In the gritty streets of North Philadelphia, survival is not just an option-it's a requirement. Amber-Rainne Mercedes Johnson, known on the streets as "Duchess," has learned that lesson early. At just 14, she's already living the life of a seasoned survivor, juggling the legacy of her father-a kingpin in the city's criminal underworld-and the heartache of her mother's descent into addiction. The concrete jungle she calls home is ruled by crime, betrayal, and unforgiving power plays.
But Duchess is not alone. Across Philly's fractured landscape, five other teens-each from different corners of the city's ethnic enclaves-are also struggling to survive the violent game of gangster politics. From Jonah Bellucci in Little Italy to Akbar Muhammad in the Black Muslim Syndicate, their lives are destined to collide. And when they do, everything changes.
Their journey takes a dangerous turn when they are kidnapped and taken to the rugged wilderness of the Pocono Mountains. Forced to compete in brutal survival challenges, the teens must endure the elements, wild predators, and the constant threat of betrayal. The stakes are high-only one of them will be allowed to return home. In this deadly game, they discover that the wilderness is just as treacherous as the streets they left behind.
In a world where loyalty is more valuable than gold and betrayal can cost you your life, Duchess and her unlikely allies must navigate the treacherous underworld of Philadelphia and the unforgiving wilderness of the Poconos. Rival factions battle for dominance, and the crown is not made of gold, but of concrete-heavy, cold, and stained with blood.
Under the Concrete Crown is a gripping tale of survival, loyalty, and the brutal realities of life in the streets and beyond. Fast-paced and full of unforgettable characters, this novel takes readers deep into the hidden corners of Philadelphia's crime-riddled heart and the dangerous wilderness where only the strongest make it out alive.
