What do you think?
Rate this book
Trapstar #1
Trapstar: I Did Not Choose This Life
Brianna Cambell had a tough road to travel growing up in a household where she was unwanted. A constant reminder of her mother’s indiscretions, Brianna is unwilling to continue to be the target of her step father’s anger. She leaves her suburban life style for the streets of Charlotte, NC.
In true Charlotte faith, Brianna is linked up with Treshawn Nash, a local hustler. Tre has lived the alternate life; raised by his grandmother who showered him with love in the midst of violence, drugs, and poverty.
The two are made for each other. Brianna provides the genuineness and innocence Tre has longed for. While he gives Bri the unconditional love she desperately needs. However, when tragedy strikes their world is turned up side down.
In true Charlotte faith, Brianna is linked up with Treshawn Nash, a local hustler. Tre has lived the alternate life; raised by his grandmother who showered him with love in the midst of violence, drugs, and poverty.
The two are made for each other. Brianna provides the genuineness and innocence Tre has longed for. While he gives Bri the unconditional love she desperately needs. However, when tragedy strikes their world is turned up side down.
- GenresUrban
118 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 27, 2011
200 people are currently reading
466 people want to read
About the author
Blake Karrington
109 books379 followersBlake Karrington is more than an author. He’s a storyteller who places his readers in action-filled moments. It’s in these creative spaces that readers are allowed to get to know his complex characters as if they’re really alive.
Most of Blake’s titles are in the South in urban settings that are often overlooked by the mainstream. But through Blake’s eyes, readers quickly learn that places like Charlotte, NC can be as gritty as they come. It’s in these streets of this oft overlooked world where Blake portrays murderers and thieves alike as believable characters. Without judgement, he weaves humanizing backstories that serve up compelling reasons for why a drug dealer might choose a life of crime.
Readers of speak of the roller coaster ride of emotions that ensues from feeling anger at empathetic characters who always seem to do the wrong thing at the right to keep the story moving forward.
In terms of setting,Blake’s stories introduce his readers to spaces they may or may not be used to - streetscapes with unkept, cracked sidewalks where poverty prevails, times are depressed and people are broke and desperate. In Blake storytelling space, morality is so curved that rooting for bad guys to get away with murder can sometimes seem like the right thing for the reader to do - even when it’s not.
Readers who connect with Blake find him to be relatable. Likening him to a bad-boy gone good, they see a storyteller who writes as if he’s lived in world’s he generously shares, readily conveying his message that humanity is everywhere, especially in the unlikely, mean streets of cities like Charlotte.
Most of Blake’s titles are in the South in urban settings that are often overlooked by the mainstream. But through Blake’s eyes, readers quickly learn that places like Charlotte, NC can be as gritty as they come. It’s in these streets of this oft overlooked world where Blake portrays murderers and thieves alike as believable characters. Without judgement, he weaves humanizing backstories that serve up compelling reasons for why a drug dealer might choose a life of crime.
Readers of speak of the roller coaster ride of emotions that ensues from feeling anger at empathetic characters who always seem to do the wrong thing at the right to keep the story moving forward.
In terms of setting,Blake’s stories introduce his readers to spaces they may or may not be used to - streetscapes with unkept, cracked sidewalks where poverty prevails, times are depressed and people are broke and desperate. In Blake storytelling space, morality is so curved that rooting for bad guys to get away with murder can sometimes seem like the right thing for the reader to do - even when it’s not.
Readers who connect with Blake find him to be relatable. Likening him to a bad-boy gone good, they see a storyteller who writes as if he’s lived in world’s he generously shares, readily conveying his message that humanity is everywhere, especially in the unlikely, mean streets of cities like Charlotte.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
May 23, 2014
Trapstar
Brianna had a rough time growing up. Her stepfather treated her bad & made the other siblings do the same. She never felt like she had her mother's love. I was glad her sister Charisse gave her the love she deserved. Tre was her true love it was a shame how someone he loved so much took his life & turned her world around. Hakeem got what he Deserved at the end
Brianna had a rough time growing up. Her stepfather treated her bad & made the other siblings do the same. She never felt like she had her mother's love. I was glad her sister Charisse gave her the love she deserved. Tre was her true love it was a shame how someone he loved so much took his life & turned her world around. Hakeem got what he Deserved at the end
April 4, 2025
This virtual voice is killing the story…anyway, story is pretty good; it’s got some cliffhangers in it. I kind of figured out the culprit in book one pretty quickly but I’m invested and want to find out what happens next!
July 10, 2023
Conflicted Trap vs Setup
“Trapstar: I Did Not Choose This Life” was an interesting read. I get that Brianna lived an abusive childhood & the survived the traumatic murder of her fiancé. However, Brianna violated the first/1st rule of the game, “family members” and or “best friends” are off limits. More so, no judgment rather just a couple of observations although Tre and Hakeem (aka Havok)were supposed to be best friends, Kem was/is jealous type man concerning Tre’s girlfriend, friendship with Petey & how he ruled the territory/streets. Also, if Brianna rode with Tre to the ATL regularly (as she alluded too) how did her not see/know about Dre? …🤔 “Trapstar: I Did Not Choose This Life” was definitely a good read but I question Brianna’s judgement and feel conflicted over a few major events of the book. Trap? Setup, absolutely ‼️
“Trapstar: I Did Not Choose This Life” was an interesting read. I get that Brianna lived an abusive childhood & the survived the traumatic murder of her fiancé. However, Brianna violated the first/1st rule of the game, “family members” and or “best friends” are off limits. More so, no judgment rather just a couple of observations although Tre and Hakeem (aka Havok)were supposed to be best friends, Kem was/is jealous type man concerning Tre’s girlfriend, friendship with Petey & how he ruled the territory/streets. Also, if Brianna rode with Tre to the ATL regularly (as she alluded too) how did her not see/know about Dre? …🤔 “Trapstar: I Did Not Choose This Life” was definitely a good read but I question Brianna’s judgement and feel conflicted over a few major events of the book. Trap? Setup, absolutely ‼️
December 11, 2022
Trapstar PRT 1
Who knew tragedy would lead Brianna down a road she never saw coming? Dealing with snakes when the grass was cut made her realize her inner gangsta. Tune into Part 2 for what’s next to come.
Who knew tragedy would lead Brianna down a road she never saw coming? Dealing with snakes when the grass was cut made her realize her inner gangsta. Tune into Part 2 for what’s next to come.
February 16, 2022
This was a quick but engaging read with well fleshed out characters and a satisfying ending. I’m interested in seeing what happens in part 2.
July 3, 2022
Wow
Wat are the odds...can't wait to see how part 2 comes in. I kno something about to happen. I'm ready
Wat are the odds...can't wait to see how part 2 comes in. I kno something about to happen. I'm ready
February 13, 2023
whew
Blake never cease to amaze me. This was a great read. Can’t wait to read book two. Bri, Bro, Bri
Blake never cease to amaze me. This was a great read. Can’t wait to read book two. Bri, Bro, Bri
March 25, 2025
smh
The worst grammar I have ever came across in any book. Not going to rate 2 stars because of that.
The worst grammar I have ever came across in any book. Not going to rate 2 stars because of that.
May 28, 2025
Love it
This my first book I read if Mr karrington and I am very satisfied on what I read I'm running to read book two
This my first book I read if Mr karrington and I am very satisfied on what I read I'm running to read book two
July 13, 2022
Just didn’t like it. Let me emphasize I DIDN’T LIKE IT! If you liked it great. I am not you. We are completely different people with different interests. Because I know how you girls like to tussle when someone’s opinion differs from yours. And y’all will screenshot and post things in groups to just work yourself up more and try to rally others into your mob mentality. But idk you & you dk me. This is the internet and our paths will never cross and even if they do I doubt you’d say anything off the wall to a person in person. But anyway, I tried to read it once before and just couldn’t get into it. Figured I’d try again bc I don’t like quitting books. And I still didn’t like it. I personally wouldn’t recommend anyone I know to read this book but if y’all wanna read it have at it. It’s your time & money. As far as I’m concerned imma just reclaim my time since I can’t get my money back and act like I never read this book. Also won’t be reading anything else from this author. You only get 1 opportunity to rob me.
March 7, 2012
This was my first time reading from this author but it was a good read. The book follows Brianna as she had a hard life growing up and as she gets older shows what she must do to survive. This was a short story, but it was good took me a day and a half to read. Part 1 ended good you never know what goes around comes around because Karma is something else... cant wait to see what part 2 is going to bring to us!
July 15, 2014
I wanted to stop reading after Tre but I know it was just getting good. Bri's father was a piece of work from the jump, the way her mother dumped that in her lap was a mess. For her to even stay in that situation made me want Bri to pull thru. Hakeem is a snake and Bri is falling for him with her eyes wide open. I can't see anything good out of her messing around with him. I really like Kacy though so I have to see what happens with them now.
July 2, 2012
I'm a bit on the fence about this book. It wasn't bad but it was not the best. If I could give it 3.5 I would but since I can't I think that it's only fair that I give it a 4. This is not really my type of book, but it intrigued me enough to want to read the second book. Curious to see what's going to happen with the way the book suddenly ended.
June 29, 2014
Okay
it was okay. Not the best I've read by this author but I see the potential. it seems that the story is still forming. I think it could have went on a little longer before ending like it did. Guess I gotta get part 2
and see what happens next. Brianna has to get with the program and step up her game if she's gonna be in the game. I hope it gets better.
it was okay. Not the best I've read by this author but I see the potential. it seems that the story is still forming. I think it could have went on a little longer before ending like it did. Guess I gotta get part 2
and see what happens next. Brianna has to get with the program and step up her game if she's gonna be in the game. I hope it gets better.
July 22, 2015
This book is good.
Love this book but I got sad that Hakeem had something t ok do with Tre being killed and that Tre got killed. It's good to know that he got what he deserved and that Brianna got to go on living with the blessings Tre had left her such as the money and his skills of being a gangster witch was good for Brianna since she is a trapstar.
Love this book but I got sad that Hakeem had something t ok do with Tre being killed and that Tre got killed. It's good to know that he got what he deserved and that Brianna got to go on living with the blessings Tre had left her such as the money and his skills of being a gangster witch was good for Brianna since she is a trapstar.
October 22, 2011
I am waiting to see what happens next. The author did a good job with the ending of teh story. The taste that they give you for Trapstart has me waiting IMPATIENTLY to find out what happens next. I cannot wait.
April 25, 2012
I enjoyed this book. The author gave you enough information about the main characters to get you interested in them, which blended with the story line. You wanted to cheer them on. If there is a part #2, I would read it.
March 12, 2026
This book was a definite page turner. Not one boring moment in it. I just finished and bought the sequel immediately! Non-stop drama and I couldn't wait to see what would happen next. You won't be disappointed!
June 26, 2014
BRAVO BRAVO
THIS BOOK WAS A GREAT GREAT READ LOVED THE WAY THE ENDPLOT WAS SET UP HOW BLAKE PUT THE ENEMY WITH HER AND SHE STARTING PYTHON TWO @TWO TOGETHER AND FOUND OUT WHO KILL TRE AND FROM THEN ON SHE BECAME GANGSTER AND BOUT TO READ PART TWO HOPE IT BOMB LIKE PART 1
THIS BOOK WAS A GREAT GREAT READ LOVED THE WAY THE ENDPLOT WAS SET UP HOW BLAKE PUT THE ENEMY WITH HER AND SHE STARTING PYTHON TWO @TWO TOGETHER AND FOUND OUT WHO KILL TRE AND FROM THEN ON SHE BECAME GANGSTER AND BOUT TO READ PART TWO HOPE IT BOMB LIKE PART 1
April 8, 2015
Very good
With I enjoyed this book but it seems like something was missing not sure what. I did enjoy how she got Hakeem back being greedy and getting good sex will get you caught up.
With I enjoyed this book but it seems like something was missing not sure what. I did enjoy how she got Hakeem back being greedy and getting good sex will get you caught up.
September 7, 2015
Ok
They say you can't trust anybody and in this case that is true even your best friend will kill you to get what you have,but payback is a hitch,have to read part 2 to find out how it all plays out
They say you can't trust anybody and in this case that is true even your best friend will kill you to get what you have,but payback is a hitch,have to read part 2 to find out how it all plays out
November 2, 2011
Quick fast good read
December 31, 2011
Im currently aiting to read part two!
January 21, 2012
Nice quick read that keeps your attention...
April 13, 2012
This book had me excited by the end...can't wait for part two.
May 9, 2012
Waiting on part 2.
May 11, 2012
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!
August 3, 2012
A definite page turner! A very good read! I could not put it down! Can't wait for book 2! I recommend you read this book. I will definitely read more books by the author!
August 9, 2012
good book. I cant wait for #2.
October 28, 2012
The last 30 pages were the only interesting part of the book. Editing is too bad for me to want to read the sequel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews