A review by missprint_
Retribution Rails by Erin Bowman
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