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Part One: Experiment
When corporations dwarf governments, power unfortunately lies in the hands of the wealthy elite.
While the nation knows Titus Tarm as a corporate giant dedicated to changing the world with cutting-edge technology, engineer Kristina Simmons learns that he plans to expand his wealth by launching a civil war with that same ingenuity. To her chagrin, she agrees to help him carry out that vision.
Kristina, feigning loyalty, starts taking steps to stop the impending warfare. That might be easier if she wasn't both a catalyst and an unconsenting experiment. As Tarm's plan unfolds, Kristina realizes that a terroristic cult has intertwined itself with his vision.
INDUSTRIALIZED, PART ONE: EXPERIMENT is a dystopian novel that explores the intersections of technology, power, and personal integrity.
While the nation knows Titus Tarm as a corporate giant dedicated to changing the world with cutting-edge technology, engineer Kristina Simmons learns that he plans to expand his wealth by launching a civil war with that same ingenuity. To her chagrin, she agrees to help him carry out that vision.
Kristina, feigning loyalty, starts taking steps to stop the impending warfare. That might be easier if she wasn't both a catalyst and an unconsenting experiment. As Tarm's plan unfolds, Kristina realizes that a terroristic cult has intertwined itself with his vision.
INDUSTRIALIZED, PART ONE: EXPERIMENT is a dystopian novel that explores the intersections of technology, power, and personal integrity.
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About the author
Nikki Elizabeth
5 books38 followersIn 2007, Nikki Elizabeth began her professional writing journey with the publication of her first article in a regional newspaper. She honed her skills as a journalist until 2016, when her storytelling expanded beyond journalism to encompass contributions to magazines, travel publications, and leading corporations' communications and content marketing teams. From lifestyle articles to advertising copy and commercial scripting and storyboarding, Elizabeth has navigated diverse writing roles, all while maintaining a deep passion for fiction writing. She returned to her creative roots with the release of her debut novel in April 2024.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 8, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I started the Industrialized series blindly, not knowing what to expect, but this book did everything but disappoint me.
This is Kristina’s story. Born into a family that didn't understand her needs and aspirations, she finds herself suffocating in a metal corset. Titus Tarm, the owner of one of the biggest companies in Tesland, helps her get rid of it.
From that moment, their relationship begins to develop until she discovers he is plotting against the monarchy, planning a revolution to create a fairer world free from the diversities and injustices plaguing their society.
The book is well-written, and the flow is generally easy to follow. The story is narrated by Kristina’s POV, who recounts how she ended up imprisoned and alone. I won't give too much away, as each reader should uncover the truth behind Kristina and Titus's love story themselves.
I was drawn to this book by its dystopian dark romance trope. While it isn't the typical dark romance I expected, it is no less intense. It addresses many issues that I believe are still significant in today's society, but are not often acknowledged as such.
Tropes:
- Dystopian
- Dark Romance
- Rivals to Lovers
- Revolution
- Love Triangle
- Family Secrets
- Cliffhanger
I recommend Part One: Experiment to anyone looking for a unique and unconventional read. I personally enjoyed it and am eagerly awaiting Book Two 👀.
I started the Industrialized series blindly, not knowing what to expect, but this book did everything but disappoint me.
This is Kristina’s story. Born into a family that didn't understand her needs and aspirations, she finds herself suffocating in a metal corset. Titus Tarm, the owner of one of the biggest companies in Tesland, helps her get rid of it.
From that moment, their relationship begins to develop until she discovers he is plotting against the monarchy, planning a revolution to create a fairer world free from the diversities and injustices plaguing their society.
The book is well-written, and the flow is generally easy to follow. The story is narrated by Kristina’s POV, who recounts how she ended up imprisoned and alone. I won't give too much away, as each reader should uncover the truth behind Kristina and Titus's love story themselves.
I was drawn to this book by its dystopian dark romance trope. While it isn't the typical dark romance I expected, it is no less intense. It addresses many issues that I believe are still significant in today's society, but are not often acknowledged as such.
Tropes:
- Dystopian
- Dark Romance
- Rivals to Lovers
- Revolution
- Love Triangle
- Family Secrets
- Cliffhanger
I recommend Part One: Experiment to anyone looking for a unique and unconventional read. I personally enjoyed it and am eagerly awaiting Book Two 👀.
July 2, 2024
Intense read!
Kris is a smart, strong-willed main character. Thrown into a world she never planned to become a part of, secrets reveal themselves at every turn. There is no shortage of deceit and uncertainty with every page you turn.
Secrets about family ties and lineage, lies about the war being formed, and even dishonesty among those tied together by the rebellion forming.
Many friendships formed along the way as Kris and Titus begin their rebellion to overthrow the current King, who is ruthless and cruel, wishing nothing more than freedom for their home and a safe place to live. They want to place a ruler on the throne who is just and kind and when Kris meets Frazer, the king's son, she has no doubt he would be the perfect person to take the thrown.
But then things get tricky when the king demands his son marry Kris and they are drugged at an event and almost cross the line of intimacy.
A love triangle forms that you find yourself routing for until family truths are revealed along with a secrete that Kris hides, a secret that shouldn't have been possible in the first place.
This story has it all, love, hate, strength, war, lies, secrets, family issues out the as*, manipulation and more. Each pages offers something new to the table.
I also enjoyed that the book starts with the end and that the further we get into the story the main character, Kris, talks to us, the readers about her current situation and her thoughts about what was going on at the current moment we are reading about.
Also, the ending has you begging for more, and answers you will be no doubt craving.
Kris is a smart, strong-willed main character. Thrown into a world she never planned to become a part of, secrets reveal themselves at every turn. There is no shortage of deceit and uncertainty with every page you turn.
Secrets about family ties and lineage, lies about the war being formed, and even dishonesty among those tied together by the rebellion forming.
Many friendships formed along the way as Kris and Titus begin their rebellion to overthrow the current King, who is ruthless and cruel, wishing nothing more than freedom for their home and a safe place to live. They want to place a ruler on the throne who is just and kind and when Kris meets Frazer, the king's son, she has no doubt he would be the perfect person to take the thrown.
But then things get tricky when the king demands his son marry Kris and they are drugged at an event and almost cross the line of intimacy.
A love triangle forms that you find yourself routing for until family truths are revealed along with a secrete that Kris hides, a secret that shouldn't have been possible in the first place.
This story has it all, love, hate, strength, war, lies, secrets, family issues out the as*, manipulation and more. Each pages offers something new to the table.
I also enjoyed that the book starts with the end and that the further we get into the story the main character, Kris, talks to us, the readers about her current situation and her thoughts about what was going on at the current moment we are reading about.
Also, the ending has you begging for more, and answers you will be no doubt craving.
July 12, 2024
Industrialized Part One: Experiment by Nikki Elizabeth was a dystopian novel I wasn't expecting! There are so many parallels in this book to the direction we are heading in our own society. This dystopian world relies on an uneducated populace that can be manipulated by the ruling class.
It took a few chapters to get into the book, but I started to understand the character motivations and complexity. I disagree with the main character Kris and how she makes her decisions, but she's young and in a different circumstance than me. Overall, I liked the fight with the governing force and how the twist came about. This is definitely a book series you want to read the next book when you're done with the first! Great job!
Please be aware of content including SA and grooming.
It took a few chapters to get into the book, but I started to understand the character motivations and complexity. I disagree with the main character Kris and how she makes her decisions, but she's young and in a different circumstance than me. Overall, I liked the fight with the governing force and how the twist came about. This is definitely a book series you want to read the next book when you're done with the first! Great job!
Please be aware of content including SA and grooming.
September 7, 2024
So many surprizes
This was a clever book about what could happen in the not too distant future. I loved the cyberpunk feel and the unusual inventions that come into play. I was surprised a number of times by moments, I promise, you will not expect.
This was a clever book about what could happen in the not too distant future. I loved the cyberpunk feel and the unusual inventions that come into play. I was surprised a number of times by moments, I promise, you will not expect.
March 19, 2024
I was fortunate enough to be an early reader of this story, and let me just say... I devoured it! The colorful cast, the uncomfortable but intruiging situations, the charming industrialist at the core of every happy and unhappy scene. It was really interesting to me how Titus, this horrible, arguably evil person, had so much rizz that I almost found myself defending him along the way. I guess it shouldn't have been surprising when we found out he was leading a cult, sort of.
My favorite character in the book was probably Jacob. The down to earth BFF with a sassy and judgmental sidekick? Here for it!1
Overall, I do recomend this book, but the story definitely isn't for the faint of heart. It's a dystopian book, so it's dark, and you're kind of looking through the window at this horrific world that's coming apart at the seams. Speaking of seams, I can't wait until others get to the scene after the iron corset is removed. Seeing her assess the damage of body modification? CHILLING! So real.
It's been a while since I've been this excited about a book!
My favorite character in the book was probably Jacob. The down to earth BFF with a sassy and judgmental sidekick? Here for it!1
Overall, I do recomend this book, but the story definitely isn't for the faint of heart. It's a dystopian book, so it's dark, and you're kind of looking through the window at this horrific world that's coming apart at the seams. Speaking of seams, I can't wait until others get to the scene after the iron corset is removed. Seeing her assess the damage of body modification? CHILLING! So real.
It's been a while since I've been this excited about a book!
June 26, 2024
family vs. Family
As the story opens, we join the heroine of this fantasy piece in a prison cell. Kristina Simmons is her name and she is waiting to die. Why is she here? That is what Nikki Elizabeth’s novel, Industrialized. Part One: Experiment is about to tell us.
Titus Tarm is the brains behind Tarm Industries, the ‘biggest’ technology company in the world. A grasping, rather oily and very rich character, he is nevertheless the leader of the local Resistance in the kingdom of Tesland. As Kristina’s story begins, she is a young eighteen year old inventor with staggering gifts. After her parents refuse to remove the steel corset they believe is good for her development even as it is squeezing the actual life out of her, she runs away from home, only to wash up at the front door of her friend and employer Titus. There follows a series of new characters, a pirate and his lady, a security guard with brains and brawn, a super smart doll AI, her long lost mother, and not one but two queens among them. While these folks may agree with Titus Tarn’s vision of a new republic, they advise Kristina to refuse his romantic advances.
The only solid connection Kristina makes with this array of self-involved characters is with the prince of the kingdom. Young Frazer is a good man who wants to make like better for everyone in Tesland. Naïve to a fault, he doesn’t see how badly his father King Robert has run his realm until Kristina schools him. He swears that once he takes the throne, with Kris as his queen, things will change. Virginia and the prince, ruling the land with fairness and grace. He believes that there is no better future than that.
But King Robert was not born yesterday. He champions the young couple, approves of their betrothal. He knows Kristina works for Titus. He believes that if he can bring this dangerously gifted and inventive Simmons girl into his family, she will no longer be in a position to foment a revolution.
This is as far as I should go. Like all good long fantasies, the secrets here are plentiful. Family runs deep. King Robert sits on the Tesland throne while his sister, his ex and his son jockey for position. Titus guides the revolution while his relatives watch and wait for him to make a mistake. While this Family of his hides behind the scenes, their Eugenics program is designed to take over when the rest of the schemers fail. How these various people work their way through this dangerous and politically charged landscape, I will leave to the reader to discover.
The book is well written. The characters are well drawn. The pace is brisk. Still, as much as I enjoyed the machinations, a credibility issue cropped up early on and nagged until the end. Yes, the book is a fantastic fantasy but even so, some rules should apply. The problems revolve around Kristina Simmons, the very young wunderkind engineer who strings together incredible inventions like others string popcorn at Xmas. Where did Miss Simmons find such powers of invention? Out of nowhere, she constructs some amazing engines of war with seemingly just a sleight of hand. But calling her a genius doesn’t make her one. I found her abilities unbelievable.
Perhaps Part Two of this series will delve into the mysteries behind Kristina’s other worldly inventiveness but four stars are all I can give this otherwise creative and well written book.
As the story opens, we join the heroine of this fantasy piece in a prison cell. Kristina Simmons is her name and she is waiting to die. Why is she here? That is what Nikki Elizabeth’s novel, Industrialized. Part One: Experiment is about to tell us.
Titus Tarm is the brains behind Tarm Industries, the ‘biggest’ technology company in the world. A grasping, rather oily and very rich character, he is nevertheless the leader of the local Resistance in the kingdom of Tesland. As Kristina’s story begins, she is a young eighteen year old inventor with staggering gifts. After her parents refuse to remove the steel corset they believe is good for her development even as it is squeezing the actual life out of her, she runs away from home, only to wash up at the front door of her friend and employer Titus. There follows a series of new characters, a pirate and his lady, a security guard with brains and brawn, a super smart doll AI, her long lost mother, and not one but two queens among them. While these folks may agree with Titus Tarn’s vision of a new republic, they advise Kristina to refuse his romantic advances.
The only solid connection Kristina makes with this array of self-involved characters is with the prince of the kingdom. Young Frazer is a good man who wants to make like better for everyone in Tesland. Naïve to a fault, he doesn’t see how badly his father King Robert has run his realm until Kristina schools him. He swears that once he takes the throne, with Kris as his queen, things will change. Virginia and the prince, ruling the land with fairness and grace. He believes that there is no better future than that.
But King Robert was not born yesterday. He champions the young couple, approves of their betrothal. He knows Kristina works for Titus. He believes that if he can bring this dangerously gifted and inventive Simmons girl into his family, she will no longer be in a position to foment a revolution.
This is as far as I should go. Like all good long fantasies, the secrets here are plentiful. Family runs deep. King Robert sits on the Tesland throne while his sister, his ex and his son jockey for position. Titus guides the revolution while his relatives watch and wait for him to make a mistake. While this Family of his hides behind the scenes, their Eugenics program is designed to take over when the rest of the schemers fail. How these various people work their way through this dangerous and politically charged landscape, I will leave to the reader to discover.
The book is well written. The characters are well drawn. The pace is brisk. Still, as much as I enjoyed the machinations, a credibility issue cropped up early on and nagged until the end. Yes, the book is a fantastic fantasy but even so, some rules should apply. The problems revolve around Kristina Simmons, the very young wunderkind engineer who strings together incredible inventions like others string popcorn at Xmas. Where did Miss Simmons find such powers of invention? Out of nowhere, she constructs some amazing engines of war with seemingly just a sleight of hand. But calling her a genius doesn’t make her one. I found her abilities unbelievable.
Perhaps Part Two of this series will delve into the mysteries behind Kristina’s other worldly inventiveness but four stars are all I can give this otherwise creative and well written book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2024
Power, technology, integrity.
Power is a double-edged sword, and in the wrong hands, it cuts deeper than mere steel. This resonant line highlights one of humanity's oldest struggles: the balance of power and morality. In a world where corporations grow larger than governments, the story magnifies the consequences of unchecked technological advancement and the relentless hunger for control. Power and technology have long danced together in the real world, as seen in historical instances like the industrial revolution or the digital age, often creating an imbalance between societal progress and human ethics. Nikki Elizabeth captures this modern dilemma with terrifying precision, exploring what happens when the gears of industry grind away the fabric of integrity.
Set in a dystopian future, Industrialized introduces Kristina Simmons, an engineer working for Titus Tarm, a corporate leader with a grand vision. On the surface, Tarm's innovations seem to promise a better world, but beneath, they are tools for warfare, destruction, and division. Kristina finds herself an unwilling part of this insidious plan—both manipulated by and integral to its execution. Her journey becomes not only about averting a war but also reclaiming her own humanity. As the story unfolds, the intersection of corporate greed, cult-like fanaticism, and technology creates a tense, fast-paced narrative that exposes the fragility of power structures and the individuals caught within them.
One of the most gripping moments is Kristina's internal struggle, her duality as a reluctant catalyst for destruction and a covert saboteur of the same forces that seek to exploit her. The layers of Kristina's characterization make the stakes deeply personal. Another standout moment involves a secretive confrontation between Kristina and a figure from the terroristic cult, revealing the human cost behind technological advancement and ideological extremism. The book’s pacing, too, offers breathless tension, making the quiet moments of reflection all the more poignant. However, the narrative would benefit from a deeper exploration of some side characters, especially those within the cult, who at times feel underdeveloped.
Readers who shy away from dystopian worlds or complex explorations of moral ambiguity may struggle with Industrialized. However, for those who appreciate thought-provoking narratives in the vein of 1984 or The Circle by Dave Eggers, this book will be an enthralling ride. Industrialized masterfully blends the personal and the political, with a central conflict that mirrors the ethical dilemmas of our time.
Reading Industrialized is like watching a society spin toward chaos, where technology’s brilliance turns to darkness, and the battle for peace feels as fragile as a glass tower ready to shatter.
Power is a double-edged sword, and in the wrong hands, it cuts deeper than mere steel. This resonant line highlights one of humanity's oldest struggles: the balance of power and morality. In a world where corporations grow larger than governments, the story magnifies the consequences of unchecked technological advancement and the relentless hunger for control. Power and technology have long danced together in the real world, as seen in historical instances like the industrial revolution or the digital age, often creating an imbalance between societal progress and human ethics. Nikki Elizabeth captures this modern dilemma with terrifying precision, exploring what happens when the gears of industry grind away the fabric of integrity.
Set in a dystopian future, Industrialized introduces Kristina Simmons, an engineer working for Titus Tarm, a corporate leader with a grand vision. On the surface, Tarm's innovations seem to promise a better world, but beneath, they are tools for warfare, destruction, and division. Kristina finds herself an unwilling part of this insidious plan—both manipulated by and integral to its execution. Her journey becomes not only about averting a war but also reclaiming her own humanity. As the story unfolds, the intersection of corporate greed, cult-like fanaticism, and technology creates a tense, fast-paced narrative that exposes the fragility of power structures and the individuals caught within them.
One of the most gripping moments is Kristina's internal struggle, her duality as a reluctant catalyst for destruction and a covert saboteur of the same forces that seek to exploit her. The layers of Kristina's characterization make the stakes deeply personal. Another standout moment involves a secretive confrontation between Kristina and a figure from the terroristic cult, revealing the human cost behind technological advancement and ideological extremism. The book’s pacing, too, offers breathless tension, making the quiet moments of reflection all the more poignant. However, the narrative would benefit from a deeper exploration of some side characters, especially those within the cult, who at times feel underdeveloped.
Readers who shy away from dystopian worlds or complex explorations of moral ambiguity may struggle with Industrialized. However, for those who appreciate thought-provoking narratives in the vein of 1984 or The Circle by Dave Eggers, this book will be an enthralling ride. Industrialized masterfully blends the personal and the political, with a central conflict that mirrors the ethical dilemmas of our time.
Reading Industrialized is like watching a society spin toward chaos, where technology’s brilliance turns to darkness, and the battle for peace feels as fragile as a glass tower ready to shatter.
August 19, 2024
Nikki Elizabeth's gripping dystopian novel "Industrialized, Part One: Experiment" captivates you from the very first page. The book is filled with terrifying revelations of dark corporate secrets, and Nikki Elizabeth writes with such vividness. I recently finished reading "Industrialized, Part One: Experiment" by Nikki Elizabeth, and I thought it was a compelling dystopian book that held my interest throughout.
In Industrialized, you are thrust into the hectic life of Tarm Industries veteran engineer Kristina Simmons. Things change drastically when she becomes close to her boss, Titus Tarm. It turns out that he is deeply involved in a plot with the Mathesius Family cult and is not only strategizing business moves. They want to reshape society through genetic tinkering, starting with Kristina herself, their unwitting experiment.This book doesn't hold back on the thrills. It's got everything from AI dolls to pirates, all set against a backdrop of impending war. Kristina's journey is a whirlwind of moral dilemmas and unexpected twists.
In Industrialized, you are thrust into the hectic life of Tarm Industries veteran engineer Kristina Simmons. Things change drastically when she becomes close to her boss, Titus Tarm. It turns out that he is deeply involved in a plot with the Mathesius Family cult and is not only strategizing business moves. They want to reshape society through genetic tinkering, starting with Kristina herself, their unwitting experiment.This book doesn't hold back on the thrills. It's got everything from AI dolls to pirates, all set against a backdrop of impending war. Kristina's journey is a whirlwind of moral dilemmas and unexpected twists.
May 10, 2024
I didn’t know much about Industrialized Part One: Experiment going in, but from the first chapter, the story captured my attention! This fascinating dystopian world on the brink of civil war was compelling and sometimes downright shocking—in the best way. Titus was charismatic and downright infuriating. The narrator, Kristina, frustrated the heck out of me at times, but by the end, so many of her cringey decisions made sense! This blend of dystopian and dark romance was so bad and so good. It was hard to put this book down because I couldn’t wait to see what twists awaited in the next chapter. It was so refreshing to read a book that was so unique and not at all predictable. I can’t wait to get my hands on part two! With this debut, Nikki Elizabeth is an author I look forward to reading more from!
April 11, 2024
Glad to be reviewing this book even before it's out. It's such and honour to meet Titus before everyone else.
Bury yourself in this book, you WON'T regret it!
Bury yourself in this book, you WON'T regret it!
April 25, 2024
I'm super new to ARC reading, so this is my first ARC review haha! But I'm really glad I started my ARC journey with Industrialized, because WOW!
The premise: In a world driven by futuristic technology and corporate power, Kristina Simmons, a genius engineer at Tarm Industries, discovers her employer's sinister plans to ignite a civil war for financial gain. The war presumably starts at the end of the book... she hints at hearing noises the entire time, but we don't see it. It makes sense, though, she's locked up the whole time narrating her story from prison. The ending made my gut churn.
the characters: Industrialized has richly developed characters and a complex narrative. Kristina Simmon's moral dilemma as she grapples with her involvement in creating weapons for a destructive purpose adds depth to the story, making her a compelling protagonist. The charismatic yet enigmatic Titus Tarm, whose charm masks a darker agenda, adds layers of intrigue and tension to every scene. A diverse cast of side characters, including LGBTQA representation, kept it super interesting. Honestly, I'd love to see more of Captain's crew in the sequel. They seemed so interesting, but aside from him and Saida, we don't see them a ton.
The worldbuilding: To me, the world building was effortless in this story. I was instantly immersed. Tesland was as captivating as it was unsettling, and Kristina's charged narration highlights the world's ethical dilemmas, societal pressures, and the consequences of unchecked power. Drugs are literally everywhere from the beginning of the first chapter, which highlighted an interesting subtelty for me. The rich folk can ignore prohibition without consequence. It's interesting when Titus confronts that one reporter over bourbon, because while the man is clearly familiar with the drink, he's also aware it's a rare treat. I felt like I instantly understood the nuances of Tesland, and I found the world to be rich and believable.
The pacing: Honestly, the pacing is why this book lost a star for me. I get that the worldbuilding had to be established upfront, but the inciting incident happens in the second chapter, I think. And Titus and Kristina don't get together immediately, either, though everyone (except Kristina) clearly sees that it's coming since a few people refer to them as a couple. It was still a great read, but it took me a minute to really get into the story. Once it took off, I was hooked, but I did find the opening to be a bit slow.
Tropes: Dystopia, cybernetic limbs, genetic modification, repression, taboo romance, secret societies, rivals to lovers, found family
My theories:
Overall, while Industrialized delves into dark themes and challenging subject matter like the consequences of extreme body modification, it does so with a deft hand. This was such a good read, and I'm so excited to have read it. Like I literally sat down and made a Goodreads account just to rave about it. I wish there was a half star, because this was so, so close to five stars for me. I cannot WAIT for the second book!
The premise: In a world driven by futuristic technology and corporate power, Kristina Simmons, a genius engineer at Tarm Industries, discovers her employer's sinister plans to ignite a civil war for financial gain. The war presumably starts at the end of the book... she hints at hearing noises the entire time, but we don't see it. It makes sense, though, she's locked up the whole time narrating her story from prison. The ending made my gut churn.
the characters: Industrialized has richly developed characters and a complex narrative. Kristina Simmon's moral dilemma as she grapples with her involvement in creating weapons for a destructive purpose adds depth to the story, making her a compelling protagonist. The charismatic yet enigmatic Titus Tarm, whose charm masks a darker agenda, adds layers of intrigue and tension to every scene. A diverse cast of side characters, including LGBTQA representation, kept it super interesting. Honestly, I'd love to see more of Captain's crew in the sequel. They seemed so interesting, but aside from him and Saida, we don't see them a ton.
The worldbuilding: To me, the world building was effortless in this story. I was instantly immersed. Tesland was as captivating as it was unsettling, and Kristina's charged narration highlights the world's ethical dilemmas, societal pressures, and the consequences of unchecked power. Drugs are literally everywhere from the beginning of the first chapter, which highlighted an interesting subtelty for me. The rich folk can ignore prohibition without consequence. It's interesting when Titus confronts that one reporter over bourbon, because while the man is clearly familiar with the drink, he's also aware it's a rare treat. I felt like I instantly understood the nuances of Tesland, and I found the world to be rich and believable.
The pacing: Honestly, the pacing is why this book lost a star for me. I get that the worldbuilding had to be established upfront, but the inciting incident happens in the second chapter, I think. And Titus and Kristina don't get together immediately, either, though everyone (except Kristina) clearly sees that it's coming since a few people refer to them as a couple. It was still a great read, but it took me a minute to really get into the story. Once it took off, I was hooked, but I did find the opening to be a bit slow.
Tropes: Dystopia, cybernetic limbs, genetic modification, repression, taboo romance, secret societies, rivals to lovers, found family
My theories:
Overall, while Industrialized delves into dark themes and challenging subject matter like the consequences of extreme body modification, it does so with a deft hand. This was such a good read, and I'm so excited to have read it. Like I literally sat down and made a Goodreads account just to rave about it. I wish there was a half star, because this was so, so close to five stars for me. I cannot WAIT for the second book!
June 26, 2024
I discovered Nikki Elizabeth's work on Instagram Threads and was intruiged. I've had some bad experiences with reading indie authors, but she convinced me to give it a try again with Industrialized, and I'm so glad I did. The quality of this story was so so good, and this will definitely not be the only thing I read by this author. Industrialized Experiment is narrated BY the experiment (Kristina) but she's really not the main character. It's really about Titus continuing the cycle of abuse. This guy has lost his parents, his sister, his leg, his skin... if not for his money, he'd be a total wreck. Titus has been genetically engineered for a high intellect, and he's probably the smartest person alive as a result, so he's super aware of the murky morality of what he's doing. He clearly has some sociopathic tendencies having been essentially raised by a cult, and he's passing on that same trauma to Kristina
There's some really interesting allusions in the story. Kristina's mechanical corset clearly echoes the horrors of being forced into a mold you don't fit in, her love/hate relationship with Titus is all of our relationships' with big businesses, and even Titus's appearance echoes that big business love affair: pretty at first glance, but if you look closely, he's been battered and abused and he's not even nice. There's the Goddess, the pretty personification/idea of Progress even though the world is coming apart at it's seams. Jacob is clearly the trauma bonds formed in a bad workplace. Sara is the loss and rediscovery of childhood interests, Captain is the desire to break free from this overly corporate world, Valentina is like watching a country give its citizens free healthcare while your country is still doing privatized healthcare. This story is going to live rent free in my mind for a while, I definitely recommend it.
There's some really interesting allusions in the story. Kristina's mechanical corset clearly echoes the horrors of being forced into a mold you don't fit in, her love/hate relationship with Titus is all of our relationships' with big businesses, and even Titus's appearance echoes that big business love affair: pretty at first glance, but if you look closely, he's been battered and abused and he's not even nice. There's the Goddess, the pretty personification/idea of Progress even though the world is coming apart at it's seams. Jacob is clearly the trauma bonds formed in a bad workplace. Sara is the loss and rediscovery of childhood interests, Captain is the desire to break free from this overly corporate world, Valentina is like watching a country give its citizens free healthcare while your country is still doing privatized healthcare. This story is going to live rent free in my mind for a while, I definitely recommend it.
May 8, 2024
Industrialized, Experiment was like diving into a whirlwind! Holy frickin cow. This book is set in this crazy futuristic world where one big corporation realistically rules everything. You've got Kristina Simmons, who's this genius engineer at Tarm Industries. She stumbles onto some seriously shady stuff her boss, Titus Tarm, is up to. And let me just say, Titus is a whole bag of mixed emotions. He's charming, yeah, but there's this dark side to him that just keeps you hooked. He's honestly really sick and twisted, but such a fascinating character.
The other characters in this book? Total rollercoaster! Jacob, Kristina's bestie, is a riot. His sidekick's sassiness is just chef's kiss! I could not stop laughing when he wanted to shoot Kristina's terrifying doll, and when they form a reluctant friendship based on talking down to Kristina, the laughs just kept flowing. And don't even get me started on how incredible the side characters were. They add so much flavor to the story, especially with the LGBTQA representation. I was so pleasantly surprised to see an ace character, especially one who clarifies that ace people can have relationships, too. I'm so grateful Saida and Captain gave me a couple to root for, because Titus and Kristina? I was rooting them to break up. Low-key, I wanted to see Kristina steal his mechanical legs and run off into the night. Have fun wobbling after her now, Tarm!
Tesland is this crazy blend of cool tech and messed-up ethics. The plot is full of twists and turns. I mean, Kristina and Titus's "relationship"? Total mind-bender. I wanted to throw up when I got to the end and realized how much Tarm was hiding, and how many signs I'd missed along the way. I still think he's a sicko, and I'm honestly surprised he claims to love Kristina after everything he'd done. And that scene with the iron corset tightening? Horrible! Poor Kristina, after that, she really never stood a chance. Society (and Titus) just can't give her any opportunity to overcome all she's been through. You really feel for these characters and what they're going through.
Overall, this book is a wild ride through a dystopian world with shady deals, twisted romances, and a whole lot of questions. If you're into cyberpunk vibes and characters you can't help but root for (or against), this one's for you! Can't wait for the sequel!
The other characters in this book? Total rollercoaster! Jacob, Kristina's bestie, is a riot. His sidekick's sassiness is just chef's kiss! I could not stop laughing when he wanted to shoot Kristina's terrifying doll, and when they form a reluctant friendship based on talking down to Kristina, the laughs just kept flowing. And don't even get me started on how incredible the side characters were. They add so much flavor to the story, especially with the LGBTQA representation. I was so pleasantly surprised to see an ace character, especially one who clarifies that ace people can have relationships, too. I'm so grateful Saida and Captain gave me a couple to root for, because Titus and Kristina? I was rooting them to break up. Low-key, I wanted to see Kristina steal his mechanical legs and run off into the night. Have fun wobbling after her now, Tarm!
Tesland is this crazy blend of cool tech and messed-up ethics. The plot is full of twists and turns. I mean, Kristina and Titus's "relationship"? Total mind-bender. I wanted to throw up when I got to the end and realized how much Tarm was hiding, and how many signs I'd missed along the way. I still think he's a sicko, and I'm honestly surprised he claims to love Kristina after everything he'd done. And that scene with the iron corset tightening? Horrible! Poor Kristina, after that, she really never stood a chance. Society (and Titus) just can't give her any opportunity to overcome all she's been through. You really feel for these characters and what they're going through.
Overall, this book is a wild ride through a dystopian world with shady deals, twisted romances, and a whole lot of questions. If you're into cyberpunk vibes and characters you can't help but root for (or against), this one's for you! Can't wait for the sequel!
October 1, 2024
Industrialized Part One: Experiment by Nikki Elizabeth was an unexpected yet captivating dystopian novel that drew me in from the start. I began the series without any prior knowledge of its content, but it quickly exceeded my expectations. Kristina, the protagonist, is born into a family that doesn't understand her aspirations, and she’s forced to wear a stifling metal corset—one of the most haunting metaphors I've ever seen in literature. Her encounter with Titus Tarm, a powerful businessman, not only frees her from the corset but also plunges her into a dangerous world of rebellion and revolution against a corrupt monarchy. As their relationship deepens, Kristina uncovers darker plans challenging everything she believed about her life and society.
The story, narrated from Kristina's point of view, is compelling, with twists that kept me on edge. I was particularly drawn to the dystopian and dark romance elements, which set the tone for a series rife with secrets, manipulation, and moral conflict. The love triangle involving Kristina, Titus, and Frazer, the king's son, adds another layer of complexity, especially as secrets about family ties and rebellion begin to unravel. This book is not only a thrilling read but also a reflection of societal issues that remain relevant today. However, be mindful of sensitive content such as drug use assault, which are handled well within the narrative but definitely front and center. I'll add that the drug scene in the conference room was one of the most immersive and haunting scenes I've ever read, a well deserved bravo, Elizabeth.
The story, narrated from Kristina's point of view, is compelling, with twists that kept me on edge. I was particularly drawn to the dystopian and dark romance elements, which set the tone for a series rife with secrets, manipulation, and moral conflict. The love triangle involving Kristina, Titus, and Frazer, the king's son, adds another layer of complexity, especially as secrets about family ties and rebellion begin to unravel. This book is not only a thrilling read but also a reflection of societal issues that remain relevant today. However, be mindful of sensitive content such as drug use assault, which are handled well within the narrative but definitely front and center. I'll add that the drug scene in the conference room was one of the most immersive and haunting scenes I've ever read, a well deserved bravo, Elizabeth.
December 20, 2024
I usually use StoryGraph, but after seeing the author's titles misattributed to another author over there, I decided to hop to Goodreads to sing this book's praises. It was so good and really unfortunately resonant. I saw so many parallels to the world we currently live in, and I thought the allusions to the big business lobbying and government intervention in the characters of Titus and Frazer were surprisingly tasteful.
I loved the diversity of character personalities, and I especially loved Sara's sass and Saida's careful balance between introspective and thoughtful and being a total girl's girl. Her story of fleeing a collapsed country and witnessing parallels in Tesland was so interesting to me, and of course I loved her authentic connection with Captain. The cold nature of characters like Ana and Qattara really balanced out and grounded the emotional nature of the read.
I feel like this is one of those books I'll have to go back and read after the sequel comes out to see how all the strings come together. It's really tightly woven, and so many little details became bigger as the story goes on. I have some guesses about where the story is going (namely that Kris is going to take over T.I. and definitely end up with Frazer), but I'll be eagerly awaiting the second book to see what comes true. Recommended for fans of classic dystopian tales and bigger modern stories like The 100 and even Avatar The Last Airbender. If you loved to hate The Handmaid's Tale, this one's definitely or you!
I loved the diversity of character personalities, and I especially loved Sara's sass and Saida's careful balance between introspective and thoughtful and being a total girl's girl. Her story of fleeing a collapsed country and witnessing parallels in Tesland was so interesting to me, and of course I loved her authentic connection with Captain. The cold nature of characters like Ana and Qattara really balanced out and grounded the emotional nature of the read.
I feel like this is one of those books I'll have to go back and read after the sequel comes out to see how all the strings come together. It's really tightly woven, and so many little details became bigger as the story goes on. I have some guesses about where the story is going (namely that Kris is going to take over T.I. and definitely end up with Frazer), but I'll be eagerly awaiting the second book to see what comes true. Recommended for fans of classic dystopian tales and bigger modern stories like The 100 and even Avatar The Last Airbender. If you loved to hate The Handmaid's Tale, this one's definitely or you!
July 14, 2025
Nikki Elizabeth’s world is sharp-edged and deeply familiar, where technological innovation is driven not by hope, but by profit, control, and sometimes delusion. In that landscape, Kristina Simmons emerges not as a traditional hero, but as a reluctant insider who sees too much and has just enough moral clarity to be dangerous.
The novel’s premise hooked me immediately—an engineer caught in the machinery of a corporate war machine, slowly realizing she’s both a pawn and a potential saboteur. Kristina’s voice, marked by calculation and occasional vulnerability, makes the high-concept plot feel grounded. Her circumstances are extreme, but her decisions are intensely human. She’s smart, capable, and understandably conflicted.
Titus Tarm, the corporate visionary at the heart of it all, is persuasive, polished, and frighteningly plausible. There’s a charisma to him that lingers, making Kristina’s tightrope walk all the more tense.
The book is dystopian, yes, but it doesn’t rely on spectacle. The world of Tesland isn’t some post-apocalyptic wasteland; it’s organized, functioning, and quietly rotting beneath a polished surface. The real threat isn’t chaos but structure. And the cult entangled in Tarm’s plans? Chillingly understated, more psychological than theatrical.
What Industrialized does so well is remind us how power, once unmoored from ethics, can masquerade as progress. It’s a fast, thought-provoking read with the tone of a political thriller and the soul of a character study.
The novel’s premise hooked me immediately—an engineer caught in the machinery of a corporate war machine, slowly realizing she’s both a pawn and a potential saboteur. Kristina’s voice, marked by calculation and occasional vulnerability, makes the high-concept plot feel grounded. Her circumstances are extreme, but her decisions are intensely human. She’s smart, capable, and understandably conflicted.
Titus Tarm, the corporate visionary at the heart of it all, is persuasive, polished, and frighteningly plausible. There’s a charisma to him that lingers, making Kristina’s tightrope walk all the more tense.
The book is dystopian, yes, but it doesn’t rely on spectacle. The world of Tesland isn’t some post-apocalyptic wasteland; it’s organized, functioning, and quietly rotting beneath a polished surface. The real threat isn’t chaos but structure. And the cult entangled in Tarm’s plans? Chillingly understated, more psychological than theatrical.
What Industrialized does so well is remind us how power, once unmoored from ethics, can masquerade as progress. It’s a fast, thought-provoking read with the tone of a political thriller and the soul of a character study.
July 26, 2024
Interesting
I recently read "Industrialized, Part One: Experiment" by Nikki Elizabeth and found it to be a gripping dystopian novel that kept me engaged from start to finish. I loved how the story is novel and revolves around Kristina Simmons, a brilliant engineer at Tarm Industries, who discovers her boss, Titus Tarm, has sinister plans to incite a civil war using the technology she helped create. I enjoyed the way Elizabeth crafted Kristina’s internal struggle, balancing her sense of duty with the moral imperative to prevent a catastrophe. Maybe likeliness to an intellectual Jane Bond – like character; not truly femme fatale and neither superwoman.
I appreciated the complexity of the characters, especially Titus, whose mix of brilliance and ruthlessness makes him a formidable antagonist. The suspense and tension in the novel were palpable, particularly as Kristina attempted to outsmart Titus while dealing with the dark corporate secrets that were unveiled. Not sure if this was a battle of sexes and if intentional whereby different super powers are used!
Elizabeth’s writing is vivid and immersive, drawing you into a world where technology and power intersect with personal integrity, high tech for profit vs conscience and humanity. If you enjoy predictable dystopian tales with morally complex characters and high stakes, "Industrialized, Part One: Experiment" is definitely worth a read.
March 14, 2025
Set in a dystopian future, "Experiment (Industrialized Book 1)" takes readers on a fast-paced journey where technology can either save or destroy. The story follows Kristina Simmons, a smart and resourceful mechanical engineer who gets caught up in the dangerous plans of corporate tycoon Titus Tarm. While the world sees Tarm as a tech genius, Kristina discovers his real goal—to start a civil war for his own gain. Forced to work for him, she secretly tries to stop his deadly mission while also becoming an unwilling test subject for his experiments.
The book is full of suspense, surprising twists, and moral dilemmas. Kristina is a strong and relatable main character who faces tough choices as she digs deeper into Tarm's plans. Along the way, she uncovers a mysterious cult connected to his ambitions, making things even more complicated. The world of Tesland, a broken part of the former United States, is brought to life with vivid descriptions. The advanced technology, from artificial intelligence to futuristic weapons, adds excitement without being too complex. With its mix of action, mystery, and high-stakes drama, "Experiment" is a thrilling start to the Industrialized series. The ending leaves you with questions and a strong desire to find out what happens next.
The book is full of suspense, surprising twists, and moral dilemmas. Kristina is a strong and relatable main character who faces tough choices as she digs deeper into Tarm's plans. Along the way, she uncovers a mysterious cult connected to his ambitions, making things even more complicated. The world of Tesland, a broken part of the former United States, is brought to life with vivid descriptions. The advanced technology, from artificial intelligence to futuristic weapons, adds excitement without being too complex. With its mix of action, mystery, and high-stakes drama, "Experiment" is a thrilling start to the Industrialized series. The ending leaves you with questions and a strong desire to find out what happens next.
August 7, 2024
This dystopian novel was definitely an interesting and engaging read.
There’s a lot going on in this book. There are themes of patriarchal standards, toxic beauty standards and ideals, money and power, big business and corporations, technological advancements, monarchy, exploitation and indoctrination, (civil) war, and so much more built into the fabric of this dystopian novel.
Industrialized Part One: Experiment is centred around two characters: Titus Tarm and Kristina Simmons. There’s a lot we learn about these characters’ pasts as the full story starts to unravel part way through the book. The characters are interesting, intelligent, and emotionally stunted/immature (well, Kristina is fairly young), but I wish there was more depth in how their characters are portrayed as it would’ve created an even more engaging narrative; it would’ve also made for a smoother read, I think (but that’s just my opinion!).
Overall, I had a good time reading this book and found myself wanting to know how things play out on all fronts (which I won’t spoil here). Go read it to find out!
August 27, 2025
Industrialized is the first book of a dystopian Sci-fi series set in the future land of Tesland, once a part of the now extinct United States. The book opens with the protagonist, Kris, in prison awaiting her fate. The story of how she got there is told from Kris's point of view. Kris is a not yet eighteen years old when we are given the back story. She is an engineering prodigy and has somehow secured a top job with the country's biggest company. Run by another genius, a chemist named Titus, the company supposedly creates inventions that make life better for the people living under the evil king. However, Kris is soon put in an impossible situation as Titus wants her to join him in building a resistance to the king and the king, at the same time, forces her to invent a weapon to stop just such an uprising. Oh...and enter the handsome prince!
It is an interesting storyline. The characters are a caricatures of themselves however, and it is a little unbelievable that a teenager would be put in such an important job.
It is an interesting storyline. The characters are a caricatures of themselves however, and it is a little unbelievable that a teenager would be put in such an important job.
July 17, 2024
"Industrialized, Part One: Experiment" by Nikki Elizabeth is a thrilling dystopian novel that pulls you in from the first page. It’s a story about Kristina Simmons, a top engineer at Tarm Industries, who discovers that her boss, Titus Tarm, has a terrifying plan to spark a civil war using the very technology she helped create. Titus is a compelling mix of brilliance and ruthlessness, making him a memorable antagonist.
What really hooked me was Kristina's internal struggle. She’s a genius trapped between her sense of duty and the need to prevent a catastrophe. The novel is packed with suspense and moral dilemmas, and Kristina's attempts to outsmart Titus add a layer of tension that kept me turning the pages.
Nikki Elizabeth’s writing is vivid and the dark corporate secrets revealed throughout the book are chilling. If you enjoy dystopian tales with complex characters and high stakes, "Industrialized, Part One: Experiment" is a must-read.
What really hooked me was Kristina's internal struggle. She’s a genius trapped between her sense of duty and the need to prevent a catastrophe. The novel is packed with suspense and moral dilemmas, and Kristina's attempts to outsmart Titus add a layer of tension that kept me turning the pages.
Nikki Elizabeth’s writing is vivid and the dark corporate secrets revealed throughout the book are chilling. If you enjoy dystopian tales with complex characters and high stakes, "Industrialized, Part One: Experiment" is a must-read.
October 15, 2024
Part One: Experiment (Industrialized Book 1) by Nikki Elizabeth is an action filled dystopian novel following a young engineer Kristina Simmons who gets caught up in a Resistance plot to overthrow the land’s corrupt and frightening leader. I found the first half of the book very enjoyable and I was hooked on the characters, the writing style and the fast-paced revelations. There is great banter between Kristina and her boss which was fun to read. Kristina is a character I warmed to and was rooting for. The author weaves a clever level of intrigue around most of the other characters, so you are never really sure who to trust, and who Kristina should place her trust in also. I struggled more with the latter half or third of the book. It was still enjoyable but I found some sections harder to get through and it was more heavy-going. Overall though, I would recommend this book if you are a fan of fantasy, dystopian fiction, and hopefully Part 2 will be available soon!
July 14, 2025
Wow. I had to take a few days after finishing to let it all settle before I could review. This is an amazing story, and so much more to it than appears on the surface. It’s heavy, and twisting, and it will grip you by the neck and continue to squeeze long after the last page.
Our female protagonist is Kristina, a young engineer employed by Titus Tarm, a corporation that delivers cutting edge-tech… and Kristina is his best weapon. Set in a dystopian world that, at times, feels terrifyingly familiar, Kristina is smart - but entirely ill-equipped to deal with the absolute shitshow she has stumbled into.
Drugs, cults, civil war, mind-blowing technology that is probably right around the corner, and a vicious king and his son. All combine to creative perfect storm.
If, at any time, you find yourself confused and saying “this makes no sense,” - TRUST THE AUTHOR. She knows exactly what she’s doing. And to the author - Bravo! I cannot wait to see what is next in store for our young hero.
Our female protagonist is Kristina, a young engineer employed by Titus Tarm, a corporation that delivers cutting edge-tech… and Kristina is his best weapon. Set in a dystopian world that, at times, feels terrifyingly familiar, Kristina is smart - but entirely ill-equipped to deal with the absolute shitshow she has stumbled into.
Drugs, cults, civil war, mind-blowing technology that is probably right around the corner, and a vicious king and his son. All combine to creative perfect storm.
If, at any time, you find yourself confused and saying “this makes no sense,” - TRUST THE AUTHOR. She knows exactly what she’s doing. And to the author - Bravo! I cannot wait to see what is next in store for our young hero.
March 20, 2024
I was honored to be one of the first to read this masterpiece. Truthfully I don’t get sucked in to a lot of books but this had me instantly hooked!
We start our journey with an intelligent, seemingly relatable young woman saved from serious harmful effects of extreme body modification. As a young woman existing in society myself, I found the dig at societal pressure to change yourself in extreme ways to fit in to a mold (even if it could cost your life) to be refreshing. From there, several twists lead to our alleged protagonist and her seemingly benevolent employer tangled in situations ranging from a controversial office romance to leading a civil revolution.
I found the story to be overall chilling, eye opening, and surprisingly relatable in unexpected ways. To say I couldn’t put it down would be an understatement!
We start our journey with an intelligent, seemingly relatable young woman saved from serious harmful effects of extreme body modification. As a young woman existing in society myself, I found the dig at societal pressure to change yourself in extreme ways to fit in to a mold (even if it could cost your life) to be refreshing. From there, several twists lead to our alleged protagonist and her seemingly benevolent employer tangled in situations ranging from a controversial office romance to leading a civil revolution.
I found the story to be overall chilling, eye opening, and surprisingly relatable in unexpected ways. To say I couldn’t put it down would be an understatement!
October 31, 2024
Set in a dystopian country some time in the future, this book follows Kristina Simmons, a young and brilliant mechanical engineer, as she unwittingly becomes part of a plot to overthrow the government of Tesland—a small portion of the former United States.
I finished this book in only two days as every new twist and turn kept me wanting for more. Even better, it all made sense once I got towards the end of the book, and I was rooting for Kristina all the way. The writing is clear and the descriptions of Tesland and its ways made it really come to life. I especially liked the artificial intelligence doll and all the different advanced weapons. The main characters, Kristina and Titus, were multi-dimensional with complex motivations, and their personalities slowly unfolded as the story progressed.
I can’t wait to get a copy of the sequel when it comes out!
I finished this book in only two days as every new twist and turn kept me wanting for more. Even better, it all made sense once I got towards the end of the book, and I was rooting for Kristina all the way. The writing is clear and the descriptions of Tesland and its ways made it really come to life. I especially liked the artificial intelligence doll and all the different advanced weapons. The main characters, Kristina and Titus, were multi-dimensional with complex motivations, and their personalities slowly unfolded as the story progressed.
I can’t wait to get a copy of the sequel when it comes out!
April 13, 2024
When I started reading Industrialized Part One: Experiment by Nikki Alexander I had not a good idea what I would be reading. It is a mix of technology and science-fiction and that is not what I normally read. But the plot was interesting to me and that’s why I wanted to read this book.
It took me a bit to get into the story, but once I read some pages I found that I liked this complex story. The writing is flowing and the diverse characters are well developed. The worldbuilding is unique and the storyline is very interesting wit several twists. The setting is dystopian and it is a dark world, so it is not a book for everyone.
Overall this book has surprised me and I can recommend it to those readers who like to read a thought provoking story.
It took me a bit to get into the story, but once I read some pages I found that I liked this complex story. The writing is flowing and the diverse characters are well developed. The worldbuilding is unique and the storyline is very interesting wit several twists. The setting is dystopian and it is a dark world, so it is not a book for everyone.
Overall this book has surprised me and I can recommend it to those readers who like to read a thought provoking story.
April 8, 2025
Disturbingly good. Modern, clever commentary on the political state wrapped up in a character-driven package. A must-read for Americans... Defend your home, not the throne!
May 22, 2024
Nikki Elizabeth has this wonderful way of captivating her readers and sucking them from the real world and into the fantasmical world of Tesland. The characters are inimitable and have so much depth in compsarison to other large franchises. This is the next best thing.
Can't wait to read part 2!!!!!!
Can't wait to read part 2!!!!!!
September 14, 2024
Industrialized, Part One: Experiment, is an unusual dystopian tale that takes place in what used to be California but is now an impoverished country called Tesland ruled over by a despotic king named Robert.
The book starts out funny, very funny, but ends sad. Author Nikki Elizabeth has a talent for the comedic to the point that one wonders if she does gigs as a stand-up comedian. Her dialogue style suggests as much. She keeps a straight face while telling funny stories about the characters that people the tale: think of the crew of Gilligan’s Island with the addition of a walking and talking AI doll named Sara.
The story turns on a plot to overthrow the king and restore the freedoms the people enjoyed before the Great War of generations past took away everything. Heroine Kristina Simmons, a mouthy, brilliant teenage inventor who is being crushed to death by an iron corset she cannot remove, joins with her boss, Titus, a powerful industrialist, to overthrow King Robert. Sass and improbabilities abound as they are joined by pirates and other zany rebels itching to see Robert gone.
The king is not the only threat. Looming behind the scenes is an infamous family that once tried and failed to bring about social justice to impoverished Tesland through terror. Most of the characters descend from the family, and they wonder if they are being used to bring it to power.
I was hoping the author would keep up the zany tone, but the comical fades into the background past the halfway mark, replaced by endless dialogues among the characters arguing about means, motives, and who to trust—or not. It ends up taking itself too seriously, spoiling the funniness.
This is the shortcoming of the novel. It doesn’t sustain the comedic tone all the way through, though that seemed to be the promise. Nor was it serious from beginning to end. Nevertheless, the book shines in many ways. The prose, for example, often gives pleasing images, as when the author has Kristina say, “…we just sat there, watching the dust particles float through the rays of early sunlight.” Also, the story abounds in astute psychological insights.
The novel should appeal to readers who are fond of dystopian fiction, as it gives a different take on a genre that is usually pretty gloomy.
The book starts out funny, very funny, but ends sad. Author Nikki Elizabeth has a talent for the comedic to the point that one wonders if she does gigs as a stand-up comedian. Her dialogue style suggests as much. She keeps a straight face while telling funny stories about the characters that people the tale: think of the crew of Gilligan’s Island with the addition of a walking and talking AI doll named Sara.
The story turns on a plot to overthrow the king and restore the freedoms the people enjoyed before the Great War of generations past took away everything. Heroine Kristina Simmons, a mouthy, brilliant teenage inventor who is being crushed to death by an iron corset she cannot remove, joins with her boss, Titus, a powerful industrialist, to overthrow King Robert. Sass and improbabilities abound as they are joined by pirates and other zany rebels itching to see Robert gone.
The king is not the only threat. Looming behind the scenes is an infamous family that once tried and failed to bring about social justice to impoverished Tesland through terror. Most of the characters descend from the family, and they wonder if they are being used to bring it to power.
I was hoping the author would keep up the zany tone, but the comical fades into the background past the halfway mark, replaced by endless dialogues among the characters arguing about means, motives, and who to trust—or not. It ends up taking itself too seriously, spoiling the funniness.
This is the shortcoming of the novel. It doesn’t sustain the comedic tone all the way through, though that seemed to be the promise. Nor was it serious from beginning to end. Nevertheless, the book shines in many ways. The prose, for example, often gives pleasing images, as when the author has Kristina say, “…we just sat there, watching the dust particles float through the rays of early sunlight.” Also, the story abounds in astute psychological insights.
The novel should appeal to readers who are fond of dystopian fiction, as it gives a different take on a genre that is usually pretty gloomy.
July 12, 2024
I love Nikki’s writing style. I can imagine her world so clearly and can see myself walking through Tarm Industries vividly. I could relate to the strong female lead, Kristina, so well, having a science based background myself. The challenges that women face are front and centre, as are the conflicts with mental health.
A fantastic book with twists, turns, a driven plot line, great pacing. Once I started, I didn’t want to put it down!
A fantastic book with twists, turns, a driven plot line, great pacing. Once I started, I didn’t want to put it down!
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