Kings of Colorado: A Novel

Written by David E. Hilton

Narrated by Phil Gigante

At thirteen, William Sheppard was sent to the Swope Ranch Boys’ Reformatory for stabbing his abusive father in the chest with a pocketknife. Buried deep in the Colorado Mountains, Swope is shrouded in legend and defined by one prevailing rumor: the boys who go in never come out the same. Days from civilization with only one accessible road—any prisoner who attempts to escape will be shot down without hesitation. There is no forgiveness from the mountains or the guards.

At Swope, mustangs are trucked in to be broken by a select group of inmates. Once the horses are gentled, they are sold across the Southwest. Horses come and go, delinquent boys come and go. The boys break the horses, Swope breaks the boys. If the boys are to withstand the ranch, they must first overcome violence and tragedy—only to be haunted forever.

Praise for Kings of Colorado

“For years I have searched for an heir to Golding’s Lord of the Flies, and this is it.” —Will Lavender, New York Times bestselling author of Obedience

“A sort of Stand by Me behind bars.” —Publishers Weekly

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brilliance Audio
• Release date: Jun 7, 2011
• ISBN: 9781455813216

David E. Hilton

David E. Hilton is a former middle school teacher who helps university and state employees figure out why they can’t access Google, print non work-related documents, or listen to their desktop speakers stream the latest Top Twenty. He and his wife, Amy, live just outside Austin, with their two boys and a beagle. Kings of Colorado is his first novel.

Reviews for Kings of Colorado

[sonya.contreras · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Because I read that it was a coming-of-age book (somewhere), I started to read it to my boys. The profanity, crude jokes and violence were not appropriate for them, or me (for that matter), though maybe it fit the setting for juvenile delinquits (which it is about.)

I did finish the book, although I skipped parts (to avoid crude jokes, descriptions). The violence was harder to predict.

Wouldn't read it again.

[valerieormond · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Kings of Colorado (Simon and Schuster, 2011) by David E. HiltonWill Sheppard stabs, but does not kill, his father, and pays the price for the rest of his life. Sent to the Swope Ranch Boys’ Reformatory in Colorado across the country from his Chicago home, thirteen-year-old Will learns lessons one would hope a child protecting his mother from his abusive father would never have to learn. Two years at the brutal boys’ ranch toughens Will, but does not leave him devoid of emotions. His saving graces include friendships, a special horse he trains, and a kind nurse. Will endures one violent and tragic hardship after another, leaving the reader wondering if he can possibly survive.The quote on the book’s cover compares it to The Outsiders, which I personally wished it hadn’t. While reading the book, I kept thinking “Wow – kids are reading this?” This tainted my initial thoughts on the book. When I finally came to grips with the fact that the book was intended for adults, not kids, I relaxed and read with interest. The story includes extreme violence and detailed descriptions of fights, beatings, and language appropriate for a boys’ prison. I was relieved that Hilton chose not to get too graphic in some situations, in which he could have. But even with the violence, I found myself unable to put the book down. I rooted for the characters, got to know them, and wanted to know what happened next. I especially liked Hilton’s writing style, rapid pace, and the subplots. A former middle grade teacher, Hilton used his experience and captured the thoughts of that age group in his characters well. As his debut novel, I hope to see more in the future. Hilton’s characters, pacing, and style would also greatly appeal to a younger audience, but this particular book contained too much violence for me to recommend it to anyone other than adults. And I do recommend it for adults. I hope Hilton will write for the middle grade audience in the future so they, too, can hear his voice. Those who read Kings of Colorado, you will not easily forget it, or its impact. I realized this as I drove past the Maryland Sherriff’s Youth Ranch last week, became uneasy…and wondered what stories may exist beyond that gate. (The publisher, Simon and Schuster, provided me a copy of this book for review.)

[ken1952 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

This is a brutal novel. And it was very difficult for me to get beyond the violence and appreciate the book's heart. It certainly has heart. I couldn't help but feel compassion for Will and the friends he makes at the Colorado ranch reformatory where he's sent when he's 12. The novel certainly has its share of emotional and touching moments. But the horrendous beatings, rapes, knifings and shootings were nearly too much for me.

[waeschle · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I thought this was an excellent book. The last 15 pages or so were a little corny but over all it is definetly one to read.

[mmc6661 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book was recommended by a coworker at our Library. So glad I read it. Excellent writing and a sad but wonderful story. It had characters that you just didn't want to let go of ! This is a book that would appeal to men and women alike who enjoy a story that involves you in a characters life and keeps you turning the pages to see what happens to them. Did not want to put the book down even at the end. I can't wait to see what this author writes next considering this was his first !

[readinggeek451 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A brutal reform school on a remote Wyoming ranch provides harsh lessons in life, and in friendship, to young Will Sheppard.