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An American Cage
Your best friend can be your worst enemy
Danny Marsh winds up in prison for a crime he never intended to commit. So escapes. Along the way to freedom in Mexico, he must evade the Texas authorities, and even deadlier, the schemes of one of his closest allies, who isn't who he seems.
Do you like the gray areas between good and bad?
Do you like characters who play mind games?
Do you like twist endings?
Then you'll love An American Cage by Ted Galdi, an Amazon #1 bestselling author who's won Reader Views and Readers' Favorite awards, and been featured by FOX, ABC, and iHeartRadio.
Get your copy of this hit book today and go on a page-turning manhunt across Texas with a felon you’re sure to love.
This crime thriller is perfect for fans of Gregg Olsen, Christopher Greyson, and Robert Dugoni.
More on An American Cage
Danny and two other inmates escape a maximum-security penitentiary in Texas. On the outside, a former prisoner derails their freedom run to Mexico, forcing Danny into a ransom scheme aimed at his wealthy, estranged father.
Soon Danny is fighting for a lot more than his freedom. Can he make it to Mexico while keeping himself, his friends, and family alive?
He must navigate an eclectic web of characters, many with hidden agendas, including a renowned neuroscience professor, a car thief, a young female hitchhiker, a local cop with national ambitions, and a high-ranking member of a biker gang.
This edgy psychological thriller culminates in a surprise ending sure to leave you both stunned and satisfied.
Ted Galdi is also the author of the novels Elixir and Lion on Fire, and the short stories A Road to Nowhere, Hazel Is Missing, and Intrusion.
Danny Marsh winds up in prison for a crime he never intended to commit. So escapes. Along the way to freedom in Mexico, he must evade the Texas authorities, and even deadlier, the schemes of one of his closest allies, who isn't who he seems.
Do you like the gray areas between good and bad?
Do you like characters who play mind games?
Do you like twist endings?
Then you'll love An American Cage by Ted Galdi, an Amazon #1 bestselling author who's won Reader Views and Readers' Favorite awards, and been featured by FOX, ABC, and iHeartRadio.
Get your copy of this hit book today and go on a page-turning manhunt across Texas with a felon you’re sure to love.
This crime thriller is perfect for fans of Gregg Olsen, Christopher Greyson, and Robert Dugoni.
More on An American Cage
Danny and two other inmates escape a maximum-security penitentiary in Texas. On the outside, a former prisoner derails their freedom run to Mexico, forcing Danny into a ransom scheme aimed at his wealthy, estranged father.
Soon Danny is fighting for a lot more than his freedom. Can he make it to Mexico while keeping himself, his friends, and family alive?
He must navigate an eclectic web of characters, many with hidden agendas, including a renowned neuroscience professor, a car thief, a young female hitchhiker, a local cop with national ambitions, and a high-ranking member of a biker gang.
This edgy psychological thriller culminates in a surprise ending sure to leave you both stunned and satisfied.
Ted Galdi is also the author of the novels Elixir and Lion on Fire, and the short stories A Road to Nowhere, Hazel Is Missing, and Intrusion.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 15, 2017
112 people are currently reading
737 people want to read
About the author
Ted Galdi
27 books2,337 followersTed Galdi is a #1 Amazon bestselling thriller author.
He's been featured by Kirkus magazine, ABC, FOX, iHeartRadio, and many other media outlets. He’s a winner of a Reader Views Reviewers Choice Award and a Silver Medal in the Readers' Favorite Book Awards. Ted is a graduate of Duke University.
To learn more about him and download a free bestselling crime thriller, visit his website at tedgaldi.com.
He's been featured by Kirkus magazine, ABC, FOX, iHeartRadio, and many other media outlets. He’s a winner of a Reader Views Reviewers Choice Award and a Silver Medal in the Readers' Favorite Book Awards. Ted is a graduate of Duke University.
To learn more about him and download a free bestselling crime thriller, visit his website at tedgaldi.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
August 21, 2017
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".
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".
August 7, 2017
This ARC was provided compliments of NetGalley. Appreciation sent to Precipice Books for making this release available. An unbiased review follows.
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.
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.
October 4, 2017
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.
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.
October 16, 2017
An American Cage is not your run if the mill convicts bust out of prison shoot-em-up book. There is a subtlety about the trio and their escape. Things are maybe not as cut and dried as the professor implied. Danny is a young inmate that is serving time for a crime he committed. Youth and immaturity aside, he has conflict about his sentence.
The professor, his cell mate assists Danny through his conflict and offers him an opportunity for freedom.
Nothing feels right as these three begin a cross state run for Mexico. This story is as intense as it is psychological and it is absorbing.
When I started reading I kept on going I wanted to know what was going to happen next. I like others in the story was biting my nails in worry, anticipation, and anxiety
What a great narrative this is. I felt a part of the events. I wanted to get into the mix and fight.
I was provided an advance copy of An American Cage for reviewing and I am very glad they agreed to let me read this advance copy. Excellent adventure on every page.
The professor, his cell mate assists Danny through his conflict and offers him an opportunity for freedom.
Nothing feels right as these three begin a cross state run for Mexico. This story is as intense as it is psychological and it is absorbing.
When I started reading I kept on going I wanted to know what was going to happen next. I like others in the story was biting my nails in worry, anticipation, and anxiety
What a great narrative this is. I felt a part of the events. I wanted to get into the mix and fight.
I was provided an advance copy of An American Cage for reviewing and I am very glad they agreed to let me read this advance copy. Excellent adventure on every page.
October 9, 2017
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,
, 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.
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,
, 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.
September 26, 2017
I received a copy of this book to read and review from the publisher through NetGalley
AN AMERICAN CAGE written by author Ted Galdi is a high paced prison-break novel that involves Danny Marsh, a middle class son of a well-to-do farmer who is incarcerated after an accident resulting in injury and permanent disability to the man in the other vehicle, and after which Danny flees; and is found to have been found over the legal limit when his father turns him in when he returns home.
Prison life wears hard on Danny, and he is befriended and protected by Phil “The Professor” who devises the well planned escape involving himself, Danny, and Danny’s other trusted friend Monty.
Carefully timed plans of the escape hit a snag immediately after escaping the walls of the prison that force improvised plans to be made for an alternate pick-up location from an ex-con friend of Phil’s.
Several things go wrong after that making successful escape seem like an illusion, but all are committed to success or death, with a return to prison not being an option.
Ted Galdi has produced a very exiting book that keeps the action flowing and focuses on the thoughts of Danny and others involved in the story in a way that helps it to succeed in spite of a few major flaws that can’t be revealed here without spoiling it for those who haven’t read the book yet, but I still found it to be an enjoyable read nonetheless.
3 stars.
AN AMERICAN CAGE written by author Ted Galdi is a high paced prison-break novel that involves Danny Marsh, a middle class son of a well-to-do farmer who is incarcerated after an accident resulting in injury and permanent disability to the man in the other vehicle, and after which Danny flees; and is found to have been found over the legal limit when his father turns him in when he returns home.
Prison life wears hard on Danny, and he is befriended and protected by Phil “The Professor” who devises the well planned escape involving himself, Danny, and Danny’s other trusted friend Monty.
Carefully timed plans of the escape hit a snag immediately after escaping the walls of the prison that force improvised plans to be made for an alternate pick-up location from an ex-con friend of Phil’s.
Several things go wrong after that making successful escape seem like an illusion, but all are committed to success or death, with a return to prison not being an option.
Ted Galdi has produced a very exiting book that keeps the action flowing and focuses on the thoughts of Danny and others involved in the story in a way that helps it to succeed in spite of a few major flaws that can’t be revealed here without spoiling it for those who haven’t read the book yet, but I still found it to be an enjoyable read nonetheless.
3 stars.
October 30, 2017
Thanks to net galley.com, Ted Galdi and Precipice Books for the advance ARC copy for my honest review.
Not a bad book, but feel the author created several situations in the storyline, for the soul purpose of adding needless fluff writing and making the reader slog through it.
It starts out pretty good, then he gets way to unrealistic, believable or plausible at times in the storyline with the escape of inmates Danny Marsh, Monty Montgomery, and Phil Zorn, who escape from the Thorgood L. Chick prison.
1) Can a tunnel that takes 9 months to complete in a prison library? Go unnoticed
2) Guess in fiction, battery operated power tools actually work to perfection and magically the battery holds power in prison.
3) Deputy Ramos, with another deputy go to breakfast, before questioning a suspect, after they piece together that the escapees got through their check points and all because of a stolen watch. Plus we had to read three pages plus of fluff about Deputy Ramos retiring in a year and this case will help his political ambitions.
4) They travel in a Buick Lucerne, end up getting a flat, put on a donut spare, but Phil's still able to drive like a madman and the tire doesn't go flat on bad rock gravel road.
5) Monty gets a screw driver driven in his knee by Wade, his leg is numb from it and yet when he escapes, he's able to runaway into the woods. Plus his legs have been chained to a stool for days yet has no circulatory issues from lack of blood flow.
6) Ted Galdi pressed the easy button with the ending, at the last possible moment Danny able to be strong and stand up to Phil.
7) Know of the characters in An American Cage are likable, his on words contradict what Phil was able to do, in the real world Danny or Jane would have killed him behind the gas station. Since it would be quite obvious that both had to know they would have been killed once he got the $250,000 from the Marsh's.
8) Neither the Marsh's or Buddy have a gun, although the fluff part with the samurai sword was cute and just made the read predictable.
Let me add had the author done a little research by watching LiVE PD, he would have realized how bad his escape through the check point would have been using the hitchhiker Jane Pilgrim. Since just about every Officer would have searched the car due to Jane being sweaty and the loose clothes on the floor of the car.
If your like me a fan of the ID channel, have watched 'I Almost Got Away With It', then it's obvious why 'An American Cage' would peak your interested, but be aware it'll fall short to those expectations and definitely could have been a much better read than what it was for me.
Not a bad book, but feel the author created several situations in the storyline, for the soul purpose of adding needless fluff writing and making the reader slog through it.
It starts out pretty good, then he gets way to unrealistic, believable or plausible at times in the storyline with the escape of inmates Danny Marsh, Monty Montgomery, and Phil Zorn, who escape from the Thorgood L. Chick prison.
1) Can a tunnel that takes 9 months to complete in a prison library? Go unnoticed
2) Guess in fiction, battery operated power tools actually work to perfection and magically the battery holds power in prison.
3) Deputy Ramos, with another deputy go to breakfast, before questioning a suspect, after they piece together that the escapees got through their check points and all because of a stolen watch. Plus we had to read three pages plus of fluff about Deputy Ramos retiring in a year and this case will help his political ambitions.
4) They travel in a Buick Lucerne, end up getting a flat, put on a donut spare, but Phil's still able to drive like a madman and the tire doesn't go flat on bad rock gravel road.
5) Monty gets a screw driver driven in his knee by Wade, his leg is numb from it and yet when he escapes, he's able to runaway into the woods. Plus his legs have been chained to a stool for days yet has no circulatory issues from lack of blood flow.
6) Ted Galdi pressed the easy button with the ending, at the last possible moment Danny able to be strong and stand up to Phil.
7) Know of the characters in An American Cage are likable, his on words contradict what Phil was able to do, in the real world Danny or Jane would have killed him behind the gas station. Since it would be quite obvious that both had to know they would have been killed once he got the $250,000 from the Marsh's.
8) Neither the Marsh's or Buddy have a gun, although the fluff part with the samurai sword was cute and just made the read predictable.
Let me add had the author done a little research by watching LiVE PD, he would have realized how bad his escape through the check point would have been using the hitchhiker Jane Pilgrim. Since just about every Officer would have searched the car due to Jane being sweaty and the loose clothes on the floor of the car.
If your like me a fan of the ID channel, have watched 'I Almost Got Away With It', then it's obvious why 'An American Cage' would peak your interested, but be aware it'll fall short to those expectations and definitely could have been a much better read than what it was for me.
October 18, 2017
"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 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.
Thank you Ted Galdi, Netgalley, and Precipice Books
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 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.
Thank you Ted Galdi, Netgalley, and Precipice Books
February 21, 2018
I stumbled upon this book while perusing thrillers on Netgalley. I’m always looking for new authors to read and the description sounded interesting so I decided to go for it. I love police/crime type books and this sounded like a different twist than what I usually read. The story begins with three inmates breaking out of prison. Our main character is Danny, a young man who had a brief lapse in judgment and ended up in prison. He escapes with his cell mate, scientist and mastermind Phil Zorn, and petty criminal Monty. The three have to evade capture and make it to Mexico to start their new lives. I thought it was really interesting to see the events unfold through the eyes of the escapees, primarily Danny. That’s a change from the typical crime book narrative. Danny was a criminal with a conscience who had great guilt over what he did. I enjoyed watching how he changed over the course of the book as he encountered the difficulties he expected, as well as those he didn’t. It was a well written book with interesting characters. This was my first experience with Mr. Galdi, and I look forward to checking out more of his work.
Thanks to Netgalley for a free copy of this book.
Thanks to Netgalley for a free copy of this book.
October 25, 2017
My thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
I did give this 3 stars or 6/10 initially, after some thought I've changed my rating to 2.5 stars or 5/10.
I so wanted to enjoy this story more than I did. I struggled with it and found that it didn't really keep my attention, at times I found it a chore to pick up. I definitely found the second half better than the first, as I found the pace of the story picked up.
The story centres around three escaped convicts and what happens to them following their escape. Whilst, on the run we find out a lot about them and our attitude towards some of them may change as the story progresses. It just goes to show that you can't believe all the people all of the time.
Whilst, the story isn't an all out and out action one, I found this to be an asset as it gave us a more character driven story and I felt that in the second half we certainly found out quite a lot about certain characters. This helped us to understand certain things better.
Will I read other stories by Ted Galdi? Yes I will, in order to see how he develops as a writer.
I did give this 3 stars or 6/10 initially, after some thought I've changed my rating to 2.5 stars or 5/10.
I so wanted to enjoy this story more than I did. I struggled with it and found that it didn't really keep my attention, at times I found it a chore to pick up. I definitely found the second half better than the first, as I found the pace of the story picked up.
The story centres around three escaped convicts and what happens to them following their escape. Whilst, on the run we find out a lot about them and our attitude towards some of them may change as the story progresses. It just goes to show that you can't believe all the people all of the time.
Whilst, the story isn't an all out and out action one, I found this to be an asset as it gave us a more character driven story and I felt that in the second half we certainly found out quite a lot about certain characters. This helped us to understand certain things better.
Will I read other stories by Ted Galdi? Yes I will, in order to see how he develops as a writer.
November 24, 2017
*2.5 Stars*
I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This told the story of three escaped convicts, how they escaped and the following week or so.
It took me two weeks to read this book.
Anyone who knows me knows this doesn’t happen to me often.
I just couldn’t get into it, the characters weren’t relatable, I found them annoying.
Some twists took me by surprise but mostly I found the twist pretty predictable and I was mostly bored. I just couldn’t care.
I’m sure some people could enjoy this book but it really wasn’t for me.
I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This told the story of three escaped convicts, how they escaped and the following week or so.
It took me two weeks to read this book.
Anyone who knows me knows this doesn’t happen to me often.
I just couldn’t get into it, the characters weren’t relatable, I found them annoying.
Some twists took me by surprise but mostly I found the twist pretty predictable and I was mostly bored. I just couldn’t care.
I’m sure some people could enjoy this book but it really wasn’t for me.
October 16, 2017
4.5/5 stars! I found this book 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!
* I received an ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review *
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!
* I received an ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review *
August 20, 2017
“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.
October 28, 2017
I really enjoyed this book! When I read the description, I was intrigued by the premise. I am happy to report that this book did not disappoint!
There were some twists and turns that I did not see coming, keeping me on my toes and wondering what was next.
I liked the characters and found my like/dislike for some of the characters changed as I read the book - for instance, I "connected" with Phil throughout most of the book but did not like him at all near the end of the book. And I didn't like Monty through most of the book and then at the end, I found myself smiling at how things turned out. The connection with the characters was something I was not expecting to happen - so I was pleasantly surprised when it did.
I didn't connect with the main character at all. Although I liked him as a character, I didn't "feel" him, which is why I gave this 4 stars.
Overall, this was a really good book and I would recommend it to a friend.
There were some twists and turns that I did not see coming, keeping me on my toes and wondering what was next.
I liked the characters and found my like/dislike for some of the characters changed as I read the book - for instance, I "connected" with Phil throughout most of the book but did not like him at all near the end of the book. And I didn't like Monty through most of the book and then at the end, I found myself smiling at how things turned out. The connection with the characters was something I was not expecting to happen - so I was pleasantly surprised when it did.
I didn't connect with the main character at all. Although I liked him as a character, I didn't "feel" him, which is why I gave this 4 stars.
Overall, this was a really good book and I would recommend it to a friend.
October 28, 2017
Thanks to Ted and NetGalley for a copy for review.
American Cage has a good plotline with 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 manipulative professor. But when they finally escape they begin to discover the real price of their freedom.
This author has great potential, but room for improvement in my opinion. Not sure exactly what it was lacking but dialogue does come to mind. However I'd definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good thriller.
American Cage has a good plotline with 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 manipulative professor. But when they finally escape they begin to discover the real price of their freedom.
This author has great potential, but room for improvement in my opinion. Not sure exactly what it was lacking but dialogue does come to mind. However I'd definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good thriller.
December 2, 2018
If only, nobody and I mean nobody, especially in Taxes U.S.A who was escapes from prison ( even if his escape brings the evidence that he is not guilty ) which don’t happen here but even if it did and the person clears his name he still gets 5 years for the escape no matter what.
Now about the audiobook, it’s excellent I really enjoyed it, Ted Galdi takes you on a journey from the beginning to the last page making it difficult to take breaks, and narration by Scott R. Pollak is always flawless.
Full heartedly recommend for all.
Free for an honest review.
Now about the audiobook, it’s excellent I really enjoyed it, Ted Galdi takes you on a journey from the beginning to the last page making it difficult to take breaks, and narration by Scott R. Pollak is always flawless.
Full heartedly recommend for all.
Free for an honest review.
October 14, 2017
A quick reading tale about three escaped convicts and the assorted adventures they encounter in their flight south to the border. It includes some flashbacks, some philosophical musings, and an odd hitchhiker. Told alternating between narratives of one of the escapees and the deputies on the chase. There’s enough here to hold your interest for a while.
October 15, 2018
Good read
Nice pace, good characters, strong storyline.....what else does a story need.I found this book a good, easy and enjoyable read
Nice pace, good characters, strong storyline.....what else does a story need.I found this book a good, easy and enjoyable read
September 16, 2017
I got bored withing the first pages. No connection to the characters and flat narration did it for me. I couldn't finish it because I wasn't enjoying the writing and really didn't care if they got caught or not.
I guess this book wants to be a thriller but is missing substance.
I guess this book wants to be a thriller but is missing substance.
October 17, 2017
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**
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**
November 3, 2017
I am a consummate thriller reader and psychological/medical type thrillers are my favorite! I appreciate that Mr. Galdi was attempting to write a very exciting escape novel. I found the psychological maneuvering to be quite interesting as well as the intelligence of Phil who was previously a college professor. I really like the book cover and synopsis and it piqued my interest. I did enjoy the premise of the book. The characters came to life though I admit that there was way too much backstory at times. As a Texan, I found the scenery and story pretty much on target.
Three men escape from prison with the assistance of someone on the outside. As they escape they attempt to execute a plan that one of the prisoners, Phil, put into place with an ex-con. Phil is able to manipulate the other two prisoners who take quite a long time to figuring this out. As they try to gather enough money to head to Mexico, the story unfolds.
Unfortunately, for me, the book didn’t quite live up to its potential. The story was interesting but the writing just didn’t do it for me. The book bogged down in several places and I found myself skipping pages until the action started again. I didn’t particularly relate to the characters (probably a good thing in this case!). I did finish the book but mainly because I wanted to be able to leave a review.
There were several things that I found annoying:
1. Some of the story line was preposterous and incongruent. How does someone who is in their 40’s not know what it sounds and feels like to have a flat tire?
2. How is it possible to drive a long distance on a freeway with one of those tiny spare tires and keep up to speed?
3. The writing itself had way too many sentences that just didn’t “fit”. Some sentences were hard to understand so I ended up pondering the writing, rather than the plot. For example:
A. He can’t tread this riptide much longer. (my mind saw ocean, rather than what the author intended)
B. Monty jumps backward, backing the full of his feet from the basement. (that one doesn’t even make sense to me)
C. Her expression is infected with worry. (how can an expression be infected?)
D. One nearly hits Wade’s left hip. He drops his big body to the floor, trying to make it scarce. (how does one make a body scarce?)
Perhaps I got too hung up on the writing style itself as this has happened to me with other books. Unfortunately, its like typos, I end up focused on what’s wrong rather than what’s right. I’m glad so many others enjoyed this novel.
I received a copy of An American Cage through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to Precipice Books and Ted Galdi for the opportunity.
Three men escape from prison with the assistance of someone on the outside. As they escape they attempt to execute a plan that one of the prisoners, Phil, put into place with an ex-con. Phil is able to manipulate the other two prisoners who take quite a long time to figuring this out. As they try to gather enough money to head to Mexico, the story unfolds.
Unfortunately, for me, the book didn’t quite live up to its potential. The story was interesting but the writing just didn’t do it for me. The book bogged down in several places and I found myself skipping pages until the action started again. I didn’t particularly relate to the characters (probably a good thing in this case!). I did finish the book but mainly because I wanted to be able to leave a review.
There were several things that I found annoying:
1. Some of the story line was preposterous and incongruent. How does someone who is in their 40’s not know what it sounds and feels like to have a flat tire?
2. How is it possible to drive a long distance on a freeway with one of those tiny spare tires and keep up to speed?
3. The writing itself had way too many sentences that just didn’t “fit”. Some sentences were hard to understand so I ended up pondering the writing, rather than the plot. For example:
A. He can’t tread this riptide much longer. (my mind saw ocean, rather than what the author intended)
B. Monty jumps backward, backing the full of his feet from the basement. (that one doesn’t even make sense to me)
C. Her expression is infected with worry. (how can an expression be infected?)
D. One nearly hits Wade’s left hip. He drops his big body to the floor, trying to make it scarce. (how does one make a body scarce?)
Perhaps I got too hung up on the writing style itself as this has happened to me with other books. Unfortunately, its like typos, I end up focused on what’s wrong rather than what’s right. I’m glad so many others enjoyed this novel.
I received a copy of An American Cage through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to Precipice Books and Ted Galdi for the opportunity.
August 17, 2017
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 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.
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.
September 24, 2017
This thriller is much more than that. Generally, thrillers are notorious for their concentration on story at the expense of character. In An American Cage, however, Galdi has broken that mould. He’s devised a tale that threads character throughout the story without adversely affecting pace and engagement.
Written in present tense, and from an omniscient viewpoint, the novel explores the motivations of the various characters as their actions bring them into contact and involve them in the fast-paced chase.
The escape from the prison is handled well, though I felt I could have done without one or two of the details given. That’s a very personal view and not an important point.
A problem I often encounter with American books is multiple references to American culture, which I understand only vaguely. In this novel that was only very occasionally an issue, and certainly failed to interrupt my immersion in the story.
The characters are revealed in stages, both via their actions and through detailed backstories and descriptions of their motivations. The book plays well with the theme of truth, revealing factual information as the tale unfolds.
As a thriller, it also does something unusual in its dissection of religious faith, science, and some politics. The underlying racist thread comes over without authorial comment and makes the case both subtly and conclusively.
One of the many aspects I both enjoyed and admired was the clever way the author allowed his characters to drive the story: everything happened because the players acted in character and made the choices readers would expect, until the denouement revealed how events can change a character and either reinforce current traits for those without the ability to learn, or undo past damage for those with the capacity to discover the hidden depths within their personality.
A very satisfying read, and one that provided tension and excitement along with great character study. Thoroughly enjoyed.
Written in present tense, and from an omniscient viewpoint, the novel explores the motivations of the various characters as their actions bring them into contact and involve them in the fast-paced chase.
The escape from the prison is handled well, though I felt I could have done without one or two of the details given. That’s a very personal view and not an important point.
A problem I often encounter with American books is multiple references to American culture, which I understand only vaguely. In this novel that was only very occasionally an issue, and certainly failed to interrupt my immersion in the story.
The characters are revealed in stages, both via their actions and through detailed backstories and descriptions of their motivations. The book plays well with the theme of truth, revealing factual information as the tale unfolds.
As a thriller, it also does something unusual in its dissection of religious faith, science, and some politics. The underlying racist thread comes over without authorial comment and makes the case both subtly and conclusively.
One of the many aspects I both enjoyed and admired was the clever way the author allowed his characters to drive the story: everything happened because the players acted in character and made the choices readers would expect, until the denouement revealed how events can change a character and either reinforce current traits for those without the ability to learn, or undo past damage for those with the capacity to discover the hidden depths within their personality.
A very satisfying read, and one that provided tension and excitement along with great character study. Thoroughly enjoyed.
December 21, 2017
Escaping prison, three convicts are running for their lives. One prisoner is shot and slows down their escape. They must change their plans to meet the guy who is going to assist them getting to Mexico. Danny wakes up to find himself tightly chained and his mouth stuffed with cotton. He doesn't understand why he is in a cage. The injured prisoner was in a separate cage chained like Danny. When he sees his captor and the other prisoner free, he doesn't understand at first what this is about. The guy who was going to assist them wants money first -- $2750,000 from Danny's parents as he is the only one whose family has money. He is allowed one phone call. Will his parents give him the money? Will the guy take them to Mexico? Meanwhile a police lieutenant has political aspirations and decides catching these prisoners will assist his career goals. Will he catch them?
The characters are well developed. There is a well written description about what caused Danny to be in prison. Thr plot line is well developed. It was interesting to see what the prisoners thought and did. Endings for each character are well done.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book free from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I was not obliged to write a favorable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
The characters are well developed. There is a well written description about what caused Danny to be in prison. Thr plot line is well developed. It was interesting to see what the prisoners thought and did. Endings for each character are well done.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book free from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I was not obliged to write a favorable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
September 20, 2017
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.
January 2, 2018
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to preview An American Cage.
Three prisoners escape a maximum security prison. They have planned their escape for a year, and they are out - and they have a plan. They are going to Mexico to live out their lives in freedom.
Phil, Monty, and Dan could not be any different - Phil is an older scientist who says he was framed for rapes, Monty got caught in a stolen car, and Dan mamed a man in a DUI. The three convicts are to meet Phil's friend, and he will get them papers and to Mexico.
But plans change, Phil is no longer the meek scientist he says he was - he tells Dan that he must get 250K from his parents and will hold Monty hostage until Dan can get the money. Phil and Dan must travel to El Paso to get the money and get the papers they need. Now Dan and Monty are again hostages and must meet Phil's demands to get their freedom. While Dan travels with Phil, Monty is held by a crazy excon who will kill him once the deal is made. Dan and Monty know they more than likely won't see Mexico, but hold out hope that Phil will keep his word.....The plans have changed and Phil is not what he appeared to be in jail. Can Dan get the money from his parents, keep Monty alive, and be free?
This fast paced crime thriller will definitely keep you up till you finish it. Recommend.
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Indie Bookstore
Three prisoners escape a maximum security prison. They have planned their escape for a year, and they are out - and they have a plan. They are going to Mexico to live out their lives in freedom.
Phil, Monty, and Dan could not be any different - Phil is an older scientist who says he was framed for rapes, Monty got caught in a stolen car, and Dan mamed a man in a DUI. The three convicts are to meet Phil's friend, and he will get them papers and to Mexico.
But plans change, Phil is no longer the meek scientist he says he was - he tells Dan that he must get 250K from his parents and will hold Monty hostage until Dan can get the money. Phil and Dan must travel to El Paso to get the money and get the papers they need. Now Dan and Monty are again hostages and must meet Phil's demands to get their freedom. While Dan travels with Phil, Monty is held by a crazy excon who will kill him once the deal is made. Dan and Monty know they more than likely won't see Mexico, but hold out hope that Phil will keep his word.....The plans have changed and Phil is not what he appeared to be in jail. Can Dan get the money from his parents, keep Monty alive, and be free?
This fast paced crime thriller will definitely keep you up till you finish it. Recommend.
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Indie Bookstore
April 18, 2021
There are many ways that an author can start a story that will capture his/her readers’ attention and keep him/her turning the pages until the very end. One of the most effective is to Begin in media res, which means to begin in the middle of things. It might be dialogue, but most often it means beginning with an action scene. With An American Cage, Ted Galdi begins his story with a prison escape in progress. He grabs his readers by the throat and doesn’t let them go until an ending more powerful, more explosive, than a suitcase full of dynamite.
They list an American Cage as being a psychological thriller, and it’s all that and a great deal more. An American Cage is a rollercoaster thrill ride with thrills that rival riding the Kingda Ka at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey, one of the world’s five fastest, scariest roller casters. An American Cage has a plot with more twists than a rattlesnake, just when you think you have it all figured out, just when you think you know how the story is going to end, Galdi throws in another plot twist that will have you going down a different rabbit trail.
If you love a gut wrenching adventure, you must read An American Cage. Ted Galdi has garnered many awards for his writing, and I predict he will win many more as his writing career progresses. Galdi is a rising star.
They list an American Cage as being a psychological thriller, and it’s all that and a great deal more. An American Cage is a rollercoaster thrill ride with thrills that rival riding the Kingda Ka at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey, one of the world’s five fastest, scariest roller casters. An American Cage has a plot with more twists than a rattlesnake, just when you think you have it all figured out, just when you think you know how the story is going to end, Galdi throws in another plot twist that will have you going down a different rabbit trail.
If you love a gut wrenching adventure, you must read An American Cage. Ted Galdi has garnered many awards for his writing, and I predict he will win many more as his writing career progresses. Galdi is a rising star.
August 19, 2017
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.
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.
August 21, 2017
Three men escape from a maximum security prison in Texas, one a black man who had stolen a car, another (our protagonist) an upper class young man who had, when intoxicated, been the perpetrator of a hit and run that caused the victim to lose a leg and the third, a Professor who claimed to be innocent of the charges for which he was sent up. They steal a truck after their escape and ultimately meet up with an Aryan Nation member who imprisons the first two in his basement, chaining them to chairs. The young man is released to leave with the Professor, however he has to convince his parents to pay a $250,000 bribe to the Aryan Nation member to insure the safety of their son. Going further into the story would lead to many spoilers so I won't do that, however it is an interesting study into what this kind of imprisonment will lead to. The ending was also very satisfactory.thanks to Net Galley and the author for an ARC for an honest review.
September 19, 2017
The story of three convicts who escape from a Texas prison serves as a backdrop to the real story embedded in this new novel by the author. Galdi has woven an intriguing tale of the battle between a young man trying to understand himself and who he really is and a professor of psychology bent on manipulating those around him.
As the novel unfolds the convicts struggle with a variety of difficulties and personalities along the way. Galdi has included twist and turns to add a suspense, although some of it is relatively predictable. But as mentioned above, the most compelling part of the book is how the Professor interacts with his victims.
The Professor is a master manipulator. Galdi crafts a dialogue which captivates the readers and pulls them into the events. It is really the best part of the book.
Enjoy the escape and the chase, but be captivated by the dialogue and the way people manipulate each other to gain what they want.
As the novel unfolds the convicts struggle with a variety of difficulties and personalities along the way. Galdi has included twist and turns to add a suspense, although some of it is relatively predictable. But as mentioned above, the most compelling part of the book is how the Professor interacts with his victims.
The Professor is a master manipulator. Galdi crafts a dialogue which captivates the readers and pulls them into the events. It is really the best part of the book.
Enjoy the escape and the chase, but be captivated by the dialogue and the way people manipulate each other to gain what they want.
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