River of Teeth (original 2017; udgave 2017)

In the late, late 1800s, the U.S. experienced a meat shortage and, for a short period of time, considered developing farms to fill the need with hippo meat. This much is true. Ultimately, this legislature never came to pass, but author Sarah Gailey asks the question: what if we did end up with hippos instead of horses, the swamps of Louisiana instead of the wild west?

River of Teeth unfolds the story of a group of hippo-riding mercenaries who are bent on completing their assignment to get a big payday. Betrayal, lies and violence plague the group. Who exactly has been hired by whom? Whose side is each character on?

Looking for something different? This novella will fill that craving. It only hints at science fiction or fantasy elements, but definitely can be categorized as alternate history with a touch of horror. I plan to read it’s sequel, Taste of Marrow. ( )

So yeah, this is an alternate western with hippos in place of horses. And while I'm a big fan of horses and love to have horsey goings on that premise certainly grabbed my attention. I had vaguely heard of that never implemented plan to use hippos in the US as a source of meat. Probably on metafilter, it is my usual source for the wonderful and strange online. So I was aware of that, I hesitate to use the word plan, because, well hippos... So when I first saw mention of this book I was intrigued.
It is a really great fun read.
And there is more to it than just hippo riding cowboys. There is the story of Winslow Houndstooth and his quest for revenge, and the motley crew he assembles all come with their own backstory. Plenty to keep me reading.
It is a novella, so short enough, but the story is well written, I enjoyed the characters, and I'll certainly be reading the second book, Taste of Marrow. I have it pre-ordered already. ( )

What an unique premise! Hippos in the United States, ferals in the bayou, and the entire delta flooded and under the control of a Very Bad Man. The characters are interesting and the plot kept moving at a nice clip.

I already have the sequel on my to-read list after I'm done with Hugo reading, but I really hope there is more in this world. It's fascinating! ( )

Swamp cowboys riding hippos. That sounds ridiculous, doesn't it? That is this book. I loved every minute of the audiobook(it's only four hours long). I love strange what-if scenarios. Also, this book pulls off LGBT characters so well it's amazing. Hands down, I was in love with the book from scene one. Not every book that centers around a big idea pulls it off, but this one blew it out of the water(very appropriate considering the plot). Are there flaws? Yes, the main flaw being that this book is so short and does not cover some of what is happening. I am already listening to the sequel dealing with the aftermath. You will like this book if you like alternate histories, lighthearted adventures, and well done LGBT characters. Or if you like hippos. You might even love it. ( )

A fun alternate history caper (sorry Houndstooth) in which hippos are an American way of life. (The veterinarian in me feels the need to point out that even 100 years of domestication wouldn't make hippos nice enough to ride, or the least bit loyal, but one mustn't read alternate histories for facts!)

A diverse team goes on a hippo fighting mission, with their own trusty hippos by their side. An interesting read. I felt like the plan and action weakened a bit in the middle, where it needed a little more fleshing out (as in, I did not understand for one second how they were all so convinced this plan would work.) However, it's so fun that the weaker moments are easily forgiven.

Excellent story telling, unique world building and characters. Definitely a recommended read. ( )