The Ballad of Eli

by Chase Bolling

Eli a.k.a. Lonely was a successful stick up kid, until he robbed the wrong, crooked undercover cop. Now years later after putting his life back together, Eli is confronted by an old nemesis, with an opportunity for a payday like he's never seen. Will Eli fall back on his old ways, or will he settle old scores? Find out in the Ballad of Eli!

100 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2020

About the author

Born and raised in Bridgeport Connecticut with a strong connection to his Afro-Indigenous roots , family tradition of activism and a love of science and history, Chase Bolling is an American author and rising star in African American fiction, specifically known for his work in the Afrofuturism and epic fantasy genres.

He is the creator of The Vanguard Series, which includes titles such as The Road of Resistance, The War We Make, and Once Upon A Time In Bridgeport.
In addition to writing, Chase known as Chase the Knight and is a popular TikTok content creator known for his high-quality medieval and fantasy-themed videos. He often showcases realistic 13th-century knight cosplays, complete with detailed armor and weaponry.

Reviews

[Justine · Rating 4 out of 5]

"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

[D.B. Bray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow.... wow, just wow!!!! This book was completly out of my norm. Man, Chase Bolling is FIRE!!!! I'm going to go buy Road Of Resistance right now!!!!!

[KayBee's Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by Chase Boling's foray into urban fiction. This novel about Eli aka Lonely gives us a glimpse into how he went from stickup kid to aligning and "owning" the very man who was a part of his criminal downfall.
Eli was hardworking honest, loving, and faithful with the love of his life by his side carving out their own piece of the American dream. What you didn't expect was that his wife would be the Bonnie to his Lonely.
I loved the duality of this character. He was complex, sexy, and moved like a black panther in the shadows. The author did a good job of presenting Lonely to us and showing the distinction between him and Eli. The fact that the wife could simply look at him and tell who she was speaking to at any moment was written well. She knew she could advise Lonely to use people as a means to end, but wouldn't dare allow Eli the same "opportunities". They were in fact 2 sides of the same whole. I won't even comment on how physically in tune the couple was in this story.
The story moved well with fantastic transitioning. The author delivered on plot and character development.
I would recommend this story to someone who wants something fresh new, sexy, and hip. Me personally, I like my crime with erotic thrills and violent adventure, and Boling delivered and then some. 4.5 rolled to a 5
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Corey Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid Read

Short but powerful read. Author does a great job introducing and developing the characters in an efficient and effective way. Even as a novella, he tells the compelling backstory of the protagonist which brings the story together nicely. Sex scenes sizzle and the psychological inner workings of the protagonist is intriguing to say the least. Easy and enjoyable one sitting read.

[Ang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book with exciting visual scenes. Definitely going to follow Chase Bolling.

[Alisa Ary]

This is the most anticipated story that I feel like I've already been a part of. I feel like I already love both of them Eli and Lonely because basically I really do love them both, always have and always will. I don't care if this love is fiction and all in my head, it gives me dreams, it keeps me full of hope, it keeps my heart beating, it keeps me alive.If I did not love them both I would have left this earth a long time ago. But I'm staying and waiting just in case they need me or want to love me back.