Into the Fire

If that isn’t the best cover ever, I haven’t seen one. My goodness. This cover is precisely why I broke my squishy rule about not reading historicals and made an exception. I don’t honestly remember if I’ve ever read a Western. When I was a young girl I read the account of Comanche of the Seventh, a story based on a real horse in the Cavalry, and cried my eyes out of course. I think that put an end to my western-style of reading. I played cowboys, Indians, and pioneers most of my young life. In the city. Sigh. My heart has always lived in the country. I grew up watching westerns on TV and loved them. But . . . well you know my reading habits rarely go back in time.

A Man Called Outlaw by K. M. Weiland was published by an indie press (PenForASword) in 2007 and can be purchased at the usual outlets besides at Wordplay, K. M. Weiland’s blog site.

I’m not really qualified to review this novel. I have nothing to compare it to, but I will say I enjoyed the story. It has a classic villain, a few hero cowboys, and one young man who must step up to rescue the lady who’s given her all not to succumb to the evil wiles of a Judge gone rogue who will do anything to get her ranch added to his own. I suspect the minor element of romance might not offend our Western writer in residence Brenda Jackson, but I’m not sure. Romance is not the focus of this historical novel that jockeys back and forth between the years 1887 and 1858-9 yet the love of a woman and real family is at the heart of the plot. The faith elements fit right in for this group, some for show and others from the heart.

The misguided devotion of Shane Lassiter tangles with the truth throughout the novel until finally he “gets” it. What’s required of him is that of any man who’s challenged to make life and death decisions and rectify wrongs. From the outside looking in it seems the struggle shouldn’t be so dang hard, but from the perspective of someone who’s been trained to revere the one who’s raised him, it’s hard to break free from the control and manipulation until . . . well, until there’s simply no other choice.

When the tales of the man known as “the outlaw” start making sense to a somewhat embittered Shane Lassiter, what he learns about the real man propels him to do what’s right.

There’s some great characterization and dialogue between the guys in this novel. Devoted friends during the bad times as well as the good, they cowboy up to do what’s needed, squabbling about the timing and execution of waylaid plans tossing a few good-natured insults around. The foe is greater than all they can muster, but the man they call the outlaw steps up and sets the example.

I could see A Man Called Outlaw being a movie. It’s a genuine Western in that sense and a good adventure with some gut-wrenching scenes. K. M. Weiland writes an entertaining story with only a few “first novel” moments. She’s since written other historical novels but they go much farther back in time.

Father, you know Katie's heart and soul. I pray you would continue to fulfill her with your inspiration and stories. Give her whatever she needs to work for your glory. Bless her in your abundance. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.