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Last Sword in the West #1
Last Sword in the West
Never bring a gun to a sword fight
Years after the conclusion of a civil war, Tomas wanders the endless grasslands of the frontier, still searching for an elusive peace. He dreams of finding a quiet place, far beyond the ever-expanding reach of civilization, where he can sheath his sword for good.
But he can't look the other way when he passes through a town caught in a duel between two powerful organizations. The graveyard outside of town is full, and innocents hide in their homes, hoping to survive the coming battle.
Before long, Tomas is caught within the web of the escalating conflict, a lone swordsman standing against two violent forces that seek to control the town and the unnatural power it contains. He quickly appears destined to join countless others in their unmarked graves.
But Tomas has a secret, too. And it would be a mistake to underestimate him.
His war isn't over yet.
Years after the conclusion of a civil war, Tomas wanders the endless grasslands of the frontier, still searching for an elusive peace. He dreams of finding a quiet place, far beyond the ever-expanding reach of civilization, where he can sheath his sword for good.
But he can't look the other way when he passes through a town caught in a duel between two powerful organizations. The graveyard outside of town is full, and innocents hide in their homes, hoping to survive the coming battle.
Before long, Tomas is caught within the web of the escalating conflict, a lone swordsman standing against two violent forces that seek to control the town and the unnatural power it contains. He quickly appears destined to join countless others in their unmarked graves.
But Tomas has a secret, too. And it would be a mistake to underestimate him.
His war isn't over yet.
- GenresFantasy
251 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 22, 2021
117 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 24, 2023
A veteran of a bloody civil war stumbles upon a town living in fear. These violent oppressors will soon understand this is a soldier not to be crossed.
Intense action with a western flair. Mysteries, surprises & mayhem! Great opener!
Intense action with a western flair. Mysteries, surprises & mayhem! Great opener!
August 10, 2021
Another excellent book from Ryan Kirk. Can't recommend enough.
I loved all the nightblade series so was excited to read another by Ryan Kirk. This is not related to the other books I have read but has the same rich story and exciting pace. A totally different world from the other books. I would really recommend this and am looking forward to the next book.
I loved all the nightblade series so was excited to read another by Ryan Kirk. This is not related to the other books I have read but has the same rich story and exciting pace. A totally different world from the other books. I would really recommend this and am looking forward to the next book.
November 1, 2021
Thoughtful, clever writing, exceptional book one of promising trilogy, series.
Ryan Kirk continues to improve, hone and sharpen his writing skills, exceeding my expectations again, in this sharp fresh take on an inspired, timeless story line. A long time Ryan Kirk fan and reader, I believe Ryan Kirk is advancing swiftly on establishing his dominance on this writing genre. Well done RK, well done sir! Onto book two, thank you, RK.
Ryan Kirk continues to improve, hone and sharpen his writing skills, exceeding my expectations again, in this sharp fresh take on an inspired, timeless story line. A long time Ryan Kirk fan and reader, I believe Ryan Kirk is advancing swiftly on establishing his dominance on this writing genre. Well done RK, well done sir! Onto book two, thank you, RK.
March 18, 2022
The author, Ryan Kirk, describes "Last Sword in the West" as a Samurai Western. It's "The Magnificent Seven" whittled down to one man again a legion of enemies in a post-apocalyptic world.
Tomas is a survivor of a war long ended, making his way with no clear purpose across the plains. A snap decision bring him to a small torn being torn apart by the twin evils of the Family and the First Church of Holy Water.
Why are both so invested in controlling a nondescript town in the middle of nowhere? Tomas decides to find out, if he can stay alive long enough - because if you're not with them you are against them.
Luckily Tomas is more than he seems, but he's not the only one.
It's a very good read and a nice mash up of the Western and Fantasy genres.
3.5 Stars.
Tomas is a survivor of a war long ended, making his way with no clear purpose across the plains. A snap decision bring him to a small torn being torn apart by the twin evils of the Family and the First Church of Holy Water.
Why are both so invested in controlling a nondescript town in the middle of nowhere? Tomas decides to find out, if he can stay alive long enough - because if you're not with them you are against them.
Luckily Tomas is more than he seems, but he's not the only one.
It's a very good read and a nice mash up of the Western and Fantasy genres.
3.5 Stars.
January 17, 2022
AWESOME!
This is a fast paced adventure with lots of action. I could not put it down. The main character seems over powered at firs but it is an illusion. He is in a constant battle bot to give into the power and still try's to be honorable. That is bout all I can say as I do not want to give any spoilers. Take a chance you will not be disappointed! 😁
This is a fast paced adventure with lots of action. I could not put it down. The main character seems over powered at firs but it is an illusion. He is in a constant battle bot to give into the power and still try's to be honorable. That is bout all I can say as I do not want to give any spoilers. Take a chance you will not be disappointed! 😁
July 13, 2023
Even though I only gave it three stars, I did enjoy this book. I just feel like it was missing certain things that I’m used to in books I like. Most fantasy’s I read have a little more description but for a book under 250 pages you can only ask so much. Would of liked more detail in the fight sequences. Maybe a little more backstory on the world. I’m sure the sequels will explain more.
September 18, 2023
great story
I was really surprised by this book. I’ve read all the Nightblade series and liked them but this story was so different from them and I was pleasantly surprised. I really liked Tomas but did not realize that Elzeth was not a separate person at first. I read late at night so I might have missed something.
I was really surprised by this book. I’ve read all the Nightblade series and liked them but this story was so different from them and I was pleasantly surprised. I really liked Tomas but did not realize that Elzeth was not a separate person at first. I read late at night so I might have missed something.
May 18, 2024
Good Story, Good MC
I liked most of this book. There is very little fluff, and likable characters. I took one star away because it was predictable. it read almost like a Marvel Superhero movie; the bad guy is OP compared to the hero, hero almost dies, but is saved by sidekick. I will definitely read book 2.
I liked most of this book. There is very little fluff, and likable characters. I took one star away because it was predictable. it read almost like a Marvel Superhero movie; the bad guy is OP compared to the hero, hero almost dies, but is saved by sidekick. I will definitely read book 2.
October 29, 2024
Fast paced fun
A western ronin story along the lines of last man standing. Fast paced fun with a lot of action with a protagonist who is looking for an escape from his past but gets caught between two factions that holds a town hostage. Would have liked some backstory on the protagonists.
A western ronin story along the lines of last man standing. Fast paced fun with a lot of action with a protagonist who is looking for an escape from his past but gets caught between two factions that holds a town hostage. Would have liked some backstory on the protagonists.
February 27, 2021
Good fast read
The story is different, Ryan described it as a Samurai Western. It is that difference that makes it interesting. Yes, i have already pre-ordered the next book in the series.
The story is different, Ryan described it as a Samurai Western. It is that difference that makes it interesting. Yes, i have already pre-ordered the next book in the series.
Read
March 14, 2021Another great story
Yet again Ryan delivers another great story. It another setting and another world. As usual great characters and excellent story lines.
Looking forward to the next instalment.
Yet again Ryan delivers another great story. It another setting and another world. As usual great characters and excellent story lines.
Looking forward to the next instalment.
October 23, 2021
Delightful read
The author was exceptionally talented in developing a character slowly, allowing us, the readers, to get swept up into the tale. I don't write many reviews but i was thoroughly happy with this book. Thank you Ryan Kirk, you have made my evening pleasant.
The author was exceptionally talented in developing a character slowly, allowing us, the readers, to get swept up into the tale. I don't write many reviews but i was thoroughly happy with this book. Thank you Ryan Kirk, you have made my evening pleasant.
October 25, 2021
Good read
A good enjoyable story, held me in place to the finish in one day. A good mix of the old magnificent seven in original Japanese style of sword play.
A well rounded story. Have just downloaded the next in the series so……
A good enjoyable story, held me in place to the finish in one day. A good mix of the old magnificent seven in original Japanese style of sword play.
A well rounded story. Have just downloaded the next in the series so……
December 18, 2022
The West
Awesome story! My first from this author, but so happy to start with this one. Fast paced with so much action, I barely had time to stop and start again. The story kept up with my need for speed, and I truly enjoyed the heart behind it. Getting the next book now!
Awesome story! My first from this author, but so happy to start with this one. Fast paced with so much action, I barely had time to stop and start again. The story kept up with my need for speed, and I truly enjoyed the heart behind it. Getting the next book now!
June 29, 2024
Wow, what a fun ride!
I enjoyed the story. Definitely true what other reviewers said: old west meets samurai. Great action scenes, and a good, if not a little predictable, plot. On to the next in the series!
I enjoyed the story. Definitely true what other reviewers said: old west meets samurai. Great action scenes, and a good, if not a little predictable, plot. On to the next in the series!
March 1, 2021
Really liked this book
Good story line. Felt like old west meets samurai. Liked the magic twist to story and how people can get super powered
Good story line. Felt like old west meets samurai. Liked the magic twist to story and how people can get super powered
July 25, 2021
Really Good 👍.
I just finished this one,and found it different and very pleasurablet I'm looking at volume two in my 🔥 (fire eight).
I just finished this one,and found it different and very pleasurablet I'm looking at volume two in my 🔥 (fire eight).
August 1, 2021
Outstanding book
I do not like the
Fact that Amazon requires
At last a haiku
Very good
book, great author, worth reading
I do not like the
Fact that Amazon requires
At last a haiku
Very good
book, great author, worth reading
November 11, 2021
Great story - finished in 2 days. Think of "fist full of dollars" but with swords.
November 16, 2021
Good introductory novel. Kirk fills in the details smoothly as the story progresses, weaving them through a story clearly inspired by Sanjuro, but original enough to stand on its own.
January 15, 2022
I had a good time reading this, in general the work of this author is compelling and I keep coming back for more.
March 2, 2022
I really enjoyed this book.
March 30, 2022
Really enjoyed this fantasy take on I feel, a spaghetti western. Was the hero too heroic, absolutely but I loved it. Will I read another? Yes I will.
August 13, 2022
recommended
I enjoyed this book. It was an interesting twist on the idea of two minds in one body. Fun read
I enjoyed this book. It was an interesting twist on the idea of two minds in one body. Fun read
December 21, 2023
Fun and fast paced
I enjoyed the sword fights in this book and the story was action packed. Overall an Interesting story with a cool world.
I enjoyed the sword fights in this book and the story was action packed. Overall an Interesting story with a cool world.
June 25, 2024
DNF 29%
This book had no real plot or character motivation.
This book had no real plot or character motivation.
January 16, 2025
An interesting mix of Western and fantasy.
July 31, 2025
Awesome Swordfighting
Wonderful story, I was fully immersed by the end of chapter 1. I loved Tomas and Elzeth. I loved finding out more info on the world. Excited for book 2
Wonderful story, I was fully immersed by the end of chapter 1. I loved Tomas and Elzeth. I loved finding out more info on the world. Excited for book 2
April 2, 2023
Yeah, this wasn’t for me. I don’t know what I was expecting but it wasn’t this 🤷🏻♀️
July 8, 2023
Brilliant installment
Another page turner from Ryan Kirk. It's a great series with a different take on westerns. Just buy it. You won't regret it.
Another page turner from Ryan Kirk. It's a great series with a different take on westerns. Just buy it. You won't regret it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews