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Kept
In a dystopian near future, the world grapples with overpopulation, forcing a radical restructuring of society. Jobs are divided into two stark those that earn cash for extracurriculars and those that earn ration tickets for food. Murder has become a tolerated crime, and chemical castration is the norm for offenders. The once-familiar comforts of private kitchens and bathrooms are relics of the past, replaced by rationed meals and communal 'facilities.'
Meet Lydia, a survivor in this unforgiving world, chosen from an orphanage to hunt down and kill a fellow orphan. Abandoned by her fellow orphan who fled from his prescribed task, Lydia embarks on a relentless nine-year pursuit, navigating a landscape where unwanted feral children roam and adults must fight for scarce resources.
Information is now the most coveted commodity, a tool for bartering in a society devoid of personal earning. New adults must vie for resources, and Lydia discovers the Request Square, where she impulsively accepts a mission to gather intel on a known thief. However, the pursuit takes a tragic turn when Lydia accidentally kills her target, only to learn that the victim was a kept indentured slave of Le Debut, a powerful indenture company. Now indebted for a life term of servitude, Lydia must navigate the treacherous terrain of a world where every decision carries life-altering consequences.
Meet Lydia, a survivor in this unforgiving world, chosen from an orphanage to hunt down and kill a fellow orphan. Abandoned by her fellow orphan who fled from his prescribed task, Lydia embarks on a relentless nine-year pursuit, navigating a landscape where unwanted feral children roam and adults must fight for scarce resources.
Information is now the most coveted commodity, a tool for bartering in a society devoid of personal earning. New adults must vie for resources, and Lydia discovers the Request Square, where she impulsively accepts a mission to gather intel on a known thief. However, the pursuit takes a tragic turn when Lydia accidentally kills her target, only to learn that the victim was a kept indentured slave of Le Debut, a powerful indenture company. Now indebted for a life term of servitude, Lydia must navigate the treacherous terrain of a world where every decision carries life-altering consequences.
274 pages, Paperback
Published November 14, 2023
5 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
September 1, 2024
Dystopian and then some!
the parts that stuck out the most were the chemical castration of all criminals for all crimes and the desperation with which people held on to jobs because losing one marked a resume in a way that made one unhirable in the future. as far as the Kept program… well, I hope it doesn’t give the United States any ideas! centralized indentured servitude under the auspices of one corporation? Lydia literally only chooses between the devil she knows - and loathes - and the possibility that the one she doesn’t may NOT be a devil.
the parts that stuck out the most were the chemical castration of all criminals for all crimes and the desperation with which people held on to jobs because losing one marked a resume in a way that made one unhirable in the future. as far as the Kept program… well, I hope it doesn’t give the United States any ideas! centralized indentured servitude under the auspices of one corporation? Lydia literally only chooses between the devil she knows - and loathes - and the possibility that the one she doesn’t may NOT be a devil.
October 13, 2024
LIKELY A LITERARY HIT!
I am a huge fan of the dystopian genre, especially ‘The Hunger Games’ and the “Divergent” Series and “KEPT” by T.L. Likely was definitely authored in the spirit of that type of creativity. It is a captivating novel with a futuristic tone, making it a well-paced, and engaging read. The author did a great job building a story with each chapter, creating a multi-dimensional group of characters and a dystopian society ( with some eerily relatable possibilities) that ‘kept’ you focused on the journey.
The narrative is gripping with a flowing storyline that centers on Lydia’s adventurous perseverance in the light of the conditions she must deal with. In many ways, this book can be described as a cross between dystopian AND an intriguing sleuthy-type thriller, with the latter elements engrossing you in the story.
There is no doubt that this book could easily be the starting point for a captivating series and to know that this is the first work of this author is truly incredible. And on a personal note, let me just say – yeah, when you’re close to the end, realizing this has serious series potential – you find yourself on that cliff where… you gotta read more.
So, I believe it’s highly ‘LIKELY’ that the sequel will be even more intriguing, and I anticipate more good offerings from this author.
I am a huge fan of the dystopian genre, especially ‘The Hunger Games’ and the “Divergent” Series and “KEPT” by T.L. Likely was definitely authored in the spirit of that type of creativity. It is a captivating novel with a futuristic tone, making it a well-paced, and engaging read. The author did a great job building a story with each chapter, creating a multi-dimensional group of characters and a dystopian society ( with some eerily relatable possibilities) that ‘kept’ you focused on the journey.
The narrative is gripping with a flowing storyline that centers on Lydia’s adventurous perseverance in the light of the conditions she must deal with. In many ways, this book can be described as a cross between dystopian AND an intriguing sleuthy-type thriller, with the latter elements engrossing you in the story.
There is no doubt that this book could easily be the starting point for a captivating series and to know that this is the first work of this author is truly incredible. And on a personal note, let me just say – yeah, when you’re close to the end, realizing this has serious series potential – you find yourself on that cliff where… you gotta read more.
So, I believe it’s highly ‘LIKELY’ that the sequel will be even more intriguing, and I anticipate more good offerings from this author.
January 16, 2024
TL LIKELY sets a futuristic tone with KEPT. The storyline is fluid and engaging making it a quick read. LIKELY cleverly pieces together each chapter in a way that makes the characters easy to follow. She pushes through recognizable elements that makes a dystopian society come to life. Much like THE HUNGER GAMES and THE HANDMAIDS TALE, KEPT, in my opinion has definite potential for a television series. The sequel will, no doubt, leave readers questing for more.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews