The Holy City

by Michael F. Blake

This is a novel based on two brothers coming up in a rough neighborhood on the west side of Chicago. A neighborhood where crime is a regular. No different than any other ’hood around the world, you make it out the ’hood either playing sports, music, or crime. These two brothers had different qualities, but their decision making could possibly affect them throughout the rest of their lives. Marcus and Christopher Williams, brothers from the same mother but different fathers, were well known in their neighborhood. With Christopher being the younger of the two, it seemed as if they would take separate paths in life. Would they allow the street life to take total control of their lives, or will realization come aboard before it’s too late?

Genres: Urban

162 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 20, 2010

Reviews

[African Americans on the Move Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Holy City is based on two half-brothers, Marcus and Christopher Williams, with the same upbringing but two very different outlooks on life. They live at home with their mother, Sylvia, and Christopher’s father, Steve. Since Sylvia works two jobs to support her sons and Steve has made a name for himself in the drug game, Christopher doesn’t want for anything. Marcus, whose father was killed during a drug deal gone bad when he was only five, is just the opposite. He feels slighted by Sylvia and Steve since he doesn’t have any money in his pockets and his clothing is never up to par.

Fascinated by the prosperity of a local drug kingpin, Smitty, Marcus is drawn into the life with several of his childhood friends. They become a part of the IVL Nation and Smitty becomes Marcus’ mentor, taking him under his wing and teaching him everything he needs to know about the drug game. Marcus subsequently moves out of Sylvia’s house and drops out of school in pursuit of what he believes to be a better life.

Christopher, on the other hand, remains at home and stays in school, becoming a star basketball player for the school’s team. However, his lack of interest in schoolwork may prove detrimental to his basketball career as his teachers threaten to fail him if he doesn’t do better in his classes immediately.

As Marcus’ star begins to rise on the streets and Christopher begins to falsely associate himself with the IVL Nation, danger lurks just around the corner from unsuspected people and places. The question then becomes if Marcus and Christopher will do what’s necessary to save their own lives before it’s too late.

Michael F. Blake weaves a very intriguing story in The Holy City. It held my interest from beginning to end and was definitely a good read. I do believe that if Michael learns the writing tip of showing and not telling, his books would flow more fluently. The over explaining and excessive details interrupt the story’s momentum, but not enough to take away from the overall premise and plot. I would also suggest that Michael look into a different venue for self-publishing, because Xlibris is definitely not the way to go. With the higher price tag that Xlibris places on its publications, Michael’s success will be slighted as most readers will not spend more money on a book from a first-timer as they would from a seasoned author.

All in all, The Holy City tells a familiar story in an original and compelling way. I’m looking forward to Part II as this is the first of the trilogy and the explosive ending holds both Marcus and Christopher’s fate in the balance.

Michelle Cuttino
AAMBC Reviewer

[Ang · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good book. In some ways typical, however, it had some twists along the way. Glad it was a standalone book.

[Desirer Dollar · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Holy City was an ok read. The main issue that I had was the transitions of other characters. One moment you could be reading about Marcus, and the next Spoonie, and his story, and there wasn't any type of separation. I hope that in part 2 of The Holy City, it's better written.
Marcus is pretty much the main character of the book. It starts off with him as an adolescent, living with his Sylvia, and stepfather Steve, and younger brother Chris. Marcus thinking process wasn't the typical teenager, but more of a natural born leader. Marcus father died when he was younger, and he had made a promise to his father that he wasn't going to be in the street life. However, he became tired of the constant nagging from his mother, being penniless, and the differences in which his brother's father treated him. Spoonie had given him his 1st chance to see how Marcus would handle himself. Marcus joined the mob, and made a name for himself. With the help from his closest boys, stepfather, and the mob, Marcus made a lot of people proud, and he began to be a force to be reckon with.
Spoonie knew that Marcus would do well, but to see it, was mind-boggling. Spoonie started having ill feelings towards Marcus. Spoonie later felt that Marcus took his shine, and Spoonie only began to think about Spoonie, and he didn't care who he hurt along the way. Spoonie selfishness is what ended up getting him killed along the way.
Chris was the star of the basketball team, but he would slack on his grades. After having a conversation with Marcus, he finds a way to have his cake and eat it too. Chris craves to be like Marcus, and he loves the attention from women, the nice cars, and respect that his brother gets, but Marcus does everything in his power to keep Chris away from that lifestyle. Hopefully, he listens to what his big brother says to him, and shine on the court.
I know with all the street status that Marcus is getting, jealousy, and greed will sure be on it's way, so I know that my question will soon be answered.

[The Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Holy City by Michael F. Blake started out as a difficult read for me. Some of the parts were predictable because as much as I did not want Marcus to fall into the drug game …there was just too much temptation there for him not to get in on the life. He also did not have any positive support at home. The Holy City also touched on family and what it really means to be brothers and how one decision can change the rest of your life.



I loved how Author Blake gave detailed descriptions of the character’s emotions and surroundings. At times, I felt like I was actually walking the streets of Chicago with Marcus.



Although it was well written, I felt it was too busy at times and seemed to jump around a lot which made me re-read some parts just to keep the characters and actions straight. You would’ve thought Marcus was innocent and wouldn’t know the game, but boy did he know it and know it well! He went from looking in from the outside to being the boss. He didn’t take any mess!



I didn’t think I was going to enjoy it as much as I did. I liked how Author Blake gave the reader a lesson on choices, jealousy, family, and friends. I would recommend this book to others. I'm interested to see how things turn out in the sequel.

3.5 Stars

[T.s. Weatherspoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read and enjoyed this book. It was close to home for me, also being a Chicago Native. I liked seeing the side of the city that I generally don't get to see. The characters were interesting and I found myself cheering them on and voicing my opinions on what they should do while reading it. This book makes for very deep discussion especially if you are the mother of a young man growing up today. Keep up the good work, Michael Blake. I will continue to read what you write. Blessings from a fellow Author!

[Juanesia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the best book I've read but one with some substance. I felt like I was waiting for something more to happen... When it finally did happen the book was pretty much over... Some parts there were to many details given and not enough story provided. Hopefully part 2 will be better... I want to know what happens next w/Marcus.

[Monica White · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't appreciate the glorification of the drug game. I did however think it was good that Marcus did his best to keep his brother on the right track. I wish Steve would have been a better example. The abrupt ending was a but surprising; author leaving you feeling cheated.

[Page Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first read by this author and I really enjoyed it. It gave an in depth look into the life of Marcus and how he came up in the Vice Lords gang of Chicago. I felt like this story was written well and could've been based on a true story due to the detail

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book about the decisions we make and how the relationship of two brothers. I can't wait to read part two!

[Delores · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't wait to read part 2.

[Latoshia Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Loved it

Loved it. Recommend to anybody. Won't be able to put down. Love it. You will too. Great book. Really. Excellent.