ARC Review: King Nothing by W.S. Rutherford

What happens when our rockstars fall? When the drinking, the drugs and orgies becomes too much? When you’re done on the scene, younger artists, more hipp ones takes over and you’re pushed out in the cold? What then? 

This is the story of Rikki James, the lead singer of Rikki James’ Rock and Roll Rebellion. In the 1980’s they were IT. They ruled the stage, but something went awry, and they split up. Twenty years later and Rikki is struggling to keep up, driving from town to town for another gig, playing the old songs. One too many ratty bars, one push and shove too much and Rikki is ready to snap. So what DOES happen when a former rock star loses it?



 King Nothing is a story that gives more than what you anticipates. It also shows you the less glamorous side of being a beloved rock star. King Nothing took me by surprise and I found myself reading faster and faster, scrolling down the pages, wanting and needing to find out more about Rikki, and what happened all those years ago. Because how could it all go wrong? How could Rikki end up like that?

There is a lot about King Nothing that I liked. Did the end surprise me? Well, not really. But the epilogue sure as hell did! I like how Rikki could work a crowd, how Rutherford made me feel like I was sitting there with the band, experiencing everything; the sex, the drinking, the drugs, every fight. He made it feel so real to me, and dragged me into it. 

This isn’t a pretty story, never was meant to be, but it doesn’t have to be all glory and sparkles to work. Because King Nothing is good. Well written, grabs you in a way you didn’t expect and delivers a few surprises as well. I can’t wait to see what else will come from W.S Rutherford in the future!

During the 1980s, glam rock and hair metal ruled the music scene. It was a time of decadence, designer drugs and debauchery. Everyone involved with the scene partied like they weren’t going to make it to tomorrow, but there was one band that took it even a step farther.
Rikki James’ Rock ‘n Roll Rebellion.
Rikki James, abandoned at the age of 16 by a mother who didn’t care, to a world that cared even less, wandered the streets of Chicago until fatefully running into future manager, Steven Roberts at one of the local shelters. From there it was a whirlwind of music, sex and booze on their way to the top of the world. But, all good things must come to an end and now Rikki is forced to drive from one small town to the next to play in bars for a handful of people. However, when Rikki pulls into the parking lot of O’Brien’s Pub in Wooster, Massachusetts, it was time to put a stop to that and remind people of why Rikki James once ruled the airwaves. Because, for Rikki, it’s always been Rock ‘n Roll; til Death do us part.

I will post the buy link when the book goes live September 3!

WS Rutherford is an author who lives in central Ohio, migrated from a small town in the desert of Arizona. His love of the written word has led him to degrees in English and Communications. His obsessions include, but are not limited to: 80s hair metal, comic books, Oscar Wilde and hockey. When he’s not writing, he’s probably reading, if not reading most likely debating why Spider-Man is the superior superhero (which shouldn’t even be a debate).

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