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The Devil's Revolver #1
The Devil's Revolver
She is Hettie Alabama — unlikely, scarred, single-minded, and blood bound to a revolver forged by a demon.
The first book in an epic, magic-clad series featuring the Wild West reimagined as a crosscultural stereoscope of interdimensional magic and hardship, The Devil’s Revolver opens with a shooting competition and takes off across the landscape after a brutal double murder and kidnapping — to which revenge is the only answer. Hettie Alabama, only seventeen years old, leads her crew of underdogs with her father’s cursed revolver, magicked to take a year off her life each time she fires it. It’s no way for a ranch girl to grow up, but grow up she does, her scars and determination to rescue her vulnerable younger sister deepening with every year of life she loses.
A sweeping and high-stakes saga that gilds familiar Western adventure with powerful magic and panoramic fantasy, The Devil’s Revolver is the last word and the blackest hat in the Weird West.
The first book in an epic, magic-clad series featuring the Wild West reimagined as a crosscultural stereoscope of interdimensional magic and hardship, The Devil’s Revolver opens with a shooting competition and takes off across the landscape after a brutal double murder and kidnapping — to which revenge is the only answer. Hettie Alabama, only seventeen years old, leads her crew of underdogs with her father’s cursed revolver, magicked to take a year off her life each time she fires it. It’s no way for a ranch girl to grow up, but grow up she does, her scars and determination to rescue her vulnerable younger sister deepening with every year of life she loses.
A sweeping and high-stakes saga that gilds familiar Western adventure with powerful magic and panoramic fantasy, The Devil’s Revolver is the last word and the blackest hat in the Weird West.
323 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 5, 2017
About the author
V.S. McGrath
5 books31 followersV. S. McGrath, is a published romance author (as Vicki Essex), and has six books with Harlequin Superromance: Her Son’s Hero (July 2011), Back to the Good Fortune Diner (January 2013), which was picked for the Smart Bitches Trashy Books Sizzling Book Club, In Her Corner (March 2014), A Recipe for Reunion (March 2015), Red Carpet Arrangement (January 2016) and Matinees with Miriam (November 2016). She lives in Toronto, Canada.
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October 14, 2017This is a tremendous read, I loved it. A Western/ fantasy hybrid that in no way shies away from the racism and colonialism of the era and the brutality meted out to Native Americans and Chinese immigrants in particular. It's a fantastically readable female focused story, as Hettie (not pretty! not looking for a man!) sets out to save her abducted sister with the aid of a demonically powered gun that ages her a year every time it kills for her.
The plot is twisty, compelling, and goes to bad places; the description is terse but vivid; the posse Hettie gathers is great (I don't trust any of them *side eyes*); the adventure is rip roaring. A really terrific riff on the Western, told with huge verve. Plus, I would kill for a cover that good. Big recommend to any fantasy reader, and don't be put off if you don't generally like Westerns, this is great.
The plot is twisty, compelling, and goes to bad places; the description is terse but vivid; the posse Hettie gathers is great (I don't trust any of them *side eyes*); the adventure is rip roaring. A really terrific riff on the Western, told with huge verve. Plus, I would kill for a cover that good. Big recommend to any fantasy reader, and don't be put off if you don't generally like Westerns, this is great.
March 26, 2018
I loved the world building. Weird Westerns are one of my favorite genres. This is set in on old west where witch magic is real. Curses, charms, warlocks, demons, etc. The main character is head strong, smart, and doesn't take guff from anyone including her family. I liked that even though the main character is a woman the book didn't revolve around a romance. In fact, there wasn't any romance in the book at all. The supporting cast were real people with flaws. Not all good, not all bad. The story did borrow some from The Sixth Gun.
Looking forward to seeing where Hettie Alabama is headed next.
Looking forward to seeing where Hettie Alabama is headed next.
July 24, 2018
The Devils Revolver is something different than my typical romance read. I fancied something outside the box and this one is definitely unique.
Hettie is living in the Wild West with her family. She isn't a typical cowboys lady and this isn't the typical western tale. In fact, Hettie is better than most cowboys. She has an accurate shot and a fast hand. She doesn't wear the pretty dresses and isn't interested in impressing the men. She wants to beat them at shooting competition and isn't interested in her looks.
Her family have secrets ones that cause trouble. Her sister is kidnapped and Hettie isn't going to give up looking for her without a fight. In a land with magic and bounty hunters, the game is on, but the adventure could be deadly.
Western with magic is an interesting concept. The story is gritty and completely different from anything I've read before.
4 stars out of 5.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review as part of the blog tour for book 2.
Hettie is living in the Wild West with her family. She isn't a typical cowboys lady and this isn't the typical western tale. In fact, Hettie is better than most cowboys. She has an accurate shot and a fast hand. She doesn't wear the pretty dresses and isn't interested in impressing the men. She wants to beat them at shooting competition and isn't interested in her looks.
Her family have secrets ones that cause trouble. Her sister is kidnapped and Hettie isn't going to give up looking for her without a fight. In a land with magic and bounty hunters, the game is on, but the adventure could be deadly.
Western with magic is an interesting concept. The story is gritty and completely different from anything I've read before.
4 stars out of 5.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review as part of the blog tour for book 2.
January 15, 2018
I received this from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
Well-written, but not my cup of tea: double-whammy of YA and western really dampened things for me.
Well-written, but not my cup of tea: double-whammy of YA and western really dampened things for me.
November 1, 2017
What a fresh breeze. I liked this very much and I would love to see what happens next because there is definitely room for more development.
What you get:
-> A fantastic setting: crossover between the Wild West and an alternate history where magic exists. Curses, charms, demons, talismans and so on.
-> A distinct and complicated female lead who is a kick-arse warrior with a sympathetic cause and tendencies to a no guilt vengence.
-> Complex supporting characters with their own agendas - that you never are really sure of :)
-> A plot that is captivating and leaves you on the edge of your seat without being hectic or over the top.
-> A revolver with a mind of its own. Seriously, the premise absolutely rocks. Very much!
Recommended!
What you get:
-> A fantastic setting: crossover between the Wild West and an alternate history where magic exists. Curses, charms, demons, talismans and so on.
-> A distinct and complicated female lead who is a kick-arse warrior with a sympathetic cause and tendencies to a no guilt vengence.
-> Complex supporting characters with their own agendas - that you never are really sure of :)
-> A plot that is captivating and leaves you on the edge of your seat without being hectic or over the top.
-> A revolver with a mind of its own. Seriously, the premise absolutely rocks. Very much!
Recommended!
September 1, 2017
A YA novel that avoids a lot of the common YA traps. I'm not entirely sure I even realized this was going to be YA, that the protagonist is 17ish, when I started it. (Yes, it's in the blurb, but I didn't reread it between buying the book and actually reading it.) Even once I did realize, I never felt Hettie fell into the simpering, angst-filled role that annoys me so much in so many YA stories. What's more, while there is a male character that MIGHT later fulfill a romantic pairing, this story wasn't cluttered up with ill-timed youthful luuurve.
I did feel Hettie's obsessive determination wasn't wholly explained. I mean, yes, she wanted her last family member saved, but she seemed a little too driven and compulsive. This may have been because the reader is never really given the opportunity to see Hettie interact with Abby, so Abby is forever a theoretical motivation. Also, I felt some of the magic system was a bit hand-wavy.
I enjoyed the writing, which I found clean and easy to read. It have enough Western slang to give it character, but not enough to clutter the narrative. All in all, I enjoyed it and would happily read another McGrath book.
I did feel Hettie's obsessive determination wasn't wholly explained. I mean, yes, she wanted her last family member saved, but she seemed a little too driven and compulsive. This may have been because the reader is never really given the opportunity to see Hettie interact with Abby, so Abby is forever a theoretical motivation. Also, I felt some of the magic system was a bit hand-wavy.
I enjoyed the writing, which I found clean and easy to read. It have enough Western slang to give it character, but not enough to clutter the narrative. All in all, I enjoyed it and would happily read another McGrath book.
January 15, 2019
Hettie Alabama is a girl on a mission. Her father had a secret past life she knew nothing about as the leader of a band of outlaws and wielder of a cursed weapon called the Devil’s Revolver. Now Hettie’s parents are dead, her sister has been kidnapped, and it seems every bad guy in the West is after the gun which is now in her possession. Hettie can’t tell who is good and who is bad, who’s on her side and who’s against her, which makes for a decidedly uneasy read. I love the worldbuilding in this one, the way magic is everywhere but different people can use it in different ways and it’s not all created equal. A dark, violent, messy ride.
February 21, 2018
4 Stars
Review:
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher. This has not influenced my review.*
I’ve come to love fantasy books set in the Old West lately, and this was certainly a fun one.
I loved the combination of the Old West and magic, how magic was just a normal, everyday thing. There were spells and talismans and sorcerers and magicked weapons and zoom tunnels (portals). And because there was magic, the world was altered a bit—there were agencies and divisions related to magic, there were stations where people could travel by zoom tunnel, etc. But there were also horses, ranches, trains, guns, gangs, and all that. I liked seeing how the fantasy aspect and the western setting blended. It was not a perfect world though, and the prejudice and colonization of the time were addressed as well.
Another thing I loved was the title object—the unique gun that kind of had a mind of its own. It can do things no ordinary gun can do, and it wants to do these things. It does have its drawbacks though, like the way it takes a year off its owner's life (by aging them forward a year) every time they use it to kill someone, and the way it gets jealous if the owner tries to use any other guns.
But of course the gun needed someone to wield it, and that would be Hettie. Her desire to save her sister despite the danger was a little bit obsessive, but I think it made sense considering everything that happened at the start of the story. She was headstrong and stubborn and sometimes impulsive, but she was doing the best she could.
The rest of the characters were all unique and different—Ling, the mysterious healer who was treated poorly by most due to his ethnicity; Walker, the tall, dark, and handsome bounty hunter with some tricks up his sleeve; and Uncle, the shady but possibly good-hearted old coot who always knew more than he was letting on and was surprisingly good with magic. I was never quite sure who to trust, but I wanted to trust them all. Walker might be a love interest in future books, but there was no romance in this one, so I can’t say for sure. And oh, I can’t forget Cymon! He was not the brightest dog, but he was lovable. I didn’t really connect deeply to any of the characters, but I liked them, and I feel like there’s a lot of potential for the characters to develop more as the series goes on.
As for the plot and pacing, both were well-done with enough action and stakes to keep me reading, but not so much that it was exhausting. And while there were some violent, grim scenes and moments, I still found the book to be pretty fun overall in that action-packed, guns-and-magic-ablazin’ sort of way.
Also, just a note, there was a fair amount of violence in this book, but it was never described too graphically or with too much detail.
So overall, this was a fun, perfectly paced romp through a magic-filled Old West!
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes the Old West, magic, headstrong heroines, and motley crews.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
--------------------
Initial Thoughts:
Sometimes fun, sometimes grim, and overall a perfectly paced romp through a magic-filled Old West! Full review soon.
Review:
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher. This has not influenced my review.*
I’ve come to love fantasy books set in the Old West lately, and this was certainly a fun one.
I loved the combination of the Old West and magic, how magic was just a normal, everyday thing. There were spells and talismans and sorcerers and magicked weapons and zoom tunnels (portals). And because there was magic, the world was altered a bit—there were agencies and divisions related to magic, there were stations where people could travel by zoom tunnel, etc. But there were also horses, ranches, trains, guns, gangs, and all that. I liked seeing how the fantasy aspect and the western setting blended. It was not a perfect world though, and the prejudice and colonization of the time were addressed as well.
Another thing I loved was the title object—the unique gun that kind of had a mind of its own. It can do things no ordinary gun can do, and it wants to do these things. It does have its drawbacks though, like the way it takes a year off its owner's life (by aging them forward a year) every time they use it to kill someone, and the way it gets jealous if the owner tries to use any other guns.
But of course the gun needed someone to wield it, and that would be Hettie. Her desire to save her sister despite the danger was a little bit obsessive, but I think it made sense considering everything that happened at the start of the story. She was headstrong and stubborn and sometimes impulsive, but she was doing the best she could.
The rest of the characters were all unique and different—Ling, the mysterious healer who was treated poorly by most due to his ethnicity; Walker, the tall, dark, and handsome bounty hunter with some tricks up his sleeve; and Uncle, the shady but possibly good-hearted old coot who always knew more than he was letting on and was surprisingly good with magic. I was never quite sure who to trust, but I wanted to trust them all. Walker might be a love interest in future books, but there was no romance in this one, so I can’t say for sure. And oh, I can’t forget Cymon! He was not the brightest dog, but he was lovable. I didn’t really connect deeply to any of the characters, but I liked them, and I feel like there’s a lot of potential for the characters to develop more as the series goes on.
As for the plot and pacing, both were well-done with enough action and stakes to keep me reading, but not so much that it was exhausting. And while there were some violent, grim scenes and moments, I still found the book to be pretty fun overall in that action-packed, guns-and-magic-ablazin’ sort of way.
Also, just a note, there was a fair amount of violence in this book, but it was never described too graphically or with too much detail.
So overall, this was a fun, perfectly paced romp through a magic-filled Old West!
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes the Old West, magic, headstrong heroines, and motley crews.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
--------------------
Initial Thoughts:
Sometimes fun, sometimes grim, and overall a perfectly paced romp through a magic-filled Old West! Full review soon.
November 14, 2017
Ok so if you like westerns and magic this book is 100% for you. Hettie was such a badass heroine, and absolutely nothing, not even hell itself, can stop her from her goal. Loved this book, and cannot wait for the next one!
February 11, 2018
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and Edelweiss
I liked the general idea and plot of this. It's set in a really cool world that is basically the Old West but with magic and I think she did a lot of interesting things with the world-building and the way the spells and things work. I also really like the idea of the Devil's Revolver, although I don't necessarily think it was used to its full potential. Still, it's the first book in the series so I'm sure it just needs a bit of time to pick up.
What I didn't like was ...most of the characters. Hettie is okay although I wish she would stand up for herself more and also ditch like ...literally everyone she is with. Her uncle is a jerk and incredibly condescending; half of the major problems in this book could have been avoided if he had just told her what was going on. I absolutely can't stand Walker and I'm afraid he's being set up to be her love interest in future books. Ugh. The only one I could even halfway stand was Ling and then ...well, you'll see.
Maybe she comes into her own in the second book but I'm very unsure if I actually want to read it at this point. Also I hated how rapey everything was. I mean no one actually got raped during the book but it wasn't for lack of trying. I guess you can scream 'historical accuracy' because this is technically still set in the U.S. in the late 1800s [I think] but also ...if you're going to create a world with all this magic and stuff why not also just make it less rapey? Like, what do we gain from this? Next book isn't out til April so I guess I have some time to think about it.
I liked the general idea and plot of this. It's set in a really cool world that is basically the Old West but with magic and I think she did a lot of interesting things with the world-building and the way the spells and things work. I also really like the idea of the Devil's Revolver, although I don't necessarily think it was used to its full potential. Still, it's the first book in the series so I'm sure it just needs a bit of time to pick up.
What I didn't like was ...most of the characters. Hettie is okay although I wish she would stand up for herself more and also ditch like ...literally everyone she is with. Her uncle is a jerk and incredibly condescending; half of the major problems in this book could have been avoided if he had just told her what was going on. I absolutely can't stand Walker and I'm afraid he's being set up to be her love interest in future books. Ugh. The only one I could even halfway stand was Ling and then ...well, you'll see.
Maybe she comes into her own in the second book but I'm very unsure if I actually want to read it at this point. Also I hated how rapey everything was. I mean no one actually got raped during the book but it wasn't for lack of trying. I guess you can scream 'historical accuracy' because this is technically still set in the U.S. in the late 1800s [I think] but also ...if you're going to create a world with all this magic and stuff why not also just make it less rapey? Like, what do we gain from this? Next book isn't out til April so I guess I have some time to think about it.
June 28, 2018
I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Hettie Alabama has lost nearly everything: her mother, her father, her home. The only thing she has left is her younger sister, but she has been kidnapped. Determined to help her she leaves the only place she has known in search of her sister, picking up a band of misfits as she goes. Her journey will lead to discovering some dark truths about her father including his gun. A gun cursed so that with every life she extinguishes with it, the revolver takes a year of the wielder's life. Hettie's life span starts to dwindle as she runs headlong into danger in a bid to find her sister.
How was I supposed to resist that cover? A girl with a wild and angry sneer on her scarred face holding a gun, all on that blood red background. It grabbed my attention and wouldn't let me go. A trend that continued when I opened this up and started reading. The Devil's Revolver is an action packed mixture of western and fantasy, a place where people wield guns and magic as an everyday occurrence. It's also a YA novel, or at least the heroine Hettie Alabama is a 17 year old girl.
Before I get going, I should point out that this book isn't a romance, romance isn't even a subplot. Maybe something will develop further on in the series there does seem to be a small spark between Hettie and one of her companions. But, I will have to read on to find out. The Devil's Revolver is instead an action packed adventure story, crammed with gun fights, magic and running.
McGrath does a good job in this book in setting up the world, it seems at first like a straight historical western and then magic crops up. As the story goes on we are introduced to the different types of magic and how it can used and how society it views it. McGrath doesn't shy away from the social issues of the time, like racism, sexism and corruption and I enjoyed the slight twist that magic added to this gritty adventure story.
What really shone for me and why I liked it so much was Hettie. The heroine of the story. She was stubborn, single-minded and bad ass. She was determined to save her sister and she was going to do it if it killed her. I also liked some of the characters she picked up along the way. Especially as you never really know if you can trust them. They all have their own agendas and you are never quite certain if they align with Hettie's or not. It added a bit more tension to the book as you are on the look out for a double cross.
This was a great book, it was well written with intriguing characters and a fast paced and interesting plot line. If you are after a YA that doesn't fall in to the trap of teenage angst, or just fancy a gritty action fuelled read than this is a great book to try. I certainly can't wait to read the next book to see what happens next.
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Suzanne❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
March 19, 2021
A sprawling Weird Western that sets up a rich world of magic, with great characters and a quest to save a little sister.
Hettie was a badass character, but I did feel like she came across as... whiney, I guess, a lot of times, and defaulting to what other characters thought she should do. And hey, I can be the same way though in stressful situations, so I'm not dissing it, but it DID feel a little awkward sometimes with how she decided to do what she did.
The style was a bit boring in parts and sorta jumpy, but otherwise it was an easy read and there were plenty of plot twists and turns to keep me reading despite any boringness I was feeling. It could have been more engagingly written, but the plot itself was good enough to power through. All the characters are not who they seem to be when they first come into the story, and everyone is morally corrupt SOMEHOW or another, for better or worse. I was worried that Walker and Hettie would become a Thing, but aside from a small scene when talking strategy, this was relatively romance free which was also a delight! It honestly was another big reason that I kept reading, because it was just focused on Hettie saving her sister, and not getting hung up on anyone.
I got strong Red Dead Redemption visuals throughout this and the magic used was relatively well explained and I never really felt too lost. It did have a lot more proper fantasy magic than I'm used to in weird westerns (I tend towards the subtle magical realism ones), so I was worried I wouldn't enjoy this, but not so! I am definitely looking forward to continuing the series to see what other adventures Hettie falls into!
Highly recommended for any weird western lover, or those who like magic-based worlds who are wanting to give weird westerns a try!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy to review!
(Cross posted on my bog.)
Hettie was a badass character, but I did feel like she came across as... whiney, I guess, a lot of times, and defaulting to what other characters thought she should do. And hey, I can be the same way though in stressful situations, so I'm not dissing it, but it DID feel a little awkward sometimes with how she decided to do what she did.
The style was a bit boring in parts and sorta jumpy, but otherwise it was an easy read and there were plenty of plot twists and turns to keep me reading despite any boringness I was feeling. It could have been more engagingly written, but the plot itself was good enough to power through. All the characters are not who they seem to be when they first come into the story, and everyone is morally corrupt SOMEHOW or another, for better or worse. I was worried that Walker and Hettie would become a Thing, but aside from a small scene when talking strategy, this was relatively romance free which was also a delight! It honestly was another big reason that I kept reading, because it was just focused on Hettie saving her sister, and not getting hung up on anyone.
I got strong Red Dead Redemption visuals throughout this and the magic used was relatively well explained and I never really felt too lost. It did have a lot more proper fantasy magic than I'm used to in weird westerns (I tend towards the subtle magical realism ones), so I was worried I wouldn't enjoy this, but not so! I am definitely looking forward to continuing the series to see what other adventures Hettie falls into!
Highly recommended for any weird western lover, or those who like magic-based worlds who are wanting to give weird westerns a try!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy to review!
(Cross posted on my bog.)
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May 10, 20185/10/18: Currently on sale for $1.99 via all retailers: http://www.brainmillpress.com/devils-...
June 29, 2018
Hettie Alabama has lost nearly everything: her mother, her father, her home. The only thing she has left is her younger sister, but she has been kidnapped. Determined to help her she leaves the only place she has known in search of her sister, picking up a band of misfits as she goes. Her journey will lead to discovering some dark truths about her father including his gun. A gun cursed so that with every life she extinguishes with it, the revolver takes a year of the wielder’s life. Hettie’s life span starts to dwindle as she runs headlong into danger in a bid to find her sister.
How was I supposed to resist that cover? A girl with a wild and angry sneer on her scarred face holding a gun, all on that blood red background. It grabbed my attention and wouldn’t let me go. A trend that continued when I opened this up and started reading. The Devil’s Revolver is an action packed mixture of western and fantasy, a place where people wield guns and magic as an everyday occurrence. It’s also a YA novel, or at least the heroine Hettie Alabama is a 17 year old girl.
Before I get going, I should point out that this book isn’t a romance, romance isn’t even a subplot. Maybe something will develop further on in the series there does seem to be a small spark between Hettie and one of her companions. But, I will have to read on to find out. The Devil’s Revolver is instead an action packed adventure story, crammed with gun fights, magic and running.
McGrath does a good job in this book in setting up the world, it seems at first like a straight historical western and then magic crops up. As the story goes on we are introduced to the different types of magic and how it can used and how society it views it. McGrath doesn’t shy away from the social issues of the time, like racism, sexism and corruption and I enjoyed the slight twist that magic added to this gritty adventure story.
What really shone for me and why I liked it so much was Hettie. The heroine of the story. She was stubborn, single-minded and bad ass. She was determined to save her sister and she was going to do it if it killed her. I also liked some of the characters she picked up along the way. Especially as you never really know if you can trust them. They all have their own agendas and you are never quite certain if they align with Hettie’s or not. It added a bit more tension to the book as you are on the look out for a double cross.
This was a great book, it was well written with intriguing characters and a fast paced and interesting plot line. If you are after a YA that doesn’t fall in to the trap of teenage angst, or just fancy a gritty action fuelled read than this is a great book to try. I certainly can’t wait to read the next book to see what happens next.
How was I supposed to resist that cover? A girl with a wild and angry sneer on her scarred face holding a gun, all on that blood red background. It grabbed my attention and wouldn’t let me go. A trend that continued when I opened this up and started reading. The Devil’s Revolver is an action packed mixture of western and fantasy, a place where people wield guns and magic as an everyday occurrence. It’s also a YA novel, or at least the heroine Hettie Alabama is a 17 year old girl.
Before I get going, I should point out that this book isn’t a romance, romance isn’t even a subplot. Maybe something will develop further on in the series there does seem to be a small spark between Hettie and one of her companions. But, I will have to read on to find out. The Devil’s Revolver is instead an action packed adventure story, crammed with gun fights, magic and running.
McGrath does a good job in this book in setting up the world, it seems at first like a straight historical western and then magic crops up. As the story goes on we are introduced to the different types of magic and how it can used and how society it views it. McGrath doesn’t shy away from the social issues of the time, like racism, sexism and corruption and I enjoyed the slight twist that magic added to this gritty adventure story.
What really shone for me and why I liked it so much was Hettie. The heroine of the story. She was stubborn, single-minded and bad ass. She was determined to save her sister and she was going to do it if it killed her. I also liked some of the characters she picked up along the way. Especially as you never really know if you can trust them. They all have their own agendas and you are never quite certain if they align with Hettie’s or not. It added a bit more tension to the book as you are on the look out for a double cross.
This was a great book, it was well written with intriguing characters and a fast paced and interesting plot line. If you are after a YA that doesn’t fall in to the trap of teenage angst, or just fancy a gritty action fuelled read than this is a great book to try. I certainly can’t wait to read the next book to see what happens next.
June 15, 2018
Family history has caught up with Hattie: her father’s past and connection to a terrifying demonic revolver has lead to a lot of bad attention. Attention that robs Hattie of everything and leaves her desperate to find her sister; in a trek across the magical Wild West with a range of forces arrayed against her. She’s backed by a group of allies - but how many of them can she trust and what is their real agendas?
Well, this is different. Well developed magical steampunk western. Ok, bizarre quirk? I hate westerns but I love paranormal westerns and steampunk westerns. Especially if you throw in some really excellent world building
And this world building is excellent. The way magic is incorporated into the actual world and businesses. Like the Pinkertons are a magical detective agency, the use of Zoom tunnels not just as magical transport, but the way they’ve been controlled and used basically in the same manner as railroad companies. We have magical rich and poor areas but we also have a world where magic is very much integrated into daily life with common ranchers using magic to protect their livestock, competitions regularly checking if people are carrying magic and a general assumption of magic as a common factor in everyone’s world without turning it into an odd fantasy elves-and-wizards-story. There is a suggestion of greater than normal technology as well - a definite steampunk edge but we don’t explore that much because magic and technology don’t mix much and these characters are all magical but it does promise a lot for future books.
But it’s also interesting how the magical setting actually works with the prejudices of the era (which continue to this day) and how it’s considered how magic would change history - or not. Like there’s an exploration of massacred Native Americans and they talk about how magic doesn’t generally work on metal (except very limited special circumstances): and no matter how magically powerful Native tribes were, because magic cannot stop bullets and modern weaponry is just deadly. This is something we see reinforced a lot which does a great job of emphasising why the Diablo is so special: magic is impressive but if men are pointing guns at you? Or gatling guns are being brought out?
Or there’s how Ling, a main character who is Asian not only faces lots of prejudice for being Chinese but this is also linked to his magic - magic doesn’t free him from prejudice but is in turn seen to be a reason to suspect him: his magic becomes suspect because he’s Asian. Similarly there’s a scene where we find that one of the reasons racists hate magic and are encouraging anti-magic sentiment is because magic isn’t racist. They are outraged and furious that magic can give Black people power, that it makes Black people equal or more than them (since Black sorcerers also seem to have equal status in the world). They examine a lot of the rage and prejudice and evil Ling faces as well. It’s interesting to see magic not just erasing prejudice in the world; nor being ignored as a factor in the world building that would affect magic.
Our protagonist is Hettie and she’s pretty awesome. Her overpowering motivation is to save her sister. She doesn’t have any super powers but manages to inherit the Diablo revolver through the plot. She’s a pretty quintessential ordinary-woman-thrust-into-extraordinary-circumstances and having to stand up. But she does this while being neither an utterly useless burden in need of carrying nor by being super-woman who effortlessly masters skills she shouldn’t have. She relies on her team, but also contributes to it. She makes mistakes and she makes bad decisions, but they’re bad decisions that are understandable given the circumstances, emotion and lack of options. It’s also interesting that she is described as unattractive or vaguely “plain” even before the book starts and during the book gains a substantial facial scar. This appears not to be a classic case of she-doesn’t-know-she’s-beautiful Urban Fantasy thing but a character who just isn’t classically beautiful and is in denial. Romance also doesn’t appear to be a major element of her story despite some do-si-so between her and Walker.
Read More
Well, this is different. Well developed magical steampunk western. Ok, bizarre quirk? I hate westerns but I love paranormal westerns and steampunk westerns. Especially if you throw in some really excellent world building
And this world building is excellent. The way magic is incorporated into the actual world and businesses. Like the Pinkertons are a magical detective agency, the use of Zoom tunnels not just as magical transport, but the way they’ve been controlled and used basically in the same manner as railroad companies. We have magical rich and poor areas but we also have a world where magic is very much integrated into daily life with common ranchers using magic to protect their livestock, competitions regularly checking if people are carrying magic and a general assumption of magic as a common factor in everyone’s world without turning it into an odd fantasy elves-and-wizards-story. There is a suggestion of greater than normal technology as well - a definite steampunk edge but we don’t explore that much because magic and technology don’t mix much and these characters are all magical but it does promise a lot for future books.
But it’s also interesting how the magical setting actually works with the prejudices of the era (which continue to this day) and how it’s considered how magic would change history - or not. Like there’s an exploration of massacred Native Americans and they talk about how magic doesn’t generally work on metal (except very limited special circumstances): and no matter how magically powerful Native tribes were, because magic cannot stop bullets and modern weaponry is just deadly. This is something we see reinforced a lot which does a great job of emphasising why the Diablo is so special: magic is impressive but if men are pointing guns at you? Or gatling guns are being brought out?
Or there’s how Ling, a main character who is Asian not only faces lots of prejudice for being Chinese but this is also linked to his magic - magic doesn’t free him from prejudice but is in turn seen to be a reason to suspect him: his magic becomes suspect because he’s Asian. Similarly there’s a scene where we find that one of the reasons racists hate magic and are encouraging anti-magic sentiment is because magic isn’t racist. They are outraged and furious that magic can give Black people power, that it makes Black people equal or more than them (since Black sorcerers also seem to have equal status in the world). They examine a lot of the rage and prejudice and evil Ling faces as well. It’s interesting to see magic not just erasing prejudice in the world; nor being ignored as a factor in the world building that would affect magic.
Our protagonist is Hettie and she’s pretty awesome. Her overpowering motivation is to save her sister. She doesn’t have any super powers but manages to inherit the Diablo revolver through the plot. She’s a pretty quintessential ordinary-woman-thrust-into-extraordinary-circumstances and having to stand up. But she does this while being neither an utterly useless burden in need of carrying nor by being super-woman who effortlessly masters skills she shouldn’t have. She relies on her team, but also contributes to it. She makes mistakes and she makes bad decisions, but they’re bad decisions that are understandable given the circumstances, emotion and lack of options. It’s also interesting that she is described as unattractive or vaguely “plain” even before the book starts and during the book gains a substantial facial scar. This appears not to be a classic case of she-doesn’t-know-she’s-beautiful Urban Fantasy thing but a character who just isn’t classically beautiful and is in denial. Romance also doesn’t appear to be a major element of her story despite some do-si-so between her and Walker.
Read More
September 11, 2018
I'm a huge fan of the SyFy show Wynonna Earp, so fresh off of a trip to Comic-Con this seemed like something right up my alley. I was not disappointed. This is one of the most unique books I've ever read. Set more than a hundred years ago in the old west, it follows the story of seventeen-year-old Hettie Alabama as first tragedy befalls her family, then she begins to discover dark secrets about them and herself. With her young sister missing, Hettie is convinced she's alive and will do anything to get her back. Anything includes imprinting on the Devil's Revolver, known as Diablo, a gun with an endless supply of ammunition, never needs to be reloaded, and oh yeah, every time Hettie kills someone with it, she grows another year older. Surrounded by a colorful cast of characters, Hettie attempts to stay one step ahead of those who want Diablo and remain alive long enough to find her younger sister, Abby. Beyond that, she has no plan, so when everything starts to fall apart, Hettie lurches one from ill-conceived idea to the next. Filled with magic, history, and a mix of cultures, this is one of my all-time favorite reads.
Plot
The plot centers around Hettie's search for her missing sister, Abby. But there's so much more going on. Dark family secrets, a band of ruthless gangsters hellbent on getting their hands on Diablo, Hettie's recurrent sudden aging, the fight for survival, and more. The author does a masterful job of taking us into a can't-win situation, only to find a way to just barely survive, then knock us back yet again. Every time I thought Hettie was finally close to getting what she wanted, V.S. McGrath would tear it away from her again.
The Characters
The characters are nearly as fascinating as the plot. Each one is unique, with complex backstories, vivid characterization, and fully-developed goals and motivations. Hettie is by far the star of the story, and she's so thoroughly developed, she could carry the story on her own. But the people who surround her bring more than just support to their roles. Even those who only show up in a handful of scenes are just as detailed and vivid as the characters who accompany Hettie throughout her journey.
Top Five Things I Loved About THE DEVIL'S REVOLVER
1. Expert plotting. One of only a handful of books I've read this year that I couldn't put down.
2. Magical elements. I'm not usually one for fantasy or paranormal, but the way the author wove these aspects into the story felt natural. Although the magical elements are a big part of the story, I was still rooted in the natural world in a way a lot of fantasy doesn't allow me to be.
3. Hettie. One of the all-time best fictional characters.
4. Diablo. The gun is nearly a character all its own and its powers drive some of the best plot points.
5. Scene setting. The author creates such vivid scenes, bringing the reader in with all five senses, I've no doubt this story will stick with me for a long time.
Bottom Line
One of my favorite books of 2018 with amazing characters, an exhilarating plot, and unique aspects that make it unlike anything I've read.
Plot
The plot centers around Hettie's search for her missing sister, Abby. But there's so much more going on. Dark family secrets, a band of ruthless gangsters hellbent on getting their hands on Diablo, Hettie's recurrent sudden aging, the fight for survival, and more. The author does a masterful job of taking us into a can't-win situation, only to find a way to just barely survive, then knock us back yet again. Every time I thought Hettie was finally close to getting what she wanted, V.S. McGrath would tear it away from her again.
The Characters
The characters are nearly as fascinating as the plot. Each one is unique, with complex backstories, vivid characterization, and fully-developed goals and motivations. Hettie is by far the star of the story, and she's so thoroughly developed, she could carry the story on her own. But the people who surround her bring more than just support to their roles. Even those who only show up in a handful of scenes are just as detailed and vivid as the characters who accompany Hettie throughout her journey.
Top Five Things I Loved About THE DEVIL'S REVOLVER
1. Expert plotting. One of only a handful of books I've read this year that I couldn't put down.
2. Magical elements. I'm not usually one for fantasy or paranormal, but the way the author wove these aspects into the story felt natural. Although the magical elements are a big part of the story, I was still rooted in the natural world in a way a lot of fantasy doesn't allow me to be.
3. Hettie. One of the all-time best fictional characters.
4. Diablo. The gun is nearly a character all its own and its powers drive some of the best plot points.
5. Scene setting. The author creates such vivid scenes, bringing the reader in with all five senses, I've no doubt this story will stick with me for a long time.
Bottom Line
One of my favorite books of 2018 with amazing characters, an exhilarating plot, and unique aspects that make it unlike anything I've read.
August 9, 2019
This was better than I imagined. I loved the cover and that is what sold me on reading it. The story is part fantasy and part western but the story is total enjoyment as Hettie tries to save her little sister, Abby. Bonded with Diablo (a.k.a the Devil’s Revolver) Hettie unfortunately is walking into many situations blindly. Her accuracy holding a firearm is one talent she can count on and one that she uses to her advantage.
I like how Hettie takes matters into her own hands. She doesn’t wait around and hope for someone to help her out and she doesn’t whine, she moves. She almost moves too fast, sometimes. She immediately goes after Abby. When she sees Ling in trouble, she steps in. She’s not afraid of speaking her mind to anyone, she is herself. When bonded with Diablo, the unknown of what has occurred doesn’t shake her, she just continues on.
With magic and loaded weapons, Hettie learns the truth behind Diablo and the price this demonic weapon carries. This was a high energy read for read and the magical aspects of the novel were entertaining. I can’t wait to read what happens in the next novel. 4.5 stars
I received a copy of this novel from NetGalley and IBPA in exchange for an honest review.
I like how Hettie takes matters into her own hands. She doesn’t wait around and hope for someone to help her out and she doesn’t whine, she moves. She almost moves too fast, sometimes. She immediately goes after Abby. When she sees Ling in trouble, she steps in. She’s not afraid of speaking her mind to anyone, she is herself. When bonded with Diablo, the unknown of what has occurred doesn’t shake her, she just continues on.
With magic and loaded weapons, Hettie learns the truth behind Diablo and the price this demonic weapon carries. This was a high energy read for read and the magical aspects of the novel were entertaining. I can’t wait to read what happens in the next novel. 4.5 stars
I received a copy of this novel from NetGalley and IBPA in exchange for an honest review.
October 28, 2020
This ebook was the October 2020 Serial Reads from Barnes and Noble. A consecutive chapter is available daily to read on Nooks.
This was in the genre of a western with magic. The story was interesting and the pacing was excellent as it held my interest. It loses a star as I cannot think of a friend to whom I might recommend this book.
There are four books in this series.
This was in the genre of a western with magic. The story was interesting and the pacing was excellent as it held my interest. It loses a star as I cannot think of a friend to whom I might recommend this book.
There are four books in this series.
August 24, 2023
This was an absolutely fantastic weird west adventure. McGrath built a fascinating world that felt both familiar, while full of magic that felt entwined to every part of it. The characters were interesting, and the narrative compelling. What more could you ask for?
February 26, 2018
Let me start with saying that this ARC was provided from Netgalley for an honest review, so here it is!
One of my favorite books of the year! And in a genre I hardly ever read!
Part western and part fantasy, V.S McGrath introduces us to Hettie, a teenage girl that in one night has lost everything; family, home, and any dreams she may have had. On the belief that her younger sister is still alive, she seeks revenge as she has unknowingly bonded with a magic infused gun known as the Diablo's Revolver and together, they'll seek vengeance for that night.
This was a non stop page turner for me that, while yes, left some obvious unanswered questions but seeing that it's the first of a series, one can only hope that they are answered as the authoress goes along so that doesn't bother me. Characters are well written and have strong characteristics which made them different from each other and really helped drive the story along.
Thanks again to #Netgalley for letting me read #thedevilsrevolver! Can't wait to read where this goes!
One of my favorite books of the year! And in a genre I hardly ever read!
Part western and part fantasy, V.S McGrath introduces us to Hettie, a teenage girl that in one night has lost everything; family, home, and any dreams she may have had. On the belief that her younger sister is still alive, she seeks revenge as she has unknowingly bonded with a magic infused gun known as the Diablo's Revolver and together, they'll seek vengeance for that night.
This was a non stop page turner for me that, while yes, left some obvious unanswered questions but seeing that it's the first of a series, one can only hope that they are answered as the authoress goes along so that doesn't bother me. Characters are well written and have strong characteristics which made them different from each other and really helped drive the story along.
Thanks again to #Netgalley for letting me read #thedevilsrevolver! Can't wait to read where this goes!
July 5, 2019
The Devil's Revolver is outside of my reading comfort zone. I decided to venture out of my circle of romance and try something new and am ever so glad I did. A gem in a sea of diamonds is what this story is. Sorry, for the exaggeration but seriously this is an underrated book that deserves much praise for its packed story line and setting (a Wild west with a twist of fantasy with a good dose of action and gun shooting), along with its brilliant writing that did not bore me to sleep, and topped off with flawed - realistic characters such as Hettie and the many many others in the story.
Hettie is a naturally confident and capable heroine who is her own boss and does takes no "direction" from the guys.
READ! READ!READ! YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!
Hettie is a naturally confident and capable heroine who is her own boss and does takes no "direction" from the guys.
READ! READ!READ! YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!
July 10, 2018
Disclaimer: This review is spoiler-free. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher to review on my blog and Goodreads, but was in no way monetarily compensated. All thoughts are unbiased and my own.
Wild West styled fantasy books have never been as popular as traditional fantasy. However, while some may say its crossing one too many genre lines, there is a way to do it right.
The Devil's Revolver is an epic exploration of a Western America much like our own, but with one added difference: there's magic and there, presumably, always has been.
Plot
The unique setting of The Devil's Revolver allows it to have a story that's uniquely it.
Anyone who knows a bit about American history will instantly pick out things that are almost the same in V.S McGrath's magic-infused America as they were in the real Wild West.
Her changes are far from subtle, but they feel real and tangible, as if what she depicts is exactly how the West would turn out if her particular brand of magic was thrown into the mix.
Since the setting isn't totally original, being based on the American West, it isn't anything truly groundbreaking. However, Mcgrath seems to perfectly understand the effects of her own magic system, something that is a joy to read.
The plot of The Devil's Revolver itself follows a tomboy teen girl named Hettie Alabama.
She ends up falling into the ill graces of a number of dangerous individuals--to include wizards, outlaws, and mercenaries.
To make things worse she is cursed with the possession of a demonic six-shooter. The weapon is mysterious, powerful, and steals a year of its user's life every-time its fired. This gun does much more than just shoot, however, it's also burdened with a number of other otherworldly powers.
I will say that at times the revolver feels likes its power levels and capabilities fluctuate in a way that seems unlikely. However, the gun itself is incredibly interesting and downright fun to watch in action.
The plot of this book has twists and turns galore.
Parts of the story feel unrealistic and had me scratching my head as to why the were included. These sections are bearable, though, as the rest of the story is a fast-paced roller-coaster.
The plot and setting are certainly where this novel shines.
Characters
The characters in this book are not the most memorable, not are they the least.
The novel's main villain is certainly something a reader can look forward to discovering. He's very evil, for sure, but there's a hint of humanity in him that makes his maniacal nature all the more interesting and disturbing.
One thing is for sure: the characters of this book are chocked full of secrets. Very few of the individuals who show up for more than a scene are what we think they are upon first glance. Which is exactly how it should be, McGrath layers her protagonists' personalities well.
Save for exactly one instance that I can think of, the dialogue was also very well handled. It wasn't mind-blowing, but nothing ever felt out of place and it was very enjoyable and on-character. Most importantly of all, no one sounded anything less than human in their speech--very little robot talking was present in this western.
Writing
Previously being published as a romance author, V.S McGrath brings a pleasing and well-flowing prose to this work. There are a few stand out moments where a line or two is just simply nice to read.
Imagery was extremely well done. It was brief, of course, but it was easy to understand and comprehend exactly what the author was trying to get across, and often left me going "oh cool, that's an interesting picture in my head".
Conclusion
The Devil's Revolver is worth a read if you like well implemented magic systems, alternative history, and strong female protagonists, with a strong dosing of thriller mystery thrown in as a final measure.
This would have been a 4/5 star novel for me, had it not had one or two scenes that just felt out of place and if the characters had felt just a bit stronger, along with the titular revolver being a bit more consistent. There was nothing I outright disliked vehemently, however, and the author did a stupendous job.
This is how you do western and fantasy mixings right.
Final verdict: 3/5 stars.
Wild West styled fantasy books have never been as popular as traditional fantasy. However, while some may say its crossing one too many genre lines, there is a way to do it right.
The Devil's Revolver is an epic exploration of a Western America much like our own, but with one added difference: there's magic and there, presumably, always has been.
Plot
The unique setting of The Devil's Revolver allows it to have a story that's uniquely it.
Anyone who knows a bit about American history will instantly pick out things that are almost the same in V.S McGrath's magic-infused America as they were in the real Wild West.
Her changes are far from subtle, but they feel real and tangible, as if what she depicts is exactly how the West would turn out if her particular brand of magic was thrown into the mix.
Since the setting isn't totally original, being based on the American West, it isn't anything truly groundbreaking. However, Mcgrath seems to perfectly understand the effects of her own magic system, something that is a joy to read.
The plot of The Devil's Revolver itself follows a tomboy teen girl named Hettie Alabama.
She ends up falling into the ill graces of a number of dangerous individuals--to include wizards, outlaws, and mercenaries.
To make things worse she is cursed with the possession of a demonic six-shooter. The weapon is mysterious, powerful, and steals a year of its user's life every-time its fired. This gun does much more than just shoot, however, it's also burdened with a number of other otherworldly powers.
I will say that at times the revolver feels likes its power levels and capabilities fluctuate in a way that seems unlikely. However, the gun itself is incredibly interesting and downright fun to watch in action.
The plot of this book has twists and turns galore.
Parts of the story feel unrealistic and had me scratching my head as to why the were included. These sections are bearable, though, as the rest of the story is a fast-paced roller-coaster.
The plot and setting are certainly where this novel shines.
Characters
The characters in this book are not the most memorable, not are they the least.
The novel's main villain is certainly something a reader can look forward to discovering. He's very evil, for sure, but there's a hint of humanity in him that makes his maniacal nature all the more interesting and disturbing.
One thing is for sure: the characters of this book are chocked full of secrets. Very few of the individuals who show up for more than a scene are what we think they are upon first glance. Which is exactly how it should be, McGrath layers her protagonists' personalities well.
Save for exactly one instance that I can think of, the dialogue was also very well handled. It wasn't mind-blowing, but nothing ever felt out of place and it was very enjoyable and on-character. Most importantly of all, no one sounded anything less than human in their speech--very little robot talking was present in this western.
Writing
Previously being published as a romance author, V.S McGrath brings a pleasing and well-flowing prose to this work. There are a few stand out moments where a line or two is just simply nice to read.
Imagery was extremely well done. It was brief, of course, but it was easy to understand and comprehend exactly what the author was trying to get across, and often left me going "oh cool, that's an interesting picture in my head".
Conclusion
The Devil's Revolver is worth a read if you like well implemented magic systems, alternative history, and strong female protagonists, with a strong dosing of thriller mystery thrown in as a final measure.
This would have been a 4/5 star novel for me, had it not had one or two scenes that just felt out of place and if the characters had felt just a bit stronger, along with the titular revolver being a bit more consistent. There was nothing I outright disliked vehemently, however, and the author did a stupendous job.
This is how you do western and fantasy mixings right.
Final verdict: 3/5 stars.
February 20, 2018
https://koeur.wordpress.com/2018/02/2...
Publisher: Brain Mill Press
Publishing Date: August 2017
ISBN:9781942083542
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 4.0/5
Publishers Description: She is Hettie Alabama — unlikely, scarred, single-minded, and blood bound to a revolver inhabited by a demon.
Review: Dig that cover art.
I really enjoyed this novel so lets get the bad stuff out of the way. Plot holes. Ling is a celestial, or a fancy way of saying he is Chinese. He works around the farm doing odd jobs and runs up against a bit of trouble where he is in an alley getting his ass kicked when Hettie disrupts their actions and is soon the focus of bad intentions. Body’s fall and Ling flees into the hills. Later in the novel while Hettie is traveling cross country she finds Ling fighting for money in bare knuckle matches with some kind of high level Foo that leaves her amazed. So……getting ass kicked then showcasing martial prowess. Don’t get it, especially when there was no one around to see you Foo some ruffians in an alley. One of the biggest plot holes occurs when Sophie helps Hettie et al. escape along with Walker, thereby aiding and abetting fugitives, but miraculously both Walker and Sophie are free to do as they please. A bit too Deus Ex for me.
One of the biggest problems with this novel were the grammatical errors coupled with paragraphs and sentences missing every other page. This problem continues in “The Devil’s Standoff”. I get that through the process of digital formatting and conversion there are some issues, but this was really bad. Pivotal moments of flow were lost. You would think the publisher would iron out the finished product or make sure that it is cogent and presentable prior to release.
What I really liked about this novel was the story line. Very inventive and built around some solid characterization. The world building was weak but the movement offsets the lack of visualizing where they are. The author is a romance novelist, and flirts with the idea that Hettie wants dick. Thankfully the inhalation of body odor is minimal, and is soon left where it belongs…in the dirt. At times it is a bit corny and patterned but mostly follows the fantasy western ideal with some seriously twisted moments.
Publisher: Brain Mill Press
Publishing Date: August 2017
ISBN:9781942083542
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 4.0/5
Publishers Description: She is Hettie Alabama — unlikely, scarred, single-minded, and blood bound to a revolver inhabited by a demon.
Review: Dig that cover art.
I really enjoyed this novel so lets get the bad stuff out of the way. Plot holes. Ling is a celestial, or a fancy way of saying he is Chinese. He works around the farm doing odd jobs and runs up against a bit of trouble where he is in an alley getting his ass kicked when Hettie disrupts their actions and is soon the focus of bad intentions. Body’s fall and Ling flees into the hills. Later in the novel while Hettie is traveling cross country she finds Ling fighting for money in bare knuckle matches with some kind of high level Foo that leaves her amazed. So……getting ass kicked then showcasing martial prowess. Don’t get it, especially when there was no one around to see you Foo some ruffians in an alley. One of the biggest plot holes occurs when Sophie helps Hettie et al. escape along with Walker, thereby aiding and abetting fugitives, but miraculously both Walker and Sophie are free to do as they please. A bit too Deus Ex for me.
One of the biggest problems with this novel were the grammatical errors coupled with paragraphs and sentences missing every other page. This problem continues in “The Devil’s Standoff”. I get that through the process of digital formatting and conversion there are some issues, but this was really bad. Pivotal moments of flow were lost. You would think the publisher would iron out the finished product or make sure that it is cogent and presentable prior to release.
What I really liked about this novel was the story line. Very inventive and built around some solid characterization. The world building was weak but the movement offsets the lack of visualizing where they are. The author is a romance novelist, and flirts with the idea that Hettie wants dick. Thankfully the inhalation of body odor is minimal, and is soon left where it belongs…in the dirt. At times it is a bit corny and patterned but mostly follows the fantasy western ideal with some seriously twisted moments.
January 24, 2018
Real rating 4.5
*A thank you to Edelweiss, The Author and Publisher for giving me a copy of this book for a fair and unbiased review*
Hello Fellow Readers,
So Westerns have really been my thing lately, move over Non-Fiction science books I think I may be finding my new favorite genre. So what do I say about this book. Well, let's start with the cover that I absolutely love, I think it's visually stunning. Secondly Hettie was a great female character, flaws and all. While yes she was brash and hotheaded, not to mention more stubborn in than a mule, she was also compassionate and thoughtful.
Over the course of the book we see a lot of changes in Hettie, but I guess that's what happens when you escape death and start on a path of vengeance. Plus, she is the owner of one demonic gun named Diablo, so changes do happen. There is a lot of murder and the fact that Hettie killed so easily makes me a bit wary, but you can tell that it is a side effect of her bond with this Devil's Revolver. I like that McGrath didn't come right out and say it but it's hinted at in her writing and Hettie's actions.
I loved the side characters, including that old geezer Uncle, and while I was a bit disappointed in a revelation about one of them, it didn't diminish the fact that McGrath really thought them through. There was a bit of a romance, and what I thought was the start of a Love-Triangle, but it seemed almost as a after thought and the story was not focused around it. I honestly don't know how I would feel if a romance developed between the two characters that I think will be romantically linked, I would have to see how McGrath handles it.
The inclusion of Native American and Chinese traditions, magic and the historical brutality was amazing and I wish more books would explore more cultures like McGrath did. Lastly, I love the fact that there are consequence. The actions that Hettie and crew did throughout the course of the book was not just immediately forgiven and forgotten. No, people died and I think that is where we are headed for the second book, Which I honestly cannot wait for.
*A thank you to Edelweiss, The Author and Publisher for giving me a copy of this book for a fair and unbiased review*
Hello Fellow Readers,
So Westerns have really been my thing lately, move over Non-Fiction science books I think I may be finding my new favorite genre. So what do I say about this book. Well, let's start with the cover that I absolutely love, I think it's visually stunning. Secondly Hettie was a great female character, flaws and all. While yes she was brash and hotheaded, not to mention more stubborn in than a mule, she was also compassionate and thoughtful.
Over the course of the book we see a lot of changes in Hettie, but I guess that's what happens when you escape death and start on a path of vengeance. Plus, she is the owner of one demonic gun named Diablo, so changes do happen. There is a lot of murder and the fact that Hettie killed so easily makes me a bit wary, but you can tell that it is a side effect of her bond with this Devil's Revolver. I like that McGrath didn't come right out and say it but it's hinted at in her writing and Hettie's actions.
I loved the side characters, including that old geezer Uncle, and while I was a bit disappointed in a revelation about one of them, it didn't diminish the fact that McGrath really thought them through. There was a bit of a romance, and what I thought was the start of a Love-Triangle, but it seemed almost as a after thought and the story was not focused around it. I honestly don't know how I would feel if a romance developed between the two characters that I think will be romantically linked, I would have to see how McGrath handles it.
The inclusion of Native American and Chinese traditions, magic and the historical brutality was amazing and I wish more books would explore more cultures like McGrath did. Lastly, I love the fact that there are consequence. The actions that Hettie and crew did throughout the course of the book was not just immediately forgiven and forgotten. No, people died and I think that is where we are headed for the second book, Which I honestly cannot wait for.
September 20, 2018
I really, really wanted to like this one. It's a Western! But with magic! And I love historical fantasy! Especially the adventure kind! The whole premise sounds like something I would absolutely love. But I just couldn't get into it.
I think part of that is how slow it opens, wherein it takes quite a while to get to the actual plot even as things that really ought to be inciting incidents keep happening and then somehow not leading to the main plot just yet.
I think another part of it is just how fast everything barrels into violence against women territory instead, wherein the plot hasn't really begun yet but the rape threats are in full-swing basically from the get-go. And as much as I like historical fantasy, my very least favorite type is that real-world-but worse thing. You know, where to up the stakes the fantasy world is even worse to women than the real one. It's lazy worldbuilding at best, and that might even be giving it too much credit.
But I think I might have been willing to forgive either of those problems if the writing had sucked me in and made the story worthwhile anyway. And it didn't.
Which, considering how cool the premise is, was really dissapointing.
So while I almost never DNF books, I gave this one up somewhere in the middle. I might come back to it someday, give it another fair shot, but I also might not. And it definitely won't be anytime soon.
I think part of that is how slow it opens, wherein it takes quite a while to get to the actual plot even as things that really ought to be inciting incidents keep happening and then somehow not leading to the main plot just yet.
I think another part of it is just how fast everything barrels into violence against women territory instead, wherein the plot hasn't really begun yet but the rape threats are in full-swing basically from the get-go. And as much as I like historical fantasy, my very least favorite type is that real-world-but worse thing. You know, where to up the stakes the fantasy world is even worse to women than the real one. It's lazy worldbuilding at best, and that might even be giving it too much credit.
But I think I might have been willing to forgive either of those problems if the writing had sucked me in and made the story worthwhile anyway. And it didn't.
Which, considering how cool the premise is, was really dissapointing.
So while I almost never DNF books, I gave this one up somewhere in the middle. I might come back to it someday, give it another fair shot, but I also might not. And it definitely won't be anytime soon.
June 1, 2023
The Devil's Revolver
The Devil's Revolver Series, Book 1
By: V. S. McGrath
Narrated by: Autumn McNamara
Magical, Mystical with a Few Jaw Dropping Twists! Amazing!
Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 06-01-23
Leave reality behind and let your imagination loose as V.S. McGrath weaves a tangled web of drama, deceit and betrayal in “ The Devil’s Revolver”! Centered around a reimagined old west, this brilliantly AMAZING, story is filled with action, strategically placed humor, magic and mystical beings … both human and non! My jaw is still on the floor from the twists, turns and surprises this magnificently written story contained! Sorry, no spoilers. There is no way I’m going to ruin the fabulous fun of THIS wild ride by giving away plot details! I can say that “The Devil’s Revolver” is delightfully filled with lively characters, all vivid, vibrant and beautifully crafted, The tension level at times was enough to keep this listener perched on the edge of her seat frantic for resolution! The amount time I WAS left suspended was perfect! The story never lagged, never dragged, and I felt “in” the story, engaged with the characters throughout! The narration was very easy on the ear, emotional, clear and beautifully lyrical. I truly enjoyed the performance and I LOVED this story and those twists! Oh my! Five fantastic stars!
The Devil's Revolver Series, Book 1
By: V. S. McGrath
Narrated by: Autumn McNamara
Magical, Mystical with a Few Jaw Dropping Twists! Amazing!
Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 06-01-23
Leave reality behind and let your imagination loose as V.S. McGrath weaves a tangled web of drama, deceit and betrayal in “ The Devil’s Revolver”! Centered around a reimagined old west, this brilliantly AMAZING, story is filled with action, strategically placed humor, magic and mystical beings … both human and non! My jaw is still on the floor from the twists, turns and surprises this magnificently written story contained! Sorry, no spoilers. There is no way I’m going to ruin the fabulous fun of THIS wild ride by giving away plot details! I can say that “The Devil’s Revolver” is delightfully filled with lively characters, all vivid, vibrant and beautifully crafted, The tension level at times was enough to keep this listener perched on the edge of her seat frantic for resolution! The amount time I WAS left suspended was perfect! The story never lagged, never dragged, and I felt “in” the story, engaged with the characters throughout! The narration was very easy on the ear, emotional, clear and beautifully lyrical. I truly enjoyed the performance and I LOVED this story and those twists! Oh my! Five fantastic stars!
August 18, 2018
I really wanted to like this fantasy Western. It's a revenge / quest drama featuring a bunch of disparate people led by a young woman bonded to Diablo, a sinister magical gun. It moves at a nice pace and is full of action. Unfortunately, in this kind of story about a team coming together to achieve a common goal, you really need to like the characters, and in The Devil's Revolver they spend their whole time fratching, bickering and mistrusting each other to a frustrating degree.
The three main male characters - a mysterious magical outlaw type, a friendly ranch hand, and Hettie's bluff and secretive uncle - manipulate and lie to Hettie throughout the book, often influencing her with magic in a way that's pretty distasteful. Hettie is young, sure, but she comes off as wildly naive but also willing to murder anyone who gets in her way, without much thought.
The world building is also pretty shallow, particularly when it comes this world's magical system. An example is the zoom tunnels - magical teleportation devices - which seem to have been introduced just so the author didn't have to write about characters spending weeks and weeks crossing the US on horseback. People's magical abilities often just let them do anything they want in any given moment and there's little sense of the rules or costs of magic, which also takes a lot of tension out of the story.
The three main male characters - a mysterious magical outlaw type, a friendly ranch hand, and Hettie's bluff and secretive uncle - manipulate and lie to Hettie throughout the book, often influencing her with magic in a way that's pretty distasteful. Hettie is young, sure, but she comes off as wildly naive but also willing to murder anyone who gets in her way, without much thought.
The world building is also pretty shallow, particularly when it comes this world's magical system. An example is the zoom tunnels - magical teleportation devices - which seem to have been introduced just so the author didn't have to write about characters spending weeks and weeks crossing the US on horseback. People's magical abilities often just let them do anything they want in any given moment and there's little sense of the rules or costs of magic, which also takes a lot of tension out of the story.
October 28, 2020
This was the first book in a series and it was the Nook serial read for the month. I found it to be a rather interesting concept that a hand gun could be evil and not necessarily the person who owns the gun. As you are introduced to the main characters, you learn that Diablo seems to have a mind of its own. As Hettie Alabama starts her quest to locate and recover her little sister, Abby once her parents are murdered, that is when the powers of Diablo come to life. This most definitely is a story that is filled with the supernatural and imagination. I found it a very compelling story to want to finish and it was difficult to wait each day for the next chapter to be loaded. With each days adventure, their is a new problem, threat that Hettie and her companions must face as they rush to locate Abby. I thought it was quite interesting that no one believed Hettie as she tells them Abby is alive and is being held captive someplace dark and damp. The thought of traveling through what is called Zoom tunnels just seems to add to the thrill and mystery on the road to recovery and the real owner of this evil gun. Like all multi-series of books the end only makes you want more to really understand what happens next!! I recommend this series because it seems things are just getting started.
February 27, 2018
This is such a great book. The writing is excellent, the plot is packed with action, intrigue, and twists, and the world is fascinating; it's the Wild West with a fantasy twist, and although I think I would've preferred it if it was the Wild West without the magic, the world building is still strong and well nuanced.
The cast of characters are awesome. There's Ling, the Chinese friend of Hettie's, there's Walker, the bounty hunter, there's Uncle, Hettie's family friend, and there's Sophie, Jemma, Abby, and a ton more compelling people. They're all so vivid and human. I also love the strong emphasis on family and friendship.
Hettie is a terrific heroine. She's capable, resourceful, incredibly proactive, and I absolutely adore the fact that she saves the guys so many times. It's great. And she's also such a naturally feminist female character; she's a brilliant shot with a gun, she frequently outsmarts and outdoes the guys, she doesn't always do what they say, she's her own boss through and through, but the attitude isn't preachy or forced. She's simply capable. She's simply confident within herself. That's who she is. I love it.
The cast of characters are awesome. There's Ling, the Chinese friend of Hettie's, there's Walker, the bounty hunter, there's Uncle, Hettie's family friend, and there's Sophie, Jemma, Abby, and a ton more compelling people. They're all so vivid and human. I also love the strong emphasis on family and friendship.
Hettie is a terrific heroine. She's capable, resourceful, incredibly proactive, and I absolutely adore the fact that she saves the guys so many times. It's great. And she's also such a naturally feminist female character; she's a brilliant shot with a gun, she frequently outsmarts and outdoes the guys, she doesn't always do what they say, she's her own boss through and through, but the attitude isn't preachy or forced. She's simply capable. She's simply confident within herself. That's who she is. I love it.
October 3, 2019
This is a Wild-West-With-Magic book that starts at 100mph and doesn't let up. Two chapters in, I was already hooked.
There're enough things here that are familiar from Westerns that you slide into the world easy but enough that's different or unknown that your curiosity stirs itself, sniffs the air and says "Feed me."
The protagonist, Hettie Alabama is an easy to like seventeen-year-old girl with grit and a tomboy attitude. The baddies deserve to die. And there's a shadow of menace that I could feel from the start.
I liked that the challenges that Hettie meets and the things she learns about her family's past change her in believable ways. She was always tough and brave. She becomes more ruthless and less trusting. I also liked that her only focus was rescuing her sister. Hettie has no interest in romance.
The Weird West world-building is very well done. This is a West were magic, charms, amulets, sorcery of different types, is an everyday thing. The use of magic is taken for granted and become as much a part of the West as the railroad and the telegraph. This version of the West is not a nostalgic one. It's filled with violence, corruption, racism, misogyny and the routine abuse of power. I liked the I built up a clear picture of the world as I read the book but that I know there's more for me to learn in the rest of the series.
The baddies in this book are truly terrible people. The merciless brutal violence they meted out by the main gang at the start of the book is eclipsed only by the scale of the evil the man the gang works for is committing. These weren't the kind of pantomime baddies that you hiss and boo at. They were the sort of people you hope you never have to meet.
The demonic revolver that sits at the heart of the story is a great concept. It's not as simple as it first sounds and Hettie's relationship with it is pleasingly ambiguous.
The plot keeps a fast pace throughout while throwing surprises and threats that kept the excitement high. The book was a bit like the Devil's Revolver - it wasn't nice but once I picked it up, I didn't want to let go of it.
I'll be back for the rest of Hettie Alabama series.
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