An American Cage

The book did not download properly for me. There were no paragraphs or chapter breaks. It was difficult to read and normally, I would not have even tried. But I stuck with it and soon got sucked in. I usually favor "cop stories" so to read something from the other angle was a new twist. I did enjoy this book. If you can get a copy that is properly formatted for your device, it's worth taking the time to read.

I thought this book was well written and characters were interesting and well
developed, but parts of it seemed odd - why didn't girl just walk away during tire scene? Why is mom hiding something in someone else's house? - among other odd things like that. So most of it was a good read and kept me coming back and turning pages, but the whole book was leading up to this grand finale - literally the entire book is about what will happen at the end. And then the end is over and done with in about a page. I dunno. Just this massive lead up and suddenly it's all done and over and resolved. Just left me feeling like something was missing. Like a couple of chapters! But all in all a good and entertaining read.

Opening sentence: “As inmates of Thurgood L. Crick prison funnel out of the library toward the dining hall for eleven-AM lunch, Danny Marsh stays back, hidden behind a rack of books, aware this could be the last hour of his life.”

Yes, that’s an opening sentence with a lot of intriguing information and it gives a nice indication of the pace set in this book. There are story threads and plot twists steadily revealed throughout, so I found myself completely engrossed and always intrigued about what could happen next. Essential ingredients for a great thriller.

Set over 24-hours, this story starts as Danny Marsh, Monty Montgomery and Phil Zorn escape from Crick prison, Texas and attempt to get to Mexico and start their new lives. Lead character, Danny, is interesting, as he is a criminal with a conscience and provides a moral backbone to the story. It would be hard to root for out-and-out criminals attempting to swerve justice, so he is a clever character in that he gives the book depth and makes you realise that not all prisoners are necessarily intentionally bad.

Danny is in prison for a crime he didn’t intend to commit, so struggles with not only with day-to-day prison life, but also with his guilt about why he is in prison. He is a good, strong contrast to Phil, who is older, insanely clever, a scientist by trade, mastermind of the men’s prison-break, and an all-round shadier character. Straddled between them is petty criminal Monty, who nicely rounds up the trio of prisoners. Galdi even manages to weave a suggestion of romance into his story, despite the unlikely setting, which, for me, added a little something extra to the tale.

We are also given the point-of-view of the police trying to catch the escaped criminals, and this is the only area I felt was a little lacking. They are following the thread and making progress, then their story is left unfinished, which did leave me with a few questions once I’d reached the last page of the book.

Overall though, this was a fast-paced, easy-to-whizz-through little thriller with just the right level of tension and an ending I wasn’t expecting – a very enjoyable read.

I got to read An American Cage this week and it was an intriguing page Turner that kept me interested to the last page. My first experience with author Ted Galdi, and I really enjoyed it.

Three prison inmates led by a professor who plans it all, escapes from Jail. They are pursued relentlessly by the police with their leader intent on achieving the fame and fortune that would result from their capture. There after follows a dramatic story where nothing is what it seems with unexpected events full of twists and turns involving murder and betrayal. A most exciting read with the reader hooked to discover how it will end.

This book launches directly into action, with the characters revealing themselves through actions and interactions. This allows for a number of years surprises along the way. The psychological adjustment of the main character from weak to strong is the crux of the story. The writing provides just enough description to frame the action without anything extraneous. The book is great on character development, with the good and bad slowly sorting out. However, good and bad in the context of this story is relative. The ending was not quite what I had expected, but tied up most of the loose ends.

I enjoyed this book. It has well-developed characters, descriptive action and more than one surprise.

Danny Marsh, twenty four years old, was a farm boy serving time in Thurgood L. Crick Maximum Security Prison located in Texas. An error in judgement, one split second, a resultant prison stint. Deemed a "rich white boy" frightened by prison life, his panic attacks subsided when he was housed with new cellmate, soft spoken Professor Phil Zorn. Phil, forty-ish, a neuroscience researcher, offered Danny father-like support and encouragement. It is no surprise that when Phil planned a prison break, Danny, as well as penniless, ghetto raised Monty Montgomery supported Phil's escape plan.

Danny, Phil and Monty hid in the library while fellow inmates filed out to eat lunch. The trio had approximately forty minutes, thirty for lunch and a ten minute head count, to use the supplies amassed to reach the safety of the woods. Supplies included a smuggled in reciprocating saw to cut through the ventilation duct and duct tape to wrap around their hands and atlases secured to their chests to guard against the razor wire fence. Monty caught his leg on the barbed wire and Danny's spirits dampened while Phil, who had memorized the path through the woods from a Google Earth photo smuggled into prison, brainstormed an adjustment.

One stolen truck later, the trio pulled into "Splash Paradise", an abandoned water park. This rendezvous spot was designated for Phil's outside contact to meet up with them, drive them to a ready apartment in Mexico and help them obtain fake ID's and papers. Phil and contact Wade Lorendinski indicated that the escape plan had an extra step Danny and Monty might not have agreed on, but, getting to Mexico was not free. Phil told Danny that his parents must provide $250,000 in cash or else. Danny now realized the cruelty of hardened criminals. Danny would not bury his head in the sand. While his consideration of others increased, Phil's harrowing true intent manifested itself.

"An American Cage" by Ted Galdi is a riveting tome about a jailbreak replete with many twists and turns experienced by the culprits. There are continuous obstacles in their path. One such obstacle is Lt. John Ramos. If he can apprehend the criminals, his police department would get national recognition. Perhaps upon retirement, he could enter politics. The character development of the principals made me "cheer" as well as 'jeer". Galdi's sophomore novel was an excellent read that I highly recommend.

Thank you Ted Galdi, Precipice Books and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review "An American Cage".

“An American Cage” is Ted Galdi’s look at a prison break and its aftermath. One can only guess at how many books have been written about people on the run, but this one is a good one. Galdi’s breathless prose places it high on my favorites list.

Danny, Phil, and Monty are three jail birds who break out of a Texas prison and their story only takes a couple of days, but the author fills the time with great characterizations, relentless action, and seemingly endless jogs in the road. At first I thought this was a dumb and dumber story. But Galdi is clever as he follows each character through their ordeals. Phil, the planner of the escape, appears to be weak and frail but his character is soon developed into a madman whose intentions become evident. He has specific uses in mind for the other two, none of which are particularly benevolent.

I say that Galdi’s prose has a breathless quality and that’s because the atmosphere is frothy with elements of disaster around every corner, but each situation seems to work out but leads to more tension when others develop. The author has an aversion to clichés and does well at keeping them at bay.

I think you will like this story and its twists that will intrigue you. It’s a good read for a summer day with shadowy overtones in the Texas heat.

Danny, Monty, and Phil have led very different lives, though circumstances have brought them together. Currently, they are all inmates at the Crick prison in Texas. They join forces planning and executing a daring prison escape with the goal of reaching Mexico and the chance for a brand new life. Phil is much older than Danny and Monty and as the story unfolds is definitely the "brains" behind this risky plan.
Actually escaping from prison would seem to me to be the hardest part, but as the plot is revealed, the most gripping part of the story develops after their escape. Phil once again takes control and shows how far some people will go to get what they want, no matter the cost. Ultimately, this is Danny's story and one of how one bad decision can change everything. The chance to do the right thing and eventually maybe even find redemption always still exists though, no matter what occurred in the past.
I enjoyed Ted Galdi's writing and was eager to discover what would happen to these three fugitives. If you like a book with a great plot, well-developed characters, and constant uncertainty about what will transpire next, this one is for you. Thanks to Ted Galdi, Precipice Books, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

An American Cage, the sophomore release by Ted Galdi, sizzles off the page in the Texas heat. You will be caught immediately in the most theatrical prison escape yet conceived or attempted. Don't discount Danny Marsh and Monty Montgomery, both twenty-somethings to Phil Zorn's forty-something. The first two are young and stupid strapping men, neither of whom landed in prison for something heinous--perhaps more on the error of judgment side--rather than terribly criminal. Phil, as he adamantly proclaims was framed. But he has the smarts. Extreme smarts.

The plan took many long months and gathering all the materials required some smuggling. When the day comes the men move through the air duct and eventually, ever so slowly and carefully, over the concertina wire. You can't continue to hold your breath forever--but something has gone wrong. Monty has a problem which will alter their original plan.

Phil, a master manipulator has chosen Danny very carefully, using keen, insightful psychology as he pairs Danny with Monty--genius. One will insure success of the ultimate plan because of the other. The two are told they'll all go to Mexico with the documents, goods, and ID's from Phil's contact on the outside. Unfortunately, the contact demands $250k to cover their expenses. Danny comes from an upper-middle-class family, but even his parents wouldn't be able to get that kind of money on a weekend.

The author has an amazing way of creating sympathy for Danny and Monty--these two guys just shouldn't be here. Along the way to El Paso, they've picked up a young female hitchhiker and the situation turns even more desperate. We get to know each of the men and the girl and it doesn't look like there is any good way out of this.

Dialogue can lapse into using some four-letter words--perhaps not unrealistic if you understand with whom you are dealing. In this plot, an empathetic protagonist flips and the narrative quickly moves from suspenseful to nail-biting psychological thriller.

Ted Galdi does an amazing job of wrapping up his story in a thoroughly satisfying ending. I received this request from the author and downloaded from NetGalley for a read and review. The pleasure was all mine. This should be a series on TV. Something different, exciting, and heartily recommended.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this novel, but I must admit that I was hooked from the very first page. The writing allowed me to "see" in my mind every detail of what was happening.

The story starts off with the months of planning coming to a head as three inmates of Thurgood L. Crick prison make their escape. As each step unfolded, I found myself holding my breath. Whew! Was I actually cheering for these bad guys to get away? Huh. As I got to know them, I actually felt sorry for them and thought they must have all been wronged with these prison sentences.

The escape doesn't go exactly as planned and they must quickly come up with new alternate plans, plans that involved other people. Phil Zorn, a former professor and the brains behind the escape plan, sets the group on a new path... a path neither Danny or Monty expected. Page by page we learn more and more about each of these three escapees and how they react to the world around them... and just how fine that line is between good and evil... or how evil a person can truly become.

Ted Galdi was masterful in plotting the twists and turns in this nail-biting adventure that digs deep into the psychological thriller it rapidly becomes.

Read this book in a day. Wish it was longer. Loved the characters and love the plot

Ted Galdi's narrative spilled off the pages with flair. I sat riveted from page one. Just the way I like it. As the dramatic scenes unfolded, I was privy to a Machiavellian escape plan, when set in motion, actually seemed plausible. Essentially, I felt the anxiety of a daring prison break. Now that's a change-of-pace! The storyline hustled along culminating with an exciting ending that I never saw coming. Touche.

Three inmates made a daring escape from a maximum-security prison in Texas. Who said it couldn't be done? The trio consisted of Phil, the middle-aged ringleader, Danny and Monty, both in their mid-twenties. The mastermind behind this orchestrated jailbreak fell to Phil. He concocted the nefarious scheme down to the letter over several long awaited months. The moment of truth was now approaching.

On the day of the breakout, they had hidden themselves in the prison library and waited till lunch got underway. No one would notice they were missing. Head counts were not taken. For an hour anyway. Working fast, they cut their way through an air duct with a power saw that Phil had smuggled into prison. It's not what you know... The air duct eventually led them to the outside wall of the building. From their perch high above, they had gathered ten prison uniforms securely tied together for a three-story descent. They had duct taped their hands and items to their bodies that would protect them for a climb over razor sharp concertina wire nestled atop the perimeter fence. That is, if they got that far. From there on it was a two and a half mile run through the woods to meet up with a waiting accomplice, Wade, with a ride. Miraculously, they made it!

The ultimate plan was to head in the direction of our neighbor to the south - Mexico. But getting there came with a high price tag. Nothing's free. What is the cost of freedom worth? In this daring endeavor, Wade demanded $250,000. It would cover transporting them down to Mexico, new IDs and a safe haven to live. Phil proposed that Danny's parents were wealthy enough to put together that much cash in a hurry. So he hoped. This was a cash-only transaction. Danny had been blindsided by this sudden turn of events. Who keeps that kind of cash laying around the house? It was also Saturday. Banks were closed for the weekend. Without the money, though, they're dead in the water. America can no longer be called home. The clock slowly ticked as the walls were closing in from all sides. A statewide manhunt was well underway. How much longer could they remain on the run? Desperate measures were now called for. Freedom at any price. Whatever it takes.

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
This is the story of Danny Marsh who escapes prison with two other inmates. Trying to get to Mexico across Texas with the Texas marshalls chasing them and then finding that who he thought was a friend and was helping him out of a bind was not really such a good friend.
This shows the struggles they went through on the run and what their final decision was at the end.
For a you kid, trying to stay alive in a prison where they would just shank you for just looking at you, he has had to survive and you see that he has matured on his journey and making the decision of his life.
This was a really good story of men on the rund from escaping prison and how they dealt with their lives outside.

I received a copy to read from Netgalley in return for an honest opinion. I was interested in this story by Ted Galdi because I loved the tv show Prison Break. This wasn't the typical prison break story for me which is a good thing. It was a very vivid and exciting story that takes place in Texas and follows the convicts as they try to make their way to Mexico. Danny Marsh and two other inmates escape a maximum security prison in Texas. I felt like I was watching an episode of Prison Break as I anxiously turned the pages. Since I live in Texas, I loved this story and felt I really knew the places and the people. This story gives a new meaning to the term Texas heat...and I look forward to reading more from this author.

I like a good "Texas" story. I like gritty novels where I can almost feel the dirt rather than punch out half stories ready for serials. This is a novel of good tension with a strong Texas flair to it. Here are a few examples of what I mean; Thurgood L. Crick Maximum Security Prison, Splash Paradise, and finally the Texas icon of a lawman Lt. John Ramos.

You will find action here (that I love) but surprisingly you will find proper pacing that makes for a great story. Buy the book and enjoy the "break-out".

Why are three inmates from Thurgood L. Crick prison hiding in the library? Danny Marsh, Monty Montgomery, and Phil Zorn wait in the library until the Librarian closes the steel door and locks it up. Phil Zorn was definitely the brains of the the three, and did research to find the best way to break out of the prison. He found a way out through the library. The three inmates had taken time during each visit to the library to dig a hole through the wall and through a tunnel. It had taken quite a bit of time, but eventually they managed to break through. The three had made plans to escape and make a their new home in Mexico. It doesn't take long before the Prison Warden realizes that they are missing. The Warden institutes an all out search in the next town. The three inmates find a family in their home and they inmates hold them hostage. They steal the family's vehicle and make a run for it. Danny asks Phil to make sure that he calls and lets someone know that the family has been tied up. Phil grins and says of course. This is a hint for what is to come. Danny is harboring a secret as to how he was arrested. But when he became cellmates with Phil, he began to talk to Phil in confidence. Little did he know that Phil is a sociopath and would use everything Danny told him as a bargaining chip. Danny and Monty were drugged and end up in a huge steel cage!! It's kind of ironic that they escaped prison to go to Mexico, and now they are being held captive again!! Who drugged them and why? Will they all live? Would they ever be free? What's Phil's take on all this? It seems as if things did not go as planned!! Will they all get to Mexico? This plot was very intriguing. I kept reading, because I wanted to know what was going to happen next. The character development was well thought out. I think that both Danny and Monty discovered a courage that neither thought they had!! The ending will definitely surprise you. Definitely a good psychological thriller.

I was surprised by this book,. There are so many books written about prison escapes but this book stood out from the start, it drew me in and it was like I was there. The author paints a clear picture of events. This is a really well written book that you won't be disappointed in.

Outstanding for a first time novel and the cover is just perfect for this story.

"Three inmates break out of a maximum-security prison in Texas, one of them Danny Marsh, a suburban kid in his twenties who landed in jail because of a crime he never intended to commit.

An American Cage follows Danny and his two escape partners over a twenty-four-hour period as they struggle to cross Texas to freedom in Mexico. On this dangerous journey, Danny has to evade the rabid Texas authorities, and even worse, the schemes of one of his closest allies, who isn't who he seems."

That's just the overview, it gets a lot more complicated. Things do not go as planned. One of them gets hurt and their escape car is gone. It just goes downhill from there.

This story has so many twists and turns it's like spagette. I really liked Danny and felt sorry for him. He let emotions get the best of him. He let Phil's soft voice and "compassion" talk him into escaping.

All in all I found the characters well written and the plot engaging. There was enough action and unexpected events to keep the tension on a high level.

I had the kindle version and listened straight through. I just had to know what happeded next.


I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. So glad I did.

SHORT TAKES

An American Cage by Ted Galdi (October 16, 2017)

In 2014 Ted Galdi published a well-received first novel about a teenage genius out to save his girlfriend from an incurable disease. Sound familiar? That type of plot doesn’t require significant attention to backstory and characterization. The plot of Galdi’s sophomore effort – An American Cage - does. And Galdi pulls it off with considerable aplomb. Prison escapes have formed the backbone of many a thriller but most often the focus is on law enforcement's desperate attempts to find the one dimensional, monstrous criminals. Galdi turns this trope on its head, choosing instead to spend his significant talent focusing on the escapees and what makes them human (and thus flawed) rather than caricatures. The shift from YA to adult fiction is difficult and there are a few vestiges scattered here and there, but there is a growing talent here.

I really enjoyed this book, I wasn't sure what to expect as it is a little different to my usual reads not quite sure what genre to slot it into.I thought the main character Danny was very likable, he made a terrible mistake and is paying the price for it, and as you read you fear that it will not end well for him, and that everything is not as it seems.The book was well written , I don't want to give anything away I don't want to spoil it for other readers but as I was reading I had a movie image of the story playing in my head I think it would translate perfectly to the screen either the small screen or the bigger one.I thought it was great, fast paced and entertaining and I couldn't guess how it was going to end I thoroughly enjoyed it, and would like to thank the publishers and Netgalley for an ARC in return for an honest review.

Fast paced, and full of action from the first page, this kept me entertained and guessing until the very end. It has well developed characters that some of them you can't help but liking and some you just can't wait for them to get there just due. I enjoyed the story and and the surprises along the way! Good job!

This story is about a prison break and the aftermath that ensues. Three jailed men, Danny, Phil and Monty, break out of Texas prison. They are chased by the Texas Marshalls while trying to escape over the Mexican border. I was really impressed with the plot twists and turns that made this story a nail-biter until the very end. Danny, the main character, encounters many things that do not go as planned after the escape and he learns who thought he could trust but actually can't as the story progresses. There is adventure from page one on, which kept me reading and I also really enjoyed the writing style of the author. Interesting well-developed characters, lots of action and unpredictability have all made for a great read! Reminded me of the TV show Prison Break.

An American Cage starts out with 3 inmates escaping a maximum-security prison. It would seem that the guards have seen all types of escape attempts that it would be impossible to sneak out. Creativity plus an unlimited amount of time and a plan could make it happen. Phil, Danny, and Monty have just done the impossible and we are in for a ride to get to Mexico before the authorities catch up.

Phil is the mastermind and has manipulated Danny and Monty by enticing them with freedom and new identities in Mexico. The novel moves along at nice clip as the plan starts to unfold, but not everyone is who you thought they were when the men broke out. Along the way there are accomplices strategically set up and hold your breath moments as law enforcement is right on their tail. Danny is a passive, “soft” person and easily swayed to go along with this plan. The growth in Danny’s character and the decisions that he ultimately makes brings An American Cage to an unexpected conclusion. Excellent.

Thank you Ted Galdi, Precipice Books, and NetGalley.

What an interesting concept, with not your typical jailbreak, but rather a psychological study of the criminal mind. I loved it, but I wasn't sure at first. The more I read the more I couldn't stop reading. A study of 3 very different inmates who seeming want the same thing, but in reality that is far from the truth. Jut read it already!

Danny Marsh is serving time in a maximum security prison in Texas. His cellmate, Phil Zorn, along with his good friend Monty Montgomery all decide to make an escape from prison and head to Mexico. But, as these things go, the plan did not go as it should and quickly decisions had to be made on the fly. Will the trio make it to Mexico, or will they be caught and forced to spend even more time behind bars?

Thank you to Ted Galdi and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This is the second book I have read by Ted Galdi. His first book, Elixir by Ted Galdi, was very good as well.

For most of his life Danny Marsh has run from his problems. But one night, he makes a mistake that he can't run from. Even though Danny is only charged with a minor crime, he is sent to a maximum security prison in East Texas. This is not a place Danny is doing well. When his cellmate, Phil come up with the plan for escape, Danny agrees so that he can get out of this place. But Danny learns a lot more about his "friend" once they are on the outside. Taking matters into his own hands, Danny finds a way to make it through the situation his been forced in to, alive.

This book is very hard to put down. I got through it quickly and I could feel myself right there along with Danny trying to find the place between right and wrong and good and evil.

Highly recommended.

I would like to thank Ted Galdi for the opportunity to read this brilliant novel.  I enjoyed this right from the opening pages, as three prisoners escape from prison, to the final pages which were full of page turning suspense.

I found myself often reading to find out what was happening to Jane rather than the prisoners.  Just so you know where I am coming from with Jane, she was a hitchhiker they picked up along the way and she quickly became a suspect.  I had all forms of ideas running through my head as to where Jane could go within the novel.... all of them ended up being wrong.

It was the unravelling of lies and truths that kept me reading; I thought were well woven into the plot.  It always amazes me how good guys can cover up a number of sins and get away with it.  Well, for a time that is.  As the information unravelled the novel became more dangerous and suspense packed.  I found myself turning the pages (as you do on your Kindle 😀) quicker and quicker as I came to the final quarter.  The climax was well plotted and organised, I thought it connected the whole story together well.  It has been a while since I have read a book of this genre and I have missed them.  Crime/suspense and fantasy have become my favourite genres over time much to my surprise.   An American Cage ticked all the boxes for me.  I really enjoyed it.

Really enjoyed this book, The relentless chase was gripping and the maturing of the characters is well handled and written. The continuous feeling that something foreboding is around the corner holds your attention to the point of nervous tension. It felt good that the ending was believable and neat. Highly recommend this book.

This sucks you in from page 1. Very hard to put down. This was actually a plausible concept and I could see it actually happening. The storyline also moved along at a great pace that kept you interested. And THAT ENDING. WHOA. Usually I can guess the ending, but not in this case. Fantastic read! 4.5/5

Thanks to Mr. Galdi and Precipice Books for this advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Start with a mix of interesting prison inmates and add in an escape plan, and you've set the stage for what is a fast-paced adventure from start to finish. Mr. Galdi introduces us to the key characters, including Danny Marsh, a person we quickly learn is bad -- but not bad to the bone. He's made at least one wrong choice that led to his incarceration.

The book's pace is swift, with only occasional side tracks to provide back story for our character profiles. It would be cliche' to say that the book was hard to put down, but in this case, it is true. I found myself having empathy for Danny and his family.

The ending did wrap up just a bit too neatly for my taste. But, that's a small negative for a book that provided an immersive experience and very interesting characters.

"Danny wants to hit him in those ugly chops. But that would be a bad idea. Danny isn't a fighter. He'd never been in a fight in his life before prison. And all the ones in there he lost. Badly. He feels powerless. Shoulder's shaking, Danny steps away from the other two.".....


Danny, Phil and Monty. Three inmates about to make their escape from a Texas prison. The stakes are high, if they’re caught. With a plan to make it to Mexico, the story follows twenty-four hours in the lives of these three men.

Each with a unique story, and a common reason to want out of their confines. Can they depend on each other? Will they make it to Mexico? They each have a plan. Not everyone is as forthcoming as they may seem. They're are some outsiders mixed in that may cause the plans to change.

When the plans get changed up a little, two of the three are going to have to figure out what’s next, and quickly. I found the characters a little on the thin side at first. Made it hard for me to like or dislike them. As time went on though I developed an empathy for 2 of them. One was nothing as he appeared, which made the story far more interesting.

Great twists, unexpected outcomes. Is there a cage in when you're locked up? Is there a cage in your head? Who holds the keys? At the end of the day is everyone alive, and will there be another cage? I actually ended up really enjoying this book.

You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today. - Abraham Lincoln

Three men commit a daring escape from the Thurgood L. Crick prison in east Texas. All have been imprisoned on different charges but have executed the escape together and have joint plans for their future outside of prison walls - making their way down to Mexico.

Danny Marsh, one of the escapees, is a confused young man that made a wrong choice in the past that got him sent to prison. He is the protagonist of the story.

This is a prison escape thriller but it is also a story about the human condition and about the consequences of choices we make in our lives.

I liked the progression of the story and the care the author took in describing the main characters (and there are more than the three escaped prisoners).

I would rate this at 3 1/2 stars if I could but did round it up because it held my interest and I especially enjoyed the ending. I don't understand the title choice for the book - was stymied by that.

I received this book from Precipice Books through Net Galley in exchange for my unbiased review.

To me, this book was kind of hard to rate. I definitely liked reading it, but at the same time, I felt like there was something ... missing. I can't exactly say what it is, but I think it came because of the not-so-thrilling first part of the book. It felt slow and there were not a lot of twists. Because of that I thought I knew what it was going to end like and the thrill was gone. The second part, however, had me on the edge of my seat the whole ride! Finally, I lost my sense of what was going to happen next and how this story would end. Anything could've happened, really! 

Ted Galdi did a great job on building his characters and beautiful sentences. At the start of the book, in the not-so-thrilling half, you don't really know the main characters. I just didn't care if one would die or not (well, doesn't that sound heartless ...). All that changes in the second half. No character is who he or she seems: some you get to absolutely despise and others you'll get to love. This book really made me think about "good", "evil" and everything in between. What exactly makes a person "evil"? It's clear in the story who's considered evil and who's not, but it leaves space to think about it yourself at the same time. 

I'm glad that I pushed myself to read on, because I came to really like this story. If you're looking for a thriller that's not your average suspense story, you'll love An American Cage!

Thrillers, psychological thrillers, are fast becoming a favorite of mine to read. There is something about reading a book and being kept on the edge of your seat. So when I came across An American Cage on NetGalley, I felt a pull towards it. I don’t know if it was the cover or the blurb, something about it said: “Read me“. So I did and I liked it. The only issue that I had is something that the author had no control over. The book didn’t load right on my Kindle. I could not tell when chapters ended and even when the book switched to different characters. It made for a very frustrating read on my end. I took longer reading An American Cage because I had to reread chapters.

An American Cage starts with the prison break of 3 inmates: Danny, Monty, and Phil. The book follows the trio as they break out of prison. Of course, as it will happen, things do not go their way. Danny is asked to fund their trip to Mexico and has to ask his parents for the money. On his journey to his parent’s house, Danny is confronted with truths about Phil that he didn’t see coming. He also is forced to come to terms with the crime he committed. The only thing is, will he be able to do the right thing when given the chance? Also, will he be able to forgive himself for the crime that he committed?

Danny drove me nuts in the beginning of the book. I did enjoy reading how his character basically grew up during that prison escape. I say that Danny drove me nuts because he idolized Phil. Believing the outrageous lies that Phil told. As the story went on, Danny grew on me. I saw him as a spoiled child who did something that he couldn’t comprehend. He was so terrified in prison that he was willing to believe and do anything to be accepted. Which is why he fell to Phil’s manipulations. I loved seeing his gradual awakening to Phil’s real personality and agenda. I liked seeing his acceptance that he did something bad but he wasn’t a bad person. I also liked that he also saw that he was able to forgive himself for what happened. Also, that he was able to see what his father did was out of love and not spite was a huge thing also.

An American Cage is a true psychological thriller. This book kept me on edge the entire book. Characters were not who they seemed, for good and bad. When I book can make me jump from chapter to chapter, that is a good thing.

The end of the book did feel a bit rushed too me. All the storylines were wrapped up and ended in a way that satisfied me as a reader. The only storyline that didn’t please me was Monty’s. I felt that more should have been made of what happened to him after everything went down. Other than that, the ending was good.

I enjoyed reading An American Cage. It did a good job pulling me in and keeping me pulled into the book. I liked seeing the characters’ growth (and in one case, the character regressed). The plotline was good. The characters were also very fleshed out.

Will I recommend to family and friends: Yes

Will I reread: Yes

Age range: Adult

Why: Language and violence

I would like to thank Ted Galdi and Precipice Books for allowing me to read and review An American Cage.

All opinions stated in this review of An American Cage are mine

I received no compensation for this review

**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**

Three men plan and execute an escape from the Thurgood L. Crick prison
Naïve Danny, gang leader Monty and Professor Phil, the man in control who has everything in hand

They make it out, then the problems begin
What began as comrades turns into control and deceit

The journey along the way is a fast moving, wild-run to the Mexican border
Let it take you along

This was not a book I anticipated liking as much as I did. While it isn't my preferred genre I enjoyed how quickly I got into the story, how weirdly relatable the characters are, and how bizarre the story seemed at times. While I know the setting was only a 24hr period, at times things felt rushed, but I think in a way it added to the setting of the story. Would be interested in reading more.

Excellent writing and plot development. Mr. Galdi developed the story and the characters in such a way that you start pulling some of the main characters. Very much enjoyed the conclusion and the lessons Danny was able to finally understand. A must read.

This is the story of three men who escaped the Thurgood L Crick prison in east Texas . This is their journey to meet in Mexico . Danny , Monty and Phil are on their way to Mexico. 
    One of the prisoners is Danny Marsh , he is a confused young man that made one wrong choice in life and sent him to prison . 
   The story takes us on a epic journey . The author writes with such a passion that you can't help but start to care for Danny and see him get his redemption. Danny is such a confused young man, you really see him struggle with his past and the crime he committed as he travels to his parents to get money to get the three of them to Mexico. He finds out truths of Phil that he didn't see coming . He kind of drove me crazy at the start of this book . He was such a kid at the beginning as he believed so much of what Phil said to be true . But as the story goes on you see him grow up a lot and stops believing all that he hears . 
   The story is a good psychological thriller that you will keep reading until late into the night . The story will keep you on the edge of your seat the whole time . You will realize that the characters are not all good or bad there are shades of grey in each character . The only thing that bothered me a little the ending seemed just a bit rushed . Felt like the author took the characters to the edge and had a hard time pulling them back to wrap up the book . Other then that the book had be turning pages all night long.

Shake, Rattle and Roll

Galdi’s nail-biter-till-the-end about three inmates who escape from a Texas prison with a plan to start life anew in Mexico. However, one inmate isn’t at all who he seems to be and things quickly fall apart for the other two on the outside.

A Texas lawman with lofty career aspirations vows to apprehend and bring all three criminals to justice but as he is left to piece together a puzzle with no real leads, the three fugitives are in a race against time for their very lives in ways not all of them can even comprehend. A rogue hitchhiker ups the ante and she too is also at grave risk.

The story is fast-moving and thoroughly entertaining as the pages turn toward a final showdown that is anyone’s guess. The good guys and the bad guys are clearly represented as lines are drawn in this taut thriller.

BRB Rating: Read It.

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review. I enjoyed this interesting story about three inmates who escaped from a maximum security prison in Texas. The story follows their freedom and time ,on the loose, trying to get to Mexico . The story has some interesting twists that make this a very good book .

I don't read many psychological thrillers, for the simple fact that if I find it entertaining I won't want to put the book down until I have read it all. Sure enough, I got so caught up in this adventure that anytime I had to put it aside I would be annoyed. The story taught me something about how some people can be wolves in sheep's clothing. I recommend this book.

Thanks to Ted and NetGalley for a copy for review.

American Cage has a good plot line with some well developed characters. Loved the set up, tension, dilemma, conflict in this one. Three convicts escape from prison seeking freedom led by a world renowned professor. But when they finally escape they begin to discover the real price of their freedom.

I really enjoyed this story!

The story starts off with a bang when the convicts escape from prison. I was hooked right from the beginning. It was very fast paced and exciting!

Each of the convicts had a distinct voice that reflected their backgrounds. For example, Phil spoke eloquently while Monty used a lot of slang. This helped to differentiate between them. 

I was surprised at how this story played out. When it opens with the prison escape, I wondered what would happen for the rest of the story. It turned into a wild roller coaster ride, as the three prisoners journey to their freedom.

An American Cage is a story of trust, betrayal, and restoration. It occurs within the setting of a prison break and subsequent flight from capture. Danny is paying a high price for a grievous mistake. He's lost his freedom and his relationship with his father. He places his trust with fellow inmates at the Thurgood L. Crick prison to try to rectify his situation, and discovers some interesting twists along the way. This book was a page-turner for me.