Dark Side of Valor

Rating:
Summary: Dark Side Exposes a Shining Star in Alicia Singleton
Review: Although the topic of teenage runaways and homeless youth might seem a little "dark", Alicia Singleton nonetheless depicts this story of triumph with grace and style. Alicia's first novel is a poetic depiction of the horrors of life on the street and the pain associated with broken hearts and lossed hopes. This tale spans from the east coast of North America to the Ivory Coast of Africa and begins with the story of a young girl who decides her dreams are too precious to waste in a broken down New York apartment with her alcoholic mother. She eventually finds herself living on the street, fighting off the predators that feed on young girls for sex and money. The story transposes into one of change and triumph when the main character, Lelia, turns her life around ten years later to work with runaways and homeless youth. Eventually Lelia becomes entangled in an international plot by an African leader fueled by his own greed and at the expense of hundreds of African youths. This book is very well written, drawing its reader in more and more with each twist and turn of the story line. With a dramatic surprise ending, Alicia Singleton has made a lasting impression with this first novel. A must read for book clubs and avid readers. Bravo.

Rating:
Summary: By Far One Of The Best Suspense Novels, Ever!!!!
Review: Bravo! Alicia Singleton sweeps the reader away in her debut novel. It's hard to believe that this is her first. Dark Side Of Valor is by far one of the best suspense novels I've ever read, and Ms Singleton is without question an exceptional writer. From beginning to end, she grips her reader's attention and holds it until the very last dot on the last page. I would love to see Dark Side of Valor on the big screen.

The story of Lelia Freeman's journey to triumph over her hideous past is both suspenseful and heartwarming. The fearless child advocate learns from her own experiences as a runaway how to survive even the jungles of Zaire. This story takes on many unexpected turns and twists that will intrigue the reader to no end. Dark Side Of Valor will remain in your heart forever... It is a must read--most definitely top shelf.

Rating:
Summary: By Far One Of The Best Suspense Novels, Ever!!!!
Review: Bravo! Alicia Singleton sweeps the reader away in her debut novel. It's hard to believe that this is her first. Dark Side Of Valor is by far one of the best suspense novels I've ever read, and Ms Singleton is without question an exceptional writer. From beginning to end, she grips her reader's attention and holds it until the very last dot on the last page. I would love to see Dark Side of Valor on the big screen.

The story of Lelia Freeman's journey to triumph over her hideous past is both suspenseful and heartwarming. The fearless child advocate learns from her own experiences as a runaway how to survive even the jungles of Zaire. This story takes on many unexpected turns and twists that will intrigue the reader to no end. Dark Side Of Valor will remain in your heart forever... It is a must read--most definitely top shelf.

Rating:
Summary: A heroine to cheer for
Review: Dark Side of Valor, tells the story of Lelia Freeman, a child advocate, who is dubbed the Street Angel. Life wasn't always kind to Lelia. She came of age on the streets of LA. As an adult, she refuses to forget the nightmares associated with being homeless. She remembers what it felt like to be dirty, hungry and cold. She also refuses to forget a little girl who touched her heart, and changed her life. Lelia's love and compassion for children, takes her into the jungles of Zaire, where she meets Elijah Dune. A man driven by hate, and consumed with a need for revenge. This unlikely pair end up side-by-side, fighting not only a present enemy, but an enemy from the past that has the power to destroy them both.

Rating:
Summary: Job well done.
Review: I completely enjoyed the book. I will be reading it again and will be suggesting that the few people I know that are readers go pick up a copy.

Rating:
Summary: A Single Saga Brought To Light
Review: The mere subject matter of this book is enough to keep this a page turning delight. As such, it catches your attention as you read the prolog for things to come. Dark Side Of Valor, though its a debut offering, reads like a narrative that makes you appreciate good writing and how an author has truly done his/her homework for viability.

Alicia Singleton should be applauded for telling a tale that echoes familiar tones dealing with the subject of homeless children and runnaways. The main character, Lelia is a lesson in perseverance and having the determination to stick and stay despite the pitfalls in her wake. Child advocacy and helping those less fortunate will always endear those that are truly receptive to the plight of children forced into circumstances beyond their control a necessary truism. The genesis of the book meets Leila when she as a teen forms the ideologics in her manning the moniker of The Street Angel -- giving hope to the hopeless, inspiring others to believe.

I completely lost myself within this book. Emotions ran rampart as I found myself caught up in the moment where tears flowed freely and allowed me to interject myself wholly into Lelia's pysche for understanding. The compelling nature of this story is underlined when Lelia refuses to give up her aspirations of a better life despite having to witness and be party to the despair that controls her mother's life. With continued consternation, Lelia decides to run away from home and discover that life on the street is more than she bargained for. But like others who embrace an idea and turn it into a defined signature, she challenges and thrives to beat the odds that for some reason seem to elude her no matter what choice she makes for the good.

What I liked about the author's choice in her writing style was the way in which she captured your attention to want to keep the book in your hand. In doing this she allowed each chapter to end with a cliffhanger type effect to entice one to not abandon this tale. To add intrigue to this storyline was the introduction of different scenarios sending the heroine to such outposts as Zaire, where she meets the protagonistic Elijah Dune, a lothesome man with a mean steak of hate and a revengeful disposition. Ironically, this pair end up unwittingly fighting a battle side by side a dual enemy with pretentions of past and present dire straits that has the power to destroy them both. Albeit, Lelia holds on to show why the Dark Side Of Valor is not an oxymoron, but a way to a justified means. You will not be disappointed in reading this book!

Rating:
Summary: A Spellbinding and Intoxicating Must Read!
Review: The word valor can best be described as personal bravery, courage, and fearlessness in the face of danger. In Alicia Singleton's debut novel, Dark Side of Valor, she encompasses all these things through her main character, Leila Freeman. Dark Side of Valor tells the story of Leila Freeman, a child advocate who has dedicated her life to fighting against the nightmares of her youth that currently trouble the youth of the present.

Leila is a no nonsense woman who learned the hard way about life and the freedoms that she treasures most. Spending most of her life as a runaway in LA, Leila is constantly plagued by the dangers of living on the dark side--in the streets. She is constantly haunted by predators that lurk to prey on the innocent and the weak. Despite almost falling privy to these dangers, Leila is able to find hope and regain control of her life. She becomes a savior to others like herself in LA, where is she proclaimed a "Street Angel". This accolade leads her to become apart of an important committee where she would work to improve the terrible dangers faced by the children of Sudania, Africa. Once on the committee, Leila discovers that things are not as they seem and realizes that she must fight against a deadly game of power and the risk of becoming a prisoner of an evil political fiasco. Forced to trust a stranger, Elijah Dune, she begins her fight against all odds. Will she survive against these political evils or fall victim?

Singleton deftly crafts a most interesting and complex storyline. She writes with the most magnificent prose that locks the reader in--hook, line and sinker. As I turned the pages, I was often wondering what would happen next and was pleasantly surprised at each outcome. It was as if the chapters left me on the edge of my seat, hungry to engross in more of the story. Not only were action and drama prominently present throughout the story, but a hint of romance that leads to an overall intriguing novel.

Readers, who love to be challenged, entertained, and to read a story that will remain with them long after the final page is turned, will not want to miss this novel! If I could give this novel more than 5 stars, I gladly would. Singleton has definitely solidified her place as a strong, emerging literary voice with this debut novel.

Angelique
APOOO BookClub

Rating:
Summary: Fantastic Read
Review: This book catches your attention fron the very first page. The author ends each chapter with a cliffhanger enticing the reader to read on and on. Strong black women is the theme throughout this book as well as how in an instant your life can dramatically change. Alicia Singleton writes a novel that draws attention to the problems of teenage runaways and how love and kindness can turn a life around. The main character, Lelia, takes many paths in her life but it is her determination, persistence and faith that makes this character shine throughout the book. The "Blue Mug Buddies" of Refuge Church Ministry highly recommend this book especially to young adults. It is only through the grace of God that keeps us.

Cheryl Walker
"Blue Mug Buddy"

Rating:
Summary: I started reading and couldn't put it down.
Review: Words cannot describe the pleasure that I am experiencing while reading the novel. The words create imagery, pull me into the story and compel me to become an invisible character. I don't want to put it down. I read it at bedtime, in the morning before work and during my lunch break. I grumble because I must put it aside until later. Work of this magnitude is much better that some well known authors and equal to those that I revere, i.e. Toni Morrison, Alice Walker, Maya Angelou...need I say more.