I like some horror, but not all and this fell into the not catorgory. I just couldn't read it and enjoy it. The author has talent though and some will love it.

This book's premise and potential genre-bending were really intriguing to me; unfortunately, I think it was just too much at once. I want to preface this by saying that I am generally not a horror fan, so maybe this book leaned too much into that genre as opposed to the sci-fi/western aspects I was looking forward to.

I felt a bit all over the place at times and found myself asking, "What is going on?" when the narration shifted to some new characters (keep in mind, there were no identified chapters in the pre-pub ebook version I read). I also had a hard time understanding the sci-fi element of this story (i.e., the origin of the PASS, the futuristic weapons, drones, and how they were being used). I was thoroughly engrossed in portions of the story and genuinely wanted to know what would happen next until something really graphic and seemingly almost necessary to the story occurred, which made me want to give up entirely. I did finish this book, however, so there's that.

I can tell this author has natural writing talent. Still, it got overpowered by the confusion and disjointedness of the chapters and the paragraphs I had to skip altogether just to get through the graphic nature of the violence written.

TW: rape, animal abuse, suicide, graphic violence

Looks like I’m the first person to properly review this book, with words, the way books are meant to be reviewed.
I requested this book from Netgalley because I enjoyed the author’s Savage Gerry. And because I was rather intrigued by the promised combination of a western/horror/sci-fi mash-up.
But in retrospect, that might have been what preventing this book from really shining for me: too much going on, too busy.
Now, here you have an author with the knack for hyper-realistic, visceral style that lends itself well to tough, weathered and leathered sort of style one might associate with westerns. Downtrodden people in the downtrodden land doing their best to get by…sort of thing.
Then he throws in something straight out of the newspapers that’s been ravaging the heartland. Only people no longer just OD, they go feral. Enter horror. With sci-fi elements.
The thing is, the latter two genres for me didn’t quite fit in organically with the main narrative and tone of the novel. It was easy to see what the author was going for but I’m not quite sure he succeeded all the way.
Then again, it’s entirely possible that the book simply didn’t match my mood at the time. The author is definitely talented, so you know, user mileage may vary.
Might just be down to personal preferences. Do you have a lot of interest in motorcycle gangs? This was kind of like Sons of Anarchy, objectively a good show, but definitely not for everyone.
Read and find out for yourself. It’s quick enough to. Thanks Netgalley.

An absolutely amazing book! Si-if meets horror which meets western, this book is full of electrifying characters, the story is so easy to follow! It’s definitely a must read!

This was definitely a interesting story. I wasn't sure if like it, but it was a brilliant blend of genres and it worked. A clever story line. Look forward to seeing More from this author.

3.5 stars

This seemed like a strange concept at first (western, Sci-fi, horror 🤔), but it really worked well, and hit every note. Lots of action and characters that I would expect in this kind of mashup. I really hope to see more of this world.

This had a great blend of the western, sci-fi, and horror genres, and it blended well. I was hooked from the first page and glad I got to read this. The characters were what I was looking for in this type of book and they worked well in the world. John Jantunen has a great writing style that I enjoyed overall and it left me wanting to read more. I can't wait to read more of this universe and from the author.

"Clarence raising his own gun then, wanting to put that final bullet into Mason’s skull. Mason hearing the crack of its retort given over to a high-pitched whining noise — his tinnitus rearing full force. He clutched the handrail harder still, feeling like he was going to puke, his legs wobbling ever-harder beneath him. Taking a deep breath, trying to bring himself back towards reason, his gaze again sought out the dozen or so jars on the shelf."