Looking for an escape from childhood abuse, Reymundo Sanchez turned away from school and baseball to drugs, alcohol, and then sex, and was left to fend for himself before the age of 14. The Latin Kings, one of the largest and most notorious street gangs in America, became his refuge and his world, but its violence cost him friends, freedom, self-respect, and nearly his life. This is a raw and powerful odyssey through the ranks of the new mafia, where the only people more dangerous than rival gangs are members of your own gang, who in one breath will say they’ll die for you and in the next will order your assassination.
 Buscando un escape del abuso juvenil que sufría, Reymundo Sanchez rechazó al colegio y al deporte y se adentró en un mundo de drogas, alcohol y sexo?todo antes de los 14 años. Los Latin Kings, una de las maras mas grandes y más notorias de los Estados Unidos, se volvió su familia y su mundo, pero la violencia de esa familia le costó sus amigos, su libertad, el respeto a sí mismo y casi su vida. Esta es una odisea desgarrante a travéz de la nueva mafia, donde las únicas personas más peligrosas que las maras enemigas son las de la misma mara, que en un instante juran que morirán por sus miembros y segundos después ordenan su asesinato.

Reymundo Sanchez's profile page

Carlos Abreu's profile page

Reymundo Sanchez is the pseudonym of a former Latin King. He is the author of Once a King, Always a King.

“A slow-motion riot of drugs, sex and gunplay.” —Publishers Weekly

“This book offers new insights into what lures kids into gangs and how difficult it can be for them to get out alive. It shockingly explains how difficult life can be for disadvantaged youngsters and demands that we make a greater effort at improving their lives.” —Jesse White, Illinois Secretary of State