Genre: Action/ThrillerPages: 236
Book Source: From Author for Review
Sentenced to life in prison when he executes the men who murdered his wife, Kane Silver is singled out by the warden for his fighting ability. Along with inmates Valentino Lopez and Si’Ling Lee, Kane is drafted into service and forced to fight for money in high-stakes tournaments. But when the three friends escape during a New Year’s Eve match in Lake Tahoe—saving the warden’s life in the process—their situation becomes more complicated.
Their status undetermined, they vanish underground and sign on to help a young woman whose parents are being held by an Argentinean drug kingpin. Follow Kane and his friends as they compete and grow closer while rediscovering what it means to be free. From Lake Tahoe and the western United States to Costa Rica, Hong Kong, Buenos Aires, and Thailand, Life After 187 takes readers on an exhilarating ride filled with big money, intense action, justice, and the pursuit of honor.
Review:
Life After 187 grabbed me from the first page, which is just as well because it is a very quick read. It's obvious that Halverson writes what he knows, and does it well. Intense and authentic, the author's simple but direct style of writing plays almost like a movie. I thought the fight scenes were great and I would have liked to see more (which surprised me.) However this isn't just an action-packed adrenaline ride, there are moments of quiet, where the bond of friendship and honour between Kane, Si and Val are at the forefront of this novel bringing about the light and shade, essential to a good story!
Kane, along with Chinese monk Si'Ling and Valentino, a bad-ass Mexican are all serving consecutive life sentences for murder. I felt a huge amount of sympathy for Kane early in the story but must admit I was surprised to be rooting for the 'bad' guys from the beginning; testament to the great job Halverson does portraying these characters. Violence, pain and despair are combined with friendship, loyalty, respect, honour and a strong moral code, traits which make these atypical heroes so easy to like.
An entertaining read with strong characters more than making up for any implausible plot scenes. Thoroughly recommended for fans of no-holds-barred action.
Thanks Wade for sending me a copy of Life After 187 for review, I'm keen to read more of your work.
To celebrate blogging friendships & my birthday two lucky readers can take their pick from a choice of 6 books in my Dec/Jan giveaway. Check this blog post for details. International entrants welcome.
Looks like quite a read.. Will keep a note of the title . Nice review
ReplyDeleteGood review but doesn't sound like a book for me. Glad to see you blogging again!
ReplyDeleteI'm not used to any books under thrillers, but this one really captured my interest.
ReplyDeleteThank you for introducing this book, will be keeping an eye on this author and see if it's going to be available at my part of the world =)
Sounds like a book for a buddy of mine, must mention it to her
ReplyDeleteNice. I don't know if this book is quite up my alley, but i loved your review!
ReplyDeleteI thought this book was more action movie than thriller book actually. I wished it had been a little more detailed, but I did enjoy the read.
ReplyDeleteGreat review. I do like action but am still a bit uncertain if this book is for me. I think though, because you liked it, I am going to put it on my to-read list.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you are posting again. :)
Treat review, sounds like one I might just like to read! Thanks. It would be sort of funny rooting for the bad guys, but I find that I am already rooting for Kane.
ReplyDeleteI don't generally go for action packed novels, but I am intrigued with the way you described the character development and the writing.
ReplyDeleteYpu know it's good when you're rooting for the bad guy!
ReplyDeleteI remember seeing this book - and I wasn't ready for it...
ReplyDeleteBut the more reviews I read - I am liking this gutsy books alot...
Thank hon...
I am also glad to see you reviewing as well..
E.H>