GCReading

VENGEANCE ROAD
by Erin Bowman
Hardcover, 336 pages
Expected publication: September 1st 2015
by HMH Books for Young Readers

When Kate Thompson’s father is killed by the notorious Rose Riders for a mysterious journal that reveals the secret location of a gold mine, the eighteen-year-old disguises herself as a boy and takes to the gritty plains looking for answers and justice. What she finds are devious strangers, dust storms, and a pair of brothers who refuse to quit riding in her shadow. But as Kate gets closer to the secrets about her family, she gets closer to the truth about herself and must decide if there's room for love in a heart so full of hate.

In the spirit of True Grit, the cutthroat days of the Wild West come to life for a new generation.

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I have to be honest, this is my first time reading a western (Is that even what it’s called? LOL!). I've never had any real interest in reading a western novel, let alone a young adult one. They are definitely not my first pick. However, after reading VENGEANCE ROAD by Erin Bowman, I am now going to keep an open mind when it comes to western books.

Vengeance Road was a breath of fresh air. It was different in every way possible and I loved every minute of it. It had everything I like in a young adult novel. A slow romance filled with so much angst and emotions, tons of action scenes, fearless characters, death, some gory moments, and lots more.

After reading chapter one I knew this was the book for me. There wasn’t any doubt that I was going to love it. Kate, your main female character, was so kick-ass! She was determined to get her revenge and make those who hurt her pay. Kate had no hesitations when it came to taking a life, or making someone suffer. You want a strong heroine who isn’t afraid to take charge, then definitely pick this baby up. Kate is definitely not a damsel in distress. She did everything herself and not once did she want, or feel she needed help.

The story is non-stop from the very beginning, and will keep you entertained till the very end. It had a complete ending, but I sure hope Erin Bowman plans on writing a sequel. I would love to learn how Kate and her new friends are doing after all they’ve been through.

VENGEANCE ROAD IS A MUST-READ!