This book delivers a fun and fast-paced blend of sci-fi and classic western vibes, with a sharp focus on a gritty, frontier-style showdown. The setting—a fuel mining station in the clouds of a gas giant—is imaginative and vivid, giving a fresh spin to familiar genre tropes. Gus is a compelling lead, flawed but driven, and the tension between characters keeps the stakes high throughout. While it leans into many western clichés, it does so with charm and energy that make the ride enjoyable from start to finish. A solid pick for fans of genre mashups looking for something entertaining and action-packed.

Gas Giant Gambit: A Thrilling Sci-Fi Western Adventure

Gas Giant Gambit is a fast-paced, fun take on sci-fi western and when I say “western” I mean western. A drifter on the run from the law and seeking a bounty stumbles upon a small, deserted town. The town is teetering on the brink, as its residents battle against a greedy family that controls their fate. It’s definitely a case of “this town isn’t big enough for the two of us.” vibes. With the help of drifter Gus this story is one big sci-fi western stand off!

E.S. Raye is not shy to use many western takes that morph perfectly with a sci-fi setting. The story has a lot of different "scenes" that you would find in any classic western film, which to add I was thrilled to see that each chapter was a play on western film titles! Such a nice little easter egg if you call it that!

I would recommend this for anyone looking for a sci-fi western that hits all the cliches of a western film.