Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi, Western, Romance
LGBTQ+ Category: Gay, Trans FTM
Reviewer: Maryann
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About The Book
On a hot summer night, something enormous screams down from the sky and pierces into the desert not far from the small town of Farchapel. The stories that trickle back from the crater are strange indeed-those who find it and return claim to be forever changed, transformed into the better, ideal versions of themselves they’ve always wished to achieve.
Jamie, recent mysterious visitor in town, is a man on the run, all too eager to escape his current form no matter the cost. Sidney, local drunk, would rather face a hole in the ground than the things he’s done. As the two men venture into the desert canyons in search of their better selves, they soon discover that what hides there is much more terrible-and eager to lure them in.
The Review
Farchapel is a small western town where nothing exciting ever happens. Then on August 5th, three odd events took place, and something fell from the sky to disturb this little town.
Curiosity grew among Farchapel’s townsfolk. Three of the sheriffs men were sent to investigate. One of these men was the Sheriff’s son. The men headed out and rode East toward the canyon.
Three days later, the Sheriff’s son walks back into town alone, acting as if nothing happened. He had no voice to answer questions, or to explain. He writes his father a letter, and the only other person he mentions is Ms. Lillie, who works at the general store. The next morning he leaves town, headed north.
A rescue party is sent for the missing men. The only thing that they find are the men’s horses, still saddled and unharmed. But the horses are panicked, fearful, and uncontrollable, and there’s only one thing that can give them peace.
Then old Mrs. Marshe goes missing. On the second day she returns, well and unharmed, but she has a peculiar message which fuels a new rumor.
As the strangeness continues, the Sheriff lays down the law. No one else is to enter the canyon.
Eight days later, two men come to Farchapel from opposite directions. Their paths cross as they journey towards the canyon.
Jamie Summers and his palomino leave the B&B where he’s been staying. He’s a lonely man and always felt invisible. No one will accept him for what he is. He has a secret, and it’s why he needs to make this journey to the canyon.
Sydney Pace is labeled a gunslinger, known for being trouble in the small town. He’s not proud of what he’s done, and lives in a bottle. Traveling on his feisty horse Roscoe, he’ll go into the canyon looking for change, or the end.
Neither Jamie and Sydney realize that they have something in common.When they enter the canyon they discover the unbelievable. Although they help each other, they do not see eye to eye, and it leads to a brawling fist fight. They don’t trust each other, or understand the thing they have discovered.
What are these two men chasing? A dream? A miracle? A legend? Or the desire for things they shouldn’t have? Will Sydney and Jamie find a way to help each other? Will they survive what they find, or die trying?
Meester has penned a tale of terror and gore in The Flesh Inherent. It’s clearly written and an easy read, filled with action, twisted dream sequences, and horror. It will keep you turning pages until the very end – on-the-edge suspenseful and terrifying.
Jamie Summers and Sydney Pace are both very likable characters. Both come to this tale with their own problems and want to find ways to make amends. They think this strange occurrence in the canyon will help them solve their issues.
The Flesh Inherent is a fantastic debut, an interesting blend of romance, gore, and western horror. I would be love to see what other stories Meester chooses to write.
The Reviewer
Hi, I’m Maryann, I started life in New York, moved to New Hampshire and in 1965 uprooted again to Sacramento, California. Once I retired I moved to West Palm Beach, Florida in 2011 and just moved back to Sacramento in March of 2018. My son, his wife and step-daughter flew out to Florida and we road tripped back so they got to see sights they have never seen. New Orleans and the Grand Canyon were the highlights. Now I am back on the west coast again to stay! From a young age Ialways liked to read.
I remember going to the library and reading the “Doctor Dolittle” books by Hugh Lofting. Much later on became a big fan of the classics, Edgar Alan Poe, Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker and as time went by Agatha Christie, Ray Bradbury and Stephen Kingand many other authors.
My first M/M shifter book I read was written by Jan Irving the “Uncommon Cowboys” series from 2012. She was the first author I ever contacted and sent an email to letting her know how much I liked this series. Sometime along the way I read “Zero to the Bone”by Jane Seville, I think just about everyone has read this book!
As it stands right now I’m really into mysteries, grit, gore and “triggers” don’t bother me. But if a blurb piques my interest I will read the book.
My kindle collection eclectic and over three thousand books and my Audible collection is slowly growing. I have both the kindle and audible apps on my ipod, ipads, and MAC. So there is never an excuse not to be listening or reading.
I joined Goodreads around 2012 and started posting reviews. One day a wonderful lady, Lisa Horan of The Novel Approach, sent me an email to see if I wanted to join her review group. Joining her site was such an eye opener. I got introduce to so many new authors that write for the LGBTQ genre. Needless to say, it was heart breaking when it ended.
But I found a really great site, QRI and it’s right here in Sacramento. Last year at QSAC I actually got to meet Scott Coatsworth, Amy Lane and Jeff Adams.