Customer Reviews

How the West Went to Hell

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Frankly, this isn't much of a book. If you take away the promotional material for other Eric S. Brown projects, it's about 95 pages long--and it's printed with a very large type font to stretch it to that lenghth.. It struck me as being more of a short story masquerading as a book. I think the publisher has been very deceptive here.

The story itself is okay. It's got zombies that come to an Old West town approprietly titled Reaper's Valley. There's very little of what I'd call a genuine flavor of the west here. If you just want a merdiocre zombie short story, buy this. Otherwise, there are much better weird western horror tales out there.

I was delighted when I learned that Pill Hill Press was going to publish a new work of Eric S. Brown, and when asked to read and review it, I was happy to oblige. I am a fan of Eric's work and even a bigger fan after having read How the West Went to Hell.

The book starts out running with the Prologue and doesn't quit until the end of the story. It's hard to talk about the story without giving anything away - and I hate to give away a plot, but here goes, hopefully telling you just enough to get you interested.

Character development here is flawless. The main character is an editor who is sent on a mission to fill in some missing information for his boss Kramer, so that their company can publish a book that has already been accepted, but the author has been killed. We follow this main character, Louis Farmer beginning with a stagecoach ride where he explains to the other travelers who he is and how the author of the book was murdered.

When they arrive at their destination, Reaper's Valley, Louis gets a room in the town's sole hotel and saloon. Not liking bars, he hurry's up to his room.

There is something going on, on the other side of town with Pastor Gregory and a visitor... ominously resembling the prologue. Strange man appears, wounded and in need of help but before anything can really be done, his wounds heal. Whether this is a good guy or a bad guy remains to be seen...

By Chapter three, we have a man named Lee riding into town. He's dressed all in white, immaculately dressed in white... is he a good guy, good guy's are always in white- or are they? Lee ends up asking for wine in the saloon, and then the trouble starts. 'A multitude of bullets smashed into Lee, staining his white clothing with dark blotches of red.' But wait, Lee stands up, wounds healed, white cloths spotless...

Louis, in the meantime, decides to read the book manuscript again, but decides he's too tired and hungry from the trip, and he goes down to get something to eat and notices a man riding into town, wearing all black... is this a bad guy? Bad guys always wear black, right? Louis really believes this man is the one he's been sent to find... the man tells the sheriff and everyone who is around that there is someone coming to town that will kill them all, someone they can't stop alone - none of them. Nathan is the man in black, and he has convinced the sheriff and Louis that there is something coming. They form a posse... and Louis decides to go, though he knows he might be more of a hindrance than a help.

While all of this is going on, there is another thread - Eliza, who has traveled west to get her dead brothers affairs in order. While at his house, she sees him riding up...

How the West Went to Hell is full of character and characters that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This is good reading, Eric S. Brown at his best. You have to keep on your toes to discern who is who, are the characters really themselves, or are they demons, possessing the dead bodies, walking around reeking havoc.

The thing about Eric Brown's stories, and this one is no exception, is that he makes you care about the wide cast of characters inhabiting his stories. You don't want to, because no one is ever safe, but he grabs you anyway. Many horror writers create characters you just know are going to have something bad happen to them, for the sake of another kill. Here, as with his other stories, there are characters I am sure will make it, and I am sure won't, and I am constantly surprised. And one of the things that surprises me is how much I care. In this story, the west comes alive, and this could easily be a Sergio Leone western, except there is a dark and evil twist. Highly recommended.

Once again Eric S. Brown suprised me with this one. I really enjoyed the fact that this story happend in the old west. Very original. The tiwsts and turns kept you guessing on this rollercoaster of a story. I never know what to expect when I read a book by this author. This was my 3rd Eric Brown novel and I plan on reading them all. He is just that good.

Do not get attached to anyone in this Western romp with Zombies, Cowboys, Barmaids and Demons. Eric S. Brown does not believe in saving characters just because. The plot was outstanding, characters were not around long but still around long enough for you to care, a little. I love this guys writing style! Looking for a quickie on the plane, before bed, at the park? It doesn't matter! This is killer stuff! You will not be disappointed in the least!

This is a quick little diddy filled with multible gun shots and much blood-letting, in a good way. That is exactly what I was looking for. The action is fast paced and the characters are lively, and just plain fun. The villian is a quick witted, self righteous S.O.B. who is fast with a insult to add to all the tragedy. If you want a good horror themed western, shoot'em up, then you will love this book.

Eric S. Brown likes to take chances when writing. That's what I love about his books they're always unique, fast paced and full of undead action. I love how he put together a story with the Old West, with the Undead. Pick this Novella up and give it a read. I"m giving it 5 stars.

Eric S Brown does not disappoint. His stories are fun, bloody, and fast paced from beginning to end. This one is no exception. A crazy mixture of zombie demons and a western novel, How The West Went To Hell is an insanely good time!!

Only one word describes this book, out-freakin'-standing. I loved it. If you are thinking about buying How The West Went To Hell, stop thinking and just buy it. You won't regret the purchase.

six shooters and jacked up lizard zombies...blood, death and the undead! great story and a fast read. wild west attacked by zombies lead by a demon and a god damn psyco cowboy needs to stop the reign of terror rearing its ugly head upon the human controlling world...every bit of this story was excellent without a dull moment. you need to add this to your collection!!!