The Diamond Empire

Diamonds #2

by K'wan

#1 Essence bestselling author K'Wan returns with The Diamond Empire, the explosive, hard-hitting follow-up novel to the street love story Diamonds and Pearl.

It's about to be an all-out war. While an ambitious rival has taken over Diamonds's crew, Diamonds lies in wait in exile, carefully planning his next move to comeback and reclaim his position as king of the streets of New York for good. But when an unexpected enemy from the past one-ups Diamonds and beats him at his own game, Diamonds needs to dig deep into his bag of tricks--and make an unlikely alliance--in order to climb back to the top.


After opening her heart to Diamonds and then having him disappear, Pearl lives her days in a very dark place. But when her father's empire is toppled and a gaping power vacuum needs to be filled, Pearl is drawn into the very life her father so desperately wanted to shield her from. Pearl needs to fight tooth and nail to become queen of her father's kingdom, as Diamonds claws his way back to Pearl.

Genres: Audiobook, Fiction, Urban

268 pages, Paperback

Published October 10, 2017

About the author

In 2002 K'wan hit the scene with his debut novel Gangsta, under Triple Crown Publications. It was the first novel released by the budding house and would eventually become the building block for what is now a multimillion dollar company. What started as a therapeutic release went on to become a part of urban-lit history and an Essence bestseller, as well as drawing rave reviews overseas.
After penning his second novel, Road Dawgz (2003), K'wan drew the attention of St. Martins press. The literary powerhouse quickly signed K'wan to a multi-book deal, the first of which being Street Dreams (2004). In 2008 he received the Black Author of the year award from Black Press Radio for the novella Blow.
Since his insertion into the publishing world K'wan has been featured in Vibe, Pages, King, Felon, Big News, The Library Journal, Entertainment Weekly, The New York Press, Clutch and most notably Time Magazine, to name a few. He was also interviewed by MTV News for a feature on Hip-Hop fiction, and a guest on Power 105s morning show as well as NPR (national public radio). In addition to being an accomplished author, K'wan is also a motivational speaker, mentor to at risk children and the C.E.O of Black Dawn, Inc.
K'wan currently resides in New Jersey where he is working on his next novel.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/kwan

Reviews

[Yellagirlgc · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an ending. Right when the drama had reached the highest peak it was the end. I would've finished this book days ago but I didn't want it to end. It's gonna be a while before the next one comes out. The war between Big Stones crew and Diamonds pirates has reached the no turning back stage. I'm already feenin for the next book wondering what's going to happen to whom.

K'wan is one of my favorite street lit writers because every series he has is different. The endings are far from predictable but always leave me wanting more.

I want to thank St. Martin's Press, NetGalley & K'wan for this copy to review. It was a pleasure to read. I hope I don't have to wait long for the next K'wan book.

[Tia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press. I loved Diamond Empire and can't wait for the next book! K'wan thank you for the great entertainment.

[Drenna Gurl · Rating 5 out of 5]

The brilliant K'wan has done it yet again. The Diamond Empire picks up right where Diamonds and Pearl left off. In my most honest opinion, this book was better than part 1. It was full of action and drama. A true page turner from beginning to end. I was very happy to win this advanced copy on Goodreads but now I'm sad that I'm finished. Readers are gonna enjoy this one because a lot of questions were answered and a few secrets are revealed. I can't wait for the next K'wan release. #stmartinspress

[Nyasha Tarlia · Rating 4 out of 5]

When reading please acknowledge my grammar is not the best as I am dyslexic.

I loved “Diamonds andPearl”, so of course I was going to read “the Diamond Empire”. I love going back in time to see a little bit of Diamonds and Goldie’s origin story, as I have always wondered about how Diamonds became to be who he is.

I can’t say the scene without spoiling it but there was a moment in the book where I literally just had to shout out “WTF” because WTF!!!!!! We knew Buda was bad mind from Diamonds and Pearl but what happened with him and Vita!! I just can’t !!!!

Again this is a great book, although I did want to see more from Diamonds and Pearls love story, I still thought the book was excellent. I love how Kwan we introduced all the characters allowing someone to read “the diamond empire” without reading Diamonds and Pearl.

KWAN IS THE BEST!!

Now I’m just waiting for a third instalment. #hopeful

[Critiques Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Advanced Readers Copy ~ Available 10-10-17*

THE DIAMOND EMPIRE picks up right where DIAMONDS AND PEARL left off with Diamonds still being held hostage by Big Slim. K'wan gives us more insight and background on Diamonds crew and the special thing that brought them together.

With Diamonds gone, the crew has a new king but not everybody is feeling the power trip that he's on. If you're a fan of this author, you know his stories flow smoothly so you'll most likely have a sleepless night trying to figure out what happens to this crew and the surrounding characters. As the reader we know some of what's going on but be prepared to be shocked & ready to go back to older books trying to figure things out. THE DIAMOND EMPIRE did not disappoint! It was well written, gritty, suspenseful and you will be left anticipating what's next.

[Rise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has so many twist and turns I begin taking notes. Who kill who, who Domo's dad was, where I remember all the character from. Damn... K'wan can have you going back looking through book for your own research. I did not care for Buda's character and I am truly waiting for Diamond in the next book to put a bullet in his head before Vita gets to him. I didn't think Vita was dead after Buda shot her. I didn't see her being written off as yet. Where does Minister come from? Now Sandra & Pearl seem like the getting ready to come together for a war on their own with Zonnie. And who the hell is Zonnie and where did she come from? All I need now is for Diamonds to make his appearance in the next book. I'm giving this book 5 stars not because I like this author, but because this is a story written that I would not forget. I know anytime I read a book by K'wan it's going to be that good.

[Iambrown Skinned · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a ARC copy of this book and I really don’t know why I never finished it. So the past few days I have been head first in this book. OMG this book was everything I expected from K’wan (that’s a good thing). I am eagerly awaiting for book 3 😁

[Dione Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll get Right to it..Bureau is Straight FILTH..Diamonds was warned & Didn't listen.. I can't wait to read part 3

[Fatima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good follow up to Diamonds and Pearl. A lot of the dots were connected in this story. K'wan never seems to disappoint and if you're paying attention you'll find out something you were never expecting.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read, definitely a page turner. Full of betrayal, deceit, lies, murder and suspense. Kept reading/listening to see what would happen next. As soon as I get to the end and it’s heating up….BOOM, the end! I immediately went searching for the next novel but unfortunately there is none and I’m left wondering!

[TheBookLady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew chile….. these two books had me missing out on my shows and wanting to call off from work to finish them. Yet again K’wan has did his thing! I really enjoyed these books and the story line. I will say my “ anxiety “ was up more so in Book 2 because Diamonds plan was PERFECT all up until someone he held close switched up. I just knew things were going to turn around and they never did 😭
I’m rating these books together as a solid 9. The only reason I’m keeping that extra point is because I’m pretty sure there’s not another book coming out and I’m left wandering what’s going to happen next. I really loved Sandra the most. She was a true ride or die character that took responsibility of persons that weren’t even hers. She stayed loyal and was the voice of reason within these two books. Domo was also my favorite because of his calmness. People mistook him as weak when he could get down like the best of them. He supported and loved on his mother, he remained loyal, and he stayed out the way unless absolutely necessary.

I of course definitely recommend this book to my girlies that love a good hood tale 😂😘
FOLLOW MY INSTA: Readamf6ook

[Katie B · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

With Diamonds being held captive, Buda is now in charge of the crew. As Vita tries to find out what happened to her former lover, she discovers that everything they worked so hard to build could come crumbling down. As people gather for Pearl's birthday party it becomes apparent that someone is interested in toppling the Stone empire as well.

This is the second book in the series and although I was able to read it as a standalone novel, reading the first would definitely have helped provide a little more insight into the characters. While the plot was fast-paced and action-packed, I thought the book was a little lacking in character development. It still was a fun novel to read because there were quite a few things I didn't see coming and the ending leaves you wondering what will happen in the next book. I recommend to anyone looking for a fun, action-packed novel.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher but was under no obligation to post a review. All views expressed are my honest opinions.

[Vnunez-Ms_luv2read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the follow up to Diamond and Pearls. This book picks up with Diamond being held captive, Buda taking over the crew. The action is fast-paced and will hold your interest but leaves a lot of unanswered questions. Characters from Diamond and Pearls of course is a factor in this book. There were a few instances where you are lead to think one thing happened only to find out it did not, but there is no real clarification on how or why. The ending seemed a bit rushed to me and I know this is labled as a 2 book series, but honestly, I feel there needs to be another book to tie of the many loose ends. Pearls is a part of the story, but I did not feel she was a major character this time. This installment can be read as a stand-alone, but to really get a good feel of the characters and their backgrounds, I would recommend reading " Diamond and Pearls". Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC of this book in return for my honest review.

[Jenee Rager · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in a series and I did not get the chance to read the first one. However, other than a few things like how Diamonds came to be kidnapped or his past in New Orleans, I didn't feel like I was missing out on so much that I couldn't enjoy the book.

There is a lot of action in this book, and several characters that you need to follow in order to enjoy the story. Sometimes all of the backend wheeling and dealing got a bit confusing and I almost had to keep a chart to remind myself who was on which side, but it was an overall fun read. There were several characters that I'd like to see get their own story, Knowledge, Minister, and even Domo and his mom. K'Wan always writes page turners and this one is no different.

Thanks goodreads for the win.

[Danielle Bigsby · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG....This book literally left my head spinning! So many twists and turns that I just couldn't put it down. As much as I hated Diamonds in Diamonds and Pearl, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness for him in this book. Buda quickly became an enemy with his grimy ass and I hate Zonnie with a passion! Domo is a favorite character of mine and the reveal of his father completely threw me for a loop. I can't wait for Born to get what he has coming to him and I was glad to see Vita come out the way she did. I could go on and on about this book because it was just that good. So much suspense and drama and I can't wait for the next installment!!!

[J. · Rating 1 out of 5]

The introduction brings action and a promise of interesting characters. Unfortunately, the characters are superficial and the plot holds little surprises; one young gangster moving into an older gangster’s territory in New York and gang warfare put innocent family members in the middle. The book needs editing to eliminate spelling errors, grammar errors, and dangling subplots.

I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway. Although encouraged, I was under no obligation to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Anissa Sheppard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an Advanced Uncorrected Proof. I was so anxious to read more about Diamonds because they way the first part left off I needed to see if things had changed. So we pick right up where Diamonds & Pearl left off. I was hoping wishing & hoping for certain things to happen but of course nothing happened that I expected. And some things that I would've NEVER guessed happened. I won't say much as the story hasn't dropped yet but I definitely enjoyed this one & will be waiting for the next.

[Vermillion · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy K’wan’s books period. Let me be clear on that up front. What bother’s me about this book series is that I feel like I can’t rely on K’wan’s testimony about the characters involved. Their actions and thought processes often (imho) don’t shake hands with the author’s descriptions of their abilities. For instance, Pearl is not and won’t ever be believable as a gangsta. And we have only the author’s word as Big Stone’s “gangsta”. He’s just a big boy, with a loud voice, and a chip on his shoulder. But he hasn’t shown us nuttin’.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

K'wan... Why would you do this to me???
I'm used to the blood bath ending where you never know if the characters you love will make it.
But the cliffhanger ending!!!
I can't wait another year K'wan.
I love how K'wan tells a story. But this time around he incorporated New Orleans voodoo and mysticism on the streets of NYC and Newark.
I cannot stand Pearls character. I can't wait for Zonnie, Buda, and Rolling to get theirs.
4.5 stars.

[Lakecia Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! This follow up was better than the first! Action packed with twists and turns! Answered some questions I had about some things in Diamonds and Pearls too....connected the dots so to speak. What can I say but I am anxiously awaiting the next book of this series! Buda has got to get what is coming to his shiesty ass! Just like he stood by while Diamonds suffered, I hope his suffering lasts longer.

[Roxanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Goodreads win review. This is a follow up book so I had to catch up with the people in it. In this book someone has taken over Diamonds crew and he has to get back on top as the King of the New York streets. So the book is very interesting since I know very little about New York and the treachery of the city.

[Chelsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was looking forward to reading this book, thought it would be a fun read. For me, the plot was not substantial and the ending was lackluster. With a little more romance and character development and less banter between some of the less important characters would have lifted this story of street life to another level.

[Stephanie Wiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

That Was A War!!!

Just when it was getting really good ... It was over!!! Awwwww Mannnnn!!! I guess it's going to be awhile before the next book comes out ... I will be waiting with baited breath ... lol
K'wan is one of my favorites because he is "not of the norm" ... You cannot fit him into a box; he is unpredictable, and as a reader, I love it!!!

[Heidi Brown - Floyd · Rating 1 out of 5]

I won this book through Goodreads. My first time reading from the author K'wan. I tried but i could not finish this book. I had a hard time with the wording in the book. I have a hard time reading a book that use degrading words to make a emphasis in characters or speach. This is not a book for me, but others might like it.

[Tishonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another banger! Man just when all the action started is when the book ended. It’s gonna be a long year waiting for the next book, but I know it will be worth the wait. I’m anxious to see what has happened to Buda, why Domo was at a different place from the others? I have so many questions. Patiently awaiting the next installment. K’wan never disappoints.

[Damita Ivey · Rating 5 out of 5]

but turned into a good read. I would read and stop a couple of days. Kwan you have done it again.... Where us 2?

Great....at first this book was hard to get into. It wasnt holding my interest. I would read and stop for a few days, but turned out to be a good book. Mean you did this thanks now where is 2??

[Sheryl Boyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Just like I love ALL of K'WAN's books. I couldn't believe Diamonds got caught slipping and was captured! And the things that take place with his crew in his absence was hitting my heart and making me angry. Read the book and find out for yourself. I know what, K'WAN can't leave us hanging from how it ends; another book GOTTA be in the works.

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won a copy of this book during a Goodreads giveaway. I am under no obligation to leave a review or rating and do so voluntarily. So that others may also enjoy this book, I am paying it forward by donating it a local library.

[linda richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kwan i have Read so many of your books and still have not BEEN disappointed

I love every thing about this BOOK..... WELL DONE KWAN keep up the GOOD WORK and HURRY up with part three ☺😀😀😀😀😀😀

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kwan didn't miss a beat. I didnt know weather to love or hate Diamonds what made Minister save him. It's time to get Budha and Rolling. Vita glad she is ok. It was funny how this book tied in to Hoodlum. Wow Domo is Thomas Clark son.