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imzadirose's review against another edition
4.0
Didn't enjoy this one as much as the first two, but it still was fairly enjoyable. Story was a little more dull for me than the first two books, but wasn't awful. Do like Coilhunter as a character.
deearr's review
3.0
I had placed my pre-order months ago and was excited for this third installment of the Coilhunter Chronicles to be published. Unfortunately, I was only a few chapters into the book when it became apparent that the quality of the first two books would not keep pace with this one. While I recommend the first two books to anyone who would enjoy a mixture of western pulp coupled with a dash of steampunk and humor, this book may be only loved by the author’s loyal fans.
Dean F. Wilson’s PLOT is inventive, as always, and the humorous names assigned to the various characters will keep you grinning from beginning to end. Once again, Nox is in trouble, more trouble than he has ever faced in the past. We learn more about the Wild North and its inhabitants as Nox desperately seeks to clear his name while searching for the man who framed him.
THE WRITING was the disappointing element here, as it never lived up to the heights established by the previous two Coilhunter books. I am not sure what caused this to happen: a breakdown in the editing process, a rush to finish the book and achieve a certain publishing date, or another reason. No matter, the book is loaded with the wrong verb tenses, words used improperly, and descriptive passages that contradicted each other. As an example, one passage talks about Nox trying to run, but he is slowed by the armor he is wearing. When shot at, “Nox bounded through the door…” and then “…raced out into the open streets…” where he “…turned sharply and raced down one of the alleyways.” There are many passages like this example, products of sloppy writing and editing.
This is a shame, because I thoroughly enjoyed the previous books, and gave both of them high marks. Why this book is not written on the same high level of craftsmanship is a mystery. “Dustrunner” is almost lackadaisical with some of the dialogue and description, almost causing me to question if the author is anxious to move on to another project.
“Dustrunner,” like “Coilhunter” and “Rustkiller,” can be read as a standalone. If the author intends to write a fourth in this series, hopefully he will return to the level of writing he is capable of offering. Three-and-a-half stars.
Dean F. Wilson’s PLOT is inventive, as always, and the humorous names assigned to the various characters will keep you grinning from beginning to end. Once again, Nox is in trouble, more trouble than he has ever faced in the past. We learn more about the Wild North and its inhabitants as Nox desperately seeks to clear his name while searching for the man who framed him.
THE WRITING was the disappointing element here, as it never lived up to the heights established by the previous two Coilhunter books. I am not sure what caused this to happen: a breakdown in the editing process, a rush to finish the book and achieve a certain publishing date, or another reason. No matter, the book is loaded with the wrong verb tenses, words used improperly, and descriptive passages that contradicted each other. As an example, one passage talks about Nox trying to run, but he is slowed by the armor he is wearing. When shot at, “Nox bounded through the door…” and then “…raced out into the open streets…” where he “…turned sharply and raced down one of the alleyways.” There are many passages like this example, products of sloppy writing and editing.
This is a shame, because I thoroughly enjoyed the previous books, and gave both of them high marks. Why this book is not written on the same high level of craftsmanship is a mystery. “Dustrunner” is almost lackadaisical with some of the dialogue and description, almost causing me to question if the author is anxious to move on to another project.
“Dustrunner,” like “Coilhunter” and “Rustkiller,” can be read as a standalone. If the author intends to write a fourth in this series, hopefully he will return to the level of writing he is capable of offering. Three-and-a-half stars.
scott_a_gardner's review
4.0
Nox for sheriff
Just kidding. Another non-stop, all action SF western starring the Coilhunter. Author says he's got a series of 10 books at least planned. No shades of gray here, or ambiguous meaning, just a fun but deadly ride across the Wild North on a battered monowheel. Highly recommended, get 'em all.
Just kidding. Another non-stop, all action SF western starring the Coilhunter. Author says he's got a series of 10 books at least planned. No shades of gray here, or ambiguous meaning, just a fun but deadly ride across the Wild North on a battered monowheel. Highly recommended, get 'em all.
imzadirose's review
4.0
Didn't enjoy this one as much as the first two, but it still was fairly enjoyable. Story was a little more dull for me than the first two books, but wasn't awful. Do like Coilhunter as a character.
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