Tequila’s Sunrise  by Brian Keene

Published by Bloodletting Books

Let me start by saying, this book is the one that officially ushered me back into paying money for limited edition books, and even though I’ve known Brian a long time, it wasn’t the story inside that did it.  The cover art for this book (particularly when I first saw it - segmented and presented over at the old Bloodletting  Books message board) is stunning.  The cover artist is Alex McVey  and this was my introduction to his work.  Since then,  I’ve seen plenty more…and I urge anyone who enjoys dark art to drop by his website and give it a gander.

On to the words…because it’s all about the words.  Tequila’s Sunrise is a fun book.  It involves the Spanish invasion of South America back in the days of conquistadors.  It involves the introduction of Tequila and Mescal to the world.  It takes the reader through the Labyrinth, a literary construction of Brian Keene’s where doors open onto other worlds.  There is a hero, and he is supposed to save the day.  I won’t tell you how that ends, but I will tell you that he got drunk on Tequila first, and I think we all know what can happen.  Anything. 

For me one of the best parts was the return of a character I helped create.  Long ago Brian and I collaborated on a story (much reprinted) titled “Deliver Us From Meeble,”  which thanks to Brian’s generosity you can read for free online by following that link from the title, and damned if the hairy bastard doesn’t re-appear in this cool little book.

Tequila’s Sunrise is not a deep, philosophical treatise, but it IS a fun read.  It also gives clues and hints and magic away about the world of the Labyrinth, blending into the mythos and universe Mr. Keene has worked so long and hard to build.  Probably of more interest to fans of his other books than to a new readership, the book is worth its weight in literary gold just for the new take on the folklore of Tequila.  Find yourself a friend in Jose Cuervo, kick back, and enjoy this must-have entry in the Bloodletting Books library…and wait ’til you see the Lettered Deluxe edition — what a PRETTY book. 

– DNW