Talon

Rating:
Summary: Punk Rock Dan on Talon
Review: Charles Romalotti's third book Talon brings his fans a darker and more psychological story as the sequel to Rash. For those who did not read Rash, the references will no make sense at first and understanding the mindset of certain characters can be challenging. However, Talon was well written and the reader can read it first without reading Rash. I do encourage reading Rash, the book was amazing with character development, and kept the reader engrossed in its pages for days. The way the book is broken up is one main character at a certain place and time, then the next character in a different place and usually different time. The chapters remind me of diary entries, or movies that use many flashbacks.

As I told Romalotti only minutes after finishing Talon, "Man, this book is very twisted, people are going to think you are disturbed!" The book is like a car accident; you cannot take your eyes off it. I had the luxury of family car trip, which left me with six hours to our destination and five hours home at the end of the weekend. Just as my parents were pulling onto our street, I finished Talon. The book would not leave me alone, when rest stops arrived and everyone left the car, my eyes kept scanning the print, the way Romalotti writes is magical, the reader is under a trance which can only be broken by the last page.

The story brings back Talon and Jobie from Rash and adds new characters Josephine, and Rusty. Talon explores the lifestyle of "freak culture" And shows us that no matter how un-human someone is on the outside, they are just like us on the inside. Romalotti always had a knack for character development, as with all his previous books, we watch his characters grow and become not what we always expected. The reader cannot help become attached to Romalotti's characters. His writing style in all his books makes the reader feel that the characters are their friends. The darkness of the novel is what hooks the reader, making every pain, every scream real.

Talon is a great book, and I cannot wait for the third in the trilogy, Stickler. Fans of Romalotti this is what you have been waiting for. Those unfamiliar of Romalotti, this is what your mom should have bought you for the holidays instead of socks.

Rating:
Summary: Best Sequel Ever
Review: I read Talon first, so I didn't get some things, but it was definitely an awesome book. It wasn't exactly what I expected, which probably made it even better. There are three or four main characters. All of them are there with different motives, but eventually they all meet eachother, and some of become friends. Something you definitely don't expect, because they all have conflicting interests. Talon is there to avenge his dead girlfriend, Phaedra. He's wants to kill Jobie, because he's convinced that he killed his girlfriend. The other important characters are Josephine (her brother was killed in a gang shooting and she's running away), Rusty (an anti-racist skin head there to protest the NRA),and Jobie and Talon, who I've already mentioned. It has a sad ending..one of those "cue the violins" things, just not corny. READ IT. Seriously...it's good. The only disappointment is that we didn't hear more about Opaque, and Tamika. They were cool...I want to know what happened to 'em.

Rating:
Summary: Amazing
Review: This book is INCREDIBLE. If you don't have time to sit down and read this book all at once, then don't start it, because once you start reading, you won't be able to put this book down!
The characters wrapped me up into their world, sick and sweet worlds at that. I've never been to Key West, or seen a body mod performance, but this book took me there. I don't want to get too much into the story so I don't ruin it for you, but this book is a must read.

Rating:
Summary: Amazing
Review: This book is INCREDIBLE. If you don't have time to sit down and read this book all at once, then don't start it, because once you start reading, you won't be able to put this book down!
The characters wrapped me up into their world, sick and sweet worlds at that. I've never been to Key West, or seen a body mod performance, but this book took me there. I don't want to get too much into the story so I don't ruin it for you, but this book is a must read.

Rating:
Summary: One of a kind...
Review: This book is like nothing I've ever read before. It makes you wish you were inside Romalotti's mind...just to see the way he thinks. The plot is perfect...Jobie makes a triumphant return, and there are new characters-Rusty, and Josephine. Kind of a sick book, but I couldn't put it down. The whole intertwining plots thing gets me every time, and Romalotti pulled it off perfectly. I can't wait to read it again.

Rating:
Summary: Sick...Touching...Perfect
Review: This book is so dark and creepy, I was so upset when it still managed to make me cry.
Romalotti does a perfect job of capturing the personalities of such a wide array of characters. He does so with attention to the most minute detail...as if he's lived the lives of each and every single one of them, even though they are from all facets of society.
"Talon" takes you places you probably wouldn't ever want to go, but once Romalotti takes you there, you can't turn back.
A worthy follow-up to Rash...a book I had considered a hard act to follow.

Rating:
Summary: Freaking Rocks!
Review: This book ROCKS! Romalotti just gets better and better with each book! Read Salad Days, read Rash and then hurry up and read Talon! oooh it's good.

Rock and roll!