Wake of Vultures

Wake of Vultures follows Nettie Lonesome, a mixed-race teenager working as a ranch hand in an alternate version of the American West. After a violent encounter reveals her ability to see supernatural creatures, Nettie sets out on a journey across a dangerous frontier filled with monsters drawn from folklore and legend. The story combines elements of Western adventure with dark fantasy, incorporating shapeshifters, vampires, and other supernatural beings into its 19th-century Texas setting. Nettie must navigate both human prejudices and monstrous threats while questioning her own identity and purpose. This coming-of-age tale explores themes of gender, race, and self-discovery against a backdrop of magic and myth. The novel reimagines classic Western tropes through a diverse lens while examining how people define themselves in a world that tries to limit their possibilities.

Readers describe Wake of Vultures as a gritty western fantasy with LGBTQ+ themes and diverse representation. Multiple reviewers highlight the main character Nettie Lonesome's complex identity exploration and character growth. Readers appreciated: - Fast-paced plot and action scenes - Unique blend of western and supernatural elements - Raw, authentic voice in the storytelling - Strong character development - Fresh take on monster-hunting narratives Common criticisms: - Pacing issues in the middle section - Some found the writing style too coarse - Violence and dark themes too intense for some readers Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (4,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (180+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.2/5 (40+ ratings) One reader noted: "The protagonist's journey of self-discovery feels honest and earned rather than forced." Another mentioned: "The western elements and monster-hunting work together in ways I didn't expect."

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🌵 Wake of Vultures is written under the pen name Lila Bowen; the author's real name is Delilah S. Dawson, who has also written Star Wars novels. 🌟 The book blends multiple genres, including Western, fantasy, and horror, while featuring a gender-fluid protagonist in a historically-inspired Texas setting. 🐎 The supernatural creatures in the novel draw from various cultural mythologies, including Mexican folklore and Native American legends, rather than typical European fantasy elements. 📖 The main character, Nettie Lonesome, was partially inspired by the real-life stories of women who lived as men in the American Old West to gain independence and freedom. 🏜️ The author extensively researched 19th-century Texas, Native American cultures, and horse training techniques to create an authentic historical foundation for the fantasy elements.