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The Devoured and the Dead
Three families traveling through the mountains of North Carolina to claim their share of the gold rush become stranded deep in the forest, overwhelmed by the unrelenting snow and frigid temperatures. It doesn’t take long for the food supply to run out, for desperation and harmful intentions to set in. When one of their own dies, they commit a depraved act to survive, a depraved act that unleashes a curse that will not stop until every one of them is either devoured…or dead!
256 pages, Paperback
First published November 2, 2021
11 people are currently reading
536 people want to read
About the author
Kristopher Rufty
69 books237 followersKristopher Rufty lives in North Carolina with his three children and pets. He’s written over twenty novels, including ALL WILL DIE, THE DEVOURED AND THE DEAD, DESOLATION, THE LURKERS and PILLOWFACE. When he’s not spending time with his family or writing, he’s obsessing over gardening and growing food.
His short story DARLA'S PROBLEM was included in the Splatterpunk Publications anthology FIGHTING BACK, which won the Splatterpunk award for best anthology. THE DEVOURED AND THE DEAD was nominated for a Splatterpunk award.
He can be found on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. For more about Kristopher Rufty, please visit: www.kristopherrufty.com
His short story DARLA'S PROBLEM was included in the Splatterpunk Publications anthology FIGHTING BACK, which won the Splatterpunk award for best anthology. THE DEVOURED AND THE DEAD was nominated for a Splatterpunk award.
He can be found on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. For more about Kristopher Rufty, please visit: www.kristopherrufty.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
May 19, 2024
3.5 stars, rounded up.
November 23, 2021
Not for the faint of heart! Whoa what did I just read, that was the Donner party on steroids. I believe this is the sixth Splatter Western I've read this year and my favorite one so far These have become a new obsession in the horror genre for me.
The book is a narrative detailing the accounts of the struggles three families faced as they set out for as better life in Colorado when gold had been struck in small mining town. Compellingly readable with well drawn out characters. If you can handle the stomach churning horror of what these people go through, then this is for you. Not gory for gore's sake, but in the expert way that Rufty is able to convey the horrifying with the subtle use of description and his mastery of words that really makes it all the more unsettling. Bravo Mr. Rufty not much puts me on edge and you have succeeded.
4 stars
The book is a narrative detailing the accounts of the struggles three families faced as they set out for as better life in Colorado when gold had been struck in small mining town. Compellingly readable with well drawn out characters. If you can handle the stomach churning horror of what these people go through, then this is for you. Not gory for gore's sake, but in the expert way that Rufty is able to convey the horrifying with the subtle use of description and his mastery of words that really makes it all the more unsettling. Bravo Mr. Rufty not much puts me on edge and you have succeeded.
4 stars
January 9, 2022
The list of A-List horror authors who have contributed to the consistently excellent Splatter Western series continues to grow and, eleven books in, had you asked me to pick one author who is notable for their absence on that roster, it would have been Kristopher Rufty. His Laymon-esque Splatterpunk novels, such as ‘A Dark Autumn’ and ‘Prank Night’, are gleefully entertaining, full-on horror fun and he’s no stranger to iconic and memorable characters, as demonstrated by his ‘Lurkers’ and ‘Pillowface’ series. His style of over the top, fast-paced and bloody fiction could not be better suited to a Splatter Western and it’s no surprise that he has turned out a great one with ‘The Devoured and the Dead’.
When a group of families make the decision to relocate from their remote, mountainous homes to the more prosperous town of Harvest Hill, in the hopes of capitalising on a recent gold rush, the journey proves to be more treacherous than they initially anticipated. An unexpected and unprecedented snowstorm hits the group as they are travelling through the forest, leaving them cut off and stranded, days away from safety and salvation.
As some leave to seek out help, leaving their wife and children behind with limited supplies and even less protection, their fate seems bleak. Little do they know that this is only the beginning, as their desperation and will to survive takes them to dark places, and draws the attention of something far worse.
One thing that Rufty has always excelled at is well developed, likeable characters and with ‘The Devoured and the Dead’ boasting such a sprawling cast, a lesser author may get lost in the sheer volume of different vices and personalities they are juggling. Not so here. Everyone gets their moment to shine and every single one feels distinct without becoming a caricature or stock character. The story itself is narrated by William ‘Billy’ Coburn, an eleven-year-old boy who is part of one of the families travelling to Harvest Hill. Billy goes on quite a journey (both literal and in terms of his growth as a person) from the opening chapter to its final pages and its gratifying to see such care taken to make the stakes matter by making us connect with the characters as opposed to relying on shock value to connect with its readers.
There is plenty of shock value to be had though (this is a Splatter Western after all) and even the opening sentence (only four words) really sets the scene for what readers are in for. A big cast means a potentially big body count and you will not leave disappointed if that is why you have picked up this book. It is grotesque, very bloody and sometimes shocking, and absolutely meets the standard you have come to expect from this series. The bleak and barren setting really help amplify the horror as well, exuding a feeling of menace and claustrophobia and serving as a catalyst for some truly appalling scenes.
There are few Splatterpunk writers who can boast the level of consistency that Kristopher Rufty can, and ‘The Devoured and the Dead’ is the latest in a long line of fantastically entertaining, blood-drenched horror fiction. If the Splatter Western series has served as your introduction to his work I urge you to take this opportunity to visit some of his back catalogue. Once you do, you’ll realise just why it is no surprise, as a fan of his work, why his ability to deliver a stellar instalment to this line was never in doubt.
When a group of families make the decision to relocate from their remote, mountainous homes to the more prosperous town of Harvest Hill, in the hopes of capitalising on a recent gold rush, the journey proves to be more treacherous than they initially anticipated. An unexpected and unprecedented snowstorm hits the group as they are travelling through the forest, leaving them cut off and stranded, days away from safety and salvation.
As some leave to seek out help, leaving their wife and children behind with limited supplies and even less protection, their fate seems bleak. Little do they know that this is only the beginning, as their desperation and will to survive takes them to dark places, and draws the attention of something far worse.
One thing that Rufty has always excelled at is well developed, likeable characters and with ‘The Devoured and the Dead’ boasting such a sprawling cast, a lesser author may get lost in the sheer volume of different vices and personalities they are juggling. Not so here. Everyone gets their moment to shine and every single one feels distinct without becoming a caricature or stock character. The story itself is narrated by William ‘Billy’ Coburn, an eleven-year-old boy who is part of one of the families travelling to Harvest Hill. Billy goes on quite a journey (both literal and in terms of his growth as a person) from the opening chapter to its final pages and its gratifying to see such care taken to make the stakes matter by making us connect with the characters as opposed to relying on shock value to connect with its readers.
There is plenty of shock value to be had though (this is a Splatter Western after all) and even the opening sentence (only four words) really sets the scene for what readers are in for. A big cast means a potentially big body count and you will not leave disappointed if that is why you have picked up this book. It is grotesque, very bloody and sometimes shocking, and absolutely meets the standard you have come to expect from this series. The bleak and barren setting really help amplify the horror as well, exuding a feeling of menace and claustrophobia and serving as a catalyst for some truly appalling scenes.
There are few Splatterpunk writers who can boast the level of consistency that Kristopher Rufty can, and ‘The Devoured and the Dead’ is the latest in a long line of fantastically entertaining, blood-drenched horror fiction. If the Splatter Western series has served as your introduction to his work I urge you to take this opportunity to visit some of his back catalogue. Once you do, you’ll realise just why it is no surprise, as a fan of his work, why his ability to deliver a stellar instalment to this line was never in doubt.
November 18, 2021
FANTASTIC! This lands among the top 5 in the series for me. Following along with Billy as he told his tale was so entertaining and jaw-dropping with what him and his sister had to go through. I will definitely be checking out more from this author!
November 27, 2021
Horror Bookworm Reviews
https://horrorbookwormreviews.com/
Four families leave their homesteads in the dead winter of 1884 with the intentions of discovering greener pastures. As the wagon train enters scarcely populated and untraveled areas, the unnatural cold takes its toll on the explorers resulting in an unforeseen adversity, leaving the families stranded. What begins next is a dark descent into unimaginable and savage betrayal beyond belief.
Kristopher Rufty continues the tradition of Death’s Head Press Splatter Westerns with a incredibly disturbing contribution titled, The Devoured Of The Dead. Not only is the freezing season a perfect setting for a splatter novel but the opening sentence sets the pace with an immediate blood curdling bite that will leave the reader no where to go but to the next page.
Rufty has an uncommon approach of not only immediately pulling the reader into the story but securing that audience with vivid images of evil that dwell within his novel. The pace is fast and nonstop by means of cold blooded carnage and soul stealing savagery. His written words of fear have an odor of copper and leaves teeth marks on the soul.
This Splatter Western has enough of the good stuff…where victims last as long as a pint of whiskey in a five-handed poker game and villains are mean enough to steal a coin off a dead man’s eyes. One of my top reads of the year and a five star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Horror Bookworm Recommendation. Grab this one, you won’t regret it.
https://horrorbookwormreviews.com/
Four families leave their homesteads in the dead winter of 1884 with the intentions of discovering greener pastures. As the wagon train enters scarcely populated and untraveled areas, the unnatural cold takes its toll on the explorers resulting in an unforeseen adversity, leaving the families stranded. What begins next is a dark descent into unimaginable and savage betrayal beyond belief.
Kristopher Rufty continues the tradition of Death’s Head Press Splatter Westerns with a incredibly disturbing contribution titled, The Devoured Of The Dead. Not only is the freezing season a perfect setting for a splatter novel but the opening sentence sets the pace with an immediate blood curdling bite that will leave the reader no where to go but to the next page.
Rufty has an uncommon approach of not only immediately pulling the reader into the story but securing that audience with vivid images of evil that dwell within his novel. The pace is fast and nonstop by means of cold blooded carnage and soul stealing savagery. His written words of fear have an odor of copper and leaves teeth marks on the soul.
This Splatter Western has enough of the good stuff…where victims last as long as a pint of whiskey in a five-handed poker game and villains are mean enough to steal a coin off a dead man’s eyes. One of my top reads of the year and a five star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Horror Bookworm Recommendation. Grab this one, you won’t regret it.
November 15, 2021
I absolutely loved this book!! I was hooked right from the beginning and it just got better and better as it went on. When I was sure it was going in one direction, it ended up going in a totally different(awesome) direction. And I felt so strongly for our main character and the things he had to endure and do to survive. Just a great, brutal, well written splatter western. 5/5 starved skulls 💀
December 7, 2021
“The Devoured and the Dead”, by Kristopher Rufty
“The Devoured and the Dead”, by Kristopher Rufty, was my first Splatter Western and will not be my last. WOW!! I am hooked from the first line, “They ate the baby, all the way to the last.”
In this story, four families leave their homes in the dead of winter for a better life. As they enter a scarcely populated area, the cold takes it’s toll on these people and their lives are about to take a turn for the worst.
The cover sets the tone for this dark gory winter tale. Rufty weaves a cold ambience that envelopes the reader. There is enough gore and violence in this story to make the reader squirm. Rufty does not use gore for shock value, rather it is a well crafted story with action and Native American mysticism. I am ready for my next Splatter Western.
“The Devoured and the Dead”, by Kristopher Rufty, was my first Splatter Western and will not be my last. WOW!! I am hooked from the first line, “They ate the baby, all the way to the last.”
In this story, four families leave their homes in the dead of winter for a better life. As they enter a scarcely populated area, the cold takes it’s toll on these people and their lives are about to take a turn for the worst.
The cover sets the tone for this dark gory winter tale. Rufty weaves a cold ambience that envelopes the reader. There is enough gore and violence in this story to make the reader squirm. Rufty does not use gore for shock value, rather it is a well crafted story with action and Native American mysticism. I am ready for my next Splatter Western.
November 20, 2021
Another splatter western under my belt. This was brutal! This was vile! This was so good! Death’s Head Press does it again! Full review coming soon.
October 15, 2024
The writing is good and has a decent Western feel. However, the "zombie" plot is pretty lackluster and average. Nothing special but also not bad. Average all round.
November 18, 2021
Kristopher Rufty writes a great Splatter Western. I love his writing style. This is filled with action and gore. Plus the cover had me sold right way.
October 20, 2023
Finally a good Splatterpunk Western novel which doesn't try to be Woke. Interesting that is one of the best ratings in the god damned series... Please learn. People don't want to be preach upon. They want a good tale.
This was the second to last novel published by Death's Head Press (I believe or something like that) because this is number 12. Then we've got the number 13 (and last one that was numbered). There was an hiatus of 6/9 months and they start publishing again a more expensive line of novels, but the numbers were gone and they had another company behind it (still death's head press) called death's sky published. I bought several but paying 16€ for a 100 page novel is ridiculous. But alas, what about this book...
What's this all about you may ask.. Well a group of four families (one of them a family of Indian trackers) are moving from one place to another so they can start anew. Supposedly it was something safe but due to some storms and misguiding they end up stranded on the snow.
Then the problems start, the horses run amok, families are being thrown one to another and finally one of our guys and the tracker go alone to get some help and this is basically the first 50 pages. The rest? Well it's mayhem, cannibalism, horror and a hit of a chase. Right from the start, the first page it starts with "THEY HATE THE BABY". Since there is only one baby in the book, you know where this is going... We've got around 15 characters, most of them you can easily identify, others have no distinct voice. But some, oh my.. The main character, the one narrating a young 12 year old boy is surely one of the best in this line of novels and was a joy to read.
I enjoy what he did with the Indian couple, most other writers would be scared to portrait the Indians on a not so good way and that's fine you know why? Black people, Indians and all other can be good or bad people. It doesn't make you a racist for saying that. Everyone sucks big time, no matter the colour of our skin.
In the end I Was surprised, gladly surprised and probably one of my favourites... 8.5
This was the second to last novel published by Death's Head Press (I believe or something like that) because this is number 12. Then we've got the number 13 (and last one that was numbered). There was an hiatus of 6/9 months and they start publishing again a more expensive line of novels, but the numbers were gone and they had another company behind it (still death's head press) called death's sky published. I bought several but paying 16€ for a 100 page novel is ridiculous. But alas, what about this book...
What's this all about you may ask.. Well a group of four families (one of them a family of Indian trackers) are moving from one place to another so they can start anew. Supposedly it was something safe but due to some storms and misguiding they end up stranded on the snow.
Then the problems start, the horses run amok, families are being thrown one to another and finally one of our guys and the tracker go alone to get some help and this is basically the first 50 pages. The rest? Well it's mayhem, cannibalism, horror and a hit of a chase. Right from the start, the first page it starts with "THEY HATE THE BABY". Since there is only one baby in the book, you know where this is going... We've got around 15 characters, most of them you can easily identify, others have no distinct voice. But some, oh my.. The main character, the one narrating a young 12 year old boy is surely one of the best in this line of novels and was a joy to read.
I enjoy what he did with the Indian couple, most other writers would be scared to portrait the Indians on a not so good way and that's fine you know why? Black people, Indians and all other can be good or bad people. It doesn't make you a racist for saying that. Everyone sucks big time, no matter the colour of our skin.
In the end I Was surprised, gladly surprised and probably one of my favourites... 8.5
November 14, 2023
It's a bad sign when the author can't even spell Christopher correctly. And his last name sounds like a raunchy attempt at dirty talk a middle-aged man uses on his wife when the kiddo is staying overnight at a friend's house.
Man: "Junior is gone for the evening, so I'm gonna give you the ol' rufty tonight, baby."
Wife: "Oh yeah, big daddy, you gonna give me the rufty?"
Man: "I'm gonna rufty that ass all night, sweetheart."
Something like that.
Book was great.
Man: "Junior is gone for the evening, so I'm gonna give you the ol' rufty tonight, baby."
Wife: "Oh yeah, big daddy, you gonna give me the rufty?"
Man: "I'm gonna rufty that ass all night, sweetheart."
Something like that.
Book was great.
November 9, 2021
This was my first time reading Kristopher Rufty and it did not disappoint! A cold and very dark ride, THE DEVOURED AND THE DEAD is now in my top 3 of the Splatter Western series, behind THE THIRTEENTH KOYOTE by Kristopher Triana and DUST by Chris Miller.
November 15, 2021
Wow! I couldn’t put this down. I read the last 60% straight through.
I can talk about the gnawing hunger, about the unending cold, about the sounds made when eating, I could inundate you with quotes that will make you squirm, and I could talk about these great kids that you want to risk your own life for; but I won’t. You don’t want me too because you need to read this and experience it for yourself.
I love the narrative and found it so compelling that I couldn’t put it down. This was my first book by Kristopher Rufty @kristopherrufty and I am eager to see what else is available.
This is book 12 in Death’s Head Press’ splatter westerns series with stunning cover art by Justin Coons
I can talk about the gnawing hunger, about the unending cold, about the sounds made when eating, I could inundate you with quotes that will make you squirm, and I could talk about these great kids that you want to risk your own life for; but I won’t. You don’t want me too because you need to read this and experience it for yourself.
I love the narrative and found it so compelling that I couldn’t put it down. This was my first book by Kristopher Rufty @kristopherrufty and I am eager to see what else is available.
This is book 12 in Death’s Head Press’ splatter westerns series with stunning cover art by Justin Coons
April 9, 2025
Four families set out together for a better life with gold in their eyes but they get stuck on a mountain. Traveling through a winter that would end up being historically bad, the families make camp hoping to wait it out but are ultimately faced with starvation. A hunger that refuses to be satisfied.
A little coming of age story in a brutal way and about perseverance in the toughest of situations.
There were a few curveballs that I really enjoyed including the curse by Chenona and the arrivals of the outlaws. It made me continuously wonder where this book was headed. The ending was well deserved too.
I really liked the story. My only complaint was that it didn’t feel too much like a western compared to others, but the writing was excellent and the story was good. It kinda gave Donner Party vibes for sure but to the extreme and with some twists. It was morbid and sad pretty much the entire time as our characters dealt with the winter elements, family drama, starvation and then hostility. There was Indian magic, cannibalism, secrets, villains and violence. Definitely enjoyed this one!
A little coming of age story in a brutal way and about perseverance in the toughest of situations.
There were a few curveballs that I really enjoyed including the curse by Chenona and the arrivals of the outlaws. It made me continuously wonder where this book was headed. The ending was well deserved too.
I really liked the story. My only complaint was that it didn’t feel too much like a western compared to others, but the writing was excellent and the story was good. It kinda gave Donner Party vibes for sure but to the extreme and with some twists. It was morbid and sad pretty much the entire time as our characters dealt with the winter elements, family drama, starvation and then hostility. There was Indian magic, cannibalism, secrets, villains and violence. Definitely enjoyed this one!
October 16, 2025
'Cannibals, curses and calamity'
'Devoured and the Dead' is a very enjoyable, highly original horror story set out in the wild west back in the 1880's.
Lots of great characters and mounds of gory action to harvest, bite into and simply feast upon.
A real sense of bleak hopelessness prevails in the writing from start to finish - fantastic!
Looking forward to reading much more of Kristopher Rufty's in future.
Highly recommended.
Rating 4.2 stars of a red and white landscape, set in a sea of complete blackness.
'Devoured and the Dead' is a very enjoyable, highly original horror story set out in the wild west back in the 1880's.
Lots of great characters and mounds of gory action to harvest, bite into and simply feast upon.
A real sense of bleak hopelessness prevails in the writing from start to finish - fantastic!
Looking forward to reading much more of Kristopher Rufty's in future.
Highly recommended.
Rating 4.2 stars of a red and white landscape, set in a sea of complete blackness.
December 13, 2021
I said that I was going to slowly do away with star ratings but THIS!!! This deserves all the stars! One of my top reads for 2021 and one of my favorite Splatter Westerns!!
It’s the winter of 1884 – four families set forth on a journey for a better life; western folk, horse, and wagon, planning food rations for the long haul until one day they are stranded at Mountain Rock, a scarcely populated area as the snow begins to fall. Survival kicks in; the family is at the mercy of this brutal weather, the depletion of provisions, dangerous outlaws, the supernatural but even more vile and disturbing; at the mercy of each other! The characters in the story were ones you loved to hate and loved to love!
This book was fast-paced and I ate it up!! The first opening line was an attention grabber if I ever read one! Brutal, abhorrent, vile but sooo good! A must-read for all you splatter western lovers or for those who want a little taste of some pretty good gore (see what I did there?!)
Kristopher Rufty needs to give us more of his work! Truly outstanding!
It’s the winter of 1884 – four families set forth on a journey for a better life; western folk, horse, and wagon, planning food rations for the long haul until one day they are stranded at Mountain Rock, a scarcely populated area as the snow begins to fall. Survival kicks in; the family is at the mercy of this brutal weather, the depletion of provisions, dangerous outlaws, the supernatural but even more vile and disturbing; at the mercy of each other! The characters in the story were ones you loved to hate and loved to love!
This book was fast-paced and I ate it up!! The first opening line was an attention grabber if I ever read one! Brutal, abhorrent, vile but sooo good! A must-read for all you splatter western lovers or for those who want a little taste of some pretty good gore (see what I did there?!)
Kristopher Rufty needs to give us more of his work! Truly outstanding!
November 15, 2021
Review to come. 2.5 stars.
January 27, 2023
THE DEVOURED AND THE DEAD – by Kristofer Rufty – Western Horror
That Was Intense And Creepy-Good!
Side Note: Love The Cover!
The book opens with one of the most disturbing hook lines I have ever read, wherein the main character and narrator, William ‘Billy’ Coburn, recounts the horrific events that occurred decades earlier when he was eleven years old, in the winter of 1884.
In the hopes of staking their claim of gold in Harvest Hill, the Corburns and three other families decide to travel via horse-drawn carriages through the mountains of North Carolina, where they face unrelenting snow storms and unexpected peril that leave them stranded and eventually with no food.
After one of their own dies, a depraved decision is made that results in a curse that threatens to end them all…
Let's just say…payback is a be**h!
Highly Recommend!
Thank you, Death’s Head Press, for providing me with an eBook of THE DEVOURED AND THE DEAD at the request of an honest review.
That Was Intense And Creepy-Good!
Side Note: Love The Cover!
The book opens with one of the most disturbing hook lines I have ever read, wherein the main character and narrator, William ‘Billy’ Coburn, recounts the horrific events that occurred decades earlier when he was eleven years old, in the winter of 1884.
In the hopes of staking their claim of gold in Harvest Hill, the Corburns and three other families decide to travel via horse-drawn carriages through the mountains of North Carolina, where they face unrelenting snow storms and unexpected peril that leave them stranded and eventually with no food.
After one of their own dies, a depraved decision is made that results in a curse that threatens to end them all…
Let's just say…payback is a be**h!
Highly Recommend!
Thank you, Death’s Head Press, for providing me with an eBook of THE DEVOURED AND THE DEAD at the request of an honest review.
December 17, 2023
Setting a western in the snow is an underutilized, and extremely effective, technique. Combining the weather with the places that Rufty takes this story is something next level. The Devoured and the Dead is one of those stories where the author drops hints seconds before he shows his hand, leaving the reader saying "no way" until they turn the page to come face to face with "yes way". He went there.
December 7, 2021
The Devoured and The Dead is pretty much the Donner party on a bunch of drugs. It's pure, stomach churning, disgusting, gruesome horror at its finest. As with any of the Splatter Western series, this is not a book for the faint of heart. What it is, is brutal, vile, but oh so very good.
Honestly, just... Read the first line of the book. That line right there sold me on the entire novel. What a damn good way to open a novel, good lord. Throughout my entire time reading this novel, I was left thinking 'what the hell did I get myself into' - a feeling that lasted until the very last page.
Without a doubt, this is one of the most brutal, yet entertaining novels I have ever read.
Honestly, just... Read the first line of the book. That line right there sold me on the entire novel. What a damn good way to open a novel, good lord. Throughout my entire time reading this novel, I was left thinking 'what the hell did I get myself into' - a feeling that lasted until the very last page.
Without a doubt, this is one of the most brutal, yet entertaining novels I have ever read.
May 3, 2022
My first Splatter Western. You know a books gonna be decent when the first words are "I can't believe that ate the baby." Great Spaltterpunk and really enjoyed the way it was framed with the narrator too.
May 20, 2023
One of the better Splatter Westerns that lives up to the name. This works so well for Deaths Head Press as it’s not their first western with a Wedigo. Joe Lansdale wrote a little something for them a few years ago that was just as good. Told from a child’s point of view you really feel like you are seeing and doing everything through the eyes of a 10 year old. I don’t know his age but that sounds good.
It’s a western about some families traveling through the country to make a new life. Problem is they are traveling through snow and rough terrain and they get side tracked. No spoilers on why or how. They eventually begin eating one another and the cannibalism is not kind for those that can’t handle gore. Every chapter keeps you wanting more. You want this boy and his friends to live and as they progress through their days it seems more and more bad shit happens. I never once wanted to stop reading but sadly it took me a while due to life. I highly recommend.
It’s a western about some families traveling through the country to make a new life. Problem is they are traveling through snow and rough terrain and they get side tracked. No spoilers on why or how. They eventually begin eating one another and the cannibalism is not kind for those that can’t handle gore. Every chapter keeps you wanting more. You want this boy and his friends to live and as they progress through their days it seems more and more bad shit happens. I never once wanted to stop reading but sadly it took me a while due to life. I highly recommend.
July 14, 2025
This one is a shame because I started it with high hopes - I like the pitch and that cover art is 10 out of 10 - but the writing is fairly amateurish. The language and dialogue do almost nothing to evoke the time period and setting - for instance, outside of the back-cover summary, there is no clear indication that this book is set in North Carolina anywhere within the text, as far as I can tell - and it ended on a weirdly saccharine note in the last page and a half, which was fairly out of character for the rest of the book. So, I wanted to like this one, but it just didn't deliver the goods. I'm keeping it for that cover though, lemme tell ya what.
February 11, 2022
4 stars for the story, 3 stars for the kindle editing.
This was a brutal tale of desperation, betrayal, and fighting for your family. I enjoyed reading this in the throes of winter so that I felt like I was in the same boat as the families in the book. I'd warn of the violence and gruesomeness of this book, but chances are you aren't reading a splatter western if you weren't interested in those things. My only minor gripe is some of the errors in the kindle version. There weren't a lot of problems, but enough to annoy me.
This was a brutal tale of desperation, betrayal, and fighting for your family. I enjoyed reading this in the throes of winter so that I felt like I was in the same boat as the families in the book. I'd warn of the violence and gruesomeness of this book, but chances are you aren't reading a splatter western if you weren't interested in those things. My only minor gripe is some of the errors in the kindle version. There weren't a lot of problems, but enough to annoy me.
July 5, 2024
I usually just rate and not leave reviews. But since I feel this book is now in my top 3, I think it deserves a few words. I couldn't put it down the minute I started. It flowed so nice, the characters were great. Dialogue was perfect. It's a western without forcing to be a western.. if that makes sense. Everything Rufty writes is just as good as his last book. Easily a strong 5 stars and anyone who decides to pick this book up, I'm confident they'll agree.
July 4, 2023
Spoilers ahead.
I really enjoyed this story, touching on the Wendigo legend whilst also having shades of the Donner Party struggle (possibly not intentional but still). What frustrated me though was it being written in first person. It took away a lot of suspense from what was a great story otherwise.
I really enjoyed this story, touching on the Wendigo legend whilst also having shades of the Donner Party struggle (possibly not intentional but still). What frustrated me though was it being written in first person. It took away a lot of suspense from what was a great story otherwise.
December 30, 2024
Such a cool story I love these splatter westerns and cannot say much about the story without giving it away. So, I will just say if you love the splatter westerns this was a fun take on them, very dark and brutal.
January 13, 2025
“They ate the baby.”
Those four words, the ones that kick off this raucous ride, tell you everything you need to know about this book. It’s intense. It’s gross. It’s amazing.
You need to read this book, yesterday. One hell of a horror novel. Bravo!
Those four words, the ones that kick off this raucous ride, tell you everything you need to know about this book. It’s intense. It’s gross. It’s amazing.
You need to read this book, yesterday. One hell of a horror novel. Bravo!
November 19, 2021
A gory, dark tale of a party holed up in a snowy mountain who are at the mercy of outlaws, nature, the supernatural and themselves. Another very good addition to the splatter western series!
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