July-August 2015 Group Read Discussion

[Ashe]

The theme this go round is DEMONS. So, here are some recommended reads for you fine folks. I tried to find books that primarily focused on demons as best I could. This was actually harder than you'd imagine. While lots of titles might have devil in them, pure demons are apparently untapped in weird westerns.

Merkbaha Rider series by Edward M. Erdelac
A Pack of Wolves 3: Demon Dead, which, coincidentally, also apparently stars werewolves.
Dead Man's Hand: An Anthology of the Weird West is supposed to have at least one demon-based story.
The Dark Tower series by Stephen King. Demons are pretty central to the goings on of Roland and his ka-tet.
The Half-Made World and its sequel by Felix Gilman.
Hell Bent for Leather from a new local guy.
And finally, A Demon in the Desert by me. I decided to add a 50% discount for the paperback for July as well. Just click here, and use the code G4S9JCAB. I've also dropped the price on the Kindle edition to $1, and the Smashwords edition has a coupon (code: SB57E) that drops it to a $1 as well through July.

I tried to make sure all the books came in paperback and digital for everyone. The only ones I know for sure have some issues in that regard are the Rider books. I sent Ed a message asking him to pop in and give us the scoop on where things are with them though (not sure when he'll do it). I think he has a few paperbacks of the first book left as it's gone out of print and the rights are flipping back to him.

As always, feel free to make further suggestions and remember to use the spoiler tags when discussing your reads. The tags an be found by clicking "(some html is ok)" above the comment box.

Happy reading!

[Chris]

is there a sequel to half made world. I loved that book. The White concept of living on a world that is still being created is awesome. throw in evil gunslingers and an insane asylum and you've got something.

[Ashe]

Yeah the sequel is The Rise of Ransom City.

[Edward]

Hey guys, sorry for the late reply. I was camping at Sequoia and out of touch. The first book in the Merkabah Rider series, High Planes Drifter, is currently out of print, but I can provide free e-copies to anybody in the group who requests one. Just email me at emerdelac@gmail.com. I also sell the last few paperbacks I have on hand at 20 bucks, shipping included.

And for anybody wondering what the heck Merkabah Rider is -

https://emerdelac.wordpress.com/2011/...

[Ashe]

Hey hey, there you are. For anyone who hasn't read the Rider series, you should DEFINITELY check it out. It is top tier weird west.

[Ashe]

Has anyone started reading yet?

[Julie]

I love love LOVE The Half-Made World (and its sequel! though I prefer the former) -- it's actually part of the reason I voted for demons -- so I hope others read it so we can trade all the feelings. :D

For my part, July's probably gonna mostly go to Hugos reading, but I'm emailing Edward now to get Merkabah Rider.

[Ashe]

You really gotta read Merkabah Rider 1. Seriously great stuff.

[audrey]

Just waiting on delivery of my copy of Half-Made World. Also wondering if anyone's read A Book of Tongues, as to whether it's demons or witches.

[Ashe]

I looked at that one but I couldn't tell either. It seems more magic-users than demons.

[[deleted user]]

Edward was kind enough to send me a copy of Merkabah Rider 1, and I'm looking forward to starting it.

[Ashe]

I'm excited to hear someone else's thoughts.

[[deleted user]]

Well, I loved the second book, so I'm eager to fond out how rider's tale starts. I'll let you know.

[Ashe]

I didn't realize you read the second book. Well then, that's just a matter of seeing what you think about the Rider's first outing. Ed also said he's been toying around with some prequel type stuff too.

[Ctgt]

I finished Merkabah Rider: Tales of a High Planes Drifter a couple of days ago and finally have a chance to throw down a couple of thoughts. First up, many thanks to Edward Edward M. Erdelac for sending a digital copy my way. Second I really enjoyed this take on the genre. Creating a Jewish character in this setting is so unique in my reading experience that I couldn't help but be fascinated the whole time. I also liked the nod to The Great Old Ones and am vey interested to see where Edward takes this thread. Hoping to put together a review shortly; had to scrap sevral half-assed attempts.

[Ashe]

Hell yeah. I was hooked on those books so quickly. I really should do a re-read at some point.

[audrey]

This book might also qualify for the challenge, for folks looking for more demons: Blood Riders, but it's a toss-up as to whether the "blood-drinking demons" are actually vampires. Has anyone read it who can weigh in?

[Gwyn]

Totally late to the game here but I picked up Hell Bent for Leather for this read. It had a good start, but it also had a bunch of new author type issues that were tripping me up. I found it distracting enough I ended up putting it down.

l did pick up Ed's latest, Andersonville, when it came out at the end of the month. It's not as much a western since it's set in the Civil War, but definitely demons :-o It was super dark, but really good!