One on one

by Michael Kelso (Author)

There is a fine line between Justice and Revenge. Emil Sorn is about to cross it.

Listed on: November 29, 2019
Genre: Literature & Fiction, Suspense Thrillers

Vengeance is an Act of Justice, Revenge is an Act of Passion

Corrections Officer Emil Sorn believed the inmates at Larsan State Prison were coddled by the system, had too many rights, and never received any real punishment for their crimes. As sergeant in charge of the evening shift, disrespect or disobedience in any form was dealt with swiftly, severely, and quietly.The idea started in a bar after a couple of drinks, and like most ideas so conceived, it should’ve stayed there. If the accused is granted the right to face their accuser, then the victim should have the right to confront the perpetrator. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a life for a life. There is a fine line between Justice and Revenge. Emil Sorn is about to cross it.

Damn this book! It made me think, it made me squirm, it made me swallow my Adam's apple, made me grin, made me uncomfortable, and didn't stop the whole time. Basically, it did everything I love a book to do to me. Set in a prison housing the worst of the worse, the author tackles the moral issues surrounding eye for an eye revenge vs. the system, and he did it so well that I felt exhausted after reading it. This is one of the highest compliments I can give. This story pulled me in so deep it exhausted me. I don't want to divulge details because the book is more of an experience than a read. It reads with authenticity and an insider's knowledge, making the rabbit hole that much wider and deeper. I found my sympathies getting torn the deeper I read, and it tickled a very dark piece of my soul - the one that lights up at injustice. Prison stories are always uncomfortable, even if we all have a grim fascination with them (there wouldn't be so many if we didn't) and everyone loves a story of revenge against injustice. That's all you see in Hollywood these days - heroes vs. villains. In a way, this is exactly what this story is about, only this story is different. It's like an exchange program where you get to live the life of the prison world and experience it first hand - the reality of heroes and justice vs. villains. I held my bladder for the last third of the book because I didn't want to put it down. If you like gritty prison stories, you'll be hard pressed to find a better one. Mike Kelso is one to watch.

-- Mike battaglia

This book about life in prison on both sides of the bars, rings with a great deal of authenticity! I think Michael knows his stuff. He should because he is a former corrections officer. I really enjoyed this book because it feels so real. Without wasting any words, the characters, settings and action are quite believable. Many of the actors have multiple faces that seem so appropriate for the moment. The change in Emil Sorn is radical and alters his life forever. The loss of his father and the selfish scorn of his mother both contribute to his transformation. I promise no spoilers and I think I have managed to keep that promise once again. But I have to say this is an amazing story that will leave many somewhat creeped out and hopeful at the same time, for different reasons. I give 4.7 stars to One on One! The score would have been higher except for a handful of spelling errors.

-- Mark Schultz

About the Author ▸ Michael Kelso

@michaelkelso2

Michael Kelso has been writing for over ten years. A self taught photographer, musician, poet. Avid reader and writer, his favorite genres include Horror, Sci-fi, Thriller, Humor, Religious, to name a few. His goal with his writing is not only to entertain, but also to make readers think. He has self-published three anthologies, multiple short stories, and a collection on Amazon. His debut crime fiction novel (One on One) was released on Sept. 13th 2017. He continues to work on other novels, including a sequel to his debut novel, in his spare time. He also designs and photographs his own story covers. If you read one of his stories, please review. Reviews are the lifeblood of publishing. It doesn’t have to be much, just a few lines about what you liked or didn’t like about the story.