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The Hobo Kingdom #1
A Chase of Blood on Steel
At the end of the 1968 St Mary’s school year, a new sixth grader; Denny, transfers in from the public school and challenges Glen immediately. Within days Glen and Denny’s lives turn crazy. People are dying. Mothers are crying and then the boys are gone.
Chance and tragedy cast the boys onto the railways of the Hobo Kingdom, a realm which grows more violent and macabre each day. Here killers, rapist and thieves prey on the transients and innocents who venture too close to the tracks. A band of hobos help one boy and a U.S marine war veteran the other.
Can the railroad gangsters be stopped? Join a group of vigilante hobos who vow to halt the chaos and avenge the victims.
But what about the boys? Climb aboard; the train is rolling, headed to the unknown world of The Hobo Kingdom, but watch out. There could be blood everywhere.
“Throw Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn on the railroad with Robin Hood and his men. Add a bit of Jack Reacher’s vigilante soul and you have The Hobo Kingdom.”
Chance and tragedy cast the boys onto the railways of the Hobo Kingdom, a realm which grows more violent and macabre each day. Here killers, rapist and thieves prey on the transients and innocents who venture too close to the tracks. A band of hobos help one boy and a U.S marine war veteran the other.
Can the railroad gangsters be stopped? Join a group of vigilante hobos who vow to halt the chaos and avenge the victims.
But what about the boys? Climb aboard; the train is rolling, headed to the unknown world of The Hobo Kingdom, but watch out. There could be blood everywhere.
“Throw Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn on the railroad with Robin Hood and his men. Add a bit of Jack Reacher’s vigilante soul and you have The Hobo Kingdom.”
370 pages, Paperback
First published January 11, 2015
110 people are currently reading
851 people want to read
About the author
Dan Biermeier
2 books51 followersI was born very young and was for a nanosecond the youngest person in the world. I was then trained in the middle of America by love and laughter and work. After successfully escaping the middle, I spent a dozen years working around the edges, moving like a gypsy moth; alternately seeking and then flying from the light. Met lust and lost it, found love and held on for dear life. Settled back in the middle for family and career, but am planning our next escape. Our children (trained by a master) have broken out of the middle. So each day brings love and I closer to the leaving. Tick, Tick, Tick...we can't wait. In the mean time I keep working and writing. I hope reading my stories is as much fun for you as writing them is for me.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
September 13, 2016
What I liked:
The Premise
There is a new kid at St. Mary’s of the Woods school. His name is Denny and he is welcomed by 10 year old Glen. Denny it would seem has more freedom, runs wilder than Glen and soon gets him into trouble with his parents. Glen respects his folks but Denny is a lot of fun and they remain fast friends. Until one day Denny’s Dad shows up and takes Denny away with him. His Dad is a hobo and wants to teach Denny something of the lifestyle. Glen is soon recruited to deliver a note to Denny’s mother. But there is trouble brewing in the hobo camps along the rails, trouble that is pure evil and will cost Denny and his Dad dearly. Meanwhile back at the small community of St Mary’s of the Woods another kind of trouble emerges. One that threatens Glen’s own family and friends. Denny (also known as Shanghai ) and Glen are destined to meet again and the stakes will be high as they ride the rails across America.
The Characters
This story is chock full of characters that are easy to like or despise. Biermeier has done a good job sussing out there unique histories and painting their personalities in broad, bold, colourful strokes. I loved Shanghai and Glen but also Marv and Socrates and Big. It was easy to cheer for them and align myself with them against the gangs of Two Trains and York.
The Pace
Between things that are happening with Shanghai and his Dad and his Dad’s crew and what is transpiring back at home with Glen there is rarely a dull moment. In addition to these two storylines we are also introduced to less savoury (brutally lethal) hobo crews and it soon becomes clear that there will be conflict between these groups. Since hobos do tend to travel from place to place by riding the rails you can be sure that local authorities will make an appearance as well.
There is a Dog.
I am most likely not the only one that loves dogs or pets and this story has a great one. His name is Plato. He is an Irish Wolfhound and you are going to love him.
Fearless.
Clearly the author is not scared to kill off beloved characters. I was sad and hurt to seem them go but I respect the Biermeier’s fearlessness in making a difficult choice for the sake of the story.
What I did not like:
Absence of Editing
It is too bad really, a good editor would have made all the difference with this story. Perhaps this was not a viable option for Biermeier but its absence is glaring. Even a trusted proof-reader that you can be sure will not spare your feelings and tell you the honest truth can be invaluable.
Metaphor Overload
The use of metaphors in literature can come in very handy in setting a scene, describing a person, moment or a feeling but too much of a good thing soon turns sour. There is an abundance of metaphors in this story and it got to be jarring and served to pull me out of the action or the story. The author needs to trust in his own descriptive abilities and rely on this method less, I mean he certainly was successful in getting my mouth watering at those campfire cookouts, regardless of the varmints in the stew.
The Beginning
As this story started the writing was very choppy and the dialogue quite stilted. Things began to flow better and the dialogue improved greatly as the story progressed. Perhaps a rewrite of the first couple of chapters would have resolved this particular issue.
Violence
It is in the nature of this story that a certain level of violence is to be expected but I cannot help but think that there was just too much senseless and lethal violence here. Sometimes less is more.
I could say that there was way too many characters with trickster nicknames to keep track of but then again I have read George RR Martin. Enough said.
Overall in summary I truly enjoyed this adventure and I believe Biermeier’s writing will only improve with experience. That said I will definitely check out the next book in this series.
A free copy of this book was sent to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Dan.
All Aboard Now!
The Premise
There is a new kid at St. Mary’s of the Woods school. His name is Denny and he is welcomed by 10 year old Glen. Denny it would seem has more freedom, runs wilder than Glen and soon gets him into trouble with his parents. Glen respects his folks but Denny is a lot of fun and they remain fast friends. Until one day Denny’s Dad shows up and takes Denny away with him. His Dad is a hobo and wants to teach Denny something of the lifestyle. Glen is soon recruited to deliver a note to Denny’s mother. But there is trouble brewing in the hobo camps along the rails, trouble that is pure evil and will cost Denny and his Dad dearly. Meanwhile back at the small community of St Mary’s of the Woods another kind of trouble emerges. One that threatens Glen’s own family and friends. Denny (also known as Shanghai ) and Glen are destined to meet again and the stakes will be high as they ride the rails across America.
The Characters
This story is chock full of characters that are easy to like or despise. Biermeier has done a good job sussing out there unique histories and painting their personalities in broad, bold, colourful strokes. I loved Shanghai and Glen but also Marv and Socrates and Big. It was easy to cheer for them and align myself with them against the gangs of Two Trains and York.
The Pace
Between things that are happening with Shanghai and his Dad and his Dad’s crew and what is transpiring back at home with Glen there is rarely a dull moment. In addition to these two storylines we are also introduced to less savoury (brutally lethal) hobo crews and it soon becomes clear that there will be conflict between these groups. Since hobos do tend to travel from place to place by riding the rails you can be sure that local authorities will make an appearance as well.
There is a Dog.
I am most likely not the only one that loves dogs or pets and this story has a great one. His name is Plato. He is an Irish Wolfhound and you are going to love him.
Fearless.
Clearly the author is not scared to kill off beloved characters. I was sad and hurt to seem them go but I respect the Biermeier’s fearlessness in making a difficult choice for the sake of the story.
What I did not like:
Absence of Editing
It is too bad really, a good editor would have made all the difference with this story. Perhaps this was not a viable option for Biermeier but its absence is glaring. Even a trusted proof-reader that you can be sure will not spare your feelings and tell you the honest truth can be invaluable.
Metaphor Overload
The use of metaphors in literature can come in very handy in setting a scene, describing a person, moment or a feeling but too much of a good thing soon turns sour. There is an abundance of metaphors in this story and it got to be jarring and served to pull me out of the action or the story. The author needs to trust in his own descriptive abilities and rely on this method less, I mean he certainly was successful in getting my mouth watering at those campfire cookouts, regardless of the varmints in the stew.
The Beginning
As this story started the writing was very choppy and the dialogue quite stilted. Things began to flow better and the dialogue improved greatly as the story progressed. Perhaps a rewrite of the first couple of chapters would have resolved this particular issue.
Violence
It is in the nature of this story that a certain level of violence is to be expected but I cannot help but think that there was just too much senseless and lethal violence here. Sometimes less is more.
I could say that there was way too many characters with trickster nicknames to keep track of but then again I have read George RR Martin. Enough said.
Overall in summary I truly enjoyed this adventure and I believe Biermeier’s writing will only improve with experience. That said I will definitely check out the next book in this series.
A free copy of this book was sent to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Dan.
All Aboard Now!
December 12, 2016
Thank you, Dan Biermeier, for a beautiful paperback copy of your novel, which I have accepted in exchange for an unbiased review.
Well, this one was certainly different from my usual fare and was a fun change-of-pace for me. A Chase of Blood on Steel is a story about hobos in America set in the late 1960s/early 1970s. We are introduced to a number of characters and their ever-changing groups. The whole scene is rather fascinating. It was so interesting to see the way these men (and boys) would live off the rails, jump the trains, and spend time in hobo camps or “jungles” as they are mostly referred to as. In the jungles there was usually a real sense of community where individuals and groups willingly shared their food and liquor, caught up with acquaintances, and shared stories. There are many colorful personalities in this novel. I particularly liked the boys Word Welder Glen (and his wolfhound Plato) and Shanghai Denny, the mentors Marv and Mitch, and the less than brilliant Big. Most everyone has a cool rail-name like Two Trains Running, Due North, Melodious, Goliath, and Repeat (who ran with Pete, of course). I loved the way these people looked out for each other and for the most part were intensely loyal. Unfortunately, this was the era of burgeoning violence amongst the men on the rails. This subgroup of men did not deserve the moniker “hobos” and were referred to as “tramps” and “bums.” This transition led to the creation of Marv’s Marauders, a group, though dedicated to taking out the violent ones, the reader can’t help but love.
I particularly enjoyed the whole premise of this story. I liked the arcs of two 12-year-old boys who were taken under the wings of a pair of mentors and who grew into admirable (in the hobo way) young men. I loved the inside look at hobo life in general, the goofy conversations, the loyalty of many of these people to each other. The tale is a wonderful adventure. We have super short chapters, which is great. The chapters alternate amongst the various groups of people, which was sometimes jolting; I often had to regroup in my head as to who was in a particular crew and what was going on in that specific arc prior to it all coming together. A warning to readers--there is a lot of blood spilt in some violent ways, but I must admit this didn’t bother me (does that make me a bad person?) There are also quite a few grammatical issues like wrong use of apostrophes, but again, that sort of thing doesn’t turn me off to a good story. Another point is that despite the violence and some decent suspense, the pace is rather leisurely. That is not a bad thing if you are in the mood to savor a read.
Overall, I recommend A Chase of Blood on Steel to anyone looking for something different, who doesn’t mind a lot of blood, and is okay with a slower pace. Thanks for writing something so unique, Mr. Biermeier!
Well, this one was certainly different from my usual fare and was a fun change-of-pace for me. A Chase of Blood on Steel is a story about hobos in America set in the late 1960s/early 1970s. We are introduced to a number of characters and their ever-changing groups. The whole scene is rather fascinating. It was so interesting to see the way these men (and boys) would live off the rails, jump the trains, and spend time in hobo camps or “jungles” as they are mostly referred to as. In the jungles there was usually a real sense of community where individuals and groups willingly shared their food and liquor, caught up with acquaintances, and shared stories. There are many colorful personalities in this novel. I particularly liked the boys Word Welder Glen (and his wolfhound Plato) and Shanghai Denny, the mentors Marv and Mitch, and the less than brilliant Big. Most everyone has a cool rail-name like Two Trains Running, Due North, Melodious, Goliath, and Repeat (who ran with Pete, of course). I loved the way these people looked out for each other and for the most part were intensely loyal. Unfortunately, this was the era of burgeoning violence amongst the men on the rails. This subgroup of men did not deserve the moniker “hobos” and were referred to as “tramps” and “bums.” This transition led to the creation of Marv’s Marauders, a group, though dedicated to taking out the violent ones, the reader can’t help but love.
I particularly enjoyed the whole premise of this story. I liked the arcs of two 12-year-old boys who were taken under the wings of a pair of mentors and who grew into admirable (in the hobo way) young men. I loved the inside look at hobo life in general, the goofy conversations, the loyalty of many of these people to each other. The tale is a wonderful adventure. We have super short chapters, which is great. The chapters alternate amongst the various groups of people, which was sometimes jolting; I often had to regroup in my head as to who was in a particular crew and what was going on in that specific arc prior to it all coming together. A warning to readers--there is a lot of blood spilt in some violent ways, but I must admit this didn’t bother me (does that make me a bad person?) There are also quite a few grammatical issues like wrong use of apostrophes, but again, that sort of thing doesn’t turn me off to a good story. Another point is that despite the violence and some decent suspense, the pace is rather leisurely. That is not a bad thing if you are in the mood to savor a read.
Overall, I recommend A Chase of Blood on Steel to anyone looking for something different, who doesn’t mind a lot of blood, and is okay with a slower pace. Thanks for writing something so unique, Mr. Biermeier!
May 13, 2016
As I was reading The Hobo Kingdom, I was reminded so sharply of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Only in this case, it's Denny and Glen. Denny, a natural follower, is the new kid in school. He strikes up a friendship with Glen. Neither of them could ever have imagined how much their lives were going to change.
Boys will be boys and these two are off on an adventure ... a trip to the hobo camp down by the railroad tracks. And most of these hobos are killers, rapists, and thieves who prey on small towns, transients, .... and young boys who get too close for their own good.
Denny and Glen are taken from their families and pushed into the world of adventure, tragedy, crime, violence, friendship and loyalty. They eventually land in the hands of two groups of hobos .. they learn the life, they learn a new code of ethics .. and they learn how to help hunt down two homicidal monsters.
There is a great deal of violence and a great deal of blood in this book. One group is very good with knives .. they leave many bodies strewn along the tracks with their throats cut.
So how do the boys fare? Is this going to be the new normal life for them? Will they remember the mothers and fathers they left behind? And do they survive the killer hobos?
There are many characters, both good and bad, and all are finely drawn. I loved the relationship between the boys. The language, so realistic, enriches the story. I just can't say enough good about this book ... it's different from anything I've ever read.
Many, many thanks to the author who supplied a paperback issue in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Boys will be boys and these two are off on an adventure ... a trip to the hobo camp down by the railroad tracks. And most of these hobos are killers, rapists, and thieves who prey on small towns, transients, .... and young boys who get too close for their own good.
Denny and Glen are taken from their families and pushed into the world of adventure, tragedy, crime, violence, friendship and loyalty. They eventually land in the hands of two groups of hobos .. they learn the life, they learn a new code of ethics .. and they learn how to help hunt down two homicidal monsters.
There is a great deal of violence and a great deal of blood in this book. One group is very good with knives .. they leave many bodies strewn along the tracks with their throats cut.
So how do the boys fare? Is this going to be the new normal life for them? Will they remember the mothers and fathers they left behind? And do they survive the killer hobos?
There are many characters, both good and bad, and all are finely drawn. I loved the relationship between the boys. The language, so realistic, enriches the story. I just can't say enough good about this book ... it's different from anything I've ever read.
Many, many thanks to the author who supplied a paperback issue in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
November 27, 2016
WHO? Homeless or transients these days but hard working Americans (Hobos) in an earlier time. These folks just wanted to be foot loose and fancy free, to WORK their way around the country with out the house, car, insurance or payments. Tramps and bums might beg or steal, but hobos paid their own way with cash or labor. But then in the late 1960's things changed.
WHAT? The USA Today newspaper reported in the early 1990's that a gang had formed in the late sixties on the 'High Line'. The railroad between Chicago and Seattle. A gang that preyed upon the innocents who lived too close or on the tracks. The reporter provided compelling proof that this group existed and was growing. Theft, rape and murder, no limit to the carnage. A growing danger across America. Police detectives in Spokane and Seattle provided the proof. The railroad company security and law enforcement departments denied any such groups.
WHEN? After I read the article; I started thinking about the nearly invisible crimes executed on people who just happened to be unlucky enough or who chose the life of a hobo. Atrocities committed by unknown assailants; with few family members or concerned citizens to stir the pot of justice. I started to form a fictional story in my head...about a group of hobos that heard the news and saw the violent results strewn along the trail of these railroad gangs. A group of 'good' guys decide to track down the gangsters and level the scales along the rails, calm the chaos that had blossomed along the tracks of the U.S.
WHERE? The gang may have started along the High Line but has since spread from north to south and east to west. Where ever the tracks of hardened steel cross the land. Crimes of every kind accelerated. The good guys start in central Wisconsin and travel through Minnesota and the Dakotas, out through Montana and to the coast of Oregon...chasing. Sometimes catching but often too late. Nearly each jumping spot, dangerous. Watch out! There could be blood everywhere.
WHY? The story would not leave my head and the cast of characters started to grow. I always loved to read and write, so I started writing. Man, was that ever fun. I can't tell you how many times I shouted 'Whoa!' or even stronger when the characters started free-lancing. But that made it even more fun. If you try 'A Chase of Blood on Steel - Hobo Kingdom Book One', I hope you have as much fun reading it as I did writing. But, truly, watch out...there could be blood everywhere.
Book Two is planned for release this fall.
WHAT? The USA Today newspaper reported in the early 1990's that a gang had formed in the late sixties on the 'High Line'. The railroad between Chicago and Seattle. A gang that preyed upon the innocents who lived too close or on the tracks. The reporter provided compelling proof that this group existed and was growing. Theft, rape and murder, no limit to the carnage. A growing danger across America. Police detectives in Spokane and Seattle provided the proof. The railroad company security and law enforcement departments denied any such groups.
WHEN? After I read the article; I started thinking about the nearly invisible crimes executed on people who just happened to be unlucky enough or who chose the life of a hobo. Atrocities committed by unknown assailants; with few family members or concerned citizens to stir the pot of justice. I started to form a fictional story in my head...about a group of hobos that heard the news and saw the violent results strewn along the trail of these railroad gangs. A group of 'good' guys decide to track down the gangsters and level the scales along the rails, calm the chaos that had blossomed along the tracks of the U.S.
WHERE? The gang may have started along the High Line but has since spread from north to south and east to west. Where ever the tracks of hardened steel cross the land. Crimes of every kind accelerated. The good guys start in central Wisconsin and travel through Minnesota and the Dakotas, out through Montana and to the coast of Oregon...chasing. Sometimes catching but often too late. Nearly each jumping spot, dangerous. Watch out! There could be blood everywhere.
WHY? The story would not leave my head and the cast of characters started to grow. I always loved to read and write, so I started writing. Man, was that ever fun. I can't tell you how many times I shouted 'Whoa!' or even stronger when the characters started free-lancing. But that made it even more fun. If you try 'A Chase of Blood on Steel - Hobo Kingdom Book One', I hope you have as much fun reading it as I did writing. But, truly, watch out...there could be blood everywhere.
Book Two is planned for release this fall.
May 5, 2016
I was so torn with this book. I liked it, but at the same time I strongly disliked it. It was hard to make up my mind on how I truly felt about it.
For starters, the author has a lot of talent and did produce a brilliant book. I loved the insight I was given up the lives of hobos, how they fiercely defend the hobo title (far different from being a bum) and they day-to-day struggle, dealing with homelessness, seeking out work and food, and discrimination from the police, to family and friends, to strangers on the street. This book dug deep into the lives of multiple hobos.
What I disliked about this book was the author bounced around aggressively from character to character. I felt like the author went overboard on this issue. It made the book difficult to follow and keep up with, often times confusing me on where the plot was currently at, where it was heading too, and what the meaning was behind it. There were many sections of this book that were captivating and interesting, making it difficult to put down... at the same time, there were just as many sections that were boring and dull, and make it difficult to pick the book up to continue reading. It was very inconsistent and felt all over the place, messy, and frustrating at times to read.
As I had first mentioned, it was a very "black and white" type of read. I either loved it, or hated it.
For starters, the author has a lot of talent and did produce a brilliant book. I loved the insight I was given up the lives of hobos, how they fiercely defend the hobo title (far different from being a bum) and they day-to-day struggle, dealing with homelessness, seeking out work and food, and discrimination from the police, to family and friends, to strangers on the street. This book dug deep into the lives of multiple hobos.
What I disliked about this book was the author bounced around aggressively from character to character. I felt like the author went overboard on this issue. It made the book difficult to follow and keep up with, often times confusing me on where the plot was currently at, where it was heading too, and what the meaning was behind it. There were many sections of this book that were captivating and interesting, making it difficult to put down... at the same time, there were just as many sections that were boring and dull, and make it difficult to pick the book up to continue reading. It was very inconsistent and felt all over the place, messy, and frustrating at times to read.
As I had first mentioned, it was a very "black and white" type of read. I either loved it, or hated it.
April 25, 2016
Excellent Book. There is so much to like about this story, it’s so well written and easy to read. Most of us have probably thought at least once in our life how nice it would be to leave everything behind, and just take off. To live the free and easy life with no hassles. Being a Hobo and riding the trains from place to place sounds so easy. Not so much for Due North and his son Denny. There is always danger, the need for food and a place to sleep. The Authorities, the Railway Men and Township Locals don’t trust you or want you around. Then there are the other Hobo’s that aren’t so friendly, with violence not far away. Dan Biermeier has put together quite an adventure that is quite unique, and with a few surprises along the way. I easily lost a few hours reading this wonderful story. It is certainly worth a read.
March 21, 2016
This book is not like anything I have ever read, it does not remind me of anything (I have lately found this to be a super rare trait). It is fast paced, the characters and their relationships (good and bad) are amazing well developed and very richly created. The story, at times a bit scattered, is interesting and unique -and makes you want to keep reading.
The lingo took a little getting used to, but it felt natural and really added depth and authenticity to the characters and the world Dan Biermeier created. Mostly dialogue, the characters' banter is entertaining and keeps the momentum of the plot moving forward.
I'm excited for more books in the series, but a little worried as that means none of the survivors from this book are necessarily safe. There was a lot of blood in this book, sometimes the plot veering shockingly off from where you thought it was going to go. But believably so, not just "twists for the sake of twists". Rarely have I found a book that was so original and so enjoyable.
What I REALLY want is for some studio to pick this up as a new tv series, because it would be outstanding (if they could find actors good enough to master the specific dialogue).
I received this book as part of the goodreads giveaways program.
The lingo took a little getting used to, but it felt natural and really added depth and authenticity to the characters and the world Dan Biermeier created. Mostly dialogue, the characters' banter is entertaining and keeps the momentum of the plot moving forward.
I'm excited for more books in the series, but a little worried as that means none of the survivors from this book are necessarily safe. There was a lot of blood in this book, sometimes the plot veering shockingly off from where you thought it was going to go. But believably so, not just "twists for the sake of twists". Rarely have I found a book that was so original and so enjoyable.
What I REALLY want is for some studio to pick this up as a new tv series, because it would be outstanding (if they could find actors good enough to master the specific dialogue).
I received this book as part of the goodreads giveaways program.
February 7, 2015
You can tell a book by it's cover!
This cover nicely encapsulates the book! It starts off like a train rolling through town and then just accelerates on the journey. Loved the pace. I was ready for a fast read and this was perfect. The cover also highlights the trains that are never far from the action. I loved getting to ride the rails across the nation and all the characters I met along the way. What a fascinating life. Really makes me want to jump aboard the next train just to see where I go. In the small town I live in we have the East-West Burlington Northern and the North-South Canadian Pacific, so I have options! Really since I finished the book, whenever I see a train heading through I am reminded of the action in this coming-of-age page turner. In recent years, dramas on TV such as Game of Thrones and Sons of Anarchy have been made great by a willingness to off major characters and this book is made all the better with the same fearlessness. So don't get too attached to...jk. Can't wait for book two!!
This cover nicely encapsulates the book! It starts off like a train rolling through town and then just accelerates on the journey. Loved the pace. I was ready for a fast read and this was perfect. The cover also highlights the trains that are never far from the action. I loved getting to ride the rails across the nation and all the characters I met along the way. What a fascinating life. Really makes me want to jump aboard the next train just to see where I go. In the small town I live in we have the East-West Burlington Northern and the North-South Canadian Pacific, so I have options! Really since I finished the book, whenever I see a train heading through I am reminded of the action in this coming-of-age page turner. In recent years, dramas on TV such as Game of Thrones and Sons of Anarchy have been made great by a willingness to off major characters and this book is made all the better with the same fearlessness. So don't get too attached to...jk. Can't wait for book two!!
May 6, 2016
Dan Biermeier sent me a free copy of The Hobo Kingdom: A Chase of Blood on Steel in exchange for an honest review. Let me just say Mr. Biermeier has a great many stories to tell. It appears that he has self published. This is a good way to get his work out there and have feed back. The book is imaginative, creative and well researched. This book is available on Amazon.com.
My only knowledge of hobos was based on Woody Guthrie and Bound for Glory. Men during the great depression who mostly had no choice but to ride the rails and find work and food as best they could. This is a different perspective taking place in the late sixties and early seventies. Men who ride the rails mostly by choice.
The main story revolves around men trying to defend the good name of the hobo. And yes hobos have traditionally been good guys. But there are bands of evil murderous men riding the rails who need to be stopped. But this is not the only story in The Hobo Kingdom. There is also the story of young boys and friends Dennis and Glen. Along with the stories of their fathers. These all become connected to the hobo lifestyle.
I think the author may have tried to include too many characters and too many plots in one book. At times it became a little disjointed and confusing. Let me say I am not a writer. I wish I could write. So this is just a readers opinion. I do hope that some publisher does read this work. Mr. Biermeier is a talented author and I think an editor could help resolve any problems.
My only knowledge of hobos was based on Woody Guthrie and Bound for Glory. Men during the great depression who mostly had no choice but to ride the rails and find work and food as best they could. This is a different perspective taking place in the late sixties and early seventies. Men who ride the rails mostly by choice.
The main story revolves around men trying to defend the good name of the hobo. And yes hobos have traditionally been good guys. But there are bands of evil murderous men riding the rails who need to be stopped. But this is not the only story in The Hobo Kingdom. There is also the story of young boys and friends Dennis and Glen. Along with the stories of their fathers. These all become connected to the hobo lifestyle.
I think the author may have tried to include too many characters and too many plots in one book. At times it became a little disjointed and confusing. Let me say I am not a writer. I wish I could write. So this is just a readers opinion. I do hope that some publisher does read this work. Mr. Biermeier is a talented author and I think an editor could help resolve any problems.
June 15, 2016
The Hobo Kingdom: A Chase of Blood on Steel is Book One in this new series by author Dan Beirmeier. This novel is based on such an original idea and what a great one it is! Beirmeier's book is about several groups of different men. There's the Hobos who jump trains to find work from one town to the next. The men, called bums by the Hobos, who are giving them a bad name. These men only jump the rails to live by stealing and killing. The Hobos must become vigilantes to make the trains, and the town's they pass through, safe again from thieving bums.
Beirmeier's characters in The Hobo Kingdom are very well-written! I became quite attached to some of them. I especially liked Shanghai and Glen (Word, his new rail name), the youngest members of the Hobos. They both grew up on the rails. Mitch, the ex-marine Viet Nam vet, who teaches Glen everything he knows about fighting and survival. Joe, Marv, Big, and Goliath who all stand in as surrogate fathers to the late Due's son, Shanghai. Plato, Word's wolfhound, who is invaluable to the Hobos for his keen nose and ears!
Reading this book is just like living through a grand adventure and I loved every minute of it! I want to thank Dan Beirmeier for asking me to read and write a review of his wonderful novel. I'm very grateful, Dan. The Hobo Kingdom is an interesting and fun book to delve into! I can't wait to read the second book in this series which will be titled: The Hobo Kingdom: A Race to the Crown of Steel.
Beirmeier's characters in The Hobo Kingdom are very well-written! I became quite attached to some of them. I especially liked Shanghai and Glen (Word, his new rail name), the youngest members of the Hobos. They both grew up on the rails. Mitch, the ex-marine Viet Nam vet, who teaches Glen everything he knows about fighting and survival. Joe, Marv, Big, and Goliath who all stand in as surrogate fathers to the late Due's son, Shanghai. Plato, Word's wolfhound, who is invaluable to the Hobos for his keen nose and ears!
Reading this book is just like living through a grand adventure and I loved every minute of it! I want to thank Dan Beirmeier for asking me to read and write a review of his wonderful novel. I'm very grateful, Dan. The Hobo Kingdom is an interesting and fun book to delve into! I can't wait to read the second book in this series which will be titled: The Hobo Kingdom: A Race to the Crown of Steel.
July 29, 2016
The Hobo Kingdom is a thrilling read that details the lives of two boys -- Glen and Denny -- and the different hobo groups that they meet up with on their adventures (and they meet a variety of characters!). The characters are interesting, the plot is well-paced (especially the 1968 section), and the scenes with hobos interacting around their fires are so vivid and well-detailed that I can easily imagine the different jungles and the laughter and friendship that often follows Marv's Marauders. The types of food they cooked, the "Yo the fire" greeting, and other hobo customs really drew me into the story. Beautiful! Also fascinating is the attention given to the difference between hobos and bums/tramps, a distinction that I hadn't known about previously, and a mistake I'll try not to make again.
The biggest obstacle to fluid, smooth reading was punctuation, especially around dialogue. Quite often things were incorrectly formatted and, as an proofreader, I found the missing quotation marks and comma/period mix-ups distracting. The plot is occasionally a bit rushed and dialogue-heavy, but the suspense made up for this -- I always wanted to know what would happen next!
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my review in any way.
The biggest obstacle to fluid, smooth reading was punctuation, especially around dialogue. Quite often things were incorrectly formatted and, as an proofreader, I found the missing quotation marks and comma/period mix-ups distracting. The plot is occasionally a bit rushed and dialogue-heavy, but the suspense made up for this -- I always wanted to know what would happen next!
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my review in any way.
March 1, 2016
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
When this book came, I planned to casually read it over a few days. However, I got so involved that I completed it in one long, long sitting. It was a fast paced, easy read that had me pulled in from the beginning. The characters were well drawn and the story of the hobo life was intriguing. The action, tension and violence was unsettling at times. I can't say this was an enjoyable story ... but it was an engrossing one. A rather unique book!
When this book came, I planned to casually read it over a few days. However, I got so involved that I completed it in one long, long sitting. It was a fast paced, easy read that had me pulled in from the beginning. The characters were well drawn and the story of the hobo life was intriguing. The action, tension and violence was unsettling at times. I can't say this was an enjoyable story ... but it was an engrossing one. A rather unique book!
March 3, 2016
I won this book on Goodreads for free.
This book is not what I expected. It is better. When I think of a hobo, the words to describe them are usually very negative. In this book you see a side of the hobo that makes them human and not the scum of the earth. I loved how the author had each group fitting together, using their individual strengths.
This book is not what I expected. It is better. When I think of a hobo, the words to describe them are usually very negative. In this book you see a side of the hobo that makes them human and not the scum of the earth. I loved how the author had each group fitting together, using their individual strengths.
July 3, 2018
Audio Review. I received this book as a giveaway and I completed it while on travel. Unfortunately, it was not as interesting as I thought and I really could not get into the book. This is one I DNF. :-(
2 Stars
2 Stars
April 10, 2018
A Chase of Blood on Steel was a different kind of read for me. If I knew more about, and cared more about, the hobo life in the late 60's, early 70's USA, I feel I'd have been more drawn into the tale than I was. That isn't to say I disliked it: I gave it four stars, and that's an honest rating. The writing was a little clunky at first, but it seemed to smooth out into a nice prose after about the first fifty pages or so. There are a plethora of characters in this novel, and each seems to have their own personality and are nicely drawn.
This is quite a violent tale, too. Again, in the beginning, you don't really get this feeling, the title notwithstanding. However, when the violence first comes it is fast and fierce, and a little blind-siding. Graphic as well, which is not a problem for me, I like my violence wet. And this seems to be how the author likes to propel his story. There are quiet moments strewn throughout where we get to know the characters and grow to care for them, then suddenly and explosively they are thrust into hyper-violent situations and there is one blood-bath after another.
Also, don't get too attached to any one character, as there is a healthy chance they'll be getting the hard goodbye in the next chapter or two.
Overall, I quite liked this tale, and think others who are more 'in the know' of this sub-culture will appreciate it all the more. For me, it was a fun and fast-paced adventure with some great scenes of brutality, characters I really liked (some lost), and an interesting peek into a world I know little to nothing about. I think most will quite enjoy this tale.
SW Salzman provides the narration for the audiobook version, and he does an excellent job at his task. The characters all have unique voicings, and that is quite a feat for a story with so many characters to keep up with, and Salzman does a great job of doing this consistently throughout.
I'd recommend this to anyone who is looking for a good adventure and isn't afraid to take their violence moist.
This is quite a violent tale, too. Again, in the beginning, you don't really get this feeling, the title notwithstanding. However, when the violence first comes it is fast and fierce, and a little blind-siding. Graphic as well, which is not a problem for me, I like my violence wet. And this seems to be how the author likes to propel his story. There are quiet moments strewn throughout where we get to know the characters and grow to care for them, then suddenly and explosively they are thrust into hyper-violent situations and there is one blood-bath after another.
Also, don't get too attached to any one character, as there is a healthy chance they'll be getting the hard goodbye in the next chapter or two.
Overall, I quite liked this tale, and think others who are more 'in the know' of this sub-culture will appreciate it all the more. For me, it was a fun and fast-paced adventure with some great scenes of brutality, characters I really liked (some lost), and an interesting peek into a world I know little to nothing about. I think most will quite enjoy this tale.
SW Salzman provides the narration for the audiobook version, and he does an excellent job at his task. The characters all have unique voicings, and that is quite a feat for a story with so many characters to keep up with, and Salzman does a great job of doing this consistently throughout.
I'd recommend this to anyone who is looking for a good adventure and isn't afraid to take their violence moist.
April 14, 2021
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
Two small town boys meet at a Catholic school. They become friends. One lives on the wrong side of the tracks. That boy's father is a hobo, who takes the kid on the road.
The other kid starts a straight life, but winds up on the road too.
Both of them are pursuing evil men preying on others. They chase killer hobos from city to city, from jungle to jungle, until things are settled.
First book in a series. Seems weird to set a hobo book in the 1970's, as their golden years were well before that, but an engaging book.
Two small town boys meet at a Catholic school. They become friends. One lives on the wrong side of the tracks. That boy's father is a hobo, who takes the kid on the road.
The other kid starts a straight life, but winds up on the road too.
Both of them are pursuing evil men preying on others. They chase killer hobos from city to city, from jungle to jungle, until things are settled.
First book in a series. Seems weird to set a hobo book in the 1970's, as their golden years were well before that, but an engaging book.
December 21, 2017
A Chase of Blood on Steel is about Hobo's. What is a Hobo? They are traveling working people who ride the rails. They are not tramps, bums, or gangsters. Be aware, there are plenty of those in this book and they also ride the rails.
It took me awhile to get used to the writing in Hobo language. I thought there were to many characters and names to keep track of throughout the book, especially me being a senior. I was surprised at the cold blooded killings, but along with the violence, there is a funny side to some of the Hobo's that I found endearing. I enjoyed this book very much, and none of the above has deterred me from reading book #2. I also lived in Fargo/Moorehead and know St. Paul. So, I could relate to these places.
FYI: You must read the authors bio. Interesting.
I received this book free from Goodreads for a honest opinion.
It took me awhile to get used to the writing in Hobo language. I thought there were to many characters and names to keep track of throughout the book, especially me being a senior. I was surprised at the cold blooded killings, but along with the violence, there is a funny side to some of the Hobo's that I found endearing. I enjoyed this book very much, and none of the above has deterred me from reading book #2. I also lived in Fargo/Moorehead and know St. Paul. So, I could relate to these places.
FYI: You must read the authors bio. Interesting.
I received this book free from Goodreads for a honest opinion.
February 10, 2017
Great read
Want to read
February 12, 2020TheFussyLibrarian
September 25, 2016
WHO? Homeless or transients these days but hard working Americans (Hobos) in an earlier time. These folks just wanted to be foot loose and fancy free, to WORK their way around the country with out the house, car, insurance or payments. Tramps and bums might beg or steal, but hobos paid their own way with cash or labor. But then in the late 1960's things changed.
WHAT? The USA Today newspaper reported in the early 1990's that a gang had formed in the late sixties on the 'High Line'. The railroad between Chicago and Seattle. A gang that preyed upon the innocents who lived too close or on the tracks. The reporter provided compelling proof that this group existed and was growing. Theft, rape and murder, no limit to the carnage. A growing danger across America. Police detectives in Spokane and Seattle provided the proof. The railroad company security and law enforcement departments denied any such groups.
WHEN? After I read the article; I started thinking about the nearly invisible crimes executed on people who just happened to be unlucky enough or who chose the life of a hobo. Atrocities committed by unknown assailants; with few family members or concerned citizens to stir the pot of justice. I started to form a fictional story in my head...about a group of hobos that heard the news and saw the violent results strewn along the trail of these railroad gangs. A group of 'good' guys decide to track down the gangsters and level the scales along the rails, calm the chaos that had blossomed along the tracks of the U.S.
WHERE? The gang may have started along the High Line but has since spread from north to south and east to west. Where ever the tracks of hardened steel cross the land. Crimes of every kind accelerated. The good guys start in central Wisconsin and travel through Minnesota and the Dakotas, out through Montana and to the coast of Oregon...chasing. Sometimes catching but often too late. Nearly each jumping spot, dangerous. Watch out! There could be blood everywhere.
WHY? The story would not leave my head and the cast of characters started to grow. I always loved to read and write, so I started writing. Man, was that ever fun. I can't tell you how many times I shouted 'Whoa!' or even stronger when the characters started free-lancing. But that made it even more fun. If you try 'A Chase of Blood on Steel - Hobo Kingdom Book One', I hope you have as much fun reading it as I did writing. But, truly, watch out...there could be blood everywhere.
Book Two is planned for release this fall. (less)
January 7, 2017
This story is pretty darned amazing. Thinking about how it stacks up to gang reality and the senseless things that are done and the story that Dan tells is pretty impressive. I love the fact that the book deals with a time in our history where homeless travelled by train for work and more sinister reasons. It is also an interesting age that the author chose for the boys as they are going into 7th grade. Kids nowadays seem so much younger and more naive about the world and less equipped to handle it than kids were back in 68 when the story takes place! A great book for people of all ages. A definite page turner.
September 28, 2016
This is a thriller that takes place in the late 1960's. The two main characters are young boys. The plot takes the reader on quite an adventure. The writer keeps the readers attention through the entire book.
May 7, 2018
This is a wonderful story with a hint of “coming of age” thrown in. There’s a bit of education here as well as you learn some of the hobo lingo and ways of life on the rails. There are several sub-plots that run concurrently throughout the length of the tale. We’re introduced to Denny known as Shanghai, Glen his boyhood friend, and of course several of the hobos, some of which have history going back to the Korean War. There are the good and bad as in any society, but the hobo life is quite unique; most of us knowing little if anything of it. This is a great story and I enjoyed it thoroughly. This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.
February 23, 2021
This is a gripping tale and fascinating peek at a slice of America that is hidden from most of us, yet right under our noses: the people who ride the rails. Those populating this story, from the most innocent to the most brutal have their real-life counterparts, for example families migrating under the radar to potential work sites to the infamous "Railway Killer" who murdered at least 23 people in Texas before he died. The plot centers around a group of villains who take advantage of this environment and a vigilante group trying to bring the bad guys to justice. I was definitely swept up in the action and the detailed character descriptions and imagery of the place setting. You will find this book just as hard to put down as I did!
May 12, 2018
In society, there are those who wish to live their lives in the not so typical way as others. This is understandable since we all have different needs and wants. In this story, we are introduced to a different type of person, one who enjoys traveling and working for their livelihood; they go by the name of Hobo. Not to be confused with bums or tramps that beg or steal for their sustenance. A group of war veterans helps to track down individuals that use the trains as a way to commit crimes on a never-ending journey across America. I found this book hard for me to get into it but it was still worth reading since I learned so much about a group hidden for the most part from most people eyes.
March 24, 2020
Hobo Kingdom
I enjoyed reading "A Chase of Blood on Steel" very much. The life the hobos led was exciting, adventurous, humorous,and terrifying. It is about two boys growing up in a small town and follows them into manhood where they meet up again. It is a hard life dealing with the railroad bulls and some of the violent bums in the hobo camps but the freedom of riding the rails, working odd jobs and a having a mission keeps them in the life. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
I enjoyed reading "A Chase of Blood on Steel" very much. The life the hobos led was exciting, adventurous, humorous,and terrifying. It is about two boys growing up in a small town and follows them into manhood where they meet up again. It is a hard life dealing with the railroad bulls and some of the violent bums in the hobo camps but the freedom of riding the rails, working odd jobs and a having a mission keeps them in the life. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
May 15, 2019
A Chase of Blood on Steel
Very entertaining and interesting storyline about hobo life and justice. Characters are fascinating and the problems they faced seem to be realistic. The reader can only guess if the violence is authentic but it makes for a good read.
Very entertaining and interesting storyline about hobo life and justice. Characters are fascinating and the problems they faced seem to be realistic. The reader can only guess if the violence is authentic but it makes for a good read.
June 25, 2018
A group of Hobos riding the rails and removing the trash from society. Well written, you get to experience another side of life. Fast moving adventure with twists and turns all along the way.
December 15, 2018
Ridiculous
Violent, unrealistic dialogue, unbelievable situations and characters. Had to force myself back to and through this book over the course of a month. Don't bother.
Violent, unrealistic dialogue, unbelievable situations and characters. Had to force myself back to and through this book over the course of a month. Don't bother.
December 26, 2019
Very good story
Keeps you wanting to turn the pages.. First book I ever read about hobos . Was very interesting. I would read more books like this one..
Keeps you wanting to turn the pages.. First book I ever read about hobos . Was very interesting. I would read more books like this one..
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