A review by jareadforfilth
Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah

challenging dark hopeful informative reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This book is remarkable, devastating, rage-inducing and informative all in one. We are launched into a version of reality where convicts can opt to compete to the death for their freedom, and the nation is ravenous for it. The dissociation of these convicts (both guilty and innocent) is mind-blowing but feels not far off, honestly. This book casts a harsh light on the depth of people’s cruelty and bloodlust, the corruption of the justice system, and the greed of the 1%.

I love the way Adjei-Brenyah wrote these characters, they all felt so real and I developed individual and deep love for each of them. The way this story is written is also gripping and action-packed, so while being a commentary, it also actively engages the reader in the exact culture that is called into question and makes you take a hard look at yourself, as well. I cannot say enough about this book, it is poignant and ruthless with sparks of humanity in the most unlikely of places and monstrosity in the most abundant.

This book is also incredibly queer with a sapphic relationship very much so at the center, a trans character side character, bisexual rep, and lesbian rep. 

I found the narrators did an exceptional job in not only their performances, but in delineating the footnotes from the plot. It was easy to follow and a masterclass in audiobook narration. Thank you so much to PRHaudio for the review copy!
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