Wake of Vultures

DNF @ 38%

See, the thing is I really wanted to try finishing this book. I don't have much experience with Westerns and this book has quite a diverse cast (Native American/African American MC who is trans & bi, Native American supporting characters, etc.). Throw in the fantasy element that should have kept me intrigued, and I should have been able to read this one.

The thing is, I put it down. Now, I just really don't want to pick it up. Sure, if I was reading this as a group book or for book club I could do it, but I don't want to and at this point I know I won't be continuing the series, so I'm not going to.
Let me tell you what I feel about this book thus far....

The writing is very well done. Nothing feels awkward or choppy which is nice. It is a bit slow going, but anyone not minding the slow build, won't mind. I did just because I was expecting a monster-hunting book, but the real plot doesn't seem to get going until 20%... even at 38% Nettie/Nat is still fighting against her/his destiny. So, a bit boring for my taste.

I was going to bring this up later in the review, but I should probably mention why I put her/his yet also called the MC trans. I'm really not trying to be insensitive here, I swear. I'm confused though. See in a dream Nettie/Nat is told they are a boy – which is what they want I'm pretty sure because they dress up in pants and bind their chest. Yet, the writing and POV still uses “Nettie” and she/her which is frustrating. I'm pretty sure the MC is ready to be considered a guy, but the writing isn't?
At where I am, I'm uncomfortable criticizing this because maybe things change???

I also thought some scenes or actions were awkward. This isn't a spoiler because it happens way early on, but if you want no spoilers at all don't read this paragraph. The MC is a slave, but hangs out at a different ranch sometimes... ummm okay. Then one day decides to run away and just work at the ranch, even questioning themselves “why didn't I do this before?” while my question is “why now??” there is no reason for this besides moving the plot forward. Honestly, the book could have started with them at the ranch with flashbacks to their slave life and I think it would have flowed better.

In the end, I think I have a problem with the execution of this. Because of it's story and diverse cast I wanted to read it and possibly share it with others, so I do hope more people do read this – especially since it has almost a 4star rating on Goodreads.
This isn't a book I'd recommend people against, and might even point people too if they are interested in Westerns or diverse books. You never know what people's book tastes will be.