Review: The Unkillable Frank Lightning by Josh Rountree
There’s something irresistibly magnetic about a book that invites you back into a world where the wildness of the West blends seamlessly with shades of magic. That’s exactly what drew me to The Unkillable Frank Lightning by Josh Rountree. After being enchanted by The Legend of Charlie Fish, I was eager to dive back into his uniquely woven narrative tapestry of turn-of-the-century Texas, and I was not disappointed.
This novel tells the story of Catherine Coldbridge,a doctor turned mad scientist, whose grief leads her down a treacherous path. In a fit of desperation, she resurrects her husband Frank Humble—only to find he returns as a rampaging monster rather than the man she loved. This Frankenstein-like tale deepens as we fast-forward twenty-five years, with Catherine determined to correct her horrific mistake. However, Frank has transformed, embracing humanity in unexpected ways, and building a new life far from his past.
The themes of humanity, redemption, and the struggle of the outcast resonate deeply throughout the narrative. As Catherine navigates her guilt and fears, it’s intriguing how her character feels so complex yet simultaneously unlikable at times. Rountree crafts her story with raw intensity, showcasing her moments of self-loathing and emotional turmoil that juxtapose starkly against Frank’s unyielding growth. While Catherine’s journey is fraught with personal stakes, it’s the lives she nearly destroys along the way that make the stakes feel more profound.
Rountree’s prose is as stripped-down as it is elegant, efficiently sketching characters who feel vividly real. Each supporting character shines, bringing warmth and humor to the narrative, reminiscent of Charlie Fish’s lovable cast. Notably, Frank’s journey from monster to a misunderstood hero is heartbreakingly beautiful, reflecting our innate desire to belong and be accepted—qualities that resonate with anyone who has ever felt like an outsider.
One of the most striking aspects of The Unkillable Frank Lightning is Rountree’s ability to invite readers to root for the monster rather than the mad scientist. It’s an homage to Mary Shelley’s themes while firmly placing Rountree on the side of the outcasts. Frank’s new family of performers, including a familiar character from The Legend of Charlie Fish, adds depth to the narrative, illustrating how bonds can form in the most unlikely of places.
Pacing in this novel ebbs and flows, with a good deal more plot than its predecessor, maintaining the tension while allowing moments of introspection. As the blood spills and hearts break, readers are left grappling with bigger existential questions about love, loss, and the cost of our choices.
For anyone who appreciated The Legend of Charlie Fish, this sequel returns us once again to a magical, haunting world filled with memorable characters and moral complexities. It’s a book that lingers in your mind, prompting reflections long after the last page is turned.
If you’re drawn to stories that explore humanity in its darkest corners, all while delivering powerful messages about acceptance and the possibility of redemption, then The Unkillable Frank Lightning is a must-read. Rountree has once again proven himself a masterful storyteller, and I can’t help but feel that this narrative might be even more impactful than its predecessor—reminding us all of the room we must create for the outcast and the monster within us all. Happy reading!
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