I have to start by talking about the worldbuilding, which matches the mash-up of genres for originality. This is the Wild West fantasy-style, and while there are traditional aspects of that world from cattle rustling to outlaws and gunfights, there are also indigenous goblins, demons and monsters and magic. I particularly enjoyed the magic, which was both new and ancient as it crept back into the world, and I liked that this magic was a problem. A threat, that came at great cost and that it posed so many questions from individuals up to nations, and while it wasn’t the only fantastical element to this book, it was very much a driving force throughout and particularly towards the end. The world of Shadow Debt, like the overall book, was a unique blend of different elements, and fun to read, especially when accompanied by the illustrations of Tom Parker, which only serve to enhance the world and story. This is a living, breathing world, where you’re swept into its pace, caught up in the gunfights and story, and as invested in the outcome as the characters that inhabit the world.
The characters were as unique and colourful as the world around them. Gentleman Jim was my favourite, for all that his path was probably the darkest, and who you are torn between feeling sympathy for and wanting him to pay for what he’s done. A wonderfully complex character, he brought the world of the outlaw – both internally and externally – to life. Yet, the other main characters, including Ned, who was as far from a traditional hero as you could get, and yet was also our pathway to most of the story. And Sheriff Sorley – the face of the law in a lawless region was a wonderful character, hardened by life, but with a depth to her, that was fantastic to see – all had unique voices and motivations and roles in this world. The cast of secondary characters was just as well written.
This was my first foray into the Verin Empire, and it hooked me from the start. This was an unusual fantasy that took risks, breaking down genre boundaries and expectations, and it worked so well. I look forward to seeing what else the author will do in this series, and what genres will come into play in future books. I would highly recommend Shadow Debt as a standalone, and the Tales of the Verin Empire series for anyone who wants something that not only thinks outside the box but breaks the box completely.

Full review: https://beneathathousandskies.com/2020/11/04/blog-tour-book-review-shadow-debt-william-ray/