Dark, deep and devastating, King of Ashes packs an emotional punch by exploring powerful dualities–brutality vs. tenderness, good versus evil, loyalty vs. treachery and virtuousness vs. criminality. It’s another magnificent thriller with intricate and layered characters emanating from the prolific pen of literary master S.A. Cosby.
Roman Carruthers returns to his hometown of Jefferson Run, Virginia after learning his father is in a coma. That’s when he discovers his brother Dante owes a big debt to a vicious local gang and his father’s car accident was a message being sent. Roman, a smart and talented financial guru with a track record of making his clients lots of money, strikes a deal with the gang leaders to make them more money than his brother owes them. But these are merciless gangsters who quickly show Roman he is in over his head and one false move will result in the death of everyone he loves. Using every bit of his intelligence and, along with the help of a ruthless fixer, Roman enacts a plan to turn the tables on these gangsters to get his family out of the crosshairs. But achieving victory may mean damning his soul to an eternity in hell.
What would you do for your family? Would you give up your life of luxury and risk everything you’ve worked tirelessly to build in order to save a family member who gets sideways with dangerous people? Would you adopt an “us or them” mentality, even if it means breaking the law and crossing lines you can never uncross? These are some of the deep questions at the heart of King of Ashes that propels the story forward towards an explosive conclusion. Setting Roman on a dark journey that is fueled partially by unconditional loyalty and love, and partly by unyielding guilt and pain. Descending deep into hell in an attempt to find salvation for his brother and forgiveness for himself.
King of Ashes has everything you would expect from a Cosby novel. Beautiful prose. Exceptional storytelling. Multifaceted, well-developed characters. Complex relationships. Savage violence. Gut wrenching moments of truth. Conflicting emotions. And blindsiding twists. With an ending that will stick in your mind for a long time. It’s gritty, haunting and outstanding. A worthy addition to Cosby’s brilliant crime fiction catalog.
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