Malik Perry is the son of Michael, a ruthless gangster who is regarded as the King of Southeast, one of the worst sections of our nations capitol and infamously known as the concrete jungle . A smart ambitious hustler who eagerly wanted to retire from the game and live a normal life with his wife and son, but something goes wrong before he quits.
Malik, the heir to his throne, is too young to understand yet old enough to listen. Now left to be raised by his aunt Linda, a female hustler with connections, Malik takes a journey through life on the opposite side of the city where he becomes equipped with every valuable lesson to be learned on the gritty streets of Washington D.C.
In his quest for riches while climbing the ladder of success, Malik meets two people that could ultimately change his mind of becoming the next king. Rico, a friend who'd become the brother he always wanted, and Peaches a love he never knew.
Love, trust, and betrayal laced with every ingredient the streets have to offer.
JASON POOLE was born and raised in Washington, DC, and is the proud father of a teenaged son. He’s also Essence magazine best-selling author of LARCENY, and co-author of the ground-breaking book, CONVICT’S CANDY; writing both novels while serving time in prison. In 1996, JASON POOLE was incarcerated on a drug violation charge, and served a ten-year illegal sentence, due to an erroneous enhancement. In January 2007, JASON POOLE was released from federal prison, and has regained his freedom.
As the son of Michael Perry, who was known as the King of D.C.’s concrete jungle, Malik Perry was naturally thought to be the heir to the throne. But Michael didn’t want his reign to end like that of most hustlers, either dead or behind bars and although he shared precious gems with young Malik his greatest desire was for a normal life for his wife and young son. But that desire goes unfulfilled when tragedy strikes and leaves Malik to be raised by his aunt Linda.
Linda is a hooker turned hustler who has literally been around the block a couple of times. Linda is determined to make sure that Malik is immersed in every aspect of street life to ensure that his reign on top will be successful. But will Malik be able to escape all the trappings the streets have to offer? Greed, betrayal and deception are just a few of the pitfalls that he’ll have to avoid if he doesn’t want to meet the same fate as his father.
Author Jason Poole does a good job with Prince of the City managing to add yet another interesting twist to his urban tales. Fans of his previous novels Convict Candy and Victoria’s Secret will be pleased with how once again Mr. Poole has infused that necessary element to make his novels stand out in a market flooded with repetitive storylines.
Final Rating 3.5 Stars Delonya Conyers ARC Book Club Inc.
Jason Poole’s “Prince of the City” is the story of Mike Perry and his rise and fall as King of the City. Mike trained his son, Malik, at a very young age to always watch his back. Malik grows up real fast and quickly rises in the game. As a result of the gangster lifestyle, Malik follows in his father’s footsteps and becomes the Prince of the City.
There's money, drugs, murder, betrayal, love and loss which all make for a very good read. Wow! This novel had me from the first page and held my attention until the very last page. “Prince of the City” is very intriguing and the author paints a vivid picture of the street life. Poole lets you know in the game you must watch your back at all times and watch the company you keep; friends are not always as they seem.
This is an enjoyable read, and I can see myself reading other novels by this author. The storyline is well written. I felt like I was right there watching everything take place. I felt the emotions when tragedy stuck as well as the love that was felt throughout the book. The ending will really shock you and have you saying, ‘What!’
I would highly recommend this novel. Keep up the great work, Jason Poole!
“Prince of the City” by Jason Poole was a great read from beginning to end. In this story we meet Malik Perry, a young boy whose father, Michael, is grooming him to take over the very streets he rules. Unfortunately tragedy strikes and Malik is left hanging in the balance. With the knowledge learned from his father, Malik must ultimately decide whether or not he wants his seat on the throne as Prince of the city.
“Prince of the City” was good from beginning to end. The storyline flowed and the characters were in depth and believable. Jason Poole has penned a wonderful tale and has proven that he still has it! I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.
Mike Perry is the king of Southeast. Connie's the queen. Connie is the ultimate hustler wife and Mike respect's his wife and lives for his family. While climbing to the top ranks with finesse and ruling with an iron fist, he is respected above all else. His partner Black Sam on the other hand is the shoot first ask questions later type and prefers to be feared above all else. Mike and Sam have known each other since childhood and are thick as thieves. Naturally they run Southeast. When Mike is killed and Connie pays for a being a hustler's wife, their son Malik is left to be raised by his aunt Linda who is Connie's best friend. Linda is an old school hooker who knows the streets and teaches the ins and outs to Malik.
Linda's number one rule is trust no one, not even me, she drills this into Malik's head. Linda has been grooming Malik to take over the city and continue what his daddy started. When Malik does come into his own, he considers himself the Prince and his daddy used to call him that all the time. He remembers all the lessons his dad taught him even though he was only eight years old when his dad died.
I enjoyed this gritty tale although I did notice some typos and timeline issues. I like the idea of going back to the beginning and bringing it present time. Everything made sense with the history lesson. A lot of gaps were filled in although it was a bit clean cut. I enjoyed Peaches; she was so cool. I know she loved Malik above all else. Malik has issues with her being a hooker, he lives by the notion you can't turn a hoe into a housewife. Will she be able to change his mind and become his lady? It was great reading to see how Malik would handle situations. Mr. Poole is back telling good tales and I look forward to next release.
Prince of the city is well written from beginning to end. The characters pull you in from the very first moment. I found myself completely invested In the Perry family. Enjoying those lesson on the balcony between father and son. Smiling at the love between Michael, Connie, Malik, Black Sam and Linda. I also found myself sadden when things started not looking so good.
That was in the first half of the book..... those same emotions came twisting and turning right back later on as history repeated itself. The Kings crown had been stolen and the Prince returned to reclaim what was rightfully his.
I was rooting for Malik and Peaches.... Thankful that he had Linda in his life. Side eyeing the shit outta Butter and a couple of them other old school cats who you smelled the bullshit on their shoes the minute their names came into play.
Prince of the City is like Lion King with drugs, sex, money, hot cars, and fly gear. Its well written, insightful, and if you can't form a connection with one or more of these characters..... something is certainly wrong with you.