The Cold Eye

The Cold Eye continues the story of Isobel, a young woman with magical abilities who serves as a devil's hand in an alternate American frontier. She travels the Territory on horseback with her spirit-possessed mount, using her powers to identify and resolve supernatural threats that endanger settlers and natives alike. The book builds on the Western/fantasy world established in Silver on the Road, expanding both the mythology and the scope of Isobel's responsibilities. Her growing powers and knowledge come with new challenges as she confronts increasingly dangerous supernatural forces threatening the delicate balance of the Territory. The narrative follows Isobel as she investigates a series of mysterious occurrences while wrestling with her role as an agent of the devil and protector of the land. Her journey takes her through harsh landscapes and encounters with both human settlers and otherworldly entities that inhabit this reimagined American West. This blend of historical fantasy and Western themes explores questions of power, responsibility, and the price of protecting others. The story examines the complex relationship between the land and those who live on it, both mundane and supernatural.

Readers view The Cold Eye as a solid continuation of the Devil's West series, praising its deep exploration of magic and frontier life. Reviewers highlight Gilman's detailed world-building and the protagonist Isobel's character development from the first book. Likes: - Rich historical fantasy elements - Complex mentor-student relationship - Integration of Native American culture - Strong sense of place and atmosphere Dislikes: - Slower pacing than the first book - Less action/more internal reflection - Some found the magic system confusing - Story meanders at times without clear direction One reader noted: "The frontier setting feels real and lived-in, with consequences for every magical choice." Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (487 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (52 ratings) LibraryThing: 4.1/5 (21 ratings) Most reviewers recommend reading Silver on the Road first to fully understand the world and characters.

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🌟 "The Cold Eye" is the second book in Laura Anne Gilman's Devil's West series, which reimagines the American frontier as a magically dangerous territory controlled by a mysterious figure known as the Devil. 🎭 The series draws heavily from Native American mythology and folklore, blending historical elements with supernatural aspects to create a unique alternate history of the American West. 🌿 The protagonist, Isobel, is a "rider" who uses magic based on the natural world and must maintain a careful balance between the Territory's needs and human settlements. 📚 Author Laura Anne Gilman worked as a book editor in New York for fifteen years before becoming a full-time writer, bringing her professional publishing experience to her craft. 🏆 The first book in the series, "Silver on the Road," was nominated for the Endeavour Award and received praise for its innovative take on Western fantasy.