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mad_about_books's review against another edition
5.0
I love James A. Moore's writing. I've been reading him since UNDER THE OVERTREE which was published in 2000. He introduced an enigmatic character in that tale that I have eagerly followed ever since. That character is, of course, Jonathan Crowley. I find Crowley as memorable as King's Randall Flagg. In some ways, Crowley is more memorable than the Walkin' Dude; he is equally pervasive in Moore's writing.
There are times when Moore's writing is thoughtful and sensitive. This is not one of those times. Let me be clear; I read horror in most of its glorious forms. I hate to say I 'enjoy' books of psychological horror because they often delve into cringeworthy areas of crime and brutality. On the other hand, I do enjoy reading supernatural horror. BOOMTOWN is both supernatural and psychological. Right along with some undead (I would hesitate to call them zombies, but they do have those characteristics) beings there is quite a bit of brutality against women and children. This is not a book for the faint of heart. For me, the most compelling reason to read BOOMTOWN was anticipation of learning more about Crowley. For others, the aspect of the old west and the interaction between settlers and the native population, albeit with a supernatural twist, might be the draw.
Despite some specific scenes making my skin crawl, I would eagerly read a sequel to BOOMTOWN because it would, of necessity, add more to Crowley's story right alongside a glimpse of the darker side of old west history.
There are times when Moore's writing is thoughtful and sensitive. This is not one of those times. Let me be clear; I read horror in most of its glorious forms. I hate to say I 'enjoy' books of psychological horror because they often delve into cringeworthy areas of crime and brutality. On the other hand, I do enjoy reading supernatural horror. BOOMTOWN is both supernatural and psychological. Right along with some undead (I would hesitate to call them zombies, but they do have those characteristics) beings there is quite a bit of brutality against women and children. This is not a book for the faint of heart. For me, the most compelling reason to read BOOMTOWN was anticipation of learning more about Crowley. For others, the aspect of the old west and the interaction between settlers and the native population, albeit with a supernatural twist, might be the draw.
Despite some specific scenes making my skin crawl, I would eagerly read a sequel to BOOMTOWN because it would, of necessity, add more to Crowley's story right alongside a glimpse of the darker side of old west history.
matt_darksidreads's review
3.0
Enter Carson Point just a normal gold rush boomtown until a group of Confederate Army runaways start trying to blame vicious attacks on the Indians in the area.
This book is a dark, bloody ride. The plot is paced very well and the characters are very well fleshed out. I would like to see more from the travels of Jonathon Crowley and Lucas Slate.
The only thing I didnt like about this book was the number of POV's in the book. There are at least four different POV's in each chapter sometimes making it hard to read, but it does help to round out the story to give a complete view of what is happening.
This book is a dark, bloody ride. The plot is paced very well and the characters are very well fleshed out. I would like to see more from the travels of Jonathon Crowley and Lucas Slate.
The only thing I didnt like about this book was the number of POV's in the book. There are at least four different POV's in each chapter sometimes making it hard to read, but it does help to round out the story to give a complete view of what is happening.
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