Reviews - The Buffalo Hunter Hunter

4.17k reviews for:

The Buffalo Hunter Hunter

Stephen Graham Jones

4.28 AVERAGE

applebitten's review against another edition

5.0

dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

savkfitz's review against another edition

4.0

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

nicholae1's review against another edition

3.5

challenging dark mysterious slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Review of The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones

Stephen Graham Jones’s The Buffalo Hunter Hunter (2025) is a haunting and inventive reimagining of the vampire myth, set against the backdrop of the American West. Blending historical events with supernatural horror, Jones crafts a narrative that is both chilling and poignant.

Strengths:

Original Take on the Vampire Myth: Jones redefines vampirism by introducing a creature that absorbs the characteristics of the animals it consumes, a concept that adds depth and originality to the genre.
Treatment of Indigenous History: The novel delves into the Marias Massacre of 1870, shedding light on a dark chapter of American history. Through the character of Good Stab, a Blackfeet man turned vampire, Jones explores themes of vengeance and survival.
Narrative Structure: Employing a layered narrative, the story unfolds through the perspectives of Good Stab, Arthur Beaucarne, and Etsy Beaucarne, creating a complex and engaging structure that enriches the storytelling.

Critiques:

Pacing and Voice: Some readers have noted that the novel's pacing can be uneven, with certain sections feeling slow due to the narrative voice. The shifting perspectives, while adding depth, can occasionally disrupt the flow of the story.
Excessive Gore: The graphic depictions of violence and gore, while integral to the horror genre, may be overwhelming for some readers, potentially detracting from the narrative's emotional impact.
Plot Meandering: At times, the storyline meanders, with certain subplots feeling underdeveloped or tangential, which can detract from the central narrative.
Suspension of Disbelief: The novel's incorporation of supernatural elements, while imaginative, includes some absurd turns that may challenge the reader's suspension of disbelief.

Conclusion:
The Buffalo Hunter Hunter is a bold and imaginative work that pushes the boundaries of horror fiction. While it may not be without its flaws, particularly in pacing and narrative coherence, its originality and depth make it a noteworthy addition to the genre. For readers interested in a unique blend of history and horror, Jones's novel offers a compelling and thought-provoking experience.

Rating: 3.5/5

Content Warnings

thedisfiguredpeach's review against another edition

4.75

dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

deannahall14's review against another edition

4.5

All I can say is wtf

jhonnekeri's review against another edition

3.5

For the length, very little happens until the end. We could probably have done with a few fewer detailed months of vampire moping and a little bit more plot. That said, the conceit of Native American vampires taking revenge on settlers is strong. The framing device is decent enough. In general this also sort of misses the mark on tone - not as much scary or tense as it was comical, especially toward the end.