opinion, one of the author’s funniest books, and even though I’ve skimmed it numerous times, it just keeps getting funnier. (In everyday conversation, you can find me not-so-subtly slipping Afterverse quotes into my sentences. These books are just so quotable.)
(For this reread, I listened to the Audible audiobook, and Kieran Flitton’s narration is excellent. I especially loved his voice for Julio, and I listened to Chapter 9 multiple times because it’s just. so. hilarious.)
All of these characters are three-dimensional and lively; I aspire to create characters with the same depth as Kyle Robert Shultz’s characters. Todd’s character arc, especially, is excellently written as this hurting, reclusive, apathetic con man who hides behind witty humor transforms into a selfless, determined, and fiercely loyal hero and friend.
The main things in this book that aren’t my most favorite are some of the magical terms used, like “familiars” and “astral projection.” None of the magic is occultist in any way, and those terms are all defined uniquely within the boundaries of the author’s creative magic system. Just seeing some of those terms makes me feel a little uncomfortable.
I didn’t think about it in these terms when first reading Horseman, but I love how this book explores the theme of stories, how they become more powerful the more they’re told and the more people believe them. There is power in a good story, and there is dark, manipulative power in a lie.
There is virtually nothing to dislike about this series. It’s a witty, well-written reimagining of “American” history with surprising depth to it. I recommend the Afterverse books to almost everyone I know, and I know I will be rereading these books many more times.
I can’t wait until the author releases more of his wonderful stories.
ORIGINAL REVIEW (first read May 2021, four stars):
As soon as I cracked open this book, it promised to be just as delightful as the Beaumont & Beasley series. And oh, my goodness. In true Shultz fashion, Horseman managed to be at the same time absolutely hilarious, so much fun, and full of feels. (Seriously. The feels. Especially for Beaumont & Beasley fans.)
I loved the “Neverican” Wild West setting. And the new cast made the book. They’re just as witty and brilliant and hilarious as all the author’s other characters. (And there’s a found family trope, which is one of my favorite tropes ever!) It was a sheer delight to be in the head of the point of view character: part-time centaur, con man with a heart of gold, and snark master Todd Crane (descendant of Ichabod Crane). There’s also feisty U.S. Marshal Amy Crockett (descendant of Davy Crockett), the sweet, compassionate bookworm Meg, and the sassy, friendly, Mexican (well, “Quixotan”) dragon shapeshifter Julio. (Julio who may or may not have a connection to another amazing, sassy Afterverse dragon...*winks*)
I will say that, although I know it was played for humor, I wasn’t a fan of how some of the characters kept threatening to literally murder each other. (I mean, Amy literally started strangling Todd at one point...) Also, I do not like vampires. At all. While it was never gory or exceedingly detailed, I was not a fan of any of the vampire legends in this book. However, those were pretty much my only concerns/annoyances. Overall, the author has succeeded in getting me to love all of his characters and stories. :)
The epilogue blew my mind, as always.
It’s official. I will read everything that Kyle writes.
(You can read and understand the Crockett & Crane series without having read any of Kyle’s other books, but I personally recommend reading the Beaumont & Beasley series first. You’ll be able to catch the mind-blowing cameos and plot tie-ins. :) )
Content: mild violence, some creepiness, magic
December 15, 2022
Someday, I may write a whole review of this book. Perhaps.
In the meantime, all you need to know about it is:
• It's by the author of the hilarious Beaumont and Beasley fairytale-retelling series.
• It's set in an alternate-history, magical version of the wild west, where legends and other tall-tales (like Rip Van Winkle, Paul Bunyan, and--naturally--The Legend of Sleepy Hollow) are history.
• It features a part-time centaur/con-man/monster-hunter by the name of Todd Crane. (He's descended from Ichabod Crane and is so snarky and I love him.)
• It also features Marshall Amy Crockett (descendant of Davy Crockett) who is out to arrest Todd. This makes things fun. XD
• And, finally, it features everybody's favorite (or... you know, possibly second-favorite, after Malcolm Blackfire--AHEM) dragon (with a Spanish accent), Julio Aquino (who may-or-may-not be Malcolm's son--JUST SAYIN').
• It's kind of like a buddy-cop story. Think Zootopia, but more awesome and with magical six-shooters.
• It's a little bit spooky, if that's not your thing (fair warning), but it's so funny that you won't care.
• There are cameo references to the Beaumont and Beasley books, for anyone who's read those; if you haven't, Horseman can stand alone, since it's part of a spin-off series (just set in the same universe).
• So much snark and hilarity. SO much.
But really, if you DON'T want to read a buddy story about a part-time centaur/con-artist/monster-hunter, a magical, no-nonsense Marshall, and their sidekicks--in the form of a Spanish dragon and a sweet-tempered teenage gorgon--as they try to defeat the Headless Horseman in the Wild Magical West... well... then... I can't help you. XD
(Disclaimer: I read Horseman week-by-week on Wattpad and loved it. Later, I was an editor for the book. I didn't need to write a review, positive or otherwise, and these are my honest opinions.)
In the meantime, all you need to know about it is:
• It's by the author of the hilarious Beaumont and Beasley fairytale-retelling series.
• It's set in an alternate-history, magical version of the wild west, where legends and other tall-tales (like Rip Van Winkle, Paul Bunyan, and--naturally--The Legend of Sleepy Hollow) are history.
• It features a part-time centaur/con-man/monster-hunter by the name of Todd Crane. (He's descended from Ichabod Crane and is so snarky and I love him.)
• It also features Marshall Amy Crockett (descendant of Davy Crockett) who is out to arrest Todd. This makes things fun. XD
• And, finally, it features everybody's favorite (or... you know, possibly second-favorite, after Malcolm Blackfire--AHEM) dragon (with a Spanish accent), Julio Aquino (who may-or-may-not be Malcolm's son--JUST SAYIN').
• It's kind of like a buddy-cop story. Think Zootopia, but more awesome and with magical six-shooters.
• It's a little bit spooky, if that's not your thing (fair warning), but it's so funny that you won't care.
• There are cameo references to the Beaumont and Beasley books, for anyone who's read those; if you haven't, Horseman can stand alone, since it's part of a spin-off series (just set in the same universe).
• So much snark and hilarity. SO much.
But really, if you DON'T want to read a buddy story about a part-time centaur/con-artist/monster-hunter, a magical, no-nonsense Marshall, and their sidekicks--in the form of a Spanish dragon and a sweet-tempered teenage gorgon--as they try to defeat the Headless Horseman in the Wild Magical West... well... then... I can't help you. XD
(Disclaimer: I read Horseman week-by-week on Wattpad and loved it. Later, I was an editor for the book. I didn't need to write a review, positive or otherwise, and these are my honest opinions.)
December 31, 2018
Boy howdy, that was a fun romp through the Wild West of Neverica! The humor was spot-on, in the same vein as the Beaumont and Beasley series. The band of misfits (consisting of a centaur, a Marshall, a gorgon, and a dragon) leapt off the page. And the epilogue provided a VERY interesting twist/connection to B&B!
I’m not extremely familiar with the Legend of Sleepy Hollow, but it was brilliantly played in a way I didn’t expect. So extra points for that.
And I didn’t know I needed a cheerful Quixotan dragon in my life before I met Julio Rafael Lorenzo Velazquez Sandoval Castillo Aquino. XD
P.S. Rex and Joy are also a riot!
I’m not extremely familiar with the Legend of Sleepy Hollow, but it was brilliantly played in a way I didn’t expect. So extra points for that.
And I didn’t know I needed a cheerful Quixotan dragon in my life before I met Julio Rafael Lorenzo Velazquez Sandoval Castillo Aquino. XD
P.S. Rex and Joy are also a riot!
May 25, 2018
A very enjoyable read. Lots of unexpected happenings and funny banter. Oh and Julio!!
March 21, 2019
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: any story that Kyle Robert Shultz writes is fun. A sense of zany, whacky fun is simply part of Shultz’s signature style. And this story is no exception. But, still, reading all the overwhelmingly positive reviews for Horseman, I feel bad for not enjoying it more than I did. I didn’t really feel invested in the characters, and the work as a whole didn’t seem quite as charming as the Beaumont and Beasley series to me. Perhaps my expectations for this book were just a bit too high.
Don’t get me wrong: there are still plenty of things to recommend Horseman. The world-building is trippy. The way that it connects to the Beaumont and Beasley series is mind-blowing. The banter between characters is as hilarious as ever--and the chapter titles are even more hilarious than ever. Plus, I totally busted up while reading Shultz’s ever-so-accurate portrayals of the minds of feline and canine-kind. That was probably my favorite part of the whole book.
Horseman might not have been my favorite of Shultz’s pieces, but it’s still definitely worth the read!
Don’t get me wrong: there are still plenty of things to recommend Horseman. The world-building is trippy. The way that it connects to the Beaumont and Beasley series is mind-blowing. The banter between characters is as hilarious as ever--and the chapter titles are even more hilarious than ever. Plus, I totally busted up while reading Shultz’s ever-so-accurate portrayals of the minds of feline and canine-kind. That was probably my favorite part of the whole book.
Horseman might not have been my favorite of Shultz’s pieces, but it’s still definitely worth the read!
June 25, 2018
First let it be known that I'm utterly obsessed with the Beaumont and Beasley series. Ya know, the series set in an alternate 1920s-esque world where fairytales are real? YEAH THAT ONE. So when I heard there was going to be a spinoff series set in an alternate 1890s America, there may have been much flailing.
This book was honest to goodness just as delightful as the B&B series. With similar threads and the author’s trademark humor, but also overfilling with new twists and settings and concepts that made it stand totally on its own. It hooked me with that first sentence, and had me glued to the pages and grinning all the way to the end.
THE RUNDOWN
Unlike the refined London-like setting of Beaumont and Beasley, where most people believe magic is purely a myth and fairytales are just that, tales, the Crockett and Crane series is set in the wild west of the United States of Neverica (gotta love it!) where magic potions and mythical creatures run rampant.
I’m gonna be honest with you guys. I, erm, don’t like westerns. Really at all. It’s one of my least favorite genres. I’M SORRY! It’s just never been my thing. The hot, dusty setting makes me feel…well, hot and dusty. But Kyle did the impossible. He made me love a western! I mean, come on, a western full of magic and mythical beasts and retellings and humor? I can get on top of that! Yes, I like the setting of the B&B series much better, but this book was so fun and charming in its own way.
Where the Beaumont and Beasley series focuses on fairytales, the Crockett and Crane stories are more legends. Horseman is centered around The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, which was a fun and different twist. But, just as the rest of Kyle’s stories, this one takes place after the events of Sleepy Hollow. (Thus the reason the universe all these books are set in is called the Afterverse.) Well, sort of after the events. IT GETS COMPLICATED. But it is awesome! Trust me.
CHARACTERS
Aaaahhhh! The characters! I wanted to be part of this band of unlikely heroes SO BADLY!
TODD CRANE: Todd is our protagonist and POV character (it’s told in first person through his eyes), and was a riot all around. Not only can he turn into a CENTAUR via a magic ring whenever he likes (SO. FUN!!!), he’s also a heaping pile of dry wit and wild ideas. Todd lives on the edge—travelling around the country, illegally selling magic potions and conning everyone he crosses. But there’s more to him than that. I loved seeing his story unfold and discovering who Todd really is. Also he’ll go to ridiculous lengths to avoid talking about his feelings and just… Todd. *shakes head* I can’t with him. XD Oh yeah, and he’s the descendant of Ichabod Crane. You know, The Legend of Sleep Hollow Ichabod Crane? Yep, yep. Fun stuff!
AMY CROCKETT: The descendant of Davy Crockett. (Cool, right?) This spitfire of a girl was the perfect match for Todd. Their banter literally gave me life. Where Todd is a conman and doesn’t really pay any mind to the law, Amy is a US Marshal and lives for it. Sooo yeah. They had a biiiit of a difference of opinions. It was absolutely hilarious seeing them try to work together. But Amy is not all rules and regulations. She’s got a big heart hidden away behind that strict persona, and will do anything (even not entirely legal things) to keep people safe. I loved the complexity of her personality and seeing her become her own. (Also watching her constantly put Todd in his place was the best thing ever.)
MEG: Meg was the sweet cinnamon roll child that must be protected at all costs and I loved her. Can I just adopt ALL the cinnamon rolls in the world pleasandthankyou? I do love those female spitfires like Amy. But I always so appreciate seeing sweet, tenderhearted females like Meg as well. Her kind heart balanced out Todd’s and Amy’s rather rambunctious, sassy personalities. Buuuut Meg was not all fluff and rainbows. She’s also extremely dangerous because of…reasonssss. *grins* What she is was so contradictory to her personality and I LOVED that. It was completely unexpected!
JULIO: JULIOOOOO!!!! Easily my FAVORITE part of this entire story. He’s a young Mexican man with a sweet heart and…oh yeah, HE’S A SHAPESHIFTING DRAGON! His lines always, always had me rolling. Such as when he was insulting someone and called them a “thingy” because he didn’t think it’d be appropriate to use the word he wanted to. He was so thoughtful and innocent and precious even though he’s a DRAGON and I CAN’T. I need more Julio on my life nooooowwww!
The story centered around those four, though of course there were other very intriguing side characters at play. This whole story just came alive with colorful characters. (Such as Rex and Joy which was another one of my favorite bits of the story!)
And this story had one of my FAVORITEST tropes ever—The-Motley-Crew-Becomes-a-Family. Todd, Amy, Meg, and Julio—despite their differences—eventually learn to work as a family group and LSKDJLFKJLKSJDF. I LOVED IT SO MUCH.
OTHER THINGS I LOVED
- ALLLLL THE MAGIC. Like I said, in the setting of the Beaumont and Beasley books, magic is something hidden and secret. But in this one, magic is used by eeeeeveryone. The wild west is really wild. Mythical beasts like centaurs, wulvers, sasquatches, and the like are common sights and citizens. While potions and magically imbued items are used by absolutely everyone. It’s just a way of life. And I LOVED that. Todd was especially potion happy, and it was a delight seeing what spell he’d use next.
- A TOUCH OF TIME-WIMEY. Rip Van Winkle plays a part in this story. Which is awesome in its own right. But there’s also a smidge of timey-wimey stuff going on, and complicated time travel stuff is my faaaaaave so just YESSS.
- HILARIOUS CHAPTER TITLES AND DESCRIPTIONS. If nothing else, this book is worth reading for this alone. Every chapter has a title and super funny description of the chapter underneath. For example:
CHAPTER FIVE
Centaurs vs. Werewolves
In which Amy steals my legs and tries to murder me.
It was great!
- DARK AND HUMOROUS. This story isn’t all laughs. A lot of it, absolutely. But there was actually some surprisingly tragic and creepy things going on. And I guess I’m a disturbed individual because I loooove when books are kinda dark and creepy and tragic but ALSO with pleeenty of humor to balance it all out. And that’s precisely what this one was! I wouldn’t label it a dark book really at all, don’t worry. But it had enough depth to punch you in the feels a couple of times. GOOD TIMES!
- NODS TO BEAUMONT AND BEASLEY. If you have not read the B&B series, NO FEARS. This book stands entirely on its own. BUT, if you have read the B&B books, there are a couple of delightful cameos waiting for you. A couple of parts had me shrieking (in a good way). I loooved the little nods to us B&B fans!
- PLOT TWISTS. Quite a few events took me by utter surprise in the best way possible. Things especially took an epic turn halfway through. I just thought I was enjoying the story. But by the halfway point I was UTTERLY IN LOVE. Of course, I’m not revealing a thing. *zips lips* JUST READ IT!
- JULIOOOOO!!! Ahem. Just had to flail one more time…
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE
Nothing…? I’m trying really hard to think of anything but… *shrugs* I really loved every bit of it!
I guess the dusty western setting still wasn’t my favorite. BUT, at the same time, the idea of the wild west being wild because everyone is using magic and there are mythical beasts running around everywhere is seriously one of the most brilliant, original ideas I’ve ever read.
CONTENT CAUTIONS
Not a thing. Perfectly clean all throughout. Although, like I said, it does get a little creepy. Though the humor kind of cancels out the creepiness. But there are still a few dark things going on.
Also there’s LOTS of magic of course. Just warning you if that’s not your thing.
CONCLUSION
If you’re a fan of the Beaumont and Beasley series, you’re going to LOVE this spinoff series. If you’ve never read the B&B series, you’re also going to love this series!
Where else can you get a story about a motley-crew-turned-family and protagonist who can turn into a centaur, set in an alternate version of the wild west where magic and legendary species runs, erm, wild, all centered around The Legend of Sleepy Hollow with humor and colorful characters galore???
This is a hilarious and unique novel, and if you like retellings or fantasy or westerns or all of the above, THIS ONE’S FOR YOU!
Review originally posted on my blog:
Musings of an Elf
This book was honest to goodness just as delightful as the B&B series. With similar threads and the author’s trademark humor, but also overfilling with new twists and settings and concepts that made it stand totally on its own. It hooked me with that first sentence, and had me glued to the pages and grinning all the way to the end.
THE RUNDOWN
Unlike the refined London-like setting of Beaumont and Beasley, where most people believe magic is purely a myth and fairytales are just that, tales, the Crockett and Crane series is set in the wild west of the United States of Neverica (gotta love it!) where magic potions and mythical creatures run rampant.
I’m gonna be honest with you guys. I, erm, don’t like westerns. Really at all. It’s one of my least favorite genres. I’M SORRY! It’s just never been my thing. The hot, dusty setting makes me feel…well, hot and dusty. But Kyle did the impossible. He made me love a western! I mean, come on, a western full of magic and mythical beasts and retellings and humor? I can get on top of that! Yes, I like the setting of the B&B series much better, but this book was so fun and charming in its own way.
Where the Beaumont and Beasley series focuses on fairytales, the Crockett and Crane stories are more legends. Horseman is centered around The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, which was a fun and different twist. But, just as the rest of Kyle’s stories, this one takes place after the events of Sleepy Hollow. (Thus the reason the universe all these books are set in is called the Afterverse.) Well, sort of after the events. IT GETS COMPLICATED. But it is awesome! Trust me.
CHARACTERS
Aaaahhhh! The characters! I wanted to be part of this band of unlikely heroes SO BADLY!
TODD CRANE: Todd is our protagonist and POV character (it’s told in first person through his eyes), and was a riot all around. Not only can he turn into a CENTAUR via a magic ring whenever he likes (SO. FUN!!!), he’s also a heaping pile of dry wit and wild ideas. Todd lives on the edge—travelling around the country, illegally selling magic potions and conning everyone he crosses. But there’s more to him than that. I loved seeing his story unfold and discovering who Todd really is. Also he’ll go to ridiculous lengths to avoid talking about his feelings and just… Todd. *shakes head* I can’t with him. XD Oh yeah, and he’s the descendant of Ichabod Crane. You know, The Legend of Sleep Hollow Ichabod Crane? Yep, yep. Fun stuff!
AMY CROCKETT: The descendant of Davy Crockett. (Cool, right?) This spitfire of a girl was the perfect match for Todd. Their banter literally gave me life. Where Todd is a conman and doesn’t really pay any mind to the law, Amy is a US Marshal and lives for it. Sooo yeah. They had a biiiit of a difference of opinions. It was absolutely hilarious seeing them try to work together. But Amy is not all rules and regulations. She’s got a big heart hidden away behind that strict persona, and will do anything (even not entirely legal things) to keep people safe. I loved the complexity of her personality and seeing her become her own. (Also watching her constantly put Todd in his place was the best thing ever.)
MEG: Meg was the sweet cinnamon roll child that must be protected at all costs and I loved her. Can I just adopt ALL the cinnamon rolls in the world pleasandthankyou? I do love those female spitfires like Amy. But I always so appreciate seeing sweet, tenderhearted females like Meg as well. Her kind heart balanced out Todd’s and Amy’s rather rambunctious, sassy personalities. Buuuut Meg was not all fluff and rainbows. She’s also extremely dangerous because of…reasonssss. *grins* What she is was so contradictory to her personality and I LOVED that. It was completely unexpected!
JULIO: JULIOOOOO!!!! Easily my FAVORITE part of this entire story. He’s a young Mexican man with a sweet heart and…oh yeah, HE’S A SHAPESHIFTING DRAGON! His lines always, always had me rolling. Such as when he was insulting someone and called them a “thingy” because he didn’t think it’d be appropriate to use the word he wanted to. He was so thoughtful and innocent and precious even though he’s a DRAGON and I CAN’T. I need more Julio on my life nooooowwww!
The story centered around those four, though of course there were other very intriguing side characters at play. This whole story just came alive with colorful characters. (Such as Rex and Joy which was another one of my favorite bits of the story!)
And this story had one of my FAVORITEST tropes ever—The-Motley-Crew-Becomes-a-Family. Todd, Amy, Meg, and Julio—despite their differences—eventually learn to work as a family group and LSKDJLFKJLKSJDF. I LOVED IT SO MUCH.
OTHER THINGS I LOVED
- ALLLLL THE MAGIC. Like I said, in the setting of the Beaumont and Beasley books, magic is something hidden and secret. But in this one, magic is used by eeeeeveryone. The wild west is really wild. Mythical beasts like centaurs, wulvers, sasquatches, and the like are common sights and citizens. While potions and magically imbued items are used by absolutely everyone. It’s just a way of life. And I LOVED that. Todd was especially potion happy, and it was a delight seeing what spell he’d use next.
- A TOUCH OF TIME-WIMEY. Rip Van Winkle plays a part in this story. Which is awesome in its own right. But there’s also a smidge of timey-wimey stuff going on, and complicated time travel stuff is my faaaaaave so just YESSS.
- HILARIOUS CHAPTER TITLES AND DESCRIPTIONS. If nothing else, this book is worth reading for this alone. Every chapter has a title and super funny description of the chapter underneath. For example:
CHAPTER FIVE
Centaurs vs. Werewolves
In which Amy steals my legs and tries to murder me.
It was great!
- DARK AND HUMOROUS. This story isn’t all laughs. A lot of it, absolutely. But there was actually some surprisingly tragic and creepy things going on. And I guess I’m a disturbed individual because I loooove when books are kinda dark and creepy and tragic but ALSO with pleeenty of humor to balance it all out. And that’s precisely what this one was! I wouldn’t label it a dark book really at all, don’t worry. But it had enough depth to punch you in the feels a couple of times. GOOD TIMES!
- NODS TO BEAUMONT AND BEASLEY. If you have not read the B&B series, NO FEARS. This book stands entirely on its own. BUT, if you have read the B&B books, there are a couple of delightful cameos waiting for you. A couple of parts had me shrieking (in a good way). I loooved the little nods to us B&B fans!
- PLOT TWISTS. Quite a few events took me by utter surprise in the best way possible. Things especially took an epic turn halfway through. I just thought I was enjoying the story. But by the halfway point I was UTTERLY IN LOVE. Of course, I’m not revealing a thing. *zips lips* JUST READ IT!
- JULIOOOOO!!! Ahem. Just had to flail one more time…
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE
Nothing…? I’m trying really hard to think of anything but… *shrugs* I really loved every bit of it!
I guess the dusty western setting still wasn’t my favorite. BUT, at the same time, the idea of the wild west being wild because everyone is using magic and there are mythical beasts running around everywhere is seriously one of the most brilliant, original ideas I’ve ever read.
CONTENT CAUTIONS
Not a thing. Perfectly clean all throughout. Although, like I said, it does get a little creepy. Though the humor kind of cancels out the creepiness. But there are still a few dark things going on.
Also there’s LOTS of magic of course. Just warning you if that’s not your thing.
CONCLUSION
If you’re a fan of the Beaumont and Beasley series, you’re going to LOVE this spinoff series. If you’ve never read the B&B series, you’re also going to love this series!
Where else can you get a story about a motley-crew-turned-family and protagonist who can turn into a centaur, set in an alternate version of the wild west where magic and legendary species runs, erm, wild, all centered around The Legend of Sleepy Hollow with humor and colorful characters galore???
This is a hilarious and unique novel, and if you like retellings or fantasy or westerns or all of the above, THIS ONE’S FOR YOU!
Review originally posted on my blog:
Musings of an Elf
May 20, 2018
3.5 rounded up to 4. I enjoyed Horseman immensely, trust me. The protagonist is tons of fun, Julio is my spirit dragon, and the dialog, true to Shultz form, is spot on, clever, and witty.
I'm giving myself plenty of margin to rate future installments higher because I already know how good the next book(s) is/are going to be. (If you're not reading Deadwood already on Wattpad, you should be).
Some of the side characters weren't quite 'there' for me in this one, which is the only reason I didn't give it the full four stars, but the core cast more than compensates with their chemistry.
I've said this before, and I'll say it again: I don't normally enjoy magic-heavy stories or re-tellings, but Shultz breaks the mold every single time.
I'm giving myself plenty of margin to rate future installments higher because I already know how good the next book(s) is/are going to be. (If you're not reading Deadwood already on Wattpad, you should be).
Some of the side characters weren't quite 'there' for me in this one, which is the only reason I didn't give it the full four stars, but the core cast more than compensates with their chemistry.
I've said this before, and I'll say it again: I don't normally enjoy magic-heavy stories or re-tellings, but Shultz breaks the mold every single time.
February 12, 2019
I loved it so much! This book was full of twists and turns, American folklore, wild adventures, very real and creepy danger, and very very clever storytelling. I think this is one of Shultz' best works and is instantly one of my favorites from him. There is plenty to enjoy in the first half, but the second half is just brilliant and stunning! As usual, Shultz is a very trustworthy guide, even through the darker chapters of the story and the sun shines even brighter at the end. Plus that twist at the end is just WUT?! And I can't believe I was just sitting here happily in the Afterverse and I DIDN'T KNOW! Loved Rip Van Winkle. Loved the tie-ins to The Last Days of Lady Cordelia and Wolf at the Door. ALL the Afterverse references!! Plus subtle, cheeky references to "Up" and "The Emperor's New Groove" (and probably more that I didn't catch). Overall, a masterfully woven story!
June 16, 2018
I LOVE THIS BOOK SO FREAKING MUCH!!! I have never laughed as hard reading a book as I did reading this one! The characters are all brilliant and hilarious! (Julio is my personal favorite.) The story was awesome, and I think I’ve discovered a new love for fairytale retellings.
September 13, 2022
Another success from Kyle Robert Shultz! As a fan of the Beaumont and Beasley series, I couldn't help comparing while I was reading. Which is kind of unfair, because I've read five of those and only one of this, but it doesn't matter, because Horseman was still a great ride!
One slight issue for me was the inclusion of some ideas that are typically related to witchcraft. Obviously, the story isn't set in our world, so the same rules don't necessarily apply, but I can't deny that it still made me uncomfortable.
The Wild West-ish setting was a lot of fun! I enjoyed all the characters and was especially intrigued by Todd's backstory. There were plenty of funny bits and a few hints to the connection between this series and Beaumont and Beasley. That epilogue, though! Why do the epilogues always have to leave me chomping at the bit for more?
(Any "horsey" references in this review were definitely intended.)
One slight issue for me was the inclusion of some ideas that are typically related to witchcraft. Obviously, the story isn't set in our world, so the same rules don't necessarily apply, but I can't deny that it still made me uncomfortable.
The Wild West-ish setting was a lot of fun! I enjoyed all the characters and was especially intrigued by Todd's backstory. There were plenty of funny bits and a few hints to the connection between this series and Beaumont and Beasley. That epilogue, though! Why do the epilogues always have to leave me chomping at the bit for more?
(Any "horsey" references in this review were definitely intended.)
April 26, 2020
The story started out a bit slow, it took me a little bit to get sucked in... but I’m glad I kept going. It was really enjoyable, and in my opinion, Julio carried the comedy. He was by far my favorite. (Read: FAVORITE!!!!!)
I am starting to notice how all of theses stories are tied into each other..making cliff hangars make more since...and leaving me feeling a bit mind blown and excited to start the next one!
I am starting to notice how all of theses stories are tied into each other..making cliff hangars make more since...and leaving me feeling a bit mind blown and excited to start the next one!
June 3, 2018
-This is a hilarious, unique, wild-west fantasy novel. Not eveybody's slice of cake, but it sure was yummy to me. :) It does get a little scary and edge of-your-seat at the end however, so it's not all fun and games. But there is a lot of fun.
-Also, there's a Mexican dragon guy who's hilarious. *thumbs up* Just don't get him angry, or he will burn your tacos. And possibly everything else.
-A retelling of the Headless Horseman.
To sum up:
Hilarious.
Fun.
Western + Fantasy = pretty cool y'all.
-Also, there's a Mexican dragon guy who's hilarious. *thumbs up* Just don't get him angry, or he will burn your tacos. And possibly everything else.
-A retelling of the Headless Horseman.
To sum up:
Hilarious.
Fun.
Western + Fantasy = pretty cool y'all.
February 5, 2021
Actual rating: 4.5 stars.
Not *quite* as good as what I was hoping for, but still enjoyed.
Not *quite* as good as what I was hoping for, but still enjoyed.
September 4, 2018
Like all of this author's books, this one is filled with humor and fun and crazy re-imaginings of legends and fairy tales. This particular book is set in a re-imagined North America where magic is real and a descendant of Ichabod Crane can shape shift into a centaur and a descendant of Davy Crockett is a US Marshal and things just get really crazy from there.
I read this in one day in nearly one sitting. It is short, action-packed, and funny. :)
I read this in one day in nearly one sitting. It is short, action-packed, and funny. :)
December 24, 2019
Funny. Excellent cat character and fun dragons and magic ... sometimes the jokes go a little longer than they need to. Like the same gag stretches on for a few paragraphs past when it was funny ... though someone with less SQUIRREL tendencies probably wouldn't feel that way.
December 12, 2018
Fun read. I really enjoyed the connection to his Beaumont and Beasley series.
July 28, 2019
Good fun that was easy to follow and chuckle at, but didn't pull on the heartstrings. Recommended if you just want some easy reading.
November 1, 2019
Loved this. Fun, snarky, full of adventure and twisted history...and with definite ties to the author’s other works...THAT ENDING!!! Can’t wait to read book two.
July 16, 2018
Yet another Kyle Robert Shultz gem! I love all the little nods to the Beaumont and Beasley series, but this book can definitely stand on its own if you haven't read the other series, which is very nice. Extremely funny and very adventurous and creative. Kyle definitely doesn't write your average fairy tale retelling. I look forward to the sequel.
June 1, 2018
Kyle Robert Shultz is an amazing author and I think this was one of my favorite books by him. I did love the Beaumonte and Beasley books I've read so far, but I feel like this book had a much richer world to play with. That, and I love horses and dragons. And both featured strongly in this novel. (Tolkien would be proud) There were a lot of twists and turns. Things I didn't see coming. But still, the book flowed smoothly from one scene to another with believable motivations and perfect pacing. More than that, Shultz managed to beautifully juggle a cast of four characters and fill out each with wonderfully engaging personalities. This book is perhaps a bit darker and heavier than some of his others. Not only with the actual plot, but with some of the themes and interactions with the characters. This is probably why I liked it more though. And Kyle didn't take these things head-on but colored them with his characteristic humor and witty one-liners.
Overall, this is a great book and I can't wait to continue on.
Overall, this is a great book and I can't wait to continue on.
June 23, 2020
First time reading the audiobook, but not the first time reading the story:
This book never fails to be amazing. I laughed and teared up, sometimes multiple times within the same chapter. The characters are all so unique and well-developed, even for a shorter story, and the creativity fills me with joy.
The narrator, if possible, made it even better. It wasn't how I had originally imagined Todd Crane's voice sounding, but as soon as I heard him I knew it was how I *should* have imagined Todd Crane's voice.
Great for fans of fantasy, time travel, Westerns, and comedy.
This book never fails to be amazing. I laughed and teared up, sometimes multiple times within the same chapter. The characters are all so unique and well-developed, even for a shorter story, and the creativity fills me with joy.
The narrator, if possible, made it even better. It wasn't how I had originally imagined Todd Crane's voice sounding, but as soon as I heard him I knew it was how I *should* have imagined Todd Crane's voice.
Great for fans of fantasy, time travel, Westerns, and comedy.
September 6, 2020
Well, that was the book I didn't know I was looking for (and really should've read sooner, but oh well). Horseman is a fabulously fun story featuring Kyle's trademark humor and clever reimaginings of classic fairy tales, legends, and tropes. The lead quartet — Todd, Amy, Julio, and Meg — were engaging and enjoyable takes on some of my favorite character types. The Horseman's true nature (and the way to defeat it) was unique, and the setting was just flat-out fun. And I loved the occasional references and connections to the Beaumont and Beasley books. (Also, I have to say . . . I guessed who Whittaker was not too long after he showed up, but the end of the epilogue was not at all expected. )
June 26, 2018
I accidentally started reading this (yes, that is possible) and once I'd started, I was sucked into the book like nothing else.
From the very beginning, Todd's character voice really snagged me and dragged me in. It was so quirky and fun and I really connected with the characters. Julio was hilarious and precious and dangerous at the same time, and Meg was also precious and also dangerous and I loved the hints at her backstory and just her character in general was so cool. Amy, too, has such a feisty sort of charm.
Todd Crane wins the favourite character though. His personality was absolutely priceless and it kept me reading all day.
The genre is...absolutely insane. And in a good way. I really liked the whole idea of a western fantasy, and it's absolutely crazy and epic.
Overall I found this book to be a rip-roaring adventure. Thoroughly enjoyable.
From the very beginning, Todd's character voice really snagged me and dragged me in. It was so quirky and fun and I really connected with the characters. Julio was hilarious and precious and dangerous at the same time, and Meg was also precious and also dangerous and I loved the hints at her backstory and just her character in general was so cool. Amy, too, has such a feisty sort of charm.
Todd Crane wins the favourite character though. His personality was absolutely priceless and it kept me reading all day.
The genre is...absolutely insane. And in a good way. I really liked the whole idea of a western fantasy, and it's absolutely crazy and epic.
Overall I found this book to be a rip-roaring adventure. Thoroughly enjoyable.
March 30, 2020
HOLY MOLY
First off, the writing style is so fun! Secondly, this book is definitely the kind that draws you in. Like, WOW.
The characters were all so much fun - ESPECIALLY JULIO AND RIP. OH MY WORD THEY ARE THE BEST.
And that ending. THAT ENDING.
BRB, gotta go read the next one!
First off, the writing style is so fun! Secondly, this book is definitely the kind that draws you in. Like, WOW.
The characters were all so much fun - ESPECIALLY JULIO AND RIP. OH MY WORD THEY ARE THE BEST.
And that ending. THAT ENDING.
BRB, gotta go read the next one!
July 8, 2018
Well, Shultz has done it again! Full review coming soon!
September 29, 2018
Wow. Where do I start with this story? It is beautifully-written and beautiful inside. Every time I read a new story from Kyle Robert Shultz's Afterverse, I'm blown away by his creativity in tweaking familiar stories, connecting new and familiar characters, and weaving all of his stories together.
From the opening line, I was hooked. The characters are unique and vibrant and flawed--they jump off the page and take on life of their own. Julio and Meg are basically the cutest thing ever, Todd and Amy are fantastic, and all the minor characters are equally amazing.
I loved the amount of American mythology Shultz brought to the story. "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" is a new favorite of mine, to the extent that I've reread it several times in the past couple months, and finding connections to it in "Horseman" was like finding a secret hideout in a library--in other words, the best thing.
The ending left me equal parts satisfied and hungry for more. I can't wait to read more by this author.
From the opening line, I was hooked. The characters are unique and vibrant and flawed--they jump off the page and take on life of their own. Julio and Meg are basically the cutest thing ever, Todd and Amy are fantastic, and all the minor characters are equally amazing.
I loved the amount of American mythology Shultz brought to the story. "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" is a new favorite of mine, to the extent that I've reread it several times in the past couple months, and finding connections to it in "Horseman" was like finding a secret hideout in a library--in other words, the best thing.
The ending left me equal parts satisfied and hungry for more. I can't wait to read more by this author.
October 21, 2019
This was one of the most clever and original books I've read in a long time. It was like a comedic-Halloween- western. I don't know how else to describe it. It takes folklore and legend and monsters and historical characters and weaves them all together in a smashing western comedy. Definitely give it a try. You won't be disappointed!
Read
June 2, 2019Zany fun! Schultz kept me chuckling throughout.
January 11, 2022
DID I SERIOUSLY NOT REVIEW THIS ONE??
ARGH
ARGH
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