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The CurE: Book 1: Contamination
In a pre-apocalyptic world, 17-year-old Calgary teen Julia Klassen is going nowhere … fast.
Suspended from high school for fighting, Julia is attending summer school to graduate, in addition to anger-management sessions and staying under the radar of Alberta's governing right-wing party's Gender Appropriation Division.
You would think that would be enough chaos in the teen's life. However, a global terrorism attack on small-modular reactors by environmental group, Terra Nova, says otherwise. As nuclear facilities are compromised by a computer virus coined 'The CurE' in an attempt to reset the earth, Julia is pressed into action and rescues a bus load of passengers from explosions and earthquakes in the aftermath.
As thousands flee contamination zones, the teen decides it's the perfect time to come out as being transfluid. Fortunately, the pun-loving, quirky Christian Klassens embrace the new Jules. But it isn't until they find sanctuary at the Church of the Holy Creator in the Piikani Nation of Southern Alberta, however, that Jules gets a taste of true belonging and healing, with the help of Two-Spirit friend, Todd, and Rev. Erin Stillwater.
It isn't long before Jules is once again forced into a maturity pressure cooker, as the Klassens join other ex-pats from Atlantic Canada on the Exodus Train in a resettlement lottery program. Along the way, the teen joins Todd and their little brother, Jake, in foiling poachers, rioters and their inner demons in this action-packed adventure that pits wits and will against extremism in the fight for humankind.
Suspended from high school for fighting, Julia is attending summer school to graduate, in addition to anger-management sessions and staying under the radar of Alberta's governing right-wing party's Gender Appropriation Division.
You would think that would be enough chaos in the teen's life. However, a global terrorism attack on small-modular reactors by environmental group, Terra Nova, says otherwise. As nuclear facilities are compromised by a computer virus coined 'The CurE' in an attempt to reset the earth, Julia is pressed into action and rescues a bus load of passengers from explosions and earthquakes in the aftermath.
As thousands flee contamination zones, the teen decides it's the perfect time to come out as being transfluid. Fortunately, the pun-loving, quirky Christian Klassens embrace the new Jules. But it isn't until they find sanctuary at the Church of the Holy Creator in the Piikani Nation of Southern Alberta, however, that Jules gets a taste of true belonging and healing, with the help of Two-Spirit friend, Todd, and Rev. Erin Stillwater.
It isn't long before Jules is once again forced into a maturity pressure cooker, as the Klassens join other ex-pats from Atlantic Canada on the Exodus Train in a resettlement lottery program. Along the way, the teen joins Todd and their little brother, Jake, in foiling poachers, rioters and their inner demons in this action-packed adventure that pits wits and will against extremism in the fight for humankind.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 11, 2024
4 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 29, 2025
K.S. King’s The CurE: Book 1: Contamination is a bold, action-packed YA dystopian that feels both thrilling and urgent. From the moment we meet Julia Klassen; a sharp, restless teen suspended from school and weighed down by authority, her world is turned upside down by a devastating eco-terrorist attack. As chaos spreads, Jules emerges as a reluctant hero, navigating earthquakes, explosions, and mass evacuations while also embracing their true self as transfluid.
What makes this story shine is not just the gripping survival sequences (though they’ll keep you glued to the page), but the emotional depth behind them. The Klassens’ unconditional love, Jules’ journey toward belonging, and the friendships formed with Todd and Rev. Erin Stillwater all add layers of warmth and hope to an otherwise dark, pre-apocalyptic setting. King balances sharp social commentary with humor, action, and heartfelt moments, something not easy to pull off.
Our Arlington Books & Wine Club was thrilled to nominate this novel for our spotlight, and it sparked one of the most engaging discussions we’ve had this year. Huge thanks to K.S. King for allowing us the opportunity, your story gave our group so much to reflect on, from resilience and identity to courage in the face of extremism.
If you enjoy dystopian adventures with heart, diverse voices, and high-stakes drama, The CurE is absolutely worth your time. We’re already eager for Book 2!
What makes this story shine is not just the gripping survival sequences (though they’ll keep you glued to the page), but the emotional depth behind them. The Klassens’ unconditional love, Jules’ journey toward belonging, and the friendships formed with Todd and Rev. Erin Stillwater all add layers of warmth and hope to an otherwise dark, pre-apocalyptic setting. King balances sharp social commentary with humor, action, and heartfelt moments, something not easy to pull off.
Our Arlington Books & Wine Club was thrilled to nominate this novel for our spotlight, and it sparked one of the most engaging discussions we’ve had this year. Huge thanks to K.S. King for allowing us the opportunity, your story gave our group so much to reflect on, from resilience and identity to courage in the face of extremism.
If you enjoy dystopian adventures with heart, diverse voices, and high-stakes drama, The CurE is absolutely worth your time. We’re already eager for Book 2!
September 29, 2025
K.S. King’s The CurE: Book 1: Contamination had me hooked from page one. This isn’t just another dystopian thriller; it’s a razor-sharp, emotionally charged story that blends action with identity in ways I haven’t seen before. Jules’ transformation from troubled teen to bold survivor is gripping, and the way King layers family bonds, Indigenous voices, and themes of resilience makes the story both timely and unforgettable. Every explosion, every moral dilemma, and every small victory kept me turning pages late into the night.
Our Arlington Books & Wine Club was proud to spotlight this novel, and it truly stood out among our selections this year. Thank you to K.S. King for letting us share your work with our members, it sparked deep conversations and left us all eager for the next installment.
If you’re looking for a book that’s as thought-provoking as it is pulse-pounding, The CurE should be at the very top of your list.
Our Arlington Books & Wine Club was proud to spotlight this novel, and it truly stood out among our selections this year. Thank you to K.S. King for letting us share your work with our members, it sparked deep conversations and left us all eager for the next installment.
If you’re looking for a book that’s as thought-provoking as it is pulse-pounding, The CurE should be at the very top of your list.
September 29, 2025
K.S. King’s The CurE: Book 1: Contamination is a gripping dystopian adventure that throws readers straight into chaos and doesn’t let go. Julia later Jules is a flawed, fiery, and relatable teen whose journey through disaster, danger, and self-discovery makes for a powerful read. The nuclear meltdowns, eco-terrorist threats, and survival challenges are thrilling, but it’s Jules’ courage in embracing their identity that makes the book shine. Watching them step into bravery, even while unsure of themselves, was both inspiring and moving.
Our Arlington Books & Wine Club was proud to nominate this novel, and it sparked some of the best conversations we’ve had this year about resilience, family bonds, and acceptance. Thank you to K.S. King for letting us share Jules’ unforgettable story, it’s a book that thrills the heart as much as the mind, and we’re already eager for the next in the series.
Our Arlington Books & Wine Club was proud to nominate this novel, and it sparked some of the best conversations we’ve had this year about resilience, family bonds, and acceptance. Thank you to K.S. King for letting us share Jules’ unforgettable story, it’s a book that thrills the heart as much as the mind, and we’re already eager for the next in the series.
September 29, 2025
The CurE: Book 1: Contamination is the kind of dystopian that makes you think as much as it excites you. Jules is a fierce, funny, and courageous protagonist, and their story of survival against eco-terrorism, nuclear collapse, and inner fears is unforgettable. King balances danger and identity beautifully, weaving in themes of acceptance, resilience, and chosen family alongside heart-pounding action. The writing is sharp and vivid you can almost feel the tremors of disaster, the rush of an escape, the warmth of moments of belonging.
Our Arlington Books & Wine Club was honored to nominate it, and we thank the author for letting us showcase it. This book is one we’ll be recommending for a long time because it gave us not only a thrilling read, but also a moving reminder that authenticity and hope are just as important as survival.
Our Arlington Books & Wine Club was honored to nominate it, and we thank the author for letting us showcase it. This book is one we’ll be recommending for a long time because it gave us not only a thrilling read, but also a moving reminder that authenticity and hope are just as important as survival.
September 29, 2025
This novel had me hooked from the start; disasters, riots, and the chilling spread of “The CurE” virus created a backdrop that felt all too real. The pacing is relentless, yet King still makes room for quieter, heartfelt moments that give the book its emotional weight. What stayed with me most was Jules’ bravery in embracing who they truly are, even while the world around them crumbled. The Klassens’ love, Todd’s friendship, and Rev. Stillwater’s guidance brought a tenderness and hope to balance out the destruction.
Our Arlington Books & Wine Club was thrilled to feature this title, and it became one of our most talked-about picks of the year. We’re grateful to the author for allowing us to share in Jules’ journey. It’s rare to find a book that’s both a page-turner and an inspiration, but The CurE delivers on both fronts.
Our Arlington Books & Wine Club was thrilled to feature this title, and it became one of our most talked-about picks of the year. We’re grateful to the author for allowing us to share in Jules’ journey. It’s rare to find a book that’s both a page-turner and an inspiration, but The CurE delivers on both fronts.
September 29, 2025
The CurE: Book 1: Contamination throws readers into a pre-apocalyptic world where every choice could mean life or death. Julia/Jules is a complex, unforgettable protagonist; tough, sarcastic, but also vulnerable in their search for identity and belonging. The mix of environmental catastrophe, political unrest, and personal transformation makes this story pulse with urgency. King doesn’t shy away from heavy themes but balances them with humor, family warmth, and hope. Our Arlington Books & Wine Club nominated this book because it delivers both adrenaline and meaning, and we’re thankful to K.S. King for giving us so much to discuss.
October 20, 2024
A story that challenges readers to consider a bleak future – one where humans have hurt the planet so much that eco-terrorists retaliate sending the world into disaster. But through the turmoil and stress rises a hero – a brave, albeit sarcastic and edgy, teen who in the process discovers their true self. Full of action from start to stop, this book will leave you wanting more.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews