Customer Reviews

Take Two and Pass

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"Take Two and Pass" opens with a day in the troubled life of sixteen year-old, Tokus Stone. Tokus' stepfather is an alcoholic and has been drinking. He is also physically assaulting Tokus' mother. This seems to be the norm and Tokus steps in because he has had enough. His actions produce nearly fatal results. Two days later Tokus is left to fend for himself, as his mother and stepfather silently disappear from his world.

The story moves forward a few years later to find that Tokus has completed high school and is now close to finishing college. In order to survive, he has become a drug-dealer on some of New York's most sordid neighborhoods. However, Tokus is not your average street hustler. He has substantial plans for the future, which do not include selling drugs, hustling or a life of crime.

Unbeknownst to Tokus, there is someone hiding in the shadows, taking in his every move and ready to unravel the threads that seemingly hold his life together.

In part one of "Take Two and Pass," Tokus encounters quite a few individuals at various times while in the streets who will unknowingly make a lasting impact and ultimately cause him to make sacrifices that could result in the loss of his life. Initially, the storyline becomes somewhat muddled and confusing as the second half begins. The introduction of more characters leaves the reader wondering what has become of Tokus Stone and how these new figures will intertwine in his life, if at all. Eventually, Tokus resurfaces and the lines of deception become apparent.

Way Jalon, a powerfully wealthy man who sits upon an empire, becomes a major factor in the life of Tokus Stone. Tokus' demise is inevitable as Jalon, and Pause, a female assassin and the perfect seductress in a package, that is exceptionally appealing to the male eye, join forces.
"Take Two and Pass" is recommended for readers who are drawn to action-packed thrillers that weave violence in everyday street life as well as in the white collar communities and the often corrupt criminal justice system.

Reviewed by Detrel
APOOO BookClub

Tokus Stone has his mind made up, he is going to get out of the ghetto by obtaining an education and living a legitimate life. Unbeknownst to him, he is the target of a rich businessman and his master plan. TAKE TWO AND PASS by Nane Quartay is Tokus Stone's quest to leave the hood and the struggles he ensues.

As a child and subsequently as a teen, Tokus has lived a chaotic life. A constant stream of men in and out of his mother's life have used and abused her. When Tokus intervenes he also is physically abused. One fateful day, a beating takes place and Tokus reacts, putting the fear of God into his stepfather. A fear so strong, his mother and stepfather leave Tokus to fend for himself. At this point he makes a decision to attend the university and turn his life around. In order to survive, he must continue to sell drugs while he attends college. His choice of occupation leads him into a seedy world with many characters, both legitimate and illegitimate, in and out of his life. Excelling in college, he becomes the target of a multi-million dollar scheme, causing more turbulence in his life. Upon graduation, Tokus is approached and offered a job with a prestigious business in Albany, New York. Sensing a blessing, he takes the offer and tries to make the best of it for himself and those around him. His life comes full circle as his true parentage is revealed, siblings are acknowledged and the corruptness of the seemingly legitimate players is divulged.

Nane Quartay has introduced a primary character who is complex, well-meaning, versed in sexual escapades, but ignorant when true love stares him in the face. The attention to detail, i.e., behavioral, thought processes and surroundings, is vivid and leaves little to the imagination. As the secondary characters make their way into Tokus' life, they are introduced with their own stories and their relationships are revealed in shocking display. TAKE TWO AND PASS is a whirlwind street ride with a paranormal twist. The storytelling is raw, potent and commands attention.

Reviewed by Dawn R. Reeves
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers