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Knights of Tin and Lead #1
These War-Torn Hands
“They say this land is bound, cursed since the beginning of the world. And it’ll be freed one day by a man with war-torn hands.”
Rosamund Lacey has crossed a continent to marry Archer Scott because she believes he is a man set apart—a man with a destiny. But Alexander Mortimer, Outlaw King of the western territory, believes in only one kind of destiny: winner takes all.
Determined to reign supreme, Mortimer kidnaps the governor’s bride and wreaks havoc on the land around Glory Mesa. But when Archer refuses to choose between the woman he loves and the land he has sworn to protect, he is forced into a showdown that may cost more than his life.
Rosamund Lacey has crossed a continent to marry Archer Scott because she believes he is a man set apart—a man with a destiny. But Alexander Mortimer, Outlaw King of the western territory, believes in only one kind of destiny: winner takes all.
Determined to reign supreme, Mortimer kidnaps the governor’s bride and wreaks havoc on the land around Glory Mesa. But when Archer refuses to choose between the woman he loves and the land he has sworn to protect, he is forced into a showdown that may cost more than his life.
434 pages, Paperback
Published June 22, 2021
6 people are currently reading
630 people want to read
About the author
Emily Hayse
13 books148 followersEMILY HAYSE is a lover of log cabins, strong coffee, NASCAR, and the smell of old books. Her writing is fueled by good characters and a lifelong passion for storytelling. When she is not busy turning words into worlds, she can often be found baking, singing, or caring for one of the many dogs and horses in her life. A native of Michigan, she currently resides in Southern California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
June 21, 2021
It’s a pity that Westerns have fallen by the wayside in this modern age. Thank goodness we have authors like Hayse to remind us of this genre's inherently epic qualities! Gone are the corny spaghetti Western vibes that sometimes plague this genre. Instead we are presented instead with what Westerns truly are: grandiose, in every respect.
A King Arthur retelling set in the Wild West? It makes perfect sense. The Wild West was made for such a retelling, with its feudal-like ranches, its knightly sheriffs, and kingly landowners. Hayse has brought over all of the majestic elements of Arthurian legends without any of the muck and created a truly memorable adventure.
The descriptions are what really sticks in one’s mind. The reader could almost swear the author lives in the West, she captures the settings with dazzling detail. One can taste the dust, feel the wind, and hear the tumbleweeds whisper down the long hills.
But this isn’t JUST a classic Western: there are new additions to this familiar setting! This is a non-magical fantasy: the fantastical elements mostly being some fictionalized aspects of the War Between the States, the tribal peoples of the West, the presence of dragons, and some myths that hark back to the olden days of “American Tall Tales.” The embellishments are subtle, but welcome, like finding a flash of gold in a familiar river.
Against this vivid backdrop is a cast of characters that are utterly real and captivating. In a development that is rather unusual for me, it was the female characters in this novel that interested me the most. From Rosamund, to Kate, and even Maria Pike—these three women are full of purpose and strength, not only surviving a dangerous setting, but determined to thrive in it. They fight to carve out their own destinies and have a thirst for glory that tantalizes us with the possibility they might make poor choices in the future—or simply bet it all, because they’re willing to “go big or go home.” Overall, the cast of larger-than-life characters are fitting narrators for this grandiose novel.
Gunfights, trains, betrayals, storms, saloons, and showdowns—the story has it all. The plot moves quickly and, even though Hayse is holding back on a lot of mysteries and backstories, I was never bored nor did I ever feel that I was reading “filler.” This is a steady blend of spine-tingling action and subtle tension culminating in an intriguing finale. It’s a fabulous beginning and I can’t wait for book two.
But, as always, it’s Emily's writing that I love the most. First of all, she is one of the few authors that truly masters present tense: she makes me love it. It gives this story a breathless immediacy and eerie stillness.
Lastly, her style. So many modern authors (both traditional and indie) don’t have a style, but are merely a homogenized echo. You can’t say that of Hayse. While you can see respectful and loving nods to certain masters in her work, her voice is still entirely her own—and it’s a beautiful one. Lonely, thoughtful, yearning, wild and with a blend of strength and delicacy: it holds you fixated from beginning to end.
Once more, Emily Hayse has crafted something truly wonderful.
A King Arthur retelling set in the Wild West? It makes perfect sense. The Wild West was made for such a retelling, with its feudal-like ranches, its knightly sheriffs, and kingly landowners. Hayse has brought over all of the majestic elements of Arthurian legends without any of the muck and created a truly memorable adventure.
The descriptions are what really sticks in one’s mind. The reader could almost swear the author lives in the West, she captures the settings with dazzling detail. One can taste the dust, feel the wind, and hear the tumbleweeds whisper down the long hills.
But this isn’t JUST a classic Western: there are new additions to this familiar setting! This is a non-magical fantasy: the fantastical elements mostly being some fictionalized aspects of the War Between the States, the tribal peoples of the West, the presence of dragons, and some myths that hark back to the olden days of “American Tall Tales.” The embellishments are subtle, but welcome, like finding a flash of gold in a familiar river.
Against this vivid backdrop is a cast of characters that are utterly real and captivating. In a development that is rather unusual for me, it was the female characters in this novel that interested me the most. From Rosamund, to Kate, and even Maria Pike—these three women are full of purpose and strength, not only surviving a dangerous setting, but determined to thrive in it. They fight to carve out their own destinies and have a thirst for glory that tantalizes us with the possibility they might make poor choices in the future—or simply bet it all, because they’re willing to “go big or go home.” Overall, the cast of larger-than-life characters are fitting narrators for this grandiose novel.
Gunfights, trains, betrayals, storms, saloons, and showdowns—the story has it all. The plot moves quickly and, even though Hayse is holding back on a lot of mysteries and backstories, I was never bored nor did I ever feel that I was reading “filler.” This is a steady blend of spine-tingling action and subtle tension culminating in an intriguing finale. It’s a fabulous beginning and I can’t wait for book two.
But, as always, it’s Emily's writing that I love the most. First of all, she is one of the few authors that truly masters present tense: she makes me love it. It gives this story a breathless immediacy and eerie stillness.
Lastly, her style. So many modern authors (both traditional and indie) don’t have a style, but are merely a homogenized echo. You can’t say that of Hayse. While you can see respectful and loving nods to certain masters in her work, her voice is still entirely her own—and it’s a beautiful one. Lonely, thoughtful, yearning, wild and with a blend of strength and delicacy: it holds you fixated from beginning to end.
Once more, Emily Hayse has crafted something truly wonderful.
March 22, 2022
*4.5*
Okay, that was awesome!!!! Full review to come. :)
Okay, that was awesome!!!! Full review to come. :)
February 6, 2022
(2022 review)
Bumping this up to five stars because it's even better the second time through.
(2021 review)
In some ways, I loved this book. The sweeping visuals of vast open spaces and untamed horizons were glorious. I loved one character and became exceedingly fond of several others. The whole idea of retelling the King Arthur legends as fantasy-westerns is very, very compelling to me. I loved the wild west vibes, and the addition of some magical elements was really nifty, but not overpowering.
I had kind of a hard time getting through the middle of the book, for two reasons. First, the whole thing changes POV characters every few pages. And it took a long time to get to know the six POV characters well enough that I didn't have to keep flipping back to the list of characters at the front to remember who was talking now. That kept yanking me out of the story, which was annoying.
Also, this is a TENSE book. Very, very tense in many places. So tense that I would start to stress out about the story and set it down to get some distance from it. Most books don't do that to me, at least, not the ones I tend to read. I don't enjoy books that stress me out, to put it simply. This will not be a problem when I reread this book, as I'll know how it ends and not have to wonder about who will live and who will die, and so on.
Yes, I liked this enough to want to read it again, later when more of the books have come out. Maybe once the series is complete. I'm keeping it on my shelf, because I did enjoy it, even if it took me longer to read than I had anticipated. I'm very interested to see how more of the Arthur legends play out with these characters, and I very sincerely and eagerly hope that Jack Selby will get plenty of page time in book two, which I believe will be released this fall already.
Bumping this up to five stars because it's even better the second time through.
(2021 review)
In some ways, I loved this book. The sweeping visuals of vast open spaces and untamed horizons were glorious. I loved one character and became exceedingly fond of several others. The whole idea of retelling the King Arthur legends as fantasy-westerns is very, very compelling to me. I loved the wild west vibes, and the addition of some magical elements was really nifty, but not overpowering.
I had kind of a hard time getting through the middle of the book, for two reasons. First, the whole thing changes POV characters every few pages. And it took a long time to get to know the six POV characters well enough that I didn't have to keep flipping back to the list of characters at the front to remember who was talking now. That kept yanking me out of the story, which was annoying.
Also, this is a TENSE book. Very, very tense in many places. So tense that I would start to stress out about the story and set it down to get some distance from it. Most books don't do that to me, at least, not the ones I tend to read. I don't enjoy books that stress me out, to put it simply. This will not be a problem when I reread this book, as I'll know how it ends and not have to wonder about who will live and who will die, and so on.
Yes, I liked this enough to want to read it again, later when more of the books have come out. Maybe once the series is complete. I'm keeping it on my shelf, because I did enjoy it, even if it took me longer to read than I had anticipated. I'm very interested to see how more of the Arthur legends play out with these characters, and I very sincerely and eagerly hope that Jack Selby will get plenty of page time in book two, which I believe will be released this fall already.
March 10, 2022
As a fan of the western genre, reading These War-Torn Hands felt a bit like coming home. While the Western Territory of These War-Torn Hands is technically a fantasy world (one based on the real American Old West), there is still a sharp sense of realism--so sharp, in fact, that you can almost taste the coffee the characters drink, hear the sharp crack of gunshots, and feel a lump in your throat as you gaze on the beauty of a western sunrise. And the characters who inhabit this world are just as bold and vivid and beautifully drawn. Archer, Rosamund, Jesse, Selby, Mortimer, Alan, Kate...they are all so dear to my heart. (Okay, maybe not Mortimer. But I still find him fascinating. And I got choked up a little over him.)
Few books pry that coveted five-star rating from my stingy reviewer's heart, but These War-Torn Hands deserves every star I can give it. Fans of Louis L'Amour's stories and movies like The Magnificent Seven (1960) will feel right at home while reading this book.
Few books pry that coveted five-star rating from my stingy reviewer's heart, but These War-Torn Hands deserves every star I can give it. Fans of Louis L'Amour's stories and movies like The Magnificent Seven (1960) will feel right at home while reading this book.
May 11, 2022
Masterful. Beautiful.
This tale will linger with me like the smell of good, fresh brewed coffee. There’s something about Hayse that truly captures the Wild, the Free, the Untamed. Her love for the Old West and the people who braved it is so genuine that you can’t help but feel it too.
I recommend this to anyone. Even if you don’t think you like Westerns all that well, you ought to try it.
If you go in expecting tons of fantasy elements from this Fantasy Western, know that the fantasy elements are very low. For the most part it’s just a light King Arthur retelling in an alternative world to ours, and the dinosaurs are still roaming the land (which there are legends of that from our own cowboys). BUT there is a fantastical moment in the story that is just SO GOOD.
Things I Especially Liked:
The Swift Brothers. Bless them.
The Auki Nation. So cool.
Horses NOT dying. Hayse gets me.
Things I Ground My Teeth Over:
Maria Pike checking out Max Swift. Ma’am, do you and I need to have a discussion out in the pit?
I don’t normally have soundtrack for a story, but these songs just speak the series to me:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cAKE...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7JmH...
This tale will linger with me like the smell of good, fresh brewed coffee. There’s something about Hayse that truly captures the Wild, the Free, the Untamed. Her love for the Old West and the people who braved it is so genuine that you can’t help but feel it too.
I recommend this to anyone. Even if you don’t think you like Westerns all that well, you ought to try it.
If you go in expecting tons of fantasy elements from this Fantasy Western, know that the fantasy elements are very low. For the most part it’s just a light King Arthur retelling in an alternative world to ours, and the dinosaurs are still roaming the land (which there are legends of that from our own cowboys). BUT there is a fantastical moment in the story that is just SO GOOD.
Things I Especially Liked:
The Swift Brothers. Bless them.
The Auki Nation. So cool.
Horses NOT dying. Hayse gets me.
Things I Ground My Teeth Over:
Maria Pike checking out Max Swift. Ma’am, do you and I need to have a discussion out in the pit?
I don’t normally have soundtrack for a story, but these songs just speak the series to me:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cAKE...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7JmH...
August 12, 2021
This is a complicated book. While I enjoyed it overall, I have complicated feelings about it, so ... bear with me as I try to write my review.
These War-Torn Hands is a King Arthur retelling set in a fantasy version of the American West. Archer Scott ("Arthur") is the new governor of a desolate Western territory plagued by a powerful outlaw named Mortimer ("Mordred" ... I think??) There's an eccentric old doctor hinted to have magic powers ("Merlin") who sees himself as the territory's guardian. The land is suffering from a centuries-old curse, and some believe Archer is the man to break the curse and free the territory. But when Mortimer kidnap's Archer's wife-to-be, Rosamund, all hell breaks loose in true Wild West fashion.
Let me first talk about what I liked about the book. Emily Hayse has perfectly captured that special Western flavor we've all been searching for (well at any rate, I'VE been searching for ;)) since Zane Grey and Louis L'Amour left this earth. The dry, flat, golden country ... the tense, charged atmosphere ... the raw danger mingled with moments of quaint gallantry and flashing humor. The Vibes are impeccable, and I must tip my cowboy hat to them.
Second, there are some pretty great character dynamics to be found here, including not one but several sibling and sibling-esque relationships. Rosamund's older brother Raymond is absolutely EVERYTHING AN OLDER BROTHER SHOULD BE: slightly gruff, slightly growly and overprotective, but at heart, an absolute teddy bear who gives the best hugs and the best pep talks. We stan. Archer's cousin Jesse Thatcher is an inveterate tease and proficient wisecracker who always, always has Archer's back.
Third, the book has a strong female presence, with two women POV characters. While there was a bit too much "the women stay in town while the men go out and Do Dangerous Things" for my taste (and don't @me with "historical accuracy," we have literal dragons, dinosaurs, and magic curses in this story, we can have a few female cowboys and bounty hunters if we choose!!!) ... these girls are nevertheless strong-willed, determined, capable, and in command of their own destinies. And shout-out to Kate Carnegie for being a badass with a deadly trigger finger. Gosh, I love Kate. Is it bad that I ship her with Jesse Thatcher? Cuz I ship her with Jesse Thatcher. :-P
Finally, the aforementioned dinosaurs--pterodactyls, I believe--were an excellent touch that lent a layer of fantastical danger to the landscape.
Now, moving on to the problems I had with the story. First off, I found the main romance between Archer and Rosamund rather flat. For context, Archer and Rosamund met during a previous war back East, but haven't seen each other for six years. Rosamund is traveling West to accept Archer's marriage proposal. The weird part is ... Rosamund and Archer don't actually meet face-to-face until they're about 45% through the book. We don't get any flashbacks or memories of their initial courtship, either. So for a good half of the novel, we've just got to take the narrative's word for it that they're in love and happy together, because we have no evidence to show how they actually interact.
Then when they finally meet up, they're ... well, they're sweet together? They're clearly committed to each other? But they just don't show much passion or chemistry, except in very brief flashes that leave me holding out my soup plate like Oliver Twist, "please, sir, I'd like some more."
This speaks to a larger issue I had: the lack of emotional intensity at certain key moments. For example. As mentioned earlier, Rosamund gets kidnapped by Mortimer, and . Archer and Raymond show no emotion in response to this. They just go wooden and silent for several chapters. Worse, since neither of them are POV characters, we have no way of glimpsing what they're feeling on the inside. Meanwhile, Jesse Thatcher, the guy who's the POV for that particular section, essentially says, "Yes, very sad. Anyway!" like the freakin' Loki meme??? EXCUSE ME??? Idk about Archer, but I know my Good Boi Raymond was feeling something there. You can't just gloss over that. You gotta take the time to delve into his grief and anger. Raymond deserves better.
The biggest problem for me, though, was the lack of magic. For a story about a magic curse holding a fantasy land in thrall, there's very little actual magic involved. There are constant hints throughout of a strange, supernatural presence brooding over the land, leading you to expect some sort of big magical reveal in the climax. But nothing happens. No aspect of the climax would have been out-of-place in a strictly realistic Western set in the real American West. By the end of the book, it's very hard to tell you're supposed to be in a fantasy world. This weakened the overall premise, since ... well, if this place is supposed to be magically cursed, where exactly IS the curse, and HOW is it affecting the story?
My final point is more a personal preference than any sort of objective comment. But I was a little confused by the references to the recent "war." It //seems// to bear some resemblance to the real-life Civil War (cataclysmic domestic conflict followed by years of bitterness and suffering), but we never get an explanation of what the war was about. There are even a bunch of ex-military guys wandering around in Confederate-esque uniforms talking about their "old cause," but it's never established what that cause WAS. I would have liked some clearer direction there. Am I supposed to associate these dudes with the real-life Confederates? Are they white supremacists? Does slavery exist in this fantasy world? If not, then what, specifically, was this faux Civil War about?
Anyways.
I'm intrigued by the world and characters overall, and curious to try Book 2 when it comes out. It takes a stronger constitution than mine to turn down dinosaurs in the Wild West. xD
These War-Torn Hands is a King Arthur retelling set in a fantasy version of the American West. Archer Scott ("Arthur") is the new governor of a desolate Western territory plagued by a powerful outlaw named Mortimer ("Mordred" ... I think??) There's an eccentric old doctor hinted to have magic powers ("Merlin") who sees himself as the territory's guardian. The land is suffering from a centuries-old curse, and some believe Archer is the man to break the curse and free the territory. But when Mortimer kidnap's Archer's wife-to-be, Rosamund, all hell breaks loose in true Wild West fashion.
Let me first talk about what I liked about the book. Emily Hayse has perfectly captured that special Western flavor we've all been searching for (well at any rate, I'VE been searching for ;)) since Zane Grey and Louis L'Amour left this earth. The dry, flat, golden country ... the tense, charged atmosphere ... the raw danger mingled with moments of quaint gallantry and flashing humor. The Vibes are impeccable, and I must tip my cowboy hat to them.
Second, there are some pretty great character dynamics to be found here, including not one but several sibling and sibling-esque relationships. Rosamund's older brother Raymond is absolutely EVERYTHING AN OLDER BROTHER SHOULD BE: slightly gruff, slightly growly and overprotective, but at heart, an absolute teddy bear who gives the best hugs and the best pep talks. We stan. Archer's cousin Jesse Thatcher is an inveterate tease and proficient wisecracker who always, always has Archer's back.
Third, the book has a strong female presence, with two women POV characters. While there was a bit too much "the women stay in town while the men go out and Do Dangerous Things" for my taste (and don't @me with "historical accuracy," we have literal dragons, dinosaurs, and magic curses in this story, we can have a few female cowboys and bounty hunters if we choose!!!) ... these girls are nevertheless strong-willed, determined, capable, and in command of their own destinies. And shout-out to Kate Carnegie for being a badass with a deadly trigger finger. Gosh, I love Kate. Is it bad that I ship her with Jesse Thatcher? Cuz I ship her with Jesse Thatcher. :-P
Finally, the aforementioned dinosaurs--pterodactyls, I believe--were an excellent touch that lent a layer of fantastical danger to the landscape.
Now, moving on to the problems I had with the story. First off, I found the main romance between Archer and Rosamund rather flat. For context, Archer and Rosamund met during a previous war back East, but haven't seen each other for six years. Rosamund is traveling West to accept Archer's marriage proposal. The weird part is ... Rosamund and Archer don't actually meet face-to-face until they're about 45% through the book. We don't get any flashbacks or memories of their initial courtship, either. So for a good half of the novel, we've just got to take the narrative's word for it that they're in love and happy together, because we have no evidence to show how they actually interact.
Then when they finally meet up, they're ... well, they're sweet together? They're clearly committed to each other? But they just don't show much passion or chemistry, except in very brief flashes that leave me holding out my soup plate like Oliver Twist, "please, sir, I'd like some more."
This speaks to a larger issue I had: the lack of emotional intensity at certain key moments. For example. As mentioned earlier, Rosamund gets kidnapped by Mortimer, and . Archer and Raymond show no emotion in response to this. They just go wooden and silent for several chapters. Worse, since neither of them are POV characters, we have no way of glimpsing what they're feeling on the inside. Meanwhile, Jesse Thatcher, the guy who's the POV for that particular section, essentially says, "Yes, very sad. Anyway!" like the freakin' Loki meme??? EXCUSE ME??? Idk about Archer, but I know my Good Boi Raymond was feeling something there. You can't just gloss over that. You gotta take the time to delve into his grief and anger. Raymond deserves better.
The biggest problem for me, though, was the lack of magic. For a story about a magic curse holding a fantasy land in thrall, there's very little actual magic involved. There are constant hints throughout of a strange, supernatural presence brooding over the land, leading you to expect some sort of big magical reveal in the climax. But nothing happens. No aspect of the climax would have been out-of-place in a strictly realistic Western set in the real American West. By the end of the book, it's very hard to tell you're supposed to be in a fantasy world. This weakened the overall premise, since ... well, if this place is supposed to be magically cursed, where exactly IS the curse, and HOW is it affecting the story?
My final point is more a personal preference than any sort of objective comment. But I was a little confused by the references to the recent "war." It //seems// to bear some resemblance to the real-life Civil War (cataclysmic domestic conflict followed by years of bitterness and suffering), but we never get an explanation of what the war was about. There are even a bunch of ex-military guys wandering around in Confederate-esque uniforms talking about their "old cause," but it's never established what that cause WAS. I would have liked some clearer direction there. Am I supposed to associate these dudes with the real-life Confederates? Are they white supremacists? Does slavery exist in this fantasy world? If not, then what, specifically, was this faux Civil War about?
Anyways.
I'm intrigued by the world and characters overall, and curious to try Book 2 when it comes out. It takes a stronger constitution than mine to turn down dinosaurs in the Wild West. xD
September 16, 2024
The Western genre has become one of my favorites. I’m excited to see so many excellent Western novels published in the last few years. I had never tried a Western historical fantasy before, so I was excited to read These War-Torn Hands, a new release by one of my favorite authors, Emily Hayse. I wasn’t sure whether I’d like it as much as my favorite series of hers, the world of Seventh City. But I loved this one too.
These War-Torn Hands took me on a wide-ranging journey full of inspiring adventure, beautiful landscapes, tense showdowns, endearing characters, fascinating relationships, and much more. I tore through the book in a very short time. As I neared the end of the book, I felt that I’d lived the story with the characters during several long months--although instead of being worn-out, as they were, I was energized.
The most important thing for me in a book is great characters and relationships. This book excelled at both. I enjoyed the complex, good-hearted heroes who tried to do the right thing, even when it wasn’t always clear in their difficult situations. The antagonists were powerful, compelling, and effective. I hated some villains, sympathized with others, and appreciated them all as fascinating, well-written characters.
I loved the friendships between all of the main characters, the understated romance between the main couple, the devoted love between a brother and sister, the loyalty between male cousins, and the rivalry between hero and villain. I liked that Archer was an inspiring leader with loyal men following him. And I liked that all the men respected and took care of Rosamund as their lady.
And the setting was a character in its own right. The land of These War-Torn Hands was worthy of the love and respect of the main characters. It was beautiful and harsh, with its sun-baked red rocks and forested mountains. The people inhabiting the dangerous land were tough and determined, and many of them shared an appreciation that made them stubbornly stay in a land that tried to drive them out. I loved the subtle fantasy worldbuilding, with an alternate land inspired by America, and interesting, dangerous beasts. I wish the book had shown more of the beasts instead of mostly threats. But I loved what there was. I tend to prefer my fantasy less fantastical and more realistic, and Emily Hayse’s books often fit that desire of mine.
In addition to characters and setting, These War-Torn Hands delivered on many other things I love in a book. The adventure was gripping, and I stayed on the edge of my seat during action-packed, intense survival situations or confrontations. I think I was even more riveted during quiet, tense scenes focused on characters and relationships. The writing was beautiful, with evocative, vivid descriptions and powerful, precise words. I loved that the world felt realistic, since there were accurate historical details of Western life, horsemanship, and travel across long distances. Nothing was easy or quick, and the realistic quality conveyed the characters’ weariness and obstacles. The characters and themes were deep and thoughtful, with interesting explorations of complex matters. I’m intrigued by the mysterious land with its secrets and dangers, and I can’t wait to read the sequels.
After reading several of Emily Hayse’s books, I know I can count on her for her trademark elements and style. It’s fun to pick out things she loves in each of her books. Hayse excels at writing engaging adventure, survival situations, dangerous monsters, harsh frontier lands, determination and courage, tough people, complex morality, beautiful landscapes, and fascinating villains. I enjoy it when she creates strong yet feminine women, surrounded by good men, with plenty of wonderful relationships between them. I crave more platonic friendships and strong family relationships in fiction, and I always find them in Emily Hayse’s books.
These War-Torn Hands is a retelling of Arthurian legend, but I decided to enjoy it as a story in its own right, without learning more about the tales that inspired it. I have a vague knowledge of the very basics of King Arthur, but not enough to tell me what’s going to happen or which character represents the original--and I’m looking forward to being surprised. I love the idea of King Arthur’s knights inhabiting a new setting, the Old West. I admire both cowboys and knights, as does this author, and I think it’s genius to combine the two types of heroes. It works so well, and I loved the execution in These War-Torn Hands.
I recommend Emily Hayse’s These War-Torn Hands to anyone who enjoys classic Westerns, unique retellings, or unusual fantasy, with compelling characters and intense adventure. 4.5 stars.
These War-Torn Hands took me on a wide-ranging journey full of inspiring adventure, beautiful landscapes, tense showdowns, endearing characters, fascinating relationships, and much more. I tore through the book in a very short time. As I neared the end of the book, I felt that I’d lived the story with the characters during several long months--although instead of being worn-out, as they were, I was energized.
The most important thing for me in a book is great characters and relationships. This book excelled at both. I enjoyed the complex, good-hearted heroes who tried to do the right thing, even when it wasn’t always clear in their difficult situations. The antagonists were powerful, compelling, and effective. I hated some villains, sympathized with others, and appreciated them all as fascinating, well-written characters.
I loved the friendships between all of the main characters, the understated romance between the main couple, the devoted love between a brother and sister, the loyalty between male cousins, and the rivalry between hero and villain. I liked that Archer was an inspiring leader with loyal men following him. And I liked that all the men respected and took care of Rosamund as their lady.
And the setting was a character in its own right. The land of These War-Torn Hands was worthy of the love and respect of the main characters. It was beautiful and harsh, with its sun-baked red rocks and forested mountains. The people inhabiting the dangerous land were tough and determined, and many of them shared an appreciation that made them stubbornly stay in a land that tried to drive them out. I loved the subtle fantasy worldbuilding, with an alternate land inspired by America, and interesting, dangerous beasts. I wish the book had shown more of the beasts instead of mostly threats. But I loved what there was. I tend to prefer my fantasy less fantastical and more realistic, and Emily Hayse’s books often fit that desire of mine.
In addition to characters and setting, These War-Torn Hands delivered on many other things I love in a book. The adventure was gripping, and I stayed on the edge of my seat during action-packed, intense survival situations or confrontations. I think I was even more riveted during quiet, tense scenes focused on characters and relationships. The writing was beautiful, with evocative, vivid descriptions and powerful, precise words. I loved that the world felt realistic, since there were accurate historical details of Western life, horsemanship, and travel across long distances. Nothing was easy or quick, and the realistic quality conveyed the characters’ weariness and obstacles. The characters and themes were deep and thoughtful, with interesting explorations of complex matters. I’m intrigued by the mysterious land with its secrets and dangers, and I can’t wait to read the sequels.
After reading several of Emily Hayse’s books, I know I can count on her for her trademark elements and style. It’s fun to pick out things she loves in each of her books. Hayse excels at writing engaging adventure, survival situations, dangerous monsters, harsh frontier lands, determination and courage, tough people, complex morality, beautiful landscapes, and fascinating villains. I enjoy it when she creates strong yet feminine women, surrounded by good men, with plenty of wonderful relationships between them. I crave more platonic friendships and strong family relationships in fiction, and I always find them in Emily Hayse’s books.
These War-Torn Hands is a retelling of Arthurian legend, but I decided to enjoy it as a story in its own right, without learning more about the tales that inspired it. I have a vague knowledge of the very basics of King Arthur, but not enough to tell me what’s going to happen or which character represents the original--and I’m looking forward to being surprised. I love the idea of King Arthur’s knights inhabiting a new setting, the Old West. I admire both cowboys and knights, as does this author, and I think it’s genius to combine the two types of heroes. It works so well, and I loved the execution in These War-Torn Hands.
I recommend Emily Hayse’s These War-Torn Hands to anyone who enjoys classic Westerns, unique retellings, or unusual fantasy, with compelling characters and intense adventure. 4.5 stars.
July 19, 2022
This series has gotten quite a bit of hype in my circle, and I’m happy to say it deserves every bit of praise!
I can probably count on one hand how many Westerns I’ve read so this was a new experience for me, in the best of ways. Add a dash of fantasy, and wow, what a ride!
King Arthur is a new recent obsession of mine so I loved getting to see the similarities. There are a few characters I can’t quite place in regard to how they fit into Arthurian lore, but that may come back to me later.
The writing is lyrical and poetic as I’ve come to enjoy from Emily. It took me a few chapters to get into the flow and present tense always throws me a little bit, but after that it was fine, and I was reluctant to put the book down. :)
Not gonna lie, Raymond Lacey and Jesse Thatcher have my heart…these men are gems, and I will not be okay if something happens to them. Can’t wait to jump into book 2!
I can probably count on one hand how many Westerns I’ve read so this was a new experience for me, in the best of ways. Add a dash of fantasy, and wow, what a ride!
King Arthur is a new recent obsession of mine so I loved getting to see the similarities. There are a few characters I can’t quite place in regard to how they fit into Arthurian lore, but that may come back to me later.
The writing is lyrical and poetic as I’ve come to enjoy from Emily. It took me a few chapters to get into the flow and present tense always throws me a little bit, but after that it was fine, and I was reluctant to put the book down. :)
Not gonna lie, Raymond Lacey and Jesse Thatcher have my heart…these men are gems, and I will not be okay if something happens to them. Can’t wait to jump into book 2!
July 16, 2025
2025 Review:
Even better re-reading again! (And having read the entire trilogy before, I can breathe a little easier on these epic adventures!)
2021 Review:
As someone who's into most things Western (including horses) as well as fantasy, I've always wanted to read a good western fantasy genre, but never could find the right one that draws me. But then I stumbled upon this book from following my new favorite author Emily Hayes!
A King Arthur retelling in the Wild West?! I was so hooked and excited that I pre-ordered my own copy! Having read and fallen in love with The Last Atlantean, I was pretty excited (and nervous) to see how this story unfolds.
And wow oh wow... was I blown away.
This was such an incredible read that held me captive from beginning to end. It felt as if I was reading an actual western, but with fantastical elements from dragons to prophecies and curses on the land! I was in awe of the beautiful description of the wild western lands to the heart-pounding gun-shooting and rail-road action scenes! But what made it more so were the characters themselves.
From the moment I heard his name, I can't help but root for Archer Scott. Here is a humble hero with greatness-- and many struggles-- thrust upon him. As much as he dreams of a quiet life, he strives to give his all not only for the territory he's appointed to govern, but for his friends and men and even the woman he loves! As much as I wanted to see the world through his eyes, I love how many of his friends see him, especially his cousin Jesse Thatcher and Rosamund.
Speaking of, I really admire Rosamund and her growth from a stranger entering a strange land to becoming part of Archer Scott's life. She's incredibly brave! And I LOVE-LOVE-LOVE her bond with her brother, Raymond! So incredibly sweet!
Mortimer was such an unexpected antagonist. There were moments when I despised him, then felt a slight compassion, and then to utter pity by his blind obsession for power.
There are several others I absolutely admired: Jack Selbly, Jesse Thatcher, Kate Carnegie, and Doctor Sikes (WOW!). Then there's some that gives me the creeps (like Maria Pike-- I keep shuddering whenever she's around).
I could go on and on on how truly amazing this book was! After that ending, I literally wanted to breath a sigh of relief. Wanting it to be over! But, after a startling revelation... there are darker powers at work... and These War-Torn Hands is just the beginning of an EPIC legendary tale!
Thank you Emily Hayes for another mesmerizing and inspirational work of art!
Looking forward to the sequel,The Beautiful Ones!
Even better re-reading again! (And having read the entire trilogy before, I can breathe a little easier on these epic adventures!)
2021 Review:
As someone who's into most things Western (including horses) as well as fantasy, I've always wanted to read a good western fantasy genre, but never could find the right one that draws me. But then I stumbled upon this book from following my new favorite author Emily Hayes!
A King Arthur retelling in the Wild West?! I was so hooked and excited that I pre-ordered my own copy! Having read and fallen in love with The Last Atlantean, I was pretty excited (and nervous) to see how this story unfolds.
And wow oh wow... was I blown away.
This was such an incredible read that held me captive from beginning to end. It felt as if I was reading an actual western, but with fantastical elements from dragons to prophecies and curses on the land! I was in awe of the beautiful description of the wild western lands to the heart-pounding gun-shooting and rail-road action scenes! But what made it more so were the characters themselves.
From the moment I heard his name, I can't help but root for Archer Scott. Here is a humble hero with greatness-- and many struggles-- thrust upon him. As much as he dreams of a quiet life, he strives to give his all not only for the territory he's appointed to govern, but for his friends and men and even the woman he loves! As much as I wanted to see the world through his eyes, I love how many of his friends see him, especially his cousin Jesse Thatcher and Rosamund.
Speaking of, I really admire Rosamund and her growth from a stranger entering a strange land to becoming part of Archer Scott's life. She's incredibly brave! And I LOVE-LOVE-LOVE her bond with her brother, Raymond! So incredibly sweet!
Mortimer was such an unexpected antagonist. There were moments when I despised him, then felt a slight compassion, and then to utter pity by his blind obsession for power.
There are several others I absolutely admired: Jack Selbly, Jesse Thatcher, Kate Carnegie, and Doctor Sikes (WOW!). Then there's some that gives me the creeps (like Maria Pike-- I keep shuddering whenever she's around).
I could go on and on on how truly amazing this book was! After that ending, I literally wanted to breath a sigh of relief. Wanting it to be over! But, after a startling revelation... there are darker powers at work... and These War-Torn Hands is just the beginning of an EPIC legendary tale!
Thank you Emily Hayes for another mesmerizing and inspirational work of art!
Looking forward to the sequel,The Beautiful Ones!
June 23, 2021
These War-Torn Hands was the first western I've read, and IT WAS EPIC!
I loved the western feel and the culture Emily Hayse created with this story! The morals of the good guys and how they always saw the value of life was one of my favorite parts of the book. I loved getting to hang out with them and the other characters!
This book kept me guessing in all the best ways as I adventured with the characters! The plot was complex with multiple POVs, and sometimes the stakes were so high in the fights that I just....*words disappear*
Even if you've never watched or read a western (that would be tragic), if you love good characters, adventures into the wilderness, near-death experiences, and happily ever after (for most at least...), GO GET THIS BOOK!
I am SO EXCITED for book two in the series, which comes out this October!! What will happen next? What adventures will we go on? I'm ready (and you need to read the first book so you are too)!
Recommend for teens and up due to violence (but otherwise it's clean).
I loved the western feel and the culture Emily Hayse created with this story! The morals of the good guys and how they always saw the value of life was one of my favorite parts of the book. I loved getting to hang out with them and the other characters!
This book kept me guessing in all the best ways as I adventured with the characters! The plot was complex with multiple POVs, and sometimes the stakes were so high in the fights that I just....*words disappear*
Even if you've never watched or read a western (that would be tragic), if you love good characters, adventures into the wilderness, near-death experiences, and happily ever after (for most at least...), GO GET THIS BOOK!
I am SO EXCITED for book two in the series, which comes out this October!! What will happen next? What adventures will we go on? I'm ready (and you need to read the first book so you are too)!
Recommend for teens and up due to violence (but otherwise it's clean).
July 3, 2021
Wow. This book. I don’t know what to say.
•
At first, it was a little hard to get into. The writing was different than a lot of books I’ve read before. Lyrical and flowing. But once you get into it, orientate yourself with the characters and the fact that this world is a fictional one, you’re completely immersed and do not want to stop reading.
•
I loved these cowboys! I think Jesse and Alan would have to be my favorites and the sneak peek at book two shows that we’ll get to have Alan’s POV in the next one and I’m so excited!
•
I also discovered that I need to brush up on my Arthurian legend because I couldn’t figure out who was who as I was reading. Which is entirely my fault. 😂 So excited for October and the next installment in Knights of Tin and Lead!
•
Ages 16 & up
Four stars 🌟
•
At first, it was a little hard to get into. The writing was different than a lot of books I’ve read before. Lyrical and flowing. But once you get into it, orientate yourself with the characters and the fact that this world is a fictional one, you’re completely immersed and do not want to stop reading.
•
I loved these cowboys! I think Jesse and Alan would have to be my favorites and the sneak peek at book two shows that we’ll get to have Alan’s POV in the next one and I’m so excited!
•
I also discovered that I need to brush up on my Arthurian legend because I couldn’t figure out who was who as I was reading. Which is entirely my fault. 😂 So excited for October and the next installment in Knights of Tin and Lead!
•
Ages 16 & up
Four stars 🌟
January 7, 2022
Emily Hayse is a literal genius for mashing up King Arthur and westerns with dashes of fantasy. I have loved her other books, and her signature style is really given a chance to shine full force in these wild mesas and hills and lonely deserts and land with a curse beating through it. It's just bold, adventurous, wistful, sometimes a little eerie, and I can feel the heartbreak of the King Arthur legend coming. But I wouldn't have it any other way.
August 16, 2021
That was so much fun! Review to come!
August 4, 2023
When I should've been doing my homework in May and June all I wanted to do was read this book. The stakes! The thrill! The adventure!
After I actually had time to read it, I found it to be really slow. I guess previously my being a rebel was enough to excite me? That, and I think the pacing in the beginning was just much better. This is the first time I've ever READ a western, and while the writing is very cinematic in and of itself, I would've preferred to see it. Maybe the genre is like Shakespeare's work, it's MEANT to be seen.
Probably because I was going at a snail's pace, the motivations of the characters got very muddled in the middle? I was very concerned about the clans because I didn't understand what was happening and why they were bad news and what view of them I was supposed to take. I loved Thatcher, but everyone else seemed to describe too many things. They didn't have an urgency. Now with Thatcher, he didn't want to be there and that made him immediately likable. I'm not really interested to continue the series at this point, but we'll see what happens later on.
After I actually had time to read it, I found it to be really slow. I guess previously my being a rebel was enough to excite me? That, and I think the pacing in the beginning was just much better. This is the first time I've ever READ a western, and while the writing is very cinematic in and of itself, I would've preferred to see it. Maybe the genre is like Shakespeare's work, it's MEANT to be seen.
Probably because I was going at a snail's pace, the motivations of the characters got very muddled in the middle? I was very concerned about the clans because I didn't understand what was happening and why they were bad news and what view of them I was supposed to take. I loved Thatcher, but everyone else seemed to describe too many things. They didn't have an urgency. Now with Thatcher, he didn't want to be there and that made him immediately likable. I'm not really interested to continue the series at this point, but we'll see what happens later on.
January 6, 2022
Well. That was a delight.
I grew up watching westerns. Lots of westerns. And considering how many hours each “Western Collection” I saw contained, it’s probably edging closer to weeks of my life than hours. I loved them so much. And I learned so much from them. As a reader, I’ve really only read fantasy consistently, but I’ve wanted to read a western book for a looong time. I just never got around to it. Then I heard about These War Torn Hands. King Arthur. Fantasy. Western. Wut. I wanted to check this out.
I was not disappointed.
The horses, the dust, the town. The cowboys, the stagecoach, the marshal, the saloon. It was all here. The cattle and the outlaws and the rifles and the guns. The shattering glass and the bangs. All the things I spent a ridiculous amount of time soaking in as a kid. Even the classic western characters types that I did not expect to be here were, which made me sooooo happy. So clever.
The gang was all here. Mostly. The marshal. The girl from back East. The rancher/cowboy side kick. The guy who runs the saloon. The nice and tough girl. The boy. The guy who runs the mercantile. The guy people don’t trust. The outlaw boss and lackeys. The doctor. The nose-in-air widow. (I said the gang was all here but I am kind of curious where the nice widow is.) The people at the town hall meetings.
And the Arthurian legend. The creativity. The cleverness. The hints. Delightful.
I’ve read very little first-person present tense books, but that gave this book a very in-the-moment like a movie feel that was very cool.
The characters were all so realistic. And wonderful. And noble. And brave. And cool.
Archer Scott, the Governor. I loved Archer—very cool, very nice, very sturdy, very brave and smart and super super cool. He is extremely likable and such a warrior.
(Side note: I kinda felt like westerns don’t usually have governors. Or if they do they’re mostly unhelpful chaps with mustaches that sit behind desks and either don’t send the cavalry to save our heroes, or do it at the very last minute. So I was surprised that Archer was a governor just because of the lack of them in most westerns. But he is a spectacular Governor. [Also, several times, I just could not get the voice of Olivia de Havilland in Captain Blood out of my head saying dramatically “THIS is the Governor”. I kept saying it to my sister when we were talking about Archer and we’d both laugh.])
Rosamund Lacey. First I wanna fangirl over her name. How pretty is that?? Anyway, I really liked her. She felt balanced compared to many western heroines. She shot guns and was tough when it was time to be tough, and she sat down and cried when it was time to sit down and cry. Very lady-like, but totally cool with roughing it. I liked that blend. :)
Raymond Lacey. I image Raymond as looking exactly like Pat Garret from Chism. In other words the mustache is fantastic. But that’s not the point. The point is he’s really cool! Epic. Quiet. Serious. Kind.
Jack Selby is my FAVORITE after the above three and I LOVE HIM SO MUCH. So cool.
Jesse Thatcher. Classsssic. Loved Jesse Thatcher. So sturdy and down to earth and nice and sees the world in such a western cowboy way.
Kate Carnegie. I liked Kate. She was the only one I had major trouble with the first-person thing. I kept being like “which guy was Carnegie?” and then realize it was Kate. XD My bad. Anyway, she’s great.
Doctor Sikes. I want to see more of this man. I am curious and I know who he is.
So. That came out as half review, have fangirl mania, and half nostalgia essay about my love for black-and-white movies. And that isn’t math. Bye. Recommending to anyone who LOVES westerns, or loves King Arthur. It’s not super fantasy-ish so far, just a smidge. Also to anyone who loves FABULOUSLY written characters and exquisite writing.
Rated like a less embarrassing western: blood, drama, kissing (only the married couple, I think?), drinking but no one got drunk. (wait did nobody smoke???) No inappropriate romance. No language.
I grew up watching westerns. Lots of westerns. And considering how many hours each “Western Collection” I saw contained, it’s probably edging closer to weeks of my life than hours. I loved them so much. And I learned so much from them. As a reader, I’ve really only read fantasy consistently, but I’ve wanted to read a western book for a looong time. I just never got around to it. Then I heard about These War Torn Hands. King Arthur. Fantasy. Western. Wut. I wanted to check this out.
I was not disappointed.
The horses, the dust, the town. The cowboys, the stagecoach, the marshal, the saloon. It was all here. The cattle and the outlaws and the rifles and the guns. The shattering glass and the bangs. All the things I spent a ridiculous amount of time soaking in as a kid. Even the classic western characters types that I did not expect to be here were, which made me sooooo happy. So clever.
The gang was all here. Mostly. The marshal. The girl from back East. The rancher/cowboy side kick. The guy who runs the saloon. The nice and tough girl. The boy. The guy who runs the mercantile. The guy people don’t trust. The outlaw boss and lackeys. The doctor. The nose-in-air widow. (I said the gang was all here but I am kind of curious where the nice widow is.) The people at the town hall meetings.
And the Arthurian legend. The creativity. The cleverness. The hints. Delightful.
I’ve read very little first-person present tense books, but that gave this book a very in-the-moment like a movie feel that was very cool.
The characters were all so realistic. And wonderful. And noble. And brave. And cool.
Archer Scott, the Governor. I loved Archer—very cool, very nice, very sturdy, very brave and smart and super super cool. He is extremely likable and such a warrior.
(Side note: I kinda felt like westerns don’t usually have governors. Or if they do they’re mostly unhelpful chaps with mustaches that sit behind desks and either don’t send the cavalry to save our heroes, or do it at the very last minute. So I was surprised that Archer was a governor just because of the lack of them in most westerns. But he is a spectacular Governor. [Also, several times, I just could not get the voice of Olivia de Havilland in Captain Blood out of my head saying dramatically “THIS is the Governor”. I kept saying it to my sister when we were talking about Archer and we’d both laugh.])
Rosamund Lacey. First I wanna fangirl over her name. How pretty is that?? Anyway, I really liked her. She felt balanced compared to many western heroines. She shot guns and was tough when it was time to be tough, and she sat down and cried when it was time to sit down and cry. Very lady-like, but totally cool with roughing it. I liked that blend. :)
Raymond Lacey. I image Raymond as looking exactly like Pat Garret from Chism. In other words the mustache is fantastic. But that’s not the point. The point is he’s really cool! Epic. Quiet. Serious. Kind.
Jack Selby is my FAVORITE after the above three and I LOVE HIM SO MUCH. So cool.
Jesse Thatcher. Classsssic. Loved Jesse Thatcher. So sturdy and down to earth and nice and sees the world in such a western cowboy way.
Kate Carnegie. I liked Kate. She was the only one I had major trouble with the first-person thing. I kept being like “which guy was Carnegie?” and then realize it was Kate. XD My bad. Anyway, she’s great.
Doctor Sikes. I want to see more of this man. I am curious and I know who he is.
So. That came out as half review, have fangirl mania, and half nostalgia essay about my love for black-and-white movies. And that isn’t math. Bye. Recommending to anyone who LOVES westerns, or loves King Arthur. It’s not super fantasy-ish so far, just a smidge. Also to anyone who loves FABULOUSLY written characters and exquisite writing.
Rated like a less embarrassing western: blood, drama, kissing (only the married couple, I think?), drinking but no one got drunk. (wait did nobody smoke???) No inappropriate romance. No language.
December 12, 2021
I'm conflicted. This book had some amazing points. For the first while, I really liked the villain (he might still be my favorite character. . . ). I loved how extremely well developed he was. And the setting - the whole idea of the western lands, complete with fantasy-like beasts, was enthralling. The writing style was unique and talented.
But, for me, the story didn't keep going on the trajectory it started on. I stopped liking the characters as much (even the villain). And the ending left me disappointed.
However, I've known so many people that loved this book. It just wasn't for me. I won't be continuing this series, but I do plan on reading another book by this author!
But that doesn't mean I don't like to stare at the gorgeous cover. XD
But, for me, the story didn't keep going on the trajectory it started on. I stopped liking the characters as much (even the villain). And the ending left me disappointed.
However, I've known so many people that loved this book. It just wasn't for me. I won't be continuing this series, but I do plan on reading another book by this author!
But that doesn't mean I don't like to stare at the gorgeous cover. XD
September 2, 2024
I’m not a reader of westerns, but this one has a slight fantastical twist (it's a reimagining of King Arthur!), so I decided to give it a try. Emily’s writing is so . . . striking. I don’t even know how to describe it. Beautiful and flowy and yet so solidly in western character. It’s spell-binding.
And the story itself? I loved it. I honestly wasn’t expecting to love it as much as I did. But I need more of Kate and Peter and Jack Selby and Alan Swift. And Sikes? I’m nervous. Archer and Rose and Mortimer were all perfect. And Jesse! BAH! I need more of all of them.
And the story itself? I loved it. I honestly wasn’t expecting to love it as much as I did. But I need more of Kate and Peter and Jack Selby and Alan Swift. And Sikes? I’m nervous. Archer and Rose and Mortimer were all perfect. And Jesse! BAH! I need more of all of them.
August 19, 2025
my rating: 3.5 stars
I really struggled to settle on a rating. And I did not know this was a King Arthur retelling prior to reading it but I can definitely see that. The prose itself captured the majestic and haunting landscape of the old west. This is a non-magical western fantasy but could have benefited from a lot more world-building. It seemed to rely HEAVILY on parallels to the American Old West period following the American Civil War. That was not enough for me. I wanted to know more about everything, especially the legends. The clans were confusing. I wanted more of their mythical creatures. And we're never told why their war even happened. This world read as if it was just plopped into existence. Instead of feeling mysterious, it felt obscure. I only read non-magical fantasy so the no-magic was preferable to me BUT what made this feel like fantasy were the legends and the isark/danari creatures. The legends were not brought up enough, and we only encounter one isark on page. Why were they not used to present more danger or urgency?
I enjoyed all of the characters (even the villain) but was left wondering how the author decided when and why some characters got POVs. I think this definitely needed the hero's POV and we did not have it. The transitions were choppy at times. The romance was a little flat. Going back to the villain, Mortimer was actually one of my top favorite POVs. He was among the most dynamic of them all, second to Thatcher.
I was most invested at the very beginning and at the very end, but I must admit the entire middle really lulled for me. I found myself struggling to pick it up. I expected more from the plot. I expected more danger and urgency. More grit even.
I am totally going to finish this trilogy because I think it has great potential. And I do want to know where this all goes.
In this book:
-King Arthur x Old West
-chosen one
-multi-POV
-cowboys/outlaws
-found family
-destiny
-romantic subplot
Content Guide:
romance - clean
language - clean
violence - frequent but not too graphic
fantasy = low/non-magical
potential CW:
-frequent on-page action violence involving guns
-abduction
I really struggled to settle on a rating. And I did not know this was a King Arthur retelling prior to reading it but I can definitely see that. The prose itself captured the majestic and haunting landscape of the old west. This is a non-magical western fantasy but could have benefited from a lot more world-building. It seemed to rely HEAVILY on parallels to the American Old West period following the American Civil War. That was not enough for me. I wanted to know more about everything, especially the legends. The clans were confusing. I wanted more of their mythical creatures. And we're never told why their war even happened. This world read as if it was just plopped into existence. Instead of feeling mysterious, it felt obscure. I only read non-magical fantasy so the no-magic was preferable to me BUT what made this feel like fantasy were the legends and the isark/danari creatures. The legends were not brought up enough, and we only encounter one isark on page. Why were they not used to present more danger or urgency?
I enjoyed all of the characters (even the villain) but was left wondering how the author decided when and why some characters got POVs. I think this definitely needed the hero's POV and we did not have it. The transitions were choppy at times. The romance was a little flat. Going back to the villain, Mortimer was actually one of my top favorite POVs. He was among the most dynamic of them all, second to Thatcher.
I was most invested at the very beginning and at the very end, but I must admit the entire middle really lulled for me. I found myself struggling to pick it up. I expected more from the plot. I expected more danger and urgency. More grit even.
I am totally going to finish this trilogy because I think it has great potential. And I do want to know where this all goes.
In this book:
-King Arthur x Old West
-chosen one
-multi-POV
-cowboys/outlaws
-found family
-destiny
-romantic subplot
Content Guide:
romance - clean
language - clean
violence - frequent but not too graphic
fantasy = low/non-magical
potential CW:
-frequent on-page action violence involving guns
-abduction
July 24, 2021
"We get braver the closer to death we get."
"I don't want this wildness to be gone just yet--I must have my chance first."
A western drama with all the adventure, all the twists, and all the beloved characters! I absolutely loved this book and even after I closed the pages I've found myself still thinking about it and eagerly awaiting the next installment.
Emily is an auto-buy author for me. I love her sweeping world building, brilliant heroes, and high stakes adventures. This one is no exception. Her writing is a call to step back, feel the wind in your face, see the stars above, and watch the beauty of the world unfold around you in all its harsh intensity and stark brutality. Against these backdrops, she paints larger than life heroes with enough gumption to ignite hope in any soul. Highly recommended.
"I don't want this wildness to be gone just yet--I must have my chance first."
A western drama with all the adventure, all the twists, and all the beloved characters! I absolutely loved this book and even after I closed the pages I've found myself still thinking about it and eagerly awaiting the next installment.
Emily is an auto-buy author for me. I love her sweeping world building, brilliant heroes, and high stakes adventures. This one is no exception. Her writing is a call to step back, feel the wind in your face, see the stars above, and watch the beauty of the world unfold around you in all its harsh intensity and stark brutality. Against these backdrops, she paints larger than life heroes with enough gumption to ignite hope in any soul. Highly recommended.
April 1, 2024
This book is a literary representation of the air right before a thunderstorm.
Full of the epic, legendary quality of the Arthurian stories, TWTH has a deep sense of destiny that fits so well with the (typically) heroic Western genre, and coupled with some subtle fantasy elements, gives this story a magical life of its own.
The characters were so realistic, with their own tics and quirks that made them so endearing and so alive! The description and visual imagery in this story are so incredible. I absolutely love the Swift brothers, Archer, Rosamund, Thatcher... they were all so relatable and real and heroic and flawed I adore them sm 😭and I will almost definitely be reading the next book very soon (Alan gets a POV!!) I will say they could have been distinguished from each other a little better (and I agree with another review that I didn't feel the emotions connecting super well), but I'm hoping that will come the more I read! (:
And also Rosamund and Archer are SO CUTE 😍
Full of the epic, legendary quality of the Arthurian stories, TWTH has a deep sense of destiny that fits so well with the (typically) heroic Western genre, and coupled with some subtle fantasy elements, gives this story a magical life of its own.
The characters were so realistic, with their own tics and quirks that made them so endearing and so alive! The description and visual imagery in this story are so incredible. I absolutely love the Swift brothers, Archer, Rosamund, Thatcher... they were all so relatable and real and heroic and flawed I adore them sm 😭and I will almost definitely be reading the next book very soon (Alan gets a POV!!) I will say they could have been distinguished from each other a little better (and I agree with another review that I didn't feel the emotions connecting super well), but I'm hoping that will come the more I read! (:
And also Rosamund and Archer are SO CUTE 😍
March 26, 2022
Where to start a review?
This story was amazing!
I’ll start with the characters. All of them were fabulous and well-developed. These War-Torn Hands has several POV characters, but Hayse did a fabulous job of giving each character a distinct voice and personality that having so many POV characters isn’t confusing.
I think my favorite character might have been Jesse Thatcher, but all of them were great. I love all of them.
And Doctor Sikes. Sikes was the perfect Merlin character. And that one scene with Sikes was awesome (you’ll know which one once you’ve read the book).
Before I end up fangirling over each of the characters, I’ll stop myself and move onto the plot!
Hayse did a great job with the plot. I was gripped by the plot and had to know what was going to happen. And Hayse balanced the subplots and the main plot excellently.
The worldbuilding was so fun. The story essentially takes place in a frontier, desert territory, and I could picture everything clearly.
And there are dragons.
Hayse writes non-magical fantasy, which means that her books take place in a fantasy setting, but there isn’t a magic system. And that means that we get dragons in this Western fantasy.
Yes, the dragons didn’t do too much with the plot. But it was still such a fun worldbuilding aspect.
The ending was also done super well. It tied up the plot of These War-Torn Hands, but left me needing the next book The Beautiful Ones. I have to know what happens next to these characters!
Content warning: non-graphic, moderate violence; light romance; four kisses
This story was amazing!
I’ll start with the characters. All of them were fabulous and well-developed. These War-Torn Hands has several POV characters, but Hayse did a fabulous job of giving each character a distinct voice and personality that having so many POV characters isn’t confusing.
I think my favorite character might have been Jesse Thatcher, but all of them were great. I love all of them.
And Doctor Sikes. Sikes was the perfect Merlin character. And that one scene with Sikes was awesome (you’ll know which one once you’ve read the book).
Before I end up fangirling over each of the characters, I’ll stop myself and move onto the plot!
Hayse did a great job with the plot. I was gripped by the plot and had to know what was going to happen. And Hayse balanced the subplots and the main plot excellently.
The worldbuilding was so fun. The story essentially takes place in a frontier, desert territory, and I could picture everything clearly.
And there are dragons.
Hayse writes non-magical fantasy, which means that her books take place in a fantasy setting, but there isn’t a magic system. And that means that we get dragons in this Western fantasy.
Yes, the dragons didn’t do too much with the plot. But it was still such a fun worldbuilding aspect.
The ending was also done super well. It tied up the plot of These War-Torn Hands, but left me needing the next book The Beautiful Ones. I have to know what happens next to these characters!
Content warning: non-graphic, moderate violence; light romance; four kisses
February 6, 2022
A thrilling ride, and I enjoyed every moment! Sweet love story, good friendships, and strong courage woven throughout the action. The landscape is so vivid and the world so real! Emily Hayse is a master storyteller, and she brings new life to the classic Arthurian legends in a stirring new setting! A solid start to what promises to be a true epic.
January 9, 2025
You know how as a snowball rolls, it keeps getting bigger?
I reckon that’s what the book felt like, a growing, growing ball of tension, excitement and scope. Except of course, there is absolutely no snow involved ;)
It’s a dusky, saddle and stirrup world with a breeze of Author, adding a unique, fantasy twist to a loveable classic western world of ranches and bandits.
I grew up on a series set on a ranch, so a good part of this felt homey. That might have helped me enjoy it more than I would have, but still, we’ve got a real good tale here, folks!
The main thread of all the snowballing tension is Archer Scott, our hero. I normally prefer mine with a hilt in hand rather than a holster in the belt, but I have to say there’s a good mix of knightlyness in this governor! I thought it was cool that he didn’t get a pov, it added a humble feeling.
Personally I would have liked more focus and fleshing out of a few characters, but the many povs do give a sense of, instead of a personal character driven story, a ballad of old, where all will be effected and the true climax is yet to come…
I reckon that’s what the book felt like, a growing, growing ball of tension, excitement and scope. Except of course, there is absolutely no snow involved ;)
It’s a dusky, saddle and stirrup world with a breeze of Author, adding a unique, fantasy twist to a loveable classic western world of ranches and bandits.
I grew up on a series set on a ranch, so a good part of this felt homey. That might have helped me enjoy it more than I would have, but still, we’ve got a real good tale here, folks!
The main thread of all the snowballing tension is Archer Scott, our hero. I normally prefer mine with a hilt in hand rather than a holster in the belt, but I have to say there’s a good mix of knightlyness in this governor! I thought it was cool that he didn’t get a pov, it added a humble feeling.
Personally I would have liked more focus and fleshing out of a few characters, but the many povs do give a sense of, instead of a personal character driven story, a ballad of old, where all will be effected and the true climax is yet to come…
December 31, 2024
Actual rating 4.5 stars
I don’t think I’ve ever read a Western, so this was a new experience for me. It’s a Western with fantasy elements, a combo that worked pretty well. Hayse has a beautiful style—she writes in first person present tense, which usually isn’t my favorite, but she makes it work.
My main complaint is that the entire book feels like it’s just setting up for a larger story. Lots of ideas and threads are introduced, but very few are explained by the end. There’s so many POV characters that I didn’t really feel like I got to know all of them. I also thought some of the fantasy elements could have been explained and the worldbuilding discussed a little more, but the story relied more on the Western than the fantasy, so it wasn’t a huge deal.
All that aside, I did really enjoy this book. It sucked me in until the final page, and I’ll definitely pick up the sequel. I’d highly recommend if you like Westerns or if you just want to try something new.
I don’t think I’ve ever read a Western, so this was a new experience for me. It’s a Western with fantasy elements, a combo that worked pretty well. Hayse has a beautiful style—she writes in first person present tense, which usually isn’t my favorite, but she makes it work.
My main complaint is that the entire book feels like it’s just setting up for a larger story. Lots of ideas and threads are introduced, but very few are explained by the end. There’s so many POV characters that I didn’t really feel like I got to know all of them. I also thought some of the fantasy elements could have been explained and the worldbuilding discussed a little more, but the story relied more on the Western than the fantasy, so it wasn’t a huge deal.
All that aside, I did really enjoy this book. It sucked me in until the final page, and I’ll definitely pick up the sequel. I’d highly recommend if you like Westerns or if you just want to try something new.
June 7, 2021
Hayse nailed this story. A western with hints of fantasy, it's not a story that you will easily forget. When I heard that this book had up to seven POV characters, I'll be honest that I was a little worried. I usually really struggle connecting to that many characters. But Hayse's descriptions and the attention to detail she gave in developing each character made each character stand out and easy to immediately recognize. There are so many characters in this story that I just absolutely adore, and I'm so so looking forward to book 2's release! I was hooked by the plot almost immediately as well. Even when I wasn't reading, I was thinking of the book and dying to know what would happen next. Highly, highly recommend!
July 5, 2021
An artfully written western fantasy! I really enjoyed the various points-of-view and getting to see the setting and the story through so many different characters' eyes (my favorite was Jesse!). It really added a personal layer to the conflict between Archer and Mortimer, and enhanced the mythology around the two characters. I also really enjoyed the touches of mythology and legend and lore woven throughout the story!
All in all, a fast-paced, exciting start to a series and I can't wait to read the next book!
All in all, a fast-paced, exciting start to a series and I can't wait to read the next book!
August 23, 2025
I really enjoyed this one, especially the characters. Genuinely fell in love with them from the first page ❤️ but sometimes I felt a bit lost. When I finished the last page, I had a feeling like I just won't remember what happened going into the next book and there were points towards the end where things were mentioned and I had no idea they had happened.
I'm definitely gonna continue the series though, I need more of Jesse Thatcher and the Swifts in my lifeeee 🫡
I'm definitely gonna continue the series though, I need more of Jesse Thatcher and the Swifts in my lifeeee 🫡
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