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Riot: A 1960s Love Story
It’s September 1967. As the Vietnam War and a militant Antiwar Movement hurtle toward explosive confrontation, Steve Harris – white, idealistic, and naïve -- begins his freshman year. During that year, he will fight to end the war, fall in love, confront painful truths about his family, and be jailed and beaten by police. Through this crucible, he emerges with a transformed consciousness, of the world and of himself.
The change begins with a rousing antiwar speech delivered by Emma Gold, a Depression-era radical. When Emma introduces him to young Cat Crawford -- inter-racial, brilliant and exotically beautiful – his bewitching is complete. The two students’ instant friendship blossoms before long into a passionate love affair. Their bond is tested, though, by the mounting demands of the Antiwar and Black Power Movements, and by their own deep-seated psychological issues.
1968 is marked by campus unrest, urban rebellion, assassinations, and political violence that leads the two into clashes with the Chicago Police and the National Guard. The story builds to a heartrending climax during the street battles surrounding the Democratic National Convention.
This is a complex, fast-paced journey on an emotional roller coaster, punctuated by flashes of self-discovery, and bursting with political and sexual passions.
The change begins with a rousing antiwar speech delivered by Emma Gold, a Depression-era radical. When Emma introduces him to young Cat Crawford -- inter-racial, brilliant and exotically beautiful – his bewitching is complete. The two students’ instant friendship blossoms before long into a passionate love affair. Their bond is tested, though, by the mounting demands of the Antiwar and Black Power Movements, and by their own deep-seated psychological issues.
1968 is marked by campus unrest, urban rebellion, assassinations, and political violence that leads the two into clashes with the Chicago Police and the National Guard. The story builds to a heartrending climax during the street battles surrounding the Democratic National Convention.
This is a complex, fast-paced journey on an emotional roller coaster, punctuated by flashes of self-discovery, and bursting with political and sexual passions.
458 pages, Paperback
First published September 8, 2015
47 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Charles S. Isaacs
6 books4 followersCharles S. Isaacs has been a schoolteacher, college professor, social activist, community organizer, real estate consultant, gambler, storyteller, bad golfer and occasional journalist.
His undergraduate studies were in Mathematics (LIU-Brooklyn), after which he attended the University of Chicago Law School. His later graduate work was in the Social Sciences, earning an M.A. (New School for Social Research) and a Ph.D. (The Union Institute & University).
His published work encompasses fiction, poetry and award-winning non-fiction. He lives in New York's Mid-Hudson Valley.
His undergraduate studies were in Mathematics (LIU-Brooklyn), after which he attended the University of Chicago Law School. His later graduate work was in the Social Sciences, earning an M.A. (New School for Social Research) and a Ph.D. (The Union Institute & University).
His published work encompasses fiction, poetry and award-winning non-fiction. He lives in New York's Mid-Hudson Valley.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
November 8, 2020
For those who lived the sixties, the rebellions, the anti-war sentiment and the Black Power Movement, this tale by Charles S. Isaacs is a trip back in time to the tension, the heated passions and the risks seemingly average American would take to make their voices heard. Intermixed into this tale of discontent is a love story between two college students that proves that insecurity in matters of the heart can run as deep as the drive to protest.
Almost reading like two separate stories, the attraction between the two main characters begins and through most of the story seems too needy, too conditional. As the tensions mount throughout the protests, are all of their passion to the cause, this couple set limits on how involved each could get. Did this make them part-time protesters? Protesters who only went half the distance, taking time out for weekend getaways while soldiers in a foreign country got no reprieve, faced no support from their country and racism ran rampant, 24/7 for those who had no control over the color of their skin.
The tale of the protests, the outrage, all involved in organizing events was intriguing and while this was fiction, it was very well done. What was difficult was the blending of the romance with the activism, it just wasn’t smooth to me. Truly a dark moment in this country’s history, the hate, the political machinations and brutal assassinations came alive in a gut-churning presentation that will enlighten those too young to remember and bring back dark memories for those who lived it.
Charles S. Isaacs did a wonderful job in his telling, making it personal in the use of his narrative style. INTO THE STREETS is well worth the read, so sit back block out several hours and get ready to experience and form opinions on the era of protests and cover-ups.
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Charles S. Isaacs! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Publisher : Black Rose Writing (November 3, 2020)
Genre: Historical Romance | Political
Print length : 484 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Almost reading like two separate stories, the attraction between the two main characters begins and through most of the story seems too needy, too conditional. As the tensions mount throughout the protests, are all of their passion to the cause, this couple set limits on how involved each could get. Did this make them part-time protesters? Protesters who only went half the distance, taking time out for weekend getaways while soldiers in a foreign country got no reprieve, faced no support from their country and racism ran rampant, 24/7 for those who had no control over the color of their skin.
The tale of the protests, the outrage, all involved in organizing events was intriguing and while this was fiction, it was very well done. What was difficult was the blending of the romance with the activism, it just wasn’t smooth to me. Truly a dark moment in this country’s history, the hate, the political machinations and brutal assassinations came alive in a gut-churning presentation that will enlighten those too young to remember and bring back dark memories for those who lived it.
Charles S. Isaacs did a wonderful job in his telling, making it personal in the use of his narrative style. INTO THE STREETS is well worth the read, so sit back block out several hours and get ready to experience and form opinions on the era of protests and cover-ups.
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Charles S. Isaacs! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Publisher : Black Rose Writing (November 3, 2020)
Genre: Historical Romance | Political
Print length : 484 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
May 31, 2019
Talk about a raw and gut-wrenching read that blurs the lines between right, wrong and justified! Charles S. Isaacs’s AVENGING ANGEL is the story of a young black woman, whose life was forever distorted when the hate of racism and ravages of rape cannot be overcome, but fester into a raging need to become a vigilante on a quest to right the world’s wrongs and protect those she sees as victims.
Cassandra Monroe lost her childhood the night the KKK sent a message to her family and the black community. Years later, the rage still burning, she has become a lethal and beautiful machine primed for vengeance, a machine with a shattered heart and a skewed sense of justice.
She met Mike Borelli the night she took on three thugs alone and try as she might, she couldn’t help but fall for the honorable ex-cop, white man or not. He would be her beacon in the dark, but he couldn’t tame her desire to hunt down evil, but he learned to understand and even believe in what she did.
Dark and edgy, this emotionally taut tale lays bare the ugliness in the world and the damage it can do to the innocent. As I read each page, I raged with Cassandra, I understood what drove her and eventually, I started to see her vigilante style as another necessary evil in the world. Cassie is an anti-hero, she is also a force of nature, but she is so clearly broken it is painful at times to get to know her.
Charles S. Isaacs has done a masterful job of bringing this tale to life with all of its warts and will hold readers captive to each page and every step that Cassie makes. Bold writing, no mincing of words or actions, each scene becomes a vivid specter in the mind. Each reader must decide, was Cassie right or wrong? She was certainly definitive in her approach.
I received a complimentary copy from Charles S. Isaacs!
Publisher: Black Rose Writing; 1 edition (May 1, 2019)
Publication Date: May 1, 2019
Genre: Romantic Mystery Thriller
Print Length: 413 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Cassandra Monroe lost her childhood the night the KKK sent a message to her family and the black community. Years later, the rage still burning, she has become a lethal and beautiful machine primed for vengeance, a machine with a shattered heart and a skewed sense of justice.
She met Mike Borelli the night she took on three thugs alone and try as she might, she couldn’t help but fall for the honorable ex-cop, white man or not. He would be her beacon in the dark, but he couldn’t tame her desire to hunt down evil, but he learned to understand and even believe in what she did.
Dark and edgy, this emotionally taut tale lays bare the ugliness in the world and the damage it can do to the innocent. As I read each page, I raged with Cassandra, I understood what drove her and eventually, I started to see her vigilante style as another necessary evil in the world. Cassie is an anti-hero, she is also a force of nature, but she is so clearly broken it is painful at times to get to know her.
Charles S. Isaacs has done a masterful job of bringing this tale to life with all of its warts and will hold readers captive to each page and every step that Cassie makes. Bold writing, no mincing of words or actions, each scene becomes a vivid specter in the mind. Each reader must decide, was Cassie right or wrong? She was certainly definitive in her approach.
I received a complimentary copy from Charles S. Isaacs!
Publisher: Black Rose Writing; 1 edition (May 1, 2019)
Publication Date: May 1, 2019
Genre: Romantic Mystery Thriller
Print Length: 413 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
December 27, 2020
The late 1960s were a tumultuous time in American history. There were protests for women's rights, civil rights and anti-war demonstrations. Nowhere was the feeling of unrest and unhappiness with the current status quo of American life felt more strongly than on the college campuses. This novel takes place in 1967 - 68 in Chicago and tells the story leading up to the student protest at the Democratic National Convention in 1968.
In 1967 when Steve started college at Midway in Chicago, he was just a kid trying to avoid being drafted. He wasn't a particularly great student but he knew that he didn't want to go to Vietnam and college was the best way to avoid going. It isn't too long after he arrives on campus that he meets Emma and Cat. Emma is an older woman who runs a book store near campus and has been a radical organizer for years and Cat is a black female college student who works at the bookstore. Through Emma and Cat, Steve meets many of the anti-war and civil rights members on campus and realizes that there is so much more wrong with the war than he had originally thought. He gets very involved with the movements on campus and he falls in love with Cat.
The author does a fantastic job of making this book very readable yet full of facts about the history of the time. There is reference to many of the situations and people that were part of what was really going on and it is interspersed with Steve and Cat's story in a way that makes it all very interesting. Sometimes a book like this with so much history is slowed down by all of the facts but this book is very readable and keeps your interest. I must admit that even though I knew the outcome of the political part of the story, I wasn't bored with all of the historical facts because they were presented so well as part of the story of Steve and Cat.
Whether you were around during the 60s and remember what went on or you are younger and want to learn what you parents or grandparents were doing back then, I highly recommend this book. It's very interesting and well written and has two main characters who are so real that you will end up caring and thinking about them long after you close the book for the final time.
In 1967 when Steve started college at Midway in Chicago, he was just a kid trying to avoid being drafted. He wasn't a particularly great student but he knew that he didn't want to go to Vietnam and college was the best way to avoid going. It isn't too long after he arrives on campus that he meets Emma and Cat. Emma is an older woman who runs a book store near campus and has been a radical organizer for years and Cat is a black female college student who works at the bookstore. Through Emma and Cat, Steve meets many of the anti-war and civil rights members on campus and realizes that there is so much more wrong with the war than he had originally thought. He gets very involved with the movements on campus and he falls in love with Cat.
The author does a fantastic job of making this book very readable yet full of facts about the history of the time. There is reference to many of the situations and people that were part of what was really going on and it is interspersed with Steve and Cat's story in a way that makes it all very interesting. Sometimes a book like this with so much history is slowed down by all of the facts but this book is very readable and keeps your interest. I must admit that even though I knew the outcome of the political part of the story, I wasn't bored with all of the historical facts because they were presented so well as part of the story of Steve and Cat.
Whether you were around during the 60s and remember what went on or you are younger and want to learn what you parents or grandparents were doing back then, I highly recommend this book. It's very interesting and well written and has two main characters who are so real that you will end up caring and thinking about them long after you close the book for the final time.
January 6, 2021
This book was hard to read at times (due to subject matter), but well worth it. Main character Cassie suffered a significant tragedy as a child, and this is the story of how she moved past it. Cassie is a fascinating character with incredible force of will. It was both heart-breaking and inspiring to watch her progress from victim to vigilante.
The storyline itself was also good....plenty of action as the plot advances.
This book contains lots of emotional triggers...rape, abuse, violence, racism etc. Everything is appropriate and in keeping with the plot and characters, and I thought it was handled tastefully. This story will give you a lot to think about, both as you read and afterwards. What, exactly, makes a given action right or wrong? How much do circumstances (past and present) affect this assessment?
Again, a good story on its own, but especially valuable due to the thought-provoking ideas you'll walk away with.
►Your rating of the book (1-5): 5
►The main thing(s) you liked or didn’t like about the book: the thought-provoking nature of it, the way it made me think about certain issues even after I finished reading
►Who your favorite character was and why, and any other overall thoughts about the characters: Favorite was Cassie, as she overcame so much in her life.
The storyline itself was also good....plenty of action as the plot advances.
This book contains lots of emotional triggers...rape, abuse, violence, racism etc. Everything is appropriate and in keeping with the plot and characters, and I thought it was handled tastefully. This story will give you a lot to think about, both as you read and afterwards. What, exactly, makes a given action right or wrong? How much do circumstances (past and present) affect this assessment?
Again, a good story on its own, but especially valuable due to the thought-provoking ideas you'll walk away with.
►Your rating of the book (1-5): 5
►The main thing(s) you liked or didn’t like about the book: the thought-provoking nature of it, the way it made me think about certain issues even after I finished reading
►Who your favorite character was and why, and any other overall thoughts about the characters: Favorite was Cassie, as she overcame so much in her life.
June 3, 2019
A thought provoking novel and completely different from all the other thrillers out there. This book tackles some sensitive subjects and does so in a way that will make you think.
January 4, 2021
At the age of twelve, Cassandra “Cassie” Monroe goes through a traumatic experience that leaves her emotionally devastated. She is gang-raped by three members of the Ku Klux Klan who are angry with her father for overstepping his boundaries as a man of color. Cassie keeps what happened to her bottled up inside, which leads to behavioral problems. Subsequently, Cassie and her father move from Mississippi to Brooklyn, New York. At the age of thirteen, Cassie starts taking martial arts classes under the tutelage of Dante Washington, who becomes a trustworthy friend. She also is given an opportunity to receive expert firearms training.
Several years after Cassie’s rape, utilizing martial arts and weapon skills, she metes out her own brand of justice in retaliation for the assault. However, Cassie finds it difficult to move past the painful memories of the attack and seeks vengeance on men who threaten women by putting herself in the crosshairs of potential rapists and serial killers, regardless of the danger that it poses to her well-being. Cassie’s assault has affected how she interacts with other people and leads to a tenuous relationship with Michael “Mike” Borelli, a former cop turned private investigator who is also a central character in the story. Michael’s past history as a cop, along with his investigations and interactions with mobsters puts him in some troublesome situations.
In Avenging Angel: Love and Death in Old Brooklyn, Cassie not only takes the law into her own hands and justifies it by the abhorrent behavior of some individuals toward women, but the execution of illegal acts is also supported by the few friends she has come to trust. In this gripping story, racism is a key factor in the behavioral responses of characters to situations that are either of their own making or due to outside factors. Reasons for Cassie’s actions are addressed in the story and leave readers to make their own decision about the moral and ethical ramifications of taking justice into one’s own hands when racial prejudice, bias, and discriminatory behavior unfairly exist toward a social group. Charles S. Isaacs has penned a thought-provoking and disquieting thriller about a young woman who has suffered emotional trauma because of unfair discrimination and consequently makes questionable life choices from a legal standpoint. There is a scattering of curse words that fit in with the characters.
Several years after Cassie’s rape, utilizing martial arts and weapon skills, she metes out her own brand of justice in retaliation for the assault. However, Cassie finds it difficult to move past the painful memories of the attack and seeks vengeance on men who threaten women by putting herself in the crosshairs of potential rapists and serial killers, regardless of the danger that it poses to her well-being. Cassie’s assault has affected how she interacts with other people and leads to a tenuous relationship with Michael “Mike” Borelli, a former cop turned private investigator who is also a central character in the story. Michael’s past history as a cop, along with his investigations and interactions with mobsters puts him in some troublesome situations.
In Avenging Angel: Love and Death in Old Brooklyn, Cassie not only takes the law into her own hands and justifies it by the abhorrent behavior of some individuals toward women, but the execution of illegal acts is also supported by the few friends she has come to trust. In this gripping story, racism is a key factor in the behavioral responses of characters to situations that are either of their own making or due to outside factors. Reasons for Cassie’s actions are addressed in the story and leave readers to make their own decision about the moral and ethical ramifications of taking justice into one’s own hands when racial prejudice, bias, and discriminatory behavior unfairly exist toward a social group. Charles S. Isaacs has penned a thought-provoking and disquieting thriller about a young woman who has suffered emotional trauma because of unfair discrimination and consequently makes questionable life choices from a legal standpoint. There is a scattering of curse words that fit in with the characters.
January 23, 2021
A 2019 stand-alone thriller by author Charles S. Isaacs. It is difficult to pigeon-hole the genre of this book. It has elements of vigilantism in the style of Death Wish from the perspective of female protagonist Cassandra Monroe. It also pictures police corruption with an episode taken directly from Serpico from the perspective of male protagonist Mike Borelli. Cassandra is 21 years old, black, and the partner in a martial arts studio specializing in self defense for women. Mike is 37 years old, white, a Bensonhurst, Brooklyn native, recipient of a police department disability pension, and operator of a private detective agency. The setting is 1971, Brooklyn where Bensonhurst is white, Italian, and under the sway of the Families - especially in the person of Sammy "The Bull" Gravano. Mike feels an attraction to Cassandra but she doesn't trust men in general and white men in particular. An interesting relationship develops.
Following a racially motivated rape by three Ku Klux Klansmen, 12-year-old Cassandra Monroe vows revenge. After eight years of training, now a strikingly beautiful assassin, she accomplishes her mission. Her campaign continues with solitary walks through dark city streets, hoping to be assaulted by men with bad intentions. Those entrapped by her spider’s web pay dearly for their efforts. Surrounded by three armed men one night, she’s rescued by Mike Borelli, an Italian-American passerby. A stormy, up-and-down relationship ensues. Ultimately, as her rage matures into purposeful action, and as he begins to see the world through her eyes, they become a team.
Along the way, they encounter serial killers, wife-beaters, actual and would-be rapists, gangsters, crooked cops, a kidnapper and a pedophile priest, as well as numerous women in desperate need of their help. Beneath all the action, though, is the blossoming of a most unlikely love story.
Following a racially motivated rape by three Ku Klux Klansmen, 12-year-old Cassandra Monroe vows revenge. After eight years of training, now a strikingly beautiful assassin, she accomplishes her mission. Her campaign continues with solitary walks through dark city streets, hoping to be assaulted by men with bad intentions. Those entrapped by her spider’s web pay dearly for their efforts. Surrounded by three armed men one night, she’s rescued by Mike Borelli, an Italian-American passerby. A stormy, up-and-down relationship ensues. Ultimately, as her rage matures into purposeful action, and as he begins to see the world through her eyes, they become a team.
Along the way, they encounter serial killers, wife-beaters, actual and would-be rapists, gangsters, crooked cops, a kidnapper and a pedophile priest, as well as numerous women in desperate need of their help. Beneath all the action, though, is the blossoming of a most unlikely love story.
January 5, 2021
This book has a story with a deep foundation in vigilante justice and righting a horrific wrong. It's gritty, dark and has fast-paced action. It kept me riveted to every page until the very end. Well plotted and expertly written.
December 10, 2020
After reading the summary, I was excited to give Charles S. Isaacs’ novel a chance. Unfortunately, it fell flat for me and I felt like I could not finish it.
My biggest issue is with the main character, Cassandra Monroe. For me, she was unlikeable. Regardless, my heart broke when I read about the rape she, a 12-year-old black child, endured by the three white men. I cannot imagine the toll it took on her. I admired her courage to continue with her life even moments after it happened. As I read on, I had a difficult time with some of the decisions she made (ie. murder and rape). I could not understand how she raped Dante, who was unconscious at the time, when she was a victim of rape herself. All the pain and anger she felt after the incident with the three white men - how could she be so selfish to put Dante, someone she claims to care about, through that same scenario just to see if she could have normal sex with a man. The few times she asked to have sex with him, he made it very clear that he did not want her like that.
I thought the author did a good job talking about what it was like to be black in America during that time frame. While it is difficult to talk about, it is important. Cassandra was raped as punishment for her father trying to register to vote. As Cassandra said, had her father been home, he most likely would have been lynched. This type of behavior was true for that time period.
Another important theme that Charles S. Isaacs touched on was that revenge does not always solve the problem. After several years, Cassandra finally got the chance to assert her revenge on the three white men who raped her. While knowing that they could no lo by we hurt anyone else, it did not erase all of the pain and anger she felt. The only way she began to heal was when she started to help others learn how to defend themselves.
Although this book did not capture my interest, I thought there were some good parts. Because of that, I would still recommend it to others.
My biggest issue is with the main character, Cassandra Monroe. For me, she was unlikeable. Regardless, my heart broke when I read about the rape she, a 12-year-old black child, endured by the three white men. I cannot imagine the toll it took on her. I admired her courage to continue with her life even moments after it happened. As I read on, I had a difficult time with some of the decisions she made (ie. murder and rape). I could not understand how she raped Dante, who was unconscious at the time, when she was a victim of rape herself. All the pain and anger she felt after the incident with the three white men - how could she be so selfish to put Dante, someone she claims to care about, through that same scenario just to see if she could have normal sex with a man. The few times she asked to have sex with him, he made it very clear that he did not want her like that.
I thought the author did a good job talking about what it was like to be black in America during that time frame. While it is difficult to talk about, it is important. Cassandra was raped as punishment for her father trying to register to vote. As Cassandra said, had her father been home, he most likely would have been lynched. This type of behavior was true for that time period.
Another important theme that Charles S. Isaacs touched on was that revenge does not always solve the problem. After several years, Cassandra finally got the chance to assert her revenge on the three white men who raped her. While knowing that they could no lo by we hurt anyone else, it did not erase all of the pain and anger she felt. The only way she began to heal was when she started to help others learn how to defend themselves.
Although this book did not capture my interest, I thought there were some good parts. Because of that, I would still recommend it to others.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2020
Great Read
Isaacs pens a unique historical romance story in INTO THE STREETS: An Antiwar Love Story. I haven't read anything from this author before, and I really enjoyed this story. The characters were unique and fit the time, where its not just about love, but the war and emotions around them. There is a great chemistry between the characters, and a depth that makes them realistic and flawed. A very well-written story, and I enjoyed it. This story was intriguing and kept the reader guessing. The author's technique of intense characters and great time period writing is a gift and shows knowledge of the era. It's a great story to follow and try to figure out what will happen next. I look forward to reading many more stories by this author. This book is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews.
Isaacs pens a unique historical romance story in INTO THE STREETS: An Antiwar Love Story. I haven't read anything from this author before, and I really enjoyed this story. The characters were unique and fit the time, where its not just about love, but the war and emotions around them. There is a great chemistry between the characters, and a depth that makes them realistic and flawed. A very well-written story, and I enjoyed it. This story was intriguing and kept the reader guessing. The author's technique of intense characters and great time period writing is a gift and shows knowledge of the era. It's a great story to follow and try to figure out what will happen next. I look forward to reading many more stories by this author. This book is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews.
February 15, 2021
I'm not a big history person, but this book wasn't just history. Yes, it does take you back in time, but it's more romance and action. The realization of what life was like back then is something to imagine. Well written! And highly recommended!
June 10, 2021
When 12-year-old Cassandra Monroe is sexually assaulted by the Ku Klux Klan, it changes her life forever. After training as an assassin, she sets out on a mission of revenge. Following a stormy early relationship, she teams up with private eye Mike Borelli to protect endangered women through their own brand of vigilante justice.
Avenging Angel is a complex and unusual book that straddles a number of genres and themes. In general, it works, although the first half of the novel is by far the stronger and I really enjoyed it. Cassie’s single-mindedness and development is intriguing and the character of Solomon Grissom was very well-realised as was the early 1970s setting. However, Cassie never quite loses the detached qualities of earlier and some of her later behaviour seems out of place. Yet one of the strengths of the novel is the slightly grey moral area that she inhabits with her actions and the nagging possibility that she is, or could become, as unstable and depraved as the men she pursues.
Of the two main characters, Mike has the more depth and his sections were faster paced. This may have resulted because his chapters are relayed in first person, whereas Cassie’s are written in third person. Overall, though, I really liked the switch between perspectives; Mike’s objective view gave immediacy and credibility to the narrative. Large parts of the dialogue were brilliantly convincing, especially between Mike and his Italian mob connections. Notwithstanding, dialogue involving Cassie and Amy was a touch awkward.
There a number of separate vigilante stories within Avenging Angel, the yellow-tulip murders and the paedophile priest being the most engaging. Once Cassie and Mike meet, about a fifth of the way through, their unlikely love story and the issues they face form the backbone of the book. Their relationship provides some thought-provoking moments and a number of twists.
It cannot be underestimated the breadth and scope of Avenging Angel; there could easily be four separate books here and Mr Isaacs switches confidently between the different environments involved in realising all the separate plotlines. Nonetheless, I did wonder if some elements could have been removed, such as the Jeremy and Amy story, or some maybe kept for a further instalment.
Overall, Avenging Angel is an ambitious and unconventional book. Well worth a look.
Avenging Angel is a complex and unusual book that straddles a number of genres and themes. In general, it works, although the first half of the novel is by far the stronger and I really enjoyed it. Cassie’s single-mindedness and development is intriguing and the character of Solomon Grissom was very well-realised as was the early 1970s setting. However, Cassie never quite loses the detached qualities of earlier and some of her later behaviour seems out of place. Yet one of the strengths of the novel is the slightly grey moral area that she inhabits with her actions and the nagging possibility that she is, or could become, as unstable and depraved as the men she pursues.
Of the two main characters, Mike has the more depth and his sections were faster paced. This may have resulted because his chapters are relayed in first person, whereas Cassie’s are written in third person. Overall, though, I really liked the switch between perspectives; Mike’s objective view gave immediacy and credibility to the narrative. Large parts of the dialogue were brilliantly convincing, especially between Mike and his Italian mob connections. Notwithstanding, dialogue involving Cassie and Amy was a touch awkward.
There a number of separate vigilante stories within Avenging Angel, the yellow-tulip murders and the paedophile priest being the most engaging. Once Cassie and Mike meet, about a fifth of the way through, their unlikely love story and the issues they face form the backbone of the book. Their relationship provides some thought-provoking moments and a number of twists.
It cannot be underestimated the breadth and scope of Avenging Angel; there could easily be four separate books here and Mr Isaacs switches confidently between the different environments involved in realising all the separate plotlines. Nonetheless, I did wonder if some elements could have been removed, such as the Jeremy and Amy story, or some maybe kept for a further instalment.
Overall, Avenging Angel is an ambitious and unconventional book. Well worth a look.
Read
May 29, 2024AMERICA – WATCH OUT! SERIAL / PREMEDITATED MURDER JUST GOT RELIGIOUS APPROVAL
(One Writer But Symptomatic Of Millions In The Developed World)
It’s easy. You decide who is the evil one and you go out and torture and murder him or her. The justice system does not work so take the law into your own hands. You will find sentimentally gushing friends who love you and ex-cops who will condone your actions, help you and fill you with orgasms. Now, isn’t that nice? America just got even more violent.
Important to note that Confucius is quoted at the start of this book by Mr. Isaacs: “Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.” The quote and what follows just don’t agree, indicating the author is already way out, not waving but drowning, or in his presumption a philosopher who can top Confucius. No problem. Important to note that from the start, C. S. Isaacs states his leaning - women not men. Murder the men!
Apart from the blindness and the sentimentality which got to me fast and got me cringing, there’s also the porn of the violence which the author of “Avenging Angel” loves to wallow in. All the victims of his heroine or anti-heroine (though he doesn’t know it, seemingly) are “dismembered” / disengaged from life with completely unemotional professionalism. It’s a spree-gee-gee without emotion or commitment. We are meant to delight in death. The author’s dedication “to Women Who Fight Back / to Those Who Can’t…” leaves the reader in no doubt that not a jot of empathy or emotion is going the way of evil men, but – paradoxically – Cassie Monroe’s trauma which leads to mayhem is acceptable. The traumas of her victims (and there must have been some trauma, psycho-misogyny comes at a price) are overlooked as each and every one of them is slaughtered by New York’s avenging angel.
Please, give me a break from telling me why Americans murder Americans so regularly, and give me a break from vapid reasoning justifying murder. When George Orwell said / wrote “All political language is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable, and to give an appearance of solidity to pure wind” he was exposing political catch-cries in a period when the world was set on destroying millions of young lives. The writer of “Avenging Angel” is exposing himself, exposing vigilante justice, corruption and militant feminist mayhem without a blush. Is his “murder” OK? Not at all. Shame on him…though he’ll be incapable of feeling any.
(One Writer But Symptomatic Of Millions In The Developed World)
It’s easy. You decide who is the evil one and you go out and torture and murder him or her. The justice system does not work so take the law into your own hands. You will find sentimentally gushing friends who love you and ex-cops who will condone your actions, help you and fill you with orgasms. Now, isn’t that nice? America just got even more violent.
Important to note that Confucius is quoted at the start of this book by Mr. Isaacs: “Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.” The quote and what follows just don’t agree, indicating the author is already way out, not waving but drowning, or in his presumption a philosopher who can top Confucius. No problem. Important to note that from the start, C. S. Isaacs states his leaning - women not men. Murder the men!
Apart from the blindness and the sentimentality which got to me fast and got me cringing, there’s also the porn of the violence which the author of “Avenging Angel” loves to wallow in. All the victims of his heroine or anti-heroine (though he doesn’t know it, seemingly) are “dismembered” / disengaged from life with completely unemotional professionalism. It’s a spree-gee-gee without emotion or commitment. We are meant to delight in death. The author’s dedication “to Women Who Fight Back / to Those Who Can’t…” leaves the reader in no doubt that not a jot of empathy or emotion is going the way of evil men, but – paradoxically – Cassie Monroe’s trauma which leads to mayhem is acceptable. The traumas of her victims (and there must have been some trauma, psycho-misogyny comes at a price) are overlooked as each and every one of them is slaughtered by New York’s avenging angel.
Please, give me a break from telling me why Americans murder Americans so regularly, and give me a break from vapid reasoning justifying murder. When George Orwell said / wrote “All political language is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable, and to give an appearance of solidity to pure wind” he was exposing political catch-cries in a period when the world was set on destroying millions of young lives. The writer of “Avenging Angel” is exposing himself, exposing vigilante justice, corruption and militant feminist mayhem without a blush. Is his “murder” OK? Not at all. Shame on him…though he’ll be incapable of feeling any.
August 26, 2023
This author writes well. It was very hard to put this book down. I finished it in one day even though I thought I was a horrible book.
The good: really interesting fight scenes. The heroin in the story battles with very realistic emotional struggles. The private eye is very smart and good at what he does. Her friends are loyal to her and all encourage each other to greatness. The book promotes self employment and owning your own business. Mafia is correctly portrayed as violent and immoral. Several kinds of Abuse against women is clearly portrayed as evil. So is racism. Several examples of loving family relationships. Great character development. Knowing how to defend yourself is considered a virtue.
The bad: The author sets this story up in such a way that the “good guys” exercise judgement and sentencing according to their own moral code. This is portrayed as the right thing to do. Vengeance and murder are the hero’s tools. The people who trained her to fight actually encourage her in her quest to be a vigilante. The two favorite main characters enter into a passionate sexual relationship fueled by the strong feelings that occur when she attacks bad guys. There’s no mention of waiting for marriage. Infidelity isn’t treated as evil either the language and descriptive sexual content limits the audience to a more mature crowd. The heroes of this story are too unbelievably good at what they do. Conflicts are resolved too quickly and cleanly.
The good: really interesting fight scenes. The heroin in the story battles with very realistic emotional struggles. The private eye is very smart and good at what he does. Her friends are loyal to her and all encourage each other to greatness. The book promotes self employment and owning your own business. Mafia is correctly portrayed as violent and immoral. Several kinds of Abuse against women is clearly portrayed as evil. So is racism. Several examples of loving family relationships. Great character development. Knowing how to defend yourself is considered a virtue.
The bad: The author sets this story up in such a way that the “good guys” exercise judgement and sentencing according to their own moral code. This is portrayed as the right thing to do. Vengeance and murder are the hero’s tools. The people who trained her to fight actually encourage her in her quest to be a vigilante. The two favorite main characters enter into a passionate sexual relationship fueled by the strong feelings that occur when she attacks bad guys. There’s no mention of waiting for marriage. Infidelity isn’t treated as evil either the language and descriptive sexual content limits the audience to a more mature crowd. The heroes of this story are too unbelievably good at what they do. Conflicts are resolved too quickly and cleanly.
January 19, 2024
Set against the turbulent politics of the 1960s, Riot is indeed a love story but so much more. Steve and Cat come together as college students, and must balance their political awakening, their studies and their passion for one another during tumultuous times.
The writing is smooth, the characters well-drawn and engaging, and the first person narrative is done so well, with highly detailed descriptions of important events of the era, that this reader wondered how much is truth and how much fiction.
Instead of studying ancient history, young people would be well served to have an understanding of recent history---of endemic racism and pervasive corruption at the highest levels of government in their own country.
More than half a century has passed since the events described in this book, but we are yet again watching the same kind of corruption enabling the slaughter of innocents in a foreign country. This book is a timely reminder of the need for social equity and social justice, and for protest in the face of corrupt government.
The writing is smooth, the characters well-drawn and engaging, and the first person narrative is done so well, with highly detailed descriptions of important events of the era, that this reader wondered how much is truth and how much fiction.
Instead of studying ancient history, young people would be well served to have an understanding of recent history---of endemic racism and pervasive corruption at the highest levels of government in their own country.
More than half a century has passed since the events described in this book, but we are yet again watching the same kind of corruption enabling the slaughter of innocents in a foreign country. This book is a timely reminder of the need for social equity and social justice, and for protest in the face of corrupt government.
March 9, 2021
A unique way for a budding romance!
Isaacs pens a raw and intriguing story in Avenging Angel: Love and Death in Old Brooklyn. I have read work from this author before, and I really enjoyed it. The characters were raw, intense, and very motivated. This author brings the story to life. The imperfect characters make it real, and the strength of Cassandra is very intense, and powerful. An unlikely alliance and "rescuer" joins Cassandra's fight. It's a grand story to follow. A very well-written story, and I really liked it. The thrills and intrigue is written clearly and the characterizations are engrossing. The author's technique of intense characters and great plotlines is a gift. It's a great story to follow and try to figure out what will happen next. This author's characters develop and interacts well with the other characters. I look forward to reading many more stories by this author, and maybe some repeats. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews definitely recommends this story.
Isaacs pens a raw and intriguing story in Avenging Angel: Love and Death in Old Brooklyn. I have read work from this author before, and I really enjoyed it. The characters were raw, intense, and very motivated. This author brings the story to life. The imperfect characters make it real, and the strength of Cassandra is very intense, and powerful. An unlikely alliance and "rescuer" joins Cassandra's fight. It's a grand story to follow. A very well-written story, and I really liked it. The thrills and intrigue is written clearly and the characterizations are engrossing. The author's technique of intense characters and great plotlines is a gift. It's a great story to follow and try to figure out what will happen next. This author's characters develop and interacts well with the other characters. I look forward to reading many more stories by this author, and maybe some repeats. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews definitely recommends this story.
June 29, 2019
This book will grab you from the first page, and hold on tight until the end. There are so many interesting aspects to the story, I don't think I even fully grasped them all until I finished and reflected on the book. Which I have done often, because the characters and the storyline stay with you long after you are done reading. The author is so smart about integrating social issues and life lessons into the story, you don't even realize he's doing it. You are wrapped up in the characters: their flaws, their vulnerabilities, their strengths and their growth as the story develops. You WANT to know what's going to happen next, and are never disappointed when it does! I will read anything and everything Charles Isaacs writes, he is a masterful storyteller with so much to say. This book educates, enlightens, and entertains, and I can't wait for his next book!
January 15, 2024
This was an emotional read due to the themes and political aspects.
Not only were there disturbing themes such as rape, sexism and racism, but also the way governments decide who should live or die because of their agendas. Just because a government is ridiculously obsessed about how other countries lead their lives, it doesn't give them the right to invade...but of course, it's about power.
Unfairly, unjustly and based on lies, Vietnam is invaded and divided. I liked how the points of view were portrayed, e.g. 'Imagine if you lived in a village...'
The love story was quite well done as well as how the activism was based on fact despite a few fictional inclusions.
It certainly highlighted corruption, greed and the grabs for power.
Well-written and thought-provoking.
Worth a look.
Not only were there disturbing themes such as rape, sexism and racism, but also the way governments decide who should live or die because of their agendas. Just because a government is ridiculously obsessed about how other countries lead their lives, it doesn't give them the right to invade...but of course, it's about power.
Unfairly, unjustly and based on lies, Vietnam is invaded and divided. I liked how the points of view were portrayed, e.g. 'Imagine if you lived in a village...'
The love story was quite well done as well as how the activism was based on fact despite a few fictional inclusions.
It certainly highlighted corruption, greed and the grabs for power.
Well-written and thought-provoking.
Worth a look.
February 4, 2021
I wouldn’t want to condone vigilantism in the real world. However, there is something satisfying when people get their just deserts in a novel! When poor Cassandra is raped by three racists that might have been the end of her, but instead of sinking under the horrific event she springs back like a panther and seeks revenge. This is one of the best crime fictions I have read in ages. The writing style, characters and storyline are incredible and kept me glued to the pages. An easy-to-read, total page turner and gets 5 big stars from me.
January 7, 2026
Haunting, emotional, and unforgettable.
This novel pulled me into Old Brooklyn from the very first pages. Charles S. Isaacs paints a vivid portrait of love, loss, and moral reckoning against a gritty, authentic backdrop. The characters feel deeply human flawed, driven, and shaped by the harsh realities around them. What stood out most was how the story balances tenderness with brutality, showing how love and vengeance can exist side by side. A powerful, emotionally resonant read that stays with you long after the final chapter.
This novel pulled me into Old Brooklyn from the very first pages. Charles S. Isaacs paints a vivid portrait of love, loss, and moral reckoning against a gritty, authentic backdrop. The characters feel deeply human flawed, driven, and shaped by the harsh realities around them. What stood out most was how the story balances tenderness with brutality, showing how love and vengeance can exist side by side. A powerful, emotionally resonant read that stays with you long after the final chapter.
January 7, 2026
Haunting, emotional, and unforgettable.
This novel pulled me into Old Brooklyn from the very first pages. Charles S. Isaacs paints a vivid portrait of love, loss, and moral reckoning against a gritty, authentic backdrop. The characters feel deeply human flawed, driven, and shaped by the harsh realities around them. What stood out most was how the story balances tenderness with brutality, showing how love and vengeance can exist side by side. A powerful, emotionally resonant read that stays with you long after the final chapter.
This novel pulled me into Old Brooklyn from the very first pages. Charles S. Isaacs paints a vivid portrait of love, loss, and moral reckoning against a gritty, authentic backdrop. The characters feel deeply human flawed, driven, and shaped by the harsh realities around them. What stood out most was how the story balances tenderness with brutality, showing how love and vengeance can exist side by side. A powerful, emotionally resonant read that stays with you long after the final chapter.
January 7, 2026
A beautifully written story of justice, love, and consequence.
AVENGING ANGEL is not just a crime novel it’s a deeply reflective exploration of the choices people make when pushed to their limits. Isaacs captures Old Brooklyn with such detail that it feels alive, almost breathing alongside the characters. The emotional weight of the story is handled with care and intelligence, making every turning point feel earned. If you enjoy character-driven stories with heart and moral complexity, this book is well worth your time.
AVENGING ANGEL is not just a crime novel it’s a deeply reflective exploration of the choices people make when pushed to their limits. Isaacs captures Old Brooklyn with such detail that it feels alive, almost breathing alongside the characters. The emotional weight of the story is handled with care and intelligence, making every turning point feel earned. If you enjoy character-driven stories with heart and moral complexity, this book is well worth your time.
December 16, 2020
I had no idea what to expect going into this book but I was looking forward to diving in. Wow what a read! You’re hit with a lot right from the beginning. I was intrigued. Cassandra is intriguing and complex. The storytelling is excellent and I was easily transported to a different time. From the story to the characters to the issues in this book, the author did a fantastic job bringing it all together. Cassandra is relatable. She’s strong and vulnerable. She has a code. Wants to do the right thing. All of that made her very likable.
There’s so much to appreciate in this story. It has a bit of everything in it. Action, revenge, strong women and even some romance. The book is well written. This book is highly entertaining and will stay with you long after you finish. I highly recommend you adding this and then moving it up on you TBR. You won’t be disappointed! I give it 5 stars.
**Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng**
There’s so much to appreciate in this story. It has a bit of everything in it. Action, revenge, strong women and even some romance. The book is well written. This book is highly entertaining and will stay with you long after you finish. I highly recommend you adding this and then moving it up on you TBR. You won’t be disappointed! I give it 5 stars.
**Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng**
January 23, 2022
Unusual story
This kept me intrigued. A young woman and her Dad moved to NY from Mississippi. She had problems at school, so her Dad set her up to take self defense classes.
After that, she decided to take the law in her own hands.
She saved a woman during an attack, and they are good friends now.
During another attack, a former NY Detective, tried to save the young woman. She didn't need saving.
All of that, turned into other things.
This kept me intrigued. A young woman and her Dad moved to NY from Mississippi. She had problems at school, so her Dad set her up to take self defense classes.
After that, she decided to take the law in her own hands.
She saved a woman during an attack, and they are good friends now.
During another attack, a former NY Detective, tried to save the young woman. She didn't need saving.
All of that, turned into other things.
January 7, 2026
Dark, moving, and richly atmospheric.
This book surprised me in the best way. The setting of Old Brooklyn is rendered with authenticity and grit, and the emotional stakes are high from start to finish. Isaacs excels at showing how love can be both a saving force and a dangerous motivator. The story doesn’t offer easy answers, which is exactly what makes it so compelling. A thoughtful, well-crafted novel that rewards attentive readers.
This book surprised me in the best way. The setting of Old Brooklyn is rendered with authenticity and grit, and the emotional stakes are high from start to finish. Isaacs excels at showing how love can be both a saving force and a dangerous motivator. The story doesn’t offer easy answers, which is exactly what makes it so compelling. A thoughtful, well-crafted novel that rewards attentive readers.
January 7, 2026
A powerful blend of love, tragedy, and reckoning.
What I appreciated most about AVENGING ANGEL is its emotional honesty. The characters aren’t heroes or villains in simple terms they’re people navigating pain, loyalty, and loss. The prose is clear and purposeful, allowing the story’s emotional depth to shine without unnecessary excess. This is the kind of book that invites reflection and discussion, especially about justice, forgiveness, and the cost of revenge.
What I appreciated most about AVENGING ANGEL is its emotional honesty. The characters aren’t heroes or villains in simple terms they’re people navigating pain, loyalty, and loss. The prose is clear and purposeful, allowing the story’s emotional depth to shine without unnecessary excess. This is the kind of book that invites reflection and discussion, especially about justice, forgiveness, and the cost of revenge.
January 7, 2026
An intense, character-driven story that feels real.
Charles S. Isaacs delivers a gripping narrative grounded in place and emotion. Old Brooklyn is more than a setting it’s a force that shapes every decision and consequence in the story. The novel’s strength lies in its characters and the emotional truths behind their actions. Love, grief, and moral struggle are explored with nuance and restraint. A compelling read for anyone who values depth and authenticity in fiction.
Charles S. Isaacs delivers a gripping narrative grounded in place and emotion. Old Brooklyn is more than a setting it’s a force that shapes every decision and consequence in the story. The novel’s strength lies in its characters and the emotional truths behind their actions. Love, grief, and moral struggle are explored with nuance and restraint. A compelling read for anyone who values depth and authenticity in fiction.
September 11, 2025
Thanks to David A. Love introducing this title to our book club, it’s now on my TBR list. The mix of vengeance, survival, and a surprising love story sounds like the kind of book that sparks big conversations.
September 6, 2025
Sometimes a book feels bigger than its plot, and this is one of those. The synopsis already has me reflecting. Definitely a to-read for me.
September 6, 2025
During our book introductions round, this novel was mentioned, and instantly half of us wrote it down. The themes hit hard, but the love story softens the edges in just the right way.
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