Customer Reviews

Menace II Society

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The authors have conglomerated together and published well thought out stories of street life.

Author Isadore Johnson kept the excitement as you read about Ubati, a ruthless Nigerian druglord and his desperation to hold onto his multi-billion dollar cocaine empire.

Author Mark Anthony delights readers with an intense continuing story of Promise, Squeeze and Show from his previous publication, "THE STREETS OF NEW YORK", only to have you eagerly anticipation for more of the saga.

Author Crystal Lacey Winslow never fails. The true drama-author diva that she is fires it up with her love/crime story of Cagney & Lacey. EXCELLENT!!!!!

Author Al Saadiq Banks took an new approach in his writing and took you back in time of the character's dilemna. His story will break your heart. Another brutal story from the author - it was awesome!

Author J.M. Benjamin's story was another tale powerfully written about the "Dicer" (a.k.a. Derrick Johnson); a story that you can't/won't stop reading until you know all the facts.


It's a hard knock book with hard knock lessons, meticulously put together; a book that will make you think and access your situation and decisions - a book with a purpose. The foreword by Shannon Holmes assists in putting you in the correct mindframe to read this book. My only problem was 2 out of 5 stories had incomplete and questionable endings.


Star Rating:**** 4.5

WOW!!!! What a great read. Five dynamic authors with five short stories. With the end of each leaving much to the imagination-

Cagney & Lacey by: Crystal Lacey Winslow and Keepin' it Gangsta by: J.M. Benjamin; are by far my favorites, with Walk With Me by: Al-Saadiq Banks following closely behind.

I loved every story in this piece. If you are a true fan of street fiction, this is one of MANY for ya!!

Menace II Society is five short stories by some of today's hottest authors. Each story centers around a menace to society ranging from a Nigerian drug dealer to a betrayed hustler to two hardened souls looking for love to a brother that seems to always be in the wrong place at the wrong time to a notorious cold blooded killer.

Each story is good in its own right as each author takes you on a different journey. Menace II Society is one of the better street anthologies released to date. Anyone looking for a quick and easy yet edgy read, this is the book for you.

Where do I even begin? First, I was excited to hear about this anthology because I had read and enjoyed books by Al-Saadiq Banks and Crystal Lacey Winslow. I just knew this had to be a BANGER! Overall, the stories were good, intense and captivating, but there were some issues. So let's start from the beginning. In the words of Al-Saadiq, "walk with me."

Foreword by Shannon Holmes - What was the point? This foreword was so not necessary. I thought some knowledge was about to be imparted, that Shannon really had something to say, the opening act for what was to come. Instead, nothing other than this author feeling himself. At the top of the food chain? Huh? Only the last four words were needed - Welcome to the streets!

The Deceitful; Hunted by Isadore Johnson - This was my first with this author. I was drawn into the story immediately as it starts off with action. BANG! Glad to see that Isadore did something different with the main character being Nigerian. So many times authors make characters like this from S. America. It was good to see a brother from Africa doing his thing, even if it was the wrong thing. Kudos to Isadore for stepping outside of the box. Turning pages, waiting to see how the drama would continue to unfold, until...
As this short story came to its end, I felt like I had been watching a relay race and suddenly the runner dropped the baton. Unfortunately, Isadore started a race that he had the potential of winning, but winded up not even finishing.

Snake Eyes by Mark Anthony - This story was surprisingly good. I had read one of his previous novels (Dogism) and attempted to read another (Paper Chasers). After those two, I was cool on Mark Anthony. So when I got to his story and was pulled in, it had a sister rethinking checking out his latest Lady's Night. This story moved fast. Never a dull moment. Revenge is sweet so I couldn't wait for what was going to go down to go down. I was on the edge of my seat, until...
Instead of dropping his baton, Mark Anthony tripped and fell making him unable to finish the race.

WTF? Okay, so after the first two stories I was hesitant about continuing on. People were playing with my emotions! Coming up short seemed to be a reoccurring theme here. Putting those thoughts aside and hoping for the best, I ventured to the next story.

Cagney & Lacey by Crystal Lacey Winslow - I admit, this was the story I was most looking forward to reading. Crystal didn't disappoint. And OMG, someone finally finished! I liked the whole Cagney and Lacey play on names. Drama, murder, mayhem, and Crystal's signature sex made for an enjoyable thugged out love story. This was my favorite.

Walk with Me by Al-Saadiq Banks - I was also very much looking forward to Al's contribution. He's one of the most UNDERRATED authors out today. Shame on you readers! Like his previous novels, Al did his thing. It took a minute to get used to going backwards, but it was worth it. I really enjoyed the total character development of Miracle.

Keepin' It Gangsta by J.M. Benjamin - Man, what can I say other than the "Dicer" kept it real and J.M. kept it gangsta! He also did something different, stepping outside of the box. I really liked this story also

Again, overall I liked this book. I'm not really big on anthologies because you get so into the stories that you want more and Menace II Society was no exception. I think this combination of talent did a good job. They all proved themselves worthy opponents in the literary world and should be applauded for their efforts and creativity. I would have liked to have seen more of the "menace to society" concept included in all the stories instead of just a few. The only thing keeping this from being a five star read for me is that the first two stories didn't come full circle. But even with that said, everybody did they thing!

I had the pleasure of attending one of the book release parties and I must say I enjoyed myself. However, I enjoyed each story just as much.

The Deceitful;Hunted
I was pulled in from the first page of this story. I thought the concept of it was different and put together well. Quawi Ubati was not to be messed with. He came to America a poor teen and was determined he was not going back to being poor. This story takes you on a ride, but drops you off suddenly at the end. One minute I was riding and the next I was in the middle of the street wondering what happened. I did draw my own conclusions as to what happened. I would have liked it to end there. 4 stars

Snake Eyes
This is my first story by Mr. Anthony and I must say I enjoyed the tale of a friendship gone bad. Promise is not sure who's the actual snake in the crew, but he knows once he goes on the run and returns to see what's up with his boys, there is definitely deceit in their tone. Will Promise figure out who the snake is or will the snake show its face? This story left you wondering what happened as well, which drove me crazy.
3.5 stars

Cagney& Lacy
I must say I was really looking forward to reading the story by Ms. Winslow. I thought about skippng stories and then figured let me just read them all in order. This story was strong from the beginning. Cagney, the oldest of seven children, didn't feel he had much choice but to get money for his family the fast way, or the ski mask way, only thing is he didn't dare wear a ski mask.
Lacy the only child to her parents is chosen to follow in her families footsteps of gang banging. "You are a soldier," are the words of her gang banging father and the one person she truly loves.
After a chance meeting, it is love at first sight. They both know that no matter what they have to meet up and make it happen, even if it is only for one night. Neither one of them believe in love because of the cards fate has dealt them, but he is the Romeo to her Juliet.
5 stars

Walk with Me
Okay, anyone that has read my reviews knows this is my favorite male author hands down, so the anticipation of reading this was driving me crazy. As usual, Al-Saadiq Banks shows another side of his talent. In Walk with Me, Tyshon "Miracle" Walls is not who he is portrayed in the media to be. This story takes you back through this young man's life and what has lead him in front of the meanest judge in all of New Jersey. Will the judge believe all of the things that has happened in Miracle's life to lead him to this place or will he be deemed the Menace they think he is?
I must say I was very pleased with this story as well. It kept you intrigued and emotional all the way through.
5 stars

Keepin' it Gangsta
I loved this story. The Dicer was not to be played with! He handled whatever came his way and never backed down. With the skill and obvious talent displayed in Keepin' it Gangsta, I must say I am looking forward to reading Mr. Benjamin's Down in the Dirty.
5 stars

Overall I loved the book. I was disappointed that the first two weren't complete, but the last three completely made up for whatever I was feeling. The authors definitely made the hour and a half drive worth it.

When I saw the authors contributing to this book I knew it was destined to be a banger and none of the authors featured in the anthology disappointed.

The Deceitful; Hunted by Isadore Johnson: (4 stars) Isadore flips the script and pens a story about an Nigerian drug lord (Quawi Ubati) whose operation is being shut down by the FBI with the help of two informants who infiltrated his organization. Unfazed by the FBI attempts to apprehend him Ubati becomes the hunter instead of the hunted by going after the agents who betrayed him.

Snake Eyes by Mark Anthony: (4.5 stars) Mark reacquaints readers with Promise from Streets of NY Vol. 1. While fans are eagerly awaiting Vol. 2 Mark sneaks in a preview of what's to come with Snake Eyes. Promise is still on the run but ventures back to N.Y. to hook up with his boys who seem to have been prospering in his absence. But after the reunion someone tips the police off to Promise's new location. Is it just a coincidence or could his boys that he sacrificed so much for be that grimy????

Cagney & Lacey by Crystal Lacey Winslow: (5 stars) As the only female author featured in the anthology Crystal comes hard with her story. Her story is also the only one to contain a female character (Lacey) who totally lives up to the theme of the anthology and is a true Menace II Society in every sense of the word.

Walk with Me by Al-Saadiq Banks: (5 Stars) Al proves that he can even flip it in reverse while chronicling the life of Tyshon "Miracle" Walls. Tyshon is standing before the judge facing big numbers but is Tyshon a true Menace II Society or just misunderstood? The burden of proof lies on Tyshon while he tries to prove that even the most notorious criminal can really just be a victim of circumstance.

Keepin' it Gangsta by J.M. Benjamin: (5 stars) As the only author in the anthology whom I had never heard of I was surprised to see that Mr. Benjamin was able to hold his own against his talented peers. But J.M. truly kept it gangsta with his tale of Derrick "Dicer" Jordan. Derrick who is awaiting his death sentence to be carried out by lethal injection has no regrets as he reviews the incidents that contributed to his impending death.

Menace II Society proves that anthologies can work when the right authors bring their "A" game to the table.

Isadore Johnson introduces us to Quawi Ubati. Quawi is a notorious Nigerian drug lord who the feds have been trying to snatch for years. Quawi will not go down without a fight and insists that he will be the last one standing.

Mark Anthony follows with a young hustler by the name of Promise. After Squeeze is out of lock down he touches down with his partnas since childhood to get back on his money. What should have been a meeting of the minds turns into a death wish between friends.

Crystal Lacey Winslow turns the tides with Cagney and Lacey. Lacey is a roughneck from the Westside who decides to turn over a new leaf and meets Cagney, her knight and shining armor. This fairytale soon takes a different edge when you least expect it.

Al-Saadiq Banks prevails with Miracle. Miracle has dealt with the school of hard knocks for as long as he can remember. As we walk with him through the story of his life, if he didn't have bad luck he wouldn't have any luck at all.

J.M. Benjamin ends it by keeping it gangsta with "Dicer." Derrick "the Dicer" has no love for anybody but his mother. Will his slogan of "FTW" walk him right into death's door?

I thoroughly enjoyed most of the stories. The first two stories ended with such an abrupt ending that I was not too interested in reading the rest, but once I continued I felt I had reached my moneys worth.

The Deceitful; Hunted by: Isadore Johnson

Nigerian born Quawi Ubati has been in the USA for 15 years. Penniless and asking for assistance in the streets, it became obvious that Quawi had to make his on way. Escalating to New Jersey's most violent drug kingpin, he benefited from cocaine, racketeering, murder, money laundering and tax invasion. Has his rise all been in vain? The F.B.I. seeking Quawi's prosecution has him causing pandemonium on the citizens and streets of New Jersey. Desperately trying to prevent returning to his native land destitute, Quawi is set on recovering his losses. A battle ensues leaving readers guessing about his outcome.

Snake Eyes by: Mark Anthony

Brooklyn- Brooklyn where you at? Out there hiding, dodging and learning Philly's route. With the F.B.I and local police stalking your steps, what could bring you back? The debut of an upscale club, Brooklyn's Café, rumored to be owned by your lifelong friends. Show & Squeeze are holding like that. With all of the time served, countless crimes committed, an unspoken or unseen Promise equates nothing. While measuring Grams, Promise starts to slowly put his life in prospective. The dice are rolled with readers wondering who'll crap out.

Cagney & Lacey by: Crystal Lacey Winslow

At age 15, the last place Cagney wanted to be was in school. Poor, hungry, unable to control his urges, his hood mentality would alter his entire life. With a mother incapable of providing, the dead weight is definitely on Cagney to carry. This would further transform him into a danger.
By age 13, Lacey is a pure-bred soldier with an emulating heart that was fueled by rage. Strong as a bull, defiant and literally a heartbreaker, she is unwilling to bend. Remorse would replace her past.
Deep down in the hood where a half breed works as a shampoo girl, on a cigarette break she sees the Papi of her dreams fresh out his jeep dropping of his chick. She knows they have to somehow meet. How mesmeric is it that two people from different places with very similar backgrounds collide? Cagney & Lacey are physically and sexually harmonized. This love story becomes a heart-breaking jump off. Loving hard to avoid an irreparable split up.

Walk with Me by: Al-Saadiq Banks

Tyshon Walls, the defendant, is accused of being a kingpin; charged with trafficking drugs, weapons, and murdering witnesses. The defense claims that this nuisance has committed hellish tantamount his entire 23-years. When given a chance to contest his circumstances, the jury finds itself voyaging back through his murky life uncertain if the next account will be as trying as its predecessor. Contrary to what the defense alleges, once the whole story is revealed, reasonable doubt sets in. It's gonna take a `Miracle' to take this all in.

Keepin' it Gangsta by: J.M. Benjamin

Derrick Jordan began his heinous acts as a young child. Instead of basking in the respect and props gained from the streets, he feasted in knowing that he was feared. A classic gangsta, "Dicer", a befitting moniker, with his F.T.W viewpoints finds that his blackened heart and spirit aren't closed out to atonements for others. An eye for an eye.

Menace II Society comes assorted with love, hate, trust, misunderstandings, sacrifices, evasions, money, power, respect and death. In many instances the reader is wedged inside the pages eagerly awaiting the outcome. Considering I'd never read J.M. Benjamin, Isadore Johnson or Mark Anthony, I'll admit that I was skeptical about their contributions. In each respect, all of the authors were thorough! Those of you know that Al-Saadiq & Crystal already get top billing on my shelves.

I didn't get the rationale for the foreword by Shannon Holmes, so in respect to that I'll say this: You always see and or hear only about the negativity in the inner city regardless the city or state. People usually choose what to disclose when discussing their "OWN" experiences. But let's be honest, it's usually them who are glorifying it in an effort to make themselves seem really real. STAND UP...Instead of all of this nonsense about living for today encourage people to strive for tomorrow. I mean we all can stand on a soapbox and say how someone looks at us and perceives us. Think about all that was attained at the expense of others. Now how about dedicating the time and energy to changing the outcome of others headed in that destructive path. To me that would speak volumes!

Reviewed by: Crystal

PLEASE BELIEVE THAT WHEN Y'ALL READ THIS BOOK. THAT YOU WILL NOT PUT IT DOWN ISADORE AND MARK HAVE YOU WANTING MORE BUT THE STORY IS FIYA YOUR AZZ. CRYSTAL IS GANGSTA FO'REAL SHE DID THE DAYUM THING.AL-SAADIQ WELL LET'S SAY HIS FLOW NEVER STOP IF YOU READ HIS BOOKS THEN YOU KNOW. J.M BENJAMIN LET'S JUST SAY HE'S KEEPIN IT GANGSTA AND THAT HE DID THE DAYUM THING TOO. I LOVE THE BOOK AND GIVE IT *****FOR THE BOOK BEING SO GANGSTA!