The Kings of Cool

by Don Winslow
The Kings of Cool cover
Good Books rating 4.19
Crime, Mystery, Thriller/Suspense
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Paperback • £9.99
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Technical
  • ID: 6195
  • Added: 2025-11-05
  • Updated: 2025-12-13
  • ISBN: 9781448136100
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2012-08-09
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

The Kings of Cool is a gripping intergenerational epic that explores the lives of Ben, Chon, and O, revealing how their past shapes their future. Spanning fifty years, the story delves into a world of drug dealers, crooked cops, and complex relationships, all leading to a breathtaking showdown that will test their loyalties. This prequel to Savages offers a raw and intense look at the choices that define us, set against the vibrant and dangerous landscape of 1960s Southern California. The narrative's breakneck pace and intricate twists keep readers on the edge of their seats, making it a must-read for fans of high-stakes drama and character-driven stories.

Reviews
MeloVebooks · 2015-08-24
excellent 4.50

The book is fast-paced and well-written, with a mix of humor and action that makes it a quick and enjoyable read. The reviewer was able to finish the book in no time.

The reviewer praises 'The Kings of Cool' for its fast pace and engaging writing style. They appreciate the blend of humor and action, which makes the book a quick and enjoyable read. The reviewer finds the characters to be well-developed and the plot to be engaging. They highlight the author's talent for creating complex characters and intricate plots. The reviewer notes that the book is a prequel to 'Savages' and provides valuable background information for the characters and their relationships.

Quick quotes

    The Kings Of Cool has a fast pace and is very well written: humor is mixed with action and I was able to finish this book in no time at all.

    I find Winslow's writing has a fluid, almost effortless feel.

    It's like he's so on top of his game and knows what he's saying so well that he ...

The Independent · 2012-08-18
enthralling 4.00

The book is more ambitious than its predecessor, Savages, as it delves into the history of the characters' love triangle. It is a complex and layered narrative that explores themes of love, lust, and greed.

The reviewer notes that 'The Kings of Cool' is a more ambitious book than 'Savages', seeking to map out the history of the characters' love triangle. They appreciate the complexity and depth of the narrative, which explores themes of love, lust, and greed. The reviewer finds the book to be a bold and enthralling story, with sharp dialogue and blistering social commentary. They highlight the author's talent for creating complex characters and intricate plots.

Quick quotes

    It is actually a considerably more ambitious book than Savages, seeking to map out not only the history of Savages' weird love triangle, but ...

    The Kings of Cool is a bold, enthralling story of love, lust, greed, drugs, and the fallacies of them all.

    Also, I was impressed with all of the details of the ...

Goodreads · 2012-06-19
excellent 4.50

The book is a thrilling and fast-paced read that leaves a lasting impression. The characters and their dynamics are particularly engaging.

This book is an absolute blast to read, with a tour-de-force narrative that keeps you hooked from start to finish. The characters are well-developed, and their interactions are both intriguing and entertaining. The fast-paced nature of the story makes it a quick read, but it's one that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page. The author's keen attention to detail and ability to weave a compelling tale make this a standout work.

Quick quotes

    It is an absolute blast to read

    Your immediate reaction after finishing this book is to...

    An amazing tour-de-force

The New York Times · 2012-06-17
engaging 3.75

The book is a slender but impactful prequel to 'Savages', laying the groundwork for the more explosive parts of the latter. The reviewer appreciates the author's talent for creating complex characters and intricate plots.

The reviewer notes that 'The Kings of Cool' is a slender book but has a significant impact as a prequel to 'Savages'. They appreciate the author's talent for creating complex characters and intricate plots. The reviewer finds the book to be a bold and enthralling story, with sharp dialogue and blistering social commentary. They highlight the author's ability to create a fluid and effortless writing style that draws the reader in. The reviewer notes that the book is a quick and enjoyable read, with a blend of humor and action.

Quick quotes

    The Kings of Cool would be a slender book if it merely laid the groundwork for the most explosive parts of Savages.

    But Mr. Winslow ...

    It is filled with Winslow's trademark talents—complex characters, sharp dialogue, blistering social commentary—that have earned him an obsessive ...

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