The Counter
"The Counter is well put together. The finish is very good, and the colors are rich. Kevin quickly takes you into the game and reveals his characters in a way that makes it easy to visualize them. It is a fictional version of "The Big Player." Written by an artist, and a true player that requires no team to make a living. I can't wait to read what happens next!"
This is my first up front posting regarding Kevin Blackwood's book The Counter. I "met" Kevin at BJ21.com and was interested in his book right away. Finally a fiction-style book about blackjack. I've read peoples blackjack diaries and could probably write my own, but here was a work that put the fantasy back into the game. Kevin replied to my post with a little of his own information about the time setting for this book.
A couple of readers have asked when is the setting for my novel. The events depicted in the book are taken from a wide spectrum. The computer play obviously predates the device laws and reflects the early 80's, while the riverboat casinos occur in the 90's. These were compressed together in order to keep up the pacing of the story as a I felt a chase for riches spread over two decades would hardly be riveting.
This is the beauty of a work of fiction. The writer has the freedom to pick chose and refuse what they would like to include in the book. Card counting blackjack players are sticklers for detail, and Kevin will no doubt feel a little of this for not sticking to things "as they should be," but this allows for a much better read. It is not a technical manual, and should be allowed the leeway any work of fiction should be allowed.
Thanks Rob for the positive words. I appreciate all the encouraging feedback I've received on the novel thus far and especially all the help people have offered. I hope it will give non-counters a realistic peek into the intriguing world we live.
That it does, but for the record, Raven Townsend the main character is extraordinary. Most counters do not win like Raven does, but again, this is fiction. It could make you want to take a leave of absence to become a card counter. Don't. As you read through the book, you will understand why.
It's hard to review a book without giving away all of its secrets. Many times I felt that Kevin was writing about me and the people that I have run across at the tables and in life. That is the beauty of this book. I think anyone that has ever had a dream and had the nerve to go after it will feel Kevin was writing about them.
Although this is a work of fiction, it is based on some very solid facts. Kevin explains the count he is using is the Hi Opt II, then later switches to the Uston APC. He discloses how to shuffle track, and how to cut a single deck of cards at the right spot to know what the dealer's hole card is. We hear about body computers, and getting a look at the dealer's hole card from both sides of the table.
Raven is a man with many dreams. Read about his start at his home in Vineland, travel with him to his first exposure to blackjack in Chicago, then follow him across the globe to the Holy Land where he gets to know the woman he was meant to be with. From Illinois, Connecticut and Missouri, then Atlantic City, Las Vegas, Tahoe, and Reno, watch as his life, and everything else, begins to unfold.
Does Raven win a million dollars? Does he finally get the girl? Does he get to keep his soul? I couldn't wait to find out the answers to these questions. As I read the book it became harder to put down the further I got into it. The Counter is a great read, and is well worth its price. Buy it!
If you would like to buy The Counter you can do so by visiting Kevin's site at http://www.kevinblackwood.com/. You can also get the book without paying any shipping costs by E-mailing Kevin at kevin@kevinblackwood.com