Long Way from Paradise

Doboro the Bottlenecker

By: Kevin M. Kraft

Narrated by: Todd A. Thompson

Length: 6 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

Blind but not helpless.

Trying to keep a low profile, Doboro stays with a friend in the peaceful but declining town of Paradise. A charismatic young businessman wants to make drastic changes in the town. He may look like a saint, but he’s a devil in disguise.

Doboro tries to mind his own business, make a little cash singing, and avoid trouble. But trouble and Doboro are old companions, and it isn't long before he finds it.

No matter the consequences, this blind, blues-singing avenging angel will defend his friends and keep the town of Paradise from making a grave mistake.

Long Way from Paradise is book two in an ongoing series that brings listeners strong doses of action, humor, and heart. It’s highly recommended you start your journey with Doboro the Bottlenecker.

©2020 Kevin M. Kraft (P)2021 Kevin M. Kraft

so close

I am destroyed!! How much h*ll must Doboro suffer??? This author is ripping my heart out and stomping on it. I think Doboro earned the right for some good in his life. It's an uphill battle for this man nonstop. Even a sadist would have more compassion and give Doboro a break. The ultimate betrayal-Summer keeping a secret. Carl Holiday is dead to me!!!!! I'm literally bawling. Have mercy!!! I voluntarily listened to a free copy of this and am giving an honest review. The narrator did a good job bringing it to life.

4.5/5 Stars Sequel to Doboro the Bottlenecker

Narrated by Todd A. Thompson
Summary:
Doboro (the reborn Dave Granger) tries to lay low by staying with a friend in a small town, hoping his enemies will move on to bigger and better things. But the traveling blues singer and guitarist can’t just stand by when trouble springs up in the peaceful town of Paradise.

Additional Comments:
- 4.5/5 Stars Characters: They’re not always super realistic, but most are awesome all the same. Doboro, the hero, is a blind guy who can whip a sword out from his walking cane. Not realistic. Still very cool. His friend Summer Winter is a hot mess. That probably is more realistic, but she’s likable, even if a bit of a hopeless romantic. Drew’s really only got a bit part in this book, but I’m betting she’ll be back in a greater capacity sometime in the future.
- 4/5 Stars Plot: If this book was one’s only exposure to small town America, you’d think everybody studied martial arts, got into sword fights, and had to rescue damsels in distress from street punks. There’s certainly a high amount of action in here, which I count an improvement over the last book. (The first story had to do a lot of setup in telling how Doboro came to be. That put a lot more emphasis on the character development and less on action plot points.)
- Can you read this as a standalone? I believe so though you will enjoy it more having already known some of the characters. It’s definitely a self-contained story. I listened to the first story and still felt a bit dropped into the story because Summer Winter and Doboro greeted each other like very old friends, but I think they referred to events that happened in the time between books 1 and 2 of the series. Their interactions were natural and comfortable enough to sell the friendship.
- Doboro’s kind of a nice-guy vigilante.
- New characters: Mae Linn’s a nice addition to the cast. Stu’s a bit 1-dimensional, but he fulfills the role as punchable bad guy nicely.
- What kind of a book is this? I’d categorize it as light drama with some Christian themes. There’s a little romance thrown in. (Honestly, I’m about to add chick magnet to Doboro’s resume, right up beside sword master and vigilante.)
- Narration adds a very nice aspect. Narrator has a lovely voice.
- The song included was at the end of the previous book. Still a cool song.
- Favorite part? I always love the parts where Doboro’s showing the blind man magic.
- How does this measure up to book 1? I liked it a hair more than book 1, though I enjoyed that one too. I think it’s the fact that it got right into the action without half the book being spent on creating the character/ changing everything about his world. To be clear, book 1 needed all the background. It provides excellent anchoring and reason to like the character.

Conclusion:
An excellent entry into a unique, fun series.
*** I received a free copy. I have freely chosen to review. All thoughts are my own.***

Another cliff hanger

I received a free copy of this book for my honest opinion. I'm giving this 3.5 actually. I like the main character. I didn't understand Crew's dad's response to her wanting to know Doboro unless there is something that these first stories haven't revealed. I sort of get Crew's conflict, but not the anger. Doboro explained why he was not around and she seemed to accept it then, in the first story, went ballistic trying to get him to stay. I also don't understand how Summer's parents allowed Doboro into their home when they knew their daughter was a flake. He could have been anyone. I also don't understand how Doboro radar wasn't triggered by the club owner. Just saying. What I liked was how Doboro's faith influenced Summer to try to change her behavior. I liked the action. I loved the cliff hanger. I think that if the questions I have about the motives behind the behavior of some characters were answered, I'd be more inclined to give the book five stars.