Official Review: Dante’s Choice by David Lisenby

Please use this sub-forum to discuss any crime, thriller, mystery or horror books or series.
Post Reply
Beatus
Posts: 1018
Joined: 21 Jun 2017, 10:41
Currently Reading: Homicide
Bookshelf Size: 74
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-beatus.html
Latest Review: Zona: The Forbidden Land by Fred G. Baker

Official Review: Dante’s Choice by David Lisenby

Post by Beatus »

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Dante’s Choice" by David Lisenby.]
Book Cover
4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review


The protagonist, Damien Lawrence, just got out of prison, where he had been incarcerated for twelve years. Now that he is a free man, he is happy and excited. However, his mother is in terrible shape because of substance abuse, and his younger brother, Dante, is nowhere to be seen. Damien is faced with tough choices as he has to quickly decide what to do next. He now knows that his street-gangster lifestyle is dangerous to himself and his loved ones.

Furthermore, regarding the twelve years in prison, Damien has people to blame. He is not ready to live and let live, although he doesn’t want to go back to his old ways. Sex, drugs, and violence have never contributed positively to making anyone successful and respectable in society. Damien knows this and feels responsible for being such a terrible example to his little brother. He is also blaming himself for letting down his family and vows to make it right.

I loved how brilliantly the author developed the characters. The gangster-like attitude made the narrative unique. As a reader, I could easily see why the protagonist had to make the choices he made. However, as a reviewer, I felt like the protagonist needed mentors to add some depth to his thoughts. I believe that a young, economically disadvantaged man in the middle of a social crisis would need guidance more than guns.

Dante’s Choice: Through the Eyes of a Menace by David Lisenby is an epic story. It may be a bit difficult to understand, as the slang used can be very confusing. The author went straight into the American ghetto and brought forth the psychology, the wits, and the choices it presents to the resident men and women. The book provided an invaluable insight into how the streets can mold young people’s minds and shape their views on life and success.

I liked how the author structured the book. The use of slang is perfect and was delivered just right. However, I felt like the sex scenes were a bit exaggerated. It is the only part that I didn’t like in the book. In this regard, I, therefore, wouldn’t recommend this book to younger readers. However, readers interested in action and those who aren’t bothered by violence and bloody scenes will enjoy this story. The book is professionally edited, as I encountered very few errors that didn't water down its quality. Therefore, I rate Dante’s Choice: Through the Eyes of a Menace by David Lisenby 4 out of 4 stars.

******
Dante’s Choice
View: on Bookshelves | on Barnes and Noble
Tablito
Posts: 431
Joined: 04 Apr 2018, 06:39
Favorite Book: The Mountain and The Goat
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 38
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-tablito.html
Latest Review: Divided World by Kenneth Pickering

Post by Tablito »

Damien owning up that he led his younger brother astray and his desire to make it right must have brought their three member family back to the right track.
User avatar
Mtibza eM
Posts: 1083
Joined: 11 Jun 2020, 13:27
Favorite Book:
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 102
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-mtibza-em.html
Latest Review: Am I Burned Out at Work? by Salar A. Khan MD, MBA

Post by Mtibza eM »

It seems like a good read. I just wonder what's the conflict though in this book. Him seeking revenge or maybe he just wants to restart his life but the society is not so opening.
User avatar
derialist
Posts: 309
Joined: 02 Jun 2014, 08:16
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 148
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-derialist.html
Latest Review: Pastoring is Not What You Think by Elijah Oladimeji

Post by derialist »

I don't think Damien would let the people responsible for him being in prison get away with it. I'm curious what his choice will be.
Sararob06
Posts: 289
Joined: 05 Oct 2020, 20:20
Currently Reading: Anna Karenina
Bookshelf Size: 162
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-sararob06.html
Latest Review: The Vanished by Pejay Bradley

Post by Sararob06 »

There is no guidebook to life after prison and it seems that Damien is doing the best he can. Hopefully his younger brother can learn from his mistakes and Damien can move on in a productive manner.
Atieno Magero
Minimum Wage Millionaire Reader
Posts: 1360
Joined: 09 Nov 2020, 13:28
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 168
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-atieno-magero.html
Latest Review: 3000 Orgasms by Rebecca Ferguson

Post by Atieno Magero »

Great review! This seems like a good book to read. Dante's story is very interesting and I'd like to see how things turn out for him. I'm definitely going to be reading this book.
User avatar
Shahina C A
Posts: 144
Joined: 11 Oct 2020, 07:19
Favorite Book:
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 23
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-shahina-c-a.html
Latest Review: Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon

Post by Shahina C A »

I really want to know the life of the protagonist before and after he went to jail. Great review
Fozia RYK
Posts: 202
Joined: 25 Nov 2020, 01:46
Currently Reading: Scalpels Out
Bookshelf Size: 23

Post by Fozia RYK »

The police, the jail, the crime, the thriller actions and all other elements related to your interest have been included in your review by you. Thanks for your efforts
User avatar
NetMassimo
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 7622
Joined: 24 Jul 2019, 06:37
Currently Reading: Mindweavers I
Bookshelf Size: 529
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-netmassimo.html
Latest Review: Beth by S. R. Kent
2025 Reading Goal: 60
2025 Goal Completion: 63%

Post by NetMassimo »

This seems like an intense crime fiction addressing difficult elements in a great development of plot and characters. Thank you for your great review!
Ciao :)
Massimo
Latest Review: Beth by S. R. Kent
User avatar
Judith Lloy
Posts: 34
Joined: 12 Feb 2020, 15:51
Currently Reading: Living Well with Depression and Bipolar Disorder
Bookshelf Size: 187
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-judith-lloy.html
Latest Review: Honest Endings by Katherine Cullen

Post by Judith Lloy »

While is sounds too graphic for my taste, I think the premise sounds interesting. A realistic challenge that ones in his circumstances often face. Thanks for the detailed review.

Code: Select all

Yes, I really do need all these books. 
User avatar
Suzer6440 xyz
Posts: 1078
Joined: 02 Jun 2019, 21:33
Favorite Book: Pearl River Mansion
Currently Reading: Five Total Strangers
Bookshelf Size: 201
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-suzer6440-xyz.html
Latest Review: The Maestro Monologue by Rob White

Post by Suzer6440 xyz »

This review makes me want to grab this book off my bookshelves and dive right in. I’m not sure if the violence will be too much for me but it sounds like it is worth a try. Great job summarizing this . Sounds like it’s very intense and there are a lot of choices to be made.
Post Reply

Return to “Crime, Thrillers, Mystery and Horror Books”