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Brothers in Crime: Survival is just the beginning.
One kid's horrific journey behind the walls of maximum-security and the price he paid for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Survival is just the beginning. Dylan's eighteen, scared, and sent to maximum-security. The crime? Passed out drunk in the backseat of a car after his 18th birthday celebration. If he doesn't fight, he dies. If he doesn't run drugs, he dies. The Jesters have murdered his brother, recruited his cellmate, and this is now home. Welcome to MAX. There is no escape.
506 pages, Hardcover
Published August 1, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 24, 2020
Chilling! This book will keep you awake at night.
It is told by a young man, incarcerated for a long sentence after a crime he did not commit on his 18th birthday. The brutality, the violence, the hopelessness, the unfairness, the boredom, the terror of prison life; all are incredibly told by the author.
I spent 21 years working in Federal Prisons. I saw many of the same things the author described. He gives an accurate portrayal of what it's like. He should know, he himself worked in the same settings.
As far as the main character, at times I found him to be somewhat likable, other times I found myself hating on him. But, at all times, I found him to be fascinating.
And the ending! Wow! I never saw it coming! Incredible.
For awhile in my career, I spoke to different at risk groups of youngsters in schools, telling them of my experiences, and what would await them if they continued their paths and found themselves in prison. If I was still doing these classes, I think I would definitely read the first book of this series to them. It would give them a better understanding than I could ever explain. Similarly, if you are a parent who has a child heading down the wrong path, this would be something that you might want to employ to change their behavior. But be aware, it is frightening!
This is the second series of books that I have had the pleasure of reading by the author. He is now one of my favorites. I hope he continues in this vein, as I think he has an important perspective to share.
It is told by a young man, incarcerated for a long sentence after a crime he did not commit on his 18th birthday. The brutality, the violence, the hopelessness, the unfairness, the boredom, the terror of prison life; all are incredibly told by the author.
I spent 21 years working in Federal Prisons. I saw many of the same things the author described. He gives an accurate portrayal of what it's like. He should know, he himself worked in the same settings.
As far as the main character, at times I found him to be somewhat likable, other times I found myself hating on him. But, at all times, I found him to be fascinating.
And the ending! Wow! I never saw it coming! Incredible.
For awhile in my career, I spoke to different at risk groups of youngsters in schools, telling them of my experiences, and what would await them if they continued their paths and found themselves in prison. If I was still doing these classes, I think I would definitely read the first book of this series to them. It would give them a better understanding than I could ever explain. Similarly, if you are a parent who has a child heading down the wrong path, this would be something that you might want to employ to change their behavior. But be aware, it is frightening!
This is the second series of books that I have had the pleasure of reading by the author. He is now one of my favorites. I hope he continues in this vein, as I think he has an important perspective to share.
October 28, 2022
An amazing insight to what goes on in prison. Extremely harrowing episodes of how "gangs" take over the prisoners and the Prison Officers. This book was certainly an eye opener, with parts that firstly made me cry, then angry, then frustrated because no one could change the way the system works. An unfathomable ending, leaving me partly pleased with how events turned out and very upset at the final outcome. Not my usual genre of book, but well written and thought provoking. Some say prison is an easy life for those incarcerated, for some maybe, but for others, a living hell!
July 21, 2021
Fabulous Characters
Wow. What a set of books. I really enjoy reading these. And I'm sorry that I've finished them. Simon writes as though he was actually held at her majesty's pleasure. Dylan captured my heart, his emotions became my emotions and his experiences my experiences. I really love Simon King Books and this series certainly didn't disappoint. I'm just upset I've finished them. Lol
Wow. What a set of books. I really enjoy reading these. And I'm sorry that I've finished them. Simon writes as though he was actually held at her majesty's pleasure. Dylan captured my heart, his emotions became my emotions and his experiences my experiences. I really love Simon King Books and this series certainly didn't disappoint. I'm just upset I've finished them. Lol
March 12, 2022
Dylan
Loved this! Simon King writes books to prevent you from sleeping or doing anything else. I had to keep reading to find what happens next, all along hoping the story wouldn't end. I've read other books by Simon and I had the same feelings with reading them.
Wonderful author, keep writing these great books, I will keep reading them.
Loved this! Simon King writes books to prevent you from sleeping or doing anything else. I had to keep reading to find what happens next, all along hoping the story wouldn't end. I've read other books by Simon and I had the same feelings with reading them.
Wonderful author, keep writing these great books, I will keep reading them.
March 11, 2023
Had me hooked by page 5!
I have read Simon Kings other books but this is by far his best work. Had me hooked in the first few pages, gritty, violent but also a great insight into prison life.
Not somewhere I will be signing up to stay for a night. Can’t wait to read the rest.
Highly recommend ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
I have read Simon Kings other books but this is by far his best work. Had me hooked in the first few pages, gritty, violent but also a great insight into prison life.
Not somewhere I will be signing up to stay for a night. Can’t wait to read the rest.
Highly recommend ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
October 3, 2023
I am not sure if this book is fictional or not but it is profoundly emotional and disturbing. My heart went out to the main character, Dylan Moody. He didn't deserve to be sent to maximum prison. He lost so much in his short life. I kept hoping for a better outcome for him. The book was well written. It is fast paced and gripping. Naarator Nate Gothard did a fabulous job.
February 23, 2024
Riveting
The story line kept me at the edge of my seat. I felt I was watching a movie. From beginning to the end, it’s riveting . I liked it better than Stephen King. I don’t like to compare authors, I just happen to appreciate your style of writing.Compelling, emotional, leaving one to wonder what will be next or not. Thank you for this great book. I will read your next one.
The story line kept me at the edge of my seat. I felt I was watching a movie. From beginning to the end, it’s riveting . I liked it better than Stephen King. I don’t like to compare authors, I just happen to appreciate your style of writing.Compelling, emotional, leaving one to wonder what will be next or not. Thank you for this great book. I will read your next one.
July 15, 2026
a powerful story
Well what can one say about one of the best stories I have ever had the privilege to read. Nothing is held back, real emotion is witnessed in ink. It is difficult to imagine the horror of facing such violence, fear and pain.
This story has it all. Brilliantly written and well done Simon King
Well what can one say about one of the best stories I have ever had the privilege to read. Nothing is held back, real emotion is witnessed in ink. It is difficult to imagine the horror of facing such violence, fear and pain.
This story has it all. Brilliantly written and well done Simon King
May 28, 2022
A very good book!
This was a very good and interesting book I didn't want to put it down but if you have a very weak stomach you better think twice before you read it, I learned a lot of things reading it!
This was a very good and interesting book I didn't want to put it down but if you have a very weak stomach you better think twice before you read it, I learned a lot of things reading it!
March 15, 2023
Great story.
Such a great story written with the knowledge of real life prison life.
Only negative is the use of a few words that hurts my heart, regarding intellectually challenged people.
Such a great story written with the knowledge of real life prison life.
Only negative is the use of a few words that hurts my heart, regarding intellectually challenged people.
August 6, 2023
Brothers in crime
A sad book, but totally engrossing! I could not put it down. The characters were awesome and captivating. I will read more as I can but they are also depressing and seem true to life. There is a great need for prison reform and true justice!
A sad book, but totally engrossing! I could not put it down. The characters were awesome and captivating. I will read more as I can but they are also depressing and seem true to life. There is a great need for prison reform and true justice!
September 21, 2023
Familiar
This just touches on so many accurate things that so many overlook or deny goes on. So many things that people who a never experienced with a loved one would never believe. Read with an open mind.
This just touches on so many accurate things that so many overlook or deny goes on. So many things that people who a never experienced with a loved one would never believe. Read with an open mind.
June 8, 2024
Survival
This story concerned the brutal conditions inside a prison, where inmates and staff both had to adopt survival skills merely to exist. Rehabilitation was non-existent and prisoners exploited weakness to accumulate power, influence, privileges, protection, and wealth.
This story concerned the brutal conditions inside a prison, where inmates and staff both had to adopt survival skills merely to exist. Rehabilitation was non-existent and prisoners exploited weakness to accumulate power, influence, privileges, protection, and wealth.
March 12, 2026
read this book!
What a beautifully written book. I never leave reviews but I just had to for this book. Simon I really hope you send a copy to Stephen king he would be suitably impressed. Looking forward to reading more.
What a beautifully written book. I never leave reviews but I just had to for this book. Simon I really hope you send a copy to Stephen king he would be suitably impressed. Looking forward to reading more.
July 8, 2026
Not My Kind of Story
When the only way out is through murder something is off. That may be the reality of prison life for some, but it’s not the type of story I wasn’t to read. I stuck with it in the hope that there was some sort of redemptive ending, but no.
When the only way out is through murder something is off. That may be the reality of prison life for some, but it’s not the type of story I wasn’t to read. I stuck with it in the hope that there was some sort of redemptive ending, but no.
October 17, 2020
An excellent and gritty read. I loved it
March 8, 2022
Great read
Excellent story matter, was brilliantly written, and I am looking forward to the next installment. Great read My Simon King.
Excellent story matter, was brilliantly written, and I am looking forward to the next installment. Great read My Simon King.
December 20, 2022
Prison is horrible
Shows prison life pretty realistic. I would hate to go. I believe I would end myself before going given the chance
Shows prison life pretty realistic. I would hate to go. I believe I would end myself before going given the chance
December 21, 2022
Hard Time
This novel is about the consequences of poor judgement. A night out gone bad and a young man's hopes and dreams ended.
This novel is about the consequences of poor judgement. A night out gone bad and a young man's hopes and dreams ended.
December 15, 2023
Amazing
Very well written; kept the reader interested in the story. Couldnt put
this book down. I highly recommend this book.
Very well written; kept the reader interested in the story. Couldnt put
this book down. I highly recommend this book.
December 29, 2023
just read it
A very. Good educational read enlightening in a sad way but coming across as “
“That’s life “ in prison anyway
A very. Good educational read enlightening in a sad way but coming across as “
“That’s life “ in prison anyway
June 23, 2024
Excellent
Really well written and I couldn't out it down, going to start the next one as soon as possible. Great read
Really well written and I couldn't out it down, going to start the next one as soon as possible. Great read
July 19, 2026
brothers in crime
A lot of twists and keeps you wanting him to be released. How your life can be controlled and changed. Really well written
A lot of twists and keeps you wanting him to be released. How your life can be controlled and changed. Really well written
July 28, 2026
This was shockingly amazing!
August 15, 2026
While written in the first person, the ending is a kicker. Where will the author take us next?
December 20, 2022
A fascinating read about an 18-year old boy sent to an adult prison for a crime he had nothing to do with except being in the wrong place at the wrong time. This is the story of his incarceration from beginning to end and makes me wonder how many prisoners, once released, have a chance of living a normal productive life in society after the everyday experiences of prison life.
March 6, 2026
22%
I loved the Stephen King added to the book! I'm a big King follower!
I loved the Stephen King added to the book! I'm a big King follower!
November 25, 2022
Simon King writes true, gritty stories about when he was a prison guard in a super max prison
August 25, 2023
This was a fantastic read with a surprising end. If you haven't read this author's work you are missing out. Loved it
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews