In the dusty desert town of Pecos New Mexico, a unique and strange friendship blossoms. Bracket a self-proclaimed intergalactic spy encounters Gabriel. Gabriel, a world traveler, has returned home after a family tragedy and is now looking for hope in the bottom of the bottle. The desert and its majestic mesas bear witness to a grand escape, and what is to be a friendship for the ages. Experience this tale through both unique perspectives; the intergalactic science fiction prism of Bracket’s reality, and Gabriel’s grip on the sad realities of life. Be part of this journey of friendship, self-realization and the healing of a broken mind. As we explore the beautiful depths of the human intellect and what it can truly achieve.
I am originally from Puerto Rico but have spent half of my life in the United States. My true passions are writing and cooking. My favorite authors include Edgar Allan Poe and Gabriel Garcia Marquez. From an early age I started writing poetry and short stories. My books are born out of the nightmares of my mind and melded with my life experiences. I would describe my books as reality sprinkled with a good magical dose of faerie dust. I hope my books can be entertaining but will also make the reader think.
This book had me by the first chapter. At first it seemed like a sci-fi, but once I got to the third chapter I realized it was telling a story from two completely different men. It follows Gabriel, a lonely man that's traveled the world looking for a cure (and failing) for his cancer that only he knows about, and a man named Bracket, who escaped from a mental institution. There are many spots in the book about the same events from both of their point of views. I found it hard to put this book down, and will be looking forward to reading more from this author. I cried from laughter, from sadness, and at the end, cried because of the happy ending for Bracket.
The only thing I didn’t like about the book, were the spelling errors. I was reading the Kindle version though, so there’s a possibility that’s it’s just the e-reader. (I’m the type of person who gets frustrated at the words ‘breath’ and breathe’ being misspelled, but there were multiple errors throughout the entire book.
I think there needs to be more books like this, that show different perspectives from different frames of minds. There aren't many that I've read that show a point of view from someone who is mentally ill. This book goes into detail of what goes on in Bracket's mind. Very interesting, very intriguing, all in all a very good book. If there is a second book to this story I would definitely read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
-I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Angel of a Madman, by Ricky Dragoni, is a touching story about how two individuals manage to support each other in an otherwise cruel life.
Bracket is running from monsters who can see through his powers, all the while desperately trying to survive in a dangerous world he barely knows anything about. Gabriel is a world traveler who has terminal cancer, and is grieving for the loss of his wonderful mother. After an unfortunate, albeit amusing, incident, the two strike up an odd friendship. As time goes on, they slowly begin to open up to one another, and find that there is more to life than they realized. They see then that in the darkest of times, they can rely on one another for support.
I loved the friendship between Gabriel and Bracket. When they met, they were so awkward with each other, so much so I could’t help. From Gabriel’s debating as to whether or not to help Bracket, to Bracket upgrading Gabriel from servant to friend, to even Bracket’s attempts in helping Gabriel with his social life, the development between the two was well-executed. It had gotten to the point where they were mistaken as a gay couple. I enjoyed every minute of it, not only because of their humorous moments, but also because they both suffered in life. Despite this, they still try to help each other. It’s a testament as to how close they are as friends.
This story also touches on the topic of solitude. There’s something about these two characters that allow them to build up their relationship. They act like childhood friends around each other, rather than just strangers who met only a couple of weeks ago. They share the same kind of loneliness, one devoid of love, friendship, and even simple acquaintance. It’s this very characteristic that makes this story so attractive. In my opinion, it’s uplifting, and a part of humanity that is overlooked quite often.
As such, I would give this book a rating of a 4.5 out of 5 stars. This book provides an insight to mental illness, as well as the simple fact that the world isn’t as dark a place as we initially make it out to be. From the unlikely friendship, to the hopeful, yet bittersweet ending, this book is a must for those who love PeopleFish by Medella Kingston and Black Inked Pearl by Ruth Finnegan.
At its core, Angel of a Madman is a touching story about how helping someone else, even when you’re having your own problems, can help you as well. Maybe not in the way you want or expected, but in the way you need.
After escaping a maximum security facility, Bracket finds himself in the care of Gabriel, a young man with problems of his own. As he digs deeper into Bracket’s past, second chances become all important...especially since he won’t get one.
This novel alternated between Bracket and Gabriel with a lot of overlap. The story would be told so far through Bracket’s POV, then switched to Gabriel’s. However, each POV covered everything that already happened, just from the other perspective. There wasn’t too much information contained within that the reader couldn’t have done without, so really it felt like reading the same thing again and again. Dialogue was also awkward and clunky. Really formal in a lot of places—to the point where the characters sounded the same and blended together.
With an explosive beginning and a good ending, the middle of the novel was one big lull. We got to know the characters, but things didn’t really start picking up until about the last quarter. Once that ball got rolling though, it didn’t stop. The ending was sad, and appropriate I think. Especially given the backgrounds and motivations of characters. The author did well to hide some of the backstory until it was necessary, which kept the reader interested and asking questions.
There’s still some polishing that could be done for the overall writing that I think would improve the story. Sometimes the style just didn’t fit the tone of the narrative. It pulled away from the emotions that it was supposed to be evoking in the reader. It was still a touching tale, however. The plot was a compelling one. Still a relatively enjoyable read overall.
‘He was but a human so I knew I had lost him. Or so I thought.’
Puerto Rican born Ricky Dragoni moved to Iowa and writes form there at present. He has been writing poetry and short stories since his youthful days and has published four novels to date – PRIME INFINITY, RIPPLES, THE SWIFT, and THE ANGEL OF A MADMAN. As he states, ‘’My books are born out of the nightmares of my mind and are then melded with my life experiences. I would describe my books as reality sprinkled with a good magical dose of faerie dust, written Surrealism in other words.’
Ricky’s writing style is infectious, involving, creative and wholly absorbing. He opens his strange story as follows: ‘My Codename is the Bracket and these are the tales of my missions and adventures. We had made our escape from the detention center and were now being chased by four of the slimy guardians. In our escape we were able to elude them but we were still detected. My three partners and I had constructed the perfect escape plan. Unfortunately we hadn’t accounted for the new guard not knowing his route and running into us in the hallway. The detention facility, from where we had escaped, was a level 9 maximum facility. Someone within my organization had sold me out and I resided in the Super Max for the past 5 months. Using my extensive training, I was able to break out of what most would consider an inescapable prison. If we hadn’t been detected by a rookie guard we would be well on our way to a clean getaway. Instead I could hear the wet footsteps and gargled breathing of the guards behind us. We had cleared the fence, were quickly making our way out of the city and heading towards the train tracks. It was 3:00 AM and I could already hear the train whistling in the distance. We could not miss it, the train was our only way out of this hellhole. This was our one chance and I was sure not going to blow it. We were outside the city now and I could see the train tracks out in the distance. Along with the rumbling of the approaching train, sirens were now filling the otherwise quiet night’s air. The colorful flashes inundated the darkness, as their presence became imminent. In the panic Charlie stumbled and let out a loud yelp. I stopped and considered going back to help him. Before I could decide two of the green slimy guardians had enveloped him in their oozing saliva. I could hear Charlie scream as their acid drool burned and consumed his skin. Charlie was gone and the screaming of the train’s engine mercifully drowned out his cries for help. I continued as planned and made the last sprint towards the moving train with my two remaining partners. Paxson and Jaxson had passed me in my hesitation to save poor ol’ Charlie. I picked up the pace and quickly passed the dangerous twins. I had recruited them for the escape but I knew the level of savagery they were capable of. I might have been betrayed into that prison but the twins had earned it. I knew I could not trust them long term but for now I didn’t have any other options.’
And once we have met Brackett we meet Gabriel – ‘My name is Gabriel Moreno and this is the story of how I die. The air conditioner blared in the old Jeep as I made my way through the desert down the highway. The sun was beating down on the countryside and not even the desert willows dared move. It was a majestic view full of death and hidden life. My exit was coming up and not a moment too soon, I had been driving now for two days and needed some proper rest. As I entered the small desert town, memories came flooding back to me. The streets were all familiar and I found my away around without any difficulty. It is funny, no matter how long you are gone, how far one travels or how hard one tries to forget you always remember your way around home. I stopped at the gas station to fill the old red monster and bought myself some drinks and food for the house. My walk in and out of the gas station was filled with familiar yet unrecognizable faces. It was nice to be home but I still felt out of place. Back in the Jeep I finally headed to my childhood home. Anxiety, sadness and excitement filled my stomach as I made my way through the very familiar streets. It didn’t take more than five minutes before I had left all the businesses and most of the houses in my rear view mirror. On the southern outskirts of town was a small, but full of memories, house. The short drive down the long driveway stirred more emotions than I could contain, causing tears to stream down my face.’
It is the intertwining of these two characters that creates the memorable plot – ‘In the dusty desert town of Pecos New Mexico, a unique and strange friendship blossoms. Bracket a self-proclaimed intergalactic spy encounters Gabriel. Gabriel, a world traveler, has returned home after a family tragedy and is now looking for hope in the bottom of the bottle. The desert and its majestic mesas bear witness to a grand escape, and what is to be a friendship for the ages. Experience this tale through both unique perspectives; the intergalactic science fiction prism of Bracket’s reality, and Gabriel’s grip on the sad realities of life. Be part of this journey of friendship, self-realization and the healing of a broken mind. As we explore the beautiful depths of the human intellect and what it can truly achieve.’
This is a little miracle of a book, one that defies categorization, but one that indeed satisfies on every level. Watch this fine young writer grow.
The Angel of a Madman is a creatively compelling tale of fantasy, friendship, love, honor — all in the face of mental illness. Ricky Dragoni is a great storyteller and character builder with a deep sense of human nature and compassion. His peek into his characters’ madness is well crafted, creating a story that is is vivid and heartbreaking all the while crafted around a wonderful friendship and engaging, fun storyline. The book opens in suspense and carries you through the end with action, humor, and love.
Review: Bracket is his codename. After escaping from prison, he recounts his treacherous road through the deserted jungles. Then he meets up with Gabriel, a self-loathing man drowning in his sorrows. The possibility of an escaped intergalactic spy running into a run-of-the-mill joe is pretty unlikely and far-fetched. I mean, what could they have in common? It’s like pairing up Rambo with Waldo.
Through the eyes of these two men, reader becomes familiar with their pain and history. I found Gabriel’s story much more endearing.
Infused with lovely words of New Mexico landscapes, Dragoni penned a story of tragedy and penance. His style is dark and poetic, which accurately reflected the emotional frailties and struggles of the characters. The pace lagged in some areas, and, at some point, I wondered if one of these characters was dead. For example, when Bracket first meets Gabriel, Bracket is surprised that he could see him because he was but a “human.” What could he have meant by this? Was he an alien from outer space or a fallen soldier that died in battle? This might have added a little mystery to the mix, but it was perplexing nonetheless. It feels like the story almost crosses over into a ghostly plane of existence.
Still, the story retains its well-written message of hope and strength. Readers will be impressed by this work’s massive feat of beauty and strength.
When I first started reading this book, I thought it was going to be a sci-fi novel and that was fine. I like sci-fi. The story revolves around, and is told by, two main characters, each speaking in alternating chapters. Bracket speaks first. Then Gabriel comes in and you wonder just where this book is really going to go. I was enthralled. This is a novel about friendship, family, friends who become family, heartache, mental illness, healing, forgiveness, love, honor, obligation, and finally, death. Ricky Dragon is an extremely gifted author who takes you on a journey you won't soon forget. I puzzled, I laughed, I cried and commiserated with Bracket and Gabriel. There are revelations you don't expect and you are just drawn into this story. Truly, this is now one of my all time favorite books and authors. Please read this book. You will not be disappointed. I was given a copy of this book to read and review or not, good or bad. So thankful for the gift! My review is absolutely honest and heartfelt.
Please note I was given this book in return for a honest review.....this is one of the best books that I have read all year!
When I started reading this I thought that it was a Sci-Fi book & really was unsure whether I would actually enjoy it at all. However this is not a Sci-Fi novel at all.
This is about two individuals who find each other in bizarre circumstances & forge a deep understanding and friendship.
There were points in this novel that made me laugh out loud....particularly when Bracket is describing two children much later in the story. There were points when I cried too....near to the beginning when the author is describing a character's grief.
This is a profoundly beautiful tale and very different to the usual genres which I read. I am not disappointed reading this book which I hope that you won't be once you have finished this book. Enjoy! This author officially has a new fan. Thank you for writing this book.
Another amazing book by an amazing author...one of those books that you can't put down but yet never want to see come to an end. If you or someone you know suffers from mental illness, this one will pull at your heart strings. It made me laugh, it made me cry, and was hard to put down from page one. Loved how it was written from the points of view of both characters and the great friendship that is made between them.
What did I like about Angel of a Madman by Ricky Dragoni?
First of all, I listened to the audiobook of this title narrated by Steve Castello, so I'm going to comment on the narration as well as the book itself. Ricky Dragoni and Steve Castello are an amazing pair. The writing itself was already full of life. The narration just built on what was already there.
Secondly, I enjoyed the characters of both Gabriel and Bracket. These are two men with their own demons and their own ways of working through them. They have their own "madness" and thus a method to their survival of it. Yet, it is not their own personal methods that assist them in dealing with their issues. It is, in fact, the unlikely friendship that comes about that sets them along the journey to healing.
What I didn't like about the audiobook?
Other than the emotional tears I cried while listening, there wasn't anything I didn't enjoy. Although when the end did come, I wanted more.
Overall Rating:
The Angel of a Madman is the ultimate lesson of love and friendship. It makes you, the reader, think about who you are as a person, and, even in challenges, how you love and care for others, which is a very timely lesson. I give it 5 out of 5 stars.
One thing readers enjoy is to see the characters we are reading about evolve. This is honestly a good read. The story is about two characters that develop a friendship, making for some really good character building. Gab learns to deal with a 'crazy' dude and the 'crazy' dude learns to trust again. As the story develops, I have to admit I thought Gab was going to be an unreliable narrator and I felt the story was going to go in one direction. But Mr. Dragoni yet again twisted things around and sent me down another path. I'll admit it, I cried with this one.
I had the pleasure of listening to the audiobook and Steve Castello is truly an actor. He makes this more than a book. He laughs and he sniffles. He really brings the characters and story to life.
Go on, read it, you know you wanna.
This is another great book by Ricky Dragoni! You have a fan for life 'mano.
PS. Thank you for showing me I am not the only weirdo eating butter on crackers.
This story is about 2 different men who wind up helping each other through difficult times. One is insane, the other slowly dying of a cancer. The narration alternates between the two men, but is remarkably similar throughout the book. The "insane" character is presented as bipolar, but his hallucinations make him seem much more like a schizophrenic to me - not that I have any expertise at mental diagnosis. The setting, in very-small-town New Mexico, is beautiful and allows the space for these men to live day-to-day for a while.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.