https://www.tiktok.com/@kagedbooks/video/7105956176277507374?

This was an absolute sleeper, I did not expect it to hit like this. I’m not a big Western reader, The Dark Tower is about as close as I get to Western. So I almost didn’t request this title…

I’m so glad I went ahead and gave it a shot.

Quick plot summary is the main character, James Crowley, lived his life as an outlaw in the old west, and went he was killed instead of going to hell he was recruited to become a Black Badge. Which basically means he now has to take out demons, witches, monsters etc and banish them from the mortal realm. He’s not quite undead but not all the way alive either. and when forces seem to be raising against him craziness ensues.

It’s a really fun adventure, and the plot is laid out well i’ll absolutely check out the sequel, that I assume is coming based on the epilouge…

It gives Dark Tower meets The Witcher vibes.

Not going to lie the first couple of chapters I thought the accent of Roger Clark’s narration was going to drive me nuts, but I quickly realized it just brought me more into the story and really immersed me into the world.

Big thanks to Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing for providing me with a chance to get in on this book early. I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ( )

Cold as Hell
(Black Badge #1)
by Rhett C. Bruno. and Jaime Castle

Definitely another winner! This book is fantastic! It's built in the same world but a different time and mostly different characters as Dead Acre. In Dead Acre, Mutt was there a very young man but here he is a kid. We see him only briefly a couple of times but it's our Mutt that will someday be in Dead Acre.

This book has a different main character and he is dead but working for Angels to right wrongs but mostly to stay out of what might happen to him if he doesn't take the job. He is the Hand of God when monsters, demons, and other supernatural forces need tended to.

Set in a Western atmosphere, I could just about taste the dust and smell the filth. Terrific world building! Characters were awesome as well. Love or hate 'em, they were realistic as could be. I loved his poor old horse! Our tough 'ol dead hero can't feel anything when he is shot but he really likes his horse.

The monsters, demons, and people were shown as having many sides to their personalities too. Through action, dialogue, and the creative genius of these writers, the story opened up more and more. Surprises just kept coming up too! There is a satisfying ending although many loved characters were lost.

The ending was not a cliffhanger! I hate those! But it did give a shocking glimpse into the next book! WHAT? Can't wait to see how that works out!
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me read this outstanding book! This book goes in my favorite folder!!! ( )