The Kings of Cool, by Don Winslow

(hb; 2012: prequel to Savages)

From the inside flap:

"In Savages, Don Winslow introduced Ben and Chon, twentysomething best friends who risk everything to save the girl they both love, O. . .

"Now,. . . 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. . .  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. . . showdown that will force Ben, Chon, and O to choose between their real families and their loyalty to one another."


Review:

Kings is an entertaining and clever prequel that effectively sets up the characters, storylines and action of Savages, while adding previously hidden nuances to Savages' characters' relationships.  As a bonus for Winslow's regular readers, Bobby Z. (from The Death and Life of Bobby Z.) shows up to add crossover spice to Kings.

If you like Savages, there's a strong chance you'll like Kings.

Good read, worth checking out.