Dennis's Reviews > Chain-Gang All-Stars

For the first time ever, I'm reviewing a book and not giving a star rating. Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah's upcoming novel, CHAIN-GANG ALL-STARS is an Orwellian Hunger Games meets Squid Game. I am at a loss for words with what I just read, so I'll try to gather my thoughts as much as possible. This book takes place in a world in which America allows inmates to battle it out for a chance of freedom. The prison system in the United States has become a place for entertainment, where people become gladiators and battle to the death until their release is approved.

The story focuses mainly on Lorette Thurwar and Hamara "Hurricane Staxxx", who are the stars of Chain-Gang All-Stars, the most notable battlers in CAPE (Criminal Action Penal Entertainment). They are battling for a chance at freedom, with millions of viewers and packed arenas watching their lives closely. Becoming celebrities through this process, they also need to be mindful of the powers at be in CAPE. CHAIN-GANG ALL-STARS is a book with many, many triggers involving racism and the effects of a capitalist government manipulating and abusing privilege. This depiction will be hard for readers and I honestly can't rate this book because it's a very painful and dark story. It's truly powerful in every rite and it is a book that every person who can handle the trauma should read. I am at a loss for words and I don't think my review will ever give this book justice.