Lila Bowen’s debut novel, Wake of Vultures, introduces Nettie Lonesome, a young woman disguised as a man working on a remote Texas ranch in an alternate 1800s. This Western-fantasy blend features a world populated not only with cowboys and outlaws but also with monstrous creatures drawn from Indigenous American folklore. Nettie, grappling with a mixed-race heritage and a challenging upbringing, discovers unexpected abilities that thrust her into a conflict far greater than she could have imagined.
The novel’s significance lies in its fresh perspective on the Western genre, challenging conventional tropes by centering a complex, marginalized protagonist. By incorporating elements of fantasy and folklore, the narrative explores themes of identity, survival, and the power of embracing one’s heritage. Published in 2016, it marked the beginning of Bowen’s “Trail of Lightning” trilogy, which has garnered critical acclaim for its unique world-building and compelling characters.
