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War #1
War
Two Families. Two Egos. One War. Raised in complete poverty, fourteen-year-old Banks Wales world is rocked when his mother is murdered. If not for his best friend Mason, the son of a kingpin, Banks would be alone. One rich, the other poor, the two do their best to stay alive and navigate the murderous streets of Baltimore. There's one problem. Banks father sees the young king's affluent lifestyle as a reminder that he is lacking as a father and a man. So he makes a vicious move. One that puts his, and Banks' life in extreme danger. Before long bodies drop and others rise to power. But when the smoke clears, the two childhood friends are separated by rage that spans a generation. And this is the beginning...
- GenresUrban
308 pages, Paperback
Published October 11, 2018
639 people are currently reading
266 people want to read
About the author
T. Styles
101 books605 followersStyles is the award Winning CEO of The Cartel Publications - an international, independent publishing house. She also owns Cartel Urban Cinema, an independent film production company. To date T. Styles has written 76 original novels under various pen names. Her novels have been published under her own house as well as Kensington and St. Martins.
Her screenplay “Concrete Beach”, reached the semifinals round for the Academy Nicholl Fellowship, a screenwriting competition, hosted by The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences (Oscars). In addition, her other screenplay “Blurred”, reached the top 15%, validating what her fans already know...that T. Styles knows the art of storytelling.
Styles’ publishing house, The Cartel Publications, is the face of today's urban fiction and street fiction industries. In both the digital and print world, the Cartel represents the best her generation has to offer in African American literature. She has aptly been dubbed "Urban Fiction Empress" and "Literary Master".
Styles is multifaceted and facilitates her popular seminar "How To Write A Novel In 30 Days", using her non-fiction novel of the same title. Styles consults authors and publishing houses on what it takes to achieve success and longevity in the book industry, using the Cartel as a guide.
She has been featured in The Washington Post, The Baltimore Sun, Essence Magazine, Don Diva Magazine, Oprah Winfrey's Network and Urban Book Source. She has been awarded Author Of The Year by AAMBC and was voted Most Underrated Author by The Urban Book Source.
Her screenplay “Concrete Beach”, reached the semifinals round for the Academy Nicholl Fellowship, a screenwriting competition, hosted by The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences (Oscars). In addition, her other screenplay “Blurred”, reached the top 15%, validating what her fans already know...that T. Styles knows the art of storytelling.
Styles’ publishing house, The Cartel Publications, is the face of today's urban fiction and street fiction industries. In both the digital and print world, the Cartel represents the best her generation has to offer in African American literature. She has aptly been dubbed "Urban Fiction Empress" and "Literary Master".
Styles is multifaceted and facilitates her popular seminar "How To Write A Novel In 30 Days", using her non-fiction novel of the same title. Styles consults authors and publishing houses on what it takes to achieve success and longevity in the book industry, using the Cartel as a guide.
She has been featured in The Washington Post, The Baltimore Sun, Essence Magazine, Don Diva Magazine, Oprah Winfrey's Network and Urban Book Source. She has been awarded Author Of The Year by AAMBC and was voted Most Underrated Author by The Urban Book Source.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
January 20, 2019
Once I started reading this story, I could not put it down. Banks and Mason's friendship began at an early age and their interactions throughout the years were well told. Once again, T. Styles has written another twisted tale that left me baffled and has me automatically starting on part 2
November 6, 2018
War: It’s dangerous game
Child, I would have to know this book is addicted. It would takes me to finished reading this book in a day or two days but I decide to take my time to reading this book. I have been reading from this author since Hustler’s son.
War by T. Styles is totally different than other books that she wrote. She’s fiesta and beast when comes her writing skills. There is more secretive and drama from this book.
Mason and Bank have been through in their childhood. They’re struggling with how to be love and loyalty to each other. Dennis is a evil and dramatic king. Dennis is the reason why they’re acting like that.
I can’t wait to read part two of this book. I’ll continue to support and read more from this author.
Good book
Sandra A
💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Child, I would have to know this book is addicted. It would takes me to finished reading this book in a day or two days but I decide to take my time to reading this book. I have been reading from this author since Hustler’s son.
War by T. Styles is totally different than other books that she wrote. She’s fiesta and beast when comes her writing skills. There is more secretive and drama from this book.
Mason and Bank have been through in their childhood. They’re struggling with how to be love and loyalty to each other. Dennis is a evil and dramatic king. Dennis is the reason why they’re acting like that.
I can’t wait to read part two of this book. I’ll continue to support and read more from this author.
Good book
Sandra A
💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
August 28, 2019
WAR!!
This book took me completely out my readers block and only a legend like T Styles couldve pulled it off. From beginning to the end, this book kept me intrigued enough to not want to put it down but keep turning the pages. The flipside of this story had you thinking that you knew the secret or had you trying to figure it out. As one of my favs always says..Did you peep them bread crumbs? T Styles left hella bread crumbs but even in my skilled reading, she flawlessy pulled the wool over my head bcuz without effort, the ending to this book got me sitting here laughing my ass off bcuz she a Mfer!! Thats why she's been a fav for years and remained a legend in this game for so long! Good job T Styles! On to part 2
This book took me completely out my readers block and only a legend like T Styles couldve pulled it off. From beginning to the end, this book kept me intrigued enough to not want to put it down but keep turning the pages. The flipside of this story had you thinking that you knew the secret or had you trying to figure it out. As one of my favs always says..Did you peep them bread crumbs? T Styles left hella bread crumbs but even in my skilled reading, she flawlessy pulled the wool over my head bcuz without effort, the ending to this book got me sitting here laughing my ass off bcuz she a Mfer!! Thats why she's been a fav for years and remained a legend in this game for so long! Good job T Styles! On to part 2
October 14, 2018
Family fued
Mannnnn T Styles really got me speechless!!! I can’t believe none of this I just read like she really got my head gone. Banks and Mason got a lot to tell and that secret blew my mind away like I never would’ve guessed that not even once. I can’t wait for this part 2 I definitely recommend this book
Mannnnn T Styles really got me speechless!!! I can’t believe none of this I just read like she really got my head gone. Banks and Mason got a lot to tell and that secret blew my mind away like I never would’ve guessed that not even once. I can’t wait for this part 2 I definitely recommend this book
October 18, 2018
Damn!
My mouth is on the floor. This is another hit and I'm just amazed at the story. It is jaw dropping, page swiping, walk away and come back to it, 're readin, damn how did I miss that tale. Knocked out the park TStyles!
My mouth is on the floor. This is another hit and I'm just amazed at the story. It is jaw dropping, page swiping, walk away and come back to it, 're readin, damn how did I miss that tale. Knocked out the park TStyles!
October 20, 2018
A fast paced read with a VERY crazy twist in the end. I can only imagine what part 2 is going to be like. T styles is one of my favorite go to authors for urban drama. Just when I thought I knew where she was going with this story, T styles hits you with a shocker. I can't even read anything else for at least a couple of days.
December 30, 2020
War
Ummmm I totally did not see that coming at all! OK, like this was some talented writing right here.
Mason and Banks were childhood friends. But Banks father did an unforgivable deed that caused the two families to be at WAR. With both just tired of being tired of the losses the both suffered at the others hand they wanted to call truce and get money further than they eyes can see. That's exactly what they did, until...
When an incident turned the childhood friends back to enemies, secrets were revealed that blew both families away. Hell! Blew me away too!
5*
Ummmm I totally did not see that coming at all! OK, like this was some talented writing right here.
Mason and Banks were childhood friends. But Banks father did an unforgivable deed that caused the two families to be at WAR. With both just tired of being tired of the losses the both suffered at the others hand they wanted to call truce and get money further than they eyes can see. That's exactly what they did, until...
When an incident turned the childhood friends back to enemies, secrets were revealed that blew both families away. Hell! Blew me away too!
5*
November 15, 2018
Wow. I had to wait two days before writing a review because… *speechless* I mean… my jaw just hangs open everytime I think about it. The ending of this book made my eyes WATER, not from crying, not from sadness, but from SHOCK!!! T. Styles has always been one of my fav authors and we know her books get gruesome & twisted but this book! This book right here!! Puts her as the Greatest of All Times PERIOD!!! Read the book!!
(Side rant: I can’t even read anything else now since this everything else seems boring as hell!)
(Side rant: I can’t even read anything else now since this everything else seems boring as hell!)
September 28, 2019
Can you say blown away???
Lord I promise I was not ready for this book to end the way it did! Yes it had the twisted acts that readers have come to expect from G Styles but I really was not ready to be that blown away! Sure it's only a few weeks till the next one but why do I have to wait so long??? Mason gave me Kalive vibes and I liked it! Banks was a rare breed and gave me Kerrick vibes...Not in an incestuous type of way but you gotta read the book to see what I mean
Lord I promise I was not ready for this book to end the way it did! Yes it had the twisted acts that readers have come to expect from G Styles but I really was not ready to be that blown away! Sure it's only a few weeks till the next one but why do I have to wait so long??? Mason gave me Kalive vibes and I liked it! Banks was a rare breed and gave me Kerrick vibes...Not in an incestuous type of way but you gotta read the book to see what I mean
January 6, 2019
Explosive! So much going on like i was watching a good movie. The ending was definitely shocking. Can't wait to see what happens next.
October 17, 2018
Reviewed by CRABBIE
"In war, any lessons learned must often be paid for with blood."
T. Styles gave us another 5 star read! War was a page turner. The moment the story starts you know you're in for a thrill ride. Twisted and gory storylines is what T. Styles specializes in and she gives you just that. The murder, the mayhem, the twist and turns is exactly what you get when you read War. The Lous and the Wales go at it and if you think you have this story figured out you are in for the shock of your life! This is a definite MUST READ!
"In war, any lessons learned must often be paid for with blood."
T. Styles gave us another 5 star read! War was a page turner. The moment the story starts you know you're in for a thrill ride. Twisted and gory storylines is what T. Styles specializes in and she gives you just that. The murder, the mayhem, the twist and turns is exactly what you get when you read War. The Lous and the Wales go at it and if you think you have this story figured out you are in for the shock of your life! This is a definite MUST READ!
July 6, 2020
Wow. First and foremost, this story is woven so beautifully, it’s seamless and flows naturally. The reader feels as though they are on a journey, walking a path, traveling through time witnessing the events first hand. Secondly, this is a literary puzzle. If you think you know the direction the story will take...you are sadly mistaken. Yes, the book is about 2 families that have a past and are at war with one another but the history of the families is what makes the story such a page turner.
August 22, 2019
The hood version of the Hatfield–McCoy's with more twists & turns than a little bit.
December 1, 2021
OMG
You just cannot put this down. It’s mind blowing written magic. I have so many obligations they get put on hold because this read is beyond five stars!!!!!
You just cannot put this down. It’s mind blowing written magic. I have so many obligations they get put on hold because this read is beyond five stars!!!!!
November 13, 2018
😮
It’s not often that a book can make me drop my mouth! I am in total awe with the way T. styles write! This book was a rollercoaster! For the life of me I could not figure out the relationship between Banks and Mason. I couldn’t understand why they were they way they were. Right now I’m team Wales, but I wonder if that will change lol!
It’s not often that a book can make me drop my mouth! I am in total awe with the way T. styles write! This book was a rollercoaster! For the life of me I could not figure out the relationship between Banks and Mason. I couldn’t understand why they were they way they were. Right now I’m team Wales, but I wonder if that will change lol!
April 13, 2020
Amazing
On my goodness. I wasn't ready. This book was so many things. T. Styles never disappoints. I highly recommend this book.
On my goodness. I wasn't ready. This book was so many things. T. Styles never disappoints. I highly recommend this book.
November 20, 2018
OMG!! What a plot twist to this crazy story our Twisted Mother has written! My mouth was literally hanging open at the end and I can not wait to see what the next book will reveal about Banks and Mason. If you haven’t picked up this book you are truly missing out!! Another great read, keep them coming Mother T. Styles!!
November 15, 2018
OMG this book was amazing I would have never thought the ending was coming and it's a Clift hanger please thanksgiving eve come early
November 1, 2018
Wow
Wow😱😱😱😱😱 well I'll be ... Can you say that you shocked 😨😨the shit out of me with this one. Banks went through some stuff I was wondering about Mason but now I get it. MUST READ
Wow😱😱😱😱😱 well I'll be ... Can you say that you shocked 😨😨the shit out of me with this one. Banks went through some stuff I was wondering about Mason but now I get it. MUST READ
June 27, 2019
Just finished this book and my mouth is wide open. T.Styles has done it again. Wow
October 23, 2018
Omg
I don't know why I am so surprised with that ending . T. Styles and her twisted mind . I took a ⭐️ away cause at times it was slow but when it picked up I couldn't put it down. Can't wait for thanksgiving.
I don't know why I am so surprised with that ending . T. Styles and her twisted mind . I took a ⭐️ away cause at times it was slow but when it picked up I couldn't put it down. Can't wait for thanksgiving.
November 8, 2018
"Many soldiers are led to faulty ideas of war by knowing too much about too little", General George S. Patton
"A good plan, violently executed now, is better than a perfect plan next week", General George S. Patton
This was violently awesome and I want more! I knew there was more to Banks and Mason's story; I cannot wait for the sequel to this amazing book!!!
Bravo ... Simply Magnificent ... T. Styles has done it again! If you haven't read this book, you better!!!
"A good plan, violently executed now, is better than a perfect plan next week", General George S. Patton
This was violently awesome and I want more! I knew there was more to Banks and Mason's story; I cannot wait for the sequel to this amazing book!!!
Bravo ... Simply Magnificent ... T. Styles has done it again! If you haven't read this book, you better!!!
October 17, 2018
WTFFFFFFFFF!!!!!!
Booooooiyyyyyyyy!!!! OMFG😮 I don’t even know where to begin. I’m always left with my mouth hanging open, when I read a book from T. Styles. All I have to say is... I know it’s about to be some 💩But that ending though...seriously just 🤯 I didn’t see that coming at all.
Booooooiyyyyyyyy!!!! OMFG😮 I don’t even know where to begin. I’m always left with my mouth hanging open, when I read a book from T. Styles. All I have to say is... I know it’s about to be some 💩But that ending though...seriously just 🤯 I didn’t see that coming at all.
September 25, 2024
Awesome Book WAR
Omg what a read
Awesome I’m so surprised
Ready for the next part
I am In Love with her mind take your time and keep doing what you LOVE Thank You
Omg what a read
Awesome I’m so surprised
Ready for the next part
I am In Love with her mind take your time and keep doing what you LOVE Thank You
May 27, 2020
To call this book good is the understatement of the year! The few plot twist at the end has me shook!. I'm ready for part 2!!!
October 27, 2018
Book Review for War by author T.Styles
I have read several books by this author, knowing that I’m always going to enjoy a wonderful read! Well this one has just moved up and become my favorite book by her of all time! This is what the work of a gifted writer looks like. I finished this book the same day I cracked open the cover. I would not be exaggerating, When I tell you from start to finish, I established a relationship with these well defined characters, like I was walking with them or sitting in the car with them. There were several other well developed characters positioned in just the right places to play the parts they were all destined to play!
I have read many books were we speak of secrets, deceit, betrayal and loyalty, but never have I read a story that pulled you so far in until you never saw those final revelations coming. I was so stunned until I was standing there looking around like the rapture happened and I missed it! I’m one who loves a good twist and turn, but I wasn’t ready for this one! I was totally speechless. All I can say is that the author wrote the hell out of this story. Mannnnnnn, this story right here was written by one of the literary gods and she deserves every bit of acknowledgement and recognition for it!
Now you know you have to get a little bit of sick and twisted or it would not be a T.Styles story. Well she did not disappoint! She took it to another level though. It’s so different from her other work, but not surprising that her mind would conjure this up. She gave us some macabre scenes unraveling right in front of us and you still couldn’t figure it out until it was revealed to you.
I’m left wondering when you have family by your side and friends who are closer than family, if a rift occurs, whose side are you going to take. Is blood thicker than loyalty? The book is called WAR by Author T. Styles and I highly recommend that you move this up to your next read! It’s just that damned good!! Don’t have it yet? That’s an easy fix, you know what to do! I really enjoyed this novel.
Oh and I’ve already chosen a team but I don’t do spoilers
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Excellent!!!
I have read several books by this author, knowing that I’m always going to enjoy a wonderful read! Well this one has just moved up and become my favorite book by her of all time! This is what the work of a gifted writer looks like. I finished this book the same day I cracked open the cover. I would not be exaggerating, When I tell you from start to finish, I established a relationship with these well defined characters, like I was walking with them or sitting in the car with them. There were several other well developed characters positioned in just the right places to play the parts they were all destined to play!
I have read many books were we speak of secrets, deceit, betrayal and loyalty, but never have I read a story that pulled you so far in until you never saw those final revelations coming. I was so stunned until I was standing there looking around like the rapture happened and I missed it! I’m one who loves a good twist and turn, but I wasn’t ready for this one! I was totally speechless. All I can say is that the author wrote the hell out of this story. Mannnnnnn, this story right here was written by one of the literary gods and she deserves every bit of acknowledgement and recognition for it!
Now you know you have to get a little bit of sick and twisted or it would not be a T.Styles story. Well she did not disappoint! She took it to another level though. It’s so different from her other work, but not surprising that her mind would conjure this up. She gave us some macabre scenes unraveling right in front of us and you still couldn’t figure it out until it was revealed to you.
I’m left wondering when you have family by your side and friends who are closer than family, if a rift occurs, whose side are you going to take. Is blood thicker than loyalty? The book is called WAR by Author T. Styles and I highly recommend that you move this up to your next read! It’s just that damned good!! Don’t have it yet? That’s an easy fix, you know what to do! I really enjoyed this novel.
Oh and I’ve already chosen a team but I don’t do spoilers
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Excellent!!!
January 19, 2021
This is my first book by this author... I did enjoy this book and the storyline with the twist at the end... I totally did not put that together and see this coming at all... All the secrecy had my mind playing the guessing game... So I love the fact that I was unable to figure this out so easily like most books.. I love the challenges that it gave me with this puzzle of a story... There was a couple of things for me though that were a slight problem... There was a mix up of characters name and some times I felt a little confused because this book did run at very fast pace so I had to learn that very quickly... There was also A LOT of characters so sometimes it was a little hard to keep track of who is who... But overall I did enjoy this read...
The war between these two families was just crazy... The sad part is that the kids always got mixed up in the adults problems... Everything started with Banks and Mason's fathers... And after years of this uncalled for War... Things are finally right... But were they really... One is being greedy and the other one is trying to play it smart... Now it looks like something big might be brewing again... And little do they know... There is a 3rd party that played a big part in what just happened... But will that person be revealed before it is to late and unnecessary people lose their lives... Now to get further into this storyline I am going to have to start part 2...
The war between these two families was just crazy... The sad part is that the kids always got mixed up in the adults problems... Everything started with Banks and Mason's fathers... And after years of this uncalled for War... Things are finally right... But were they really... One is being greedy and the other one is trying to play it smart... Now it looks like something big might be brewing again... And little do they know... There is a 3rd party that played a big part in what just happened... But will that person be revealed before it is to late and unnecessary people lose their lives... Now to get further into this storyline I am going to have to start part 2...
June 5, 2025
A Gritty, Twisted Masterpiece of Urban Fiction
T. Styles delivers a raw and unflinching narrative in War, immersing readers into the tumultuous lives of Banks Wales and Mason amidst the unforgiving streets of Baltimore. This isn’t just a tale of friendship and rivalry; it’s a deep dive into generational feuds, the thirst for power, and the haunting shadows of past traumas.
From the very first page, the story grips you, weaving intricate character arcs with unexpected twists that leave you reeling. The bond between Banks and Mason is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, showcasing the complexities of loyalty when tested by external chaos and internal demons.
Styles masterfully portrays the stark contrasts of wealth and poverty, love and betrayal, peace and violence. Her prose is sharp, her characters vividly real, and the plot—oh, the plot—is a rollercoaster of emotions. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, another curveball is thrown, keeping you on the edge of your seat.
If you’re seeking a story that challenges perceptions, evokes deep emotions, and offers a fresh perspective on urban life, War is a must-read. Prepare yourself for a journey that’s as enlightening as it is thrilling.
T. Styles delivers a raw and unflinching narrative in War, immersing readers into the tumultuous lives of Banks Wales and Mason amidst the unforgiving streets of Baltimore. This isn’t just a tale of friendship and rivalry; it’s a deep dive into generational feuds, the thirst for power, and the haunting shadows of past traumas.
From the very first page, the story grips you, weaving intricate character arcs with unexpected twists that leave you reeling. The bond between Banks and Mason is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, showcasing the complexities of loyalty when tested by external chaos and internal demons.
Styles masterfully portrays the stark contrasts of wealth and poverty, love and betrayal, peace and violence. Her prose is sharp, her characters vividly real, and the plot—oh, the plot—is a rollercoaster of emotions. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, another curveball is thrown, keeping you on the edge of your seat.
If you’re seeking a story that challenges perceptions, evokes deep emotions, and offers a fresh perspective on urban life, War is a must-read. Prepare yourself for a journey that’s as enlightening as it is thrilling.
February 3, 2025
JAW MEET FLOOR!!! Omggg, this book was too good! & that bomb dropped towards the end?! 😳😱🤯 Had me shook!! I’m not gonna give it away, but it makes sense! When I sat back and thought about if there was anything alluding to it, there were definitely some small things that were mentioned that made sense after finding out that information.
I was hooked from page 1. There is so much drama packed into this book between the Wales & the Lou’s. Them boys was out there going tit for tat! I just want Mason & Banks to both win 😅 You can definitely tell Mason and Banks relationship runs deeper than what is seen on the surface 👀 Outside forces seem to constantly pit Mason & Banks against each other unfortunately and I don’t know what’s gonna happen with them but baby I gots to see it through!! On to book 2!
I was hooked from page 1. There is so much drama packed into this book between the Wales & the Lou’s. Them boys was out there going tit for tat! I just want Mason & Banks to both win 😅 You can definitely tell Mason and Banks relationship runs deeper than what is seen on the surface 👀 Outside forces seem to constantly pit Mason & Banks against each other unfortunately and I don’t know what’s gonna happen with them but baby I gots to see it through!! On to book 2!
April 14, 2020
Jaw dropping read! I really enjoyed this. T. Styles is know for her wild twist and turns and this book was nothing different. I had high hopes that Dennis was going to make a better life for Banks which he did, but forced a lifestyle on him that he didn't want. Faced with war between the Wales and the Lou family, I think Banks definitely held his own and did what he felt was right in the end to end the ongoing feud. Now that the war is brewing again and secrets are being revealed I'm in complete shocked. I was not expecting to find out that information about Banks and the secret he shared with Mason, I never would have guessed it. I can't wait to finish this series to find out how Harris Wales and Linden Lou got to where they are now.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews