Possibly my favorite series

STORY (Western fiction) - It's strange. This series is full of cowboys, Indians, bank robbers, cattle rustlers -- totally NOT what I look for in a movie or a book. But it's such an easy listen and the characters are so endearing that I just love rambling along the wild west with these guys.

The Hondo Kid is Book 2 and introduces Cody Cordell, the younger brother of Buck, who was the main character in Book 1. Neither brother knows the other is still alive after their parents were killed by Indians. Cody, a teenager, must grow up quickly on his own and somehow manages to gain a reputation as a gunfighter called "The Hondo Kid." About the first third of the book is Cody's story, but the rest alternates between Cody and Buck, whose cattle ranch is having legendary success.

There's lots of western action with hangings, shootouts, etc., but the author doesn't dwell on the violence or blood. There's some romance but no sex or foul language, so this would make a good family listen. You should hear these books in order, as each picks up where the previous one ends. I look forward to Book 3.

PERFORMANCE - Good job. The narrator does lots of "cowboy" voices, which adds to the story. He reads pretty slow, so you may want to turn the speed up to 1.25 or even 1.5. I would have rated the performance a 5 but some of the cowboy characters are a bit overdone and his women's voices are pretty masculine. (Plus he mispronounces "Brazos," which drove me crazy).

OVERALL - Download Book 1 if you think you might enjoy a good western. I don't think you will be disappointed.

10 people found this helpful

The Hondo Kid

Dusty Rhodes has written an interesting series about the Longhorn Ranch. Book two is mostly about the missing younger brother who goes by the name Hondo Kid. Rhodes does a great job of bringing to life the 1860s Texas and the large cattle drives to the rail head. Great to read a book that does not contain swear words, sex and violent without meaning. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

12 people found this helpful

Captivating

This is my second Dusty Rhodes audio, and if it was a book, I'd say, "I couldn't put it down", as it is I didn't want to stop listening to it.

I started this series with Book 2, and look forward to hearing Book 3.

About 4 hours into the audio, they switched characters, and not having listened to Book 1, it took me awhile to figure who the new characters were. Throughout the rest of the book it switched back and forth between Hondo and his Brothers life.

My favorite genre has been Historical Romance, but my selections lately in that genre have been disappointing, so I decided to try westerns. I certainly lucked out in finding Dusty Rhodes. He's a great story teller, and Gene Engene gave a wonderful performance.

If you like westerns, you won't be disappointed by listening to "The Hondo Kid".

7 people found this helpful

Stays authentic from start to finish

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This writer understands his history and brings the old west back to life with descriptions of life from years ago that pull you into the story and want to read more.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Longhorn: The Hondo Kid?

Over coming lifes mental and physcial pains by using life lessons as a tool kit to become very successful.

Which scene was your favorite?

The Hondo Kid comes to the aid of a young waitress being mistreated by men that did not have respect for others. He resolved the situation swiftly with dealing out the appropriate punishment. His understanding of the fairness of swift justice is powerful.

Who was the most memorable character of Longhorn: The Hondo Kid and why?

Of course the Hondo Kid, he delivers justice deserved for those that do not understand life's written and unwritten rules of right and wrong.

Any additional comments?

A easy reading western about life's lessons and justice lost to times gone by.

6 people found this helpful

A Bit Short-Changed

If you enjoy stories set in the American 'old west' it is likely that you will enjoy this book.
One caveat is that it ends quite abruptly. This is, I am sure, to draw the reader/listener along to the next in the series. But I would say the whole of this story could have been a portion of the first book or included with the third in the series - not a lot of meat on the bone so to speak.
This is the second in the series and is entertaining reading. I am afraid that some of the phraseology may get tedious if the writer is not able to come up with a broader vocabulary for his characters. But for a light 'read' it is overall decent if your expectations are not too high.

2 people found this helpful

excellent western

What made the experience of listening to Longhorn: The Hondo Kid the most enjoyable?

Very good story line in the series. likeable players

What was one of the most memorable moments of Longhorn: The Hondo Kid?

being taken in by the old gunfighter

Which character – as performed by Gene Engene – was your favorite?

Buck and Chester along with the hondo kid. all strong charactors

4 people found this helpful

Good Westerns!

Any additional comments?

Our Son got us book one and two to listen to. My husband is an avid Louis L'Amour reader....so these were great stories and fun to listen to in the car on vacation! They were so good we bought the other two.

4 people found this helpful

Great addition to book 1

Any additional comments?

The saga continues. Even though this book focuses on the younger brother, the story continues to progress with the older brothers life. It's really well written. I strongly suggest you listen to this series in book order. There is so many details you'll miss if you don't.

1 person found this helpful

Great Western Saga!

Seamless transition tithe younger brother's story. Loved the way Dusty keeps us current with the older brother too! This was a really good western tale!

1 person found this helpful

The Western Lives

If you could sum up Longhorn: The Hondo Kid in three words, what would they be?

Western Rides Again

What other book might you compare Longhorn: The Hondo Kid to and why?

Very much like a traditional western where the good guys always follow their own morals, and bad guys have none.

If you could rename Longhorn: The Hondo Kid, what would you call it?

The too-perfect kid

Any additional comments?

I like the simple approach of this series. The good guys stay good guys, and you know the bad guys stay bad. Not as good as the first book, though.

1 person found this helpful