List
Not Your Father's Westerns
Move over, Zane Grey. These westerns go beyond the gunslinging cowboy plot with underrepresented perspectives and nontraditional storylines.
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Vampires of El Norte
2023 by Cañas, IsabelGet this itemOn the Texas-Mexico border, vampires stalk the night. Childhood sweethearts Nena and Néstor team up to fight the supernatural, and perhaps rekindle their love in the process. A western that blends romance, horror, and fantasy in a unique way.
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How Much of These Hills Is Gold
2020 by Zhang, C PamGet this itemDuring the California Gold Rush, orphans Lucy and Sam strive to give their father a proper Chinese burial, no matter what it takes. Rich with magical realism and adventure and with well-written characters, this story is perfect for fans of historical fiction.
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Forbidden
2016 by Jenkins, BeverlyGet this itemA steamy romance set in 1870's Nevada. Rhine and Eddy’s connection is undeniable, but can their love survive with society’s expectations against them?
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Tread of Angels
2022 by Roanhorse, RebeccaGet this itemThis dark fantasy novella reimagines the Wild West with biblical themes of good and evil. Roanhorse’s worldbuilding is on point, and the fast-paced storyline about two sisters draws the reader into the suspenseful story.
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The Hunger
2018 by Katsu, AlmaGet this itemThis is a bone-chilling retelling of the Donner Party expedition of 1846. As the group moves west, more and more people begin to disappear. Are natural causes at play, or something more sinister?
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Lucky Red
2023 by Cravens, ClaudiaGet this itemThis coming-of-age story follows Bridget, a tenacious young woman who finds work at a brothel in Dodge City, Kansas. Perfect for fans of scrappy protagonists and atmospheric storytelling.
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Lone Women
2023 by LaValle, VictorGet this itemIn early 1900's Montana, Adelaide Henry arrives in town with a suitcase and a secret. This story combines elements of history, mystery, and horror for a thrilling ride.
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Fools Crow
1986 by Welch, JamesGet this itemA young man of the Blackfoot Tribe comes of age in the years following the Civil War. As tensions arise between the tribe and white settlers, their way of life is forever changed. A moving novel with a distinctive writing style and strong sense of place.
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Four Treasures of the Sky
2022 by Zhang, Jenny TinghuiGet this itemSet primarily in the western United States during the Chinese Exclusion Act, main character Daiyu will do whatever it takes to survive in a country that is not safe for her. Compelling characters and well-researched historical detail make this a standout.
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The Good Luck Girls
2021 by Davis, Charlotte NicoleGet this itemIn this gritty and haunting read, the “good luck girls” are sold into work at a brothel before making a harrowing escape. They may be seeking a bit of revenge. With elements of fantasy, this book is set in a dystopian version of the Old West.
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The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu
2021 by Lin, TomGet this itemAssassin Ming Tsu is seeking revenge after the kidnapping of his wife and 10 years of forced labor on the Central Pacific Railroad. A sinister, action-packed tale of violence and crime.
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River of Teeth
2017 by Gailey, SarahGet this itemWhen you think of westerns, you think of hippos. Right? This alternative history imagines an America where hippos are introduced to the Mississippi River, causing violence and chaos. Riding hippos rather than horses, an unlikely crew of wranglers is dispatched to deal with the problem. An unusual and entertaining novella.
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The Bullet Swallower
2024 by Gonzalez James, ElizabethGet this itemIn 1895, a bandido on the Texas-Mexico border seeks revenge. In 1964, his grandson delves into family history as inspiration for a film. Grim and compelling, this novel takes on themes of racism and politics. It’s also loosely based on the author’s great grandfather’s life.
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