Fallon by Louis L’Amour

July 18th, 2018 Kimberly Guest Post, Review 34 Comments

18th Jul
Fallon by Louis L’Amour
Fallon
by Louis L’Amour
Narrator: Jason Culp
Length: 5 hours
Genres: Western, Historical Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star
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....

historical western well written snarky

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.

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 Share on X
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

34 Responses to “Fallon by Louis L’Amour”

    • 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.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

    • 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.

    • Sophia Rose

      He really was. I’m still coming across stories I haven’t read forty years after I started reading my first one. 🙂