The Compound

The Compound #1

by E.K. Frances

Each year, every teenager disappears from the compound. They don't disappear in a puff of smoke, they are definitely taken. Taken by the men with dogs. Loaded onto trucks. But where are they taken, and why?

Trapped within the confines of the compound, Alex and his friends have enjoyed life, foraging for food, and going on adventures. But things are about to change.

Far from the haven it once was, the compound becomes a place of eerie disappearances, unexplained deaths, and chilling stories.

Are the men who patrol the compound protecting the teenagers or are they up to something far more sinister? Are there really creatures hidden in the depths of the dense forests? And what happens to the teenagers when they leave the compound ... do they go to a new life or is there a much darker fate awaiting them?

Alex is determined not to find out. He has an escape plan ...

---

Another haunting and heart-breaking story, from the author of The Hybrid Series.

Contains violence; ages 14+.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Dystopia, Ebooks

187 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 4, 2023

About the author

Born with a love of fantasy, and an out-of-control imagination, E.K. Frances has been creating stories all their life. Whether travelling the world, or walking the dog, their mind is always dreaming up a new adventure.

Dark, gritty, broken worlds; fast-moving plots, and morally grey characters; blurred lines between right and wrong, and plenty of twists. If you like the sound of that, you will enjoy E.K. Frances’ books.

Are you ready to embrace the darkness?

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Reviews

[E.J. J Doble · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for "SFINCS", as part of Team 3: Swordsworn

Rating: 6.8/10 ⭐

✅ A genuine sense of confinement on "The Compound", woven into the prose very neatly
✅ A resounding care and concern developed quite early on for the MC and their survivors, focusing on their current story without forced explanation
✅ A narrative of exploration and intrigue, rather than direct plotlines, which benefited the mystery of the world

❌ Very little explanation or exposition beyond that which the characters discovered, hindering a satisfying ending - if a deliberate choice, praise is given to the author for taking the narrative risk, however in my belief there needed to be at least some distinct explanations to make the novella feel complete

[Bonni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a brilliant little novel, which I read in one sitting over a long lunch break. Alex lives in a rural compound with family, friends, and even a few enemies. Every year, men with dogs gather up all the teenagers, who are then never seen again. Where are they being taken?! Can Alex find out the truth before it's too late?

I've tried to hide the spoilers below.

The book starts off rather chaotic and violent, but bit by bit, as you read, the pieces come together.

Each night, the residents of the compound are locked into a cramped, smelly shelter to keep them safe from "monsters" that roam about. Occasionally one of the kids doesn't make it back on time, and then in the morning Alex will wake up to a crowd standing around a disemboweled child. What?!

Sometimes when kids gets hurt, two men will take them away, treat their wounds, and send them back to their families. But other times, there's the sound of a gunshot and the kid never returns to the compound.

Sid and Owen, the men in charge, can be awful, yelling at the compound residents, using dogs to round them up, and sometimes even hitting them. But there are also moments of tenderness as they treat the residents' wounds, give them sweet nicknames, and put their own safety on the line to rescue Alex and his friends from danger.

Once when the weather was getting hot, a group of residents went for a medical checkup. All of the mothers in the group returned ... shaven and completely bald.

A kid from outside the compound starts visiting the protagonist, Alex, bringing him apples, telling him all about school, calling him "cute," and oddly insisting on calling him "Rupert" despite Alex's objections.

And there's constant chaos in the compound, as men and dogs regularly move the residents around from field to field...

Yeah. The compound is a farm, and the residents are sheep. The teenagers disappear each year because they're headed to the slaughterhouse. 😲 I *loved* how the author subtly leads readers to this realization. Very well done.

Shoot, I guess from a sheep's perspective, life really is a dystopian horror!

[D. Bui · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Compound: A Haunting YA Dystopian" immediately captivates readers from the very beginning. The characters find themselves confined within a compound, supposedly safeguarded from the menacing creatures lurking outside. However, their supposed protectors - men accompanied by dogs - intermittently select individuals and take them away. The author skillfully weaves a narrative that offers few clear answers yet keeps readers thoroughly engaged and eager to delve deeper into the story. As the book progresses, the desire for answers intensifies, leaving readers in a state of shock and awe as the plot takes unexpected turns.

Intertwined within this gripping tale is the protagonist, Alex, who dares to plot an escape from the compound despite the dangers that await beyond its walls. The story is told in the first person, expertly conveying Alex's perspective. Just when readers believe they have unraveled the story's direction, the author skillfully corrects those assumptions, leaving them constantly on the edge of their seats. As the story nears its climax, the excitement remains palpable, culminating in a shocking and surprising finale. This book is an absolute page-turner, surpassing all expectations and surprising readers with the depth of the author's imagination. It is a truly remarkable read that will have you hooked from start to finish.

[Aya Blackwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I both hated and loved this book. It was well written and engaging. But hauntingly sad. I feel like this is exactly the reason I am how I am when it comes to what I eat. Also I knew right from the beginning what was going on and what was happening and eventhough it made me cry I couldn't stop reading.

[Liane Joly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page turner!

A page turner for me! Couldn't wait to get back to reading this story each day! I had to know what happened! Great character building, keeps you guessing till the end and that ending.... didn't see that coming. Some graphic parts would put this in the higher teen age range for me. But a great read!

[Jessica Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy smokes!

Wow! Just wow! I sure did not see that ending coming. This is definitely an interesting read. If you like dystopian, give it a try.

[Casey Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

The immediacy of the first person narration, the brisk pacing and spare dialogue instantly immerse readers into the sinister, ambiguous world of the compound where there are as many perils within as without. With graphic descriptions, the author engenders a visceral sense of danger and the reader fears for the characters and what awaits them. The tension mounts to fever pitch before the shocking surprise ending turns everything you thought you knew on its head.

[Judy Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book What a twist!

[Trenton Alan McRae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense

For being a shorter book, it is an intense,
powerful read. The story was captivating and creates so many questions. Definitely a worthwhile story!

[Sleepy Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the beginning of this story, I had no idea what was going on, but I immediately wanted to know more about the world I’d been dropped into. This book was engaging right from the start. These characters are being held in a compound, supposedly to be protected from the monsters that are outside. But there are men with dogs that patrol the compound, and at times, take some of them away. Nobody knows where they’re taken. Is it to another compound? Is it to be sacrificed for the monsters outside? There’s a lot of speculation amongst those in the compound. They are as in the dark as we are.

We follow the main character, Alex, who wants to leave the compound. Along with him, we’re questioning the motivations of other characters he has to deal with. We don’t know who to trust.

I don’t want to say too much about the plot, because this is one of those books that is especially good not knowing too much going in. Little bits of information are given along the way, some raise more questions, but in time, it all makes sense.

I really enjoyed this book. The story creates a real sense of peril and dread for the characters. It didn’t pull its punches. Though it’s YA, it doesn’t shy away from violence or some disturbing scenarios as the story unfolds. I felt really drawn into this world these characters were living in. Even though I’d figured out what was happening before the end, I thought the ending was intense and kind of profound. It was perfect for the story, and I’m still thinking about this book. It's impressive when a book really sticks with you. The Compound was pretty bleak at parts. I loved the perspective with which this story was written. I felt like it was really original. If the blurb for this book sounds interesting to you, I would definitely recommend giving it a read. It’s a great book.

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Compound is indeed dark, but it is a fast-paced story with a strong central mystery that kept me turning pages. I really enjoyed the book up until the ending. The end seemed inevitable as the pace picked up with very little book left to read so it didn't really come as a shock, but I was still hoping for something more. The final twist delivered in an epilogue was clever and powerful in its own way, although I had considered and discounted it several times while reading so while it's one of those books that leaves you thinking, it also left me with questions.

Ultimately, I would have loved for this to be the start of a dystopian series moving beyond the compound as it is well-written and engaging with interesting characters, but clearly the author wanted to tell a different type of story and that's fair enough. I really would have loved to have given this book 5 stars since I was hooked for most of the ride, but I will definitely be checking out more of the author's books.

[Diana Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Young Alex is up against it. And ‘it’ is sometimes an X factor. There are trucks that arrive at the compound periodically to round people up and take them away. No one knows where the trucks go or what happens to those who are taken.

Word is there are monsters surrounding the compound where he and his Mum live with other families. No one is quite sure why they’re in the compound or if the walls are built to keep the monsters out, or to keep everyone inside, imprisoned.

They’re let out in the daytime hours, and Alex discovers an escape route. His endgame is to escape with his friend Olivia and his cousin, Smithy. They have to wait for the right moment. In the meantime, Tank, the compound bully, beats Alex up when Alex steps in to defend another boy.

The men in charge, Owen and Sid, examine his injuries. He is treated like a specimen and kept overnight in a cage-like holding cell. Josh shows up, a young boy who for some reason calls Alex, Rupert. He is from somewhere outside the compound (I think) and always has good food to share. But Josh is not to be trusted. No one, except Alex’s Mum, his Aunt Maud, Olivia, and Smithy are to be trusted.

The story sweeps you along like the river where Jimmy, Alex’s cousin is injured while trying to leap across and, afterward, disappears. Is he dead? Did the trucks come for him in the middle of the night?

The writing is lean. Every word counts. Threatened on all sides, Alex is growing up, fast. Everyone lives crammed together in one giant shelter fearful of what will happen to them tomorrow, next week, or tonight.

I would have liked more description, a geography of the compound. The characters move from one place to the next without much context…how is the compound laid out? How big is it? More description of the buildings inside and out would be a plus.

There are a couple of unexplained threads. The bird creatures, where Josh comes from, and the talk of breeders. Don’t want to say more than that.

So many well-written, vivid phrases:
+ The rain is really pounding now, it sounds like someone is dancing across the aluminum roof.
+ Fear dances over my skin.
+ I drag my eyes away from the accusations in hers.
+ A thunderous boom shakes my ribcage.

There are many other examples. Good work E. K. Frances.

The second half hurtles toward a gut-wrenching climax. For Alex, and for us, all questions are answered. The ending is an emotional butthead to the abdomen.

[J.S. Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was on the edge of my seat reading The Compound. I finished it very quickly because it was so compellingly written, with short chapters and lots of danger. There was never a dull moment in this book. But... the ending was a complete shock and surprise and although the clues for the ending were there, some of them were a little misleading (particularly the book's subtitle - this is not a dystopian novel as such). That being said, I'm tempted both to re-read this novel to have another look at clues that herald the surprise ending, and check out the author's other works.

Alex is our main protagonist, a curious, adventurous, but ultimately wishy-washy character. He lives within a compound of sorts, where men patrol Alex and the other young ones, as well as their mothers and aunts. There are no other men on the compound apart from the ones who keep the residents in line. I was getting real M Night Shyamalan vibes, but also The Giver by Lois Lowry and Hunger Games. I wanted so badly for Alex to overcome his fears and uncertainties and break away from the compound (which is very controlling and prison-like) and also find out why he and the others are there. Is it for their safety? Or do their keepers have nefarious purposes?

Do I recommend this? Yes, without reservations. It is very entertaining, dark, gruesome, and well-written. You will root for young Alex to overcome his predicament. But the ending... I will not spoil it. Let's just say, it's a big shock and kept me from giving the full five stars, clever as it was.

[Cristian Carrington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Without spoiling anything, this book has a small setting but a lot of big ideas. Each scene feels well thought out and leaves you guessing about what's really going on.

I will say as vaguely as possible, page 101, where they talk about her coat, really threw me off. I was able to picture everything clearly up until this point, but the description left me confused about whether or not they were humans. Although it made it difficult for me to picture the characters with ease, it didn't ruin the story for me. It just added to the list of "what ifs" in a way I personally didn't like.

Other than that, it was a really good story. I will say, it is a continuously sad story and there are uncomfortable moments. I wouldn't recommend reading it without planning to read the follow-up book.

The author leaves us with the first chapter of the sequel as a sneak peek. That sneak peek leaves me with hope for the main character, as well as curiosity about what's really in the woods and outside of the compound. For that! Is a four out of five for me.

[Greg Vigdor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the grimmest books I’ve read in some time- and I’ve read some doozies. The general plot is about children growing up in a prison like encampment, relating to each other and contemplating a set of mysterious dangers outside the fences of the “compound”. And within the compound. There is little that is uplifting in the book. It is a scary, morally troubling and ultimately sad tale. But the book is very well written and engaging. The characters are well developed and believable, even in the futuristic and frightening context they are presented. The story moves along well, with twists and turns that suggest a variety of outcomes, right up to the surprising ending. Don’t think that I can say much more without being a spoiler. I did re-read the end to make sure that it was what I thought! I highly recommend the book- unless you are already depressed. Two thumbs up to the author for this book!

[Emma Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The compound is a young adult novel by E.K Frances.
Each year, every teenager disappears from the compound. No one knows where and why they are taken.
The novel follows Alex, who enjoys life on the compound. It has everything that he wants. His friends, goes on adventures and eats what he wants.but he knows that something bad is about to happen. He is determined that he and his cousin won't face that fate. He has a plan to escape.
The compound had me hooked from the very first page and I kept reading until the end. The story is heartbreaking and contains violence but the author does highlight any triggers and handles them brilliantly. The compound is another brilliant novel from the author who wrote the Hybrid series and I highly recommend them.
❤️ Thank you to the author for my ebook copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.

[sureshot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t usually read books more than once. Normally, once is either enough to read get them, or they’re simply not good enough for me to care if I got them. This is a book I’ll probably read twice. The author brilliantly creates a world filled with mystery and suspense. I spent the whole book turning page after page, wanting to figure out what is going on. In the end, I still wasn’t sure, but the book was so well done, I’ll probably read it a second time to try to understand. There seem to be little hints here and there about what’s going on. They seem weird when you read them, but then in the end, you’re left considering how they were hinting at the ending. A book like this is very rare. If you’re looking for a book that will get you thinking and keep you thinking for a long time, I recommend this masterpiece.

[Andrew Baltasar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book a few years ago and originally reviewed it on Amazon — now that I’ve stumbled upon it again on Goodreads, I wanted to leave a few words based on what I still remember.

I remember loving the story. The suspense, the strange world of the compound, and the constant tension about who to trust and what’s really going on — it all kept me hooked. But most of all, I remember how absolutely gutted I felt when I got to the ending.

Like many other readers, I didn’t like the ending at first. It felt unfair, maybe even too much. But after I calmed down and thought about it, I realized that was exactly the author’s goal — to make us feel something real. And they did that perfectly. The fact I still remember this book so vividly after 2–3 years says a lot.

5 stars from me — for the bold story, for the emotions it stirred, and for staying in my head all this time.

[Lucas W Mayberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Dark & Chilling Tale

Alex lives in a compound where they assume the men keeping guard are protecting from the scary monsters in the forest beyond the compound’s walls. But as the story unfolds we learn that the truth is much more sinister as Alex and his friends try to attempt a daring escape but with enemies both inside and outside the compound it’s a fight for survival. This is a delightfully dark and chilling tale with a very grim climax that reminds me of the Twilight Zone. I recommend for fans of horror and the macabre.

[L. Coulter · Rating 5 out of 5]

It may be a bit dark I was told. . . .and it was. Yet the extraordinary property of darkness is that even the tiniest bit of light becomes glaringly apparent when it is present. So when immersed in ‘The Compound’s’ world of darkness, the darkness didn’t disappoint. Every little glimmer of hope was a blinding light and the careful social commentary on society as a whole was lit up clear as day.
Quite an ending too. The realization of what was really going on had me start the whole thing over again!

[Karen Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating

I enjoyed this story. It was a journey of my own to get the idea of the whole story andm what it's true meaning was. I did not quite understand the ending, but hopefully it be more revealing in the next book. I am anxiously waiting to find out. So with that being said, waiting to get myself into the next book as soon as possible. Happy Reading! I give it a five rating because it was written well and the difference in the world seen from two sides was interesting to see and looking forward to the revealing into more in the next book.

[Mis · Rating 4 out of 5]

What kind of hell was that?

I literally couldn't stop reading this. Kind of like the aftermath of a natural disaster, you seen it happen, yet you couldn't stop thinking about it and replaying it in your mind.
I really got into this, sad it was short without many details on how and why, regardless it held my interest and sucked me in. I felt like this was a clash of The Giver, Divergent, and Unwind all in one, if you loved those you will love this.
It left me wanting more.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did enjoy this, despite it leaving me feeling completely raw by the end of the story! I would class it as a YA despite the subject matter. It took a little while for me to understand what was going on. Brilliant, but I do feel slightly traumatised! Be warned this has a nasty subject that could upset! Overall a really great experience! I will look for more by this writer & do recommend.

[Brenda Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shocking end!

The Compound: A Dark Dystopian by E.K. Frances was riveting reading. I thought I had figured out where the story was taking me several times, only to be quickly corrected. Then, as the end of the story got closer, my heart was still pounding with excitement when there was such a shocking end. Best read I've zoomed thru in a while!

[Annie Kosar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terrifying Dystopian Tale!!!

Your heart pounds all the way through this one and the uncertainty throughout makes goosebumps on your skin…. The twists and turns and blending of reality are chilling…. LOVED IT!!:-)

[Emmeline Everdeen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick and very dark read. It was intriguing but very sad.
If you need a quick read to remind you that it could always be worse this is the dystopian read for you!

[Shaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great page turner, a really good read! It was only near the very end that I connected all the pieces. As a vegan of 7 years it's a grim reminder of what animals are put through for humans taste buds. Hopefully, some that read it will make the connection and think about their diet choices.

[Trudie Skies]

Read for SFINCS 2. RTC.

[Red · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this review.

There were so many ways this book could have ended or continued... 'Haunting' is a mild word to describe it. Nonetheless, it was well written and I enjoyed reading it...until I didn't.

[Christy Foley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished this YA book. I don't want to say much, because I don't want to give away too much. Let's just say....I didn't expect the ending.