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On an alternate earth, a cataclysm has altered a subset of the population. Talents are persecuted for their psychic and physical mutations, giving rise to two conflicting societies based upon maintaining genetic purity. And the Source, a shadowy corporate entity dependent upon the exploitation of captive Talents, is hunting them…


Exile is book 5 of The Price of Talent

536 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 8, 2026

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About the author

A.K. Nevermore

38 books302 followers
AK 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.

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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Profile Image for Bookaholic__Reviews.
1,483 reviews176 followers
January 28, 2026
This is probably the least spicy book in this series so far but man is it still amazing! I didn't know a book could make me so fucking anxious. There is a lot going on here...and I mean A LOT! Kara and Flynn are being put through the fucking ringer with this one and I was right there with them. I just.... I don't even know what to say. I feel some relief closing this book and yet so uncertain for what the hell else is coming...
Profile Image for Michellelovesreading.
1,780 reviews193 followers
January 8, 2026
I’ve only read two dystopian series in my life and this one is in second place. I loved this book so much. I recommend reading the whole series.

Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Profile Image for Queen  Reviews.
464 reviews14 followers
December 22, 2025
It's hard to remember a series that I have been as invested in as I have with this one. I love this series so much. This entry in the series has begun to clean up lose ends as we head into the big showdown with Mother. Speaking of, we get to learn more and more about her in this book. The journal entries at the beginning of the chapters have given more insight into what happened to her to make her into who she is now. Though there is so much more for us to learn. We also get to see Flynn go through probably some of the worst times he's ever been through. I felt for him throughout and I just can't imagine going through what he does here. Though there is a slight light at the end of the tunnel. Kara, also goes through a lot here even though she's not awake for most of it. Heck all of our characters are facing a lot of hard times and even harder decisions. From Cal, Rogan and Nora to Fitz, Marcos and even Titus. The decisions and things they are going through are poised to either push things in the right direction or could send us spiraling into despair. Everything is beginning to fall into place for me when it comes to the colors of the books and little tiny bread crumbs we've been given from the beginning to now. I'm still waiting on the edge of my seat for this last book! I plan on devouring it as much as I have the rest of this series. Again I really don't have any negatives for this book or series. I wish it was longer. This world has been amazing and I have a soft spot now for all of these characters. I hated reaching the end of this book and wished I could get a little more each time I get to the end.

The spice in this book is minimum. There is so much other stuff going on that it really wasn't going to fit in. So I give this one a 2 out of 5 on the spice scale. Overall, I give this book a 5 out of 5. Though there was one thing that happened that made we want to give it a 5 because FINALLY!! It was so satisfying. I wanted to re-read it again...and again. I was so satisfied with some of the things that happened and concerned and on edge with others. This series has been a joy to read and I HIGHLY recommend it to anyone who wants something that they can really sink their teeth in.
Profile Image for N.N. Heaven.
Author 6 books2,221 followers
January 15, 2026
Ripped apart from stem to stern, Flynn Scott is unraveling. His beloved Kara is kidnapped and in the clutches of Titus. Flynn slips into madness, or very close to it. Cal and Rogan are at a loss. Cal instructs Rogan to get Flynn in shape because the Assembly wants to exile the Overlord and strip Flynn’s talent. Flynn puts on a show and dodges an assassination attempt, even though he doesn’t feel it. He gathers a small group including Cal, Rogan, Fitz, and Nora to accompany him on a mission to the Source to rescue Kara and the babies. Flynn knows he’s entering Titus’ trap, but he doesn’t care. He’ll move heaven and earth to save his mate and their unborn babies. Nothing else matters. He’ll have to reconcile his brutal past, defeat a mortal enemy, and reunite with his mate. Will Flynn get to Kara in time or will the darkness within consume him?

Exile is one of the best books I’ve ever read. This series has taken over my every waking moment since I read book one in July 2024. Exile continues where Overlord left off. I must warn you, this is a very dark book. Our hero, Flynn, is teetering on the brink and spiraling out of control. He’s not sure why he’s been brought back and what is happening to him. Call it what you want but my heart broke for Flynn over and over again. His only hope is to save Kara before it’s too late. The emotional turmoil Flynn goes through is reason enough alone to read Exile.

The world-building is another reason to read Exile. AK Nevermore pulls out all the stops with the world-building. Her ability to seamlessly insert continuity from book one until this book is impressive. In Exile, she answers almost all the questions that popped up at the end of the last book, Overlord, but without info dumping. The Original Seven and the story behind characters like Cal, Rogan, the Twins, Titus, and Mother had me whipping through the pages to the climatic ending.

If you are a fan of Game of Thrones and spicy dystopian romance, you need to read Exile. Fans of Callie Hart, Opal Reyne and Rebecca Quinn will feast on Exile.

My Rating: 5+++ stars

Reviewed by: Nancy

This review first appeared: https://substack.com/@nnlightsbookhea...
Profile Image for Nikki B..
1,222 reviews31 followers
February 10, 2026
Exile is book 5 in The Price of Talent series. This series is a spicy, dystopian romance.
I have been so invested in this series since book 1. I am not a huge fan of dystopian stories, but this series has me hooked. The writing first of all, it literally keeps your eyes glued to the pages, but the story... the story is so good.
Kara and Flynn have grown so much in character through this entire series. The dynamic between the two of them is amazing. In this story though, Kara is taken and Flynn is losing it. He is planning a rescue mission while knowing he will be walking into a trap. Flynn and Kara have gone through so much in this series, I almost want the series to end so they can just be together in peace. They have endured torment and brutality and despair and just keep pushing on. The thing that always gets me is how much they love each other and how much they are always willing to endure to keep the other safe. Their connection is what keeps me coming back to the series.
The story is full of action and drama and is sure to keep you hooked. The only issue I have is that it does take me some time to get back into each story because I can't remember what happened in the last book. I have to go back and skim my notes because there are so many moving parts to each book with all the characters introduced in each. I also feel like they have gone through so much, what else could there be?? I can't wait for what's next.
This entire series is a must read.
Profile Image for Michelle  Monnier.
34 reviews
July 21, 2026
The Price of Talent has quickly become my favorite dystopian sci-fi/urban fantasy/romantasy series! It is not fluff or some hollow bit of spice - it is a serious look at power, humanity, and what someone would do to keep the people they love. Yes there is some spice, but this installment leans heavy into the political intrigue and threading together (finally) several different characters storylines.

This is book 5, so you really need to start with book 1, as A.K. builds layer upon layer in this world with each novel, and adds depth and development to her characters with each book. After the mega-cliffhanger in the last novel, this particular book took a bit of time to get going and find its path. However, some may say that just like Flynn, who is trying to find his way after a great loss, the story also needed time to find it's way, forcing the reader to make the journey as well.

We do start tying more of the past mysteries together and some bad guys finally get removed from the board (permanently), which was uber satisfying. I can only hope we deal with Jane/Mother in the next installment as she is seriously giving me high blood pressure.

I was also so glad we made it back to the coop!!!! Last novel, with the multitude of characters and the neverending tension/pregnancies facing Kara and Flynn, I was wishing for simpler times back at the coop from book 1. So happy we got to stop there!

Now of course, I wait for the next novel, which cannot come soon enough!!!
24 reviews
March 28, 2026
Exile (The Price of Talent #5) by A.K. Nevermore continues to push the boundaries of dystopian storytelling with a darker, more emotionally intense installment.

Set in a fractured world where “Talents” are feared and exploited, this book dives deep into the psychological and emotional toll of survival. Flynn’s downward spiral is one of the most gripping aspects of the story his struggle with loss, identity, and sanity feels raw and compelling. Meanwhile, Kara’s situation adds a chilling layer of tension, especially with the looming threat of experimentation and control.
The story balances high stakes dystopian conflict with strong romantic undertones, making it both intense and emotionally charged. The world-building remains complex, with themes of genetic purity, power, and control woven throughout.
At times, the narrative can feel heavy due to its darker tone, but that intensity is also what makes it so impactful. Fans of dystopian romance with edge, depth, and mature themes will find this installment both gripping and thought provoking.
Profile Image for Marivel (marislitcorner).
724 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 6, 2026
Exile is an intense and emotional dystopian romance that pulled me into the chaos of two opposing societies and the people trying to protect those seen as less.

As the chasm between the societies grew, my heart wept for Flynn and all that he endured. With so much riding on him coming out on top, it was a wonder that the break in his Talent didn't swallow him whole. I loved the bond between Kara and Flynn and how, despite all the obstacles, it remained unbreakable.

The intrigue only intensified with the added journal entries at the beginning of some chapters that provided insight into a certain character, that until this point, had seemed omnipotent. This book took a deeper dive into many of the characters' psyches giving more color to the actions they have taken thus far, and I was taken by surprise with some of the revelations.

Exile was intriguing an action-packed. There were so many moving parts, and I was at the edge of my seat from beginning to end.
Profile Image for MellissaMae.
287 reviews25 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 8, 2026
Prepare to be swept away on an exhilarating journey with “Exile,” a masterpiece of detail and world building that will leave you wanting more. This installment in the series expands the already intricate storyline with multiple perspectives, adding layers of depth and intrigue. The characters face harrowing struggles, engage in heart pounding action, and grapple with the lingering trauma of previous chapters, all culminating in a perfectly satisfying conclusion.

Kara and Flynn are absolutely beasts! I have really grown to enjoy Fitz’s unique perspective of the unfolding events. His personality has really grown on me.😂

“Exile” is a treasure trove of information, setting the stage for what promises to be an EPIC series finale. I am on the edge of my seat, eagerly awaiting the final chapter in this unforgettable series.
Profile Image for in a world of ink.
146 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 29, 2025
So much happened in Exile. Like, so much. It's honestly hard to wrap my head around.

Things are finally coming to a catalyst in the overarching plot, Glenfyls is rebuilding and restructuring. What's left of the Source is finally making their last power play, and Kara and Flynn are starting to navigate their new life together (after he found her).

This book is massive and I read it for about a week and a half; mostly because I wanted to take it slow so I could actually remember all the moving parts to it. If you've made it this far into the series, READ THIS STORY. You get a deeper dive into Fitz, the inner workings of Cal and his relationships with the Orginal 7, and better insight into the inner workings of Flynn Scot.
Profile Image for Lisa Bing.
6,982 reviews75 followers
January 9, 2026
This is such an intense and emotional installment and quite the chonky read ;P The author continues with epic world building in this dystopian series and this chapter brings us so much info. Frankly, there's a lot going on in this book and, hence, the many pages :) The action, drama, challenges, trauma, intrigue and complex plot were gripping. Well written and well paced, this was a page turner and just so good :D
Profile Image for Julie.
1,016 reviews9 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 4, 2026
Exile is intense, emotional, and unapologetic. It left me feeling drained in that way only a really good dystopian series can — and immediately wanting to know what comes next.

A. K. Nevermore is an amazing writer that continues to pull you into the story.
208 reviews2 followers
February 17, 2026
What a series, and what a way to finish it. Kara and Flynn have been through so much together, it's so easy to get absorbed into their world and feel for everything they've gone through and fought for. Highly recommend reading this series
Profile Image for Chelle  D.
155 reviews8 followers
January 30, 2026
This series has me so invested! I was on the edge of my seat reading this and absolutely loved this book.
Kara and Flynn are just put through hell in this one.
Profile Image for Kathleen White.
510 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy
April 8, 2026
So so so good love to keep continuing with the characters and the story with the town and the trails and everything that is happening with all the people can’t wait to keep going
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews