I wanted to read Gas Giant Gambit by E.S. Raye because it sounded like an interesting mix of a western movie set in space. It fully lived up to this expectation.

The novel follows "Gus" essentially a nameless bounty hunter who comes to a poor mining town, on the edge of human civilization, in the atmosphere of a gas giant planet. Spaghetti western tropes are numerous, and the author has managed to pack every single one into this novel. If you are familiar with spaghetti western movies, you will most likely be able to predict the general direction of the plot. However, the plot is full of action, and I was never bored while reading this novel. Additionally, the hero characters are passionate and lovable. The villains are dark and easy to despise. I was pleased with the story elements of community defense and standing up to prejudice, exploitation, and oppression, even when the stakes are high. There is plenty of space, aliens, & future technology to satisfy a science fiction reader.

I had some dissatisfaction with the Mexican characters’ dialogue being speckled with "pendejo", "hombre", "mi amigo", et cetera. I felt it sometimes gave the impression of cartoon characters rather than an authentic representation. It is a classic western trope, to be sure, but I think it could have been explored differently.

I recommend this novel to anybody who has fond memories of old Clint Eastwood movies or anybody who likes non-stop action-packed science fiction. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

Gas Giant Gambit is the perfect blend of western and science fiction. Genre mashup lovers are sure to enjoy this one. Raye crafts a beautifully unique setting to display all the classic western tropes in a new way. Picture your favorite cowboy showdown and give them beam-blasters.

When a job goes south before it even begins "Gus" finds herself stuck on a planet she's got no desire to be on. With the law hot on her tail, her ship in the shop, and a lack of funds Gus has to find a way out of town quickly. Except there's something weird going on between the townsfolk, the "businessmen", and the natives, and she's about to find out what.

Most of the characters were absolutely amazing. Bernadette is a total baddie, loved her. All of the major characters felt fleshed out and lovable. However, most of the minor characters I found myself going, "Who's that again? Oh nobody important." Some of the townsfolk probably could have been cut and it wouldn't have impacted the story at all.

There was also just a little bit too much action for my taste, the final fight scenes dragged a bit for me. I do think people who enjoy action will enjoy this.

Overall I felt this was a fun take on the classic western genre. Fast paced, engaging, and has a message to share.

Thank you to NetGalley and Alex Parker Publishing for the eARC in exchange for honest review!

This book delivers a fun and fast-paced blend of sci-fi and classic western vibes, with a sharp focus on a gritty, frontier-style showdown. The setting—a fuel mining station in the clouds of a gas giant—is imaginative and vivid, giving a fresh spin to familiar genre tropes. Gus is a compelling lead, flawed but driven, and the tension between characters keeps the stakes high throughout. While it leans into many western clichés, it does so with charm and energy that make the ride enjoyable from start to finish. A solid pick for fans of genre mashups looking for something entertaining and action-packed.

Gas Giant Gambit: A Thrilling Sci-Fi Western Adventure

Gas Giant Gambit is a fast-paced, fun take on sci-fi western and when I say “western” I mean western. A drifter on the run from the law and seeking a bounty stumbles upon a small, deserted town. The town is teetering on the brink, as its residents battle against a greedy family that controls their fate. It’s definitely a case of “this town isn’t big enough for the two of us.” vibes. With the help of drifter Gus this story is one big sci-fi western stand off!

E.S. Raye is not shy to use many western takes that morph perfectly with a sci-fi setting. The story has a lot of different "scenes" that you would find in any classic western film, which to add I was thrilled to see that each chapter was a play on western film titles! Such a nice little easter egg if you call it that!

I would recommend this for anyone looking for a sci-fi western that hits all the cliches of a western film.