A Man Called Outlaw by K.M. Weiland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I hope everyone enjoys a book review for a change this week. Let me know what you think!
A Man Called Outlaw features struggling settlers in the Wyoming Territory as they attempt to counter aggression by a narcissistic robber baron. Be sure to read the book description for a good synopsis. I see no need to repeat it.
The plot line alternates between the late 1850s and the late 1880s. By reading from the earlier period the reader gains insight into a mystery. The early period also contributes to the reader’s understanding of the plot and character development.
In many ways, the main character is the antagonist, Nathaniel Wilcox. He is introduced as judge and a corrupt one that that. He owns the largest ranch in the area and is determined to use every means possible to expand his property without consideration for who he hurts or how deplorable his methods become. If you are like me, you will grow to despise this slick, conniving narcissist. He lives by the Darwinian principle of survival of the fittest. He epitomizes corruption, injustice and hypocrisy.
In contrast I found myself pulling for the underdogs, those settlers attempting to survive on the fringes of Wilcox’s property. These are admirable if flawed people. The author does not present us with larger than life characters. Each has strengths and weaknesses. For me I found their constant struggles against a ruthless, powerful opponent to be quite admirable. You will grow close to several of these very realistic individuals.
Ms. Weiland weaves a good storyline with enough tension, action and fighting to keep most readers interested. Her descriptions paint vivid imagery. She knows and understands the lives of cattlemen, cowboys and their families. Her action scenes on horseback are exceptional.
Toward the end of the book important elements of the plot converge toward a resounding climax. My wish is that you read and enjoy A Man Called Outlaw as much as I did.
I highly recommend it!
Rich Weatherly - Author 
An excellant review Rich! Sure to generate interest in the talented Ms Weiland’s work. I know I’m going to go get my copy! 😉 Virginia Lee
I’m sure she will appreciate the purchase. I’m certainly glad I read it.
Thank You!
I have to confess, not my first choice of either genre or setting, but the story sounds intriguing nonetheless.
Firstly it sounds as though Ms. Weiland manages to pull off using two timeliness, giving the reader a greater sense of history without lecturing or confusing the reader.
Secondly the author manages to write interesting characters without resorting to technicolor charicatures. Not an easy task.Overall a nice review, of an interesting book. Well done.
Thanks TJ. You summed it up well. I mentioned to her that as good as the actions scenes were, as accurate as the description was, her character development won the day; especially her antagonist who I wanted to shoot!
I won’t leak any spoilers 🙂
This sounds like an interesting read!
There is a book that I really enjoyed reading called “These is My Words” about a woman who traveled across the Arizona territories and how she struggled but survived.
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for your comment on the review. I’ll take a look at “These is My Words”.
There is much to like about this book. I’m confident you would enjoy the strong women featured in the story. You will find them at the heart of the struggle.
You are such an eloquent advocate for writers!
Thank you Mary 🙂 I’m honored by your comments.
Rich, a great review!
Thank you! I’ve probably said this before in another reply but I’d like to stress how well Ms. Weiland presented the strong women in Outlaw.
Their presence was far more than incidental.