Review: These War-Torn Hands by Emily Hayse
“An entire dimension of your soul is asleep until desperation wakes it.”
The Basics
Title: These War-Torn Hands (Knights of Tin and Lead #1)
Author: Emily Hayse
Published: 2021
Publisher: Blue Maverick Press
Pages: 411
Format: Paperback
Genres: Fiction — Historical fiction, Western, Fantasy, Low fantasy, Western fantasy, Romance, Clean romance, Fantasy romance, Historical romance, Western romance
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Book Synopsis
Rosamund Lacey has lived her entire life in the Eastern Territory, but after meeting and falling in love with Archer Scott, the newly appointed governor of the Western Territory, she decides to follow her heart and move to the rugged West. She, however, barely sets foot in the Western Territory before she is kidnapped by Alexander Mortimer, the self-proclaimed Outlaw King of the West. Alexander wants to use Rosamund to bend Archer to his will, but Archer is not a man easily bent.
My Review & Overall Thoughts
TLDR: Starts off promising but ends up feeling like a cliché western.
These War-Torn Hands had such potential. With action right out of the gate and the introduction of a potentially complex and morally grey villain, it had a promising start. Unfortunately, that promise soon evaporated, as the plot began to incorporate cliché storylines.
The introductory chapters gave the impression that the book would buck tradition and instead of centering on the hero, would focus on the antagonist and explore his moral complexities. Alas, however, that is not what happened. After the initial chapters, the story morphed into a more-or-less typical western, where there was a good guy (Archer) versus an evil outlaw (Alexander). Alexander got sidelined, cast as the villain through and through, and in doing so, the opportunity to have a memorable western where the villain was more of an antihero, as well as the protagonist, was lost.
The romance was also lacking. Initially, it seemed as though there would be a love triangle between Rosamund, Archer, and Alexander, but that never materialized. Instead, the romance was straightforward and predictable. There was absolutely no doubt as to whom Rosamund would end up with – and where’s the fun in that?
The good
In spite of its shortcomings, These War-Torn Hands had several laudable qualities, first and foremost of which being Hayse’s evocative writing. Through her well-crafted descriptions, she brought both the characters and the western fantasy world in which they live to life. I could practically feel the desert sun beating down on me as I read the story. Further, her use of the first person and multiple points of view allowed the reader to gain insight into the mindset and personality of each of the primary characters. She did a wonderful job of giving each character a unique voice.
I also quite enjoyed the western fantasy setting. I have read fantasies, as well as westerns, but I have never read a book that combines the two genres. It was a fun combination that enhanced the book’s escapism.
Overall
These War-Torn Hands had the makings of a brilliant book at its onset, but it failed to realize its potential. Its saving grace was Hayse’s writing, which pulled you into the characters’ world.
Have you read These War-Torn Hands? If so, what did you think – loved it, hated it, lukewarm about it? Let me know in the comments section below!
