Thursday, September 14, 2017

Book Review: The Quieting West by Gordon Gravley


















The Quieting West
By Gordon Gravley
Genre: Literary / Western / Historical

Book Description

This is the story of two cowboys, Billy Colter and Thomas Andrew Benton, in the rapidly changing world of the early 1900’s. Despite the forty-year difference in their ages, they become close friends in a brief time. After losing their jobs as ranch hands in Utah, they head to Denver, once old man Thomas’ stomping ground. There, Thomas spends time with Ellen Marie, a “soiled dove” he’s known all her life, while young Billy experiences the newest form of entertainment: nickelodeons.

Thomas soon receives a job offer from an old friend, and the two head to Arizona, expecting more ranch work. What they discover is a renegade group of silent film makers. Billy and Thomas are hired to protect the crew and their equipment from Patents Agents hunting down the illegal use of movie cameras. Before long, the cowboys-now-hired-guns are involved in the movie-making process. When they are lured to a world of great enchantment and seduction—Hollywood!—they find their lives forever changed. And not necessarily for the better.

It is a story of truth, fiction, and the disillusionment between the two. A story woven of humor, romance, and tragedy.

My Review

What a fascinating story! Upon finishing this novel, I was left with a great feeling knowing I had read a solid and well-written story. The Quieting West has an enticing opening that leads readers into the historical west - hard working men on ranches. Quickly, it evolves into two main characters, Thomas and Billy, who travel deeper west to California. 

This is where the plot truly hooked me. I felt Billy came into his own and began standing out apart from Thomas who had since been a lead role. Settling into Hollywood changes everything for them. I don't want to post any spoilers, but a pretty horrific event happens that heightens the pace and suspense. The ending though was perfect for me. Easy 5 stars!


About the Author 


Gordon Gravley has been making up stories all his life. The dystopian Gospel for the Damned was his first novel. Born in Phoenix, Arizona, Gordon moved around – California; Colorado; Alaska; Northern Arizona – before eventually settling in Seattle, Washington. Calling the Northwest his home since 1998, he doesn’t expect to be moving elsewhere anytime soon. There, he’ll continue to make up stories, and live with his wife and son. 



Author’s Giveaway: Sign up for the author’s monthly newsletter (via his website) and you will be entered into a drawing to win one of three signed print copies of his book.


The giveaway will run from September 6th-19th!




1 comment:

Unknown said...

Thanks for hosting my book, Sage, and for the wonderful review. I love the site!

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