Wild Frontiers

I've seen a bit of a trend of late, a theme popping up in some of my latest reading choices: YA books with strong, independent female characters set in the American West, out on the range or working the family farm. 

It’s a refreshing change that opens up the scope for multi-genre story lines filled with intriguing dramas, historical insights and admirable leading ladies. I list a few that I’ve come across recently:

The Mirk and Midnight Hour by Jane Nickerson 

The spooky cover suggests it's more Vampire Diaries than Little House, however, The Mirk and Midnight Hour is a good ol' country girl's tale, gripping and full of surprises. 

Violet Dancey has been left to run the Mississippi family farm while her father fights with the Confederates in the Civil War. Historical fiction lovers will enjoy this period drama involving complex extended family relationships, a forbidden romance with a wounded Union soldier and some mysterious folk practicing Hoodoo in the forests.

Highly Recommended: 4.5 Stars.

Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson 

Lee Westfall has an unusual gift—she has the ability to sense when gold is present. Lee has discreetly managed to support her family with her Gold-Witching  gift, but when her father & mother are brutally murdered and her uncle turns up to take over their claim, Lee realises his intentions are devious. Lee decides to disguise herself as a young man and join a wagon trail to the Californian Gold Fields.  

Once on the trail the fantasy side of this novel fades into the background and the story mostly focuses on the hardships of the trail to California - wonderful historical fiction. 
Recommended: 4.5 Stars

Bullet Catcher by Joaquin Lowe

As little kids, Imma and her brother Nikko dreamed of learning the skills of the Bullet Catchers, and escaping their dusty town. Now Nikko is gone, presumed dead, and Bullet Catchers are only myths in the stories of old timers. 

Imma is an orphan, living out her wretched life cleaning up after the drunks in the local saloon in the desert town of Sand. On one dry and lonely day a scarred man enters the saloon. Convinced he is a Bullet Catcher, Imma decides to risk everything and begin a pilgrimage to follow the Bullet Catcher to his refuge in the hills.

Gun slinging & sharp shooting in a West like you’ve never imagined, Bullet Catcher is a wonderful meandering through rugged adventures and soul-searching alliances. 

I thoroughly enjoyed all three of the unique novels I've micro-reviewed in this post, but Bullet Catcher was my favourite. 

                     Lovin' the cover too! Bullet Catcher is an all round winner: 5 stars.