A disillusioned degenerate named Harley meets the most stubborn, unenthused, and stinkiest magical white cow that ever existed in West Pillar.
Tasked with taking this cow to the southern end of a dangerous, red rock desert, Harley hopes to make a quick buck. She wants to head east to find a new home, since the west holds nothing for her but trauma caused by a slaver she never wants to think about again. Just as she gets started, she meets a plucky kid named Kade Kitt who begs for her help. She realizes he has powers that could help her navigate the dangers of this place, and decides she will use him, then lose him.
What she encounters is nothing short of fated crookery: fighting colossal scorpions, negotiating her way out of hairy situations, and surviving gunfights with bald cattle wranglers.
The only thing left for Harley to face? Her own cowardice . . . and the relentless rambling of her pesky companions.
Rachel –
This was SUCH a fun read! The main character, Harley, is trying to run away from her past traumas but keeps getting pulled into obstacles, some hilarious and some genuinely dangerous, that prevent her from doing so. The magical white cow and the other travel companions she ends up with are lovable in a dopey kind of way.
The humor throughout had me laughing out loud in several scenes, and the adventure itself is exciting and fast-paced. I could easily see this being adapted into a film, with epic action sequences like fighting colossal scorpions, high-speed chase scenes with flying bullets, and stunning red rock desert scenery.
I’m personally not a huge fan of the western cowboy trope, but I truly enjoyed this setting. It is a fantasy world that closely mirrors the Wild West, so there is not too much to keep track of in terms of world-building if that concerns you. There are also fictional tribes that feel inspired by Native American cultures, and Harley herself has roots in one of these communities, which adds depth to her character and to the book’s themes of identity and belonging.
There’s also real heart in the story, especially in Harley’s character development. She’s unapologetically herself, with a bit of a mouth, so just be aware if you’re not a fan of occasional foul language.
Trigger warning (SA): The story does not go into detail, but it does reference a past assault as part of Harley’s backstory.
Thanks to the author M. T. Christen for the advanced copy! I loved it very much!
Karina L. –
I can’t say enough how much I love this book! It sucked me in the first night until I fell asleep reading and kept me up the last 100 pages until one in the morning!
I enjoyed Harley’s sassy mouthy narrative of her journey and particularly loved the magical white cow named Flinchy! The antics of that cow had me laughing out loud throughout this epic fantasy tale!
The desert landscape world the author created was fascinating and well thought out on her part. I can’t imagine the amount of research and time it took to create this tale, but I’m so impressed and honestly home she writes a second book about Harley’s adventures!
Highly recommend!
Beth Whitenight (verified owner) –
“My Dear Flinchy” is not only a love letter to our beautiful desert, but it is a story about finding one’s sense of belonging, bravery, friendship, and overcoming great obstacles, including one’s self.
M.T. Christen builds a vivid fantasy world inspired by our beautiful desert landscape. The descriptions are detailed so well that it is easy to visualize yourself among the obscure red rock formations watching a sunset full of colors alongside the main characters.
The heroine may be rough around the edges but she comes from a dark place many unfortunately have been. She is a helpful reminder that even those dark places can be overcome. A respectful take on heavy topics filled with raw emotion.
This story serves as a sweet reminder that friendship can save you in more ways than one and maybe that’s just bringing out the best version of yourself.
“My Dear Flinchy” has its lighthearted moments that will have you chuckling, but what lingers most is its sense of warmth and place.
Jonathan D. Sherman –
I was lucky enough to get an early copy, and I’ve got to say, this is a fantastic, fun read! You can tell care went into the whole thing, from the character development to the world-building.
From the moment I cracked it open, I was in. Super strong first chapter title that hooked me immediately. That’s not easy to do, and Mindy nailed it right out of the gate. And the map! Very satisfying. I love it when the map is done right, and this one absolutely delivers. It sets the tone and pulls you into the world before you even start reading.
And what a world it is! On the surface, it’s a Wild West–style setting… but not the one you’re expecting. This is a whole other world, complete with giant scorpions, mystical powers, and magic portals. It’s gritty, imaginative, and just plain fun.
Then the protagonist, Harley! Love her. She’s sassy, raw, tough, and funny… exactly the kind of person you want to follow into chaos. I especially loved her vernacular. It feels real, grounded, and full of personality.
And ha ha! The personification of luck? That made me laugh out loud. Such a clever touch.
My first impression when I started reading it was: this is one of those books where you can tell you’re in good hands as a reader. Now that I’m halfway through, it’s been a fun romp every step of the way.
Highly recommend!