With a frightening sense of realism and authenticity—the story of a cold-blooded killer and his life-changing relationship with his godchild.

Boom, a product of violent street influences, has become one of the most feared men in North Philadelphia. He is known for his brutality and the victims he leaves behind. When Boom's closest friend, Ivan, is gunned down and murdered, Boom takes the law into his own hands.

Even after he finds the revenge he seeks, Boom still can’t conceal his devastation. He’s concerned about Shonda, Ivan’s widow, and Sabra, Ivan’s daughter and Boom’s godchild. Caught up in the game of the streets and not accustomed to having feelings other than rage, Boom’s once impenetrable tough exterior is slowly cracking and revealing his utter vulnerability.

With chilling prose, Michael Baptiste creates a riveting novel that reveals the brutal world of inner-city street life. Godchild dissects the cyclical world of violence and revenge and one man’s attempts to protect a child and make sure she will never suffer the same fate—even if it kills him.