Readers' Reviews

Mattie Masters Smith

This book made me fist-pump on a bus.

“I was three pages in when I yelled, ‘YES, MATTIE!’ loud enough to scare an old man with a newspaper. I regret nothing. I haven’t felt this inspired since I tried to start a neighborhood moon colony
(it did not go well).”

A space-fueled hug for the girl I used to be.

"I once wanted to be an astronaut until I learned I got motion sick in elevators. But Mattie? She’s got more guts than I have pie recipes, and I have a lot of pie recipes. I laughed, I cried, I high-fived my cat.
Read this book."

I tried to build a cardboard spaceship after finishing this.

"My dad says I’ve never read a book without complaining. Well, guess what? I read Mattie Masters Smith TWICE. I now address everyone in the house as ‘Captain’ and I demand freeze-dried ice cream. This book rules."

A delightfully rebellious heart in zero gravity.

"Mattie reminds me of myself—if I had been gutsier, sassier, and had an uncle who literally rockets through the cosmos. Also, any book that includes daffodil theft and interstellar injustice? Yes, please."

I am emotionally compromised by a fictional child.

"I thought I was just picking this up because my niece wanted to ‘read something space-y together.’ Now I’m writing letters to imaginary space boards and rooting harder for Mattie than I do for my football team. And I really love football."

This book is like a peanut butter and pickle sandwich: weird, bold, and strangely unforgettable.

"Mattie is the space nerd revolutionary we need. Also, justice for the daffodils. That's all I’m saying."

The Horse At Kookletown

Heartfelt Adventure with a Unique Twist

“WOW! I couldn't put this book down. The plot is so original, combining space travel with a Wild West show. The agony both physical and emotional of the main character pulls you in, and the horse Charlie well, he's no ordinary animal, that's for sure. The level of love between man and animal is expertly handled. The twists in the plot keep you guessing with surprises that seem both surprising and inevitable. I highly recommend this for anyone who enjoys a combination of sci-fi, adventure, and a dash of the weird.”

A Beautifully Strange Story

"If you're looking for a book that will make you laugh and also make you think, stop here! The Horse at Kookletown is an out-of-this-world adventure that combines the wit of the Wild West with the adventure of space travel. The emotional journey of the protagonist and the enigma of the horse, Charlie, will pull at your heartstrings. And the atmosphere is so richly detailed that you can practically smell the dust on your boots. Buckle up for a ride you'll never forget!"

Space Meets Western in the Most Unexpected Way

"I adored the blend of genres in this book! It's unlike anything I've ever read. The entire concept of a Wild West town in space is genius, and the protagonist's struggles with his past, his injuries, and his dealings with Charlie the Horse were so raw and real. This book has humor, heart, and a touch of mystery. It's ideal for readers who like complex characters and a plot that keeps you guessing. The ending had me thinking about it long after I finished."

A Wild, Wacky Ride You Won't Wanna to Miss!

"The Horse at Kookletown is an absolute gem! The book is full of action, humor, and just a touch of sci-fi oddness. The characters are complex, and the way the author portrays the protagonist's connection to the horse is truly so heartfelt. Charlie isn't merely a horse he's a character unto himself. If you like an offbeat, emotional journey that deals with loss, survival, and odd connections, you've got to read this."

A Heartwarming and Thrilling Story with Humor and Heart

"Never have I been so engrossed by a horse! Charlie isn't just a ride she's an integral component of this compelling narrative. From beginning to end, I was cheering for the main character as he works through his physical wounds as well as his emotional regrets. The sci-fi aspects give the Wild West feel a unique spin, and it's something really amazing. And the exchanges with the androids had me wondering what it really means to be alive without actually being alive. A richly textured read that juggles emotion, humor, and suspense."

A Heartwarming and Wildly Original Journey

"I loved this book so much! It's got all the things heart, humor, and an adventure that takes you somewhere you didn't expect to go. The path of the main character through loss and physical rehabilitation, combined with the odd but lovable horse, Charlie, creates such a special reading experience. I didn't expect to love a space western this much, but the writer really makes it work. A must-read for anyone who enjoys offbeat characters and plot surprises. I couldn't put it down!"

Space Meets the Wild West in a New and Fascinating Way

"A fascinating blend of western and science fiction elements! The Horse at Kookletown is a new spin on both genres, and I was completely drawn into the narrative. From the internal struggle of the protagonist to the surprising bond with an extremely intelligent horse, the story is full of twists. The author's blending of these distinctive elements creates a compelling and engaging read. Well worth your time! ❤️"

A Surprising Journey of Recovery and Friendship

"This book sent me on an emotional rollercoaster! The combination of sci-fi and Western elements is so interesting, and the complicated bond between the hero and the horse Charlie is wonderful. You totally sense the agony and recovery he experiences. The dialogue between characters, particularly the androids, provides an added depth to the narrative. It's a story of healing, discovery, and unexpected friendships. Highly recommend it to anyone seeking a story that is both heartwarming and unorthodox."

An Offbeat and Unforgettable Story with a Gold Heart

"Where do I begin This book was a total gem! The combination of space travel, western environment, and rich emotional themes was so original and well done. I was captivated by the hero's suffering, his bravery, and, naturally, his relationship with Charlie the horse. The writing is raw in a way that makes the emotional scenes land harder, but it's tempered by the humor and offbeat sci-fi elements. If you enjoy a good tale that combines adventure and introspection, this one's for you!"

A Wonderful Mixture of Emotive Drama and Sci-Fi Thrills

"The Horse at Kookletown is such a wonderful surprise! It kept me on the edge of my seat from the very first page. The way the author combines the toughness of the Wild West with the advanced technology of space travel is incredible. But what really made the story work for me was the emotional resonance of both the protagonist's fight to get over his trauma and the special bond he forms with his horse. It's not merely a sci-fi novel; it's a very human one. I adored every second of it! ❤️"