Review Detail

A gory, dark thriller with all the things we loved about Hunger Games plus a delightfully creepy twist of something new and totally addicting.

From page one, Dee Guerrera finds herself in the killroom of the Postman’s executioner, Prince Slycer. She’s been convicted of the murder of her stepsister, sent to Alcatraz 2.0, and she’s about to pay for her crime with her life ... on live television. Except she’s innocent.

Dee has to learn how to survive her time on Alcatraz 2.0 with the eyes of the entire nation on her. She’s on her own and doesn’t know who she can trust.

McNeil brings dark humor to this twisted and horrifying look at today’s social media climate. Perfect for horror fans who can laugh at the idea of a Gucci wearing serial killer and don’t take things too seriously.

There was so much about this novel I loved, but I did not love Dee’s history involving a strange kidnapping and a really terrifying and bizarre young captor. Much of that story component just felt weak and underdeveloped for me. Certain elements came together in the end in an expected way that was a bit of a let down. The book begins with a five star bang, and the premise is so strong and unique, but the end, while still enjoyable, failed to finish as strongly as it began. I would have loved to see some further development to the story and its characters with a more imaginative ending as a standalone novel. I would still be excited to read a second book, but would hope to see more originality and more depth as Dee’s story continues.