LD Sledge

“Your Dawn’s Revenge is a true thriller that kept me intrigued and captivated. I particularly enjoyed the local color in your settings and characters. I found my senses savoring typical New Orleans scenes and colorful Louisiana characters given vivid life by your superior descriptive powers. Your keen knowledge of the New Orleans legal and political system was obvious in your creative yet bizarre manipulation of the system’s characters. The reader is so drawn into the powerful plot, that he is relieved to realize that life has sheltered him from such heinous realities that are deeply disturbing. What a refreshing surprise to, at last, see an accurate portrayal of a true Cajun character. Nookie Naquin will win hearts. “ Edwin W. Edwards, Four Term Governor of Louisiana

“I raced through this book. It is a wonder that Sledge can document the existence of the seamy side of life while maintaining our hope for a better way. His description of New Orleans, the Cajun culture, swamps and bayous, and a few Louisiana politicians are not to be missed. Fact is often stranger than fiction. Truly, a fantastic read.” Buddy Roemer, Governor of Louisiana

“The exotic streets of New Orleans’ French Quarter and the mysterious swamps of south Louisiana have attracted writers from Longfellow to Anne Rice, Faulkner to James Lee Burke. They provide the setting for a thriller by Baton Rouge attorney Sledge, who doesn’t write like a guy who has a day job. It is a gripping, fast moving tale about Jack Chandler, an under-achieving French Quarter lawyer who takes on the corrupt power structure to uncover a ring of child molesters. Jack is running for his life during a massive hurricane. (written in 1993 with an accurate prediction of Katrina complete with breaking the levees) He is in love with a bright, beautiful woman, Dr. Victoria Keens-Dennison, whose heritage encompasses Trinidad and Casablanca, with “Moorish features and emerald eyes”, but she is black, and he hesitates to cross the line. The story may be fictional, but the kind of description in this book is by a man who knows his territory and presents it realistically, warts and all. Such honesty alone is worth the price of the book.” Smiley Anders, Baton Rouge Advocate Staff Writer

“What do you get when you mix murder with magnolias, Cajuns and corrupt police officers, a dead body and the bayous of South Louisiana. You get one thrilling novel by Baton Rouge lawyer and Louisiana native, L. D. Sledge. It reads much like a hard-boiled detective novel with Sledge providing the requisite bad guys, chase scenes, overactive libidos and a simmering inter-racial love interest. Some of his finest writing is found in the subplot describing the romantic entanglements between Jack and Victoria, the Tulane pathologist. Sledge’s use of inner monologues about Jack’s feeling of inadequacy and uncertainty about Victoria are short, thoughtful and sometimes hilarious.” Kevin Cuccia, Shreveport Times Writer

“This book is provocative. That is good. Sledge explores all the taboos which are more times than not swept under the carpet. Subjects such as child molestation, interracial relationships, and corruption in the political, justice and social welfare systems. The Gonzales Weekly

“L D Sledge, prominent attorney-turned-author, lived and worked in the New Orleans French Quarter before establishing a 43 year private practice in Baton Rouge. Validity of his fictional thriller demonstrates keen observations by a rampant imagination penned by a true wordsmith. The bizarre modus operandi of his plot hits so close to real life headlines that the author leaves little doubt of a certain first-hand knowledge of the Quarter’s darker edges A parallel plot of biracial romance adds to the exotic titillation, seducing the reader at every bend of the bayou and stalk on the wild side. Be prepared to experience residual sensory overload that will linger with longing much like the adrenaline rush of skiing a perfect powder black-diamond slope. The mental exhilaration is worth a visit to your local bookstore. Penny Meaux, Writer for Baker Observer

“The first thing you need to be a writer is the ability to write well. L.D. proves that hands down in Dawn’s Revenge. His writing style is clear while at the same time very descriptive. The second thing is a good story. Dawn’s Revenge will satisfy your quest for a really interesting tale. He puts a lot of himself into the yarn. Jack is one of those guys in a crampted little office who has trouble paying the light bill much of the time, but he likes to do the right thing in the name of his profession. It gets him into a lot of trouble in 308 pages of intrigue, swamps, snakes and bad guys. And, oh yes, there’s a love angle too. A love angle that gets into that controversial area called crossing the racial line. Here’s Jack falling for a beautiful woman with Trinidad and Casablanca as a heritage. This may not play too well in Des Moines, but it makes a really interesting part of LD’s story.” Lou Major, Editor owner of The Bogalusa Herald

“I have not yet had the pleasure of reading any of your books except for Nimrod’s Peril, where I fell in love with Nimrod’s companion, the loveable mouse. Nimrod’s Peril reminded me of a cross between Heinlein’s irreverent nature and J.K. Rowling’s depth of universe, the way the whole world is created around these characters and the way they interact with their environment and the people around them.” Alan Eames

The following are from Amazon:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dawn’s Revenge is the most captivating book I have ever read, November 1, 1999

By A Customer

I was working in a Houma bookstore and Mr. L.D. Sledge was invited for an author signing. To prepare for the day I read the summary of Dawn’s Revenge. As a native of Louisiana, I found it quite intriguing. Being an avid reader, I purchased the book and had it autographed. This was one of the wisest things I have ever done. I have found what I believe to be one of the best Louisiana authors in a long time. Mr. Sledge describes southern Louisiana flawlessly; the humid summers, the voodoo culture, the corrupt politics, even the lifestyle of the Vieux Carre’. Dawn’s Revenge has definitely become my favorite novel. I have not been as enchanted with or satisfied by a selection since I completed this book. Mr. Sledge I am anxiously awaiting your next release.

4.0 out of 5 stars Can’t wait for bedtime!, December 22, 2006

By

Seeker (Florida, USA) -

We’ve got four little kids so I don’t have a lot of extra time. But I’m making time to read Dawn’s Revenge because once I started I couldn’t stop. There’s a bit of everything: murder, love, action/suspense, foul weather and the intriguing city of New Orleans. I’m half way through now and find myself looking forward to the little bit of time I have before going to sleep so I can pick it up again. Can’t wait for L.D. Sledge’s next book too!

5.0 out of 5 stars can’t put it down, May 8, 1999

By A Customer

i was hooked from the first page. this book is filled with suspense. originally from new orleans i could see everyplace described clearly as i read. this book is a definite must read

ELIZABETH J SLEDGE (OAK HARBOR, WA USA)

I was interested in this novel for two reasons. One, I’m a Sledge originally from Louisiana and two, I had just returned from New Orleans when the book was published, I was delighted to find out that the author will give the name of Sledge a good turn. He wrote a captivating, engrossing mystery. After having been in New Orleans in July, I could feel the heat in the streets there as he described it. It was a pleasure to read a story with interesting characters and scenerios. I hope he writes another soon.

Reviews:

This is a book that will plunge you into aesthetics. A lot of the prose is almost pure poetry, the wavelength of some of the sentences perfectly balanced.

Nimrod is wanderer on a mission to seek and discover. His travelling companion, a female mouse with a human body, get kidnapped and he has to look for her. It’s a quest to save his soul mate, his best friend.

The author has an uncanny ability to see the beauty in everything and give life and personality to inanimate objects—the gardens, the fields, the weather, the sun are given such life it makes one feel in love with the universe. He writes from the point of view of someone passionate about everything around him, a yearning to have this connection with another being, this wholeness, to arrange the pieces of the puzzle in a perfect harmony.

The whole book is a yearning to experience the sensuality of life. It’s a painting with words.

It’s about adventure. It’s romantic thrilling, intriguing and fast moving. Characters operate in different levels that all come together in the end.

It goes into area that no other book I’ve read has ventured into. It’s not going in just one direction, it covers all of life, the beauty of friendship, nature, the beauty and desperation of sex, and the conquering of good over evil.  Sandie Thurston, Sydney, Australia

I fell in love with Nimrod’s companion, the lovable mouse Musette. Nimrod’s Peril reminded me of a cross between Heinlein’s irreverent nature and J.K. Rowling’s depth of universe, the way the whole world is created around these characters and the way they interact with their environment and the people around them. Alan Eames. Los Angeles

I just finished “Perils” (Nimrod’s Peril) and loved it. You have that language flair. I almost call it florid because I think I love ‘9th century novels so much and regard them as florid in the most positive sense. It is a book I will reread. Is there a sequel? Shirley Windward. Los Angeles

I just finished L.D. Sledge’s latest book “Nimrods Peril”. The others were; “Dawns Revenge and “Command Influence” both great reads. What a trip that was. Mind candy all the way. I could equate it with “Alice in wonder land”, “Lord of the Rings’ and “Harry Potter” all wrapped up in one volume only it’s different in that it has secret code names, words, metaphors, lessons to be learned and a peek into the human psyche seldom exposed. Good and evil with great characters you may know in real life. This is adult genre so keep a dictionary nearby .How he put it all together is a big wonderful mystery in itself. Ron Kessinger, Denver

A rip-roaring  of coming of age. Naive and innocent Nimrod embarks on a fantasy adventure on a planet that has not fully been explored. He engages the help of a large, friendly mouse that can talk. They encounter all manner of interesting and exotic people and creatures, experience dangers that test everything they have and cross a bridge held up by unexplained physics to an unknown land ruled by a beautiful, but evil queen whose powers come from sucking the life out of young boys like Nimrod. She needs him. She will destroy him to keep her youth. She knows he is coming. She controls the land and her subjects–human, birds and beasts who do her bidding. Nimrod walks into the trap with only a clever mouse to help him get out before he, too, joins the husks of young men she has used, abused and discarded in her vast dungeon.

L D Sledge writes with tongue in cheek and everything exposed. He comes up with incredibly creative and unique characters and equally outlandish settings. The story is engaging. The writing style gripping. How easy it is to get caught up in this book. Write more, L D Sledge. Sioux Hart, Clearwater, Florida.

Amazon Reviews

R. F. Daley (Los Angeles) This review is from: Nimrod’s Peril (Paperback)Nimrods Peril is the third book of Mr. Sledge’s that I have read. Like Hemingway and Picasso he sees the world from a distinctly masculine perspective which focusses and refines his appreciation of things feminine. He continues to entertain with his irreverent take on… just about everything. Sledge writes Satire in the spirit of Jonathan Swift, he takes no prisoners. Having said that, in Nimrods Peril he does not stint on pure fantasy. His story is compelling, his characters, human or not, are lusty and three dimensional and at times his prose is breathtaking. This only enhances the quality of his poetry, which is plentiful in this book. L.D. Sledge is a very creative author who also shares an insight on the human condition which has been gleaned from a long and observant life. R.F. Daley, Los Angeles, California

5.0 out of 5 stars Great read!, April 12, 2010 Truth seeker “Alan” (North Hollywood, CA) This review is from: Nimrod’s Peril (Paperback)

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. In creating an alternate world, Mr. Sledge populated it with lots of interesting characters that are brought to life in the course of the adventure. The lead, Nimrod, demonstrates amazing courage and integrity in the face of a decidedly evil antagonist. I had a lot of fun reading this and had a hard time putting it down. Great book, I highly recommend it. Calling this fantasy doesn’t really do it justice, do yourself a favor and get/read this book.

Marcia E. Powell “Mover and Shaker” (Los Angeles, CA) This review is from: Nimrod’s Peril (Paperback)I loved it! It was different, creative, clever, witty, entertaining, fun–AND had some profound wisdom tucked between the covers!– Marcia Powell

5.0 out of 5 stars A thoroughly original & fascinating fantasy universe, November 9, 2011

Editrix Gal (Yonkers, NY United States) -  Amazon Verified Purchase This review is from: Nimrod’s Peril (Paperback)

This is one of the most well-written, clever, funny, serious, and interesting fantasies I’ve ever read. Created with great imagination, the creatures, sentient and not, and the flora and fauna, all with their clever names, are wonderful! And the story has a liberal sprinkling of values and lessons that everyone will recognize. The story has plenty of twists and turns, but the thing which keeps you going is your empathy and love for the characters, whom the author brings to life so well, and there are also hysterical and somewhat racy parts that add spice and laughs for adults. This is SUCH an enjoyable and page-turning story. Highly recommend it. Editrix Gal, Yonkers, NY.

This review is from: Command Influence (Paperback)

This book was fast-paced and gritty. Couldn’t put it down. I hope this author writes some more. His style is wonderfully readable and his characters come off the page and get into your head really quickly. Robbie Robinson, Los Angeles, California

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent legal fiction, December 13, 2011

It’s only good if it works. (NJ, USA) This review is from: Command Influence (Paperback)

“The press was present with cameras and pads…They looked like sharp eyed hunting dogs, ready to leap baying from their kennels on the scent of some fabulous excrement…”

Does that convey an image, or what? The author pulls no punches with this novel about two military lawyers with a sleeze for a client. Not only does he land killer blows on the press and on equally sleezy doctors, but on the workings of the military justice system and the Pentagon/Washington good ol’ boy system. 

A fantastic ending – not AT ALL what I was expecting. 

Don’t read it if you will be offended by its frank look at the darker side of humankind. 

Sledge writes with a sort of Clive Cussler, old-fashioned viewpoint on women that I can do without – the tough guy getting seduced by overly eager and gorgeous females – but hey, its his story, right? But the whole book has a spirit of playfulness and integrity that brings it up to a level that makes me glad that I read it and I recommend it without reserve.

5.0 out of 5 stars COMMAND INFLUENCE A true review -, December 9, 2011

By Carter Manierre -

This review is from: Command Influence (Paperback)

I have known LD for a good number of years, and have always held the belief that he was the possible product of an old coot and some sort of varmint (he IS a lawyer by trade you understand). I also knew that he has authored several books, but never had a hankering to read one of them because, face it, how many people actually KNOW a really GOOD author on an up-close, first-name, hang-around-with basis whose books you would actually ENJOY?

So one day, when my email traffic was thankfully low, I received a link to the first two chapters of his book COMMAND INFLUENCE, and in a moment of good old boy weakness I clicked the link and downloaded these two chapters.

I was hooked. For one thing, the offering of these two chapters was WAY too short to satisfy me, requiring that I immediately went to Amazon and ordered the book. That dang book cost me hours of sleep for several days, and my wife actually missed me as my nose was buried within.

This old coot/varmint combo can tell a tale! Lawyer stories can often be a bit dry, and most lawyers can only write intentional obfuscations loaded with “whereases” and “wherefores” and other jargon understood only within that august profession. LD has managed to spin this yarn (I have it on good authority that the tale is essentially true – or as Jack Nicholson said in SOMETHING’S GOTTA GIVE “I’ve always told you some version of the truth.”

The story picks you up, carries you along, spins you around a couple of times with a wild lurch here and there, and fires you into the air with a surprising and entertaining twist at the end. A 5 star good read for sure! Carter Harrison, Clearwater, Florida