Out West

Rating:
Summary: A dark, subtle novel.
Review: .... This novel is on the dark side--think film noir--but it is far from stereotypically so. The characters are compelling and complex, and the narrative, while not fast-paced, moves forward steadily, even inevitably, and certainly held my interest. This novel will be appreciated by anyone with a postmodern bent.

Rating:
Summary: A poorly written, poorly conceived novel.
Review: One-dimensional characters. A flimsy plot that lacks the shading of true noir. Writing that is both trite and dull. While Mr. Leebron seems to have some skill, I'm afraid his writing is so mannered that even the most interesting premises fall flat.

Rating:
Summary: It's a book.
Review: While occasionally interesting, Out West suffers greatly from the fact that it never generates any real feelings or compassion/distaste towards the protagonists, by either the narrator or reader. Their relationship seems TV drama-stilted at best, and since story revolves exclusively around them, Leebron never builds momentum for what could have a been a semi-appealing story.