Grit, and bear it.
Western devotees will be pleased with this one. The sense of place is perfect; you can taste the dust in your mouth and the crap whiskey burning it's way through. Just like the settlers here, you've got to fight to get that ending--No free lunch here. You gotta want it and be willing to suffer for it.
Elijah is a wonderful MC. At a time when a physical impairment was a severe disadvantage he does the best he can, but life is not easy and honestly, it can be downright cruel. He takes what he gets because he knows no different and wishing wouldn't change anything.
But... then there's a bright spot, and frankly, it looks too good to be true.
Grady. He's the quintessential western male. Driven and bending rules to make enough to live. He's not perfect, but he has clearly defined morals; one can nudge the line, but not obliterate it. Grady knows who he is and what he wants. And he's got his eye on something.
The hardest part in breaking a skittish horse was staying patient while it tired itself out.
This is a gritty story that doesn't shy away from the ugly realities of life. This is not sanitized for your delicate sensibilities, but it is powerful and grim. And each small success is worthy of celebration. Elijah and Grady's fates, like everyone, are held in a delicate balance. More than a couple breath-holding moments here and sighs of relief.
Loved the characters (even secondary and tertiary ones), the setting, and the plot, which didn't rely on any overwrought events. There is a good deal of drama in the story, but it never approaches melodramatic.
Overall, a true to form western that delivers
Favorite quote:
“Sometimes you gotta cut the past loose,” Grady said, “before it drags you down.”
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