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Hood Rat #3.5
The Leak
The Leak is a complimentary short prequel story that leads into K'wan's hit novel, Welfare Wifeys. Learn how Animal got his start as a child of the streets, raised up by a man named Tech. Animal proves to be a quick study learning the game, but he's about to face the greatest test of all....
25 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 16, 2010
370 people are currently reading
1790 people want to read
About the author
K'wan
84 books1,529 followersIn 2002 K'wan hit the scene with his debut novel Gangsta, under Triple Crown Publications. It was the first novel released by the budding house and would eventually become the building block for what is now a multimillion dollar company. What started as a therapeutic release went on to become a part of urban-lit history and an Essence bestseller, as well as drawing rave reviews overseas.
After penning his second novel, Road Dawgz (2003), K'wan drew the attention of St. Martins press. The literary powerhouse quickly signed K'wan to a multi-book deal, the first of which being Street Dreams (2004). In 2008 he received the Black Author of the year award from Black Press Radio for the novella Blow.
Since his insertion into the publishing world K'wan has been featured in Vibe, Pages, King, Felon, Big News, The Library Journal, Entertainment Weekly, The New York Press, Clutch and most notably Time Magazine, to name a few. He was also interviewed by MTV News for a feature on Hip-Hop fiction, and a guest on Power 105s morning show as well as NPR (national public radio). In addition to being an accomplished author, K'wan is also a motivational speaker, mentor to at risk children and the C.E.O of Black Dawn, Inc.
K'wan currently resides in New Jersey where he is working on his next novel.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/kwan
After penning his second novel, Road Dawgz (2003), K'wan drew the attention of St. Martins press. The literary powerhouse quickly signed K'wan to a multi-book deal, the first of which being Street Dreams (2004). In 2008 he received the Black Author of the year award from Black Press Radio for the novella Blow.
Since his insertion into the publishing world K'wan has been featured in Vibe, Pages, King, Felon, Big News, The Library Journal, Entertainment Weekly, The New York Press, Clutch and most notably Time Magazine, to name a few. He was also interviewed by MTV News for a feature on Hip-Hop fiction, and a guest on Power 105s morning show as well as NPR (national public radio). In addition to being an accomplished author, K'wan is also a motivational speaker, mentor to at risk children and the C.E.O of Black Dawn, Inc.
K'wan currently resides in New Jersey where he is working on his next novel.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/kwan
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
May 10, 2020
It’s another short to hype you up for Part 4 (Welfare Wifeys) but also answer some questions you may have had about Part 3 (Section 8).
January 12, 2021
Short good page turner read!
January 4, 2014
Attention grabbing from start to finish
This is my first time reading a K'wan book and now I see what all of the great reviews and recommendations are about; this urban novel is intriguing as it acts as an autoethnographic piece about gangsta culture and the intricacies regarding social stratification and the consequences of the dismemberment of the urban family. A very quick read, and very simple writing. Loved it!
This is my first time reading a K'wan book and now I see what all of the great reviews and recommendations are about; this urban novel is intriguing as it acts as an autoethnographic piece about gangsta culture and the intricacies regarding social stratification and the consequences of the dismemberment of the urban family. A very quick read, and very simple writing. Loved it!
March 9, 2014
GOOD JOB K'WAN
GOOD JOB K'WAN
I loved the plot and how the unexpected.was to be.expected. This book reminds us to never underestimate the underdog. They always come out on top! Good job.
GOOD JOB K'WAN
I loved the plot and how the unexpected.was to be.expected. This book reminds us to never underestimate the underdog. They always come out on top! Good job.
Read
February 5, 2023It's 2023 & I STILL Can't find where physical copies of this book is! I checked Amazon where I copped practically EVERYTHING ON ANIMAL from, but came up empty.
That being said, I never read this one which makes it hard to review.
I wonder if it's anything like GHETTO BASTARD of which I loved & have multiple copies of?
I Hope K'wan will release this in some capacity perhaps in a ANIMAL COLLECTION Packaging to commemorate his most famous & well-loved character ANIMAL SINCE HE SWEARS THAT HE'S DONE with the ANIMAL Series! I HOPE SO!
That being said, I never read this one which makes it hard to review.
I wonder if it's anything like GHETTO BASTARD of which I loved & have multiple copies of?
I Hope K'wan will release this in some capacity perhaps in a ANIMAL COLLECTION Packaging to commemorate his most famous & well-loved character ANIMAL SINCE HE SWEARS THAT HE'S DONE with the ANIMAL Series! I HOPE SO!
February 29, 2020
Great prequel
This makes me want to the novel Welfare Wifeys. I really liked this story and author's writing style too. This isn't typically my genre, but I look forward to reading more by this author.
This makes me want to the novel Welfare Wifeys. I really liked this story and author's writing style too. This isn't typically my genre, but I look forward to reading more by this author.
April 7, 2020
Reminded me why I fell in love with Animal in the first place
This short story was raw and gritty, intriguing and action filled. It was great to get reacquainted with Animal's humble beginnings and I loved every minute of the ride!
This short story was raw and gritty, intriguing and action filled. It was great to get reacquainted with Animal's humble beginnings and I loved every minute of the ride!
July 27, 2020
King of all kings.
Thought it was a short read, it leaves a big impact. I know my sister gone love this book because it’s raw and straight to the point. I have it 5stars because you didn’t have to figure out who’s the boos.
Thought it was a short read, it leaves a big impact. I know my sister gone love this book because it’s raw and straight to the point. I have it 5stars because you didn’t have to figure out who’s the boos.
October 16, 2021
My view
All of K'wan books gets this rating from me. I'm always on the edge awaiting until the next one. Highly recommended for those readers that like constant excitement and action. Each character stands alone and gives the reader a view of how it is to walk in their shoes.
All of K'wan books gets this rating from me. I'm always on the edge awaiting until the next one. Highly recommended for those readers that like constant excitement and action. Each character stands alone and gives the reader a view of how it is to walk in their shoes.
June 8, 2017
Intense and surprising
I love how the reading made you feel intense waiting on the next phase or event to happen. Very surprising and good book!
I love how the reading made you feel intense waiting on the next phase or event to happen. Very surprising and good book!
March 20, 2018
All of his books are really good. The ones I've read so far.
July 21, 2018
I can't really say anything good or Bad about this book , It updated mw and gave me a backstory to the last book, but held me over just to get ready for me to read the next installment !
December 8, 2018
Why did it have to end so soon
I love k'wan
I picked 5 stars because
I would recommend this book to anyone I just want to full version please please please
I love k'wan
I picked 5 stars because
I would recommend this book to anyone I just want to full version please please please
June 25, 2019
Short story
Kept me engaged... Not the type of book I would normally read but definitely worth my time. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Kept me engaged... Not the type of book I would normally read but definitely worth my time. I look forward to reading more by this author.
August 18, 2019
I'm devastated
Omg this book was life. I'm so mad it just ended like that. This book was e everything
Salute on to the next.
Omg this book was life. I'm so mad it just ended like that. This book was e everything
Salute on to the next.
November 8, 2019
Great book! But what book follows this one?
It's a good read! Just wondered why it ended this way and what's next to come! I can't wait to see what happens next!
It's a good read! Just wondered why it ended this way and what's next to come! I can't wait to see what happens next!
December 5, 2019
Just like Animal is a beast to the streets Author K’wan is a beast with the pen!
June 7, 2020
Nice intro
So this is how the notorious Animal began. This is where he came far. I’ve heard about Animal for years and now there he is.
So this is how the notorious Animal began. This is where he came far. I’ve heard about Animal for years and now there he is.
January 8, 2021
This is a good read to get insight on how Animal was born. What created him. Definitely a must read short story.
April 29, 2021
A beast was born
I love how Animal will do what needs to be done but he still cares about people. I didn’t think he would be able to pull the mission off, but he did!
I love how Animal will do what needs to be done but he still cares about people. I didn’t think he would be able to pull the mission off, but he did!
June 22, 2023
Tech and Animal
Why did he change after he shot the old lady cause was she senior or it my him of someone I can’t wait to read leak 2
Why did he change after he shot the old lady cause was she senior or it my him of someone I can’t wait to read leak 2
August 14, 2024
Wow
I sure hope Shai Clark keeps his word. All a man have is his word. Word is bond. This is how Tech and Animal met
I sure hope Shai Clark keeps his word. All a man have is his word. Word is bond. This is how Tech and Animal met
May 3, 2025
I enjoyed seeing Animal & Tech connecting and making moves together. That boy Animal ain’t nothing to play with!
July 27, 2025
Animal really is...an animal!
March 15, 2017
Nice little history on how Animal came to be
May 19, 2015
Book Review: The Leak by K'wan
I still can't get over what happened to Jah, but the signs of a good writer is to be able to let go of beloved characters. The story starts with Tech grieving over the loss of Jah one of his most loyal soldiers who was gunned down over a beef that involved one of DonB's people which caused Tech to have disdain for DonB and all affiliated with him Tech takes the loss of Jah hard, just as he did Jah brother Paul, so he ventures out for a night of drinking while mourning the loss of his friends. As he was drinking away his sorrows, two low level pieces of trash started scheming the moment they saw him. As he is leaving the bar he is followed by these two who target him to rob him. While the two robbers had the jump on him a wild haired dirty scrawny kid fearless of death got the jump on the robber who was the aggressor and went on the attack. The kid saved Tech's life and after speaking with him, Tech realized he knew his brother. The kid was named Animal and a friendship and bond was forged that would last forever. "It was Tech that people respected but it was Animal that they feared", this quote sums it all up for me. Tech was a hot head at times that no one wanted to mess with because of his reputation, but it was Animal who committed some of the most sadistic acts that caused people to fear him. when they were seen together, it was nothing for folks to cross the street so they would not have to cross paths with them. Tech was the head of a small enterprise considered family who took on odd jobs for Shai Clark. When one of Clark's people gets in a jam that may cost him life behind bars, Swann comes to Tech with a proposition. Given the opportunity to make a large sum of money and a have seat on the commission, it was Animal who took on the almost impossible task, one that Swann thought he would fail at because he did not think Animal had what it took to pull it off. Everyone had doubts except Animal because the job entailed walking into the lions den with a higher probability of not coming out alive. To prove what he was capable of, Animal offered to bring Swann back a token as proof that the job was completed. While completing this job, something happened that would forever change Animal by hardening him and erasing the last little bit of innocence he had left in him. It also showed a compassionate side of Animal and the compassion he had for the innocent. This is the book where we really got to see Animal morph into a true animal. By the time this story was over, the new Animal was ready for the next chapter of taking the streets by force if necessary.
The loyalty and love that Tech and his folks had for each other was real. They treated each other with respect and no decisions were made without talking it out amongst themselves to cover all angles. They were family and they were prepared to go down together if it was necessary. I enjoyed reading more about the young Animal and how he and Tech became family. The action started from the first few pages and did not lighten up until the end. I read this before I read Welfare Wifey's and it gave me the back drop i needed to fill in all he blanks on Animal and Tech's relationship and why Tech hated DonB and what caused his lack of respect for the Clark's. I would definitely suggest you check this book out along with the entire 'Hood Rats" series (reading them in order). This is definitely another must read! The book is 'The Leak' by K'wan available at amazon.
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I still can't get over what happened to Jah, but the signs of a good writer is to be able to let go of beloved characters. The story starts with Tech grieving over the loss of Jah one of his most loyal soldiers who was gunned down over a beef that involved one of DonB's people which caused Tech to have disdain for DonB and all affiliated with him Tech takes the loss of Jah hard, just as he did Jah brother Paul, so he ventures out for a night of drinking while mourning the loss of his friends. As he was drinking away his sorrows, two low level pieces of trash started scheming the moment they saw him. As he is leaving the bar he is followed by these two who target him to rob him. While the two robbers had the jump on him a wild haired dirty scrawny kid fearless of death got the jump on the robber who was the aggressor and went on the attack. The kid saved Tech's life and after speaking with him, Tech realized he knew his brother. The kid was named Animal and a friendship and bond was forged that would last forever. "It was Tech that people respected but it was Animal that they feared", this quote sums it all up for me. Tech was a hot head at times that no one wanted to mess with because of his reputation, but it was Animal who committed some of the most sadistic acts that caused people to fear him. when they were seen together, it was nothing for folks to cross the street so they would not have to cross paths with them. Tech was the head of a small enterprise considered family who took on odd jobs for Shai Clark. When one of Clark's people gets in a jam that may cost him life behind bars, Swann comes to Tech with a proposition. Given the opportunity to make a large sum of money and a have seat on the commission, it was Animal who took on the almost impossible task, one that Swann thought he would fail at because he did not think Animal had what it took to pull it off. Everyone had doubts except Animal because the job entailed walking into the lions den with a higher probability of not coming out alive. To prove what he was capable of, Animal offered to bring Swann back a token as proof that the job was completed. While completing this job, something happened that would forever change Animal by hardening him and erasing the last little bit of innocence he had left in him. It also showed a compassionate side of Animal and the compassion he had for the innocent. This is the book where we really got to see Animal morph into a true animal. By the time this story was over, the new Animal was ready for the next chapter of taking the streets by force if necessary.
The loyalty and love that Tech and his folks had for each other was real. They treated each other with respect and no decisions were made without talking it out amongst themselves to cover all angles. They were family and they were prepared to go down together if it was necessary. I enjoyed reading more about the young Animal and how he and Tech became family. The action started from the first few pages and did not lighten up until the end. I read this before I read Welfare Wifey's and it gave me the back drop i needed to fill in all he blanks on Animal and Tech's relationship and why Tech hated DonB and what caused his lack of respect for the Clark's. I would definitely suggest you check this book out along with the entire 'Hood Rats" series (reading them in order). This is definitely another must read! The book is 'The Leak' by K'wan available at amazon.
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November 29, 2015
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The correct order to read the Hood Rat Novel series is: Hood Rat, Still Hood, Section 8, Welfare Wifeys, Eviction Notice, & Animal. FYI readers: "The Leak" is a prequel of "Welfare Wifeys"; "The First & Fifteenth" is intro to "No Shade"; "No Shade" is a prequel to "Eviction Notice"; "Ghetto Bastard is the beginning of the Animal series. This is why the books are listed in such order.
In the 3rd installment of the Hood Rat Novel Series: Section 8, Animal is mentioned on page 48, but he's fully introduced on page 80; however, his first-time wrecking havoc is on page 91 as a frail, little, wild-haired boy who introduced himself as Animal on page 92.
In my opinion, The Leak should be a prequel to Section 8.
December 28, 2012
K'WAN is no joke. I felt like I was back "Uptown Baby." Maybe I was sheltered, I lived "The Coldest Winter" life. There was so many people I couldn't keep up. I did know that Don B. Rules, and Animal is vicious. I would never want to meet Animal in any parking lot, dark alley or across the street. Some folks you just don't cross. Rico and his cronies had no heart. We didn't have stoolies ravanging the stoop when I was growing up. Gucci is my kind of ride or die home girl. Can't wait to follow up in "Uptown Baby.!"
November 3, 2013
Wow. This book had me reading at a fast pace. I really like Animal and his attitude towards life and being a man in the streets, which can be harsh and gutter. The author weaves the characters nicely. There were a lot of names thrown around which got me a bit confused but overall I had the gist of the story. Really enjoyed this peek into a lifestyle I know absolutely nothing about. Took me from my suburban comfort zone and infused me into the gritty city streets of a cold-blooded hustler.
-T.R. Horne, author of Breaking Möbius and Crazy Dirty Love
-T.R. Horne, author of Breaking Möbius and Crazy Dirty Love
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews