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The Coldest Summer Ever: Episode 1
Follow this coming-of-age story of Summer Barnes, daughter of Nathaniel “Big Nate” Barnes, one of the most notorious kingpins on the South Side of Chicago. After finding out about a possible adultery between his wife and best friend, Big Nate goes into a violent rage, seeking answers from his supposedly loyal wife. One thing leads to another during the midst of the quarrel, Big Nate ends up murdering his wife in front of his two young daughters, Summer and Serena, and then eventually turns the gun on himself.
Witnessing the bloody murder-suicide before their young eyes proves to be extremely traumatic to the girls, especially Summer, the eldest. She quickly realizes that after her parents’ death, her and sister will be going off into an unknown, dark future and they have no one else to support them other than themselves.
Relying on each other for love and comfort, the girls suddenly are thrown into the complicated and unsympathetic Illinois foster care system, hoping perhaps someone would come and rescue them. After months of praying, finally a generous, loving white family comes to the girl’s rescue. Summer who is reluctant at first, eventually gives in to the idea of being reared by white people. Months pass, and the two sisters seem to be adjusting well to their new life until one day out of the blue, their mysterious grandfather, Granddaddy Rev. Luther Gaines, suddenly comes to take his granddaughters out of the foster care system and brings them back to the inner city where now the girls are forced to adjust to a completely new reality – Grand Boulevard Towers, the most dangerous housing project in the entire city of Chicago.
Summer, who’s all out defiant, initially tries to fight against the abrupt change, but finds herself going up against a formidable, dark, oppressive foe – her strict, religious and overpowering grandfather. After using his brute force to discipline the girl into submission, Summer caves in and now is forced to adapt to this new hellish ghetto reality. She has to adjust to a new school, meet new friends and also deal with the tribulations of bullying, sexual harassment and other woes plaguing her surroundings.
Summer, looking for a way out, eventually gets keen to her surroundings and has a plan to leave the projects. One event leads to another, Summer eventually discovers a deep and dark hidden secret about her so-called religious grandfather that eventually changes her perception about her life. This secret uproots everything she assumed to be true about her mother and father. Now armed with information regarding the bizarre circumstances surrounding her parents’ death, Summer goes on a mission to exact revenge. However, the mission will try her in so many ways that it even threatens to change her completely into a person she’d never thought she’d become -- a coldblooded, ruthless killer.
Read more about Summer’s coming of age story in “The Coldest Summer Ever”.
Witnessing the bloody murder-suicide before their young eyes proves to be extremely traumatic to the girls, especially Summer, the eldest. She quickly realizes that after her parents’ death, her and sister will be going off into an unknown, dark future and they have no one else to support them other than themselves.
Relying on each other for love and comfort, the girls suddenly are thrown into the complicated and unsympathetic Illinois foster care system, hoping perhaps someone would come and rescue them. After months of praying, finally a generous, loving white family comes to the girl’s rescue. Summer who is reluctant at first, eventually gives in to the idea of being reared by white people. Months pass, and the two sisters seem to be adjusting well to their new life until one day out of the blue, their mysterious grandfather, Granddaddy Rev. Luther Gaines, suddenly comes to take his granddaughters out of the foster care system and brings them back to the inner city where now the girls are forced to adjust to a completely new reality – Grand Boulevard Towers, the most dangerous housing project in the entire city of Chicago.
Summer, who’s all out defiant, initially tries to fight against the abrupt change, but finds herself going up against a formidable, dark, oppressive foe – her strict, religious and overpowering grandfather. After using his brute force to discipline the girl into submission, Summer caves in and now is forced to adapt to this new hellish ghetto reality. She has to adjust to a new school, meet new friends and also deal with the tribulations of bullying, sexual harassment and other woes plaguing her surroundings.
Summer, looking for a way out, eventually gets keen to her surroundings and has a plan to leave the projects. One event leads to another, Summer eventually discovers a deep and dark hidden secret about her so-called religious grandfather that eventually changes her perception about her life. This secret uproots everything she assumed to be true about her mother and father. Now armed with information regarding the bizarre circumstances surrounding her parents’ death, Summer goes on a mission to exact revenge. However, the mission will try her in so many ways that it even threatens to change her completely into a person she’d never thought she’d become -- a coldblooded, ruthless killer.
Read more about Summer’s coming of age story in “The Coldest Summer Ever”.
166 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 30, 2017
247 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
May 3, 2018
It was ok
Too many misspellings and too dark and grimy for me. I don't think I will read any more like this.
Too many misspellings and too dark and grimy for me. I don't think I will read any more like this.
November 27, 2018
This was more like a 3.5 than a 3 but the amount of editing issues, which bordered on almost 5 every chapter, was just too much for me. Also, although it was a good read, it seemed longer than it actually was for some reason. I'm surprised it was only 165 pages. There were really some sick people in this book and although this was mainly about Summer, I didn't feel much of a connection with her. At any rate, this was a decent read. Someone else might love it. Especially if they can ignore the editing issues. The ending leaves way for a sequel, but I don't know if I can trust it enough to get it myself.
August 2, 2018
I'm only about 25% through this story. While I can, with a great deal of certainty, say that the storyline and character development are on point... There are SO MANY syntactical and grammatical errors within the story that interrupt the plot's flow. This issue could have EASILY been resolved with the employment of a proofreader BEFORE the manuscript was sent to print. In spite of this minor issue, I will finish the story because I want to know how life for Summer and Serena ends up now that she knows her grandfather isn't who he portrayed himself to be.
August 13, 2019
YOU DID IT AGAIN!!!
Quan, you NEVER fail to deliver, bro. Wtf you gone do with Summer, with all that she's been subjected to, all that hatred and betrayal, where do you see her going from there? And poor lil Serena, will she harbor some ill will towards Summer for taking her best friend "away"? Come on Quan you gotta be finishing up the next installment by now. Don't leave us hanging for too long.
Quan, you NEVER fail to deliver, bro. Wtf you gone do with Summer, with all that she's been subjected to, all that hatred and betrayal, where do you see her going from there? And poor lil Serena, will she harbor some ill will towards Summer for taking her best friend "away"? Come on Quan you gotta be finishing up the next installment by now. Don't leave us hanging for too long.
October 29, 2018
Not What I expected
The beginning was good, but it went in a direction I didn’t expect it to. I guess I wanted more of a viscous Summer, sparing me the details of granddaddy. I didn’t like his character much. The twist about “dad” was not to my liking either. Overall the book was okay.
The beginning was good, but it went in a direction I didn’t expect it to. I guess I wanted more of a viscous Summer, sparing me the details of granddaddy. I didn’t like his character much. The twist about “dad” was not to my liking either. Overall the book was okay.
July 13, 2018
while this took me awhile to read it was really good, poor summer I felt so bad for her she went from one bad situation to the next and it got worse with each place! I can't wait to see how part 2 will go because that ending left me wanting more.
August 12, 2018
OMGEE this book was bomb
I read this book literally in about 3 hour's, it was so good. Now I need to know when is the sequel coming out? I need answers. Quan Mills does it again, this book is🔥🔥🔥🔥
I read this book literally in about 3 hour's, it was so good. Now I need to know when is the sequel coming out? I need answers. Quan Mills does it again, this book is🔥🔥🔥🔥
June 22, 2019
Spellbinding
A definite page turner. Just when you think you have it figured out, there pops up more twists and turns. It is very raw and uncut and makes you feel as if you sympathize with all the different emotions Summer experiences.
A definite page turner. Just when you think you have it figured out, there pops up more twists and turns. It is very raw and uncut and makes you feel as if you sympathize with all the different emotions Summer experiences.
June 27, 2019
Still The Coldest Summer?
This book had me all up in my feelings. While my heart breaks for Summer and her sister, I was wishing for their grandfather's death. Hoping for the second part of this or at least a stand-alone with her sister. Great job Quan!!
This book had me all up in my feelings. While my heart breaks for Summer and her sister, I was wishing for their grandfather's death. Hoping for the second part of this or at least a stand-alone with her sister. Great job Quan!!
April 20, 2020
Raw Summer
The over all book kept me engaged and I could not out my kindle down, but overall all, all though very good. Just over the top at times. Hence the 4 stars. Nevertheless, I'm looking forward to episode 2.
The over all book kept me engaged and I could not out my kindle down, but overall all, all though very good. Just over the top at times. Hence the 4 stars. Nevertheless, I'm looking forward to episode 2.
April 22, 2020
Easy read
It was definitely an interesting book. It had a lot of grammatical errors and misspellings but it was entertaining. It's a good book to read that doesn't require a lot of thinking.
It was definitely an interesting book. It had a lot of grammatical errors and misspellings but it was entertaining. It's a good book to read that doesn't require a lot of thinking.
May 22, 2018
Can't put it down
Its A great book and very intense, love it and if you like urban books this is a wonderful addition.
Its A great book and very intense, love it and if you like urban books this is a wonderful addition.
May 23, 2018
Intense indeed
Excellent read it kept me hanging 0n to every word. Can the wait for part two to come out. Thku
Excellent read it kept me hanging 0n to every word. Can the wait for part two to come out. Thku
June 25, 2018
What In The World Did I Attempt To Read
What In The World Did I Attempt to Read? Where was the plot? This book was just trash. And there is a part 2, why?
What In The World Did I Attempt to Read? Where was the plot? This book was just trash. And there is a part 2, why?
September 24, 2018
Wow
I have so many unanswered questions. I wanna know what's going to happen. This book was good and Summer was a beast. I wanna know if he really is her father.
I have so many unanswered questions. I wanna know what's going to happen. This book was good and Summer was a beast. I wanna know if he really is her father.
March 7, 2019
Wow
I am in shock over this book it was really good and have recommended it to my friends to read!!
I am in shock over this book it was really good and have recommended it to my friends to read!!
September 29, 2019
Spew!!
I NEED THE NEXT EPISODE LIKE LAST YEAR, WHAT THE HELL IS THE WAIT FOR?!!! COME ON ALREADY......!!!!!!! GIVE IT TO ME NOW!!!!!
I NEED THE NEXT EPISODE LIKE LAST YEAR, WHAT THE HELL IS THE WAIT FOR?!!! COME ON ALREADY......!!!!!!! GIVE IT TO ME NOW!!!!!
November 17, 2019
Straight
I can't wait for episode 2. Hurry please. I get anxious waiting. Great story. I didn't see it coming down to summer being a beast.
I can't wait for episode 2. Hurry please. I get anxious waiting. Great story. I didn't see it coming down to summer being a beast.
January 4, 2020
I can't wait until the sequels comes what does she have in store for her future is she going to take over
March 16, 2020
Crazy
I loved this book because Summer is one crazy chick. Luther puts preachers to shame with his sadistic ways. I can’t wait to find out what happens with Summer and Serena
I loved this book because Summer is one crazy chick. Luther puts preachers to shame with his sadistic ways. I can’t wait to find out what happens with Summer and Serena
April 28, 2020
GREAT
Can not wait to finish this read if I would have know it was other parts I would have waited I like to read them all at 1 time so I wouldn't have to go back and reread
Can not wait to finish this read if I would have know it was other parts I would have waited I like to read them all at 1 time so I wouldn't have to go back and reread
September 3, 2020
🤭
🤭 IF YOU DONT STOP PLAYING AND DROP PART 2!!!! All I kept saying while reading this book is I KNOW YOU FU$&!N LYING 😂🤣 I love your stories
🤭 IF YOU DONT STOP PLAYING AND DROP PART 2!!!! All I kept saying while reading this book is I KNOW YOU FU$&!N LYING 😂🤣 I love your stories
November 19, 2017
Banger
This was a wild banger. I am wondering will Luther raping his daughter be revealed in part 2. I wanna see Summer give some heat to the dirty bit*hes that raped her. Hurry up with part 2 . We impatiently await you.
This was a wild banger. I am wondering will Luther raping his daughter be revealed in part 2. I wanna see Summer give some heat to the dirty bit*hes that raped her. Hurry up with part 2 . We impatiently await you.
Read
June 26, 2020Locking for the next book in the series. I can’t wait to see what happened next.
November 20, 2017
Well damn
I gave this 📕 give stars cause it definitely wasn't what I expected. Grand daddy was the devil himself but to see that summer is his daughter is crazy. She went from sweet to gangster fast. I can't wait for part two. Summer bout her work. I would definitely recommend this book to family and friends. I already have
I gave this 📕 give stars cause it definitely wasn't what I expected. Grand daddy was the devil himself but to see that summer is his daughter is crazy. She went from sweet to gangster fast. I can't wait for part two. Summer bout her work. I would definitely recommend this book to family and friends. I already have
November 4, 2017
Well...
Unfortunately, this book didn't do it for me. It was written very well and engaging, but it was a little too far fetched. Summer is what, 12 or 13? And then she goes back to Luther and he welcomes her with open arms (pun intended). The beginning of the book was really good and promising. I just wasn't expecting the ending. If you like the ABSOLUTE UNEXPECTED then this is the book for you! Summer's little butt will give any of the hardest gangsters a run for their money.
Unfortunately, this book didn't do it for me. It was written very well and engaging, but it was a little too far fetched. Summer is what, 12 or 13? And then she goes back to Luther and he welcomes her with open arms (pun intended). The beginning of the book was really good and promising. I just wasn't expecting the ending. If you like the ABSOLUTE UNEXPECTED then this is the book for you! Summer's little butt will give any of the hardest gangsters a run for their money.
November 2, 2017
Interesting
What started out as a book of a young girls tragic circumstances progressively turned into something more. Summer was a beast that demanded her respect! Overall can't wait for the next part.
What started out as a book of a young girls tragic circumstances progressively turned into something more. Summer was a beast that demanded her respect! Overall can't wait for the next part.
November 14, 2017
Assessment
I honestly don't know how I feel about this book. There are questions I need answered but I'm not sure I'm going to follow this book to find out. How does a young girl cleverly pull off all that she did when she was completely green to the game??
I honestly don't know how I feel about this book. There are questions I need answered but I'm not sure I'm going to follow this book to find out. How does a young girl cleverly pull off all that she did when she was completely green to the game??
November 19, 2017
Good Book
This book is the first i've read by this author & it was very good. I wonder if the adopted mother is dead & does Summer get her revenge. I can't wait for part 2 to read the answer to these guestions
This book is the first i've read by this author & it was very good. I wonder if the adopted mother is dead & does Summer get her revenge. I can't wait for part 2 to read the answer to these guestions
November 2, 2017
Must Red
Wow....such a page turner. I read this book in 3 hours, I couldn't out it down. I definitely cant wait for part 2
Wow....such a page turner. I read this book in 3 hours, I couldn't out it down. I definitely cant wait for part 2
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews