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The Kings of Cool: A Prequel to Savages [Hardcover]

Don Winslow
4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (85 customer reviews)

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Book Description

June 19, 2012
In Savages, Don Winslow introduced Ben and Chon, twenty-something best friends who risk everything to save the girl they both love, O. Among the most celebrated thrillers in recent memory—and now a major motion picture directed by Academy Award–winning filmmaker Oliver Stone—Savages was picked as a best book of the year by Stephen King in Entertainment Weekly, Janet Maslin in The New York Times, and Sarah Weinman in the Los Angeles Times.

Now, in this high-octane prequel, Winslow reaches back in time to tell the story of how Ben, Chon, and O became the people they are. Spanning from 1960s Southern California to the recent past, The Kings of Cool is a breathtakingly original saga of family in all its forms—fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, friends and lovers. As the trio at the center of the book does battle with a cabal of drug dealers and crooked cops, they come to learn that their future is inextricably linked with their parents’ history. A series of breakneck twists and turns puts the two generations on a collision course, culminating in a stunning showdown that will force Ben, Chon, and O to choose between their real families and their loyalty to one another.

Fast-paced, provocative, and wickedly funny, The Kings of Cool is a spellbinding love story for our times from a master novelist at the height of his powers. It is filled with Winslow’s trademark talents—complex characters, sharp dialogue, blistering social commentary—that have earned him an obsessive following. The result is a book that will echo in your mind and heart long after you’ve turned the last page.


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The Kings of Cool: A Prequel to Savages + Savages: A Novel + The Power of the Dog
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“Blazing . . . Mr. Winslow's keen attention to drug culture isn't going to keep readers away from him. He's too damn good to be polarizing. His characters are smart about their self-interest. His dialogue is tight, laconic, and razor sharp; if Elmore Leonard or Lee Child discovered surfing, they might sound something like this.” (Janet Maslin The New York Times)

“Made funnier by the seditious spin Winslow puts on the romanticized 1960s hippie culture of peace and love and hard drugs . . . [and boasts] the same pulsing rhythms and raw vocals that made “Savages” feel a little dangerous.” (Marilyn Stasio The New York Times Book Review)

“Don Winslow, whose book The Kings of Cool, just came out, is a rarity among writers of fiction: He doesn't just make it up.” (Chip McGrath The New York Times)

“A fast, fun, smart jazz-riff of a book, a prequel to Savages and every bit as good. . . . What sets Winslow apart in the crowded field of crime/mystery/thriller writers is the white-knuckled way he writes and thinks. The dialogue is sharp and funny, full of knowing nods to pop culture, history, and geography. . . . A frenzied ride into the heart of what family and love and loyalty mean.” (John Wilkens San Diego Union-Tribune)

“Don Winslow's crackerjack Laguna Beach thriller The Kings of Cool . . . gives background and back story to Mr. Winslow's novel Savages, published in 2010 and just made into a film by Oliver Stone. . . . It's a treat to trace the crossings of this trio's paths with those of other characters over the years. . . . One way or another, they scheme and tough their way through this often gruesome, sometimes witty saga and into the future fates already devised for them.” (Tom Nolan The Wall Street Journal)

“Blistering . . . Winslow serves up nonstop action, tempering the tension with his trademark razor-sharp wit. . . . This cool, clever entry is sure to be a royally popular summer read.” (Booklist (starred review))

“Another Winslow roller-coaster thriller.” (Library Journal (starred review))

“A brilliant, hypnotic novel . . . So much more than a mere backstory . . . With a stylistic swagger and bucketloads of empathy to go with a scintillating, perfectly executed crime-novel plot.” (The Independent (UK))

“As a former private investigator, Winslow knows his crime scene. . . . It’s tough not to be hooked.” (USA Today)

About the Author

Don Winslow is the New York Times bestselling author of more than a dozen novels. He lives in Southern California.

Product Details

  • Hardcover: 336 pages
  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster; 1 edition (June 19, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1451665326
  • ISBN-13: 978-1451665321
  • Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.4 x 1.2 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (85 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #32,280 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Don Winslow (b. 1953) is the New York Times bestselling author of thirteen crime and mystery novels as well as short stories and film screenplays. A Cool Breeze on the Underground, Winslow's debut and the first novel in his popular Neal Carey series, was nominated for an Edgar Award. Before becoming a fulltime writer, Winslow worked as a private detective in New York and California.

Customer Reviews

The storytelling is surpassed only in the style writing that Don uses. Jason Frost  |  14 reviewers made a similar statement
Since reading this book I've read 5 more novels by him...all of them are excellent. morningstar08  |  10 reviewers made a similar statement
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
16 of 20 people found the following review helpful
2.0 out of 5 stars not so much June 24, 2012
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Even though I was disappointed with KINGS there is a great article about Mr. Winslow in a local Orange County CA weekly newspaper. Their website has the full story [...]
First of all I am a great fan of Mr. Winslow. I even sent a message to his blog that Laguna Beach should name a street after him. His CALIFORNIA FIRE AND LIFE is one of my all time favorite books. That being said - I was really disappointed in this book. Not that it's bad or that a reader would not enjoy it but to me the big mystery is how this book came about. Was it all part of SAVAGES and somewhere along the line the early part of the story was dropped to concentrate on the latter? Was that because KINGS OF COOL takes so much from ORANGE SUNSHINE -a true recounting of the drug culture in Laguna Beach during the 60s and 70s? Or, was writing this book a quick way to cash in on the upcoming movie? Whatever the story, it's below Mr. Winslow's standards and much more work should have been done on the book before it's release. It seems incomplete. Take the Kim character. She is introduced and developed into a really interesting person then almost dropped except for some cryptic references on what happens to her. I didn't like the parts that looked like a film script. It looked like a cut/paste/copy attempt to get the book completed. Mr. Winslow's editors probably share more of the blame for this than the author. I am not an author, not a publisher therefore I apologize for my attempt to downplay this book in any way but, I am a reader, and I felt cheated. Sorry, Mr. Winslow. Still look forward to the next one.
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11 of 14 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Wow. LOVED IT! June 22, 2012
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
I kicked my legs up and down the bed and yelled, "No!" like a little kid when the book was over. I wanted more. It was superbly written with an excellent, compelling and titillating plot line.

I have to admit that I was a bit worried that the prequel would not be able to measure up to the original Savages but I'm happy to say, it actually exceeded greatly beyond my expectations and I'm tempted to say it was better.

This one definitely also deserves its own movie. I don't know what's next on Winslow's list in terms of novels but I'm eagerly awaiting his next installment. He is a masterful writer and I'm smitten. I'm so happy for his success; it's so deserving.

Chon stole the show. For those of you in love with his character, wait 'till you see him in action in this book.

This was definitely a page turner and for those of you who are turned off by the idea of going back to explore the past in books: don't be. This story was absolutely engrossing. You will not be disappointed.

Bravo Don Winslow, once again you've outdone yourself. I'm a huge fan.
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13 of 18 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Better than Savages June 20, 2012
By asj313
Format:Hardcover
Ever since I finished "Savages," I wanted more of Ben and Chon and O's world. This prequel is a perfect companion, written in the same clever, breakneck writing style that turned some people off of "Savages," but that I loved. Even better than Ben and Chon's first forays into the dope business are the flashbacks of their parents' generation, one that fleshes out Winslow's world with a few nods to loyal readers who may pick up characters like Bobby Z and Frankie the Machine popping up in 60's, 70's and 80's Laguna. With more twists than the relentless, breakaway sprint that was "Savages," and a neat wrap up that ties both timelines together, I think Winslow has outdone himself with "Kings of Cool." Can't wait for the movie.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
2.0 out of 5 stars Not my kind of read!
Guess this type of book just isn't my thing! I like a good murder mystery but this just didn't do it for me. I struggled to read about half then had to give it up. Read more
Published 5 days ago by J. Kunshier
3.0 out of 5 stars Okay read
Hard to read the prequel when u know the end did not like the 2 sentence chapters, quick buck because of Savages success??
Published 15 days ago by Janice Diridoni
4.0 out of 5 stars It is good to be King
A good story, the stylized writing takes little getting used to, but worth the effort. I enjoyed being young rich and strong for a while.
Published 16 days ago by Bradley W Case
5.0 out of 5 stars awesome read!
For those of you who read Savages, this is a must read! For those of you who haven't, you will after reading this book! Although you can read this book without the other. Read more
Published 18 days ago by Jean-Marc Cohen
5.0 out of 5 stars Could not put it down!
After seeing the movie I had to get this book. I was not disappointed. Great character development with some twists. A must read!
Published 24 days ago by Mark E. Gronowski
4.0 out of 5 stars A very good read which gives an insightful view into the Southern...
I haven't read a book from this author previously. I found his writing style to be quite different, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Read more
Published 25 days ago by mmigallo
5.0 out of 5 stars Very cool indeed
Keep in mind that you need to read this first before Savages. My first Don Winslow book and it was a fun ride. Southern Cali crime through the years.
Published 1 month ago by Daniel Ace
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved the Kings of Cool
I'm from Laguna Beach and lived there during the era in which the book takes place so I can accurately say that the writer knew what he was talking about. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Bobbi E. Hogan
2.0 out of 5 stars Treading water
I am a don winslow fan and without any hesitation I will buy his next book but this one is rather pathetic. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Michael F. Mc Grath
4.0 out of 5 stars "Cool" Book.
Winslow's writing style is unique and captivating. This is an intense story, but a great prequel to Savages. Check it out!
Published 1 month ago by Elissa Goad
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