Book Recommendation: The Witch of Hobomock Pass by Michael F. Kane

This is a little new for me, but I am recommending a book that has not technically come out yet. I had the pleasure of reading an advance reader copy of the upcoming book The Witch of Hobomock Pass by Michael F. Kane, and let me tell you I had a great time with it, and I am really looking forward to its release. And I think you’d enjoy it as well.

This is the beginning of a new series from Kane, and is a departure from his first series, After Moses, a sci-fi western. (The first book of the series, I have read and recommend. I plan on reading the rest when I get the opportunity.) This book is more of a flintlock fantasy Americana book, of which the world needs much more.

The book is set in a fantasy version of the United States called Columbia, and primarily follows the young son of a general who has been tasked with opening up the Interior of the continent after the war securing independence from the Europan (as they are called in this world) powers. But as this military contingent begins to cross the Occidental Mountains (their version of the Appalachians) they begin to encounter new and strange beasts and peoples, inspired by early American history and folklore.

This book was a fun, engaging read, and is essentially a coming-of-age story for the main character, John. The suspense and action of the book is gripping and well-paced. I had a fantastic time reading this book. While it is different in many respects, I got a Johnny Tremain feel to it, in the sense of seeing an 18th-century world from the eyes of a kid coming into adulthood. This book would be perfect for the young preteen boy (or older) in your life looking for positive stories with mystery and adventure.

Kane is currently running a Kickstarter to fund illustrations for a print run of this book. If you’re at all interested, you can support him now, and get a copy of a great book in the process.