She felt their eyes, all those executioners…

Enter a world where, watched by millions, prisoners fight like gladiators for the ultimate prize: their freedom.

SHORTLISTED FOR THE WATERSTONES DEBUT FICTION PRIZE 2023

SHORTLISTED FOR THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARD 2023

Welcome to Chain-Gang All-Stars, the popular and highly controversial programme inside America’s private prison system. In packed arenas, live-streamed by millions, prisoners compete as gladiators for the ultimate prize: their freedom.

Fan favourites Loretta Thurwar and Hamara ‘Hurricane Staxxx’ Stacker are teammates and lovers. Thurwar is nearing the end of her time on the circuit, free in just a few matches, a fact she carries as heavily as her lethal hammer.

As she prepares for her final encounters, as protestors gather at the gates, and as the programme’s corporate owners stack the odds against her – will the price be simply too high?