Chain-Gang All-Stars

Pages: 384
Published: 2023
Language: English

In a future America, prisoners fight for freedom in televised death matches as part of a controversial program called CAPE. Loretta Thurwar, a fan-favorite gladiator, is on the verge of winning her freedom, but she carries the heavy burden of her fellow Links' humanity. As corporate owners try to maintain their control, Loretta faces devastating obstacles that challenge her resolve and the very nature of these brutal games.

Prose complexity: 7/10

Dark Tense Thought-Provoking Satirical

Survival Betrayal Sacrifice Multiple POVs Mentor Figure

Science Fiction Dystopian Literary Fiction Social Sci-Fi Satire

Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah

American speculative fiction author

Loretta ThurwarProtagonist

A top-ranked "Link" in the CAPE death-match program, nearing the number of wins that would earn her freedom.

Hamara "Hurricane Staxxx" StackerProtagonist

Thurwar's teammate and romantic partner on the Angola-Hammond Chain, forced by a new program rule to fight the person she loves.

Simon J. CraftSupporting

A fighter whose memory and mental health are shattered by solitary confinement and the program's "Influencer" torture device, leaving him dependent on his teammate Hendrix.

Hendrix YoungSupporting

A fighter who spent years in a silent prison facility and reclaims his voice in the arena, becoming known for singing to the crowd while he fights.

Sunset HarklessSupporting

A mentor figure on the Angola-Hammond Chain, weighed down by guilt over the program's violence.

All characters in Chain-Gang All-Stars