Review: Vengeance Road by Erin Bowman

09/21/2015

Review: Vengeance Road by Erin Bowman

When Kate Thompson's father is killed by the notorious Red Rose Gang for a mysterious journal that reveals the secret location of a gold mine, the eighteen-year-old disguises herself as a boy and takes to the gritty plains looking for answers and justice.

What she finds are devious strangers, dust storms, and a pair of brothers who refuse to quit riding in her shadow.

But as Kate gets closer to the secrets about her family, she gets closer to the truth about herself and must decide if there's room for love in a heart so full of hate.

In the spirit of True Grit, the cutthroat days of the Wild West come to life for a new generation.

Kindle Edition, 336 pages

Published: September 1st 2015 by HMH Books for Young Readers
Source: Publisher

Four stars: A gritty, bloody, edge of your seat Western.

Kate catches sight of smoke and bears hard for home, but she is too late. She arrives to find her father murdered, hanging dead from a tree, and her home burned to the ground. Kate vows she will do whatever it takes to exact revenge upon the men who stole her whole life from her, even if that means riding and killin' to the ends of the earth. Once Kate sets out on the road of vengeance, there is no turning back. Will Kate get her justice?

What I Liked:

Growing up in the Wild West, I have been treated to Westerns my entire life. So needless to say, I was a bit excited to get my paws on a copy of Vengeance Road. If you are a fan of gritty Westerns, this one is not to be missed. Don't let the YA label fool you, this one reads every bit like the bloody, harsh Westerns you have watched and read. If you are a fan of Westerns don't miss this one.
I so appreciated that this one stayed true to the Western format. Ms. Bowman nails it with her story of murder and vengeance set against the hot, dry and dusty land of Arizona. I loved that this one read just like many other Westerns I have loved over the years. I also appreciated the dialect, it made it even more authentic.
Kate is the shining star of the book. As an eighteen year old girl living in the Wild West, she is not what you expect. She is quick with a rifle, and able to hold her own. Once her father is murdered Kate disguises herself as a boy in order to track down the killers. I loved her sheer determination, her courage and most of all that she was not a meek and mild, proper lady. Kate can hold her own with a gun against the best of them. I also loved that she was able to open her eyes and make an unexpected friend.
The setting is fantastic. I lived in Arizona for ten years, so I am familiar with the landscape. I thought Ms. Bowman did an excellent job with the setting. You can almost feel the dry, brutal heat beating down upon you. I also loved how she wove in the tale of the Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine. Definitely read the author's note at the end regarding the lore if you have not heard of the mine.
The romance is subtle and slow and it creeps up upon you. I liked that it wasn't a big focus in the story, and that it took it's time to build into a friendship before it develops into something more. A nice, realistic slow burner.
The ending brings all the conflicts to a conclusion without any nagging questions. This is a stand alone, and I loved that it was a Western as well as a stand alone.

And The Not So Much:

I am not sure why this is marketed as a YA title. I think it is more a NA book. The main character Kate is eighteen, and well beyond school age. Not to mention the story takes on many mature themes and subject matter. This isn't for those who are faint of heart. It is bloody and violent at times, with plenty of shooting and killing, it definitely stays true to the Western format. This one is best for older readers.
I liked the inclusion of a young Apache girl, but I was left wanting to know so much more about her life and her people. I wish that there was more on the Apache, and their way of life. I was most curious about want happened to Lilueye after she and Kate parted.
The ending is a bit rapid fire in comparison to the rest of the book. There are some big developments and an unexpected twist. I don't know, for me, it felt like a lot was thrown at me in the last few pages. I wish the ending had been a bit more drawn out.

Vengeance Road is one of the best YA titles I have read this year. This is a gritty, bloody and thrilling read that stays true to the Western genre. If you like a good Western, definitely give this one a go. Don't let the YA label fool you, this is a smart and sophisticated read with lots of violence. I feel it is best suited for older readers. If you are hungering for something a bit different, don't miss Vengeance Road.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.

Posted on 09/21/2015 at 12:00 AM in Reviews | Permalink

Comments

When Kate Thompson's father is killed by the notorious Red Rose Gang for a mysterious journal that reveals the secret location of a gold mine, the eighteen-year-old disguises herself as a boy and takes to the gritty plains looking for answers and justice.

What she finds are devious strangers, dust storms, and a pair of brothers who refuse to quit riding in her shadow.

But as Kate gets closer to the secrets about her family, she gets closer to the truth about herself and must decide if there's room for love in a heart so full of hate.

In the spirit of True Grit, the cutthroat days of the Wild West come to life for a new generation.

Kindle Edition, 336 pages

Published: September 1st 2015 by HMH Books for Young Readers
Source: Publisher

Four stars: A gritty, bloody, edge of your seat Western.

What I Liked:

Growing up in the Wild West, I have been treated to Westerns my entire life. So needless to say, I was a bit excited to get my paws on a copy of Vengeance Road. If you are a fan of gritty Westerns, this one is not to be missed. Don't let the YA label fool you, this one reads every bit like the bloody, harsh Westerns you have watched and read. If you are a fan of Westerns don't miss this one.
I so appreciated that this one stayed true to the Western format. Ms. Bowman nails it with her story of murder and vengeance set against the hot, dry and dusty land of Arizona. I loved that this one read just like many other Westerns I have loved over the years. I also appreciated the dialect, it made it even more authentic.
Kate is the shining star of the book. As an eighteen year old girl living in the Wild West, she is not what you expect. She is quick with a rifle, and able to hold her own. Once her father is murdered Kate disguises herself as a boy in order to track down the killers. I loved her sheer determination, her courage and most of all that she was not a meek and mild, proper lady. Kate can hold her own with a gun against the best of them. I also loved that she was able to open her eyes and make an unexpected friend.
The setting is fantastic. I lived in Arizona for ten years, so I am familiar with the landscape. I thought Ms. Bowman did an excellent job with the setting. You can almost feel the dry, brutal heat beating down upon you. I also loved how she wove in the tale of the Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine. Definitely read the author's note at the end regarding the lore if you have not heard of the mine.
The romance is subtle and slow and it creeps up upon you. I liked that it wasn't a big focus in the story, and that it took it's time to build into a friendship before it develops into something more. A nice, realistic slow burner.
The ending brings all the conflicts to a conclusion without any nagging questions. This is a stand alone, and I loved that it was a Western as well as a stand alone.

And The Not So Much:

I am not sure why this is marketed as a YA title. I think it is more a NA book. The main character Kate is eighteen, and well beyond school age. Not to mention the story takes on many mature themes and subject matter. This isn't for those who are faint of heart. It is bloody and violent at times, with plenty of shooting and killing, it definitely stays true to the Western format. This one is best for older readers.
I liked the inclusion of a young Apache girl, but I was left wanting to know so much more about her life and her people. I wish that there was more on the Apache, and their way of life. I was most curious about want happened to Lilueye after she and Kate parted.
The ending is a bit rapid fire in comparison to the rest of the book. There are some big developments and an unexpected twist. I don't know, for me, it felt like a lot was thrown at me in the last few pages. I wish the ending had been a bit more drawn out.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.