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Mafia Kingpin #1
Kill or be Killed
Louis grew up in the toughest streets of Birmingham. The streets where his own friends wouldn’t think twice before stabbing him in the back. The streets where women were seen as sex objects, rather than people. The streets where showing emotion was seen as a weakness. The streets where "kill or be killed" was the code that you needed to live by in order to survive...
After a tragedy, Louis lost his way. When he is thrown onto the dark and dangerous path of crime lord Steve Sawyers, the kingpin of the city’s biggest drug cartel, will Louis step up as he uncovers a world he never imagined? Or will his stepfather’s dirty secrets and deceit ultimately lead to his own downfall?
"A darkly disturbing, edgy, hard-hitting and compelling read from the start." - Book Viral Reviews
Kill or be Killed is the first instalment out of six books in the Mafia Kingpin series - a thrilling and heartbreaking tale of organised crime in Birmingham, which follows a man's battle to get out of the hood.
After a tragedy, Louis lost his way. When he is thrown onto the dark and dangerous path of crime lord Steve Sawyers, the kingpin of the city’s biggest drug cartel, will Louis step up as he uncovers a world he never imagined? Or will his stepfather’s dirty secrets and deceit ultimately lead to his own downfall?
"A darkly disturbing, edgy, hard-hitting and compelling read from the start." - Book Viral Reviews
Kill or be Killed is the first instalment out of six books in the Mafia Kingpin series - a thrilling and heartbreaking tale of organised crime in Birmingham, which follows a man's battle to get out of the hood.
- GenresFiction
271 pages, Paperback
First published July 7, 2020
11 people are currently reading
483 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 16, 2020
When I started reading this book I was hesitant about it. But as I got more into it I liked it. I felt bad for Louis. His step dad and the way he grew up. But then the choices he started making were just going all wrong for him.He had to survive which was also why he did what did. . The characters were very interesting. But very sad. I will continue to read this series. Thanks to the author for asking me to read her series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
October 19, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/14/2020)! 🎁
💝 ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. 💝
💝 ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. 💝
August 11, 2020
Do you like the book not in the beginning, but then as I continue reading into the story I got pretty interesting. Do I recommended yes, but if you do not like to read stories where there is a lot of violence and profanity this is not your book. All in all I am eager to continue reading the next book.
August 16, 2020
This is a new author to me. This is a great story. It has dark elements & violence. It was a quick read and the plot has me wanting to dive into the next book in the series. Definitely a page turner.
September 25, 2020
I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
2 stars.
DNF
I really wanted to like this book. As a Brit I was really excited to get started on this as it is set in the UK. It became clear in the first page though that the author wasn’t adhering to this as the words- cop, lawyer and jail, were used. In the UK we’d say- pig, solicitor and prison.
Willing to overlook this very minor blip I carried on reading. It was a red flag to me as I quickly realised that every paragraph started with either a pronoun or dialogue in fact almost every paragraph started with the word “I”
The quality of the writing is just incredibly poor, in fact it’s severely lacking in adjectives making for a very bland reading experience.
The dialogue lacked imagination and contractions which is another pet hate of mine.
There’s no time spent conveying atmosphere or any physical descriptions of the settings.
Character’s feelings only seem to be expressed by their own expletive dialogue. And variation is also lacking there. The one repetitive adjective in the book is f£&@ing.
Finally I think I can see what the author was trying to do in jumping between characters however with only a few lines between each jump it was too quick, too confusing and is more suited to a TV series or film rather than a book.
I am really thankful to the author for sending me this but it’s just not for me.
2 stars.
DNF
I really wanted to like this book. As a Brit I was really excited to get started on this as it is set in the UK. It became clear in the first page though that the author wasn’t adhering to this as the words- cop, lawyer and jail, were used. In the UK we’d say- pig, solicitor and prison.
Willing to overlook this very minor blip I carried on reading. It was a red flag to me as I quickly realised that every paragraph started with either a pronoun or dialogue in fact almost every paragraph started with the word “I”
The quality of the writing is just incredibly poor, in fact it’s severely lacking in adjectives making for a very bland reading experience.
The dialogue lacked imagination and contractions which is another pet hate of mine.
There’s no time spent conveying atmosphere or any physical descriptions of the settings.
Character’s feelings only seem to be expressed by their own expletive dialogue. And variation is also lacking there. The one repetitive adjective in the book is f£&@ing.
Finally I think I can see what the author was trying to do in jumping between characters however with only a few lines between each jump it was too quick, too confusing and is more suited to a TV series or film rather than a book.
I am really thankful to the author for sending me this but it’s just not for me.
August 6, 2020
Kill or be Killed (Mafia Kingpin, #1) by A.G. Khaliq
Book starts with content of where to reach the author and other notices: dedication and about the author.
Story starts in Birmingham, UK where we find Louis as a teen. He's lived through hard times with his mother and ex father who comes around from time to time.
He also gets in trouble at school and he has only has one real friend but they get into a fight.
Didn't really care for the abuse and fighting and drugs, stealing but realize for Louis it was essential for him to help his mother and their survival to live.
She is beaten up often also by the ex husband who we later find out is a mafia boss. At some time in time the only way for Louis to continue to survive is to just give in and do the work.
Work he's not proud of and some things that get his mother out of debt. It's either that or they will kill her.
Brutal truth in these pages and not my normal romance novel but a good eye opener as I know this type of life exists.
Reads more like a movie script as each persons name is announced before what they are talking about. With all the action this would make a great movie.
Story continues in the next books in the series as the story follows Louis as he gets older and wiser.
I received this review book from the author and this is my honest opinion.
Book starts with content of where to reach the author and other notices: dedication and about the author.
Story starts in Birmingham, UK where we find Louis as a teen. He's lived through hard times with his mother and ex father who comes around from time to time.
He also gets in trouble at school and he has only has one real friend but they get into a fight.
Didn't really care for the abuse and fighting and drugs, stealing but realize for Louis it was essential for him to help his mother and their survival to live.
She is beaten up often also by the ex husband who we later find out is a mafia boss. At some time in time the only way for Louis to continue to survive is to just give in and do the work.
Work he's not proud of and some things that get his mother out of debt. It's either that or they will kill her.
Brutal truth in these pages and not my normal romance novel but a good eye opener as I know this type of life exists.
Reads more like a movie script as each persons name is announced before what they are talking about. With all the action this would make a great movie.
Story continues in the next books in the series as the story follows Louis as he gets older and wiser.
I received this review book from the author and this is my honest opinion.
September 11, 2020
I’m new to A.G. Khaliq, so wasn’t sure what to expect from her writing or her characters. I’m glad I gave this series a shot, though!
Kill or be Killed is well-written and the first book in the Mafia Kingpin series; it is everything you want in a dark mafia story, with some romance slithering between the cracks, waiting to bloom in subsequent books (I’m hoping). It’s gritty, intense, and suspenseful.
I’m rooting for the male lead, Louis, whose life has been beyond tragic. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Kill or be Killed is well-written and the first book in the Mafia Kingpin series; it is everything you want in a dark mafia story, with some romance slithering between the cracks, waiting to bloom in subsequent books (I’m hoping). It’s gritty, intense, and suspenseful.
I’m rooting for the male lead, Louis, whose life has been beyond tragic. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
September 11, 2020
This is my first time reading a book by this author.
I had to say that I was a little intrigued by the story lined, because I normally go for romances and it’s not usual that a read books withou at least a little bit of romance thrown into the mix. But I also love mafia, crime and dark theme books so I thought I’d give it a try.
This book is hard and if you don’t like real like stories, then you definitely won’t like this one.
Louis life was hard, from the very beginning. He grew up in Birmingham and had to do all sort of things and resort to violence to keep him and his mother above water. He struggles with the choices he was to do, but in the end it was inevitable if he wanted to survive.
The authors writing style is very different from what I’m used to, but I enjoyed it either way.
This book is really raw and emotional (well it’ll make you feel all kinds of emotions) and it gets you glued to the pages. I’d the feeling I was “watching” a very angst action movie than actually reading a book.
This is not a standalone the story continues in book 2.
Arc kindly provided by the author.
I had to say that I was a little intrigued by the story lined, because I normally go for romances and it’s not usual that a read books withou at least a little bit of romance thrown into the mix. But I also love mafia, crime and dark theme books so I thought I’d give it a try.
This book is hard and if you don’t like real like stories, then you definitely won’t like this one.
Louis life was hard, from the very beginning. He grew up in Birmingham and had to do all sort of things and resort to violence to keep him and his mother above water. He struggles with the choices he was to do, but in the end it was inevitable if he wanted to survive.
The authors writing style is very different from what I’m used to, but I enjoyed it either way.
This book is really raw and emotional (well it’ll make you feel all kinds of emotions) and it gets you glued to the pages. I’d the feeling I was “watching” a very angst action movie than actually reading a book.
This is not a standalone the story continues in book 2.
Arc kindly provided by the author.
August 22, 2020
I was sent this book ARC for free for my honest opinion.
I honestly would give it 3 stars because it is all over the place with the characters. And some of the characters don’t flow into the next scene or chapter. It’s more like soap opera type writing but once you get into that mind set, you are sucked in. There are some very disturbing things that happen so if you can’t handle or have triggers by violence mentioning of drugs, rape, suicide. Do not read. Some things are not just mentioned. But like I said before the writing style is not my favorite but that does not take away from the creativity. I think some things are just know and do not need explanation but I read a lot. But 4 stars for an intriguing read. I did not see that end conversation going like that.... maybe I should have lol
I honestly would give it 3 stars because it is all over the place with the characters. And some of the characters don’t flow into the next scene or chapter. It’s more like soap opera type writing but once you get into that mind set, you are sucked in. There are some very disturbing things that happen so if you can’t handle or have triggers by violence mentioning of drugs, rape, suicide. Do not read. Some things are not just mentioned. But like I said before the writing style is not my favorite but that does not take away from the creativity. I think some things are just know and do not need explanation but I read a lot. But 4 stars for an intriguing read. I did not see that end conversation going like that.... maybe I should have lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2020
Louis is a troubled teen who has started a downward spiral. From fighting with his best friend to robbing houses we see as Louis is influenced by both internal and external forces which ultimately lead to his new life under his stepdad, the mafia kingpin.
While Louis is the main character, there were many viewpoints from others- both those close to him and those close to his stepdad. Though I enjoyed the different viewpoints, I felt like each character could have been developed into their own story and I would have like to know more about each of their histories that brought them to this point in the story. However, this the the first of the series so hopefully more will come about each of the characters.
I received this book review from the author and this is my honest review.
While Louis is the main character, there were many viewpoints from others- both those close to him and those close to his stepdad. Though I enjoyed the different viewpoints, I felt like each character could have been developed into their own story and I would have like to know more about each of their histories that brought them to this point in the story. However, this the the first of the series so hopefully more will come about each of the characters.
I received this book review from the author and this is my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2020
This is a brand new author for me to read. I received a message from the author AG Khali asking if I would like to read her stories. I went into this story not knowing anything really about it except for the blurb I read.. I really enjoyed the darker vibe it had.. I have started reading more of the "mafia" tropes and I enjoyed this one. It did take me a bit to get into it due to the writing but once I got going I enjoyed the story.
There are some triggers.. like violence, drugs, rape, suicide, ect.. so if you don't like or can not read it.. just be forewarned.
Thank you for allowing me to read this book.. On to book 2. :)
There are some triggers.. like violence, drugs, rape, suicide, ect.. so if you don't like or can not read it.. just be forewarned.
Thank you for allowing me to read this book.. On to book 2. :)
September 22, 2020
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
Never read any book of this author. My first book and many more to come. Mafia stories are not my favourites but love reading it. If you love dark stories then you should read this book.
The book has a dark element, fighting , drugs and some violence. Of course there is also some romance in it.
So dark lovers read this book.
Looking forward to read the rest!
Never read any book of this author. My first book and many more to come. Mafia stories are not my favourites but love reading it. If you love dark stories then you should read this book.
The book has a dark element, fighting , drugs and some violence. Of course there is also some romance in it.
So dark lovers read this book.
Looking forward to read the rest!
August 25, 2020
This was my first book by AG Khaliq and this was a great read! It was well-written and it shows multiple characters views throughout the story. It held my attention throughout. This story is dark and intense with great characters. I look forward to seeing what happens in the next book! I would highly recommend!
September 6, 2020
Omg!! Fantastic well written book with interesting characters and many plot twists. Took my emotions on a roller coaster ride. Suspenseful story with lots of drama and plenty of steamy scenes. Highly addictive book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 15, 2020
I went into this story knowing nothing about it. I enjoyed the story line, it had a dark vibe. I didnt like the flipping back and forth between characters in the beginning it was hard to make a connection with them. I can't wait to see what happens in book 2!
September 14, 2020
This was such an exciting read for me.
September 12, 2020
This book annoyed me. All the men are super aggressive for no reason. Especially, the kids. The women are timid and it's irritating me. I HATE the way these males talk to women. EVERYONE cries or gets assaulted. The use of vocabulary is limited. Everyone has shaking fists and is screaming and crying. I seriously wanted to like this book, but it didn't do it for me. I liked the ending as Louis found a purpose and had a concrete plan. The book was for sure Louis' journey to find himself, but it was a tough read for me. I will read the other books and review them too.
August 18, 2020
I received this book free from Goodreads as a giveaway. The story is only 116 pages long so I am glad I did not pay for it. The story is about Louis growing up in a single family household with his mom because his dad left when he was young. Steve is his stepdad who helps his mom out and is a father figure for Louis. Steve comes and goes in Louis life which does not help on emotional level.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews