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Long Ride Home
1988, original mass market paperback edition, Tor, NY. 404 pages. A novel of the post-Civil War frontier. A man seeks revenge for the person who murdered his parents.
416 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published February 15, 1991
240 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
About the author
W. Michael Gear
181 books730 followersW. Michael Gear was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on the twentieth of May, 1955. A fourth generation Colorado native, his family had been involved in hard-rock mining, cattle ranching, and journalism. After his father's death in 1959, Michael's mother received her Master's degree in journalism and began teaching. In 1962 she married Joseph J. Cook, who taught tool and die making, and the family lived in Lakewood, Colorado, until 1968. At that time they moved to Fort Collins so that Joe could pursue his Ph.D.. During those years the family lived in the foothills above Horsetooth Reservoir.
It was there that Mike developed a love of history, anthropology, and motorcycles. They would color his future and fill his imagination for the rest of his life. During summers he volunteered labor on local ranches or at the farm east of Greeley and landed his first real job: picking up trash at the lake and cleaning outhouses. It has been said that his exposure to trash led him into archaeology. We will not speculate about what cleaning the outhouses might have led him to. On his first dig as a professional archaeologist in 1976 he discovered that two thousand year old human trash isn't nearly as obnoxious as the new stuff.
Michael graduated from Fort Collins High School in 1972 and pursued both his Bachelor's (1976) and Master's (1979) degrees at Colorado State University. Upon completion of his Master's - his specialty was in physical anthropology - he went to work for Western Wyoming College in Rock Springs as a field archaeologist.
It was in the winter of 1978 that he wrote his first novel. Irritated by historical inaccuracies in Western fiction, he swore he could do better. He was "taking retirement in installments," archaeology being a seasonal career, in the cabin his great uncle Aubrey had built. One cold January night he read a Western novel about a trail drive in which steers (castrated males) had calves. The historical inaccuracies of the story bothered him all night. The next morning, still incensed, he chunked wood into the stove and hunkered over the typewriter. There, on the mining claim, at nine thousand feet outside of Empire, Colorado he hammered out his first five hundred and fifty page novel. Yes, that first manuscript still exists, but if there is justice in the universe, no one will ever see it. It reads wretchedly - but the historical facts are correct!
Beginning in 1981, Michael, along with two partners, put together his own archaeological consulting company. Pronghorn Anthropological Associates began doing cultural resource management studies in 1982, and, although Michael sold his interest in 1984, to this day the company remains in business in Casper, Wyoming. During the years, Michael has worked throughout the western United States doing archaeological surveys, testing, and mitigation for pipelines, oil wells, power lines, timber sales, and highway construction. He learned the value of strong black coffee, developed a palate for chocolate donuts, and ferreted out every quality Mexican restaurant in eight states. He spent nine months of the year traveling from project to project with his trowel and dig kit, a clapped-out '72 Wonder Blazer, and his boon companion, Tedi, a noble tri-color Sheltie.
That fateful day in November, 1981, was delightfully clear, cold, and still in Laramie, Wyoming. Archaeologists from all over the state had arrived at the University of Wyoming for the annual meetings of the Wyoming Association of Professional Archaeologists. It was there, in the meeting room, way too early after a much too long night, that Mike first laid eyes on the most beautiful woman in the world: Kathleen O'Neal Gear. The BLM State Archaeologist, Ray Leicht, introduced him to the pretty anthropologist and historian, and best of all, Ray invited Mike to lunch with Kathleen. It was the perfect beginning for a long and wondrous relationship.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/wmicha...
It was there that Mike developed a love of history, anthropology, and motorcycles. They would color his future and fill his imagination for the rest of his life. During summers he volunteered labor on local ranches or at the farm east of Greeley and landed his first real job: picking up trash at the lake and cleaning outhouses. It has been said that his exposure to trash led him into archaeology. We will not speculate about what cleaning the outhouses might have led him to. On his first dig as a professional archaeologist in 1976 he discovered that two thousand year old human trash isn't nearly as obnoxious as the new stuff.
Michael graduated from Fort Collins High School in 1972 and pursued both his Bachelor's (1976) and Master's (1979) degrees at Colorado State University. Upon completion of his Master's - his specialty was in physical anthropology - he went to work for Western Wyoming College in Rock Springs as a field archaeologist.
It was in the winter of 1978 that he wrote his first novel. Irritated by historical inaccuracies in Western fiction, he swore he could do better. He was "taking retirement in installments," archaeology being a seasonal career, in the cabin his great uncle Aubrey had built. One cold January night he read a Western novel about a trail drive in which steers (castrated males) had calves. The historical inaccuracies of the story bothered him all night. The next morning, still incensed, he chunked wood into the stove and hunkered over the typewriter. There, on the mining claim, at nine thousand feet outside of Empire, Colorado he hammered out his first five hundred and fifty page novel. Yes, that first manuscript still exists, but if there is justice in the universe, no one will ever see it. It reads wretchedly - but the historical facts are correct!
Beginning in 1981, Michael, along with two partners, put together his own archaeological consulting company. Pronghorn Anthropological Associates began doing cultural resource management studies in 1982, and, although Michael sold his interest in 1984, to this day the company remains in business in Casper, Wyoming. During the years, Michael has worked throughout the western United States doing archaeological surveys, testing, and mitigation for pipelines, oil wells, power lines, timber sales, and highway construction. He learned the value of strong black coffee, developed a palate for chocolate donuts, and ferreted out every quality Mexican restaurant in eight states. He spent nine months of the year traveling from project to project with his trowel and dig kit, a clapped-out '72 Wonder Blazer, and his boon companion, Tedi, a noble tri-color Sheltie.
That fateful day in November, 1981, was delightfully clear, cold, and still in Laramie, Wyoming. Archaeologists from all over the state had arrived at the University of Wyoming for the annual meetings of the Wyoming Association of Professional Archaeologists. It was there, in the meeting room, way too early after a much too long night, that Mike first laid eyes on the most beautiful woman in the world: Kathleen O'Neal Gear. The BLM State Archaeologist, Ray Leicht, introduced him to the pretty anthropologist and historian, and best of all, Ray invited Mike to lunch with Kathleen. It was the perfect beginning for a long and wondrous relationship.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/wmicha...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 3, 2012
All of that for Theo to not actually kill Louis himself? All that for Theo to wind up a cripple wallowing in his own misery? All that only to have Theo kill himself in the end?
The author might as well have said the whole thing was one of Theo's fucked up dreams.
The author might as well have said the whole thing was one of Theo's fucked up dreams.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2023
Review : The long ride home
haunted by the memories of his parents death young theo has become a gun slinger a gun man of the west, he is a loner, and distant man. He is hunting all his life for the man who destroyed his family, taken in by mormons taught to read and write, learned how to hunt from the old trapers and woodsmen of the west, he knows indian ideals, traits, and survival tactics. He finds himself always insearch of his man. Always just a week behind. Then just as suddenly he finds Dolly and Henry, two greenhorns, lost in the prarie wilderness. He helps them and finds friendship, and maybe love within this small surviving family. He teaches them like a father the things he has learned in his hard life. He is gentel and full of mirth until his demons haunt his dreams, and he is driven way from Dolly by his own jealousy, he reacts out right and in the end only drives her away. He leaves and finds another trail and another lost soul that he needs to save, who attempts to save him, only to loose Charlie to a gun battle. Lost confused by his own emotions he begins again to trace the trail of his parents murderer, and questions what life he could have with the fragile gentel Dolly.
haunted by the memories of his parents death young theo has become a gun slinger a gun man of the west, he is a loner, and distant man. He is hunting all his life for the man who destroyed his family, taken in by mormons taught to read and write, learned how to hunt from the old trapers and woodsmen of the west, he knows indian ideals, traits, and survival tactics. He finds himself always insearch of his man. Always just a week behind. Then just as suddenly he finds Dolly and Henry, two greenhorns, lost in the prarie wilderness. He helps them and finds friendship, and maybe love within this small surviving family. He teaches them like a father the things he has learned in his hard life. He is gentel and full of mirth until his demons haunt his dreams, and he is driven way from Dolly by his own jealousy, he reacts out right and in the end only drives her away. He leaves and finds another trail and another lost soul that he needs to save, who attempts to save him, only to loose Charlie to a gun battle. Lost confused by his own emotions he begins again to trace the trail of his parents murderer, and questions what life he could have with the fragile gentel Dolly.
January 13, 2019
In some ways outdated, but an engaging and interesting read.
I should start by saying this isn't my usual genre, so I can't compare this book to its kin.
Long Ride Home offers compelling action with a believable (if not always likable) cast. Some sections at the beginning and early middle feel slow, but the action and intrigue pick up as the book winds on. The plot is dynamic and less predictable than one expects, despite suffering a few now-outdated storytelling tools (backstories that come in dreams, descriptions of characters as they look at themselves in a mirror, etc.). It is an older book, so I grant it that.
Most importantly (to me), the characters grew and shrank in my esteem throughout the book. Those that I loved or pitied or despised (or simply wanted to "win") often changed throughout the book. Eventually, the MC becomes someone I don't particularly like. By the forward (in my 20th-anniversary edition), this was, at least in part, intentional. But, whether or not you like or even choose to forgive him, the book ends well - it is poetic, and all the little pieces come together in a rather beautifully tied up book.
I should start by saying this isn't my usual genre, so I can't compare this book to its kin.
Long Ride Home offers compelling action with a believable (if not always likable) cast. Some sections at the beginning and early middle feel slow, but the action and intrigue pick up as the book winds on. The plot is dynamic and less predictable than one expects, despite suffering a few now-outdated storytelling tools (backstories that come in dreams, descriptions of characters as they look at themselves in a mirror, etc.). It is an older book, so I grant it that.
Most importantly (to me), the characters grew and shrank in my esteem throughout the book. Those that I loved or pitied or despised (or simply wanted to "win") often changed throughout the book. Eventually, the MC becomes someone I don't particularly like. By the forward (in my 20th-anniversary edition), this was, at least in part, intentional. But, whether or not you like or even choose to forgive him, the book ends well - it is poetic, and all the little pieces come together in a rather beautifully tied up book.
May 26, 2018
Long Ride Home offered a lot of background information on the cattle towns of the early west. I found the character of Theo unbelievable. His actions weren't centered on survival but murder; from cover to cover he supposedly killed around twenty men, some unarmed or defenseless.
If you like to read about a demented soul in a western setting, I suppose this is your book.
If you like to read about a demented soul in a western setting, I suppose this is your book.
September 16, 2020
I rarely rate a book at FIVE STARS... This is an amazing book. It is full of strong western frontier characteristics and characters. It is an interesting study of a troubled gunman, troubled by trauma, troubled by circumstances, and tormented by an terribly scarred psyche. The "hero" causes the reader to hope that he will have a psychological breakthrough, but everytime it seems he is close to some form of emotional/mental recovery he has some sort of episode. He thinks he is tormented/guided by demons and fate to find the murderers of his parents-- but instead he is simply driven to violence because of his own philosophy of life--"Only the strong survive..."
The author does a fantastic job of demonstrating his lack of sanity. As we read, we might be reminded of modern day serial killers-- for whom the tension of leading a normal life drive them to commit unspeakable acts of violence in order to find some relief from their stress. The gunman wants normalcy, but feels compelled to keep lashing out at others-- sometimes people who pose a genuine threat to himself and his friends, sometimes in vengeance, and sometimes just because he is so tormented by his own lack of sanity.
The amazing thing is that the author manages to weave a number of stories into this torment. The stories are very strong and their relationship to the hero's torment keeps the novel's tension high.
The author's prose is remarkable. He not only describes the western frontier with a genuine and authentic touch he gets the period details right. The author knows what it means to load a cap and ball pistol. He knows his weapons, his horseflesh, and the history.
This is one fantastic novel with a really strong resolution..
The author does a fantastic job of demonstrating his lack of sanity. As we read, we might be reminded of modern day serial killers-- for whom the tension of leading a normal life drive them to commit unspeakable acts of violence in order to find some relief from their stress. The gunman wants normalcy, but feels compelled to keep lashing out at others-- sometimes people who pose a genuine threat to himself and his friends, sometimes in vengeance, and sometimes just because he is so tormented by his own lack of sanity.
The amazing thing is that the author manages to weave a number of stories into this torment. The stories are very strong and their relationship to the hero's torment keeps the novel's tension high.
The author's prose is remarkable. He not only describes the western frontier with a genuine and authentic touch he gets the period details right. The author knows what it means to load a cap and ball pistol. He knows his weapons, his horseflesh, and the history.
This is one fantastic novel with a really strong resolution..
October 4, 2017
Review : The Long Ride Home
By W. Michael Gear
haunted by the memories of his parents death young theo has become a gunslinger a gun man of the west, he is a loner, and distant man. He is hunting all his life for the man who destroyed his family, taken in by mormons taught to read and write, learned how to hunt from the old trappers and woodsmen of the west, he knows indian ideals, traits, and survival tactics. He finds himself always in search of his man. Always just a week behind. Then just as suddenly he finds Dolly and Henry, two greenhorns, lost in the prairie wilderness. He helps them and finds friendship, and maybe love within this small surviving family. He teaches them like a father the things he has learned in his hard life. He is gentle and full of mirth until his demons haunt his dreams, and he is driven way from Dolly by his own jealousy, he reacts out right and in the end only drives her away. He leaves and finds another trail and another lost soul that he needs to save, who attempts to save him, only to lose Charlie to a gun battle. Lost confused by his own emotions he begins again to trace the trail of his parents murderer, and questions what life he could have with the fragile gentle Dolly.
By W. Michael Gear
haunted by the memories of his parents death young theo has become a gunslinger a gun man of the west, he is a loner, and distant man. He is hunting all his life for the man who destroyed his family, taken in by mormons taught to read and write, learned how to hunt from the old trappers and woodsmen of the west, he knows indian ideals, traits, and survival tactics. He finds himself always in search of his man. Always just a week behind. Then just as suddenly he finds Dolly and Henry, two greenhorns, lost in the prairie wilderness. He helps them and finds friendship, and maybe love within this small surviving family. He teaches them like a father the things he has learned in his hard life. He is gentle and full of mirth until his demons haunt his dreams, and he is driven way from Dolly by his own jealousy, he reacts out right and in the end only drives her away. He leaves and finds another trail and another lost soul that he needs to save, who attempts to save him, only to lose Charlie to a gun battle. Lost confused by his own emotions he begins again to trace the trail of his parents murderer, and questions what life he could have with the fragile gentle Dolly.
February 14, 2023
Review : The long ride home
haunted by the memories of his parents death young theo has become a gun slinger a gun man of the west, he is a loner, and distant man. He is hunting all his life for the man who destroyed his family, taken in by mormons taught to read and write, learned how to hunt from the old trapers and woodsmen of the west, he knows indian ideals, traits, and survival tactics. He finds himself always insearch of his man. Always just a week behind. Then just as suddenly he finds Dolly and Henry, two greenhorns, lost in the prarie wilderness. He helps them and finds friendship, and maybe love within this small surviving family. He teaches them like a father the things he has learned in his hard life. He is gentel and full of mirth until his demons haunt his dreams, and he is driven way from Dolly by his own jealousy, he reacts out right and in the end only drives her away. He leaves and finds another trail and another lost soul that he needs to save, who attempts to save him, only to loose Charlie to a gun battle. Lost confused by his own emotions he begins again to trace the trail of his parents murderer, and questions what life he could have with the fragile gentel Dolly.
haunted by the memories of his parents death young theo has become a gun slinger a gun man of the west, he is a loner, and distant man. He is hunting all his life for the man who destroyed his family, taken in by mormons taught to read and write, learned how to hunt from the old trapers and woodsmen of the west, he knows indian ideals, traits, and survival tactics. He finds himself always insearch of his man. Always just a week behind. Then just as suddenly he finds Dolly and Henry, two greenhorns, lost in the prarie wilderness. He helps them and finds friendship, and maybe love within this small surviving family. He teaches them like a father the things he has learned in his hard life. He is gentel and full of mirth until his demons haunt his dreams, and he is driven way from Dolly by his own jealousy, he reacts out right and in the end only drives her away. He leaves and finds another trail and another lost soul that he needs to save, who attempts to save him, only to loose Charlie to a gun battle. Lost confused by his own emotions he begins again to trace the trail of his parents murderer, and questions what life he could have with the fragile gentel Dolly.
February 2, 2023
W. Michael Gear has taken a "Wild West" character and hung a story on him.
While hunting the man who slaughtered his parents, Theo Belk travels places such as Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Kansas and Texas working mainly buffalo hunting and droving. He was raised by his dead parents, "Injuns" and Mormons.
Theo is not a fake Westerner and really does not fall into the "hero" category. He is a man of his times. He is not afraid to use his guns. His horse is his best friend.
He saves a man and his daughter from themselves as they wander around in search of buffalo to hunt and build up their stake. Riding with them; he teaches them to survive. In fact, "survival" is Theo's religion.
Michael gives an interesting foreword that describes the way the wildness shapes Theo Belk and does not end a book with steers giving birth.
Follow Theo and his demons on a wild adventure!
While hunting the man who slaughtered his parents, Theo Belk travels places such as Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Kansas and Texas working mainly buffalo hunting and droving. He was raised by his dead parents, "Injuns" and Mormons.
Theo is not a fake Westerner and really does not fall into the "hero" category. He is a man of his times. He is not afraid to use his guns. His horse is his best friend.
He saves a man and his daughter from themselves as they wander around in search of buffalo to hunt and build up their stake. Riding with them; he teaches them to survive. In fact, "survival" is Theo's religion.
Michael gives an interesting foreword that describes the way the wildness shapes Theo Belk and does not end a book with steers giving birth.
Follow Theo and his demons on a wild adventure!
December 28, 2022
This story is almost heartless! There are few redeeming qualities in the life of Theo Belk. Is it all his fault? Probably not. He is haunted from childhood with the pictures in his mind of the assault, rape and killing of his parents. This is in the 1800s when PTSD was totally unknown as were psychologists that might be able to help. After a harsh childhood, his life is haunted by demons in his dreams and driven by finding those guilty of murdering his folks. He did good deeds too few while he was ruthless to enemies - real and imagined. The writing is excellent, but the ending will haunt me.
Read
June 27, 2023Long Ride Home
Theo Belk led quite the life. It's amazing what trauma does to a young mind when faced with such horror. A man he'll bent on revenge. His hatred takes him from one town to another. A good read from beginning to end.
Theo Belk led quite the life. It's amazing what trauma does to a young mind when faced with such horror. A man he'll bent on revenge. His hatred takes him from one town to another. A good read from beginning to end.
August 23, 2023
Shifting Gears
This saga begins in first gear, then shifts to a faster second gear, a pause, then third gear races toward the finish line, and forth gear propels it across the finish line. The book is the winner.
This saga begins in first gear, then shifts to a faster second gear, a pause, then third gear races toward the finish line, and forth gear propels it across the finish line. The book is the winner.
May 22, 2024
A little too dark for me
This had a really good storyline, but was just a little too dark for my true enjoyment. I was hoping for a happy ending like the other series I just finished.
This had a really good storyline, but was just a little too dark for my true enjoyment. I was hoping for a happy ending like the other series I just finished.
May 29, 2025
A Good Read
W.Michael Gear was a author I hadn't read before but this was good read on the western genre.This was quite dark in places but there was plenty of action and I will be reading more from this author.recommended.recommended
W.Michael Gear was a author I hadn't read before but this was good read on the western genre.This was quite dark in places but there was plenty of action and I will be reading more from this author.recommended.recommended
July 31, 2022
I enjoyed this book, felt it was kinda repetitive could have ended sooner, but glad I stuck with it till the end.
March 17, 2023
Ok
Not the best and there really to me is no ending. But worth reading. So have at it you all
Not the best and there really to me is no ending. But worth reading. So have at it you all
October 10, 2024
I was disturbed for days after reading this book.
February 14, 2023
Review : The Long Ride Home
By W. Michael Gear
haunted by the memories of his parents death young theo has become a gunslinger a gun man of the west, he is a loner, and distant man. He is hunting all his life for the man who destroyed his family, taken in by mormons taught to read and write, learned how to hunt from the old trappers and woodsmen of the west, he knows indian ideals, traits, and survival tactics. He finds himself always in search of his man. Always just a week behind. Then just as suddenly he finds Dolly and Henry, two greenhorns, lost in the prairie wilderness. He helps them and finds friendship, and maybe love within this small surviving family. He teaches them like a father the things he has learned in his hard life. He is gentle and full of mirth until his demons haunt his dreams, and he is driven way from Dolly by his own jealousy, he reacts out right and in the end only drives her away. He leaves and finds another trail and another lost soul that he needs to save, who attempts to save him, only to lose Charlie to a gun battle. Lost confused by his own emotions he begins again to trace the trail of his parents murderer, and questions what life he could have with the fragile gentle Dolly.
By W. Michael Gear
haunted by the memories of his parents death young theo has become a gunslinger a gun man of the west, he is a loner, and distant man. He is hunting all his life for the man who destroyed his family, taken in by mormons taught to read and write, learned how to hunt from the old trappers and woodsmen of the west, he knows indian ideals, traits, and survival tactics. He finds himself always in search of his man. Always just a week behind. Then just as suddenly he finds Dolly and Henry, two greenhorns, lost in the prairie wilderness. He helps them and finds friendship, and maybe love within this small surviving family. He teaches them like a father the things he has learned in his hard life. He is gentle and full of mirth until his demons haunt his dreams, and he is driven way from Dolly by his own jealousy, he reacts out right and in the end only drives her away. He leaves and finds another trail and another lost soul that he needs to save, who attempts to save him, only to lose Charlie to a gun battle. Lost confused by his own emotions he begins again to trace the trail of his parents murderer, and questions what life he could have with the fragile gentle Dolly.
October 12, 2023
Review : The long ride home
haunted by the memories of his parents death young theo has become a gun slinger a gun man of the west, he is a loner, and distant man. He is hunting all his life for the man who destroyed his family, taken in by mormons taught to read and write, learned how to hunt from the old trapers and woodsmen of the west, he knows indian ideals, traits, and survival tactics. He finds himself always insearch of his man. Always just a week behind. Then just as suddenly he finds Dolly and Henry, two greenhorns, lost in the prarie wilderness. He helps them and finds friendship, and maybe love within this small surviving family. He teaches them like a father the things he has learned in his hard life. He is gentel and full of mirth until his demons haunt his dreams, and he is driven way from Dolly by his own jealousy, he reacts out right and in the end only drives her away. He leaves and finds another trail and another lost soul that he needs to save, who attempts to save him, only to loose Charlie to a gun battle. Lost confused by his own emotions he begins again to trace the trail of his parents murderer, and questions what life he could have with the fragile gentel Dolly.
haunted by the memories of his parents death young theo has become a gun slinger a gun man of the west, he is a loner, and distant man. He is hunting all his life for the man who destroyed his family, taken in by mormons taught to read and write, learned how to hunt from the old trapers and woodsmen of the west, he knows indian ideals, traits, and survival tactics. He finds himself always insearch of his man. Always just a week behind. Then just as suddenly he finds Dolly and Henry, two greenhorns, lost in the prarie wilderness. He helps them and finds friendship, and maybe love within this small surviving family. He teaches them like a father the things he has learned in his hard life. He is gentel and full of mirth until his demons haunt his dreams, and he is driven way from Dolly by his own jealousy, he reacts out right and in the end only drives her away. He leaves and finds another trail and another lost soul that he needs to save, who attempts to save him, only to loose Charlie to a gun battle. Lost confused by his own emotions he begins again to trace the trail of his parents murderer, and questions what life he could have with the fragile gentel Dolly.
November 25, 2013
This book had such potential. It got off to a great start and managed to actually capture the violent reality of the west and then Dolly was introcuded and it all fell apart.
Like we haven't read that old worn out plot before- man brought down by woman.
Dolly wasn't even very interesting. Ruby was the far more interesting woman. Some of the dialogue between Dolly and Theo was so bad I had to laugh out loud.
I was engrossed in this book at first. I kept thinking that whoever it was that created and wrote for Lonesome Dove: The Outlaw Years had definitely read and been inspired by this novel.
I'm thinking 2 stars is actually too high of a rating for a book where the main plot is for the anti-hero to kill the villian and then ends up hitting the woman he loves in front of her father and then getting shot and paralyzed for it, having her kill the villian and him kill himself.
Like we haven't read that old worn out plot before- man brought down by woman.
Dolly wasn't even very interesting. Ruby was the far more interesting woman. Some of the dialogue between Dolly and Theo was so bad I had to laugh out loud.
I was engrossed in this book at first. I kept thinking that whoever it was that created and wrote for Lonesome Dove: The Outlaw Years had definitely read and been inspired by this novel.
I'm thinking 2 stars is actually too high of a rating for a book where the main plot is for the anti-hero to kill the villian and then ends up hitting the woman he loves in front of her father and then getting shot and paralyzed for it, having her kill the villian and him kill himself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2011
Westerns aren't usually my type of book. This was a typical western in many ways. Had the horses,gunfights, saloons, prostitutes, Indians, virtuous women, etc. The author was very good at character development. Although the main character was a "bad guy", the author portrayed him with many layers. Even though he did bad things, the reader could still hope that things would turn around. This book was quite violent. If you like Westerns, you would probably love this book.
September 23, 2013
Within the first hundred pages I find that the "hero" is a psycho. I hated him, hated the things he did. He had a traumatic childhood which made him shoot innocent people dead and beat up women. No thanks. Don't care if he's redeemed by a gorgeous redhead with a heaving bosom. EYEROLL
Give me Louis L'Amour any day.
Give me Louis L'Amour any day.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2016
I really did enjoy this book a lot. I can see why some people are upset and giving such a negative review about the book because Gear built up this strong main character and the ending was not really expected or anticipated. Overall, I didn't find this book dull or boring, it kept me interested and I really couldn't put it down.
April 29, 2015
Not your typical western. Shows the story of a gunman and what happens in his head to make him kill.
Very enjoyable but don't look for a Zane Grey or Louis L'Amour style Western. Lots of violence in this one and some graphic texts. Not for children.
Very enjoyable but don't look for a Zane Grey or Louis L'Amour style Western. Lots of violence in this one and some graphic texts. Not for children.
Read
May 18, 2011Finished this book years ago - guess I better update my Googreads, huh? My bad!
August 1, 2010
Good beach reading
April 9, 2012
Excellent characterization of the psyche of a person wounded by trauma.
April 20, 2015
I love LOVE Gear's Sci Fi books. This western not so much.
Want to read
June 20, 2016I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/13104031
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/13104031
June 25, 2012
Lots of "reckons" and other fake accents which I found tedious. Back to donation box.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews