What do you think?
Rate this book
Tex And The Gangs Of Suburbia
Tex McKenna’s junior year of high school is just as bad as his sophomore year. Maybe worse. Olivia’s dumped him. He's caught up between two warring gangs and gone “undercover” with the Modern Gangstas to unmask a murderer. All this poor Witch Boy and supernatural trouble magnet wants to do is end the school year alive. And maybe find out who the mysterious punker girl is and how she knows all his secrets.
- GenresParanormalYoung Adult
362 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 25, 2013
29 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 13, 2016
I try not to think about my high school years all that often. They just weren't the best years for me. Oh, they weren't the worst. They weren't anything like Tex's high school years. But I think most of us, unless we happened to be the smartest or the coolest or the strongest or the prettiest, had some bad memories of high school. After all, you don't really and truly know who you are at that age. You're on a journey of self-discovery (and doesn't that sound cliche). You make a lot of mistakes, do a lot of stupid things, and have to go through a lot of emotional experiences that you don't always know how to handle.
In my last review of a Tex book, Tex the Witch Boy, I called the book a "bitter pill" book. These books are books that will make you think and not about happy things. But they are books that have strong, positive, important lessons to teach. I feel fortunate that despite not being one of the "cool kids" in school, I didn't have to deal with bullying. Tex not only gets bullied from other kids at his school, but he has to deal with it from the Vice Principal as well (among other adults in the book). That's more than one kid should ever have to deal with.
In the first book, Tex has to deal with the knowledge that he is, amazingly, a witch. Not a wizard, but a witch. Geez. Can a boy catch a break? He's not only unpopular, he has to be a witch too? But he's dealing with it. He has a few close friends, fellow misfits, and he's really a pretty good kid under it all. Unfortunately, given his friends, his family, his history, and his personality, he's got a huge target on his back.
We find Tex in his junior year this time. He's been dumped by his girlfriend (Olivia from the first book...I LOVE her as a character) and he's now dealing with two rival gangs in his small suburban town.
Unlike a lot of other books with a main character surrounded by an ensemble cast, Stuart R. West does a great job of really developing each member of the supporting cast. I loved Elspeth in particular. Her spirit just really called to me, even more than Olivia (and that's saying something).
But really, what makes the Tex books great is that they feel very real. Oh there's plenty of witchcraft and spirits and fantastical happenings, but the meat of the book is Tex and how the bullying, school violence, and real life horrors affect him and his not-so-merry band. I did a little research on the author, read a few interviews, and I was horrified to learn that the bullying incidents that are included in these books were all based on actual events that happened to him and his friends. For that reason alone, I urge you to give these books a read. They may be sometimes difficult to read, but they teach valuable lessons about respect, human decency, how we adults can help our kids and how kids can survive their teenage years. If you have a teen who is struggling with bullying, read these books with them and talk about it. If you're a teacher, read these books. You'll learn a lot about the minds of your students and might just be able to prevent some of these horrors from happening.
Overall, another great, if sometimes difficult read. I'm looking forward to West's third book, Tex and the God Squad.
In my last review of a Tex book, Tex the Witch Boy, I called the book a "bitter pill" book. These books are books that will make you think and not about happy things. But they are books that have strong, positive, important lessons to teach. I feel fortunate that despite not being one of the "cool kids" in school, I didn't have to deal with bullying. Tex not only gets bullied from other kids at his school, but he has to deal with it from the Vice Principal as well (among other adults in the book). That's more than one kid should ever have to deal with.
In the first book, Tex has to deal with the knowledge that he is, amazingly, a witch. Not a wizard, but a witch. Geez. Can a boy catch a break? He's not only unpopular, he has to be a witch too? But he's dealing with it. He has a few close friends, fellow misfits, and he's really a pretty good kid under it all. Unfortunately, given his friends, his family, his history, and his personality, he's got a huge target on his back.
We find Tex in his junior year this time. He's been dumped by his girlfriend (Olivia from the first book...I LOVE her as a character) and he's now dealing with two rival gangs in his small suburban town.
Unlike a lot of other books with a main character surrounded by an ensemble cast, Stuart R. West does a great job of really developing each member of the supporting cast. I loved Elspeth in particular. Her spirit just really called to me, even more than Olivia (and that's saying something).
But really, what makes the Tex books great is that they feel very real. Oh there's plenty of witchcraft and spirits and fantastical happenings, but the meat of the book is Tex and how the bullying, school violence, and real life horrors affect him and his not-so-merry band. I did a little research on the author, read a few interviews, and I was horrified to learn that the bullying incidents that are included in these books were all based on actual events that happened to him and his friends. For that reason alone, I urge you to give these books a read. They may be sometimes difficult to read, but they teach valuable lessons about respect, human decency, how we adults can help our kids and how kids can survive their teenage years. If you have a teen who is struggling with bullying, read these books with them and talk about it. If you're a teacher, read these books. You'll learn a lot about the minds of your students and might just be able to prevent some of these horrors from happening.
Overall, another great, if sometimes difficult read. I'm looking forward to West's third book, Tex and the God Squad.
August 31, 2013
Today I am reviewing Book Two in the trilogy written by Stuart R. West about Tex, that teen witch boy from Kansas. So let's get started...and I'm gonna start by saying I have the greatest respect for those who revisit the turmoil they experienced in years gone by...you know the real stuff we somehow manage to survive by the skin of our teeth.
A lot of Stuart's stuff makes it into TEX AND THE GANGS OF SUBURBIA, and let me be perfectly honest...I grew up a bit north of Philadelphia, and I really didn't think gangs...dangerous ones, really existed in places like Kansas. I figured Kansas was pure rolling hills, country, and calm, cool, and collected. I was wrong.
This book picks up where Book One...TEX, THE WITCH BOY,....ended, only a year later. Tex is still trying to figure out what it means to be an unwitting , but predestined witch while also dealing with the "normal" angst issues that go with puberty and not being one of the "in" crowd.
Murder, portals, magic, bullying...how much should one teen boy have to deal with? Throw into that a VP determined to prove he's done something ANYTHING the VP can nail his hide to detention hall for, oh and his girlfriend has just broken up with him and he wants her back really bad. Poor Tex is really struggling to keep his magical head above water, so to speak. Add in Tex's growing number of misfit friends, including one his ex-girlfriend is flirting with entirely too much...oh and a cop who knows somehow Tex is like a magnet for bad things so is haunting his footsteps too...At least he has his car, "Bucket".
Tex and his misfits are far from perfect and yet each and every one of them is a person we find ourselves cheering on as the trouble with gangs in Suburbia escalates all around them.
Tex is not wise beyond measure. He's facing many issues we all faced...being the odd kid out...the one the others tormented...teased...picked on...terrified, but he's also facing things like seeing the crawling flesh of the bully who died last year popping up in the creepiest of places and at the most inopportune moments. Hmmm...come to think on it, IS there ever an OPPORTUNE moment for such a visit?
There's a lot going on in this book, and as a former teacher, I know how valuable this book could and would be for any teacher to incorporate in his/her lesson plans.
Therefore I easily award Stuart R. West and his TEX AND THE GANGS OF SUBURBIA,
FIVE STARS.
Mr. West, you've tackled difficult subjects in these last two books, so I have to wonder, what do you have in store for us in book three TEX AND THE GOD SQUAD?
A lot of Stuart's stuff makes it into TEX AND THE GANGS OF SUBURBIA, and let me be perfectly honest...I grew up a bit north of Philadelphia, and I really didn't think gangs...dangerous ones, really existed in places like Kansas. I figured Kansas was pure rolling hills, country, and calm, cool, and collected. I was wrong.
This book picks up where Book One...TEX, THE WITCH BOY,....ended, only a year later. Tex is still trying to figure out what it means to be an unwitting , but predestined witch while also dealing with the "normal" angst issues that go with puberty and not being one of the "in" crowd.
Murder, portals, magic, bullying...how much should one teen boy have to deal with? Throw into that a VP determined to prove he's done something ANYTHING the VP can nail his hide to detention hall for, oh and his girlfriend has just broken up with him and he wants her back really bad. Poor Tex is really struggling to keep his magical head above water, so to speak. Add in Tex's growing number of misfit friends, including one his ex-girlfriend is flirting with entirely too much...oh and a cop who knows somehow Tex is like a magnet for bad things so is haunting his footsteps too...At least he has his car, "Bucket".
Tex and his misfits are far from perfect and yet each and every one of them is a person we find ourselves cheering on as the trouble with gangs in Suburbia escalates all around them.
Tex is not wise beyond measure. He's facing many issues we all faced...being the odd kid out...the one the others tormented...teased...picked on...terrified, but he's also facing things like seeing the crawling flesh of the bully who died last year popping up in the creepiest of places and at the most inopportune moments. Hmmm...come to think on it, IS there ever an OPPORTUNE moment for such a visit?
There's a lot going on in this book, and as a former teacher, I know how valuable this book could and would be for any teacher to incorporate in his/her lesson plans.
Therefore I easily award Stuart R. West and his TEX AND THE GANGS OF SUBURBIA,
FIVE STARS.
Mr. West, you've tackled difficult subjects in these last two books, so I have to wonder, what do you have in store for us in book three TEX AND THE GOD SQUAD?
September 2, 2013
Girl troubles, gangs, murder, and spirits: just another year at Clearwell High School. Yep, the characters we met in TEX, THE WITCH BOY are back, along with some new additions to add excitement to Tex’s life.
Author Stuart R. West continues the story of Richard (Tex) McKenna in his latest YA fantasy novel TEX AND THE GANGS OF SUBURBIA. Tex, now a junior at Clearwell High School, just wants to survive the year. Like any “normal” teenage boy, he often acts before he thinks and the consequences at times can be fatal. If only he’d learn to keep his mouth shut. Instead of the peaceful year he had hoped for, he struggles to get his girlfriend Olivia, who broke up with him, back. He’s caught in the middle between two rival gang’s warfare. Elspeth, a hot new girl that isn’t exactly who she seems to be, comes into his life. And if that’s not enough to cope with, a dead boy’s spirit returns and he’s after Tex. Oh, and don’t forget another body that turns up and the suspicious cop that suspects Tex is involved in the whole mess. Now, why would he believe such a thing? In all this bedlam, Tex’s protectors try to help him out, not very successfully, I’m afraid. And I have to admit, I think they’re my favorite characters. Yes, the cats.
Will Olivia and Tex get back together? Will Elspeth take Olivia’s place? Can Tex convince the gangs to settle their differences without further killings? Can Tex send the spirit back where it belongs, or will Tex be sucked into the hole with the spirit? Wow! Never a dull moment in TEX AND THE GANGS OF SUBURBIA. If you like a fast paced adventure with good guys, bad guys and those in between, then this is the book for you. In spite of Tex’s impulsive nature and constant mistakes, he’s a character that I keep cheering on. He’s good at heart and a son any father and mother could be proud of. This would make a good addition to school classrooms and libraries to show the downside of gangs and perhaps influence young people to stay clear of trouble. That said, I’m wondering what trouble Tex will find in the next book in the series.
Happy Reading.
Author Stuart R. West continues the story of Richard (Tex) McKenna in his latest YA fantasy novel TEX AND THE GANGS OF SUBURBIA. Tex, now a junior at Clearwell High School, just wants to survive the year. Like any “normal” teenage boy, he often acts before he thinks and the consequences at times can be fatal. If only he’d learn to keep his mouth shut. Instead of the peaceful year he had hoped for, he struggles to get his girlfriend Olivia, who broke up with him, back. He’s caught in the middle between two rival gang’s warfare. Elspeth, a hot new girl that isn’t exactly who she seems to be, comes into his life. And if that’s not enough to cope with, a dead boy’s spirit returns and he’s after Tex. Oh, and don’t forget another body that turns up and the suspicious cop that suspects Tex is involved in the whole mess. Now, why would he believe such a thing? In all this bedlam, Tex’s protectors try to help him out, not very successfully, I’m afraid. And I have to admit, I think they’re my favorite characters. Yes, the cats.
Will Olivia and Tex get back together? Will Elspeth take Olivia’s place? Can Tex convince the gangs to settle their differences without further killings? Can Tex send the spirit back where it belongs, or will Tex be sucked into the hole with the spirit? Wow! Never a dull moment in TEX AND THE GANGS OF SUBURBIA. If you like a fast paced adventure with good guys, bad guys and those in between, then this is the book for you. In spite of Tex’s impulsive nature and constant mistakes, he’s a character that I keep cheering on. He’s good at heart and a son any father and mother could be proud of. This would make a good addition to school classrooms and libraries to show the downside of gangs and perhaps influence young people to stay clear of trouble. That said, I’m wondering what trouble Tex will find in the next book in the series.
Happy Reading.
July 27, 2014
I'm a Tex the Witch Boy fan. I think everybody could get a kick out of this book and I'm recommending it far more than the three stars would seem.
Here's why it didn't quite earn four stars. Too many words. The bones of the plot are good. Suburban kids taking on gangsta personas, a dead gang leader, and a highly pissed-off dead guy from hell are all entertaining features of this book.
The downside for me is that Tex spends too much time carrying on about breaking up with Olivia. Oh, don't worry. They'll get back together eventually. I know that because I read the 3rd book in the series out of order.
Maybe that's why I think the book is a little too fat with unnecessary details. I kind of already know some of the newly-introduced characters such as Elizabeth/Elspeth (two completely different girls occupying a single body).
When I first opened the book on my Kindle and saw 8437 on the location line, I groaned. To me that's about 3000 too many location markers for a contemporary YA fantasy. Hey, no world-building required! When I haven't yet read a word and I'm dreading the length of the book, then I can guarantee you the book is too long. Too many words.
Okay, that's my downside. The upside is the great characters, natural teen speak, and nicely convoluted plot. All big plusses. I do like Tex a lot. He's a worrier and a fixer. He can't just sit back and leave well enough alone, even if it means the possibility of being sucked into hell (which would not be pleasant).
So, definitely read the whole series. Read the books in order. And if you like lots of words in your books, then this one will not disappoint. Remember, 3 stars is "I liked it," not "I should have used it as kindling."
Here's why it didn't quite earn four stars. Too many words. The bones of the plot are good. Suburban kids taking on gangsta personas, a dead gang leader, and a highly pissed-off dead guy from hell are all entertaining features of this book.
The downside for me is that Tex spends too much time carrying on about breaking up with Olivia. Oh, don't worry. They'll get back together eventually. I know that because I read the 3rd book in the series out of order.
Maybe that's why I think the book is a little too fat with unnecessary details. I kind of already know some of the newly-introduced characters such as Elizabeth/Elspeth (two completely different girls occupying a single body).
When I first opened the book on my Kindle and saw 8437 on the location line, I groaned. To me that's about 3000 too many location markers for a contemporary YA fantasy. Hey, no world-building required! When I haven't yet read a word and I'm dreading the length of the book, then I can guarantee you the book is too long. Too many words.
Okay, that's my downside. The upside is the great characters, natural teen speak, and nicely convoluted plot. All big plusses. I do like Tex a lot. He's a worrier and a fixer. He can't just sit back and leave well enough alone, even if it means the possibility of being sucked into hell (which would not be pleasant).
So, definitely read the whole series. Read the books in order. And if you like lots of words in your books, then this one will not disappoint. Remember, 3 stars is "I liked it," not "I should have used it as kindling."
July 24, 2014
One... Two... Three Little Things!
One thing you can always count on when you read something by Stuart R. West is a good laugh. He has such a firm grasp on the awkwardness and life-or-death embarrassments of being a teenager in high school. I know what I'm talking about. As a teacher I have been laughing at teenage troubles for 31 years now. Tex, Olivia, Elspeth, and the gang are so realistic that I could name the kids in real life they correspond to... well, except maybe for the witch thing... and the ghost thing... and the opening the gateway to Hell thing... Oy! Two things you can always count on when you read something by Stuart is a good laugh and some utterly creepy and scary supernatural hoodoo. Yes, ghosts in the boys' restroom... undead possession of teenage female souls... sleep spells that can save your life and electrical spells that can blow out the lights in the whole city... there's a real creep-a-thon going on here. And there's a little thing about an unsolved murder... Oy! Oy! Oy! Okay, Three things you can always count on when you read something by Stuart...! Yeah, there's the whodunit factor too. I used to be pretty clever at reading Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie... I knew the solution to the mystery nine times out of... well, a thousand. But Stuart always fools me. I didn't get this one, and I'm betting you won't either. So... now, wait a minute! Is it four things? Five? I'm going math-challenged here! Anyway, if you know anything about good books, you will like this book, second installment in the trilogy, at least as much as I did.
One thing you can always count on when you read something by Stuart R. West is a good laugh. He has such a firm grasp on the awkwardness and life-or-death embarrassments of being a teenager in high school. I know what I'm talking about. As a teacher I have been laughing at teenage troubles for 31 years now. Tex, Olivia, Elspeth, and the gang are so realistic that I could name the kids in real life they correspond to... well, except maybe for the witch thing... and the ghost thing... and the opening the gateway to Hell thing... Oy! Two things you can always count on when you read something by Stuart is a good laugh and some utterly creepy and scary supernatural hoodoo. Yes, ghosts in the boys' restroom... undead possession of teenage female souls... sleep spells that can save your life and electrical spells that can blow out the lights in the whole city... there's a real creep-a-thon going on here. And there's a little thing about an unsolved murder... Oy! Oy! Oy! Okay, Three things you can always count on when you read something by Stuart...! Yeah, there's the whodunit factor too. I used to be pretty clever at reading Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie... I knew the solution to the mystery nine times out of... well, a thousand. But Stuart always fools me. I didn't get this one, and I'm betting you won't either. So... now, wait a minute! Is it four things? Five? I'm going math-challenged here! Anyway, if you know anything about good books, you will like this book, second installment in the trilogy, at least as much as I did.
September 11, 2014
Tex, the Witch Boy is back, and once more, the bodies are dropping like flies. This time, it's not the bullies that are dying en masse, but suburban gangstas. And once more, Tex is drawn into the middle of everything.
Things were starting to look up for Tex in the end of the previous book. That apparently isn't Tex's lot in life. Not only does he now suffer through his recent broken heart, but he does so while watching his father's happy romance blossoming.
But let's get back to the gangstas, as that's where the real story lies. Although Tex wants nothing to do with the situation, he doesn't want anyone else to die needlessly. So of course he charges right into the thick of it, trying to bring off an impossible truce between two rival, violent gangs, while simultaneously fighting off an angry ghost. And worst of all, his ex seems interested in another guy. It all works out in the end. Mostly.
If you've read any of the other Tex books (or Elspeth), you know what to expect: Likable characters, a good mystery, and quite a few laughs. If you haven't read any of the other Tex books (or Elspeth), well, now you know, too.
I'm having fun working my way through the Tex series. My only complaint about this book is that there's only one more after it. Stuart, if you're reading this, please get to work on another Tex book.
Things were starting to look up for Tex in the end of the previous book. That apparently isn't Tex's lot in life. Not only does he now suffer through his recent broken heart, but he does so while watching his father's happy romance blossoming.
But let's get back to the gangstas, as that's where the real story lies. Although Tex wants nothing to do with the situation, he doesn't want anyone else to die needlessly. So of course he charges right into the thick of it, trying to bring off an impossible truce between two rival, violent gangs, while simultaneously fighting off an angry ghost. And worst of all, his ex seems interested in another guy. It all works out in the end. Mostly.
If you've read any of the other Tex books (or Elspeth), you know what to expect: Likable characters, a good mystery, and quite a few laughs. If you haven't read any of the other Tex books (or Elspeth), well, now you know, too.
I'm having fun working my way through the Tex series. My only complaint about this book is that there's only one more after it. Stuart, if you're reading this, please get to work on another Tex book.
April 21, 2015
Tex is back again. I think he has this magnetic pull to anything dangerous. We start out with Olivia and Tex no more. I'm really sad about that. I really loved them as a couple. He's dealing or more like mourning the fact that they can't be together anymore. Even tries a love spell that hilariously backfires.
Where there's humor, there is also Danger. I think Tex should grow up and be a detective. The mystery starts as to who did it? I had quite a few suspects. Now I just gotta say these "gangstas" need to pick some names better. I mean coo-coo? What?!
A lot of new characters were introduced in this book. I really liked all of them. Especially, Elspeth. She was pretty awesome. I hope we get to see her again. In the next book? Maybe?
I'm really into Stuart's writing. He has an amazing talent and a way to use real topics in a story. I don't like gangs either and I don't even really understand them.
I was happy with the ending Tex + Olivia forever. Stuart's Tex Series are so perfect for the Young Adult crowd. Amazing stories with a lesson to be learned....Lissa
http://www.boundlessbookreviews.com
https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
Where there's humor, there is also Danger. I think Tex should grow up and be a detective. The mystery starts as to who did it? I had quite a few suspects. Now I just gotta say these "gangstas" need to pick some names better. I mean coo-coo? What?!
A lot of new characters were introduced in this book. I really liked all of them. Especially, Elspeth. She was pretty awesome. I hope we get to see her again. In the next book? Maybe?
I'm really into Stuart's writing. He has an amazing talent and a way to use real topics in a story. I don't like gangs either and I don't even really understand them.
I was happy with the ending Tex + Olivia forever. Stuart's Tex Series are so perfect for the Young Adult crowd. Amazing stories with a lesson to be learned....Lissa
http://www.boundlessbookreviews.com
https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
December 15, 2013
I really enjoyed the first book in this series and the tough issues it took on in the form of teen bullying. Book #2 doesn't disappoint, this time tackling school violence with a frightening level of accuracy. Throw in a bit of fun, some great characters that are realistic and completely identifiable, and a whole ton of stuff going on, and this book was difficult to put down. West has a serious knack for depicting a high school environment that's so real I swear I can smell the cafeteria and see the hallways. He's a talented author, and his books have a great balance of funny and serious (I definitely shouldn't leave out the funny--holy crud were there times I was laughing so hard!). I didn't see the ending coming at all, and loved the twist. Overall, this is a great series by a talented author and I definitely recommend checking it out!
November 20, 2013
When I read Tex the Witch Boy, I did so a little reluctantly because I thought it'd be just another ho hum teen novel. Boy was I surprised to discover I couldn't put it down. It was well written,suspenseful, and a great story about real bullying. So I had to go on to number two of the series. But I figured there was no way Stuart West could possibly follow up the original Tex novel with the same intensity. Well, quite honestly, he didn't quite make it, but instead he wrote one of the most hilarious, roll over laughing books I've read in a long time. It's funny like Diary of a Wimpy kid funny, but with a real message behind it. The reveal was heartbreaking, teaching a lesson I hope no teen has to learn. At any rate, I'm so looking forward to the third of the series!
June 12, 2014
I read the first book in this series and loved it. Picking up Gangs of Suburbia and slipping into its pages felt like hanging out with old friends. Granted, these friends have lots of paranormal (as well as real-life) trouble flung their way, but it was still a heck of a lot of fun to see them again. The new characters were just as endearing (or scary, as the case may be) as the old. And man, that ending...wow! I totally did not see that coming. Looking forward to book 3.
February 24, 2015
Once again the plot explores bullies, friendships, paranormal, witchcraft, suspense, and just a touch of romance. I really enjoyed the second half of this story. Olivia and Elsbeth are strong, well written characters. Mickey is another favourite. Tex needs a good kick in the butt at times.
The mystery had me guessing, right up to the end, and well, I was wrong. Next. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. Bring on Tex and the God Squad!
The mystery had me guessing, right up to the end, and well, I was wrong. Next. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. Bring on Tex and the God Squad!
January 15, 2014
Book 2 in this series finds our hero, Tex, involved in another murder mystery which I found engaging.
Issues of gangs and more tidbits about Tex's introduction into the witch world are covered in this story as well.
In general, I loved hanging out with Tex and his buddies.
Issues of gangs and more tidbits about Tex's introduction into the witch world are covered in this story as well.
In general, I loved hanging out with Tex and his buddies.
Read
February 14, 2016**5 Stars** Review up on Boundless Book Reviews.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews