In the realm of horror fiction, few sequels manage to capture the essence of their predecessors while expanding upon their lore. Eric Red’s “The Wolves of El Diablo,” the second installment in “The Men Who Walk Like Wolves” series, does just that, delivering a narrative that is both familiar and fresh.
The novel picks up where “The Guns of Santa Sangre” left off, with our trio of antiheroes – Tucker, Fix, and Bodie – embarking on a new adventure in the badlands of El Diablo. The outlaws find themselves robbing a Federale steam train laden with a fortune in silver bars. However, their heist is derailed when a vengeful werewoman, Azul, seeking retribution for her brother’s death, leads a ferocious pack of fifty werewolves in an assault on the train.
Trapped on a high-speed train in the middle of the desert, the outlaws must confront the bloodthirsty gang of wolfmen. The stakes are higher, the action more intense, and the enemies more formidable. Red’s narrative is a thrilling ride, blending the dusty atmosphere of a Western with the visceral terror of a horror story.
The novel has been praised for its relentless pace and action-packed sequences. Critics have noted that while the writing may not be profound, the pulp sensibility and excitement of the story make for a fun and engaging read. The setting of the Mexican desert and the interspersion of Spanish dialogue contribute to the spaghetti Western feel, while the presence of werewolves adds a unique twist to the genre.
The characters, particularly the two female leads, Pilar and Azul, steal the show with their bravery and ferocity. Pilar stands alongside the cowboys in battle, while Azul, as the leader of the werewolves, is a force to be reckoned with. The dynamic between the characters and the unfolding drama keeps the reader invested in their fates.
As the day fades and the moon rises, the tension builds to a crescendo, culminating in a showdown that is both bloody and exhilarating. The use of silver bullets against the werewolves injects traditional lore into the narrative, satisfying fans of classic horror.
“The Wolves of El Diablo” is a testament to Red’s ability to fuse genres, creating a Western-horror hybrid that is both entertaining and innovative. It’s a novel that doesn’t shy away from gore and action, delivering a story that is as much about survival as it is about the clash between man and monster.
In conclusion, Eric Red’s “The Wolves of El Diablo” is a must-read for those who enjoy a good Western, a touch of horror, or simply a well-told tale of outlaws and werewolves. With its fast-paced action and unique setting, it’s a novel that howls with intensity and bites with excitement.
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The Wolves Of El Diablo (The Men Who Walk Like Wolves #2) by Eric Red | Goodreads
