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The Good Son
All he ever wanted to be was a Good Son …
Shai Clark was an all-American basketball player with aspirations of one day making it to the NBA, but that all changed when his father was viciously murdered and he found himself thrust into the role of the new head of his family's criminal enterprise.
After waging a war on the streets of New York that lasts nearly three years, it seems like peace is finally being restored to the land and Shai can get back to focusing on continuing his father's mission to legitimize the Clark family— but little does he know it was only the calm before the storm. Not everyone respects his claim to the Clark empire, and when new and old enemies start to come out of the woodwork, Shai will find that inheriting the throne was one thing, but holding onto it will prove to be a far more difficult task.
Shai Clark was an all-American basketball player with aspirations of one day making it to the NBA, but that all changed when his father was viciously murdered and he found himself thrust into the role of the new head of his family's criminal enterprise.
After waging a war on the streets of New York that lasts nearly three years, it seems like peace is finally being restored to the land and Shai can get back to focusing on continuing his father's mission to legitimize the Clark family— but little does he know it was only the calm before the storm. Not everyone respects his claim to the Clark empire, and when new and old enemies start to come out of the woodwork, Shai will find that inheriting the throne was one thing, but holding onto it will prove to be a far more difficult task.
332 pages, Paperback
Published July 18, 2017
50 people are currently reading
341 people want to read
About the author
K'wan
86 books1,537 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 33 reviews
May 9, 2020
Boyyyyy, it was some action in this book. The plot is fast paced and very captivating. Storylines were interconnected and wrapped so beautifully. Hoodlum 2 allows us to see how the Clark Family operates under Shai’s leadership. Shai is busy trying to solidify the future of the family by blackmail while at the same time making people disappear. Those disappearing acts pissed off some people who definitely try to erase Shai (read the book to find out if that was a success). Then you got Tommy, who isn’t so content with sitting on the sidelines. Tommy is making his own side deals which has potentially caused him to have a dangerous enemy and seem somewhat of a double crosser in my opinion. The book had minor inconsistencies for example, Swann would be talking but it would say its Tech or Mrs. Tessio’s name was Carmen at first but then changed to Constance. Other than that, this is every bit of a 5 star read.
June 6, 2018
This read is cool. My favorite character made a guest appearance and I found myself liking a few others, so I’m thinking K’wan is good with male characterization and it’s the only reason I find myself interested in some of his other stories, just to see where he takes certain characters. My review of Hoodlum states that I only liked one character, but really I did find two others interesting, but still find myself flustered about these Wack-Ass female characters tho. So imma see what directions he chooses for those characters. And although I honestly I do not care for the storylines so far, I can deal as long as the characters stay relatively intriguing.
But what is the deal with K’wan and faces?!!!lmao
But what is the deal with K’wan and faces?!!!lmao
October 5, 2024
Captivating from beginning to the end! There were major surprises in this sequel to "Hoodlum" that evoked gasps from me! I'm not sure about one important character's motives, and his brazen and secretive actions left me scratching my head in bafflement toward the end. However, I felt that the story was plotted well. Unfortunately, the book is terribly marred by grammatical errors. I'm shocked by the flagrant exhibition of irresponsibility when it came to editing this exciting novel. I recommend this book if you have read and enjoyed the predecessor because I wasn't disappointed after I finished reading this book!
July 30, 2017
Damn
This book had more twists and turns then loops 12(Texas). First things first, I know that Swann, Tech, Priest and baby Doc are dead from previous books. This is the book that should have came out after Hoodlum. I sure hope you finish this book. Another thing, what happened to Animal next book about Red Sonya and Animal's children? Please come on with the come on and quit holding out on us. I love your work and how you tell a story. Come on with it dude. I love you Kwan.
This book had more twists and turns then loops 12(Texas). First things first, I know that Swann, Tech, Priest and baby Doc are dead from previous books. This is the book that should have came out after Hoodlum. I sure hope you finish this book. Another thing, what happened to Animal next book about Red Sonya and Animal's children? Please come on with the come on and quit holding out on us. I love your work and how you tell a story. Come on with it dude. I love you Kwan.
August 3, 2017
Nothing less than awesome...
Gives you insight into Shai Clark, but I still dislike him. Heavy is the head that wears the crown. Then there seems to be tension between siblings. Not sure who Hope is running around with but he smells like trouble. Honey going to end up back on the stripper pole if she's doing what it appears that she is. All in all a great read. A lil peek at Animal is always a good thing but he's not the focus here. K'WAN never disappoints.
Gives you insight into Shai Clark, but I still dislike him. Heavy is the head that wears the crown. Then there seems to be tension between siblings. Not sure who Hope is running around with but he smells like trouble. Honey going to end up back on the stripper pole if she's doing what it appears that she is. All in all a great read. A lil peek at Animal is always a good thing but he's not the focus here. K'WAN never disappoints.
August 7, 2017
I really enjoyed Hoodlum 2. It was good to read some more about the Clarks. For Shai to be a boss, he made the dumbest mistake at the end. I was rooting for Shai, until that part. Tommy is a hot head, but some of the things he tried to tell Shai made sense. I gave this book 4 stars of of 5. I had to take a star away because of the misspelled words in this book. The editor didn't do a good job on that part. Definitely looking forward to part 3.
August 10, 2019
Always a great read.
They say when you read a book, by the middle you’ll already know what’s going to happen. I’ve never gotten that feeling after reading one of K’Wan’s books. Most often than not, I’m pissed because of the cliffhanger. Lol. So I’ve learned to wait to a whole series is out before I read his work. I’m to inpatient to wait.
They say when you read a book, by the middle you’ll already know what’s going to happen. I’ve never gotten that feeling after reading one of K’Wan’s books. Most often than not, I’m pissed because of the cliffhanger. Lol. So I’ve learned to wait to a whole series is out before I read his work. I’m to inpatient to wait.
July 23, 2018
It's a rarity that I come across a book by an author that I really like that I haven't read. I'm a K'wan stan. So when I picked the book up, I thought for sure I'd read a few chapters, realize I read it before and put it down. Turns out I hadn't. I thought this would kind of tide me over until the next in the Diamonds and Pearl series came out...
Set in NYC with forays into Newark (places I know well). Characters I liked: (Animal, Tech, Swann) as well as characters I am kind of "meh" about: (Shai) were in it. Recurring characters like Don B were also around.
It was a good read with backstabbing and plot twists. But not K'wan usual I'm also used to a big blow out of an ending. This one had an anticlimactic one. The Lady Monet subplot? Although I guess, necessary? Seemed thrown in.
I'd still recommend. 3.5 stars
Set in NYC with forays into Newark (places I know well). Characters I liked: (Animal, Tech, Swann) as well as characters I am kind of "meh" about: (Shai) were in it. Recurring characters like Don B were also around.
It was a good read with backstabbing and plot twists. But not K'wan usual I'm also used to a big blow out of an ending. This one had an anticlimactic one. The Lady Monet subplot? Although I guess, necessary? Seemed thrown in.
I'd still recommend. 3.5 stars
March 9, 2018
I'm on the fence with this book....
After waiting what seemed like forever, I thought this story would pick up with present-day Shai and his crew. This book went back in time. Why did K'Wan feel the need to give us back history on the Clark's? There have been so many books after Hoodlum where Shai made appearances, especially the Animal books. So why the need to re-hash history.
The plot is okay, didn't like the ending, but I don't want to read a Hoodlum 3 if I have to read another history book concerning the Clarks.
K'Wan is one of my favorite authors, but lately his books haven't had an authentic K'Wan touch. It's almost like an imposter is writing books and attaching his name. I will think long and hard before I read the next K'Wan book.
After waiting what seemed like forever, I thought this story would pick up with present-day Shai and his crew. This book went back in time. Why did K'Wan feel the need to give us back history on the Clark's? There have been so many books after Hoodlum where Shai made appearances, especially the Animal books. So why the need to re-hash history.
The plot is okay, didn't like the ending, but I don't want to read a Hoodlum 3 if I have to read another history book concerning the Clarks.
K'Wan is one of my favorite authors, but lately his books haven't had an authentic K'Wan touch. It's almost like an imposter is writing books and attaching his name. I will think long and hard before I read the next K'Wan book.
Read
November 6, 2023THIS BOOK WAS BETTER THAN THE FIRST/THE ONE THAT PRECEDED IT.
I ALMOST EXPECTED SHAI TO CHEAT ON HONEY WITH THAT OTHER CHICK. IT FELT LIKE HE WANTED TO JUST BY GIVEN HER HIS TIME. I DON'T KNOW WHETHER I LIKE OR DISLIKE HONEY BUT I DISAGREE WITH SOME CRITICS WHO DON'T BELIEVE HONEY'S BABY IS SHAI'S. BUT, I COULD CARELESS EITHER WAY; MY INTEREST IN THE BOOK WAS DUE TO ANIMAL!
IT WOULD'VE BEEN MORE INTRIGUING TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SHAI'S MOM & A LITTLE MORE ABOUT HIS SISTER WITHOUT THE "DO-AS-I-SAY-NOT-AS-I-DO" DIATRIBE THAT SOOOOOOOOOOO MANY BROTHERS EXPECT THEIR YOUNGER SISTERS TO ABIDE BY! BEING A YOUNGER SISTER OF OLDER BROTHERS I CAN TESTIFY HOW ANNOYINGLY SEXIST THAT MALE-BULLCRAP IS!
I'M A FAN OF L. STEVEN TAYLOR'S NARRATING, BTW!
I ALMOST EXPECTED SHAI TO CHEAT ON HONEY WITH THAT OTHER CHICK. IT FELT LIKE HE WANTED TO JUST BY GIVEN HER HIS TIME. I DON'T KNOW WHETHER I LIKE OR DISLIKE HONEY BUT I DISAGREE WITH SOME CRITICS WHO DON'T BELIEVE HONEY'S BABY IS SHAI'S. BUT, I COULD CARELESS EITHER WAY; MY INTEREST IN THE BOOK WAS DUE TO ANIMAL!
IT WOULD'VE BEEN MORE INTRIGUING TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SHAI'S MOM & A LITTLE MORE ABOUT HIS SISTER WITHOUT THE "DO-AS-I-SAY-NOT-AS-I-DO" DIATRIBE THAT SOOOOOOOOOOO MANY BROTHERS EXPECT THEIR YOUNGER SISTERS TO ABIDE BY! BEING A YOUNGER SISTER OF OLDER BROTHERS I CAN TESTIFY HOW ANNOYINGLY SEXIST THAT MALE-BULLCRAP IS!
I'M A FAN OF L. STEVEN TAYLOR'S NARRATING, BTW!
April 20, 2020
Wow, and the stories keep getting better
I read Hoodlum and was impressed, but Hoodlum 2 was off the chain. The series is off the chain. I think I would count these as a stand alones because you don't need Hoodlum to read Hoodlum 2. It gives great back story and Hoodlum is about Shai's rise to power.
With that being said, I really enjoyed Hoodlum and would read it first. The ending in that novel was a masterpiece and what I've come to expect from K'wan. Don't wait delve into this today!
I read Hoodlum and was impressed, but Hoodlum 2 was off the chain. The series is off the chain. I think I would count these as a stand alones because you don't need Hoodlum to read Hoodlum 2. It gives great back story and Hoodlum is about Shai's rise to power.
With that being said, I really enjoyed Hoodlum and would read it first. The ending in that novel was a masterpiece and what I've come to expect from K'wan. Don't wait delve into this today!
October 31, 2020
Ahhh this book was nuts. Especially the last fifty pages. I’m so upset that there isn’t another book yet! I’m feeling for animal... losing all the kids in the fire. But whoa, I didn’t even think of Monet being Mike Tessio’s daughter. There is so much crossing and double crossing going on. The cissaros double crossing GG. Tommy double crossing Shai. I feel like Hammer isn’t being truthful either. I hope the cops don’t find Monet’s body because Shai definitely left enough DNA in her. I didn’t forget about Hope’s little friend either. Wow.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2020
Hmmm
I'm left with no answers. I needed the background on animal enjoyed that but the story fell off. No resolution to honey Brutus hope did Tommy take over? Ended the series with lots of questions
I'm left with no answers. I needed the background on animal enjoyed that but the story fell off. No resolution to honey Brutus hope did Tommy take over? Ended the series with lots of questions
January 2, 2022
It feels like something is missing..I have read the Animal books..so it seems something has been left out about Shai Clark.. He is way too arrogant.. And I wanna know about part 3 of this series so it can all tie in to Animal..
October 12, 2017
Hoodlum 2
The first part book was how I was introduced to K'wan.. The seine book is why I'm still a fan
The first part book was how I was introduced to K'wan.. The seine book is why I'm still a fan
August 6, 2017
Shit was mad wack
Super tired like all this time for this wack ass part 2 never will I buy a book like this
Super tired like all this time for this wack ass part 2 never will I buy a book like this
June 14, 2018
I'm missing somethings but it was ok.
December 2, 2018
Great read, will there be a Hoodlum 3, I need to know what's going to happen to Shai n Honey, and the war that's bout to pop off????
November 2, 2019
Another banger!
September 13, 2021
Can’t wait to read the sequel.
February 18, 2022
This book was SOOOO GOOD!! This is so crazy! I’m on the edge of my seat…. On to the next book
August 15, 2023
I cant stand honey and that baby is not his! K’wan is an amazing writer
August 17, 2023
The book was good but the end left so many cliffhangers, the end was rushed .
October 27, 2025
I love all books by K'wan. Hoodlum 2 ends with a clift hanger that we eagerly await for the conclusion.
August 1, 2017
Hoodlum 2 (Good Book) Wasn't disappointed I need a part 3
Hoodlum 2: Spoilers
Bruh, this book was really good, and now I see how Tech died and the reason behind it, but I am wondering why? I do know I wanted to know did he know who he was robbing though? And I also knew something was up Sikes I'm lying lol but man, I thought Monae and Shai were getting somewhere fooled me lol. But I am also itching for Shai to find out about Honey and Brunco or whatever how you spell his name. And war is definitely at its high with Clark's family. It's going to get a juicer, and I am itching for more omg.
Also, something is up with Shai sister boyfriend Snake, I kept saying to myself they have to watch that fool, and his sister is hard headed something going to happen, and I feel it and dude are stirring her in the wrong direction. But I do wish Swann, tell Shai about Honey and Brunso foreal because I know they smash, and she is feeling him, he be around her more than Shai is and that is not good at all.
In my mind, I am like is that even Shai baby hmmm hmmm. Man, though I just hope that part 3 will not be coming out so late because I am itching for more.
Merged review:
Hoodlum 2 (Good Book) Wasn't disappointed I need a part 3
https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2017...
Hoodlum 2: Few Spoilers ... or Couple!
Bruh, this book was really good, and now I see how Tech died and the reason behind it, but I am wondering why? I do know I wanted to know did he know who he was robbing though? And I also knew something was up Sikes I'm lying lol but man, I thought Monae and Shai were getting somewhere fooled me lol. But I am also itching for Shai to find out about Honey and Brunco or whatever how you spell his name. And war is definitely at its high with Clark's family. It's going to get a juicer, and I am itching for more omg.
Also, something is up with Shai sister boyfriend Snake, I kept saying to myself they have to watch that fool, and his sister is hard headed something going to happen, and I feel it and dude are stirring her in the wrong direction. But I do wish Swann, tell Shai about Honey and Brunso foreal because I know they smash, and she is feeling him, he be around her more than Shai is and that is not good at all.
In my mind, I am like is that even Shai baby hmmm hmmm. Man, though I just hope that part 3 will not be coming out so late because I am itching for more.
Hoodlum 2: Spoilers
Bruh, this book was really good, and now I see how Tech died and the reason behind it, but I am wondering why? I do know I wanted to know did he know who he was robbing though? And I also knew something was up Sikes I'm lying lol but man, I thought Monae and Shai were getting somewhere fooled me lol. But I am also itching for Shai to find out about Honey and Brunco or whatever how you spell his name. And war is definitely at its high with Clark's family. It's going to get a juicer, and I am itching for more omg.
Also, something is up with Shai sister boyfriend Snake, I kept saying to myself they have to watch that fool, and his sister is hard headed something going to happen, and I feel it and dude are stirring her in the wrong direction. But I do wish Swann, tell Shai about Honey and Brunso foreal because I know they smash, and she is feeling him, he be around her more than Shai is and that is not good at all.
In my mind, I am like is that even Shai baby hmmm hmmm. Man, though I just hope that part 3 will not be coming out so late because I am itching for more.
Merged review:
Hoodlum 2 (Good Book) Wasn't disappointed I need a part 3
https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2017...
Hoodlum 2: Few Spoilers ... or Couple!
Bruh, this book was really good, and now I see how Tech died and the reason behind it, but I am wondering why? I do know I wanted to know did he know who he was robbing though? And I also knew something was up Sikes I'm lying lol but man, I thought Monae and Shai were getting somewhere fooled me lol. But I am also itching for Shai to find out about Honey and Brunco or whatever how you spell his name. And war is definitely at its high with Clark's family. It's going to get a juicer, and I am itching for more omg.
Also, something is up with Shai sister boyfriend Snake, I kept saying to myself they have to watch that fool, and his sister is hard headed something going to happen, and I feel it and dude are stirring her in the wrong direction. But I do wish Swann, tell Shai about Honey and Brunso foreal because I know they smash, and she is feeling him, he be around her more than Shai is and that is not good at all.
In my mind, I am like is that even Shai baby hmmm hmmm. Man, though I just hope that part 3 will not be coming out so late because I am itching for more.
January 2, 2018
This story had so many good parts in it. I wasn't disappointed the only problem will be waiting so long for part 3 and Tech getting killed all over again, knowing my heart can't take it.
Knowing after reading Hoodlum 1 and now Hoodlum 2, I like Shai now, I cannot hate him and Swann now, as I did at first, so I am hoping they aren't going to die, so young. in my mind, I assume they were in their 40s or 30s at least but see Hoodlum is taking you back to the beginning of time before Tech died and before everyone became an adult. You have to read Animal story, Shai story and the hoodrat series to get a good feeling of what is going on in Hoodlum two and boy I need part 3 already, and this book just came out this month lol. UGH!
Knowing after reading Hoodlum 1 and now Hoodlum 2, I like Shai now, I cannot hate him and Swann now, as I did at first, so I am hoping they aren't going to die, so young. in my mind, I assume they were in their 40s or 30s at least but see Hoodlum is taking you back to the beginning of time before Tech died and before everyone became an adult. You have to read Animal story, Shai story and the hoodrat series to get a good feeling of what is going on in Hoodlum two and boy I need part 3 already, and this book just came out this month lol. UGH!
August 3, 2020
Shai & Tommy might need to really share these responsibilities as the head. At least behind closed doors. I don't think Shai can handle it alone, he's not as seasoned as Tommy & still thinking with that little head. If it wasn't for Hammer he would be gone. And I'm still hoping to be able to trust Hammer cause he just popped up out the blue. Shai is definitely "The Good Son" and might need some training. Plus Honey is out of line too. Can't wait for the follow-up on this.
February 20, 2018
This book had a lot of errors but overall a good read. After Tommy got shot I thought he would change but no same old Tommy. Everything that Tech did to get in Shai good grace was all for nothing when Shai find out what he did he is a dead man even though it was a set up.
May 26, 2024
Another amazing read…
Although there are minor errors, such as mixing up some of the character names and the formatting of the text, it was still such a great book! I’m not too fond of the ending, but I still enjoyed the story!
Although there are minor errors, such as mixing up some of the character names and the formatting of the text, it was still such a great book! I’m not too fond of the ending, but I still enjoyed the story!
Read
July 31, 2017The story is AMAZING as always but the errors are distracting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews