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Blood and Silver
What is a twelve year old girl to do when she finds herself in the silver boom town of Tombstone, Arizona, in 1880, and her only home is a brothel and her only parent is a drug-addicted mother? If she is Carissa Beaumont, she outsmarts the evil madam and figures a way out.
After tricking the madam, Miss Lucille, into summoning a doctor for her mother, Lisette, she discovers that Miss Lucille has been drugging her. She and the kind doctor make a plan to try to save Lisette by dosing her down on the drug.
Doctor Henderson tells Carissa that the only source for the drug is a Chinese immigrant named China Mary, who lives in Hoptown, at the other end of Tombstone. Carissa has no choice but to go to the powerful woman for help. Many say that China Mary is the one who really controls Tombstone.
China Mary admires Carissa's brave spirit, and uses her influence to get her a job at the new Grand Hotel, which will free Carissa from her many duties at Miss Lucille's. She will work along with Mary's twelve year old niece, Mai-Lin. The two girls become fast friends.
Then, disaster strikes, and the two girls must work together to stay alive.
With a host of colorful characters and meticulous attention to period detail, Blood and Silver is a story of the best and worst of human nature, the passion for survival and the beauty of true friendship.
After tricking the madam, Miss Lucille, into summoning a doctor for her mother, Lisette, she discovers that Miss Lucille has been drugging her. She and the kind doctor make a plan to try to save Lisette by dosing her down on the drug.
Doctor Henderson tells Carissa that the only source for the drug is a Chinese immigrant named China Mary, who lives in Hoptown, at the other end of Tombstone. Carissa has no choice but to go to the powerful woman for help. Many say that China Mary is the one who really controls Tombstone.
China Mary admires Carissa's brave spirit, and uses her influence to get her a job at the new Grand Hotel, which will free Carissa from her many duties at Miss Lucille's. She will work along with Mary's twelve year old niece, Mai-Lin. The two girls become fast friends.
Then, disaster strikes, and the two girls must work together to stay alive.
With a host of colorful characters and meticulous attention to period detail, Blood and Silver is a story of the best and worst of human nature, the passion for survival and the beauty of true friendship.
142 pages, Hardcover
Published April 3, 2020
About the author
Vali Benson
1 book62 followers Vali started and sold two successful businesses before she decided to pursue her real passion of writing. She published several articles in a variety of periodicals, including History Magazine before she decided to try her hand at fiction.
She grew up in the Midwest and now lives in Tucson with her husband, two sons and two grandchildren.
She grew up in the Midwest and now lives in Tucson with her husband, two sons and two grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
July 27, 2020
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
1880 – Twelve-year-old Carissa has travelled to Tombstone Arizona with her mother, Lisette, who is a forced drugged-up prostitute for Miss Lucille who has moved her girls from San Francisco looking for a wealthier life. They are to reside with another Madam who runs prostitutes, though she is mysteriously killed just after they arrive and so Miss Lucille is now the owner of the whole place and all her girls.
Whilst attending to the murder the sheriff of the town take a shine to Carissa and her mother and wants to help them and so the town’s doctor is called to check up on Lisette. He tells Carissa there is nothing much wrong with her except she is being given too many drugs and that she needs to be weaned off them to make her better. He offers to help by telling her he will sort out help via China Mary who will supply the drugs but in a lesser strength which Miss Lucille will never know about.
China Mary knows everything about Tombstone and is more than happy to help Carissa and her mum, even helping her get a job at the Grand Hotel in the town where the rich like to stay.
Blood and Silver was a very strange read for me. You see I don’t really think the title suits the book, even if I think the title is great. Silver isn’t really made part of the plot until over 60% of the way through (I know Tombstone is a silver mining town) and there isn’t a lot of blood. There is also no big mystery, red-herrings, plot-reveal, etc. However, I just couldn’t put the book down. It is a straightforward story of one young girl looking to help her mother and a wild-west town who have taken her under their wing and want to help her.
I don’t know much about the wild-west as it has never been something that has interested me before, so I have never heard of Tombstone, which is a real place and has been featured in numerous books, movies, etc. I’d also never heard of China Mary who was a real person. With these in mind, it made the book all the more realistic and intriguing.
Like most girls in that era, Carissa is old beyond her years and has seen far more than she should ever have for a girl her age. She has lost her father and brother, had to live with someone drugging her mother and forcing her to be a prostitute, plus she has to work for free for the Madam of the house, cooking, cleaning, looking after the women.
The historical aspect of the book had been very well researched and it did feel like I had stepped back in time. It is a fascinating read. It might only be a short read at 142 pages but it is so worth it. It is beautifully written, tore at my emotions, and had me engrossed from the first page.
1880 – Twelve-year-old Carissa has travelled to Tombstone Arizona with her mother, Lisette, who is a forced drugged-up prostitute for Miss Lucille who has moved her girls from San Francisco looking for a wealthier life. They are to reside with another Madam who runs prostitutes, though she is mysteriously killed just after they arrive and so Miss Lucille is now the owner of the whole place and all her girls.
Whilst attending to the murder the sheriff of the town take a shine to Carissa and her mother and wants to help them and so the town’s doctor is called to check up on Lisette. He tells Carissa there is nothing much wrong with her except she is being given too many drugs and that she needs to be weaned off them to make her better. He offers to help by telling her he will sort out help via China Mary who will supply the drugs but in a lesser strength which Miss Lucille will never know about.
China Mary knows everything about Tombstone and is more than happy to help Carissa and her mum, even helping her get a job at the Grand Hotel in the town where the rich like to stay.
Blood and Silver was a very strange read for me. You see I don’t really think the title suits the book, even if I think the title is great. Silver isn’t really made part of the plot until over 60% of the way through (I know Tombstone is a silver mining town) and there isn’t a lot of blood. There is also no big mystery, red-herrings, plot-reveal, etc. However, I just couldn’t put the book down. It is a straightforward story of one young girl looking to help her mother and a wild-west town who have taken her under their wing and want to help her.
I don’t know much about the wild-west as it has never been something that has interested me before, so I have never heard of Tombstone, which is a real place and has been featured in numerous books, movies, etc. I’d also never heard of China Mary who was a real person. With these in mind, it made the book all the more realistic and intriguing.
Like most girls in that era, Carissa is old beyond her years and has seen far more than she should ever have for a girl her age. She has lost her father and brother, had to live with someone drugging her mother and forcing her to be a prostitute, plus she has to work for free for the Madam of the house, cooking, cleaning, looking after the women.
The historical aspect of the book had been very well researched and it did feel like I had stepped back in time. It is a fascinating read. It might only be a short read at 142 pages but it is so worth it. It is beautifully written, tore at my emotions, and had me engrossed from the first page.
September 17, 2021
I received a ecopy from Reedsy Discovery in exchange for an honest review.
What is a twelve year old girl to do when she finds herself in the silver boom town of Tombstone, Arizona, in 1880, and her only home is a brothel and her only parent is a drug-addicted mother? If she is Carissa Beaumont, she outsmarts the evil madam and figures a way out. After tricking the madam, Miss Lucille, into summoning a doctor for her mother, Lisette, she discovers that Miss Lucille has been drugging her. She and the kind doctor make a plan to try to save Lisette by dosing her down on the drug. Doctor Henderson tells Carissa that the only source for the drug is a Chinese immigrant named China Mary, who lives in Hoptown, at the other end of Tombstone. Carissa has no choice but to go to the powerful woman for help. Many say that China Mary is the one who really controls Tombstone. China Mary admires Carissa's brave spirit, and uses her influence to get her a job at the new Grand Hotel, which will free Carissa from her many duties at Miss Lucille's. She will work along with Mary's twelve year old niece, Mai-Lin. The two girls become fast friends. Then, disaster strikes, and the two girls must work together to stay alive. With a host of colorful characters and meticulous attention to period detail, Blood and Silver is a story of the best and worst of human nature, the passion for survival and the beauty of true friendship.
Blood and Silver by Vali Benson is a fascinating YA western historical fiction novel. I don't often read westerns, but I am glad I decided to give this a chance thanks to Reedsy Discovery. I wasn't familiar with the author or the novel going in, but it ended up being such a pleasant surprise. It's a short and quick read, but the characterizations, the setting, and the world-building really make this novel stand out from the crowd.
Carissa, our MC, is now one of my favorite young adult leading characters and she is only twelve years old. Usually, I would say that with such a young character at the helm that would place this in the middle grade category instead. However, the heavier subject matter and Carissa's life experiences certainly place the book in the young adult category. She has a lot on her plate with her mother, her mother's health, and the brothel where her mother is employed. Her mother's well being is always at the forefront of her mind. When Carissa learns that the brothel's abusive Madam has been drugging her mother, Carissa is willing to do whatever takes to help her mother recover and get well again. She's quite a brave girl and her journey over the course of the story is very inspiring. I do wonder though how well a reader from the YA target audience would would take such a young main character. Anyway, as admirable as I found Carissa, I would say the most intriguing character of the story is easily China Mary. I had no idea that she was a real person in historic Tombstone, Arizona. She was a well-respected and shrewd businesswoman at the top of the Chinese community in Tombstone. I would love to learn more about her life.
Overall, Vali Benson's Blood and Silver is well worth your time if you enjoy standalone historical fiction with characters that walk right off the page and a setting of a real Old West town that's practically a character in its own right. I'm looking forward to reading more from Benson in the future. Thanks again to Reedsy Discovery for the opportunity and introduction.
My review is also available on Reedsy Discovery and my blog.
What is a twelve year old girl to do when she finds herself in the silver boom town of Tombstone, Arizona, in 1880, and her only home is a brothel and her only parent is a drug-addicted mother? If she is Carissa Beaumont, she outsmarts the evil madam and figures a way out. After tricking the madam, Miss Lucille, into summoning a doctor for her mother, Lisette, she discovers that Miss Lucille has been drugging her. She and the kind doctor make a plan to try to save Lisette by dosing her down on the drug. Doctor Henderson tells Carissa that the only source for the drug is a Chinese immigrant named China Mary, who lives in Hoptown, at the other end of Tombstone. Carissa has no choice but to go to the powerful woman for help. Many say that China Mary is the one who really controls Tombstone. China Mary admires Carissa's brave spirit, and uses her influence to get her a job at the new Grand Hotel, which will free Carissa from her many duties at Miss Lucille's. She will work along with Mary's twelve year old niece, Mai-Lin. The two girls become fast friends. Then, disaster strikes, and the two girls must work together to stay alive. With a host of colorful characters and meticulous attention to period detail, Blood and Silver is a story of the best and worst of human nature, the passion for survival and the beauty of true friendship.
Blood and Silver by Vali Benson is a fascinating YA western historical fiction novel. I don't often read westerns, but I am glad I decided to give this a chance thanks to Reedsy Discovery. I wasn't familiar with the author or the novel going in, but it ended up being such a pleasant surprise. It's a short and quick read, but the characterizations, the setting, and the world-building really make this novel stand out from the crowd.
Carissa, our MC, is now one of my favorite young adult leading characters and she is only twelve years old. Usually, I would say that with such a young character at the helm that would place this in the middle grade category instead. However, the heavier subject matter and Carissa's life experiences certainly place the book in the young adult category. She has a lot on her plate with her mother, her mother's health, and the brothel where her mother is employed. Her mother's well being is always at the forefront of her mind. When Carissa learns that the brothel's abusive Madam has been drugging her mother, Carissa is willing to do whatever takes to help her mother recover and get well again. She's quite a brave girl and her journey over the course of the story is very inspiring. I do wonder though how well a reader from the YA target audience would would take such a young main character. Anyway, as admirable as I found Carissa, I would say the most intriguing character of the story is easily China Mary. I had no idea that she was a real person in historic Tombstone, Arizona. She was a well-respected and shrewd businesswoman at the top of the Chinese community in Tombstone. I would love to learn more about her life.
Overall, Vali Benson's Blood and Silver is well worth your time if you enjoy standalone historical fiction with characters that walk right off the page and a setting of a real Old West town that's practically a character in its own right. I'm looking forward to reading more from Benson in the future. Thanks again to Reedsy Discovery for the opportunity and introduction.
My review is also available on Reedsy Discovery and my blog.
May 8, 2021
YA Historical was a new genre for me.
Very appropriate read for my road trip across the Southwest.
Very appropriate read for my road trip across the Southwest.
January 3, 2021
Blood and Silver is set in the boom town of Tombstone, Arizona in the late 19th century. Twelve year old Carissa travels there from San Francisco with her drug addict, prostitute mother and their future looks bleak. However, Carissa is befriended by China Mary, who is a colourful character, and this is a turning point in the lives of Carissa and her mother. I thought the book was well written and it kept me interested all the way through. I write historical fiction myself, though my books are set in Victorian England, and so this was an interesting read set around the same time, but in a different part of the world. In 2016, I was fortunate to visit San Francisco and a small town called Calico, also famous for silver mining and probably similar to Tombstone. This made the story even more interesting for me as I was easily able to picture the town which was well described. The book was short and I read it easily in a day, but I enjoyed it and recommend it.
March 8, 2021
Vali Benson has developed a truly unique take on historical Tombstone, Arizona: through the eyes of a child. Carissa is an incredibly relatable character whom the reader can’t help but root for.
Read full review in the 2021 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2021 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
June 12, 2020
I can only imagine what a younger version of myself would have thought if this book had been written during my "formative years". I'm a sucker for westerns and love a good, strong heroine, and this book has both. Welcome to Tombstone, home to miners, prostitutes, and the beginnings of an Asian labor-force run by one hell of a business woman. "Blood and Silver" by author Vali Benson is the story of young Carissa Beaumont, a girl twelve years of age who has grown beyond her years in ways that you cannot begin to imagine. She's the household servant to a madam and caretaker to a drug-addled mother and she has the threat of childhood prostitution held over her head by a hostile blackmailer.
Enter one "China Mary", a savvy businesswoman who's lesser known name is Sing Choy. China Mary comes to know of Carissa through a network of laborers and becomes involved in the young girl's life, soon becoming her very own guardian angel. Together, Carissa and China Mary bring down a dangerous threat to Tombstone and save the people who have come to love them as valued members of their town. I was enamored with the way the story was told through the eyes of a child, not an adult who was able to make assumptions about peoples intentions, but a girl who took things at face-value and worked her problems out one-by-one as they evolved. I was thankful for the authors' way of developing scenarios so that Carissa could work them out and that things were not just handed to the main characters. Rather, they had to work for them, through blood [sweat] and silver.
Enter one "China Mary", a savvy businesswoman who's lesser known name is Sing Choy. China Mary comes to know of Carissa through a network of laborers and becomes involved in the young girl's life, soon becoming her very own guardian angel. Together, Carissa and China Mary bring down a dangerous threat to Tombstone and save the people who have come to love them as valued members of their town. I was enamored with the way the story was told through the eyes of a child, not an adult who was able to make assumptions about peoples intentions, but a girl who took things at face-value and worked her problems out one-by-one as they evolved. I was thankful for the authors' way of developing scenarios so that Carissa could work them out and that things were not just handed to the main characters. Rather, they had to work for them, through blood [sweat] and silver.
July 24, 2020
What an incredible adventure this book is! A superb book for a teen to read from age 13 on, for sure. The story of Carissa is fraught with emotion, drama, suspense, intrigue, mystery, danger, and fun. Part a little girl, part super-girl for the work she can do and part Lara Croft - this girl is a heroine every reader can root for!
The action is fast-paced and keeps the reader excited. The historically accurate writing is impressive and really takes the reader back to the 1880's Tombstone. The accurate portrayal of race relations in the later 19th century is really well done. This was a story that, at first, I thought might be too real for younger YA readers, but I was wrong. This book is a great book for kids and adults alike. A terrific book that shows good things come to those who work really hard.
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Mr. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
The action is fast-paced and keeps the reader excited. The historically accurate writing is impressive and really takes the reader back to the 1880's Tombstone. The accurate portrayal of race relations in the later 19th century is really well done. This was a story that, at first, I thought might be too real for younger YA readers, but I was wrong. This book is a great book for kids and adults alike. A terrific book that shows good things come to those who work really hard.
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Mr. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
September 26, 2020
I enjoyed Blood and Silver. I like historical fiction and westerns, and the background was woven into the story well. Actually, I was surprised to learn about China Mary and Hoptown. (I always appreciate the author's note with the historical details.) I've often read about Tombstone in True West Magazine, but with all the details in Blood and Silver, I was happy to learn even more, 'cause I wondered at first if the author had taken too many liberties...
It's an enjoyable read with suspense and dangerous villains, I like the characters and the plot; and I love China Mary and her handling of the situations.
It's an enjoyable read with suspense and dangerous villains, I like the characters and the plot; and I love China Mary and her handling of the situations.
January 21, 2021
Disclaimer: I received this book for free in return for my honest opinion.
Blood and Silver by Vali Benson tells the story of 12 year old Carissa Beaumont, a young girl who moves to San Francisco with her mother, father, and brother. Unfortunately, along the way, both her brother and father die.
While Carissa's mom, Lisette, tries hard to support her child in San Francisco, eventually, she's forced into prostitution. She stays in that profession because the madam keeps her drugged. When the madam, Miss Lucille, hears there is great opportunity in Tombstone, AZ, she moves Lisette, Carissa, and a few other girls down there to do business.
Once they arrive in Tombstone, Carissa is desperate to help her sick mother. She tricks Miss Lucille and is able to have a doctor examine her mother. Together the doctor and Carissa come up with a plan to wean Lisette off the drugs. The plan requires the help of China Mary (based on a real person in Tombstone), who distributes opium in Tombstone.
China Mary takes a liking to Carissa and helps her in many ways, including helping her get a job styling rich women's hair in the new, fancy Grand Hotel. China Mary's neice, Mai-Lin, also works with Carissa.
Carissa is saving her money to free her mother, but before that happens, tragedy strikes, and Carissa will need help from all of her new friends to keep her own life.
I enjoyed that this book takes place in Tombstone because it's a stone throw away from where we live. The historical details are fun, and the story kept me interested. I read this story in two days.
Benson seems to do her best to keep the details of Lisette's profession out of the story. In fact, Lisette is recovering during the whole story and doesn't "work." However, given the sensitive nature of the story including prostitution, drug abuse, and murder, I probably won't let my own 12 year old read this book for a few more years.
I appreciated that in the end of the book, Benson sets the stage for a sequel, which I hope will be coming soon!
Blood and Silver by Vali Benson tells the story of 12 year old Carissa Beaumont, a young girl who moves to San Francisco with her mother, father, and brother. Unfortunately, along the way, both her brother and father die.
While Carissa's mom, Lisette, tries hard to support her child in San Francisco, eventually, she's forced into prostitution. She stays in that profession because the madam keeps her drugged. When the madam, Miss Lucille, hears there is great opportunity in Tombstone, AZ, she moves Lisette, Carissa, and a few other girls down there to do business.
Once they arrive in Tombstone, Carissa is desperate to help her sick mother. She tricks Miss Lucille and is able to have a doctor examine her mother. Together the doctor and Carissa come up with a plan to wean Lisette off the drugs. The plan requires the help of China Mary (based on a real person in Tombstone), who distributes opium in Tombstone.
China Mary takes a liking to Carissa and helps her in many ways, including helping her get a job styling rich women's hair in the new, fancy Grand Hotel. China Mary's neice, Mai-Lin, also works with Carissa.
Carissa is saving her money to free her mother, but before that happens, tragedy strikes, and Carissa will need help from all of her new friends to keep her own life.
I enjoyed that this book takes place in Tombstone because it's a stone throw away from where we live. The historical details are fun, and the story kept me interested. I read this story in two days.
Benson seems to do her best to keep the details of Lisette's profession out of the story. In fact, Lisette is recovering during the whole story and doesn't "work." However, given the sensitive nature of the story including prostitution, drug abuse, and murder, I probably won't let my own 12 year old read this book for a few more years.
I appreciated that in the end of the book, Benson sets the stage for a sequel, which I hope will be coming soon!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2021
I enjoyed Blood and Silver very much, and I can see a young reader loving it. The protagonist is 12 year old Carissa is the daughter of a prostitute who is being drugged by her madam. It's 1880. They arrive in Tombstone from San Francisco with the madam and two other prostitutes. Carissa knows her mother is ill and addicted, and she must find a way for both of them to get away from that life. The author treated the difficult subjects of prostitution and drug addiction in an entirely appropriate way for young teens. Carissa's determination, as well as her respectful treatment of others, is a great subliminal message. The story of China Mary befriending Carissa, and Carissa's resulting relationship with the Chinese community in Tombstone may be too simplistic and easy for the adult reader, but a teen reader will love it. Overall, this is a compelling tell of a 12 year old's drive to save her mother and her own future.
July 6, 2021
The themes in this YA novel are dark: prostitution, drug addiction, human trafficking, death. But the book is well researched and well written, the characters are engaging, and the plot is interesting. Twelve year old Carissa winds up in Tombstone, AZ in 1880 after her well-to-do Southern family heads west seeking a better future. When her father and brother become ill on the journey and succumb to their disease, Carissa and her genteel mother are left on their own. Destitute and desperate, they fall under the protection and guidance of the evil madame Miss Lucille, who brings them to Tombstone, where she sets up a brothel. Carissa is determined to free her mother from this life and a series of encounters with helpful strangers help her with this quest. She is a brave, resourceful young girl with grit who drives the story well. This is a quick, enjoyable read in spite of its dark themes and the author has included a wealth of detail that vividly brings to life the silver boomtown. Amid the harshness of the “Wild West” we find love, friendship, and hope. Recommended for readers of historical and western fiction and those who enjoy novels with strong female protagonists.
March 22, 2021
A YA western about the fate of soiled doves in a tough Silver town
Benson crafts a well-written tale about life in Old Tombstone when the silver boom happened (before Wyatt & Doc came to town. The author includes historical details of a large Chinese population, which are mostly ignore in western films & stories. Entertaining read with little of the "blood" forecast in the title.
Benson crafts a well-written tale about life in Old Tombstone when the silver boom happened (before Wyatt & Doc came to town. The author includes historical details of a large Chinese population, which are mostly ignore in western films & stories. Entertaining read with little of the "blood" forecast in the title.
July 8, 2021
Carissa Beaumont is the hero of this story and I related to her on many levels, growing up way too young and having to forage for herself as well as her mother makes for a difficult life. Her perseverance is admirable and the writer did very well in making her the center of the story. Tombstone has always been a point of interest for me so learning a few things about the historical significance in the story was another check mark when it comes to recommending books to others. Between the drama and thrills there is a budding love story and of course a bit of revenge. All in all I enjoyed Blood and Silver and give it a five out of five stars.
June 19, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, loved the history, atmosphere and accessibility for young adult readers.
September 6, 2022
Was looking for a great wild west story and this technically fit the request but was written very poorly.
July 24, 2020
What an incredible adventure this book is! A superb book for a teen to read from age 13 on, for sure. The story of Carissa is fraught with emotion, drama, suspense, intrigue, mystery, danger, and fun. Part little girl, part super-girl for the work she can do and part Lara Croft - this girl is a heroine every reader can root for!
The action is fast-paced and keeps the reader excited. The historically accurate writing is impressive and really takes the reader back to the 1880's Tombstone. The accurate portrayal of race relations in the later 19th century is really well done. This was a story that, at first, I thought might be too real for younger YA readers, but I was wrong. This book is a great book for kids and adults alike. A terrific book that shows good things come to those who work really hard.
My Rating: 5+ stars
The action is fast-paced and keeps the reader excited. The historically accurate writing is impressive and really takes the reader back to the 1880's Tombstone. The accurate portrayal of race relations in the later 19th century is really well done. This was a story that, at first, I thought might be too real for younger YA readers, but I was wrong. This book is a great book for kids and adults alike. A terrific book that shows good things come to those who work really hard.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Read
April 7, 2021For her first novel, Vali Benson has taken on the challenge of writing about twelve year old Carissa Beaumont and that girl’s entanglement inside the workings of a house of prostitution. The challenge lies in the fact that such a young protagonist should naturally draw readers of the same age. This is not the venue most writers would choose for such an innocent audience, but, other than a brutal assault and a murder or two, she handles it without graphic descriptions that might upset juvenile readers or their parents.
The story takes place in Tombstone, Arizona Territory in 1880. Though the setting suggests historical fiction, the emphasis here is on fiction. It is clear Benson cares about her storyline and her characters, and she is able to keep events rolling at a fast enough pace to keep her readers along for the ride.
Blood and Silver is narrated by an omniscient voice that allows entry into each character’s thoughts, a technique that probably appeals more to children for its similarity to a bedtime story read aloud by a parent. In several ways this short novel uses some of the elements of a fairy tale: characters are either good or bad; solutions to problems arise seamlessly, bordering on Deus ex Machina; and, to be sure, a happily-ever-after ending awaits.
Benson shows promise in her storytelling abilities. As she evolves as a writer she will enjoy meeting the challenge that all new writers must face: “showing not telling,” the literary discipline that allows the reader a creative and participatory role in the reading. It is true that using this trope is more important for an adult work, but such an approach is bound to improve the work of any writer, no matter the genre or the target audience. I look forward to watching Vali Benson grow as a lady of letters.
The story takes place in Tombstone, Arizona Territory in 1880. Though the setting suggests historical fiction, the emphasis here is on fiction. It is clear Benson cares about her storyline and her characters, and she is able to keep events rolling at a fast enough pace to keep her readers along for the ride.
Blood and Silver is narrated by an omniscient voice that allows entry into each character’s thoughts, a technique that probably appeals more to children for its similarity to a bedtime story read aloud by a parent. In several ways this short novel uses some of the elements of a fairy tale: characters are either good or bad; solutions to problems arise seamlessly, bordering on Deus ex Machina; and, to be sure, a happily-ever-after ending awaits.
Benson shows promise in her storytelling abilities. As she evolves as a writer she will enjoy meeting the challenge that all new writers must face: “showing not telling,” the literary discipline that allows the reader a creative and participatory role in the reading. It is true that using this trope is more important for an adult work, but such an approach is bound to improve the work of any writer, no matter the genre or the target audience. I look forward to watching Vali Benson grow as a lady of letters.
December 19, 2021
Honestly this feels more like a middle grade story than a YA story for me. I would recommend it more for the middle school students I used to teach than for the high school students I work with as a librarian now. It is true that the main character’s mother is a saloon girl, and it is somewhat talked about what she does. But not in any really specific or detailed way that would make it that inappropriate for middle school age.
It was a unique story, but somewhat predictable. I liked that it took place in Tombstone, a city that mostly is connected with the shootout at the O.K. Corral as well as Wyatt Earp and Doc Holiday from the movie named after the town. This story didn’t include any of those well known events or people, but definitely gave you a feel for the way the town was at the time of the story.
Another concern I had was with some of the cultural things. China Mary was the name of a character, and while that is a real person, and I know that a lot of what was possibly used for names and such in this book are realistic for that time period, I am afraid that some people would have a problem with that today. I wonder if the author took the information she put about all of that history at the end, and put it in a little section before the story if that might help for people who would have an issue with that stuff.
Overall it was a good story though, a quick read, with a happy ending for our main characters even in the wild wild west of Tombstone, Arizona.
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
It was a unique story, but somewhat predictable. I liked that it took place in Tombstone, a city that mostly is connected with the shootout at the O.K. Corral as well as Wyatt Earp and Doc Holiday from the movie named after the town. This story didn’t include any of those well known events or people, but definitely gave you a feel for the way the town was at the time of the story.
Another concern I had was with some of the cultural things. China Mary was the name of a character, and while that is a real person, and I know that a lot of what was possibly used for names and such in this book are realistic for that time period, I am afraid that some people would have a problem with that today. I wonder if the author took the information she put about all of that history at the end, and put it in a little section before the story if that might help for people who would have an issue with that stuff.
Overall it was a good story though, a quick read, with a happy ending for our main characters even in the wild wild west of Tombstone, Arizona.
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
February 25, 2021
A Great Story
I enjoyed this story written for a younger reading audience. It was packed full of interesting historical details and dealt with some gritty issues in a manner appropriate for youth. Good, believable characters and a great plot. A good read.
I enjoyed this story written for a younger reading audience. It was packed full of interesting historical details and dealt with some gritty issues in a manner appropriate for youth. Good, believable characters and a great plot. A good read.
October 31, 2020
In Blood and Silver, we meet twelve-year old Carissa as she travels from San Francisco to the boom toom of Tombstone, Arizona in the late 19th Century with her drug-addled Mother, brutal brothel madam, Miss Lucille and two of Miss Lucille’s ‘girls’. Carissa can see no way out of her bleak existence until they settle in Tombstone where her resourcefulness and spirit catch the eye of China Mary, who unofficially controls everything and everyone in the town….
I thought Blood and Silver was a lovely read which is a strange adjective to use as parts of the novel are quite dark. But, the narrative flowed; it was hard to put down and I really enjoyed the story. It is clear that Ms Benson has a real passion for both the age and setting and consequently, you feel immersed in Tombstone life. I could almost hear the carriage wheels rattling through the dirt and dust of the town. There is a depth of research that has been carefully and subtly woven through the plot and I thought the Author’s Note regarding the town and its history was a nice, consolidating touch.
All the characters were well-realised especially China Mary who Ms Benson has a lot of fun with and who, as a character, was given just enough cultural tropes without becoming stereotypical. Ms Benson has a really good ear for the Chinese dialogue and I could definitely see a whole series of ‘Tombstone Tales’ with China Mary at the forefront which I would not hesitate to read. Miss Lucille is a decidedly nasty piece of work and, to that end, I thought her comeuppance could have been extended – I wanted to see her suffer more! I found the description of Lisette’s downfall really quite heartrending in an otherwise fairly bouncy narrative. Aside from Lisette’s journey out of drug addiction, we have a side plot involving a hidden seam of silver which dovetailed neatly with the happy ending. It could be said that it’s all a bit too happy and convenient at the conclusion but this little novel is pure escapism so I should not be too cynical. Having said that, I did think it could have been a little darker and more realised in places. It would have been interesting to have read a different point of view in a few chapters, maybe Lisette’s, just to give a touch more emotional depth.
I found Blood and Silver to be a cracking read; the easy tempo belies a well-crafted and researched story that has broad appeal. Highly recommended.
I thought Blood and Silver was a lovely read which is a strange adjective to use as parts of the novel are quite dark. But, the narrative flowed; it was hard to put down and I really enjoyed the story. It is clear that Ms Benson has a real passion for both the age and setting and consequently, you feel immersed in Tombstone life. I could almost hear the carriage wheels rattling through the dirt and dust of the town. There is a depth of research that has been carefully and subtly woven through the plot and I thought the Author’s Note regarding the town and its history was a nice, consolidating touch.
All the characters were well-realised especially China Mary who Ms Benson has a lot of fun with and who, as a character, was given just enough cultural tropes without becoming stereotypical. Ms Benson has a really good ear for the Chinese dialogue and I could definitely see a whole series of ‘Tombstone Tales’ with China Mary at the forefront which I would not hesitate to read. Miss Lucille is a decidedly nasty piece of work and, to that end, I thought her comeuppance could have been extended – I wanted to see her suffer more! I found the description of Lisette’s downfall really quite heartrending in an otherwise fairly bouncy narrative. Aside from Lisette’s journey out of drug addiction, we have a side plot involving a hidden seam of silver which dovetailed neatly with the happy ending. It could be said that it’s all a bit too happy and convenient at the conclusion but this little novel is pure escapism so I should not be too cynical. Having said that, I did think it could have been a little darker and more realised in places. It would have been interesting to have read a different point of view in a few chapters, maybe Lisette’s, just to give a touch more emotional depth.
I found Blood and Silver to be a cracking read; the easy tempo belies a well-crafted and researched story that has broad appeal. Highly recommended.
August 31, 2020
It's been a while since I read any book set in the Wild West - but this is an excellent read!
Through no fault of her own, Carissa finds herself looking after her mother who has become a drug addict whilst they both live in a house of ill repute - having nowhere else to go. It's only a matter of time until the madam decides to put twelve-year-old Carissa to work, but the young girl is more astute than she lets on. Determined to get her mother out of the old lady's grasp, Carissa finds help from an unexpected source . . .
Vali Benson can certainly tell a good story! I have been engrossed in this one from beginning to end. It's a cracking story, and a little bit different to any others I've read set during the same period. With a fine cast of characters from different walks of life, all fully developed and each interesting in their own way, the author writes an easily flowing and congenial tale mixing in some ups and downs along the way. I really enjoyed this one but just wished it was a bit longer. Recommended book and author and I hope to see more from Vali Benson in future, and am very happy to give this one 4.5*.
Through no fault of her own, Carissa finds herself looking after her mother who has become a drug addict whilst they both live in a house of ill repute - having nowhere else to go. It's only a matter of time until the madam decides to put twelve-year-old Carissa to work, but the young girl is more astute than she lets on. Determined to get her mother out of the old lady's grasp, Carissa finds help from an unexpected source . . .
Vali Benson can certainly tell a good story! I have been engrossed in this one from beginning to end. It's a cracking story, and a little bit different to any others I've read set during the same period. With a fine cast of characters from different walks of life, all fully developed and each interesting in their own way, the author writes an easily flowing and congenial tale mixing in some ups and downs along the way. I really enjoyed this one but just wished it was a bit longer. Recommended book and author and I hope to see more from Vali Benson in future, and am very happy to give this one 4.5*.
January 14, 2021
Blood and Silver is a young adult historical fiction story set in the silver boom town of Tombstone, Arizona, in 1880.
This is the story of twelve-year-old Clarissa, the daughter of a prostitute who is shown kindness by the town doctor, the sheriff and in particular the notorious China Mary, a lady who has eyes and ears everywhere.
Clarissa is desperate to get her mother away from the brothel and its dangerous owner. With help from China Mary, Clarissa gets a job in a new hotel where she can earn her own money. But danger is never far away and Clarissa must be brave and work hard to make a better future for herself and her mother.
I was intrigued by the setting and the storyline. The author provided a good mix of real life and fictional characters. The writing style tended towards ‘telling rather than showing’ which was a shame and in some areas the plot felt rather rushed and over simplified. However, I am aware that I’m not the target audience for this. Overall a good story, but the style of delivery needed a bit more tweaking for this to stand out for me.
This is the story of twelve-year-old Clarissa, the daughter of a prostitute who is shown kindness by the town doctor, the sheriff and in particular the notorious China Mary, a lady who has eyes and ears everywhere.
Clarissa is desperate to get her mother away from the brothel and its dangerous owner. With help from China Mary, Clarissa gets a job in a new hotel where she can earn her own money. But danger is never far away and Clarissa must be brave and work hard to make a better future for herself and her mother.
I was intrigued by the setting and the storyline. The author provided a good mix of real life and fictional characters. The writing style tended towards ‘telling rather than showing’ which was a shame and in some areas the plot felt rather rushed and over simplified. However, I am aware that I’m not the target audience for this. Overall a good story, but the style of delivery needed a bit more tweaking for this to stand out for me.
June 2, 2020
Rabia Tanveer for Readers’ Favorite: 5/5 Stars – “Blood and Silver by Vali Benson is entertaining and heartbreaking. This is the kind of young adult fiction that needs to become more popular. This was an incredible story”.
August 4, 2020
Carissa is one of the strongest female MCs that I have read about in a long time. Her mother works in a brothel and is being drugged by the Madam Miss Lucille in order to keep her under control. As long as her mother still needs her “medicine,” they cannot leave this abusive woman. And anyone that gets in Miss Lucille’s way is usually mysteriously killed. Carissa thinks that they might have a chance to get away from her in Arizona, but she has to secretly be able to nurse her mother back to health. That’s where China Mary comes in, a Chinese woman who runs the town and who is the only one with access to the drug that her mother is on. If she can get her help, they might be able to slowly help her mom get better.
This book was quite a unique story about the silver-mining past of Arizona, and I quite enjoyed reading it. The 1800s were a time when many women were forced to rely on men for their livelihoods. But all of the women in this story paint another picture. The men may have been in the mines, but those who ran the brothels took the money that they made from their work. China Mary was a real person, and she did control jobs for the Chinese immigrant workers in her town. She controlled much of the gambling, opium dealing, and even ran her own store on the side. To read about such a powerful woman was truly awesome. Even Miss Lucille was a powerful character, even though she used her control to hurt others rather than to help them.
The characters in this story were all full of life. Carissa was definitely an inspirational young girl, and her mother must have been one too. The mother definitely had Carissa at a young age, and I would have loved to have read her story before she came to work for Miss Lucille. All the people that Carissa meets during her time that she talks with China Mary were some of my favorite characters, but I won’t discuss them here as they have major spoilers.
The book started off very quickly as we learned about all the different characters and their journey to Tombstone, Arizona. I was hooked and was speeding through the book. My only complaint was that the ending felt rushed. Everything up until the ending was moving along speedily, but then the last 10% seemed to try to cover too much information. This was the only thing that brought my rating down from 5 stars to 4 stars, everything else seemed to be perfectly fine.
I would recommend this book as a YA historical fiction read. Even though the character is 12, this book definitely deals with some heavy topics that I think would be more fitting for older teens to read.
I received a copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.
This book was quite a unique story about the silver-mining past of Arizona, and I quite enjoyed reading it. The 1800s were a time when many women were forced to rely on men for their livelihoods. But all of the women in this story paint another picture. The men may have been in the mines, but those who ran the brothels took the money that they made from their work. China Mary was a real person, and she did control jobs for the Chinese immigrant workers in her town. She controlled much of the gambling, opium dealing, and even ran her own store on the side. To read about such a powerful woman was truly awesome. Even Miss Lucille was a powerful character, even though she used her control to hurt others rather than to help them.
The characters in this story were all full of life. Carissa was definitely an inspirational young girl, and her mother must have been one too. The mother definitely had Carissa at a young age, and I would have loved to have read her story before she came to work for Miss Lucille. All the people that Carissa meets during her time that she talks with China Mary were some of my favorite characters, but I won’t discuss them here as they have major spoilers.
The book started off very quickly as we learned about all the different characters and their journey to Tombstone, Arizona. I was hooked and was speeding through the book. My only complaint was that the ending felt rushed. Everything up until the ending was moving along speedily, but then the last 10% seemed to try to cover too much information. This was the only thing that brought my rating down from 5 stars to 4 stars, everything else seemed to be perfectly fine.
I would recommend this book as a YA historical fiction read. Even though the character is 12, this book definitely deals with some heavy topics that I think would be more fitting for older teens to read.
I received a copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.
December 16, 2020
Welcome to Tombstone, Arizona, “where silver is lying in the streets for anyone to pick up!”
Vali Benson’s novel will lure readers right into the saloons and brothels cobbled like shoes in a closet, after silver has been discovered in 1877. The “boomtown” of Tombstone was born in 1880, and quickly grew in population from 250 to 15,000 by 1885. Blood and Silver opens as Miss Lucille and her ‘best girls’ have arrived in Tombstone, along with 12 -year-old Carissa and her sickly mother, Lisette Beaumont.
Lisette’s eye- opening journey leading to Tombstone began as a young Creole on a plantation south of New Orleans. Lisette is married at 16, and in a few years begins the perilous journey West, in a wagon train bound for California, with her husband and two children. After a cholera outbreak, Lisette eventually arrives in San Francisco; a widow desperately trying to support her daughter, Carissa. Singing in a stage show on the rough side of town known as Barbary Coast leads Lisette into more than just entertaining men with her beautiful voice. But this is not the life Lisette has dreamed of for herself and her daughter. Who will be the key to their survival?
Readers will be enthralled with the beauty of Arizona through Vali Benson’s historical background and descriptions. The character development of China Mary, who runs Tombstone and the Chinese population, is an authentic depiction based on the charismatic, historical figure who lived in Tombstone from 1879 until she died in 1903. China Mary’s niece, Mai-Lin, a fictional character but a true treasure, is paired with Carissa in a new job at the Grand Hotel. Readers will be delighted with Mai-Lin’s giggly, adventurous personality and new-found friendship with “White-White”, as China Mary lovingly names Carissa. Readers are taken up and down new trails running into questionable townsfolk, as the two friends become involved in some “mining” of their own.
As Lisette and Carissa get involved with the seedy characters of Tombstone, trust is built and faith in the idea that good will prevail is restored.
“Make new friends but keep the old. One is SILVER and the other gold.” Readers will strike it rich and make many new friends in Blood and Silver by Vali Benson.
Five SILVER stars -GR
Vali Benson’s novel will lure readers right into the saloons and brothels cobbled like shoes in a closet, after silver has been discovered in 1877. The “boomtown” of Tombstone was born in 1880, and quickly grew in population from 250 to 15,000 by 1885. Blood and Silver opens as Miss Lucille and her ‘best girls’ have arrived in Tombstone, along with 12 -year-old Carissa and her sickly mother, Lisette Beaumont.
Lisette’s eye- opening journey leading to Tombstone began as a young Creole on a plantation south of New Orleans. Lisette is married at 16, and in a few years begins the perilous journey West, in a wagon train bound for California, with her husband and two children. After a cholera outbreak, Lisette eventually arrives in San Francisco; a widow desperately trying to support her daughter, Carissa. Singing in a stage show on the rough side of town known as Barbary Coast leads Lisette into more than just entertaining men with her beautiful voice. But this is not the life Lisette has dreamed of for herself and her daughter. Who will be the key to their survival?
Readers will be enthralled with the beauty of Arizona through Vali Benson’s historical background and descriptions. The character development of China Mary, who runs Tombstone and the Chinese population, is an authentic depiction based on the charismatic, historical figure who lived in Tombstone from 1879 until she died in 1903. China Mary’s niece, Mai-Lin, a fictional character but a true treasure, is paired with Carissa in a new job at the Grand Hotel. Readers will be delighted with Mai-Lin’s giggly, adventurous personality and new-found friendship with “White-White”, as China Mary lovingly names Carissa. Readers are taken up and down new trails running into questionable townsfolk, as the two friends become involved in some “mining” of their own.
As Lisette and Carissa get involved with the seedy characters of Tombstone, trust is built and faith in the idea that good will prevail is restored.
“Make new friends but keep the old. One is SILVER and the other gold.” Readers will strike it rich and make many new friends in Blood and Silver by Vali Benson.
Five SILVER stars -GR
October 4, 2020
Disclosure. This post is a review of an e-book I was sent for free. All opinions are my own.
This book is set in 1880 at Tombstone, Arizona, one of the Wild West frontier towns. The period has been very well researched by the author and weaves in fact along with fiction.
The story starts with Miss Lucille, the madam, greedy for money, relocating with her 3 best girls Lisette, Elise and Yvonne from San Francisco to Tombstone, along with Lisette’s 12 year old daughter Carissa, whom Miss Lucille treats as an unpaid servant. The tale is told from Carissa’s viewpoint.
Carissa is particularly worried about her mother, since Miss Lucille has now got her addicted to laudanum. Doctor Henderson advises her that the only way to help Lisette kick the drug habit and get well again, is to gradually reduce the dose. But how to do this without Miss Lucille realising?
There is only one drug supplier in Tombstone, China Mary. will she be willing to help Carissa, and if so, on what terms? Lots more going on in this book, including danger and adventure. A good read.
China Mary was a real person who controlled the opium dealing in Tombstone. I don’t particularly watch Westerns, but I’m pretty sure I have come across China Mary in a movie previously.
A great historical YA adventure which has been well researched. This is Vali’s debut novel, so I certainly hope there will be more to come.
This book is set in 1880 at Tombstone, Arizona, one of the Wild West frontier towns. The period has been very well researched by the author and weaves in fact along with fiction.
The story starts with Miss Lucille, the madam, greedy for money, relocating with her 3 best girls Lisette, Elise and Yvonne from San Francisco to Tombstone, along with Lisette’s 12 year old daughter Carissa, whom Miss Lucille treats as an unpaid servant. The tale is told from Carissa’s viewpoint.
Carissa is particularly worried about her mother, since Miss Lucille has now got her addicted to laudanum. Doctor Henderson advises her that the only way to help Lisette kick the drug habit and get well again, is to gradually reduce the dose. But how to do this without Miss Lucille realising?
There is only one drug supplier in Tombstone, China Mary. will she be willing to help Carissa, and if so, on what terms? Lots more going on in this book, including danger and adventure. A good read.
China Mary was a real person who controlled the opium dealing in Tombstone. I don’t particularly watch Westerns, but I’m pretty sure I have come across China Mary in a movie previously.
A great historical YA adventure which has been well researched. This is Vali’s debut novel, so I certainly hope there will be more to come.
November 29, 2020
Blood and Silver
A clever female protagonist is the cornerstone of this enjoyable story.
This novel is set in the historic mining town of Tombstone, Arizona. The story opens with our main characters witnessing a dramatic event as they enter their new home town.
Carissa (age twelve) and her mother have become snared in an impossible situation by a ruthless madam. One is enslaved with endless chores and the other works as a lady of the night to feed her relentless addiction. By the time they complete their journey by wagon, from San Francisco to Tombstone, Carissa’s mother is very ill. Carissa sets out to employ her wits and determination to seek a way of escape for them. Through twists and turns, she befriends key people that help, including the town opium dealer who is Chinese.
This book is written from an omniscient point of view which nicely reduces the tension for younger or more sensitive readers. Worrisome problems wrap up neatly in the end. The author has researched the details of this clever story as indicated by historical notes included at its conclusion. The portrayal of the Chinese opium dealer is one of my favorite parts. I feel like I could hear her words almost audibly while I read.
A parental warning: the villain does utter a few aptly placed expletives near the end of the book.
Lovers of the American wild west and historical fiction, both young and old, will enjoy this story and its industrious protagonist.
A clever female protagonist is the cornerstone of this enjoyable story.
This novel is set in the historic mining town of Tombstone, Arizona. The story opens with our main characters witnessing a dramatic event as they enter their new home town.
Carissa (age twelve) and her mother have become snared in an impossible situation by a ruthless madam. One is enslaved with endless chores and the other works as a lady of the night to feed her relentless addiction. By the time they complete their journey by wagon, from San Francisco to Tombstone, Carissa’s mother is very ill. Carissa sets out to employ her wits and determination to seek a way of escape for them. Through twists and turns, she befriends key people that help, including the town opium dealer who is Chinese.
This book is written from an omniscient point of view which nicely reduces the tension for younger or more sensitive readers. Worrisome problems wrap up neatly in the end. The author has researched the details of this clever story as indicated by historical notes included at its conclusion. The portrayal of the Chinese opium dealer is one of my favorite parts. I feel like I could hear her words almost audibly while I read.
A parental warning: the villain does utter a few aptly placed expletives near the end of the book.
Lovers of the American wild west and historical fiction, both young and old, will enjoy this story and its industrious protagonist.
August 9, 2020
Blood and Silver by Vali Benson is a remarkable historical fiction story. I could not put it down! The story takes place in the early silver mining days of Tombstone, AZ.
Carissa is young, charming, and has more strength of character than most adults. She is thrown into the harshest of circumstances yet maintains an exuberant disposition. She simply wants a family once again.
Tombstone in the 1880s was a wild place with saloons and brothels lining the streets. The author is true to the history of Tombstone including China Mary and Hoptown. It’s the mark of a great historical fiction novel when I immediately start looking up facts to learn more about the era.
Benson’s ability to grasp the heart of her readers is exceptional. I was desperate to know what would happen next to Carissa, Mai-Lin, Lisette, and even nasty Miss Lucille.
If you are the type of reader to look for deeper meaning in a story, Blood and Silver shows the problems many women faced in this era. They had no rights whatsoever, and it wasn’t even against the law to beat a woman. Prejudice, poverty, gangs, and lawlessness also provide topics for discussion.
Blood and Silver is going on my list of great books I’ve read this year. I give it my highest recommendation.
Carissa is young, charming, and has more strength of character than most adults. She is thrown into the harshest of circumstances yet maintains an exuberant disposition. She simply wants a family once again.
Tombstone in the 1880s was a wild place with saloons and brothels lining the streets. The author is true to the history of Tombstone including China Mary and Hoptown. It’s the mark of a great historical fiction novel when I immediately start looking up facts to learn more about the era.
Benson’s ability to grasp the heart of her readers is exceptional. I was desperate to know what would happen next to Carissa, Mai-Lin, Lisette, and even nasty Miss Lucille.
If you are the type of reader to look for deeper meaning in a story, Blood and Silver shows the problems many women faced in this era. They had no rights whatsoever, and it wasn’t even against the law to beat a woman. Prejudice, poverty, gangs, and lawlessness also provide topics for discussion.
Blood and Silver is going on my list of great books I’ve read this year. I give it my highest recommendation.
June 9, 2020
It is a well-written book. The beginning is slow but the premise of the book already had me interested. There are many instances in the book where I got confused but all pieces of the puzzle seemed to fit in place in the second half of the book. The one thing I absolutely adored about this book was that it brushes upon themes which are rarely written about in Young adult novels.
What Miss Lucille does to Lisette and those other girls was horrifying but it was these twists and turns, the darkness of the book which kept me reading till the end and I was happy that I did. I adore historical fiction and this novel is set in 1880s in Tombstone, Arizona. The characters are lively and well-written. Their personality is brought out through the conversations and the narration keeps the reader intrigued. The one thing which I rarely find in novels these days is the complexity of plot. It takes a lot of time and thought to write a book this complex and the author has truly done a commendable job. The only thing I believe needs improvement is the pace of the book. I would have liked it better if it was more fast-paced, even if the novel turned out to be longer than it is. Highly recommend.
What Miss Lucille does to Lisette and those other girls was horrifying but it was these twists and turns, the darkness of the book which kept me reading till the end and I was happy that I did. I adore historical fiction and this novel is set in 1880s in Tombstone, Arizona. The characters are lively and well-written. Their personality is brought out through the conversations and the narration keeps the reader intrigued. The one thing which I rarely find in novels these days is the complexity of plot. It takes a lot of time and thought to write a book this complex and the author has truly done a commendable job. The only thing I believe needs improvement is the pace of the book. I would have liked it better if it was more fast-paced, even if the novel turned out to be longer than it is. Highly recommend.
July 12, 2020
Historical YA Fiction with strong protagonist.
The multilayered plot of the book is enthralling which gradually grabs your attention and doesn't let go. Full of twists and turns, dark themes, action and adventure. The author knits a sharp and challenging story, keeping the readers at edge.
Set in 1880s, the world building is hypnotic, taking readers back in time to the Old West. The writing style of the author is engrossing, depicting the scenes vividly, allowing the readers to deeply engage with the story.
Benson's characterization is superlative with skillful development as she portrays a strong heroine as protagonist.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book with its strong characters, fast pacing and rich plot.
I would give this book 5 stars for the commendable characters and I would highly recommend it to readers of Historical Fiction.
Looking forward to future works of Vali Benson.
The multilayered plot of the book is enthralling which gradually grabs your attention and doesn't let go. Full of twists and turns, dark themes, action and adventure. The author knits a sharp and challenging story, keeping the readers at edge.
Set in 1880s, the world building is hypnotic, taking readers back in time to the Old West. The writing style of the author is engrossing, depicting the scenes vividly, allowing the readers to deeply engage with the story.
Benson's characterization is superlative with skillful development as she portrays a strong heroine as protagonist.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book with its strong characters, fast pacing and rich plot.
I would give this book 5 stars for the commendable characters and I would highly recommend it to readers of Historical Fiction.
Looking forward to future works of Vali Benson.
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