If you like gritty inner city drama, grab this one. The story takes place in D.C. and centers around Marion Barry High School.The main characterisTashera Odom. She is a sweet, smart, caring, and loyal to her mom Sheila and brother Khalil. Khalil is paralyzed, so he doesn’t do anything but play video games and stew in his own anger. We follow Tashera, her boyfriend Ahmed and a group of girls through a very troubling fight. These three girls have motive, brought on by Ahmed doing Jessica wrong, to hurt Tashera. When she is seriously beaten the story turns to different forms of “retaliation”. Never have I been so affected by this type of violence. When the motive is actually spoken of I was shocked. No spoilers but I will say bravo to Yasmin Shiraz! What a talented author. These two girls latch onto Jessica’s anger and take over. DeCalia and Alex are equally responsible. I thought the worst was DeCalia. Then their family life comes into play and it made me think. They took someone else s fight, made it their own and suffered greatly for their choices. It was a very real story where one little misunderstanding is at the root of the evil.Just the one conversation started a streak of retaliation that affected so many. Tashera’s Mom, I loved her! Sheila was a single parent dealing with the death of her husband and the fact that the gangs ruined her son. The Duece Tres gang is a scary situation. The things that the rivals do to each other is hard to read about. It makes you think!This book is rich in every aspect. I enjoyed how Ahmed and Tashera were portrayed. There was nothing I didn’t like here. The authors writing, language, and thorough knowledge of the inner city kept me glued to the book. It is important to recognize good writing, this is good writing! I also liked that the author used herself as a character. It was a so smart to have Tashera question herself, her brother’s lifestyle, and her Mom. When she had a question, she wrote to Yasmin who spoke at her school. During the lecture that Yasmin gave, Tashera really listened and wanted to use a little conflict resolution in her own life. I applaud the author for writing an excellent book. I am moving on now to Accused, book 2 I am so excited. I like Ahmed and Tashera going away to college together.