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Infamous 1
"West's prose is as fast and punchy as his protagonist's game." - Kirkus Reviews
___________________
Four-star point guard. One-on-one champ. Insane skills. Everything was looking up. Until ...
After the death of his father in Afghanistan, a fallen basketball phenom with a violent streak struggles to stay above the fray.
Escaping his troubled past―including a deadly 1-on-1 basketball league―Troy Blake confronts his inner demons by working on a commercial fishing boat in the Bering Sea. A year later, having fished the most dangerous waters in the world, he's a changed man, and no longer resorts to violence to solve his problems.
But just as he meets the right girl, and turns his life around, a gang-related murder on the hardwood back home reignites his fire.
Now, with a thirst for vengeance, Troy drops everything and returns to his border town past to find the killer, embarking on a course of self-destruction that threatens his improbable comeback. With his dream to play college basketball in jeopardy, will he finally
#DoTheRightThing ?
___________________
Four-star point guard. One-on-one champ. Insane skills. Everything was looking up. Until ...
After the death of his father in Afghanistan, a fallen basketball phenom with a violent streak struggles to stay above the fray.
Escaping his troubled past―including a deadly 1-on-1 basketball league―Troy Blake confronts his inner demons by working on a commercial fishing boat in the Bering Sea. A year later, having fished the most dangerous waters in the world, he's a changed man, and no longer resorts to violence to solve his problems.
But just as he meets the right girl, and turns his life around, a gang-related murder on the hardwood back home reignites his fire.
Now, with a thirst for vengeance, Troy drops everything and returns to his border town past to find the killer, embarking on a course of self-destruction that threatens his improbable comeback. With his dream to play college basketball in jeopardy, will he finally
#DoTheRightThing ?
174 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 7, 2019
17 people are currently reading
941 people want to read
About the author
R. Cyril West
3 books93 followersR Cyril West is the award winning author of THE THIN WALL and SOME NEVER FORGET.
His stories focus on people who are driven to the brink, pushed to their darkest and most uncomfortable moment, from which they must make a life-changing decision. Themes are heavily influenced by military and veteran's issues.
His first two novels expose the lies that all American prisoners of war came home from Vietnam. They didn't. THE THIN WALL and SOME NEVER FORGET are based upon truth. The forewords to these novels are penned by Chip Beck, an ex POW/MIA investigator and CIA operative, and Bob Smith, a former United States Senator and presidential candidate. Senator Smith also served as vice-chair of the United States Senate Select Committee on POW/MIA Affairs (1990s).
Mr. West’s new novel INFAMOUS 1 portrays a young man’s fall from grace after his life is shattered following the death of his father in Afghanistan. INFAMOUS 1 sends a positive message to young people about walking the line between right and wrong. It evokes tragedy, suffering, and human darkness.
www.rcyrilwest.com
His stories focus on people who are driven to the brink, pushed to their darkest and most uncomfortable moment, from which they must make a life-changing decision. Themes are heavily influenced by military and veteran's issues.
His first two novels expose the lies that all American prisoners of war came home from Vietnam. They didn't. THE THIN WALL and SOME NEVER FORGET are based upon truth. The forewords to these novels are penned by Chip Beck, an ex POW/MIA investigator and CIA operative, and Bob Smith, a former United States Senator and presidential candidate. Senator Smith also served as vice-chair of the United States Senate Select Committee on POW/MIA Affairs (1990s).
Mr. West’s new novel INFAMOUS 1 portrays a young man’s fall from grace after his life is shattered following the death of his father in Afghanistan. INFAMOUS 1 sends a positive message to young people about walking the line between right and wrong. It evokes tragedy, suffering, and human darkness.
www.rcyrilwest.com
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 25 reviews
August 18, 2019
The author of Infamous 1, R. Cyril West, sent me a copy of his book in exchange for an honest review. I have to admit that I picked this book up a few times but could not engage myself in the story. Then one day I decided to give it another a try and I found that I could not put it down. R. Cyril West did an excellent job telling the story of Troy Blake. The story focused on lessons learned, friendship, good and bad decisions, controlling emotions, making good choices and second chances.
Troy Blake grew up in a small town in Arizona that bordered a little town in Mexico called Agua Prieta. There were real bad gangs in Agua Prieta. Troy had made a name for himself playing high school basketball. He was the best point guard and had earned a respectable reputation for himself in that role. He was known as the Outlaw. Troy had recently lost his father. His father had died while he was doing a military tour in Afghanistan. One of his father's soldiers had deserted his post and when his father and the other soldiers went to go look for him his father and his men had been killed by Taliban fighters. Troy was having a very hard time coping with his father's death and he was letting it affect everything in his life and the way he was responding to others. He found himself getting angry all the time. One Sunday morning Troy was playing basketball with his best friend Diego against his younger brother Billy and his other friend Miguel at the YMCA when Juan Carlos and members of Los Ninos Machos gang from Agua Prieta showed up at the YMCA. Juan Carlos had been trying to get Troy to play basketball in Agua Prieta in the cage. Troy knew Juan Carlos was bad news and wanted nothing to do with him or his gang. Those basketball games in the cage were very violent as well. Juan Carlos made Troy take on his cousin, Jose, the Dream Machine, in a one-to-one basketball game. He threatened Troy and Troy was afraid for his brother and Diego's lives so he agreed to the basketball game. Troy was suspicious that Miguel had known that Juan Carlos was going to show up. He thought that Miguel might have been in on this and had told Juan Carlos where they were going to be. Juan Carlos put a chain around Troy's leg before the game began. Even with his leg chained, Troy was winning the basketball game. With no warning, the game turned violent, in just a matter of time. Troy guessed that this was Juan Carlos's plan all along. Juan came at Troy with a baseball bat and hit him in the face. Somehow Troy was able to get the bat and he hit Juan. Juan died. Even though Troy hit him in self-defense, he still committed murder. Troy had done a few other reckless things after his father's death. As a result of all those things, Troy found himself working on a commercial fishing boat in the Bering Sea. For Troy to earn his probation he had to work on the fishing boat and restrain himself from getting into any fights. Three good things came from his time in Alaska. Troy met Jimmy on the fishing boat and the two formed a lasting friendship that was based on mutual respect. The second thing was that he met Emma and the third thing was that he was told that his probation time was over. Just as things were looking up for Troy, a knock on his door in the early morning hours, sent his world crashing down. He was told that his little brother, Billy, had been killed.
Infamous 1 by R Cyril West was a real feel good book. I found myself routing for Troy. I wanted him to succeed in his plan for revenge and to come full circle and fulfill his dreams. There were times that I winced, cried and laughed. Even if you do not like sports that much Troy's story was amazing and so worth reading. Second chances can happen. I highly recommend Infamous 1. My rating for this book is a strong 4.5.
All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you R Cyril West for gifting me a copy of your book. It was an honor to have read it.
Troy Blake grew up in a small town in Arizona that bordered a little town in Mexico called Agua Prieta. There were real bad gangs in Agua Prieta. Troy had made a name for himself playing high school basketball. He was the best point guard and had earned a respectable reputation for himself in that role. He was known as the Outlaw. Troy had recently lost his father. His father had died while he was doing a military tour in Afghanistan. One of his father's soldiers had deserted his post and when his father and the other soldiers went to go look for him his father and his men had been killed by Taliban fighters. Troy was having a very hard time coping with his father's death and he was letting it affect everything in his life and the way he was responding to others. He found himself getting angry all the time. One Sunday morning Troy was playing basketball with his best friend Diego against his younger brother Billy and his other friend Miguel at the YMCA when Juan Carlos and members of Los Ninos Machos gang from Agua Prieta showed up at the YMCA. Juan Carlos had been trying to get Troy to play basketball in Agua Prieta in the cage. Troy knew Juan Carlos was bad news and wanted nothing to do with him or his gang. Those basketball games in the cage were very violent as well. Juan Carlos made Troy take on his cousin, Jose, the Dream Machine, in a one-to-one basketball game. He threatened Troy and Troy was afraid for his brother and Diego's lives so he agreed to the basketball game. Troy was suspicious that Miguel had known that Juan Carlos was going to show up. He thought that Miguel might have been in on this and had told Juan Carlos where they were going to be. Juan Carlos put a chain around Troy's leg before the game began. Even with his leg chained, Troy was winning the basketball game. With no warning, the game turned violent, in just a matter of time. Troy guessed that this was Juan Carlos's plan all along. Juan came at Troy with a baseball bat and hit him in the face. Somehow Troy was able to get the bat and he hit Juan. Juan died. Even though Troy hit him in self-defense, he still committed murder. Troy had done a few other reckless things after his father's death. As a result of all those things, Troy found himself working on a commercial fishing boat in the Bering Sea. For Troy to earn his probation he had to work on the fishing boat and restrain himself from getting into any fights. Three good things came from his time in Alaska. Troy met Jimmy on the fishing boat and the two formed a lasting friendship that was based on mutual respect. The second thing was that he met Emma and the third thing was that he was told that his probation time was over. Just as things were looking up for Troy, a knock on his door in the early morning hours, sent his world crashing down. He was told that his little brother, Billy, had been killed.
Infamous 1 by R Cyril West was a real feel good book. I found myself routing for Troy. I wanted him to succeed in his plan for revenge and to come full circle and fulfill his dreams. There were times that I winced, cried and laughed. Even if you do not like sports that much Troy's story was amazing and so worth reading. Second chances can happen. I highly recommend Infamous 1. My rating for this book is a strong 4.5.
All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you R Cyril West for gifting me a copy of your book. It was an honor to have read it.
December 27, 2019
This book was incredibly hard to put down! I really enjoy books that are about a comeback story and this one did not disappoint.
July 4, 2019
R. Cyril West is a new Author to me and now a new favorite. I have to find more of what he’s written.
I was captured by the characters from the beginning and didn’t want to stop reading.
I was captured by the characters from the beginning and didn’t want to stop reading.
May 5, 2021
Good book
This was a pretty good book. I think that people who would like this book would like it.Not for me though but that's okay
This was a pretty good book. I think that people who would like this book would like it.Not for me though but that's okay
July 10, 2019
He never disappoints
A trip with a young man growing up the hard way. Fishing in cold Alaskan waters, remembering the past and what went wrong with his life. Coming to terms and finding his way to a better life. Again a fast read and a great story. I always expect the best from and he doesn't disappoint
A trip with a young man growing up the hard way. Fishing in cold Alaskan waters, remembering the past and what went wrong with his life. Coming to terms and finding his way to a better life. Again a fast read and a great story. I always expect the best from and he doesn't disappoint
September 27, 2020
Wow!
This was a fast paced and action packed book. Well written without any boring parts. I would recommend this to anyone who likes an action packed read. Gave it a 5 because it is that good.
This was a fast paced and action packed book. Well written without any boring parts. I would recommend this to anyone who likes an action packed read. Gave it a 5 because it is that good.
April 24, 2021
Won this through Goodreads giveaway. Storyline held my interest from the first page to the last
September 22, 2020
Compelling Read
This book is really well written. It’s one of those that is hard to put down because you want to find out what happens next.
This book is really well written. It’s one of those that is hard to put down because you want to find out what happens next.
July 16, 2019
Goodreads Kindle Copy Win
A promising high school star basketball life takes a drastic turn when his father dies in Afghanistan. Disillusion with his world he falls into a world of street gang violence as he tries to stay above the fray including deadly one to one basketball.
He finds himself working on a commercial boat as he learns to cope without violence as he falls in love. But it will not last long as he is lured back when a gang related murder takes place.
Will his need for vengeance lead to his death and whatever chance of a college career? Or will he just be another statistic of want to be.
A promising high school star basketball life takes a drastic turn when his father dies in Afghanistan. Disillusion with his world he falls into a world of street gang violence as he tries to stay above the fray including deadly one to one basketball.
He finds himself working on a commercial boat as he learns to cope without violence as he falls in love. But it will not last long as he is lured back when a gang related murder takes place.
Will his need for vengeance lead to his death and whatever chance of a college career? Or will he just be another statistic of want to be.
August 29, 2019
This turned out to be a really fun book. I enjoyed the descriptions of the Alaskan fishing trade the most but the basketball games were interesting as well. Troy and the characters around him (especially Jimmy) were great and made an enjoyable story that flew by.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
July 20, 2019
Set between Arizona, Alaska and Mexico, “Infamous 1” opens as Troy Blake a basketball sensation with the Arizona Southern Scorpions who’s embroiled in the violence of an underground Extreme Hoops League and struggling with the death of his father in Afghanistan, kills a man in self-defence and ends up serving his probation on a commercial fishing boat in the Bering Sea.
After a year of grappling with severe weather and seasickness while gaining a new perspective on his life at the end of his probation, Troy suddenly is faced with the murder of his brother and his home being destroyed. Wanting another chance at college on a basketball scholarship, and fearing the resurgence of his violent temper if he seeks revenge for a murder the police haven’t solved, Troy returns to his border community seeking vengeance, only to make a decision that will change his future forever.
Skillfully R. Cyril West weaves the emotionally charged and tension- filled journey of a high school basketball star shattered by a sudden death and embroiled in the violent world of organized crime who struggles to turn his life around only to face a decision that could jeopardize it. Well-written, intensity and suspense escalate as the reader gets a glimpse of Troy’s life not only as a basketball sensation in college but as the undefeated “Outlaw” in the underground league until tragedy and trouble find him serving his probation on a fishing boat in the Bering Sea. With twists and turns as Troy struggles to manage his anger after the murder of his brother and destruction of his home and not to be lured in by the fame and violence of a game he excels at, the story quickly flows to an explosive ending.
Breathing life into this captivating plot are compelling characters like tall athletic Troy Blake whose hot temper, conceit and arrogance get him into trouble only to show a solid work ethic, fearlessness, resourcefulness and bravery at sea. Mainly plot focused, the character development in the story is minimal. Although Tory’s romance with Emma and breakup with his part-time lover seemed like an add-in, the depiction of gang-leader Juan Carlos was convincingly sinister and cold-hearted, and added a dark chill to the story.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Infamous 1” which kept me on the edge of my seat wondering if Troy’s dreams would be shattered by his need for revenge. This is another exciting novel by R. Cyril West which I highly recommend.
After a year of grappling with severe weather and seasickness while gaining a new perspective on his life at the end of his probation, Troy suddenly is faced with the murder of his brother and his home being destroyed. Wanting another chance at college on a basketball scholarship, and fearing the resurgence of his violent temper if he seeks revenge for a murder the police haven’t solved, Troy returns to his border community seeking vengeance, only to make a decision that will change his future forever.
Skillfully R. Cyril West weaves the emotionally charged and tension- filled journey of a high school basketball star shattered by a sudden death and embroiled in the violent world of organized crime who struggles to turn his life around only to face a decision that could jeopardize it. Well-written, intensity and suspense escalate as the reader gets a glimpse of Troy’s life not only as a basketball sensation in college but as the undefeated “Outlaw” in the underground league until tragedy and trouble find him serving his probation on a fishing boat in the Bering Sea. With twists and turns as Troy struggles to manage his anger after the murder of his brother and destruction of his home and not to be lured in by the fame and violence of a game he excels at, the story quickly flows to an explosive ending.
Breathing life into this captivating plot are compelling characters like tall athletic Troy Blake whose hot temper, conceit and arrogance get him into trouble only to show a solid work ethic, fearlessness, resourcefulness and bravery at sea. Mainly plot focused, the character development in the story is minimal. Although Tory’s romance with Emma and breakup with his part-time lover seemed like an add-in, the depiction of gang-leader Juan Carlos was convincingly sinister and cold-hearted, and added a dark chill to the story.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Infamous 1” which kept me on the edge of my seat wondering if Troy’s dreams would be shattered by his need for revenge. This is another exciting novel by R. Cyril West which I highly recommend.
February 15, 2019
Read an advanced copy. The book focuses on a high school basketball star whose father was killed in Afghanistan, after which he becomes distraught and takes a left hand turn into gang violence.
The first half of the book shows how the main character -- Troy Blake -- overcomes his troubles after being sent to Alaska to work on a fishing boat as part of a plea deal with the State of Arizona. He works hard and gets his act together, along the way he meets a girl. I wish the romance part had been more of a focus, but it still worked for me, especially how it played into the ending (thus only 4 stars). I enjoyed how Troy resisted fighting when pushed by a bully character in Alaska.
Without giving too much away, just as the story was starting to become a "feel good" book, tragedy strikes again. This time a murder. The second half of the book kept me up late. Troy begins to regress into his old violent self as he hunts down a killer who murdered someone close to him. he ultimately does this by entering a violent 1 on 1 basketball tournament. But there's a twist to the story here.
Wouldn't be fair to tell you what happens next because I don't want to ruin it for people who might read the book. Though a bit edgy and dark, the story sends a positive message to young readers and adults alike!
The first half of the book shows how the main character -- Troy Blake -- overcomes his troubles after being sent to Alaska to work on a fishing boat as part of a plea deal with the State of Arizona. He works hard and gets his act together, along the way he meets a girl. I wish the romance part had been more of a focus, but it still worked for me, especially how it played into the ending (thus only 4 stars). I enjoyed how Troy resisted fighting when pushed by a bully character in Alaska.
Without giving too much away, just as the story was starting to become a "feel good" book, tragedy strikes again. This time a murder. The second half of the book kept me up late. Troy begins to regress into his old violent self as he hunts down a killer who murdered someone close to him. he ultimately does this by entering a violent 1 on 1 basketball tournament. But there's a twist to the story here.
Wouldn't be fair to tell you what happens next because I don't want to ruin it for people who might read the book. Though a bit edgy and dark, the story sends a positive message to young readers and adults alike!
July 8, 2021
Infamous 1 tells the story of a young man pulled back into the dangerous world of street hoops.
Troy Blake was not necessarily cut out for commercial fishing—particularly catching king crab in the freezing and stormy waters of the Bering Sea—but at least it’s keeping him out of trouble.
Only a year ago, Troy was a freshman point guard on the Arizona Southern College basketball team. He also moonlighted as “The Outlaw,” the star of the one-on-one Extreme Hoops League: “A hoops spectacle that rewards aggressive, in-your-face jams, where refs rarely call fouls, and hacking, charging, and fighting are key to a baller’s arsenal.”
Serving on the fishing boat fulfills his probation for accidentally killing a player in a one-on-one game gone awry, though the aggression of some of his crewmates tests his new commitment to anger management.
As his probation ends, Troy is hoping to go back to school and maybe pursue a relationship with a girl he meets in Alaska. But all his plans go out the window when he gets news from Arizona that his brother, Billy, has been murdered.
Getting revenge will mean rushing headlong back into his turbulent past, and this time, if he kills someone, it won’t be accidental.
Troy Blake was not necessarily cut out for commercial fishing—particularly catching king crab in the freezing and stormy waters of the Bering Sea—but at least it’s keeping him out of trouble.
Only a year ago, Troy was a freshman point guard on the Arizona Southern College basketball team. He also moonlighted as “The Outlaw,” the star of the one-on-one Extreme Hoops League: “A hoops spectacle that rewards aggressive, in-your-face jams, where refs rarely call fouls, and hacking, charging, and fighting are key to a baller’s arsenal.”
Serving on the fishing boat fulfills his probation for accidentally killing a player in a one-on-one game gone awry, though the aggression of some of his crewmates tests his new commitment to anger management.
As his probation ends, Troy is hoping to go back to school and maybe pursue a relationship with a girl he meets in Alaska. But all his plans go out the window when he gets news from Arizona that his brother, Billy, has been murdered.
Getting revenge will mean rushing headlong back into his turbulent past, and this time, if he kills someone, it won’t be accidental.
July 2, 2019
Revenge on the court!
Troy Blake is an outstanding basketball point guard hoping to make it to the pros! On his own time away from school he gets involved in a no holds barred style of basketball. Where the rules are almost non existent. While playing he kills another player “gang member” in self defense. He charged with man slaughter. He ends up working a crab boat in The Bering Sea. While gone his brother is killed. That’s when Troy comes home looking to avenge his brother. I found this entertaining with vivid descriptions and lots of action. A good read!
Troy Blake is an outstanding basketball point guard hoping to make it to the pros! On his own time away from school he gets involved in a no holds barred style of basketball. Where the rules are almost non existent. While playing he kills another player “gang member” in self defense. He charged with man slaughter. He ends up working a crab boat in The Bering Sea. While gone his brother is killed. That’s when Troy comes home looking to avenge his brother. I found this entertaining with vivid descriptions and lots of action. A good read!
November 4, 2020
Unexpected good read
I received this book in a giveaway and couldn’t have been more pleasantly surprised. Although I know very little about basketball, gangs and crab fishing, I still couldn’t put this book down. Great character buildup, several intertwined storylines, full sensory descriptions as well as some deeper thought provoking themes embedded in the story.
I received this book in a giveaway and couldn’t have been more pleasantly surprised. Although I know very little about basketball, gangs and crab fishing, I still couldn’t put this book down. Great character buildup, several intertwined storylines, full sensory descriptions as well as some deeper thought provoking themes embedded in the story.
August 8, 2020
So I'm not the world's biggest basketball fan, to say the least. That said, this book still held me captive from the beginning. So much emotion, suspense, action, heart, entertainment. Well done!! GREAT book!!
August 28, 2020
!!!
I didn't realize this was the second book from this author. Now I am a loyal fan and ready to read more. Suspense and action from the beginning. Well written and powerful realistic characters.
I didn't realize this was the second book from this author. Now I am a loyal fan and ready to read more. Suspense and action from the beginning. Well written and powerful realistic characters.
January 31, 2020
I like it so much that I read it a couple of times! If you get the chance to read this book don't pass it up.
July 12, 2020
good book
July 29, 2020
Excellent book!!!
September 8, 2022
This book is a different sort of book. Admittedly, I do not know much about basketball and if there are really "cage games" that are more like MMA fighting than basketball.
I thought that the choice to serve out probation in Alaska when being from a desert area near the Mexico border, working in a crab packing house and on a crabbing boat made for an interesting twist. The main character learned a lot from doing so but was still young and hot-headed when he returned home after finding out his brother had been killed.
I cannot blame the young man for going after his brothers' killers since law enforcement was stymied by the crossover of the Mexican border. However, while I was immersed in the tension of the book and the good guy winning, it is unrealistic that one college aged man can take down a gang operation that works in both the US and Mexico, even if it is a small gang.
I thought that the choice to serve out probation in Alaska when being from a desert area near the Mexico border, working in a crab packing house and on a crabbing boat made for an interesting twist. The main character learned a lot from doing so but was still young and hot-headed when he returned home after finding out his brother had been killed.
I cannot blame the young man for going after his brothers' killers since law enforcement was stymied by the crossover of the Mexican border. However, while I was immersed in the tension of the book and the good guy winning, it is unrealistic that one college aged man can take down a gang operation that works in both the US and Mexico, even if it is a small gang.
August 31, 2022
This is a more of a basketball story. The main character, Troy, gets in some trouble and has to pull of a great comeback story, to get his life back in order. This isn’t really a romance storyline. The going back and forth to the past was a little confusing, but other than that it was a good read.
March 22, 2023
I went into this book thinking I would hate it.
I don't like violence, crab fishing is cruel and I don't enjoy basketball. What a surprise to find a fast paced well written book. I had to give it 5 stars.
I don't like violence, crab fishing is cruel and I don't enjoy basketball. What a surprise to find a fast paced well written book. I had to give it 5 stars.
July 15, 2019
enjoyed
Displaying 1 - 24 of 25 reviews