Assessment:

Plot/Idea: En route to his young son, Trick, Guy Thornton wanders and wonders through memories and Arizona on his horse, Sweet Pea. Sally, Trick's mother, also narrates her own chapters, shifting from discussing her Native American heritage to reflecting on life with her child. Readers will benefit from having read the earlier titles in the series, though the compelling writing allows the work to somewhat stand alone.

Prose: Kelly has a knack for transitioning between the voices of characters and balancing action scenes with exposition and internal reflection.

Originality: Despite some familiar elements, Kelly creates an evocative setting and offers organically flowing storytelling.

Character Development/Execution: The characters are offered enough time on the page to become "human." They have worries and concerns, dreams for their children, and detailed backstories, while dialogue comes across as authentic to their established personalities.  

Date Submitted: May 05, 2022