One month from it July publication, Josh Rountree’s debut novel THE LEGEND OF CHARLIE FISH generates rave reviews from Gary K Wolfe for Locus, The Book on the High Shelf, Book Reviews Forevermore, and Speculiction. At Paper Cuts, C. S. Humble includes the book within 50 Books You Should Read to Become a Better Writer.

THE LEGEND OF CHARLIE FISH is available for pre-order directly from Tachyon and all finer booksellers.

Rountree’s description of the storm is nothing less than harrowing, and the whole affair is framed by chapters narrated by an older Nellie in 1932, as another hurricane approaches. Her voice, which is that of a resourceful and scrappy teenager filtered through the memories of the haunted survivor she has become, lends a surprising resonance to a tale that is more complex than it at first seems.

Locus

In addition to the chapter structure, the stakes and anticipation steadily rise as the little family is pursued by Finn and Jim, and Galveston city is under threat from a storm that only gets worse and worse. Their story is captivating enough, but add in the backdrop of the Great Storm, the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history, and you’ve got a real nail-biter. While I really appreciate the technical aspects and construction of the story, what I love most of all is how well it reads, how fast I care about the characters, and how the story sweeps me away.

Highly recommended for my fellow Texans, but also for western and literary fantasy fans!

The Book on the High Shelf

The characters really came to life, even the ones we love to hate. I felt like I was watching the scenes in person. The plotting, perhaps, was the least strong aspect, as it was largely predictable until the ending. The emotional content and build was spot-on. There are a couple of fun moments that flavor that tension perfectly.

Book Reviews Forevermore

In the end, The Legend of Charlie Fish is an enjoyable paradox in that it tells a tall tale on top of real-world catastrophe. The effect is to make the catastrophe all the more catastrophic—to give its legend more awe and revere. Rountree’s style is solid, taking readers on a tight, well crafted journey to get to the catastrophe. While I personally wish he had inserted a little more Texas into the proceedings, there are zero problems engaging with what’s on the page for a bit of light, legend making.

Speculiction

The Legend of Charlie Fish – Josh Rountree
How to seamlessly blend a normal genre into the weird.

50 Books You Should Read to Become a Better Writer