Brothers+in+Arms

By: Mary Jo

Without a doubt, I loved this book by Paul Langan, and Ben Alirez! It's called Brothers in Arms. It is the ninth book in The Bluford Series. This story was amazing! What I enjoyed best about it was the fact that it connects with what happens today in a poor, young, mobster's point of view. (The way we see the world). What really gave it...pizzazz were the word choices that the book used- slang words! How many novels do you read that are like this one? These books just like the rest of the series are definitely not banal!

Besides this story having sufficient style, it also has a magnificent plot that quickly grabbed me from the beginning. (I can only give you a preview- that sucks right? Don’t get cantankerous. If I only tell you a little bit, you’ll want to read the book-, which you totally will.) The plot, in a sort of cursory way is about  gang banger Martin, whose little brother gets shot during a drive-by, which was meant for-oops never mind, skip ahead. Anyway, he wants to get revenge! Does he follow through? Hmm... You better find out!

One time, my brother had the audacity to take my cd player unnoticed to school. When I found out, I wanted to retaliate.... (Heeheehee, scary mischievous laughter!) so I took his mp3 player!(did you ever hear of that quote:” revenge is a dish best served cold"? Well, I did that.)

What’s a fiction review without talking about the main characters? None. Exactly so here goes…the second main character’s name is Frankie. He is like the leader of the gang. What I like best about him is that he would fight for anyone in his gang-his family. What I dislike about him is that he wants other people to do his dirty work. We have to save the best for last- (the 1st main character) Martin Luna! He is the boy that moves because his brother gets killed. What I especially like about him is that he feels bad whenever he hurts his mom’s feelings. What I don’t appreciate is that he let people influence him at first. A connection that I have to Martin is that when I get a bad grade in school and my mom is disappointed in me I am distressed also. Also, when a letter gets sent home because I’m being bad, I feel the same way. I am different from him because I am not in a gang.

Ultimately, I would recommend this book to anyone who loves to read. I eulogize this book because 1) it’s a prodigious book, and 2) It will change your mind about people! Beware… after you read this book you’ll want to start from the first Bluford book.