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Black Lotus 2: The Vow
After the death of a police officer, assassin Kahllah (aka the Black Lotus) is forced out of retirement in an attempt to clear her name while outrunning a mysterious enemy.
What would you do if you were accused of a crime you didn’t commit, and not even those closest to you believed that you were innocent? This is the dilemma that Kahllah El-Amin, aka the Black Lotus, finds herself facing.
It’s been months since Kahllah hung up her pistols and retired from the murder-for-hire business, leaving behind her days of dealing in death and espionage in favor of a quiet desk job. While working a nine-to-five proves to be less exciting than jet-setting around the world executing bad guys, it’s at least a lot safer. After so many years of searching, Kahllah has finally found peace--or so it seems.
When a police officer is murdered and a familiar flower is left at the crime scene, all signs point to it being the work of the Black Lotus. Someone is trying to frame her! Things get even more complicated when the case is handed to Detective James Wolf, a former adversary who has since become a friend to Kahllah. The department’s most skilled tracker, Wolf’s orders are to bring in the Black Lotus, dead or alive.
To clear her name, Kahllah is forced out of retirement and once again must don the mask of the Black Lotus. She races against time to catch the real killer while trying to outrun her most formidable rival. Their deadly game of hunter and prey leads to a shocking truth buried under a mountain of lies, as Kahllah attempts to find justice in a world devoid of light.
What would you do if you were accused of a crime you didn’t commit, and not even those closest to you believed that you were innocent? This is the dilemma that Kahllah El-Amin, aka the Black Lotus, finds herself facing.
It’s been months since Kahllah hung up her pistols and retired from the murder-for-hire business, leaving behind her days of dealing in death and espionage in favor of a quiet desk job. While working a nine-to-five proves to be less exciting than jet-setting around the world executing bad guys, it’s at least a lot safer. After so many years of searching, Kahllah has finally found peace--or so it seems.
When a police officer is murdered and a familiar flower is left at the crime scene, all signs point to it being the work of the Black Lotus. Someone is trying to frame her! Things get even more complicated when the case is handed to Detective James Wolf, a former adversary who has since become a friend to Kahllah. The department’s most skilled tracker, Wolf’s orders are to bring in the Black Lotus, dead or alive.
To clear her name, Kahllah is forced out of retirement and once again must don the mask of the Black Lotus. She races against time to catch the real killer while trying to outrun her most formidable rival. Their deadly game of hunter and prey leads to a shocking truth buried under a mountain of lies, as Kahllah attempts to find justice in a world devoid of light.
- GenresFiction
105 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 3, 2020
78 people are currently reading
209 people want to read
About the author
K'wan
87 books1,543 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
October 25, 2020
4 stars for an fast read of crime in the NYC African American underworld. Kahllah is a retired assassin. She once belonged to the Brotherhood, a group of killers for hire with a code of conduct, but left them to go straight. She is is now a journalist for an internet news company. But then a cop is killed with a Black Lotus left at the scene. It was Kahllah's trademark when she was a killer. Someone is trying to frame her. There is a cop who knows of her history, including the significance of the Black Lotus, which Kahllah spent a great deal of time crossbreeding the lotus flower to develop the Black Lotus.
Detective James Wolf and Kahllah met in book 1 in this series. He has been ordered to find and arrest the killer. But Kahllah overcomes him and flees, determined to find who is killing people in her name.
Kahllah has an interesting history. She is from a war torn Middle Eastern city, and was sold into slavery for sex when she was 11. How she escaped was evidently explained in book 1, which I have not read.
Kahllah has lost none of her lethal skills, and she leaves a trail of destruction,while searching for the killer. There is a fair amount of gruesome violence in this book. It is a gritty and realistic look at the world of crime, with murder, double crosses, blackmail and grim fights with fists, knives and other weapons. There are many twists and turns in this book, with a surprise ending. I will probably read more of this series. It is only 208 pages and I read it in 2 days.
Thanks to Akashic Books for sending this book through LibrayThing.
Detective James Wolf and Kahllah met in book 1 in this series. He has been ordered to find and arrest the killer. But Kahllah overcomes him and flees, determined to find who is killing people in her name.
Kahllah has an interesting history. She is from a war torn Middle Eastern city, and was sold into slavery for sex when she was 11. How she escaped was evidently explained in book 1, which I have not read.
Kahllah has lost none of her lethal skills, and she leaves a trail of destruction,while searching for the killer. There is a fair amount of gruesome violence in this book. It is a gritty and realistic look at the world of crime, with murder, double crosses, blackmail and grim fights with fists, knives and other weapons. There are many twists and turns in this book, with a surprise ending. I will probably read more of this series. It is only 208 pages and I read it in 2 days.
Thanks to Akashic Books for sending this book through LibrayThing.
January 26, 2023
This was an okay follow up to the first book, but I liked that one more.
November 20, 2020
OMG! This book had me on the edge of my seat. I love all of K'wan books. Thumbs up.
April 11, 2024
This book was 🔥🔥 I love the plot twist and how everything flowed and tied into other stories! Black Lotus 2 could’ve easily been the prequel to Animal.
August 14, 2020
If you are anything like me, you've been patiently waiting for K'wan to give us another book. What I should actually say is, we've been waiting on another installment of the Animal series. Although Kahllah is no Animal, her stories are just as good. This book was a nice quick murder mystery. K'wan is a multifaceted writer that can easily transition from urban lit to crime fiction.
In this story we find out what Kahllah has been up to. Black Lotus is retired and Kahllah is trying to live the best normal life she knows possible, if that's even possible. She's now a journalist with successful magazine and even has a love interest. But when a cop turns up dead and her signature black lotus calling card is found all of that quickly changes. Black Lotus will stop at nothing to clear her name. "Never avenge yourself, but leave it to the wrath of God; for it is written, Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord."
K'wan does what he does best and leaves us a ton of breadcrumbs in this book. Little nuggets to get you excited about his works to come. Overall I really enjoyed this book. I feel the story flowed well and just when I thought I had the story figured out, K'wan reminds us just how epic his pen is and throws you a monkey wrench.
In this story we find out what Kahllah has been up to. Black Lotus is retired and Kahllah is trying to live the best normal life she knows possible, if that's even possible. She's now a journalist with successful magazine and even has a love interest. But when a cop turns up dead and her signature black lotus calling card is found all of that quickly changes. Black Lotus will stop at nothing to clear her name. "Never avenge yourself, but leave it to the wrath of God; for it is written, Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord."
K'wan does what he does best and leaves us a ton of breadcrumbs in this book. Little nuggets to get you excited about his works to come. Overall I really enjoyed this book. I feel the story flowed well and just when I thought I had the story figured out, K'wan reminds us just how epic his pen is and throws you a monkey wrench.
March 1, 2021
A shyt storm is brewing
Black Lotus 2
By K'wan
Yoooooooo see this that shyt right there! This is exemplary of why this dude right here is my favorite author! I'm still shaking my head and don't even know where to start. I'll BRB...
Ok so just when Khallah wanted to be normal, have a normal life and shyt, she had someone running around trying to imitate one of the best to ever do it...Her! Tripping over rocks and turning up stones, Khallah begin to find out that nothing was what it seemed and might have bit off a little more than she could chew this time around. That's all I'm willing give! Oh and the fact that the ending should let you know to grab on to your seats because it's about to be havoc in A5!
#KhallahOrTigerLily
🤔
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Black Lotus 2
By K'wan
Yoooooooo see this that shyt right there! This is exemplary of why this dude right here is my favorite author! I'm still shaking my head and don't even know where to start. I'll BRB...
Ok so just when Khallah wanted to be normal, have a normal life and shyt, she had someone running around trying to imitate one of the best to ever do it...Her! Tripping over rocks and turning up stones, Khallah begin to find out that nothing was what it seemed and might have bit off a little more than she could chew this time around. That's all I'm willing give! Oh and the fact that the ending should let you know to grab on to your seats because it's about to be havoc in A5!
#KhallahOrTigerLily
🤔
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
December 18, 2020
Loved the story.. Black Lotus is as Deadly as ever..I really didn't see that ending coming. And I am waiting to see what the deal is with Tiger Lily..and the return of Golden Arm...and ANIMAL.
November 3, 2020
Kahllah has retired from the Brotherhood of Blood and is trying to live a normal life. Her focus is on her magazine “Real Talk” and a possible love interest. But the simple life that Kahllah craved for is interrupted when a cop ends up dead. The killer left her signature Black Lotus flower at the scene of the crime. Now, Kahllah must find out who is killing in her name before it’s too late.
Murder, chaos, and disorder is what you’ll find in Black Lotus 2 : The Vow by K’wan. Just when you think you have the story all figured out, K’wan throws in one of his infamous curveballs that will shock you. K’wan does a good job of giving readers more of a peak into Kahllah’s background with the Brotherhood of Blood and how they operate. You could read this book as a stand-alone but you would be cheating yourself if you skipped Black Lotus which is the first installment of this series. Black Lotus 2 : The Vow is full of the cinematic action and drama that K’wan is known for. Readers will be anxiously waiting for the next installment.
Murder, chaos, and disorder is what you’ll find in Black Lotus 2 : The Vow by K’wan. Just when you think you have the story all figured out, K’wan throws in one of his infamous curveballs that will shock you. K’wan does a good job of giving readers more of a peak into Kahllah’s background with the Brotherhood of Blood and how they operate. You could read this book as a stand-alone but you would be cheating yourself if you skipped Black Lotus which is the first installment of this series. Black Lotus 2 : The Vow is full of the cinematic action and drama that K’wan is known for. Readers will be anxiously waiting for the next installment.
November 21, 2020
K’wan has done it again, I love how he can add a twist to a mystery. It was nice to catch up with characters from the pass. I’m ok with the ending but I know I can look forward to another installment in the future.
November 2, 2020
To call this book a beautiful read would be an understatement. I waited a little over a year for this book to drop and baby it was worth it!
Kahllah aka Black Lotus is trying to live a quiet life but someone is out to slander her name. What happens next is a trail of breadcrumbs leading to an ending that left my jaw on the floor. K'wan has a way with words that can only be described as artistic and breathtaking. I can't wait for his next book cuz I know its gonna top this one. I would give more details for this one but i don't wanna spoil it!
Kahllah aka Black Lotus is trying to live a quiet life but someone is out to slander her name. What happens next is a trail of breadcrumbs leading to an ending that left my jaw on the floor. K'wan has a way with words that can only be described as artistic and breathtaking. I can't wait for his next book cuz I know its gonna top this one. I would give more details for this one but i don't wanna spoil it!
November 5, 2020
Speechless
I can't give the review I want without giving a spoiler. But this man never seems to disappoint me. He's definitely the GOAT with his thinking.
I can't give the review I want without giving a spoiler. But this man never seems to disappoint me. He's definitely the GOAT with his thinking.
October 8, 2020
Black Lotus 2: The Vow by K'wan
Kahllah El-Amin known as the Black Lotus, is accused of murdering a Police Officer when a flower is left behind at the scene. Determined to clear her name, the once "hit-woman" will do what ever it takes to set the record straight. Detective James Wolf is not far behind, on the case looking for answers.
A fast paced action filled thriller with a strong female lead. Although Kahllah has a shady past, she is still very likable. Told with descriptive detail, engaging dialog, twists, turns and edge-of-your-seat moments I was hooked from the first page. Overall I found Black Lotus 2: The Vow very enjoyable and feel others will as well. I look forward to reading more by K'wan.
Kahllah El-Amin known as the Black Lotus, is accused of murdering a Police Officer when a flower is left behind at the scene. Determined to clear her name, the once "hit-woman" will do what ever it takes to set the record straight. Detective James Wolf is not far behind, on the case looking for answers.
A fast paced action filled thriller with a strong female lead. Although Kahllah has a shady past, she is still very likable. Told with descriptive detail, engaging dialog, twists, turns and edge-of-your-seat moments I was hooked from the first page. Overall I found Black Lotus 2: The Vow very enjoyable and feel others will as well. I look forward to reading more by K'wan.
October 8, 2020
Black Lotus 2 is such a fast paced thrill ride of a read that leaves you exhausted at the end. Kahllah is written as such a strong female but also very likable and I want more of Wolf and their interactions. With all the twists and turns it kept me guessing to the end and then all I could say was Didn't see that coming.
This is my first book by K'WAN but it won't be my last. I'm off to find the first Lotus book. I received this from LibraryThing Early reviewers for an honest review.
This is my first book by K'WAN but it won't be my last. I'm off to find the first Lotus book. I received this from LibraryThing Early reviewers for an honest review.
December 3, 2020
Khallah is back! All she's trying to do is continue a normal life outside of the brotherhood. But someone has other plans. There are murders taking place & the person committing them at leaving a black lotus on the scene, her signature. Now she has to prove it's not her while staying clear of Detective Wolfe who's trying to lock her up.
We see a few familiar faces in the story & if you pay close attention you'll figure out who the culprit is but you'll still get a shock at the end.
We see a few familiar faces in the story & if you pay close attention you'll figure out who the culprit is but you'll still get a shock at the end.
October 10, 2020
A fast read with fast pace action - a murder thriller with a strong but likable female lead - So interesting, you want to read more from K'wan
January 8, 2023
I feel like we went all around the mulberry bush twice or thrice just to find out this is a revenge plot that really didn’t involve most of the players that were introduced. Maybe I got confused somewhere, but it feels like a whole bunch of dots were connected just to make a story that was really only about like 3 dots. And everybody is talking about the twist at the end, which was unexpected to a degree, but it felt thrown in. There was no point really. The person who ended up being the copycat you kind of predicted, and he had motivation. The last thing had to literally be told, as opposed to shown, but it came from out of nowhere, again as if this character was thrown in JUST to have that last unexpected twist, but it didn’t tie into the story. Also, Golden Arm and Tiger Lilly still possibly being alive is obviously a hint to a part 3. And I’m guessing Animal is the one Kahla’s father was talking about 🙄 Maybe that one will be better.
My opinion. I didn’t really like this one. But I’m coming to the conclusion that overall K’Wan books might not be for me.
Also, I did not like this narrator. But that didn’t factor in to my rating/review. Some narrators voices are so awful to me I can’t even listen. I was able to tolerate him enough to finish.
My opinion. I didn’t really like this one. But I’m coming to the conclusion that overall K’Wan books might not be for me.
Also, I did not like this narrator. But that didn’t factor in to my rating/review. Some narrators voices are so awful to me I can’t even listen. I was able to tolerate him enough to finish.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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April 14, 2023It took the ending for me to get EXCITED ABOUT WHAT WAS TO COME!
I KNEW THAT PRIEST FAKED HIS DEATH BUT I WASN'T EXPECTING HIM TO SHOW UP AT THE HOSPITAL WHERE KHALLAH WAS RECOVERING TO INVITE HER TO ASSIST WITH GETTING HIS GRANDCHILD(REN) T.J. & (THE LITTLE GIRL WHO I SUSPECT IS JUSTICE'S DAUGHTER) CELESTE BACK TO THEIR FATHER: TAYSHAWN ANIMAL TORRES IN ANIMAL 5!
Unfortunately, ANIMAL got to speak with and hold T.J. & CELESTE AGAIN (in ANIMAL V), BUT THEY ARE STILL ABSENT FROM HIM.....FOR THE TIME BEING.
Since K'WAN claims that ANIMAL 5 'would be the last of the ANIMAL Series', it makes one wonder: WHEN ANIMAL IS REUNITED WITH HIS KID(S), WITH THAT BE IN THE TIRD INSTALLMENT OF "BLACK LOTUS"? OR, WILL IT BE CALLED "RED LOTUS"-in a new series for CELESTE, "RED SONJA"'s daughter?
I guess those of us who LOVE TAYSHAWN ANIMAL TORRES, who was last heard from being reunited with the LOVE OF HIS LIFE: A-THOUGHT-TO-BE-DEAD GUCCI TORRES, UPON BEING SAVED BY "CROSS", WILL HAVE TO WAIT WITH BATED BREATH ON IN WHAT OTHER SERIES K'WAN MAY CONTINUE ANIMAL's Story in!
I KNEW THAT PRIEST FAKED HIS DEATH BUT I WASN'T EXPECTING HIM TO SHOW UP AT THE HOSPITAL WHERE KHALLAH WAS RECOVERING TO INVITE HER TO ASSIST WITH GETTING HIS GRANDCHILD(REN) T.J. & (THE LITTLE GIRL WHO I SUSPECT IS JUSTICE'S DAUGHTER) CELESTE BACK TO THEIR FATHER: TAYSHAWN ANIMAL TORRES IN ANIMAL 5!
Unfortunately, ANIMAL got to speak with and hold T.J. & CELESTE AGAIN (in ANIMAL V), BUT THEY ARE STILL ABSENT FROM HIM.....FOR THE TIME BEING.
Since K'WAN claims that ANIMAL 5 'would be the last of the ANIMAL Series', it makes one wonder: WHEN ANIMAL IS REUNITED WITH HIS KID(S), WITH THAT BE IN THE TIRD INSTALLMENT OF "BLACK LOTUS"? OR, WILL IT BE CALLED "RED LOTUS"-in a new series for CELESTE, "RED SONJA"'s daughter?
I guess those of us who LOVE TAYSHAWN ANIMAL TORRES, who was last heard from being reunited with the LOVE OF HIS LIFE: A-THOUGHT-TO-BE-DEAD GUCCI TORRES, UPON BEING SAVED BY "CROSS", WILL HAVE TO WAIT WITH BATED BREATH ON IN WHAT OTHER SERIES K'WAN MAY CONTINUE ANIMAL's Story in!
January 25, 2021
This book was definitely worth the wait. Let me tell you K’wan is a beast with the pen.
Kahllah was doing her best to live a peaceful life and then all the bullcrap hit the damn fan. Let me tell you baby this book had so much action I swear I had to put it down so many times because I didn’t want it to end.
Detective Wolf was not giving up until he solve his case. He was very president about everything thank god for that especially for Kahllah.
I’m just glad she was able to find out what was going on and who was behind the bogus contact in her name.
But baby I was not expecting that ending it was definitely epic to say the most. K’wan always keeps up on our toes.
Please don’t sleep on this book is phenomenal at it’s best. This is definitely worth more than five starts trust me on that....
Kahllah was doing her best to live a peaceful life and then all the bullcrap hit the damn fan. Let me tell you baby this book had so much action I swear I had to put it down so many times because I didn’t want it to end.
Detective Wolf was not giving up until he solve his case. He was very president about everything thank god for that especially for Kahllah.
I’m just glad she was able to find out what was going on and who was behind the bogus contact in her name.
But baby I was not expecting that ending it was definitely epic to say the most. K’wan always keeps up on our toes.
Please don’t sleep on this book is phenomenal at it’s best. This is definitely worth more than five starts trust me on that....
November 12, 2020
This was a fast typical K'wan read. Murder and mayhem (along with some double crossing) on the streets of NYC. It was nice reading from Kahllah's pov again. Hopefully the hinted at 3rd comes out soon. The slightly supernatural and, old world order The Brotherhood were also nice touches. It wasn't a "typical" urban read. 4.5 stars.
October 21, 2020
Black Lotus 2 is an easy, short read with lots of action and great characters. This is an excellent book for the beach, fun, with some mystery, and just a hint of science fiction.
[Note: A copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher as a LibraryThing Early Reviewer.]
[Note: A copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher as a LibraryThing Early Reviewer.]
November 30, 2020
A quick but taut thriller, featuring a diverse cast that moves at a mile a minute. It starts relatively normal for a book dealing with an assassin, but then we met up with villains that wouldn’t be out of place in Spider-man. And it just gets better.
Free review copy.
Free review copy.
December 13, 2020
Action.
Well Kwan did it with this one and the ending was very good. I'm not going.to go through the many twist and turns but just say it was worth the read. Could Priest request about Black Lotus helping with his don mean Animal will be back soon.
Well Kwan did it with this one and the ending was very good. I'm not going.to go through the many twist and turns but just say it was worth the read. Could Priest request about Black Lotus helping with his don mean Animal will be back soon.
January 28, 2021
Interesting and different
New to me, this author is quick, fast moving, and crisp. Different concept .but interesting. I would read other books by this author. Now that is unusual.
New to me, this author is quick, fast moving, and crisp. Different concept .but interesting. I would read other books by this author. Now that is unusual.
February 5, 2021
The sequel was a solid listen. The narrator did a good job. The story moved at a moderate pace. We learned a bit more about the Black Lotus and her past. It was interesting with a few mentions of old favorites. Unraveling the mystery was a pleasant surprise.
April 29, 2021
As always K'WAN never disappoints! It has been years since I read the 1st book, but everything quickly came back about the character Black Lotus. She is still one of the baddest assassins and she lives to fight another day!
November 5, 2021
This book kept me on edge the whole time!!! So many twists and turns, I thought I had it figured out, but I was only half way right. I absolutely loved this read. I don't want to put spoilers in, so I’m just gonna say, I'll be waiting for part 3....patiently.
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April 17, 2022Now THAT’S what I’m talking about! I read Black Lotus 1 and thought it was a little mild. THIS is the Black Lotus that I know and love!! Great job K’wan!! I didn’t see the twist in the end coming but I should’ve suspected something. Great read!!
October 18, 2022
Another great k’Wan book. You have to love Kallah. Golden Arm is definitely a concern. I wonder if he survived. Also, since Audrey met Ben was she involved or was meeting Audrey just a way to get to Kallah?
July 17, 2023
love this book!!
Keep going Kwan!! Your books are the best!! I recommend these books to anyone!! I’m trying to figure out the order of all the books because I was surprised to hear Priest alive? I just read all the Animal books so I think I got ahead of myself!!
Keep going Kwan!! Your books are the best!! I recommend these books to anyone!! I’m trying to figure out the order of all the books because I was surprised to hear Priest alive? I just read all the Animal books so I think I got ahead of myself!!
February 23, 2026
woah
Kahllah had snakes in her present from her past that was coming to destroy her. I enjoyed how Wolf saved her, although he doesn’t agree with her ways. I do wish she would have gotten happy ending because her history is so tragic, what she endured.
Kahllah had snakes in her present from her past that was coming to destroy her. I enjoyed how Wolf saved her, although he doesn’t agree with her ways. I do wish she would have gotten happy ending because her history is so tragic, what she endured.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews