Heather’s Bookshelf: The Marshal
Author: J.S. Matthews
Released: 1/17/19
Genre: Fiction: Post-apocalyptic Western
“They were brothers in arms, ready to die to save each other, or so said their code, and die they would if Kerrigan continued to have his way.”
“The Marshal” introduces you to a post-apocalyptic United States about two hundred years in the future. The story follows Elizabeth, a brand new Marshal known for her sharp shooting skills, on her first assignment. Elizabeth finds herself working with a team of experienced marshals and one war-hero turned bandit, Stark, on a mission to find a ruthless outlaw named Kerrigan.
Elizabeth soon realizes that she must rely on her newfound team as they make their way to find Kerrigan. She gets to know the men around her as they encounter all sorts of seedy characters and the many dangers of the wasteland. Elizabeth also discovers that not everything she has heard in the past is as clear cut or accurate as she once thought. She must trust her instincts if she is going to survive her first mission as a Marshal.
This story is a great combination of western and science fiction themes. And while I am not a huge fan of westerns, the post-apocalyptic characteristics were more than enough to keep me intrigued. It is filled with adventure, tension, and a moral dilemma that keep you rooting for Elizabeth, the marshals, and Stark all at the same time. The dangers they encounter are truly cringeworthy and the story is well-paced in a way that makes you want to keep reading ahead.
Overall, I really enjoyed the story. I thought the character development of Elizabeth, Stark, and Kerrigan was especially well done. I loved that the characters were layered, complex, and not just your “typical” good or bad guys. I also really liked the change in perspective and point of view within the storyline. I felt that the author did a great job intertwining character background and action in a way that felt well-paced and natural. I also thought the ending was satisfying in that it felt like a close of a chapter but a beginning of a whole new world. I hope that the author lets us in on new adventures to come.
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
OVERALL REVIEW:
I really enjoyed this western adventure set in a post-apocalyptic world. The characters were layered and the story kept me turning the page.
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