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joyousreads132's review
4.0
I’m a big fan of novels that start fast and can sustain the pace relentlessly until the very end. Such is the case for this book. If you’re like me, a reader that takes home books like strays every week, this is a must. If I have any hopes of making a dent on my to-be-read pile, then reading books that consume my undivided attention is definitely a necessity. It also helps that I’ve a newfound appreciation for pulp fiction and Richard Lange’s book fits the bill exactly. This book is absolutely riveting. It will have you flipping the pages, frantic to get to the end.
Quick Story:
On the run from her abusive, drug lord of a husband, Luz will unflinchingly and ironically kill those who stand in her way to get away from a violent life. From Tijuana to California, and aided by a terminally depressed Malone, she would move heaven and earth to get to her daughter whom she hasn’t seen in years. But with a corrupt border agent and a convict on their tail, getting to her will not be a walk in the park.
My Thoughts:
This book may not be the usual genre that I normally enjoy, but, golly, it had me by the nose as early as page one. I wouldn’t say it’s an easy read, but Richard Lange certainly did his best to make it as palatable to non-readers of this genre as possible. Expect a lot of violence and gore, for sure. However, the author didn’t make it so they’re gratuitous.
This shows exactly how corrupt and how easily illegal immigrants can cross the US-Mexico border for the right price. In this case, all you needed is a border agent with a gambling habit desperate enough to ignore the law and the job he’s supposed to do.
I think the one character here that I enjoyed reading about is the convict, Jeronimo. Basically, Rolando (the drug lord husband), held his family hostage until Jeronimo brings Luz back to him. He’s dead set on keeping his nose clean for his family but like any gang member who’d like to turnover a new leaf, Rolando made it hard for him. You’ll see a lot of remorse from Jeronimo, but none directed to those whom he thought were not worthy. He had no problem killing the corrupt but he agonized when it's defenceless people.
Malone is also another interesting character. He’s on a suicide mission, and I’m not talking about helping Luz escape her deranged, lawless husband. He’d been suicidal before that. His story is heartbreaking, to say the least. But then again, there’s heartbreaks everywhere in this book.
This gritty novel is a lucid representation of how I envisioned this life would be. Though, I’m sure there are others more violent than this one, it’s the only level that my stomach can pretty much digest. Let's put it this way, when I watched Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction in the cinemas many years ago, I felt as if I had hangover for the next couple of weeks. It's also one of the reasons why I can't get through any horror reads of true crime novels for that matter. I just have a weak stomach for violence and gore.
Quick Story:
On the run from her abusive, drug lord of a husband, Luz will unflinchingly and ironically kill those who stand in her way to get away from a violent life. From Tijuana to California, and aided by a terminally depressed Malone, she would move heaven and earth to get to her daughter whom she hasn’t seen in years. But with a corrupt border agent and a convict on their tail, getting to her will not be a walk in the park.
My Thoughts:
This book may not be the usual genre that I normally enjoy, but, golly, it had me by the nose as early as page one. I wouldn’t say it’s an easy read, but Richard Lange certainly did his best to make it as palatable to non-readers of this genre as possible. Expect a lot of violence and gore, for sure. However, the author didn’t make it so they’re gratuitous.
This shows exactly how corrupt and how easily illegal immigrants can cross the US-Mexico border for the right price. In this case, all you needed is a border agent with a gambling habit desperate enough to ignore the law and the job he’s supposed to do.
I think the one character here that I enjoyed reading about is the convict, Jeronimo. Basically, Rolando (the drug lord husband), held his family hostage until Jeronimo brings Luz back to him. He’s dead set on keeping his nose clean for his family but like any gang member who’d like to turnover a new leaf, Rolando made it hard for him. You’ll see a lot of remorse from Jeronimo, but none directed to those whom he thought were not worthy. He had no problem killing the corrupt but he agonized when it's defenceless people.
Malone is also another interesting character. He’s on a suicide mission, and I’m not talking about helping Luz escape her deranged, lawless husband. He’d been suicidal before that. His story is heartbreaking, to say the least. But then again, there’s heartbreaks everywhere in this book.
This gritty novel is a lucid representation of how I envisioned this life would be. Though, I’m sure there are others more violent than this one, it’s the only level that my stomach can pretty much digest. Let's put it this way, when I watched Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction in the cinemas many years ago, I felt as if I had hangover for the next couple of weeks. It's also one of the reasons why I can't get through any horror reads of true crime novels for that matter. I just have a weak stomach for violence and gore.
liberrydude's review
4.0
Luz is a battered narcoficante's wife who seizes the moment to escape her imprisonment in Tijuana-she has to employ her husband's violent tactics too. Her vengeful husband gets one of his soldiers out of prison to hunt her down and bring her back so he can personally torture her to death. The chase leads to Los Angeles. There is an unusual alliance between a corrupt Border Patrol agent and the drug foot soldier along the way. Lots of interesting twists in the plot as Luz flees and encounters one obstacle after another. And there's also the burned out gringo smuggler who helps her. Just a very interesting and intense escape/chase story. It sounded a lot like a Don Winslow or T. Jefferson Parker story about the border.
betag1013's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Cursing, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Violence, Addiction, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Sexual harassment, Toxic relationship, Kidnapping, Rape, Child death, Confinement, Drug abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Grief, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual assault, Misogyny, Murder, and Torture
eclectictales's review against another edition
3.0
I won a copy of this novel from the LibraryThing Early Reviewers Programme.
Angel Baby follows a number of characters interconnected through a series of events precipitated by the main character, Luz. Despite of this colourful cast of characters and their different motivations, they lack considerable depth, especially as the pursuit tightens.
The story also lulled at times. The prose can be interesting at times but also unhelpful when the story hit a rather dull spot. Angel Baby was interesting enough but it could have been more engaging and the characters more well-developed.
My complete review of the title was originally posted at caffeinatedlife.net: http://www.caffeinatedlife.net/blog/2013/06/29/review-angel-baby/
Angel Baby follows a number of characters interconnected through a series of events precipitated by the main character, Luz. Despite of this colourful cast of characters and their different motivations, they lack considerable depth, especially as the pursuit tightens.
The story also lulled at times. The prose can be interesting at times but also unhelpful when the story hit a rather dull spot. Angel Baby was interesting enough but it could have been more engaging and the characters more well-developed.
My complete review of the title was originally posted at caffeinatedlife.net: http://www.caffeinatedlife.net/blog/2013/06/29/review-angel-baby/
maedo's review
4.0
I was initially drawn to this book because of the cover -- woman with gun, noirish Western, right in my wheelhouse. I finished reading it tonight being pleasantly surprised by how good it was. I carried this book to the kitchen, to the bathroom, in my purse to a dinner date with friends in the vain hope that I could cram 15 minutes of reading in if I was the first person to arrive at the restaurant. (I was not.)
The whole book is a pursuit. Nearly every character is out for him or herself, which creates mortal problems for other characters and claustrophobic "how's she gonna solve THIS one" situations. Richard Lange navigates his characters through these turns with a smooth plausibility and obvious heart for his heroine and succession of antiheroes. If you've ever wanted to read something like No Country for Old Men but stripped of McCarthyisms, or Tarantino stripped of a couple thousand "fucks" and random monologues, might I suggest Angel Baby?
The whole book is a pursuit. Nearly every character is out for him or herself, which creates mortal problems for other characters and claustrophobic "how's she gonna solve THIS one" situations. Richard Lange navigates his characters through these turns with a smooth plausibility and obvious heart for his heroine and succession of antiheroes. If you've ever wanted to read something like No Country for Old Men but stripped of McCarthyisms, or Tarantino stripped of a couple thousand "fucks" and random monologues, might I suggest Angel Baby?
booksuperpower's review against another edition
3.0
Angel Baby is a Mulhollard/Little Brown and Company publication. This book was released in May 2013.
First of all I would like to thank the publisher and Library Thing for this TSPB edition from the early review program.
Luz is living a nightmare with her abusive husband. She needs to leave him and get back to her young daughter, Isabel. She must cross the border into the United States and find her aunt that has been keeping Isobel for her. But, first she has to get away from her husband. Luz will do anything to get free and will have to. Once she gets away, she needs help. She is introduced to a man that sets her up with Malone, a man that makes his living smuggling people into the US. While Luz is not happy with the set up it's the best option she has.
Meanwhile, Luz's husband discovers she is gone and sets up a plan to get her back. This plan involves a man named Jeronimo. Jeronimo is just trying to do his time and get back to his family. When El Principe springs him, he makes the man an offer he can't refuse- bring back his wife or else he will kill Jeronimo's wife and kids.
Throw in a crooked border patrol agent that gets wind of Luz trying to cross the border carrying a large sum of money .
Now the chase is on. Will Luz find her daughter and get a chance at a fresh start? Or will her violent husband succeed in tracking her down?
This was a very imaginative story line. The deeper message was all about what people will do for the people they love. Will good triumph over evil? Overall a satisfying read. Part thriller, part crime drama. Overall I would give this one a B-.
First of all I would like to thank the publisher and Library Thing for this TSPB edition from the early review program.
Luz is living a nightmare with her abusive husband. She needs to leave him and get back to her young daughter, Isabel. She must cross the border into the United States and find her aunt that has been keeping Isobel for her. But, first she has to get away from her husband. Luz will do anything to get free and will have to. Once she gets away, she needs help. She is introduced to a man that sets her up with Malone, a man that makes his living smuggling people into the US. While Luz is not happy with the set up it's the best option she has.
Meanwhile, Luz's husband discovers she is gone and sets up a plan to get her back. This plan involves a man named Jeronimo. Jeronimo is just trying to do his time and get back to his family. When El Principe springs him, he makes the man an offer he can't refuse- bring back his wife or else he will kill Jeronimo's wife and kids.
Throw in a crooked border patrol agent that gets wind of Luz trying to cross the border carrying a large sum of money .
Now the chase is on. Will Luz find her daughter and get a chance at a fresh start? Or will her violent husband succeed in tracking her down?
This was a very imaginative story line. The deeper message was all about what people will do for the people they love. Will good triumph over evil? Overall a satisfying read. Part thriller, part crime drama. Overall I would give this one a B-.