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

challenging dark emotional informative reflective 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? It's complicated

4.0

This searing, gut punch of a speculative novel imagines a future America where prisoners fight to the death for entertainment. The research on our current carceral state, as well as abolition, that Adjei-Brenyah incorporated throughout the story is impressive and eye-opening. I do think the structure, cutting between multiple POVs, detracted from the emotional force of the main story of two top women gladiators in love fighting for freedom.
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