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Kit Barker #1
Shadow of Wolves
A tortured gunfighter. A Navajo outcast. – And the Creature
whose claws would stain the stones of the Mojave red.
Flush with raw silver and ruled by a baron with an iron fist, the tiny mining outpost of Shank’s Point is under siege by a sinister evil.
When the rising sun reveals the claw-torn bodies littered among the rocks, John Swift-Runner calls on his old friend, a vagabond gunfighter, to stand with him against the slaughter he knows will come.
But as their band of misfits hunts for the creature on the burning sands of the Mojave, they stumble into a generations old mystery that goes beyond shamanic curses and into the bloodstained pages of legend.
Can the killing be stopped?
And can a tortured gunman like Kit Barker – with a terrible secret of his own – prevail against something as savage and eternal as the Beast?
whose claws would stain the stones of the Mojave red.
Flush with raw silver and ruled by a baron with an iron fist, the tiny mining outpost of Shank’s Point is under siege by a sinister evil.
When the rising sun reveals the claw-torn bodies littered among the rocks, John Swift-Runner calls on his old friend, a vagabond gunfighter, to stand with him against the slaughter he knows will come.
But as their band of misfits hunts for the creature on the burning sands of the Mojave, they stumble into a generations old mystery that goes beyond shamanic curses and into the bloodstained pages of legend.
Can the killing be stopped?
And can a tortured gunman like Kit Barker – with a terrible secret of his own – prevail against something as savage and eternal as the Beast?
- GenresWesterns
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2020
49 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
J.R. White
4 books18 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
J.R. WHITE has been a sailor, scientist, and professional cage-fighter. As a merchant sailor he crossed the Arctic Circle, passed through the Straits of Gibraltar, witnessed sea monsters, and participated in a helicopter rescue atop the tallest cliff in Scandinavia. He has worked as a research scientist studying gene therapy for two major universities and spent four years as a professional mixed martial artist. As a civilian contractor he spent three years at Fort Leavenworth, KS, where he taught hand-to-hand combat to personnel from every branch of the military and over ten allied nations.
A father, adventurer, and military spouse, White and his family have lived in eight states from coast to coast in their nomadic journey as an Army family.
Shadow of Wolves is his debut novel.
J.R. WHITE has been a sailor, scientist, and professional cage-fighter. As a merchant sailor he crossed the Arctic Circle, passed through the Straits of Gibraltar, witnessed sea monsters, and participated in a helicopter rescue atop the tallest cliff in Scandinavia. He has worked as a research scientist studying gene therapy for two major universities and spent four years as a professional mixed martial artist. As a civilian contractor he spent three years at Fort Leavenworth, KS, where he taught hand-to-hand combat to personnel from every branch of the military and over ten allied nations.
A father, adventurer, and military spouse, White and his family have lived in eight states from coast to coast in their nomadic journey as an Army family.
Shadow of Wolves is his debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 5, 2022
Behold! My tenth review on Goodreads!
(A tortured gunfighter. A Navajo outcast. – And the Creature
whose claws would stain the stones of the Mojave red.
Flush with raw silver and ruled by a baron with an iron fist, the tiny mining outpost of Shank’s Point is under siege by a sinister evil.
When the rising sun reveals the claw-torn bodies littered among the rocks, John Swift-Runner calls on his old friend, a vagabond gunfighter, to stand with him against the slaughter he knows will come.
But as their band of misfits hunts for the creature on the burning sands of the Mojave, they stumble into a generations old mystery that goes beyond shamanic curses and into the bloodstained pages of legend.
Can the killing be stopped?
And can a tortured gunman like Kit Barker – with a terrible secret of his own – prevail against something as savage and eternal as the Beast?) ~ Blurb from Goodreads
I love how the book reveals the beast. Throughout the book, the reveal is done piece by piece. At first, you only see the aftermath, then you see its eyes during an attack under the cover of darkness, you get the idea. To me, it was a really natural way to include the beast throughout the story, build tension, and keep my interest.
Speaking of the beast's reveal, there seems to be a parallel between it and Kit's backstory. Both are revealed piece by piece, both are very violent and very savage, and both are regarded as unpleasant. It's a clever touch that allows the book to utilize the whole "beast in the wild west idea".
One character I found particularly interesting was Blake Owens. He's basically a green horn when it comes to the wild west and a bit naive about adult topics, but he still knows when someone is trying to fool him and doesn't buy it.
Honestly, the only real issue I had with the book was how I was a bit lost at times. So this book is told in third person omnipresent and it's constantly shifting from POV character to POV character. Sometimes a POV character will shift after a single sentence, a paragraph, or even an entire chapter. Because it shifts the POV character around so often, I had a bit of a tough time trying to figure out who the current POV character was.
Overall, Shadow of Wolves was a really clever and really fun take on Westerns and monster stories.
Overall Grade: A
(A tortured gunfighter. A Navajo outcast. – And the Creature
whose claws would stain the stones of the Mojave red.
Flush with raw silver and ruled by a baron with an iron fist, the tiny mining outpost of Shank’s Point is under siege by a sinister evil.
When the rising sun reveals the claw-torn bodies littered among the rocks, John Swift-Runner calls on his old friend, a vagabond gunfighter, to stand with him against the slaughter he knows will come.
But as their band of misfits hunts for the creature on the burning sands of the Mojave, they stumble into a generations old mystery that goes beyond shamanic curses and into the bloodstained pages of legend.
Can the killing be stopped?
And can a tortured gunman like Kit Barker – with a terrible secret of his own – prevail against something as savage and eternal as the Beast?) ~ Blurb from Goodreads
I love how the book reveals the beast. Throughout the book, the reveal is done piece by piece. At first, you only see the aftermath, then you see its eyes during an attack under the cover of darkness, you get the idea. To me, it was a really natural way to include the beast throughout the story, build tension, and keep my interest.
Speaking of the beast's reveal, there seems to be a parallel between it and Kit's backstory. Both are revealed piece by piece, both are very violent and very savage, and both are regarded as unpleasant. It's a clever touch that allows the book to utilize the whole "beast in the wild west idea".
One character I found particularly interesting was Blake Owens. He's basically a green horn when it comes to the wild west and a bit naive about adult topics, but he still knows when someone is trying to fool him and doesn't buy it.
Honestly, the only real issue I had with the book was how I was a bit lost at times. So this book is told in third person omnipresent and it's constantly shifting from POV character to POV character. Sometimes a POV character will shift after a single sentence, a paragraph, or even an entire chapter. Because it shifts the POV character around so often, I had a bit of a tough time trying to figure out who the current POV character was.
Overall, Shadow of Wolves was a really clever and really fun take on Westerns and monster stories.
Overall Grade: A
May 8, 2021
Really glad I bought this novel, a great read. I love his take on the origin of werewolves or at least how they occurred in this story. The first half was slower than the second. The former sets the scene and gives the backstory to the characters and the town. This benefits the second half where all is explained. This leads to a satisfying ending with heightened anticipation for the sequel.
Including an existing, though controversial, document that forms the basis of the origin of the werewolf is very clever. It was even better how White expanded on this with another document and account based on one of the characters that are pivotal to the plot.
I was transported to this western environment depicted soon after the American Civil War and he depicts some of the post-war attitudes. It has a nice Western feel to it.
I have become endeared to Kit Barker. I hope Swift-Runner, Blake and others make a mention in the sequel or subsequent novels.
I am now a follower of this author. I hope the sequel is not long in the coming.
This author has made a great emergence into the fiction world.
Including an existing, though controversial, document that forms the basis of the origin of the werewolf is very clever. It was even better how White expanded on this with another document and account based on one of the characters that are pivotal to the plot.
I was transported to this western environment depicted soon after the American Civil War and he depicts some of the post-war attitudes. It has a nice Western feel to it.
I have become endeared to Kit Barker. I hope Swift-Runner, Blake and others make a mention in the sequel or subsequent novels.
I am now a follower of this author. I hope the sequel is not long in the coming.
This author has made a great emergence into the fiction world.
March 9, 2021
Very enjoyable read!
I was very pleasantly surprised by this book. Great characters, action, suspense, some humor and gore. I'm looking forward to the next book and will definitely be recommending this one!
I was very pleasantly surprised by this book. Great characters, action, suspense, some humor and gore. I'm looking forward to the next book and will definitely be recommending this one!
July 13, 2022
What a wild ride. I've read a number of great books this year (2021), but I think my favorite of the year goes to this title. White delivers a thrilling story, combining western and horror. White not only gives us a solid and engaging story, but depth of character as well. I frequently found myself wanting to know more about a character's past, or waiting eagerly to find out what they were going to do next, and White delivered each time. The characters were as engaging as the plot. They had their own nuances, voices, and thought processes. White's pacing is excellent, to boot! He masterfully balances action with tension and suspense, just as he balances reveals with some excellent twists. From beginning to end, there's not a dull point in the book.
Micah Mason's reading complemented the story perfectly. He gives each character their own feel and style, and it's easy to follow who is doing or saying what. Mason's pacing matches the book's: he picks up his own narrative pace during the action scenes, he draws out the suspense in the tense scenes, and he gives characters time to breathe during the easier scenes. Mason sounds like he was straight out of this book's setting.
Micah Mason's reading complemented the story perfectly. He gives each character their own feel and style, and it's easy to follow who is doing or saying what. Mason's pacing matches the book's: he picks up his own narrative pace during the action scenes, he draws out the suspense in the tense scenes, and he gives characters time to breathe during the easier scenes. Mason sounds like he was straight out of this book's setting.
October 28, 2020
I recently read Shadow of Wolves after receiving an advanced reader copy, and I was surprised and delighted by the tale within. I'd imagine it must be hard to write a story that's raucous fun while making sense at the same time. I often see authors pass over inconsistencies with a hand wave in the interest of progressing the plot. White however, creates an exciting premise, and then proceeds to back it up with loving detail in chapter after chapter; building a world that's believable and populated with entertaining characters that have understandable motivations. The feeling I had as all the dots began to connect is one that I haven't had in some time, and it all lead to a conclusion that was satisfying yet left me wanting more. What a treat. Kit Barker will ride again, and I'll be there to see him along the trail. What a great start to a new series.
February 8, 2021
Good read.
So the books is a bit of a different take on the werewolf genre. The author shows incredible imagination and great timing. The book also has a very strong protagonist and a really interesting antagonist. I will say that the book is probably a bit short on much of the traditional Gore associated with the genre. But that's not necessarily a bad thing. Perhaps the strongest attribute is that the author has left himself unlimited "blue sky" or direction in which he can take the protagonist. I'm looking forward to the next one
So the books is a bit of a different take on the werewolf genre. The author shows incredible imagination and great timing. The book also has a very strong protagonist and a really interesting antagonist. I will say that the book is probably a bit short on much of the traditional Gore associated with the genre. But that's not necessarily a bad thing. Perhaps the strongest attribute is that the author has left himself unlimited "blue sky" or direction in which he can take the protagonist. I'm looking forward to the next one
November 7, 2020
A MUST READ !!! I haven't been this pulled -in by a book in years! I've always enjoyed historical fiction, but this was my first western novel and I was completely hooked within the first couple of pages. With characters that instantly become real, I realized I was holding my breath with suspense, cursing at the clifhangers, and literally laughing out loud at times. White takes you in a truly one of a kind journey with Kit Barker, and I can't wait for the next book in the series.
October 10, 2021
Shadow of Wolves
This is the author's debut novel. I couldn't even find it on Goodreads. Hope this helps with that! What a genuinely well written novel this is. Very good editing, I only saw a couple of mistakes and the action was so well done that I barely noticed. What is stalking the little mining town? Is it truly supernatural, or a manmade terror? Can't wait for the next installment.
This is the author's debut novel. I couldn't even find it on Goodreads. Hope this helps with that! What a genuinely well written novel this is. Very good editing, I only saw a couple of mistakes and the action was so well done that I barely noticed. What is stalking the little mining town? Is it truly supernatural, or a manmade terror? Can't wait for the next installment.
March 24, 2022
Enjoyable read good mix of knowledge and myth
Most books when they start talking gun play especially 1860 they rarely give it depth or have understanding of the cap and ball black powder weapons. J.R. White not only writes well but writes with knowledge on the subject. Truly enjoyed this book. Characters are well written to the point you care what happens even to side characters. Highly recommended for any history nerds with a great mix of werewolf lore.
Most books when they start talking gun play especially 1860 they rarely give it depth or have understanding of the cap and ball black powder weapons. J.R. White not only writes well but writes with knowledge on the subject. Truly enjoyed this book. Characters are well written to the point you care what happens even to side characters. Highly recommended for any history nerds with a great mix of werewolf lore.
October 31, 2020
What a read!!!! When my wife and I picked up the book to read, we didn't know what we were in for...and what a stay in the Mojave it was...the energetic, eloquent, action packed, suspenseful story kept us going from chapter to chapter...we hope the author will come back with more from Kit Barker, and other work. Highly recommended book!!!!
November 15, 2025
Loved it! If you love westerns, this is a must read.
April 14, 2024
Shadow of Wolves is the first in the series of Kit Barker novels by JR White. A fun read: think old Clint Eastwood Spaghetti Westerns with a touch of the supernatural thrown in.
In this case a wandering gunslinger with a mysterious past is called by an old friend to a small town that has recently been beset by a string of killings too grisly for any normal man to be the culprit.
The action scenes are very descriptive and bloody: with the author being a former cage fighter in real life it becomes obvious that the man knows his violence, and it is to the readers’ benefit! Give this one a try.
I highly recommend this book and look forward to the next Kit Barker novel!
In this case a wandering gunslinger with a mysterious past is called by an old friend to a small town that has recently been beset by a string of killings too grisly for any normal man to be the culprit.
The action scenes are very descriptive and bloody: with the author being a former cage fighter in real life it becomes obvious that the man knows his violence, and it is to the readers’ benefit! Give this one a try.
I highly recommend this book and look forward to the next Kit Barker novel!
January 25, 2021
From the second this book started, I could not turn away. With vivid descriptions and likable characters, I felt like I was right in the middle of all the action. This would be a great read/listen for anyone and everyone—even those who may not think they’d enjoy a western or a paranormal story. Very well done! And I can’t wait for more to come.
September 12, 2021
A fantastical read with vivid characters and settings! Reading a western in this modern time already throws a reader into a charmingly antiquated fantasy world of more simple times. Shadow of Wolves kicks that up with the addition of legends from an even more ancient world, black magic, and werewolves! By far one of the best mash-up novels!
May 6, 2024
It went down nice. I consumed it quickly and enjoyed the taste. It had all the hallmarks of a classic western and all the hallmarks of a good monster story. The pacing was good. The characters were interesting. And the outcomes were satisfactory. I'll have another.
I picked this one up after watching an interview with the author. Glad I did.
I picked this one up after watching an interview with the author. Glad I did.
September 19, 2021
I'm not normally into westerns but this book grabbed me from the first and never let go. Love the characters. Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Read in one sitting. I've already downloaded the second Kit Barker book.
November 5, 2020
This was a suspenseful sci-fi thriller that actually kept my attention. The characters were well-developed and the imagry was vivid. I can't wait for the next Kit Barker adventure!
February 22, 2021
5 Stars
Well, I like Westerns, and I like Supernatural books, so a western with a werewolf sounded like a pretty good read to me. And it was.
Well, I like Westerns, and I like Supernatural books, so a western with a werewolf sounded like a pretty good read to me. And it was.
March 22, 2021
Exciting
If you like Western with a bite you will love this book. Kit Barker is an awesome hero with lots of flaws.
If you like Western with a bite you will love this book. Kit Barker is an awesome hero with lots of flaws.
April 3, 2021
Great Story Line
Thank you Mr. White. The book was easy reading. It's filled with action. I'll be waiting for the next edition.
Thank you Mr. White. The book was easy reading. It's filled with action. I'll be waiting for the next edition.
December 23, 2022
Wow!
One of the best western I have read and I
love the extra supernatural elements. I can't wait for the next Kit adventures! 5 stars!
One of the best western I have read and I
love the extra supernatural elements. I can't wait for the next Kit adventures! 5 stars!
April 12, 2025
An excellent debut! I have read a ton of weird western, and this one is up there within the genre, the plot is tight, the pace is good and the werewolf is awesome!
July 3, 2021
Western werewolf
What an excellent book! Action on nearly every page. Just a tad of romance which was enough. I would read more Kit Barker fighting monsters.
What an excellent book! Action on nearly every page. Just a tad of romance which was enough. I would read more Kit Barker fighting monsters.
August 21, 2025
J.R. White blends Louis L’Amour’s authenticity, Stephen King’s atmospheric tension, and Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child’s intricate world-building into something uniquely his own. Kit Barker is a tortured, unforgettable protagonist, the kind of character who stays with you long after you’ve closed the book.
The pacing is sharp, the mystery is gripping, and the action? Let’s just say I almost smelled the gunpowder and felt the desert heat. This deserves way more readers, way more reviews, and honestly… someone needs to pitch Netflix about this series ASAP.
If you love gritty westerns, legends, and creatures lurking in the shadows, this is an absolute must-read.
The pacing is sharp, the mystery is gripping, and the action? Let’s just say I almost smelled the gunpowder and felt the desert heat. This deserves way more readers, way more reviews, and honestly… someone needs to pitch Netflix about this series ASAP.
If you love gritty westerns, legends, and creatures lurking in the shadows, this is an absolute must-read.
March 16, 2021
From IndieReader's 5-Star Review:
“An endlessly fun and immersive adventure novel that perfectly mixes horror and western all the while telling an entertaining yarn… White’s writing is punchy and never resorts to purple prose. Action and dialogue are prized over exposition… SHADOW OF WOLVES is pure, distilled, and unfiltered American pulp. Its tale is unhinged in the best way, with the supernatural mixing with the ultraviolent.” - IndieReader
See the full review at https://indiereader.com/book_review/s...
“An endlessly fun and immersive adventure novel that perfectly mixes horror and western all the while telling an entertaining yarn… White’s writing is punchy and never resorts to purple prose. Action and dialogue are prized over exposition… SHADOW OF WOLVES is pure, distilled, and unfiltered American pulp. Its tale is unhinged in the best way, with the supernatural mixing with the ultraviolent.” - IndieReader
See the full review at https://indiereader.com/book_review/s...
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews