Solo is a compelling story, which incorporates the timeless concept of an evil step-mother with the setting of the frontier west. Author Teutonico sets a historic timeframe, when resource disputes with your neighbors could end in shooting wars. Furthermore, the core of the story is factual, which lends a sense of verisimilitude to the proceedings.
The story has its fits and starts, and the characterization could have gone deeper. I would have welcomed more insight into the step-mother’s motivations, as one example. For a book targeted for youth consumption, however, it is probably appropriate. It ends abruptly, with a very short denouement, more resolution details would have gone down well.
I rate Solo 3.5 stars, based on the FCP Review Standards. (rounded up to 4 for Amazon)
Image by SEBASTIEN MARTY from Pixabay