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Gates
Action-packed Occult/Horror Adventure! Disclaimer: Non-religious.
Can a condemned soul become God's weapon?
A death row inmate, known as The Brit, on an isolated island escapes from his execution during a freak thunderstorm that causes the prison to change into a paranormal place. Now, he finds himself fighting his way out and protecting the very people who jailed him. Pursued by prisoners and guards possessed by ghosts along with a mysterious inmate from his nightmares using occult powers, The Brit has to lead the others to escape in order to save their souls and possibly his own.
Can a condemned soul become God's weapon?
A death row inmate, known as The Brit, on an isolated island escapes from his execution during a freak thunderstorm that causes the prison to change into a paranormal place. Now, he finds himself fighting his way out and protecting the very people who jailed him. Pursued by prisoners and guards possessed by ghosts along with a mysterious inmate from his nightmares using occult powers, The Brit has to lead the others to escape in order to save their souls and possibly his own.
102 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 17, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 28, 2014
Originally published at Risingshadow.
G. S. Luckett's Gates was a nice surprise for me. When I began to read this novella, I didn't know what to expect from it, because the author wasn't familiar to me, but fortunately I found myself liking the dark story and wanted to find out what happens to the protagonist.
Before I write more about Gates, I'll mention that it's the first part of The Reaper series. Although it's part of a bigger series, it can be read as a standalone novella.
Here's a bit of information about the story:
The events in this novella take place at Crenshaw Prison where Prisoner U877, The Brit, is about to be executed. The story follows what happens to The Brit and how he escapes execution. A riot breaks out in the prison and The Brit and his companions have to fight their way through the prison. They soon find out that something weird is going on and the prison seems to be haunted...
In my opinion the author has written a fascinating story that tells of how the Reaper is chosen and what he must do. I enjoyed reading about how The Brit became the Reaper, because the journey towards the end was surprisingly satistying and full of action.
The author has created interesting characters. Although The Brit is a death row inmate that's about to be executed, the author does an impressive job of making him an intriguing character. I have to mention that Jamie Navarro is an interesting guard, because the author makes her a three-dimensional character by writing about her feelings and work. He also writes about how she misses her daughter. (There could've perhaps been a bit more depth to some of the characters, but the lack of it didn't bother me much.)
The author pays attention to the almost claustrophobic atmosphere in the prison. His descriptions of the happenings are good. He writes well about the brutalities that happen in the prison during the riot. It was nice that the bad and brutal happenings aren't sugarcoated, because sugarcoating would've ruined the atmosphere.
I noticed that there were a few easily noticeable grammatical errors in the text, but that didn't bother me much. I'm sure that these errors won't bother readers, because the story is interesting.
Gates is an entertaining novella. There's a bit of roughness around the edges, but it doesn't bother the reader much, because the story is good and moves fast forward. There's quite a lot of action in this novella, so readers who are interested in fast-paced stories will most likely enjoy this story very much.
In my opinion G. S. Luckett shows a lot of promise in this novella, which is great, because it's nice to find new and talented authors who are capable of writing good stories. Because I enjoyed this novella, I look forward to reading more stories written by the author (in fact, I'll soon be reading Alpha Hunter).
By the way, if you happen to fear that this novella is religious or Christian, you have nothing to fear, because it's anything but religious or Christian. This novella is a paranormal fantasy novella for adults.
I think that Gates will please readers who are interested in paranormal stories that have a few dark fantasy elements in them. It's an entertaining, fascinating and fast-paced novella that's worth reading.
Good entertainment!
G. S. Luckett's Gates was a nice surprise for me. When I began to read this novella, I didn't know what to expect from it, because the author wasn't familiar to me, but fortunately I found myself liking the dark story and wanted to find out what happens to the protagonist.
Before I write more about Gates, I'll mention that it's the first part of The Reaper series. Although it's part of a bigger series, it can be read as a standalone novella.
Here's a bit of information about the story:
The events in this novella take place at Crenshaw Prison where Prisoner U877, The Brit, is about to be executed. The story follows what happens to The Brit and how he escapes execution. A riot breaks out in the prison and The Brit and his companions have to fight their way through the prison. They soon find out that something weird is going on and the prison seems to be haunted...
In my opinion the author has written a fascinating story that tells of how the Reaper is chosen and what he must do. I enjoyed reading about how The Brit became the Reaper, because the journey towards the end was surprisingly satistying and full of action.
The author has created interesting characters. Although The Brit is a death row inmate that's about to be executed, the author does an impressive job of making him an intriguing character. I have to mention that Jamie Navarro is an interesting guard, because the author makes her a three-dimensional character by writing about her feelings and work. He also writes about how she misses her daughter. (There could've perhaps been a bit more depth to some of the characters, but the lack of it didn't bother me much.)
The author pays attention to the almost claustrophobic atmosphere in the prison. His descriptions of the happenings are good. He writes well about the brutalities that happen in the prison during the riot. It was nice that the bad and brutal happenings aren't sugarcoated, because sugarcoating would've ruined the atmosphere.
I noticed that there were a few easily noticeable grammatical errors in the text, but that didn't bother me much. I'm sure that these errors won't bother readers, because the story is interesting.
Gates is an entertaining novella. There's a bit of roughness around the edges, but it doesn't bother the reader much, because the story is good and moves fast forward. There's quite a lot of action in this novella, so readers who are interested in fast-paced stories will most likely enjoy this story very much.
In my opinion G. S. Luckett shows a lot of promise in this novella, which is great, because it's nice to find new and talented authors who are capable of writing good stories. Because I enjoyed this novella, I look forward to reading more stories written by the author (in fact, I'll soon be reading Alpha Hunter).
By the way, if you happen to fear that this novella is religious or Christian, you have nothing to fear, because it's anything but religious or Christian. This novella is a paranormal fantasy novella for adults.
I think that Gates will please readers who are interested in paranormal stories that have a few dark fantasy elements in them. It's an entertaining, fascinating and fast-paced novella that's worth reading.
Good entertainment!
September 18, 2014
This is clearly a good versus evil story. It reminded me of two Nicolas Cage movies—The Rock and the Ghost Rider; the former because of the escape from the prison and the latter because of the reference to saving souls.
The book also reminded me of the novels (fantasy genre) I edited. They were good stories. So is Gates. However, I had to remind the author of those novels that although the stories were clear in his mind, they were not lucid enough for the readers. I wish someone had told G. S. Luckett the same.
Unless you read the blurb or until you are halfway through the story, you will not realize that most of the characters are already dead and it is their souls that need to escape.
The prison, with its blocks and tunnels, is also confusing, especially with characters ‘jumping’ from one place to another. Maybe a plan or map of the layout would have helped. Or was the novel too short to have included one, I wonder?
There were grammatical and punctuation errors in the copy I received. I hope that it was an Advanced Reader Copy and that the mistakes were corrected before the book was published.
Regardless of all the negative points above, I read it in a couple of hours or so. The setting and the idea may feel familiar and the story may seem confusing but there is no doubt that the author is creative.
The characters of The Brit, The Pastor, and the guard Navarro are multidimensional; all of them have background stories as to how they became what they are now. The fight between good and evil is depicted well in the story.
This book would make a good movie. If you prefer fast-paced books with lots of action, you will like it.
Note: The book was given to me by G. S. Luckett in exchange for an honest review. I thank him for that.
Read all my reviews at My Two Pennies' Worth.
The book also reminded me of the novels (fantasy genre) I edited. They were good stories. So is Gates. However, I had to remind the author of those novels that although the stories were clear in his mind, they were not lucid enough for the readers. I wish someone had told G. S. Luckett the same.
Unless you read the blurb or until you are halfway through the story, you will not realize that most of the characters are already dead and it is their souls that need to escape.
The prison, with its blocks and tunnels, is also confusing, especially with characters ‘jumping’ from one place to another. Maybe a plan or map of the layout would have helped. Or was the novel too short to have included one, I wonder?
There were grammatical and punctuation errors in the copy I received. I hope that it was an Advanced Reader Copy and that the mistakes were corrected before the book was published.
Regardless of all the negative points above, I read it in a couple of hours or so. The setting and the idea may feel familiar and the story may seem confusing but there is no doubt that the author is creative.
The characters of The Brit, The Pastor, and the guard Navarro are multidimensional; all of them have background stories as to how they became what they are now. The fight between good and evil is depicted well in the story.
This book would make a good movie. If you prefer fast-paced books with lots of action, you will like it.
Note: The book was given to me by G. S. Luckett in exchange for an honest review. I thank him for that.
Read all my reviews at My Two Pennies' Worth.
September 13, 2014
The Brit, a death row inmate, escapes his electric-chair execution thanks to a major thunderstorm that knocks out the power at his island-prison. The Pastor, a quasi-friend on the inside, helps him out of the chair and they seem to be the only prisoners around. The Brit has a plan to escape, which is hindered as he faces off against prisoners and inmates that are hell-bent on capturing him by the commands of the Courier.
This was a fun read and reminded me of The Rock (1996), in that I envisioned Alcatraz and Sean Connery. But no, there are no missiles or scientists-turned-hero. There is one specific scene that ends the action-packed and brutal man-against-the-odds thriller, and flips the switch on a paranormal sci-fi tale. Don’t worry; there is still brutal action throughout.
To tell more would risk entry into the spoiler-zone. This is the first I’ve heard of G.S. Luckett. The writing and editing are quite good and the story flows well from scene to scene. The book has a conclusion (as it should) and can stand alone as a full story.
However, this is the intro to a set/series. A short read (145 pages). Although this is subtitled as “Can a condemned soul become God’s weapon”, it isn’t a Christian or preachy book.
Read September 2014: Author provided copy
This was a fun read and reminded me of The Rock (1996), in that I envisioned Alcatraz and Sean Connery. But no, there are no missiles or scientists-turned-hero. There is one specific scene that ends the action-packed and brutal man-against-the-odds thriller, and flips the switch on a paranormal sci-fi tale. Don’t worry; there is still brutal action throughout.
To tell more would risk entry into the spoiler-zone. This is the first I’ve heard of G.S. Luckett. The writing and editing are quite good and the story flows well from scene to scene. The book has a conclusion (as it should) and can stand alone as a full story.
However, this is the intro to a set/series. A short read (145 pages). Although this is subtitled as “Can a condemned soul become God’s weapon”, it isn’t a Christian or preachy book.
Read September 2014: Author provided copy
January 16, 2015
The Brit, prisoner U877, belongs in prison. He was a murderer on the outside and just as difficult on the inside. His time has come; he is going to be executed. But when a strange storm knocks out the power and the priest help him it seems he may avoid his fate. But then a riot breaks out in the prison. Prisoners and guards alike are trying to get to him. But things take a paranormal turn and there is more going on in the prison than first look.
I loved this story. You have a dark, supernatural setting, characters that you don’t know if they are really good or bad, and a ton of action. You don’t know what is going to pop out around the next corner or even who to trust. I really liked the Brit’s story. It was so heartbreaking but interesting how it let to him sitting in an electric chair.
It’s so hard not to give away too much with this story. Trust me, you have to read it. Now I can’t wait to begin Alpha Hunter.
I received this book from GS Luckett for free in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this story. You have a dark, supernatural setting, characters that you don’t know if they are really good or bad, and a ton of action. You don’t know what is going to pop out around the next corner or even who to trust. I really liked the Brit’s story. It was so heartbreaking but interesting how it let to him sitting in an electric chair.
It’s so hard not to give away too much with this story. Trust me, you have to read it. Now I can’t wait to begin Alpha Hunter.
I received this book from GS Luckett for free in exchange for an honest review.
September 20, 2014
The Reaper is Loose!
Gates by G. S. Luckett has that action movie style rather than a suspense novel; a plus for this book. With its omniscient point-of-view, you see all the actions and thoughts of the characters at once. It also has a SHTF tension that we love. The main character, The Brit (sounds cooler than his real name) isn’t your wrongfully accused and incarcerated hero. He’s a killer, and about to get the electric chair for his crimes. But there are worse things lurking about the prison when the power goes out in a storm. The Brit is your friend, if you’ve got the courage to follow him. He’s confident, capable (of kicking ass), and as clueless of what threat that he and his companions face as they struggle to escape. I would have rated it 4.5 if Amazon had a half point scale. It could use a tad bit more editing and character depth, but otherwise a good start to what should be a great series.
Gates by G. S. Luckett has that action movie style rather than a suspense novel; a plus for this book. With its omniscient point-of-view, you see all the actions and thoughts of the characters at once. It also has a SHTF tension that we love. The main character, The Brit (sounds cooler than his real name) isn’t your wrongfully accused and incarcerated hero. He’s a killer, and about to get the electric chair for his crimes. But there are worse things lurking about the prison when the power goes out in a storm. The Brit is your friend, if you’ve got the courage to follow him. He’s confident, capable (of kicking ass), and as clueless of what threat that he and his companions face as they struggle to escape. I would have rated it 4.5 if Amazon had a half point scale. It could use a tad bit more editing and character depth, but otherwise a good start to what should be a great series.
January 14, 2015
Looking for a great suspenseful novel that will have you on the edge of the seat? Gates by G.S. Luckett is a fascinating story with a fantastic twist toward the end of the novel.
The Brit aka prisoner U877, an inmate on death row, escapes execution during a freak storm. Follow how U877 escapes the haunted prison with guards, another inmate, and a news crew.
This is one of those stories that kept you wanting to see what happens next. The major twist toward the end of the novel left my jaw wide open, as I was beyond shocked. I found myself talking about it to my wife as if she were reading along. I loved how well the Brit character was written. By the end, I began rooting for U877.
The Brit aka prisoner U877, an inmate on death row, escapes execution during a freak storm. Follow how U877 escapes the haunted prison with guards, another inmate, and a news crew.
This is one of those stories that kept you wanting to see what happens next. The major twist toward the end of the novel left my jaw wide open, as I was beyond shocked. I found myself talking about it to my wife as if she were reading along. I loved how well the Brit character was written. By the end, I began rooting for U877.
January 2, 2015
Oh my God! I was not expecting this. It has been a while since I read the description of this book, so I couldn’t remember what this book was about. But since it was next on my ‘To Read’ list, I started reading without rereading the back cover. I am so happy that I did. This was one of the best-twisted stories I have ever read. It had me guessing all the way. I feel the story line is unique and special since it shows that it’s never too late to change. It’s not a religious book, but you can’t help but have hope after reading this book. Fantastic job, Mr. Luckett.
August 31, 2014
I received an e copy of Gates by G.S. Luckett from storycartel.com in exchange for an honest review.
I read this story in one sitting. The action is non-stop. The scenes are very detailed and vivid. The characters are very well fleshed out. The author did a wonderful job of humanizing "The Brit" and telling his back story. I can see why he was chosen as a Reaper. I would recommend Gates and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I read this story in one sitting. The action is non-stop. The scenes are very detailed and vivid. The characters are very well fleshed out. The author did a wonderful job of humanizing "The Brit" and telling his back story. I can see why he was chosen as a Reaper. I would recommend Gates and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
November 24, 2014
This was an interesting twisted story. The battle between Heaven and Hell was action packed. I'll admit, at first I was slightly confused. But once I realized what was going on, it was a thrilling story. I couldn't put this book down. It held me riveted to my seat. I enjoyed the character of the Brit and feel like this is going to be a great, thrilling series. I look forward to the next one.
January 1, 2015
"Think of purgatory as a demilitarized zone."
The horror/paranormal work is short yet exciting. With the first words, the reader is gripped by the adventure.
G. S. Luckett's Gates (The Reaper Book 1) offers wonderfully vibrant characters. At the end, the reader understands "Gates" on several different levels, through the layers of shivering symbolism.
The horror/paranormal work is short yet exciting. With the first words, the reader is gripped by the adventure.
G. S. Luckett's Gates (The Reaper Book 1) offers wonderfully vibrant characters. At the end, the reader understands "Gates" on several different levels, through the layers of shivering symbolism.
October 3, 2014
A dark tale of a death row inmate who faces an evil that is out to claim his soul. Can he redeem himself by saving others? A great read.
June 5, 2014
Reviewed by Dinorah Blackman for Readers' Favorite
If you love suspense, you’re definitely going to love Gates by G.S. Luckett. The author paints a vivid picture that offers a glimpse into how an innocent little boy becomes a hardened criminal on Death Row after witnessing the murder of his father. In prison, this man is feared and dreaded. He has a reputation for being unreasonably violent and cruel. But nobody knows what is really going on in the depth of his soul and nobody understands the pain that has tortured him his entire life. On the night of his execution, evil breaks loose and strange things begin to happen. It seems like demons take over and go on a rampage to steal, kill, and destroy. Fear takes hold of the small group that’s desperately trying to escape alive as they experience a set of supernatural events, like the dead not staying dead. They become convinced that something evil is after them, but in the midst of the chaos there is a sliver of hope as the hardened murderer risks his life to save others.
G.S. Luckett is an extremely creative writer. In this book, he turns a prison into a haunted house where many macabre secrets are hidden. Gates presents an exciting but unusual plot played out by very interesting characters who are thrown together in a desperate attempt to escape a tragedy. Luckett uses one’s natural distrust of prison guards to create a story in which nobody can be trusted; not even one’s own shadow. As the plot thickens, the bad guy is transformed into the only hope of survival and his true nature is revealed. Gates is a story that confirms appearances can be deceiving and that there’s much more going on around us than meets the eye. If you’ve ever wondered about evil and spiritual forces, you’ll enjoy this book.
If you love suspense, you’re definitely going to love Gates by G.S. Luckett. The author paints a vivid picture that offers a glimpse into how an innocent little boy becomes a hardened criminal on Death Row after witnessing the murder of his father. In prison, this man is feared and dreaded. He has a reputation for being unreasonably violent and cruel. But nobody knows what is really going on in the depth of his soul and nobody understands the pain that has tortured him his entire life. On the night of his execution, evil breaks loose and strange things begin to happen. It seems like demons take over and go on a rampage to steal, kill, and destroy. Fear takes hold of the small group that’s desperately trying to escape alive as they experience a set of supernatural events, like the dead not staying dead. They become convinced that something evil is after them, but in the midst of the chaos there is a sliver of hope as the hardened murderer risks his life to save others.
G.S. Luckett is an extremely creative writer. In this book, he turns a prison into a haunted house where many macabre secrets are hidden. Gates presents an exciting but unusual plot played out by very interesting characters who are thrown together in a desperate attempt to escape a tragedy. Luckett uses one’s natural distrust of prison guards to create a story in which nobody can be trusted; not even one’s own shadow. As the plot thickens, the bad guy is transformed into the only hope of survival and his true nature is revealed. Gates is a story that confirms appearances can be deceiving and that there’s much more going on around us than meets the eye. If you’ve ever wondered about evil and spiritual forces, you’ll enjoy this book.
August 13, 2015
I think this would make a great Science Fiction movie, in my opinion. It has all that is needed for a horror story. There is the nasty storm, dark, unusual and lots of lightening. There is suspense, drama, ghosts and, of course, good vs. evil.
'The Brit' a death row inmate was in the electric chair when the storm hit. Everyone disappeared and miraculously he was alive?? There is a riot and all he wants to do is get out of the prison. He has a plan but it gets skewed. As he goes he gathers people to save, even a prison guard that wants to keep him under arrest.
What follows is a race against time and a legion of evil. There is a surprise part way into the book and then at the end The Brit finds his calling.
This book was provided to me from the author for review purposes. It did receive a box set but have not read the 2nd which is Alpha Hunter, a vampire story.
'The Brit' a death row inmate was in the electric chair when the storm hit. Everyone disappeared and miraculously he was alive?? There is a riot and all he wants to do is get out of the prison. He has a plan but it gets skewed. As he goes he gathers people to save, even a prison guard that wants to keep him under arrest.
What follows is a race against time and a legion of evil. There is a surprise part way into the book and then at the end The Brit finds his calling.
This book was provided to me from the author for review purposes. It did receive a box set but have not read the 2nd which is Alpha Hunter, a vampire story.
August 15, 2016
The book starts out quick and creates all kinds of questions and tension. It draws you in as you race along with the characters, some you like and cheer for and others that you'll jeer. At times i felt like I had missed something, but by the end it was a great set up for the finish. Luckett's style of writing puts you right into the action and carries thru to the end. I loved the paranormal/ghostly flashes that keep you on edge. It is the first book in a series and I can't wait for the next one. Great suspense and you'll love how the pieces of the puzzle fall dramatically but neatly into place. Maybe not a happy ending but one that creates an option for a new beginning.
October 18, 2015
If you're going to write an occult/horror novel this is how you do it! This book is all action, with no useless fluff. The story keeps you on your toes wanting more. I also liked the fact of this having hell and heaven without the preachy religion. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole book, and look forward to the rest of the series!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews