Prisoner

This book kept me engaged and guessing. I can’t wait for the next in the series.

Prisoner 793 came to only accept that as his name. With an unfortunate, trauma inducing crime, protecting his twin sister, he was sentenced. He was sent to juvenile detention center at the young age of 14. This is where he met Thomas and took him under his protection. They grew close and a special relationship developed between them. Unfortunately when 793 turned eighteen, he had to leave Thomas behind. Being tried as and adult at his young age and now turning eighteen, he was transferred to maximum security prison. Now, separated from Thomas, he looked forward to the day when Thomas would also be transferred to maximum security prison and they could be together again.

793 at twenty-seven had served twelve years of his sentence and had thirty-eight years left to serve. He had two cell mates that he learned from: Big Bastard and the strange Leander.

In order to not bring attention to himself 793 kept his head down, did what he was told and talked to no one. He always thought of Thomas and wrote to him and waited for for the day they would be together again. But a tragic turn left 793 devastated. It only left 793 with one thought and that was to move up his plan. By the skin of his teeth, his plan works, but it leaves him alone and on the run in a world he’s not used too.

793 is now desperate to find a place he can live and hide before the authorities find him. He’s always on the move until one time he takes a chance to steal away on a yacht. When the yacht docks at a waterfront house, he makes his escape. But he’s caught by a young man, Tristan Steele. Tristan is an orphan, a graduate student and wealthy due to the loss of his parents. Tristan makes an unbelievable offer to 793 as he believes it’s the right thing to do. Tristan offers so much help to 793 and it will open up 793 with just his name.

Gigi DeGraham creates a very dark theme story of prison life. It will follow prisoner 793 through stages from juvenile detention and maximum prison. The author doesn’t hold back at what prison life is like for so many. She also brings out the unfairness of the justice system and how they convicted a juvenile as an adult. I have to commend the author for the in-depth look at the prison, prison guards, rules and regulations that are overlooked and all that’s involved in the way of prison life.

The author also brings an interesting look at how, 793, Thomas and Tristan all deal with their feelings and conflicts in the way of love and sexuality. Tristan is a life saver as he shows a kindness and help that gives freedom and a new life to 793.

For me, the one character that stood out is Leander Morel. He was one of 793’s cell mates for a time. It seemed other prisoners never approached Leander. He was known for the unexplainable, hexes, curses, visions and dark magic. It has me wondering if somehow Leander had something to do with the shocking ending of this novel.

At the beginning of each chapter, the author has interesting quotes by famous individuals, they are thought provoking and fit each chapter perfectly.

I highly recommend “Prisoner” the start of the new series “Steele Pack” by Gigi Graham. The novel was gripping from the very start, it’s suspenseful, and emotional on so many levels. I couldn’t put it down!