What do you think?
Rate this book
Ride On
The law can't help her. But one outlaw can.
In the near post-apocalyptic future, the skies are always gray and people are constantly searching for the sun. For teenage outlaw Seph, it’s the only world he’s ever known. With his horse, his favorite pistol, and his knowledge for survival passed down from his dead father, Seph knows it’s safer to be alone. But after a run-in with a local gang that call themselves the Lawmen, and having been wrongly accused of murder, Seph teams up with Avery—a determined girl whose twin brother has been taken by the same gang.
After living in a small, rundown town her whole life, Avery knows nothing of the Wild—the lands controlled by nobody where travel is risky. With Seph’s help, they track down her brother but quickly find the tables have turned and they are now the ones being hunted. With rumors of mysterious dangers to the south and a safe sanctuary to the west, they’ve only got one option, but getting there won’t be easy with the Lawmen on their trail. The only thing that matters in the Wild is how fast your trigger hand is, but Seph doesn’t know if his will be fast enough to save them all.
In the near post-apocalyptic future, the skies are always gray and people are constantly searching for the sun. For teenage outlaw Seph, it’s the only world he’s ever known. With his horse, his favorite pistol, and his knowledge for survival passed down from his dead father, Seph knows it’s safer to be alone. But after a run-in with a local gang that call themselves the Lawmen, and having been wrongly accused of murder, Seph teams up with Avery—a determined girl whose twin brother has been taken by the same gang.
After living in a small, rundown town her whole life, Avery knows nothing of the Wild—the lands controlled by nobody where travel is risky. With Seph’s help, they track down her brother but quickly find the tables have turned and they are now the ones being hunted. With rumors of mysterious dangers to the south and a safe sanctuary to the west, they’ve only got one option, but getting there won’t be easy with the Lawmen on their trail. The only thing that matters in the Wild is how fast your trigger hand is, but Seph doesn’t know if his will be fast enough to save them all.
280 pages, Hardcover
First published May 22, 2018
15 people are currently reading
665 people want to read
About the author
Gwen Cole
9 books216 followersGwen Cole is an award-winning author of Cold Summer and Ride On. She grew up in northern New York and after moving to Virginia, she met her husband while playing in a hardcore band. When she’s not writing, you can find her playing Xbox, skiing in the winter, playing softball in the summer, and always watching too much Netflix. She now lives in Richmond, Virginia with her family, always longing for colder winters.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Read
June 22, 2018See my FULL review of this book on my blog along with others at: shesgoingbookcrazy.com
All included quotes have been taken from an ARC and may not match the finished publication.
DNFing at 30 %
Content Warning: Cannibalism, Death, Murder, Forced services (i.e. young teens forced into working for a gang)
...or you are cold...or trying to fend away the critters...
When I first came across Ride On, I was pretty excited about it. To be honest, anything horse-related captures my attention easily. I should have been a bit warier seeing how this is set in a post-apocalyptic era. This book very much mimics the world depicted in the movie The Book of Eli. If you haven't seen it, then picture a vast wasteland with Mad Max-type folks terrorizing all the good folks. Oh, and there are cannibals...
If you have seen The Book of Eli, take out the Mad Max influence (and the Biblical references), and replace it with a Western feel, and you will have Ride On. The reason why I called it quits with this book was because of the cannibalism. Its nothing that I want to read about, plain and simple.
Vulgarity: 8 words counted until stopping at 30%
Sexual content: None.
Violence: Some, including discussion of cannibalism.
Since this is a DNF read, I will not be assigning a star-review.
My Blog ¦ Bookstagram ¦ Twitter ¦ Pinterest ¦ Facebook
All included quotes have been taken from an ARC and may not match the finished publication.
DNFing at 30 %
Content Warning: Cannibalism, Death, Murder, Forced services (i.e. young teens forced into working for a gang)
“In the Wild, you don’t start a fire unless you want to risk someone finding you, or you’re stupid.”
...or you are cold...or trying to fend away the critters...
When I first came across Ride On, I was pretty excited about it. To be honest, anything horse-related captures my attention easily. I should have been a bit warier seeing how this is set in a post-apocalyptic era. This book very much mimics the world depicted in the movie The Book of Eli. If you haven't seen it, then picture a vast wasteland with Mad Max-type folks terrorizing all the good folks. Oh, and there are cannibals...
If you have seen The Book of Eli, take out the Mad Max influence (and the Biblical references), and replace it with a Western feel, and you will have Ride On. The reason why I called it quits with this book was because of the cannibalism. Its nothing that I want to read about, plain and simple.
Vulgarity: 8 words counted until stopping at 30%
Sexual content: None.
Violence: Some, including discussion of cannibalism.
Since this is a DNF read, I will not be assigning a star-review.
My Blog ¦ Bookstagram ¦ Twitter ¦ Pinterest ¦ Facebook
May 7, 2018
Five well-earned stars. This beautiful book is so full of voice, you'll be instantly transported to a gritty, sunless world of outlaws and horses with Seph and Avery. If you want loads of action and fully realized characters you can really invest in, this is the book for you.
PHENOMENAL.
PHENOMENAL.
May 10, 2018
I don’t normally do westerns, but I loved Gwen’s other book, so I knew I was going to read this one.
I loved Seph and Avery. They’re both fantastic characters who are fierce and stand up for themselves. They’re both level headed and loyal and the dual POV made it easy to root for them.
Plot wise, it did feel a bit repetitive, even though I was fully invested in what was happening. There is a lot of riding and running and fighting and guns. There were a couple of times that I was surprised at what was taking place when I turned the page.
Overall, it was the characters that sucked me in and the writing kept me there. I can’t wait to see what Gwen comes up with next.
**Huge thanks to Sky Pony press for providing the arc free of charge**
I loved Seph and Avery. They’re both fantastic characters who are fierce and stand up for themselves. They’re both level headed and loyal and the dual POV made it easy to root for them.
Plot wise, it did feel a bit repetitive, even though I was fully invested in what was happening. There is a lot of riding and running and fighting and guns. There were a couple of times that I was surprised at what was taking place when I turned the page.
Overall, it was the characters that sucked me in and the writing kept me there. I can’t wait to see what Gwen comes up with next.
**Huge thanks to Sky Pony press for providing the arc free of charge**
December 5, 2018
I received this eARC from Skyhorse Publishing on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of this book in any way.
DNF'd at 30%
Honestly, I was getting really tired of this book. I'm not a huge fan of westerns, but I am of post-apocalypses. Unfortunately, this was a western with brief mentions of it being post apocalyptic. Laura Ingalls Wilder could have shown up at any moment and it wouldn't have been much out of place tbh.
The actual cause of this apocalypse is extremely unclear, and the dissolution of society even less so. The insta-love was weird (lots of lines about eyes) and cliche and dragged down the story's potential from a 4 to a 2 on a 10 scale.
I really enjoyed Seph's perspectives, because (though I haven't read this book yet) it gave me some strong The Road vibes what with his father and their travels through dangerous terrain. But Avery was really annoying. First of all, it took me a few pages to even realize her brother wasn't like 10 but was in fact her twin because of how they interacted at first. Then, she just kind of stumbles on bad, weird situations one after the other before coming upon Seph. The action felt really rushed, the chase scenes lacked tension, the villains were repeated and copied like three times, and I kept getting confused with the horses names thinking I'd missed a character introduction. I kept expecting Cade to start talking or something the way these horses were written. Seph's narration even just read better than Avery's, as if he both had more to say and knew how to say it better.
Overall, it isn't the worst book I've DNF'd but I'm really not feeling it, and that insta-love was really the last straw. I'd really rather not waste my time on a crappy book, ARC or not.
DNF'd at 30%
Honestly, I was getting really tired of this book. I'm not a huge fan of westerns, but I am of post-apocalypses. Unfortunately, this was a western with brief mentions of it being post apocalyptic. Laura Ingalls Wilder could have shown up at any moment and it wouldn't have been much out of place tbh.
The actual cause of this apocalypse is extremely unclear, and the dissolution of society even less so. The insta-love was weird (lots of lines about eyes) and cliche and dragged down the story's potential from a 4 to a 2 on a 10 scale.
I really enjoyed Seph's perspectives, because (though I haven't read this book yet) it gave me some strong The Road vibes what with his father and their travels through dangerous terrain. But Avery was really annoying. First of all, it took me a few pages to even realize her brother wasn't like 10 but was in fact her twin because of how they interacted at first. Then, she just kind of stumbles on bad, weird situations one after the other before coming upon Seph. The action felt really rushed, the chase scenes lacked tension, the villains were repeated and copied like three times, and I kept getting confused with the horses names thinking I'd missed a character introduction. I kept expecting Cade to start talking or something the way these horses were written. Seph's narration even just read better than Avery's, as if he both had more to say and knew how to say it better.
Overall, it isn't the worst book I've DNF'd but I'm really not feeling it, and that insta-love was really the last straw. I'd really rather not waste my time on a crappy book, ARC or not.
February 3, 2018
I received this novel from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.
This novel blew me away, it started off a little slow but quickly picked up the pace. It is a wonderful, original tale of two worlds colliding inside one very messed up universe. I love the originality of blending a Western with this Dystopian world, it works so incredibly well and really gives the book a great feel.
I love the characters, not only for who they are and what they stand for, but their realness. "Seph' is constantly second guessing and questioning himself, something that we can all relate to. Just as we can relate to Avery, in more than one way. She is honest, gutsy and wholesome, qualities that are becoming rare in our female protagonists.
I really enjoyed this novel, much more than I expected to and I think that is solely down to the writing style, just when something is feeling ‘dull’, Cole throws in a tiny lyrical moment, showing you the ways the trees are moving in the breeze, the way a horse’s flank shivers at a fly, something that draws you back into the moment.
This book is a great read, and will surprise you!
This novel blew me away, it started off a little slow but quickly picked up the pace. It is a wonderful, original tale of two worlds colliding inside one very messed up universe. I love the originality of blending a Western with this Dystopian world, it works so incredibly well and really gives the book a great feel.
I love the characters, not only for who they are and what they stand for, but their realness. "Seph' is constantly second guessing and questioning himself, something that we can all relate to. Just as we can relate to Avery, in more than one way. She is honest, gutsy and wholesome, qualities that are becoming rare in our female protagonists.
I really enjoyed this novel, much more than I expected to and I think that is solely down to the writing style, just when something is feeling ‘dull’, Cole throws in a tiny lyrical moment, showing you the ways the trees are moving in the breeze, the way a horse’s flank shivers at a fly, something that draws you back into the moment.
This book is a great read, and will surprise you!
June 22, 2018
I’ve been on a bit of a post-apocalyptic/dystopian ride for the past few months. When I originally saw Ride On, a post-apocalyptic western, I thought, giddy-up!
Cole doesn’t really touch on the how or the why of what happened to create this post-apocalyptic world, all we know for certain is that the sun is forever hidden behind a gray sky. It could be one thing or another that caused it, to me, it really doesn’t matter, what really matters is what the author and characters are going to do with it.
Ride On bounces back and forth between Avery and Seph’s perspectives. Both of these kids have had to grow up fast. They’ve both suffered loss and adversities, their world has made them old beyond their years. While the story is definitely YA, this thick skin and maturity made them a bit more relatable to an old pod like myself.
Ride On was a fun read. I got to meet a couple of new friends in Avery and Seph, but I felt like I could have gone with an adult version of the story. This is my own fault. When I pick up a story about youngins written for youngins, I should expect certain things. The author has to give that audience what they want and expect.
I enjoyed Ride On. I can see that it should connect with a particular audience. I just didn’t find what I was looking for. Cole is a talented storyteller who should definitely stick around.
*I received a copy of the book from the publisher (via NetGalley).
Cole doesn’t really touch on the how or the why of what happened to create this post-apocalyptic world, all we know for certain is that the sun is forever hidden behind a gray sky. It could be one thing or another that caused it, to me, it really doesn’t matter, what really matters is what the author and characters are going to do with it.
Ride On bounces back and forth between Avery and Seph’s perspectives. Both of these kids have had to grow up fast. They’ve both suffered loss and adversities, their world has made them old beyond their years. While the story is definitely YA, this thick skin and maturity made them a bit more relatable to an old pod like myself.
Ride On was a fun read. I got to meet a couple of new friends in Avery and Seph, but I felt like I could have gone with an adult version of the story. This is my own fault. When I pick up a story about youngins written for youngins, I should expect certain things. The author has to give that audience what they want and expect.
I enjoyed Ride On. I can see that it should connect with a particular audience. I just didn’t find what I was looking for. Cole is a talented storyteller who should definitely stick around.
*I received a copy of the book from the publisher (via NetGalley).
January 17, 2018
review also posted on my blog:https://inkonwhite.wordpress.com/
To be honest, I was a bit anxious to begin this book. This is my second ARC that I received on NetGalley, and the first one wasn't a really pleasurable experience for me. However, I'm glad that I can say that I really enjoyed this book!
To begin, the story structure was very interesting and quite unique compared to other Young Adult books. The chapters flipped point of views between the two main characters--Seph and Avery. I personally loved this method that the author used, and it kept me entertained throughout almost the whole book. Sometimes I would see how Avery felt about a specific event, and then I would see it from Seph's perspective.
The characters--I feel like I connected a lot more with Seph more than I did with Avery. I feel that it should be the opposite because I'm a girl and have more similar characteristics to Avery than Seph. However I just felt that when the author was writing in Seph's perspective, it was a lot more entertaining to read and more easy to connect with. I feel like Avery was kind of just --- there. It was all tell, no show. Like -- "wow! I see a beautiful sky!" versus Seph being like-- "It resonated with the deepest part of my soul.. the waves were me. I AM the waves. They represent me. Beautiful...I can watch them forever. If I die here, I will be content." (Btw this didn't actually happen in the book, I'm just giving an example). Although Seph was a loner, I felt more of a connection between Seph and his horse, Cade, than between Avery and her brother, Finn. Don't get me wrong--they have a nice sibling relationship--but I feel like the author could have stressed their love for each other more.
However I found that the romance between the two main characters (Seph & Avery--OBVIOUSLY) was very satisfying and cute. Short and sweet. I got a little bit of cuteness to satisfy me for the whole book. V Adorbz. Lol. Anyways yadayada you all know how romance goes. However there were some awkward scenes in there about eyes...
NEXT. FOR SOME VERY ODD REASON, I HAVE DEVELOPED AN OBSESSION WITH HORSES.
I JUST LOVE HORSES NOW.
My favorite thing about the book was the setting. Whether they were in a small town, riding through the Wild, or by an abandoned ship, Gwen Cole created a beautiful image of their location and painted a vivid picture in my mind. This has probably been one of the best books concerning the setting.
I would just like to leave on one note.
TORRECK. I HATE YOU! WHY WON'T YOU JUST LEAVE SEPH ALONE?!?!
Overall, I found that Ride On was a very good read despite the fact that I usually do not venture out into these types of books/ genre.
I give this book a solid 3 out of 5 stars! <3
please check out my blog for other reviews and cool stuff : https://inkonwhite.wordpress.com/
To be honest, I was a bit anxious to begin this book. This is my second ARC that I received on NetGalley, and the first one wasn't a really pleasurable experience for me. However, I'm glad that I can say that I really enjoyed this book!
To begin, the story structure was very interesting and quite unique compared to other Young Adult books. The chapters flipped point of views between the two main characters--Seph and Avery. I personally loved this method that the author used, and it kept me entertained throughout almost the whole book. Sometimes I would see how Avery felt about a specific event, and then I would see it from Seph's perspective.
The characters--I feel like I connected a lot more with Seph more than I did with Avery. I feel that it should be the opposite because I'm a girl and have more similar characteristics to Avery than Seph. However I just felt that when the author was writing in Seph's perspective, it was a lot more entertaining to read and more easy to connect with. I feel like Avery was kind of just --- there. It was all tell, no show. Like -- "wow! I see a beautiful sky!" versus Seph being like-- "It resonated with the deepest part of my soul.. the waves were me. I AM the waves. They represent me. Beautiful...I can watch them forever. If I die here, I will be content." (Btw this didn't actually happen in the book, I'm just giving an example). Although Seph was a loner, I felt more of a connection between Seph and his horse, Cade, than between Avery and her brother, Finn. Don't get me wrong--they have a nice sibling relationship--but I feel like the author could have stressed their love for each other more.
However I found that the romance between the two main characters (Seph & Avery--OBVIOUSLY) was very satisfying and cute. Short and sweet. I got a little bit of cuteness to satisfy me for the whole book. V Adorbz. Lol. Anyways yadayada you all know how romance goes. However there were some awkward scenes in there about eyes...
NEXT. FOR SOME VERY ODD REASON, I HAVE DEVELOPED AN OBSESSION WITH HORSES.
My views on horses before reading the book:
AFTER:
I JUST LOVE HORSES NOW.
My favorite thing about the book was the setting. Whether they were in a small town, riding through the Wild, or by an abandoned ship, Gwen Cole created a beautiful image of their location and painted a vivid picture in my mind. This has probably been one of the best books concerning the setting.
I would just like to leave on one note.
TORRECK. I HATE YOU! WHY WON'T YOU JUST LEAVE SEPH ALONE?!?!
Overall, I found that Ride On was a very good read despite the fact that I usually do not venture out into these types of books/ genre.
I give this book a solid 3 out of 5 stars! <3
please check out my blog for other reviews and cool stuff : https://inkonwhite.wordpress.com/
Want to read
October 19, 2017The cover is boring...
---
It's simple. I see YA Western. I add it to my TBR lol
---
It's simple. I see YA Western. I add it to my TBR lol
September 11, 2018
Gwen Cole, you have made me a fan for life.
I mean, I kind of basically was after Cold Summer but Ride On just proves that I’m all in.
Seph and Avery are two characters who couldn’t be more different. An orphan versus someone who is family minded. An outlaw versus a law-abiding citizen. But not all is as it seems as we start to peel back the layers on these characters.
See, desperate times can change a person. When you’re living in a post-apocalyptic world that looks a lot like where we are headed (more on that in a minute), anything goes to stay alive. Seph and Avery are playing a high stakes game to stay alive day to day and I was on the edge of my seat while their POVs switched off. I happened to be on a plane during a particularly nerve wrecking scene and I wondered if the baby in the seat next to me was up to a chat about how Gwen Cole is basically a monster (she’s lovely but omg).
I loved the setting in the story. We know our world is headed toward a world without sun if we don’t get it together. Imagine the wreckage in this world. This isn’t an unfamiliar place. Creating a western like world felt right for the damage we do to our planet. Desperate measures and all that.
If you love SFF with a great set of relationship/romance plots, read all things Gwen Cole!
I mean, I kind of basically was after Cold Summer but Ride On just proves that I’m all in.
Seph and Avery are two characters who couldn’t be more different. An orphan versus someone who is family minded. An outlaw versus a law-abiding citizen. But not all is as it seems as we start to peel back the layers on these characters.
See, desperate times can change a person. When you’re living in a post-apocalyptic world that looks a lot like where we are headed (more on that in a minute), anything goes to stay alive. Seph and Avery are playing a high stakes game to stay alive day to day and I was on the edge of my seat while their POVs switched off. I happened to be on a plane during a particularly nerve wrecking scene and I wondered if the baby in the seat next to me was up to a chat about how Gwen Cole is basically a monster (she’s lovely but omg).
I loved the setting in the story. We know our world is headed toward a world without sun if we don’t get it together. Imagine the wreckage in this world. This isn’t an unfamiliar place. Creating a western like world felt right for the damage we do to our planet. Desperate measures and all that.
If you love SFF with a great set of relationship/romance plots, read all things Gwen Cole!
May 16, 2018
(Disclaimer: I received this free book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Ride On is entirely entertaining. Both Seph and Avery have pretty compelling backstories which are established early on. This makes it easily readable because you naturally want to find out more about them. Why is Avery in the Wild? What secrets is Seph hiding? While this is certainly a post-apocalyptic story - the premise being the sky is permanently occluded by clouds - it reads more like a Western to me. The setting is in this far future, but there isn't a whole ton of world building to more than that.
Characters:4, World: 3, Plot: 4, Writing: 4
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
Ride On is entirely entertaining. Both Seph and Avery have pretty compelling backstories which are established early on. This makes it easily readable because you naturally want to find out more about them. Why is Avery in the Wild? What secrets is Seph hiding? While this is certainly a post-apocalyptic story - the premise being the sky is permanently occluded by clouds - it reads more like a Western to me. The setting is in this far future, but there isn't a whole ton of world building to more than that.
Characters:4, World: 3, Plot: 4, Writing: 4
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
October 22, 2018
A freaking awesome post-apocalyptic western! Seph and Avery are awesome characters (although honorable mention has to go to Cade the horse). All the love and all the stars to this YA book!
**I did request an eArc from Netgalley and also snagged a physical arc from the bookstore I work at**
**I did request an eArc from Netgalley and also snagged a physical arc from the bookstore I work at**
March 3, 2024
La historia se sitúa en Estados Unidos, en un futuro donde ha habido una catástrofe que ha hecho retroceder a la Humanidad a un estado similar al del siglo XIX, donde el cielo está permanentemente tapado. En ningún momento se explica qué sucedió, pero a lo largo de la trama los personajes se tropiezan con viejas carreteras y vehículos abandonados. Por tanto, estamos más bien ante un western al uso que ante una novela de ciencia ficción.
Seph es un joven pistolero que lleva años viajando solo con Cade, su querido caballo, su único amigo. Esto es así desde que dispararon a su padre delante de él. Su obsesión es ver algún día el océano. Por otra parte, tenemos a Avery, una chica que vive con Finn, su hermano gemelo, al que los agentes de la ley de este nuevo mundo quieren alistar a la fuerza, lo que provocará un enfrentamiento y la huida desesperada de Avery. Cómo no, las vidas de Seph y Avery se cruzarán.
Correcta novela de Gwen Cole, con persecuciones, duelos y romance.
Seph es un joven pistolero que lleva años viajando solo con Cade, su querido caballo, su único amigo. Esto es así desde que dispararon a su padre delante de él. Su obsesión es ver algún día el océano. Por otra parte, tenemos a Avery, una chica que vive con Finn, su hermano gemelo, al que los agentes de la ley de este nuevo mundo quieren alistar a la fuerza, lo que provocará un enfrentamiento y la huida desesperada de Avery. Cómo no, las vidas de Seph y Avery se cruzarán.
Correcta novela de Gwen Cole, con persecuciones, duelos y romance.
March 19, 2018
Do you like intrigue, great character development and horses? YOU FOUND YOUR PERFECT BOOK!
Seph and Avery as the two main protagonists perfectly balance each other in RIDE ON. Avery is such a great female role model as someone who sticks to her guns (sometimes literally) and isn't afraid to do whatever it takes. Seph is troubled, yet wonderful, and thought he only ever wanted to be alone. Both have had dealings with the leading gang in the area, and both lost something (or someone) valuable to them. They'll have to work together to get what they want, even if it goes against everything they were ever taught about the world.
Gwen Cole brings great characters to life in this YA western, and I never once felt as though I wasn't right there with them. Looking forward to what she comes out with next!
Seph and Avery as the two main protagonists perfectly balance each other in RIDE ON. Avery is such a great female role model as someone who sticks to her guns (sometimes literally) and isn't afraid to do whatever it takes. Seph is troubled, yet wonderful, and thought he only ever wanted to be alone. Both have had dealings with the leading gang in the area, and both lost something (or someone) valuable to them. They'll have to work together to get what they want, even if it goes against everything they were ever taught about the world.
Gwen Cole brings great characters to life in this YA western, and I never once felt as though I wasn't right there with them. Looking forward to what she comes out with next!
May 29, 2018
Fantastic story. This is the dystopian YA Western that you never knew you were missing. I fell in love with Seph and Avery, and didn't want to leave them when the story ended. Can't wait to read more from Gwen Cole!
May 17, 2018
Book Info
Hardcover, 240 pages
Expected publication: May 22nd 2018 by Sky Pony Press
ISBN 1510729933 (ISBN13: 9781510729933)
Other Editions (1)
Source:Netgalley EARC
Buy book from
Amazon
B&N
The law can't help her. But one outlaw can.
In the near post-apocalyptic future, the skies are always gray and people are constantly searching for the sun. For teenage outlaw Seph, it’s the only world he’s ever known. With his horse, his favorite pistol, and his knowledge for survival passed down from his dead father, Seph knows it’s safer to be alone. But after a run-in with a local gang that call themselves the Lawmen, and having been wrongly accused of murder, Seph teams up with Avery—a determined girl whose twin brother has been taken by the same gang.
After living in a small, rundown town her whole life, Avery knows nothing of the Wild—the lands controlled by nobody where travel is risky. With Seph’s help, they track down her brother but quickly find the tables have turned and they are now the ones being hunted. With rumors of mysterious dangers to the south and a safe sanctuary to the west, they’ve only got one option, but getting there won’t be easy with the Lawmen on their trail. The only thing that matters in the Wild is how fast your trigger hand is, but Seph doesn’t know if his will be fast enough to save them all.
The major difference between Avery and Seph's characters was their upbringing.
Avery was brought up amongst a community of people so she was used to living in a town within a group of others.
Seth however was basically raised to be a rolling stone. Having seen his father murdered in front of him and left an orphan at the age of 9 the life he lived after that was filled with the struggle of surviving on his own one day at a time. As he got older he found skill with a gun and made a horse he named Cade his traveling companion, literally Cade was his best as well as only friend for years.
When he and Avery were thrown together his life changed in ways he was not prepared for, yet at some point the possibilities he had never thought about became all he wanted.
Those possibilities revolved around Avery herself. The very thought of her was all Seph needed to make his heart race in a way it never had and the sight of her caused his to want to smile or laugh, reactions which also were alien to the young man.
Avery also felt strangely connected to Seph almost from the first. On their journey together those feelings grew for the pair until love was no longer a mystery to either one, a love strong enough on Avery's part it made the sibling bond with her twin brother Finn pale in comparison.
The quest these two undertook was filled with many dangers, not the least of which came from of all things the red bandana of his fathers that Seph innocently wore around his wrist.
What a roller coaster read to lose oneself in!
This book encompassed my favorites, apocalyptic atmosphere and surroundings, dystopian world, wild west feel all adding up to an addictive read that was hard to put down and will stick with me a while.
I would love to read more about these characters and the world they inhabit.
Hardcover, 240 pages
Expected publication: May 22nd 2018 by Sky Pony Press
ISBN 1510729933 (ISBN13: 9781510729933)
Other Editions (1)
Source:Netgalley EARC
Buy book from
Amazon
B&N
BOOK BLURB
The law can't help her. But one outlaw can.
In the near post-apocalyptic future, the skies are always gray and people are constantly searching for the sun. For teenage outlaw Seph, it’s the only world he’s ever known. With his horse, his favorite pistol, and his knowledge for survival passed down from his dead father, Seph knows it’s safer to be alone. But after a run-in with a local gang that call themselves the Lawmen, and having been wrongly accused of murder, Seph teams up with Avery—a determined girl whose twin brother has been taken by the same gang.
After living in a small, rundown town her whole life, Avery knows nothing of the Wild—the lands controlled by nobody where travel is risky. With Seph’s help, they track down her brother but quickly find the tables have turned and they are now the ones being hunted. With rumors of mysterious dangers to the south and a safe sanctuary to the west, they’ve only got one option, but getting there won’t be easy with the Lawmen on their trail. The only thing that matters in the Wild is how fast your trigger hand is, but Seph doesn’t know if his will be fast enough to save them all.
My Thoughts
The major difference between Avery and Seph's characters was their upbringing.
Avery was brought up amongst a community of people so she was used to living in a town within a group of others.
Seth however was basically raised to be a rolling stone. Having seen his father murdered in front of him and left an orphan at the age of 9 the life he lived after that was filled with the struggle of surviving on his own one day at a time. As he got older he found skill with a gun and made a horse he named Cade his traveling companion, literally Cade was his best as well as only friend for years.
When he and Avery were thrown together his life changed in ways he was not prepared for, yet at some point the possibilities he had never thought about became all he wanted.
Those possibilities revolved around Avery herself. The very thought of her was all Seph needed to make his heart race in a way it never had and the sight of her caused his to want to smile or laugh, reactions which also were alien to the young man.
Avery also felt strangely connected to Seph almost from the first. On their journey together those feelings grew for the pair until love was no longer a mystery to either one, a love strong enough on Avery's part it made the sibling bond with her twin brother Finn pale in comparison.
The quest these two undertook was filled with many dangers, not the least of which came from of all things the red bandana of his fathers that Seph innocently wore around his wrist.
What a roller coaster read to lose oneself in!
This book encompassed my favorites, apocalyptic atmosphere and surroundings, dystopian world, wild west feel all adding up to an addictive read that was hard to put down and will stick with me a while.
I would love to read more about these characters and the world they inhabit.
[EArc from Netgalley]
March 12, 2018
Gwen Cole delivers a fantastic post-apocalyptic western with her new novel Ride On. Westerns need to strike a specific tone. Wouldn't be difficult for the sci-fi nature of the book to overpower that tone, but Gwen gets it just right. The world-building is perfect, and the little details are the things that make the setting work. The idea that more people might wear baseball caps instead of the stereotypical cowboy hatwear makes perfect sense (don't worry, there’s some more traditional western hat wear in there, too).
And true to any western worth its salt, Ride On delivers plenty of exciting gun fights.
The book is written in first person and flips between Avery and Seph. They're both very likable characters and provide very different insights into this future world. Seph embodies the lone wolf, travelling from town to town as he searches for the ocean. Avery has spent her entire life living in the same place, a mining town that's dying. Events force Avery on the run, and as you might expect, she eventually meets Seph. They play off each other well, and the relationship between them develops at a natural pace (no instalove here). Even better, while Seph is a badass, so is Avery. Avery is not rescue bait waiting for Seph's heroics. The book moves at a great pace as it is, but it really takes off once these two cross paths.
The story takes some unexpected turns. I also really love the way Gwen gives each character an arc, many of which surprised me. Ride On stands on its own, but I'd love to take another ride in this world Gwen has created.
And true to any western worth its salt, Ride On delivers plenty of exciting gun fights.
The book is written in first person and flips between Avery and Seph. They're both very likable characters and provide very different insights into this future world. Seph embodies the lone wolf, travelling from town to town as he searches for the ocean. Avery has spent her entire life living in the same place, a mining town that's dying. Events force Avery on the run, and as you might expect, she eventually meets Seph. They play off each other well, and the relationship between them develops at a natural pace (no instalove here). Even better, while Seph is a badass, so is Avery. Avery is not rescue bait waiting for Seph's heroics. The book moves at a great pace as it is, but it really takes off once these two cross paths.
The story takes some unexpected turns. I also really love the way Gwen gives each character an arc, many of which surprised me. Ride On stands on its own, but I'd love to take another ride in this world Gwen has created.
July 1, 2018
ARC provided by the publisher and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review!
--3/5 stars--
This book has honestly made me want to pick up more westerns to read, and I don't say that lightly. I've always thought the western genre was very...bland and predictable, and more than a little repetitive, but I feel this book has turned those feelings around. Maybe it's because both the main characters--Seph and Avery--were incredibly well fleshed-out and believable, and you are constantly reminded of the importance of the setting (but not so much that it's annoying).
Anyway, I'm going to keep this short, as the book is a really quick read as well, and just say that you should probably read this if you're looking for a western that isn't just all about the lawful-good Sheriff trying to get rid of his town's chaotic-evil gang.
--3/5 stars--
This book has honestly made me want to pick up more westerns to read, and I don't say that lightly. I've always thought the western genre was very...bland and predictable, and more than a little repetitive, but I feel this book has turned those feelings around. Maybe it's because both the main characters--Seph and Avery--were incredibly well fleshed-out and believable, and you are constantly reminded of the importance of the setting (but not so much that it's annoying).
Anyway, I'm going to keep this short, as the book is a really quick read as well, and just say that you should probably read this if you're looking for a western that isn't just all about the lawful-good Sheriff trying to get rid of his town's chaotic-evil gang.
January 27, 2018
#Edelweiss #RideOn #2018 #Westerns
I am not a fan of westerns, but after reading the synopsis I though what they hey. Seph and Avery rotate as narrators of the novel. Seph has a unsure quality about himself. It plays well against Avery and her temperament. The story is well written and the characters are young and learning about life in a hard world. I think teens will enjoy this book just because its a western.
I am not a fan of westerns, but after reading the synopsis I though what they hey. Seph and Avery rotate as narrators of the novel. Seph has a unsure quality about himself. It plays well against Avery and her temperament. The story is well written and the characters are young and learning about life in a hard world. I think teens will enjoy this book just because its a western.
April 9, 2018
Gwen Cole's second novel, RIDE ON, is a skillfully blended futuristic/dystopian/Wild Western eco-fiction for young adults. Set on the barren dusty plains of Texas - think BLOOD RED ROAD meets TRUE GRIT - Cole celebrates the beauty of alone-ness, of friendships, of sibling relationships and (spoiler alert!) of first love. A thrilling ride!
June 26, 2018
A heart pounding action, futuristic, western adventure, that I didn’t want to put down!
This book is easily a 2018 favorite for me, for a number of reasons; one, I have followed Gwen Cole since our Inkpop beginnings, two, I absolutely LOVE anything Gwen writes, and three, this book is so worthy of love and praise!
I only started this book a few days ago. Between me working and other things, I hardly have time to sit down and read-read, but I found every opportunity to get my nose in this book! It’s a been a while since a book has done this to me!
The plot is brilliantly original: western with a mix of dystopian? Hello, automatic read for me! The Lawmen, gangs, and the cannibals (helloooo, Hills Have Eyes), made this book so heart pounding/stopping that sometimes I had to back away for a jig and start over. I love how this story has many antagonistic forces, which makes our protagonist grow more and fight harder. With each event, emotions become more highlighted and poignant, that it takes my breath away!
And the world building! It’s such an interesting concept of a future where hardly anyone knows what the sky looks like, or have rarely seen plant life. It’s such an ingenious plot. I was so engrossed in the world building that I was itching to discover more.
What really impressed me about this book is the character development for both Seph (love the name by the way) and Avery. Both are still the same characters by the end, but changed in more ways and one. Gwen always had the ability to blow me away with her knack of character development. She literally, perfectly jam pack development that you instantly know this character out from a sea of others. They are design so vividly and portrayed so well.
Seph, the cowboy without a cause, only to be free and was satisfied with a horse and the open land. He struggled with his identity as an “outlaw” and the fact that the Wild has affected him in the years he had been alone. I love his character so much because he’s so raw and real, and I feel his struggle.
Avery, the townie who both yearned for safety and adventure, but ends up finding a bit of both. She’s a butt kicking character that I admire most. She was strong when she could, but tender in the moments that called for it. She’s not like an unstoppable character with unrealistic abilities, but a REAL character that knows when help is needed and when it should be taken.
Although I feel this book is pretty much tied up and done, I find myself yearning for a sequel in this world Gwen created. But I’m satisfied where she leaves it. Always best to leave a reader wanting more, that’s when you know you accomplished something great. And Gwen has, she has accomplished something extremely GREAT with Ride On.
Keep up the wonderful, brilliant work, Gwen!
This book is easily a 2018 favorite for me, for a number of reasons; one, I have followed Gwen Cole since our Inkpop beginnings, two, I absolutely LOVE anything Gwen writes, and three, this book is so worthy of love and praise!
I only started this book a few days ago. Between me working and other things, I hardly have time to sit down and read-read, but I found every opportunity to get my nose in this book! It’s a been a while since a book has done this to me!
The plot is brilliantly original: western with a mix of dystopian? Hello, automatic read for me! The Lawmen, gangs, and the cannibals (helloooo, Hills Have Eyes), made this book so heart pounding/stopping that sometimes I had to back away for a jig and start over. I love how this story has many antagonistic forces, which makes our protagonist grow more and fight harder. With each event, emotions become more highlighted and poignant, that it takes my breath away!
And the world building! It’s such an interesting concept of a future where hardly anyone knows what the sky looks like, or have rarely seen plant life. It’s such an ingenious plot. I was so engrossed in the world building that I was itching to discover more.
What really impressed me about this book is the character development for both Seph (love the name by the way) and Avery. Both are still the same characters by the end, but changed in more ways and one. Gwen always had the ability to blow me away with her knack of character development. She literally, perfectly jam pack development that you instantly know this character out from a sea of others. They are design so vividly and portrayed so well.
Seph, the cowboy without a cause, only to be free and was satisfied with a horse and the open land. He struggled with his identity as an “outlaw” and the fact that the Wild has affected him in the years he had been alone. I love his character so much because he’s so raw and real, and I feel his struggle.
Avery, the townie who both yearned for safety and adventure, but ends up finding a bit of both. She’s a butt kicking character that I admire most. She was strong when she could, but tender in the moments that called for it. She’s not like an unstoppable character with unrealistic abilities, but a REAL character that knows when help is needed and when it should be taken.
Although I feel this book is pretty much tied up and done, I find myself yearning for a sequel in this world Gwen created. But I’m satisfied where she leaves it. Always best to leave a reader wanting more, that’s when you know you accomplished something great. And Gwen has, she has accomplished something extremely GREAT with Ride On.
Keep up the wonderful, brilliant work, Gwen!
October 8, 2018
I read this for my book club and I thought that it was a really quick and fun read!
I really enjoyed the characters in this, Cole did a good job at creating people that represent the different reactions to the "end" or drastic change in the world. Cole included those who sought power and created new laws (for better or worse), those who went seeking that which they lost, and those who just tried to take one day at a time and survive. I found Seph to be the most interesting as the effects of being alone for so many years really showed, he had major claustrophobia, would get lost in his head, and even had a nervous tick. I really liked that he wasn't this perfect survivor in this world, it had really taken its hold on him. The relationship of Avery and Seph was nice because it was a good example of two people being imperfect alone but filling each other's needs when together.
The one thing that caused me to knock a star off is that I felt the plot got repetitive at times and that a lot of the problems got fixed really quickly. I get that this world is dangerous and things happen but it was a a lot of cycling of problem and resolution and I often felt the resolutions came way to quickly and easily. It actually got to the point where I wasn't even worried about certain problems because I knew they would be resolved within the next few pages.
Recommended for those who like the wild west, finding hope in a bleak world, and characters that are not all there but so much more interesting for it.
I really enjoyed the characters in this, Cole did a good job at creating people that represent the different reactions to the "end" or drastic change in the world. Cole included those who sought power and created new laws (for better or worse), those who went seeking that which they lost, and those who just tried to take one day at a time and survive. I found Seph to be the most interesting as the effects of being alone for so many years really showed, he had major claustrophobia, would get lost in his head, and even had a nervous tick. I really liked that he wasn't this perfect survivor in this world, it had really taken its hold on him. The relationship of Avery and Seph was nice because it was a good example of two people being imperfect alone but filling each other's needs when together.
The one thing that caused me to knock a star off is that I felt the plot got repetitive at times and that a lot of the problems got fixed really quickly. I get that this world is dangerous and things happen but it was a a lot of cycling of problem and resolution and I often felt the resolutions came way to quickly and easily. It actually got to the point where I wasn't even worried about certain problems because I knew they would be resolved within the next few pages.
Recommended for those who like the wild west, finding hope in a bleak world, and characters that are not all there but so much more interesting for it.
June 19, 2018
“Ride on, ride on…” His father’s last slurred words before he was killed by ruthless bandits, Seph is a boy on the run with nothing but his horse and his wits to rely on. With the earth nearly too harsh for humans to live on, and the sky a deep cloudy gray almost black all the time, and food nearly impossible to come by…the wild west is a harsh, unforgiving place for those with weak hearts and weak wills. Seph is determined to find someplace safe that he can call his own, and live the remainder of his life. He doesn’t want revenge, but he wouldn’t hesitate to kill the man that killed his father either.
Avery wants the same thing as Seph; a place that doesn’t have killers or robbers or anyone else with an attitude of ‘kill or be killed’. She wants her family safe, and if that means working every day then so be it. She’s a kind soul, but also a ruthless one when it comes to survival.
So unfolds a hard young adult western novel that features two different character POVs, and their exciting adventures. At times, there was so much bloodshed that I almost didn’t bother finishing the book, but I was curious to see where the characters would go from there. Fans of the adult tv show Westworld might really enjoy this one; while there aren’t as many shocking plot twists, it’s still a dark western filled with survival, blood, and a unique world that’s seen better days.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, though there were several characters that I found aggravating and wanted gone. I loved the horses, the gun fights, the characters. The writing was fast paced, and every chapter delivered a scene that had me hooked. It was a pretty awesome book, and I can’t believe that I waited as long as I did to read and review this.
Between the two characters, I’m sure you’ll enjoy the story as it plays out. There’s plenty of action, adventure, and survival within this dark ya western novel that will surprise you and make you think of the future, and how things can turn out if we don’t start taking better care of the planet that we live on.
In the end, I give this book 4/5 stars, because there were times when I thought seriously of quitting reading, due to its violence. Aside from that, I rather liked it.
{Review also posted on my blog}
Avery wants the same thing as Seph; a place that doesn’t have killers or robbers or anyone else with an attitude of ‘kill or be killed’. She wants her family safe, and if that means working every day then so be it. She’s a kind soul, but also a ruthless one when it comes to survival.
So unfolds a hard young adult western novel that features two different character POVs, and their exciting adventures. At times, there was so much bloodshed that I almost didn’t bother finishing the book, but I was curious to see where the characters would go from there. Fans of the adult tv show Westworld might really enjoy this one; while there aren’t as many shocking plot twists, it’s still a dark western filled with survival, blood, and a unique world that’s seen better days.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, though there were several characters that I found aggravating and wanted gone. I loved the horses, the gun fights, the characters. The writing was fast paced, and every chapter delivered a scene that had me hooked. It was a pretty awesome book, and I can’t believe that I waited as long as I did to read and review this.
Between the two characters, I’m sure you’ll enjoy the story as it plays out. There’s plenty of action, adventure, and survival within this dark ya western novel that will surprise you and make you think of the future, and how things can turn out if we don’t start taking better care of the planet that we live on.
In the end, I give this book 4/5 stars, because there were times when I thought seriously of quitting reading, due to its violence. Aside from that, I rather liked it.
{Review also posted on my blog}
June 7, 2018
I’ve now read both of Cole’s books and loved them both. She does such a good job of developing her characters and the world they live in that it’s not difficult to imagine being there with them. The story is a wild ride through the “Old... new Wild West” filled with gritty characters and the interaction between good, bad, and moral ambiguity. I loved every bit of the story, the characters, and everything in between. I can’t wait to read more by Cole.
October 13, 2018
The author does a good job of alternating between the point of view of Seph and Avery. You can really tell the difference between the characters. Being a futuristic post-apocalyptic western, it’s different than my normal read but I like a good story and this is a good story!
August 22, 2022
YALL I genuinely thought he was gonna die. Boi was like "Oh I guess I'm dying but I don't actually wanna die anymore bc Avery." Marshall is just yes<333 I didn't cry that much surprisingly but YALL it was SOOO good. Read it. Gwen Cole can have a cat and a cookies and cream Hershey's bar.
August 31, 2018
Another great western-dystopian book that I really enjoyed. Told from two points of view (teens Seph and Avery), they describe a gray world that's changed from their parent's time of blue skies and green grass. Cannibalistic gangs, gangs of "Lawmen" and other ruthless people make the lives of towns people even harder than the physical climate they all live in. At age 9, Seph witnessed his father's murder and since then, roamed the Wild searching for blue skies. Avery's twin brother Finn is captured by the Lawmen and with Seph's help, she tracks down Finn to save him. Along the way, Seph and Avery grow closer trying to find the best pieces of a hard life. I've never read a book by Gwen Cole but Ride On clinched her as an author to follow in my view. Seph and Avery's characters were deep and quiet ones that makes me want to know more of their future or the world they live in.
April 23, 2023
I’m in love with everything about this book. Full review to come
July 8, 2024
It was very good, the characters were great.
February 11, 2025
Definitely one of my top 5 all time favorites, I’ve probably re-read it 8 times now. One of the first ones I pick up to get me back into reading
September 6, 2018
This second book from the author is just as good as her first. A western dystopia where a girl must travel with a newly found friend to save her brother. I love these types of travel adventure books!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews