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The Shattered Frontier #1
What Was Your Name Downriver?
TALES OF SIX-GUNS AND SORCERY!
Evaline Cartwright, a world-weary bounty hunter, and runaway Trivan Esterhazy are newly-met on a riverboat while fleeing the violence of the gold fields, eager for a return to civilization. But the frontier isn't done with them yet.
Beset by the foul magicks of a rogue mage and the schemes of mutinous passengers, the women will have to navigate hostile country together, using wits and weaponry both, to have any chance of reaching their destination alive.
What Was Your Name Downriver? is an introduction to The Shattered Frontier, a Tolkien-esque fantasy world that has advanced into an age of steam, gunslingers and gold rushes. Follow Evaline and Trivan in their adventures across one of the most hostile counties in the land, replete with scoundrels of all shapes, sizes, and magickal ability.
CONTENTS:
What Was Your Name Downriver?, a novella
"The Horse Thieves of Ariasun County," a short story
"Gunfight at the Thornmount Colossus," a short story ***Runner-Up for the 2016 Baen Books Fantasy-Adventure Award***
Evaline Cartwright, a world-weary bounty hunter, and runaway Trivan Esterhazy are newly-met on a riverboat while fleeing the violence of the gold fields, eager for a return to civilization. But the frontier isn't done with them yet.
Beset by the foul magicks of a rogue mage and the schemes of mutinous passengers, the women will have to navigate hostile country together, using wits and weaponry both, to have any chance of reaching their destination alive.
What Was Your Name Downriver? is an introduction to The Shattered Frontier, a Tolkien-esque fantasy world that has advanced into an age of steam, gunslingers and gold rushes. Follow Evaline and Trivan in their adventures across one of the most hostile counties in the land, replete with scoundrels of all shapes, sizes, and magickal ability.
CONTENTS:
What Was Your Name Downriver?, a novella
"The Horse Thieves of Ariasun County," a short story
"Gunfight at the Thornmount Colossus," a short story ***Runner-Up for the 2016 Baen Books Fantasy-Adventure Award***
187 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2020
17 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Anthony Lowe
18 books10 followersAnthony Lowe is originally from Turlock, California. He's worked as a bartender, used bookseller, copy editor, an ALT in Japan, and recently obtained his BA in English Literature from California State University, East Bay.
He has been writing consistently for over ten years, and published his first short stories in the dark fantasy anthology BLACKGUARDS: TALES OF ASSASSINS, MERCENARIES, AND ROGUES (republished as BRIGANDS ) and the sci-fi anthology ALIEN ARTIFACTS .
Recently, he has contributed stories to MYSTERY WEEKLY MAGAZINE and the sci-fi anthology MY BATTERY IS LOW AND IT IS GETTING DARK , as well as self-published his dark fantasy/western story, WHAT WAS YOUR NAME DOWNRIVER?
Newly returned from Japan, he is given to writing, gaming, movies, exploring old California mining towns, and scouring local used bookstores for novels he should probably get around to reading at some point.
He has been writing consistently for over ten years, and published his first short stories in the dark fantasy anthology BLACKGUARDS: TALES OF ASSASSINS, MERCENARIES, AND ROGUES (republished as BRIGANDS ) and the sci-fi anthology ALIEN ARTIFACTS .
Recently, he has contributed stories to MYSTERY WEEKLY MAGAZINE and the sci-fi anthology MY BATTERY IS LOW AND IT IS GETTING DARK , as well as self-published his dark fantasy/western story, WHAT WAS YOUR NAME DOWNRIVER?
Newly returned from Japan, he is given to writing, gaming, movies, exploring old California mining towns, and scouring local used bookstores for novels he should probably get around to reading at some point.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 5, 2021
"You might learn to read the river, anticipate its slights.
But by the next season you’ll be the purveyor of a dead language.
Keep your iron close, arandi, for its speech requires no translation."
With this quote the story begins.
It immediately sets the tone of the book.
Extra points go to the author as he manages to blend in regional dialects that might go unnoticed by people unfamiliar with the rural south, but that definitely add to the western vibe which Anthony Lowe captures really well!
The dice tumbled off the deck and plucked the surface of the water as they disappeared forever.
"Damnation," another man said. "That's why you aim for the wall, girl." He slapped the outside of the pilothouse. "The wall."
Trivan Esterhazy sat back against the railing, turned her eyes up to the stars as though she hadn't heard. "Dice are cheap."
"But the fates they play at are not."
Here we learn to know the first protagonist: Trivan Esterhazy.
Travelling on a steamship with paddlewheel on the River Tanzer, she's heading north. Away from violence and back to civilization.
Although it might be a bit more difficult to get fully into the story from the beginning as there isn't much action yet, the languid and ominous atmosphere on the riverboat is depicted masterfully and makes one curious about what's going to happen.
"Why would you bring an iron to the table unloaded?" Kanel asked.
"I've been told I'm a bad drunk and an agreeable shot. Best to not make allies of one's vices, I reckon."
Kanel chuckled. "Your reputation of havin' a grim and off-puttin' sense of humor precedes you."
Evaline returned the bulky revolver to its holster. "Gotta end each day with a smile, you know? Even if it's at someone else's expense."
Trivan decided right then and there she liked this woman.
Enter our other protagonist: Evaline Cartwright, a world-weary bounty hunter.
Her pragmatism and kick-ass character will conquer the hearts of many readers.
Even though lots of people might prefer her character to Trivan's, it must be said that it's the humoristic interaction between these two women that keeps the story interesting all along.
Most of the other readers describe the tone of the book as 'darker than expected'. And it's true that some events may come across as quite dark. However, the humor and banter give a rather light hearted feeling to the whole.
"You're a good friend, Triv.
Better than I deserve, and I hope this adventure is nowhere near its conclusion."
These words are uttered at a certain point by Evaline.
But they could as well have been the reader's who wants to read further about Evaline's and Trivan's adventures.
Luckily this book does not only contain the main novella which leaves you wanting more. Indeed, you can immediately continue with two short stories which are included in the book: The Horse Thieves of Ariasun County and Gunfight at the Thornmount Colossus (runner-up for the 2016 Baen Books Fantasy-Adventure Award).
And if you still want more, there's good news! The sequel A Bad Rune at Angels Deep is out since February 23rd 2021.
If you want to know more about this book and its author, you can read this interesting Q&A with author Anthony Lowe.
But by the next season you’ll be the purveyor of a dead language.
Keep your iron close, arandi, for its speech requires no translation."
With this quote the story begins.
It immediately sets the tone of the book.
Extra points go to the author as he manages to blend in regional dialects that might go unnoticed by people unfamiliar with the rural south, but that definitely add to the western vibe which Anthony Lowe captures really well!
The dice tumbled off the deck and plucked the surface of the water as they disappeared forever.
"Damnation," another man said. "That's why you aim for the wall, girl." He slapped the outside of the pilothouse. "The wall."
Trivan Esterhazy sat back against the railing, turned her eyes up to the stars as though she hadn't heard. "Dice are cheap."
"But the fates they play at are not."
Here we learn to know the first protagonist: Trivan Esterhazy.
Travelling on a steamship with paddlewheel on the River Tanzer, she's heading north. Away from violence and back to civilization.
Although it might be a bit more difficult to get fully into the story from the beginning as there isn't much action yet, the languid and ominous atmosphere on the riverboat is depicted masterfully and makes one curious about what's going to happen.
"Why would you bring an iron to the table unloaded?" Kanel asked.
"I've been told I'm a bad drunk and an agreeable shot. Best to not make allies of one's vices, I reckon."
Kanel chuckled. "Your reputation of havin' a grim and off-puttin' sense of humor precedes you."
Evaline returned the bulky revolver to its holster. "Gotta end each day with a smile, you know? Even if it's at someone else's expense."
Trivan decided right then and there she liked this woman.
Enter our other protagonist: Evaline Cartwright, a world-weary bounty hunter.
Her pragmatism and kick-ass character will conquer the hearts of many readers.
Even though lots of people might prefer her character to Trivan's, it must be said that it's the humoristic interaction between these two women that keeps the story interesting all along.
Most of the other readers describe the tone of the book as 'darker than expected'. And it's true that some events may come across as quite dark. However, the humor and banter give a rather light hearted feeling to the whole.
"You're a good friend, Triv.
Better than I deserve, and I hope this adventure is nowhere near its conclusion."
These words are uttered at a certain point by Evaline.
But they could as well have been the reader's who wants to read further about Evaline's and Trivan's adventures.
Luckily this book does not only contain the main novella which leaves you wanting more. Indeed, you can immediately continue with two short stories which are included in the book: The Horse Thieves of Ariasun County and Gunfight at the Thornmount Colossus (runner-up for the 2016 Baen Books Fantasy-Adventure Award).
And if you still want more, there's good news! The sequel A Bad Rune at Angels Deep is out since February 23rd 2021.
If you want to know more about this book and its author, you can read this interesting Q&A with author Anthony Lowe.
March 6, 2021
3.5/5
As a child, I loved western movies. As a reader, though, I’ve never got into the subgenre. What Was Your Name Downriver? enticed me to add more fantasy westerns to my TBR list. The setting felt fresh, and I liked characters.
The book contains a novella and two short stories. Short stories give an additional insight into protagonists’ backstories. The novella focuses on Eveline “Calamity” Cartwright, a veteran bounty hunter, and Trivan Esterhazy meeting on a rickety riverboat. They both want to leave their past behind. They both fail. To a degree.
The story packs all the punches of a good Western without indulging in the plot cliches and moral certitudes associated with the genre. Plus, we get necromancy and paranoia added to the mix, and it always results in more danger and more fun.
Lowe nailed the voice of his characters and made them, especially Evaline, memorable. The only issue I have with the story is subjective. The author enjoys long and descriptive sentences. I prefer the prose tighter or, at least, more mixed throughout the narrative.
All told, I had a good time reading the story.
As a child, I loved western movies. As a reader, though, I’ve never got into the subgenre. What Was Your Name Downriver? enticed me to add more fantasy westerns to my TBR list. The setting felt fresh, and I liked characters.
The book contains a novella and two short stories. Short stories give an additional insight into protagonists’ backstories. The novella focuses on Eveline “Calamity” Cartwright, a veteran bounty hunter, and Trivan Esterhazy meeting on a rickety riverboat. They both want to leave their past behind. They both fail. To a degree.
The story packs all the punches of a good Western without indulging in the plot cliches and moral certitudes associated with the genre. Plus, we get necromancy and paranoia added to the mix, and it always results in more danger and more fun.
Lowe nailed the voice of his characters and made them, especially Evaline, memorable. The only issue I have with the story is subjective. The author enjoys long and descriptive sentences. I prefer the prose tighter or, at least, more mixed throughout the narrative.
All told, I had a good time reading the story.
March 8, 2021
Prospecting A Dime Store Novel
It is hard to out my finger on where these stories should fit genre wise. There is plenty of good meat left on bones of this work to many more. Evaline is a great character and I want to how Trivial develops. A good start so far with only a few bumps in the road. 3.7
It is hard to out my finger on where these stories should fit genre wise. There is plenty of good meat left on bones of this work to many more. Evaline is a great character and I want to how Trivial develops. A good start so far with only a few bumps in the road. 3.7
September 23, 2020
What Was Your Name Downriver by Anthony Lowe is a fast-paced weird western with a great sense of setting and voice. It starts with two people—Evaline Cartwright and Trivan Esterhazy—who meet on a riverboat on a frontier. The early scenes on the riverboat do a lot of scene-setting and character-setting which pays off as the book ramps up.
Cartwright is a bounty hunter who’s been around a bit and knows the score. Trivan’s a runaway from home, a half-rath forced to run after the death of her father. Both characters develop a solid rapport quite quickly as they try to protect each other.
One aspect I feel helps a weird western feel like its own subgenre is the voice. Lowe has a great grasp on this. It’s more than just the phrases, like iron in lieu of pistol, or lawkeeper, but those help. It’s the idiosyncratic uses of language that give a weird western a particular feel.
“Tell you what I heard,” said one of the men, waiting his turn. “Feller gets stopped by a lawkeeper near Little Horn. Middle of the night. He gets stopped on account of the five or maybe six, ‘rathlings tied up in his cart. Lawkeeper shines a light, sees the tears in the young’uns eyes and their little knifey ears. ‘What is the meaning of this?’ asks the lawkeeper. He’s reachin’ for his gun at this point, I think.
The man with the cart, he just can’t stop smiling. He just looks at the lawkeeper and says, ‘A kindness, mister. A kindness. These children is without their parents. Orphans,’ this man keeps saying. ‘Orphans, believe you me.’ The lawkeeper ain’t buying it. He asks the man, ‘How do you know them ‘raths is orphans? How do you know?’
And the man with the cart replies, and he’s still smiling when he says, ‘I know they’s orphans ‘cause I killed their parents myself.”
The dice tumbled off the deck and plucked the surface of the water as they disappeared forever.
“Damnation,” another man said. “That’s why you aim for the wall, girl.” He slapped the outside of the pilothouse. “The wall.”
The magic in this setting is wild, chaotic, and intense. Spellcasting will wipe out all the wildlife in an area. Certain iron enchantments can deflect some level of magic, but up against those who can ignore the laws of reality, there aren’t a lot of defenses.
The spells used don’t seem to quite work as the mage hopes. Some of the tensest scenes included an attempt to communicate with the mage who had burned out the brains of everyone who lived in a village by getting the mage’s thralls to do specific things.
Surely it was a clear sign of insanity to be able to look upon a mass of walking corpses with their eye burned out and improvised weapons in their hands and to be able to say with absolute certainty, “Well, this is familiar.”
The book is short and lean, with no space for digressions, but as a novella it packs quite a punch. This book has an excellent concept of its setting and characters, and uses them to its fullest. Its voice is strong and Lowe knows what he wants out of the book. I enjoyed it a lot.
January 9, 2021
“What Was Your Name Downriver?” introduces you to Evaline Cartwright and Trivan Esterhazy after just meeting aboard a riverboat. The young women find themselves having to work together, despite just meeting, to survive the many dangers of the world that surrounds them.
Overall, I really enjoyed this novella. The combination of genres is interesting, keeps the pace of the story moving along, and makes the plot more unpredictable. The two main characters are similar to the combination of genres as they are very different on paper, but somehow complement each other as you delve into their story. The way that their backgrounds are revealed through recollection of past events combined with the active adventures makes Evaline and Trivan both layered characters that you want to learn more about. I do wish that more time was spent on developing Trivan’s backstory and strengths, but I suppose that is why there are sequels. I look forward to more adventures with these two.
This novella is complemented by two short stories that are also included as little bonuses after the main novella. The first takes place before the events of the main novella and follows Evaline on one of her bounty hunter missions. The second takes place after the main novella. I suggest actually reading the second short short right after the novella and then reading the “prequel” short story for a little more insight into Evaline.
I received a copy of this novella in exchange of a fair and honest review.
Overall, I really enjoyed this novella. The combination of genres is interesting, keeps the pace of the story moving along, and makes the plot more unpredictable. The two main characters are similar to the combination of genres as they are very different on paper, but somehow complement each other as you delve into their story. The way that their backgrounds are revealed through recollection of past events combined with the active adventures makes Evaline and Trivan both layered characters that you want to learn more about. I do wish that more time was spent on developing Trivan’s backstory and strengths, but I suppose that is why there are sequels. I look forward to more adventures with these two.
This novella is complemented by two short stories that are also included as little bonuses after the main novella. The first takes place before the events of the main novella and follows Evaline on one of her bounty hunter missions. The second takes place after the main novella. I suggest actually reading the second short short right after the novella and then reading the “prequel” short story for a little more insight into Evaline.
I received a copy of this novella in exchange of a fair and honest review.
March 22, 2021
I dig the western vibes so much in this book! Didn't expect that.
For me the strongest part of the book was the relationship between the two main characters. They make good pairing for adventurous stories.
I felt a bit lost on social dynamics in this world. Didn't really understood why some were targeted as the 'public enemies', but I believe we will delve into this topic in the further works of the author.
Also I would love to see the magical powers explaned a bit more.
Hope to learn more about MCs backstories and see them bettering the world in the next book.
For me the strongest part of the book was the relationship between the two main characters. They make good pairing for adventurous stories.
I felt a bit lost on social dynamics in this world. Didn't really understood why some were targeted as the 'public enemies', but I believe we will delve into this topic in the further works of the author.
Also I would love to see the magical powers explaned a bit more.
Hope to learn more about MCs backstories and see them bettering the world in the next book.
September 8, 2020
What Was Your Name Downriver is weird west at its best. There are all the elements of a classic western: gunfights, mysterious figures with tragic pasts, beautiful landscapes, and vast, society upheavals at the back of it all. Many of this stories elements will seem familiar at first glance, but the more fantastical elements give each a new spin, a life that they would not have otherwise had. For instance, much of the story stems behind humanity's increasingly strained relationship with the native Raths, an elf-like race, whose worldview is mostly hinted at but clearly different from our own. There is also magic, wild and difficult to control, and the book ties in much more mundane stories of guilt for actions beyond our own with the idea of what happens when unimaginable power is given to those who aren't prepared to wield it.
The story is striking at every turn, with revelations about the two main characters' pasts well timed throughout, and the action paced just enough to keep the book moving forward without getting lost in it. Lowe manages to convey a sense of connection in a surprisingly small number of words, so that it wasn't long before I was very invested in the fate of each. Between that and the attention to all the little details that make great storytelling great, this was an easy book to get lost in for a few hours, so that when I reached the end it caught me entirely off-guard, grasping for the next page, already wanting more.
The last third of the book consists of two short stories, one set before and one set after the main tale. Both of these are meaningful on their own as well as providing much context to the larger story, and the ending to the second was just as profound as that of WWYND. Here's to hoping this author writes more set in this world, for such a setting truly deserve further scrutiny.
The story is striking at every turn, with revelations about the two main characters' pasts well timed throughout, and the action paced just enough to keep the book moving forward without getting lost in it. Lowe manages to convey a sense of connection in a surprisingly small number of words, so that it wasn't long before I was very invested in the fate of each. Between that and the attention to all the little details that make great storytelling great, this was an easy book to get lost in for a few hours, so that when I reached the end it caught me entirely off-guard, grasping for the next page, already wanting more.
The last third of the book consists of two short stories, one set before and one set after the main tale. Both of these are meaningful on their own as well as providing much context to the larger story, and the ending to the second was just as profound as that of WWYND. Here's to hoping this author writes more set in this world, for such a setting truly deserve further scrutiny.
March 27, 2021
[ Overall Thoughts ]
Evaline Cartwright is a bounty hunter with a reputation as 'Calamity Cartwright'. Trivan Esterhazy is on the run from a traumatic past and trying to keep a low profile. When things go wrong on the steamboat they're both traveling on, the two women team up to stay alive. What Was Your Name Downriver? is an intriguing and adventurous first book (novella + 2 short stories) in the The Shattered Frontier series. The tone and subject can get rather dark, with some gruesome magic and some violent lawlessness. The writing style does well to evoke the fantasy western setting and, as a fan of westerns, I enjoyed the worldbuilding.
[ The World ]
Taking place in a fantasy wild west in the midst of a gold rush, this book will scratch the itch for a western adventure. There's magic and fantasy-racism, bounties and rogue sorcerers, steamboats and goldrush towns.
[ The Characters ]
Evaline 'Calamity' Cartwright is a badass and capable bounty hunter who has become a bit disillusioned with the way things are run in the world. She is confident in her skills and knows how to scrape by in just about any situation.
Trivan Esterhazy is nearly the opposite: fairly naïve and lacking any particular skills, she has run away from her small town after a traumatic event that shattered her sheltered life.
They worked well as a duo, Trivan softening Evaline's sharper tendencies and Evaline forcing Trivan to be just a little braver.
[ Suggested Audience ]
Readers looking for a fantasy western, complete with magic and bounty hunting and adventure.
Readers who enjoy quick stories with a small cast.
[ TL;DR ]
What Was Your Name Downriver? is an enjoyable and quick fantasy western read with an entertaining MC duo, though some rather dark subject matters.
Evaline Cartwright is a bounty hunter with a reputation as 'Calamity Cartwright'. Trivan Esterhazy is on the run from a traumatic past and trying to keep a low profile. When things go wrong on the steamboat they're both traveling on, the two women team up to stay alive. What Was Your Name Downriver? is an intriguing and adventurous first book (novella + 2 short stories) in the The Shattered Frontier series. The tone and subject can get rather dark, with some gruesome magic and some violent lawlessness. The writing style does well to evoke the fantasy western setting and, as a fan of westerns, I enjoyed the worldbuilding.
[ The World ]
Taking place in a fantasy wild west in the midst of a gold rush, this book will scratch the itch for a western adventure. There's magic and fantasy-racism, bounties and rogue sorcerers, steamboats and goldrush towns.
[ The Characters ]
Evaline 'Calamity' Cartwright is a badass and capable bounty hunter who has become a bit disillusioned with the way things are run in the world. She is confident in her skills and knows how to scrape by in just about any situation.
Trivan Esterhazy is nearly the opposite: fairly naïve and lacking any particular skills, she has run away from her small town after a traumatic event that shattered her sheltered life.
They worked well as a duo, Trivan softening Evaline's sharper tendencies and Evaline forcing Trivan to be just a little braver.
[ Suggested Audience ]
Readers looking for a fantasy western, complete with magic and bounty hunting and adventure.
Readers who enjoy quick stories with a small cast.
[ TL;DR ]
What Was Your Name Downriver? is an enjoyable and quick fantasy western read with an entertaining MC duo, though some rather dark subject matters.
April 19, 2021
I love discovering fantasy books that are set somewhere other than vaguely Medieval-feeling worlds, so this book was a great find. I really enjoyed the Western feel to it and I liked the Gold Rush that's mentioned too. I liked the atmosphere and the grounded feel of most of the people in the story.
I liked that the main characters were both women, and both badass women. I think they were both written really well and they have very different voices and backstories. I think it's a challenge to build a world within a novella, and this one didn't do it as well as others I've read, but I got a pretty solid sense of the world.
I like that the magic has a dangerous edge to it - that it needs to be tamed like a wild steed.
Overall, a decent little novella with unique settings and characters.
I liked that the main characters were both women, and both badass women. I think they were both written really well and they have very different voices and backstories. I think it's a challenge to build a world within a novella, and this one didn't do it as well as others I've read, but I got a pretty solid sense of the world.
I like that the magic has a dangerous edge to it - that it needs to be tamed like a wild steed.
Overall, a decent little novella with unique settings and characters.
September 13, 2021
Full disclosure: I was given a free physical copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve read plenty of unique genres like comic thrillers, but none have been as bizarre as the western-fantasy hybrid. I’ve read plenty of fantasy, yet I’ve never read any westerns. When I came across the novel "What Was Your Name Downriver: Tales of the Shattered Frontier" by Anthony Lowe, which happens to fall into that genre, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Now that I’m done with it, I can say that it’s great…and then the main characters get off the boat.
To see more of this review, click on this link: https://chick-who-reads-everything.co...
I’ve read plenty of unique genres like comic thrillers, but none have been as bizarre as the western-fantasy hybrid. I’ve read plenty of fantasy, yet I’ve never read any westerns. When I came across the novel "What Was Your Name Downriver: Tales of the Shattered Frontier" by Anthony Lowe, which happens to fall into that genre, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Now that I’m done with it, I can say that it’s great…and then the main characters get off the boat.
To see more of this review, click on this link: https://chick-who-reads-everything.co...
March 29, 2021
Interesting theory in this book
There are lessons being taught throughout the story line that mimic the story line of today. Whether or not it was intentional? Good and captivating characters as well.
There are lessons being taught throughout the story line that mimic the story line of today. Whether or not it was intentional? Good and captivating characters as well.
February 13, 2022
This story was such a gem. The characters and writing were very strong, and the Wild West/fantasy setting was delightful - the best I’ve read I think. I’ll definitely be picking up the next installment this year.
April 9, 2021
A fast and enjoyable story with well-developed characters and an interesting setting sketched out with clean prose. Looking forward to more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews