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Diamond in the Dirt

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The first book of the Diamond in the Dirt series is a coming of age story that captures the unforgettable moments of it's main character's life. Real is trapped inside of poverty and pain but still has a heart of pure gold with a mind sharp enough to cut himself through any situation. Real strives to the best of his ability to beat the odds. As time passes by the multiple screw balls life threw at him shapes and molds him into being a straight up lion in a concrete jungle. his loyalty, brain power, and gangster will be tested. Will he fall victim to the deadly vices that come with the game, or will he overcome it all and reign supreme like the street king he claims to be.

97 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 16, 2018

25 people are currently reading
12 people want to read

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Carde'l

14 books11 followers
Carde'l Edens

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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Critiques Corner.
125 reviews12 followers
May 28, 2018
Reviewed by ~ Crabbie

Real had to deal with the odds against him from the moment he was born. With his father being murdered and a mother who became hooked on drugs, Real had to grow up quick. Growing up in the streets of Trenton was not easy, especially when you didn't know where your next meal was coming from and is constantly being picked on at school because of your worn down clothes. With the help of Real's grandmother and sister they try to provide for him the best way they could. Once Real gets a taste of the drug game it was all she wrote from there. With the help of his best friend Kaze, they start hitting the streets hard and begin to see the fruits of their labor. As they start to make money of course they begin to have more problems. Between the girls flocking to them, the police on their butts, and the rivals who are not happy with these young boys taking over their territory Real and Kaze have their hands full. When tragedy hits Real is left trying to weed out the snakes in the grass all while trying to stay on top in the drug game.
This was a good read, however I would've like certain parts of the story to be more detailed. This story has a lot of twist and turns and definitely your fair share of drama. There were some minor typos but it did not take away from the story. Part 2 ends with a cliffhanger that definitely left me wanting to find out how this series is gonna end.
Profile Image for Sandra (Book Loves) Atueyi.
709 reviews19 followers
October 13, 2021
Like a father, Like a son

Diamond in the Dirt by Carde’l is a interesting and amazing. This is my first time reading from Carde’l. He did a great job. It’s well written and it’s phenomenal page.

Real’s life was dysfunctional and abandoned by his parents. His father’s death was affected by his family. His grandma and his sister were providing for him as best they could. Real was smart, naive, and handsome young man. Real was similar as his father. Kaze and Real were hungry with street than focusing on their education in school. His grandma was in love with gambling than Real.

I’m looking forward to read part two of this series. Hopefully, Kaze and Real will leave them street alone and find something positive environment for their lives.

Good read:
Book Nerd
Like a father, Like a son!
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Profile Image for KayBee's Bookshelf.
1,824 reviews59 followers
March 29, 2020
This is a review of the series thus far books 1-4.
Real kept it real in this coming of age story of one man 's introduction to the streets. He met a mentor of sorts who saw his natural ability and the rest was a wrap. The author did a good job with character development and creating a raw and gritty look into the streets. The series moved quickly and kept me entertained the entire time. There were some issues that could've been resolved with editing i.e. grammatical issues and lack of proper transitions, but I was entertained nonetheless. The author didn't sugarcoat the street life or the consequences that came with it. I was rooting for Real by the end. Granted books 2-4 could have been combined, I'm hoping the author closes the series in the next book. There are a few unanswered plot points.
3.5 rolled to a 4
Profile Image for Chan Redd.
341 reviews6 followers
October 23, 2020
Diamond in the Dirt

This was definitely a bomb read! Who would have thought that a 2 on 1 fight would result in a tight, brotherly bond! Real isnt blinded by the glitz and glam of being a dopeboy. He wants better for himself, so taking the knowledge of the game from benji he's bound to be a real beast. Kaze is the complete opposite of real! That lil mf is a wildcard and acts on impulse, but also wants out of the same ghetto predicament. I love the way real and kaze have each other's backs and they are about to prove they belong at the top of da game. I just hope the money and game doesnt ruin this brotherhood. I do want to kno wat happened to Tee Tee, her baby, and Young A!!!
Profile Image for tayara tate.
933 reviews2 followers
July 2, 2019
Great read

I haven't read anything like this in a minute and it was a breath of fresh air from the erotic romance love stories. Love how real got gangsta real quick at a young age and he had kaze as his new best friend to share everything he did with. But,now i hope that kaze don't start getting jealous of him and then it'll be history repeating itself with his father and his best friend.Great book.
Profile Image for Crystal Davis.
Author 6 books13 followers
August 20, 2021
Fabulous five star read!

This was my first read from Author Carde’l, It will not be my last. I was totally engaged in this page turner from beginning to end. Following Real from birth was an emotional journey. I felt sadness, happy, proud and angry all in one book. The things this young man had to endure will break your heart, however he did not let it break him. Real rises to the occasion at every turn relying on self most of the time. He is a Diamond that will rise and shine. I was so happy when he gained a brother in the from of Kaze. Kaze showed up right on time when Real needed him the most. The two of them will definitely be a force together. I cant wait to read the next book to see how the story continues.
Profile Image for Marion Kyle.
5 reviews
July 10, 2019
This book was super lit...I couldn't put it down...Real & Kaze My dude's so far..Benji as well...but I know in PT.2 all the 🐍's bout to come out & play... Can't wait to download pt.2...you did the damn thing writing this❤️
717 reviews6 followers
August 13, 2021
The dirt was dirty good read..

I enjoyed this book Real went through some stuff as a kid. Young A needed to get dealt with though for real. Now I’m glad he hooked up with Kaze they were two of a kind. Benji looked out for them though 😃Real had no choice but to hustle
61 reviews
August 19, 2021
The Beginning

I feel for the kids like Real who has to grow up really fast instead of being a kid and enjoying life, but the hood has a funny way of making the struggle real. I'm about to take this journey with Real and Kaze to see where they end up!! Great Read!!
Profile Image for stephanie Chery.
238 reviews9 followers
November 28, 2021
just like his father

This was my first read from this author and it was not disappointed. Can’t wait to read part 2. I hope Real JR. makes it to the end which His Crazy Bestie. I know some shit is about to go down!!!
Profile Image for Kathryn Lanning.
8 reviews
June 26, 2019
A great read

Well written and fast moving. The characters are very likable and real .I can't wait to find out what happens in book two.
Profile Image for Kenicia Chewett.
11 reviews2 followers
July 9, 2019
Great read. I started and finished this book within 6 hours! Loved it! Great story line and a complete attention grabber!
172 reviews1 follower
July 11, 2020
AWESOME!

Loved this book Young Real is something else. He is a carbon copy of his daddy. I will read part 2 eventually. First time reading anything from this I will continue.
Profile Image for jennifer williams.
1,699 reviews17 followers
January 17, 2021
Great read

I really enjoyed reading this book I hope my nothing happens to my 2 boys I like them as friends they stuck together with everything and I liked that
820 reviews3 followers
August 24, 2021
Love it

Dang that’s messed up what happened to Real Sr and I would like to know what happened to Young A? But dang Real n Kaze is some slick lil boys making that money!!!
Profile Image for Brittney Adams.
107 reviews
September 21, 2021
Awesome 👏

Omg what a page turner I could not put it down I read at work and baby you want be disappointed Real and Kaze some hustlers 🅿️🅿️🅿️🤣
Profile Image for Book Reviews by Tara aka Queen of Memoirs.
340 reviews83 followers
May 16, 2019
I thought this was a very good book. Diamond In The Dirt is the story of Real the book’s protagonist. Real is a young, fearless street hustler that takes no prisoners. In this book (part I) I got a clear understanding of who Real is and the motives behind his actions. Although he can be ruthless in his pursuit of financial gain, I still had a soft spot in my heart for him. I wanted to see him survive his circumstances and end up on top.

In this series Carde’l captures the street life with great accuracy. Because of his great writing style I was allowed to get inside the mind of the characters. The story flowed smoothly. It kept my interest from the first page to the last. Definitely a page turner.

If you are into urban fiction you may want to check this book out. If you read part 1 in the series, you will definitely need to read part 2.
Profile Image for Diane Colvin.
2,196 reviews20 followers
August 9, 2021
Good Read

This was a good book. It was good from the beginning to the end! I can't wait to read part 2.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews

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