by Louis L’Amour
Narrator: Jason Culp
Length: 5 hours
Genres: Western, Historical Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 5 cups
Macon Fallon had never needed more than a deck of cards, a fast horse, and a ready gun; he was counting on those things now as he led an unsuspecting group of settlers to an abandoned mining town. But while Fallon prepared to pass the ghost town off as a gold mine in the making, a funny thing happened: a real-life community started to take shape in the town he'd christened Red Horse. So when a band of vicious outlaws and a kid who fancied himself a gunslinger threatened to rip Red Horse apart, Fallon found himself caught in one predicament he'd never gambled on. He had come to Red Horse to make a quick fortune, but now he might have to pick up a gun and risk his life for a place he never wanted to call home....
Sophia Rose has popped in for a visit and will be sharing her thoughts on the audiobook, Fallon by Louis L’Amour, narrated by Jason Culp. Grab a glass of iced coffee and saddle up!
Sophia Rose’s Review
The Old West came alive in this combination of light, yet gritty quintessential western historical that boasted all the good stuff with a wily gambling man, an abandoned ghost town, a not to be fooled beauty, robbers, gold mines, good folk traveling west, and the biggest gamble there could be.
I had a good time with this one. The hero, Macon Fallon, is something of a gentleman rogue (think Maverick if you’ve seen that movie or old TV series). He has ethical standards and doesn’t quite cross the line into true villainy, but he definitely skitters there on the line in his attempts to get to the better life. There’s a likable quality that has the reader rooting for him. He reads people well, but isn’t fooled by his own weaknesses or flaws, either. He’s a gambler who can be a card sharp, but he’s good enough that he doesn’t have to. He’s also not a stranger to hard, back-breaking work and will do it when called upon like he does to whip the neglected town into shape. Oh, and let’s not forget the guy can shoot to kill when pushed into it. Now, pair him with a skeptical, smart, and sharp-tongued beautiful young woman along with some colorful western characters to make up the town. Then add in true villains who rob, rape, pillage, and kill without compunction and now have their mean-eyed sights set on Fallon and the wealth coming into the town from being along the traveling trails to the west. And, voila, we have ourselves a rip-roaring western. Fallon fought with cunning and skill (people were always underestimating him), but I loved that he had several styles of fights: gun battles with the robbing gang, running fights with the Utes, poker challenge with a cheat, fist fight with a big bullying bruiser, and oh yes, his long con with the mining claims…
It wasn’t my first time reading the book, but it was my first time on audio with the now familiar narrator, Jason Culp. This was my second outing with him telling a L’Amour story and, just like the first time, he captured the spirit of the genre and the writing splendidly. I thought he got the more subtle humor of the story of a long con gone legit, brought me right in close for the action scenes, and he nailed the several voices and handful of distinct western accents including the female ones.
All in all, I had a good old time and would heartily recommend Fallon to those who want a solid western that has a touch of humor, plenty of grit, and still offers all the elements expected in a book from this genre. For those new to the genre and the author, I think this is a fabulous gateway to what is beyond.
[bctt tweet=”Sophia Rose stopped in and heartily recommended Fallon to those who want a solid western that has a touch of humor, plenty of grit, and still offers all the elements expected in a book from this genre. #loveaudiobooks” username=”kimbacaffeinate”]
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra
I haven’t read a Louis “Amour book in ages, but I used to always enjoy them. May have to revisit them now that they’re on audio. Wonderful review!
Sophia Rose
Oh yes! It’s a nice reunion getting these on audio now. It’s been so long that its like getting the stories fresh again.
Carole @ Carole's Random Life in Books
I bet I would enjoy this one. I spent many hours watching westerns as a child with my father but I have never really thought about reading a story like this. I will have to check it out.
Sophia Rose
Oh neat! I watched westerns with my dad, too. Hope you like it if you get the chance, Carole.
Angela Adams
This would make a great TV mini-series! Thanks for the post,!
Sophia Rose
Good call, Angela! I’d love to see it on the silver screen. 🙂
sjhigbee
I recall tucking into Louis L’Amour books as a relief from my A level studies another lifetime ago… It’s lovely they are now on audiobook;)
Sophia Rose
They are such easy and quick reading that I can see how they would be a great choice of break between school projects. Love seeing them in this format now.
Lover Of Romance
I used to read this author ALL the time when I was a teen and really admire his work. Although I can’t remember what I actually read from his, because SO many books. But you gotta appreciate a solid western right?
Sophia Rose
How fun, Renee! LOL, it is hard to remember which ones I read or the specific stories because there are so many.
Heidi
I really need to read/listen to a L’Amor book. It has been years and years since I read one, but I remember they were captivating. Plus, I always enjoy a good Western.
Sophia Rose
Yes, it is neat how they are coming out with his books on audio. I’ve been scooping up each new release. Yes, a good Western is tough to find.
blodeuedd
I do know you like this author 😀
Sophia Rose
I am such an addict. Every time I see a new one offered, I have to click. 🙂
Anna
Nothing like a trip to the past. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
Sophia Rose
For sure, Anna! 🙂
Tyler H. Jolley
I love that you’re reviewing Louis L’Amour. It’s brings back memories of my childhood reading for sure. Happy reading Sophia!
Sophia Rose
That’s great that you were a childhood fan, Tyler! I started my first one as a teen, but its been fun picking his books up again.
Melliane
oh western. I don’t think I’ve ever read a real one
Sophia Rose
They’re not for everybody, but maybe some time you can pick one up to see what you think, Melliane. This is a good one for starting out with the genre.
sherry fundin
Every time I see his name, I think of my dad. He loved his books, so, of course, I had to read them too.
Sophia Rose
LOL! My first one I read was when I filched one of my dad’s books when we were out camping.
kindlemom1
Sounds like my kind of story for sure! Wonderful review!
Sophia Rose
You bet! Hope you have a good time with it. 🙂
Ailyn Koay
cool review sophia! Must say I like rogue men =d. would have been funny to see his plan fail
Sophia Rose
I loved his roguishness, too. It was hilarious to see his con turn into something real.
Nick
I can’t say that this is exactly my genre, but you make such a strong case for it. It is right up my friend’s alley though, so I will recommend it to him. He’ll enjoy the gentleman rogue quite a bit! 🙂
Sophia Rose
Sounds good, Nick! Glad I could tempt you and hope your friend likes it. 🙂
Debbie Haupt - The Reading Frenzy
I loved this review Sophia Rose. He was such a prolific western author. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Sophia Rose
He really was. I’m still coming across stories I haven’t read forty years after I started reading my first one. 🙂
Nadene
Wow! Old school. I remember devouring his books when I was in high school. I go on a look this one up.
Sophia Rose
Oh how fun, Nadene! That’s when I started reading his books, too.
LAWF
Thanks for your review Sophia! I’m adding this book to my reading list.
Sophia Rose
Super, LAWF! Glad I could review one you’d like.