Customer Reviews

A Thug's Life

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Dogs For Life one of the most feared YET respected crews in West Baltimore. Created, and strongly influenced by two young Brothas; Dayvon (thorough in thought) & Ty (tight murder game) both leaped into the game as boys pledging their lifetime membership or "until death!"

Dayvon Freeman was anything but your typical street hustler born in the hood. Dayvon was privileged with two parents, a nice home, the right schools, and the capacity to do great things. This self portrayed black sheep took to the streets, and never looked back.

Tyrone Adams was a victim of circumstance. Son to junkies killed because they couldn't pay their drug tab. Ty's only relative his Uncle one of the OG's from B-more help put HUSTLIN' on the map. Tossing Ty out into the streets early he grew to love the drama, and was built for warfare.

Now Dayvon & Ty were men. As leaders in DOGS FOR LIFE they had major success in the streets. Strong 10 year run, prosperous to the entire family. A family that was at MAXIUM STRENGTH. When you've gotten all that you can what else is left?

Sitting tight on a three year bid. Ty recognizes that THUGGIN' was definitely just his be all that ends all! Dayvon, sees the possibilities of what his wealth could afford him and wants to move beyond THUGGIN'.

In the blink of an eye DOGS FOR LIFE would plummet down from its manifesto of love, only to be overthrown by major disloyalty.

Along with money, and fame...comes a hefty price of pain!

A Thug's Life is an experience of urban tension. Leaving the individual reader with the opportunity to glimpse each character as they elect to live a certain way including the consequences that goes with their choices.


"Was it all worth it?"

Best friends Dayvon and Ty are more like brothers than friends. Nothing can come between them. Or can it? As the leaders of the ruthless DFL (Dogs For Life), they have the streets of B'more on lock. That is until Ty gets knocked. Being his brother's keeper, Dayvon holds things down while his partner is gone. Time and experience has Dayvon considering making a change. Maybe it's time to give this steet life up. But what does Ty think of Dayvon's change of heart? Is Dayvon going soft? Or maybe he's a snitch? Is that why Ty is locked up and not Dayvon? Dayvon's decision unknowingly starts a chain reaction of events that no one is ready for. Will the streets of B'more ever be the same?

I had been waiting on Mr. Long's debut novel. After reading his short story in 'The Game,' he piqued my interest. His story was one of the VERY FEW worth reading in that book (don't get me started!). He did not disappoint with 'A Thug's Life.' It was an enjoyable read, but rather on the short side. I look forward to big things from this author.

reading this book i felt i was right there, growing up in bmore, i could relate to alot of the drama of streets. this is a great book and it hits on alot of high points! great job thomas, and thanks for the signed copy. can't wait until the next one. this is a must have book.

Bling, Bling... Women... Cars... Cribs... Cash!!! They had it all, or so they thought. Ty and Dayvon, had made a name for themselves hustling in the drug game. DFL (Dogs For Life) put in down in Baltimore and there was no turning back. Ty and Dayvon, the two HNIC's (Head Niggas In Charge), were like brothers. But once Ty got locked up... things changed. Dayvon wanted out... FAST! But a cold-blooded criminal like Ty was not having it.

Ty always felt Dayvon was soft and figured since he wanted out, he had to be the one responsible for dropping the dime on him. As Ty seeks revenge, Dayvon has a few tricks up his sleeves as well. Just as things are getting hot and heavy between the two, more drama pops off within the DFL crew. Unexpectedly, Stink and Lil' Jay, two young bloods in DFL, are ready to change the game and take control of the crew. As the plot thickens so does the blood trail, leaving the reader to wonder what's next.

This fast-paced thriller is filled with all the elements to have you mesmerized and is definitely a page-turner. A Thug's Life, a realistic urban novel, is a must read. It is overflowing with action, suspense, and drama and will have you wanting more. I would rate this book a four and request that Thomas Long keeps the books coming!

Reviewed by Tisha D. Moody of Memphis RAWSISTAZ

I loved this story, I was so happy to read a story that was as true to the game as possible that I did not know what to do! I read this story with in 5 hours.

Dayvon & Ty who would have thought things would have turned out like this.

This story kept you glued from the start. I am so happy I took the advice of Ms. Crystal & Ms. Toni and read this book.

After reading so many fake street stories this was just what i needed to put me back in a reading mood.

Keep up the Good Work Mr. Long! And thanks for a story that was well worth the read.

Dayvon, coming from an upper middle class family, is not your typical drug dealer/hustler with a sad story. Dayvon and his siblings came from a respectable family that raised their kids to be educated and to have values and morals. Dayvon goes left on his family, and chooses to befriend classmate, Ty. Ty is a troubled kid who was orphaned at a young age. Ty's hustlin' uncle, Will, raises Ty. Uncle Will schools Ty and Dayvon on how to be hustlers. When Uncle Will retires, he hands over his territory to Ty and Dayvon.

While Ty is in the joint, Dayvon decides to get out of the game. Ty feels betrayed by Dayvon's decision. From that point on, the once untouchable friendship between Ty and Dayvon goes up in smoke, and the two men go to war.

The twists and turns in A Thug's Life make it clear that it's virtually impossible to remove yourself from the drug dealing murder game. Greed, power, and jealousy ultimately overrule all other feelings...including friendship.

I got this book at Barnes & Nobles, and paid alot more than the Amazon price, but I was desperate for a good read.

Dayvon and Ty are childhood friends, they represent the DFL Dogs for Life , They are big time hustlers in Inner City Baltimore, the people within there own crews are tying to step up and take Dayvon and Ty's place on top of the game. Ty was the typical Inner City Drug Dealing kid with no future, while Dayvon had a good childhood with loving parents. Ty introduced Dayvon to the game. They made a pact that the only way out of the DFL was death.

Dayvon is ready to retire from the game, while Ty is sitting in prison, when Dayvon tells Ty that he wants out, Ty spreads the word that Dayvon is a snitch. Ty gets really upset because he feels like he is in prison and Dayvon is plotting on the streets. Ty puts a hit out on Dayvon's girl, and a back and forth street saga begins.

Meanwhile Lil Jay and Stink who performed the hit on Dayvons girl are plotting to knock Ty and Dayvon out of the game completely.

This book represents Baltimore so good, I felt like I was watching HBO'S THE WIRE This was the first book I have read by Thomas Long, but now I can't wait to read other books by the author. This book grabbed me from the first page, and it was easy to follow. I thought this book was really good, and for me it was a one day read. From start to finish I was feeling it.

There's one thing for sure: Thomas Long knows the streets. In the midst of all the wannabe gangsta/hip-hop novels, this is one of those that is realistic. Ain't nothing sweet here. A Thug's Life ain't something to play with. If you want fun and games then get a different book. If you want the raw and uncut then you're in the right place.

This was one of those books that you just couldn't put down - I constantly had to know what was going to happen! The story line kept my interest. Thomas Long let the reader into the sad reality of "A Thugs Life". My only complaint was the size of the book - it could have been a little longer (the book is really thin with large writing) But it was a good Story!!!

The best thing about this story is that it shows the game aint worth it, its not worth losing the people and life that you love.

Best friends Dayvon and Ty are different from night and day. Dayvon grew up in a structured two-parent home in the suburbs while Ty was raised on the other side of the tracks. Fed up with living the life of a drug dealer Dayvon decides he wants out. His decision does not sit too well with Ty who is serving time in jail. With nothing to do except sit in his jail cell and ponder, Ty comes to the conclusion that Dayvon is the snitch that led to his imprisonment, so he conspires to get his revenge.

Dayvon, the brains of the organization, who is usually two-steps ahead of Ty suddenly finds himself at war. Will Dayvon become just another statistic? Read A THUG'S LIFE and find out.

A THUG'S LIFE is a gritty true-to-life tale of drugs, murder and mayhem. The explicit sex scenes coupled with the action-packed drama will have you sitting on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next. Thomas Long has written a novel that will entertain the most finicky reader.

Reviewed by Pamela Bolden
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers