On the Right Side of a Line

by Shandy L. Kurth

I thought I knew where I was going. I had my life all planned out. It had been mapped for me since I was ten. When I turned fourteen I became a Raven, just like my big brother. It was a lifer thing, not something you could walk away from. I moved up the ranks quickly, just like everyone thought I would. Now at eighteen I was close to the top. I could break thumbs with the best of 'em and and bust heads with the best. I was a force to be reckoned with. Yeah. I had it all together before that one event tore my life apart, and that one girl got me all confused

Unknown Binding

First published February 1, 2013

About the author

I was born and raised in Wichita Kansas. I love writing, reading, my beautiful baby girl and my hubby. I like to listen to Rock and Roll old or new and read just about anything YA although I'm still working on getting into the paranormal.

When I am writing I just can't wait to see whats going to happen next! If you do not like my characters do not blame me, blame them! They have a mind of their own! Known for the roller coaster ride I take readers on! Happy Reading!

Reviews

[Paula Mccue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was gifted this book for an honest review.
When i was about to start reading this book i asked Shandy " will i cry?" as i had cried on all her other books, she said "i can't promise anything", well i bloomin cried lol.
Shandy makes her books very real, the characters are full of depth and always makes you feel so sorry for the life they have been given.
Now Valen was a good guy stuck in a bad position due to circumstances he couldn't control. I felt so sorry for him, Shandy named him well, I loved his name.
Charlie was another story, Charlie and I had a love/hate relationship, I liked her at the beginning and totaly got the way she was, shes a rich chick that was pushed in to a rotten part of town due again to circumstances not of her own making, she had no idea what kind of bad things were really going on in the world, so yeah I liked her in the beginning. The middle not so much. I found her annoying the way she treated valen and she always needed rescuing. I got why she was like this but I loved Valen so much I hated her treating him like crap, especially when he went out his way to keep her safe, then at the end I liked her again lol she stood up for herself and Valen which I thought was appropriate.
Anyway i really enjoyed reading this story but Shandy's books always take a lot from me, i feel drained. Well worth reading, well done Shandy on another great book.

[Charlotte Sepulveda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a new kind of book for me ~ I have never been associated with a gang or thugs so it was a difficult read when looking for a frame of mind. I do watch crime shows and made it a point to watch some with Gangs in them to try to wrap my mind around the story. It was interesting to see how Charlie and Valen's relationship go thru ups and downs in youth. As teens they saw a lot of horror in the novel and violence. Seeing or hearing someone being murdered outside near you must be gut wrenching. I have seen one person accidently run over and killed and it was tramatic for a teen. So viewing all images thru Valen, Mike's, Marks, Devins eyes along with all the other characters, I was transported to a lifestyle I will never see in my lifetime. This was my first Shandy Kurth read and she did an amazing job drawing you into the characters lives. Mrs. Kurth also opens your eyes to the many facets of Gang violence and how they handle snitches or someone who is thinking of leaving. There is a twist in this book and its a good one so if your like me and find it hard to read in the beginning keep going it will pull you into the story. I will read her 2nd book and find out more about this story. A wonderful friend of mine turned me on to her books so to keep up I will continue reading.

[Misty Rayburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

At 176 pages, I demolished this book in about three or four hours. Kurth draws you in and keeps you strapped in for the ride. Valen’s world is dangerous and feels legit. You can tell the author spent a lot of time researching or talking to people who have lived in or seen this environment. Maybe even lived it herself. We’ve seen many movies and books out there where the “good” little girl moves into a bad neighborhood or ends up going to a bad school and changes because she falls in love with a boy. Charlie doesn’t change all that much and her decisions and actions made me like her and hate her at times. That’s a very refreshing change and very real. Kurth uses that realness with all her characters and situations. Ultimately it makes for a great read. There is some strong language but considering the content, that’s to be expected and you are warned in the book’s description. If someone asked me to recommend a good weekend read, I’d tell them On the Right Side of a Line without hesitation. I look forward to checking out the rest of Shandy’s books! Welcome to my “to watch” list!

Thanks to Shandy Kurth for the review copy. It in no way influenced my review.

[Julie Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the Right Side of a Line by Shandy Kurth
This book is about Valen and how he has had to join the group to get protection for his family and make money.
It's a hard life on the streets and he has many interruptions from others that he once sees as distractions and then something else.
Love the beach scene and how it's described-felt as if I was there..
Love how we hear what he's thinking when he learns that his brother wants him and the family to leave...
Liked how the book is from a gang member and his point of view-I mostly read romance novels so this is a refreshing change once in a while as you can picture the scenes taking place in front of you as the descriptions are so detailed and true to life.
I felt like I was on the edge of my seat and couldn't read it fast enough as the action is fast paced.

[SB Morales · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story line is what first caught my attention. Someone born into a position that seems impossible to get out of. Kurth does a great job in relaying Vallen's inner struggle with his situation. He is torn between his loyalty to his family and community and what he wishes for himself. The only thing I found was missing was the culture. I'm not sure what ethnic background this neighborhood refers to. For me at least the ethnic background can be a great eye opener in how the community reacts to situations. I might have missed the point, but not having that point of view left me a little confused. I might have missed it in the beginning of the book, but that distracted me the most while I read this book.

[Paige Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book I have had the privilege of reading by Shandy Kurth. Once again, she delivers a powerful novel full of emotional ups and downs, all encompassed in a gang-centered plot. I felt every detail of this novel as I read about Valen’s world.

Charlie added to the storyline. At times, I disliked her, and then at other times, I praised her.

I love being completely submerged into an author’s story, and Shandy has quickly become one of those authors that I just expect to read her work and be carried away. Thanks for a quick, but meaningful read!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book I have read by Kurth and my first book I have read dealing with gangs. After the first few chapters it was hard to put down!

Valen is a great character! He is conflicted, but wanting to do what's right. Most of the books I read are read are from the female perspective,so this was a refreshing change for me.

The book felt realistic and was gritty. Towards the end I had no idea what was going to happen. I had a few thoughts, but they were wrong.

I will be reading more books by Shandy Kurth!

[Amy Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Valen... Oh wow! I really enjoyed this book. I was lucky enough to be gifted this for a review and I was so excited. It me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't put it down I was so excited to find out where the story went. Shandy did an amazing job keeping you engaged and would keep you guessing at points. I am so hoping for more Valen! Amazing read!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book by this author that I have enjoyed. I read it in two sittings. I'd love for Valen's story to continue!

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book!! It was really different from what I usually read. Which I enjoyed.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! I need more Valen please! :)

[Shandy Kurth]

I had to revisit Valen after bringing him to life. He is one of my all time favorite characters. Something about him being real... not sugar coated :) So if you ever wonder if writers go back and read their own work once its in print and they've read it 4 million times editing...the answer is yes :) At least this one does.