Forty Acres by Dwayne Alexander Smith, Simon and Schuster Publishing

Martin Grey, a black lawyer, has won a discrimination case against a superstar attorney, Damon Darrell, who represents the largest automobile manufacturer of tires in the world. Shortly afterward, Damon offers Martin membership into a secret society of black men at the top of the professions.

Solomon Aarons who is CEO of AFG to one of the biggest brokerage firms on Wall Street. Kwame Jones, he and his wife are co-owners of the biggest advertising firms in the country. Tobias Stewart, founder and owner of Tobias Media, owns and operates an insane number of cable networks, radio stations, and newspapers in every corner of the United States and Europe. Carver Lewis is a high profile real estate speculator rich from infomercials. These men are under the guidance of their leader and mentor, Dr. Kasim.

Dr. Kasim believes that black men in general are infected with ‘black noise’. Kasim explains, “Black noise is screams….The screams of our kidnapped, enslaved, tortured, raped, and murdered ancestors crying out for vengeance.” Dr. Kasim has built a retreat for those who follow him, Forty Acres. This fort is where his followers come to live the life of a slave master over people who’ve been kidnapped just for their cruel and abusive use. The families of these men know nothing about Forty Acres, only that the men are ‘white water rafting’.

Martin is not comfortable with the inhumane treatment of the slaves and decides to do something about it. With this decision, he not only puts his life in danger, but the lives of his family as well.

Dwayne Alexander Smith with his first novel has written a story with an incredibly entertaining plot. The first chapter of this novel took hold of me and would not let go. By chapter three, I could not read fast enough. Before I knew it, I was already at chapter twelve. I can only hope there will be a second book as the ending left me wondering if there will be a follow-up.  If there is ever a movie scripted from this novel, I can definitely see Michael Ealy and Idris Elba in starring roles. I recommend this novel for those who love page-turners, mystery and suspense. Job well done to Dwayne Alexander Smith, job well done!

I received this book free from Simon & Schuster for this review.