BESTSELLING AUTHOR PETER EDWARDS brings alive the structure and international scope of modern gang life, and of ultimately finding a way out of it with this story of a man who didn't believe he deserved another chance, but got one.
IN THIS GRIPPING TALE of a modern-day outlaw, Shane Dankoski meticulously recounts his time as a high-ranking member of the United Nations gang - under constant threat from other gangs, including the Wolfpack and Hells Angels.
SHANE LOST NUMEROUS FRIENDS and became addicted to the very drugs he helped put on the street, including fentanyl. He spent time in and out of custody, including sharing an isolated cellblock with serial killer Robert (Willie) Pickton. After a year of segregation in prison, Shane decided he would “put two feet” into a new world - leaving behind a cycle of destruction that threatened to end his life.
The Ecosystem
Shane Dankoski has a new home and a new identity after more than a decade with one of Canada’s most active drug importing organizations. Some members are born rich. Others, like Shane, started life poor.
They come from a variety of ethnic groups, which is why they’re called The United Nations. They are all Internet-driven, mobile and ruthless.
These young gangsters are in tight contact with Mexican drug cartels, allowing them to shove their way to the top levels of the drug world, rivalling outlaw bikers and the Mafia.
In this new criminal ecosystem, geography isn’t important. Major players can be based in Canada, Mexico, India or Dubai, as they’re connected through encrypted messaging and the Dark Web.
• CHARACTERS •
Shane Dankoski
The adult son of a murdered drug dealer gets a second chance at life. He quits gang life and begins working with police after learning his former friends and enemies all want to kill him.
He doesn’t think he deserves this second chance but he doesn’t want to blow it.
Shane Dankoski
Young Shane wearing a "Hells L'il Angel" shirt with his Grandfather.
Articles by Peter Edwards
"Shane, I've been around the block more times than I care to count,
and I've seen what happens to men who get caught up in the game.
What you did - getting out, staying alive, and facing your demons
head on - takes a level of strength and courage few have. You didn't just survive the streets; you fought to rebuild your life after the very thing that almost destroyed it. You showed the kind of resilience that's rare in this world. Your story is a reminder that no matter how deep you fall, there's always a chance to rise again. Keep pushing forward. Respect."
Sammy "The Bull" Gravano
Former underboss of the Gambino Crime Family:
​​MARKET OVERVIEW:
This is an an extremely topical story which involves major Canadian centres, especially Toronto, Calgary,
Vancouver, and Montreal. It also has a strong international flavour, reaching into the U.S., Mexico, Great Britain, India, the Philippines, the Mideast and the Punjab. Some of the cases in the book are from 2022 and there are upcoming newsworthy court cases.
This is a unique book, as it is an inside-out view of the structure and international scope of 21st century, internet-based gang life.
RESEARCH:
Both Edwards and Dankoski want a totally accurate, unflinching book of new age organized crime, told from the inside out.
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Dankoski has given Edwards access to his voluminous court, police, prison, and parole files. That also includes sketches and writing from serial killer/ pig farmer Robert (Willie) Pickton, who shared a prison ward with Shane for a time.
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Edwards is also interviewing police and other sources.
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Edwards has final say on everything that appears in the manuscript.​