Although this book stands on its own, those that have read Wilson’s Great Iron War series will appreciate Coilhunter’s in-depth backstory. It definitely humanizes the black and white bounty hunter. At least it did for me. It helps readers connect why he is the way he is…and it plays well into his role in the finale of aforementioned series. In sum, this quick read fleshes Nox (Coilhunter) out quite a bit, offers action, and delivers quality violence. Handcart Sally is also a likable character. I guess you could call this a Steampunk Western? Nox is a bad-ass bounty hunter in the desolate, dangerous Wild North. His mission – reduce the number of criminals roaming about. He’s a fighter, a tinkerer, a killer with a code. This tale revolves around two plot points. One, he aims to bring in a bounty. Two, he gets a clue regarding his family’s killers. What happens in between and the resolution – that’s up to you to find out. As stated, this book stands on its own – but it complements the Great Iron War series, too. 5 of 5 Stars. ARC provided by author.
From the Publisher:
Welcome to the Wild North, a desolate wasteland where criminals go to hide—if they can outlast the drought and the dangers of the desert. Or the dangers of something else. Meet Nox, the Coilhunter. A mechanic and toymaker by trade, a bounty hunter by circumstance. He isn't in it for the money. He's in it for justice, and there's a lot of justice that needs to be paid. Between each kill, he's looking for someone who has kept out of his crosshairs for quite a while—the person who murdered his wife and children. The trail has long gone cold, but there are changes happening, the kind of changes that uncover footprints and spent bullet casings. Plagued by nightmares, he's made himself into a living one, the kind the criminals and conmen fear. So, welcome, fair folk, to the Wild North. If the land doesn't get you, the Coilhunter will.