Published: Feb. 13, 2010
Words: 106,886 (approximate)
Language: English
ISBN: 9781452310831

Short description

The British government now runs island prisons for the worst offenders from its mainland jails. New arrivals are dumped by helicopter and must learn to survive as best they can. To Sert, one afternoon in July, is brought Anthony John Routledge, sentenced for a sex-murder he did not commit. Routledge knows he is he is here for ever. And he knows he must quickly forget the rules of civilized life.

Extended description

It is 1997. The British government now runs island prison colonies to take dangerous offenders from its overcrowded mainland jails.

Among all these colonies, Sert, 25 miles off the north Cornish coast, has the worst reputation. There are no warders. Satellite technology is used to keep the convicts under watch. New arrivals are dumped by helicopter and must learn to survive as best they can. To Sert, one afternoon in July, is brought Anthony John Routledge, sentenced for a sex-murder he did not commit. Routledge knows he is here for ever. And he knows he must quickly forget the rules of civilized life. But not all the islanders are savages. Under the charismatic leadership of one man a community has evolved. A community with harsh and unyielding rules, peopled by resourceful men for whom the hopeless dream of escape may not be so hopeless after all ...

Adult-content rating: This book contains content considered unsuitable for young readers 17 and under, and which may be offensive to some readers of all ages. For more information, see the Support FAQ.

Tags

thriller, sci fi, thriller and suspense, prison camp

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Reviews

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Review by: R.E. Schobernd on March 10, 2013 :
My compliments to the author for an exciting and well written story. When the characters are good they're great and when they're bad they're pure evil.
The main character had the right emotions and battled with himself internally the way most innocent men would if sentenced to a modern day Devil's Island.
The technical details amazed me with the variety of disciplines discussed.
(review of free book)

Review by: brayden on Oct. 10, 2012 :
I would not be able to say enough good things about "The Penal Colony". It is brilliantly written. If you haven't read any other books by this author, "Refuge" is also excellent, and "The Drowning" was another compelling read. I look forward to reading other books by this author. Mr. Herley is an exceptionally talented writer.
(review of free book)

Review by: L T on Oct. 23, 2011 :
Well written. A not so future novel that blends the best and worst of human nature into an excellent read.
(review of free book)

Review by: Warren Smith on Jan. 22, 2011 : (no rating)
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is a fast paced adventure, vivid in imagery, and asks,"What next". A nonstop reader. A great read. Great story line. Five Stars. Warren Smith.
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

Review by: Ray Mullen on Oct. 11, 2010 :
What a great book. Wonderful characters. It touches all the emotions, dispair, joy, loneliness, friendship, lost love, fright, all of them. The characters grow thru out the story. There is action and anticipation. It will keep you racing to the outcome. Loved it.
(review of free book)

Review by: Erickson Sue on Sep. 22, 2010 : (no rating)
Wow the was a great read. The book was so realistic, I was totally hooked. I had a few problems with some of the words as I am in the U.S. and you from England, the charaters were so believeable.
(review of free book)

Review by: C S McClellan on Sep. 22, 2010 :
I normally don't read anything labeled as a thriller, but the sci fi tag and the generous excerpt drew me in. Once started, I was hooked. This is a well-plotted story of injustice, survival, and courage. There's plenty of action, but without slighting character development. The author also has an excellent eye for detail and gives the reader a real sense of place as the story progresses.
(review of free book)

Review by: Ben Thornton on Aug. 30, 2010 :
This gripping thriller follows Routledge as he tries to stay alive on the lawless penal colony of Sert. This is as good a novel as you'll find anywhere, and at this price, it's a steal!
(reviewed long after purchase)

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