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King
Deon "King" Toure was born in Linden, Guyana in 1979. Subsequent to his father's troubles spilling over into their home-life, he and his mother migrated to the United States when Deon was only six years old. For the two immigrants, making a living in Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn was not an easy task. Suhati, his mother, worked extremely hard trying to sustain a stable lifestyle and shield Deon from all the negativity that surrounded them. After an altercation Deon got into with a bully at school he befriended a neighborhood hustler by the name of Jayson "Jay-Roc" Washington. Jay-Roc familiarized Deon with the street-life and schooled him on the necessary skills needed to survive in the concrete jungle. He taught him that fear equals control and Deon soon adapted to his environment like a chameleon. It didn't take long before Deon became immersed in the exact same lifestyle his mother once tried to shelter him from. He was taking steps in the same shoes his father had previously walked in, down that similar extended road to danger and he was too blind to realize it. When he finally opens his eyes to what life is really about, is it too late? KING is a grimy, heart felt, street tale of lust, envy, and hate. When the pressure is applied, only the strong will subsist and everything done in the shadows will come to light. Love is blind, karma is real, and vengeance is the sweetest joy. How long will it take Deon to learn that jealousy destroys from within? Brace yourself for the ride of your life. He who embraces the crown is considered KING!
- GenresUrban
244 pages, Paperback
First published April 5, 2011
10 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Tremayne Johnson
20 books65 followersTremayne Johnson contrives a vividly, detailed canvas out of words that literally spring off the pages at you. Descriptive scenes, clever plot formation and intoxicating story lines are sure to keep the reader enthralled. Some of his favorites are Donald Goines, Chester Himes and James Patterson. To date, he is the author of 11 Bestselling novels, the owner and founder of King Publishing Group, and co-owner of The Buzz Magazine. For more info on Tremayne and to get free books visit www.tremaynej.com
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 9, 2011
Not Quite Ready for a Crown
Born in Guyana and the son of a general in the Guyanese militia, morals and principles were instilled in Deon Toure at a young age. Little did Deon know he would have to rely heavily upon those as his life was suddenly flipped upside down when he and his mother were forced to move to the United States.
New land, new rules, Deon must learn to quickly adapt. And adapt he does. Pretty soon it’s his land, his rules and he’s the king. But all kingdoms are subject to crumble…
“King” starts off interesting as it details young Deon’s move to the states with his mother and the difficulties he faces not only as being different with his looks and accent, but also the basic growing pains any youth may face coming into their own. Adding to an already stressful situation are the financial struggles his mother faces as a single mother. I enjoyed this developmental part of the story. Deon eventually turns to the streets. While the story may begin for some at this point, this is where my interest started to wane. A unique tale quickly morphs into a typical tale of drug dealing, fast cars, beautiful chicks, long money, designer labels and haters. Couple that with the cliché and trite - references to the movie Scarface, the game of chess, and of course, a Jewish lawyer.
Overall, “King” is a mildly entertaining read. It’s a story that’s been told so many times before. The only thing that makes this story unique is its beginning, which soon fades. I do also appreciate the twists and ultimate message (and even that was predictable), but it’s not enough to pull this read above mediocre and typical. There are editing issues that seem to multiply as the book progresses.
With an industry drowning in poor quality, I urge the author to make a “strategic move” (see Author’s Note) to distance himself from the rest by narrowing in on a unique voice. Otherwise, he’ll just be another voice in an overcrowded chorus. Also, seek a qualified editor.
Reviewed by: Toni
Born in Guyana and the son of a general in the Guyanese militia, morals and principles were instilled in Deon Toure at a young age. Little did Deon know he would have to rely heavily upon those as his life was suddenly flipped upside down when he and his mother were forced to move to the United States.
New land, new rules, Deon must learn to quickly adapt. And adapt he does. Pretty soon it’s his land, his rules and he’s the king. But all kingdoms are subject to crumble…
“King” starts off interesting as it details young Deon’s move to the states with his mother and the difficulties he faces not only as being different with his looks and accent, but also the basic growing pains any youth may face coming into their own. Adding to an already stressful situation are the financial struggles his mother faces as a single mother. I enjoyed this developmental part of the story. Deon eventually turns to the streets. While the story may begin for some at this point, this is where my interest started to wane. A unique tale quickly morphs into a typical tale of drug dealing, fast cars, beautiful chicks, long money, designer labels and haters. Couple that with the cliché and trite - references to the movie Scarface, the game of chess, and of course, a Jewish lawyer.
Overall, “King” is a mildly entertaining read. It’s a story that’s been told so many times before. The only thing that makes this story unique is its beginning, which soon fades. I do also appreciate the twists and ultimate message (and even that was predictable), but it’s not enough to pull this read above mediocre and typical. There are editing issues that seem to multiply as the book progresses.
With an industry drowning in poor quality, I urge the author to make a “strategic move” (see Author’s Note) to distance himself from the rest by narrowing in on a unique voice. Otherwise, he’ll just be another voice in an overcrowded chorus. Also, seek a qualified editor.
Reviewed by: Toni
July 25, 2011
King" is the sophomore literary effort from Tremayne Johnson. "King" tells the story of Deon " King" Toure born in Guyana and because of his father's illegal lifestyle and just wanting to start fresh, his mother migrates to the United States for a better life.
As a single mother living in Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn Deon's mother is doing her best to make ends meet, and often times falling short. Which often makes Deon the subject of ridicule from his peers and especially the school bully, Butch.
After one of the many run-ins with Butch, he meets Jay-Roc whom takes him under his wing and from there the two form an inseparable bond until one incident that changes their life forever.
As years pass the duo are dominant force in the drug game and they are highs and lows but the two remain true to one another.
King tells the all so familiar tale of the good, bad and often ugly side of the drug dealers but unlike some stories that often only highlight the good, the author takes you into the underground world of this lifestyle where loyalty is a must.
What I enjoyed about this book was the message of karma and that it is truly real, the author told a vivid story of how fast things can go from great to horrible in no time. Friends can become foes, while some people's actions are strategically made like a game of chess.
Tremayne Johnson displayed creativity with his storyline as well as the capability to keep you reading due to the drama he carefully wove within the 223 pages.
As someone who is familiar with Johnson's writing style it was refreshing to see the authors obvious writing growth, which was a good thing as well making it delight to read "King".
Readers and fans of street lit will definitely enjoy this book as I did.
Reviewed by Kisha Green for Writer's Vibe
As a single mother living in Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn Deon's mother is doing her best to make ends meet, and often times falling short. Which often makes Deon the subject of ridicule from his peers and especially the school bully, Butch.
After one of the many run-ins with Butch, he meets Jay-Roc whom takes him under his wing and from there the two form an inseparable bond until one incident that changes their life forever.
As years pass the duo are dominant force in the drug game and they are highs and lows but the two remain true to one another.
King tells the all so familiar tale of the good, bad and often ugly side of the drug dealers but unlike some stories that often only highlight the good, the author takes you into the underground world of this lifestyle where loyalty is a must.
What I enjoyed about this book was the message of karma and that it is truly real, the author told a vivid story of how fast things can go from great to horrible in no time. Friends can become foes, while some people's actions are strategically made like a game of chess.
Tremayne Johnson displayed creativity with his storyline as well as the capability to keep you reading due to the drama he carefully wove within the 223 pages.
As someone who is familiar with Johnson's writing style it was refreshing to see the authors obvious writing growth, which was a good thing as well making it delight to read "King".
Readers and fans of street lit will definitely enjoy this book as I did.
Reviewed by Kisha Green for Writer's Vibe
July 30, 2012
Deon was born in Guyana. He learns the rules of survival at a very young age. But after a tragic turn of events, he and his mother are forced to flee to America and he's forced to put those rules to the test. Quickly changing to fit into his new surroundings, Deon finds himself rising to the top of the game. With the crown on his head and the money steadily flowing in, Deon feels like he's finally become king. But he forgot rule number 1...trust no one.
King was a very fast paced and enjoyable read. The storyline flowed well and the characters were believable. I love the fact that we got to see Deon grow from a young boy into a man. The twists and turns throughout the book were great. Can't wait for part 2! 5 Stars.
King was a very fast paced and enjoyable read. The storyline flowed well and the characters were believable. I love the fact that we got to see Deon grow from a young boy into a man. The twists and turns throughout the book were great. Can't wait for part 2! 5 Stars.
May 8, 2014
AWESOME!!!!!
This book was so good that I had to 're read it again I don't know if it will be a book 2 but I hope so, Butch was nothing but a scary dude that got King from behind. Tremayne love your book Lee up the good work.
This book was so good that I had to 're read it again I don't know if it will be a book 2 but I hope so, Butch was nothing but a scary dude that got King from behind. Tremayne love your book Lee up the good work.
August 10, 2013
I enjoyed this book and I feel that the story was very real and could quite well be true, but I also wish the language was a little less cheezy, unless of course if thats really how drug kings talk...Very true to fact though on just how quick things go from good to bad.
July 14, 2014
The twist and turns surrounding the drama following Deon was great. The whole thing with the baby was sad and as foul as ever. I hate the way it ended but in truth it was really how it was supposed to end. Surprisingly great read.
December 29, 2011
Loved it!
September 14, 2013
One of my very first books by this author & I loved it every step of the way.
May 2, 2012
I fell in LOVE with King
April 14, 2013
This was a first time author fore and I enjoyed it so much that I bought the sequel which I'm sure will be just and great.
September 23, 2013
Great Read! So many unexpected twist & turns! Excellent Book!
February 13, 2013
loved every bit of it!!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews