Official Review: The Gunman's Ride by D.A Daugherty

Post by **Christabel Uzoamaka** » 18 Jan 2021, 10:08

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Gunman's Ride" by D.A Daugherty.]

3 out of 4 stars

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With a shocking anti-hero, Jack Spade, The Gunman’s Ride will take you on a wild journey. Amazingly, this is D. A. Daugherty’s first novel. Professionally written, it gripped me in a way that only experienced writers should be able to manage. D. A. Daugherty had me almost falling off my seat, and my heartbeat accelerated more than a few times. If you like adventure stories set in the times of kings, sorcerers, and law-breaking, then grab your popcorn and a copy of this book.

When he wakes up three years ago in the middle of nowhere, with only a Jack of Spades card on his person and no memories of his past life, Jack Spade decides that the fast life is best for him. Somehow, using any weapon of any kind comes naturally to him, so he uses his skills to rob both the innocent and the not-so-innocent. He won’t hesitate to kill anyone meaning him harm. We are introduced to him going on a life-changing heist; he must steal the Box of Andelaine. Many have coveted this silver box for centuries. It has immense power, but no one has ever been able to open it. Many powerful sorcerers have tried to open it, and they all have failed.

When Jack opens the Box with just a swing, his life takes a drastic turn. He now has the forces of heaven and hell after him, and he will do anything to get them off his back. He would kill them all, but there are only so many demons and angels he can handle. He begins a journey, on the advice of a sorceress, Lucy, to send the supernatural forces away once and for all. On his ride, he discovers friendship, humanity, and love. Who is Jack Spade truly? Why is he the only one that can open the powerful Box? Will his quest be successful? There are more surprises in this book than you can fathom, I promise.

The Gunman’s Ride played out like a movie for me. The author made perfect use of imagery; he painted pictures so clearly that I was almost convinced that it was a motion picture. The author also used some oxymorons that amused me; for example, Jack was a killer and a thief, but he would not tolerate women being oppressed or raped. This, along with his smart mouth, made me like and root for the protagonist despite his terrible attributes. The plot was well arranged and progressed perfectly. There weren’t any points that left me confused. The author unfolded one adventure after the other in a perfect way.

I also loved the characterization. Even though Jack was the protagonist, I liked other characters; they were not flat. I especially enjoyed the inclusion of Okanna and its people, the Okanni. The Okanni, who model East and North Africans, are darker in complexion and dress differently from the Sarveni, who model Westerners. A major supporting Okanni character, Tulya Suka, was one of my favorites; he was smart, kind, thoughtful, and would stand up to Jack at any time. Women also played very important roles that were not limited or tied to their male counterparts. Esriah, for one, was an amazing woman and fighter.

My rating is 3 out of 4 stars. Despite my glowing remarks for the plot and characterization, I did not like the mind-blowing number of profanity in the book. I also found a handful of errors that can be fixed with another round of editing. Also, at one point, a character, Vansiir, seemed like she was going to be important. But after her introduction, there was no mention of her. The ending was a major letdown for me. It was not unrealistic or uninteresting; it was simply annoying in the way that Game of Thrones’ was. Even though I could not imagine a better ending, I still felt dissatisfied. If you dislike violence in books, this is not for you. There are shootings, heads rolling, and a lot of blood.

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The Gunman's Ride
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NetMassimo · Post by **NetMassimo** » 25 Jan 2021, 11:26

This seems like an engaging fantasy novel with a well-constructed story, despite its ending, and interesting characters. Thank you for your great review!

riyosha · Post by **riyosha** » 26 Jan 2021, 12:17

Really makes me want to read the book. Thanks for the review!

Michael Jerry_ · Post by **Michael Jerry_** » 03 Feb 2021, 18:43

The author has written a very exciting story. The reviewer's enthusiasm for the book is very obvious. It makes me want to read all about Jack Spades and his exploits. I wonder what becomes of him at the end. I will have to read to find out.

Isabellah Cave · Post by **Isabellah Cave** » 05 Feb 2021, 10:28

The past always intrigues and fascinates, this coupled with magic,sorcery and adventure makes for a killer book on paper. This book after reading your review seems to be no exception. Thankyou so much for the detailed review!

Kammeuchechukwu Mark Okereke · 01 Dec 2021, 10:29

If love at first sight was a book, this would be it! Granted, I haven't read it yet or even peeled into it, but the review gave me the perfect keyhole to see that this book is everything I love in a book. While it is clear that people might have problems with the profanities, in my opinion, if there are demons and a protagonist who lives on the disreputable side, there better be some fracking profanities.

Aisha Yakub · Post by **Aisha Yakub** » 04 Jan 2022, 09:12

For a first book, the author did great. Thank you for your review

Ay Obaj · Post by **Ay Obaj** » 26 Apr 2022, 04:00

I love it when books storyline are constructed perfectly, and contains every single element of thrill. A book like this will surely wow any reader. Thanks for a honest review.

ellimctreph · Post by **ellimctreph** » 15 May 2022, 22:53

Sounds like the author knows how to construct a story. Great review.

Stevenmusk · Post by **Stevenmusk** » 08 Jun 2022, 12:09

Thanks for the review. The plot is interesting and captivating. I look forward to reading it.

Post by **Joshua Sawders** » 14 May 2024, 09:00

Ah, cher! Dis here review got me hooked on The Gunmans Ride! Seems like dis book reels you in wit its gripping plot and intense action. Jack Spade, dat anti-hero, sounds like a character dat keeps ya on da edge of ya seat. D.A. Daugherty got skills, writin' like a seasoned pro. From da way dis book described, it's like watchin' a movie unfold in ya mind. Dem oxymorons wit Jack bein' a killer but standin' up for women's rights, got me rootin' for him. But, gotta be warned, dis book ain't for da faint of heart. Plenty of violence and profanity, so if dat ain't ya cup of tea, maybe look elsewhere, ya know? Overall, dis reviewer give it 3 outta 4 stars. Seems like a good read if you into fast-paced adventures in a mystical world. Heartfelt resolutions, left me feeling deeply satisfied.

Ray Thompson · Post by **Ray Thompson** » 05 Sep 2024, 06:13

The characters were the best part of this book for me. They felt so real, and I was invested in their journey. The plot could’ve been tighter, but the characters made up for it.

Nneka Bridget · Post by **Nneka Bridget** » 02 Nov 2024, 12:50

The review of The Gunman’s Ride captures the thrilling essence of the story and the complexity of its characters, particularly the anti-hero, Jack Spade. The vivid imagery and engaging plot make it sound like a captivating read, despite some concerns about profanity and the ending. It seems like a compelling adventure for those who enjoy intense stories filled with action and supernatural elements.