Wednesday, December 12, 2018

The Shootout Solution by Michael R. Underwood


Synopsis:
Leah Tang just died on stage. Well, not literally. Not yet.

Leah's stand-up career isn't going well. But she understands the power of fiction, and when she's offered employment with the mysterious Genrenauts Foundation, she soon discovers that literally dying on stage is a hazard of the job!

Her first assignment takes her to a Western world. When a cowboy tale slips off its rails, and the outlaws start to win, it's up to Leah - and the Genrenauts team - to nudge the story back on track and prevent a catastrophe on Earth.

But the story's hero isn't interested in winning, and the safety of Earth hangs in the balance...

(Synopsis from Goodreads).

My Thoughts:
As the end of the year draws closer, I find myself reading more and more books off of my TBR, which I am very proud of. I feel like the more of my TBR I read by the end of the year, the more I will be able to experience new books in 2019. Last year, I read Michael R. Underwood's Geekomancy series and loved it. This year, I got his Genrenauts series, and recently had the chance to read the first book. I really enjoyed it.

One of the things that I loved about the first book in the series, The Shootout Solution, was that it was so unique. I know this might sound cliche, but I don't think I've ever read anything like it before. The author not only had to do some world building, but he also had to do some more world building within that world. It was almost like there were two settings because of the unique way the premise is presented. He pulled it off very well. He also created a great cast of characters. I found myself caring for them almost instantly, and being concerned for what was going to happen to them. Not only was I emotionally involved in the main character, Leah, but I really liked the side characters as well. That can be hard for a writer to do at times, but Michael R. Underwood nailed it.

I did have a couple of problems with The Shootout Solution. The western world was a bit too over the top and cliche at times. It made sense for the plot, but it still made me want to roll my eyes at times when I was reading. My other problem was that the book was boring at times. Don't get me wrong, like I said, the premise is one of the most interesting things I've heard of in a long time. However, there were certain parts, especially in the middle, where I found myself losing concentrating, and daydreaming while I was reading. I had to reread a couple paragraphs several times because I just couldn't focus on what was going on.

I found The Shootout Solution to be an enjoyable first book in what I'm sure will become a fantastic series. As soon as I finished the book, I immediately downloaded the second one. I had to know right away what other worlds the Generenauts were going to go to, and what other adventures they were going to get into. I foresee myself binge reading the rest of this series back to back if the other books are as good as The Shootout Solution. 


I give The Shootout Solution: 3.5/5.

Want to know more about the author?
Website: http://michaelrunderwood.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelRUnderwoodAuthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MikeRUnderwood
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5820379.Michael_R_Underwood

I received this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.

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