Gun

by Erick S. Gray

Reminiscent of Marvel’s Luke Cage, Erick S. Gray’s debut novel into the realm of the urban supernatural tells a gripping story of power, greed, and soul-sacrificial vengeance. Fans of S.A. Cosby’s Razorblade Tears will be engrossed.

Omar will soon take advantage of his right to bear arms—even though it might cost him his soul. Residing in one of the poorest and most dangerous neighborhoods in New York, Brownsville—Omar Richards has been the constant target of abuse and bullying. With his mother dying of cancer, his entire world seemingly falls apart, forcing Omar to question his sanity and religion. As if those terrors weren't enough, Omar's most feared adversary, Brice, is determined to make his life a living hell.

When Omar makes a grim discovery left behind by murdered kingpin Sean Black, his life is forever changed. Especially once he realizes that his new secret weapon has supernatural abilities. Why settle for money, power, and respect when you can have justice!

1 pages, Audio CD

Published November 15, 2023

Reviews

[Maggie Hundshamer-Moshier · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC from the publisher and as a girl who was born in NY myself, I was excited to read this. The overall plot of the book was good, but the writing felt a bit choppy for me. You can tell the author is rooted in his faith because it’s a bold thread throughout the book and a reoccurring theme for both good and evil. It was a great story and insight into drug crews in the city and how they operate and retaliate over territory. I think the flow of the words could have been smoother or caught at the editing phase but the premise is good.
The entire succubus encounters felt super forced to me and very awkward to read. It didn’t speak erotica, but more uncomfortable filler and I’m usually a girl that loves a little spice in my books here and there.
I think the one part that made me genuinely uncomfortable was a pastor bringing attention to a gang rape victim in front of an entire congregation and then mentioning that rape and making her stand in front of them all to “speak” on her first day back to church. As a survivor myself, that alone would have made me give up faith completely. But he then seemed surprised that she looked like something may be wrong. Didn’t make sense at all.
This author has solid potential moving forward, but I think the realness of the characters just need a bit better flow overall. Solid read!

[StellarLuna ☾✩ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I took my time to read this book because I related to the main character.

The author does open upon and begin the story rather quickly. It engages the reader and immediately takes you to Brooklyn. I appreciated his grief and how it can really uproot a person’s life and beliefs. How it alters your reality. This was very well portrayed in the book.

My pieces of feedback is that some of the dialogue between Science and Ray felt forced and unnatural. The encounters with the succubus also felt a bit odd. The spicy descriptions a bit lacking. I felt like the main points of the story and the shift from Omar needed a bit more setup.

I did enjoy the premise and wish the author the best of luck.

[Alexandra.readss · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as an arc in exchange for an honest review .

The idea of the book is very interesting and intriguing. I wish it was written in another style. I felt overwhelmed sometimes with the speed the information was related and the new characters and names.

I don’t like what happened to Kizzie , and I wholeheartedly understand his reaction to that . Sometimes the whole forgive and love your enemies thing is not enough.

The plot was very interesting but the writing style was not for me .

Thank you for the opportunity to read this !

Good luck author . Happy release week ❤️

[Tangible Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gun is a unique take on the urban dilemma of poverty, drugs, gang violence, black on black crime, and struggle while also incorporating legend, supernatural elements, and religion. The plot was awesome and would make a great movie. Many real and raw elements of an all too real society where violence rules and innocent people are caught in the midst. You really do feel for Omar and Kizzie and the horrible situation they are forced to endure. My heart was pounding a few times. While I appreciate the multitude of perspectives, I would have preferred to not be in so many people’s heads. However, it does give a well rounded view of everyone involved when you have gang violence taking place: gangsters, innocent civilians, religious people, and the police. Now I am not a fan of excessive cussing and use of the n word. This book has that included throughout. So if that is not your thing, bypass book. The language is appropriate for content. And while this is a standalone, there is set up for a sequel and certain things that were not explained that may be done in the next book.


Overall I enjoyed this book. Violence corrupts and is seductive. This book shows all sides of that. Makes you question if vengeance is wrong.

[Annika · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m sorry to say but I did not enjoy this book :( Maybe it’s because I don’t usually enjoy paranormal aspects in books, but it wasn’t my cup of tea.

The prologue and epilogue were good hooks, but I will not be continuing to the next book.

The characters felt real and I could feel their passion when talking, but there was so much swearing that I couldn’t see around that.

Writing was very descriptive which helped make the scenes come to life, but it was also hard to read sometimes due to the graphic aspect of some scenes.

TW: SA, possession, death, murder, etc.

[ShayBooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars for me. First of all I would like to thank the publisher for gifting me this book for my honest review. The Devil is real and he was very much betrayed in this book. This book was not for me I stopped reading these kinds of books a long time ago my nerves just cannot take it. Early on in the book I started to DNF it because I did not think I could get through it, but I was also intrigued to see how it was going to end but unfortunately that did not happen and I will not be reading the next book. This was just not for me.

[Dominique|MelaninBookishBae · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the book I didn’t knownI needed. Urban paranormal at its finest. If paranormal reads are your thing then I recommend this read. This young man due to his lack of faith comes in contact with something that changes the course of life . Altering his future choices here in this life unfortunately falling over into the question with his soul. The grit and grime of the life of young man lost in the streets of Brooklyn.

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this urban fiction book. And a lil supernatural as well. Highly anticipating the 2nd book when it does come out. Thanks erick for keeping me on my edge of the seat with Gun. I have so many questions..No spoilers. U just have to read it your self

[Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story line very interesting and sad all in one. The book keeps you guessing and on edge. Where’s the rest of the book! Who killed Kizzie and what happened to science I need to know!

[Tayari Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annabelle in the hood. Well if Annabelle was a gun instead of a doll. This book had me on the edge of my seat. I could not put it down.