Revenge and the Wild by Michelle Modesto Pages: 384
Published by Balzer + Bray on February 2, 2016
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy & Magic, Steampunk, Western, Romance
Source: Paperback ARC from Publisher
The two-bit town of Rogue City is a lawless place, full of dark magic and saloon brawls, monsters and six-shooters. But it’s perfect for seventeen-year-old Westie, the notorious adopted daughter of local inventor Nigel Butler.
Westie was only a child when she lost her arm and her family to cannibals on the wagon trail. Nine years later, Westie may seem fearsome with her foul-mouthed tough exterior and the powerful mechanical arm built for her by Nigel, but the memory of her past still haunts her. She’s determined to make the killers pay for their crimes—and there’s nothing to stop her except her own reckless ways.
But Westie’s search ceases when a wealthy family comes to town looking to invest in Nigel’s latest invention, a machine that can harvest magic from gold—which Rogue City desperately needs as the magic wards that surround the city start to fail.
There’s only one problem: the investors look exactly like the family who murdered Westie’s kin. With the help of Nigel’s handsome but scarred young assistant, Alistair, Westie sets out to prove their guilt. But if she’s not careful, her desire for revenge could cost her the family she has now.
This thrilling novel is a remarkable tale of danger and discovery, from debut author Michelle Modesto.
Revenge and the Wild is a standalone novel by Michelle Modesto. Notice that I did not put a genre in the previous sentence. That is because I think it is impossible to sum up Revenge and the Wild with a single genre. This book is delightfully different. I know words like unique and different get thrown around a lot in review, but in this case it is absolutely 100% true. Revenge and the Wild is like a fantasy and magic novel, mixed with a western, and blended with a steampunk. And of course there is a kick butt romance as well. I know! How on earth did Michelle Modesto do it? I have no idea, and I honestly don’t think it can be replicated. This book was just so well done. I loved the mash up of genres, and I really, really loved the finished result. And to think this is Michelle Modesto’s debut novel totally blows my mind.
Revenge and the Wild is set in a small town in western America. A town with a dome of magic that keeps the creatures out. Creatures like trolls and ogres and, oh yea, cannibals. (And trust me, you will not be able to forget the cannibals.) Westie is the main character and I just adored this girl. I loved her brash and unfinished attitude. She is no delicate flower, and I would not have had her any other way.
Westie is on the hunt to track down and get revenge on the cannibals that killed her parents. There is a lot going on in the world that Michelle Modesto created and her world building is why I believe her mash up of genres is so successful. She really takes the time at the start of the book to set the scene and immerse you in this very, very different world. If she didn’t, I don’t think the reader would fully appreciate just how different the town of Rogue City is.
I also really, really loved the steampunk elements of the story. It made me want to go on a steampunk reading binge. ( I really don’t read enough of it.) I don’t want to give too much more away about the plot and some of the more magical elements of the story because they were a lot of fun for me to discover along the way. But I will say this. I don’t think too many people will be able to see the end coming. Whether you love it or hate it, I think it will be a surprise. I loved Revenge and the Wild. In a sea of books that can sometimes mash together, Revenge and the Wild stands completely out!
Bottom line: I am not going to say this book is perfect for fans of X or fans of Y. Revenge and the Wild is a book you need to read if you like reading. Period.
Come see why you NEED to be reading Revenge and the Wild by @ellemodesto @BalzerandBray @BookBriefs #review Share on X
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Week One:
1/25/2016- IceyBooks– Interview
1/26/2016- Book Briefs– Review
1/27/2016- Two Chicks on Books– Guest Post
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This book sounds like it be a great read
It sounds like a fantastic and interesting book. I love the cover. Thanks for having the giveaway.
I love the cover, and the story sounds so good! Can’t wait to read it!
trolls ogres and cannibals that does sound fun!
So many creatures, and six-shooters! Sounds exciting!
I have seen this on many blogs wishlist, and after reading some here, I want it too!! Thank you!
I never bothered about this book before but now I’m so excited to read this.. you got me at cannibals. just because I’ve never read anything with them.
The Wild West, steampunk and magic. Bring it on!