Grit City, Issue #1 [Kindle Edition]

Ron Gavalik (Author), Nikki Hopeman (Editor), Stephanie King (Editor), Leah Keilman (Illustrator)

Book Description

Grit City is serialized short monthly installments about a dark and calamitous world, where the nefarious rule. Dillon Galway is an idealistic freelance journalist in his mid-twenties, who barely scrapes out a living reporting on corruption for the Grit City Times and his own blog.

Dillon remembers the city as an ideal place to live, before the murder of his Father and the rise of the Syndicate. All meaningful power in business, politics and law enforcement are now funneled into the hands of this wealthy organization.

He works tirelessly to reestablish opportunity and peace, and relies on the sexy and sultry Alyssa Stephano (gun for hire) to help when situations require her nickel plated Colt .45 revolvers.

But in the shadows of the back alleys, whispers stir in the underground of an unnamed force. Something or someone that's determined to upset the status quo. When Dillon is tipped about horrifying activities he's propelled into a perilous investigation that may lead to dire consequences.

As the series progresses Dillon will face unfathomed challenges, but also gain abilities most consider impossible.

Visit Grit City online at: GritCitySerial.com

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The creators of Grit City are forging new territory for writers and artists. The edgy quality of the serialized tales lend themselves perfectly to the new medium Grit City's creators are calling emotobooks. The central characters, Dillon and Alyssa, are vividly and evocatively depicted, their stories are engrossing and visceral, and the reader can't help but keep turning the pages." - Carla E. Anderton, President, Board of Directors, Jozart Center for the Arts

Product Details

• File Size: 330 KB
• Print Length: 29 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Grit City Publications (July 1, 2011)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B005JK6ICA
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Not Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #600,790 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A new dimension in reading! August 10, 2011

By A. Pohren VINE™ VOICE

Format:Kindle Edition

Grit City #1 is the beginning of a suspense-filled monthly serial of a unique brand of literature known as the Emotobook. Exactly what is this? Throughout the story, there are photographs strategically placed to bring a more in-depth reading experience to the reader. A bit like a young reader's chapter book for adults, if you will.

In this first installment, we meet the main characters of Dillon Galway, a young freelance journalist, and Alyssa Stephano, a known gun-for-hire. Dillon follows tips that he receives which aid him to help in his quest to restore peace to Grit City, which has been taken over by power hungry and not-so-nice organization. Alyssa is a kick-butt woman who knows no fear and can take out the nastiest of felons - not someone you would want to cross.

Grit City is written in an excellent and vivid storytelling way that will keep the reader hungry for more at the end of each issue. I loved Ron Gavalik's writing style and was reminded of the "old time" gangster type of detective/gang stories of days past. You know the ones I mean - the old black and whites. Very classic, as well as gritty. The characters are excellent and I found myself endured to both Dillon and Alyssa immediately. The photographs truly do lend an air of a deeper reading experience and dimension.

A great story with unique and visually pleasing additions. An excellent combination.

Emotobooks are available in eformat only, however can be read on any device with a free ereader application (or an ereader itself, for that matter). I highly recommend readers check out Grit City and discover this cool new way of reading now!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Pleasantly Surprised July 23, 2011

By Amber

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I truly enjoyed the story so far with Dillon and Alyssa. I can't wait for the second issue of Grit City to see what happens. The illustrations in the book helped to pull me into the story. I would strongly recommend this short story !

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Awesome July 21, 2011

By Pro Reader

Format:Kindle Edition

Just picked up the first issue and I enjoyed it very much. This new medium of fiction writing is amazing. It will draws you into the story with the abstract artwork that comes along with it. I couldn't put down the first issue and I cannot wait until Issue #2. I will defiantly be a fan for life. If you enjoy gritty stories then I strongly suggest giving this series a try. You will not be let down.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Gritty City Indeed September 5, 2011

By Kristin Dearborn

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Grit City is a tasty, bite sized morsel that's reminiscent of Batman and Gotham City. Reporter Dillon Galway and hit lady Alyssa Stephano are compelling characters who I want to see more of. (Alyssa rides a Kawasaki bike and wears a red leather jacket....I had a Kawasaki bike and wear a red leather jacket! We're twinsies!) Gavalik has set us up with a compelling mystery guaranteed to make readers pick up volumes 2 and 3. I think he's onto something, publishing in this innovative format!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Grit City issue #1 July 23, 2011

By Jenn B

Format:Kindle Edition

Grit City is a short fun read with amazing writing and artwork.The Grit city world is well constructed and the characters are exciting. You will love it the minute you start reading it. I am a fan for life! I can't wait for Issue #2.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Very interesting new concept July 23, 2011

By min1419

Format:Kindle Edition

I really enjoyed the fast reading experience. The illustrations pulled me into the story. Dillon and Alyssa are exciting characters. I will be anxiously awaiting issue 2, very captivating!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Truly a new kind of experience February 1, 2012

By Rutger

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I really enjoyed this book!

The voice was very engaging and the story line makes me wonder what is coming next (I already bought several other issues if that's any idea how I feel about the story - hint hint). I've always been a fan of noir and the voice nestles in like a confidant as I read along; so close I could almost smell the sweat. I liked how the characters are being introduced and the grisly scene at the warehouse left a lasting impression. As a war vet and being a pretty good shot myself (sniper/scout unit), I'm amazed how a person can tag a bad guy with a handgun through a crack in a door while riding a motorcycle - but she's obviously one seriously bad gal.

And I want to get to know her soooo much! Does that make me bad? I hope she thinks so.

The whole emotobook thing is a novel idea and I love to support anything that challenges the reader to not just "read" the tale, but "experience" it. I think the sign of any good writer is one's ability to take the reader on an emotional journey; to move the reader. These very well crafted pictures help to do just that. Although it was a bit difficult to make each out on my kindle, I don't think "making them out" was the point - this isn't a comic book, after all. Still, I would've loved to have seen them in color!

Bottom line: if you want a uniquely enjoyable experience and just a dog-gone good tale done in classic style, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy today!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully Noir January 26, 2012

By H. Miller

Format:Kindle Edition

Beautiful has to be the first word I use to describe GRIT CITY. The abstract illustrations strategically placed throughout truly evoke emotion--no surprise in an emotobook.

But even without the artwork, the noir storyline starring Dillon Galway is beautiful in its dark prose. I fell easily into Dillon's world of Grit City and willingly followed him into danger and intrigue.

I also enjoyed meeting Alyssa Stephano whose Alpha Female plays well with Dillon's Beta Male. There was already some nice sexual tension brewing, as well as the set up for a mystery.

Looking forward to the next issue!

More About the Author

I've dedicated my life to the written word. My career to date consists of fiction writing, journalism, public relations, marketing, and technical writing. Reading and writing is how I enter the world, and it influences every aspect of my life.

As a multigenre writer, I'm always pushing forward, experimenting, and striving to reach new levels of storytelling. Good fiction comments on reality, but transports the reader to a sensational world of wonder and interest that far outweighs tangible existence.

I'm also the Publisher of Grit City Publications, an independent publishing group of Emotobooks, the first fiction medium exclusive to tablets and smartphones. It's my ongoing pursuit to bridge the gap between the cerebral gratifications of well-plotted fiction and the visual stimulation of expressive, abstract art. The Revolution of the Emotobooks medium captures the dream-like visuals we all experience, but in the written fiction we love.