Introduction: Welcome to the mystical land of Nas. Where people possess control over the elements with an energy known as kana. People with these abilities are called Nin'turi. 8 rare spirit animal bonds are passed down amongst Nin'turi, sworn to protect. However, the balance is threatened by dark forces, including dangerous gang conflicts, a secretive corporation, and a rumored madness that corrupts those with kana. There is also the quietest yet deadliest threat of them all; dark creatures that wreak havoc from the dark side of the mountain called Shadiki.Stepping onto the gritty streets of a small village called Ezico Village, where rival gangs run the blocks, 14-year-old Juke Okoye and his posse, the Juvies -cool dude Dre, Swazzy the realest, Jade the sassy, and sweet ole' Penelope navigate adolescence.At only 10, Juke witnessed the devastating destruction of his clan, leaving him the last of his name. Unbeknownst to the land, the fabled phoenix totem, -a spirit which was only passed down through whispers, had chosen Juke. Never getting the chance to bond, after his family's destruction, he rejected it and never bonded.Now, on top of normal things like skipping school and fist-fighting, Juke shows defiance as he grows through the gritty system, gang-infested blocks and a past that continues to haunt him. Yet, as the darkness in the land starts growing, Juke realizes his world is deeper than anyone could imagine.If you've come to read a thrilling, action packed Gutter Hood fantasy filled with jaw-dropping storytelling, Heathens is the one! Juke, along with his friends, will embark on a journey to confront these dark forces while defending their village, or destroying it. Along the way, they face intense battles, form alliances with other clans and tribes, and uncover the truths about the past, the darkness and the madness.The Phoenix resembles rebirth and destruction. Will Juke choose good or go down a path to no return? Follow this urban fantasy fiction that will have you fighting and rooting for the characters as they battle mental and physical trials and tribulation to bring light to the land of Nas.Rated: T-MAWARNING Themes: Sexual themes, slight nudity, drug usage, underage drinking, profanity, blood, triggering themes, extreme violence, gangs, Looong chaptersgenres: action, adventure, angst, coming-of-age, contemporary lit, dark fantasy, drama, fantasy, humor, manga, urban, hood-fic, teen-fic, slice-of-life...Dedication to my Sharpened pencils, the young and the misunderstood......We Are the FireFor the broken, the angry, the lost.For the ones who were told they were too wild, too loud, too much.For the kids who grew up faster than they should've.For the ones who had to survive when it was never supposed to be that way.For the ones still carrying the weight of what was stolen from them.For the ones still fighting to believe they deserve to be here.You are not alone.You never were.This is for you.To the Heathens......