Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Is Gunpowder, Magic, and Lead a good read? It’s an Unforgettable Ride Through Magic, Mayhem, and the Old West. In Gunpowder, Magic, and Lead, Cleave Bourbon has created a world where dusty saloons and wide-brimmed hats meet ancient spells and fierce magical battles, crafting a story that will captivate anyone with a taste for both gritty Westerns and epic fantasy. In this first book of the Witches, Wizards, and Weapons series, Bourbon masterfully introduces a fascinating cast of characters and a world where magic is fading but still potent—if you know where to find it. With high stakes, thrilling action, and a plot that’s as fast-paced as a galloping stallion, this novel left me spellbound from start to finish.
The Setting: A Perfect Blend of Old West and High Fantasy
The story unfolds in a meticulously crafted world that feels like a perfect hybrid of 19th-century America. It’s a land where sorcery once thrived. Bourbon’s attention to detail brings the Western elements to life—saloons, duels, dusty trails, and all—but this is no ordinary frontier. The land has been transformed by a clash of magic and technology. With the rise of steam engines, firearms, and industrial progress. Magic has become rare and nearly obsolete, hiding in the shadows and only revealing itself to those who truly understand its power.
However, for Oren Knox, an old-school wizard whose power is tied to the mysterious earth nodes scattered across the land, magic is not something that can simply disappear. He feels the loss of a world rich in magical energy, and as he searches for the scarce earth nodes that can fuel his powers, we sense the bittersweet yearning of a man out of time. This fading magic theme adds a profound layer to the story, casting a melancholic glow over Oren’s journey and underscoring the desperate need for magic in a world that’s rushing to abandon it.
Is Gunpowder, Magic, and Lead a good read?–The Characters: Complex, Relatable, and Memorable
Oren Knox is a character who is at once relatable and unique, as he grapples with his dwindling powers in a world that no longer values his kind. He’s a fascinating protagonist—part reluctant hero, part seasoned warrior, and completely driven by a sense of loyalty and love. Bourbon does a fantastic job of making Oren feel real, with a nuanced personality and a layered backstory that makes him as compelling as any hero I’ve read about. Oren isn’t on a quest for glory or riches; his motivation is rooted in something far deeper. His wife’s life hangs in the balance, cursed and awaiting a remedy only powerful magic can provide. This ticking clock adds urgency to Oren’s every action, and it’s heart-wrenching to see him face the brutal reality that he may not find the power he needs in time.
Enter the diabolist—a female magic user who can locate these earth nodes. She’s more than just a plot device; she’s a complex character in her own right, with her own mysterious past and reasons for aiding Oren. However, she’s in grave danger, pursued by the sinister Dr. Henry Branson. As villains go, Branson is terrifyingly effective. He’s driven by a vengeful rage, willing to go to great lengths to see Oren and the diabolist eradicated. His hatred is not without reason—his wife’s death has fueled his vendetta against wizards and diabolists. This makes him a deeply layered antagonist; he’s not evil for the sake of being evil. Rather, he’s consumed by a grief that has turned him into a monster, and watching him unravel is as gripping as watching Oren try to hold his world together.
Tobias Cain, Oren’s steadfast friend and loyal companion, is another fantastic addition to the story. His dynamic with Oren brings levity and warmth to the novel, balancing the darker, more intense moments. Cain is a master of firearms and a crack shot, embodying the Old West’s gunslinger spirit while serving as the perfect counterpoint to Oren’s mystical abilities. The camaraderie and mutual respect between these two is palpable, and I found myself rooting for their friendship as much as for their mission. Cain may not wield magic, but his bravery and loyalty make him just as essential to the journey.
Is Gunpowder, Magic, and Lead a good read? The Plot: A Gripping Tale of Survival and Redemption
From the very first page, Gunpowder, Magic, and Lead wastes no time plunging readers into the action. Oren’s quest to find the earth nodes is fraught with danger, from gun-toting bounty hunters to supernatural perils. Bourbon doesn’t hold back on the intensity, and there are several nail-biting moments where it feels like Oren and his allies are up against impossible odds. The pacing is impeccable, with each chapter building on the last, leaving you no choice but to turn the page and find out what happens next.
One of the novel’s strongest aspects is how it seamlessly weaves multiple plotlines into a cohesive whole. Oren’s personal quest to save his wife is deeply compelling, but it’s only one piece of the larger puzzle. The diabolist’s struggle to evade Branson and her desire to prove herself as more than just a tool for wizards adds another layer of complexity. Meanwhile, the looming threat of Branson’s relentless pursuit keeps the tension high. Bourbon has crafted a story that feels epic in scope while maintaining an emotional core that grounds it in human experiences—love, loss, friendship, and revenge.
Magic vs. Technology: A Brilliant Exploration of Themes
The conflict between magic and technology is more than just a backdrop; it’s a central theme that adds depth and relevance to the story. In a world rushing toward modernization, Oren and others like him feel like relics of a bygone era. They’re the last vestiges of a magical world being overtaken by the cold, unfeeling march of progress. This theme resonates in today’s world, where technology often threatens to overshadow human connection and tradition. Bourbon tackles this theme with grace and insight, making it feel both timely and timeless.
The magic system is richly detailed and unique, with earth nodes serving as a fascinating twist on the typical source of magical power. Bourbon’s decision to make the diabolists—the only ones able to locate these nodes—women, adds an intriguing layer of gender dynamics to the story. In a world that undervalues both magic and women’s roles, the diabolists’ ability to harness this power makes them both feared and revered. This gendered aspect of magic gives the story an added layer of social commentary, without feeling heavy-handed or forced. Full disclosure Cleave Bourbon is my friend and co-host of my Podcast The Midnight Review.
The Writing: Vivid, Evocative, and Perfectly Suited to the Genre
Bourbon’s prose is nothing short of exceptional. The writing has a cinematic quality that makes the scenes leap off the page, and I found myself visualizing every gunfight, spell cast, and tense standoff as if I were watching a high-budget Western fantasy film. The descriptions are vivid without being overly flowery, capturing the rugged beauty of the Old West and the eerie allure of magic in equal measure. There’s a rhythm to Bourbon’s language that mirrors the story’s pacing, creating an immersive reading experience that kept me utterly engaged.
What truly sets Bourbon’s writing apart is his ability to create atmosphere. From the dusty streets of frontier towns to the desolate wilderness where earth nodes lie hidden, each setting feels like a character in its own right. The juxtaposition of the harsh, unforgiving landscape with the fragile beauty of magic creates a hauntingly beautiful contrast that lingers long after you’ve turned the last page.
Is Gunpowder, Magic, and Lead a good read?–Final Thoughts: A Must-Read for Fantasy and Western Fans Alike
Gunpowder, Magic, and Lead is a remarkable achievement in genre-blending fiction. Cleave Bourbon has crafted a story that is both a thrilling adventure and a poignant exploration of a world in transition. The characters are unforgettable, the stakes are high, and the themes are thought-provoking. Whether you’re a fan of epic fantasy, gritty Westerns, or just a great story well told, this book delivers on every level. It’s a novel that grabs you by the collar, drags you through dust and magic, and leaves you yearning for more.
This first entry in the Witches, Wizards, and Weapons series has all the makings of a classic, and I can’t wait to see where Bourbon takes us next. If this book is any indication, we’re in for one hell of a ride. Highly recommended for anyone who loves fantasy, adventure, and a dash of the Wild West. Bourbon has set the bar high, and I have no doubt he’ll continue to deliver in the books to come.
