What do you think?
Rate this book
Stung
To change the world, first they have to find each other.
Like the Bible says, an eye for an eye… To prevent the world from descending into the chaos of terrorism, scientists and governments devised a foolproof deterrent: if you cause a death, you too will die when your NAC, your neuro-activated chip, bursts inside your skull. Quick, painless, and simple—it works. Every time. No one now dares risk taking a life.
The politicians say they have saved the world, creating a perfect global society where everyone can feel safe and secure.
Unless, that is, you’re deemed a threat to this perfect order…
Despite efforts to conform, Talon and Sofia are removed from high school and ripped from their lives in Ridge Crest. The lifelong friends find themselves alone and in separate and alien environments where they feel discarded, distrusted, and despised.
Talon is enslaved in a labor camp where the warden wants him dead. And while Talon tries to figure out the source of this wrath, he also needs to survive the punishing work, the harsh sun, and the suicide-killer stalking him day and night if he's to keep the promise he made to Sofia—to stay alive. At the Technology Lab, Sofia is determined to find out the location of the remote center where Talon is interred and hopes the notorious “Shadow,” whose mere proximity brings danger, really does want to help her escape and connect with the disconnects.
Meanwhile, the head of the NAC Program, General Stafford, knows it’s time to deal with the increasing threat of the disconnects, who have managed to escape the law of kill and be killed. He’ll need the help of Sofia and Talon to achieve his goal. But that doesn’t mean he needs them alive.
A sci-fi thriller-adventure set in the near future, STUNG posits today’s question of whether security or freedom is more important to society and how the next generation either bends to society’s will or fights to sow the seeds of change. Suitable for young adults (16+ years) and adults who enjoy stories of enduring friendship and loyalty at their heart.
Trigger warnings: the series features elements of separation anxiety, loss of a loved one, bullying, and loss of life (non-graphic).
Like the Bible says, an eye for an eye… To prevent the world from descending into the chaos of terrorism, scientists and governments devised a foolproof deterrent: if you cause a death, you too will die when your NAC, your neuro-activated chip, bursts inside your skull. Quick, painless, and simple—it works. Every time. No one now dares risk taking a life.
The politicians say they have saved the world, creating a perfect global society where everyone can feel safe and secure.
Unless, that is, you’re deemed a threat to this perfect order…
Despite efforts to conform, Talon and Sofia are removed from high school and ripped from their lives in Ridge Crest. The lifelong friends find themselves alone and in separate and alien environments where they feel discarded, distrusted, and despised.
Talon is enslaved in a labor camp where the warden wants him dead. And while Talon tries to figure out the source of this wrath, he also needs to survive the punishing work, the harsh sun, and the suicide-killer stalking him day and night if he's to keep the promise he made to Sofia—to stay alive. At the Technology Lab, Sofia is determined to find out the location of the remote center where Talon is interred and hopes the notorious “Shadow,” whose mere proximity brings danger, really does want to help her escape and connect with the disconnects.
Meanwhile, the head of the NAC Program, General Stafford, knows it’s time to deal with the increasing threat of the disconnects, who have managed to escape the law of kill and be killed. He’ll need the help of Sofia and Talon to achieve his goal. But that doesn’t mean he needs them alive.
A sci-fi thriller-adventure set in the near future, STUNG posits today’s question of whether security or freedom is more important to society and how the next generation either bends to society’s will or fights to sow the seeds of change. Suitable for young adults (16+ years) and adults who enjoy stories of enduring friendship and loyalty at their heart.
Trigger warnings: the series features elements of separation anxiety, loss of a loved one, bullying, and loss of life (non-graphic).
457 pages, Paperback
Published February 6, 2024
2744 people want to read
About the author
Cullen Scott
5 books13 followersHappily married for 35 years and watched after by two wonderful children, Cullen Scott (pen name) has a BSME and an MBA from Santa Clara University. His expertise spans biotech, satellites, mainframes, RFID, and fiber optics, and he is a listed inventor for several patents in the field of Radio Frequency Identification. Cullen has been published in numerous technical magazines and journals. The Deep Sting Series is his first creative publication. “Along with having fun, I’m looking to test the limits of what future worlds might look like and what readers might believe.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
April 10, 2024
As a 23 year old young adult I felt this book was very relevant to what my age group should be aware of. Society could so easily go into this realm of loosing complete freedom in the name of safety. The book was not only entertaining, had full dialogue, characters, and plot, but it gave a glimpse into the world we could potentially live in. I really enjoyed it and feel every young adult would benefit from reading it.
February 1, 2024
As new technology becomes available, we’re once again forced to ask ourselves, “Who gets to make the decisions? Who should make the decisions?” As technology progresses, we find ourselves unable to harness the potential to be used in a negative manner. The story works, but I feel it could have done even more. I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily provided an hour review.
February 5, 2024
I was intrigued by the concept when reading the synopsis for this book, so I was excited to read it. Early on there were a few moments that for me felt like it was fiction trying to throw in some science fiction and it wasn't really working (I was thinking critically as I read it which would make it more apparent). However, as the story went on, it worked really well.
It isn't too heavy on the science fiction, making it an easy read, while being entertaining and throwing in some fun and interesting science fiction concepts. I really enjoyed the story, and how we were made to feel strongly for each of the characters in their situations. Sometimes the pacing felt a bit off, but it flowed nicely for the most part. I am definitely interested to see more from the author!
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book, in exchange for my honest review.
It isn't too heavy on the science fiction, making it an easy read, while being entertaining and throwing in some fun and interesting science fiction concepts. I really enjoyed the story, and how we were made to feel strongly for each of the characters in their situations. Sometimes the pacing felt a bit off, but it flowed nicely for the most part. I am definitely interested to see more from the author!
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book, in exchange for my honest review.
June 1, 2024
*sci-fi thriller which kept me on the edge of my seat
*well-written, easy to read
*strong character development
*highly recommend
*well-written, easy to read
*strong character development
*highly recommend
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews