Customer Reviews

The Guns of Retribution

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

Brighton's Pulp Press continue their run of fast paced, action packed novellas with this whipcrack of a western. The Guns Of Retribution by Icy Sedgwick is the story of Gray O'Donnell, a bounty hunter who works alongside a fresh faced kid and an Apache.

Whilst attempting to capture a killer on a moving train, O Donell meets up with Jasper Roberts -a blast from the past that is positively seismic - and is forced to head back in his home town, Retribution. But a prodigal son he certainly isn't.

The Guns Of Retribution is a joy, containing all the action and adventure of an old school western but with a - not overbearing- modern point of view. I assume that this won't be the last we'll see of Gray O' Donnell and his sidekicks and I'll certainly be around for the next installment.

The first thing I will tell you about Guns, is that it begins with a great action sequence on a train. It's an exciting beginning that's well written and you cannot help but root for Grey O'Donnell, even when we aren't that familiar with who he is. I won't spoil things by telling you too much about the story. It's more fun to actually read it.

I'd planned to take my time and savour each chapter, slowly, but I could not help but turn page after page to find out what would happen next. It took a lot of will power to put book aside so I could enjoy reading its end the next day, and no, I'm not exaggerating for effect, it is THAT good.

Icy does a great job weaving Grey's past throughout so we are able to get a good feel on the kind of guy he is and why going back to Retribution is so meaningful for him.

This really was a fun read, it ticked all the boxes a good novel should and I did not have any problems submerging myself into the world of Grey, Billy and Mahko.

In Icy Sedgwick's new book The Guns of Retribution, she asks us to saddle up and take a trip out to the Old West into the heat and dust of Arizona, where she introduces us to Grey O'Donnell, a bounty hunter and his two sidekicks Billy Cole and Mahko the Apache.

It is Grey who tells us his story and starts us off on this journey by him and his two companions chasing their prey, Blackjack Bud Hudson, who is on a train. Things don't quite go to plan, and Grey comes face to face with an old acquaintance, Jasper Roberts. Jasper, not the nicest of guys, has managed to procure the position of Sheriff in the town of Retribution, Grey's old home. There is no love lost between the two.

Grey takes us to the sleepy town of Sandwater, where we meet some interesting characters. Miss Violet who works in the hotel and reminds Grey of a girl he once knew, Peggy; Albert who serves in the Saloon; and the beautiful Mrs. Madeline Beaufontaine, who is used to getting what she wants. Jasper Roberts pressures Grey by underhanded means to return to the town of Retribution--I don't want to say anymore as I don't want to spoil it for you.

Icy Sedgwick has created some believable characters in this adventure. The mature and easy going persona of Grey is contrasted beautifully by the exuberance and impatience of the young Billy Cole, while the quiet confidence of Mahko makes this threesome very workable.

The way Icy Sedgwick has Grey tell his story, gives us insight into this man and allows us to share his feelings. At the same time she crafts Jasper Roberts character into one that is easy to dislike. Her ability to paint with words a vivid picture of this era in time for us, has the reader taking part in the sights, sounds and people of the towns.

I liked this story very much and read it in two sittings. The diversity of characters and how they all interacted with each other served to bring this Novella to life. It felt like Grey was sitting opposite telling me this tale of his, while coffee brewed on the camp fire.

As I swig down my coffee, brush off the dust and wave Grey O'Donnell farewell, I give this little Western Novella a helen-scribbles thumbs up.

This Western novella is an easily digestible page-turner. Icy Sedgwick creates a believable setting and Grey O'Donnell is likeable and sympathetic, as are his partners, Billy and Mahko. They are faced with a suitably evil antagonist and the plot builds nicely to the climax. At times the 'voice' of Grey didn't always feel authentic but for me, this was a relatively minor issue in an otherwise engaging read. I'll be keeping an eye out for other titles from this author!

Grey O'Donnell is a charming fellow and Ice Sedgwick does a great job of bringing him to life and through him the rest of his tough world.

It's a breeze to read and though it's a Western through and through, I was often surprised things the characters did and the way the story twisted. Be warned, you'll get to like the characters and sometimes Bad Things Happen to them. The pace never slows from the opening train sequence to the climax.

Enjoyable. The good news is there's more to come.

Oh dear!! what a shame! of course I suppose I am from an older generation than this young author but there has been so many westerns written over the years that have been much better. I think that this young lady should stick to writing about things that she is familiar with. Nice try tho' but not one to buy.

Having been a fan of Icy's work for a number of years, I looked forward to reading her first Novella, The Guns of Retribution and I was not disappointed. I won't set out the story as this has been done in previous reviews. Icy's stories are always very visual as the reader "watches" the action taking place and it is very easy to relate to the main characters.

I prefer to read Icy's stories in a quiet environment and, at one point during the story, as our hero, Grey, rides into a very quiet Sandwater, I was so engrossed in what was happening, I jumped out of my skin as my mobile phone rang!

"Guns" has tension, humour and loads of action. All in all, it is a really good read.