John

Frontier Texas: An Unlikely Love Story Begins?

Reviewed: 10-16-14

What did you love best about Jade: Outlaw, Book 1?

The confrontation between the central male and female characters. Riley O'Conner (Jade) is a hired gun and Indian killer. Crow Poison (Rain) is a white woman stolen by Indians who married one of her captors and gave birth to his son both of whom are dead. Each is attracted to and repulsed by the other one. Will he kill her? Will she kill him? The locale is a small settlement (not yet a town) in southern Texas post civil war when westward expansion was accelerating, Indian tribes were not confined to reservations, raiding bandits from Mexico were commonplace and general lawlessness was prevalent. The author sets up the dramatic tension between Jade and Rain with utilitarian transactions. He has dirty clothes and needs to eat. She does laundry and cooks meals for pay. Money makes the world go around and so the relationship begins.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Jade: Outlaw, Book 1?

Jade shooting his new bride at her request when they were pinned down enroute to their new home by marauding Indians lest she be taken alive by the sadistic killers.

What about Chris Hendrie’s performance did you like?

This is my first audiobook. It is well read by Chris Hendrie who is a skilled actor, director, educator and friend of Robert Flynn. I chose to listen to it on one afternoon with a few minor breaks between chapters. Hendrie's presentation made it a pleasant experience.

Who was the most memorable character of Jade: Outlaw, Book 1 and why?

Jade is the most memorable character. Initially, he cannot understand why Rain does not kill herself due to the shame inflicted on her by her captors. Although puzzling to him, his position softens as the story evolves and by the end he continues to pursue a relationship with her. Will it flourish into a deepening love? Apparently, we find out in the sequel.

Any additional comments?

Robert Flynn has lived in Texas for decades absorbing its history and mythology while working among those descended from the myriad racial and cultural groups who occupied and settled this often difficult yet promising territory. With his rich prose peppered with archaic slang and wry bits of humor, he transports the reader to a dangerous time and place. Note: A glossary is appended for terms and expressions not in common usage today.

Underlying the whole tale is a clash of cultures, moral and ethical values. Issues driving the characters and events are not dissimilar to multicultural problems of today's world.

I highly recommend this novel.

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