Full disclosure: I was given a free physical copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.I’ve read plenty of unique genres like comic thrillers, but none have been as bizarre as this western-fantasy hybrid. I’ve read plenty of fantasy, yet I’ve never really dipped into westerns. When I came across the novel "What Was Your Name Downriver? (The Shattered Frontier, Book 1)" by Anthony Lowe, which happens to fall into that niche, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Now that I’m done with it, I can ...

I love discovering fantasy books that step away from the typical, vaguely medieval settings, so finding What Was Your Name Downriver? (The Shattered Frontier, Book 1) by Anthony Lowe was a real treat. I thoroughly enjoyed the gritty Western vibe and the clever nod to the Gold Rush. The atmosphere is top-notch, and there is a grounded, realistic feel to most of the characters that really drew me in. I especially loved that the leads are both badass women. They are written incredibly well, each w...

[ Overall Thoughts ]Evaline Cartwright is a bounty hunter with a reputation as 'Calamity Cartwright.' Trivan Esterhazy is on the run from a traumatic past, desperately trying to keep a low profile. When chaos erupts on the steamboat they’re both traveling on, the two women are forced to team up just to stay alive. What Was Your Name Downriver? (The Shattered Frontier, Book 1) is an intriguing, high-stakes start to the series, consisting of a novella and two short stories. The tone is refreshingl...

"You might learn to read the river, anticipate its slights. But by the next season you’ll be the purveyor of a dead language. Keep your iron close, arandi, for its speech requires no translation."This opening quote immediately sets the haunting tone for What Was Your Name Downriver? (The Shattered Frontier, Book 1). Author Anthony Lowe earns extra points for his skillful use of regional dialects; they might slip past those unfamiliar with the rural South, but they perfectly anchor the gritty We...

Prospecting a Dime Store NovelIt is hard to put my finger on exactly which genre this story fits into. There is plenty of substance here to sink your teeth into, with enough potential to fuel many more installments. Evaline is a fantastic character, and I am genuinely curious to see how Trivial develops as the series progresses. It is a solid start so far, despite a few minor bumps in the road. A great pick for fans of Western fiction looking for a fresh book review. 3.7/5 stars for What Was You...

3.5/5As a kid, I was obsessed with Western movies. As a reader, though, I’ve never really managed to get into the subgenre. However, What Was Your Name Downriver? (The Shattered Frontier, Book 1) by Anthony Lowe has finally convinced me to add more fantasy westerns to my reading list. The setting felt incredibly fresh, and I genuinely enjoyed the characters.The book is a collection featuring a novella and two short stories. These short stories offer a great look into the protagonists’ backstorie...

I am absolutely digging the western vibes in What Was Your Name Downriver? (The Shattered Frontier, Book 1); I honestly didn't see that coming. For me, the strongest part of Anthony Lowe’s writing is the relationship between the two main characters. They make such a compelling pair for an adventurous story. I did feel a little lost regarding the social dynamics of this world at times—I didn't quite grasp why certain people were targeted as 'public enemies'—but I trust we will delve deeper into t...

What Was Your Name Downriver? (The Shattered Frontier, Book 1) introduces you to Evaline Cartwright and Trivan Esterhazy just as they meet aboard a riverboat. The two young women are forced to work together, despite being total strangers, to survive the many dangers of the world around them. Overall, I really enjoyed this novella. The blend of genres is fascinating; it keeps the story moving at a brisk pace and makes the plot feel genuinely unpredictable. The two main characters mirror this genr...

What Was Your Name Downriver? (The Shattered Frontier, Book 1) by Anthony Lowe is a fast-paced weird western that nails its setting and unique narrative voice. The story kicks off with two leads—Evaline Cartwright and Trivan Esterhazy—crossing paths on a frontier riverboat. Those early scenes do a fantastic job of establishing the atmosphere and character dynamics, which pays off big time as the plot kicks into gear. Cartwright is a seasoned bounty hunter who knows exactly how the world works. ...

What Was Your Name Downriver? (The Shattered Frontier, Book 1) by Anthony Lowe is weird west at its best. It hits all the marks of a classic western: gritty gunfights, mysterious figures haunted by tragic pasts, breathtaking landscapes, and the looming shadow of massive societal upheaval. Many of the story's tropes might feel familiar at first, but the infusion of fantastical elements gives them a fresh spin, breathing new life into the genre. For instance, the narrative is driven by humanity's ...