Where the Sun Dies


Fiction - Western
326 Pages
Reviewed on 02/09/2025
Buy on Amazon

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.

Author Biography

Farleigh Collins graduated from Hunter College in New York City, where he refined his diverse writing talents, which include screenplays, stage plays, and fiction. His debut novel, Where the Sun Dies, was inspired by the classic The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and explores the challenges of navigating an unfamiliar world and the quest to find one's way home.

Born and raised in Iowa, Farleigh has lived all over the United States—from the vibrant streets of New York to the eclectic atmosphere of Austin, Texas, and the peaceful drizzle of Seattle, Washington. His love for the outdoors shines through in his enjoyment of hiking and kayaking, activities that provide him with both solace and inspiration during the sunny months.

Farleigh’s writing is marked by detailed descriptions, introspective monologues, and the creation of intense atmospheres, all supported by realistic dialogue and symbolic undertones. Through his narratives, he seeks not only to entertain but also to resonate deeply with his readers, encouraging them to discover the subtle messages woven into the fabric of his stories.

As a seasoned traveler, Farleigh draws immense inspiration from his encounters with various cultures and their histories. These experiences enrich his storytelling with broad perspectives and authentic experiences. He hopes his readers will find joy in his tales and appreciate the hidden gems that hint at the broader messages he seeks to convey.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Foluso Falaye for Readers' Favorite

After waking up in the town of Bodie, in 1883, with no memory of her past, Elanor learns from the sheriff that she can find answers from a Native American, Tawa, who knows things most people can't understand and lives in the desert. Subsequently, she embarks on a journey to find her way back home with a group of compelling characters. Boone is a jovial fellow who loves to drink and may or may not be the mayor. Weston is quite charming and good with horses. Nora, the only other woman in the group, and the sheriff offer extra protection against bandits and other threats. Where the Sun Dies by Farleigh Collins follows a woman's journey with a group of supportive companions as they travel to find answers to her past, battle multiple dangers from both humans and the unpredictable wilderness, and discover unhealed wounds.

Where the Sun Dies has a way of keeping you engrossed from start to finish. The ending didn't disappoint! Though Elanor seems to be missing her memories, we get clues about her past with the intriguing thoughts she shares in strategic moments, like her observation of a landscape that seems familiar. The characters are unique and likable, and their relationships create an atmosphere of camaraderie that's very compelling and infectious. I couldn't stop laughing at Boone's funny remarks and actions, including the time he switched his water for whiskey. From its suspenseful standoffs to its evocative, emotional stories, Farleigh Collins has created a Western that's as thrilling as it is addictive. Read it at least twice to experience deep satisfaction from linking all its brilliant hints and answers.

Frank Mutuma

In Where the Sun Dies by Farleigh Collins, Elanor finds herself in the town of Bodie, in 1883, under mysterious circumstances without any memory of who she is or where she came from. She is directed to the sheriff to seek help, but he does not know how to help her. He refers her to Tawa, who, despite being odd, knows a lot of things and might have some answers for her. Since getting to Tawa is dangerous and she does not know the place, she asks Boone for help. Boone recruits Weston to join them on the journey, and from the word go, Elanor feels a connection to him. Later on, Nora convinces the sheriff to join them, and they arrive at a critical point when they are about to be attacked by bandits. Apart from the bandits, the journey through the desert is hard, and they get lost constantly. How will things turn out?

Where the Sun Dies by Farleigh Collins is wonderfully written, and, once you start reading, there is no putting it down. The pacing is steady, which kept me intrigued and eager to discover the next twist in this flawlessly flowing plot. I loved the theme of companionship and the vivid descriptions of events, which helped create a mental picture of what was happening. The well-crafted dialogue brought the story to life, and Farleigh also ensured that the characters were well-developed. The reader will also appreciate the easy-to-understand language used, which makes the work accessible. This was a great read, and I look forward to reading something else by this talented author.

Pikasho Deka

Where The Sun Dies by Farleigh Collins is an action-packed Western set in 1883. Elanor wakes up in the small town of Bodie, with no memories of who she is or how she came to be there. After coming across the witty town drunk, Boone, and saloon owner, Nora, Elanor learns that she must meet a Native American named Tawa to regain her memories. Soon, Elanor, Boone, Nora, the town sheriff, and the ruggedly handsome cowboy, Weston, are on their way toward the mountains in search of Tawa. However, they must navigate treacherous terrain and bandits headed by their ruthless leader, Merrick, along the way. After a long and arduous journey, they finally reach Tawa's sanctuary. Now, Elanor must drink from a sacred waterfall and come to terms with her past.

The first three-quarters of Farleigh Collins' riveting tale plays out like an old-school action-adventure Western. But the ending pulls the rug from under your feet and leaves you with a kind of catharsis that you probably wouldn't have anticipated from the tone of the rest of the narrative. I can honestly say that I did not see it coming. Where The Sun Dies is filled with action, adventure, romance, and drama. The reveals are shocking, to say the least. The characters take you by surprise in more ways than one and keep you thoroughly engrossed in the story. I also enjoyed the humor, especially the interactions involving Boone. Elanor and Weston's relationship was another highlight for me. Readers who love stories set in the Wild West will have a blast with this novel.

K.C. Finn

Where the Sun Dies by Farleigh Collins takes readers on a mesmerizing journey through the American frontier, following the mysterious tale of Elanor, a woman who wakes up in the rough town of Bodie with no memory of who she is or how she got there. As she searches for answers, she meets a mix of interesting people, including a sheriff who seems to know more than he’s saying and a saloon owner with secrets of their own. Along the way, she faces dangerous outlaws, tough landscapes, and plenty of surprises, turning her search for the past into something even bigger—a journey to figure out who she really is and where she belongs. Collins puts a fresh spin on the Western genre, mixing action, mystery, and deeper questions about identity, justice, and finding your place in the world.

Author Farleigh Collins captures the beauty and danger of the Western landscape in a way that made me feel like I was right there beside Elanor. The characters feel real and complex, avoiding the usual Western clichés and instead bringing their own struggles and secrets to the story. I really liked how Collins balances fast-paced action with quieter moments that help us understand the characters better. The mystery at the heart of it all moves at just the right speed, keeping things exciting while also making us think. What I loved most was how the setting isn’t just a backdrop—it reflects Elanor’s own journey, showing both the harshness and beauty of self-discovery. Overall, I highly recommend Where the Sun Dies to anyone who enjoys Westerns with both adventure and heart.

Grant Leishman

Where the Sun Dies by Farleigh Collins is set in the Wild West in 1883. Elanor wakes up on a dusty street in the small town of Bodie. She has no idea how she got there, who she is, or anything about her past. She does know she doesn’t belong in 1883 but, apart from that, she is lost, alone, and very scared. She first encounters Boone, the town drunk, lolling back on a rocking chair, sipping from his ubiquitous bottle of whiskey. When Elanor relays her problem to Boone, he remarks that escaping from Bodie is not an easy task but if anyone can help her find her way back home it would be Tawa, a mysterious old Indian shaman who lives somewhere out in the desert. With no money and supplies, Elanor is forced to seek help from the other townsfolk she meets. Eventually, Elanor, Boone, and the strong, silent Weston head out into the desert, searching for Tawa and some understanding of Elanor’s life. 

Where the Sun Dies is far from your typical Western adventure. The premise of a character finding themselves awakening in a different century, with no memory of their past, is a compelling beginning. What unfolds is so much more than the journey through the wilderness, the dangers, and the encounters with bandits; it is a journey of self-discovery, accepting reality, and ultimately finding the courage to move forward with confidence, faith, and belief. Farleigh Collins has created a delightful ensemble of characters who provide Elanor with tangible examples of what she needs to extract from the journey for herself. I particularly enjoyed Boone with his endless well of tall stories, but most importantly for his eternal optimism and humor which allowed the team to survive frightening and dangerous circumstances. I appreciated the sheriff and the lesson about not trying to outrun your past, no matter how unjustly you may have felt treated. There were so many often subtle underlying messages in Elanor’s journey and the characters’ stories that readers will each take something important from the narrative. Even with all these positive affirmations creatively woven into the plot, the author never loses sight of telling a wonderful tale of the Wild West. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it.