Back on the streets after serving a three-year prison bid, T'RIDA is faced with mad drama and huge obstacles, including a baby mama whose troubles become an added weight on his back. The future doesn’t look promising until he takes to the streets to do what he does best --- lay suckaz down! But at what price will his criminal prosperity come? When a man chooses to dance with the Devil he must pay for his sins. Can T'Rida escape the inevitable downfall as he and his crew climb to the top in the game and prove that they are the real GORILLAZ IN THE BAY? Or will he meet a fatal demise? T'Rida's homies TOMMY GUNZ and VOORHEEZE are about that gunsmoke too as they clique up to form the Neva Die Dragon Gang, the Bay area's most feared and respected organization. But on the road to riches, a man can become his own worst enemy. When that happens, the heavens will cry blood and the game will become downright unscrupulous.
De'Kari is a promising author whose work is nothing short of amazing. De’Kari’s work provides readers with an authentic glimpse into street life. He currently writes urban fiction but plans to cross over to other genres.
The author was born and raised in Northern California. The author experienced a challenging childhood. Riddled with abuse, neglect and witnessing violence first-hand. His early years were dark and pained due to the dysfunction that surrounded him. He was often uprooted and moved from place to place. After various placements with relatives, he found himself in foster care. He eventually turned to the streets which consequently led to a lot of bad choices. In turn those bad choices led to youth authority, jail & prison.
There is more to this author than the street-life. He always had a love for writing. In school he excelled in creative writing. He would always live-out the story as he was writing. Through his most difficult times, he used writing as a way to escape from his surroundings.
In additional to writing, he creates poetry, writes songs and does artwork. He loves spending time with family, fishing, sports and helping youth.
He is happy that he is finally able to share his writing with others, putting his passion to work!
So, I was asked personally by this new author to check out his book. I will admit that I don't read a lot of Street Lit, normally it isn't my cup of tea. I also have a bad habit of judging a book by it's cover, meaning if I wasn't asked to read it then I would've passed it right on up on my Kindle. With all that being said, I'm really glad that he asked me to check out his work. I really enjoyed this story.
The novel opens up with an action packed prologue. I was sucked in by the third paragraph. T-Rida, the main character, is on a mission to rise up in power. After being released from a three year prison sentence, he comes home and is greeted with his woman and children living in not so great condition in a low end apartment. Seeing this made T-Rida want to better their situation and he vowed to do that by taking over the streets of the Bay Area. He teams up with his two childhood friends Jason Voorheeze and Tommy Gunz, together they made their first "hit" followed by several others that positioned their "Neva Die Dragon Gang" at the top of the underworld food chain. After much growth and success of their organization, T-Rida falls victim to the very product that put he and his organization at the top.
De'Kari penned an awesome story filled with action. Robberies, sex, murder, high-speed chases, shoot outs with the police, torture, you name it, it's in there. There are several characters in this story but they were all introduced and positioned in such a way that wouldn't confuse or overwhelm you. The writing is very descriptive and captivating. I enjoyed the metaphors throughout, and was very impressed with the added Swahili dialogue and the Samori Toure character toward the end.
While I'm on the subject of characters, let's go over some of these names for a second.. T-Rida, Jason Voorheeze, Tommy Gunz, High Top, Johnny Spitz, Clarkola, Cantelope, French Tip, Stonecold, Band-Aid, Scoot, King Tut aka Tut-Tut with "club Carsjanae" as an honorable mention. I must admit the names alone had me amused, talk about original. I doubt I'll see these names in any other novel.
For his first novel, De'Kari did well. This is part one of a series and I'm anticipating "Neva Die" pt 2. I gave this novel a 4.5 out of 5 stars because there were a few minor grammatical errors. Other than that, awesome debut. I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Street Lit.
This new author is on fire. Street lit at its best!! This book takes you from the bottom to the top. From bottom to the top. Starting with 2 dudes T’Rida n Vorheez and adding Gunz. This story takes you through the struggle the streets and ending up at the top. The downfall of one will never be forgotten. I can’t wait for pt 2!!! This is the street lit I’ve been waiting for!! Well done!!
This was a great book. My husband loved it! I am not really into urban books, I have read a few in my days. This writer has skills. The story had some "Zane-type" parts in it.
Man from page one this book had me going. It made me wanna fight along side them then it had me all up in my feelings. First read from this author but it won't be my last.
I actually, enjoyed this read. I was surprised by the writing. Yes, this is street literature, but you don't need to dumb down to read it or shake your head while figuring out the slang. I was able to enjoy this, because I could read it. Okay, enough of that. Vorheese, Monique, and Anne were my favorite. Each understood family loyalty, but at the same time they were capable of thinking for themselves. T'Rida would not have made it nearly as far without those three, he was a weak individual, who got a little money then decided to become the biggest crackhead in the city. Why start taking over and then when you do, you are no better then those weak junkies you deal too. Yes, I disliked Rida from the beginning. I could care less about how Rida died, good riddance in my book. I just hope the author doesn't dumb down Vorheese in part two and gave him doing the same type of crap. If you like Street Literature and enjoy an actual storyline, then you will like this read.
Gorillaz In the Bay by new author De'Kari is a good book. I love Urban Books and how creative the authors are. De'Kari has a lot of talent for a first time writer. After I started the book I didn't want to put it down until I finished. Looking for the next book to come out.
The rise and fall of a boss and the effects of his actions on those in his gang and in his life. T'Rida's, Jason aka Voorheeze and Gunz three men heavily into the street life and all the spoils and dangers that come with it. This tale of how the Neva Die Dragon Gang became the most feared gang in their area was gritty and extremely raw. The Author gives us an insider's view of what it takes to get their entrepreneurial endeavor off the ground and how to keep it running. Along the way, the characters give us a few laughs, show us that loyalty and respect are important and that they are stronger together. When they go off on their own, someone falls to the very evil that gave them their riches. The passages detailing gang activity or the emotions of certain characters are so descriptive, you can envision each scene. The characters are developed, the work is formatted, and was clearly edited very well. Congratulations on a well-written debut novel.
Man this was a really good book! From beginning to end I could not stop reading! It’s been a very long time since I’ve read some pretty good street lit! The storyline was both raw and authentic! Honestly reading this book you could not tell that this was this author’s first book. I’m looking forward to reading part 2!
I thoroughly enjoyed all the characters. T’Rydah to me was such a visionary his ability to see the bigger picture and think ahead was nothing short of amazing. Coming home he had a master plan and knew exactly who he wanted on his team to help make that vision a reality. Voorheeze being the critical thinker he is along with Gunz ability to adapt to any situation and implement on the fly make them a force to be reckoned with , I can’t wait to see how they take the family to the next level. Anne in my opinion was also a stand out character. She proved herself to be an excellent member of the family. I cant wait to see her role in the next book. Not surprising I really enjoyed this read, I have read other works by this Author and enjoyed them as well. Although I do enjoy Urban Lit I sometimes find myself a bit lost with the references or terminology. That is not the case with this author, his ability of descriptive writing makes his work easy to follow.
This book was GOODT!! It should definitely be a movie! Puts me in the mind of a hood D-boy movie. It would be along the lines of Shottas or Paid in Full. It was full of action and was a real page turner. It was beautifully written and did not disappoint. There was soooo much detail. I loved the storyline. Loved the characters, I’d have to say Vorheeze is my favorite. It was definitely different than the hood romances I usually read. This book was good life and it felt so real reading it. I liked the cover but it didn’t really pull me in, in fact I went on to read a different book with a more appealing cover before I read this one. All in all, great read! 💯⭐️
On a scale of 1-10 with 1 being absolute trash and 10 being good as good can be:
Total Book Experience 10/10 Plot/Storyline 10/10 Writing (Errors) 10/10 Characters 10/10 Book Cover 8/10
This book here was fye. I was not ready for this book to come to an end. I noticed the author stated that this was his first book, however his characters were on point. The plot was set just right and this story flowed perfect. It hard having an empire like T'Rida and fall victim the way he did, but I guess he continued to struggle with what had happened to him, but he also had a trusted friend whom I thought he could had talk too. Now I want to read book 2 and see will the crew stick together or will they separate and eventually turning on one another for power. I also think reader should watch out for this author.
If you do not have this in your "Gangsta " library then your are so so lacking. The writer takes is to T'Rida's story and from there the magic is made. I love the blue print plan from the time its born and when it is put into action and the fact like a wheel it keeps turning. Now I have this so say about the situation with T' Ride, now I understand keeping it "G" but where is the intervention and not to mention the we not gone serve you. This is masterful storytelling and writing and you are going to be drawn in the web. The story ends on a cliffhanger but you want that ,because you want one more ride with crew!
I have to give a 5 stars. This book was good from beginning to end. All characters were so well developed that I could really imagine each one. Storyline so realistic. The bond and loyalty between friends was remarkable. I hate what happened to T’rida concerning the drugs. Even though he should be considered a bad person for what he did in the streets, he was still a genuine person who tried to follow his dream which he did accomplish. I wish the ending would have had a different ending.
Wow! This book is a 5 star read! This book had some interesting characters. With each chapter I read I felt like I was there with T' Ridah, Voorheeze, Gunz, Anne and the rest of the Neva Die Dragon Gang! Money, sex, lies, drugs, high speed chases and above all else loyalty make this book a real interesting read. This book is almost like a Modern version of New Jack City! D's Kari you need to get this book made into a movie!
This book is reality. There is so much realness that you won't believe it's a work of fiction. It grabs your attention from the first page and holds it until the last. I will say if your not into the gritty street fiction then this is not the book for you because it is filled with drugs and bloodshed. I will be waiting until the series is done to read the rest of the books.
I can't believe that ending T rider...AWEEEE NOOOO...THIS STORYLINE WAS GRITTY , DRAMA ACTION PACKED AND WELL-WRITTEN..I SAW THIZ AS A MOVIE ...THESE CHARACTERS WAS WELL DEFINED AND DEFINITELY REALISTIC...I COULD SEE THE BOOK AS A MOVIE ...I LOVED THE CHARACTERS ALL THE DRAMA ...MONIQUE WAS MY MVP.. HER PRESENCE WAS FELT....THE ENDING BROKE MY HEART....LONG LIVE T RIDER HIS GENIUS WAS FELDDDDDD...OUT FREAKING STANDING
This book was a little slow in the beginning but when you get into the middle where the real action started your emotions take over. I've know so many that have went down this same road with different outcomes that it brought memories so I know it some real life situation the author had to have been through. Excellent read
This is a page turner from start to finish . The character development was awesome . The storyline was relatable. I was so caught up that when my attention was need for something else I caught a real deal attitude 😂. Only complaint is not on autible . Get your snacks& wine ready and enjoy he ride
What an absolutely amazing story of gaining power through moving and robbing to get to the top of the heap and then losing it all to get high on your own supply. Exceptionally reading. Waiting part 2.
This was one of the best told story I read in a minute. It was so detailed and had me so engrossed like I was looking at a mini-series. You are a very talented writer. Wow!!!
This was an action packed book! It seems as if no one was safe from the wrath of this crew. All of the characters were well developed and memorable. I knew this book would be a banger as soon as I read the Prologue! Great job!
I can't wait ro read part 2 bc i knw Voorheeze n Gunz r gonna show out. This part was good i hated tht T'rida got hooked on cracked and felt like the only way off was death.
Very good book. Author King De'Kari did an amazing job writing a very detailed, emotional story about gang life. I recommend if you are looking for something gritty and real.