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bittercactus's review
4.0
I'd probably give this 3 stars for story, but the world-building and characters and writing are so lovely, that it really just captured me anyway.
SAL/SPL Summer Book Bingo - Recommended by an Independent Bookseller
SAL/SPL Summer Book Bingo - Recommended by an Independent Bookseller
psitssarahhhh's review
2.0
When Silver on the Road was selected as the VF may choice, I was pretty excited. I think there was and is such promise. Ultimately my low rating is just due to nothing really happening for so long, and then when events did start to pick up, it seemed almost forced.
I appreciated the richness of the world Gilmin built, and think that she does a fantastic job at creating interesting and likable characters. I enjoyed Izzy & Gabriel (minus the constant inner conflict of finding themselves or inner peace). Farron was my favorite, but there really wasn't a character I didn't enjoy. I also really enjoyed the Boss/Old Man/Devil and honestly could have read an entire book just about him, where he came from & everything else.
All that being said, while I appreciate a slow build up, this book was a little too slow. I understand that life on the road isn't always exciting, but I could have done with a LITTLE less road/need a bath/identity angst in the story and could have done with more intensity.
I appreciated the richness of the world Gilmin built, and think that she does a fantastic job at creating interesting and likable characters. I enjoyed Izzy & Gabriel (minus the constant inner conflict of finding themselves or inner peace). Farron was my favorite, but there really wasn't a character I didn't enjoy. I also really enjoyed the Boss/Old Man/Devil and honestly could have read an entire book just about him, where he came from & everything else.
All that being said, while I appreciate a slow build up, this book was a little too slow. I understand that life on the road isn't always exciting, but I could have done with a LITTLE less road/need a bath/identity angst in the story and could have done with more intensity.
moljs's review
4.0
I want to read the next one so that's a good sign. The mystery of Gabriel is frustrating and I hope we get some resolution there. I loved the descriptions of traveling and living on the road. Outdoors and alone. The dust and the tiredness. The resolution was good, unexpected and logical for the rules of this universe as we know them so far. I enjoyed Isobel's journey to understand what she has agreed to and I look forward to her next steps.
lacunaboo's review
3.0
This book introduced some interesting possibilities, but did not bring the whole package together.
Fantasy elements in an Old West setting was pretty neat, I did enjoy the setting. Our main characters Isobel and Gabriel were pretty likable, although development didn't get especially deep with either of them.
My biggest problem is probably the fact that the rules of this world are not sufficiently explained, the way the magic works and such, and so we have no idea what to expect, or not. We are therefore completely unable to be at all surprised or delighted with how things go, because the book continually introduces a brand new concept, explains it, deals with it, and then we never see it again. Similarly, any time they encounter a challenge, Isobel without fail will just suddenly know how to deal with it, without knowing how she knows. How are we supposed to experience any dramatic tension this way?
Working for the devil had potential, except it's not clear why he's the devil, since the only trait he shares with the way that character is commonly perceived is he fact that he strikes deals with people. In fact, late in the book it is implied that he may not actually be THE devil, but is called that only because he makes deals. But he's clearly not human. Regardless of what he is or is not, it would have been nice to have dug a little deeper with the relationship between him and Isobel. Does he see her as a daughter?
The story elements had potential here, but I felt those were squandered In the telling, and so don't have any great interest in continuing the series.
Fantasy elements in an Old West setting was pretty neat, I did enjoy the setting. Our main characters Isobel and Gabriel were pretty likable, although development didn't get especially deep with either of them.
My biggest problem is probably the fact that the rules of this world are not sufficiently explained, the way the magic works and such, and so we have no idea what to expect, or not. We are therefore completely unable to be at all surprised or delighted with how things go, because the book continually introduces a brand new concept, explains it, deals with it, and then we never see it again. Similarly, any time they encounter a challenge, Isobel without fail will just suddenly know how to deal with it, without knowing how she knows. How are we supposed to experience any dramatic tension this way?
Working for the devil had potential, except it's not clear why he's the devil, since the only trait he shares with the way that character is commonly perceived is he fact that he strikes deals with people. In fact, late in the book it is implied that he may not actually be THE devil, but is called that only because he makes deals. But he's clearly not human. Regardless of what he is or is not, it would have been nice to have dug a little deeper with the relationship between him and Isobel. Does he see her as a daughter?
The story elements had potential here, but I felt those were squandered In the telling, and so don't have any great interest in continuing the series.
colossal's review
3.0
Wonderful world-building with an interesting heroine growing into the position that she's been given.
In this world, an alternate American west, the Devil has claimed a Territory encompassing the midwest of North America, and all within it must hold to his Agreement or their own Bargains. It's not clear that this is the biblical Devil, but the analogy fits and he doesn't seem to mind the name. Isobel was brought up in the Devil's house and after her sixteenth birthday she makes a Bargain with him to help him with his business and he in turn makes her the Devil's Left Hand and sends her on her way with an experienced Rider to teach her the ropes.
From there we get the slow unfolding of life on the road in the Devil's Territory and Izzy begins to explore what's needed of her as she encounters the various supernatural and human denizens of the country. She's traveling with Gabriel, an experienced Rider, who has plenty of mysteries of his own which don't get explored fully here.
After a promising start this story becomes mind-bendingly slow and never quite unfolds to anything particularly satisfying. There's something bad happening in the part of the Territory that Isobel is visiting, but her small group is mostly just chasing it down rather than actually encountering it. There's no resolution here, just the winning of a minor battle.
Too long for what it is, but it works as the first part of a promising story. In terms of rating the quality of writing and world-building wants 4 stars, but in terms of being a novel this is only the first half or third of something much bigger and this one does not come to any satisfying conclusion, or even a good stopping point.
In this world, an alternate American west, the Devil has claimed a Territory encompassing the midwest of North America, and all within it must hold to his Agreement or their own Bargains. It's not clear that this is the biblical Devil, but the analogy fits and he doesn't seem to mind the name. Isobel was brought up in the Devil's house and after her sixteenth birthday she makes a Bargain with him to help him with his business and he in turn makes her the Devil's Left Hand and sends her on her way with an experienced Rider to teach her the ropes.
From there we get the slow unfolding of life on the road in the Devil's Territory and Izzy begins to explore what's needed of her as she encounters the various supernatural and human denizens of the country. She's traveling with Gabriel, an experienced Rider, who has plenty of mysteries of his own which don't get explored fully here.
After a promising start this story becomes mind-bendingly slow and never quite unfolds to anything particularly satisfying. There's something bad happening in the part of the Territory that Isobel is visiting, but her small group is mostly just chasing it down rather than actually encountering it. There's no resolution here, just the winning of a minor battle.
Too long for what it is, but it works as the first part of a promising story. In terms of rating the quality of writing and world-building wants 4 stars, but in terms of being a novel this is only the first half or third of something much bigger and this one does not come to any satisfying conclusion, or even a good stopping point.
tome15's review
3.0
This book has a nice creepy feeling abiut it and some engaging characters, but in the end there are just too many loose ends.
carmenghia's review
2.0
Did this book seem really long to you? It seemed overly long to me. Things are stated and restated but not satisfactorily explained. It felt like a circuitous route to a what-even-just-happened ending.
krismcd59's review
4.0
A very enjoyable fantasy despite its pretty formulaic plot -- the author lets you get to know the characters and their world in an organic, leisurely way, and she has a gift for homely detail. The world of this novel is mostly familiar at first, and grows richer and stranger as you follow the likable heroine on her journey of self-discovery and maturation. The ending is a little abrupt, but the second volume is out now so you can pick it right up where you left off.
sleeping_while_awake's review
2.0
Silver in the West didn't really grab me, but I liked the main character. It felt like much of the plot was empty, just like the expanse of land the characters are traveling. Based on the reviews, seems like I read a different book than most readers, as I didn't like this one so much.
Izzy lives in a town called Flood, out in the land that we know as the Louisiana Purchase. The exact timepoint is not clear, but it's in the 1800s for sure, based on the map in the book and the setting.
Izzy has been raised by a man called the Devil, as her parents left her at his establishment as a young infant. Plenty of other women live with her, and they all run a saloon. Some of the women have made deals to stay, others are probably in Izzy's situation (never stated) where they are minors waiting to get old enough to leave.
The Devil isn't really the Devil, but it's apparent he has some sort of power and influence. Izzy comes of age and is allowed to make a choice, to leave Flood and venture on her own, or to make a bargain and work for the Devil.
She decides to make a bargain, and the Devil asks her to be his right hand. The Devil then asks Gabriel, a traveller passing through, to assist her. The two set off and travel the land. They uncover towns in which inhabitants vanished and a mystery ensues.
Izzy must use her wits, and be confident that as the Devil's right hand, she can gain respect and bring order to the land.
The biggest thing that irked me was the lack of explained world-building. Certainly, part of the story is for Izzy to discover what is out there, but the characters know what kind of world they are living in.
It could have been established right in the beginning with some basic parameters. Izzy could have overheard conversation in the saloon, even if it's hearsay.
My interest definitely waned as the book failed to provide any sort of further explanation of the world. I don't need everything explained, but I need something said about the major points of the world, such as magic. Like, has no one has ever seen magic but they know it happens - or everyone knows someone who is magical - or there's a town of magicians? - something, it was too vague.
It's not clear what being the Devil's right hand means. I assume it's acting as his representative and acting in the Devil's interests. By Izzy doesn't really know any politics or the people of the land, so it's hard to imagine that she can do that, other than just using her powers to destroy the bad things.
Izzy has a great personality. I appreciate a young adult that is not flipping out every second and scowling. She's level-headed with the right amount of self-doubt. She does have a touch of perfect syndrome when it comes to whatever magical powers she has. Maybe I would have believed her actions more if there was more backstory of her when she was growing up.
Gabriel intrigued me, but the name seemed a bit heavy-handed. I kind of wished it had been a female traveling with her. Gabriel traveling with the Devil's hand? The magician was weird and he spiced up things, as Gabriel and Izzy are kind of dull.
I liked the atmosphere and that it's a western. Hopefully there will be a resurgence of westerns in fantasy. I read some comparisons with this and Karen Memory by Elizabeth Bear, but I far preferred that read.
There were times in the writing, during the action scenes, where things were explained in a subtle manner, or somewhat skipped over. I would find myself having to go back and re-read to figure out what happened. Maybe the writing style kept me from focusing.
Finally, what is up with the Devil having essentially a harem of women? I guess there are some men living there too, but it's focused so prominently on the women. Weirded me out a bit, as the vibe was they all loved and respected him.
There is something interesting here, but I needed a tighter plot and conflict.
Izzy lives in a town called Flood, out in the land that we know as the Louisiana Purchase. The exact timepoint is not clear, but it's in the 1800s for sure, based on the map in the book and the setting.
Izzy has been raised by a man called the Devil, as her parents left her at his establishment as a young infant. Plenty of other women live with her, and they all run a saloon. Some of the women have made deals to stay, others are probably in Izzy's situation (never stated) where they are minors waiting to get old enough to leave.
The Devil isn't really the Devil, but it's apparent he has some sort of power and influence. Izzy comes of age and is allowed to make a choice, to leave Flood and venture on her own, or to make a bargain and work for the Devil.
She decides to make a bargain, and the Devil asks her to be his right hand. The Devil then asks Gabriel, a traveller passing through, to assist her. The two set off and travel the land. They uncover towns in which inhabitants vanished and a mystery ensues.
Izzy must use her wits, and be confident that as the Devil's right hand, she can gain respect and bring order to the land.
The biggest thing that irked me was the lack of explained world-building. Certainly, part of the story is for Izzy to discover what is out there, but the characters know what kind of world they are living in.
It could have been established right in the beginning with some basic parameters. Izzy could have overheard conversation in the saloon, even if it's hearsay.
My interest definitely waned as the book failed to provide any sort of further explanation of the world. I don't need everything explained, but I need something said about the major points of the world, such as magic. Like, has no one has ever seen magic but they know it happens - or everyone knows someone who is magical - or there's a town of magicians? - something, it was too vague.
It's not clear what being the Devil's right hand means. I assume it's acting as his representative and acting in the Devil's interests. By Izzy doesn't really know any politics or the people of the land, so it's hard to imagine that she can do that, other than just using her powers to destroy the bad things.
Izzy has a great personality. I appreciate a young adult that is not flipping out every second and scowling. She's level-headed with the right amount of self-doubt. She does have a touch of perfect syndrome when it comes to whatever magical powers she has. Maybe I would have believed her actions more if there was more backstory of her when she was growing up.
Gabriel intrigued me, but the name seemed a bit heavy-handed. I kind of wished it had been a female traveling with her. Gabriel traveling with the Devil's hand? The magician was weird and he spiced up things, as Gabriel and Izzy are kind of dull.
I liked the atmosphere and that it's a western. Hopefully there will be a resurgence of westerns in fantasy. I read some comparisons with this and Karen Memory by Elizabeth Bear, but I far preferred that read.
There were times in the writing, during the action scenes, where things were explained in a subtle manner, or somewhat skipped over. I would find myself having to go back and re-read to figure out what happened. Maybe the writing style kept me from focusing.
Finally, what is up with the Devil having essentially a harem of women? I guess there are some men living there too, but it's focused so prominently on the women. Weirded me out a bit, as the vibe was they all loved and respected him.
There is something interesting here, but I needed a tighter plot and conflict.