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inkreads's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
The Black Blade written by Jeff Chapman and narrated by David Bosco is a screamingly good audiobook straight out of the Wyrd Olde West! The premise could not be more unusual for the old West Genre, but blows apart the weird West genre with seven shades of hilarity!
Orville and Jimmy are working a Fortune Teller tent in a travelling fairground when they are visitied by a mysterious (and wholly intimidating) fella called Marzby, who promises big coin for assistance with vermin of very supernatural origins. Orville is more than keen about a big payday and it's going to be Jimmy that is the brawn of the operation. However, there is more to Marzby's request than meets the eye and as such, let the weird run wild!
David Bosco is legendary in this role! Not just the variety of characters, personalities cadence and effects, but I was absolutely howling at Orville's yankee showman lilt (Especially at the point where they are about to get on the wagon with Mazeby the first time) Also, props to the comedic timing of when Isabelle was sick in the cave. That deadpan delivery got me rolling with laughter!
This audiobook is outstanding! The storyline is medium pace and suits the style of writing, the dialogue and narrative, witty, entertaining and well constructed. (Jimmy's vernacular is a whole other level of awesome) The character development and word building is fantastic. A fatalistic blade, a possum shifter and a mask that has a life of its own and a fear of fire is genius.
I am really, really looking forward to more from these hucksters!
Thank you to StoryOrigins, Jeff Chapman and David Bosco for this utterly outstanding ALC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
Orville and Jimmy are working a Fortune Teller tent in a travelling fairground when they are visitied by a mysterious (and wholly intimidating) fella called Marzby, who promises big coin for assistance with vermin of very supernatural origins. Orville is more than keen about a big payday and it's going to be Jimmy that is the brawn of the operation. However, there is more to Marzby's request than meets the eye and as such, let the weird run wild!
David Bosco is legendary in this role! Not just the variety of characters, personalities cadence and effects, but I was absolutely howling at Orville's yankee showman lilt (Especially at the point where they are about to get on the wagon with Mazeby the first time) Also, props to the comedic timing of when Isabelle was sick in the cave. That deadpan delivery got me rolling with laughter!
This audiobook is outstanding! The storyline is medium pace and suits the style of writing, the dialogue and narrative, witty, entertaining and well constructed. (Jimmy's vernacular is a whole other level of awesome) The character development and word building is fantastic. A fatalistic blade, a possum shifter and a mask that has a life of its own and a fear of fire is genius.
I am really, really looking forward to more from these hucksters!
Thank you to StoryOrigins, Jeff Chapman and David Bosco for this utterly outstanding ALC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
ermelander's review against another edition
4.0
I bought and read The Black Blade as part of a daisy chain review, it looked entertaining from the blurb, but I wasn’t sure quite what to expect. A western style adventure with demonic happenings?!
The voice of Jimmy drew me in right away, earnestly full of his grandma’s sayings. The story started quickly and twisted cheerfully from the beginning. The author’s voice is lively and entertaining throughout.
The one point I found interesting was that people with strange powers I have no problems with. Red eyes, zombies, masks that possess you – fine. Talking coyotes? …my brain had to twist a long way to accept it.
I enjoyed the ride through the strange world, but would have like to have been more invested in the characters, they never felt in huge danger. All in all, a fun light read.
The voice of Jimmy drew me in right away, earnestly full of his grandma’s sayings. The story started quickly and twisted cheerfully from the beginning. The author’s voice is lively and entertaining throughout.
The one point I found interesting was that people with strange powers I have no problems with. Red eyes, zombies, masks that possess you – fine. Talking coyotes? …my brain had to twist a long way to accept it.
I enjoyed the ride through the strange world, but would have like to have been more invested in the characters, they never felt in huge danger. All in all, a fun light read.
odbookreviews's review
5.0
Description: Orville and Jimmy are a couple of hucksters just trying to earn a little (dis)honest money. Working as a faux clairvoyant, Orville has a knack for reading people to figure out exactly what they want to hear in exchange for a little coin. Jimmy is his faithful friend and assistant who hides behind the curtain adding the special effects that take their act to the next level. One day they are a little too convincing and a mysterious Doctor employs them to help with a supernatural matter. Chasing dollar signs Orville gets himself into a heap of trouble and forces Jimmy on a quest to save everyone involved. The quest is of course for the Black Blade. Set in the wild west with supernatural creatures and a magical blade, this book is a #mustread Weird Western.
In Short: I have never read a book set in the weird west before and I was pleasantly surprised by this book! I loved the magical aspects that were so flawless blended into an old west setting and the story was incredibly action-packed, exciting, scary, and fun to read. Jeff Chapman’s writing never ceases to amaze me, with just the right amount of suspense and wonderfully crafted characters I was glued to their story.
Pros: The writing is fantastic. I have become a huge fan of Jeff Chapman and would read anything he writes. This book is the perfect length. It is non-stop action and makes for a quick read without leaving anything out. At times I laughed and other times it was scary. Like his other books the language wonderfully matches the time and place of the story. I loved the grandma character who is often quoted by Jimmy. These quotes add humor to tense situations and give you a really good impression of this off-screen character. I also loved the stubborn and brave Isobel. I loved to hate the creative invention of the Pindigo. Think wendigo, then think pig, pretty scary right? The magical elements were not underplayed at all and I really appreciated how diversely and consistently they were used throughout the story. The main bad guy was terrifying but also flawed giving you just the smallest strand of hope for the heroes. I loved the ending it was both satisfying and ominous and it was not a cliffhanger but did make me want to read more. I need to know what happens next and also want to read more about these characters that I have grown so fond of.
Cons: I have no notable issues with this book.
Parent’s Guide: Violence, fantasy violence, death, blood. (No sexual content).
In Short: I have never read a book set in the weird west before and I was pleasantly surprised by this book! I loved the magical aspects that were so flawless blended into an old west setting and the story was incredibly action-packed, exciting, scary, and fun to read. Jeff Chapman’s writing never ceases to amaze me, with just the right amount of suspense and wonderfully crafted characters I was glued to their story.
Pros: The writing is fantastic. I have become a huge fan of Jeff Chapman and would read anything he writes. This book is the perfect length. It is non-stop action and makes for a quick read without leaving anything out. At times I laughed and other times it was scary. Like his other books the language wonderfully matches the time and place of the story. I loved the grandma character who is often quoted by Jimmy. These quotes add humor to tense situations and give you a really good impression of this off-screen character. I also loved the stubborn and brave Isobel. I loved to hate the creative invention of the Pindigo. Think wendigo, then think pig, pretty scary right? The magical elements were not underplayed at all and I really appreciated how diversely and consistently they were used throughout the story. The main bad guy was terrifying but also flawed giving you just the smallest strand of hope for the heroes. I loved the ending it was both satisfying and ominous and it was not a cliffhanger but did make me want to read more. I need to know what happens next and also want to read more about these characters that I have grown so fond of.
Cons: I have no notable issues with this book.
Parent’s Guide: Violence, fantasy violence, death, blood. (No sexual content).
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