AND A RIDE THROUGH CORRUPTION, KIDNAPPING, AND MURDER...
Ex-Special Forces captain Orlando Black strives to live a normal life in the Carolinas. But that all changes when trouble drives down his street, the kind that puts him in handcuffs -- not what he had in mind when he moved here. No one is eager to fill him in or hear what he has to say. All Black knows is he did nothing wrong, and the chances of convincing anyone are slim at best. On this day, in the Carolinas, maybe even impossible.
Alex Cage is a thriller author and passionate wordsmith who loves to blend his fascination with martial arts and travel with high-octane action and explosive adventures. He enjoys nothing more than entertaining his readers with death-defying missions, larger-than-life characters, and clean, suspenseful stories that always find a way to keep you on your toes.
As the author of nearly a dozen titles, including the Orlando Black series and the Leroy Silver series, Alex combines his obsession for thrillers with a sprinkling of fantasy and sci-fi, so that readers will always find something to capture their imagination. He currently resides in North Carolina. When not writing his next novel, you can find him reading and practicing martial arts. Find out more about Alex Cage (and get a free read) at www.AlexCage.com
Alex Cage’s heart-stopping Orlando Black books are best enjoyed in this order:
- Carolina Dance (Book 1)
- Queen City Ruby
- Survival Intuition (A Rose Lee Flash Fiction Story)
New action Hero on the block, get ready a new series of action books from author Alex Cage. In this first in the series...
A action, thriller with a good strong lead, filled with strong characters, Who is good, who is bad ?
They took his peace and quiet. He’ll pay them back in fists and bullets…
Minding his own business and living the civilian life in Charlotte, North Carolina should be a breeze for a man who wants nothing more than to live a quiet life. When he’s wrongfully arrested, he’s certain things will be sorted out—and he’ll be free to go—in no time. Except nothing is as it seems, and when the FBI enters the case, things go from bad to deadly.
Proving himself innocent might be more than he can manage, but he teams up with a local cop and learns of missing women, missing money, and a missing officer.
It’ll take all of Black’s martial arts skills, his smarts from his time in the special forces, and his knowledge from every case he’s worked to keep innocent civilians safe and uncover a criminal conspiracy. In the end, the only thing protecting his city is a handful of good cops and Black—but a brutal mastermind will stop at nothing to take them all out.
Carolina Dance is the heart-stopping first book in the Orlando Black series. This action-packed adventure will have you looking over your shoulder and turning pages to the very end. Perfect for fans of die hard heroes, adrenaline-fueled fight scenes, and non-stop action.
Ex - special forces captain Orlando Black was living his life in solitude. He liked the peace and calm. But everything changed one day! Orlando went out to get coffee one early morning and saw a girl in her early teens running in the streets, he thought it was too early for school but he dismissed the thought as it didn't concern him.
The coffee shop was a little crowded and he saw a black car parked when he got out, something looked shady but Orlando only needed his coffee which he got and anything else didn't matter. Or at least he thought so until he was put in handcuffs moments later.
This book was so captivating, I devoured it in a single sitting on Sunday. The author has done a great job with the story, especially how the tension and anticipation is built up. The reader easily gets curious to find out what happens next in the story. The main character, that of Orlando Black is a strong character and the story shines because of him.
This book is a page turner, it has just the correct amount of suspense and action to make it enjoyable, yet keeping it realistic. The writing style is smooth and perspicuous, sometimes some comments make you pause and reflect on issues like racism and justice. Overall, a really nice book that will entertain you and keep you thoroughly engaged.
Orlando Black didn't anticipate being apprehended by the police on his street and he especially didn't anticipate becoming involved in an FBI investigation surrounding missing girls, a missing police officer and a missing $234,000 from police lock-up. Joining forces with Pete Daniels in the PD, Black tries to get to the bottom of this mystery whilst avoiding the people trying to put a stop to his meddling.
This story line is right up my street, American police dramas create the perfect balance of tension and mystery and Carolina Dance demonstrates that. Cage establishes early on that Orlando Black is a strong character and will throw himself head first into each situation, despite this I struggled to connect to him. He was very stand-offish and it was difficult to read his personality which hindered the story's progression, it became clear that although Black was willing to work with others his attitude halted the move forward needed at specific plot points.
On the plot it was extremely compelling and that is rare to see in self-published works. Although there was some slow burn in getting moving I really needed to know what happened and that provoked me to continue reading. Initially I was apprehensive with the story as it was very secretive and played close to the chest but as it progressed it became a strong plot that didn't fail to disappoint.
I appreciate a romantic sub-plot as much as the next person but Black and Rose felt slightly forced at the beginning. As he was a difficult character to read after their first meeting I didn't get the impression there was any spark between them but their next meeting had heavy flirting that seemed out of place. I'd like to have seen a more prominent hint toward their relationship.
Overall this was a strong read with a strong plot but nips and tweaks here and there would have made this that tiny bit better. Orlando Black is a great main character and definitely has the foundations to base a new crime thriller series on.
#1 in the Orlando Black series. This 2018 series entry by author Alex Cage is self-published and would have benefitted from some professional editing. The sentence structure is often awkward, the fight scenes are written for a martial artist rather than a civilian audience, and the uncovering of wrong doers, including cops, is too simplistic. I picked up this novel because of the Charlotte, NC setting but except for a brief reference to the NoDa neighborhood, Charlotte settings played no part in the story. A trip south on I-77 through Fort Mill and Rock Hill, SC leads to Columbia, SC where some landmarks are mentioned. Our protagonist is ex-military with a hidden stash of weapons and cash and advanced martial arts training. His military record is heavily redacted and the source of the cash is never explained. The story is a quick, entertaining read and although the writing could use lot of help, I'll probably sample it at least once more.
Ex-Special Forces Captain Orlando Black is long overdue for some peace and quiet. So when cops arrest him on the quiet city streets, he struggles to keep his cool against the blatant racial profiling. And after the FBI infiltrates his case, he gets entangled in a criminal conspiracy that could force him to dodge bullets all over again. Managing to exonerate himself and team up with a local police officer, Black taps into his martial arts skills to fend off an attack by armed killers. With innocent citizens caught up in the violent mayhem, the captain makes a promise to a victim's terrified wife. And if he has to spill blood to keep his word, then so be it.
An interesting story of an ex military man who wants nothing better than to lead a quiet life. He can get into trouble in a hurry with his quick temper. He doesn’t go out hunting for trouble. No matter, trouble seems to find him wherever he is. He is a broken man. He learned the hard way to mind his own business. However, today trouble has trailed him from home, to the coffee shop and back. Then he is being harassed by the police and dragged to the police station. After a few questions he is allowed to leave but he is being followed. Man, this day just gets worse and worse. Grab your copy today and find out what happens. You don’t want to miss it!
This is the first story I have read by Alex Cage and I really enjoyed it. It is fast-paced and full of action and well-written fight scenes. The characters are good and the plot is excellent. I would love to read more books by this author.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the first book I have read by Alex Cage. I thought it was a good read with suspense, twists and turns. The characters and storyline were well written.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The concept of a black Jack Reacher is appealing to me and our hero Orlando Black might have been the ticket if only this first book didn't feel like a first draft.
Black, whose past is shrouded in mystery, as any good ex-military vigilante buttkicker's would be, gets involved with the FBI hunt for a kidnapping ring snatching young girls after he is arrested on charges of being black and outside when the cops find it convenient. He teams up with a local police officer whose partner has vanished and is soon dodging killers and making cute with the female FBI agent assigned to the case. It's all the right ingredients for a good time. But author Alex Cage doesn't quite have the recipe down.
Cage is a fan of over-written sentences, needlessly describing mundane actions like opening doors or walking from room-to-room. His characters talk in the same manner, with over-developed speech patterns making them sound less-than-normal as they carefully explain rudimentary activities to each other. It makes the book feel stilted and poorly paced.
The only time it really comes alive is when there is a martial arts fight breaking out. Cage's skill for over-descriptive passages works in his favor then because there is no abstraction in the fights. And I'd say he has a pretty good idea of what he's writing about, based on the impact those fight scenes have.
But when the book isn't having Black kick the snot out of some dudes (the twin henchmen who appear near the middle are a highlight), it just drags with the kind of meandering chit-chat I'd associate with a low-rent TV cop show.
You could comfortably trim 100 pages out of this and tighten it up without losing anything. In fact, a faster pace might help distract from the fact that the plot itself is pretty lean and lacks any unexpected twists or turns.
Still...it's impossible to deny that Cage tried and you can feel his enthusiasm for the subject and the hero, so I can't say I felt cheated. Just disappointed that it could easily have been so much more.
I received a review copy from Reading Deals Review Club and this is my honest opinion. This was a very good story, but the execution left much to be desired. At times the reading was so choppy I almost felt like I could hear a metronome in my head. Then other times Mr. Cage would have a sentence go on and on and on. If he could combine these two traits and find a happy medium this would be a great book. I also had to laugh a couple of times because he can't resist showing off his vocabulary. Talk about 50 cent words? There were times I think he went into the 75 cent category. I also could have done without the nit-picky detail. For example, Mr. Cage couldn't just have Black or another character go through a door. He has to tell the reader that the character grabbed the doorknob, twisted it, pulled the door, and then went through the door. And not in one sentence. All in individual sentences telling about each action. And what's with the gliding and sliding across the tile floors or parking lots? Does nobody in Mr. Cage's world ever walk? Speaking of, does anybody ever get out of a car or go out of a door? In Mr. Cage's world, they jump out, hop in, stroll over, etc. Even the most routine actions must be accomplished at what seems to be breakneck speed. And don't even get me started on the martial arts fights. It was more detailed than I even wanted to know. With some judicious editing, this could easily be a 5-star book.
So with all of the things that bothered me, why a four-star rating? As I said, it is a very good story. I like the character of Orland Black and his working relationships with Daniels, Rose, and Davis. I enjoyed the investigation and the "handling" of the bad guys. So, with all of that said, will I check out another Alex Cage novel? Maybe. At least it's not a definite no.
Queen City Ruby #1 - This is my first read by this author and I was not impressed. The short story read like a beginner wrote it. I found it heavy with Hollywood dialog and action, some silly, and the flow choppy. Mr. Cage's style reminded me of the movie Hudson Hawk. I think as he has more practice and learns his craft, with time he'll be a better writer. Edited. I found this book on Bookfunnel, I think. 3*
Sunshine Scandal #2 - This is better than Queen but still with Hollywood dialog and action. There are parts of the dialog that come across as just plain silly. The story flowed better than Queen with an OK storyline. Edited. I found this book on Booksprout. 3*
Carolina Dance - This book is better than his two short stories, Queen and Sunshine. Unfortunately, he still is heavy with the Hollywood style and unrealistic dialog. I am probably expecting too much from many of the Indie authors in this genre since I've read the Big Boys for decades and I am spoilt by great and very good writers. Most of the younger readers will probably enjoy Mr. Cage's work. Edited. I found this book on Booksprout. 3*
The author brings back my favorite character, Orlando Black, who is someone you do not want to upset. Orlando, an ex-operative, is a loner, a mind-your-business kind of man, and at times can be uncaring, until an unexpected incident occurs, changing the direction of the plot. The setting is Charlotte, North Carolina. The scenario includes descriptive characters from diverse backgrounds, (a representation of the country) stimulating dialogue, and expressive settings. This page-turning story will have you on the edge of your seat. It has everything: action, danger, excitement, twists and turns, shocking disclosures, deceit, and crooked law enforcement. All the characters contribute equally to making this an intriguing story, keeping you guessing to the very end. What I loved most was the sex appeal between Black and Special Agent Rose Lee, a tough, assertive woman who knows how to use her charm to get information, but when it comes to getting to the facts Orlando Black is always two-steps ahead of her.
Mr. Cage! Mr. Cage? Mr. Cage!!! Are you kidding me? All the action pack martial arts and intrigue with this investigation is absolutely Ridonculous. I am so happy that you wrote this because I love the short story that you wrote “Once You Go Black“. This was definitely a page turner, And like the sequence and how things fell yellow complicated but didn’t we do the self out and then Bam!! Where is the rest of the story? Mr. Cage... loved loved the book you have to read it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a great action-adventure and suspense storyline, with a kick-ass MMA fighter as the protagonist! Seriously, if you put together martial artists Sammo Hung, with Jet Li and Jean-Claude van Damme, and throw in Richard Roundtree (as in the flicks, 'Shaft')...there ya go!
Interesting storyline about missing teenage girls, and a whole deep dark web of intrigue hiding beneath what may...or may not...be runaways?
You gotta read this to find out... Bonus: hella good fight scenes!
(big fan of action-adventure & martial arts flicks, grin)
Now this is definitely my go to hero. Excellent storytelling better than Jason Bourne and Reacher combined. Action packed with enough twists and turns to make your head spin. Mr cage is definitely on my favourite authors list. My only complaint now that he stays ahead of me devouring his books. I recommend it you enjoy a good thriller this author knocks it out the park.
This is an action packed story. Black is retired from special forces and uses his talents very well in the story. Since most of his past work he cannot talk about, everyone around him is obviously stunned with his skill set and thought process. Very good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love Orlando Black. I originally picked up the short Once you go Black and I loved it so I knew I had to read this. I was not disappointed. Great characters, great action, and an interesting story. I loved it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Absolutely amazing. I really couldn’t put it down. Black is such a badass and I found myself easily relating to him. I can’t wait to read more by Alex Cage.
Intrigue heightened to mountainous with drama, mystery, suspense, tension plus a lot of thrills, chills, twists and turns. This is a supercharged thriller. A story to chill and haunt you. Multifaceted, well defined, cleverly crafted characters. Orlando Black, an Ex-Special Forces captain goes out for coffee right down the street from his house. On the was home, Black ends up involved with the FBI and local police department by chance. Missing teenagers, missing police detective, battered police detective wife, missing police detectives daughter all lead Black on eerie, dangerous path. Using his special skills, Black uncovers deceit and leaks with the official higher up. This is a fast paced, riveting and gripping emotional read. A Highly Recommended Read!! I volunteered to read Carolina Dance. Thanks to Reading Deals for the opportunity. My opinion is my own.
A beautiful tale, beautifully TOLD. Author Alex Cage at his BEST once again! Riveting read. Everything is in Carolina Dance that needs to be in the book to be able to bring delightful reading and jammed PACKED action and I was reveted to the pages. What beautifully casted characters and well laid out exciting plot too. Very smooth reading. Orlando Black, main character, comes across so great and is the anchor of a great story as he uses his Martial Arts, and Military training to be VERY capable. He is fearless. In this tory it takes a lot of thought on Black’s part because he doesn’t know who he can trust. But he finds out very quickly. Wonderful story. Wonderful writing. GREAT BOOK!!