Kincade's Blood

by Michael Chandler

"A quick and satisfying read for fans of Western fiction."--American Cowboy

"If you like your Western heroes to be good and the bad guys to be utterly despicable, this one delivers."--Historical Novels Review

" It] has complexities and levels, twists and turns, but, at its heart, it's simple. It's about morality and adventure."--Glenwood Springs (CO) Post Independent

Raised by an old Indian, Kincade knows one thing about living...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1589805305
• ISBN13: 9781589805309
• Release Date: July 2008
• Publisher: Pelican Publishing Company
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.7" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

The Greenhorn's Perspective

This was the first fiction book I have read in 20 years, but it was recommened by a friend so I gave it a try. Quite frankly, I was pleasantly surprised. Chandler had me right from the beginning. I loved the short chapters, with seemingly unrelated themes, that were put together as pieces of an exciting buckaroo puzzle. His detailed descriptions of guns, clothing, buildings and the territory were compelling, but when he took me inside the mind of Kincade, I could actually feel what it was like to live in the old west; but unfortunately, I could also feel what it was like to be Kincade, himself; OH NO! In a paradoxical way, I wanted the book to end and keep going at the same time. Even though there was a constant desire to find out Kincade's fate, the side journeys and the parade of odd characters along the way kept me completely entertained while I was on the trail. As difficult as it is for me to believe, this greenhorn is sincerely looking forward to a sequel. Great job, Chandler. There is no doubt. Kincade is worth your time and money.

The Cowboy Way

I've had time to stop and reflect a bit on this book. You see, it's the end of haying season in northwestern Colorado and when you sign on with an outfit, you ride for the brand until the work's done! Well, the hay is up, the cattle moved and I've done what has to be done for the moment. I read the book cover to cover in one sitting. It's that good! The story line grabs you and takes you on one whale of a "western" adventure. Kincade understands what living the Cowboy Way means...and shows the reader through his actions and thoughts. The Code of the West, which he holds inside, is his constant companion for he knows in his heart when he was or was not living up to it. The way he would never dream of desrespecting a lady, sharing his last bite of food with his best partner, and tending to his horse first all say that "some things aren't for sale." And while he called no man master, and was all for fair play, he was ready to even the score if that's what needed done. The reader understands more than what Kincade does, they know how he feels. That powerful emotional link takes this story to the next level. It's what he doesn't say that speaks the loudest: To the cowboy, the best things in life aren't things! Write the screen play, this is a movie if there ever was one! The author writes with an surreal knowledge of the people and places in the story. Could he actually be Kincade? Live the western life...a life worth living! Jesse Rock n' C Ranch Steamboat Springs, CO

The Good, the Bad & ... Big Ugly!

I thoroughly enjoyed this western and it held my interest from cover to cover. One particular "incident", when revealed, I surely didn't see coming! But, for obvious reasons, I cannot share it or it might ruin the story for others! (i might only say eagle) Where did the author come up with that?! I have found out, since reading this book, that "incident" was a real life event known to the author. Again, my surprise! I'm ready and eager to see the movie and read the sequel ... there will be one, won't there? and please don't keep a lady waiting too long! Right Josephine? Loved it! "Molly"

Thud!

Kincade's Blood is a riveting, quick read, that takes the reader back to a time in the Old West where laws were not even close to being clearly defined, when every man had to decide for himself, where he stands along the spectrum of right and wrong (I just read that somewhere and liked it; sorry)! The author not too delicately weaves the classic struggle between good and evil and peels away any romantic notion of life on the frontier, exposing the brutality of those lawless times. He uses an original detailed style that keeps the reader visually entertained and emotionally involved, and as in all classic westerns, you will find it interesting how he has injected his own memorable little catch phrases. Originals, that you will probably find yourself using, if you are predisposed to being 'western' at all. Chandler guides the reader on a trail with peaks that tell of the lives of the less dominant moral few, who live with a conscience, to the valleys of a despicable gang of cutthroats, whose leader, an almost anti-Christ type villain, operate under no laws, much less a conscience. The result leaves the reader rooting for the extermination of the gang at the hands of the story's classic strong, silent-type hero, who is so thoroughly described, not just physically, but in heart and soul, throughout the book, that one would almost think that the author was Kincade himself! Tom Horn

Kincade's Blood

I don't buy Western Fiction because it usually tells the story of townfolks too coward to defend their town, cattle barons chasing homesteaders out...you get the picture. However, when I saw this book discussed on a website forum I participate in, I decided to buy it. To me this was a great read! Not to give the story away, Mr. Chandler has provided some background, I will say the attention to detail and some of the surprise situations had me wincing, angry, lusty and happy. Mr. Chandler delves into the psyche of Kincade from his life with an elder indian, trying to understand what his message was, his inability to understand why one man would hate him so much and his love for a woman as strong as him. As you are reading the book you will find some things that don't normally show up in Western literature. Keep an eye out for "the Wait", Big Red and stone vaults.