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The Sons of War #2
Saints
The civil war is over, but the struggle for power is just beginning …
In the aftermath of a devastating civil war, America has fallen into anarchy and chaos. Los Angeles is divided into different territories controlled by criminal organizations. Don Antonio Moretti has won a slice of the pie but is hungry for more. In his quest for power, he sends his nephew and a small crew to Mexico, to negotiate a new deal for their staple product, while the don returns to Italy for some unfinished business.
While the crime families battle for power in LA, Dominic Salvatore and his elite team at the LAPD fight tirelessly to stem the rot. But their fight often seems futile in a force rife with corruption. Dom’s father, Ronaldo, is a deputy fighting to secure the border, but when intel arises about his missing daughter, he leaves Los Angeles for the desert wastes, to find her and bring her home.
To the Morettis and the Salvatores, family is everything, and they will protect their own no matter the cost.
In the aftermath of a devastating civil war, America has fallen into anarchy and chaos. Los Angeles is divided into different territories controlled by criminal organizations. Don Antonio Moretti has won a slice of the pie but is hungry for more. In his quest for power, he sends his nephew and a small crew to Mexico, to negotiate a new deal for their staple product, while the don returns to Italy for some unfinished business.
While the crime families battle for power in LA, Dominic Salvatore and his elite team at the LAPD fight tirelessly to stem the rot. But their fight often seems futile in a force rife with corruption. Dom’s father, Ronaldo, is a deputy fighting to secure the border, but when intel arises about his missing daughter, he leaves Los Angeles for the desert wastes, to find her and bring her home.
To the Morettis and the Salvatores, family is everything, and they will protect their own no matter the cost.
327 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2020
173 people are currently reading
994 people want to read
About the author
Nicholas Sansbury Smith
124 books2,400 followersNicholas Sansbury Smith is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than forty novels with two million copies sold. Before his writing career, he served at Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management, a background that inspired many of his story concepts. A two time Ironman triathlete, he enjoys running, biking, and hiking. Nicholas also loves traveling, especially to his cabin in Northern Minnesota where he weaves his tales. He lives in Iowa with his wonderful wife and their son and daughter.
Note: Nicholas is no longer an active user on Goodreads and does not use the platform. If you want to connect with him on social media here are some links. He would love to hear from you.
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Note: Nicholas is no longer an active user on Goodreads and does not use the platform. If you want to connect with him on social media here are some links. He would love to hear from you.
Facebook Fan Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NSSFa...
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/nicholassans...
Website: nicholassansburysmith.com
Instagram: instagram.com/author_sansbury/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
September 29, 2020
Unique organized crime post-apocalyptic series
This is the second book in the SONS OF WAR series and if you haven't read the first, you are definitely missing out.
Author Nicholas Smith is a favorite of mine. He writes books in the post-apocalyptic genre and all are great. He's an author I buy consistently, pre-ordering his books before even knowing what they'll be about because I've never been disappointed.
I read a lot of post-apocalyptic fiction (although some don't seem as much "fiction" as they used to, with the turmoil going on nowadays.
The SONS OF WAR series is unique - hard to do nowadays because there's a lot of the genre out there. There have been nuclear strikes and civil wars across what used to be the United States. Only fifteen major cities survived and none of them are doing well.
Los Angeles has survived but it is inundated with gangs, cartels, and the mafia trying to control illegal activities across the city, all while trying to destroy each other.
On the opposite side are the ex-military and law enforcement (at least the ones not under the thumbs of one or all the criminals) that are trying to make L.A. a better place to live.
Oh, and that doesn't even take into account the sex traffickers.
There's tons of action, blood, guts, and Gore. I highly recommend this book to all that enjoy the post-apocalyptic genre, thrillers, or books about organized crime. Be sure to read book One first.
Oh, and book three SONS OF WAR: SINNERS is available for pre-order and is supposed to be available in February 2021.
This is the second book in the SONS OF WAR series and if you haven't read the first, you are definitely missing out.
Author Nicholas Smith is a favorite of mine. He writes books in the post-apocalyptic genre and all are great. He's an author I buy consistently, pre-ordering his books before even knowing what they'll be about because I've never been disappointed.
I read a lot of post-apocalyptic fiction (although some don't seem as much "fiction" as they used to, with the turmoil going on nowadays.
The SONS OF WAR series is unique - hard to do nowadays because there's a lot of the genre out there. There have been nuclear strikes and civil wars across what used to be the United States. Only fifteen major cities survived and none of them are doing well.
Los Angeles has survived but it is inundated with gangs, cartels, and the mafia trying to control illegal activities across the city, all while trying to destroy each other.
On the opposite side are the ex-military and law enforcement (at least the ones not under the thumbs of one or all the criminals) that are trying to make L.A. a better place to live.
Oh, and that doesn't even take into account the sex traffickers.
There's tons of action, blood, guts, and Gore. I highly recommend this book to all that enjoy the post-apocalyptic genre, thrillers, or books about organized crime. Be sure to read book One first.
Oh, and book three SONS OF WAR: SINNERS is available for pre-order and is supposed to be available in February 2021.
October 15, 2020
Pure adrenaline, heart pounding, trigger finger twitching, eyes drawing down to that 1000 yard stare kinda action!
If you haven't read Sons of War 1, then I recommend you stop here and get yourself a copy any way you can (Morretti style - lean on someone who has a copy and read theirs) or (Salvatore style - Give someone who has a copy a can of beans to read theirs) or you could just buy a copy! Any way you prefer, but if you choose not to, I will not be responsible for your exposure to possible SPOILERS which may follow. You have been warned!
SPOILERS ahead!
Okay, if you're here then you have either read Sons of War 1, or you are really missing the opportunity to meet some amazing people and their struggles to survive in Los Angeles after the civil war amid the hunger and devastation remaining after some close detonations of nuclear bombs. Not much of the food and supplies arriving from Mexico, Canada and Europe was getting to LA. Water supplies are few, most of it unsafe to drink, little being used for bathing. Disease and illness are overwhelming. Crime is rampant and what's left of the LA Police Department are mostly dead, dying or fled.
Thriving in this jungle are the Moretti family. Where there is despair the demand for drugs needs a supply. That supply is filled by Don Antonio Moretti and his son Vincent (Vinny) Moretti. A large part of that demand comes from the new Four Diamonds housing project and the Moretti family happily complied. Their main rival gangs were located in the Angel Pyramids, another housing project in the city. The Pyramids were the main customer base of the Vega and Lopez gangs as well as their headquarters / homes.
The remainder of the LAPD were faced with a dying city, the decay obvious. Most of the population would kill for a scrap of bread, and did. Robberies and fights over food were common. LAPD Officer Domenic ("Dom") Salvatore and his partner Officer Andre ("Moose") Clarke patrolled the battleground that the city had become. Dom's father, Ronald Salvatore had joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department after the Marine Corps and the United States Army had been disbanded. “Chaplain”William Bettis and Callum “Tooth”McCloud had served with him in the marines and had followed him into the Sheriff's Department. For both the LAPD and Sheriffs the war is real and deadly. The gangs and the Morettis were the largest combatants, but the city bled from every corner, every street, every house. Drug dealers and drug users, desperate fathers stealing food for their starving families, robberies, thefts, murder, rape - the city is at war. Both Dom and Ronaldo along with Moose, Chaplain and Tooth, were gladiators in the LA Arena and the battles were numerous and often deadly.
Where Dom and Ronaldo see crime, starvation and despair, Antonio and Vinny see opportunity, customers and wealth. I see a remarkable view of the United States in the aftermath of a civil war won by bombing the capital cities of 15 rebellious states. I see the strength of the characters, their anger, their fear, their hope, love, pain and sorrow, grief and tears. The characters are so carefully sculpted, they need a corresponding arena to perform. That has been taken care of. The landscape of the Los Angeles basin is rearranged in this storyline. The author paints with a dark and gritty brush over a blasted ruin. The air is always a thick soup, always unpleasant, often toxic. The conflict between the police and the gangs, the gangs with each other, the police and the interference by their fellow officers and superiors bribed by Morettis and gangs. This storyline is twisty and some stretches are so shot up full of bullet holes it's dangerous to read them! But you will! Better get this great read!
If you haven't read Sons of War 1, then I recommend you stop here and get yourself a copy any way you can (Morretti style - lean on someone who has a copy and read theirs) or (Salvatore style - Give someone who has a copy a can of beans to read theirs) or you could just buy a copy! Any way you prefer, but if you choose not to, I will not be responsible for your exposure to possible SPOILERS which may follow. You have been warned!
SPOILERS ahead!
Okay, if you're here then you have either read Sons of War 1, or you are really missing the opportunity to meet some amazing people and their struggles to survive in Los Angeles after the civil war amid the hunger and devastation remaining after some close detonations of nuclear bombs. Not much of the food and supplies arriving from Mexico, Canada and Europe was getting to LA. Water supplies are few, most of it unsafe to drink, little being used for bathing. Disease and illness are overwhelming. Crime is rampant and what's left of the LA Police Department are mostly dead, dying or fled.
Thriving in this jungle are the Moretti family. Where there is despair the demand for drugs needs a supply. That supply is filled by Don Antonio Moretti and his son Vincent (Vinny) Moretti. A large part of that demand comes from the new Four Diamonds housing project and the Moretti family happily complied. Their main rival gangs were located in the Angel Pyramids, another housing project in the city. The Pyramids were the main customer base of the Vega and Lopez gangs as well as their headquarters / homes.
The remainder of the LAPD were faced with a dying city, the decay obvious. Most of the population would kill for a scrap of bread, and did. Robberies and fights over food were common. LAPD Officer Domenic ("Dom") Salvatore and his partner Officer Andre ("Moose") Clarke patrolled the battleground that the city had become. Dom's father, Ronald Salvatore had joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department after the Marine Corps and the United States Army had been disbanded. “Chaplain”William Bettis and Callum “Tooth”McCloud had served with him in the marines and had followed him into the Sheriff's Department. For both the LAPD and Sheriffs the war is real and deadly. The gangs and the Morettis were the largest combatants, but the city bled from every corner, every street, every house. Drug dealers and drug users, desperate fathers stealing food for their starving families, robberies, thefts, murder, rape - the city is at war. Both Dom and Ronaldo along with Moose, Chaplain and Tooth, were gladiators in the LA Arena and the battles were numerous and often deadly.
Where Dom and Ronaldo see crime, starvation and despair, Antonio and Vinny see opportunity, customers and wealth. I see a remarkable view of the United States in the aftermath of a civil war won by bombing the capital cities of 15 rebellious states. I see the strength of the characters, their anger, their fear, their hope, love, pain and sorrow, grief and tears. The characters are so carefully sculpted, they need a corresponding arena to perform. That has been taken care of. The landscape of the Los Angeles basin is rearranged in this storyline. The author paints with a dark and gritty brush over a blasted ruin. The air is always a thick soup, always unpleasant, often toxic. The conflict between the police and the gangs, the gangs with each other, the police and the interference by their fellow officers and superiors bribed by Morettis and gangs. This storyline is twisty and some stretches are so shot up full of bullet holes it's dangerous to read them! But you will! Better get this great read!
September 20, 2020
Easily 5 stars, which I think I'll also change the first book's rating to after re-reading it prior to diving into "Saints". But Nicholas Sansbury Smith has once again delivered a nerve-wracking, emotional, gut-wrenching tale of a world - and especially an America - that just seems too realistic for comfort.
I really don't know what else I could add beyond what I said in my review of Book 1. If I could add anything of merit here, I would say that this book has haunted my dreams, nay, my nightmares since I started it. Again, the characters are too real, everything just feels too real and you WILL feel nauseated from the violence, emotions and more that will scroll past your eyes as you no doubt read like I did, that is, well into the night sacrificing much-needed sleep in the process.
It reminds me much more of what I consider to be Smith's strongest series - "Trackers" - than his books featuring the almost equally shocking adventures of mankind against mostly self-made yet more fantastical monsters (or their degraded human sycophants), as with the amazing "Hell Divers" or "Extinction Cycle" books. But whereas these latter two offer some "relief" in terms of dealing with a host of threats in a world we don't yet see before us, both "Sons of War" and "Trackers" seem to be taken from what must surely be considered as being possibly TOMORROW's headlines.
And as Smith has done before, he's not afraid to kill characters we have learned to care about. Why not, as we're left to struggle with the same conflict so many are dealing with, namely, who is really "good" and who is really "evil" when those lines are no longer defined as we know them? This is going to get really, really ugly and there's no telling who will be standing when its all said and done. Even if you find yourself pulling for or against some of the characters, there's just no telling what they will wind up doing or becoming in all this.
This is great stuff. Read it and read it again. I know I will once Book 3 hits the shelves!
I really don't know what else I could add beyond what I said in my review of Book 1. If I could add anything of merit here, I would say that this book has haunted my dreams, nay, my nightmares since I started it. Again, the characters are too real, everything just feels too real and you WILL feel nauseated from the violence, emotions and more that will scroll past your eyes as you no doubt read like I did, that is, well into the night sacrificing much-needed sleep in the process.
It reminds me much more of what I consider to be Smith's strongest series - "Trackers" - than his books featuring the almost equally shocking adventures of mankind against mostly self-made yet more fantastical monsters (or their degraded human sycophants), as with the amazing "Hell Divers" or "Extinction Cycle" books. But whereas these latter two offer some "relief" in terms of dealing with a host of threats in a world we don't yet see before us, both "Sons of War" and "Trackers" seem to be taken from what must surely be considered as being possibly TOMORROW's headlines.
And as Smith has done before, he's not afraid to kill characters we have learned to care about. Why not, as we're left to struggle with the same conflict so many are dealing with, namely, who is really "good" and who is really "evil" when those lines are no longer defined as we know them? This is going to get really, really ugly and there's no telling who will be standing when its all said and done. Even if you find yourself pulling for or against some of the characters, there's just no telling what they will wind up doing or becoming in all this.
This is great stuff. Read it and read it again. I know I will once Book 3 hits the shelves!
September 27, 2020
This story continues the first book and it was very good.
Dick Smith has done an extraordinary job with this series I have read many of his books and have yet to find one that I did not enjoy. Nick has a way of drawing you into the story until you become part of it I recommend this book 2 all military and apoplectic readers I am eagerly awaiting the release of book 3 I highly recommend not just this series but all of Nick's work
Dick Smith has done an extraordinary job with this series I have read many of his books and have yet to find one that I did not enjoy. Nick has a way of drawing you into the story until you become part of it I recommend this book 2 all military and apoplectic readers I am eagerly awaiting the release of book 3 I highly recommend not just this series but all of Nick's work
September 26, 2020
Another Great Read
The second installment of the Sons of War saga continues with the same heroes and villains. There are a couple of new characters introduced, and new battles are fought with them. This addition to the series is packed with action and drama, great writing, and brilliant sub-plots. I could not put this one down and am eagerly awaiting the next installment.
The second installment of the Sons of War saga continues with the same heroes and villains. There are a couple of new characters introduced, and new battles are fought with them. This addition to the series is packed with action and drama, great writing, and brilliant sub-plots. I could not put this one down and am eagerly awaiting the next installment.
September 25, 2020
An apocalyptic story that is not caused by monsters or a virus. Horror of a different sort... humans fighting evil with evil. A mafia turf war, dirty cops and the military gone awry. Heart pounding, edge of the seat excitement. As usual, this author does not disappoint. I look forward to the next book in this series.
September 24, 2020
Great story.
An apocalyptic mob and cop story, that not only includes corrupt cops and politicians, but also good cops trying there best to end this corruption, and bring back a civilized society. Another well written story by Nick. I look forward to the next chapter in this story.
An apocalyptic mob and cop story, that not only includes corrupt cops and politicians, but also good cops trying there best to end this corruption, and bring back a civilized society. Another well written story by Nick. I look forward to the next chapter in this story.
September 26, 2020
Different
I have been a fan of Smith for quite some time. I love all his syfy books. This is definitely a change of pace. A good read.
I have been a fan of Smith for quite some time. I love all his syfy books. This is definitely a change of pace. A good read.
September 19, 2020
I was not ready
I knew bad things were coming, and I thought I was ready for it. But I wasn't even close to ready for what came in this book!
The Salvatores are quite literally falling apart in the aftermath of the events of the war, and the Morettis are waging war on anybody who stands in the way of their domination of LA. The police can't be trusted and the criminals rule the city. You would think that nothing could have surprised me, but Nicholas Sansbury Smith managed to surprise me twice in this book. And I am eagerly waiting to see where he goes next. Because I'm still expecting an epic confrontation that hasn't happened yet.
I knew bad things were coming, and I thought I was ready for it. But I wasn't even close to ready for what came in this book!
The Salvatores are quite literally falling apart in the aftermath of the events of the war, and the Morettis are waging war on anybody who stands in the way of their domination of LA. The police can't be trusted and the criminals rule the city. You would think that nothing could have surprised me, but Nicholas Sansbury Smith managed to surprise me twice in this book. And I am eagerly waiting to see where he goes next. Because I'm still expecting an epic confrontation that hasn't happened yet.
September 22, 2020
The Sons of War series will not disappoint. It's a struggle to get to the top and that position is not guaranteed to the righteous but reserved for those that will take it by any means necessary. It has been a pleasure reading other series by Nicholas Sansbury Smith but this is probably my favourite so far. Looking at current events it's all to real how life as we know it can change in an instance.
September 22, 2020
I absolutely loved the first book. Sons of War 2: Saints was even better. A post-apocalyptic mafia story! I was a little upset because I blew through this book too quick and didn't want it to end yet. I need book 3 already! As always, great story by Nicholas Sansbury Smith and great narration by Ray Porter!
September 16, 2020
Another outstanding story!
This is the incredible next chapter in the Sons of War series. It became available at midnight and I started on it first thing this morning. I couldn’t put it down!
Once again Nicholas Sansbury Smith takes us on a wild ride with his mental roller coaster featuring believable characters and the incredible worlds he creates. As with his other books, this one is fantastic and perfect continuation of the Sons of War series. I have already pre-ordered his next installment, Sons of War 3: Sinners and can’t wait for its release!
This is the incredible next chapter in the Sons of War series. It became available at midnight and I started on it first thing this morning. I couldn’t put it down!
Once again Nicholas Sansbury Smith takes us on a wild ride with his mental roller coaster featuring believable characters and the incredible worlds he creates. As with his other books, this one is fantastic and perfect continuation of the Sons of War series. I have already pre-ordered his next installment, Sons of War 3: Sinners and can’t wait for its release!
September 15, 2020
It takes time to build an empire, and it takes lives. Sons of War2 continues the fight to control drugs, city officials, and cops. Eliminating the competition is paramount to the gangster way of living, but that works for both sides. Family is the central driving force, but power is the only way to survive. If you like Mafia themed plots, apocalyptic survival story lines and just plain lust for revenge, this book has it all.
September 15, 2020
The situation in Los Angeles is heating up as Don Antonio continues to make murderous “chess moves” in his bid for ultimate control of the city and its resources. His nephew Vinny features prominently in this story as he comes to grips with what is demanded from him, despite his distaste for senseless violence. There are a lot of ups and downs in this outstanding story. You never know what curveball the author is going to throw at you next, so strap yourself in for the ride.
September 17, 2020
Couldn't put it down. No spoilers here, you'll need to read it and you won't regret picking up this series. Nick never disappoints. Looking forward to the next installment.
March 22, 2021
In "Saints" the second book of the "Sons of War”, the world of LA is filled with crime, starvation, radiation in the air and despair. Shootouts mar the landscape and good cops are killed and hung up as an example. In this atmosphere the Moretti family is thriving working with dirty cops, taking vengeance on their enemies and eliminating their competition as their drug business thrives especially in the Four Diamonds housing project. The viciousness of the Moretti's knows no bounds as their vengeance is doled out to gangs like the Yamazakis and even old enemies in Naples are murdered. No one seems to be able to stop Don Antonio in is bid to build a powerful empire.
Parallel stories follow Ronaldo Salvatore who works for the LA County Sheriff’s department with friends William “ Chaplain” Bettis and Callum "Tooth” McCloud after the military was disbanded. Searching for his missing daughter he accepts any assignment that will help him find her and mend his wife’s broken heart. His son Dominic joining the LAPD also searches for clues to her disappearance as the deadly war between the police and gangs intensifies.
Fast-paced the action never slows with shootings, murder, and the execution of good cops as well as gang members. Intensity and suspense escalate with Vinny’s foray into Mexico to barter a drug deal; Ronaldo’s search for missing women and children in the desert; and Dominic’s undercover assignment as a fighter in the Vega’s arena. Well-written and enthralling tragedy strikes as the plot flows all too quickly to an ending that promises more intrigue in the 3rd book.
Among a host of compelling characters is tense, impatient Ronaldo Salvatore whose home life is falling apart with the distance, anger and guilt he feels. Dominic Salvatore continues to bravely continue to fight with his friends in the LAPD, although exhausted especially as his mother continues to fall part. Arrogant, merciless and power-hungry Don Moretti works with his family to build an empire, while nephew Vinny rising through the ranks and becoming a relied on fighter and heartless killer struggles with nightmares of the people he’s killed. These personalities and others infuse this story with grit, power and tension as it twists towards an intriguing climax.
I enjoyed the “Saints, Sons of War 2” an interesting concept set in a post-apocalyptic world after a major economic collapse and civil war that left gangs, police and mafia battling for supremacy.
Parallel stories follow Ronaldo Salvatore who works for the LA County Sheriff’s department with friends William “ Chaplain” Bettis and Callum "Tooth” McCloud after the military was disbanded. Searching for his missing daughter he accepts any assignment that will help him find her and mend his wife’s broken heart. His son Dominic joining the LAPD also searches for clues to her disappearance as the deadly war between the police and gangs intensifies.
Fast-paced the action never slows with shootings, murder, and the execution of good cops as well as gang members. Intensity and suspense escalate with Vinny’s foray into Mexico to barter a drug deal; Ronaldo’s search for missing women and children in the desert; and Dominic’s undercover assignment as a fighter in the Vega’s arena. Well-written and enthralling tragedy strikes as the plot flows all too quickly to an ending that promises more intrigue in the 3rd book.
Among a host of compelling characters is tense, impatient Ronaldo Salvatore whose home life is falling apart with the distance, anger and guilt he feels. Dominic Salvatore continues to bravely continue to fight with his friends in the LAPD, although exhausted especially as his mother continues to fall part. Arrogant, merciless and power-hungry Don Moretti works with his family to build an empire, while nephew Vinny rising through the ranks and becoming a relied on fighter and heartless killer struggles with nightmares of the people he’s killed. These personalities and others infuse this story with grit, power and tension as it twists towards an intriguing climax.
I enjoyed the “Saints, Sons of War 2” an interesting concept set in a post-apocalyptic world after a major economic collapse and civil war that left gangs, police and mafia battling for supremacy.
August 17, 2021
In "Saints" the second book of the "Sons of War”, the world of LA is filled with crime, starvation, radiation in the air and despair. Shootouts mar the landscape and good cops are killed and hung up as an example. In this atmosphere the Moretti family is thriving working with dirty cops, taking vengeance on their enemies and eliminating their competition as their drug business thrives especially in the Four Diamonds housing project. The viciousness of the Moretti's knows no bounds as their vengeance is doled out to gangs like the Yamazakis and even old enemies in Naples are murdered. No one seems to be able to stop Don Antonio in is bid to build a powerful empire.
Parallel stories follow Ronaldo Salvatore who works for the LA County Sheriff’s department with friends William “ Chaplain” Bettis and Callum "Tooth” McCloud after the military was disbanded. Searching for his missing daughter he accepts any assignment that will help him find her and mend his wife’s broken heart. His son Dominic joining the LAPD also searches for clues to her disappearance as the deadly war between the police and gangs intensifies.
Fast-paced the action never slows with shootings, murder, and the execution of good cops as well as gang members. Intensity and suspense escalate with Vinny’s foray into Mexico to barter a drug deal; Ronaldo’s search for missing women and children in the desert; and Dominic’s undercover assignment as a fighter in the Vega’s arena. Well-written and enthralling tragedy strikes as the plot flows all too quickly to an ending that promises more intrigue in the 3rd book.
Among a host of compelling characters is tense, impatient Ronaldo Salvatore whose home life is falling apart with the distance, anger and guilt he feels. Dominic Salvatore continues to bravely continue to fight with his friends in the LAPD, although exhausted especially as his mother continues to fall part. Arrogant, merciless and power-hungry Don Antonio works with his family to build a Moretti empire, while nephew Vinny rising through the ranks and becoming a relied on fighter and heartless killer struggles with nightmares of the people he’s killed. These personalities and others infuse this story with grit, power and tension as it twists towards an intriguing climax.
I enjoyed the “Saints, Sons of War 2” an interesting concept set in a post-apocalyptic world after a major economic collapse and civil war that left gangs, police and mafia battling for supremacy.
Parallel stories follow Ronaldo Salvatore who works for the LA County Sheriff’s department with friends William “ Chaplain” Bettis and Callum "Tooth” McCloud after the military was disbanded. Searching for his missing daughter he accepts any assignment that will help him find her and mend his wife’s broken heart. His son Dominic joining the LAPD also searches for clues to her disappearance as the deadly war between the police and gangs intensifies.
Fast-paced the action never slows with shootings, murder, and the execution of good cops as well as gang members. Intensity and suspense escalate with Vinny’s foray into Mexico to barter a drug deal; Ronaldo’s search for missing women and children in the desert; and Dominic’s undercover assignment as a fighter in the Vega’s arena. Well-written and enthralling tragedy strikes as the plot flows all too quickly to an ending that promises more intrigue in the 3rd book.
Among a host of compelling characters is tense, impatient Ronaldo Salvatore whose home life is falling apart with the distance, anger and guilt he feels. Dominic Salvatore continues to bravely continue to fight with his friends in the LAPD, although exhausted especially as his mother continues to fall part. Arrogant, merciless and power-hungry Don Antonio works with his family to build a Moretti empire, while nephew Vinny rising through the ranks and becoming a relied on fighter and heartless killer struggles with nightmares of the people he’s killed. These personalities and others infuse this story with grit, power and tension as it twists towards an intriguing climax.
I enjoyed the “Saints, Sons of War 2” an interesting concept set in a post-apocalyptic world after a major economic collapse and civil war that left gangs, police and mafia battling for supremacy.
November 15, 2020
In this, the second book of the series, we see limited recovery taking place, with low-cost housing being hastily erected for the thousands of homeless refugees of the war. The crime lords consider these people ripe for exploitation as consumers of their illegal drugs and gambling operations. There is constant violence as rival gangs fight for dominance over parts of the city and attempt to hijack each other’s drug shipments. The Moretti family is expanding its foothold, by payoffs to corrupt city officials and police leaders and killing off competitors. They plan to take over the city by making an exclusive deal with the drug cartel in Mexico, cutting off supplies to any other gang and by controlling distribution of resources like food, water and fuel.
On the other side, returning US military service veterans are unemployed, in the absence of any national armed forces. They are being recruited under the guise of American Military Patriots (AMP) by government groups and are joining with scattered police forces to establish peace-keeping units to fight the gangs.
There are initiatives for infrastructure rebuilding, but will corrupt politicians turn over control to the gangs? It is hard to tell good guys from bad, especially in the face of corrupt city and police leaders, whose sycophants support the gangs. Is there any chance for good to survive amid so much evil?
This is a fast-paced, action-packed story with strong, well-developed characters and vivid descriptions that pulled me in and kept me turning pages. Mr. Smith gives us a deep dive into family dynamics, exploring relationships and emotions as the characters experience good times and bad, intimate moments and complete separation, injury and death, that adds significantly to make this more than just a story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am eager to read the rest of the series.
On the other side, returning US military service veterans are unemployed, in the absence of any national armed forces. They are being recruited under the guise of American Military Patriots (AMP) by government groups and are joining with scattered police forces to establish peace-keeping units to fight the gangs.
There are initiatives for infrastructure rebuilding, but will corrupt politicians turn over control to the gangs? It is hard to tell good guys from bad, especially in the face of corrupt city and police leaders, whose sycophants support the gangs. Is there any chance for good to survive amid so much evil?
This is a fast-paced, action-packed story with strong, well-developed characters and vivid descriptions that pulled me in and kept me turning pages. Mr. Smith gives us a deep dive into family dynamics, exploring relationships and emotions as the characters experience good times and bad, intimate moments and complete separation, injury and death, that adds significantly to make this more than just a story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am eager to read the rest of the series.
April 1, 2021
In “Saints”, we hypnotically follow Don Antonio’s rise to power and the execution of his plans to build an empire. He has the desire, cunning, and ruthlessness to make the name of Moretti synonymous with Los Angeles. Don Antonio’s rise is both wicked and bloody. The gangs, cartels, and police must all be eliminated or placated in order to accomplish his goals. He is already planning his next move once the competition in the drug trade is exterminated. There can only be one king! His nephew Vinny is rising through the ranks, although he struggles with the morality of what he must do for the Family. The Salvatore family is plagued with both difficult and heart-breaking issues, especially Elana. Son Dominic and his best friend “Moose” have joined the police force to help in the gang war. The mayor, many, if not most of the police are on the take. It’s near impossible for the decent folk to tell who the good guys are. Everyone is on edge. The vast majority of citizens are dying, not just from the gangs, but from disease and starvation as well. So much has happened that I cannot say for spoiling the experience and excitement. This series is a must-read!
February 22, 2021
In the aftermath of the civil war, life is tough for all....well except those that embrace the evil! The Moretti family is trying to become the top mob family in the city but there is fierce competition and with his resources dwindling, Don Antonio Moretti has to use anything and everything to get there.
Meanwhile the Salvatore family is put through the test when something happens to one of them. While they struggle to survive a world filled with corrupt cops, drug riddled refugee camps and streets, violence at every turn and mobs who think they are invincible, the mob families and the crime lords are living it up.
Book 1 saw the world everyone knew crumble and book 2 now deals with the aftermath of it. Cities are in ruins and millions are dead. Lawlessness has become a way of life for many. But there are still many that believe in what's right and Ronald Salvatore and his crew is one. His son Dominic and Doms friend Moose are others.
The first book set the scene and this one gets down and dirty. The dust has settled as such and the criminals have a strong grip on the city. We see a plot filled with action, excitement, intrigue, good vs evil and evil vs evil! The action never lets up, not for a second. At times it's heart breaking but mostly it's nerve wracking!!!
In all a brilliant follow up to the first and I'm extremely excited to see what happens in book 3!!!
Meanwhile the Salvatore family is put through the test when something happens to one of them. While they struggle to survive a world filled with corrupt cops, drug riddled refugee camps and streets, violence at every turn and mobs who think they are invincible, the mob families and the crime lords are living it up.
Book 1 saw the world everyone knew crumble and book 2 now deals with the aftermath of it. Cities are in ruins and millions are dead. Lawlessness has become a way of life for many. But there are still many that believe in what's right and Ronald Salvatore and his crew is one. His son Dominic and Doms friend Moose are others.
The first book set the scene and this one gets down and dirty. The dust has settled as such and the criminals have a strong grip on the city. We see a plot filled with action, excitement, intrigue, good vs evil and evil vs evil! The action never lets up, not for a second. At times it's heart breaking but mostly it's nerve wracking!!!
In all a brilliant follow up to the first and I'm extremely excited to see what happens in book 3!!!
February 24, 2024
Sons of War is one heck of a series, and I'm only halfway through! The final battle in this volume is so intense, and it's not like the preceding pages were butterflies and basketweaving. The U.S. is in upheaval after the terrorist attack in Sons of War 1, and rising from the ashes are gangs and human trafficking, sickness, nuclear radiation exposure, and lost loved ones. My favorite subplot is the search for one of the mc's relatives, captured in human slavery and lost. The way Nick writes is crisp from action to dialogue, but the way he shows characters suffering and striving to escape is profoundly unique. I am skirting around spoilers, so you'll have to see for yourself. Ray Porter is such an excellent narrator. His pacing and character are top-professional with the perfect grit for this story. I bought this on Chirp even though I already had the hardbacks because I wanted to binge this in all parts of the day. What a ride!
October 15, 2020
Movie material
If there was ever a book made for a movie this is it. It has everything needed. We are talking about vengeance, blood, greed, loss, death, justice, pain, and every other emotion under the sun, moon and stars.
This book is about a old world mafia family, a group of narcos, and the police.in a world that has collapsed in on itself and as you read this book just know that all of the actions wether good or bad have a equal but opposite reaction but it is never what it seems.
The pain that these characters feel is real and you as a reader will experience it along side them.
The author plays on the relationships of the characters like a maestro conducting a finally tuned orchestra.
Nicholas Sansbury Smith has outdone himself and I cannot wait to see what happens next..
If there was ever a book made for a movie this is it. It has everything needed. We are talking about vengeance, blood, greed, loss, death, justice, pain, and every other emotion under the sun, moon and stars.
This book is about a old world mafia family, a group of narcos, and the police.in a world that has collapsed in on itself and as you read this book just know that all of the actions wether good or bad have a equal but opposite reaction but it is never what it seems.
The pain that these characters feel is real and you as a reader will experience it along side them.
The author plays on the relationships of the characters like a maestro conducting a finally tuned orchestra.
Nicholas Sansbury Smith has outdone himself and I cannot wait to see what happens next..
April 8, 2021
Really enjoy his books.
And now for a post apocalyptic story that is post post apocalypse. Actually it's more of a gangster story, as the Moretti family and their cohorts try to build a life for themselves....by selling dope and rubbing out their rivals.
They must have a pic of Saint Scarface on the wall. Sure there are stereotypes aplenty, the young son, spoiled, who must be taught how to be a man, the horney Italian henchmen, the amoral men of the Sinaloa drug cartel... but it’s written well, you also follow a family of true blues Americans, the father an ex marine , the son now a cop in an almost lawless Los Angeles, but the nouveau mob takes center stage here.
It’s a good story, betrayal, loyalty, ruthlessness and love. Kinda sounds like a lost Shakespeare play....
And now for a post apocalyptic story that is post post apocalypse. Actually it's more of a gangster story, as the Moretti family and their cohorts try to build a life for themselves....by selling dope and rubbing out their rivals.
They must have a pic of Saint Scarface on the wall. Sure there are stereotypes aplenty, the young son, spoiled, who must be taught how to be a man, the horney Italian henchmen, the amoral men of the Sinaloa drug cartel... but it’s written well, you also follow a family of true blues Americans, the father an ex marine , the son now a cop in an almost lawless Los Angeles, but the nouveau mob takes center stage here.
It’s a good story, betrayal, loyalty, ruthlessness and love. Kinda sounds like a lost Shakespeare play....
October 27, 2020
Some evils require more to defeat
The story was was expansive in chacther’s life’s that it became weird with the little world building details of the country and what the government has become was really give details for made the story in ways overwhelming and in outers underwhelming. I a,so didn’t like how you kind of mislead the reader with making them think your going Las Vegas with all the build up in the novel and coverart of the novel was strange that that chacthers never got close even after months on the road. The story structure wasn’t has will built has the first novel but it was an ok read has I saw it was 5/10 drama, 6.5/10 thriller, 3/10 suspense, and 4/10 action scenes.
The story was was expansive in chacther’s life’s that it became weird with the little world building details of the country and what the government has become was really give details for made the story in ways overwhelming and in outers underwhelming. I a,so didn’t like how you kind of mislead the reader with making them think your going Las Vegas with all the build up in the novel and coverart of the novel was strange that that chacthers never got close even after months on the road. The story structure wasn’t has will built has the first novel but it was an ok read has I saw it was 5/10 drama, 6.5/10 thriller, 3/10 suspense, and 4/10 action scenes.
October 6, 2020
I'm rooting for the good guys and the bad guys. It's crazy. Nicholas Sansbury Smith writes the most powerful characters. He gives them such depth. You get to know them, and feel like part of the family. The series is no different. By book two I am deeply invested in the families in these two worlds. I was holding my breath and feeling my heart race! The tension moments are so well done! Every single time they mention the bombing of Sacramento I gulp. That's where I work. That just makes it ever so much more "real" for me. Pre-ordered book three! Can't wait!
September 5, 2021
The war might be over but the main players want bigger slices of the pie than they currently have and will stop at nothing to acquire it. While the gangs fight each other the police as they are now are spending their time going after much bigger players. But each will protect their own with everything they have.
This is a action packed book filled with some surprises. Narrator Ray Porter does a awesome job with the audio book and am hoping the third book of the series is just as wonderful, I don't think Nicholas Sansbury Smith will let us down he hasn't yet.
This is a action packed book filled with some surprises. Narrator Ray Porter does a awesome job with the audio book and am hoping the third book of the series is just as wonderful, I don't think Nicholas Sansbury Smith will let us down he hasn't yet.
October 28, 2020
Another Great Series Continues🌟
Mr Smith is one of my favorite authors in this genre. He always provides an intriguing storyline with interesting well developed characters and plenty of action. He does his research so that the technical details are as true as possible. Many subplots in each book provide both variety and nuance to help keep each series fresh. This book is no exception!
Mr Smith is one of my favorite authors in this genre. He always provides an intriguing storyline with interesting well developed characters and plenty of action. He does his research so that the technical details are as true as possible. Many subplots in each book provide both variety and nuance to help keep each series fresh. This book is no exception!
February 14, 2021
Let’s gooo
Most Times the 2nd novels in a series just don’t keep you as interested as the first, this one kept me in the book all the way through. There were some moments reading that i was unsure of the direction of the multiple stories, some moments i felt there was a “fast forward” in the stories that i would have much rather read through. BUUUUUUT I can’t wait for the 3rd so i liked it. THE SAINTS!!!!!!!!!!!
Most Times the 2nd novels in a series just don’t keep you as interested as the first, this one kept me in the book all the way through. There were some moments reading that i was unsure of the direction of the multiple stories, some moments i felt there was a “fast forward” in the stories that i would have much rather read through. BUUUUUUT I can’t wait for the 3rd so i liked it. THE SAINTS!!!!!!!!!!!
October 7, 2021
A hero can save us?
The battle for control of the city, and maybe the country, escalates while the corruption of those in charge is more rampant than every. Old scores are set to. Maybe. The search for a young girl weaves it's way through the jungle evil. But hope may hang on "The Saints".
another excellent read from Smith. Great story keeps you wired up on what may happen next.. Can't wait to dive into the next book!
The battle for control of the city, and maybe the country, escalates while the corruption of those in charge is more rampant than every. Old scores are set to. Maybe. The search for a young girl weaves it's way through the jungle evil. But hope may hang on "The Saints".
another excellent read from Smith. Great story keeps you wired up on what may happen next.. Can't wait to dive into the next book!
November 16, 2025
Nicholas Sansbury Smith does it again! Sons of War 2: Saints is an explosive continuation of the saga that began in book one. From the very first chapter, the tension is palpable, and the stakes are higher than ever. This isn’t just a sequel—it’s a full-throttle ride through chaos, loyalty, and vengeance.
Highly recommended for fans of action-packed, character-driven stories. If you loved book one, Saints will blow you away.
Highly recommended for fans of action-packed, character-driven stories. If you loved book one, Saints will blow you away.
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