Review: Revelation

Robert Parker’s Revelation by Robert Knott

That’s a mouthful, isn’t it? And is it really Robert Parker’s Revelation or Robert Knott’s?

This was my first taste of the Robert Knott “fan fiction” continuance of Robert Parker’s characters Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch. As with any review, this is simply my opinion.

I thought it was decent, and I can understand why someone wants to continue the series.

When Robert Parker first published Appaloosa more than a decade ago, I felt like he’d captured something magical and revitalized the Western. It was different from the Spenser series, and yet, familiar enough to make it feel like I was coming home. I thought those four novels were truly something great. And timeless. He wasn’t chasing what’s en vogue; he was writing something special.

While Knott’s interpretation of the characters and setting is okay, I think it falls flat when compared to how this series began. Some of the dialogue felt a little forced. The plot involved a few situations that were somewhat outside the odds of probability, enough to leave me wondering versus being engrossed.

If you’re a fan of Western novels, I think you’ll find enough to keep yourself entertained. But if you are expecting the magic that Parker created, this isn’t it. I’m debating whether I should read the others by Knott–this wasn’t bad–but I suppose I am disappointed because it’s not great, either. I think the author should create his own characters and series (if he hasn’t) and see what happens versus living in Parker’s significant shadow.

3/5 Stars

You can check it out on Amazon by clicking the cover:

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