My perception of the books written by Don Winslow has been that they are the kind of books my husband loves: full of action, violence, drugs, sex, and maybe even some rock ‘n roll, but I could be wrong about that…in any case, I hadn’t read any of them, although I had started both The Cartel and The Power of the Dog. When William Morrow and Netgalley offered the opportunity to read the latest, City of Dreams, in exchange for an honest review, I was READY!
Then when I read about it and realized it was the SECOND in a projected trilogy that began with City On Fire, I decided I should start with that book, so I bought it and settled in. And holy crap, I nearly gave up. I read about 10% but felt I was lost and overwhelmed – there were SO MANY characters, I kept getting confused. I decided to go back to the beginning and settle in to a book that was obviously not going to be one of those blaze-through-it-in-a-day novels. I mean, I had already recommended them to my husband – after all, the phrase “The Godfather for our generation” is a pretty strong selling point.
First off, I DID read both City books. And I liked City of Dreams MUCH more than City On Fire. Frankly, I think I would have liked Dreams just as much if I’d read it as a standalone. Winslow does a GREAT job bringing the reader up to speed, summarizing the Providence, RI-based war between the two organized crime factions (Irish and Italians), briefly telling us who all died in the frenzy, and introducing the primary characters who are the focus of book #2.
Kind-of-a-spoiler coming: the war that broke out in Providence ended (or did it?) with the Irish on the losing side, and Danny Ryan going on the run to escape the wrath of the Italians. He is being chased by the cops and the FBI in addition to The Mafia. If that isn’t bad enough, Danny’s wife has just lost her battle with breast cancer, he has a toddler-age son, his elderly father is showing signs of dementia, and he isn’t sure who (if anyone) he can trust.
He lands in California and, after a transition period in San Diego, finds himself in Hollywood, where a major studio is making a “gangster film” based on the war in Providence.
Danny visits the set and soon falls in love with a beautiful, troubled movie star. What could possibly go wrong? It’s a gangster story, a family saga, and a thriller all in one. I liked it a lot. Four BIG stars and I am hoping book #3 in the trilogy is more like City Of Dreams than City On Fire.

In this, the second book in his The City trilogy, Don Winslow picks up right where City on Fire ended and continues the saga of East Coast rival crime families. I'm happy to report that this book is every bit as good as the first, City on Fire.

The war between the Moretti and Murphy crime families is mostly over, The body count was high and now soldier Danny Ryan has risen to lead the remains of the Murphy gang. Escaping Rhode Island in the middle of the night, Danny and his remaining crew head for California, hoping to start their lives anew and maybe leave their gangster life behind. Unfortunately, the Moretti family and the Feds have other plans. Thinking Danny still has some heroin left from a heist that went wrong, Peter Moretti sends soldiers after him, and the Feds, well, they have plans for Danny that is both risky and lucrative.

City on Fire was the first Don Winslow book I read and I found it so engrossing, the characters so vivid, and the atmosphere so gritty, that I was hooked. I kept thinking of the movie Goodfellas as I followed Danny and his crew around Providence, Rhode Island. This book is equally as good and even though they are now in California and trying to go legit, I just knew the temptation would be there to revert to their former selves. And I was right! City of Dreams can be read as a standalone--enough backstory is given to understand the situations the characters face--but I recommend reading City on Fire first, just because it's an excellent read. Now I can't wait for the final book, City in Ruins, to come out.

Thank you, NetGalley and William Morrow for an advance copy for review. The publication date is April 18, 2023.

I had never read a Don Winslow book until I read the first book in this series, City on Fire. The second book City of Dreams continues right from where the first book ended. I was drawn into the story and all the cast of characters. This really is the Danny Ryan series and it has been great with so many twists and turns. I look forward to the final book on the trilogy. These are great books and I highly recommend them!

I would like to thank NetGalley and Mira for the ARC Of City of Dreams

In the second book of Don Winslow's Danny Ryan series, we find Danny Ryan on the run, escaping everything that went down in Providence between the Irish and Italian mob families. He and his loyal crew make for the sunny shores of California--with Danny's elderly father, Marty, and young son, Ian, in tow. Before they know it, they are drawn into the world of Hollywood, and Danny finds himself in love with a famous actress playing a role in a movie based on his Dogtown experiences.

I fell in love with Don Winslow's books last year and adored the first book in this series, CITY ON FIRE. The second one was not quite what I was expecting, but it was certainly an interesting and fascinating read. While FIRE delved deep into the nuances of the mob world and Danny's ties to Dogtown, this novel meanders a bit, spending a lot of time in Hollywood and Las Vegas, as Danny attempts to start a new life, but cannot quite break free from his past. Central to this is the fact that two of his crew, Sean and Kevin, aka "the Altar Boys" stumble upon the fact that there is a movie being made based on the Italian and Irish mob families of Rhode Island--there's even someone playing Danny! As Sean and Kevin become move involved on set, eventually Danny must be as well, and soon he's dating an actress and splashed all over the papers. Not exactly the reclusive Danny Ryan we are used to!

This is a typical Winslow tome filled with a ton of characters--we still hear from a bunch of folks in Rhode Island--but the main focus is, of course, Danny and his new start. There's less focus on the intricacies of the mob world, but plenty of violence and gritty crime. We also learn a lot about the movie business and get more glimpses into the life of Danny's estranged mother. I felt the story bounced around a lot--both character-wise and plot-wise--but I stayed enthralled. Winslow is such a great storyteller, bringing to life his detailed worlds so well. Plus, watching Danny struggle with his conscience (how much does he want, or not want, to remain a part of the world he left behind) and grapple with exactly what he would do to hold his family (both real and crew) together is fascinating and extremely well-done. At his heart, he's a father, a son, and the leader of his crew.

There's excerpt at the end of DREAMS from the third book, and I cannot wait to read it. I also need to continue catching up on my Don Winslow backlist!

City of Dreams by Don Winslow- Scorching sequel to City on Fire finds Danny Ryan running from an all out gangland crime war on the East Coast. He's on the run with his infant son and his elderly father and everyone is out to get him. He heads west and scrambles around until he lands in Hollywood. Things seem to settle down, but he's always on the alert. Back East, they won't forget about him, neither will the FBI. He walks a tightrope waiting for the ax to fall. Winslow is so good at this kind of set-up and action. It's breathtaking to watch him work it! Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!

If you like Don WInslow's writing you'll enjoy this. A follow-up to the first book in the Danny Ryan trilogy, this book focuses on his new life in San Diego after escaping from the dissolution of the Providence mob. This book focuses on his life as a single dad and his entry into the movie industry (and it's underworld). Plenty of excitement and action, and I already can't wait for book 3!

City of Dreams, Book of Don Winslow,
A former investigator, anti-terrorist trainer, and trial consultant.
My first ever read of mafia mobsters, cartels, drugs etc. Interesting to read about mobsters and how
They operate amongst themselves. Family, enemies, staying low but trying to make a living, either by
Illegal actions or honest work. Danny’s dream is to have freedom from family traditions. That is his dream, and California might be the answer.
Danny and his few surviving crew members are on the run and laying low.
The Mafia and the FBI want him dead or in prison. In the process there are killings, cold-blooded murders by members of the crime families. Danny escapes from certain death by dangerous mobsters.
Ian runs with his little boy, his old father, and his crew members. He makes the run to California to start a new life.
Getting help from an unexpected sleeve, by doing a favor for the FBI, Danny can look forward to his dreams with hope.
Money, enemies, play part of this saga that is so well written that the reader can imagine living with
These characters.
Story of love and life, family, children abandonment and forgiveness. Dreams of better life, hurt,
Greed and love, all of that delves around Danny’s world. Including the fame of Hollywood success.
His relationship with his mother has developed into a positive one.
Danny wants to start a new life in California, for his son, Ian.
Winslow pictures these real characters so well that I can see them in my mind.
City of Dreams is an interesting portrayal of family, love, revenge, survival, and incredible reality behind a dream.

Danny Ryan is on the run after losing the East Coast crime war. Following his dream of living in California, Danny and his team head to San Diego. Staying off the Italian mob's radar and off the books of legitimate employment is harder than it looks. Once again there are many characters to keep track of, but the story moves along at a brisk and riveting pace throughout the entire book. The peek behind the curtain to how Hollywood really functions didn't surprise me, but it was very intriguing. Deeper character development of Danny and those around him make this book my favorite so far in the series! I'm looking forward to reading more of Danny's adventures on the way to a better life for him and his son.

CITY OF DREAMS by author Don Winslow is the 2nd book in the “Danny Ryan” series that continues the story of the life of the young Irish father and husband, who is a member of an Irish mob family, and who is running for his life in the aftermath of the conclusion of the first novel in the series “CITY ON FIRE”, (which I’d highly recommend).

Danny leaves Providence RI, the only city he’s ever known to hide out until it’s safe for his family and crew members to show up in public again after accomplishing what they set off to do, but at the cost of the safety and security of all involved in the heist successfully pulled off.

Facing the serious pressure of looking out for both his young son and his father who’s health is rapidly declining, he must do so while trying to keep a tight lid on his crew, which would be difficult under any circumstances let alone what else he’s dealing with, also making it impossible to grieve the loss he’s recently experienced.

Madeleine is Danny’s mother, a former showgirl who has successfully gained financial and political strength by making the right decisions and connections along the way, and who now would like to come to the aid of her son and grandson in their time of need, as she’s kept up on their lives from afar due to Danny’s refusal to forgive her for the abandonment of him after his birth.

Realizing the need to accept her offer of assistance, he agrees to leave his young son Ian in her care while he takes measures to ensure the safety of he and his crew.

Danny soon learns that his mother has almost unlimited influence in all areas, and eventually warms to her as both mother and benefactor, and she protects him against all enemies which allows him to decide what he wants to make of himself, and where his future should lie.

Soon the transformation of Danny from mob underling to a successful businessman dating a beautiful celebrity takes place, much to the amazement of all who’ve known him in the past, but also to those who view him as an enemy from the past.

Does Danny have the resolve to stay the course and avoid unwanted attention in the spotlight that could mean disaster for him and everyone around him, or will the temptation of his new love and lifestyle prove too difficult to let go of for the good of all who rely on his decisions?

Excellent second novel in the series that made me go back and read the first book in the series again, this is another fine mob novel by the author that makes a strong main character someone you hope will survive and succeed, in spite of some of the horrible things he’s done in in the past.

Highly recommended to all who enjoy a great mob story as only author Winslow can write.

5 stars.

This book checks all the boxes and then some
Non stop intensity, thrills betrayals, greed, grit and with writing as sharp and insightful as a razor blade.

I literally stayed up all night reading, I was literally spellbound, a real page turner full of exciting plot twists
Winslow is a master storyteller, with a knack of bringing characters to life . . .
City Of Dreams 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Rating
Highly recommend

I would like to thank NetGalley and Mira for the ARC Of City of Dreams

This is a brilliant book, at least as good as the first entry in he series, City on Fire. It promises great things for the third book to come, likely to supplant The Godfather as the mob saga of the century (20th AND 21st), And its plot and characters are based on Virgil's Aeneid to boot.... without seeming forced and academic at all. Very very different from Winslow's previous bloody cartel thrillers. This is a writer who can do more than conventional airport reads.

Kindle Copy for Review from Net Galley, William Morrow and Killer Crime Club.

I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.

Our widower moves to a new town with his child. A fresh start with bigger fishes to grow his empire. But the path to power is not so simple undertaking.

Our mob boss is in Hollywood and finds himself in the midst of the dirty side of the film industry. Trying to help a friend escape the dark, he’ll get himself into another seedy world.
A thrilling ride in this riveting read.

The adventures if Danny Ryan continues in this book, the second in the series. Danny is on thd run with his son and father. Fast paced and well written.
3.5 out of 5 ⭐️

The short review here is that if you liked the first book, you'll like this.

Longer: So yeah, of course this is a direct sequel, and it takes things in some surprisingly different directions after the effective dissolution of Providence's Irish mob in the '80s. Danny and his few surviving crew members are on the run and laying low, and the first half of this book's largely focused on the efforts they make to stay off the radar of the FBI, the Mexican cartel, and the Italian mob. Meanwhile, we see the ongoing saga of the mobsters back home (including some surprising twists and at least one character death that felt like it hit way before her arc).

The story here runs for years, and eventually, Danny and his crew find themselves both no longer on the run (from the FBI, at least), and also in Hollywood, getting caught up in a movie based on their own history. Winslow avoids lazy satire here, and gives us some gut-wrenching moments at this part of things, too. I could see someone who just wanted more of a mob war for a city maybe being a bit disappointed here, but Winslow is aiming for something more epic, and that's what we get here. It's absolutely the middle book in the trilogy -- don't expect resolution yet -- but it sets up Danny's final chapter quite nicely.

Don Winslow beautifully expands his hauntingly dark crime saga with a bolstering thriller that packs all sorts of punches. You’re going to need a strong stomach to tackle this one. 
City of Dreams picks up where City on Fire ended, with our protagonist Danny Ryan on the run from the mafia and the cops after a heist gone wrong. Negotiating a truce between him and all those after him for the sake of protecting his young son, he tries to go legit in the world of Hollywood. But that’s the funny thing about crime, once it settles its hooks in, it follows you around. Soon, Danny finds himself in love again, up against new foes, and facing new challenges that define a new era in his life of pain and chaos. 
Winslow writes his characters with a heavy hand of suffering and flaws that stand out and reflect both the best and worst of humanity. His descriptions have a magical quality to them as every chapter comes to life in vivid brushstrokes  of emotions that resonate with readers. You genuinely start to feel for the characters as Winslow puts them through the worst situations possible, making you root for them instinctively with a stake in finding out what happens to them. City of Dreams is more of a character- driven narrative that progresses by emphasizing Ryan’s transformative journey into a man we’ve only seen glimpses of until now. 
What Don Winslow has so masterfully done is differentiating City of Dreams from City on Fire in terms of tone, setting, and characters while maintaining the vibrancy of intense writing that is trademark of a genuine Winslow. One can only wonder what punches his last ever thriller will pack after this marvelous read.  


Full review on https://www.bestthrillerbooks.com/kashif-hussain

Absolutely love this series and can't wait for the next one. It's a joy to be back in Danny Ryan's world...for me, probably not for him.

Enjoy Mr. Winslow while we have him. I hope City in Ruins is not his last, but it seems he's retired.

I don't know if anyone official is going to read this review and I've never pointed out a continuity error before, but here goes:

When Chris Palumbo is in Nebraska and meets Laura, he introduces himself as "Joe." A few lines later Laura addresses him as Chris,

Later in the book, Laura addresses his as Joe. I don't recall Chris ever telling Laura his real name, so her calling him Chris may be a continuity error.

Don Winslow is among the most American of today's novelists. In narrative, in voice, in syntax, and in language he spins poetry from the dross and horror of contemporary American life. Almost no one else does it anywhere near as well. Absolutely no one else does it better.

CITY OF DREAMS is a top-tier Winslow novel. Except for the last twenty pages or so. I have to admit the deus ex machina ending was disappointing. I was just starting to wonder how Winslow would ever bring a resolution to the vast number of story lines and conflicts among characters when it seemed like he started wondering the same thing. Suddenly, he appeared to get bored with trying to figure something out and wrapped the whole sprawling narrative up in a fast welter of inexplicable coincidences and implausible occurrences, some of which made little or no sense.

But I quibble. I would never have the temerity to give any novel by Don Winslow less than five stars. Forget the last twenty pages. He's still a national literary treasure.

City of Dreams is a superb story of resolve, renewal, and remorse. Don Winslow utilizes all of his storytelling genius, leading his readers across the country from the dying embers and smoldering ashes of a mob war to the bright lights and glitter of Hollywood where the allure and intoxication of fame, fortune, and fornication are impossible to ignore.

They say ‘a bad day in LA is better than a good day anywhere else’. Danny Ryan and what’s left of his crew might have some thoughts about such sentiment. After the catastrophic ending to City on Fire, we find Ryan doing his best to escape Rhode Island with his remaining family and friends. With no destination in mind for his pack of refugees, he heads west, doing his best to keep them off the radar of both the federal authorities and the Italian mob.

Despite keeping his head down and nose clean in an effort to provide a safe life for his son, you can’t outrun your past forever. When the feds finally track him down, they make him an offer he can’t refuse. Do something for them, they’ll make sure his troubles with the FBI go away… if he survives. With no real choice in the matter, Danny does what he does best.

While Danny and his crew are participating in real life violence, a fictionalized account of the war they just survived is making its way to the big screen. When word gets out that there are folks trying to make money based on their lives, the crew finds itself in the movie business and with a whole new set of enemies and enigmas to deal with. The consequences of Danny’s decision are colossal and catastrophic.

City of Dreams is a wonderful bridge between the sensational start and the explosive ending of what will be an iconic trilogy. There is more emphasis on the emotional turmoil than the physical in this one, but there is still plenty of action for those craving it. The explanation and exploration of the psychological components is necessary to set up what is sure to be a thrilling finale that will go full tilt from the opening page. I cannot wait to see what Winslow has in store for us next.

Following up the City of Fire with City of Dreams. An epic story reminiscent of Godfather movies.

If you have been paying attention, Winslow is the author of the Trilogy, The Power of the Dog, The Cartel, and The Border. Which pretty much tells you everything you need to know about the Mexican drug cartel.

Now we are back in Providence with Danny Ryan and the mob. The Italians and the Irish. Always fighting for power and money. But things have gone sideways for Danny and his little group of guys and now he is on the run from everyone. The mob, the family, the feds, and the Mexican family.

Tired of running and wanting to make a home for his son, he heads to California. Leaving Ian with his mom in Las Vegas. I think anyone would be safe with his mother! But Danny gets into the movie business and falls for an actress. But what comes with dating an actress? Paparazzi.

It isn’t long before he has the mob on his trail as well as the drug guys, the good feds, and one that is just looking for payback. Danny will need to decide what his freedom is worth before this city of dreams turns into a nightmare.

It is no secret I am a big fan of this author. If he is anywhere near my city on tour, I will be there. He has a style of writing that makes the pages skip by and keeps me hanging on until I either fall asleep or finish the book. Now I must wait for the third one. I will wait.

NetGalley April 18, 2023, William Morrow

Don Winslow is one of the best. Having read many of his novels, I was not aware that City of Dreams was part of a trilogy. I am eagerly awaiting, City in Ruins. Danny Ryan is on the run. his wife has died of breast cancer and he is responsible for his toddler son, his aging father and the remnants of his crew. He ends up in California and everyone is after him -the Italians, the FBI, not to mention DEA. If a mobster can be empathetic, Danny Ryan is (and I love his mother).