In the Lair of Legends is a fantastic book to read if you kind of like movies but you enjoy reading more. This book is a movie on paper, and damn, what a wild ride! Wild! When I first started the book, I got the western vibes, minus the cowboys. Instead, we have the US military and Jolon Winterhawk – “the most highly decorated Native American in the history of the United States Cavalry.” The story is set in 1873, and it starts on a train which carries gold. It takes very little time for the whole kit and caboodle to hit the fan, and it does so in epic proportions. What ensues is a bad to worse situation with a high body count and a show of tremendous power of will by Jolon. All of that, in the space of a very long, very quickly passing day! 

I think the start of the story is a great showcase of author knowing what he’s writing about. The weaponry descriptions are a dream to encounter for someone who is looking for something badass. I also have to mention that I learned something new. The US Army did in fact have a balloon corps! I never knew! The Confederate States Army had no less than seven (!) gas-operated balloons. Anyway, for the man in your life, dear reader, there is more to drool over when it comes to weaponry in this story. Like, revolvers and such, and era appropriate stuff, like the steam donkey. Amazing stuff, if you’re one inclined to discover new knowledge for yourself of the days gone by. 

Aside from the jaw-dropping and creative action scenes (of which there is a whole book-full), let’s not forget the star of the show: Jolon Winterhawk. I wouldn’t say he’s a man of many words. He’s more of a thinker and the inner-monologue keeper, and that gives him some really good depth as well as reveal his innermost struggles with all things at hand. I do like Jolon as a character – what he does say out loud is with purpose, followed up with actions, and what he thinks allows plenty for the reader to make a connection and take a liking to him. A man on principles and wit, a fearsome Native American warrior. 

Finally, let’s address the elephant in the room. The monster of myth that lurks in the shadows within this story. Well… lurks until it makes an appearance. The Nu’numic is a terrifying creature that rips off heads, strings humans up by their intestines and asks questions never. But why? What and who was the Nu’numic and was the awakening of the legends in correlation with the industrial revolution? Well, if the two are connected, then can we call the Ancient One a villain or a protector? Mighty intrigued by the concept. That said!!! Make no mistake, guts will be spilled and heads will be torn off, consider yourself forewarned! 

Whilst the first half of the book was building up to the point where the proverbial, although having already hit the fan, continued to amount through some scene setting, like a comfortable walk up the hill… some more problem-setting and such, then the second half of the book was one whole-ass (figuratively and literally) explosion of incredible action and breakneck speed. Heck, Jolon wasn’t too far from breaking his own neck or getting his own head torn off. 

There’s no argument, I really enjoy this type of read and I have only one thing left to say: this was absolutely frickin’ awesome. Thoroughly engaging, impossible-to-look-away-from horrors and hold-your-breath-sort of edge-of-the-seat reading experience. Top notch! Cannot wait for the sequel!