Book Review: Revenge and the Wild

When I snagged a copy of this book from BookOutlet, I honestly didn’t know anything about it. I hadn’t seen any reviews or heard anyone really mention it and I was really surprised as this was a newly released debut. The synopsis just immediately hooked my attention and the cover was just so pretty (yes, I buy books based on covers!). However, I am soooooo glad that I took a chance on Revenge and the Wild by Michelle Modesto, because it has become one of my all-time favorites.

The two-bit town of Rogue City is a lawless place, full of dark magic and saloon brawls, monsters and six-shooters. But it’s perfect for seventeen-year-old Westie, the notorious adopted daughter of local inventor Nigel Butler.

Westie was only a child when she lost her arm and her family to cannibals on the wagon trail. Nine years later, Westie may seem fearsome with her foul-mouthed tough exterior and the powerful mechanical arm built for her by Nigel, but the memory of her past still haunts her. She’s determined to make the killers pay for their crimes—and there’s nothing to stop her except her own reckless ways.

But Westie’s search ceases when a wealthy family comes to town looking to invest in Nigel’s latest invention, a machine that can harvest magic from gold—which Rogue City desperately needs as the magic wards that surround the city start to fail. There’s only one problem: the investors look exactly like the family who murdered Westie’s kin. With the help of Nigel’s handsome but scarred young assistant, Alistair, Westie sets out to prove their guilt. But if she’s not careful, her desire for revenge could cost her the family she has now.

This thrilling novel is a remarkable tale of danger and discovery, from debut author Michelle Modesto.

The Good

• Badass Characters – Is it silly to say that I loved them all? It is? Well I don’t care because I did! This was a very diverse group of cast and they were all so incredibly interesting and unique. It was very easy to differentiate one from the other, which I really appreciated that Modesto was able to do. Westie is the absolute most badass MC. She’s a foul-mouthed wild child, who doesn’t take shit from anyone. I loved that she had so much depth as a character, especially one part about her that I wasn’t expecting but really added an interesting element to the story. She also had a humorous side to her, even though it was mostly from doing things she isn’t supposed to be doing. There is one part where she talked about doing peyote that killed me, hahahaha! Honestly, I just want more stories about Westie, seriously. IT NEEDS TO HAPPEN! And as wonderful as Alley is, my true love is Costin. I would honestly love a book just about his life as a vampire. He’s everything you want in a bad boy character. I lived for the scenes when he would show up.
• Revenge Plot – Come on, admit it. You love a good revenge plot! Or maybe that’s just me? I cannot get enough of them. I love to see characters walk the line between justice and revenge, and not always making the right decisions. This novel is a perfect example of that. There’s lots of blood, fighting, cussing, and killing all going on, basically your typical dirty Western town but with fantasy creatures! I also loved the different twists that Modesto threw in the book here and there. I never knew what was going to happen next.
• Pacing – This book is one of the few that I never found myself bored at any time. I was constantly engaged in the story.  The pacing was steady all the way from start to finish. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the entire book. It’s just a fun read from start to finish!

The Bad

• NOTHING! – Really, my only complaint is that this book is a standalone and there’s no more stories following Westie. I need more and I don’t have any!!!! 😦

Just read this book. Enjoy it, love it, fangirl over it with me. It’s still available on BookOutlet in hardback for only $6.99, so I’m not really sure why you’re still reading this post and not over there buying it. DO IT.

Final Verdict: 5/5 Stars

Have you read Revenge and the Wild? What did you think of it? Are you interested in reading it now?