When We Were Kings: Kings Rise From the Asphalt Throne

In the electric pulse of East Atlanta, best friends Malik Thompson and Jordan Carter turn a high school dream into Royal Myth, a streetwear brand that sets the city on fire. Malik’s precision and Jordan’s charisma make them unstoppable, their designs a bold reclaiming of Black royalty. But as their fame skyrockets—pop-up shops selling out, Fashion Week calling—the spotlight exposes cracks in their brotherhood. Envy festers, solo invites tempt, and a viral livestream meltdown turns their empire into a battleground. With fans picking sides and the internet roasting their every move, Malik and Jordan must face the cost of ambition: is their bond worth more than the crown?Fueled by trap beats, Waffle House runs, and the unshakable love of their community, When We Were Kings is a raw, heartfelt ride through the highs and lows of chasing greatness. When loss forces them to confront their mistakes, Malik and Jordan learn that true kings don’t just rise—they rebuild, together. Perfect for fans of The Hate U Give and Concrete Rose, this debut novel is a vibrant ode to Black excellence, friendship, and the courage to stitch a dream back together.