What do you think?
Rate this book
Blood of My Brother #1
Blood of My Brother
Roc was the man on the streets of Philadelphia, until his younger brother decided it was time to become his own man by wreaking havoc on Roc's crew without any regards for the blood relation they share. Drug, murder, mayhem and the pursuit of happiness can lead to deadly consequences. This story can only be told by a person who has lived it.
- GenresUrban
256 pages, Paperback
First published September 30, 2007
24 people are currently reading
327 people want to read
About the author
Zoe Woods
12 books23 followers---
Zoe Woods entered the literary scene with the release of the Blood of My Brother trilogy, a saga created in dedication to and collaboration with her then husband, co-author Yusuf Woods. A history relative to those within urban communities who are enthralled by street life resulted in her ex-husband being sentenced to prison for many years and inspired them to share their work. Having witnessed the struggles and triumphs of Yusuf’s life, the direction that Zoë and her ex-husband wanted to take their project was one that would encompass realism, showing a glimpse of history and the severity of consequences that often result from being caught up in this kind of lifestyle; including the devastation endured by the families of those who are entangled in the addiction to street life. As she set out to enlighten and entertain, the urban series that started her literary career became one of the most talked about street novels.
During her childhood and teenage years, Zoe found solace in activities that would allow her to express herself and if only for a short time, escape the negativity that surrounded her. Entering high school she continued to practice her love for art, design, and poetry, further developing her writing later in life with the collaborative series. When the opportunity was presented for her to release her debut, Zoe and Yusuf gave their all for the creation of one of their most powerful and personal stories and have not put their pens down. Since the release of the Blood of My Brother series, Zoe has also contributed to the Lipstick Diaries part II and III anthologies. She continues to develop stories in multiple genres with great unique substance while staying true to her passion and delivery. Zoë considers her greatest gifts and sources of inspiration; life itself, being a wife, and a mother. In addition to enjoying the time she spends with her family, she is an enthusiast of education and is an advocate for the prevention and awareness of domestic violence.
Author Zoe Woods divorced Yusuf Woods in October 2019 and the former co-authors continue their separate paths successfully in their own respective careers. Zoe has gone on to pen several novels under a pseudonym and now also writes for several networks.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 22, 2014
I bought this book 2 years ago, and I'm wondering why the hell did I not read it when I bought it. This book was all that and some. Had a few editing problems but not to much to throw the story off. I praying that part 2 has just as much drama as part 1. If you haven't added it to you list of reads please do so.
October 16, 2022
More like bad blood....
I read 1-2 books a week and it literally took me about a month to read this. I liked Doc but hated his brother Lil Mack. I would have enjoyed them coming together to build an unstoppable team. Lil Mac plotted in like the 3rd chapter to kill his brother (who loved him) just to take over the drug game. Why??? Then Lil Mack had his brother going after his best friend because the best friend figured out what Lil Mac was up to. I will not be reading part 2.
I read 1-2 books a week and it literally took me about a month to read this. I liked Doc but hated his brother Lil Mack. I would have enjoyed them coming together to build an unstoppable team. Lil Mac plotted in like the 3rd chapter to kill his brother (who loved him) just to take over the drug game. Why??? Then Lil Mack had his brother going after his best friend because the best friend figured out what Lil Mac was up to. I will not be reading part 2.
January 12, 2012
Urban fiction can be both a complex and easy topic to write about. If you’ve grown up in a city, nine times out of ten you have been impacted by issues that may be considered related to urban communities. Some people may regard “urban related” issues as circumstances that may depict in vivid detail the struggles of poorer communities trying to survive minimally and thrive at best.
Life in the streets isn’t easy. Never has been, never will be. You don’t have to come from the streets to know that there are unwritten rules that don’t necessarily translate to mainstream law in society as we know it. You don’t have to be in it to be of it. Or more succinctly put, you don’t have to be of it to know the issue when you hear or see it.
Blood of my Brother is a three-book novel written by authors Yusuf and Zoe Woods. The premise for the story is simple. The main character “Roc” is ready to retire from the “game” as he knows it, and doesn’t want his younger brother to fall prey to the lure of the streets. Unbeknownst to him, his younger brother, Lil Mac, has already become a force to be reckoned with on the streets. Under the name of “Solo”, Lil Mac wreaks hell and havoc within the community, turning the streets of North Philadelphia into a mini war zone, becoming his brother’s biggest rival.
Blood of my Brother is a compelling read. It takes you into the depths of drug distribution, materialism and the perception of respect. Senseless violence is the norm which at times may have the reader feeling as if they need to duck for cover. The disconcerting issue is that even though the characters are fiction, this is a grim reality that exists for some people within our community. Some readers may feel the need to escape to a world that they may deem to be worse than their own. This story may be classified as one of them because the simple truth is no matter how much money these characters have, the only outcome for them seems to be death or prison which is the plight of many of our young men. There are moments in the story where the main characters Lil Mac and Roc behave like brothers, but those moments are far and few between. Love and family have been replaced with greed and wealth. The perception of respect somehow translates differently in the streets, and that’s sad. Blood of my Brother tells a chilling tale of where we are headed as a people if we don’t stop and take a collective look at ourselves.
At times, the story dialogue may be challenging to follow because it’s not always clear as to who is speaking to whom at a given time. The other issue is the vast multitude of supporting characters. Because of the many shootouts taking place, it’s hard to understand who is playing what role at a particular time in the story.
With that being said, authors Yusuf and Zoe Woods takes us to the underbelly of the streets, but what is the cost to us as a community if this is what we have to look forward to? Although this is a work of fiction, it should make the reader think about the choices that some of our young people are forced to make. Is the cost of the most expensive ride, clothes, crib and women worth sacrificing your humanity? And if you think so, when does the price become too big a price tag to pay? Yusuf and Zoe Woods take you on a roller coaster ride of murder and mayhem. If you’ve ever seen a chalk outline in the street and wanted to know how it got there, by all means, pick up Blood of my Brothers, a story of by all accounts could be considered “street-lit” at its finest.
Life in the streets isn’t easy. Never has been, never will be. You don’t have to come from the streets to know that there are unwritten rules that don’t necessarily translate to mainstream law in society as we know it. You don’t have to be in it to be of it. Or more succinctly put, you don’t have to be of it to know the issue when you hear or see it.
Blood of my Brother is a three-book novel written by authors Yusuf and Zoe Woods. The premise for the story is simple. The main character “Roc” is ready to retire from the “game” as he knows it, and doesn’t want his younger brother to fall prey to the lure of the streets. Unbeknownst to him, his younger brother, Lil Mac, has already become a force to be reckoned with on the streets. Under the name of “Solo”, Lil Mac wreaks hell and havoc within the community, turning the streets of North Philadelphia into a mini war zone, becoming his brother’s biggest rival.
Blood of my Brother is a compelling read. It takes you into the depths of drug distribution, materialism and the perception of respect. Senseless violence is the norm which at times may have the reader feeling as if they need to duck for cover. The disconcerting issue is that even though the characters are fiction, this is a grim reality that exists for some people within our community. Some readers may feel the need to escape to a world that they may deem to be worse than their own. This story may be classified as one of them because the simple truth is no matter how much money these characters have, the only outcome for them seems to be death or prison which is the plight of many of our young men. There are moments in the story where the main characters Lil Mac and Roc behave like brothers, but those moments are far and few between. Love and family have been replaced with greed and wealth. The perception of respect somehow translates differently in the streets, and that’s sad. Blood of my Brother tells a chilling tale of where we are headed as a people if we don’t stop and take a collective look at ourselves.
At times, the story dialogue may be challenging to follow because it’s not always clear as to who is speaking to whom at a given time. The other issue is the vast multitude of supporting characters. Because of the many shootouts taking place, it’s hard to understand who is playing what role at a particular time in the story.
With that being said, authors Yusuf and Zoe Woods takes us to the underbelly of the streets, but what is the cost to us as a community if this is what we have to look forward to? Although this is a work of fiction, it should make the reader think about the choices that some of our young people are forced to make. Is the cost of the most expensive ride, clothes, crib and women worth sacrificing your humanity? And if you think so, when does the price become too big a price tag to pay? Yusuf and Zoe Woods take you on a roller coaster ride of murder and mayhem. If you’ve ever seen a chalk outline in the street and wanted to know how it got there, by all means, pick up Blood of my Brothers, a story of by all accounts could be considered “street-lit” at its finest.
November 23, 2009
Overall this book had me turner pages after pages. I liked all the drama that was going on. I am still trying to figure out how the authors not forget all of there characters names because it was way way a lot of characters at times I was getting confused with who was who.
Roc is this big time drug dealer and everyone know his name his little brother Lil Mac wants to follow in his big brother Roc's foot steps but, he wants to do it bigger and better then his brother. Lil Mac set out to start his own crew called Get Money click that is just setting it loose on whoever get in there path even if it is his own brother.
War starts with Rock and Get Money click that is runned by Solo that is what Lil Mac calls his self.
Roc setted off to get at Solo even though Roc don't know who Solo is he is fighting his own brother and don't even know it.
War has started and looks like it will keep going. I totally need to get part 2 and 3 so I can totally find out what else going to happen.
First time reading anything by these authors and tell you I like the drama after drama.
Roc is this big time drug dealer and everyone know his name his little brother Lil Mac wants to follow in his big brother Roc's foot steps but, he wants to do it bigger and better then his brother. Lil Mac set out to start his own crew called Get Money click that is just setting it loose on whoever get in there path even if it is his own brother.
War starts with Rock and Get Money click that is runned by Solo that is what Lil Mac calls his self.
Roc setted off to get at Solo even though Roc don't know who Solo is he is fighting his own brother and don't even know it.
War has started and looks like it will keep going. I totally need to get part 2 and 3 so I can totally find out what else going to happen.
First time reading anything by these authors and tell you I like the drama after drama.
February 11, 2014
This book was great. From beginning to end you wanted to know how things would go down between the brothers Roc and Lil Mac. They were both so smart in how they did things. Can't wait to read the next book. Highly recommend.
March 24, 2012
Cain and able don't have nothing on lil Mac and roc I'm a fan I'm currently reading behind the mask
August 30, 2013
This book is really good ... it makes you feel like you are right there in the midst of all the action.
January 31, 2015
yes yes it was great
Read
July 18, 2017one of my favorite books!!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews