The Reluctant King (The Book of Shadow, 1)

Product Description
The King family is on the political rise in New York City, but must weather the violent storm wrought by their darkest secrets.
"K’wan is exceptionally gifted at ratcheting up suspense . . . There’s no denying the writer’s talent for dark, gritty fiction. It’s a page-turner."—Kirkus Reviews
Meet the Kings, one of the most influential families in New York City. In the power circles of the movers and shakers, they are regarded as modern-day royalty. A politically connected father, a socialite mother, and three promising children: they look every bit the all-American family...but every family has secrets. Some darker than others.
Of all the children, Shadow is the least like the rest of the Kings. To call him soft wouldn’t be quite accurate, but he lacks the leadership qualities of his older brother, Ghost, or the ruthless tendencies of his sister Lolli. Shadow is just...Shadow. Instead of accepting his role in the "Monarchy" created by his father, Shadow would rather spend his days chasing women and hanging out in the hood with his best friends, Fresh and Pain. He is totally oblivious to the perils that come with his last name--until danger introduces itself.On the night of their mother’s fiftieth birthday gala, their father, Chancellor, is set to announce his plans to turn his political focus beyond his current position as a member of the city council. He has tasted the benefits that come with holding office, and has the power and influence to make a serious run at climbing the political ladder.
The future is looking bright for the King family. That is, until the devil comes to claim his due, and threatens to destroy everything Chancellor has worked to build. To survive the coming storm, each member of the royal family will have to make a sacrifice, even those who are reluctant to wear the crown.
Review
Critical Praise for Black Lotus and Black Lotus 2: The Vow by K'wan:
Black Lotus was selected for the Library Services for Youth in Custody 2015 In the Margins Book Award List
Black Lotus was one of Library Journal's Best African American Fiction Books of 2014
"[A] heart-thumping thriller . . . K'wan does a masterful job of keeping readers on their toes right up to the very last page." —Publishers Weekly
"Fans expecting another thug-in-the-street story will be pleasantly surprised at this rough police procedural." —Library Journal
"Black Lotus 2: The Vow is full of the cinematic action and drama that K'wan is known for. Readers will be anxiously waiting for the next installment." —Urban Reviews
"From page one to the last, Black Lotus 2: The Vow is a high-wire act with no net. A smart refiguring of hard-boiled with a nitro injection of new-age sensibilities." —Reed Farrel Coleman, New York Times best-selling author of Walking the Perfect Square
"Like a cool, hip, and fun evening at a vintage drive-in, Black Lotus 2: The Vow takes me back to a time when Jim Kelly, Pam Grier, and Fred Williamson graced the big screen. Throw in some Bruce Lee and a little The Last Dragon and you have a hell of a butt-kicking, action-filled ride." —Ace Atkins, New York Times best-selling author of The Shameless
"Black Lotus 2: The Vow is a thrilling roller-coaster ride of a mystery that kept me on the edge of my seat!" —Bernice L. McFadden, author of The Book of Harlan
"An intensive read." —Journey of a Bookseller
"K'wan delivers a lean, tightly plotted tale that balances noir aesthetics with comic book flair. Fans of pulp and urban lit will be well satisfied." —Publishers Weekly
"[A] riveting read from start to finish . . . Excellent." —Exclusive Magazine
About the Author
K'wan is the best-selling, award-winning author of more than thirty novels, including the wildly popular Animal series, Black Lotus, Black Lotus 2: The Vow, Gangsta, Road Dawgz, Street Dreams, Hoodlum, and Section 8. He has been featured in Vibe, King, Entertainment Weekly, and Time magazine. K’wan was the recipient of the 2012 and