What do you think?
Rate this book
The Family Business #5.5
The Education of Nevada Duncan
Ride along with Carl Weber and C. N. Phillips for this fresh, enthralling spin-off to the Family Business series as the heir to a crime family finds himself targeted by an enemy and he'll need more than his family by blood to save him...
Nevada Duncan is the heir to the Duncan and Zuniga crime family fortunes, but before he can take the mantle of power, he has to be educated about the family business. So, with the encouragement of his father and grandfather, he enrolls in his father's alma mater, Chi's Finishing School. Chi's is the world's most elite school for the children of underworld figures.
On Nevada's first day of school, he hooks up with a group of misfit freshmen from around the world who quickly become his new best friends. However, Nevada is unaware of the deadly adventure that awaits him with a sinister new enemy lurking in the shadows. Montez wants what Nevada has, and he will do anything to get it.
Accustomed to relying on his family and his superior intelligence, Nevada Duncan will soon learn the importance of friendship when the threats are aimed directly at him and he's the only Duncan around.
Nevada Duncan is the heir to the Duncan and Zuniga crime family fortunes, but before he can take the mantle of power, he has to be educated about the family business. So, with the encouragement of his father and grandfather, he enrolls in his father's alma mater, Chi's Finishing School. Chi's is the world's most elite school for the children of underworld figures.
On Nevada's first day of school, he hooks up with a group of misfit freshmen from around the world who quickly become his new best friends. However, Nevada is unaware of the deadly adventure that awaits him with a sinister new enemy lurking in the shadows. Montez wants what Nevada has, and he will do anything to get it.
Accustomed to relying on his family and his superior intelligence, Nevada Duncan will soon learn the importance of friendship when the threats are aimed directly at him and he's the only Duncan around.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published August 31, 2021
64 people are currently reading
324 people want to read
About the author
Carl Weber
92 books2,111 followersCarl Weber is a New York Times and #1 Essence® bestselling novelist.
In addition to his writing, Weber is the founder and publisher of Urban Books and in 2005, he was named Blackboard's Publisher of the Year. He is the owner of the Urban Knowledge chain of book stores and a past recipient of Blackboard's Bookseller of the Year award.
Weber graduated from Virginia State University and holds an MBA in marketing from the University of Virginia.
In addition to his writing, Weber is the founder and publisher of Urban Books and in 2005, he was named Blackboard's Publisher of the Year. He is the owner of the Urban Knowledge chain of book stores and a past recipient of Blackboard's Bookseller of the Year award.
Weber graduated from Virginia State University and holds an MBA in marketing from the University of Virginia.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
November 21, 2021
The editing of this one left much to be desired. This one was the most predictable of the series.
November 11, 2021
So I can’t even say how excited I was when I heard Nevada’s story was next in the series. Being a die hard Duncan family fan, I knew this was going to be another good one.
We start where we left off with Nevada and Kia being in love but of course that can’t last long. Tragedy strikes and it doesn’t just touch one Duncan man but also the women in their lives. Nevada wouldn’t be a Duncan if he didn’t step up to the plate and decide to do something to avenge those who were effected.
Following in the footsteps of his aunts, uncles and father Nevada begins his training at Chi’s Finishing School. As soon as he walks in he is the only thing anyone in the school can talk about. Whether they hate him or love him, his name is definitely In their mouths! In the meantime, Vegas is doing his due diligence and finding out what happened to his peoples.
Eventually all roads lead back to Nevada and of course Vegas is bringing reinforcements to stop the nonsense and make someone pay. Some are known, some unknown, some old and some tried and true but they ALLLLLL comin!
I loved everything about this installment in the series EXCEPT the explanation for why this all happened. I was enthralled for every part until the last few pages. I won’t give it away but I will say that it was kind of disappointing. It was one of those “that’s it???” moments where I just dropped the book, rolled my eyes extra hard and just chuckled. It felt like the were trying to make a statement (not that it isn’t something that is a real problem in this world) but that statement was out of left field compared to all that happened. It could have been literally 75 other reasons that would have made more sense and could have even lead into the next story. It felt like a last minute thought in the planning of the story, like they said “oh shit I forgot to end it and it’s due tomorrow…bet I heard this story the other day that can work.” Bruh. It really made me sad when everything else I thought was really good.
Despite the ending, I still have to give the book 4 stars (I went back and forth between 3.5 but I love the series so we round up lol) and can’t wait to see what the group gets themselves into next.
We start where we left off with Nevada and Kia being in love but of course that can’t last long. Tragedy strikes and it doesn’t just touch one Duncan man but also the women in their lives. Nevada wouldn’t be a Duncan if he didn’t step up to the plate and decide to do something to avenge those who were effected.
Following in the footsteps of his aunts, uncles and father Nevada begins his training at Chi’s Finishing School. As soon as he walks in he is the only thing anyone in the school can talk about. Whether they hate him or love him, his name is definitely In their mouths! In the meantime, Vegas is doing his due diligence and finding out what happened to his peoples.
Eventually all roads lead back to Nevada and of course Vegas is bringing reinforcements to stop the nonsense and make someone pay. Some are known, some unknown, some old and some tried and true but they ALLLLLL comin!
I loved everything about this installment in the series EXCEPT the explanation for why this all happened. I was enthralled for every part until the last few pages. I won’t give it away but I will say that it was kind of disappointing. It was one of those “that’s it???” moments where I just dropped the book, rolled my eyes extra hard and just chuckled. It felt like the were trying to make a statement (not that it isn’t something that is a real problem in this world) but that statement was out of left field compared to all that happened. It could have been literally 75 other reasons that would have made more sense and could have even lead into the next story. It felt like a last minute thought in the planning of the story, like they said “oh shit I forgot to end it and it’s due tomorrow…bet I heard this story the other day that can work.” Bruh. It really made me sad when everything else I thought was really good.
Despite the ending, I still have to give the book 4 stars (I went back and forth between 3.5 but I love the series so we round up lol) and can’t wait to see what the group gets themselves into next.
October 16, 2021
Good read
The book is enjoyable. It keeps you intrigued and wanting to find out what happens next.
The ending was a tad disappointing. It seemed rushed and I wish there was more to the storyline to justify the mass killing.
Overall, this is a good read and entertaining.
The book is enjoyable. It keeps you intrigued and wanting to find out what happens next.
The ending was a tad disappointing. It seemed rushed and I wish there was more to the storyline to justify the mass killing.
Overall, this is a good read and entertaining.
October 13, 2022
I don't really write reviews but on this occasion, I had to vent my frustrations. There will be many spoilers, so please stop reading if you don't want to know. Perhaps you can be upset yourself.
Point #1: How is it that a group of teenagers are able to take down a group of trained assassins? If the school (Chi's) was able to produce the likes of Vegas, Paris and others and if you have read the other books, you know how lethal they are, how are a group of 18-19 year olds who just started the school would be able to first realize who was behind the killings and then to be able to beat trained assassins who were graduates of the school years prior? I would assume that the trained assassins would have had way more advanced training and experience.
Point #2: Vegas' girlfriend, Marie, witnessed the killing of all of her girls, was put into a mental institution, broke out by killing an experienced assassin, went on the hunt for individuals who may have knowledge of the situation, then flew to France to stop an assassination plot? Not to mention, that she used to be a student of the prestigious assassins school only to not finish but yet be able to sneak up on an assassin to foil his shot? Smh!
Point #3: This might be the most egregious part... the plot! So all of this was because some guy didn't want his pictures out because he was a homosexual. He killed all these people because of it and worst of all, Vegas' girlfriend allowed all of her girls to die because she didn't want to give up a flash drive? What year is this? 1844? Now mind you, this story is set in modern day because they mention COVID so you have to be kidding me.
There is so many things I could say but honestly don't think I should waste my time. I am a big fan of the Duncan series but if the storylines continue on this trajectory, I am done! Highly disappointing to say the least. SMH
Point #1: How is it that a group of teenagers are able to take down a group of trained assassins? If the school (Chi's) was able to produce the likes of Vegas, Paris and others and if you have read the other books, you know how lethal they are, how are a group of 18-19 year olds who just started the school would be able to first realize who was behind the killings and then to be able to beat trained assassins who were graduates of the school years prior? I would assume that the trained assassins would have had way more advanced training and experience.
Point #2: Vegas' girlfriend, Marie, witnessed the killing of all of her girls, was put into a mental institution, broke out by killing an experienced assassin, went on the hunt for individuals who may have knowledge of the situation, then flew to France to stop an assassination plot? Not to mention, that she used to be a student of the prestigious assassins school only to not finish but yet be able to sneak up on an assassin to foil his shot? Smh!
Point #3: This might be the most egregious part... the plot! So all of this was because some guy didn't want his pictures out because he was a homosexual. He killed all these people because of it and worst of all, Vegas' girlfriend allowed all of her girls to die because she didn't want to give up a flash drive? What year is this? 1844? Now mind you, this story is set in modern day because they mention COVID so you have to be kidding me.
There is so many things I could say but honestly don't think I should waste my time. I am a big fan of the Duncan series but if the storylines continue on this trajectory, I am done! Highly disappointing to say the least. SMH
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2022
I am a fan of the Duncan Family Business novels. Unfortunately, this is a weak addition to the series. Nevada has passed up a chance to attend Harvard to go to the assassin finishing school in France. His girlfriend is slaughtered along with 11 other women in a mass execution. The reason behind these murders becomes clearer as the novel progresses. Committing such heinous acts to cover up a personal preference is horrible. They mentioned Paris' name, my favorite character, but she never showed up in the novel. I liked the character of Brother Elijah. Nevada's go team was admirable also.
I wonder if he really will attend Harvard after this segment of the story.
I wonder if he really will attend Harvard after this segment of the story.
December 13, 2021
Ok so I'm a Family Business Fan. Of course when a novel comes out giving more insight into the Duncan's ,who is not going to dig in?
I learned more about the Duncan's childhood, and why Nevada wanted to follow in his father's (Vegas) footsteps 👣.
Being accepted into the Chi school 🏫 is an honor and privilege,& it's not for the faint of heart.
Not everyone can make the cut. But Nevada is going there,instead of to college. Hm?, what ever works for him.
Nevada is seeing 👀 a girl named Kia. They seem to be fond of each other.
But one night 🌙, the house which she lives in with other girls is broken into, and all the girls are killed. WTF!!!
This spends Nevada into a tail spin & he decides to take a year off from college & get training @ the Chi School.
So the drama begins.
Along with the questions???
Who would do this horrific murder.
Why was this particular house hit.
What is the message that's being sent.
Where will this lead.
All answers Nevada must find & it looks like the Chi School is involved.
More importantly, someone is not who they seem to be.
It's going down & no prisoners will be taken.
Nevada is not to be fucked with, and if you bad enough to think you are.
Well the Duncan family has something for your ass. From the Grandfather on down.
They Gone Learn Today, as Kevin Hart would say..... Lol
Entertaining read, to say the least.
Until my next review....
Happy Reading 📚!!!
Ciao💋....
I learned more about the Duncan's childhood, and why Nevada wanted to follow in his father's (Vegas) footsteps 👣.
Being accepted into the Chi school 🏫 is an honor and privilege,& it's not for the faint of heart.
Not everyone can make the cut. But Nevada is going there,instead of to college. Hm?, what ever works for him.
Nevada is seeing 👀 a girl named Kia. They seem to be fond of each other.
But one night 🌙, the house which she lives in with other girls is broken into, and all the girls are killed. WTF!!!
This spends Nevada into a tail spin & he decides to take a year off from college & get training @ the Chi School.
So the drama begins.
Along with the questions???
Who would do this horrific murder.
Why was this particular house hit.
What is the message that's being sent.
Where will this lead.
All answers Nevada must find & it looks like the Chi School is involved.
More importantly, someone is not who they seem to be.
It's going down & no prisoners will be taken.
Nevada is not to be fucked with, and if you bad enough to think you are.
Well the Duncan family has something for your ass. From the Grandfather on down.
They Gone Learn Today, as Kevin Hart would say..... Lol
Entertaining read, to say the least.
Until my next review....
Happy Reading 📚!!!
Ciao💋....
Read
June 18, 2023I read a copy of the book from the library and listened to the audible but didn't want to spend hours listening to a book where my second favorite Duncan: Paris was mentioned several times but wouldn't be written into the storyline.
My favorite Duncan: Vegas Duncan was in the book but not as much as one would've liked the book being about his son and all.
I DON'T BUY A PROSTITUTE/MADAME MARIE AS A FORMER STUDENT OF THE CHI SCHOOL!
I WAS GLAD TO FIND OUT THAT BROTHER ELIJAH SURVIVED BEING SHOT SEVERAL TIMES BY WAYWARD MUSLIM WHO USED TO BE MARRIED TO JUNIOR'S NOW WIFE SONIA.
ISTILL DON'T TRUST MINISTER FARAH AND NEITHER SHOULD VEGAS GIVEN HE'D SET VEGAS UP TO NEARLY BE KILLED IN TFB 3. IT WAS GOOD THAT DARRYL CAME THROUGH AND MADE HIMSELF USEFUL BY TAKING OUT THOSE SHOOTING TOWARDS VEGAS IN THAT BOOK.
THE PLOT AND CONCLUSION WAS STUPID.
THAT IS ALL!
My favorite Duncan: Vegas Duncan was in the book but not as much as one would've liked the book being about his son and all.
I DON'T BUY A PROSTITUTE/MADAME MARIE AS A FORMER STUDENT OF THE CHI SCHOOL!
I WAS GLAD TO FIND OUT THAT BROTHER ELIJAH SURVIVED BEING SHOT SEVERAL TIMES BY WAYWARD MUSLIM WHO USED TO BE MARRIED TO JUNIOR'S NOW WIFE SONIA.
ISTILL DON'T TRUST MINISTER FARAH AND NEITHER SHOULD VEGAS GIVEN HE'D SET VEGAS UP TO NEARLY BE KILLED IN TFB 3. IT WAS GOOD THAT DARRYL CAME THROUGH AND MADE HIMSELF USEFUL BY TAKING OUT THOSE SHOOTING TOWARDS VEGAS IN THAT BOOK.
THE PLOT AND CONCLUSION WAS STUPID.
THAT IS ALL!
September 9, 2021
I wasn't looking forward to a story about Nevada but it turned out pretty good. It was a little predictable but it had a small surprise at the end. I wasn't expecting that ending. Carl is one of my favorites. I enjoy his storytelling and the co authors always add something special. Can't go wrong with this book.
November 18, 2021
Only my 2nd Carl Weber book and this was really really really good!! A real page turner and kept me on the edge of my seat. Literally had the book maybe 24 hours and finished it less than a day!!! Must read!!
September 25, 2021
It was just ok for me, even though this is my favorite author.
May 25, 2025
Recommended and a first. Didn't realize it was a series, plans are to read the rest in order.
A light entertaining read that kept me engaged. It is a fast read with a clear writing style. Could have used a bit more editing. Has the feels of teen super heroes. Though violence and sex and alluded to, significant book real estate is not devoted to the details. Thankfully.
There were significant sections. The interaction between Ivan and Nevada, after Ivan is kicked out of the Elites. Childhood abuse plagues many young men (and women) leaving emotional scares and distractions from their own gifts and potentials. The way the author allows these two young men to communicate together is handled well.
The black male relationships of nevada, Father and grandfather is an important arc. When black men are so often pictures as criminals from unstable and or fatherless in media, the story line is refreshing and casts a much needed turn on black male family relationships.
Comments already outline the disappointment in the ending. It was rushed and seemed a marketing demographic target vs a denouement that brings together the hints and crumbs left by the author. I thought Consuela, Nevada's mom was going to be the center of it as the resident conniving bad ass Latina.
Also, as the time table is set after covid, wouldn't someone just upload video to the cloud? A thumb drive. Really?
A light entertaining read that kept me engaged. It is a fast read with a clear writing style. Could have used a bit more editing. Has the feels of teen super heroes. Though violence and sex and alluded to, significant book real estate is not devoted to the details. Thankfully.
There were significant sections. The interaction between Ivan and Nevada, after Ivan is kicked out of the Elites. Childhood abuse plagues many young men (and women) leaving emotional scares and distractions from their own gifts and potentials. The way the author allows these two young men to communicate together is handled well.
The black male relationships of nevada, Father and grandfather is an important arc. When black men are so often pictures as criminals from unstable and or fatherless in media, the story line is refreshing and casts a much needed turn on black male family relationships.
Comments already outline the disappointment in the ending. It was rushed and seemed a marketing demographic target vs a denouement that brings together the hints and crumbs left by the author. I thought Consuela, Nevada's mom was going to be the center of it as the resident conniving bad ass Latina.
Also, as the time table is set after covid, wouldn't someone just upload video to the cloud? A thumb drive. Really?
September 8, 2021
A continuation of the Family Business series is this spin-off when the next heir to the crime family finds himself targeted by an enemy to the family.
Before he can take his place of power in the family business Nevada Duncan has to be educated on how to run the business. So he enrolls in his father's alma mater, Chi's Finishing School which is the most elite school for children of the underworld.
Nevada forms a group with misfit freshmen from around the world who quickly become his new best friends. Nevada is unaware of the deadly threat awaiting him.
Accustomed to relying on his family, Nevada Duncan quickly learns the importance of friendship.
Before he can take his place of power in the family business Nevada Duncan has to be educated on how to run the business. So he enrolls in his father's alma mater, Chi's Finishing School which is the most elite school for children of the underworld.
Nevada forms a group with misfit freshmen from around the world who quickly become his new best friends. Nevada is unaware of the deadly threat awaiting him.
Accustomed to relying on his family, Nevada Duncan quickly learns the importance of friendship.
September 15, 2021
Neveda Duncan has grown up, about to head to College, falls in love and loses his virginity to his girlfriend. On the very same day, his girlfriend and several other women she lives with and works with are killed and his family is worried about him and his need to seek revenge. They send him away to a school that all of the family members have attended to help with life skills in the art of defense. While at the school it becomes clear that his life is in danger. His father comes to the school to try to find out what’s going on and gets himself in danger. Neveda and his friends have to save him before it’s too late. Great book. Carl Weber books are the best.
September 11, 2023
To be honest, this seemed like a very YA style novel. Maybe it was because it was from Nevada's point of view. It was definitely a quick and easy read (finished in a matter of hours!), but it really didn't hold my interest throughout unlike most of the other Family Business novels. It spent so much time digging into the plot and then it was all over in just a matter of a few pages! It was still enjoyable though but definitely not my favorite in the series by far!
September 7, 2021
Absolutely loved it! Once again, Carl Weber has penned a story that captivated me. Nevada showed that he was a true, take charge Duncan and led his team on a mission to save his father. Marie came out of the state of mind that she was in when she realized that Vegas and Nevada were in trouble. And I’m not liking Consuela at all.
October 16, 2021
I gave up on urban fiction years ago but there's something about Carl Weber's, Family Business series that will not let me go. Now Vegas Duncan's son, Nevada Duncan is grown up sort of and has joined the "family business". I love all them Duncans EXCEPT for Paris. I will be reading this series from the beginning again.
January 14, 2022
Another great installment in the Family Business sequel. This time, the bool focuses on the growth, and life lessons Nevada Duncan must face. Even though Nevada has been raised around some of the best graduates from Chi's finishing school, the world wonders if he is able to handle himself or is he all name alone. The book started off slowly, but after a while the book began to pick up pace.
August 7, 2022
Love The Duncan’s
I am a long time fan of Carl Weber and even bigger fan of The Family Business series whether in print or or the TV Series. I was surprised to come across this little gem but it did not disappoint. I can’t wait for book 6 and The Family Business series as well as the next episode of the TV series.
I am a long time fan of Carl Weber and even bigger fan of The Family Business series whether in print or or the TV Series. I was surprised to come across this little gem but it did not disappoint. I can’t wait for book 6 and The Family Business series as well as the next episode of the TV series.
September 25, 2022
The Education of Nevada Duncan (Family Business)
This book was a little different from the other Duncan Family series of books. There was a lot more action and mystery in finding out who the killer/killers could be. It was a cat and mouse game. Good reading from beginning to the end. I would recommend this guilty pleasure from authors Carl Weber and C.N. Phillips.
9/24/2022.
This book was a little different from the other Duncan Family series of books. There was a lot more action and mystery in finding out who the killer/killers could be. It was a cat and mouse game. Good reading from beginning to the end. I would recommend this guilty pleasure from authors Carl Weber and C.N. Phillips.
9/24/2022.
November 5, 2022
Great book!
Nevada Duncan is a very smart young man and wise beyond his years. Him being squad leader said a lot about him. I know he was hurt when he had to fight Clem. I like how Clem redeemed himself and proved to Nevada that he was indeed his friend. I can't wait to read whatever these two authors are working on next.
Nevada Duncan is a very smart young man and wise beyond his years. Him being squad leader said a lot about him. I know he was hurt when he had to fight Clem. I like how Clem redeemed himself and proved to Nevada that he was indeed his friend. I can't wait to read whatever these two authors are working on next.
January 12, 2024
Great read!
Awesome and exciting from beginning to end! I enjoyed reading the entire series of Family Business. I did not read them in the suggested order. The Education of Nevada Duncan was the last one. It did not disappoint. I can't wait until the next book in the series comes out.
Awesome and exciting from beginning to end! I enjoyed reading the entire series of Family Business. I did not read them in the suggested order. The Education of Nevada Duncan was the last one. It did not disappoint. I can't wait until the next book in the series comes out.
September 20, 2021
I love this family and all of the stories about them. I look forward to the next book. This one was definitely a page-turner. The closer I got to the end, the more I couldn't stop reading and hoped it wouldn't end.
October 6, 2022
Nothing But The Best!
There's really nothing to say. Carl Weber is a master of everything and it turns to golf. I've been reading his books forever and looking forward to more books and TV shows, as well.
There's really nothing to say. Carl Weber is a master of everything and it turns to golf. I've been reading his books forever and looking forward to more books and TV shows, as well.
February 4, 2025
I could have sworn that Vegas first met Marie while he was in prison. This book tells a different story. Otherwise, the story was fine, but I gave it fewer stars because of the ending. Not sure all of the crime and killing made sense because of the secret that was kept.
September 13, 2021
It was worth the wait. I couldn't put it down once I started reading. I actually finished in 9 hours
September 24, 2021
I thought the ending would be different but it was a good read
October 27, 2021
As usual, Carl Weber did not disappoint. This was a good FB installment and I like to see how Nevada is coming into his own. Looking forward to the next one.
November 5, 2021
Nevada is at Chi. Following in the Duncan family's legacy. But there's always someone that doesn't want you to be great. Insert drama, murder, and mayhem.
November 9, 2021
Great story...mystery and action. Now I have to go back and read from the beginning
November 18, 2021
Carl Weber have done it again!!! He keeps you in the story with the plot and twists and thr ending is very eye opening!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews