H.N.I.C.

by Albert Johnson, Steven Savile (With)

"A gritty, fast-paced tale of revenge . . . Tight, terse prose harkens back to pulp fiction of the 1950s . . . The work is a breath of fresh air from lengthy, trying-too-hard-to-shock street lit and is an excellent choice for all metropolitan collections."
--Library Journal (starred review, Pick of the Month)

“The urban setting is unnamed but familiar in this brief, bloody tale of wasted lives lived short and hard.”
--Publishers Weekly

“Simultaneously a fast-paced crime drama and an engrossing, unsentimental moral tale, H.N.I.C. peers into the dark heart that underpins the codes of loyalty and friendship, betrayal and vengeance.”
--Brooklyn Daily Eagle

"In a genre that too often places incorrect ebonics in the mouths of black characters and fails to cross the empathy gap to get into their heads, Savile and Prodigy arrive at a seamless voice that is a refreshing take on crime fiction tropes…if tone and texture are what you’re looking for in your hardcore literature…H.N.I.C. delivers the goods."
--Okayplayer

"If you don't have this novella in your library collection already, please be on the lookout for this 2013 release, H.N.I.C., penned by Hip Hop artist Prodigy of the group, Mobb Deep."
--StreetLiterature.com

"H.N.I.C. is written by Prodigy himself and shows the extent to which good rappers can make good storytellers."
--Brooklyn Based

"The strength of this novella, in addition to its straightforward prose and rapid pacing, rests on the universal theme at its center: loyalty. Loyalty and the bullshit our friends put us through…Like any good work of crime, H.N.I.C. is grounded in such common experiences and, like any good work of crime, it speaks to all of us, despite the fact that very few of us can bypass an alarm system through some computer trickery."
--Nerds of a Feather, Flock Together

"It tells the…urban tale of deceit, greed and questioned loyalty with just enough drama to keep you turning the pages."
--Literary Jewels

"A brutal and quick read…custom-made for the big screen."
--Charles Tatum's Review Archive

Pappy tries to break out of the game before the head of his crew, Black, gets them all killed. Against his better judgment Pappy agrees to do one last job, but only because it's the price of his freedom. He knows his "brother" Black would rather see him dead than let him walk away. Yet he still agrees to do the job because Black isn't the only one who can't be trusted.

Further developing the stark realism and uncompromising streetwise narratives of his lyrics, H.N.I.C. cements Prodigy's position as one of the foremost chroniclers of contemporary urban life. Simultaneously a fast-paced crime drama and an engrossing, unsentimental moral tale, H.N.I.C. peers into the dark heart that underpins the codes of loyalty and friendship, betrayal and vengeance.

With H.N.I.C., Prodigy inaugurates Infamous Books, a revolutionary partnership that pairs the Infamous Records brand with Brooklyn-based independent publisher Akashic Books. Infamous Books' mission is to connect readers worldwide to crime fiction and street lit authors both familiar and new.

Genres: Fiction, Music

128 pages, Hardcover

First published July 16, 2013

About the author

Albert Johnson, better known by his stage name Prodigy, was an American rapper and entrepreneur who, with Havoc, was one half of the hip hop duo Mobb Deep.

Reviews

[Monique · Rating 2 out of 5]

Finished this short novel in less than two days and didn't hate it but it wasn't the best ..This is the short story of two friends Pappy and Black (every Urban novel has a character named Black LOL) who grew up together and from the book instructions to the reader you are told they did a lot of dirt together and have a friendship but okay here is another peeve on Urban fiction--tell me more of the ties that bind and I will feel the way I should about the characters--I feel it is kinda dumbing down the reader to just tell them things with no backstories) sigh okay so Pappy and Black are into their last job together--a bank heist before Pappy splits out of town however the job does not go as planned and for some vague sense of obligation Pappy stays and from there the book progresses to its short climax and that's it..With less than like a hundred thirty pages I cannot even put too much into this review..can say I don't think this was the best written short novel maybe more detail more stories and more character development would help make this a better read..oh yeah and almost forgot to mention that the author of this book takes me back to the nineties when I was true fan of his group Mobb Deep..their monotonous gangsta style embodied hardcore NY and for that I really wanted to read what was going on in his head, love that he wrote a book but maybe not this one..hmm on to the next..

[Lance Gettler · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was sent a review copy of this book which was a quick easy read that I read in a single sitting. It was well edited but the story was just ok. It was a fairly common plot and I kept expecting some twist that never came.

There were some details that didn't ring true to real life that were bothersome. If you don't like foul language this book isn't for you.

It was just ok, not great, not bad.

[K2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a GoodRead....With all the street elements incorporated into the storyline it still delivers something a little deeper than the surface drama. This read is about love (I guess...lol), friendship, loyalty and betrayal more than it’s about crime & money. It’s a really fast read and more enjoyable than I expected and certainly more enjoyable than most street novels I read, surprisingly.

[Donald Armfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won a copy from library thing. I was excited to win and read Prodigy's fiction debut. Always been a huge fan for Mobb Deep.

Bank robbery, betrayal, and street talk what I expected, but the whole story turned out to be a page turner. When everything goes perfect for the heist, greed comes into play and one man "Black" thinks he is free walking.....

Prodigy shows he is a writer and I'm sure he has more to come, not as a series but other tales from the hood or "Summer Houses".

[Shà · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book was something else it passed the time but if wasn't all of the rave.

[Diane Rembert · Rating 5 out of 5]

One final lick…that was all it was supposed to be. Pappy has saved up enough money to leave the old neighborhood and start anew, but his friend Black needs him on this one last job, which turns real bad…real fast! One of the deciding factors is a young lady named Tonya, who is caught in the middle of all the drama.

This novella by the late @prodigymobbdeep slightly put me in the mind of "Juice" the movie. It was a quick read for me and I truly enjoyed it. Honestly, I don't know what took me so long to read it, because based on the inscription, I've had it for a while.

I recommend this 💎💎💎💎💎 read.

[Birdie Brietling · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bullshit book. It seems like the publishers just used Prodigy’s name to sell a lacklustre novel.

The book had no story behind it and it was just a typical gangster, gun toting book.

The author tried to make it sound like an action movie but good action movies are not just about shooting. There are other activities that go on in the story lines too.

I didn’t finish the book but I flicked through all of the pages and all saw was “gun”, “9mm”, “desert eagle”, “shot him”, “robbed him”.

More time needs to be taken to write such books and not assume that guys would love that just because it has a little bit of action.

[Page Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good short read that was high energy from beginning to end. I was surprised at how well this book was narrated, but I guess I should not have been considering who the author/narrator is. The story unfolded in a very realistic way and the characters were the kinds, especially Black, that would be memorable on screen. I enjoyed it.

[Tim Dailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written with brilliance only a hardened street poet could bring, Prodigy’s “infamous novella” was a quick but wild story that brought me equal parts joy and resonant pain. Showing love in a very dark corner of a world changed by chaos was a move I admired. Sometimes a friend is priceless.

[Hyacinth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't expect all of that but loved it all. Black, Pappy and Tonya will be with me for a minute. I loved the narrators. I did not once wander off. I would like to hear more from these narrators. Black was a child piece of work!

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[SALIM Dahman · Rating 3 out of 5]

a quick street story

[Jacques · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great short read, finished in a couple hours. Hood tale. May Prodigy rest well.

[Monique · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quick listen. It was ok. The music between scenes could have been left out. I give an E for effort.

[Antoine Torrence · Rating 2 out of 5]

it was a pretty quick and easy read. I felt it didn't really go anywhere, and kept waiting on a big twist but got nothing. it was just an okay read.

[WriteVibeMagazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the street lit debut novella H.N.I.C. by Albert "Prodigy" Johnson with Steven Savile readers will be introduced to characters Patrick and Black. Patrick who has made some bad choices in life wants to leave the streets and make a better life for himself. Black is a ruthless hustler who is manipulative and doesn't back down nor take no for an answer which trickles into his relationship with his girlfriend, Tonya who knows she deserves better but the fast life clouds her judgement at times.

The story takes place in a unnamed city but the the grimy street tale could be any urban city across America. Readers will be immediately taken in by the fast paced storyline.

H.N.I.C. was creatively written and it's story flow is that similar to those familiar with Mobb Deep music. This debut is the first in a series and if this is any indication of what's in store, readers will become instant fans similar to the rapper's music career.

The novella had great plot execution. It tells the all too familiar urban tale of deceit, greed and questioned loyalty with just enough drama to keep you turning the pages. My only real complaint with this novella is just that- it is a novella and ended too soon but it did leave me eager to know what else Johnson has in store.

Fans of street lit will definitely enjoy H.N.I.C. just as I have. Literary job well done!

Reviewed by Kisha Green for Literary Jewels (www.literary-jewels.com)
*Review copy supplied by publisher*

[Christina Pfeiffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pappy wants out of the life that he never felt truly comfortable with but only one thing is stopping him, his loyalty to Black. With only one more job to do, Detroit seemed more like a reality than a dream.

When everything goes wrong, Pappy is left with a decision. His decision will change his life along with Black, Tonya, and three friends they all grew up with. Will he listen to his inner self or sacrifice everything for his best friend?

Albert "Prodigy" Johnson writes beautifully and eloquently in his debut novella. It has suspense, greed, love, deception; it keeps you breathless and turning the page.

The story flows without effort and speaks to any audience. He is detailed with situations and language that may not be familiar to everyone in his audience while no dumbing down his novella.

This is well worth the read. It's poignant and truth-telling as well as truth-seeking.

[Paula Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

HNIC by Albert Prodigy Johnson with Steven Savile is not a book that I would normally read. HNIC grabs from the 1st page and never lets up. HNIC is a short, fast and interesting read of human nature.

It is set in an urban city. The story never says where but could be any large city in the U.S. I pictured it being NYC, Detroit or L.A. The 1st word that comes to mind in describing it is edgy. There is a great amount of foul language.. BUT... it is appropriate in the urban setting, the characters and their activity.

The two main characters in the gang are Black and Pappy. They have been friends their whole life but Pappy wants out of the gang life. He wants to make a fresh start away from the gang and Black before it is too late. Obviously, Black is not in favor of that and cons Pappy into just 1 more job. A job that goes so wrong so fast.

Retaliation can be sweet.

I was given an ARC by Steven Savile. My review is based solely on my opinion after reading HNIC.

[Sistar Tea · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Fast Read

This is a complete story but it lacks detail and character development. This could have been a great story had some more detail been introduced. What we have is a grimy hood tail that has all the ingredients for a born banger but the execution falls short.

A crew of robbers is front and center with a master plan to make a come up on an opening heist. Things fall apart and the plan is blown to hell. We see what happens within the crew after the failed attempt happens. Black, the sworn leader, is not ok with the outcome and seeks to come up another way. His best friend Pappy is looking to get out. So what happens when friends are at odds? What will happen to the crew?

The story comes full circle and we get an outcome. While it would have been nice for this to be longer so that more details could of been added, this was an ok book not the greatest but far from the worst.

SiStar Tea
ARC Book Club Inc.
2.5 star rating
Dec review.

[Benja · Rating 2 out of 5]

H.N.I.C. follows the Sumner House boys; Pappy, Von, Ant and Gee, led by a 5th, Black, as told by Pappy. Pappy has put in his time and escaped alive. Now he wants to get out of the game and try to start anew elsewhere. Black has other plans, forcing Pappy to do one more job with the crew against Pappy’s better judgment. The novella’s gritty, straightforward plot does the heavy lifting while layers of loyalty, anger, addiction, greed, abuse and more are thematically woven into the story. Everything becomes further complicated when we are introduced to Tonya and her relationships with Pappy and Black.

For the complete review, please head to my website ShelfieGeneration.com: https://shelfiegeneration.com/2015/12...

[Dash Williams · Rating 2 out of 5]

****Note: I received a copy of this book through Goodreads giveaways****

Early in the story, the protagonist, Pappy turns to a groupie and tells her she's a cliche. She has that in common with the rest of the story. This is your typical "last job gone wrong" story. It hugs the tropes of the genre closely. With all that being said, it was a brisk, enjoyable read. Fans of street-lit will enjoy it.

[F.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the drama ,and the story line of the book it had me thinking Prodigy couldn't of wrote this book,because this book is a good read.I was flipping the pages because I was interested to know the out come of one of the characters,suffice to say I wasn't disappointed.I say this book is a must read...

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this as a favor to a friend and I have to say it was riveting. I often found myself thinking this exact scenario could be playing out just down the street from my house, while reading this book. Dark and dangerous with some one liners that will give you a chuckle. If you don't find yourself rooting for Pappy by the end then there is something wrong with you!

[Jasmine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was expecting a twist or two but the story was so predictable. I felt Tonya was an unnecessary character because it seemed like she was forced into the story. And the “get-my-revenge”, “run-off-into-the-sunset-with-my-girl” ending was so rushed and basic. I had the audiobook, so all the music and sound effects kept me engaged. Otherwise, I would have been bored.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book finished it in one day, although there weren't a ton of details I still enjoyed it. I wanted pappy to dig in blacks ass good for always trying to control his life because black couldn't let go and let pap do his own thing, black was a punk who couldn't stand to be alone

[Drenna Gurl · Rating 5 out of 5]

It be your own people! Black was the perfect antagonist to Pappy's protagonist. Black believes he's the HNIC but for me it was Pappy. Pappy had a gameplan for what he wanted for himself. Black was a hothead. All in all this was a quick read that had all the drama I like in a story

[Marisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written, very fast paced. A bit cliched, but still quite enjoyable.

*I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads*

[Lovinia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced book about a group of criminal's whose last plan to rob a bank goes awry. A very suspenseful and enjoyable read.

[Mam · Rating 1 out of 5]

Probably not a fair rating as I didn't get past the first chapter - offensive language.