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Vermilion: The Adventures of Lou Merriwether, Psychopomp by [Molly Tanzer]

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Molly Tanzer

Vermilion: The Adventures of Lou Merriwether, Psychopomp Kindle Edition

by Molly Tanzer (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

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Gunslinging, chain smoking, Stetson-wearing Taoist psychopomp, Elouise "Lou" Merriwether might not be a normal 19-year-old, but she's too busy keeping San Francisco safe from ghosts, shades, and geung si to care much about that. It's an important job, though most folks consider it downright spooky. Some have even accused Lou of being more comfortable with the dead than the living, and, well... they're not wrong.

When Lou hears that a bunch of Chinatown boys have gone missing somewhere deep in the Colorado Rockies she decides to saddle up and head into the wilderness to investigate. Lou fears her particular talents make her better suited to help placate their spirits than ensure they get home alive, but it's the right thing to do, and she's the only one willing to do it.

On the road to a mysterious sanatorium known as Fountain of Youth, Lou will encounter bears, desperate men, a very undead villain, and even stranger challenges. Lou will need every one of her talents and a whole lot of luck to make it home alive...

From British Fantasy Award nominee Molly Tanzer comes debut novel Vermilion, a spirited weird Western adventure that puts the punk back into steampunk.

Print length

469 pages
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English
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Publication date

April 15, 2015
File size

2405 KB
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Tanzer's first novel is a splendid page-turner of a Weird West adventure. ... This hugely entertaining mixture of American steampunk and ghost story is a wonderful yarn with some of the best dialogue around. -PUBLISHERS WEEKLY (Starred Review)

About the Author

Molly Tanzer is the Sydney J. Bounds and Wonderland Book Award-nominated author of A Pretty Mouth (Lazy Fascist, 2012), Rumbullion and Other Liminal Libations (Egaeus, 2013), Vermilion (Word Horde, 2015), and The Pleasure Merchant (forthcoming, Lazy Fascist 2015). She lives in Boulder, Colorado, with her husband and a very bad cat. When not writing, she enjoys mixing cocktails, hiking in the Rocky Mountains, experimenting with Korean cooking, and (as of recently) training for triathlons. She tweets @molly_the_tanz, and blogs--infrequently--at mollytanzer.com.

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00VN8UZPI
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Word Horde (April 15, 2015)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 15, 2015
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 2405 KB
Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
Print length ‏ : ‎ 469 pages

Best Sellers Rank: #950,831 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #1,014 in Steampunk Science Fiction (Kindle Store)
- #1,287 in Steampunk Fiction
- #26,081 in Paranormal & Urban Fantasy (Kindle Store)

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Molly Tanzer

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Molly Tanzer is the British Fantasy and Wonderland Book Award-nominated author of Creatures of Will and Temper and the forthcoming Creatures of Want and Ruin, as well as the weird western Vermilion, among other titles. She is also the co-editor of Mixed Up: Cocktail Recipes (and Flash Fiction) for the Discerning Drinker (and Reader). For more information about her critically acclaimed novels and short fiction, visit her website, mollytanzer.com, or follow her @molly_the_tanz on Twitter or @molly_tanzer on Instagram.

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5

150 global ratings

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3 star		11%
2 star		6%
1 star		5%

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Heather Rose Jones

Adventures in the Weird West

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 4, 2016

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If I understand the term correctly, I think Vermillion falls in the “weird western” sub-genre. Angry ghosts and psychopomps, vampires and Sasquatches, bears as military allies and sea lions who provide water taxi service. Lou Merriwether, a woman of Chinese and British heritage who prefers masculine clothing (just because it’s more comfortable and practical, you know) carries on her late father’s profession of psychopomp: a professional who helps restless souls move on, rather than hanging around to annoy and imperil the living. Late 19th century San Francisco is not always a safe or comfortable place for people of Chinese descent, and when Lou’s mother brings her a case involving both the unexplained disappearance of members of the community, but also the unexplained re-appearance of one of their corpses, Lou is pressured into turning detective and following the clues of promises of employment somewhere in the Rockies to see if she can solve the riddle.

This is part action-adventure story (including, toward the end, some disturbing scenes of violence, torture, and murder), part mystery, and part fun world-building. It barely skirts the edges of steam-punk in some elements, but not closely enough that I'd identify it as such. The story includes a solid scattering of queer characters, including the strong suggestion that there is a same-sex romance in Lou’s future, and absolutely no Tragic Queer motifs. (That is, some bad things happen, but not disproportionately to queer characters or in ways that imply causation.) The plot is full of ethical and moral ambiguities and even the villains aren’t painted in absolutes. I personally found the handling of the Chinese elements of the plot to be well done (perhaps over-explained in some cases, but the average non-Chinese-American reader probably wouldn’t find them so). But this is with the caveat that I’m reading those elements as a cultural outsider and nuances will pass me by.

The writing is rich and detailed and goes down smoothly. The protagonist’s voice is delightfully individual and her interactions with the other characters, as a young woman who is still figuring out her place in life, ring true. And the climax wraps up satisfyingly (including enough loose ends for a continuation, should the author choose to do so). The one aspect of the world-building that had me a little on edge was the way in which the sentient non-humans (the aforementioned bears, sea lions, Sasquatches, etc.) seemed to fill the historic niche belonging to Native Americans. There are passing references to Native American communities and individuals later in the book, so my initial fears were eased, but NA representation in this novel’s Wild West feels very slight and this may bother some readers.

Given all that, a solidly satisfying read, particularly recommended for those looking for queer characters of many sorts, as long as you aren’t completely averse to graphic violence. Likely to appeal to people who enjoyed Elizabeth Bear's Karen Memory.

4 people found this helpful

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CaptainKirksWife

Good book -- with one caveat.

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on September 21, 2015

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The first thing that I'll say is this: I enjoyed the book. I thought it was well written, had a good plot that was solid (not at all rambling) and also left me guessing at times. The exposition -- which was necessary -- fit well into the narrative and never seemed forced, yet definitely gave sufficient and insightful detail that there were no difficulties understanding some of the complexities of the setting. In short, it was a good book and fun to read.

I should also point out that I don't generally review items, and generally only review those which I believe need one written for them. To me, 1 star means terrible, 2 means sub-par, 3 means decent, 4 means good, and 5 means excellent. 3 & 4 are at the level of "meets or exceeds expectations" for standard products, or recommendations for those also interested (as in books, movies, etc.). So my 4 stars says that it was good and met or exceeded my expectations going into it. I ended up buying it after reading the kindle sample.

Now comes the big caveat. There are strong LGBT themes to the story that, for the most part, didn't seem to add to the story. My reason for bringing this up is this: had I known, I likely would not have read the book. This isn't because of some horrific prejudice, it's simply because I'm not interested in reading stories that rely heavily on these themes (for much the same reason that I'd be disinclined to read a similar book with strong evangelical Christian overtones). I'm certain that there are other novels I would have enjoyed just as much and for the same reasons without these themes. I should also point out that the book never went "overboard" into the realm of erotica, though several times I feared that it would, and each of those times I considered putting it down -- I don't read erotica, and as a straight male, I am not interested in gay erotica (though if it had been essential to a story, I would have no particular problem with it). I'm glad I didn't, of course.

Life is short, and there are just so many books to read. If you enjoy these themes, or are at least interested -- or, heck, even neutral -- then I would recommend this book without reservation as my caveat would be irrelevant. Otherwise, I would recommend looking elsewhere.

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Book Lover

It almost annoyed me; I was really excited by the premise

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on August 31, 2016

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I had a hard time getting into Vermillion, and kept having a hard time reading it. It almost annoyed me; I was really excited by the premise, really wanted to read it, but…I’d read a few pages and I’d put it down, go do something else. It was frustrating, and unfortunately, it now means I’ve given up on it. It’s rare that I do give up on books, but I plodded as far as Part Two and just thought, “I’m not enjoying this”.

The story just wasn’t engaging. I wanted to warm to Lou, wanted to get into her world…but I just found myself skimming the details without any interest. I love the psychopomp details and the mix of alt universe and ghost/spirit ideas; the animal-folk and alt San Francisco. But the writing just didn’t catch me. I couldn’t keep focused on the story, despite the well-drawn characters, the plot that looked fairly interesting…

It’s frustrating. I wanted to like this. I wanted to be engaged. I know other people have read it and liked it; I can see that it’s nice writing and a wonderful setting. I’d suggest that anyone who’s into adventure or steampunk gives it a go; it’s got a nice Wild West (with several twists) theme. But for me…meh.

One person found this helpful

Michael Kelly

Mr Vampire's Nemesis

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on June 11, 2015

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After enjoying 'A Pretty Mouth' and 'Rumbullion', I had very high hopes for Molly Tanzer's debut full length novel. Those hopes were not to be dashed.

Set in an alternate American history, our heroine is Lou Merriwether, a young lady who dresses unlike a young lady, and whose job is to persuade (by compulsion, if necessary) reluctant spirits to pass on into the realms of the dead.

Persuaded by her mother to travel across country to investigate the disappearance of young men from San Francisco's Chinatown who were supposed to be working on a railroad that apparently doesn't exist, Lou sets off on her travels without the slightest notion of what she is letting herself in for.

During her journey, Lou - who has never left San Francisco before - discovers herself to be a fish out of water. She prides herself on her quick wits, but discovers she isn't nearly as smart as she thinks she is.

There's hardly a single person in this book who's what they appear to be on the surface, it's a very rich experience as truth leapfrogs expectation several times.

The climax of the novel manages to be both bloody and horrifying and yet camp and comical at the same time.

A most charming and delightful read, occasionally macabre, sometimes vicious, often funny. One to go in the pile to be reread at some future date, and deserving of a sequel.

One person found this helpful

Danyl

A spaghetti western supernatural thriller romp through the 19th century Rockies

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on July 15, 2015

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Vermilion is annoyingly difficult to put down; indeed, I managed to read it in two days worth of reading, sneaking in chapters during lulls in work shifts and reading when I should be sleeping - like now, at 4am. Alas, this book is as strangely captivating as it's antagonist surely must be. There's something oddly comforting about slipping into the boots of Elouise, who is competent at her job, but hopeless in so many other areas. A true delight to read about, I find myself empathising with her more often than I would have expected. Lou suffers no fools, which is probably my favourite thing about her, but oh my is she a sweet and naive character. There is something heartwarming about her attitude, and the journey that she embarks upon in the pages of this little piece.

There is a charming feel of the spaghetti western feel laden in her character, as though you can feel the character's she emulates in her dress and attitude. The book leads you through the story at the perfect pace, teasing and hinting with it's plot points to keep you guessing. Whenever you think you have a handle on it, you feel the rug tugged out from under you in a joyfully fun way. The author, much to my own personal delight, pulls no punches in treating her main character exactly as one would expect. She gets no free pass by want of being a main character, and in fact her fool-hardy decisions bite her buttocks rather amusingly and realistically.

Despite it's fantastical setting, Vermilion is well grounded and pays attention to it's own lore, giving the reader enough to immerse themselves in the book without the fear of being bogged down by pages and pages of needless exposition. A solid read and one I heartily recommend.

Dr. E. E. Ernstbrunner

A curate's egg

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on September 1, 2016

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After a fine start (first three chapters) the book degenerates into long stretches of inane dialogue (first the road movie, then ineptly handled personal relations). The problem is that in this section the heroine comes across as feeble, not to say pathetic - in complete contrast to her professional approach initially.
The story does pick up again in the last few chapters (a fair bit of action and interesting developments), but it's a bit of a slog getting there.

Scott Galloway

Great start, boring middle...didn't finish.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on March 7, 2016

Verified Purchase

Didn't make it all the way through this one I'm afraid. Starts off promisingly but then wanders off into a fairly boring road story for about half the book; maybe the ending is a blockbuster but bored me so much I just quit.

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