Review by LinaJan -- Without Redemption by David Griffith

LinaJan · Post by **LinaJan** » 02 May 2020, 14:50

[Following is a volunteer review of "Without Redemption" by David Griffith.]

4 out of 4 stars

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David Griffith’s adventure novel Without Redemption tells a story of two vastly different men: a wannabe cowboy Lonnie Bowers and a boy named Paolo. A boy, whose road to manhood is, in the beginning, paved with poverty and parental abuse, followed by a pursuit of survival of imminent risk of violence or even death on the dangerous streets of Mazatlán in Mexico, the hotbed and stronghold of the Sinaloa drug cartel. Lonnie, on the other hand, had just moved to sunny Texas and had a baby boy with his beloved gorgeous wife, and is assuming to leave his career in intelligence service for something he has always dreamt of – to be a rodeo cowboy. Oh, and there is also this legend about an Indian, but no one knows who he is or whether he at all exists.

There are two storytellers through whose eyes the reader gets to live this adventure: the protagonist and the narrator. And they are both good at what they do. The animosity, the surprise admiration, the hostility, the genuine wonderment, the conceit, the pure hate, the deeply-seated insecurities, the confidence, the unbreakable trust, the crossing over the point of no return, the unrelenting guilt, the vanity, the ruthlessness, the cowardice, the injured pride, the indisputable faith – it is all there. And it is so relatable.

The reader might easily find themselves questioning their career choices as this is one of those stories that make one long for a life that they never took a chance at - the stealth, the mystery, the danger and the superhuman skill. It makes you envious, it makes you dreamy, at times it makes you angry, and it makes you lift your eyes up from the page to gaze outside your window and think, ‘’If only…’’

One would most likely not expect much food for thought from an adventure novel, but there were times when I found myself somewhat befuddled by a premise that certain common human values and virtues – which I deem to be the most basic moral principles - come from God. And it got me thinking. It still has me thinking.

I dare say that this book is suitable for everyone, depending on the taste, of course. Considering the plot and the lifestyles depicted in this book, David Griffith has done a great job by never resorting to profanities to sharpen the effect; I confidently attest that it was not lacking. It does not contain any erotic scenes, nor does it elaborate too much on gruesome pictures. It is exactly right.

David Griffith’s Without Redemption is very well written, professionally edited and is of very rich vocabulary which, in addition to the thrilling adventure that had my adrenaline pumping and heart rate constantly elevated, made this book – if that is even possible – even more pleasurable to read. It certainly earns itself the highest rating of 4 out of 4 and beyond. There was nothing I disliked about this book. It is one of those novels that, a short while into it, one breathes in, and finds themselves not being able to breathe out fully, until the very end.

******
Without Redemption
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Brenda Creech · Post by **Brenda Creech** » 13 May 2020, 14:51

This sounds like a terrific book! I will have to check this one out. I love the fact that the author did not use strong language or erotic scenes. I'm am sure I would enjoy this book. Thanks for the great review!

kdhutchinson · Post by **kdhutchinson** » 13 May 2020, 17:33

I think I am most interested to read the novel just because of your intriguing review! I've never been more intrigued to read a plot synopsis before. I must say, your description of the parallel narratives sounds interesting, and you make Griffith sound like a very good storyteller. Will have to add to my Want to Read shelf...

LinaJan · Post by **LinaJan** » 14 May 2020, 02:51

B Creech wrote: ↑13 May 2020, 14:51 This sounds like a terrific book! I will have to check this one out. I love the fact that the author did not use strong language or erotic scenes. I'm am sure I would enjoy this book. Thanks for the great review!

Yes, I liked that the author managed to do perfectly well without resorting to profanities or adult scenes, especially considering one of the worlds that is depicted here. I say no more so not to spoil it

Thank you for commenting!

LinaJan · Post by **LinaJan** » 14 May 2020, 02:56

kdhutchinson wrote: ↑13 May 2020, 17:33 I think I am most interested to read the novel just because of your intriguing review! I've never been more intrigued to read a plot synopsis before. I must say, your description of the parallel narratives sounds interesting, and you make Griffith sound like a very good storyteller. Will have to add to my Want to Read shelf...

Griffith is without a doubt a great storyteller. One of those I'd like to listen to tell a story while sitting by a campfire in the middle of the woods when the skies are dark and all sorts of unfamiliar sounds start to get louder and louder until you cannot ignore them anymore...

Thank you for your kind comment