The Beginning

The First Alpha #1

by E.K. Frances

It all started with one boy. Orphaned. Adopted. Alone. Hiding a secret ... The First Alpha.

The collapse has begun. Humans, forced to live in limited space, have segregated themselves … the core and the districts. The core has plenty; the districts barely survive.

Daniel, a district resident, finds himself orphaned, and is lucky enough to be adopted by core parents. But he doesn’t feel lucky. With his family gone, he’s alone in a world that doesn’t make sense. And he’s changing ...

Can Daniel hide the biggest secret of all, in a world of prejudice and fear?

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The First Alpha is a prequel to The Hybrid Series but can be read as a standalone novel. Contains violence; ages 14+.

Genres: Fantasy, Dystopia, Amazon, Ebooks

305 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 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

[Joanna Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daniel is being hunted. His family have had 'accidents' and now he is an orphan. Without knowing, he has saved the life of his best friend. Daniel is different and all alone. He is taken to 'the enemy' to be brought up as one of them, while he is young, while he is trainable. But the teaching methods used on him are brutal and he is not accepted by anyone...
How can Daniel continue to be 'light' and good when things around him are so evil.
This book is the first in a trilogy of prequals to this Authors series that started with 'The Hybrid'.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Author and am writing this honest review unsolicited.

[Emma Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The First Alpha is a prequel to The Hybrid series by E.K Frances.
The novel follows Daniel, who finds himself orphaned and is lucky enough to be adopted by core parents. But he doesn't feel lucky. With his family gone, he feels alone in the world, which doesn't make sense to other people.
I absolutely love E.K Frances novels and The First Alpha certainly didn't disappoint. I was hooked from the very first page and kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. Even though The First Alpha is part of a series it can be read as a standalone. A brilliant novel that I highly recommend.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine being twelve years old, freshly orphaned, and sent to live with strangers who view you as a threat rather than a child. The Beginning, the gripping prequel to The Hybrid Series, drops readers into Daniel’s life just as his world collapses—literally and emotionally.

Frances builds a dystopia that isn’t far from our own headlines. Research shows that children raised in hostile environments are more likely to develop PTSD and anxiety disorders—Daniel’s trauma echoes this reality, making his resilience all the more remarkable. In the Core, where privilege masquerades as order, Daniel endures psychological and physical abuse, not for what he’s done, but for where he came from—and for what he might become.

But what if the child they fear most is also the one who could save them?

E.K. Frances weaves in Daniel’s emerging powers with subtlety, grounding the fantastical in raw emotion. His journey isn’t just about survival—it’s about identity, trust, and the painful cost of difference. Frances’ writing evokes the moral complexity of The Hunger Games and the mutant metaphors of X-Men, but with a voice uniquely her own.

This isn’t just a story about superpowers. It’s a warning, and a hope.

[Tracee Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good and well written dystopion series targeted to teens, and enjoyable for all.


Commented added after finishing both series:
I really enjoyed this teen dystopian fantasy series! The MC is male with a great supporting cast of good and evil. Makes me want to reread the Hybrid series after finishing New Dawn.

I recommend reading the prequels before starting on the Hybrid series. New Dawn was just released so I didn't read them in order.

They are very well written and New Dawn really pulled on my heart strings like the Hybrid series did.

A good series stays with you and these did that for me.

[Michael Burnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Great book I can't wait to read the next book in the series I would recommend this author to anyone

[Melissa Cantrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better than Hunger Games

Daniel, a gifted young boy, is adopted by a foster family in a dystopian world. Each area is sectioned off into districts like the Hunger Games and then the main Hub where the government is called the Core. During Daniel's adoption proceedings, they refer to his district parents as evil and criminals. There are certain standandards and rules about adopting a district child like Daniel and bringing him to the Core. Daniel is dealing with the grief of losing his parents and the uneasiness of his foster parents who can be demanding, trying to get Daniel to call his foster dad, "Father." In some ways, Daniel's new parents treat him like he is just another lowly district kid, and they are harsh and abuse him. He doesn't fit in with kids his age that live in the Core. He is beaten down by a Core child and has to have stitches in Daniel's face because of the bully. Then the foster dad locks him in a moldy shed and turns out the light.

Daniel Forrester survives the abuse from his foster parents, Russell and Lucy, and other bullies that live in the Core and then runs away. He gets turned in and has to go back, and then his foster family abuses him again. Daniel is in and out of the hospital repeatedly.They call Daniel evil, and so he believes he is evil, but others do not believe he is evil. He is being lied to. The ending is controversial. It's a must-read.

[Sass Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love The Hungar Games but wish it had a bit of Harry Potter thrown in, this book is for you.

I always enjoy E.K. Frances novels when I feel like leaving my life in the 'real world' and mentally travel to a new place and time.

Author Frances has the uncanny ability to transform her readers into the immediate first person life of her characters, so that we see and feel exactly what they are experiencing.

In this case, we're in a dystopian world and in the head of a young boy, Daniel, whose parents were killed for being terrorists. He is forcibly ripped from his home in the rebellious 'northern district' and taken to be adopted by parents from the Agency ...

... the adoptive parents initially mean well, but they become abusive to Daniel when they are instructed to discipline him. If he does not obey them, they know he will be imprisoned and executed when he is 18.

Can Daniel survive?

I always enjoy reading the books of E.K. Frances for her uncanny ability to craft compelling central characters.

[sureshot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book because I love dystopian fiction. I was quickly pleased that I picked it up. The author immediately thrust the reader into an intense scene. We have what appears to be a suicide and a group of men are coming into the home to take Daniel, the main character. There are hints dropped that there is something very special about Daniel, but little information is given at this point, just enough to hook the reader. Well, I was hooked. The storyline is a rather dark one. The characters match that. There is a general sense of sadness, rebellion and desperation with some. There is a sense of arrogance and cruelty with others. It’s similar to the Hunger Game or maybe the Handmaid’s Tale in feel. I think that readers who like those books will like this one. I found the writing to be slow developing, but in a good mysterious way, with plenty of good dialog and action to keep the story moving alone. Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to lovers of dystopian fiction.

[Kathryn Pharis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting book.

I always like reading the prequel first when I know there is one. I will definitely read more of this series.

[B.T. Skylark · Rating 4 out of 5]

The First Alpha: The Beginning serves as a prequel to E.K. Frances’s Hybrid Series, offering a glimpse into Daniel’s early life in a divided, dystopian world. The Core live in privilege, while the districts scrape by in near-poverty — a backdrop that’s vividly drawn and easy to visualise. Orphaned and taken in by a Core family, Daniel is thrust into an unfamiliar world where he’s expected to fit in, even as something inside him begins to change.

The strongest element here is the world-building. The contrast between the Core and the districts feels tangible, and the social tension is well conveyed. Daniel’s perspective gives the reader a grounded sense of what it’s like to live between two worlds, and his sense of isolation is believable. There’s a steady undercurrent of mystery about the “First Alpha” and what it means for Daniel, which gives the plot its hook.

That said, the pacing can feel uneven. Some sections dwell heavily on exposition, while others rush through moments that could have carried more emotional weight. Daniel is a likeable protagonist, but certain side characters remain lightly sketched, making it harder to feel invested in their roles.

As an introduction to the Hybrid universe, this book lays the groundwork for a larger story, and readers interested in dystopian settings with a hint of supernatural intrigue may find enough here to continue with the series. While it didn’t fully captivate me, it has potential, especially for young adult readers seeking a mix of grit, mystery, and coming-of-age themes.

[L.A. Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Beginning" is a dark and compelling start to the series. I was immediately drawn into Daniel's story and the messed-up world he inhabits. The book doesn't shy away from showing the harsher realities of his life, which can be intense, but it adds a layer of gritty realism that I appreciated. The social divisions and the struggles of those in the "districts" are vividly portrayed, making the setting feel both oppressive and believable.

The supernatural elements, particularly the whole "First Alpha" mystery, are intriguing and definitely make you want to learn more about the world's lore and Daniel's place within it. The author does a good job of balancing the darker aspects with a sense of underlying hope and resilience.

Overall, it's a strong start for fans of dark fantasy with a focus on personal struggle and a larger, looming conflict.

Given my taste for gritty, character-driven narratives with a touch of the supernatural, this book fits right in. It has shades of early Neil Gaiman, particularly in its depiction of a world where the fantastical lurks beneath a harsh surface, and a bit of George R.R. Martin in its unflinching portrayal of social inequality and personal suffering. The author's style is immersive and evocative, drawing you into Daniel's world from the first page.

[Kindle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Impressive Read

I recently finished The Beginning: The First Alpha Series by E.K. Frances, and it left a strong impression on me. This prequel to The Hybrid Series can easily be read as a standalone, and it offers a dark, gripping story that pulls you right into its dystopian world. Daniel, the young protagonist, is one of the most compelling characters I’ve read in a while. His journey from loss to forced adoption in the Core is both heartbreaking and inspiring.

What struck me most was how well the author balanced emotional depth with suspense. The harsh divide between the privileged Core and the struggling districts felt uncomfortably believable, and Daniel’s struggle to hide his secret while enduring abuse was powerful and painful to follow. At just twelve years old, he is forced to face cruelty that would crush most adults, yet he remains resilient, and his capacity for love makes him unforgettable.

The worldbuilding is strong, the pacing tight, and the writing vivid; I could clearly picture the settings and feel the tension in every scene. It reminded me of The Hunger Games and Divergent, but with a rawer emotional edge. Overall, this is a brutal, heartfelt, and unputdownable start to a series I can’t wait to continue.

[Linda Combellick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is compelling and difficult to put down, but I do have mixed feelings about it. On the positive side, the characters are written with distinctly different personalities, uses of language, and viewpoints. The plot is excellent and for that alone I would continue reading.
Some characters, however, are inconsistent (adoptive father) -- kind one moment, with seemingly good intentions, referred to as basically good by seemingly trustworthy characters, and then at ease with vicious, authoritarian, violent behavior. Characters we are supposed to trust who do incredibly compassionate things for Daniel (counselor) are also commanding, witholding of helpful information when he is desperate, and dismissive of his feelings and the horrific things he been through. I'm sure we are supposed to feel his sense of aloneness, but it effects the consistency and believability of the characters. This is a book with extreme violence to children. I don't plan to continue the series for this reason.

[Kristina Kamaeva · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping start to a dystopian series

At the beginning of the story, we don’t know what’s going on in the world, and why the residents of the Core and the Districts hate each other. However, our world faces numerous conflicts between nations and religious groups, many of which justify their violence. And in the novel, the scenes of brutal treatment of the “enemy’s child” by his curator, adoptive father, and school teacher are atrocious, but not impossible.
Daniel is an exceptionally likable hero, and you will hate all adults who treat him badly. He discovers he has some amazing superpowers, and you’ll think he deserves them all and more.
The author is an excellent storyteller. This book is difficult to put down. Daniel’s visit to his neighbour is like the scariest scene in a horror movie!
Of all the horrid adults, Ethan’s behavior remained a mystery to me. I got the impression that he wanted to kill Daniel at the hands of Gloria or someone else, despite the order of his boss to protect him.

[M.J. Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

The First Alpha is book one of the Hybrid Series. This dystopian novel captured me from the beginning and didn't let go ... even occupying my thoughts when I couldn't be reading! The world is many decades in the future and has been destroyed by man's interference trying to control the weather (cloud seeding for example) and a deadly virus (cause not explained). The haves and the have-nots have separated themselves and are at war. A third region, the far north, is trying to remain neutral and out of the conflict. Enter a twelve year old boy, from the have-not sector, who is orphaned under suspicious circumstances. The haves (called the Core) steel him away for as yet unknown purposes and evil, bitter people proceed to fill his life with pain and fear. It reminded me of "The Hunger Games," but I actually liked it better. Most of the characters are well developed, the writing is good, and the unexplained elements are probably explained in future books. This is a captivating book for teens and adults.

[Aaron Goodall · Rating 5 out of 5]

The First Alpha is a prequel to the Hybrid Series by E K Frances and follows the story of Daniel, a young orphan thrown into a dystopian world where the rules have everything and everyone else has little. Daniel is in the latter, and with any semblance of normality turned on his head, he finds himself lost.

This is a coming of age story that is impactful and, on occasion, cruel. I liked Daniel as a main character and his determination and resolve is an admirable trait. He starts off quite isolated but soon finds a way to relate to others, and I can see how his story will turn into something a lot bigger. I haven’t read the other books by E K Frances but am glad I started with this prequel.

There is an interesting world to find in this book and a lot of lore which I need to unwrap within these pages. For teens or young adults, this book will provide a lot of worthwhile scenes and action which is a joy to read.

[David-John Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

The First Alpha is a gripping and emotional prequel that sets the stage for an intense dystopian series. Set in a divided world where the privileged Core thrives and the outer districts barely survive, the story follows Daniel, an orphaned boy hiding a dangerous secret. The writing is strong, with moments that are dark and brutal—particularly regarding the treatment of children—but these scenes add to the emotional weight and depth of the world. Daniel is a compelling character, and his transformation is both heartbreaking and powerful. E.K. Frances has created a world full of tension, lore, and mystery that kept me turning the pages. I appreciated how this book can be read as a standalone, but it clearly builds a strong foundation for the rest of the series. After reading this prequel, I’ll definitely be continuing with the next instalment. There are currently four titles in The Hybrid series—and I can’t wait to read them all.

[Ann Birdgenaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author, E.K. Frances' prequel to her Hybrid series does not disappoint. The writing immersed me in the story and Daniel's heartbreaking journey from being loved by family and friends in his "district" to being removed to the "Core" and physically and mentally abused. 12 year-old Daniel has a gift, he's not sure quite how to use it yet, but it's becoming obvious that the powers that be, in the Core want to exploit those powers. Out of fear and his ability to "see" things, Daniel runs away and goes North where they won't be able to track him down. Daniel has a big capacity for love and has his heart broken by the people he meets and tries to trust, time and time again. I really felt for him and found this book unputdownable. I can easily see this story being turned into a great tv series as it is very visual and well fleshed out. This is a great intro to the Hybrid series that I highly recommend reading.

[Amber Daulton · Rating 5 out of 5]

After his family has met with untimely “accidents,” Daniel becomes orphaned only to find himself adopted into a wealthy family. In this dystopian world, humans have segregated themselves into the haves and have nots. In the Core, where the wealthy live, he finds himself at odds with the people and environment around him. With the emotional, verbal, and physical abuse inflicted upon him by his foster parents, teacher, and bullies, his life is a nightmare.
The trauma is not breezed over, so reader beware. I don’t have any triggers, but some of the abuse and emotional upheaval was hard to read. Daniel is an exceptionally likable and brave boy who deserves more than what life has handed him.
Although this book is a standalone prequel in the Hybrid series, I’m happy I read it first. I definitely want to read more.
5 Stars

[James Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished the book called The First Alpha that was written by E.K. Frances. It’s the first part of the Hybrid series and tells the story of Daniel, a boy with special gifts who loses his family and is taken by the enemy. He’s put into a new home where people try to control him, and some of what he goes through is very hard to read. Even with the sad and scary moments, Daniel is a strong and likable main character. He keeps going, even when others hurt him or try to use him. The story is written in a way that makes you feel what Daniel feels. Some scenes may be too much for younger readers, but I wanted to know what would happen next. It’s a strong start to the series, and I plan to read more. I think there may be people out there who will like reading it.

[Anna Faversham · Rating 5 out of 5]

A long train journey - time to get the Kindle out! I haven't read any of E.K. Frances' books before but I thought I'd try a few pages and see what it was like. In no time at all the action gets going - the lights go out and the core are coming and that doesn't sound good.

The hours ticked by and I was sorry when my train reached its destination and I hadn't finished as E.K. Frances has an amazing imagination transporting me into another world as the miles ticked by. Fortunately, I had a long journey back and out came the Kindle. To be captured as a child and brought up by the evil enemy - ouch.

As the title says, this is just the beginning.

[Joe Anshien · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very much Hunger gamish. The reason for 3 stars is I was about to give up on it, as I had a very hard time reading about how much they normalize the torture a child with the mere mention of how they should discipline one, instead of being appalled by it. This is a prequel and the next one (The Hybrid: First book in the dark fantasy series) is actually also free on Amazon so I will get it and check it out to see if I want to continue the series. But know that you will be in for quite a bit of barbaric child torture and betrayal.

[Jennifer Withers · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although an interesting premise, I found that this story never really got going for me. I kept waiting for more - more character depth, for the storyline to expand, for things to be explained a bit more clearly. Even at the conclusion of the story, I felt there was so much unexplored potential that had been left off the page, but perhaps this is because it's a prequel to a series.
The writing is solid, but the story wasn't for me.

[J.R. Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a dystopian style sci-fi fiction story. The main character is an orphan called Daniel, who loses his parents at a young age. He goes through some very traumatic experiences in a very cruel world. It is quite a graphic read, as there is a lot of child abuse in the story which can be disturbing, so it is not for the faint hearted.