Revenge and the Wild by Michelle Modesto

The two-bit town of Rogue City is a lawless place, full of dark magic and saloon brawls, monsters and six-shooters. But it’s perfect for seventeen-year-old Westie, the notorious adopted daughter of local inventor Nigel Butler.

Westie was only a child when she lost her arm and her family to cannibals on the wagon trail. Nine years later, Westie may seem fearsome with her foul-mouthed tough exterior and the powerful mechanical arm built for her by Nigel, but the memory of her past still haunts her. She’s determined to make the killers pay for their crimes—and there’s nothing to stop her except her own reckless ways.

But Westie’s search ceases when a wealthy family comes to town looking to invest in Nigel’s latest invention, a machine that can harvest magic from gold—which Rogue City desperately needs as the magic wards that surround the city start to fail. There’s only one problem: the investors look exactly like the family who murdered Westie’s kin. With the help of Nigel’s handsome but scarred young assistant, Alistair, Westie sets out to prove their guilt. But if she’s not careful, her desire for revenge could cost her the family she has now.

This thrilling novel is a remarkable tale of danger and discovery, from debut author Michelle Modesto. 

MY REVIEW:

5/5 Stars

Sometimes when I see a cover, I feel an instant connection and get that need read feeling. This one gave me all those feels. I came across the cover and preordered it immediately. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I never would've guessed that I'd love it as much as I did. This is hands down the best book I've read in 2016 so far... A unique debut with a magical/steampunk feel. There were cannibals, creatures, and characters with machine body parts. I mean how crazy cool is that? 

Westie is the main character and though she is frustrating at times, you can't help but love her. She's like a hard candy... tough exterior, soft inside. Her family was killed by cannibals and she has lived a Hunter life seeking revenge. She never expects the killers to come forth on their own and start to run a ruckus in her town, but they do and it takes all she has not to kill them on the spot. She knows she needs to gather evidence and more information before taking action and so with the help of many characters she digs for answers and finally deals revenge.

This story was a wild adventure packed with suspense, romance, and mystery. There were many twists and turns that I never expected and the romance was quite overwhelming. There were so many potential suitors, but only one was true love. 

The overall theme of the story was eery with beautiful aspects. I fell hard for the characters and became entangled in the plot. It was definitely a read that pulled me away from reality and put me in that happy reading world where everything was magical and new. The writing was top of the line and the story had everything I look for in a book. I seriously have grabby hands for more from this Author... Can't wait to see what's next.