Customer Reviews

A Deal with Death

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A DEAL WITH DEATH tells the story of two teenage boys Malik and Marquis and their mother Nina and her addiction to drugs. Malik the oldest drops out of school and starts dealing the same drug that his mother is addicted to. Marquis is just entering college with dreams of a better life. When Malik makes a deal with "Death" aka Todd McClain, soon after there is an all out drug war and Malik may just get caught up in the mix.

This book has it all: corrupt cops, drugs, murder etc. Endy did a remarkable job in portraying both sides of the of the effects drugs play on the user and the family--as far as what it is to be children with a mother that is addicted to drugs, the emotions were raw and really shows the stand point of what the family goes through and the decisions that ultimately may come, due to being a child of this environment. Also, she shows the side of the struggle of someone that is addicted to drugs and the day to day life of a user of drugs.

I thought Endy's other two books IN MY HOOD I & II were great but it just seems like with each book she gets better and better. This is one author you don't want to sleep on.

A DEAL WITH DEATH written by Endy tells the story of brothers Malik and Marquis who find themselves besieged with their mother's addiction to heroine, abandonment by their dad, all while trying to live. At 19-years-of age, Malik is definitely his father's clone in regards to looks and attraction to the streets. Marquis has major plans to prevent failure too; unfortunately he finds himself caught in the middle of big brothers drama.

Will making A DEAL WITH DEATH compromise more than the brothers are willing to gamble?

A DEAL WITH DEATH examines the effect drug abuse has on everyone directly or indirectly involved. Some parts of the story were so very graphic that I actually found myself trying to imagine it and even went so far as to question people that I know. Other parts of the story were a little too unbelievable to swallow, but I believe the story balanced itself. Endy is one of those writers that definitely have the ability to capture readers and take them to where she wants them to go. It's my belief that as long as she has that quality she has definite staying power.

Endy's DEAL WITH DEATH tells the story of a mother and her two sons struggling to survive in an impoverished neighborhood. The mother is a functional drug addict. The two sons are very different. The oldest, Malik, is a drug dealer and is somewhat of a disappointment to his mother. The youngest, Marquis, is the apple of his mother's eye. He is in college and has a bright future ahead of him until circumstances beyond his control lead him into another direction.

The book started off kind of slow, introducing characters that were not the main focus of the story. Once the book addressed the main characters it picked up speed. I felt like I knew each one of the characters or knew someone like them. One good thing about DEAL WITH DEATH is that it was not predictable and there were many unexpected twists towards the end. I enjoyed it and would recommend to others.

Reviewed by: Jermaine

Nina Boyd is the mother of two teenaged boys and is a functioning drug addict. Nina thinks that she has her addiction under control, but her sons Malik and Marquis know that's far from the truth. Malik is nineteen and already considers himself a man. He drops out of high school and decides to make his money on the streets under a well-known drug dealer named Todd "Death" McClain. Death sees a lot of potential in Malik. But Malik has other ideas and doesn't realize that once you make a deal with Death, the only way out is in a body bag. Malik's younger brother Marquis has just graduated from high school and is on his way to college, but his older brother's street dealings start to interfere with his own life. Marquis is also determined to make sure Nina gets clean once and for all.

A Deal With Death is a gritty page-turner by Endy. Endy gives you a realistic look into how the drug game impacts the life of a mother and her sons. You see how much denial Nina is in when she gets further and further into her addiction. Readers will also see how Malik and Marquis deal with Nina in very different ways. The main focus of this novel was about the damaging effects of drugs, but there was so much more. There was a good dose of family drama between Nina, her children, and their imprisoned father Wiz. This also added the right amount of realism to this novel. This story wouldn't be complete without some jaw-dropping twists and backstabbing that will keep your attention to the very end. A Deal With Death is a thought-provoking novel that will be a sure delight for readers.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert
for Urban Reviews

Deal With Death by Endy is a page-turner from the beginning to the end. Filled with drugs, blood, violence and double-crossing; you will be filled with a multitude of emotions while you cheer for the character of your choice to come out on top.

Nina Boyd is the not so average single mother of two and an undercover drug addict. Trying to maintain her job, household and keep her addiction a secret, all hell breaks loose when Marquis, the youngest, suspects his mother is hiding something. Malik, the eldest brother, is in the street game hard and trying to make a name for himself; but selling for Death does not leave him with too many options to be a leader. Death is the infamous hard-core dealer in this New Jersey hood. Growing up with a crush on Nina, Death vows to have her one way or another.

Deal With Death is a great read, fast-paced and full of action. This story will hold you captive until the very end. Gasping for breath and clamoring for more, I cannot wait to read Endy's next release. Can Nina get out of Death's radar, and kick her drug habit? Will Marquis and Malik get out of the game or will they be sucked in by the fast money, cars and bling?

I recommend Deal With Death to all hardcore street-lit fans as well as Endy lovers.

Reviewed by: Cheryl Hayes
APOOO BookClub

Nina Boyd has done the best job that she could as a single mother raising two young men. After their father was imprisoned when the boys, Malik and Marquis, were young, Nina has had to play the role of mother and father. Just say no to drugs - she's stressed the need for her sons to stay clear of drugs, but Nina, a functioning addict, doesn't practice what she preaches. Can she really expect Malik and Marquis to do what they are told?

Despite his father's incarceration and watching the effects of drugs on his mother, Malik has taken to the streets with kingpin aspirations. Marquis, on the other hand, is working hard in school and preparing for college. His only wish is that his mother and brother will change their paths in life before DEATH claims them both.

Such is the premise behind DEAL WITH DEATH, the new urban drama penned by author Endy. This tale of addiction, violence, power and decisions is fresh and captivating. Endy pulls no punches with harsh realities. Readers immediately plunge into the lives of the Boyd family. The careful, gritty and well-paced unfolding of this story is pleasing from start to finish. There is much to like about DEAL WITH DEATH. I highly recommend this as well as In My 'Hood and In My Hood 2.

This was a powerful book, you see dirty cops/hustlers/drug dealers/and drug addicts all take advatange of each other. How paranoia kicks in when you think someone is doing you wrong, and you kill the only person who really has your back. This book was a very good read. Death was a snitch and a monster who thought he was untouchable. And like some drug dealers out in the world today. They think they are untouchable also. Get real folks these drugs aint doing nothing but killing folks and getting folks killed. It was sad for Marquis to be the last man standing, after all he been thru. Keep up the good work, I truely enjoyed this book.

"A Deal with Death" by Endy is a fast paced page turner. The lives of a drug addict mother Nina and her two sons Marquis & Malik start to unravel. You will begin to pray that deals can be broken. As they comes to find out that once you make a deal with the "Devil" the only way out is "Death".

Nina Boyd is a functional drug addict in total control of her using, at least that what she thinks. But eventually maintaining her job, keeping her weight up and keeping that monkey off of her back becomes too much for Nina to handle. But Nina has to hold it together for the sake of her two sons, Malik and Marquis.

Marquis the youngest son is the bookworm who's about to enter college. While Malik the oldest is hugging the block for the notorious Todd "Death" McClain. Unbeknown to Malik, Death is the reason that his mother is strung out. Once Nina learns that Malik is working for Death will it be the push she desperately needs to clean up her life? Especially since she knows first hand what associating with Death can do to you. Because the way Death operates is that the only way out is death!

A Deal With Death is a no holds bar look into drug addiction and how it affects an entire family. Author Endy pens a cautionary street tale filled with the key ingredients; murder and mayhem!

wow, this was a great book I really felt her pain and what her boys went through