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its_justine's review
4.0
"I know that you’re always gonna be Lonely. It’s part of who you are and part of what I love about you. But I need you to know that I love you and I got your back and you will never be alone."
The strife of days thought long gone have come back to haunt Elijah Catchings in Chase Bolling's Urban Erotic Fiction/Thriller novella, The Ballad of Eli. This is the tale of man willing to pay any price to protect and provide for his family, even if it means falling back into the illicit underworld he once left behind. As the opportunity (or ambush) of a lifetime presents itself, Lonely emerges from Eli's darkest depths, but this time Eli isn't facing the challenges alone. For a relatively short story, Bolling dauntlessly addresses some very real and relevant perils that plague the urban communities, including corruption, political machinations, and gentrification – change starts with awareness. Readers are swept along a smooth and fast-paced adventure through Bridgeport, Connecticut on a mission to topple an infectious syndicate, and by the end I was left needing more.
At the core of this story lies Eli, a man content, but not completely at peace with his life. His past, ripe with illegal enterprise–one which he admittedly craves–resurfaces and threatens everything he and his wife Keisha have worked so hard to build. The entirety of The Ballad of Eli is about the interactions and dynamics between characters, and how each holds a specific importance in Eli's life – whether through loyalty or shrewdly intending to use him as a means to an end. Throughout the novella, there are flashes into the past that define him, giving insight into his intellect and ambition, and allowing us to see deep beneath the surface. In addition, Keisha is a shining star in this tale, a grounding force for our main character that dazzles the pages she appears on. Her devotion to her husband is unshakable, which is beautifully reciprocated; a mutual respect that transcends trivialities. Bolling's decisions made with regard to his character building are bold, but wisely executed.
She smiled, setting his soul on fire…
The narrative allows readers to peer through the eyes of Eli, its tone embodying what's expected of this particular genre, thoroughly immersing you in urban Bridgeport. Events are clearly chronicled, seamlessly transitioning from one aspect to another, plotting and planning to execution. Bolling captures poignant emotion well, especially when it comes to blazing love and heartfelt respect. The doses of eroticism aren't just thrown into the mix without cause, but are utilized to highlight the relationships between characters and the importance of a bond between two people in mind, body, and soul. My only honest issue with this short fiction is the inconsistency regarding perspective, sometimes jumping from third person to first person, which I always find to be a bit distracting.
The Ballad of Eli is a sexy and action-packed tale of reclaiming the power, all packed into a bite-sized morsel. Full disclosure, this is the first of the Street Lit genre that I've dipped my toes into, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. While a work of fiction, it's a genuine peek into the socioeconomic issues that afflict our world, and the author pulls no punches. Brimming with scheming and the violence that accompanies it, this book is a perfect read for those looking for something raw and real. Whether you're an Urban Fiction connoisseur or a newbie like me, I guarantee you'll fall in love with this yarn Bolling has spun. It is a self-contained story, but I'd love to see more Eli in the future.
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CW: Explicit sex, graphic violence, death
For this review and others, visit Whispers & Wonder
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