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Sons of Anarchy: Bratva
Set between the third and fourth episodes of season four of the groundbreaking cable television drama Sons of Anarchy, from the mind of Executive Producer Kurt Sutter.
With half of the club recently released from Stockton State Penitentiary and the Galindo drug cartel bringing down heat at every turn, the MC already has its hands full. Yet Jax Teller, SAMCRO's V.P., has another problem to deal with. He just learned that his Irish half-sister Trinity has been in the U.S. for months entangled with Russian BRATVA gangsters. Now that she’s abruptly gone missing, he’s sure the brewing Mafia war is connected to her disappearance. Jax heads to Nevada with Chibs and Opie, to search for her and seek revenge. Trinity may be half-Irish, but she’s also half-Teller, and where Tellers go, trouble follows.
With half of the club recently released from Stockton State Penitentiary and the Galindo drug cartel bringing down heat at every turn, the MC already has its hands full. Yet Jax Teller, SAMCRO's V.P., has another problem to deal with. He just learned that his Irish half-sister Trinity has been in the U.S. for months entangled with Russian BRATVA gangsters. Now that she’s abruptly gone missing, he’s sure the brewing Mafia war is connected to her disappearance. Jax heads to Nevada with Chibs and Opie, to search for her and seek revenge. Trinity may be half-Irish, but she’s also half-Teller, and where Tellers go, trouble follows.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2014
109 people are currently reading
1439 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Golden
798 books2,959 followersCHRISTOPHER GOLDEN is the New York Times bestselling, Bram Stoker Award-winning author of such novels as Road of Bones, Ararat, Snowblind, Of Saints and Shadows, and Red Hands. With Mike Mignola, he is the co-creator of the Outerverse comic book universe, including such series as Baltimore, Joe Golem: Occult Detective, and Lady Baltimore. As an editor, he has worked on the short story anthologies Seize the Night, Dark Cities, and The New Dead, among others, and he has also written and co-written comic books, video games, screenplays, and a network television pilot. Golden co-hosts the podcast Defenders Dialogue with horror author Brian Keene. In 2015 he founded the popular Merrimack Valley Halloween Book Festival. He was born and raised in Massachusetts, where he still lives with his family. His work has been nominated for the British Fantasy Award, the Eisner Award, and multiple Shirley Jackson Awards. For the Bram Stoker Awards, Golden has been nominated ten times in eight different categories. His original novels have been published in more than fifteen languages in countries around the world. Please visit him at www.christophergolden.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
February 8, 2017
HOLY SHIT!
Is all I Gota say, this book was awesome!!!
Definitely love SOA, so glad I picked this book up!
Is all I Gota say, this book was awesome!!!
Definitely love SOA, so glad I picked this book up!
April 8, 2017
This was a really solid "bonus episode" of SoA where you get to spend some time with the boys, meet some new people, get a tiny bit more insight into the minds of men if mayhem. Over all anyone bt a fan of the show would be totally lost BUT if your a fan, it's a great read.
Want to read
July 28, 2014Well I wasn't the biggest fan of the whole Irish storyline in season 3, the almost incest was pretty cringe-worthy... And I'm not sure if Jax being an asshole on the pages would work as well without having Charlie Hunnam's ass to compensate for his many, many misdeeds...
... Okay I lost my train of thought with "Charlie Hunnam's ass".
::Paging Stacia::
... Okay I lost my train of thought with "Charlie Hunnam's ass".
::Paging Stacia::
July 7, 2015
This was enjoyable, like a bonus episode of the show. And I was happy to revisit certain characters I had questions about....
March 28, 2018
"Sons of Anarchy:Bratva" was an exciting but intense ride with major twists and turns involving VP, Jax Teller and his loyal friend, Opie Winston getting shot at by the Russian Bratva due to the MC killing Viktor Putlova. Out of the blue it's discovered that they are dealing with a different group of Russians who are actually trying to save Teller and Winston. When that cools down, Jax receives a phone call from his Dad's mistress asking that he locate his half sister, Trinity who is somehow involved with the Russian Olaf! Has she been kidnapped or what? So who's trying to off Jax and Opie--- they certainly don't know because Irish gunmen, the Russian Mafias and others are involved where deals are being made and broken right before their eyes!
No I never did watch the the TV series, Sons of Anarchy but after reading this gritty tale, I wish I had!
5++" really needing to watch SOA and now!" stars *****
No I never did watch the the TV series, Sons of Anarchy but after reading this gritty tale, I wish I had!
5++" really needing to watch SOA and now!" stars *****
June 3, 2016
I was worried going into this that it would be terrible and ruin one of my favourite shows but that worry was completely unfounded. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It featured my favourite characters from the show and was action packed all the way through. I felt like I was watching an episode of the show while reading it, I really couldn't have asked for better! I mean, it was no great piece of literature but I loved it nonetheless. And you know, sometimes it's fun to read something that doesn't require too much thinking! Plus, anything featuring Jax Teller can't help but be fantastic! xD
April 24, 2015
Christopher Golden revs up with his own concocted story about the Sons of Anarchy, a great television program whose recent end left fans yearning for more. After a large contingent of the SAMCRO (Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club Redwood Original) were recently released from prison, there is a power vacuum in and around Charming. Jax Teller, the Club's V.P., is trying to keep a low profile, while also taking time to ensure the lucrative gun- and drug-running business does not pass them by. When a call from Belfast reaches him, Jax learns that his half-sister, Trinity, is entangled with Russian BRATVA gangsters and she's now living in Nevada. Trinity's gone missing and her mother is out of her mind, worried that no good can come of her recent associations. With the Russian Mafia likely behind the kidnapping, Jax and a small crew head to Nevada to search for her and seek revenge for an earlier SAMCRO issue. Working with the Nevada Chapter of the Sons, Jaxs discovers that this is a Russian turf war and the BRATVA will do all they can to win the battle, even if it costs Trinity her life. As with the show, the Sons go blazing in to save one of their own, regardless of the body count. A decent depiction of the show, though nowhere near as spellbinding as tuning in on a weekly basis.
Golden's past published work is vast and his accolades lean towards the sci fi genre. Why he would choose to pen a book about SAMCRO would surely baffle fans of the show and the dedicated reader. Golden does a decent job illustrating some of the key players in the story and even ties storylines in effectively to the show, but there is something missing. Some... je ne sais quoi that keeps this from being an explosive book and one I'd recommend to series fans. I suppose it putters along and makes the point that the Sons have always been violent and surely will not change. However, the gusto is gone and the intricate drama, even in the plots is sorely missing. Perhaps Golden should return to what he knows best.
Tepid work, Mr. Golden, even if it is only my opinion. You cannot win them all, and for me, I am pleased to have at least tested your wares before buying the farm.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Golden's past published work is vast and his accolades lean towards the sci fi genre. Why he would choose to pen a book about SAMCRO would surely baffle fans of the show and the dedicated reader. Golden does a decent job illustrating some of the key players in the story and even ties storylines in effectively to the show, but there is something missing. Some... je ne sais quoi that keeps this from being an explosive book and one I'd recommend to series fans. I suppose it putters along and makes the point that the Sons have always been violent and surely will not change. However, the gusto is gone and the intricate drama, even in the plots is sorely missing. Perhaps Golden should return to what he knows best.
Tepid work, Mr. Golden, even if it is only my opinion. You cannot win them all, and for me, I am pleased to have at least tested your wares before buying the farm.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
February 3, 2017
Co s tímhle peklem? Příběh mě ke konci začal aspoň trochu bavit. Nicméně to rozhodně nemohlo zastínit, jak je ta kniha odfláknutá. Bohužel za to může české nakladatelství a kniha v originále by asi působila lepším dojmem. Upozorňuji, že nejsem Grammar Nazi, taky umím udělat pěkné boty, ale tohle bylo hodně už i na mě.
-Pomlčky mezi slovy. Jednou z každé strany měla mezeru, podruhé ne. A když je mezi tím jen jedna řádka, člověk si všimne. A nevypadá to dobře. <-- navíc se tohle stalo hned na první stránce.
Toto se opakuje v celé knize, někdy je mezera z jedné strany a z druhé ne. Párkrát je pomlčka zaměněna za spojovník.
-Mezery. Další neřest. Někdy mezi slovy chyběla, někdy byla pro jistotu hned dvakrát.
Nebo dělání mezer v trojtečce (samozřejmě jenom někdy, aby se nedalo říct, že to je schválně). Přesně takhle: . . .
-Uvozovky. Pro ty zjevně neexistují pravidla. Ne vždy se povedlo dát je z obou stran přímé řeči. Což byl zvlášť problém, protože v dialogu byly věty psané hned za sebou. A když chyběly uvozovky, tak asi dialog nedával moc smysl, když si člověk myslel, že stále hovoří stejná osoba. (Což bylo zmatečné, i když uvozovky byly. Nevybavuji si knihu, kde by naflákali přímé řeči dvou osob, co spolu mluví hned za sebou).
Někdy se jim teda taky povedlo dát za sebou hned troje uvozovky: ..." ""...
-Odstavce. Nový odstavec byl klidně vytvořen uprostřed věty.
-Překlepy. "rpzcuchané"
-Rody. Na začátku telefonátu je Tara ženská, se kterou má i děti. Ale v průběhu rozhovoru mu Tara odpovídaL.
-Chybějící slova. "...Trinitin vzhled mohl nějaké potíže, ale opatrnosti není nikdy dost."
Navíc jazyk a vyjadřování úplně nesedělo k hrubým motorkářům na hraně zákona. A když už mluvili sprostě, tak to znělo až téměř vtipně. Zvlášť, když vzápětí se objevila, tak spisovná věta, jak z Komenského.
Asi bych našla další věci, co mi vadily a byly odfláknuté, ale pro ilustraci to asi stačí.
-Pomlčky mezi slovy. Jednou z každé strany měla mezeru, podruhé ne. A když je mezi tím jen jedna řádka, člověk si všimne. A nevypadá to dobře. <-- navíc se tohle stalo hned na první stránce.
Toto se opakuje v celé knize, někdy je mezera z jedné strany a z druhé ne. Párkrát je pomlčka zaměněna za spojovník.
-Mezery. Další neřest. Někdy mezi slovy chyběla, někdy byla pro jistotu hned dvakrát.
Nebo dělání mezer v trojtečce (samozřejmě jenom někdy, aby se nedalo říct, že to je schválně). Přesně takhle: . . .
-Uvozovky. Pro ty zjevně neexistují pravidla. Ne vždy se povedlo dát je z obou stran přímé řeči. Což byl zvlášť problém, protože v dialogu byly věty psané hned za sebou. A když chyběly uvozovky, tak asi dialog nedával moc smysl, když si člověk myslel, že stále hovoří stejná osoba. (Což bylo zmatečné, i když uvozovky byly. Nevybavuji si knihu, kde by naflákali přímé řeči dvou osob, co spolu mluví hned za sebou).
Někdy se jim teda taky povedlo dát za sebou hned troje uvozovky: ..." ""...
-Odstavce. Nový odstavec byl klidně vytvořen uprostřed věty.
-Překlepy. "rpzcuchané"
-Rody. Na začátku telefonátu je Tara ženská, se kterou má i děti. Ale v průběhu rozhovoru mu Tara odpovídaL.
-Chybějící slova. "...Trinitin vzhled mohl nějaké potíže, ale opatrnosti není nikdy dost."
Navíc jazyk a vyjadřování úplně nesedělo k hrubým motorkářům na hraně zákona. A když už mluvili sprostě, tak to znělo až téměř vtipně. Zvlášť, když vzápětí se objevila, tak spisovná věta, jak z Komenského.
Asi bych našla další věci, co mi vadily a byly odfláknuté, ale pro ilustraci to asi stačí.
February 5, 2015
Well, that was painful. The only reason this one gets even the 2 stars I'm giving it was because the plot was interesting and it was the characters from Sons of Anarchy. That sums up the positives.
I've never read anything from Christopher Golden before. Based on this book, I won't be rushing to.
The writing was, to put it plainly, cheesy. Maybe it's because the characters were so well done in the show that they don't translate well to a novel? I'm not sure, but some of the passages were just painful. Here are a couple of examples:
Perhaps it's Mr. Golden's background in fantasy, but whatever the case, the book was hard to get through, at least for this #SOA fan.
I almost forgot...It doesn't really fit into the canon. There is no way that this story could have taken place between the episodes it is supposed to have. If for no other reason just because the characters would have shown injuries in the following episode, and not little ones.
I've never read anything from Christopher Golden before. Based on this book, I won't be rushing to.
The writing was, to put it plainly, cheesy. Maybe it's because the characters were so well done in the show that they don't translate well to a novel? I'm not sure, but some of the passages were just painful. Here are a couple of examples:
“Jax still felt calm, focused, but a new confidence made him exhale. He was with his brothers. They would prevail.”
“The SAMNOV tore along the pavement toward the Wonderland Hotel, tires throwing up a cloud of dust and righteous fury.”
Perhaps it's Mr. Golden's background in fantasy, but whatever the case, the book was hard to get through, at least for this #SOA fan.
I almost forgot...It doesn't really fit into the canon. There is no way that this story could have taken place between the episodes it is supposed to have. If for no other reason just because the characters would have shown injuries in the following episode, and not little ones.
June 27, 2022
Jam-packed, delicious, trouble that only SAMCRO can give.
From start to finish, this was a fun and wild ride. Golden really stuck true to the show with his tone, imagery, and action. I loved how well placed this was in the series and how vivid it was to my imagination.
Also, I'd always hoped to see more of Jax's sister and this gave me that. Was so stoked about that.
Full Review:
https://thescarletreaderreviews.wordp...
From start to finish, this was a fun and wild ride. Golden really stuck true to the show with his tone, imagery, and action. I loved how well placed this was in the series and how vivid it was to my imagination.
Also, I'd always hoped to see more of Jax's sister and this gave me that. Was so stoked about that.
Full Review:
https://thescarletreaderreviews.wordp...
December 17, 2019
Personal Response:
Overall, I enjoyed Sons of Anarchy very much. It is very interesting because Jax has to fight rival gangs who are all fighting to take over the drugs and guns. Everything is put against him and the Sons. SOA still came out victorious by killing the Russians and saving his sister. The book is intriguing because even though they know that their lives are in danger, they still fight. My favorite part about this book is that the Sons save Jax’s sister and get her home safe
Plot Summary:
Jax is a young man at the age of 23 and is the vice president of the Sons of Anarchy. He is running many illegal jobs when he starts making decisions that put him in harm’s way to save his sister. He is now working with rival gangs to gain information on his sister. He is riding to the opposite side of Nevada to gain intel on his sister’s whereabouts. He teams up with a Russian mafia who is also looking for the other gang that just so happens to have his sister. Jax is playing dumb pretending that he doesn’t know the mafia is trying to kill him. The mafia leader says to Jax that he has to call him when he gets the information, and the leader sends two babysitters along. Jax gets the intel and stops on the road and he has the babysitters call Lagoshin, the leader of the mafia, and when he picks up Jax kills both of them leaving Lagoshin enraged. Jax arrives at the hotel where his sister is staying. He calls the Russians out knowing his sister is inside. At the same time, Lagoshin and his men show up. As soon as Lagoshin shows up there is an all-out gun battle. Jax runs in and grabs his sister, and Jax and his men ride out while the Russians kill each other. They are far enough away and Jax turns around and when he gets to where the fight took place he sees Lagoshin standing there and puts a bullet in his head for the beating he gave Jax. The Sons buy his sister a plane ticket back to Russia and she is reunited with her mother.
Characterization:
Jax is the main character in the story. He is a 23-year-old man and the leader of the Sons of Anarchy. He is determined, brave, and hardworking. He is fighting as hard as he can to save our sister. In the book, he goes above and beyond what the patch requires. Finally, in the end, he saves his sister and ends up turning over the drug business and takes over guns.
The Russians and opposing gangs are the antagonists in this book. They are relentless and always trying to take the Sons business. Another not so common antagonist is Jax’s morals, he fights them every step of the way.
Setting:
This book takes place in Nevada in the 21st century. The reader can assume that the setting takes place around this time because of the vehicles and guns. The setting is very important because if it was in a later era, the book would not make sense. The transportation they are using and the crimes that are being committed shows modernization.
Thematic Connection:
The book Sons of Anarchy has many different themes displayed throughout the story. The main theme is to never give up. This is shown in the book when Jax doesn’t give up after his life is put on the line when he decides to save his sister.
Recommendation:
I would recommend this book to anyone 16 and up. This book has a lot of violence within the story and that is why it should be 16 and up. Both genders can read this book, but there are some sexist remarks that the book has.
Overall, I enjoyed Sons of Anarchy very much. It is very interesting because Jax has to fight rival gangs who are all fighting to take over the drugs and guns. Everything is put against him and the Sons. SOA still came out victorious by killing the Russians and saving his sister. The book is intriguing because even though they know that their lives are in danger, they still fight. My favorite part about this book is that the Sons save Jax’s sister and get her home safe
Plot Summary:
Jax is a young man at the age of 23 and is the vice president of the Sons of Anarchy. He is running many illegal jobs when he starts making decisions that put him in harm’s way to save his sister. He is now working with rival gangs to gain information on his sister. He is riding to the opposite side of Nevada to gain intel on his sister’s whereabouts. He teams up with a Russian mafia who is also looking for the other gang that just so happens to have his sister. Jax is playing dumb pretending that he doesn’t know the mafia is trying to kill him. The mafia leader says to Jax that he has to call him when he gets the information, and the leader sends two babysitters along. Jax gets the intel and stops on the road and he has the babysitters call Lagoshin, the leader of the mafia, and when he picks up Jax kills both of them leaving Lagoshin enraged. Jax arrives at the hotel where his sister is staying. He calls the Russians out knowing his sister is inside. At the same time, Lagoshin and his men show up. As soon as Lagoshin shows up there is an all-out gun battle. Jax runs in and grabs his sister, and Jax and his men ride out while the Russians kill each other. They are far enough away and Jax turns around and when he gets to where the fight took place he sees Lagoshin standing there and puts a bullet in his head for the beating he gave Jax. The Sons buy his sister a plane ticket back to Russia and she is reunited with her mother.
Characterization:
Jax is the main character in the story. He is a 23-year-old man and the leader of the Sons of Anarchy. He is determined, brave, and hardworking. He is fighting as hard as he can to save our sister. In the book, he goes above and beyond what the patch requires. Finally, in the end, he saves his sister and ends up turning over the drug business and takes over guns.
The Russians and opposing gangs are the antagonists in this book. They are relentless and always trying to take the Sons business. Another not so common antagonist is Jax’s morals, he fights them every step of the way.
Setting:
This book takes place in Nevada in the 21st century. The reader can assume that the setting takes place around this time because of the vehicles and guns. The setting is very important because if it was in a later era, the book would not make sense. The transportation they are using and the crimes that are being committed shows modernization.
Thematic Connection:
The book Sons of Anarchy has many different themes displayed throughout the story. The main theme is to never give up. This is shown in the book when Jax doesn’t give up after his life is put on the line when he decides to save his sister.
Recommendation:
I would recommend this book to anyone 16 and up. This book has a lot of violence within the story and that is why it should be 16 and up. Both genders can read this book, but there are some sexist remarks that the book has.
December 24, 2022
Feels like half a season that FX had not the time or budget to add to the show. If you finish watching SoA and you don't know what to do with your life (which has happened to me in the past!) this is a great book to read and get one more fix.
February 24, 2021
Well written story but really loses something when you can't stare at Ryan Hurst. Not the authors fault obviously.
November 6, 2025
2.5 Stars
November 20, 2014
Christopher Golden's "Bratva" is a fun ride. When I heard there was going to be a Sons of Anarchy novel, I knew I had to read it. I'm in my second viewing of the series, and once again obsessed with all things SAMCRO. This book read like a narrative episode. Set at the beginning of season 4, the boys have gotten out of prison and are just about to jump into the tumult that the cartel and Maureen Ashby's letters from John Teller bring to the club. Jax gets a frantic phone call from Maureen Ashby, telling him that Trinity, his newly discovered half-sister, has left home to be with her Russian mobster boyfriend in Nevada. This news is, of course, coming right after the club assassinates the entire Northern Cali wing of the Bratva, including Viktor Putlova, at Opie and Lyla's wedding. Worried about his sister's life and the possibility of her being used as leverage against the club by the Russians, Jax takes Chibs and Opie with him to Nevada in search of her, leaving their cuts at home to hide their affiliation with SAMCRO.
The narrative perspectives shift mostly between Jax and Trinity, telling both sides of the story from two drastically different points of view. Golden really gets Jax, and we get a clear, deep understanding of where Jax is at at that crucial turning time as well as during the events of the novel. Trinity is basically a new character. Even when she was recurring in season 3, we didn't really get to know her. Golden does an amazing job of creating a deep, complex character with a sense of agency and ego. Trinity was raised around IRA violence, and she understands gangland loyalty and the rules of the underground, but she still maintains her compassion.
Trinity was far and away my favorite part of the book. Despite the fact that the basic premise of the story is Maureen Ashby sending Jax on a fetch quest for her wayward daughter, Trinity manages to add depth and interest to the situation at hand. She isn't kidnapped, she willingly decides to stick with Oleg, her Bratva boyfriend. Her reasons for being there and her perspective on the trouble they get up to make reading her chapters extremely compelling. When the situation gets tough, she adapts. She knows the difference between what's necessary and what's gratuitous. She is, in short, a badass.
I also really enjoyed diving into the Las Vegas charter of the Sons. The small charter has its own new characters and politics. Just a scene where a member is making eggs in their clubhouse kitchen, or the accommodation that traveling club members can expect was really interesting. Descriptions of it from Jax's perspective were fascinating to me, and their involvement in Jax's fetch quest both highlight and illustrate what the bond of brotherhood in the MC can really mean.
My biggest problem was the suspension of disbelief. Trinity is a new character, and her personality is largely flushed out in this book. However, she's a girl who was born and raised in Northern Ireland by an IRA affiliated family. The IRA as it is portrayed in the show is extremely xenophobic and also street smart. Why would a girl from that world suddenly take up with a Russian mobster? Sure, you can't choose who you love, but surely she could have seen trouble written all over him. A lot can be attributed to the impulsiveness of youth, but she didn't seem to grow all that much in that way. Was she so desperately in love that she was willing to be an accessory to his organized crime lifestyle? We see her participating in their business and helping them with her Irish connections in the states. When I took her motivations and her reasoning at face value, I had no problem, but in the end the whole story happened because of her actions. As Jax would say, it was all "on her", yet no one really holds her responsible for the consequences. On the other hand, she's an independent adult who should be free to make her own decisions. How dare Jax agree to fetch her and send her back to Ireland? His commitment to her safety, his promise to her mother, and the possible threat to SAMCRO are apparently more important than Trinity's own wants and ambitions.
Since Trinity's reveal as Jax's half-sister, I had hoped that she would return to the show in some capacity. There is so much untapped story potential in her and her relationship with Jax, and I am glad that she got to star in the first Sons of Anarchy novel. It was the Sons being the Sons, complete with everything one would expect that to entail. We got a little more back story on the Russians and a bit more insight into the last living child of John Teller. Fans of the show, especially those that miss Opie as much as I do, will find something to like in this book. I read it via audio book, which was narrated expertly - accents and all - by Peter Berkrot.
The narrative perspectives shift mostly between Jax and Trinity, telling both sides of the story from two drastically different points of view. Golden really gets Jax, and we get a clear, deep understanding of where Jax is at at that crucial turning time as well as during the events of the novel. Trinity is basically a new character. Even when she was recurring in season 3, we didn't really get to know her. Golden does an amazing job of creating a deep, complex character with a sense of agency and ego. Trinity was raised around IRA violence, and she understands gangland loyalty and the rules of the underground, but she still maintains her compassion.
Trinity was far and away my favorite part of the book. Despite the fact that the basic premise of the story is Maureen Ashby sending Jax on a fetch quest for her wayward daughter, Trinity manages to add depth and interest to the situation at hand. She isn't kidnapped, she willingly decides to stick with Oleg, her Bratva boyfriend. Her reasons for being there and her perspective on the trouble they get up to make reading her chapters extremely compelling. When the situation gets tough, she adapts. She knows the difference between what's necessary and what's gratuitous. She is, in short, a badass.
I also really enjoyed diving into the Las Vegas charter of the Sons. The small charter has its own new characters and politics. Just a scene where a member is making eggs in their clubhouse kitchen, or the accommodation that traveling club members can expect was really interesting. Descriptions of it from Jax's perspective were fascinating to me, and their involvement in Jax's fetch quest both highlight and illustrate what the bond of brotherhood in the MC can really mean.
My biggest problem was the suspension of disbelief. Trinity is a new character, and her personality is largely flushed out in this book. However, she's a girl who was born and raised in Northern Ireland by an IRA affiliated family. The IRA as it is portrayed in the show is extremely xenophobic and also street smart. Why would a girl from that world suddenly take up with a Russian mobster? Sure, you can't choose who you love, but surely she could have seen trouble written all over him. A lot can be attributed to the impulsiveness of youth, but she didn't seem to grow all that much in that way. Was she so desperately in love that she was willing to be an accessory to his organized crime lifestyle? We see her participating in their business and helping them with her Irish connections in the states. When I took her motivations and her reasoning at face value, I had no problem, but in the end the whole story happened because of her actions. As Jax would say, it was all "on her", yet no one really holds her responsible for the consequences. On the other hand, she's an independent adult who should be free to make her own decisions. How dare Jax agree to fetch her and send her back to Ireland? His commitment to her safety, his promise to her mother, and the possible threat to SAMCRO are apparently more important than Trinity's own wants and ambitions.
Since Trinity's reveal as Jax's half-sister, I had hoped that she would return to the show in some capacity. There is so much untapped story potential in her and her relationship with Jax, and I am glad that she got to star in the first Sons of Anarchy novel. It was the Sons being the Sons, complete with everything one would expect that to entail. We got a little more back story on the Russians and a bit more insight into the last living child of John Teller. Fans of the show, especially those that miss Opie as much as I do, will find something to like in this book. I read it via audio book, which was narrated expertly - accents and all - by Peter Berkrot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2014
Title: Sons of Anarchy: Bratva
Author: Christopher Golden
Series or Standalone: Standalone
Rating: 5 Stars *****
Review:
Sons of Anarchy:Bratva is a standalone novel based on the Sons of Anarchy television show, that’s timeline falls after the events of season four in the show and is told in third person point of view, featuring not only the members of SAMCRO but also the character of Trinity Ashby from Season Three.
When books are made from television shows, there is often times a level that the author much reach in order to please fans of the show, so going into this story, I was equal parts eager and also afraid at how it would come across. Adaptions are a tricky game, but having read books by Christopher Golden in the past, I shouldn’t have been worried. In my opinion he penned this book perfectly.
The first thing that stood out to me was Opie. For any fan of the show, you’ll know why him being here is such a big thing, especially if you were a fan of him before, and considering how much I loved his character in the show, getting to see him in this book and have him be such a big part of it, well it kept me firmly planted even more so in the story.
With that being said, the way the members of SAMCRO interacted felt true to the characters that Kurt Sutter brought to life on the small screen. When they did appear, and interacted both together and with others, it often times felt as though I was watching a one off episode of the show and not reading a book.
Enter Trinity. Again, fans from the show will know her, but this delves into the life she found herself in after everything that happened with the club in Belfast and even though the parts with her in the beginning seemed to move a little slowly for me, once we got past that, I found myself pretty invested in her character. I genuinely liked her and her character came across as very real. The road she took, why she took it and what motivates her throughout, brought her to life so well that I couldn’t seem to read fast enough to see how everything would play out. Where you don’t get to see as much of her as you would like in the show in order to really get to know her, I think you do here, at least the older version of her and it was fantastic.
This story was equal parts thrill ride, full of suspense, bloody and intense, but also humorous. There were several instances throughout where I had to put the book down because something would happen that would have me laughing so hard I couldn’t focus. Want to know what I mean? Read the Opie dildo scene. I would like to say more, but I can’t spoil it for anyone. Plus it’s more of an experience you have to go through yourself to understand it. Or I’m just so perverse and twisted that I found it funny. Either way.
In the beginning it felt a bit slow going, but I think with any book like that, where a lot of background needs to be given in order to get the story moving it was to be expected, but once we were past that, it seemed to flow very easily. Every scene was important (even the humorous ones) and they were all leading you to the very dramatic and intense ending.
I loved this book and the original story it contained in its pages and I think that the author did a phenomenal job working with the world that Kurt created and bringing it to life in this fictional setting for both fans of the show or fans of MC’s and intense reads in general. It was fantastic and I can only hope that this one book will turn into more original stories in the future because I don’t think I’ll ever tire of reading about these guys I’ve come to love almost as much as I do my own family.
Fantastic Read and if I didn’t already love Jax, Chibs, Opie and the guys before, I definitely do now and the best part is, I can also officially add Trinity Ashby in as well. That chick was badass and a great addition.
December 26, 2014
I found this book to be all right. It most certainly had some very Sons of Anarchy moments in it. I would not recommend it if you aren't familiar with the show or comfortable with the shows content obviously. (Though it was far more PG 13 then the actual show itself)
This book MAYBE could have been one episode but really it wasn't all that in depth.
As usual Opie and chibs really stole the show with their one lines and zingers. Trinity seemed a little bit off to me. Very much the love sick girl that wanted to prove herself to her bad ass Russian Boy Friend, even though she kept insisting that she wasn't. Also...it kept repeating things like "She was used to violence growing up but always on the outside, even part of it." From what I remember her Mother was the Old Lady of the Belfast charter...not to mention surrounded by RIRA. I seriously doubt this is the first time that she's held a gun or slit someones eyelid open.
As usual Jax runs around going me me me. Not really worrying about what live he destroys or if he fucks up another charter to get what he wants. But to me thats very in character, regardless of how much it annoys me. I'm just glad Tara wasn't in it all that much because even in the few parts she was in I wanted to smack her. Its obvious that shes already plotting.
As always chibs was a sassy Bastards, reminding Opie that he shouldn't talk about what he eats at Strip clubs and telling Russian Gangsters that he has all day to sit there in a stand off while rescuing Jax's sister. Then there is Opie who is the only person who could look intimidating slapping you in the face with a giant purple dildo.
All together, this was a nice easy read. It really only took me two days to read so thats nice. I wasn't wowed but wasn't really disappointed either.
This book MAYBE could have been one episode but really it wasn't all that in depth.
As usual Opie and chibs really stole the show with their one lines and zingers. Trinity seemed a little bit off to me. Very much the love sick girl that wanted to prove herself to her bad ass Russian Boy Friend, even though she kept insisting that she wasn't. Also...it kept repeating things like "She was used to violence growing up but always on the outside, even part of it." From what I remember her Mother was the Old Lady of the Belfast charter...not to mention surrounded by RIRA. I seriously doubt this is the first time that she's held a gun or slit someones eyelid open.
As usual Jax runs around going me me me. Not really worrying about what live he destroys or if he fucks up another charter to get what he wants. But to me thats very in character, regardless of how much it annoys me. I'm just glad Tara wasn't in it all that much because even in the few parts she was in I wanted to smack her. Its obvious that shes already plotting.
As always chibs was a sassy Bastards, reminding Opie that he shouldn't talk about what he eats at Strip clubs and telling Russian Gangsters that he has all day to sit there in a stand off while rescuing Jax's sister. Then there is Opie who is the only person who could look intimidating slapping you in the face with a giant purple dildo.
All together, this was a nice easy read. It really only took me two days to read so thats nice. I wasn't wowed but wasn't really disappointed either.
November 23, 2014
Doesn't fit into SOA timeline
I'm giving this book 3 stars based on the fact it was a fairly enjoyable read. I don't think the author captured the characters properly...especially Trinity. But my biggest issue with this book is that it doesn't in the ship's timeline. It stated in the description that it takes place shortly after season 4, but that's not possible. Piney, Myles, and Kozik all die in season 4, but are mentioned in the book as being alive. Clay is still at the head of the table, but Jax took over as president at the end of the season. It could only take place towards the being of the 4th season as Myles dies less than halfway through the season, but I don't recall there being a gap where this story could happen. It may not sound like a big deal, but it was for me.
I'm giving this book 3 stars based on the fact it was a fairly enjoyable read. I don't think the author captured the characters properly...especially Trinity. But my biggest issue with this book is that it doesn't in the ship's timeline. It stated in the description that it takes place shortly after season 4, but that's not possible. Piney, Myles, and Kozik all die in season 4, but are mentioned in the book as being alive. Clay is still at the head of the table, but Jax took over as president at the end of the season. It could only take place towards the being of the 4th season as Myles dies less than halfway through the season, but I don't recall there being a gap where this story could happen. It may not sound like a big deal, but it was for me.
February 11, 2015
It took a little to get into the story but once things got moving the novel had a great pace.
The reason I'm only giving it 3 stars is because I can tell it was written by someone other than Sutter. Sure, I already knew it wasn't from looking at the cover but I felt the dialogue was off in places. Especially with Op. I'd often second guess his lines unsure if it was really true to the character. Though that's just my opinion.
All in all it was nice to jump back into the SOA world, even for a short while. I loved that it was set back when Op was still alive. The story that Glolden wrote gave us a little glimpse at what it could have been like if Jax was Pres and Opie as his VP, with Chibs as St. at Arms. Though that story was never to play out.
Regardless, I'm forever a SOA fan and certainly have enjoyed other books by Golden. Certainly worth a read if you're an SOA fan.
The reason I'm only giving it 3 stars is because I can tell it was written by someone other than Sutter. Sure, I already knew it wasn't from looking at the cover but I felt the dialogue was off in places. Especially with Op. I'd often second guess his lines unsure if it was really true to the character. Though that's just my opinion.
All in all it was nice to jump back into the SOA world, even for a short while. I loved that it was set back when Op was still alive. The story that Glolden wrote gave us a little glimpse at what it could have been like if Jax was Pres and Opie as his VP, with Chibs as St. at Arms. Though that story was never to play out.
Regardless, I'm forever a SOA fan and certainly have enjoyed other books by Golden. Certainly worth a read if you're an SOA fan.
December 27, 2014
It was ok. Nothing spectacular but not bad either. It entertained like it was supposed to, and it fulfilled a need i had to "see" Trinity and Opie again.
It kind of felt shoved into the SOA timeline. Though honestly it does explain why we never really hear from the Russians again after season 4.
The author seems to like the verb "thundered".
It kind of felt shoved into the SOA timeline. Though honestly it does explain why we never really hear from the Russians again after season 4.
The author seems to like the verb "thundered".
December 6, 2014
An okay book seeking to capitalize on the popularity of Sons of Anarchy. This book follows Jax, Chibs and Opie as they travel to Las Vegas to rescue Jax’s long lost sister Trinity who has gotten involved in the middle of a Russian Mafia war.
June 22, 2019
Bratva is "an original novel based on the FX series"and is "set after the fourth season of the groundbreaking television drama Sons of Anarchy, from the mind of executive producer Kurt Sutter." The story is that Jax's half-sister, Trinity, has gotten mixed up with some Russian Bratva gangsters so Jax, Opie and Chibs head out to Nevada to look for her.
The author, Christopher Golden, who is no stranger to tv-to-book adaptations, does a great job with the characters. They sounded and moved like themselves. He writes them as they are on the show, but with deeper insight. Even the side characters are fully fleshed out. Jax, Opie and Chibs were my favorites on the show, so reading a full length book about them was great.
The story moves along quickly as we piece things together with Jax and see things through Trinity's eyes. The action scenes are face paced and well described. I could really picture the guys riding down a lonely desert at night. There were one or two slight editing errors, but it was ok.
I really enjoyed this book and I recommend it to any Sons of Anarchy fans out there.
The author, Christopher Golden, who is no stranger to tv-to-book adaptations, does a great job with the characters. They sounded and moved like themselves. He writes them as they are on the show, but with deeper insight. Even the side characters are fully fleshed out. Jax, Opie and Chibs were my favorites on the show, so reading a full length book about them was great.
The story moves along quickly as we piece things together with Jax and see things through Trinity's eyes. The action scenes are face paced and well described. I could really picture the guys riding down a lonely desert at night. There were one or two slight editing errors, but it was ok.
I really enjoyed this book and I recommend it to any Sons of Anarchy fans out there.
June 14, 2023
Christopher Golden knows his TV shows.
His Buffy The Vampire Slayer tie-in novels are the only ones that ring true with familiar witty dialogue and clever plots. In essence, his version of the characters feel like the REAL characters. And believe me, that's not always easy. You can either do it - or you can't.
This book feels like a genuine Sons Of Anarchy episode - and that's the highest recommendation I can give.
You can hear the actors' inflections in every line of dialogue. (Especially Chibs!) The plot flows from brutal violence to touching tenderness in the blink of an eye. You're always reminded of the stakes and how much the characters care about each other. It's very much an SOA episode. So much so, it would have slotted into the series canon effortlessly.
For the Jax obsessives, Golden scores the touchdowns. Jax is strong but knows when to bend, violent but intelligent, confident but listens to his brothers. This is an author who knows this show.
I debated a while about whether to buy this book but I'm glad I did. It feels like a worthy addition to the series - and considering the quality of Kurt Sutter's writing, that's no mean feat.
His Buffy The Vampire Slayer tie-in novels are the only ones that ring true with familiar witty dialogue and clever plots. In essence, his version of the characters feel like the REAL characters. And believe me, that's not always easy. You can either do it - or you can't.
This book feels like a genuine Sons Of Anarchy episode - and that's the highest recommendation I can give.
You can hear the actors' inflections in every line of dialogue. (Especially Chibs!) The plot flows from brutal violence to touching tenderness in the blink of an eye. You're always reminded of the stakes and how much the characters care about each other. It's very much an SOA episode. So much so, it would have slotted into the series canon effortlessly.
For the Jax obsessives, Golden scores the touchdowns. Jax is strong but knows when to bend, violent but intelligent, confident but listens to his brothers. This is an author who knows this show.
I debated a while about whether to buy this book but I'm glad I did. It feels like a worthy addition to the series - and considering the quality of Kurt Sutter's writing, that's no mean feat.
May 1, 2021
Not sure if this book would be of any interest to readers, who have not watched the show, but to me who enjoyed it obsessively, while it aired, “Bratva” came as a much appreciated bonus episode with everything we love SOA for: loyalty, tough decisions, Jax’s burdening dilemma, bullets flying, brains winning over bullets, etc. The story takes place mostly in Las Vegas, so we get just a brief glimpse of Charming, the club and many beloved characters, like Gemma, Tara, Unser, but what we do get a lot of is Jax, Chibs and Opie, which would be my choice if given one. Trinity had a nice journey, but I did not care for her being described as tough in such masculine terms. But overall also a believable character. Not to mention that this extra “episode” closes one blatant gap in the original story - Jax having a sister and not doing anything about it, given his attitude to family. Solid four stars.
September 9, 2018
Filler.
This is definitely filler. You can feel it throughout the entirety of the book, which is set after SOA's 4th season. What Kurt Sutter imagined throughout one of the best TV series in recent history, Christopher Golden could not perfectly emulate with the written word.
But that's not his fault. I would expect many to fail to recreate Sutter's universe in black and white print. However, this is a great light read. Don't expect much more.
While it starts off slow, there is definitely a lot of action to be enjoyed and the plot - not meant to tie in much with the series - is easy to understand. The name says it all - bikers and Russians.
Golden's writing style is easy to go through, albeit repetitive and lacking in more powerful creativity at points.
Enjoy this for what it is - light, action-packed series filler. Especially if you can't wait for "Mayans" to start! :)
This is definitely filler. You can feel it throughout the entirety of the book, which is set after SOA's 4th season. What Kurt Sutter imagined throughout one of the best TV series in recent history, Christopher Golden could not perfectly emulate with the written word.
But that's not his fault. I would expect many to fail to recreate Sutter's universe in black and white print. However, this is a great light read. Don't expect much more.
While it starts off slow, there is definitely a lot of action to be enjoyed and the plot - not meant to tie in much with the series - is easy to understand. The name says it all - bikers and Russians.
Golden's writing style is easy to go through, albeit repetitive and lacking in more powerful creativity at points.
Enjoy this for what it is - light, action-packed series filler. Especially if you can't wait for "Mayans" to start! :)
August 9, 2023
Although there are a lot of times it’s like another episode of the series, there’s quite a few “pedestrian” moments that didn’t seem to add anything to the plot or the characters and could easily have been removed.
Also, most of the main characters are never even mentioned - I know this book is focusing entirely on Jax and Trinity, but I felt there could have been more general support from other characters to keep that “brotherhood vibe”.
However, it did add some background to Jax and Opie’s relationship, and gave us that real brotherly thing that the series failed to do, so that was lovely! It also built the Jax - Chibs relationship more, so it makes more sense that Chibs became his second in command in the final seasons of the show.
All in all a good story when I got into it.
Also, most of the main characters are never even mentioned - I know this book is focusing entirely on Jax and Trinity, but I felt there could have been more general support from other characters to keep that “brotherhood vibe”.
However, it did add some background to Jax and Opie’s relationship, and gave us that real brotherly thing that the series failed to do, so that was lovely! It also built the Jax - Chibs relationship more, so it makes more sense that Chibs became his second in command in the final seasons of the show.
All in all a good story when I got into it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2023
This was a great addition to the Sons of Anarchy television series that I’ve come to love. It definitely wasn’t a stand-alone kind of novel, since it’s set in the middle of series and references a lot of events you’ll need to know about, but it was fun and simple enough to follow. As usual, I got a little confused once I had to know more than three characters, but the attention to character profiles was nice to see. Wonderfully written and full of action that never stopped. The series has always done an awesome job at writing the complicated relationships of family, love, friendship, and loyalty. This was no exception.
February 9, 2020
Didn’t realise they had written books about this show except the Graphic comics so a nice charity shop find. If you’re familiar with the excellent tc show SOA then you will enjoy this tale. This is a new storyline that wasn’t in the show. Moves at a good pace and includes some of the main characters.
April 21, 2020
This novel takes place in Season 4 of the TV show. It feels very much like an episode of the show, that was decided didn't fit into the flow of the season and was instead made into a novel. It as suspenseful and enjoyable as the show. If you more information and closure to the Russian storyline in this season this delivers it.
December 12, 2020
Had I not seen the tv show, I probably wouldn't have liked it at all. Since I had watched the show understood some of the story line better because I knew more about the characters from watching the show. All in all it was an ok read. Great reminder of why I loved the show and why I should maybe rewatch it during covid!
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