The Omen

Animal #2

by K'wan

After the incredible success of Animal, K’wan is back with the second, bloody installment in the new Animal saga. Secrets are revealed, sides are chosen and bodies are dropped…it's on!

The man ordered to take Animal from the world turns out to be the man who brought him into it. Animal finds himself torn between his hatred for the father who had abandoned him and the man who had taken everything from him. An uneasy truce is formed between father and son to take down a common enemy and finally grant Animal his freedom from the blood debt he's carried for so many years. But when the ghosts of Animal's past catch up with him he learns that nothing is what it seems, and everything is subject to corruption, even his love for Gucci.

Genres: Urban, Horror, African American, Audiobook, Animals

336 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2013

About the author

In 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

Reviews

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let's just get straight to the point...K'wan brought the unexpected in Animal II. He made us second guess all the scenarios we had conjured up in our head. He totally had us going to the left while he was busy ramming the story straight down our throats. Hands down one of the best novels we have read in 2013.

So coming into this book, I was definitely #TeamGucci and #Team Porsha, but Animal II changed my opinion of them...UGH! I came to the conclusion that our 556 Book Chicks friend Lawrence may have a point...they not made for this life. Gucci got the duck mouth because Animal slept with Red Sonja while he was a fugitive for 2 plus years...really? How about you jump out the window with your friend, Gucci. And then Porsha on Zo-pound ass like they been together some years. A street man cannot hold down a nagging woman and survive in the streets - she will get you killed. The only thing I can give props to Porsha for was convincing Zo to leave his gun at her house that night...other than that she gets no respect from me. And I'm sorry Gucci might have earned a body or two in this book, but she almost let everyone die before she pulled the damn trigger. So I want her and Porsha to exit stage right. But Frankie's Angel can stick around...maybe her and Zo can hook up later! What??? Don't hate the game...if you a fan of K'wan's you already know anything and everything is possible.

But I have to say when Gucci told Animal his ass had been on vacation "swimming in ho soup," I was dying laughing. "Ho soup" really K'wan? LOL!

Ohhhhhh and K'wan finally let Swann's secret out the bag. And Lord knows everything he has you thinking up until the secret is finally released will be oh so very WRONG! I thought for sure Swann was playing...nevermind it don't matter anyway what I thought because it was WRONG!

I absolutely loved the story line written for Animal, Ashanti, Kahllah aka Black Lotus, and Zo-Pound! Just when you think they were down for the count...K'wan dropped kicked someone and kept the ball moving forward. I am preparing you to expect the unexpected...do not blink, sleep or breathe while reading Animal II.

But I am real curious how K'wan is going to bring up the status of King James. Because to me King James did not prove under no certain terms that he was boss material. And Lakim had a valid point that Ashanti was stepping up more like a boss and making decisions for them. Lakim was throwing serious shade on Ashanti throughout the book. And although I hate to say it Ashanti might have to put a bullet in Lakim sooner rather than later...just wait you will see.

And Monika and I were discussing how K'wan got down on the sex scenes in this book! OMG!!!! K'wan damn near had a side story of erotica in Animal II. That scene with Zo and Porsha in the tub - had me looking back at the book cover trying to remember what the hell I was reading. 'Porsha placed one leg on the side of the tub so that Zo could get a better angle and drove her pelvis into his face. When she came, her legs shook, and she feared that she might fall, but Zo's powerful grip on her waist steadied her while he continued to lap at her.'

WAIT...WAIT...WAIT...just when you get to the epilogue and you think everyone is on their HEA...there is a knock at the door. And it is the knock to end all knocks! Gucci don't answer that door girl...don't do it!

Please believe K'wan put it down in this book. He gave you everything you were looking for...plus things you didn't even ask for. K'wan brings the heat in novel after novel...and we can't applaud him enough.

~ Tiffany (556 Book Chicks)

[Tia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was hands down what I'd come to expect from K'wan. The Omen was a page-turner. It was at the edge of your seat entertaining. I was truly hoping for this turn around from book one.

Animal and his boys showed what they were about and the women weren't too shabby either. The Priest and the Black Lotus were the stars of this book. Zo (Alonzo) held it down too. The twist were good. This book is a winner! I am actually looking forward to what Zo and Black Lotus have up their sleeves. The ending made me feel bad for Gucci, but she know the game. Once you're in, your life will never be smooth sailing.

I listened to the audiobook on Hoopla while following with my paperback copy. So excited to see Kwan's books on the app!

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story kept me on the edge of my seat.

[Jailai · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s no way a book should have me clenching my cheeks like that! 😭😭omg this series is getting better and better with each turning page! That ending really had like TF!!!

[Kim’s Kindle Reads. · Rating 5 out of 5]

*review coming at the end of the series*

That ending tho 😩

[Locksie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truce or Not?

Book two in the Animal series, is admirably written and reveals a few surprises as the much loved main character Animal, reunites with loved ones and has to come to terms with an appearance from the man who abandoned him.

Once thought to be dead, Animal is very much alive with vengeance etched in his soul. But before he can give his enemies what he feels they deserve, Animal is still being held captive by Priest, the man sent by, Shai Clark to kill him. What Priest reveals to Animal has his emotions all over the place and in order to settle old scores with Shai, an unorthodox approach is necessary…

Animal ll: The Omen, comes in with a sharp storyline, crisp and short snap shots of previous important facts pertaining to the star characters and packed with ‘shoot ‘em up’ action.

This is crime drama at its best! A recommended read!

Locksie November 29, 2014
ARC Book Club Inc.
Star Rating 5.0*****

[Porsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read with a phenomenal plot! This was a movie in book form. I loved every minute of it. Animal and Gucci are together finally although forced to take shelter from the most unlikely source. That source is also the one that is able to protect them and set them free. The revelations in this book...very shocking and that end....I hate Kwan took it that direction. Some ppl should be left in the past and never seen or heard from again.

[Shà · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was garbage just like gutter & gangsta. It was not a great follow up to animal part one. K'wan lost me with this one. After chapter six I completely lost interest & never picked it back up again.plus I don't support interracial relationships or children. I don't support infidelity. It's just not one of the greats. Sorry not sorry

[Danita Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy new year. My first book is in and k'wan never fails me with his books. Animal 2 was awesome. I just can't get enough of Animal. And there's more 2 come.

[Sherill · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say K'wan is the man....Animal 2 @ goes hard just like every other book K'wan drops!

[K2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Reaper

[Dione Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

This just gave another tailspin story. Erratic..

[Demetrius · Rating 5 out of 5]

“no matter how much a man changes, his true nature would always be there lurking under the surface.”

A great installment to Animal series. A lot of secrets unfolded.

4.5 ⭐️

[Keeping.Volumes.Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this action-packed crime story; there was never a dull moment. Some events were predictable, while others caught me by surprise. I always suspected there was something off about Red Sonja. The reveal at the end hit me like a gut punch. I’m not sure how Gucci is going to handle this information.

[Queen Rosalind · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must admit! I wasnt feeling this audiobook in the beginning of our trip to Florida but I loved it!

[Starsz · Rating 5 out of 5]

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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.

This book explained so much about Animal's character. It was a good story & great read, on to Animal III: Revelations!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Animal will do anything to get his revenge against Shai for what happened to Gucci. Priest does what he can to keep the peace between Animal and Shai, but no matter what he says Animal already has mind made up that Shai has to pay. Animal is not the only person that has beef with the Clark family, but King James also is at war with them. Secrets are revealed, the past has been told, and like with any war there will be some casualties. Who will be left standing at the end of the war?

I have loved every book that Animal appeared in and this one was no different. This book picked up right where book 1 left off and brought back the characters many of us love or hate. The manner in which the story was told kept my interest from beginning to end. K'wan knows how to give enough details for you to visualize the story and have it truly play out in your head without being overwhelmed. This is a book I would definitely recommend and I will be waiting on his next release.

[Keyona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just when I thought this series was pretty much wrapping up K'wan just hooks me again. This is one of my favorite urban fiction series. It's original. There's a lot of character development for the ones who matter and I just couldn't get enough of this one. I listened to all of them on audio so far and that's the best way in my opinion. The narrator is Cary Hite (favorite urban fiction narrator) and there's sound effects and everything to really pull you in. Just when you think you've got a few things figured out it goes in a different direction. K'wan is certainly one of the best and still pumping out original content to this day.

[Briana · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Spoiler Alert* This book couldn’t have been better if K’wan tried. What!!! This was crazy. I love that Priest sacrificed his life for animal. I love that all the good characters made it out alive. Animal and his squad really are good people they just lost their way a little bit. Gucci needs combat training. Animal came way too close to death; she can’t just be a cute trophy wife on his arm. I’m so glad there is a truce. Enough innocent people died. I cannot wait for the next book. Red Sonja had a baby with animal?! I’m a bit confused on the timeline because it seemed Animal didn’t sleep with Sonja for months when they were in PR but I’m here for a little chaos!

[Stacey Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The books picks up right where it left off in Animal. Kwan definitely fulfills the reader with what we want from Animal. The addition of some new characters as well as a few old characters rounds out this perfect reading material. This story plays like a well done movie. You can clearly visualize the scenes in your mind and feel apart of the story. I hope there is a part 3 however I won't mind seeing him venture off and make the new characters into their own spin offs. You can't go wrong with a Kwan book.

[Verlean · Rating 5 out of 5]

K'wan has done it again! This book was so attention grabbing that once I started reading I couldn't stop. The author takes you on a roller coaster ride that is a thrill all the way to the end. The book picks up where part one left off and some questions are finally answered. You get to see some old faces pop up in the story as well as say goodbye to a few (which is typical in a K'wan book). This book is so descriptive that you feel you are watching it on the big screen. If you are a fan of urban literature and enjoy a story line then this is the book series and author for you. Thumbs up!

[Denisha Shelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good read. Definitely a page turner. I am so glad that the Priest and Animal reconciled. I am hoping for an Animal 3. Ashanti now turned assassin with Khallah was so befitting. The love from the streets to the mates seemed so real I felt as though I had known a Porsha or Gucci from around the way. Zo Pound doing the right thing at the wrong time goes to show that doing the right things we well rewarded in the end. Of Course King and Lakim still run the jungle but with the package that Ma received I know that it will be hell to pay so I know the saga will continue.

[Francesca Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

K'wan is one of my favorite authors so I guess I have high expectations for his books. With that being said, he did not let me down. As he has done throughout the series the characters and memories of the characters were not lost in this book. From start to finish I was hooked and couldn't put it down. Animal II is a few love stories inside of a street tale. He did it again with another banger, I can't wait to see what's next!

[Diane Rembert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book finds Animal alive...once again, under the protection of his father, Priest and sister Kahllah, a.k.a Black Lotus. In the midst of it all, he is also trying to bring down his archenemy , which is Shai Clark. As promised, there will be plenty of bloodshed, but when and where will it all end?

Another 5 star banger, that will leave the reader thirsting for more. Anxiously awaiting the next installment.

[Letitia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Finally a hood story with a great ending ~ Animal finally met his father, gained a sister, him and Gucci are still going strong and they have a son, and he was able to squash the war with the Clarks as well as get his life back. Of course anything can happen in the future. Great read, great story and as always K'wan doesn't disappoint.

[Jessica French · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was good. I love to read more about my favorite characters Gucci, Animal, and Ashanti. It was good to read about Animal’s father. The church shooting scene could have ended differently. I don’t see why he had to end like that. The book is a must read, if you haven’t read the others please do. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

[ChloeShondra Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part 2 was crazy with all these different twist and turn. Animal found how the priest was his father the whole time but was a bad man and I see where Animal get some of his traits from. Also Black Lotus is his sister and she's nice as well. Going to find part 3 to read to see what happen next. Can we get a Movie for Animal😊

[Anissa Sheppard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Animal finally gets back to Harlem to get revenge on the Clark family. He's in for a surprise when some things come to light. But he always finds a way out. And just when you think things are all peaches... it ends in chaos. Again!

[Yolanda Bethune · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the action and drama. Enjoyed the twists and turns I just wish that one person inside of one of these dramas could be a truly faithful person. By I guess that would be asking just a little too much. I want more Gucci she deserves some sort of happiness.

[Leish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part 2 was definitely a much better read! I'm glad I finished the introductory first book and gave part 2 a try. The storyline was on point and the characters were believable. From start to finish this was a good read!