Takedown Paperback – September 3, 2013

Thanks to Allison Van Diepen's no-nonsense writing style and the main character, Darren's, spot-on voice, I slipped easily into his fast-paced story about doing two years in juvie, becoming an informant for the police (to get revenge on the kingpin who put him there, Diamond Tony), and climbing his way up Diamond Tony's ranks--all while going to high school, supporting his family and striving to be a good influence for his two year-old half brother, Kiki.In some stories, the truth will set you free, but in Darren's, it will get you killed. He has to keep his true reason for being back in the game secret, and this isn't easy for Darren, especially when he becomes involved with his beautiful classmate, Jessica. The safest thing would be to push her away from him and his dangerous lifestyle, but he's beginning to really fall for her. Just thinking about being with Jessica the next time is what keeps him going.When friends wind up targets or in the cross-fire, secrets about his dead father come to light, and loyalties are tested and abused, it's all Darren can do to protect those he loves and stay alive.Within its first few pages, Takedown had me hooked. The characters are multi-dimensional and believable, the plot is infused with nail-biting turns, and Allison's writing style--including brief chapters peppered with Darren's rhymes--make this a quick yet poignant read.

The central subjects of this book are gangs and drug trade, but the shocking pet as you read, is that this book could be taking place anywhere.The battles that include deaths, poverty, webs of lies make for an exciting page turner that had me transfixed and I read it in one sitting, yet they're also so realistic, that they make you pause and consider the world around you.Going in my classroom library!

Miss Van Diepen has a knack for making compelling and believable characters, and once again transports us into the complicated life of gangs and drug lords.The story is pretty straight forward, boy wants revenge, insert himself in a horrible situation, meet a girl, fall in love, twists/trust/snitching/code, wants to end thing soon and get out before it is too late and finally a HEA or as close as it could be.The pace flows exquisitely fast. The only thing missing here was a corrupt cop.If you enjoyed Snitch and Street Pharm, you can't go wrong with this book.

The second best book I've ever read that was about street life. The second is Snitch written by her. This makes me want to become a writer. The fact that you can read this book and never put it down is amazing. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. Great job!

I love this author

Great Book, lots of action in it.

My students love this book.

Very good quick read.

It was required reading for my daughter. She loved it, read it in one day!