Review: WHY NICO ....WHY?!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 25, 2013
"Adversary Volume X1" by S.W. Frank continues the Alfonzo saga. This action pack drama is well written, as is expected of S.W.Frank, whose prolific writing style should be mandatory for college creative writing classes. Ms. Frank has the ability to take her readers on the journey, visualizing every scene, as though one were a director guiding students in the art of  cinematography.First and foremost, I would like to thank Ms. Frank for resolving all violent conflict in "Adversary Volume X1" by the end of the novel because another cliff hanger would have been unbearable and over-kill.**Spoiler Alert** That being said, I have to take issue with the turn of events with the matter of the heart in this novel. I was disappointed with the turn of events, namely with "one" Nicola Serana whose duplicitous behavior has already caused the death of his brother. Nicola or Nico as he is often called continues to be the "cad".  I do not understand or see the need for this constant disrespect of Ari, who is his wife, she honestly deserves better.I had previously forgiven Nico for his past transgression with Selange, but now I  simply don't know what he can do to get back in my good graces, I have lost all respect for him. In my opinion, his current actions reek of disgust.Ms. Frank might opine this is just art imitating life, but my response would  be, I am a firm believer in the old adage "the pen is mightier than the sword", therefore; I do  not want the pen to WRITE the ilks of society, but I do want the pen to RIGHT the ilks of society. I believe  there are some serial philanderers who would even find having a relationship with such close family members as off-putting.  Obviously Nico has no respect for boundaries.Not only does he mis-behave, but he is always claiming "soul mate" status with his conquest. This need of his to find a kindred spirit is quite repugnant. If his duties as enforcer and protector are being over-whelmed by his demons, then maybe it is time for him to hang up his holster and leave the job to a younger man?! Even assassins have some type of redeemable quality, however in my opinion; Nico is losing purchase real fast.Based on the richness and fluency of the writing and Ms. Frank's ability to still hold court after her 11th installment of this novel, "Adversary Volume X1" is definitely deserving of five stars.  Did I agree with the turn of events, absolutely Not, but I did not like the fact that Romeo and Juliet died either; yet, Shakespeare is a genius and "Romeo and Juliet" is a classic. S.W.Frank, I continue to tip my hat to your writing acumen, and I am looking forward to the day that you can turn Nico back into a semblance of respectability in my eyes. "Adversary Volume X1" is a MUST read that is worthy of one's time.