tobin_elliott's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I was in the mood for something different, and this one? Hell yes, it scratched that itch.
This is a solid western, with just a small hint of some tech, and a lot of...well...monsters. Hey, she's a monster gunslinger, right?
Overall, a straightforward story, with enough twists and turns to keep me satisfied. If I have any complaints, they're minor. The first is, I would have liked to have seen a bit more romantic entanglement between Melinda and Lance up front. They felt more like friends and partners, and it took me a few pages to cotton to the fact that they were a couple.
The second is, most of the monsters felt buglike. I will say, there were absolutely non-insectile monsters, but I would have liked to have seen Grifant go a little wilder with the monsters.
That being said, when Melinda crosses over the Edge? This is where Grifant's writing and imagination just soar. The Edge is painted as a very strange and otherworldly reality. Aside from that, there's a fantastic cast of characters, great settings, and it checks all the right boxes for anyone who loves westerns, horror, or especially both.
God, I love a good western horror.
I will say, I would not want to be the editor highlighted at the beginning of the book. While a solid 98% of the book is very good, when it goes off the rails, it really does. There's a stretch, for example of two pages (pgs 145-146) where the Irvin character, in the span of a few paragraphs, is referred to as "Irvin" and "Irvine" and "Irwin"...which is just bad attention to detail.
But aside from that? Honestly, I really loved this novel, and I'll absolutely read more from this author.
This is a solid western, with just a small hint of some tech, and a lot of...well...monsters. Hey, she's a monster gunslinger, right?
Overall, a straightforward story, with enough twists and turns to keep me satisfied. If I have any complaints, they're minor. The first is, I would have liked to have seen a bit more romantic entanglement between Melinda and Lance up front. They felt more like friends and partners, and it took me a few pages to cotton to the fact that they were a couple.
The second is, most of the monsters felt buglike. I will say, there were absolutely non-insectile monsters, but I would have liked to have seen Grifant go a little wilder with the monsters.
That being said, when Melinda crosses over the Edge? This is where Grifant's writing and imagination just soar. The Edge is painted as a very strange and otherworldly reality. Aside from that, there's a fantastic cast of characters, great settings, and it checks all the right boxes for anyone who loves westerns, horror, or especially both.
God, I love a good western horror.
I will say, I would not want to be the editor highlighted at the beginning of the book. While a solid 98% of the book is very good, when it goes off the rails, it really does. There's a stretch, for example of two pages (pgs 145-146) where the Irvin character, in the span of a few paragraphs, is referred to as "Irvin" and "Irvine" and "Irwin"...which is just bad attention to detail.
But aside from that? Honestly, I really loved this novel, and I'll absolutely read more from this author.
stay_truetoyourshelf's review
5.0
4.5. A different genre for me but I absolutely loved it!!!
The author approached me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
If you know me, you know I love the game Red Dead Redemption 2. Despite that, I had never read a western before this book. I was thoroughly enthralled by this book! This Western-Fantasy hybrid had excellent worldbuilding, amazing characters, and a terrifying race of monsters… it really drew me in and kept me invested! I wish some of the backstories were a little more explained so I could have a bit more context, but other than that I loved this book! I would recommend this book to fans of westerns and books with a hunting-centered plot!
This book is available on Amazon—Kindle and print! Go get a copy!!!
The author approached me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
If you know me, you know I love the game Red Dead Redemption 2. Despite that, I had never read a western before this book. I was thoroughly enthralled by this book! This Western-Fantasy hybrid had excellent worldbuilding, amazing characters, and a terrifying race of monsters… it really drew me in and kept me invested! I wish some of the backstories were a little more explained so I could have a bit more context, but other than that I loved this book! I would recommend this book to fans of westerns and books with a hunting-centered plot!
This book is available on Amazon—Kindle and print! Go get a copy!!!
twilliamson's review
4.0
A review copy of Melinda West: Monster Gunslinger was provided to me by Brigid's Gate Press. The thoughts and opinions in this review are entirely my own and have not been influenced in any way by the publisher.
K.C. Grifant's debut novel takes a page out of old pulp adventure novels: adventure and action take precedent, and what matters is that you have fun with the story along the way. Melinda West: Monster Gunslinger has plenty of action and fun to go around, brimming with enthusiastic ideas for excitement and future stories.
Melinda West, the western-inspired heroine of the novel, fits in well with other pulp heroes and heroines like her--a woman of action, not long and extended philosophizing, and Grifant puts all of the emphasis in this novel on action and adventure. West has a job to do, and she's going to do it or die trying. That spirit of momentum carries through the whole novel, a whirlwind of new set-pieces, minor characters, and major stakes every couple of chapters. Hats off to Grifant: this is pulp heroics through and through.
Nevertheless, as much as I thoroughly enjoyed this book (no, seriously, this book is good fun), as a debut novel is does have its flaws. Like most pulp adventure novels, the story can be pretty light on characterization or character motivation. We barely have time, for example, to get to know Melinda and Lance before they're thrust into adventure, and the stakes of that adventure continue to escalate repeatedly through the whole book without any detailed explanation of why. New characters are introduced every couple of chapters, but we don't really stay with them long enough to get a great read on them, either. But that's not entirely the point of the exercise; does it really matter that we don't know much about the bad guys or their motivations as the story trudges forward? In pulp adventure, too much exposition can be tedious, can suck the momentum away, and these are characters of action, not of extended scenes of dialogue and background. That's not to say that Grifant doesn't know when to take a moment to show us her characters interacting with one another; we learn by doing in pulp adventure, not by being told.
And to a certain extent, the story doesn't really suffer from the elements it might lack. The point of a character like Gene or Topaz isn't to delve into extensive backstory that would take focus away from the adventure; they're there to complicate the circumstances of the story, to act as complement to Melinda's skills or as obstacles to her goals. Their implied backstories are enough, and as long as the action is moving forward, the story is working. The same goes for the story's villains. Although we eventually do get some explanation for the big bad's actions in the story, much of the book is spent exploring a fairly black-and-white relationships between Melinda and the book's villains: the bad guys do bad things, and the good guys oppose them. Mileage may vary on how these elements are received, but I can't find fault in the style this book wants to emulate. This book is pulp, and these story elements are features of what pulp is and does.
Melinda West: Monster Gunslinger is a perfectly bingeable read, the kind of story best devoured on a Saturday morning, chapter-by-chapter, episode-by-episode. It's the perfect vehicle for a series, with characters worthy of their own spin-offs and adventures, an implied lore and world worth exploring and learning more about, a treat to look forward to with every new installment. There's so much to enjoy about a book like Melinda West, and I hope not to see the sun set on this character for a long time.
K.C. Grifant's debut novel takes a page out of old pulp adventure novels: adventure and action take precedent, and what matters is that you have fun with the story along the way. Melinda West: Monster Gunslinger has plenty of action and fun to go around, brimming with enthusiastic ideas for excitement and future stories.
Melinda West, the western-inspired heroine of the novel, fits in well with other pulp heroes and heroines like her--a woman of action, not long and extended philosophizing, and Grifant puts all of the emphasis in this novel on action and adventure. West has a job to do, and she's going to do it or die trying. That spirit of momentum carries through the whole novel, a whirlwind of new set-pieces, minor characters, and major stakes every couple of chapters. Hats off to Grifant: this is pulp heroics through and through.
Nevertheless, as much as I thoroughly enjoyed this book (no, seriously, this book is good fun), as a debut novel is does have its flaws. Like most pulp adventure novels, the story can be pretty light on characterization or character motivation. We barely have time, for example, to get to know Melinda and Lance before they're thrust into adventure, and the stakes of that adventure continue to escalate repeatedly through the whole book without any detailed explanation of why. New characters are introduced every couple of chapters, but we don't really stay with them long enough to get a great read on them, either. But that's not entirely the point of the exercise; does it really matter that we don't know much about the bad guys or their motivations as the story trudges forward? In pulp adventure, too much exposition can be tedious, can suck the momentum away, and these are characters of action, not of extended scenes of dialogue and background. That's not to say that Grifant doesn't know when to take a moment to show us her characters interacting with one another; we learn by doing in pulp adventure, not by being told.
And to a certain extent, the story doesn't really suffer from the elements it might lack. The point of a character like Gene or Topaz isn't to delve into extensive backstory that would take focus away from the adventure; they're there to complicate the circumstances of the story, to act as complement to Melinda's skills or as obstacles to her goals. Their implied backstories are enough, and as long as the action is moving forward, the story is working. The same goes for the story's villains. Although we eventually do get some explanation for the big bad's actions in the story, much of the book is spent exploring a fairly black-and-white relationships between Melinda and the book's villains: the bad guys do bad things, and the good guys oppose them. Mileage may vary on how these elements are received, but I can't find fault in the style this book wants to emulate. This book is pulp, and these story elements are features of what pulp is and does.
Melinda West: Monster Gunslinger is a perfectly bingeable read, the kind of story best devoured on a Saturday morning, chapter-by-chapter, episode-by-episode. It's the perfect vehicle for a series, with characters worthy of their own spin-offs and adventures, an implied lore and world worth exploring and learning more about, a treat to look forward to with every new installment. There's so much to enjoy about a book like Melinda West, and I hope not to see the sun set on this character for a long time.
bookish_satty's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.0
I didn't enjoy reading this book at all. I understand that it's hard to include proper character development within such a few pages but still I just didn't care about any of these characters because there was no time to become involved in their world or life. Because I didn't connect with the characters I didn't really care if they lived or died which is the main reason for reading horror for me. I like to experience the terror the characters face from a safe environment of my own home and be terrified for and with them.
The writing and dialogues seemed quite juvenile and had me rolling my eyes several times especially at our main character's idiotic choices.
The action scenes were good but I don't really like Western Horror/Fantasy much because of the excessive gun totting that goes on and because all the characters behave irrationally and immaturely all the time like they just need a reason no matter how flimsy to point a gun at anybody.
After reading this cat and mouse chase for like 70% of the book and too many people shoving their guns at each others faces I gave up and skimmed the remaining part to reach a very disappointing ending. Westerns are not for me I guess. If you're a fan of Western Horror/Fantasy then go for it.
The writing and dialogues seemed quite juvenile and had me rolling my eyes several times especially at our main character's idiotic choices.
The action scenes were good but I don't really like Western Horror/Fantasy much because of the excessive gun totting that goes on and because all the characters behave irrationally and immaturely all the time like they just need a reason no matter how flimsy to point a gun at anybody.
After reading this cat and mouse chase for like 70% of the book and too many people shoving their guns at each others faces I gave up and skimmed the remaining part to reach a very disappointing ending. Westerns are not for me I guess. If you're a fan of Western Horror/Fantasy then go for it.
tyyne's review
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
So different from my usual genres, but that’s always refreshing. Absolutely loved the last few chapters, where the writing was so wonderful.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Death of parent, and Gun violence
bookish_slagathor's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!
Supernatural meets the Wild West in this action packed debut novel. If you are unfamiliar with the weird west genre as a whole, I would say this is definitely a good entry point.
Supernatural meets the Wild West in this action packed debut novel. If you are unfamiliar with the weird west genre as a whole, I would say this is definitely a good entry point.
Our MC Melinda West is as badass as it gets and not in the messed up way when they just take a woman and turn her into a macho alfa dude without the male genitalia. She feels, she cares, but she also kicks ass. Whenever it’s not her ass that gets kicked that is. 😅
I also love that this book has a healthy and trusting relationship between her and Lance, something that I always like to read about. Lance is the perfect gentleman who Melinda can always rely on and vice versa.
Because of the length of the novel, or lack thereof, the supporting cast gets less screen time, but they are all pretty cool and diverse, which is a big pro.
The writing is fast paced and action packed, though sometimes I wished we got to see more of this exciting, although quite messed up world. I felt like we rushed through the story too fast, from one bad situation to another with barely a break or any time to smell the proverbial flowers.
Nonetheless, this is a very strong debut and if you want to read some fast paced fantasy western with a strong, well written female MC, definitely give it a try!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore and Blood
Minor: Racism
readthesparrow's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
REVIEW
I am a newcomer to Weird West books. I’ve always been interested in the genre, and I am so glad my introduction was through Melinda West.
The setting is a fictionalized Weird West, one which draws inspiration from but I do not believe is analogous to our world. It draws more strongly from the fantasy side of things than sci-fi (no aliens and UFOs here). People wear cowboy hats and dusters, drink at saloons, ride horses, and get attacked by giant flying scorpions. The world seems alive and breathing in a way that I really enjoy; Melinda and Lance are the main characters, but the people whose lives they pass through get names and beliefs and lives that will believably continue after Melinda and Lance pass through them.
I love female protagonists who are reliable, sturdy, and tough as all hell. Melina is all that and more. She can hold her own in a fight, she’s capable, and self-assured. She knows how good she is at her work, understands her capabilities, but—despite being less charismatic and easygoing as her partner, Lance—still an endlessly loyal, kind person. Speaking of, Lance is exactly the kind of male lead I like: a total sweetheart whose personality and skills perfectly compliment their partner’s.
As their journey continues, they gain traveling companions: Gene, a kind man with supernatural gifts, and Angelo and Topaz, a bounty-hunting duo out for revenge. Overall, Melinda West, Monster Gunslinger’s characters were definitely a strong point of the novel. The descriptions were so genuinely fun and cool that I immediately started looking for fanart after I finished. (Sadly, there is none—a real shame because I’d kill for art of one of the antagonists, Eloise, who wears an “enormous hat” and a “beaded, fringed jacket”. Fashion icon.)
The plot is fine. It’s exactly what the summary says it is: Melinda and Lance shootin’ monsters, chasin’ an outlaw, and savin’ the world. It’s definitely the setting, worldbuilding, and characters that carry the novel, though.
Melinda West, Monster Gunslinger has a diverse cast of characters. Issues like bigotry, misogyny, and racism are acknowledged and handled without overstepping. Gay characters are treated with respect, and—from what I know about the topic—so are characters of color. There’s no cringe-worthy Magical Native/Noble Savage tropes or appropriation of Native American folklore (not that I caught, anyway; I’m no expert though). The only moment that was off-putting to me was when a minor trans character appearing in one chapter was described as “might’ve been a woman once” based on the “timbre of his voice and curve of his cheeks.” As a non-binary person, I do like seeing trans characters casually included in books (and I really loved the non-binary character who did appear later in the story). However, I know that most trans people do not use or like language such as “used to be a woman” or “used to be a man.” While I appreciate the inclusion of a trans male minor character whose identity is otherwise fully respected, this wording definitely raised my brows.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Melinda West, Monster Gunslinger is a fun read set in an interesting, engaging world, one I would love to explore more. I believe it is intended to be the first in a series; if so, I await the next one with bated breath. I’ve got my fingers crossed for more of the Edge Riders, Topaz, and Bina, as well as more Eloise.
If you’re new to Weird Western or an aged veteran, there’s a lot to enjoy here, especially if you’re interested in a diverse character roster and fantastical, colorful setting. I’d definitely suggest picking up a copy.
Thank you to Brigids Gate Press for providing a digital review copy via Netgalley in exchange for this review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence, Death of parent, Alcohol, Violence, Slavery, Confinement, Fire/Fire injury, and Death
Minor: Misogyny, Drug abuse, Addiction, and Racism
raforall's review
4.0
Review in the January 2023 issue of Library Journal: https://raforall.blogspot.com/2023/01/what-im-reading-january-2023-lj-horror.html
There words That Describe This Book: fast paced, strong world building, imaginative
Draft review:
In an alternative Wild West, “The Edge,” at the foot of the mountains, holds a danger of epic proportions, a border between worlds, where monsters, such as giant flying scorpions and snow krakens, regularly slip into settlements, threatening all. Enter Melinda West, and her life partner, Lance, monster neutralizers for hire. With the support of Aunt Bea, a historian of the supernatural, and Abel, a master weapons builder, Melinda and Lance have spent a year on the road saving numerous towns and pocketing enough money to finally settle down. However, as soon as they return home, a soul-sucking spider attacks Abel, plunging them straight into “The Edge” itself on a desperate mission to save him. This fast paced debut is peppered with awesome battle scenes, but the novel is much more than the sum of its action parts. Grifant takes her time to build the world and its characters, imbuing all with a complexity that adds depth to this wildly entertaining story.
Verdict: This fun, imaginative, and confident series opener will be a massive crowd pleaser for general audiences, especially for those who enjoy a wide range of popular weird western offerings, from the more historical like Stoker’s Wilde West by Hopstaken and Prusi to those with cosmic elements such as The Last Storm by Lebbon.
There words That Describe This Book: fast paced, strong world building, imaginative
Draft review:
In an alternative Wild West, “The Edge,” at the foot of the mountains, holds a danger of epic proportions, a border between worlds, where monsters, such as giant flying scorpions and snow krakens, regularly slip into settlements, threatening all. Enter Melinda West, and her life partner, Lance, monster neutralizers for hire. With the support of Aunt Bea, a historian of the supernatural, and Abel, a master weapons builder, Melinda and Lance have spent a year on the road saving numerous towns and pocketing enough money to finally settle down. However, as soon as they return home, a soul-sucking spider attacks Abel, plunging them straight into “The Edge” itself on a desperate mission to save him. This fast paced debut is peppered with awesome battle scenes, but the novel is much more than the sum of its action parts. Grifant takes her time to build the world and its characters, imbuing all with a complexity that adds depth to this wildly entertaining story.
Verdict: This fun, imaginative, and confident series opener will be a massive crowd pleaser for general audiences, especially for those who enjoy a wide range of popular weird western offerings, from the more historical like Stoker’s Wilde West by Hopstaken and Prusi to those with cosmic elements such as The Last Storm by Lebbon.
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