Blood Covenant: The Story of the "Mafia Prince" Who Publicly Quit the Mob and Lived

I received this book today and thought I would have a look at it before I got on with the day.... and over an hour later, I'd been reading non-stop. The story is very human and personal. It captures on an emotional level while bringing a very enlightening insight to a worldview that very few of us have ever seen. 100% Recommended.

Fascinating story that plumbs the depths of organized crime and offers an insider's perspective on the history, heritage and mind set of the Cosa Nostra. Michael speaks eloquently of the love he shared with his notorious father but honestly expresses his frustration with his father's allegiance to the Mafia, despite the betrayal and disrespect that they rewarded his loyalty with. As too many investigations have already demonstrated, Michael also depicts how many law enforcement agents utilized illegal and unethical methods to obtain their coveted convictions. It's a very detailed and intimate look at what transpires in the both the private lives and criminal activities of organized crime. The last section of the book is devoted to an extensive treatise on Michael's experience in accepting the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Most people are naturally suspect of "jail-house" conversions but Michael presents a deep and reasonable argument for his faith, utilizing the evidence within Scripture but also the historical testimonies of many famous people. What is so compelling is that his witness stems from a person who walked in almost unheard of power and influence and obscene wealth. His renunciation of his former life of great comfort and luxury to follow in the footsteps of the Carpenter from Nazareth is staggering to say the least. One can not help but be reminded of a fist century enemy of God who after his conversion, counted all things as "rubbish" for the sake of knowing Christ. Whether you accept Michael's conclusions or not it's impossible not to be transfixed by the narrative he unfolds and marvel at the metamorphosis this man went through...can't wait to read it again!

I enjoyed this book. The history was fascinating to me. The book was interesting and well written. I am a Christian and praise God for what He did in Michael's life. I was more interested in hearing Michael's story than hearing his theology after his story was complete thus I skipped over the last few chapters of the book. Don't get me wrong, his theology is solid, I was just in the mood for a biography when I picked up the book. It was a GREAT biography for the first 95% of the book and I highly recommend you to read it.

Amazing book with lots of true and amazing stories. I believe Michael Franzese is a true Christian and try’s hard to be one of Jesus’s Disciples.

I heard Mr Franzese as a guest on a podcast and found him to be very intelligent and interesting regarding his switch from the mob world he was born into; my husband has always been into books about the mafia so I got him this as a gift. it’s a story about how one man left the life of crime and corruption behind after being pretty high up in the ranks of a crime family. Husband said it was very good, because I heard him speak on the podcast I’d like to read the book too, it’s got to be an interesting story!

Just finished reading 'Blood Covenant' by Michael Franzese. Great story about a former capo in the New York Colombo crime family and how he straightend his life out, walked away from his position in the Mafia and lived to tell about it. It 's a compelling, informative and edifying story. Growing up as the son of a one of the Mafia's 'made men,' the author tells of his heartbreak, at the age of 19, at seeing his beloved father sent to prison with a 50-year sentence. From there, to his initiation into the Mafia, to his experience with gangland-style killings, to he and his father's 'sit-down' with the Colombo family bosses; it's a facinating perspective on Mafia culture. It was also interesting to learn about the diversity of the Mafia's business interests, federal prosecutor's 'end justifies the means' philosophy and the life inside a federal penitentiary. Most of all, it was a great story about a bad man and his relationship to a holy and loving God. Similar to the story of the Apostle Paul. If Jesus can redeem a guy like Michael Franzese, then there's hope for the rest of us.

I came to know of Michael from his Soft White Underbelly interview. I was captivated by his way of speaking and his persona. I believe this book us an excellent read.

Well, buyer beware. I thought this would be a book of mafia stories but it’s mostly about Michael’s experiences after he got out of the life. He’s an honerable man so no “juicy” stories. Kinda preachy. Not quite sure who this was written for. Buying this book was an offer I should’ve refused.

Great true story

Good read. Highly recommended.

I have just finished reading this amazing book. There is something for everyone in it's pages whether you are a believer or not. It starts with the story of a vulnerable little boy and the love and loyalty that grew up between him and his step father a high ranking mobster in the mafia. This deep bond drew Michael himself into La Cosa Nostra. We get an inside view of life as a captain in the Colombo family. Then there is the story of a beautiful love affair and marriage between Michael and an innocent Mexican American girl which withstands long periods on trial and in prison. The next part is redemption and transformation when Michael meets with Jesus and gives over control of his life to God. He now is involved in trying to prevent young men from following a life of crime. I am deeply moved by this book and it has helped my relationship with God become wider and deeper. Thankyou brother much love and many blessings to you Camille and your family.

Zwar ist Michael Franzese kein Mafia Killer, sondern eher ein "White collar" Verbrecher gewesen, aber seine Bekehrung und konsequente Hinwendung zu Jesus ist spannend zu lesen und kann ein Vorbild sein, auch für Nicht-Mob Mitglieder. Etwas nervig empfinde ich seine zu dick aufgetragene Darstellung seiner Liebe zu seiner sehr unselbständigen, empfindlichen jungen Frau. Das stellt für mich seine Stärke etwas in Frage, daher nur 4 Sterne.

Unbelievably great. Written by the man who lived the mafia life.