Book Review: "Pistol Daisy" by Natalia Leigh

Pistol Daisy

by Natalia Leigh

book 1 in the Pistol Daisy series

releases June 9, 2020 by Enchanted Ink Publishing

Young Adult | Western

Blurb: When Daisy Allen’s family is brutally murdered by the infamous Hopkins gang, she’s left with two options: drown in a bottle of whiskey and grief, or saddle up and hunt the killers down. Accompanied by strangers in pursuit of the same outlaws, Daisy takes to the Colorado plains with an old revolver and a hunger for revenge. But the Hopkins gang isn’t easily found, and as their pockets run dry and the trail goes cold, Daisy and her companions may be at the end of the road. She must learn how to survive in this dangerous world of outlaws and gunslingers, or her only chance at avenging her family may be lost.

When I think of Westerns, I tend to think of books by authors like Louis L’Amour, Elmore Leonard, and Zane Grey. Which shows how little I read Westerns. A quick Google search listed so many more authors I wasn’t aware of. I need to broaden my horizons.

Pistol Daisy by Natalia Leigh is the first step. What makes this novel unique is that it’s a YA (young adult) Western, a category/genre combo I didn’t know existed.

And I like it.

From the few Westerns I have read, Pistol Daisy keeps the correct voice and storytelling in the character of Daisy Allen. The first chapter ends on the tragedy and mystery that set Daisy on her adventure. The mystery and questions that Daisy and I have are only partly answered by the end of the book, but that partial answer is intriguing enough that I’m ready for the second novel in the series.

Once Daisy was introduced to Henry’s little group who are chasing after the Hopkins gang, I sometimes forgot which character was which aside from the leader Steinburn. But I did learn intriguing bits and pieces about some of them, and I imagine that’ll continue as the series goes on. They each have something that keeps them in this group, hunting Hopkins, and I want to see that overall goal answered. I also wonder if there's going to be a romance between Daisy and Henry. I see the potential for it, but also see possibility for a love-hate relationship, or friends. I did want to smack him once, or at least wished Daisy had smacked him, after she learned why she was such a terrible shot.

I like how the month and date at the beginning of each chapter help the reader keep track of just how much time has gone by. There are even some sketches throughout the book done by Daisy, which is a nice nod back to her love of sketching we see at the beginning.

Pistol Daisy is a good choice for YA readers, whether you already read Westerns or not. I also found it a quick read, despite being 21 chapters long. When I reached the end, I said, "wait, it's over? But but but but—" Waiting excitedly for the second book!

Natalia Leigh is an author and freelance editor. You can find her at NataliaLeigh.com, or at EnchantedInkPublishing.com if you're looking for editing services. You can also find her on YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram. Pistol Daisy is available for preorder at her website or Amazon.

*Note: I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.