Saddle up and ride into the wild, dusty trails of the Revenger series by Frank Leslie, where the American frontier comes alive with heart-pounding action and gritty justice! This thrilling Western saga follows Mike Sartain, a Cajun-turned-outlaw known as The Revenger, as he delivers vengeance for those wronged in a lawless land. With its blend of complex characters, vivid settings, and relentless pace, Revenger captures the raw spirit of the Old West like few others.
Written under the pseudonym Frank Leslie by prolific author Peter Brandvold, this series is a must-read for fans of classic Westerns craving a fresh, fiery take on the genre. Let’s dive into the world of Revenger and discover why it’s a hidden gem in Western fiction!
How Revenger Began
Frank Leslie, the pen name of Peter Brandvold, launched the Revenger series in 2013, building on his success with the beloved Yakima Henry novels. A North Dakota native with a lifelong passion for Westerns—spurred by novels, films, and TV shows—Brandvold crafted Revenger to explore the darker, more personal side of frontier justice. Inspired by the rugged landscapes he’d lived in across the West, he created Mike Sartain, a former Confederate soldier turned vigilante, whose quest for revenge begins after a deeply personal tragedy.
Brandvold’s goal was to write a series in the tradition of adult Westerns like Longarm and Slocum, but with richer character depth and a nod to historical authenticity. Published through Mean Pete Publishing, Revenger quickly gained a loyal following for its unapologetic intensity and vivid storytelling.
The Heart of Revenger
The Revenger series kicks off with A Bullet for Sartain, where Mike Sartain, a New Orleans-raised Cajun, is lured into a deadly trap tied to his past. After his friend takes a bullet meant for him, Sartain unleashes his LeMat revolver in a quest for retribution. Death & The Saloon Girl, the second book, sees Sartain in Colorado, entangled with a cunning saloon girl and a hunt for stolen gold. The Bittersweet War takes him to West Texas, where a town’s secrets and a family feud pull him into chaos. San Juan Bushwhackers pits Sartain against mysterious attackers in a ghost town, showcasing his knack for surviving ambushes.
At its core, Revenger is about justice, survival, and the cost of vengeance in a brutal frontier. Themes of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption weave through Sartain’s journey, set against a richly detailed Old West backdrop—from dusty saloons to craggy mountains. Brandvold’s style is fast-paced, packed with gunfights, romance, and morally gray characters, making each book a cinematic adventure. Fans praise the series for its immersive action and Sartain’s complex personality, shaped by his Cajun roots and tragic past.
Why Revenger Resonates
Revenger stands out in the Western genre for its gritty realism and emotional depth, appealing to readers who crave more than just shoot-’em-ups. Sartain’s quest to right wrongs for those who can’t resonates with fans of vigilante tales, while Brandvold’s knack for historical detail grounds the series in the harsh realities of the frontier. Though not as widely known as classics like Louis L’Amour’s works, Revenger has carved a niche among Western enthusiasts, with reviews lauding its vivid imagery and relentless energy.
Its lasting appeal lies in its ability to balance raw action with human struggles, making Sartain a relatable, if flawed, hero. For readers seeking an under-the-radar series with heart and firepower, Revenger delivers a thrilling ride that’s hard to put down.
Ready to ride with Mike Sartain? Grab A Bullet for Sartain and dive into the Revenger’s wild, unforgettable world of Western adventure!