Having already read Life Long, a previous novel by Ronald L.Ruiz, I knew this was going to be an intense novel. While Life Long dealt with mental illness, 120 Days deals with the justice system and how it's never black and white even when we think it is.
Ronald L. Ruiz is a retired attorney whose entire career was spent in criminal law as a deputy District Attorney, a District Attorney, a Defense Attorney and a Public Defender.
Connect with the author: Website ~ Facebook
Book Details:
Book Title: 120 Days by Ronald L. Ruiz
Category: Adult Fiction, 318 pages
Genre: Legal thriller, crime fiction, literary fiction
Publisher: Amika Press
Release date: May 22, 2019
Tour dates: Aug 5 to 23, 2019
Content Rating: R (There are two explicit scenes and a lot of bad language)
Book Description:
Barbara Blake is a bright, young, attractive, and ambitious defense attorney. Alejandro Soto, an inmate already serving two life sentences for the brutal murder of a drug dealer and the man’s mother, is on trial for a third murder, one he did not commit but that could well result in the Death Penalty. When Blake and Soto meet in the San Cristobal, California courtroom, they begin a 120-day journey that will invariably alter both of their lives. Together, they spiral ever more deeply into the dark heart of a quintessentially American story of sex and love, truth and lies, justice and prejudice, crime and punishment, and, ultimately, life and death.
My Review:
Reviewed by Laura Fabiani
Having already read Life Long, a previous novel by Ronald L.Ruiz, I knew this was going to be an intense novel. While Life Long dealt with mental illness, 120 Days deals with the justice system and how it's never black and white even when we think it is.
Barbara Blake is a bright and very talented defense attorney who is asked to represent Alejandro Soto who is currently serving two life sentences for murder in one of the toughest jails in California. Barbara is taken with Alejandro because unlike other inmates, the prison and solitary confinement don't seem to have broken him even after eight years. But now there is another charge of murder against Alejandro that could result in the Death Penalty. As Barbara and Alejandro spend time together working on his case, they get to know each other in ways that no one ever has. The layers of their lives are slowly unpeeled with brutal honesty, and we get a picture of these two souls who are drawn to each other like a magnet.
This novel felt like a freight train that slowly and meticulously gets moving and picks up speed quickly until it comes to a shattering crash. As I read and felt the intense emotions of these characters I felt it could not end well but hoped nonetheless that it would. That's where the writing of Ronald L. Ruiz shines. He makes his readers live through the lives of people in impossible situations, exposes the flaws in our society and justice system, and shows how the human heart can thrive on love and hope, no matter how dire a situation. Ruiz is also not afraid to build characters that are real, very human, and flawed throwing them in risky and volatile situations and circumstances.
There is sadness to this realistic fiction but it serves as a paradigm shift in situations where we would not be as open-minded or compassionate. 120 Days is an unforgettable story with characters that will live long after you turn the last page.
NOTE: This is not a clean read. There is a lot of profanity (especially f-bombs) and crude language in this book, mainly throughout the prison scenes. I get it, but it can still be jarring if you don't like profanity. There is also an explicit sex scene.
Praise for 120 Days:
"There is a human element here that is only found in top-tiered crime fiction, and this book is filled with it. I adore all of the major bestselling authors of this genre and have finally found a new favorite that, in my opinion, belongs in the same league. A truly brilliant novel. An exceptional writer. Highly recommended."
- Readers' Favorite Reviews
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Meet the author:
Ronald L. Ruiz is a retired attorney whose entire career was spent in criminal law as a deputy District Attorney, a District Attorney, a Defense Attorney and a Public Defender.
Connect with the author: Website ~ Facebook
Enter the Giveaway!
Ends August 30, 2019
Sounds like such a good read! Love the unique cover, too!
ReplyDeleteLove that cover, and the synopsis is compelling.
ReplyDeleteWow, thank you for the great review. The cover art is by Ron's daughter, Phe Ruiz.
ReplyDeleteSuch a talented writer!
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