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mysimas's review against another edition
Might be a me issue. This book was extremely plot-driven and didn’t give me enough ‘background’ information and scenes to care about any of the characters, or about what was happening to them. Well, I say plot-driven… the plot was just the unlikeable MC chasing after leads (for which he depended on his deputy) and getting himself into risky situations without thought, and getting out of them by mere strokes of luck (and thanks to the capabilities of his deputy). Seriously, the man was just useless.
I did appreciate the worldbuilding, but it wasn’t enough on its own to hold my interest.
I did appreciate the worldbuilding, but it wasn’t enough on its own to hold my interest.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
kblincoln's review
4.0
Cyber-Westerns may not be an official genre (although Cherie Priest's alternate history Clockwork Century series touches on that, amongst other authors) Eichenlaub creates a rural, Texas society thrust back to frontier law days due to the disintegration of civilization.
There was a civil war. J.D. Crow, the sheriff around these here parts, was on the "losing" side (although he claims they fought to a draw). Crow is mostly human, unlike many of the modded youngsters running around in gangs or on far-flung ranches. Courtesy of war-time trauma he sports a "black metal" arm and "nannies" (nanites) that keep him from getting too drunk-- a slight complication for a tough, old alcoholic. He's just trying to keep a little order in this lawless land, and suffer the unwanted addition of a new, city-bred deputy he suspects is there for political reasons.
Then a rancher is found dead. And there's complaints about a new Preacher stirring up unwanted attention, and a Cincas Armas gang member causing trouble-- and part of the fun here is finding out how all those things connect.
Crow's voice is pretty fun. He's weary, and wise, and philosophically obsessed with honor and determined to be a force against chaos.
There's not quite enough time for my personal taste spent on him interacting with his deputies, and I got a little confused about some of the criminal plotting, as well as I kept mistaking a few minor characters for each other, but this is certainly a fun book.
There was a civil war. J.D. Crow, the sheriff around these here parts, was on the "losing" side (although he claims they fought to a draw). Crow is mostly human, unlike many of the modded youngsters running around in gangs or on far-flung ranches. Courtesy of war-time trauma he sports a "black metal" arm and "nannies" (nanites) that keep him from getting too drunk-- a slight complication for a tough, old alcoholic. He's just trying to keep a little order in this lawless land, and suffer the unwanted addition of a new, city-bred deputy he suspects is there for political reasons.
Then a rancher is found dead. And there's complaints about a new Preacher stirring up unwanted attention, and a Cincas Armas gang member causing trouble-- and part of the fun here is finding out how all those things connect.
Crow's voice is pretty fun. He's weary, and wise, and philosophically obsessed with honor and determined to be a force against chaos.
There's not quite enough time for my personal taste spent on him interacting with his deputies, and I got a little confused about some of the criminal plotting, as well as I kept mistaking a few minor characters for each other, but this is certainly a fun book.
jlynnelseauthor's review
4.0
This book has a great narrative that is delightfully sarcastic. I enjoyed the way the story unfolds.
Eichenlaub offers up a futuristic world seen through the eyes of a character that is very "old school" cowboy. You have a relatable main character in an unfamiliar world which helps guide the reader through this dystopian-like future. There are lots of interesting tech in this world. I think a lot more will be explored if there is a book two.
Eichenlaub's title character, J.D., while very cowboy-ish is also not your stereotypical cowboy. I appreciated the moments of vulnerability and growth that Eichenlaub explored with this character. I liked how the relationship between J.D. & Trish changed through the story also. I think she'll be an excellent character to explore in the future!
There are a few things I did not like. One was a cigarette-smoking 11 year old. The other was the religious fanatical element of the story. There was a good amout of religious slamming and not a good character counterpoint to the fanaticism. I had hoped more Hopi would have come in to play, and I think it will if this becomes a series. However, I tire of crazy religious leaders who have clearly not read the New Testament or anything Jesus taught.
Overall, Eichenlaub is a great storyteller. He masterfully laces subtle hints along the current of the main story to create a multi-layered plot structure. He creates unique characters and an interesting setting. I look forward to more from this author.
Spoiler
There's also a sneaky sub-plot which is hinted at throughout the book which becomes very significant by the end leading readers to believe and look forward to a second book in this world. The undercurrent in the narrative was intriguing and kept me guessingEichenlaub offers up a futuristic world seen through the eyes of a character that is very "old school" cowboy. You have a relatable main character in an unfamiliar world which helps guide the reader through this dystopian-like future. There are lots of interesting tech in this world. I think a lot more will be explored if there is a book two.
Eichenlaub's title character, J.D., while very cowboy-ish is also not your stereotypical cowboy. I appreciated the moments of vulnerability and growth that Eichenlaub explored with this character. I liked how the relationship between J.D. & Trish changed through the story also. I think she'll be an excellent character to explore in the future!
There are a few things I did not like. One was a cigarette-smoking 11 year old. The other was the religious fanatical element of the story. There was a good amout of religious slamming and not a good character counterpoint to the fanaticism. I had hoped more Hopi would have come in to play, and I think it will if this becomes a series. However, I tire of crazy religious leaders who have clearly not read the New Testament or anything Jesus taught.
Overall, Eichenlaub is a great storyteller. He masterfully laces subtle hints along the current of the main story to create a multi-layered plot structure. He creates unique characters and an interesting setting. I look forward to more from this author.
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