Jace Gage has come to Defiance, Dakota Territory, to clean out a nest of thieves, led by the town Sheriff, Bill Kemp. Known widely as the Avenger, Gages reputation precedes him. Some see him as a murderer-for-hire while others view him more favorably. All of the citizens know he is necessary to their near ghost town.
Jace is a complex character who elicits sympathy because of his previous life. He was married to a spy during the Civil War. She denounced Jace as she, her brother and her (first) husband tried to hang Jace. He wears the burn marks and scratchy voice that are the result of their actions.
Leah Morgan is a self-sufficient (over-grown) tomboy who can hunt, fish and throw a knife with the best. Constantly by her side is a pet wolf -- who serves as a second pair of eyes and defender, when necessary.
Sheriff Kemp murdered Leahs father (a gambler) and controlled/beat her mother. When things got too intense, Leah would escape to the nearby hills and wilds of the Territory. She met an old trapper, who taught her how to take care of herself and capture meat and fish.
Jace sees himself as a killer but has an uncanny knack for talking people out of violence; his reputation helps him in this regard. Jace would like to settle down but sees no path without a gun. Leah sees no way to adopt a more-feminine way of behaving and dressing because of the ever-present dangers in town (where she wants to spend the rest of her life).
The book is complex enough to keep the readers attention. However, I felt it lacked originality, thus the rating of 3 stars.
Jace is a complex character who elicits sympathy because of his previous life. He was married to a spy during the Civil War. She denounced Jace as she, her brother and her (first) husband tried to hang Jace. He wears the burn marks and scratchy voice that are the result of their actions.
Leah Morgan is a self-sufficient (over-grown) tomboy who can hunt, fish and throw a knife with the best. Constantly by her side is a pet wolf -- who serves as a second pair of eyes and defender, when necessary.
Sheriff Kemp murdered Leahs father (a gambler) and controlled/beat her mother. When things got too intense, Leah would escape to the nearby hills and wilds of the Territory. She met an old trapper, who taught her how to take care of herself and capture meat and fish.
Jace sees himself as a killer but has an uncanny knack for talking people out of violence; his reputation helps him in this regard. Jace would like to settle down but sees no path without a gun. Leah sees no way to adopt a more-feminine way of behaving and dressing because of the ever-present dangers in town (where she wants to spend the rest of her life).
The book is complex enough to keep the readers attention. However, I felt it lacked originality, thus the rating of 3 stars.
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