Author: Erin Bowman
Publisher (hardback): Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Publication Date: 1st September 2015
Keep reading to find out how you can win a hardcover copy of this amazing book!
I love Westerns, so this was an easy sell for me. A kickass
heroine on a journey of redemption? Gorgeous cowboys tagging along to hunt for
gold? Yes please! I was really excited about this one, and it didn’t
disappoint.
A main selling point of this is how original the premise is. I love the idea of a YA Western, and the historical aspects were handled really well. I’ve read quite widely around this time period,
and this book seems incredibly authentic and well-researched.
The plot of this book is really gripping too. Although it’s
based on the revenge story arc, there are diverting romances and conflicts with
Native Americans that keep it feeling varied.
Another strength is that the minor characters feel like
heroes of their own stories. The Colton boys have their own motivations driving
them forward, and are well-developed characters as opposed to tag-alongs for
Kate. They also meet a native American
girl called Liluye, who is really likeable at the same time as feeling
authentic for the time.
Only one part of it took some getting used to for me.
Sometimes, especially early on, I found the ‘Western speak’ a little jarring.
Maybe this was because I couldn’t get the accent right in my head, which left
it ringing false on occasion.
Aside from that, I can’t recommend this book strongly
enough. It struck me as very well-researched and authentic, and is a welcome
new branch for YA.
If you liked the sound of this now try:
Deadwood - an awesome TV series that was made between 2003 and 2006 (though if you really don't like swearing you should steer clear)
For a chance to win, simply leave a comment below or retweet my twitter link to this blog (which can be found @yaundermyskin). Give me your email address or twitter handle, so I can contact you if you win!
The winner will be notified by Sunday 20th September. Good luck!
