This was a horrifying critique of the US prison system. I have just two or three issues, first of which is, the themes were extremely heavy-handed and it felt like getting whacked by the point over and over again. I also both loved and hated the footnotes. Some of them gave great info, but I think the low freed characters didn’t need their backstory or crimes told and it almost felt contrary to the point that the prisoners were people and not just their crimes. Also some of the POV‘s felt a little overwhelming due to the sheer number of them and some like the doctor’s or Wil’s POV felt a little bit unnecessary considering they were one and dones with only minor mentions later. 

Now, this was extremely graphic. The fight scenes were super vivid, and the casual violence is jarring. I loved Thurwar’s and Staxx’s characters. I loved how their love and their growth and their grief was showcased. The ending destroyed me, waiting until the final page to resolve the story was ridiculous (/pos). The prose was impactful and compelling, and I think Adjei-Brenyah masterfully weaved the stories of Staxx and Thurwar with multiple lenses, critiquing the prison system, capitalism, and the allowance of the 13th amendment for incarcerated slaves. I loved that evil people were still allowed to be evil and not everyone needed a sob story or character growth. I will definitely be recommending this in the future.