I loved the idea for this book! The blurb got me interested right away; An alternate world where violent faeries and dragons and mysterious railwraiths live alongside the steam and steel of the Old West. How cool is that?!

I immediately connected with the main character, 13 year old Merion, as he struggles to find his feet after his father's murder. He's so confused and trying so hard to keep it together and act like an adult. His whole world shifts when he is sent out to the middle of nowhere to live with his weird undertaker aunt, and I liked seeing him find his way in that new and frightening environment.

Merion's faerie friend is kind of a wild card, an outlaw on the run from the Faerie Queen, with his own agenda and secrets. He seems so harmless and small at times, then we see how vicious and dangerous he can really be. He's definitely an interesting addition to the story.

This writer definitely knows how to craft a good story! The writing style is excellent; it really draws you in and keeps you entertained. The pacing is a bit slow at times with lots of build-up and explanation at the beginning, but when it picks up again, you are glad for all the backstory.

All that being said, I couldn't finish the book. There was way too much profanity, and I just hate that. It grates on my nerves, and I don't want to fill my mind with all that ugliness. I guess I thought that since the main character is only 13, there would be some restraint in the content of the book, and... yeah, I was wrong.
Also, the blurb is not kidding when it talks about the blood and guts and vomit and maggots in the dead bodies. Eeewwwwww.... yucky. And sweet little me, being a girly-girl, does not enjoy reading about the icky stuff. I'm sure that all the guys would love it though.

So this book was not for me, but I think that others who love fantasy and are not bothered by grossness and profanity would really love it!