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Dark Lives #2
The Boy Inside
How can you make the right decisions if everything you’ve been told is a lie? With absent parents and broken friends, Ben is making choices which are ruining his life. Is it ever possible to escape your past? This powerful, beautifully written novel gives a vivid and realistic picture of those who struggle in life. Do we ask the most from the ones who have the least? Life is never easy when you’re still a boy inside.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 17, 2017
147 people are currently reading
242 people want to read
About the author
Ross Greenwood
43 books556 followersI was born in 1973 in Peterborough and lived there until I was 20, attending The King's School in the city. I then began a rather nomadic existence, living and working all over the country and various parts of the world.
I found myself returning to Peterborough many times over the years, usually when things had gone wrong. It was on one of these occasions that I met my partner about 100 metres from my back door whilst walking a dog. Two children swiftly followed. I'm still a little stunned by the pace of it now.
Fifty Years of Fear book was started a long time ago but parenthood and then after working in sales management all my life, i randomly spent four years as a prison officer. Ironically it was the four a.m. feed which gave me the opportunity to finish the book as unable to get back to sleep I completed it in the early morning hours.
I've now written five further books. My second book, The Boy Inside, was picked up by a publisher, and Lazy Blood is also out. All my books are thought provoking, and told with a sense of humour. Reading the reviews has been great.
The first three books are stand alone, however, some of the characters cross over, and you can see how at times, their lives overlap.
Abel's Revenge is something a bit different. It's a modern day love story set against the backdrop of an escalating serial killer. There's a whodunnit element to it, and some smiles along the way.
Shadows of Regret was inspired by my time on the women's side of the jail in Peterborough, and analyses the close relationship between victim and villain. You won't have read a book like it.
I hope you enjoy reading them.
Please feel free to get in touch.
https://www.facebook.com/RossGreenwoo...
I found myself returning to Peterborough many times over the years, usually when things had gone wrong. It was on one of these occasions that I met my partner about 100 metres from my back door whilst walking a dog. Two children swiftly followed. I'm still a little stunned by the pace of it now.
Fifty Years of Fear book was started a long time ago but parenthood and then after working in sales management all my life, i randomly spent four years as a prison officer. Ironically it was the four a.m. feed which gave me the opportunity to finish the book as unable to get back to sleep I completed it in the early morning hours.
I've now written five further books. My second book, The Boy Inside, was picked up by a publisher, and Lazy Blood is also out. All my books are thought provoking, and told with a sense of humour. Reading the reviews has been great.
The first three books are stand alone, however, some of the characters cross over, and you can see how at times, their lives overlap.
Abel's Revenge is something a bit different. It's a modern day love story set against the backdrop of an escalating serial killer. There's a whodunnit element to it, and some smiles along the way.
Shadows of Regret was inspired by my time on the women's side of the jail in Peterborough, and analyses the close relationship between victim and villain. You won't have read a book like it.
I hope you enjoy reading them.
Please feel free to get in touch.
https://www.facebook.com/RossGreenwoo...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
February 7, 2017
All of my reviews can be found on www.novelgossip.com
I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from this book, but whatever I was anticipating, it wasn’t what I received. I don’t mean that in a negative way at all, this was just so highly different from any other crime novel that I have read before. It wasn’t typical in the sense that there was a case to be solved, or a detective to follow, or even a killer narrating, things that fans of this genre have seen before and even come to expect. Instead it was a dark and harrowing look into the life of a teenager who bounces in and out of the prison system and how this effects his fragile life in many ways.
The book starts when Ben is about fifteen and his life is ok, not too bad at all. He’s an only child and his parents are still married, and though they may not be rolling in the dough, he’s taken well care of for the most part. When his dad gets cancer and passes away, his mom turns to alcohol and Ben finds that he mostly has to take care of himself. He meets Jake, another local teenager and before too long he’s dabbling in petty crimes, and actually enjoying himself. He has no idea at the time that this will be his fatal mistake.
The book continues to follow Ben and Jake until Ben is twenty one as he gets locked up and released only to be picked up again as he can’t seem to keep his nose clean. His struggles were awful and heartbreaking and the worst part of all for me at least, was that this is an accurate reality for many young men. Ben didn’t have the necessary resources to stay out of prison even though he never wanted to be there. His mother was battling her own demons against alcohol and he was hanging around the wrong crowd so the odds were never in his favor. This was very gritty and dark, and as much as I was rooting for Ben, it really seemed like he never had a real chance at a normal, prison free life.
If you’re looking for an entirely different type of book that is heavily character driven, you would enjoy this one.
I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from this book, but whatever I was anticipating, it wasn’t what I received. I don’t mean that in a negative way at all, this was just so highly different from any other crime novel that I have read before. It wasn’t typical in the sense that there was a case to be solved, or a detective to follow, or even a killer narrating, things that fans of this genre have seen before and even come to expect. Instead it was a dark and harrowing look into the life of a teenager who bounces in and out of the prison system and how this effects his fragile life in many ways.
The book starts when Ben is about fifteen and his life is ok, not too bad at all. He’s an only child and his parents are still married, and though they may not be rolling in the dough, he’s taken well care of for the most part. When his dad gets cancer and passes away, his mom turns to alcohol and Ben finds that he mostly has to take care of himself. He meets Jake, another local teenager and before too long he’s dabbling in petty crimes, and actually enjoying himself. He has no idea at the time that this will be his fatal mistake.
The book continues to follow Ben and Jake until Ben is twenty one as he gets locked up and released only to be picked up again as he can’t seem to keep his nose clean. His struggles were awful and heartbreaking and the worst part of all for me at least, was that this is an accurate reality for many young men. Ben didn’t have the necessary resources to stay out of prison even though he never wanted to be there. His mother was battling her own demons against alcohol and he was hanging around the wrong crowd so the odds were never in his favor. This was very gritty and dark, and as much as I was rooting for Ben, it really seemed like he never had a real chance at a normal, prison free life.
If you’re looking for an entirely different type of book that is heavily character driven, you would enjoy this one.
February 14, 2017
The Boy Inside is very much a story about how decisions and getting in with the wrong crowd can cause you to go down the wrong route in life.
I actually really liked Ben. He is far from being a bad person, he has just made some bad decisions in life. He really wants to make something of his life and for a while he looks just like that is what he may do. Sadly I think some people are just destined to always making bad choices.
The author takes us through Ben growing up and how he falls into a friendship with Jake who introduces Ben to acts that are against the law. Jake is someone else who hasn’t had the best of up bringing’s and it made me wonder if they had more stability in their home lives if they would have still gone down the path that they chose to.
We get to see how easy it is for people to go from petty crimes to more serious ones. Through Ben and Jake we get to see what life is like on the inside and it is certainly somewhere that I hope to goodness I never find myself.
The Boy Inside is quite a thought provoking read. You can’t help but take to Ben and for his story to really tug at your heart strings. I was really willing for him to turn his life around and badly wanted to grab him from the book and give him a new start in life. If this book doesn’t make you want to keep on the right side of the law then I don’t know what else will.
My thanks to Bloodhound Books for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
I actually really liked Ben. He is far from being a bad person, he has just made some bad decisions in life. He really wants to make something of his life and for a while he looks just like that is what he may do. Sadly I think some people are just destined to always making bad choices.
The author takes us through Ben growing up and how he falls into a friendship with Jake who introduces Ben to acts that are against the law. Jake is someone else who hasn’t had the best of up bringing’s and it made me wonder if they had more stability in their home lives if they would have still gone down the path that they chose to.
We get to see how easy it is for people to go from petty crimes to more serious ones. Through Ben and Jake we get to see what life is like on the inside and it is certainly somewhere that I hope to goodness I never find myself.
The Boy Inside is quite a thought provoking read. You can’t help but take to Ben and for his story to really tug at your heart strings. I was really willing for him to turn his life around and badly wanted to grab him from the book and give him a new start in life. If this book doesn’t make you want to keep on the right side of the law then I don’t know what else will.
My thanks to Bloodhound Books for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
February 10, 2017
WOW! I hardly ever read stories to do with prison, prisoners and criminals etc.. Especially like this one and I loved it! A new favourite for me, I find prison and how prisoners and workers cope in that environment very interesting but I don’t fancying being in prison thanks! I loved how the story was told and the way it was split into different parts, it suited the story really well. One minute I felt Ben deserved everything he got then the next I am thinking NO, RUN RUN RUN! Or backing him up to sort himself out and I am not one to help criminals (usually ;)).
The Boy Inside is written well, easy to read and contains short chapters. It will have you hooked. This is the first book I have read by Ross and it will not be my last either. I really enjoyed reading this story, it’s another well deserved five stars from me! This story highlights just how easy criminals can end up back in prison and why. You will not want to put this book down! There are many scenes which do contain ‘heavy fighting’ but you would expect that within prison wouldn’t you? There was a particular few chapters in this story that really had me LAUGHING OUT LOUD which you wouldn’t expect from a book like this but it was perfectly placed and relevant. Loved it! Highly recommend! Enjoy.
The Boy Inside is written well, easy to read and contains short chapters. It will have you hooked. This is the first book I have read by Ross and it will not be my last either. I really enjoyed reading this story, it’s another well deserved five stars from me! This story highlights just how easy criminals can end up back in prison and why. You will not want to put this book down! There are many scenes which do contain ‘heavy fighting’ but you would expect that within prison wouldn’t you? There was a particular few chapters in this story that really had me LAUGHING OUT LOUD which you wouldn’t expect from a book like this but it was perfectly placed and relevant. Loved it! Highly recommend! Enjoy.
March 21, 2022
Realistic look at how teenagers become adults in the prison system. Heart wrenching and brutal at times, definitely brings the prison system to the reader's attention while forcing the reader to acknowledge underlying factors - these factors denying children a chance at life.
Ben lives in an apartment - the other occupants seemingly like an extension of himself. Jonty - his frequent playmate, just being children together. The man you stay away from - he's married but no one has seen his wife.
Ben has two alcoholic parents - his mom barely functioning, his dad working all hours to support his family. It's a quiet, normal life - until Ben's dad dies from cancer. Enter Jake - in the care system forever, hardened and already leading a life of crime as a young teenager. Ben can't resist the charisma - or the money.
And so it begins.
The money. The rush of adrenaline, heightening as skills grow. The fear of prison.
Ben does have the ability to look back - appreciate he had some opportunity, including the present to change it around. Not the average for most in his situation for sure. But I finished with a sense of optimism as well as hopelessness for him.
Ben lives in an apartment - the other occupants seemingly like an extension of himself. Jonty - his frequent playmate, just being children together. The man you stay away from - he's married but no one has seen his wife.
Ben has two alcoholic parents - his mom barely functioning, his dad working all hours to support his family. It's a quiet, normal life - until Ben's dad dies from cancer. Enter Jake - in the care system forever, hardened and already leading a life of crime as a young teenager. Ben can't resist the charisma - or the money.
And so it begins.
The money. The rush of adrenaline, heightening as skills grow. The fear of prison.
Ben does have the ability to look back - appreciate he had some opportunity, including the present to change it around. Not the average for most in his situation for sure. But I finished with a sense of optimism as well as hopelessness for him.
June 28, 2017
This book tells a tale that is happening too frequently to young people. Getting involved with the wrong people, in the wrong neighborhood and becoming involved in drugs and/or crime.
Ben is an excellent character. Going through a traumatic childhood impacts on him and ultimately leads him to being in prison. I found some parts of his earlier life moving and felt sympathy for what he went through.
I liked how Ross started the book in the present day and then went back in time. This isn't a thrill a minute read, but what it does do is examine what can lead someone into a criminal life, and it made interesting change to other books I've read recently.
An excellent book that approaches the crime genre from a different angle.
Ben is an excellent character. Going through a traumatic childhood impacts on him and ultimately leads him to being in prison. I found some parts of his earlier life moving and felt sympathy for what he went through.
I liked how Ross started the book in the present day and then went back in time. This isn't a thrill a minute read, but what it does do is examine what can lead someone into a criminal life, and it made interesting change to other books I've read recently.
An excellent book that approaches the crime genre from a different angle.
January 16, 2018
This is the second of Ross Greenwood’s books I have read and there is a quality to his writing that makes it a pleasure to read even when the subject matter is not exactly pleasant. In Ben he has created a main character that really came to life and it was impossible not to feel for him in his attempts to escape from his life. I was impressed with the detailed descriptions of prison life and see from the author’s note that he worked in the prison system so I guess they will be accurate. I will of course now need to read Lazy Blood.
If the rating system allowed it this would be a 4.5 star book for me.
If the rating system allowed it this would be a 4.5 star book for me.
March 7, 2022
A thought provoking novel following Ben’s journey from his traumatic childhood to him being in prison . Emotional scenes with well developed characters made this an engrossing read for me.
I would like to thank the TBC Reviewers Request Group & the author for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review
I would like to thank the TBC Reviewers Request Group & the author for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review
March 26, 2017
I was gutted that I couldn't make the blog tour for this book as I was bowled over with Ross Greenwood's debut novel Lazy Blood but already having heavy comments this was my first free date. Well wow this book was worth the wait. Ross Greenwood has taken me into a new world and I am just in awe of it all. As I followed the life of Ben I didn't know if I feared for him the most when he was on the streets or locked up because trouble seemed to ride on his shoulder no matter where he was.
I am sold on Ross Greenwood's straight talking and brutal writing with out the flowering to make it easier to read. A shocking and graphic account of so many young men being born on the wrong side of town, with the wrong parents and bad company to hang out with. It is almost a passage of right, like following on a family tradition instead of being in a long line of Doctors though, these lads are harden criminals. This is the template of young men in many cites and towns.
I couldn't help but like Ben who was always determined to get out of this life one day but there was such easy money to be made too. The money that makes a difference when education and Ben had not travelled the same path and qualifications on the street were who you knew, who had your back and the best price for drugs. Prison was just something to be expected like one day getting married, and come it did for Ben and Jake his best friend, who was more of a bad luck charm an asset. The scenes in the prisons were to put it bluntly horrific and I am sure that my heart must have kept up beat for beat with Ben. There was one sure thing. In prison you can't run, there is no escape and it is one place where the law seemed not to quite have the same meaning.
This is the second book in a series of three novels but each can be read independently, though I am enjoying picking out the odd character from book one too. Loving these. There is something very refreshing about the writing and for what seem more like life journeys than stories. Just loving them!
I am sold on Ross Greenwood's straight talking and brutal writing with out the flowering to make it easier to read. A shocking and graphic account of so many young men being born on the wrong side of town, with the wrong parents and bad company to hang out with. It is almost a passage of right, like following on a family tradition instead of being in a long line of Doctors though, these lads are harden criminals. This is the template of young men in many cites and towns.
I couldn't help but like Ben who was always determined to get out of this life one day but there was such easy money to be made too. The money that makes a difference when education and Ben had not travelled the same path and qualifications on the street were who you knew, who had your back and the best price for drugs. Prison was just something to be expected like one day getting married, and come it did for Ben and Jake his best friend, who was more of a bad luck charm an asset. The scenes in the prisons were to put it bluntly horrific and I am sure that my heart must have kept up beat for beat with Ben. There was one sure thing. In prison you can't run, there is no escape and it is one place where the law seemed not to quite have the same meaning.
This is the second book in a series of three novels but each can be read independently, though I am enjoying picking out the odd character from book one too. Loving these. There is something very refreshing about the writing and for what seem more like life journeys than stories. Just loving them!
May 2, 2017
A well-paced, well-judged story about crime, drugs, gangs, prison – and family life
This is the 2nd book I’ve read by this author and I have to say his writing style is highly addictive. The Boy Inside is both easy to read and nicely descriptive, capturing the world of Ben, a young man who doesn’t get off to the best start in life (both parents have problems) but who remains essentially a nice guy throughout. At least that was my opinion, despite all his flaws, and there are plenty. We meet Ben at a highly volatile point in his life, serving time in jail for drug trafficking and then go back to meet… well the boy inside - and find out why he does the things he does. On the way, we meet some flawed characters that seem entirely real. We can tell a lot about Ben by his friendship with Jonty and a few of his other neighbours and I really liked the way the neighbourhood initially looked out for its own, although this nostalgic period did begin to crumble later on in the story. Greenwood takes us on a wonderful human journey and we witness the good and bad in everyone through Ben’s eyes. I particularly liked the very heated yet passionate relationship he has with his wife, at least in the early days, before things start to go downhill. This contrasts with the relationship he has with his mother which reveals a softer, more sensitive side to the tough talking gang member who others fear. The gangland elements were well-balanced and I particularly liked the nod to other characters that featured in Greenwood’s first book in the series, Lazy Blood. It was a nice touch seeing their names pop up again and uncovering the links to their backgrounds. A great read with some thought provoking stuff. No spoilers, so won’t say how Ben fairs in the end – you’ll just have to read it and find out for yourself.
This is the 2nd book I’ve read by this author and I have to say his writing style is highly addictive. The Boy Inside is both easy to read and nicely descriptive, capturing the world of Ben, a young man who doesn’t get off to the best start in life (both parents have problems) but who remains essentially a nice guy throughout. At least that was my opinion, despite all his flaws, and there are plenty. We meet Ben at a highly volatile point in his life, serving time in jail for drug trafficking and then go back to meet… well the boy inside - and find out why he does the things he does. On the way, we meet some flawed characters that seem entirely real. We can tell a lot about Ben by his friendship with Jonty and a few of his other neighbours and I really liked the way the neighbourhood initially looked out for its own, although this nostalgic period did begin to crumble later on in the story. Greenwood takes us on a wonderful human journey and we witness the good and bad in everyone through Ben’s eyes. I particularly liked the very heated yet passionate relationship he has with his wife, at least in the early days, before things start to go downhill. This contrasts with the relationship he has with his mother which reveals a softer, more sensitive side to the tough talking gang member who others fear. The gangland elements were well-balanced and I particularly liked the nod to other characters that featured in Greenwood’s first book in the series, Lazy Blood. It was a nice touch seeing their names pop up again and uncovering the links to their backgrounds. A great read with some thought provoking stuff. No spoilers, so won’t say how Ben fairs in the end – you’ll just have to read it and find out for yourself.
August 2, 2017
I enjoy a dark and gritty read, and I'm fond of coming-of-age tales, so this book seemed like one I could really get my teeth into. It certainly didn't disappoint. Told from the point of view of Ben, a 21-year-old convict, who is taking part in a prison riot with his best friend Jake, the book starts with hard hitting and powerful scenes. Ben then takes us back in time to his misspent youth, in order to show what led to his incarceration. Ben's family life falls apart when his dad dies and his mum hits the bottle. He finds distraction in the form of Jake, a boy who is already heading quickly down the wrong path. As he continues to make bad decisions, Ben finds himself in and out of prison, with no way of breaking free of the destructive cycle he is in. Things get more complicated and dangerous when after release, he becomes involved in a criminal gang and starts an unhealthy relationship with one of the women. This book read like an autobiography at times. Like a memoir of an older man looking back on his life and detailing where bad decisions led him. You cannot help but feel for Ben, who has no one around when he is a kid to sort him out or show him love. Complex characters and twists and turns turn this book into a crime thriller towards the end, and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a gritty crime thriller, or a dark coming-of-age story, as this book ticks both boxes. A great read and I would like to read more from this author.
January 20, 2022
An absolutely genius knack, as always, of portraying the realities of life with true grit, humour, warmth and honesty. This journey into the life of Ben, right from his childhood, shows just how close we all are from the one or two circumstances or choices that can lead us to the wrong side of the law and ultimately behind bars as a serial offender.
As a reader the authenticity shines through, at times I had to remind myself that this is fiction. The insights of the author, who had a career as a prison guard, mean this is a very thought provoking and very sensitively written account and it challenges any preconceptions of the concept of good and bad, instead showing these as actually being a very grey area.
The depth of characters is outstanding, they’ve very believable and fascinating. The darker characters from the criminal underworld are suitably sinister and spine chilling and the observational commentary on the more difficult life events, common to us all, such as deaths of people close to us, are spot on and expertly portrayed with brilliant insight and understanding.
As previously I’m struggling to fully do the writing justice (pun intended) with my review. Ross’ books are an unmissable experience, in my opinion, as they have so many angles, from excellent story telling, insider insights into other worlds and compelling action. Some of the Police chase scenes actually had my heart pounding and I read the book in a day as I *needed* to see how things panned out for the lead character. I was also left going to find out what happens next and hoping one day to find out.
As a reader the authenticity shines through, at times I had to remind myself that this is fiction. The insights of the author, who had a career as a prison guard, mean this is a very thought provoking and very sensitively written account and it challenges any preconceptions of the concept of good and bad, instead showing these as actually being a very grey area.
The depth of characters is outstanding, they’ve very believable and fascinating. The darker characters from the criminal underworld are suitably sinister and spine chilling and the observational commentary on the more difficult life events, common to us all, such as deaths of people close to us, are spot on and expertly portrayed with brilliant insight and understanding.
As previously I’m struggling to fully do the writing justice (pun intended) with my review. Ross’ books are an unmissable experience, in my opinion, as they have so many angles, from excellent story telling, insider insights into other worlds and compelling action. Some of the Police chase scenes actually had my heart pounding and I read the book in a day as I *needed* to see how things panned out for the lead character. I was also left going to find out what happens next and hoping one day to find out.
July 9, 2022
4.25-4.5⭐️
#2 dark lives
NB Previously published as The Boy Inside.
Ben had a dreadful start to his life, with poor parenting and a worse choice in friends. He starts life in the prison system by the time he is 20.
Is he forever stuck in the revolving prison door or can he break the cycle?
Ben, Jake and Jonty, 3 lads from the estate who are mates from kids, little knowing how their futures would remain so entwined.
It’s very much a character study we get to know Ben, I really liked him. We see the people who influenced his early life and what events shaped his life. It’s poignant, emotionally captivating and really well written.
It’s also thought provoking as it shows how so few things happening can have massive effects and set the course of someone’s whole life. Ben didn’t have the best home life, but neither did he have the worst start. It was a combination of factors that came together to cause the ‘perfect storm’ for a slide into crime.
Some of Ben’s comments made me chuckle. The sense of humour in this is so dry it’s arid! Amongst the depressing scenes it’s good to have that offset with humour.
I was rooting for Ben throughout, hoping that he would get the break he needed to turn his life around. I loved it, and I felt quite emotional at the end.
I highly recommend this series of books.
#2 dark lives
NB Previously published as The Boy Inside.
Ben had a dreadful start to his life, with poor parenting and a worse choice in friends. He starts life in the prison system by the time he is 20.
Is he forever stuck in the revolving prison door or can he break the cycle?
Ben, Jake and Jonty, 3 lads from the estate who are mates from kids, little knowing how their futures would remain so entwined.
It’s very much a character study we get to know Ben, I really liked him. We see the people who influenced his early life and what events shaped his life. It’s poignant, emotionally captivating and really well written.
It’s also thought provoking as it shows how so few things happening can have massive effects and set the course of someone’s whole life. Ben didn’t have the best home life, but neither did he have the worst start. It was a combination of factors that came together to cause the ‘perfect storm’ for a slide into crime.
Some of Ben’s comments made me chuckle. The sense of humour in this is so dry it’s arid! Amongst the depressing scenes it’s good to have that offset with humour.
I was rooting for Ben throughout, hoping that he would get the break he needed to turn his life around. I loved it, and I felt quite emotional at the end.
I highly recommend this series of books.
February 13, 2017
I am sad to report, I didn’t really enjoy this book. I think I was expecting something more/different. I had no real desire to pick up my kindle and carry on reading. But, please, trust me when I say, I really wanted to love the book.
What did keep me reading was the writing style. I felt that a lot of time went into this book and that really came through for me. Based on this, I awarded the book 3 stars which I think is fair.
Anyway, just because it wasn’t the book for me, it may just be the book for you and you can find out by clicking here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Boy-Inside-p...
Ross, if you are reading this, I’m sorry but I have to be honest in my review. Readers, please don’t let my review hold you back. I would encourage you all to give it a chance.
What did keep me reading was the writing style. I felt that a lot of time went into this book and that really came through for me. Based on this, I awarded the book 3 stars which I think is fair.
Anyway, just because it wasn’t the book for me, it may just be the book for you and you can find out by clicking here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Boy-Inside-p...
Ross, if you are reading this, I’m sorry but I have to be honest in my review. Readers, please don’t let my review hold you back. I would encourage you all to give it a chance.
April 14, 2020
I enjoyed the first instalment in this series more than this one. However, he still makes some of the same mistakes I mentioned in my previous review which means 4* this time. Especially irritating is persistently spelling peeked as peaked and yet ONE time he actually got it right !! It was the final time he used it so let's hope that means he's retained it and from now on he'll not get it wrong. There are still too many apostrophe errors (and yet he gets these correct as well a lot), Scrabble needed capitalising and he wrote bought and not brought (a proper schoolboy error there).
I totally agreed with Ben and his opinion on ADHD and dyslexia and there are some real laugh aloud remarks in this, many courtesy of Jake but mostly from Ben himself.
He brought back a lovely memory for me......country dancing in primary school. We did that, too, and it was always one of my most favourite things to do. He also had me in tears a few times, once when he spoke of Lily getting given a book, once in an interaction with Mrs Singh and once referring to Jonty.
He did lose me completely in this passage, though, "For business some men need to watch you drink. I'm not sure why that is....." and neither am I !!! I was totally clueless as to what it meant.
I liked Ben a great deal and I hope that we see him come good and be doing OK in book 3. It was shocking when he turned 21 and you realised all you'd already lived through by his side at such a young age !
I totally agreed with Ben and his opinion on ADHD and dyslexia and there are some real laugh aloud remarks in this, many courtesy of Jake but mostly from Ben himself.
He brought back a lovely memory for me......country dancing in primary school. We did that, too, and it was always one of my most favourite things to do. He also had me in tears a few times, once when he spoke of Lily getting given a book, once in an interaction with Mrs Singh and once referring to Jonty.
He did lose me completely in this passage, though, "For business some men need to watch you drink. I'm not sure why that is....." and neither am I !!! I was totally clueless as to what it meant.
I liked Ben a great deal and I hope that we see him come good and be doing OK in book 3. It was shocking when he turned 21 and you realised all you'd already lived through by his side at such a young age !
February 10, 2017
Read 08/02/2017 -10 /02/2017 Rating 3.8 stars
I was provided with an advance copy of this book, in return for an honest review, by Bloodhound Books. I usually read contemporary fiction and thrillers (particular psychological thrillers. I am not sure this book actually fills the 'thriller' criteria for me.
It follows Ben on his journey through life and explains how the choices he made had actions with consequences and those consequences were time in prison.
He didn’t have a very good start to life and this book compassionately examines the effects an imperfect childhood in a bad area can impact on the future of those involved. This book is a dark journey in the mind of a criminal and through the prison system.
I am sure this book will appeal to many people but unfortunately didn’t tick the boxes for me it lacked the adrenaline pumping suspense that I love. It is, however, very well written with well built realistic characters.
Despite it not being my type of book I have awarded it 4.2 stars as I think I may have enjoyed it more if I had read Lazy Blood first.
I was provided with an advance copy of this book, in return for an honest review, by Bloodhound Books. I usually read contemporary fiction and thrillers (particular psychological thrillers. I am not sure this book actually fills the 'thriller' criteria for me.
It follows Ben on his journey through life and explains how the choices he made had actions with consequences and those consequences were time in prison.
He didn’t have a very good start to life and this book compassionately examines the effects an imperfect childhood in a bad area can impact on the future of those involved. This book is a dark journey in the mind of a criminal and through the prison system.
I am sure this book will appeal to many people but unfortunately didn’t tick the boxes for me it lacked the adrenaline pumping suspense that I love. It is, however, very well written with well built realistic characters.
Despite it not being my type of book I have awarded it 4.2 stars as I think I may have enjoyed it more if I had read Lazy Blood first.
February 20, 2018
From the moment the book starts, you understand that this is going to be a gritty, no-frills story. Holed up in their cell with a 'hostage', determined to make their voices heard in their own private protest, Ben and Jake prepare for battle with the prison guards.
The reader is then taken back in time, and led through the events that will eventually bring the two young men to this point. It's a story of kids growing up on an estate, drunken parents, affairs, drugs, all told from Ben's point of view. It's also the story of a young man who knows he is on the path to self-destruction and desperately wants to change his destiny, make something of his life.
This is a well-written book with great characters that will take you through a range of emotions, from pity to anger to resignation as they hurtle towards their fate. Although it has a cliffhanger ending, it is a standalone, but I now look forward to reading the other two books in this series. I highly recommend this book and author!
The reader is then taken back in time, and led through the events that will eventually bring the two young men to this point. It's a story of kids growing up on an estate, drunken parents, affairs, drugs, all told from Ben's point of view. It's also the story of a young man who knows he is on the path to self-destruction and desperately wants to change his destiny, make something of his life.
This is a well-written book with great characters that will take you through a range of emotions, from pity to anger to resignation as they hurtle towards their fate. Although it has a cliffhanger ending, it is a standalone, but I now look forward to reading the other two books in this series. I highly recommend this book and author!
March 26, 2022
A really great read. Ross successfully shows how the choices we make or are forced to make through circumstances impact on our life chances. The main character, Ben, is a loveable rogue and I came across quite a few Bens during my local government career so could readily identify with him. I won't go into a synopsis of the story but it really is excellent and hinges on this quote from the book as Ben contemplates his life - 'All of us in here had choices, we just chose poorly'.
Although in essence this is a sad story, Ross brings compassion and humour into the novel which prevents it from ever being dismal. Ben – in prison at the time - finds himself in a doubles badminton game 'the guy I was playing with is in for running a cannabis farm. Manufacture and distribution (us) were victorious over the team from acquisitions (two burglars)'. It is this touch in Ross's books that I enjoy. Even through Ben's dark days, he holds onto his sense of humour. The description of Ben trying to look after the two children on his own was hilarious (been there, done that!). Highly recommended.
Although in essence this is a sad story, Ross brings compassion and humour into the novel which prevents it from ever being dismal. Ben – in prison at the time - finds himself in a doubles badminton game 'the guy I was playing with is in for running a cannabis farm. Manufacture and distribution (us) were victorious over the team from acquisitions (two burglars)'. It is this touch in Ross's books that I enjoy. Even through Ben's dark days, he holds onto his sense of humour. The description of Ben trying to look after the two children on his own was hilarious (been there, done that!). Highly recommended.
October 31, 2019
This is a story that will resonate with many parents, as it displays great insight into how a teenager’s life can spiral out of control. Circumstances in Ben’s life tumble along, causing him to be buffered only by his tyrant friend Jake. Naturally as Jake becomes more daring in his crimes, so too does Ben & a life behind bars awaits. Greenwood’s writing hides nothing, allowing the reader to experience the raw emotion & turbulent lives of his characters. I was left breathless, enlightened & eager for more. An excellent book.
April 14, 2017
This incredibly raw story gives you an insight into the vicious circle many of the youngsters in society find themselves in. With all the best intentions in the world, they struggle to make significant changes to their lives when the only people they have to turn to are fellow criminals. I found this book to be graphic and uncomfortable in parts, yet incredibly moving and thought-provoking. Very well done and a definite 5 stars from me.
September 2, 2017
What's not to love about reading a Ross Greenwood book?
This is a dark read at times and an emotional one. Told from a 21 year olds point of view, set in the confines of a prison. There are some really hard-hitting powerful scenes throughout this tale, which certainly makes this a gripping and unputdownable read.
Despite the trouble that surrounds him you cannot help but feel for Ben.
Highly recommended, engrossing coming of of age read.
This is a dark read at times and an emotional one. Told from a 21 year olds point of view, set in the confines of a prison. There are some really hard-hitting powerful scenes throughout this tale, which certainly makes this a gripping and unputdownable read.
Despite the trouble that surrounds him you cannot help but feel for Ben.
Highly recommended, engrossing coming of of age read.
February 14, 2018
I'm officially a fan of Greenwood's. As soon as I finished "Fifty Years of Fear," I immediately moved onto this one. I really like how this author inserts snippets of characters from the other book into this title. Once again, I journeyed with this new protagonist, Ben, and experienced his heart-wrenching tale. Greenwood's style is exceptional; attention to detail without overdoing it, and well-defined characters that are both likable and underdogs that you root for. I've already started reading his third book, "Lazy Blood."
March 23, 2022
Ben is a young lad, a loveable rogue, whose circumstances and life choices find him in and out of prison.
A good look at how hard it can be to get yourself out of the system once you are in it.
I really enjoyed this book, Ben is a very likeable guy, he's not really a bad kid just lacks options or the education required to be able to make different choices - a good reflection on many.
Ben's story is one I'm sure many can relate to.
A good read 📚 👌 👍
A good look at how hard it can be to get yourself out of the system once you are in it.
I really enjoyed this book, Ben is a very likeable guy, he's not really a bad kid just lacks options or the education required to be able to make different choices - a good reflection on many.
Ben's story is one I'm sure many can relate to.
A good read 📚 👌 👍
March 26, 2022
A good book about gangs, drugs and prison. Showing how easy it is to fall in with the wrong crowd. A good story about prison life from all aspects. Would recommend.
April 2, 2022
Another good one set in prison ...it really is thought provoking about what life is like behind bars
February 7, 2017
Such a good descriptive book.
It tells the back story to how Ben ended up where he is. With his friend Jake by his side.
How family, or lack of, & choices to do with friendships get him to where he is now.
It can be linked to Lazy Blood and that's a good read too. But! Can very well be read alone as it more than holds its own story.
It tells the back story to how Ben ended up where he is. With his friend Jake by his side.
How family, or lack of, & choices to do with friendships get him to where he is now.
It can be linked to Lazy Blood and that's a good read too. But! Can very well be read alone as it more than holds its own story.
March 19, 2022
I have read a few books by this author now and loved them all and this one was no different
I do like books that are about prison prisoners and there lifes ....
I really like this authors writing style not sure if he has any other books like this i need to look.....
It was a dark and gritty read about crime family's drugs and what happens when all these things come together.
Loved Loved Loved it bring on more please
I do like books that are about prison prisoners and there lifes ....
I really like this authors writing style not sure if he has any other books like this i need to look.....
It was a dark and gritty read about crime family's drugs and what happens when all these things come together.
Loved Loved Loved it bring on more please
March 24, 2022
Ben lives with his parents and enjoys spending time with his dad and his best friend Jonty. He worries about his mum as she appears to be ill but we later find out she is heavily dependent on alcohol.
Ben’s dad is diagnosed with cancer and he passes away. As time passes Ben realises that his dad had affairs and his parents marriage was not as happy as he thought.
Ben meets Jake who lives at a children’s home. Jake is always in trouble and gradually Ben gets into more and more trouble- starting off with stealing and then progressing to more serious crimes. Every time Ben ends up in young offenders Jake seems to be there too- Jakes life is spiralling out of control.
Together they get into lots of trouble in prison and it makes Ben reassess his life. He is determined to change his life when he gets out of prison but is worried whether he will be able to keep on the right path.
I really enjoyed this book. Another fab read from Ross Greenwood.
Ben’s dad is diagnosed with cancer and he passes away. As time passes Ben realises that his dad had affairs and his parents marriage was not as happy as he thought.
Ben meets Jake who lives at a children’s home. Jake is always in trouble and gradually Ben gets into more and more trouble- starting off with stealing and then progressing to more serious crimes. Every time Ben ends up in young offenders Jake seems to be there too- Jakes life is spiralling out of control.
Together they get into lots of trouble in prison and it makes Ben reassess his life. He is determined to change his life when he gets out of prison but is worried whether he will be able to keep on the right path.
I really enjoyed this book. Another fab read from Ross Greenwood.
March 8, 2022
Lifer focuses upon the life of Ben a young man who through various life events and wrong choices finds his life on the wrong path and spending time behind bars. I really felt for Ben throughout the story and it resonates that early life experiences can impact upon the life ahead. A brilliant read and thoroughly engaging.
March 6, 2022
LIFER
What is it really like to have your whole life revolve around crime and drug dealing?
What is it really like to be locked up for most of the day and to be continually looking over your shoulder?
What does fear really feel like?
Read this book and you will find out.
Skillfully written, it will make you look inside yourself and will make your soul shudder.
Don't miss this book.
What is it really like to have your whole life revolve around crime and drug dealing?
What is it really like to be locked up for most of the day and to be continually looking over your shoulder?
What does fear really feel like?
Read this book and you will find out.
Skillfully written, it will make you look inside yourself and will make your soul shudder.
Don't miss this book.
March 6, 2022
I got this as a arc e book for my i pad from a face book page that I am a member of. I enjoyed reading it. It had a good story to it. I liked the variety of characters in it. It was a well written book. I have read other books by this author and liked them too.
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