lpcoolgirl's review against another edition
5.0
Oh, this was such a fantastic read, I had a really great time reading it, it was such a great adventure and I can't wait to read more by Erin Bowman!
kblincoln's review against another edition
4.0
I gave 5 stars to the first in this wild west revenge companion book duology: Vengeance Road.
The protagonist of the first book, 18 year old Kate, won me over with her voice of no-nonsense, western slang, and cross-dressing. I liked the romance with the cowboy brother as well.
That voice that I liked in the first book didn’t work as well for the main protagonist in this follow up book, a young woman reporter. The alternating POV of Reece, the outlaw “Rose Kid” reminded me quite a lot of Kate and worked better.
The reporter, Charlotte, gets kidnapped by the Rose Kid and then sticks around for a story. The Rose Kid is trying to escape his outlaw gang. Both of them get a leg up when they encounter Kate from the prior book.
There’s quite a lot of repetitive conversations going over their options as they hole up to fight the Rose gang. That’s balanced by fun with Kate’s situation and Reece’s fun voice, but the Charlotte parts seemed to lack believable motivation (she and Reece just aren’t thrown together long enough in non lethal situations for her to overcome social barriers that way) and I confessed I skimmed some of her parts. Her mother’s dire situation seemed contrived and then she easily overcomes it.
Still, it was fun to catch up with Jesse and Kate, and Reece’s voice still won me over. I wouldn’t necessarily call this YA, actually, they’re young adults making decisions, not kids.
The protagonist of the first book, 18 year old Kate, won me over with her voice of no-nonsense, western slang, and cross-dressing. I liked the romance with the cowboy brother as well.
That voice that I liked in the first book didn’t work as well for the main protagonist in this follow up book, a young woman reporter. The alternating POV of Reece, the outlaw “Rose Kid” reminded me quite a lot of Kate and worked better.
The reporter, Charlotte, gets kidnapped by the Rose Kid and then sticks around for a story. The Rose Kid is trying to escape his outlaw gang. Both of them get a leg up when they encounter Kate from the prior book.
There’s quite a lot of repetitive conversations going over their options as they hole up to fight the Rose gang. That’s balanced by fun with Kate’s situation and Reece’s fun voice, but the Charlotte parts seemed to lack believable motivation (she and Reece just aren’t thrown together long enough in non lethal situations for her to overcome social barriers that way) and I confessed I skimmed some of her parts. Her mother’s dire situation seemed contrived and then she easily overcomes it.
Still, it was fun to catch up with Jesse and Kate, and Reece’s voice still won me over. I wouldn’t necessarily call this YA, actually, they’re young adults making decisions, not kids.
jackiesomuch's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I rarely ever read sequels, but Vengeance Road was so entertaining that I needed more. This book lived up to my expectations for a good, fun Western.
iggyebab's review
3.0
I really enjoyed this duology. Although this story follows different characters, there are clear connections to the first book and characters that show up again.
It’s not a perfect book, there are some plot holes but the characters are interesting and the story lines are compelling. I don’t read many westerns but I’m really glad these covers caught my eye.
"Secrets are like bullets. Ditto the dark, personal stuff. Folks say they’ll take ’em off yer hands, share the burden, but really they just load ’em into their own weapons so they can use ’em against you later. "
It’s not a perfect book, there are some plot holes but the characters are interesting and the story lines are compelling. I don’t read many westerns but I’m really glad these covers caught my eye.
"Secrets are like bullets. Ditto the dark, personal stuff. Folks say they’ll take ’em off yer hands, share the burden, but really they just load ’em into their own weapons so they can use ’em against you later. "
acksab's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
missprint_'s review against another edition
5.0
"Secrets are like bullets."
Reece Murphy never wanted to become the notorious Rose Kid. But he hardly had a choice
Five years ago Luther Rose rode in and killed the entire family Reece had been working for. Thanks to a mysterious gold coin, Reece has a different fate. If he can identify the man who gave him the gold piece, Reece can walk away. Until then he has to be part of the Rose Rides--something he can hardly escape thanks to his horrible deeds and even worse reputation as the Rose Kid.
Charlotte Vaughn and her mother are still grieving Charlotte's father when her uncle begins moving to claim their estate and holdings for himself. Charlotte hopes that following a lead on a big story will help jump start her career as a journalist and bring her one step closer toward self-sufficiency and thwarting her uncle.
Both Reece and Charlotte's plans are derailed when they cross paths on opposite sides of a botched train robbery. Charlotte could be Reece's chance for freedom while Reece offers Charlotte the story of a lifetime. Charlotte and Reece know better than to trust each other but they both hope that with a little luck and a lot of grit they can use each other to get exactly what they need in Retribution Rails (2017) by Erin Bowman.
Retribution Rails is a companion novel set ten years after the events of Vengeance Road. While this novel works as a standalone it does reference previous events throughout.
Written in dual first person narration this novel follows both Charlotte and Reece as they chase dreams and futures they are not sure they'll ever manage to claim. The contrasts between these two helps to play with their changing perceptions of each other while also highlighting their similarities--particularly in terms of how single-mindedly they pursue their goals.
Reece and Charlotte are often difficult characters--Reece with the past he tries to forget and Charlotte with a surprisingly vindictive personality--and sometimes make the wrong choices. But those stumbles only add to their resiliency and growth throughout the novel. Their chemistry--even when they're fighting--adds another dimension to this gripping story.
Readers familiar with Bowman's work will find everything they loved about her first western in Retribution Rails along with a tighter plot which acknowledges the privileges and costs inherent to westward expansion and, in particular, the movement towards rail travel. Retribution Rails is a clever and fast-paced novel filled with adventure, redemption, and just a hint of romance. Highly recommended.
Possible Pairings: Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson, These Shallow Graves by Jennifer Donnelly, Scarlet by A. C. Gaughen, Speak Easy, Speak Love by McKelle George, Under a Painted Sky by Stacey Lee
You can find this review and more on my blog Miss Print
Reece Murphy never wanted to become the notorious Rose Kid. But he hardly had a choice
Five years ago Luther Rose rode in and killed the entire family Reece had been working for. Thanks to a mysterious gold coin, Reece has a different fate. If he can identify the man who gave him the gold piece, Reece can walk away. Until then he has to be part of the Rose Rides--something he can hardly escape thanks to his horrible deeds and even worse reputation as the Rose Kid.
Charlotte Vaughn and her mother are still grieving Charlotte's father when her uncle begins moving to claim their estate and holdings for himself. Charlotte hopes that following a lead on a big story will help jump start her career as a journalist and bring her one step closer toward self-sufficiency and thwarting her uncle.
Both Reece and Charlotte's plans are derailed when they cross paths on opposite sides of a botched train robbery. Charlotte could be Reece's chance for freedom while Reece offers Charlotte the story of a lifetime. Charlotte and Reece know better than to trust each other but they both hope that with a little luck and a lot of grit they can use each other to get exactly what they need in Retribution Rails (2017) by Erin Bowman.
Retribution Rails is a companion novel set ten years after the events of Vengeance Road. While this novel works as a standalone it does reference previous events throughout.
Written in dual first person narration this novel follows both Charlotte and Reece as they chase dreams and futures they are not sure they'll ever manage to claim. The contrasts between these two helps to play with their changing perceptions of each other while also highlighting their similarities--particularly in terms of how single-mindedly they pursue their goals.
Reece and Charlotte are often difficult characters--Reece with the past he tries to forget and Charlotte with a surprisingly vindictive personality--and sometimes make the wrong choices. But those stumbles only add to their resiliency and growth throughout the novel. Their chemistry--even when they're fighting--adds another dimension to this gripping story.
Readers familiar with Bowman's work will find everything they loved about her first western in Retribution Rails along with a tighter plot which acknowledges the privileges and costs inherent to westward expansion and, in particular, the movement towards rail travel. Retribution Rails is a clever and fast-paced novel filled with adventure, redemption, and just a hint of romance. Highly recommended.
Possible Pairings: Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson, These Shallow Graves by Jennifer Donnelly, Scarlet by A. C. Gaughen, Speak Easy, Speak Love by McKelle George, Under a Painted Sky by Stacey Lee
You can find this review and more on my blog Miss Print
shelleybn8's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
darquedreamer's review against another edition
5.0
Retribution Rails glitters like gold. It is wild, heart pounding, and rich! With danger, excitement, and a stunning cast of characters, this one is sure to take your breath away! For lovers of Vengeance Road, you will not be disappointed with this companion novel!
I devoured Retribution Rails! The minute it arrived in my hands, I could not put it down. It was action packed, emotional, and thrilling! I thought I loved Vengeance Road, but I loved this one even more! Erin Bowman did an outstanding job with bringing me back in to the wild west world of Arizona and The Rose Riders. She painted such an elegantly rich picture with her writing!
Just like Vengeance Road, Retribution Rails had an immense amount of world building. I could see everything clearly while I read, as if I were brought back to the wild west myself. Her story imagery was astounding, and the depth of the characters was even more beautiful!
We were introduced to a strong, stubborn, brave girl named Charlotte Vaughn. Charlotte had gumption and fierce determination. She was beautiful and wild, and always tried to rise above her expectations as a woman. She was so different from Kate in Vengeance Road, and yet, so alike in many ways.
And then there was Reece Murphy. I fell in love with Reece. His story was so well developed and his character just fit seamlessly in the plot. He was alluring, but mysterious. He was brave, and a little vulnerable inside, and he had such depth to his personality. He was also a little dangerous, but seemed to have a decent heart, kind of like Jesse in Vengeance Road.
There were so many twists and turns in this wild ride! I could feel my heart racing at each one. This one had the heart of a true cowboy and the soul of a strong woman! It was highly immersive, fascinating, and dynamic! I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good story and a great Western!
I devoured Retribution Rails! The minute it arrived in my hands, I could not put it down. It was action packed, emotional, and thrilling! I thought I loved Vengeance Road, but I loved this one even more! Erin Bowman did an outstanding job with bringing me back in to the wild west world of Arizona and The Rose Riders. She painted such an elegantly rich picture with her writing!
Just like Vengeance Road, Retribution Rails had an immense amount of world building. I could see everything clearly while I read, as if I were brought back to the wild west myself. Her story imagery was astounding, and the depth of the characters was even more beautiful!
We were introduced to a strong, stubborn, brave girl named Charlotte Vaughn. Charlotte had gumption and fierce determination. She was beautiful and wild, and always tried to rise above her expectations as a woman. She was so different from Kate in Vengeance Road, and yet, so alike in many ways.
And then there was Reece Murphy. I fell in love with Reece. His story was so well developed and his character just fit seamlessly in the plot. He was alluring, but mysterious. He was brave, and a little vulnerable inside, and he had such depth to his personality. He was also a little dangerous, but seemed to have a decent heart, kind of like Jesse in Vengeance Road.
There were so many twists and turns in this wild ride! I could feel my heart racing at each one. This one had the heart of a true cowboy and the soul of a strong woman! It was highly immersive, fascinating, and dynamic! I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good story and a great Western!