This book had an intriguing premise and the blurb read it was going to be based on some kind of experiment about survival, community and the value of human life.

I enjoyed the opening of the book as the 'game' was set up and the characters were introduced, but once the game was in free flow I found it all a bit confusing and very, very dark.

There was quite a lot of emphasis placed upon positioning and visualising the setting and its geography but for some reason I just couldn't picture it. As I couldn't picture it, and with so many characters, I struggled to keep track of what was going on and by the end I'd found that I'd lost interest and didn't really care whether they lived or died. Probably harsh, but true.

I found the conclusion needed more clarity and the writer could have done more to help the reader visualise the setting, but I would say if you enjoy very very dark and graphic violent books with an original premise then this one could be worth your time!

A very nice survival game thriller with characters that actually were interesting. Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for a chance to read this book.

Six death row inmates with approaching execution dates are given letters telling them they have a choice: face execution or compete in a fight to the death survival contest with other prisoners on a private island. Last one standing wins their freedom. What commences is a battle of both pure survival instincts and mind games.

This book is told mainly from two POVs, both death row contestants: Brooklyn and Eddy.

I really enjoyed this book, which was really interesting because it was similar to a “Hunger Games” plot line, but without the innocent contestants. Not to spoil anything, because as compassionate as characters like Brooklyn and Eddy are, they aren’t innocent, and they’ve made bad choices, it’s up to us to decide what we decide about them, knowing what we know.

Anyway, as I said, the game is also not so simple, and combines mind games and survival skills, which makes things really exciting, but I won’t say too much more about that, again, so that I don’t give any spoilers. But trust me, it’s really good. I really enjoyed all the twists and turns this one takes.

The only thing I wish the book got into more was a couple of things that were only briefly mentioned: the characters mention a couple of different tines that laws in the US have changed to make it easier to execute death row inmates and even to put people on death row. Almost like a sort of dystopian world setting that was hinted at. But it wasn’t really explained. I wish it was. It might’ve added some more context to the story - like how Brooklyn was only 8 years from her conviction and two days from her execution.

If you like the survival games genre, this is a great addition. I really devoured it. It’s an excellent read!

Straight from the start, Death Row Games grabs your attention. Inmates are selected to participate knowing only that ‘the last person standing is granted their freedom’. Each character takes the reader through their point of view while together learning what the games entail and who can be trusted.
I fully enjoyed Death Row Games and it left me hoping there would be a sequel, or even a prequel! The end was a jaw-dropper for me and defiantly left the story open for more (please write more!). It was a quick and easy read, which I thought was perfect to keep a quick pace for this story. Any related books will instantly be added to my TBR!

This was a fun book.

I definitely enjoy the whole prisoners need to kill each other in survival games thing. I did wish for a few more prisoners (it's kind of a small group) and, thus, more killing? But it's fast paced and entertaining.

The author throws a few little surprises in -and one that definitely shocked me.

I liked our characters, though occasionally had a little trouble telling their voices apart.

A fun, fast read!

As someone who loved movies like the Hunger games, I really enjoyed reading this book. This book gave me a sense of nostalgia but in its own way. The different characters and how the story played out was amazing which is why I feel like this book deserves a 4 star rating.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.

Brooklyn is on death row. When she is offered her freedom, she has no choice but to take it. The condition is, that she needs to survive on a private island against other inmates. Last one standing! When on the island, it is apparent that the rules have changed. Eddy is offered the same deal and is also on the island.

This started off with The Hinger Game vibes, and I wasn’t expecting much. I was very wrong. Quickly the new situation developed. An exciting, edge of seat suspense. The story is told through both Brooklyn and Eddy’s prospectives. There are flash backs to the past explaining how they ended up on death row. This opportunity to get to know the characters was great, and my empathy for them grew. We also get short but snappy chapters from anonymous-the killer! I loved all the twists and turns throughout and the last cliffhanger meant things ended with a bang! Highly recommend!

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review!

*some spoilers about 3 paragraphs down!*

My first thought of this book was “hunger games vibes” which I wasn’t the biggest fan of, but decided to read it anyway. I’m happy I did! I enjoyed the concept and multiple plot twists of the book.

I really love that the POV changed regularly, whether it was between characters or jumps in the timeline. I do wish we got an inner monologue of Jillian though, I feel like she should’ve been elaborated more versus having us read what other characters thought of her.

I also enjoy the diversity of the characters. A war vet that was essentially defending his family, a girl that was defending herself and her friend, and a girl that killed basically in the name of love who has mental health issues. Then there was Ronny that was kind of dumb, so I’m glad he got killed off asap. Then Sven who tried to lie about who he is.

The ending is confusing a little, and maybe im just confusing myself… did Brooke’s dad never join the Navy? And made the phone call to help kidnap his daughter back? It makes sense why she was never allowed out of the house, but it sucks because Brooklyn may never know the truth on why her father was the way he was.

Overall a good, fast paced read! I’d recommend this to friends, just be prepared to have some questions left unanswered.

I LOVED this book! First off I love any book that takes place on and island so that was already a plus! Add hunger games elements to that PLUS plot twistsssss?!?! I was EATING THIS BOOK UP!!!! 5 STARS!!

Six death row convicts. One island. Last person standing wins their freedom!! Wow wow wow!! What a heart pounder!! This book had fantastic suspense, gruesome murders, mystery, intriguing, action packed moments, great cat and mouse moments, and some really wild twists and turns! The storyline was very interesting! I highly recommend reading this book! It’s definitely different! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

I really enjoyed reading this book, it had that stuck in one place perfectly and enjoyed the idea of convicts and how they worked with trying for their freedom. I was invested in the characters and how it worked in this story. Shade Owens wrote this perfectly and wanted to read more from the author.

Initially, I was drawn to the title, cover, and synopsis of the book; however, those were the only aspects I found appealing. Unfortunately, I found the narrative to be rather dull, and at times, it was challenging to follow the characters and the time periods. While I can certainly recognize the potential of the concept, the writing struck me as basic and lacking in vibrancy. In my view, the characters were underdeveloped and rather one-dimensional. What troubled me the most though was the impression that the story felt hastily constructed, lacking thorough planning.

A woman called brooklyn is on death row for murder, and she is invited to participate in these games, against other convicts in a bid to win her freedom.
In alot of ways it is similar to hunger games or squid games. Ultimately there can only be one winner, and you see learn about the characters and their background, but you also get a glimpse at previous death row games and whether or not players can learn from it.
It also brings up issues such as the convicts moral compass, do they fight in the games and know when to walk away or they completely lose their minds.
Its a great book and it really draws you in and it doesnt take much to capture your imagination.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you for the opportunity to preview Death Row Games. When death row inmate Brooklyn Winter gets an offer she can’t refuse she and Five other inmates will go to a remote location. They will be placed on an island to fight for their lives and the winner will be freed from jail.
Sounds good to her but surviving a harsh reality with little provisions and no weapons is quite the challenge.
These five individuals who are killers as well will battle for their life and they will be taking no prisoners.
Good book. 3.5 stars

I wasn't a huge fan of this writing style, there was a lot of showing and not telling so I ended up DNF'ing it but I won't rate a DNF. I think the idea was really gripping and what drew me initially, but I couldn't keep myself in the book with all the telling statements. Thank you for the ARC!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Not my usual genre at all but the premise attracted me and I wasn't disappointed. Very tense at times and could easily see this book being adapted to the big screen. Fast paced and suspenseful throughout.

What a fantastic book!! Very suspense filled with alot of twists and turns! I haven't read anything by this Author before, but this book was definitely a top 5 for me!!

I haven't read anything by this author before but if any of her other books are like this one, I won't be making that mistake again in a hurry because whilst this was a bit of change from what I usually read, it had me on the edge of my seat quickly tapping my Kindle screen to find out how it would all end.

The two main characters of Brooklyn and Eddy are excellent and I loved that we got to see how they ended up on death row and could totally understand how they would jump at the chance to be given their freedom ... I was totally invested in them.

There is oodles of action and violence with the tension ratcheting up at every new chapter. The twists were excellent and whilst I am still not sure about the ending, I would still recommend.

I can definitely see this as being a great action film and my thanks to the author, Red Raven Publishing and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this book.

Thank you NetGalley for a pre-release of Death Row Games.

Everything isn’t what it seems on the island. This book is a mix between the Hunger Games and the classic, The Most Dangerous Game.

This was a good book, but not a great one for me. I was hoping for more depth, like if this was a seven layer dip, we hit maybe layer 3 or 4 and I wanted it all!
I liked, who I would consider the main character, Brooklyn. Her skills and strength from her life with her father was intriguing and I would’ve loved even more of that aspect.
I didn’t expect the twist at the end, so points to the author for fooling me!