New Release: NIGHTFLOWER OF COMANCHE MOUND When things change inside a house, things change on the outside, too.
2022 Writers’ League of Texas Manuscript Finalist in the Young Adult Action-Adventure category
Her sixteenth birthday looming, Seattle urbanite Charley Kensey recklessly invites herself to her Pap’s West Texas sheep ranch, a man she’s never met, a man her mother has always distanced her from. If her dad were still around he could’ve stopped her. Her mom can’t.
Pap is a hard and difficult man, and the Llano Estacado—the Texas Staked Plains—is every bit as hostile. Charley would turn right around and go home except for the mysterious horse that shows up on the ranch. Things quickly spiral out of control when Pap vows to shoot the blind animal she believes came to the ranch to be hers. Now she can’t leave—who’s going to stand in the way of Pap’s bullet?
Against his orders, Charley turns to local veterinarian, Dr. Ben, for information about the horse, but his harmless reminiscing over her mom dismantles everything Charley thought she knew of her family when he portrays a mother she doesn’t even recognize, and innocently exposes the secret that split her family apart. Charley is the only clueless party: “Everybody in this little town of Quitaque knows your mother’s business,” affirms veterinarian summer assistant, cowboy-crush Brett Littleton. Except for Brett, the summer would be lost.
When Pap’s savage anger turns violent, Charley and her horse bolt for the open plains, and flee for the very place she’s been warned not to go.
Nightflower of Comanche Mound is a contemporary action-adventure thriller steeped in conflict, tension, and family dysfunction between three generations, and placed Finalist in the Young Adult Action-Adventure category of the manuscript contest at the 2022 Writers’ League of Texas Conference.
Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite—5-Stars!
Nightflower of Comanche Mound is an exciting tale of action and adventure that any teenager would be excited to read, especially those who adore animals in general, and horses in particular.
Author Katlyn Bates has created three wonderful characters; Charley, her grandfather, and the elderly farm worker, Sabion. Each character plays off the other beautifully with Sabion being the gentle salve to Charley’s grandfather’s brusque and downright surly manner. The descriptive writing takes us into the dry, unforgiving plains of a West Texas ranch. I particularly enjoyed the relationship between Charley and her horse. In a world where she generally felt unloved and unwanted, the unconditional love of Radar gave her stability and purpose. The overarching theme of the narrative is family dysfunctionality and how easy it is to allow drama and tragedy to damage or destroy the close bonds of love and respect we all have for one another. There is plenty of adventure in this tale to keep readers continually turning the pages, and when the emotional familial aspects are woven into the plot, it raises the level to something special. This is a wonderful read that I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Reviewed by Angelique Papayannopoulos for Readers' Favorite—5 Stars!
A wonderful adventure story, Nightflower of Comanche Mound will captivate readers, particularly animal lovers. In her imaginative storytelling, Katlyn Bates crafted a contemporary literary masterpiece, demonstrating narrative skill. The well-paced plot immerses readers in the warm bond between Charley and her precious Radar. There are surprise turns in this story that will keep the reader engaged. The book vividly depicts the landscape and the lifestyle that goes with it. The characters are believable, and readers can relate to their struggles. By providing some background about the Comanche tribe and the symbolism of the night flower, the author has skillfully woven profound insights into Charley's relationships, self-discovery, and acceptance of her Native American roots. This book is a heartfelt feel-good read suitable for enthusiasts of adventure stories with depth and meaning.
Reviewed by Priya Mathew for Readers' Favorite—4 Stars!
I could feel the heat and dryness of the barren Texas landscape jump off the pages in Nightflower of Comanche Mound by Katlyn Bates. The writing style is rich in vivid descriptions that focus on sensory details, creating a stark contrast between the underlying tension between the characters and the rough beauty of nature. The narrative is written from Charley’s point of view, and I could connect with her inner thoughts and feelings, making me feel like I was part of her journey. Charley is a well-rounded character, whose vulnerabilities and stubbornness are presented well, and we see her growth as she stands up for what she believes is right. Pap’s character, though initially gruff and unapproachable, reveals a deeper, more caring side. The use of metaphors added layers to the narrative. The theme of identity is central, mainly Charley’s realization of her heritage and the connection to the land and her ancestors. The story also focuses on the connection to and protection of both animals and family. If you are a fan of Western fiction and coming-of-age stories, add this to your TBR list.
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