All Things Left Wild

A Novel

By: James Wade

Narrated by: Bradford Hastings

After an attempted horse theft goes tragically wrong, 16-year-old Caleb Bentley is on the run with his mean-spirited older brother across the American Southwest at the turn of the 20th century. Caleb’s moral compass and inner courage will be tested as they travel the harsh terrain and encounter those who have carved out a life there, for good or ill.

Wealthy and bookish Randall Dawson, out of place in this rugged and violent country, is begrudgingly chasing after the Bentley brothers. With little sense of how to survive, much less how to take his revenge, Randall meets Charlotte, a woman experienced in the deadly ways of life in the West. Together they navigate the murky values of vigilante justice.

Powerful and atmospheric, lyrical and fast-paced, All Things Left Wild is a coming-of-age for one man, a midlife odyssey for the other, and an illustration of the violence and corruption prevalent in our fast-expanding country. It artfully sketches the magnificence of the American West as mirrored in the human soul.

©2020 James Wade (P)2020 Blackstone Publishing

Existentialist western

Although there are some shootouts, looting, and general mayhem, this Western focuses more on the mindset of its characters. It shifts perspective from first to third person, which made the narrative hard to follow initially. I wanted less philosophizing and more action.

Great story..

All Things Left Wild is a well written and paced story. The narrator is excellent with a beautiful, deep timber. He is able to modify his voice and accent to portray a variety of distinct characters seamlessly.

The poetry snd vividness of the language. The descriptions of the country as experienced on horseback.

What’s not to like? Good reader, great story, enchanting evocation of both place and character

Didn’t want it to end

Mr. Wade has written a jewel! A fast moving western filled with beautiful narrative. Almost every sentence or conversation contains a simile or description with an unexpected lyrical surprise. Occasionally there are conversations with deep philosophical meaning from least expected characters. Hard to put down because you want more. No telling how long Mr. Wade worked on this manuscript; sure hope he’s working on another!

Great new author

Not many can see the world as James Wade describes it. If you’re a Cormac Mc Carthy fan, this book is for you.