Elemental Gunslinger, Book 2: The Beast of the Black Hills
By Jonathan Smidt
- Series: Elemental Gunslinger
- Narration: Ryan H. Reid
- Featuring: Andrea Parsneau, Jeff Hays
- Music: Dane Bryant Frazier
Elemental Gunslinger, Book 2: The Beast of the Black Hills

Synopsis
One down, but more to go.
With Black Jack Pickam’s body still cooling from his death, Mr. Jones and his companions set out on the trail of their next target. A mysterious man known as Bear, said to be somewhere in the Dakota’s, is all they’ve got to go on.
That’s more than enough for Mr. Jones, and like a bloodhound once its found a scent, he’s going to get his next mark, come hell our highwater. No matter the obstacles, and no matter the cost.
‘Course, fate has different things in store for him.
Killing Pickam has gained him a powerful new enemy, and Bloody Bill is not one to take a slight without issuing payback. And the more Mr. Jones travels, the more he learns the world is a wide, wide place, and there are more than just Rail Barons and Outlaws to worry about. There’s monsters out there and if he isn’t careful, he may find himself deader than Pickam’s worthless corpse.
If he wants vengeance then he’s going to have to claim the power to make it happen, though there’s a good chance cultivating his core to the next tier may kill him.
Good thing Mr. Jones ain’t one to shy away from a challenge. Because what doesn’t kill him, will only make him stronger.
Those who have run afoul of him best beware.
© 2026 Portal Books ℗ 2026 Soundbooth Theater
About The Author
Jonathan’s journey through life has been anything but slow. Being part of a military family, he moved across the world growing up, and having not learned his lesson, joined the Marine Corps right out of high school. This sent him on a whirlwind adventure, which even found him in the sands of Afghanistan. During all his travels, he found one thing always remained constant: he loved to read. Now, married and with life finally calming down a bit, he has begun to push his passion for literature even higher, aiming to give readers the kinds of books he has come to love, with his own unique twist.
Details
- Release Date: 02/24/2026
- Imprint: Soundbooth Theater
- Genres: Fantasy, GameLit, LitRPG, Progression Fantasy, Weird West
Additional Credits
- Proofing: Nicolas Lagrand
- Editing and Mastering: Brianna Daniel