Image of Little Dragon

 

Devil's Tower


Del-Rey
Fiction, Fantasy/Western
Themes: Alternate Earths, Cross-Genre, Magic Workers
****

Description

America was forever changed when magic woke from its long slumber, unleashed in the middle of the Civil War. The massive upheaval caused as gifted and non-gifted citizens sort out the new order throws the country into chaos, reversing the white man's westward migration. In the remaining Western towns, ungifted people rely on gifted sheriffs to protect them from other magic-users seeking power.
Jake Bird, the son of one such sheriff, has yet to display his own talents when he finds himself up against a powerful enemy. Faced with imminent death, his magic emerges strongly and unexpectedly. Now, he must master it and protect the town of Medicine Rock against the evil man who killed his father, a man who made a terrible pact for powers of his own and a place in the new West: General George Armstron Custer.

Review

This book was refreshingly different, though I did wonder if there was a prequel I hadn't heard of. If there isn't, there sure could be. Both this book and the sequel (see below) hint around about the rise of power, which occurred with seeming suddenness during the height of the Civil War, but never clarify it. Apparently, according to the backs of the books, the magic was triggered by the strong flow of dark emotions over the War between the States. In any event, the tale itself plays out decently, even if the hero could be a bit dense at times. A neat concept, carried out convincingly by interesting characters.

 

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Devil's Engine


Del-Rey
Fiction, Fantasy/Western
Themes: Alternate Earths, Cross-Genre, Magic Workers
****

Description

The East Coast tycoon Jay Gould plans rob the West of its magic with special, energy-draining railroad tracks. His scout, Buffalo Bill Cody, is one of the many people who saw their lives turned upside down when others began displaying powers and they did not; maybe with the magic gone, things will finally go back to normal and he can return to his old life.
Gould's railroad line runs straight through the small town of Medicine Rock. At first, the townsfolk welcome the promise of prosperity, but soon Sheriff Jake Bird realizes that all is not as it seems. Can he stop Gould before his plan succeeds?

Review

The alternate reality established in the first book holds up very well during its second outing. Sumner proves once more that he can integrate real historical figures into unreal situations. The ending hints strongly at a third book, which unfortunately never materialized... which is a shame, as the finale could've used some closure.

 

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