The Merciless Prairie

By: Cole Matthews

Narrated by: Michael Dukes

Length: 3 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

When the land goes bad, men turn sour and mean...and that is just what happens to Vale Tanner, a poor Texas cattle rancher who is watching his cattle die in an unrelenting drought. With his mentor, Red Bailey, the two manage to move the few head that have survived, finding a lush valley where they can graze. But all is not what it seems in this area, as the man who owns the land is scheming and stealing from others. As this merciless prairie tries to take his cattle, Vale’s past and present collide in a hail of betrayal, love lost, bullets, cattle theft, and more.

©2018 Cole Matthews (P)2019 Wordwooze Publishing

more lawlessness in the west

Sally was a harlot of the prarie who caused a great deal of trouble. Her and her family exhibited some of the worst cheating, lying ,
and backstabbing in the story. Killing was an inconsequential side effect. It seems it was easier to steal and cheat than work for what you need. The sheriff was corrupt and tried to cover up his faux pax too. Smh. I voluntarily listened to a free copy of this and am giving an honest review. The narrator did a good job .

Solid traditional western

I love a good western, and The Merciless Prairie delivers on classic themes and archetypes without being cliche. The struggle to save a cattle herd from severe drought and the fight to overcome cattle thieves worked well for me. Would make a great first western story for someone new to the genre.

Oh bury me not, on the merciless prairie

"The Merciless Prairie" by Cole Matthews, narrated by Michael Dukes, is a gripping audiobook that transports listeners to the unforgiving Texas cattle ranching world during a devastating drought.

The story revolves around Vale Tanner, a poor rancher facing the brunt of the merciless prairie's cruelty, characterized by relentless droughts and barren landscapes. The opening scenes set the stage for the harsh realities of life on the ranch, a place where only the toughest can survive. Matthews crafts a vivid portrayal of the Texan landscape, immersing the audience in the vivid descriptions of the scorching sun, parched earth, and dwindling cattle herds.

What stands out in "The Merciless Prairie" is the thematic exploration of the effects of a harsh environment on the human psyche. It's not just the land that goes bad; it's the people, too. As Vale Tanner grapples with the looming threat of losing his cattle, we witness the transformation of a man who is pushed to his limits. This transformation is gradual and meticulously portrayed by Matthews, and it keeps you engaged as you witness the evolution of Vale's character.

The audiobook delves into the complexity of human relationships, with Vale's mentor, Red Bailey, providing a strong contrast to the greed and duplicity of the surrounding characters. This dynamic adds depth to the story, showcasing the power of loyalty and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

"The Merciless Prairie" isn't just about the harshness of nature but also the ruthless actions of men. As Vale and Red stumble upon a lush valley, they find themselves caught in a web of deceit spun by the landowner, whose schemes include cattle theft and betrayal. This plot twist injects suspense and intrigue into the story, creating a constant sense of tension that keeps the listener on the edge of their seat.

The audiobook beautifully juxtaposes the past and the present, interweaving Vale's history with his current predicament. It's a narrative technique that enriches the storytelling, revealing secrets, and buried emotions that further deepen the characters. Matthews skillfully brings these elements together, crafting a layered narrative that is both captivating and thought-provoking.

Now, let's talk about Michael Dukes' narration. Dukes does a commendable job in bringing this tale to life. His narration is steady and clear, allowing the listener to follow the story without any distractions. While not lavish, his performance is engaging, effectively conveying the emotions and nuances of the characters. Dukes' ability to capture the essence of the characters adds depth to the story, making it a more enjoyable listening experience.

The writing style in "The Merciless Prairie" is evocative and immersive. Cole Matthews has a way of describing the Texan landscape and its harsh beauty that is both poignant and vivid. It's not overly embellished but still manages to paint a clear picture in the listener's mind, making the setting an integral part of the story. This skillful portrayal of the environment enhances the audiobook's overall atmosphere, making you feel as if you're right there on the prairie alongside Vale Tanner.

The pacing of the story is well-maintained, allowing for a smooth flow of events. While the story covers a range of emotions, from betrayal to love lost and even moments of violence, Matthews handles them with a balanced approach that ensures the narrative remains coherent and engaging. There are no unnecessary digressions, and the plot moves forward with purpose.

"The Merciless Prairie" is a captivating audiobook that excels in immersing the listener in the harsh and unforgiving world of Texas cattle ranching. Cole Matthews' storytelling is rich in detail and emotional depth, with themes that explore the impact of an unforgiving environment on the human spirit. Michael Dukes' narration, while not lavish, is effective in bringing the characters to life. Overall, this audiobook is a well-crafted tale of survival, betrayal, and the enduring strength of the human spirit, making it a compelling listen for fans of Western fiction and those who appreciate a well-told story.

Great Listen!

If you like westerns, this one is for you! Plenty of action with thieves, shooters, and good guys verses the bad guys. Michael Dukes was a great narrator for this one.

Enjoyable historical western

The Merciless Prairie
By: Cole Matthews
Narrated by: Michael Dukes












4 STARS


A short historical western set during a drought. Lively characters living the best they can. Surprises keep things interesting. An enjoyable listen.




The narration was done by Michael Dukes. His voice was great for this genre.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.