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The Price of Talent #0.5
Breeder
What you don't know can kill you...
Before Kara met Flynn, she was property of the Source.
The genetic research facility owned by a powerful international conglomerate dominates the Northern Hemisphere. Valued solely for her DNA and her talent to bind matter together, when she receives her summons to breed, she panics.
Rescued from the brink of death, she’s offered the chance to escape and find her own destiny.
But the journey through the desolation of the Outside is fraught with peril, and the golden halos marking her as a Talent also paint her as a target. Kept ignorant of everything beyond the facility’s walls, Kara grapples to survive in the hostile wasteland. Humanity purists and roving gangs are only a fraction of her problems, because the Source, and Riegel, her contracted mate, aren’t just going to let her walk away…
Before Kara met Flynn, she was property of the Source.
The genetic research facility owned by a powerful international conglomerate dominates the Northern Hemisphere. Valued solely for her DNA and her talent to bind matter together, when she receives her summons to breed, she panics.
Rescued from the brink of death, she’s offered the chance to escape and find her own destiny.
But the journey through the desolation of the Outside is fraught with peril, and the golden halos marking her as a Talent also paint her as a target. Kept ignorant of everything beyond the facility’s walls, Kara grapples to survive in the hostile wasteland. Humanity purists and roving gangs are only a fraction of her problems, because the Source, and Riegel, her contracted mate, aren’t just going to let her walk away…
Unknown Binding
Published January 1, 2024
3 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
A.K. Nevermore
27 books266 followersAK Nevermore is a bestselling, award-winning author of dystopian sci-fi, urban fantasy, and paranormal romance. She enjoys operating heavy machinery, freebases coffee, and gives up sarcasm for Lent every year.
A Jane-of-all-trades, she’s a certified chef, restores antiques, and dabbles in beekeeping when she’s not reading voraciously or running down the dream in her beat-up camo Chucks.
Unable to ignore the voices in her head, and unwilling to become medicated, she writes full time around a nest full of ravens. Her books explore dark worlds, perversely irreverent and profound, and always entertaining.
AK belongs to a bunch of industry associations, volunteers for far too many committees, teaches creative writing, and on the rare occasion, sleeps.
A Jane-of-all-trades, she’s a certified chef, restores antiques, and dabbles in beekeeping when she’s not reading voraciously or running down the dream in her beat-up camo Chucks.
Unable to ignore the voices in her head, and unwilling to become medicated, she writes full time around a nest full of ravens. Her books explore dark worlds, perversely irreverent and profound, and always entertaining.
AK belongs to a bunch of industry associations, volunteers for far too many committees, teaches creative writing, and on the rare occasion, sleeps.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 12, 2024
Before Kara met Flynn, she was nothing more than property. She was owned by The Source with only one purpose: To breed.
When she received her summons to breed, she panicked and fled. With the help of her Dam and a few others, she's smuggled out. But Kara quickly learns that the world outside The Source isn't much better.
There were portions of this that were confusing to me, and even though it's a prequel, I appreciate it more now that I've read Breaker. You definitely dont have to read this one first or at all, but if you get the chance, it's worth it! It's short and fast-paced and a great introduction to the series overall.
I am invested in Kara and can't wait to see her full story. She's definitely a character to be reckoned with!
If you love science fiction and also enjoy spice, this is definitely a series to grab. It's available on KU, and that's always a great bonus!
I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
When she received her summons to breed, she panicked and fled. With the help of her Dam and a few others, she's smuggled out. But Kara quickly learns that the world outside The Source isn't much better.
There were portions of this that were confusing to me, and even though it's a prequel, I appreciate it more now that I've read Breaker. You definitely dont have to read this one first or at all, but if you get the chance, it's worth it! It's short and fast-paced and a great introduction to the series overall.
I am invested in Kara and can't wait to see her full story. She's definitely a character to be reckoned with!
If you love science fiction and also enjoy spice, this is definitely a series to grab. It's available on KU, and that's always a great bonus!
I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
August 20, 2024
This is the first book I’ve read in this genre. Since I'm normally a romance or paranormal reader, I wasn’t really sure what to expect but I really enjoyed it. I am looking forward to reading the next installment for sure, and might have discovered a love for a new genre.
Breeder, the prequel to the Price of Talents series, follows Kara, a genetically modified human. Kara is owned by the Source, valued for her DNA, her only purpose is to bind matter together and become a breeder for more of her kind. But when her “family” discovers the Source’s plans, they work on getting Kara out “Outside”. What happens next is filled with ups and downs, and a need to survive the hostile wastelands.. Not to mention her contracted mate, Reigel, who isn’t going to just let her walk away. Will Kara make it to her destination? Or will she be discovered?
Breeder, the prequel to the Price of Talents series, follows Kara, a genetically modified human. Kara is owned by the Source, valued for her DNA, her only purpose is to bind matter together and become a breeder for more of her kind. But when her “family” discovers the Source’s plans, they work on getting Kara out “Outside”. What happens next is filled with ups and downs, and a need to survive the hostile wastelands.. Not to mention her contracted mate, Reigel, who isn’t going to just let her walk away. Will Kara make it to her destination? Or will she be discovered?
July 3, 2024
I actually read Breaker first and I’m so glad that Nevermore gave us this prequel! It explains so much and helps us understand Kara’s background and the price of being a breeder. But Kara was meant for more and with the help of some unexpected allies, she may soon find the destiny that was never part of the plan but that will force her to discover who she truly is.
July 8, 2024
I loved this book so much I didn't want to adult (aka work) so I could just read it, then I was sad it was done! The world building is so vivid I felt like I was there. The main character Kara has a backstory that is mysterious yet intriguing and you really feel for her plight and want to take up for her. The storyline is set at a good pace with enough action to be exciting but also with just enough backstory to understand what was going on. I am excited to read the next book!
October 26, 2024
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only. Much thanks for this, it’s a great service.
First of all, AK Nevermore can write. Let’s just get that out of the way, because it counts for a lot and deserves to be said right up front as directly as possible. There are a lot of writers out there with great ideas telling cool stories, but there are far fewer doing so with such an easy, intuitive command of the language. AK has the gift, and it brings a smile to the face, it really does. Thank you AK.
Pacing is strong, language flows, descriptions are succinct, and character development is light but effective--engendering reader investment without hurting pace or immersion. Worldbuilding is wildly original, but still accessible. I think AK is right there on the edge of giving too much new information too fast, but never quite goes over it, which is exactly where an adventurous reader wants to be.
And the subject matter? Honestly, this isn’t my go-to genre, but the quality of the writing in the blurb caught my attention so I decided to give it a try. I’m glad I did, because the idea of non-con and dub-con within a fantasy/sci-fi/romance context was not something I had ever really considered, and it was interesting to see how a seasoned, confident writer handled this tricky mix. It’s obviously a bit of a machete-juggling act, but AK pulls it off brilliantly. Calling sex and violence out as the primal urges that they are, she extends this into the genetic-engineering genre with extreme versions of both. She then teases the possibility that the heroine is an overpowered combo of the two, perhaps more so than she or anyone else realizes. Things get urgent fast, threats abound, and we’re off!
The sexual prose are woven in and out of the story with ease. This is an area where AK is especially masterful, something I can appreciate despite the fact that I don’t read this genre very often. Sexual elements do not interrupt the flow or dominate the narrative as they might in less capable hands. They definitely raise the temperature, assuming the reader is not triggered or offended by some of the non-con and dub-con dynamics.
This is a quick, short read, just to be clear on that as well. It is not the sort of length I would generally look for in a book, and I did feel like I was a few hours short when it was over. That having been said, there are four more books in the The Price of Talent series, and at $6.99 a pop it’s still a great value.
Overall, for me personally, I would give this book 4 out of 5 stars. However, for someone who loves this genre, I would say it’s a strong 5 out of 5, so that’s how I’ll rate it. It doesn’t make sense for me to punish the author for not writing exactly what I want; she’s dancing to her own drummer, and for others who favor that dance, AK is serious quality.
First of all, AK Nevermore can write. Let’s just get that out of the way, because it counts for a lot and deserves to be said right up front as directly as possible. There are a lot of writers out there with great ideas telling cool stories, but there are far fewer doing so with such an easy, intuitive command of the language. AK has the gift, and it brings a smile to the face, it really does. Thank you AK.
Pacing is strong, language flows, descriptions are succinct, and character development is light but effective--engendering reader investment without hurting pace or immersion. Worldbuilding is wildly original, but still accessible. I think AK is right there on the edge of giving too much new information too fast, but never quite goes over it, which is exactly where an adventurous reader wants to be.
And the subject matter? Honestly, this isn’t my go-to genre, but the quality of the writing in the blurb caught my attention so I decided to give it a try. I’m glad I did, because the idea of non-con and dub-con within a fantasy/sci-fi/romance context was not something I had ever really considered, and it was interesting to see how a seasoned, confident writer handled this tricky mix. It’s obviously a bit of a machete-juggling act, but AK pulls it off brilliantly. Calling sex and violence out as the primal urges that they are, she extends this into the genetic-engineering genre with extreme versions of both. She then teases the possibility that the heroine is an overpowered combo of the two, perhaps more so than she or anyone else realizes. Things get urgent fast, threats abound, and we’re off!
The sexual prose are woven in and out of the story with ease. This is an area where AK is especially masterful, something I can appreciate despite the fact that I don’t read this genre very often. Sexual elements do not interrupt the flow or dominate the narrative as they might in less capable hands. They definitely raise the temperature, assuming the reader is not triggered or offended by some of the non-con and dub-con dynamics.
This is a quick, short read, just to be clear on that as well. It is not the sort of length I would generally look for in a book, and I did feel like I was a few hours short when it was over. That having been said, there are four more books in the The Price of Talent series, and at $6.99 a pop it’s still a great value.
Overall, for me personally, I would give this book 4 out of 5 stars. However, for someone who loves this genre, I would say it’s a strong 5 out of 5, so that’s how I’ll rate it. It doesn’t make sense for me to punish the author for not writing exactly what I want; she’s dancing to her own drummer, and for others who favor that dance, AK is serious quality.
October 7, 2024
So without being familiar with the main story, I read this going in blind without any expectations. At first I was a bit confused but then became more invested. By the end, I was looking up where to read the rest of the story. For being a prequel, I understand as to why it was short but I feel like there could have been a lot more explained in regards to the FMC’s relationships with certain individuals and why she’s off limits. I am hoping that the other books following answer some of these questions and if reading the main story/book first would have had the prequel make more sense.
I received this copy for free and my opinion is of my own and not influenced by the author or publisher.
I received this copy for free and my opinion is of my own and not influenced by the author or publisher.
August 14, 2024
Kara is a Binder in a dystopia future where people with Talents are bred to continue the bloodlines.
I'd say it was a fun new world, but it is a dystopia so I'll settle for interesting. I would have loved to see more of the dynamic between Kara and her 'family' unit because it did feel a little jumbled. Maybe it will be touched on in later books though. Still an intriguing introduction to a new world.
I'd say it was a fun new world, but it is a dystopia so I'll settle for interesting. I would have loved to see more of the dynamic between Kara and her 'family' unit because it did feel a little jumbled. Maybe it will be touched on in later books though. Still an intriguing introduction to a new world.
July 15, 2024
I really, really liked this book. What an interesting world the author has created. Breakers and Binders. Distopian indeed. Kara is such an interesting character, she is certainly my favorite one in this book. I think as a prequel this provides plenty of story and I look forward to more stories about Kara.
September 4, 2024
This prequel answered a lot of questions and quelled my curiosity on how Kara was able to escape the Source.
It ends right where Breaker begins. Recommended to read before Breaker, but not necessarily needed for the series, more of a fun, less than 100 page backstory.
It ends right where Breaker begins. Recommended to read before Breaker, but not necessarily needed for the series, more of a fun, less than 100 page backstory.
September 5, 2024
This was such a great book. This Prequel is the first book in the series I have read and I loved it. I can't wait to start Breaker. Nevermore did a great job of world building and I was pulled right in. My heart was racing at times, like I was the one experiencing things and not Kara.
September 8, 2024
I enjoyed this novella and prequel to Breaker as it explained a lot of how it started and gave more in sight to Kara and what she was going thru.
This definitely helped setup the story for Breaker and I highly recommend reading first.
Great plot, characters, story and romance!
This definitely helped setup the story for Breaker and I highly recommend reading first.
Great plot, characters, story and romance!
June 19, 2024
It was a good story for a prequel, I didn’t like how it left off, and I am hoping book one picks up the story line and we find out what happens to the FMC.
July 7, 2024
Interesting premise.
November 29, 2025
Review to come
August 13, 2024
Time is running out…but can Kara escape a fate worse than death? Her unique talent will be wasted if all she’s good for is a breeder. Wow, this prequel reads like a movie. Get ready, for this book will sink its claws into you. You won’t be able to escape. The world-building lays the groundwork for the whole series. The descriptive narration is immersive and deep. The action is well-plotted. It’s the characters, specifically Kara, that makes this short prequel unputdownable.
Let’s start with the characters. Kara is the main character in this prequel, and she’s brilliantly written. The reader gets to see everything she sees and experiences through her eyes. She’s a strong heroine who goes through so much. I connected with her on so many levels. The tension within boils over and she needs to make a decision. I won’t give away what happens next, but it’s a shocker.
Then there’s the world-building. AK Nevermore creates a world unlike anything I’ve read in the dystopian genre. The tremendous detail allows the reader to entirely plunge themselves into the story. AK Nevermore takes our modern world and plunges it into a dystopian masterpiece.
If you’re a fan of dystopian, do yourself a favor and pick up this free prequel. You’ll be hooked like me and will have to read the whole Price of Talent series.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Nancy
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
Let’s start with the characters. Kara is the main character in this prequel, and she’s brilliantly written. The reader gets to see everything she sees and experiences through her eyes. She’s a strong heroine who goes through so much. I connected with her on so many levels. The tension within boils over and she needs to make a decision. I won’t give away what happens next, but it’s a shocker.
Then there’s the world-building. AK Nevermore creates a world unlike anything I’ve read in the dystopian genre. The tremendous detail allows the reader to entirely plunge themselves into the story. AK Nevermore takes our modern world and plunges it into a dystopian masterpiece.
If you’re a fan of dystopian, do yourself a favor and pick up this free prequel. You’ll be hooked like me and will have to read the whole Price of Talent series.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Nancy
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
July 9, 2024
Breeder is the prequel to the urban fantasy novel Breaker. It's a novella, so is easily digested in a couple of hours.
Kara Jester is a healer, but also something else. She's designated to breed with her violent half brother Reigal, and she has no desire to do such a thing.
As with A K Nevermore's previous writing we are quickly drawn into the story - there's no massive info dumps - the world-building is cleverly dripped through the story, giving us revelation after revelation, building tension and suspense. How bad is the world outside? We have an inkling by the end.
The story is told from Kara's point of view, and we are given, as always, a strong character, with much inner conflict. She fights to remain in control, to not show the other powers she has, as the story develops and challenges her closeted perceptions of this world.
I loved the intercepted transmissions at the beginning of the chapters, taking us cleverly to the beginning of the novel Breaker.
The easy reading pulls us through an intriguing story. Heat level 3/5.
It's a clever, engaging and stylish novella. A world you would not want to be in!
Kara Jester is a healer, but also something else. She's designated to breed with her violent half brother Reigal, and she has no desire to do such a thing.
As with A K Nevermore's previous writing we are quickly drawn into the story - there's no massive info dumps - the world-building is cleverly dripped through the story, giving us revelation after revelation, building tension and suspense. How bad is the world outside? We have an inkling by the end.
The story is told from Kara's point of view, and we are given, as always, a strong character, with much inner conflict. She fights to remain in control, to not show the other powers she has, as the story develops and challenges her closeted perceptions of this world.
I loved the intercepted transmissions at the beginning of the chapters, taking us cleverly to the beginning of the novel Breaker.
The easy reading pulls us through an intriguing story. Heat level 3/5.
It's a clever, engaging and stylish novella. A world you would not want to be in!
July 21, 2024
This book is the prequel to The Price of Talent series and I was intrigued by the synopsis and thought it would be another captivating sci-fi, paranormal romance. However, as much as I wanted to immerse myself in the world full of Talents, Breeders, and Breakers (and maybe other creatures I wasn't aware of), I found it hard to fully digest whatever happened so far. This book followed the female main character, Kara, and her discovery of who she really was and what other "talents" those around her possessed. Aside from that, I honestly had no idea where this story was heading and though the cliffhanger at the end of the book prompted me to continue reading the first book in the series, Breaker, this one was still a solid three-star for me.
***Thanks to InkSlinger PR and the author for providing me with an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.***
***Thanks to InkSlinger PR and the author for providing me with an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.***
June 11, 2024
Breeder isn't just a survival story; it's also about the importance of personal freedom and the unstoppable drive for independence. The book makes you think about the ethics and moral behind genetic manipulation and how corporations can strip away humanity. Nevermore's writing is gripping and makes you ponder some deep questions, which really sets this book apart.
I want to note that this is a prequel novella to the book Breaker, so it is on the shorter side.
Before diving in, please be sure to check the trigger warnings as the book contains intense themes and scenes that might be disturbing to some readers.
I want to note that this is a prequel novella to the book Breaker, so it is on the shorter side.
Before diving in, please be sure to check the trigger warnings as the book contains intense themes and scenes that might be disturbing to some readers.
July 9, 2024
In Breeder we meet Kara and see how things started out for her. Things are not going good for her and it just seems like she wanted to claim something as her own and she is able to do that. Unfortunately that also comes with consequences. I liked this mini story. I hope that we get more from Rogan at some point. He only really appears in this first novella and not in the main story. I want to learn more about him. Breeder was super short and sweet.
July 16, 2024
Kara was property of the Source, a genetic research facility.She is being used for her DNA and beng able to bind matter together. Someone helps her to escape and she goes on the run. Meets up with a man who she does not trust and goes back to running again when she meets Finn.Kara is finding it hard to survive before Finn but he will help her.
I really liked this world and it is a dystopian sci fi dark romance.
I received the arc from the author.
I really liked this world and it is a dystopian sci fi dark romance.
I received the arc from the author.
July 8, 2024
This book was a serious trip. There is times that my stomach was cramping from reading some of this. Poor Kara not having a choice in anything to do with her life and how it would be lived. To basically have a corporation have complete control over your body and mind. I'm really excited to read breaker.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 12, 2024
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. To be honest the book kind of disappointed me because it was so short. It was really just a tease. The writing was good. The content was super interesting. I read it all in one sitting which is a great sign. I couldn't put it down. But I was surprised when it ended on page 88. So read it, but don't be surprised if you're left unsatisfied because it should have been longer.
August 7, 2025
Breeder is the prequel to Breaker
This is a story about the importance of freedom and independence.
Before Kara met Flynn she was nothing but property of the Source. She is a genetically modified human made for one thing breeding. When her order come in she escapes.
Only to learn being on the outside isnt much better then being inside
This is a story about the importance of freedom and independence.
Before Kara met Flynn she was nothing but property of the Source. She is a genetically modified human made for one thing breeding. When her order come in she escapes.
Only to learn being on the outside isnt much better then being inside
November 16, 2024
The book was very interesting. It was very different from others I have read. I wish it was longer but it was sad that the main character was only a victim. But I hope the 1st book will explain more and be longer so a reader can get into it more
May 11, 2025
The synopsis had me from the get go....it intrigued me, reading this short story fascinated me and still fascinates me into yearning to read more...I have to say its just a teaser to novel I'm looking forward to reading more of. I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 8, 2024
interesting book,didn’t quite hit the spot
January 27, 2025
A real suck you in read.
Anticipation of what comes next for Kara every turn of a page.
Thank you for the opportunity to read your book
Anticipation of what comes next for Kara every turn of a page.
Thank you for the opportunity to read your book
January 29, 2025
I received a copy of this book through Voracious Readers Only. This is the first book I’ve read in this genre, it was definitely different from what I usually read, but it was very well written.
September 8, 2025
Rating: 3/5 🌟
Spice: 1.5/5 🌶️
Characters: Kara
Just an introduction for the series and Kara and how she started her journey.
Not a romance.
Spice: 1.5/5 🌶️
Characters: Kara
Just an introduction for the series and Kara and how she started her journey.
Not a romance.
January 13, 2026
BREEDER is a prequel novella for THE PRICE OF TALENT series and while I did find the world very unique and intriguing it was also a fair bit confusing. Many of the talents aren't explained, we got minimal information on how the world ended up the way it was, and there was no information on how Kara and her "consort" have a mental connection. Kara however was a great lead and I really enjoyed her determination and fire despite living in such an oppressive and horrific society. I knew going in that this series would be dark but it might be beyond my comfort levels, so I'm going to try book 1 and see what we get.
Content Warning: on page sexual assault and threats of rape; on page attempted suicide; society that forces women into "breeding contracts"
Content Warning: on page sexual assault and threats of rape; on page attempted suicide; society that forces women into "breeding contracts"
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews