Gates (The Reaper, #1) / The Reaper (ePub)

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.

"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 . Although this is subtitled as "Can a condemned soul become God's weapon", it isn't a Christian or preachy book."

"If you love suspense, you're definitely going to love Gates by G.S. Luckett....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....If you've ever wondered about evil and spiritual forces, you'll enjoy this book."

"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."

This is the first installment of a series where we find out how, The Reaper, is chosen and that he does more than shepherd lost souls. He is a demon slayer, preventing Hell's war with Heaven from spilling over into our world.