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Lorton Legends
The Lorton Correctional Complex was one of the most notorious prisons in U.S. history. It housed convicts from Washington, D.C. Known for violence and corruption, it shaped and molded every man, or woman, that experienced life on the inside. Sent to Lorton at age 17 for armed robbery, Ronald Mays is introduced to a world where only the strong survive. In prison he is forced to better himself as a man he learns to read, he drops his heroin habit, and becomes a father. Being a loyalist at heart, Ronald gets involved in a feud with older convicts that can cost him everything. A survivor by nature, Ronald makes it out of Lorton alive and returns to the streets of D.C. with his mind focused on doing bigger and better things with his life. He leaves all of his old ways alone and pursues his dreams of becoming a pro boxer if he succeeds he wins for all those close to him. No matter how hard he tries to avoid the drama of the D.C. streets, it comes his way hard and fast. Ronald finds himself fighting his yesterdays in order to attain his dreams of tomorrow. Like most real men that survived Lorton, Ronald is driven by his will to succeed and his demand for respect. Nothing will get in his way. An epic story of struggle, adversity, and accomplishment.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2011
25 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 27, 2011
The Casualties of Lorton.
Ronald, Blue, T-Bone and Frank are four teenagers in the 1970’s who are sentenced to serve time in Lorton Correctional Facility among the harden criminals. But these four friends are not to be messed with, cross one…and all four will come at you. Bond is real within this friendship and these young lads are quickly gaining respect from the criminal population.
Lorton is a whole other world, and the things that go on there had me having to remind myself that these men are in prison and not on the block in the hood. But truth be told with many years assigned to each of these youngsters to serve, Lorton IS their hood! Murder, gangs, sex, drugs and everything in between happens behind the prison walls and the reader gets up close and personal in every aspect.
The fight for survival in the system does not only mean the strong, it also means the smartest, as proved by the character T-Bone who as strong as he is, let his emotions get the best of him leading to a not so smart move...
Of course prison has the ability to change one, as depicted in Frank’s character who in my opinion started off being the weakest link. I’m not going to give it away… Lets just say, some of the slickest moves in the book were orchestrated by Frank! I loved all the characters but Frank was my favorite and Mr. Williams did an awesome job on the characters development.
Roland decided to ride out his time with the right frame of mind, taking the opportunity to train at becoming a pro boxer. But with the distraction of prison politics it was not going to be easy. Roland embarks on a self improvement journey, not only preparing his body for his boxing matches but broadening his knowledge and looking deeper into his inner self.
This is a book about survival, honor, integrity, love, family, and brotherhood.
The dynamics between the characters is explosive, and the entire story is clear, precise, informative, and very interesting…a sculptured story that showcases Eyone Williams obvious talent.
A recommend read.
Locksie November 25th 2011
ARC Book Club Inc.
Star Rating 5.0*****
Ronald, Blue, T-Bone and Frank are four teenagers in the 1970’s who are sentenced to serve time in Lorton Correctional Facility among the harden criminals. But these four friends are not to be messed with, cross one…and all four will come at you. Bond is real within this friendship and these young lads are quickly gaining respect from the criminal population.
Lorton is a whole other world, and the things that go on there had me having to remind myself that these men are in prison and not on the block in the hood. But truth be told with many years assigned to each of these youngsters to serve, Lorton IS their hood! Murder, gangs, sex, drugs and everything in between happens behind the prison walls and the reader gets up close and personal in every aspect.
The fight for survival in the system does not only mean the strong, it also means the smartest, as proved by the character T-Bone who as strong as he is, let his emotions get the best of him leading to a not so smart move...
Of course prison has the ability to change one, as depicted in Frank’s character who in my opinion started off being the weakest link. I’m not going to give it away… Lets just say, some of the slickest moves in the book were orchestrated by Frank! I loved all the characters but Frank was my favorite and Mr. Williams did an awesome job on the characters development.
Roland decided to ride out his time with the right frame of mind, taking the opportunity to train at becoming a pro boxer. But with the distraction of prison politics it was not going to be easy. Roland embarks on a self improvement journey, not only preparing his body for his boxing matches but broadening his knowledge and looking deeper into his inner self.
This is a book about survival, honor, integrity, love, family, and brotherhood.
The dynamics between the characters is explosive, and the entire story is clear, precise, informative, and very interesting…a sculptured story that showcases Eyone Williams obvious talent.
A recommend read.
Locksie November 25th 2011
ARC Book Club Inc.
Star Rating 5.0*****
June 20, 2012
HOPE IN THE HOOD
A resident of Washington, DC, Ronald Mays is sentenced to serve time in prison at the age of seventeen. While incarcerated he chooses to make the best of his time and hits the books. Gaining mental strength through his reading and capitalizing on his love for boxing, Ronald uses his newfound knowledge to remain even-tempered in the time of adversity. As a rising boxing star, he gains notoriety among his fellow convicts and notables within the professional boxing community. He takes full advantage of the benefits of his stardom in order to provide for his family from the inside and use it as a foundation for his future once he is released. Loyal to his brothers behind bars, Ronald gains respect from everyone around him and does everything he can to honor each bond. Suffering losses throughout his time away from home and fighting the urge to lash out, he strives toward the ultimate goal of staying out of prison. If he does this, he can be a good example to his son and stay out of the drug game.
Lorton Legends by Eyone Williams was an extremely intriguing read. This is a title depicts the harsh realities of urban life. Lorton Legends highlights the atrocities and injustices that are suffered by inmates within the penal system. Unfortunately, some convicts live most of their lives recycled in and out of the system because they find it very difficult to function in the outside world if they are released. This inability to get acclimated to their freedom often leads to a recurring jail sentence. This was the first title I have read by this author and I am looking forward to reading more. I applaud Mr. Williams for successfully emphasizing both the negative and positive aspects of confinement. Hopefully some youth will read this title and make a conscious decision to make responsible choices for a more productive future. Excellent work Mr. Williams!
Ondrea L. Davis, Reviewer
A resident of Washington, DC, Ronald Mays is sentenced to serve time in prison at the age of seventeen. While incarcerated he chooses to make the best of his time and hits the books. Gaining mental strength through his reading and capitalizing on his love for boxing, Ronald uses his newfound knowledge to remain even-tempered in the time of adversity. As a rising boxing star, he gains notoriety among his fellow convicts and notables within the professional boxing community. He takes full advantage of the benefits of his stardom in order to provide for his family from the inside and use it as a foundation for his future once he is released. Loyal to his brothers behind bars, Ronald gains respect from everyone around him and does everything he can to honor each bond. Suffering losses throughout his time away from home and fighting the urge to lash out, he strives toward the ultimate goal of staying out of prison. If he does this, he can be a good example to his son and stay out of the drug game.
Lorton Legends by Eyone Williams was an extremely intriguing read. This is a title depicts the harsh realities of urban life. Lorton Legends highlights the atrocities and injustices that are suffered by inmates within the penal system. Unfortunately, some convicts live most of their lives recycled in and out of the system because they find it very difficult to function in the outside world if they are released. This inability to get acclimated to their freedom often leads to a recurring jail sentence. This was the first title I have read by this author and I am looking forward to reading more. I applaud Mr. Williams for successfully emphasizing both the negative and positive aspects of confinement. Hopefully some youth will read this title and make a conscious decision to make responsible choices for a more productive future. Excellent work Mr. Williams!
Ondrea L. Davis, Reviewer
August 17, 2011
Lorton Legends is Ronald’s coming of age story. Readers will read about the violence, disloyalty, dishonesty, racism and corruption and so much more. Author Eyone Williams places his readers in a front row seat to a movie that takes you back in time and kept you mesmerized with the action packed read. His storyline was not only realistic but unique because he tackled real issues that prisoners deal with from wanting better nutrition for inmates, respect of religious beliefs and just some equality.
Lorton Legends told a story that wasn’t just confined to the concrete walls of the prison but on the outside as well. When there was drama on the streets there was a storyline that the author was able to cleverly tie in to make relevant and keep you engrossed page by page.
As a first time reader of Eyone Williams, I quickly became a fan of his writing style that was more than just words on paper but the relevant messages that were sprinkled throughout the 300+ pages.
Fans of urban literature will definitely be engaged by Lorton Legends as I was and eagerly look forward to reading more literary works from this author.
Lorton Legends told a story that wasn’t just confined to the concrete walls of the prison but on the outside as well. When there was drama on the streets there was a storyline that the author was able to cleverly tie in to make relevant and keep you engrossed page by page.
As a first time reader of Eyone Williams, I quickly became a fan of his writing style that was more than just words on paper but the relevant messages that were sprinkled throughout the 300+ pages.
Fans of urban literature will definitely be engaged by Lorton Legends as I was and eagerly look forward to reading more literary works from this author.
October 25, 2011
" Lorton Legends" was my first read by Eyone Williams and I was definitely not disappointed. "Lorton Legends" is not your typical urban fiction read.Eyone takes us into one of the most notorious prisons that the U.S has ever seen. It takes you right into the depths of the prisoners lives, including their struggles within the walls of prison as well as the the families they left behind as they do their time behind bars. The book started in the 1970's and read like a movie from page one.Definitely one of the realest books I've ever read. Can't wait to read more from Mr. Eyone. 5 stars!!!
September 22, 2011
Wow!!! Most women don't know what our men, especially our brothers go through behind bars, going through the system and just being a man period. Thanks for more insight Eyone! Keep up the good work!!!
August 10, 2011
A very dynamic read. Eyone Williams not only wrote a great novel, but also gave the reader some history about D.C.'s infamous Lorton Prison and it's inmates.
December 22, 2011
My man did his thing once again CERTIFIED CLASSIC!
October 30, 2018
I couldn't put the book down...
I recommend all you thugs read your book...thank you...I will continue to read your books and let others know of your talent.
I recommend all you thugs read your book...thank you...I will continue to read your books and let others know of your talent.
January 25, 2012
Real Recognize Real
I had never read anything by Mr. Williams up to this point although I had heard a lot of great things about him from fellow reviewers. I actually have in my collection although unread "Hell Raiser Honeys" parts one and two. I loved this book so much I wanted to go back to the beginning see if he always had the skills and to see how much he has grown as a writer. So, I brought "Fast Lane" to go back to the beginning. I have to say I didn't waste my money, as this was the only book I purchased at the 2011 Harlem Book Fair and I don't regret that one bit.
This is prison story like none other. It managed to change my views on the things go on in jail. While I have no personal experience with the prison system, I felt like I had a degree in prison 101 as this novel was easy to follow along with. Yes innocent men go to jail, men unjustly get sent to prison and its all between these pages. As we follow four friends Ronald, Blue, T-Bone and Frank who go from juvenile to prison, we watch them turn to men right before our very eyes. Will everyone be able to make it out alive? Even in jail their bond is strong and they have each other backs - the only way to survive. As we follow them and their families over the course of thirty years no stone is left unturned. We see the good, the bad and the ugly. Trust they have a story to tell. One you won’t want to miss. You will scream at the characters, root for the characters and on more than one occasion curse at them. The ending is brilliant and the perfect ending no don't worry mums the word you gonna have to read it.
Now that I have this author on my radar, I will be keeping up with him. Eager to see what he has on deck for us readers next. kicking myself for not trying him earlier but as the saying goes better late than never right?
SiStar Tea
ARC Book Club Inc.
5 star rating
Jan 23rd 2012
I had never read anything by Mr. Williams up to this point although I had heard a lot of great things about him from fellow reviewers. I actually have in my collection although unread "Hell Raiser Honeys" parts one and two. I loved this book so much I wanted to go back to the beginning see if he always had the skills and to see how much he has grown as a writer. So, I brought "Fast Lane" to go back to the beginning. I have to say I didn't waste my money, as this was the only book I purchased at the 2011 Harlem Book Fair and I don't regret that one bit.
This is prison story like none other. It managed to change my views on the things go on in jail. While I have no personal experience with the prison system, I felt like I had a degree in prison 101 as this novel was easy to follow along with. Yes innocent men go to jail, men unjustly get sent to prison and its all between these pages. As we follow four friends Ronald, Blue, T-Bone and Frank who go from juvenile to prison, we watch them turn to men right before our very eyes. Will everyone be able to make it out alive? Even in jail their bond is strong and they have each other backs - the only way to survive. As we follow them and their families over the course of thirty years no stone is left unturned. We see the good, the bad and the ugly. Trust they have a story to tell. One you won’t want to miss. You will scream at the characters, root for the characters and on more than one occasion curse at them. The ending is brilliant and the perfect ending no don't worry mums the word you gonna have to read it.
Now that I have this author on my radar, I will be keeping up with him. Eager to see what he has on deck for us readers next. kicking myself for not trying him earlier but as the saying goes better late than never right?
SiStar Tea
ARC Book Club Inc.
5 star rating
Jan 23rd 2012
January 28, 2012
If one is looking for a fast, gritty read than this is the book for you. From the beginning of this book, the reader will be thrown into the bowels of the department of corrections in Washington , D.C. following the lives of several young men who have made bad choices and are trying to survive the best way they know how while incarcerated. One young man, Ronald Mays has been in and out of trouble most of his adolescent life until at the age of 17 he committed a crime that earned him an extended stay in the corrections system. While struggling to maintain respect and survive at the same time, Ronald and his friends quickly learn that they must depend on their street smarts and physical fighting skills to prevent them from dying.
Out of all the young men, Ronald is the most determined to make some positive changes in his life. Despite the obstacles thrown his way, he remains steadfast in his dreams to become a professional boxer. The reader will remain intrigued throughout this book. I did notice some words used out of context and some that were misspelled, this is why i gave a 4 instead of a 5.
Zandra Barnes
AAMBC Reviewer
Out of all the young men, Ronald is the most determined to make some positive changes in his life. Despite the obstacles thrown his way, he remains steadfast in his dreams to become a professional boxer. The reader will remain intrigued throughout this book. I did notice some words used out of context and some that were misspelled, this is why i gave a 4 instead of a 5.
Zandra Barnes
AAMBC Reviewer
January 8, 2012
Eyone Williams; Lorton Legends is a definitely captivating book on a young hustla caught up in the system. The trials and tribulations he goes through with his core group of buddies and the triumphs he experiences when back on the streets. They spend most of the story behind bars, in a very realistic look on corrupt prison politics. The epic portions of the different paths in the mens lives from teen to middle age gives a different twist, coupled with actual events that relate to the times. While some portions feel rushed and not necessary, distracting from the central core, they are short lived. Overall is a great accomplishment, showcasing what it means to be loyal, give respect, and ultimately go from boyz II men and eventually be great fathers. "(less)
December 30, 2011
Eyone Williams; Lorton Legends is a definitely captivating book on a young hustla caught up in the system. The trials and tribulations he goes through with his core group of buddies and the triumphs he experiences when back on the streets. The epic portions of the different paths in the mens lives from teen to middle age gives a different twist, coupled with actual events that relate to the times. While some portions feel rushed and not necessary, distracting from the central core, they are short lived. Overall is a great accomplishment, showcasing what it means to be loyal, give respect, and ultimately go from boyz II men and eventually be great fathers. "
November 17, 2013
I love the book, I couldn't put it down and was finished in three days. It scared me a little and the rest was amazing. Just didn't know how real it was down Lorton. I had my days of going there twice a week to see my husband, back then he was my boyfriend. Eyone did a wonderful job with this project, thank you for a good story.
October 9, 2014
Can we get a movie please!!!!!
action pack all the way this really should be on big screen. this makes three book I have read by this AUTHOR must please keep them coming. please cop this amazing book you won't regret it must read love it!!!!!!
action pack all the way this really should be on big screen. this makes three book I have read by this AUTHOR must please keep them coming. please cop this amazing book you won't regret it must read love it!!!!!!
August 9, 2011
Final Rating: 4.5 stars
September 22, 2011
Even though this book took me almost two weeks to finish,it was on ok book I really liked the ending.At time it got slow and boring to me with all the jail talk,but then at times it got good.
April 21, 2012
Final Rating 5 Stars!
August 2, 2012
Took me a month to read it. It started off good, but some parts were unreal (like really). The end drifted off into a totally different subject.. I was just ready to finish it. lol
June 1, 2013
This was a raw and sad story that happens to too many young and misguided children.
March 14, 2015
Superb and the Author had given us the story raw with no cuts!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews