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Elimination
Jack Cortex is a Subject of Experiment A, an Elemental super-soldier created by the United States government. At seventeen, he only knows the inside of the Lab and its horrors. Jack has lived at this facility for nearly his entire life, training alongside other Subjects to become the perfect weapon. The weakest of them are disposed of through rounds of near-constant torture and fights that lead to death. After all, if they cannot be shaped into the deadliest soldiers to walk the streets, they will not be able to save those they were created to protect.
Conversations of a new form of elimination begin circulating throughout the cells in hushed, terrified whispers. The rumors are confirmed when Doctor James Thaddeus begins picking off the Subjects himself, seemingly at random. Those who survive the execution rounds are forced to kill each other in bloody battles.
Jack Cortex and his friends know one thing for they must survive...
By any means necessary.
Conversations of a new form of elimination begin circulating throughout the cells in hushed, terrified whispers. The rumors are confirmed when Doctor James Thaddeus begins picking off the Subjects himself, seemingly at random. Those who survive the execution rounds are forced to kill each other in bloody battles.
Jack Cortex and his friends know one thing for they must survive...
By any means necessary.
213 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 8, 2024
3 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
Nikki Haase
9 books23 followersNikki Haase is an author who writes across genres; mainly dystopian sci-fi, and contemporary new adult fiction. Besides writing, Nikki enjoys reading, dyeing her hair vivid colors, and occasionally long-boarding. When she's not engrossed in a notebook, creating worlds with only the alphabet, she is usually cuddling or playing with her hyperactive dog, Kira, and watching spooky YouTube videos. With an unhealthy love for coffee and tea, she truly does turn caffeine into books.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 8, 2024
Elimination is an interesting, action-packed, brutal read. Nikki Haase superbly balances out the physical torture of the experiments with the psychological warfare being waged. The methods of “experimentation” are creative and well-suited for the individuals being subjected to them, showing ample thought was put into each scenario. Each character has their own strengths and personalities, and none of their actions feel out of character. The way they use their elemental abilities makes perfect sense, while also being creative and interesting.
I can’t exactly go in depth without giving away spoilers, but I will say some things didn’t really make sense to me. For example, a scene where Subjects are brought to a room and fitted with collars, but then a couple of them are immediately pushed into the attached room and refitted with different collars? Unless they wore two collars at that point – I’m not really sure.
Also, just as a general question for any stories that incorporate the idea of tested subject elimination via death: Why? Up to a certain point, it makes total sense – shear off the weakest links to leave a stronger chain. But if you are trying to build a group/army/class/what have you, then doing this will eventually leave you with just one person. This is fine for a competition where there are rankings or a sole winner for a “prize,” but it would never result in a large group of perfect subjects because you’re endlessly eliminating second best, third best, and so on. As new people are trained and brought into the ranks, you can then do more culling, but still only to a point. But I digress.
There was a moment early on that felt contradictory, when a character says he could have stopped something from happening when moments before, it was stated that he couldn’t have. The book could benefit from line editing to tighten things up and strengthen dialogue and narrative, but that’s not the end of the world. However, there were very long paragraphs that really should have been broken up a bit, regardless of the reading device being used.
One thing that stood out was the lack of character growth. While not every story requires a big character arc, Haase’s story setting is a perfect setup for character growth, yet there is none (which is author’s choice, so again, not the end of the world). ALL of the characters started out strong and defiant, and they stayed that way, even new people who are introduced, regardless of how long they’ve been at the facility. Apparently, this is a prequel story (When searching out more information on the author, I saw a version of Elimination on Amazon from 2021 saying it’s a prequel to a story about Experiment X, but I have not read it), but there doesn’t appear to be room for them to grow much as people (though I’d assume their powers will continue expanding).
Most of the descriptions are good and clear, and I enjoyed the bits of humor sprinkled throughout that broke up the tension, both for the characters and the reader. Overall, it’s a good story, and I am interested in what happens later. Even if you haven’t read any related books, this is still worth a read.
I can’t exactly go in depth without giving away spoilers, but I will say some things didn’t really make sense to me. For example, a scene where Subjects are brought to a room and fitted with collars, but then a couple of them are immediately pushed into the attached room and refitted with different collars? Unless they wore two collars at that point – I’m not really sure.
Also, just as a general question for any stories that incorporate the idea of tested subject elimination via death: Why? Up to a certain point, it makes total sense – shear off the weakest links to leave a stronger chain. But if you are trying to build a group/army/class/what have you, then doing this will eventually leave you with just one person. This is fine for a competition where there are rankings or a sole winner for a “prize,” but it would never result in a large group of perfect subjects because you’re endlessly eliminating second best, third best, and so on. As new people are trained and brought into the ranks, you can then do more culling, but still only to a point. But I digress.
There was a moment early on that felt contradictory, when a character says he could have stopped something from happening when moments before, it was stated that he couldn’t have. The book could benefit from line editing to tighten things up and strengthen dialogue and narrative, but that’s not the end of the world. However, there were very long paragraphs that really should have been broken up a bit, regardless of the reading device being used.
One thing that stood out was the lack of character growth. While not every story requires a big character arc, Haase’s story setting is a perfect setup for character growth, yet there is none (which is author’s choice, so again, not the end of the world). ALL of the characters started out strong and defiant, and they stayed that way, even new people who are introduced, regardless of how long they’ve been at the facility. Apparently, this is a prequel story (When searching out more information on the author, I saw a version of Elimination on Amazon from 2021 saying it’s a prequel to a story about Experiment X, but I have not read it), but there doesn’t appear to be room for them to grow much as people (though I’d assume their powers will continue expanding).
Most of the descriptions are good and clear, and I enjoyed the bits of humor sprinkled throughout that broke up the tension, both for the characters and the reader. Overall, it’s a good story, and I am interested in what happens later. Even if you haven’t read any related books, this is still worth a read.
June 1, 2024
Elimination (Experiment X) was a refreshing read, despite some mild issues. I found the storyline thoroughly interesting! I noted influences from Avatar the last Airbender, Divergent, and The Hunger Games, whether those were intentional or not. This story also reminded me of some of my favorite middle school reads such as Crave by Rachel Vincent and Dark Visions by L.J. Smith. Elimination (Experiment X) was a refreshing book to read. It was refreshing to read a story with a group of male main characters, not a strong female lead. Each character was unique and likable; you wanted to root for them and see them win the conflicts they were facing. The lack of a basic romance subplot was also inviting. Instead, this story focused on the love between brothers - between guys who have been forced to battle extreme torture and trauma together, and support each other to survive all the brutalities thrown their ways. I am still exciting to follow their story in the sequel.
With that being said though, there were some minor aspects I struggled with. I believe the story would have benefitted greatly from one more round of developmental editing, focusing on consistencies of the story and information given, consistency in point of view, and diving deeper into each character. I found myself confused multiple times because we were told something on one page, and then something entirely different a few pages later. A few instances could have been me reading too fast or simply not tracking certain details, but I thought the experiments were normal humans who were being subjected to experimentation that gave rise to their elemental abilities. Instead, it was said later that these kids already have innate elemental abilities and they are then sold to this company for experimentation to become soldiers - warrior for a supposed war. There just seemed to be some confusion on origin. During the narrative, often times it became a play by play and less about what the narrator (Jack) was thinking and how he was feeling, despite being written in third person, following Jack and his thoughts. I also questioned if Jack would know certain things mentioned, so it seemed the narration shifted points of view. Lastly, as the story went on, there were moments the characters could have been interchangeable and dialogue felt very flat and forced; not natural while helping drive the plot line. Granted, some of these issues make sense given the situation the characters are in, but lacked consistency so seemed more like a development issue than a creative choice. If these aspects would have been developed a smidge more, this easily could be a 5-star Dystopian book and Jack, Ryan, Liam, and Matt would be my new favorite book boys!
With that being said though, there were some minor aspects I struggled with. I believe the story would have benefitted greatly from one more round of developmental editing, focusing on consistencies of the story and information given, consistency in point of view, and diving deeper into each character. I found myself confused multiple times because we were told something on one page, and then something entirely different a few pages later. A few instances could have been me reading too fast or simply not tracking certain details, but I thought the experiments were normal humans who were being subjected to experimentation that gave rise to their elemental abilities. Instead, it was said later that these kids already have innate elemental abilities and they are then sold to this company for experimentation to become soldiers - warrior for a supposed war. There just seemed to be some confusion on origin. During the narrative, often times it became a play by play and less about what the narrator (Jack) was thinking and how he was feeling, despite being written in third person, following Jack and his thoughts. I also questioned if Jack would know certain things mentioned, so it seemed the narration shifted points of view. Lastly, as the story went on, there were moments the characters could have been interchangeable and dialogue felt very flat and forced; not natural while helping drive the plot line. Granted, some of these issues make sense given the situation the characters are in, but lacked consistency so seemed more like a development issue than a creative choice. If these aspects would have been developed a smidge more, this easily could be a 5-star Dystopian book and Jack, Ryan, Liam, and Matt would be my new favorite book boys!
March 21, 2024
I received this book as an ARC from a group, and I signed up because the blurb sounded really interesting. It's a quite fast paced book, and it makes you want to keep on reading.
This is a YA dystopian book. In this world, some children are born with magical abilities. These are sent to government facilities to be taught how to train to become “super soldiers”. But the reality is that they are put through horrible experiments to the point of death. The children have to fight each other, and one by one, they are slowly eliminated, as only the strongest survive. The children are all reduced to their numbers, and if they speak their own name, they get punished.
We meet Jack, 17, just as he is face to face with his girlfriend, stuck in the choice between dying himself or killing her. Their fight is being watched, and since none of them will kill the other, the guards come in and kills his girlfriend. Jack is distraught and desperate to escape the facility. He is one of the few children who has parents that still visit him, a dn throughout the book we get the feeling that Jack’s father starts figuring out what is happening in the facility and wants to get him out. He’s got 3 friends that’s he’s grown up with in captivity and together they help each other survive.
The story is very compelling and I didn’t want to put it down, especially as I wanted to make sure they made it out alive. With each chapter it got less likely and I just had to know!
Now this is classified as YA, but with the dark themes and the degree of torture I believe this might not be appropriate for the youngest readers. This book is basically just torture, physical and psychological, both on page and discussed. In addition, there are mass murders, children having to kill other children, and other extreme acts of violence in general.
Overall I think it was a good book with a strong story, and I would like to read the rest of the series if there are more books coming. I know this is kind of a prequel to the Experiment X series, so I will definitely be reading that.
This is a YA dystopian book. In this world, some children are born with magical abilities. These are sent to government facilities to be taught how to train to become “super soldiers”. But the reality is that they are put through horrible experiments to the point of death. The children have to fight each other, and one by one, they are slowly eliminated, as only the strongest survive. The children are all reduced to their numbers, and if they speak their own name, they get punished.
We meet Jack, 17, just as he is face to face with his girlfriend, stuck in the choice between dying himself or killing her. Their fight is being watched, and since none of them will kill the other, the guards come in and kills his girlfriend. Jack is distraught and desperate to escape the facility. He is one of the few children who has parents that still visit him, a dn throughout the book we get the feeling that Jack’s father starts figuring out what is happening in the facility and wants to get him out. He’s got 3 friends that’s he’s grown up with in captivity and together they help each other survive.
The story is very compelling and I didn’t want to put it down, especially as I wanted to make sure they made it out alive. With each chapter it got less likely and I just had to know!
Now this is classified as YA, but with the dark themes and the degree of torture I believe this might not be appropriate for the youngest readers. This book is basically just torture, physical and psychological, both on page and discussed. In addition, there are mass murders, children having to kill other children, and other extreme acts of violence in general.
Overall I think it was a good book with a strong story, and I would like to read the rest of the series if there are more books coming. I know this is kind of a prequel to the Experiment X series, so I will definitely be reading that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
The book begins with someone close to Jack dying, and ends in the same way, and it’s hard to identify any progress the character makes in between. Jack is held in his cell, is taken away to be tortured or to kill someone (or both), then is returned to his cell. This happens over and over in the same pattern. Each time he defies the guards initially, then each time after torture/a killing spree, he gives in and acquiesces. The challenge of this set up is that the reader is constantly waiting for/expecting something else to happen, but it rarely ever does.
The writing is clean and error free, and there are many passages that are well put together with a high level of detail bringing you into the torture and battle scenes as you feel Jack’s pain. The lead subjects share a bond through their suffering, and some of the moments between them are touching. There are also some clever ideas about how the subjects are able to manipulate the elements to their advantage – and kill people.
It was somehow challenging to really root for the subjects, including Jack, because in the midst of all their torture they commit so many brutal murders and sadistic acts themselves and with such glee. You do feel bad for them in their awful situation, and can understand their desire to rebel, but many of their actions made them difficult for me to totally like/relate to.
Overall, a quick read and a story moving along at a real pace with no lulls. If you’re into gruesome torture scenes, and brutal descriptions of fights to the death, then there’s plenty here for you!
(Reviewed in April 2024 for notforvanity.com)
The book begins with someone close to Jack dying, and ends in the same way, and it’s hard to identify any progress the character makes in between. Jack is held in his cell, is taken away to be tortured or to kill someone (or both), then is returned to his cell. This happens over and over in the same pattern. Each time he defies the guards initially, then each time after torture/a killing spree, he gives in and acquiesces. The challenge of this set up is that the reader is constantly waiting for/expecting something else to happen, but it rarely ever does.
The writing is clean and error free, and there are many passages that are well put together with a high level of detail bringing you into the torture and battle scenes as you feel Jack’s pain. The lead subjects share a bond through their suffering, and some of the moments between them are touching. There are also some clever ideas about how the subjects are able to manipulate the elements to their advantage – and kill people.
It was somehow challenging to really root for the subjects, including Jack, because in the midst of all their torture they commit so many brutal murders and sadistic acts themselves and with such glee. You do feel bad for them in their awful situation, and can understand their desire to rebel, but many of their actions made them difficult for me to totally like/relate to.
Overall, a quick read and a story moving along at a real pace with no lulls. If you’re into gruesome torture scenes, and brutal descriptions of fights to the death, then there’s plenty here for you!
(Reviewed in April 2024 for notforvanity.com)
June 10, 2024
Elimination throws you head-first into a narrative filled with government experiments and survival trials. It blends elements of sci-fi and dystopia seamlessly. The story begins with a bang, drawing you in immediately. I felt that the world building could have been more extensive, but I probably only feel that way because this is a prequel series, and the main series probably explores the world building a lot more.
I felt that the protagonist, Jack, and his close-knit group display a strong sense of brotherhood, that adds emotional depth to the novella, but it also makes the brutality of the story difficult to swallow at times. The characters' elemental abilities and their struggles within the harsh, controlled environment gives me X-men vibes that I loved. I think that Elimination is perfect for fans of dystopian/sci-fi and superpowers and sets up the main series really well!
I felt that the protagonist, Jack, and his close-knit group display a strong sense of brotherhood, that adds emotional depth to the novella, but it also makes the brutality of the story difficult to swallow at times. The characters' elemental abilities and their struggles within the harsh, controlled environment gives me X-men vibes that I loved. I think that Elimination is perfect for fans of dystopian/sci-fi and superpowers and sets up the main series really well!
April 9, 2024
Let me start off by saying this author is so talented with her writing. This story could have been boring and her writing still would've captivated me to finish. This book is a dystopian kind of world where the FMC and MMC are these kind of cyborg humans, forced to do these "Elimination" challenges to eliminate the weak. I am such a sucker for dystopian books, especially since I've read most popular dystopian books and nothing can really compare but this was amazing.
The Author is amazing, her writing is amazing, the plot is amazing, the characters are chefs kiss 💋 and I felt like I could not stop reading. If you are looking for a dystopian book, that's new and has so many captivatings points this is the book for you!
The Author is amazing, her writing is amazing, the plot is amazing, the characters are chefs kiss 💋 and I felt like I could not stop reading. If you are looking for a dystopian book, that's new and has so many captivatings points this is the book for you!
August 9, 2024
Torture and Mayhem
3.5 stars. The first book in the prequel series to Experiment X is a well-written dystopian tale of a government gone mad trying to create human weapons of war by torturing the elemental subjects to see how far they can go and how much they can take. The story is told through the first person narrator, Jack (from the Experiment X series). A number of other characters are present, including Dr. Thaddeus, who runs the program. This series is a powerful look at the savage treatment of innocent people by an evil, powerful entity, and the constant torture scenes were hard to take in. There were only so many “are you okay?” lines you can read after the brutal tortures before the characters all finally die. I often wondered why someone didn’t ask “if you kill all of the weapons off, who’s left to fight?” Don’t expect a happy ending with this one, but with another book in the series, I’m hopeful to see what leads to their ultimate escape.
3.5 stars. The first book in the prequel series to Experiment X is a well-written dystopian tale of a government gone mad trying to create human weapons of war by torturing the elemental subjects to see how far they can go and how much they can take. The story is told through the first person narrator, Jack (from the Experiment X series). A number of other characters are present, including Dr. Thaddeus, who runs the program. This series is a powerful look at the savage treatment of innocent people by an evil, powerful entity, and the constant torture scenes were hard to take in. There were only so many “are you okay?” lines you can read after the brutal tortures before the characters all finally die. I often wondered why someone didn’t ask “if you kill all of the weapons off, who’s left to fight?” Don’t expect a happy ending with this one, but with another book in the series, I’m hopeful to see what leads to their ultimate escape.
March 19, 2024
I was so intrigued by this after seeing a TikTok and didn’t realize that it was a prequel at first. It was so interesting and definitely had me hooked from page one. You feel for the characters and just want them to get their justice. The brotherhood that the main characters have is so strong, I really can’t wait to find out what happens in the series. I do wish there was more world building but I’m sure if you’ve read the series Experiment X first, you’d have that. It just made me feel that I was really experiencing everything with Jack.
March 22, 2024
I have to admit... I read this within the first 24 hours of getting the book!!
It's very well written, fast-paced and A LOT happens. And I mean A LOT!!
It sends you through a roller coaster of emotions, mainly due to their drive to survive - no matter what.
100% 5 stars! I can't wait for the next book in the prequel trilogy!
(PS - This is the first true glimpse I've had into Nikki's world and I'm so giddy with excitement to get to know her characters!!)
It's very well written, fast-paced and A LOT happens. And I mean A LOT!!
It sends you through a roller coaster of emotions, mainly due to their drive to survive - no matter what.
100% 5 stars! I can't wait for the next book in the prequel trilogy!
(PS - This is the first true glimpse I've had into Nikki's world and I'm so giddy with excitement to get to know her characters!!)
March 29, 2024
This was my introduction to the series. I haven't read all the other books yet. I really enjoyed reading this! This is something I believe could also be happening in the world today, elemental abilities included!!
This is a prequel novella to her experiment x series and its a book you just cant put down. You are drawn in by the elemental abilities, stay to mentally comfort the poor children that are the experiments, and cry when they suffer. Overall just a very good book to read!!!!
This is a prequel novella to her experiment x series and its a book you just cant put down. You are drawn in by the elemental abilities, stay to mentally comfort the poor children that are the experiments, and cry when they suffer. Overall just a very good book to read!!!!
April 8, 2024
The first chapter had me hooked. Government lab rats, brotherhood. I will say the first death really took me out, Matt was put up against his girlfriend in a fight to the death and since they didn’t want to kill each other, the guards killed her themselves. I do love the elemental abilities each person has, but I do wish there was more world building, but this is a prequel so I assume there will be more of that in the Elimination X.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2024
A very enjoyable read! Having read the Experiment X series already, I loved getting this upfront and brutal book explaining more of what life in the lab was truly like!
The detail and companionship depicted was well done and you could really feel for what the characters were going through. Probably my favorite of Nikki’s books so far and definitely worth the read! I’m excited to find out what happens next!
The detail and companionship depicted was well done and you could really feel for what the characters were going through. Probably my favorite of Nikki’s books so far and definitely worth the read! I’m excited to find out what happens next!
May 8, 2024
4.5 Stars
This book is intriguing and very descriptive! The writing flows really well and I found myself not being able to put the book down! I will say this book is descriptive about a lot and does have slight gore depending on your definitions. I also want to say I had no idea about some tws but this book is a great military style dystopian! I can not wait to continue the story when it comes out in July!
This book is intriguing and very descriptive! The writing flows really well and I found myself not being able to put the book down! I will say this book is descriptive about a lot and does have slight gore depending on your definitions. I also want to say I had no idea about some tws but this book is a great military style dystopian! I can not wait to continue the story when it comes out in July!
September 8, 2021
I received this amazing novel as an arc (advanced readers copy) from the author. This story was crafted so well, the characters are unique and the way the story is built and what they deal with males you connect with them on a personal level. I'm glad to say I'd recommend this to anyone! It's a great read, and keeps you captured!
April 8, 2024
4.7 ⭐️
I loved reading all of the experiment x books so I thought I would also check out this one too and I liked how we got a look at Jack before experiment X. I was intrigued by this idea. This book was fast paced but I loved the action and found myself immediately drawn in to story. It was great read and I can’t wait to read the rest of Nikki’s books
I loved reading all of the experiment x books so I thought I would also check out this one too and I liked how we got a look at Jack before experiment X. I was intrigued by this idea. This book was fast paced but I loved the action and found myself immediately drawn in to story. It was great read and I can’t wait to read the rest of Nikki’s books
April 16, 2024
Such a great read. I ripped right through it on a car trip, much to my husband's dismay. The characters were well developed and made you really pull for them. After reading this one, and finding out it's part of a bigger storyline, I'm gonna have to add them to my list! I can't wait to see where these kids go!
June 1, 2022
What a read.
You get a serious look at Jack and Ryan before Experiment X. I'd highly recommend starting here and reading the rest of the series as they progress both with their powers and their rebellion.
An action packed read of combat and comraderie.
You get a serious look at Jack and Ryan before Experiment X. I'd highly recommend starting here and reading the rest of the series as they progress both with their powers and their rebellion.
An action packed read of combat and comraderie.
April 3, 2024
Absolutely loved this book. Jack is a subject experiment of the united states government. Along side others who he has grown close with he has to fight to the death. This is not a normal genre for me but i loved it ❤️
April 5, 2024
I’ve read all of the books in the Experiment X series, and have loved every single one of them. This is an amazing prequel and I loved getting to know more about Jack and the events leading up to the series!
April 22, 2024
Great introduction to a series. Elimination looks to be the start of an intense paranormal YA series. I really enjoyed the story. It introduces the characters, gives a little insight into the group and ends on somewhat of a cliffhanger. Looking forward to the next story.
April 12, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Vibe: 💧🔥🌬🪨🥼🧪
Honestly this was my first time reading anything science fiction but I loved it! The detail and character bonds were amazing, I love a good found family vibe!
Vibe: 💧🔥🌬🪨🥼🧪
Honestly this was my first time reading anything science fiction but I loved it! The detail and character bonds were amazing, I love a good found family vibe!
April 17, 2024
I enjoyed this ya dystopian novel. I was never bored and always left wanting more. It was hard to put this one down.
April 29, 2024
After having read the Experiment X series by Nikki, I was happy to get my hands on this prequel. I think having read that series first really gave me a lot of context and allowed me to empathize and connect with these characters in their past, knowing what they are like in the books that take place later. I think I might have felt differently if I read this before the Experiment X series as there is a lot of highly detailed torture and violence in this book.
Thank you to Nikki Haase for providing me this ARC, and all views expressed here are my own.
Thank you to Nikki Haase for providing me this ARC, and all views expressed here are my own.
June 7, 2024
3⭐️
This was a super intriguing world to step into, but also heartbreaking to see what these kids had to go through daily. There were some dull spots where I wasn’t sure exactly how it added to the plot, which I felt in a way there wasn’t a real plot line (in my opinion). It felt mostly like drawn out world-building, though it was super interesting. Until the ending came, I was a little confused on why this was a prequel and not the first book in the series but it became a little more clear when I finished. Going off of that, I felt that it was a unique choice to have book one start off where it will especially if you don’t read the prequel first. Reading Elimination is more than likely a must to understand everything. But anyway, Shawn felt so “chosen one” coded, and I really liked his character so I hope we get to see him more. I already have a theory surrounding Jack’s dad that I’m excited to see if it’ll actually happen, so I’ll more than likely check out book one when it comes around.
Edit: I’m not the only one it seems that is confused on whether or not this was a prequel or the first book. I completely understand the ending choice for it if this is actually book one, otherwise my point still stands.
This was a super intriguing world to step into, but also heartbreaking to see what these kids had to go through daily. There were some dull spots where I wasn’t sure exactly how it added to the plot, which I felt in a way there wasn’t a real plot line (in my opinion). It felt mostly like drawn out world-building, though it was super interesting. Until the ending came, I was a little confused on why this was a prequel and not the first book in the series but it became a little more clear when I finished. Going off of that, I felt that it was a unique choice to have book one start off where it will especially if you don’t read the prequel first. Reading Elimination is more than likely a must to understand everything. But anyway, Shawn felt so “chosen one” coded, and I really liked his character so I hope we get to see him more. I already have a theory surrounding Jack’s dad that I’m excited to see if it’ll actually happen, so I’ll more than likely check out book one when it comes around.
Edit: I’m not the only one it seems that is confused on whether or not this was a prequel or the first book. I completely understand the ending choice for it if this is actually book one, otherwise my point still stands.
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