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Menace II Society
Menace II Society is a gritty work of fiction that captures the allure of sex, money, murder and power. These bestselling authors have collaborated on a page-turner. Walk with Me Al-Saadiq Banks Newark, New Jersey is eager to get rid of the infamous, Miracle. A predicate with a long list of felonious crimes. When he’s arrested for the brutal murders of his two co-defendants, he realized that his life is over. Walk with Me by Al-Saadiq Banks walks you through the seemingly dark life of Miracle, capturing the ironic circumstance of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Snake Eyes Mark Anthony Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. That’s the old adage in the ’hood. But what happens when your friend is your enemy? All hell breaks loose in Snake Eyes. Mark Anthony weaves a dramatic street tale that will leave you on the edge of your seat! Cagney & Lacey Crystal Lacey Winslow Cagney & Lacey—When two felons growing up on opposite coasts meet—the attraction is magnetic. When Lacey’s past comes back to haunt her—Cagney’s love is put to the test. Will Cagney ride or die for his lady? Just like a modern day Bonnie and Clyde, these two embark on a killing spree in their quest to leave the past behind. The Deceitful Hunted Isadore Johnson Quawi Ubati’s desperation to hold on to his half billion dollar cocaine empire built by blood and fear has led him to hunt down two men responsible for the ultimate betrayal. This notorious Nigerian drug lord unleashes havoc that not even the powerful F.B.I. could withstand in order to find and kill these individuals who he once trusted before planning the ultimate escape. Keepin’ it Gangsta JM Benjamin Keepin’ it Gangsta is the only way the notorious “Dicer” knows how to live. Feared by many because of his murderous and infamous reputation—he still finds a soft spot in his black heart to hold down the only woman that ever truly loved him. But in true “Dicer” fashion he can only keep it gangsta!
288 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
January 2, 2009
Urban Legends
The Deceitful; Hunted by: Isadore Johnson
Nigerian born Quawi Ubati has been in the USA for 15 years. Penniless and asking for assistance in the streets, it became obvious that Quawi had to make his on way. Escalating to New Jersey's most violent drug kingpin, he benefited from cocaine, racketeering, murder, money laundering and tax invasion. Has his rise all been in vain? The F.B.I. seeking Quawi's prosecution has him causing pandemonium on the citizens and streets of New Jersey. Desperately trying to prevent returning to his native land destitute, Quawi is set on recovering his losses. A battle ensues leaving readers guessing about his outcome.
Snake Eyes by: Mark Anthony
Brooklyn- Brooklyn where you at? Out there hiding, dodging and learning Philly's route. With the F.B.I and local police stalking your steps, what could bring you back? The debut of an upscale club, Brooklyn's Café, rumored to be owned by your lifelong friends. Show & Squeeze are holding like that. With all of the time served, countless crimes committed, an unspoken or unseen Promise equates nothing. While measuring Grams, Promise starts to slowly put his life in prospective. The dice are rolled with readers wondering who'll crap out.
Cagney & Lacey by: Crystal Lacey Winslow
At age 15, the last place Cagney wanted to be was in school. Poor, hungry, unable to control his urges, his hood mentality would alter his entire life. With a mother incapable of providing, the dead weight is definitely on Cagney to carry. This would further transform him into a danger.
By age 13, Lacey is a pure-bred soldier with an emulating heart that was fueled by rage. Strong as a bull, defiant and literally a heartbreaker, she is unwilling to bend. Remorse would replace her past.
Deep down in the hood where a half breed works as a shampoo girl, on a cigarette break she sees the Papi of her dreams fresh out his jeep dropping of his chick. She knows they have to somehow meet. How mesmeric is it that two people from different places with very similar backgrounds collide? Cagney & Lacey are physically and sexually harmonized. This love story becomes a heart-breaking jump off. Loving hard to avoid an irreparable split up.
Walk with Me by: Al-Saadiq Banks
Tyshon Walls, the defendant, is accused of being a kingpin; charged with trafficking drugs, weapons, and murdering witnesses. The defense claims that this nuisance has committed hellish tantamount his entire 23-years. When given a chance to contest his circumstances, the jury finds itself voyaging back through his murky life uncertain if the next account will be as trying as its predecessor. Contrary to what the defense alleges, once the whole story is revealed, reasonable doubt sets in. It's gonna take a `Miracle' to take this all in.
Keepin' it Gangsta by: J.M. Benjamin
Derrick Jordan began his heinous acts as a young child. Instead of basking in the respect and props gained from the streets, he feasted in knowing that he was feared. A classic gangsta, "Dicer", a befitting moniker, with his F.T.W viewpoints finds that his blackened heart and spirit aren't closed out to atonements for others. An eye for an eye.
Menace II Society comes assorted with love, hate, trust, misunderstandings, sacrifices, evasions, money, power, respect and death. In many instances the reader is wedged inside the pages eagerly awaiting the outcome. Considering I'd never read J.M. Benjamin, Isadore Johnson or Mark Anthony, I'll admit that I was skeptical about their contributions. In each respect, all of the authors were thorough! Those of you know that Al-Saadiq & Crystal already get top billing on my shelves.
I didn't get the rationale for the foreword by Shannon Holmes, so in respect to that I'll say this: You always see and or hear only about the negativity in the inner city regardless the city or state. People usually choose what to disclose when discussing their "OWN" experiences. But let's be honest, it's usually them who are glorifying it in an effort to make themselves seem really real. STAND UP...Instead of all of this nonsense about living for today encourage people to strive for tomorrow. I mean we all can stand on a soapbox and say how someone looks at us and perceives us. Think about all that was attained at the expense of others. Now how about dedicating the time and energy to changing the outcome of others headed in that destructive path. To me that would speak volumes!
Reviewed by: Crystal
The Deceitful; Hunted by: Isadore Johnson
Nigerian born Quawi Ubati has been in the USA for 15 years. Penniless and asking for assistance in the streets, it became obvious that Quawi had to make his on way. Escalating to New Jersey's most violent drug kingpin, he benefited from cocaine, racketeering, murder, money laundering and tax invasion. Has his rise all been in vain? The F.B.I. seeking Quawi's prosecution has him causing pandemonium on the citizens and streets of New Jersey. Desperately trying to prevent returning to his native land destitute, Quawi is set on recovering his losses. A battle ensues leaving readers guessing about his outcome.
Snake Eyes by: Mark Anthony
Brooklyn- Brooklyn where you at? Out there hiding, dodging and learning Philly's route. With the F.B.I and local police stalking your steps, what could bring you back? The debut of an upscale club, Brooklyn's Café, rumored to be owned by your lifelong friends. Show & Squeeze are holding like that. With all of the time served, countless crimes committed, an unspoken or unseen Promise equates nothing. While measuring Grams, Promise starts to slowly put his life in prospective. The dice are rolled with readers wondering who'll crap out.
Cagney & Lacey by: Crystal Lacey Winslow
At age 15, the last place Cagney wanted to be was in school. Poor, hungry, unable to control his urges, his hood mentality would alter his entire life. With a mother incapable of providing, the dead weight is definitely on Cagney to carry. This would further transform him into a danger.
By age 13, Lacey is a pure-bred soldier with an emulating heart that was fueled by rage. Strong as a bull, defiant and literally a heartbreaker, she is unwilling to bend. Remorse would replace her past.
Deep down in the hood where a half breed works as a shampoo girl, on a cigarette break she sees the Papi of her dreams fresh out his jeep dropping of his chick. She knows they have to somehow meet. How mesmeric is it that two people from different places with very similar backgrounds collide? Cagney & Lacey are physically and sexually harmonized. This love story becomes a heart-breaking jump off. Loving hard to avoid an irreparable split up.
Walk with Me by: Al-Saadiq Banks
Tyshon Walls, the defendant, is accused of being a kingpin; charged with trafficking drugs, weapons, and murdering witnesses. The defense claims that this nuisance has committed hellish tantamount his entire 23-years. When given a chance to contest his circumstances, the jury finds itself voyaging back through his murky life uncertain if the next account will be as trying as its predecessor. Contrary to what the defense alleges, once the whole story is revealed, reasonable doubt sets in. It's gonna take a `Miracle' to take this all in.
Keepin' it Gangsta by: J.M. Benjamin
Derrick Jordan began his heinous acts as a young child. Instead of basking in the respect and props gained from the streets, he feasted in knowing that he was feared. A classic gangsta, "Dicer", a befitting moniker, with his F.T.W viewpoints finds that his blackened heart and spirit aren't closed out to atonements for others. An eye for an eye.
Menace II Society comes assorted with love, hate, trust, misunderstandings, sacrifices, evasions, money, power, respect and death. In many instances the reader is wedged inside the pages eagerly awaiting the outcome. Considering I'd never read J.M. Benjamin, Isadore Johnson or Mark Anthony, I'll admit that I was skeptical about their contributions. In each respect, all of the authors were thorough! Those of you know that Al-Saadiq & Crystal already get top billing on my shelves.
I didn't get the rationale for the foreword by Shannon Holmes, so in respect to that I'll say this: You always see and or hear only about the negativity in the inner city regardless the city or state. People usually choose what to disclose when discussing their "OWN" experiences. But let's be honest, it's usually them who are glorifying it in an effort to make themselves seem really real. STAND UP...Instead of all of this nonsense about living for today encourage people to strive for tomorrow. I mean we all can stand on a soapbox and say how someone looks at us and perceives us. Think about all that was attained at the expense of others. Now how about dedicating the time and energy to changing the outcome of others headed in that destructive path. To me that would speak volumes!
Reviewed by: Crystal
June 27, 2014
Menace II Society or Misunderstood?
Where do I even begin? First, I was excited to hear about this anthology because I had read and enjoyed books by Al-Saadiq Banks and Crystal Lacey Winslow. I just knew this had to be a BANGER! Overall, the stories were good, intense, and captivating, but there were some issues. So let's start from the beginning. In the words of Al-Saadiq, "Walk with me."
Foreword by Shannon Holmes - What was the point? This foreword was so not necessary. I thought some knowledge was about to be imparted, that Shannon really had something to say, the opening act for what was to come. Instead, nothing other than this author feeling himself. At the top of the food chain? Huh? Only the last four words were needed - Welcome to the streets!
The Deceitful; Hunted by Isadore Johnson - This was my first with this author. I was drawn into the story immediately as it starts off with action. BANG! Glad to see that Isadore did something different with the main character being Nigerian. So many times authors make characters like this from S. America. It was good to see a brother from Africa doing his thing, even if it was the wrong thing. Kudos to Isadore for stepping outside of the box. Turning pages, waiting to see how the drama would continue to unfold, until...
As this short story came to its end, I felt like I had been watching a relay race and suddenly the runner dropped the baton. Unfortunately, Isadore started a race that he had the potential of winning, but winded up not even finishing.
Snake Eyes by Mark Anthony - This story was surprisingly good. I had read one of his previous novels (Dogism) and attempted to read another (Paper Chasers). After those two, I was cool on Mark Anthony. So when I got to his story and was pulled in, it had a sister rethinking checking out his latest Lady's Night. This story moved fast. Never a dull moment. Revenge is sweet so I couldn't wait for what was going to go down to go down. I was on the edge of my seat, until...
Instead of dropping his baton, Mark Anthony tripped and fell making him unable to finish the race.
WTF? Okay, so after the first two stories I was hesitant about continuing on. People were playing with my emotions! Coming up short seemed to be a reoccurring theme here. Putting those thoughts aside and hoping for the best, I ventured to the next story.
Cagney & Lacey by Crystal Lacey Winslow - I admit, this was the story I was most looking forward to reading. Crystal didn't disappoint. And OMG, someone finally finished! I liked the whole Cagney and Lacey play on names. Drama, murder, mayhem, and Crystal's signature sex made for an enjoyable thugged out love story. This was my favorite.
Walk with Me by Al-Saadiq Banks - I was also very much looking forward to Al's contribution. He's one of the most UNDERRATED authors out today. Shame on you readers! Like his previous novels, Al did his thing. It took a minute to get used to going backwards, but it was worth it. I really enjoyed the total character development of Miracle.
Keepin' It Gangsta by J.M. Benjamin - Man, what can I say other than the "Dicer" kept it real and J.M. kept it gangsta! He also did something different, stepping outside of the box. I really liked this story also
Again, overall I liked this book. I'm not really big on anthologies because you get so into the stories that you want more and Menace II Society was no exception. I think this combination of talent did a good job. They all proved themselves worthy opponents in the literary world and should be applauded for their efforts and creativity. I would have liked to have seen more of the "menace to society" concept included in all the stories instead of just a few. The only thing keeping this from being a five star read for me is that the first two stories didn't come full circle. But even with that said, everybody did their thing!
Where do I even begin? First, I was excited to hear about this anthology because I had read and enjoyed books by Al-Saadiq Banks and Crystal Lacey Winslow. I just knew this had to be a BANGER! Overall, the stories were good, intense, and captivating, but there were some issues. So let's start from the beginning. In the words of Al-Saadiq, "Walk with me."
Foreword by Shannon Holmes - What was the point? This foreword was so not necessary. I thought some knowledge was about to be imparted, that Shannon really had something to say, the opening act for what was to come. Instead, nothing other than this author feeling himself. At the top of the food chain? Huh? Only the last four words were needed - Welcome to the streets!
The Deceitful; Hunted by Isadore Johnson - This was my first with this author. I was drawn into the story immediately as it starts off with action. BANG! Glad to see that Isadore did something different with the main character being Nigerian. So many times authors make characters like this from S. America. It was good to see a brother from Africa doing his thing, even if it was the wrong thing. Kudos to Isadore for stepping outside of the box. Turning pages, waiting to see how the drama would continue to unfold, until...
As this short story came to its end, I felt like I had been watching a relay race and suddenly the runner dropped the baton. Unfortunately, Isadore started a race that he had the potential of winning, but winded up not even finishing.
Snake Eyes by Mark Anthony - This story was surprisingly good. I had read one of his previous novels (Dogism) and attempted to read another (Paper Chasers). After those two, I was cool on Mark Anthony. So when I got to his story and was pulled in, it had a sister rethinking checking out his latest Lady's Night. This story moved fast. Never a dull moment. Revenge is sweet so I couldn't wait for what was going to go down to go down. I was on the edge of my seat, until...
Instead of dropping his baton, Mark Anthony tripped and fell making him unable to finish the race.
WTF? Okay, so after the first two stories I was hesitant about continuing on. People were playing with my emotions! Coming up short seemed to be a reoccurring theme here. Putting those thoughts aside and hoping for the best, I ventured to the next story.
Cagney & Lacey by Crystal Lacey Winslow - I admit, this was the story I was most looking forward to reading. Crystal didn't disappoint. And OMG, someone finally finished! I liked the whole Cagney and Lacey play on names. Drama, murder, mayhem, and Crystal's signature sex made for an enjoyable thugged out love story. This was my favorite.
Walk with Me by Al-Saadiq Banks - I was also very much looking forward to Al's contribution. He's one of the most UNDERRATED authors out today. Shame on you readers! Like his previous novels, Al did his thing. It took a minute to get used to going backwards, but it was worth it. I really enjoyed the total character development of Miracle.
Keepin' It Gangsta by J.M. Benjamin - Man, what can I say other than the "Dicer" kept it real and J.M. kept it gangsta! He also did something different, stepping outside of the box. I really liked this story also
Again, overall I liked this book. I'm not really big on anthologies because you get so into the stories that you want more and Menace II Society was no exception. I think this combination of talent did a good job. They all proved themselves worthy opponents in the literary world and should be applauded for their efforts and creativity. I would have liked to have seen more of the "menace to society" concept included in all the stories instead of just a few. The only thing keeping this from being a five star read for me is that the first two stories didn't come full circle. But even with that said, everybody did their thing!
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews