I ravaged this book just as I had over 25 yrs ago when the book was published by Holloway House. I am thankful to Donald Goines for reissuing Cry Revenge. Although I read the book before, I was reading it through new lenses, and a life filled with experiences. Cry Revenge told the story of what happens when one is fixated on drugs and hate/revenge; you become blinded to things going on around you that you can not see what is been laid in your path. This brings to mind the last scene in the book with Curtis. He was hell bent on getting Dan for what happened to his brother that he made a huge error.
Rest in Peace Donald Goines, your mark on this world still remains. Thank you for writing about a world you were a a part of.

Goines brings us into the territory where tension between Chicanos and Blacks in a New Mexico ghetto runs deep. Don't be fooled by the cover because this is not a deep story about Chicano and Black racism towards each other. The story is ultimately a revenge tale set off by a single event. What follows is a bloody chain of events with a unique twist ending typical of a Goines novel. Probably the most original ending for a novel I have ever read. Not to spoil the ending, but it most likely fit more a horror novel than urban pulp fiction.

I was leaning 4 stars until that last chapter and then I had to round it up to 5!

Curtis starts dealing dope and makes a lot of money by offering a more pure product than the competition. Soon, he is in too deep when his brother is hurt and an all-out drug war begins.

Donald Goines really has a way of raw storytelling that makes you feel like you're part of the book. This was my second book by him and certainly won't be my last.

Recommended for those who like gritty stories and don't mind some violence, drugs, and swearing (including slurs).

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

Curtis Carson is now the most prosperous trader in Clovis, New Mexico, thanks to his investment. However, in the process, he has betrayed his friend Dan Lewis. Curtis connects with a Mexican dealer who distributes the product to him. Dan develops an addiction, but Curtis has a successful business. After that, Dan is apprehended by undercover police in a sting operation that kills a Mexican gang member. The death is attributed to Curtis. Curtis's innocent brother is then crippled by Mexican gang members in retaliation. After obtaining a firearm, Curtis pursues the Mexicans. Events then degenerate into anarchy and violence.

Goines does a great job managing the many characters in this morality tale. These novels, which he wrote in a hurry (probably in a single draft), occasionally suffer from a lack of editing refinement. Despite the lack of heroes, this was a gripping tale. There is also a lot of excellent dialogue from the early 1970s.

What I love about Goines’ writing is how he doesn’t just tell a story—he immerses you in it. The characters feel real, the stakes are high, and the streets are unforgiving. There’s no sugarcoating here; it’s a brutal look at survival, revenge, and the consequences of a life shaped by violence.

If you’re a fan of gripping, no-holds-barred crime novel, Cry Revenge delivers. It’s a necessary read for anyone who appreciates urban fiction that doesn’t flinch, doesn’t apologize, and keeps you hooked from start to finish.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

In "Cry Revenge", Donald Goines delivers an intense urban thriller that delves into the harsh realities of street life, and the quest for vengeance when pride and reputation is the most valuable societal commodity.

Deeper issues are also addressed, such as feeding on your own community members, thereby destroying one's own community from within.

This story follows Curtis Carson, a young Black drug dealer whose life is turned upside down when his innocent brother's dreams are shattered due to a violent incident involving a dice game (which Carson was involved in, and of which his brother knew nothing about) which shamed a player of another race, setting off a cultural war.

Curtis, driven by a burning desire for retribution, embarks on a dangerous path that leads him to confront the systemic injustices and racial tensions that plague his community (issues he greedily feeds off of).

Goines masterfully captures the raw emotions and brutal consequences of Curtis's actions, painting a vivid picture of the urban landscape and the struggles faced by those trapped within its grip.

This novel is a powerful exploration of themes such as loyalty, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of justice.

Goines's unflinching portrayal of the characters' lives and the gritty reality of their world makes for a compelling and thought-provoking read.

Highly recommended for fans of gritty urban fiction and anyone interested in stories which tackle social issues with unflinching honesty. Donald Goines's "Cry Revenge" is a testament to his skill as a storyteller and his ability to shine a light on society's hidden underbelly.

Donald Goines is one of my favorite authors. He did not disappoint with this book. It tells the story of how one family member's life/choices can change or ruin another's. Great work of art Mr. Goines. 5 huge stars!!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book

This was another great read. I am finding that I am really enjoying the rawness of his writing and the bluntness of the accounts that are given about his life. It is explained in such detail that I can almost imagine myself watching the accounts as a movie vs reading it in a book

This was a strong urban thriller novel and really enjoyed the overall concept that I wanted. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and their world, it was everything that I was looking for and enjoyed the feel of this. The plot was everything that I wanted and enjoyed the way everything worked together.