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The Forgotten #3
Unforgiven
Sheriff Hayden Duke was born on the starship Pilgrim, like his father, and his father before him.
He’s got a long way to go before he can rest.
How can he when the entire world is under siege?
By demonic aliens.
By a brutal thug who calls himself King.
By an unknown and powerful threat that may be responsible for the end of humankind.
The road may be long.
The odds may be bad.
The stakes may be high.
You can’t keep a good Sheriff down.
He’s got a long way to go before he can rest.
How can he when the entire world is under siege?
By demonic aliens.
By a brutal thug who calls himself King.
By an unknown and powerful threat that may be responsible for the end of humankind.
The road may be long.
The odds may be bad.
The stakes may be high.
You can’t keep a good Sheriff down.
370 pages, Paperback
Published January 23, 2018
838 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
About the author
M.R. Forbes
200 books1,015 followersM.R. Forbes is the author of a growing number of science-fiction series including Rebellion, War Eternal, Chaos of the Covenant, Stars End, and the Forgotten novels. Having spent his childhood trying to read every sci-fi novel he could find (and write his own too), play every sci-fi video game he could get his hands on, and see every sci-fi movie that made it into the theater, he has a true love of the genre across every medium. He works hard to bring that same energy to his own stories, with a continuing goal to entertain, delight, fascinate, and surprise.
He maintains a true appreciation for his readers and is always happy to hear from them.
To learn more about M.R. Forbes or just say hello:
Visit his website:
mrforbes.com
Send him an e-mail:
michael@mrforbes.com
Check out his Facebook page:
facebook.com/mrforbes.author
Join his Facebook fan group:
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Follow him on Instagram:
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Find him on Goodreads:
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Follow him on Bookbub:
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He maintains a true appreciation for his readers and is always happy to hear from them.
To learn more about M.R. Forbes or just say hello:
Visit his website:
mrforbes.com
Send him an e-mail:
michael@mrforbes.com
Check out his Facebook page:
facebook.com/mrforbes.author
Join his Facebook fan group:
facebook.com/groups/mrforbes
Follow him on Instagram:
instagram.com/mrforbes_author
Find him on Goodreads:
goodreads.com/mrforbes
Follow him on Bookbub:
bookbub.com/authors/m-r-forbes
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
August 25, 2024
I actually listened to the audiobook of The Forgotten: The Complete Trilogy. But because I wanted my book count to be accurate and for reviewing purposes, I'll be reviewing them individually.
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I came to embrace the absurdity
After Hayden and Casey stormed Ports, they finally reunite with Natalia! It's about damn time! I listened to the books straight through so I could be misremembering where we actually pick back up. Anyway, this book feels like the book where the author finally just embraces the absurdity of the MC and his actions. By this point, he's done the dumbest stuff! He bought a plastic sheriff's star from a girl in a market. He successfully broke out of a place he shouldn't have been able to get out of. They stole a tank....completely destroyed every single trife hoard that they encounter.
By now, Hayden completely feels it's his responsibility to save the "US" from King and his scrappers. He has fully and completely embraced this "white hat" law role. It's quite laughable. This book finally introduces characters that don't die off due to helping Hayden too! So that's a win!
The ending seems contrived but at least it's wrapped up well enough for the level of seriousness the series should be taken. I gave this book an extra star in comparison to the others because it literally made me laugh out loud a few times. Once I leaned into the fact that this book is clearly action hero p*rn for middle aged men, I quite enjoyed it.
---------
I came to embrace the absurdity
After Hayden and Casey stormed Ports, they finally reunite with Natalia! It's about damn time! I listened to the books straight through so I could be misremembering where we actually pick back up. Anyway, this book feels like the book where the author finally just embraces the absurdity of the MC and his actions. By this point, he's done the dumbest stuff! He bought a plastic sheriff's star from a girl in a market. He successfully broke out of a place he shouldn't have been able to get out of. They stole a tank....completely destroyed every single trife hoard that they encounter.
By now, Hayden completely feels it's his responsibility to save the "US" from King and his scrappers. He has fully and completely embraced this "white hat" law role. It's quite laughable. This book finally introduces characters that don't die off due to helping Hayden too! So that's a win!
The ending seems contrived but at least it's wrapped up well enough for the level of seriousness the series should be taken. I gave this book an extra star in comparison to the others because it literally made me laugh out loud a few times. Once I leaned into the fact that this book is clearly action hero p*rn for middle aged men, I quite enjoyed it.
February 4, 2019
I loved this series. In fact, I devoured it. It's really hard to categorise The Forgotten without doing the series a disfavour. Yes, it's sci-fi but with post-apocalyptic allusions (think Mad Max type Earth), elements of alien invasion, a dash of military sci-fi and much subtle nodding at the Westerns you used to watch on a Saturday afternoon with your dad.
So that's the genre-mix.
Clearly A LOT of people like it. I'm going to tell you why I liked it.
The characters. The main character (Hayden Duke) will do absolutely anything to save his wife who's been taken by people who are pure, self-interested, ruthless, lying, double-crossing, opportunist bad guys (also add rape, murder, torture and a shit-tonne of tyranny) - BUT Hayden's a sheriff and his strong moral compass keeps him in check. Time and again these two inner motivations clash: the need to find Natalia (Hayden's wife) and the need to be the good guy and see justice done.
Of course, the world the characters are wrenched into is neither just nor do most living there have morals. Hayden must overcome at least some of his inner 'good guy' to survive and find Natalia. He also learns to trust people less.
There is loads of shoot-em-up, hurt-me-bad action, balanced with well drawn characters and a fully realised world. I love the world building. Never intrusive, and utterly fascinating.
My only suggestion for the author: read (Google) Peter's Evil Overlord List, especially rule no. 4.
When the baddie is down, unconscious and convulsing on the floor of your ship, shoot the bastard in the head immediately - because you can sure as hell depend on her/him getting up and trying to cut the child from womb and leaving you for dead.
So that's the genre-mix.
Clearly A LOT of people like it. I'm going to tell you why I liked it.
The characters. The main character (Hayden Duke) will do absolutely anything to save his wife who's been taken by people who are pure, self-interested, ruthless, lying, double-crossing, opportunist bad guys (also add rape, murder, torture and a shit-tonne of tyranny) - BUT Hayden's a sheriff and his strong moral compass keeps him in check. Time and again these two inner motivations clash: the need to find Natalia (Hayden's wife) and the need to be the good guy and see justice done.
Of course, the world the characters are wrenched into is neither just nor do most living there have morals. Hayden must overcome at least some of his inner 'good guy' to survive and find Natalia. He also learns to trust people less.
There is loads of shoot-em-up, hurt-me-bad action, balanced with well drawn characters and a fully realised world. I love the world building. Never intrusive, and utterly fascinating.
My only suggestion for the author: read (Google) Peter's Evil Overlord List, especially rule no. 4.
When the baddie is down, unconscious and convulsing on the floor of your ship, shoot the bastard in the head immediately - because you can sure as hell depend on her/him getting up and trying to cut the child from womb and leaving you for dead.
January 21, 2026
**A whimpering close-out to the trilogy**
I had every intention of consuming the entirety of this universe after reading one of the random series tucked somewhere in the middle of it, but after finally getting myself through this trilogy (which is arguably the beginning), I'm not sure if I'll have the stamina (or the interest). Frankly, I don't even think I'll have what it takes to do a proper review either. I'm over it, really. So, I'm keeping it short.
Put simply, this was the worst entry of an already flailing series. It was kinda just all over the place in more ways than one: scenery, transitions, characters, action, plot points, etc. Nearly everything that makes a story a story just didn't have much solid coherence to it. It was like looking at one those inflatable tube men carrying on every which way in the wind without ever solidifying. You're entertained for a moment, but then after a while you just want it to be still and take shape into something solid and meaningful already.
Once it got to the point that I kinda stopped caring about what would happen to everyone or what character we'd lose (which didn't even faze me when it happened, sadly enough), I knew this universe may very well lose its appeal. At this point, I'm not sure if I wanna still continue with my goal or not. It's a massive universe with, as I now have learned, multiple weak entries inside of it. The desire has definitely faded. Will it return? Meh. We'll see. As of now, I think I'm good.
I had every intention of consuming the entirety of this universe after reading one of the random series tucked somewhere in the middle of it, but after finally getting myself through this trilogy (which is arguably the beginning), I'm not sure if I'll have the stamina (or the interest). Frankly, I don't even think I'll have what it takes to do a proper review either. I'm over it, really. So, I'm keeping it short.
Put simply, this was the worst entry of an already flailing series. It was kinda just all over the place in more ways than one: scenery, transitions, characters, action, plot points, etc. Nearly everything that makes a story a story just didn't have much solid coherence to it. It was like looking at one those inflatable tube men carrying on every which way in the wind without ever solidifying. You're entertained for a moment, but then after a while you just want it to be still and take shape into something solid and meaningful already.
Once it got to the point that I kinda stopped caring about what would happen to everyone or what character we'd lose (which didn't even faze me when it happened, sadly enough), I knew this universe may very well lose its appeal. At this point, I'm not sure if I wanna still continue with my goal or not. It's a massive universe with, as I now have learned, multiple weak entries inside of it. The desire has definitely faded. Will it return? Meh. We'll see. As of now, I think I'm good.
February 7, 2018
An impressive finish to the trilogy
All 3 of the Forgotten books are excellent. All 3 provide interesting and unusual plot twists. It is only by comparison to the earlier twists that this seems to be lacking in something. I still give it 5 stars because of the solid characters who remain true to themselves and the growing world they explore is consistent and exciting - besides, how many giant rabbits can you pull out of one hat? There's still plenty of twists and turns and excitement to keep you happy and the editing is exemplary with none of the homonym mistakes and 'extra words' that you often see in books rushed to print too fast.
Some may complain that Unforgiven doesn't stand up to the standard in the first two Forgotten books and thus doesn't deserve the 5are are I have given it. To them I say that it's not my fault I couldn't give Forgotten and Forsaken 6 stars.
All 3 of the Forgotten books are excellent. All 3 provide interesting and unusual plot twists. It is only by comparison to the earlier twists that this seems to be lacking in something. I still give it 5 stars because of the solid characters who remain true to themselves and the growing world they explore is consistent and exciting - besides, how many giant rabbits can you pull out of one hat? There's still plenty of twists and turns and excitement to keep you happy and the editing is exemplary with none of the homonym mistakes and 'extra words' that you often see in books rushed to print too fast.
Some may complain that Unforgiven doesn't stand up to the standard in the first two Forgotten books and thus doesn't deserve the 5are are I have given it. To them I say that it's not my fault I couldn't give Forgotten and Forsaken 6 stars.
June 6, 2019
I really enjoyed this series and this book pulled it all together nicely. The books have an excellent storyline and are very well written, a few mistakes but you can't let that spoil them!
It was good to see everything come together in the end however there were a few things that annoyed me!
**spoiler**
Why the hell didn't natalia just shoot ghost! She had so many opportunities! Every time they meet he turns his back to her! I understand trying to keep him in to build the tension but to just have people not kill him was irritating! And then she goes and leaves a fat old woman to guard a highly skilled assassin! What did she think would happen!!
People dropping guns and swapping magazines when they aren't empty, why!
That aside the story is brilliant and the books are well worth reading.
Off too start Forgotten Earth now!
It was good to see everything come together in the end however there were a few things that annoyed me!
**spoiler**
Why the hell didn't natalia just shoot ghost! She had so many opportunities! Every time they meet he turns his back to her! I understand trying to keep him in to build the tension but to just have people not kill him was irritating! And then she goes and leaves a fat old woman to guard a highly skilled assassin! What did she think would happen!!
People dropping guns and swapping magazines when they aren't empty, why!
That aside the story is brilliant and the books are well worth reading.
Off too start Forgotten Earth now!
June 15, 2020
Ramping up the action; ramping down the story
I still enjoyed this third entry in the Sheriff Hayden Duke series, but found the focus unfortunately shifting from characters to planet wide action. This shift away from a small cast of characters to large scale warfare, necessitated by certain backstory reveals, made this book by turns more bland and less effective. I was last in the hundreds dying from chapter to chapter, the action lost its appeal, the author would have been better to explain the backstory and keep the stakes smaller, it would have made for a better read. Also noticed some grammatical and logical errors in this book. Finally, their was a fair amount of unnecessary death perpetrated but eh protagonist, all lowering the enjoyment a bit, by fading the Sherriff’s glow a bit,
I still enjoyed this third entry in the Sheriff Hayden Duke series, but found the focus unfortunately shifting from characters to planet wide action. This shift away from a small cast of characters to large scale warfare, necessitated by certain backstory reveals, made this book by turns more bland and less effective. I was last in the hundreds dying from chapter to chapter, the action lost its appeal, the author would have been better to explain the backstory and keep the stakes smaller, it would have made for a better read. Also noticed some grammatical and logical errors in this book. Finally, their was a fair amount of unnecessary death perpetrated but eh protagonist, all lowering the enjoyment a bit, by fading the Sherriff’s glow a bit,
August 2, 2024
Satisfying ending. It all came together.
Overall, I think this is a solid author, but there is a lot of cynicism. I like to think the human race wouldn't be such shortsighted, aggro jerks. Then again... don't historians say civilization only arose five times independently in history? So maybe he's right about depravity becoming normalized in a post-apocalyptic hellscape.
This trilogy has some cheesy one-liners, and it fully embraces the John Wayne meets plasma rifles aesthetic. I read that as an author who is writing to market. He's catering to an audience. I don't blame him, but part of me is sad that "write to market" and "rapid release" has become the only viable path to income for so many decent authors.
Overall, I think this is a solid author, but there is a lot of cynicism. I like to think the human race wouldn't be such shortsighted, aggro jerks. Then again... don't historians say civilization only arose five times independently in history? So maybe he's right about depravity becoming normalized in a post-apocalyptic hellscape.
This trilogy has some cheesy one-liners, and it fully embraces the John Wayne meets plasma rifles aesthetic. I read that as an author who is writing to market. He's catering to an audience. I don't blame him, but part of me is sad that "write to market" and "rapid release" has become the only viable path to income for so many decent authors.
February 23, 2018
WOW what a ride!!!!
Truth be told I wasn't going to read the first book because I already had another on the go but after reading the first chapter I was hooked! WHAT A RIDE! This series was one of the best series I have ever read and I read ALOT! My Forbes you are truly gifted when it comes to writing it amazing how well written these books were! Thank you and please don't stop writing because it's a pleasure reading your books! I've already downloaded " War eternal" and am beginning to read it now.
Truth be told I wasn't going to read the first book because I already had another on the go but after reading the first chapter I was hooked! WHAT A RIDE! This series was one of the best series I have ever read and I read ALOT! My Forbes you are truly gifted when it comes to writing it amazing how well written these books were! Thank you and please don't stop writing because it's a pleasure reading your books! I've already downloaded " War eternal" and am beginning to read it now.
August 19, 2018
Good Series
The entire series is well a organized page-turner. A science-fiction book that pays homage to the old westerns. As do many ebooks, this one does have its fair share of typographical errors, but not enough to be distracting. That is the only reason for the 4 stars and not 5. I sincerely hope M.R. Forbes continues his writing, as I will most certainly continue my reading of his other series. If we’re lucky, maybe Amazon will even option it for a series...nudge nudge.
The entire series is well a organized page-turner. A science-fiction book that pays homage to the old westerns. As do many ebooks, this one does have its fair share of typographical errors, but not enough to be distracting. That is the only reason for the 4 stars and not 5. I sincerely hope M.R. Forbes continues his writing, as I will most certainly continue my reading of his other series. If we’re lucky, maybe Amazon will even option it for a series...nudge nudge.
May 30, 2020
Fantastic, loved this 3rd book as much as the previous two! I will say when I first started reading it seemed to start a bit on the slower side, the first 2 books were very fast paced as Hayden was furiously trying to reach and save his wife as the driving narrative. With them finally reunited at the end of book 2 book 3 had a bit of a slower feel to it...at first. It didn't take long for the action and suspense to step up, but what was really great about Unforgiven was the not only the development of existing and new characters but the story development as well, loved it!
August 22, 2018
Robert's Review
Awesome, I now know the back story on Sheriff Duke and how he started the western territories. How he rescued the remaining colonists on the Pilgrim and killed King and Ghost. Particularly the events that led up to him losing his arms and getting replacements. Great character and now I can warp forward to the Earth Undefeated and read more about Sheriff Duke's adventures. Thanks for the GoodRead.
Awesome, I now know the back story on Sheriff Duke and how he started the western territories. How he rescued the remaining colonists on the Pilgrim and killed King and Ghost. Particularly the events that led up to him losing his arms and getting replacements. Great character and now I can warp forward to the Earth Undefeated and read more about Sheriff Duke's adventures. Thanks for the GoodRead.
March 28, 2021
Zie ook deel 1 en 2 voor de achtergrond van het verhaal. Het is spannend, ook wel een beetje origineel zo hier en daar. Verder één groot bloed -en andere vloeistoffen- bad. De hoofdpersoon is een aimabele man met de moraal van Batman uit de jaren 60. Iedereen die met hem bevriend raakte, op één na, overleeft het niet. Het einde is relatief goed. Iedereen is blij, lacht, net als aan het einde van een film. Desondanks, ik heb in 1x uitgelezen, niet met tegenzin.
February 12, 2018
Action packed and thrilling series.
I’m not usually into Sci-fi books but this series drew me in. I read all 3 of The Forgotten books over the weekend. The author created a unique story line that kept me captivated. It was action packed and had many thrilling surprises and characters. I will definitely read more by this author.
I’m not usually into Sci-fi books but this series drew me in. I read all 3 of The Forgotten books over the weekend. The author created a unique story line that kept me captivated. It was action packed and had many thrilling surprises and characters. I will definitely read more by this author.
February 26, 2018
Refreshing
A trilogy that doesn’t get stretched into a never ending book-a-thon, refreshing. Characters without super-human powers (for the most part) forced to succeed despite the axe lodged in their shoulder, refreshing. Having said that If the author chooses to continue writing about the Sheriff and family, l won’t hesitate to continue reading.
A trilogy that doesn’t get stretched into a never ending book-a-thon, refreshing. Characters without super-human powers (for the most part) forced to succeed despite the axe lodged in their shoulder, refreshing. Having said that If the author chooses to continue writing about the Sheriff and family, l won’t hesitate to continue reading.
March 11, 2018
Surprisingly good quick read
Really interesting premise for the world. Great character development. Author claims to write 10-12 books a year and you can tell...This series seems to be a bit dashed off...I would LOVE to read a version that took a year to write and had twice the detail! It felt like reading a version of Lord of the Rings that was only 300pages long...
Really interesting premise for the world. Great character development. Author claims to write 10-12 books a year and you can tell...This series seems to be a bit dashed off...I would LOVE to read a version that took a year to write and had twice the detail! It felt like reading a version of Lord of the Rings that was only 300pages long...
May 24, 2018
Reminds me of the movie signs
This series is like mad max meets signs. The aliens come take over and humans are nearly wiped out. The difference is Sheriff Kane is a hardy lone ranger cum Andy Griffeth. He somehow makes it through every encounter. The one topic everyone seems to miss is, if the aliens cannot abide water, why is that not being used as a weapon?
This series is like mad max meets signs. The aliens come take over and humans are nearly wiped out. The difference is Sheriff Kane is a hardy lone ranger cum Andy Griffeth. He somehow makes it through every encounter. The one topic everyone seems to miss is, if the aliens cannot abide water, why is that not being used as a weapon?
July 2, 2018
What a fantastic trilogy!
This trilogy is fun, well-written, and very imaginative. I love the characters, love the storyline, and love the world Forbes created. I really wish this series would be made into a tv series or a movie. It would do so well!
I can’t wait to read more by this author!
This trilogy is fun, well-written, and very imaginative. I love the characters, love the storyline, and love the world Forbes created. I really wish this series would be made into a tv series or a movie. It would do so well!
I can’t wait to read more by this author!
January 16, 2019
Loved the book and there were some gripping fight scenes towards the end that stopped me putting the book down I was totally hooked, again there were a few things that stretched the possibilities, ie would CD's and cars still work after 400 years., but this is a minor niggle that does not detract from a great story
May 24, 2019
A love letter to the Fallout universe concludes
I honestly enjoyed this series. Easy to read, gleeful in its tropes, and more than a passing resemblance to Fallout New Vegas made it a rolling ride that doesn't bog down in convoluted lore or dense science. I'd love to see this as a Vin Diesel film.
I honestly enjoyed this series. Easy to read, gleeful in its tropes, and more than a passing resemblance to Fallout New Vegas made it a rolling ride that doesn't bog down in convoluted lore or dense science. I'd love to see this as a Vin Diesel film.
January 19, 2022
The MC stays an unbelievable incincible killing machine who kills his enemies by the hundreds. The world building is when you compare the story to Mad Max or Fallout rather subpar and bland. The same goes for the zergling-like threat. The master plans of the other factions are really moronic. All in all the story is rather weak unfortunately.
August 13, 2022
Good ending to a series of books I couldn't put down. I like the fact that all the loose ends were tidied up and the Forgotten universe has been seeded. I read these books out of order from the other Forgotten Universe and in doing so have a greater understanding of the lives of each character.
Great Read!!!
Great Read!!!
January 31, 2018
GreAt series for science fiction fans. Looking forward to it continuing.
Plenty of interesting story lines that I'm sure will follow later. Wish I could just say I liked it instead of having to write an x amount of words revue
Plenty of interesting story lines that I'm sure will follow later. Wish I could just say I liked it instead of having to write an x amount of words revue
February 8, 2018
What a great ending to the 3 book series!
I have greatly enjoyed the series, the highs and lows, the loss and the people willing to go the extra mile. Don't get me wrong, the human tragedy and the lengths people will go brings a great story to life.
I have greatly enjoyed the series, the highs and lows, the loss and the people willing to go the extra mile. Don't get me wrong, the human tragedy and the lengths people will go brings a great story to life.
February 10, 2018
Outstanding reading, a story that is well balanced and allows you to while away the time.
Outstanding reading, a story that is well balanced and allows you to while away the time. Forbes' other series are also well written.
Outstanding reading, a story that is well balanced and allows you to while away the time. Forbes' other series are also well written.
February 11, 2018
Post apocalyptic space opera meets western
I loved this series. The plot twists and turns we're unexpected and kept me on the edge of my seat. I really hope to see more of this universe. Loved the ride!
I loved this series. The plot twists and turns we're unexpected and kept me on the edge of my seat. I really hope to see more of this universe. Loved the ride!
February 11, 2018
Better than fair entertainment.
Good series. Gets 3 stars because writer kills too many good folks that could play in future stories. I like this alternative world writer. Read all his offerings, I have enjoyed them, you will too.
Good series. Gets 3 stars because writer kills too many good folks that could play in future stories. I like this alternative world writer. Read all his offerings, I have enjoyed them, you will too.
February 18, 2018
A FINE END TO A SPACE WESTERN IT IS.....?
Hello, Mr. Forbes sure knows how to tell a story. A good story at that. I really enjoyed this series and would like to see more of it. Great job. Thanks.
Hello, Mr. Forbes sure knows how to tell a story. A good story at that. I really enjoyed this series and would like to see more of it. Great job. Thanks.
February 20, 2018
Great series’s
Great Twists and turns,a lot of surprises especially at the end of the first book, which hooks you into the series. Great three book series of sci-fi, a must read.
Great Twists and turns,a lot of surprises especially at the end of the first book, which hooks you into the series. Great three book series of sci-fi, a must read.
March 12, 2018
Loved this series!!!
I am sorry to hear it may be some time, if ever that this series would continue. While we did get the best of the initial discoveries with the trilogy and a great wrap up to plot points, I will miss Hayden, Natalia, Bennett and Rico!!!!!
I am sorry to hear it may be some time, if ever that this series would continue. While we did get the best of the initial discoveries with the trilogy and a great wrap up to plot points, I will miss Hayden, Natalia, Bennett and Rico!!!!!
March 23, 2018
Excellent,fast paced series
Great series by author who keeps you wanting to read, Every step takes another unexpected turn. Fun watching the good guy stay good and others follow. All around feel good ending.
Great series by author who keeps you wanting to read, Every step takes another unexpected turn. Fun watching the good guy stay good and others follow. All around feel good ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews