I was about to begin my annual tradition of reading ‘A Christmas Carol’ when this book appeared in my recommendations. The synopsis intrigued me. I hope I won't regret switching books 😅

"He considered himself a feminist...", Oh! I'm sure he does! I have the feeling this is going to be the most infuriating character in this book! 😭😭

Before you start reading the book, keep in mind that you might need to take some notes on important characters. In case this makes it easier for anyone, here are my notes so far:

The CAPE program is essentially the existence of another option for those prisoners that are on death row, and those that have been sentenced to life in prison. If an inmate can survive 3 years in the CAPE program (level: Freed), they earn their freedom. There are many people that protest the existence of this program because it is essentially inmates fighting to the death in hopes to earn their freedom, while the matches are broadcasted and televised, and companies profit from sponsoring the event.

The technology used during these matches is part of the dystopic world Nana has created (although not too far fetched if you look at what we currently use for broadcasting sports events) where cameras microphones and "digital handcuffs" are omnipresent.

There are hints that this system preys on black people but it is mentioned that there are also white people in the program (unequivocally a minority though). I think we will delve deeper into this later.

The levels in the CAPE program go as follows: rookie, survivor, cusp, reaper, harsh reaper, colossal, Grant colossal, freed.

IMPORTANT CHARACTERS:

•Melancholia Bishop was an early opponent of Loretta. She's the one that gave her the Hammer (aka Hass Omaha). She's also the one that voluntarily lost the fight to Loretta even though she was really close to getting freed. She also gave Loretta tips on how to be. She advised her to cut her hair short so that her opponents could not grab her easily, and gave her tips on how to market herself to the audience.

•Loretta Thurwar = uses the Powerful Hammer, aka Hass Omaha, she is a Grand Colossal, in the Angela Hammond gang chain. Lover of Hamara Stacker

•Hamara Stacker = Staxx = Hurricane = "I love you" girl uses the Scythe she calls the LoveGuile. Still a Harsh Reaper, in the Angela Hammond chain as well. Lover of Loretta Thurwar.

•Sun = Sunset Harkless = he is a former Grand colossal that was almost ready to be freed but was killed during a blackout (the cameras were off) by someone in his own chain, the Angela Hammond chain, but no one knows who the killer is.

•Sunset's daughter is Mari, and we know she's an activist that is protesting B3, which is essentially the existence of the CAPE program.

[…] the tights also marked with the WholeMarket™ fruit basket, emblazoned near her hip, conspicuously not centered on her genitalia, as many other major brands might have opted for. WholeMarket™ was a family brand.

gladiatorial combat, fun for all the family!