Honest review of Gunpowder, Magic, and Lead: A Fantasy Western Adventure

by Cleave Bourbon (Author)

Updated at: 21/02/2025

In Cleave Bourbon's Gunpowder, Magic, and Lead, a thrilling blend of fantasy and Western adventure, magic is fading, replaced by the clang of steam engines and the roar of firearms. Oren Knox, a powerful wizard from a bygone age, struggles to maintain his dwindling magic, relying on rare earth nodes for power. His quest leads him to a gifted diabolist, a female magic user crucial to his survival, but she's hunted by Dr. Branson, a vengeful enemy determined to eradicate magic users. With the diabolist's life and his own wife's cursed existence hanging in the balance, Oren and his friend Tobias must outwit Branson in a race against time across a landscape where gunpowder and magic collide. This explosive first installment of the Witches, Wizards, and Weapons series promises a wild ride.

Gunpowder, Magic, and Lead: A Fantasy Western Adventure (Witches, Wizards, and Weapons book 1)

4.6 / 15 ratings

Review Gunpowder, Magic, and Lead

Okay, buckle up, folks, because I've just finished a wild ride with Cleave Bourbon's Gunpowder, Magic, and Lead, and I'm still reeling! This book is a glorious, messy, and utterly captivating collision of genres – think Sergio Leone meets Harry Potter, with a dash of Lovecraftian horror thrown in for good measure. The sheer audacity of the premise alone deserves praise: a fading magic system in the Wild West? Brilliant!

The central hook – Oren Knox, a powerful wizard desperately trying to save his wife from a magical prison while also dodging a vengeful madman bent on eradicating magic entirely – is incredibly compelling. The stakes are high from the very first page, and they only get higher as the story unfolds. You genuinely feel the pressure Oren is under; his desperation to find the earth nodes that fuel his magic, his fierce determination to save his wife, it all creates a palpable sense of urgency that keeps you glued to the pages.

What truly surprised me was the depth of the world-building. Bourbon doesn't just slap some magic onto a Western setting; he carefully constructs a believable world where magic and technology coexist in a tense, often violent equilibrium. The inclusion of diabolists – female magic users with the unique ability to locate earth nodes – adds another fascinating layer to the already complex lore. It's a clever way to introduce both gender dynamics and a necessary plot mechanic without feeling forced or contrived.

The characters, too, are richly drawn. Oren is a compelling protagonist, flawed but ultimately heroic. His unwavering devotion to his wife is touching, and his struggles with his dwindling magic and the moral ambiguities of his situation add layers of depth to his character. Tobias Cain, his loyal friend, provides a strong counterpoint, grounding Oren's sometimes reckless impulsiveness with practicality and pragmatism. And the supporting cast – the enigmatic Loril, the ruthless Branson – all contribute to the story's richness and complexity. Even the villains feel surprisingly nuanced, making their motivations understandable, even if not excusable.

While the plot moves at a breakneck pace, there's still room for quieter moments that allow you to connect with the characters on a deeper level. These moments of introspection, interspersed with the thrilling action sequences, help maintain a compelling narrative rhythm. There were a couple of minor editing hiccups here and there, but they were easily overlooked in the face of such a gripping story.

Honestly, Gunpowder, Magic, and Lead felt fresh and inventive. It's not just a mashup of genres; it's a fully realized world with its own unique rules and compelling characters. This is a book that will appeal to fans of both fantasy and Westerns, and anyone who enjoys a good, high-stakes adventure. I wholeheartedly recommend it and am already eagerly anticipating the next installment in the Witches, Wizards, and Weapons series.

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