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American Paladin #1
In the Land of Dead Horses
The Dead Have No Love for the Living
In the Land of Dead Horses tells the story of Texas Ranger Jewel T. Lightfoot’s pursuit of and confrontation with a resurrected horror from another age —a manifestation of the Mayan god of darkness, unearthed from its subterranean crypt in the wastelands of the Chihuahuan Desert and set loose on an unsuspecting world.
Lightfoot, a hard-drinking Texas Ranger, is aided by an aging silver miner named Ernesto Zavala and his grandson Antonio, a rangy firebrand who longs to free his people from the rule of Porfirio Diaz’s corrupt Mexican government. Together, these unlikely heroes face off against a sinister German academic, a trio of religious fanatics who wants to restore the glory of the Mayan empire, and a horror from the depths of history that grows stronger with each setting sun.
Join Jewel Lightfoot in this paranormal whodunit that offers a gripping battle between good and evil. But be careful: Not everyone who rides out of Austin in the fall of 1908 is going to make it back alive.
In the Land of Dead Horses tells the story of Texas Ranger Jewel T. Lightfoot’s pursuit of and confrontation with a resurrected horror from another age —a manifestation of the Mayan god of darkness, unearthed from its subterranean crypt in the wastelands of the Chihuahuan Desert and set loose on an unsuspecting world.
Lightfoot, a hard-drinking Texas Ranger, is aided by an aging silver miner named Ernesto Zavala and his grandson Antonio, a rangy firebrand who longs to free his people from the rule of Porfirio Diaz’s corrupt Mexican government. Together, these unlikely heroes face off against a sinister German academic, a trio of religious fanatics who wants to restore the glory of the Mayan empire, and a horror from the depths of history that grows stronger with each setting sun.
Join Jewel Lightfoot in this paranormal whodunit that offers a gripping battle between good and evil. But be careful: Not everyone who rides out of Austin in the fall of 1908 is going to make it back alive.
254 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2021
23 people are currently reading
9880 people want to read
About the author
Bruce McCandless III
16 books259 followersBruce McCandless III is the author of the biography Wonders All Around: The Incredible True Story of Astronaut Bruce McCandless II and the First Free Flight in Space, an Amazon bestseller that was named a Best Book of 2021 by both Men's Journal and Kirkus Reviews. Wonders All Around is first and foremost a relationship story about a family caught up in a father's ambitions, disappointments, and struggle for professional redemption, all as played out against the real-life drama of America's manned space program in the Apollo, Skylab, and early Shuttle years.
A lifelong Texan, Bruce is also the author of the interlinked historical horror novels In the Land of Dead Horses, Sour Lake, and The Black Book of Cyrenaica, as well as a modern fairy tale for pre-teens called Beatrice and the Basilisk. Named Austin's Poet Laureate by the Austin American-Statesman in 2000, he has published poems, stories, and essays in The Seattle Review, The Asian Wall Street Journal, Pleiades, Bayou, and other journals.
With his daughter Carson, Bruce wrote Carson Clare's Trail Guide to Avoiding Death (And Other Unpleasant Consequences), a book of poems for middle-schoolers that Indie Reader gave a perfect 5.0 score and that Kirkus Reviews calls an "amusing and friendly handbook" with "delightful verse and surprisingly useful tips." Bruce and Carson also teamed up to write Beatrice at Bay (2020), a Beatrice sequel that Kirkus touts as "an often thrilling and nuanced fantasy novella."
A lifelong Texan, Bruce is also the author of the interlinked historical horror novels In the Land of Dead Horses, Sour Lake, and The Black Book of Cyrenaica, as well as a modern fairy tale for pre-teens called Beatrice and the Basilisk. Named Austin's Poet Laureate by the Austin American-Statesman in 2000, he has published poems, stories, and essays in The Seattle Review, The Asian Wall Street Journal, Pleiades, Bayou, and other journals.
With his daughter Carson, Bruce wrote Carson Clare's Trail Guide to Avoiding Death (And Other Unpleasant Consequences), a book of poems for middle-schoolers that Indie Reader gave a perfect 5.0 score and that Kirkus Reviews calls an "amusing and friendly handbook" with "delightful verse and surprisingly useful tips." Bruce and Carson also teamed up to write Beatrice at Bay (2020), a Beatrice sequel that Kirkus touts as "an often thrilling and nuanced fantasy novella."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
October 13, 2023
I was pleased to receive a copy of this novel after being selected as a winner in a Goodreads giveaway. It's a well-written historical (it's set in 1908) Western with an interesting supernatural twist from ancient Mayan mythology. It's a well-paced and engaging adventure about a Texas Ranger on the trail of some Mexican Indians who have released and revived an evil, bloodthirsty god from antiquity. He's not a very likable character, but you have to hope for his success regardless. It could have been improved a bit by presenting the indigenous characters in a more sympathetic light and the female characters as having a bit more depth, but I still enjoyed the pulp-adventure feel.
February 24, 2022
Bruce McCandless III what a great story. I finished this book in two days. It was so interesting. I loved the way you described the characters and their surroundings. I felt like I was there. Jewel Lightfoot is a wonderful central character, flaws and all. All of McCandless's characters are remarkably authentic and multi-faceted. He makes me care about what happens to them, and in this book, what happens to them is a whole lot. This book is a Texas flavored historical horror fiction. The terrible events it depicts draw deeply from Texas's tangled and deep rooted relationship with Mexico and the cruelty and indifference of both nations toward their indigenous peoples. Though the story takes place more than a century ago, it grew from the dark corruption of more than a millennium in the past. Highly recommend.
June 20, 2022
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and I am so glad I did. It was a very enjoyable supernatural monster vs old time Texas Ranger novel. Ranger Lightfoot was a tough old bird who wasn’t always the most moral character but I couldn’t help but like him. I found the ending a bit sad but also not terribly surprising with the way he lived his life. The supernatural part was very intriguing so if you like that sort of thing I think you will enjoy this book.
October 8, 2021
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A horror western, something you don't see every day. It's the early 20 century, and an aging Texas Ranger, near the end of his rope is assigned to the insurance bureau as a result of the killing of the son of a muckey-muck.
Out in the desert, some Mayans have found and are trying to awaken a being they think was an ancient Mayan God, to lead them into the promised land.
The bits with the Brits didn't add much to the story and were really unnecessary.
A horror western, something you don't see every day. It's the early 20 century, and an aging Texas Ranger, near the end of his rope is assigned to the insurance bureau as a result of the killing of the son of a muckey-muck.
Out in the desert, some Mayans have found and are trying to awaken a being they think was an ancient Mayan God, to lead them into the promised land.
The bits with the Brits didn't add much to the story and were really unnecessary.
September 24, 2021
This was divergent, authentic and a fantastic read. The dialogue was perfect. The characters were richly layered and believable. I enjoyed the Texan and Mexican history, the legends and the mythology of the Mayan culture. A western mystery with a modern twist, just enough gore and suspense to make it a horror story of sorts. Special thanks to the amazing author, publishing house and Netgallery for the free copy to review. Looking forward to the next Lightfoot adventure,glad he didn't retire and that he's hard to kill.
November 1, 2021
Jewel Lightfoot is a Texas Ranger who can't let a good mystery pass him by. In the fall of 1908, Jewel receives a case from the commissioner of insurance that he can't let go. The whole Peterson family has been gruesomely murdered on their farm except for their five year old daughter, Lyssa, who tells a story more like a fairy tale. Jewel is now tracking a group of Mayans who are potentially carrying a strange piece of cargo across the Texas desert in hopes of returning to Mexico and restoring their people to power. Jewel enlists the help of an old silver miner, Ernesto and his grandson, Antonia who tell Jewel of an ancient Mayan god who was laid to rest in the hills nearby. However, this god isn't going to restore the Mayans to power as the team of bandits hope, it is the Mayan god of darkness whose sole purpose is destruction and death. Jewel must figure out how to kill a god while thwarting a group of Germans who want to stir up trouble between Mexico and the States. Jewel has always said he was hard to kill, but the god of darkness may have other plans for him.
In the Land of Dead Horses is a fast-paced Western paranormal historical murder mystery. Right from the start, the expedition to unearth the Mayan god pulled me in. Jewel's character was a perfect blend of hardened Texas Ranger and wizened old soul making him a complex person that I cared about. The combination of a Western mixed with Mayan mythology and the effects of colonialism in Mexico created a unique story with action at every twist and turn. I actually do wish a little more of the story could have been told from the Mayan gods point of view as he woke up and I could have learned more of his history and importance to the Mayans. The addition of the meddling Germans along with an old foe of Jewel's determined to kill him added to the suspense. Filled with gore, mystery, ancient gods and a surprising amount of heart, In The Land of Dead Horses is a wonderful read.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
In the Land of Dead Horses is a fast-paced Western paranormal historical murder mystery. Right from the start, the expedition to unearth the Mayan god pulled me in. Jewel's character was a perfect blend of hardened Texas Ranger and wizened old soul making him a complex person that I cared about. The combination of a Western mixed with Mayan mythology and the effects of colonialism in Mexico created a unique story with action at every twist and turn. I actually do wish a little more of the story could have been told from the Mayan gods point of view as he woke up and I could have learned more of his history and importance to the Mayans. The addition of the meddling Germans along with an old foe of Jewel's determined to kill him added to the suspense. Filled with gore, mystery, ancient gods and a surprising amount of heart, In The Land of Dead Horses is a wonderful read.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
February 21, 2024
I quite loved the mash-up between western and Lovecraftian horror. Well, Lovecraftian at first, because we're losing a bit of that toward the end, where it slides more into a monster story. This is not a bad thing in itself, but I found the first angle more exciting. For example, I loved the first time the ranger enters the crypt, with its description of primal horror for something utterly inhuman. And then later, how . I wanted more of that, but the story gradually moves away from those themes. That new trajectory culminates in the narrative choice, toward the end, where . But that's 100% a personal preference, and I don't hold it against the book to have made different choices.
I also really liked the characters, with their touch of spaghetti western styling. The flawed and damaged protagonist was very loveable, the rest of the cast was quite varied, and they all got me invested. Texas itself was an important player in the story, with very vivid and quite lyrical descriptions of the landscapes. I personally thought it matched well the hardened ranger personae, and it felt fitting that they would experience the desert like an old ship captain would the sea, as both a beautiful and terrible thing.
While I enjoyed the story a lot, its ending felt a bit clunky. A few years back now, I watched this japanimation series, Druaga no To, where the first episode is an hilarious parody of some of the common tropes in adventure stories. One of the running joke throughout that episode is that any character who mentions having plans to marry and start a new life when they return home proceed to immediately die... Well, I won't spoil anything, but the thing I am referring here was similarly a bit on the nose. And then, it all came and went so fast! We all needed more time to process it, and the fact we did not get any made it all feel way too anecdotal. Just a plot device to get the story where it needed to go. I think that last bit is a little bit of what I am reproaching to the Enchanted Rock subplot, too. I need to say, though, that I would likely have been more forgiving of all of those things had I realized this was setting up to be a series, because while those maneuvers remain a tad bit clunky, they are a bit more expected with that in mind.
All in all, I had a great time reading this and learning more about Texas history and mesoamerican cultures. This is very well researched, historically, and it sent me down a few wikipedia rabbit holes, which I loved! I'll likely pick up Sour Lake later, to see what Sgt. Lightfoot gets into next.
I also really liked the characters, with their touch of spaghetti western styling. The flawed and damaged protagonist was very loveable, the rest of the cast was quite varied, and they all got me invested. Texas itself was an important player in the story, with very vivid and quite lyrical descriptions of the landscapes. I personally thought it matched well the hardened ranger personae, and it felt fitting that they would experience the desert like an old ship captain would the sea, as both a beautiful and terrible thing.
While I enjoyed the story a lot, its ending felt a bit clunky. A few years back now, I watched this japanimation series, Druaga no To, where the first episode is an hilarious parody of some of the common tropes in adventure stories. One of the running joke throughout that episode is that any character who mentions having plans to marry and start a new life when they return home proceed to immediately die... Well, I won't spoil anything, but the thing I am referring here was similarly a bit on the nose. And then, it all came and went so fast! We all needed more time to process it, and the fact we did not get any made it all feel way too anecdotal. Just a plot device to get the story where it needed to go. I think that last bit is a little bit of what I am reproaching to the Enchanted Rock subplot, too. I need to say, though, that I would likely have been more forgiving of all of those things had I realized this was setting up to be a series, because while those maneuvers remain a tad bit clunky, they are a bit more expected with that in mind.
All in all, I had a great time reading this and learning more about Texas history and mesoamerican cultures. This is very well researched, historically, and it sent me down a few wikipedia rabbit holes, which I loved! I'll likely pick up Sour Lake later, to see what Sgt. Lightfoot gets into next.
**ARC provided by publisher in a giveaway, and signed by the author. Thank you!**
December 5, 2021
Thank you for another Goodreads giveaway! Well done Texas ranger vs Mayan god of darkness. Loved it. Can't wait for the movie. Set just prior to WW1. Plenty of border history between Texas and Mexico as well as Germany's involvement in Mexico.
October 16, 2021
3.5/5.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
In the Land of Dead Horses is a page-turner. I'm not a big western fan, but I like how McCandless incorporated supernatural horror into the western vibe.
The bones of the story isn't super unique: ancient monstrous creature is awakened and must be stopped. Crotchety old man kicks butt. Still, ItLoDH combined familiar elements in a way that was unique enough for a good read.
It did feel like the introduction to the story was the majority of it, and the climatic moment was too quick and impersonal. It just happened without much effort or tension.
I'd recommend the Land of Dead Horses to western fans and horror fans who don't mind crossing into other genres.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
In the Land of Dead Horses is a page-turner. I'm not a big western fan, but I like how McCandless incorporated supernatural horror into the western vibe.
The bones of the story isn't super unique: ancient monstrous creature is awakened and must be stopped. Crotchety old man kicks butt. Still, ItLoDH combined familiar elements in a way that was unique enough for a good read.
It did feel like the introduction to the story was the majority of it, and the climatic moment was too quick and impersonal. It just happened without much effort or tension.
I'd recommend the Land of Dead Horses to western fans and horror fans who don't mind crossing into other genres.
October 4, 2021
I received this book free as a Goodreads giveaway.
Texas, 1908. Three decedents of the Maya dig up one of their lost gods that was buried in the most inhospitable place their ancestors could find, West Texas. They then go on a killing spree to provide the creature with sustenance as they attempt to return to Mexico to overthrow the corrupt Diaz government. Texas Ranger Jewel T. Lightfoot is tasked with finding out just what is going on.
In the Land of Dead Horses is billed as a horror novel. It is not. What it is is a Western Mystery with a Supernatural bent. If I had known that, I would not have entered the giveaway and would be poorer for it. This is a good, solid novel. The characters are interesting and, mostly, well defined. The plot holds together until the end and the story moves right along to a reasonably satisfying conclusion. I would certainly recommend this book to people who like westerns or the books of Preston and Childs. If you’re fans of both, read it.
Texas, 1908. Three decedents of the Maya dig up one of their lost gods that was buried in the most inhospitable place their ancestors could find, West Texas. They then go on a killing spree to provide the creature with sustenance as they attempt to return to Mexico to overthrow the corrupt Diaz government. Texas Ranger Jewel T. Lightfoot is tasked with finding out just what is going on.
In the Land of Dead Horses is billed as a horror novel. It is not. What it is is a Western Mystery with a Supernatural bent. If I had known that, I would not have entered the giveaway and would be poorer for it. This is a good, solid novel. The characters are interesting and, mostly, well defined. The plot holds together until the end and the story moves right along to a reasonably satisfying conclusion. I would certainly recommend this book to people who like westerns or the books of Preston and Childs. If you’re fans of both, read it.
November 24, 2021
In The Land of Dead Horses by Bruce McCandless is probably one of my favorite books of the year, in part due to the soft spot I have for historical fiction, particularly Westerns. I also happen to be Aztec, which made it more exciting. I’d love to see more Aztec horror in the future!
Set in the early 1900’s, the author’s prose comes across as Jewel Lightfoot’s - the main character’s, acerbic humor and tough Texas ranger outlook. Jewel Lightfoot and his narration comes across as genuine, the author never tries too hard with his character to convince you that he’s tough and a weathered ranger. This is one of the key reasons the story is so hard to put down, and has that accurate Wild West feel. You can tell the author put in a lot of time researching for historical accuracy.
The other characters are also well written with complex motivations that keep the world alive and breathing. The gore is also really well done, and though I’m usually not bothered by gore the level of it within the book is so detailed it actually bothered me. I’d like to warn that children are killed in case you want to avoid reading that. Overall, this is a really great horror western I’d recommend to just about everyone.
I’d like to thank Netgalley for the chance to read this novel in exchange for a honest review.
Set in the early 1900’s, the author’s prose comes across as Jewel Lightfoot’s - the main character’s, acerbic humor and tough Texas ranger outlook. Jewel Lightfoot and his narration comes across as genuine, the author never tries too hard with his character to convince you that he’s tough and a weathered ranger. This is one of the key reasons the story is so hard to put down, and has that accurate Wild West feel. You can tell the author put in a lot of time researching for historical accuracy.
The other characters are also well written with complex motivations that keep the world alive and breathing. The gore is also really well done, and though I’m usually not bothered by gore the level of it within the book is so detailed it actually bothered me. I’d like to warn that children are killed in case you want to avoid reading that. Overall, this is a really great horror western I’d recommend to just about everyone.
I’d like to thank Netgalley for the chance to read this novel in exchange for a honest review.
February 17, 2024
An excellent mix of genre that worked well. I have loved westerns for most of my life but some of them can be just a little boring. Mix in mystery and paranormal and there is no way it could get boring. In the early 1900s, the technology available for the battle was pretty basic but you could trust a Texas Ranger to take the fight to the bad guys. The mixture of backgrounds and characters kept the story racing to a great conclusion. McCandless has earned a spot on my "watch for big things to come" list!!!!
October 1, 2022
What a fun an interesting book! The dialogue and action were top notch with enough gore thrown in to call it a horror book. I look forward to the next installation. If you’re thinking of getting this book - do it! You won’t regret it.
November 6, 2021
Intriguing story
Quite the interesting story. Definitely worth the read and would recommend this book. It's a great story that brought some well developed characters and a check if an adventure together for this unique tale
Quite the interesting story. Definitely worth the read and would recommend this book. It's a great story that brought some well developed characters and a check if an adventure together for this unique tale
November 11, 2021
I've discovered a new favorite author!
Evocative sense of time and place.
Beautiful writing.
Strong characters.
Fantastic story.
This was an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Evocative sense of time and place.
Beautiful writing.
Strong characters.
Fantastic story.
This was an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 8, 2024
I received this book from the publishers. I truly cannot believe what I just read!! The ending really got me and I was not expecting the death that occurred. I wasn't expecting to like this book at first because I thought it was just a western. But this novel is a western mixed with paranormal vibes. Perfect for the month of October! I actually learned a lot from this story. I never truly knew what the job of a ranger was back in that era. This story also goes over the history if the Mayans and their religion. Kudos to Bruce McCandless III for making me enjoy a genre I never thought I could!
September 8, 2024
I love myself a good historical western! I finished the book within a few days. It’s a perfectly paced read. It has such a great mix of themes, horror, adventure and some thrill as well! I highly recommend this book.
September 24, 2024
Thank you Greenleaf Book Group Press, Bruce McCandless III and Goodreads for the ARC copy of "In the Land of Dead Horses." I absolutely LOVED IT!! It's a great fusion of western, detective and horror thriller; super writing and eerily atmospheric!
The grizzled, committed Ranger with a "fallen" woman to love is on the trail of suspected murderers will satisfy western readers and detective readers while the large, dark monstrous being who accompanies the criminals will remind horror fans of monsters from days gone by. Although anyone who loves a good read will be satisfied with this one.
I'm looking forward to reading the sequel and hopefully it will become a series! Thanks for giving me a new author in what I hope will become an up and coming genre.
The grizzled, committed Ranger with a "fallen" woman to love is on the trail of suspected murderers will satisfy western readers and detective readers while the large, dark monstrous being who accompanies the criminals will remind horror fans of monsters from days gone by. Although anyone who loves a good read will be satisfied with this one.
I'm looking forward to reading the sequel and hopefully it will become a series! Thanks for giving me a new author in what I hope will become an up and coming genre.
September 30, 2021
I received this ARC from Netgalley in return for an honest review.
Weird Westerns. Is there anything cooler than supernatural fiction set in the old west? I was so excited when I saw this title being published. There are very few weird westerns out there so any addition to the genre is welcome. In the Land of the Dead Horses follows Jewel Lightfoot, a Texas Range as he tries to stop the resurrection of the ancient Mayan god of darkness. He is helped in this endeavor by Ernesto, an elderly silver miner, his rebellious grandson Antonio. Racing against time to stop an apocalypse, Lightfoot is faced with interference with Mayans revolutionaries, German spies, and an old enemy from his past
The plot is inventive and fresh. Not too many stories deal with Mayan mythology so getting to explore that universe a bit adds to the novel. A large part of the story deals with issues of colonialism. We see the effects the invaders (Americans and Europeans) have had on the indigenous Meso-Indian population. This hot button issue is handled with senility and empathy. McCandless is able to make you sympathize with our trio of villain's even as they commit unspeakable acts in their quest to raise their ancient god. Most of that is due to McCandless' ability to create well written, believable characters. Jewel is completely believable as a tired, alcoholic Texas Ranger more dedicated to his job than to the people he loves. Ernesto and Antonio are also completely realistic as are the Mayans who want a return to the glory days of the Mayan empire. Less well-done is the character of Professor Kritzinger who comes off as a tad cartoony. I wish their was some more background on Kritzinger and his motivations.
There are only two slight drawbacks to the novel which resulted in a 4 star instead of a 5 star review. The pacing did begin to drag towards the end. A little better editing could have fixed that. The other issue is a particular pet peeve of mine. There is a character that dies in the novel. That character did not need to die. It was unnecessary and gratuitous. It seems like a lot of authors have a character die just for the shock value and not because it actually adds anything to the novel. I get what McCandless was trying to do with this character's death but it fell flat for me.
As I found out last night that is book #1 in the series I am excited to see what the next installment will bring. Book #2, Sour Lake, will be published in December and I will review it before it comes out.
Weird Westerns. Is there anything cooler than supernatural fiction set in the old west? I was so excited when I saw this title being published. There are very few weird westerns out there so any addition to the genre is welcome. In the Land of the Dead Horses follows Jewel Lightfoot, a Texas Range as he tries to stop the resurrection of the ancient Mayan god of darkness. He is helped in this endeavor by Ernesto, an elderly silver miner, his rebellious grandson Antonio. Racing against time to stop an apocalypse, Lightfoot is faced with interference with Mayans revolutionaries, German spies, and an old enemy from his past
The plot is inventive and fresh. Not too many stories deal with Mayan mythology so getting to explore that universe a bit adds to the novel. A large part of the story deals with issues of colonialism. We see the effects the invaders (Americans and Europeans) have had on the indigenous Meso-Indian population. This hot button issue is handled with senility and empathy. McCandless is able to make you sympathize with our trio of villain's even as they commit unspeakable acts in their quest to raise their ancient god. Most of that is due to McCandless' ability to create well written, believable characters. Jewel is completely believable as a tired, alcoholic Texas Ranger more dedicated to his job than to the people he loves. Ernesto and Antonio are also completely realistic as are the Mayans who want a return to the glory days of the Mayan empire. Less well-done is the character of Professor Kritzinger who comes off as a tad cartoony. I wish their was some more background on Kritzinger and his motivations.
There are only two slight drawbacks to the novel which resulted in a 4 star instead of a 5 star review. The pacing did begin to drag towards the end. A little better editing could have fixed that. The other issue is a particular pet peeve of mine. There is a character that dies in the novel. That character did not need to die. It was unnecessary and gratuitous. It seems like a lot of authors have a character die just for the shock value and not because it actually adds anything to the novel. I get what McCandless was trying to do with this character's death but it fell flat for me.
As I found out last night that is book #1 in the series I am excited to see what the next installment will bring. Book #2, Sour Lake, will be published in December and I will review it before it comes out.
September 26, 2021
Very impressed with the prose and picture-making of this author. The way writing should be done. Recommended.
October 5, 2021
Beware of Men Bearing Gifts From the Maya
In the Land of Dead Horses is a must-read example of Texas-flavored historical horror fiction. The terrible events it depicts draw deeply from Texas's tangled and deep-rooted relationship with Mexico and the cruelty and indifference of both nations toward their indigenous peoples. Though the story takes place more than a century ago, it grew from the dark corruption of more than a millennium in the past. The added oomph of unusual supernatural elements carries an already suspenseful story over the edge to nail-biter.
Jewel Lightfoot is a wonderful central character, flaws and all. In general, all of McCandless's characters are remarkably authentic and multi-faceted. He makes me care about what happens to them, and in this book, what happens to them is a whole lot. I read Sour Lake, volume two in this series, before I read this one and loved them both. Both read well as stand-alones, but for the maximum impact, I recommend reading this book first.
In addition to entertainment, this disturbing story gave me some deep background on my adopted state and what the city of Austin was like back in the first decade of the 20th century. A portion of the described events are actually on public record. I loved how McCandless described Austin as "an up-and-comer. She buried her dead and kept building. She didn’t have time for reflection." For better and for worse, that remains true today.
I was blessed to receive a free ARC from the author and publisher, Greenleaf Book Group, via NetGalley. As always, the cost doesn't influence my opinions: I've paid good money for buzzards and paid nothing for gold. In the Land of Dead Horses is gold and Bruce McCandless III is one helluva up-and-comer!
In the Land of Dead Horses is a must-read example of Texas-flavored historical horror fiction. The terrible events it depicts draw deeply from Texas's tangled and deep-rooted relationship with Mexico and the cruelty and indifference of both nations toward their indigenous peoples. Though the story takes place more than a century ago, it grew from the dark corruption of more than a millennium in the past. The added oomph of unusual supernatural elements carries an already suspenseful story over the edge to nail-biter.
Jewel Lightfoot is a wonderful central character, flaws and all. In general, all of McCandless's characters are remarkably authentic and multi-faceted. He makes me care about what happens to them, and in this book, what happens to them is a whole lot. I read Sour Lake, volume two in this series, before I read this one and loved them both. Both read well as stand-alones, but for the maximum impact, I recommend reading this book first.
In addition to entertainment, this disturbing story gave me some deep background on my adopted state and what the city of Austin was like back in the first decade of the 20th century. A portion of the described events are actually on public record. I loved how McCandless described Austin as "an up-and-comer. She buried her dead and kept building. She didn’t have time for reflection." For better and for worse, that remains true today.
I was blessed to receive a free ARC from the author and publisher, Greenleaf Book Group, via NetGalley. As always, the cost doesn't influence my opinions: I've paid good money for buzzards and paid nothing for gold. In the Land of Dead Horses is gold and Bruce McCandless III is one helluva up-and-comer!
October 27, 2021
Thank you to Netgalley, and the publisher, for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I've recently discovered I quite enjoy Western horror, and In the Land of Dead Horses does not disappoint.
Prose is sharp and well done, in an intelligent Western style that feels authentic.
The setup is great, every character feels like their own entity that you truly care about. Their introductions were interspersed naturally into the story until the plot really began, and it never felt like the pacing was slow.
Ending was predictable, but I sure enjoyed the journey.
I've recently discovered I quite enjoy Western horror, and In the Land of Dead Horses does not disappoint.
Prose is sharp and well done, in an intelligent Western style that feels authentic.
The setup is great, every character feels like their own entity that you truly care about. Their introductions were interspersed naturally into the story until the plot really began, and it never felt like the pacing was slow.
Ending was predictable, but I sure enjoyed the journey.
November 18, 2021
Blood in the desert
An ancient Mayan god lies sleeping in a hidden grave, a self-made priest seeks his resting place. Ramon, the priest, has found a map to the resting place and the spells and incantations to wake the god. Ramon plans on using him to wrest Mexico from President Diaz.
Will the god be found ? Will he do as Ramon wants?
Meanwhile, Ranger Jewel Lightfoot is on the trail of Ramon, his men, and the god. Throw in some German spies who want to set Mexico and the U.S. at war.
A good what if? with believable characters and tight writing.
An ancient Mayan god lies sleeping in a hidden grave, a self-made priest seeks his resting place. Ramon, the priest, has found a map to the resting place and the spells and incantations to wake the god. Ramon plans on using him to wrest Mexico from President Diaz.
Will the god be found ? Will he do as Ramon wants?
Meanwhile, Ranger Jewel Lightfoot is on the trail of Ramon, his men, and the god. Throw in some German spies who want to set Mexico and the U.S. at war.
A good what if? with believable characters and tight writing.
November 22, 2021
It kept me on the edge of my seat. It was quite graphic and the characters were very believable. However, I became lost at times due to my ignorance of Texas and Mexican history.
June 17, 2024
I loved this book! I received the book in a Goodreads giveaway and didn't anticipate enjoying it as much as I did. As a lover of the old west and horror, this book couldn't have been more suited to my tastes. I'm so happy I got the opportunity to read it!
May 6, 2025
This book was giving weird west vibes when I started it and it ended feeling like Wild West with a slight supernatural twist. It wasn't bad by any means; I think I just went in to it thinking that I was going to get more spooky weirdness than it gave me.
The writing reminded me of the old school Westerns. It took me back to that era nicely. But at the same time, certain scenes could have been more impactful.
Over all a good story and an enjoyable read.
The writing reminded me of the old school Westerns. It took me back to that era nicely. But at the same time, certain scenes could have been more impactful.
Over all a good story and an enjoyable read.
October 21, 2022
COWBOYS AND GODS OF DARKNESS......WHAT A COMBO!
That's some Twilight Zone mixture escapades or what?
Get ready for Texas Ranger Lightfoot and his crew, Ernesto Zavala, and his grandson Antonio, a firebrand who wants to free his people from the rule of Porfirio Diaz's corrupt Mexican government. Then there are the crazy German academics, the religious fanatic trio who want to restore the Mayan empire, and all the horror it will cause.
Prepare for someone not returning before sundown!
That's some Twilight Zone mixture escapades or what?
Get ready for Texas Ranger Lightfoot and his crew, Ernesto Zavala, and his grandson Antonio, a firebrand who wants to free his people from the rule of Porfirio Diaz's corrupt Mexican government. Then there are the crazy German academics, the religious fanatic trio who want to restore the Mayan empire, and all the horror it will cause.
Prepare for someone not returning before sundown!
November 8, 2024
Definitely more western than horror. I probably would just classify this Western with an element of horror, and not anything in the horror genre.
Good book. Fun story. A little slow in some areas. The one female character could have been more developed.
Decent read but I don't have to rush out and get the sequel.
Good book. Fun story. A little slow in some areas. The one female character could have been more developed.
Decent read but I don't have to rush out and get the sequel.
June 3, 2022
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
This is my first time to read McCandless. Great read. The author certainly did his historical research in preparing this novel.
I've read reviews calling this book genre-wise a sort of Western Horror. To make a movie comparison, I would say it's something closer to a Western 'Indiana Jones' or Western 'The Mummy'.
There is a sequel, and I'll be sure to check it out.
This is my first time to read McCandless. Great read. The author certainly did his historical research in preparing this novel.
I've read reviews calling this book genre-wise a sort of Western Horror. To make a movie comparison, I would say it's something closer to a Western 'Indiana Jones' or Western 'The Mummy'.
There is a sequel, and I'll be sure to check it out.
August 19, 2022
If you are a fan of cowboys and aliens this book is for you. Fantastical western about a hard boiled Texas ranger Jewel Lightfoot battling dead Mayan gods, Mexican revolutionaries and menacing Germans. I actually found this story lots of fun and will go on to read the next book in the series. Thank you goodreads for the read.
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