Promised Land

by Brenda Hampton, Nikki Michelle

One question. What would you do, if you woke up one day and life as you’ve known it changed forever? For Aubrey Evans and Melody Daniels, along with their families, that day has now arrived. Their lives will never be the same, and after believing that silence is golden as it pertains to the biggest sins of America, they will be forced to confront White Supremacy head on and fight for what they once relished as FREEDOM. Succumbing to hatred and bigotry is not an option for Malcolm Garvey. He’s an activist who has intensely studied the Promised Land; a land that was created by The Masters who are determined to take their country back. By any means necessary they plan to do it, but will the strength of black men and women, along with their efforts to unite, be enough to put an end to the gut-wrenching madness they all endure in the name of hate? No one could’ve predicated it would come to this, not even in their wildest dreams. But when reality kicks in and the truths behind the Promised Land are revealed, the shock will be felt across America. Next question. Will it shock you? “I am shaken to my core. This writing is phenomenal and this is a book that every black person or person on this plant should read. It wasn’t an enjoyable read. It was a necessary and thought-provoking read that has made me even more proud to be black. I’m speechless and I will NEVER be the same.” Christine Pauls, Author of One Good Thing “From the very beginning, my heart broke. I was hooked emotionally and it was raw emotion that dragged me through this book. It’s not just a story. This is an account of the fight against racism, injustice and hatred. This story makes you “get it.” It made me sickeningly uncomfortable in my privileged white skin. It’s a catalyst for change, and if it doesn’t move you, you’re part of the problem.” Chanda M Carte’ “The writing felt very real. It was intense and I felt like I was in the story, living through the pain and desperation of the characters. This book will move you and make you think. The topic is hard, but I hope it provokes a much needed conversation in America.” Rose Jackson Beavers, Author of Broken Spirit “The Promised Land is a disturbing story with a plot I’m sure White Supremacists fantasize about. The characters were well written and are a true reflection of black folks we surround ourselves with every day.” Shantel Bynum

Genres: Fiction

177 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 9, 2018

About the author

Hampton is a native St. Louis, with a gift and passion for writing. She maintained journals for several years, but it wasn’t until she read Terry McMillan’s Disappearing Acts that she considered taking her writing adventures to another level.



In 2002, Hampton completed her memoir, along with two fiction novels: Two's Enough Three's a Crowd and How Can I Be Down? The following year, she completed thrilling sequels to both novels and additional bestselling novels followed thereafter.



Hampton is known for bringing the heat to readers, and her literary career is filled with many accomplishments. She is an Essence Magazine Bestselling Author, she was named a Favorite Female Fiction writer in Upscale Magazine by O.O.S.A., she is a 2009 African American Literary Award Nominee for her mystery novel, The Dirty Truth, and was awarded Best Female Writer by Infini Promoters. Her dedication to her career lead to a multi-book deal through Urban/Kensington Books in New York City, a publishing house that she refers to as her literary home.



In addition to writing, and having an entrepreneur spirit, Hampton manages her own insurance business where she works as an Insurance Broker for many customers throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area. She is also the founder of VOICES Books & Publishing, VOICES Books on Wheels and VOICES Magazine. VOICES is the place where every voice can be heard, and Hampton uses her publishing company to assist writers through the POD process. Her goal has been to work with motivated writers who deserve a chance in this very challenging book industry. She’s been referred to as the “go to person” by many aspiring writers, and works as a literary representative for some of the most talented, upcoming and established authors today. Including, National Bestselling author, Keisha Ervin (Urban Books/Kensington), 2007’s Best Male Writer, Darrin Lowery (Urban Books/Kensington), OASIS (Strebor/Simon & Schuster), Silhouettes (Urban Books/Kensington), Curtis Alcutt (Strebor/Simon & Schuster) and E.V. Adams (Strebor/Simon & Schuster), Tia Hines (Urban/Kensington) and Kaya Henderson (Urban/Kensington).





Hampton's latest releases are: Don't Even Go There, Full Figured 1, The Dirty Truth and Book 6 of the Naughty Series. Naughty includes Hampton’s most loveable, desired, and outrageous character, Jaylin Rogers. Readers can’t get enough of this “bad boy” and his continued drama goes on in Naughty No More. Other novels include: Two Wrongs Don’t Make a Right, SLICK, How Can I Be Down?, No Justice No Peace, a Girls from Da Hood collaboration with Brenda Hampton, Keisha Ervin and Ed McNair, and Who or What is in that Closet?!, a children's chapter book that Hampton wrote with her son, Aaron Littlejohn.

Reviews

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shocking

Shocking, gut wrenching, but most of all thought provoking. My goodness there is so much I want to say, but I don't want to give spoilers. What I will say is after chapter 1 this story took an unexpected turn that definitely has my mind reeling. Great read.

[Dee Cherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so deep & filled with situations that are not far-fetched. The storyline was excellent for once I started reading, it felt as if I was present while the scenes were taking place. I would like to commend these 2 authors on writing on such a serious subject & highly recommend others to read

[Shani Greene-Dowdell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imaginative

This is one of the best books I’ve read this year. The message is eye opening and good for discussion.

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really sad but good.

[OhhSlimmm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stay woke

I’ve read books where messages were deep but nothing like this. You start to really think and question yourself are my black people going through things like this? And your answer will be ABSOLUTELY! The emotions that were in this book were mind blowing like what if you woke up from your normal life and you are slaving for the white men again. I guess 400+ years wasn’t enough. But each flaw that was mentioned from the characters about being against their fellow black sister and brother made me realize we are always against each other but when we come together we can’t be stopped. I really appreciate this book and the ladies who wrote this because this don’t normally be in books in this time of generation. I definitely recommend this book, it was very well written

[K Nikki Waden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jaw-dropping

I began this book with high expectations, that two of my favorite authors would produce a spell-binding read and they most certainly delivered. Although it's categorized under fiction ,it contained many truths. The vivid picture that was painted could be compared to a premonition of what's to come ,if this country continues down the path it's on.

This is a story about two dysfunctional families who becomes prey to an extreme racist group. As they struggle to find a way out,tough decisions are made and some won't see the other side of the Promised Land or do they?Great story with a puzzling ending that leaves you wondering ,what really happened?

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

The land of promise...or is it?

Wow. That’s all that really comes to my mind right now. This is a book I will be discussing with my book club and had it not been a discussion book I’m not sure of when I would’ve gotten to it. This book was very interesting and definitely evoked many feelings in my spirit. I would recommend this book to everybody, especially at this time with all that’s going on in the world.

[Robert White · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book rock me to the core!

Hands down this is the best book I have read in 2018. I when the Authors said uncomfortable they were writing this masterpiece. It made me so emotional and poss of I really hurt for character in the book. This is a must read in 2018 you want regret.

[Maya B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compelling fictional story that will stay with you long after reading it. A hypothetical story about what if modern day slavery existed. This is a book I highly recommend others to read. Overall, I give this book 4.5 stars. I wanted better closure for the ending. So many jewels of knowledge and awareness in this book. People like to say "stay woke" and my response is you should of never been asleep.

[Kai Leakes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was moved. I was angry. I was rooting for some vengeance. This was a poignant story. It took me a long time to read this story because I knew the intensity of it, but I knew I'd be glad to read it and I was. This is a wake-up call. This is a reality that is circling us every day. I'm proud of these two powerful Black Women writers. I'm proud because I know that this story is a movement and is making waves. It's making such a wave that it appears that it was plagiarized for a latest 2020 horror movie featuring the deep south. Shame on those screenwriters. I give my utmost props to authors Brenda Hampton and Nikki-Michelle. You both brought nuance and your souls to this piece.

For those who don't understand, this is not Kindred.

[Daphne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought provoking for sure

This book is insightful. It's necessary to discuss issues that are going on in today's society, especially with 45 in the white house. Definitely wanted it to be longer, exploring Malcolm Garvey and his mission. I hope more books are written about the issues. The promised land isn't so promising, especially when you're on the wrong side. Very good read

[Khadijah M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Scared the Crap Out of Me!!

This book is an eye opener!! Things can be going along as normal in your life then one day you and your family are snatched from the life you are used to living and are now slaves to the white man. I’m sure if some Caucasian people red this book they would try exactly what the Masters and his crazy employees tried. We all need to get ourselves together before it’s too late. We don’t need to sit by eating for something to happen. In this current climate of 2020 this book should scare the hell out of you as the words felt so real!! I recommend this book!! This is also a book that should be read in African Studies class. Bravo ladies for writing one hell of a book!!!

[Linda Strickland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scary book, but not farfetched at all, considering the state of the world right now!

[Kennosha Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was breathtakingly emotional for me. I felt like I lost my breath at points throughout this book. I just couldn’t phantom being thrown into the situations that these families were put through. I was alone and often read this book at night. I often imagined someone breaking into my home and snatching me and throwing me into the life of modern day Slavery....or shall I say past historical slavery that our ancestors endured. It makes me wonder more than ever now....where do all those missing people go without a trace...No bodies washed up just disappeared into thin air....Then just all of sudden forgotten....We talk about as black people how we are not our ancestors and we won’t stand for it but when thrust into that reality what possibly can we do to survive without fighting back and being killed and tortured. How would we really react. These families didn’t know or understand until it happened to them. This book really touched my soul. I wish everyone can read it. I wish it could reach the hands of every high school and college student....I wish that this book can make it to theaters across America. It read like a movie itself. I love the realness the writers took us through with these characters. They laid it all out for us and went in depth to how things really could go and blood be shed. No matter how the book ended there is no happy ending when we have broken families torn apart and factors of Racism and Hate is still alive and relevant in 2019. This was by far one of the best and will probably be the most memorable books that I have and will ever read. Y’all gonna hey tired of me suggesting and mentioning this book through the year. It’s that good and very well written. These authors pen game dripped so much fire writing this. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[Untamed Publishing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Realistically Chilling

This thought-provoking book was like a repeat record that keeps reminding us of the Bible verse: “My people perish for lack of knowledge.” Hosea 4:6. Promised Land is one of the most powerful reads of its kind. This carefully crafted tale of white supremacy infused with self-hatred through the eyes of modern slavery is bone-chilling. The authors explore the fictitious yet plausible view of life for blacks in America. Though the symbolism speaks to the current states of mind on both sides of the racial divide, it also introduces a fearful view of this symbolism being realized. Admittedly, it had to be read in doses due to the graphic nature of the book, but also because it eerily felt as if we were being exposed to an alternate life that was actually taking place. There is no doubt that this book delivers an urgent call-to-action and awareness that will resonate in the hearts and soul of readers; leaving them with no choice but to search within themselves and pay close attention to the world around them.

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought Provoking

How easy it would be...

Those are the words that come to mind as I consider the possibility of what is shared here. These ladies share a story that is too familiar, yet fictional. What a read, though. What an absolutely spectacular read.

Our community has been lulled into a state of comfort that is unfortunate, at minimum, dangerous, for sure. Here, an entire group is slowly picked off. Bus loads of people are easily carried away...to “The Promised Land.” Only, what they find is that the promises are not of anything pleasant. The battle for freedom isn’t as much of a battle as one might believe. The complacency that has plagued our community for so long leads to the almost complete destruction of this one.

This is a difficult to digest, but good to take in, read. It’s good to be reminded, to be encouraged to take an assessment of your own heart/mind. Only the coldest person wouldn’t after reading this.

[Tajuana · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHOA! By far, this was one of the hardest books I ever read emotional wise in my life! While I was waiting on the release for this book, I kept trying to imagine all of the things it could be about. I sure wasn't ready for what they gave me! The best way to describe the book for you, for me, is to say it's like Roots in 2018 with Twist. Ion saying nothing! I do not want to give ANYTHING away. But I will say this... I'm ready to stock up on guns and stay my ass off FB😂!
Like y'all really, really, really need to grab this book! When you read this book, and don't have moments where you have to stop reading just to think; I will assume you have no thought process WHAT SO EVER! This is possibly gonna be the best read in 2018 for me. This will surely have your mind spinning. I'm telling y'all, read it! I need a discussion ASAP though!
5*
#YallAintReady
#CauseIWasntReady

[Kesha Battle · Rating 3 out of 5]

R.A.C.I.S.M. is F.E.A.R. that many choose to ignore

R.A.C.I.S.M. is F.E.A.R. that many choose to ignore. "Racism wasn’t going anywhere, and we would have to fight— fight hard for our freedom. -Malcolm Garvey" That was this books message. To STOP and pay attention to the world we live in. Yes many many decades have passed since our ancestors struggled to fight for freedom, only for us to still have the mind set of slavery. We are our own masters. Read the book and you will see where my thoughts come from.

I honestly couldn't and didn't know how to rate this book. It was more than a 1 as it opened my eyes and my mind. Not quite a 5 because there is so much more that could have been added to decipher the authors views. As it was just their views that consisted of some truth that I agree and disagree with. So I decided to rate it 3. I loved and hated this book.

[Diane Rembert · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you do when your comfort zone is suddenly snatched from beneath you? The life that you're accustomed to (and often complain about) is no more, AND you're forced to live in…SLAVERY? Well, this is the reality for Aubrey, Melody, Brian and others.

This book will awaken the senses of some, open the eyes of others and confuse those who just aren't ready to hear the truth about the state of affairs in this country.

I absolutely loved this book, read it in a couple of hours and ONLY stopped, because I had to. I highly recommend this 💎💎💎💎💎 book, and hope that you'll take the time to discuss it with your children. Kudos to @nikkimichelle1984 @silkandben and @brendahampton_1 for a job well done!

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read, especially in this time. The story was intense and many times difficult to read. But at the same time, I was unable to put it down. As unimaginable as the events were, it gave me pause when I think of the things happening to African Americans in our county over the years....have we really made the strides we thought we had, or have we become comfortable and complacent? This is a powerful message and one we should pay close attention to. Kudos to the authors, Brenda Hampton and Nikki Michelle for tackling this difficult topic on hatred......a job well done.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't care for this book too much!

First off let me say I love both the authors dearly, have met them and love their work. With that being said, this book was a stretch for me, I imagine if this were the case and really started to take place there would be many dead folks around here from all races. We do live in a world full of racism but I have to believe that we as a race of people will never forget and will never go back to being enslaved by anyone ever again. Overall a thought provoking read, just not one I really enjoyed.

[Pat Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must Read

I finished this book hours ago and still don't know what to say. Very thought provoking and scary. The concept of making us work for free and taking 'their' jobs back is not all that far fetched. Would we recognize the methodology or just fall unwittingly into the trap? Can we ever pull together when there's so many of us living that street life, killing each other and hating each other? Very enlightening; I'm recommending this to everyone I know.

[Anissa Sheppard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story follows Aubrey & her three kids plus her ex husband's story about how easy they went from a happy family to dysfunctional. There were others as well with similar situations. There was so much going on in the community with killings & disappearances but it was pretty much being ignored, like it is today. A few felt like it was something going on... you'll be shocked to find out what the PROMISED LAND really was.

[Mirrlees · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow this book was scary attentive and down right informative. Moving through the pages as though I was there gave me chills but lived every minute of this writing. We sure are living in these times but our 21st century can’t see beyond the self destruction to even help one another. Excellent job ladies5 stars.

[Yvette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a far fetch

Omg, I really enjoyed this read. I absolutely couldn’t put it down ! I was amazed how quickly I breezed through this book only to get to the end wanting more. In reality if we don’t stay “woke” to our community surroundings and systemic racism this scenario really is not far fetched. #fictioncanbetruth

[miranda toussaint · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine slavery today, that's what this is about.

Very eye opening book. I couldn't im AT ik me going through what these people wemt through. Just always remember to contribute as much and as positively as you can to society. Too many black people ensured slavery in real life so we could have the liberties we have today.

[Latoya Samuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowww

This story brought tears to my eyes and a deep pain to my soul. Sometimes truth can be stranger than fiction and I’m not ashamed to say that I’m afraid this may be the case. It’s so much going on and yet WE are still sleep. The war on blacks never ceased and has actually heightened again. I just pray that I’m brave enough to protect my family and people when it’s time.

[Felicia Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book have taken me though somethings . it have open my eyes to a lot of truth,and how the world is . please read this book it will show you a lot of truth in the world . when you read this book take your time and read each and every word . Thank you .

[Rashida Keda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is nothing short of AMAZING these authors have done an outstanding job. The reality of the story have me speechless. I highly recommend this to all readers as well as none readers. Job well done ladies

[shekitta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is there a sequel???

I've read thousands of books and I have to say that this one was probably the craziest of them all, but it was very interesting and mind boggling! I would love for there to be a sequel!!!!