Customer Reviews

The Tragic Flaw (Strebor on the Streetz)

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

 

 

When I first began reading The Tragic Flaw, by Che Parker, I thought it was going to be a tough read. In the beginning, there were just far too many details on the setting, but in hindsight, I believe those details were there to give the reader a feel for the setting and to prepare them for what was to come because there were points in the story where the details were so grim, I was actually screaming, squirming, sometimes repulsed and crying in my seat as I read.

By the beginning of the fourth chapter, I was intrigued by the main character, Cicero Day. Cicero is the biracial and illegitimate child of a very well-known and respected Italian mobster. As a child, his father would often take him on some of his violent outings and Cicero would stare, intrigued at the power and respect that his father had on the streets. Cicero internally took this all in and despite being formally college educated; he took on his streetwise and brutal persona into adulthood. He wanted to be just like his father--thirsted for that same type of so-called "street respect."

Cicero made plans with former college buddy, Bradley, a very well to do computer designer and Kameron, Cicero's tough childhood friend, to distribute a new drug on the streets. They end up getting financial backing from old mobsters that Cicero's father used to run with. This is the start of events that is the beginning of hell for them all. They each have a tragic flaw that may have a part in bringing them all down.

The mob backs Cicero's proposal because he has a mean reputation in the streets just like his father once had. He also has one up on his father--his education and his business sense. Little do some of the guys in the mob know that Cicero has a few tricks and agenda of his own up his sleeves. His is a highly sophisticated yet complex game of the streets that consist of brutal methods of "payback" to those that cross him.

Despite this street power and respect, Cicero's tragic flaw may eventually bring him down. He thrives on living in his father's shadow and fame. Kameron thrives on getting high. Bradley thrives on using his "smarts" to create this drug that will be distributed and thinks that he can get over on his buddies. Each of them has a demon within that they are fighting, yet their thirst for money, power and respect keep them from focusing on their battles. Cicero is the ringleader. Will he "ring-lead" his buddies, his followers straight to hell? He is tormented on a regular basis with bad dreams and nightmares that he will fall but they do not scare him. His mother prays for him and warns him, yet he somehow things he is invincible.

Will this story end like most tragedies do? Will "The Tragic Flaws" bring the characters down and they forever burn in the inferno and be punished for their deeds on earth?

I give this one two thumbs up. It read just like a modern day "urban gangster" story with a twist. I definitely recommend it to others.

Reviewed by Coulee Eidos
APOOO BookClub

Cicero Day is smart and athletic. His mom's refrigerator is overflowing with all kinds of accolades displaying his name. While his mom Ruth is a God-fearing woman, his father is an Italian mobster. After the murder of his father Antonio, Cicero transforms into a callous gangster himself with absolutely no fear...even from that of God.

Cicero is treated to disturbing nightmares. It appears that when he wreaks havoc in the streets of Kansas City, he's visited by one of his ghastly dreams. His mom is insistent that he needs to humble himself. Unrelenting in his lifestyle, Cicero continues to unleash hell on people who've crossed him. Is there redemption in Cicero's future?

Che Parker has written a flamboyant tale packed with torture, violence and very bizarre characters. While I was instantly put off by the overture of details, when the criminal element finally makes an appearance, it is definitely wild and worth the wait. Yet, vile creatures from hell make the story a little too warped for my own fondness. However, the message comes across clearly about the costly life of the ambitious. Remember, you will have to account for all the wrongs that you've done.

Reviewed by Nardsbaby
for Urban Reviews

The Tragic Flaw is a remarkable novel, well written and comparable to novels by seasoned authors. As a first time author, Che Parker has painted both a vivid and graphic picture of crime on the streets of Kansas City. His main character, Cicero Day, a bi-racial Black and Italian, is a multi-layered, very complex and confused young man. Parker portrays this character as a leader, someone his friends follow without questions.

This novel is both entertaining and enlightening. It confirms the old adage that you reap what you sow. Parker's ability to tell a story, keep you in suspense, have you cheer, then condemn a character, is compelling and brilliant. The Tragic Flaw is a modern tragedy that has the potential to rival existing novels to became a timeless classic.

Che Parker's first venture into the world of mob-crime novels is a very detailed look at a very dark place. Once I became familiar with and comfortable with his extensively detailed narrative, the book grabbed me. I find myself not liking the characters much, and grateful that this world is not mine! Having said that, I can't wait to read his next release...