Population Countdown: Fight for Mankind

by Nicolle Barbee

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Welcome to a changed planet Earth, where a once-dominating species is defeated and outnumbered. Humans no longer rule the world. In fact, by the year 2041, they’re all headed for certain extinction. After giving birth to a new superhuman race, known as Suprans, humans lost the war, and now these advanced beings have taken over. It’s been eighteen years since the last human birth, children only live in the memory of survivors, and every remaining human is enslaved or in hiding.

Twenty-one-year-old Deandria Hannah lives in a hidden mountain facility, along with hundreds of other human rebels. Together, they work to survive, fight back, and save their own kind--but a chain of events will lead Deandria to question all she believes in, including her feelings for Clinton, the only good Supran she's ever known. Deandria’s enemies have killed nearly everyone she loves, but holding on to the past could be her biggest downfall.

Genres: Dystopia, Science Fiction

296 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 31, 2013

About the author

As a former reporter, anchor, and producer in the fast-paced world of TV news broadcasting, Nicolle Barbee has had a lot of experience in writing (under her maiden name) about the
real world, but she has long dreamed of creating a science fiction novel. Growing up in the beautiful mountain landscape of Colorado, she already had the perfect setting in mind for her
adventure. It all began as a short story many years ago, but after encouragement from family and friends, she finally mustered the courage to bring this story to life.

Since leaving the newsroom, Nicolle has continued her career in marketing management, including her time as VBS Marketing Manager for Group Publishing. After moving away from the mountainous state she loves, Nicolle settled down to write her first novel and hopes to eventually complete the Population Countdown series. Although she is a Colorado girl at heart, she now lives with her husband and baby girl in North Dakota.

Nicolle loves hearing from her readers, so feel free to ask a question, or just say hello!

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received this book free from Goodreads First Reads*

The minute I opened the book, I was pulled into the story of Deandria and her fight for survival. Deandria was a brilliantly written character, along with Clinton and her best friend, Heather. The romance between Deandria and Clinton was great and not overdone, which I feel occurs a lot in YA books (which is a main reason that i was able get hooked by this book because I can't stand when I feel that the romance is unbelievable)). Nicolle Barbee has a unique style of writing that adds nicely to the storyline. The ending of the book, was sadly disappointing because I was not able pick up to continue with Deandria's story. I cannot wait until the next story is out.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves YA Dystopian or YA Sci-fi.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

It seems like people have a fear for what will become of humanity. Will we be taken over by a dominate race? Do we even have a fighting chance? What becomes of normality--including friendship and love? Barbee addresses all of these in here, and keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole time. Does humanity have a fighting chance, or will we bow down and become servants to a new master?

[Christina B · Rating 4 out of 5]

* I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review.*

I don't have a long elaborate review for this novel but I just have to say it was FANTASTIC! I love the plot, the characters, the action, everything! Seriously, this was a very enjoyable read!

The only somewhat 'non positive' thing I have to say about this book, and it really isn't that negative to me, is that some parts happen pretty fast. Some readers may not like that and want it drawn out more slowly, but personally I like how it's paced. I didn't get bored while reading which sometimes happens to me if a plot is slow. This story is definitely worth checking out!

I cannot wait to read the next one!

[Celestine]

DNF. Too much of a YA vibe for my tastes.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great plot, lots of action, and a love triangle.

PLOT: Nicolle Barbee has altered the world as we know it, and she definitely kept me interested. Imagine a world where humans are no longer the superior beings. Imagine being a slave to a newly born race that is better than you in every way. There is a place where human babies are not born anymore, and that place is earth. Maybe you're not a slave, but one of the few remaining humans attacking back against those who would see you exterminated, and on the off days, you're hiding in a secret mountain facility. That is the world Deandria Hannah lives in. She and her military-inclined friends work to bring down this new superhuman race, known as Suprans, while waiting for some kind of cure or answer to the demise of humans. In the meantime, Supran hunters are constantly trying to find those hiding humans and bring them to deadly justice. If you're caught, get ready for execution by a bullet to the head, or if you're really unlucky, a horrifyingly fiery death in Fire Battle Gladiators. This twisted game show is televised to the Supran nation...kind of bringing back some Hunger Games type memories for me, but humans aren't killing humans in this one. Nope, big, bad, Human-hating Suprans play gladiators in a Roman empire inspired setting, and what a great twist! These gladiators literally burn these suffering humans alive, but not just with fire. Nope, they do it with newly developed fire weapons. Whoever has the best weapon and the sickest kills will win the judges over and become a star to the fans. But, let me say that this book is very different from The Hunger Games, and it is not focused on Fire Battle Gladiators. In fact, that doesn't come into play until much later in the book. It's just a piece of the puzzle. Most of the time, Deandria and her friends are planning or carrying out attacks against Elijah Colton Bishop, the Supran leader, or Deandria is dealing with her own tumultuous feelings for Clinton, a Supran who is different from his own kind and sympathizes with the humans' plight. Be prepared for this to take up a few chapters of the book, especially since another love interest is thrown into the mix. I would say that this book is a great pick for YA female readers, but I wouldn't count guys out completely because of the action and somewhat graphic violence.

CHARACTERS: You have a sarcastic, dark and sometimes brooding heroine (oh yah, the story is told from Deandria's point of view), an overly protective Supran boyfriend, Clinton, Deandria's slightly perverted brother, Triston, and an overly assertive and shameless girlfriend, Heather. You have a wide range of characters to choose from. There are others I'm not mentioning, but those are the ones who come to the forefront of my mind at the moment.

ENDING: I don't like to spoil an ending for anyone who may be considering reading a book, but I will finish by saying this book ain't finished. Not by a long shot. There is plenty that needs to be wrapped up, which can be frustrating for some readers, but I guess that's why authors choose to do a series.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as a first reads giveaway.

After finishing the last chapter of this book four words came directly to my mind......all killer, no filler. Wow, this book was just amazing for me even from the very first page. Not many books make you feel so thrown in the deep end with the first page and and at no point did the progression of the story let up from the initial thrill. Each page was crammed full of love, horror and suspense and I found it difficult to try and restrain myself from reading too quickly and missing bits from my sheer thrill at the thought of reaching the next chapter.

There was a good share of humour to the story especially from Deandria's best friend, Heather who often had me chuckling aloud. And the sadder parts of the story often had me holding onto my tears. I always know I've found a gem of a book when I can cry for the demise of a character and this story did not disappoint as I found all the characters relatable and loveable in their own unique way.

I am so over joyed to have won this book and to have discovered Nicolle Barbee and after reading the excerpt from book two at the end of this one I am literally bouncing with excitement about reading the continuation of the story for Deandria and her ''family''. It couldn't have sounded more exciting! Thank you so much Nicolle!

[Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

DEFEATED HUMAN RACE + NEW SUPER HUMAN (SUPRAN) RACE = A WHOLE LOTTA ACTION!!

CONFLICTED HEROINE + SUPER HUMAN BOYFRIEND DRAMA + HUMAN LOVE INTEREST = MY LIFE!!!!

This was a quick read that kept me wanting more...way more in the end. First, it was nice to have a book in my hand that was the length it needed to be. So many novels these days look like damn Bibles, and have so much unnecessary content within them. Those epic books tend to bore me at times. I wasn't bored once with this book, and my complaints are very minor. I think it took a while to fully get the description of the kind of advanced facility the human rebels were living in. While Barbee (ha ha...an author named Barbee!) does an amazing job of unraveling crucial details as you read (instead of just throwing it all out there from the start), I did find myself wondering how the human rebels were able to eat so well in this hidden military facility. I knew the facility was advanced, but I didn't know that the lowest level consisted of farmers who bred and cared for animals, and that lighting mimicked sunlight for vegetation to grow until like chapter 8 or 9, or something. That was the only thing that threw me off a little bit, at least until it was explained. Otherwise, I loved it. You've got a new fan!

[dri (DREE) (she|they) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Population Countdown has to be the best dystopian, sci-fi book I have read this year.
The balance of action, romance, and conflict was beautifully written and kept me reading the whole night long! Nicole Barbee did a superb job of sculpting this dangerous world full of wonderfully developed characters and setting. I cannot wait for the next book!

This book is amazing for young adults who want to ease into adult fiction, it can be read by all teen, young adult, new adult, and adult readers alike.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Won this book on goodreads couldnt put this book down always wanting to know what happens next really glad I got this book worth more than a 5* rating really recommend this book well written and its put in my favorite book.cant wait to read more from this author.BRILLIANT READ!

[Jessica Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've wanted to read this book since first seeing the buzz about it on Facebook last month, and I'm glad I finally got a chance to do it. If I hadn't been so busy the last week, I probably would have burned through it in less than two days. The plot went pretty fast, kept me intrigued, and unravelled successfully throughout the entirety of the book. I think the author has a mostly simplistic and fun writing style that is very easy for any YA reader to follow, and she also accomplished something I tend to look for but rarely get. She did a wonderful job of showing and not telling. I hate when I'm told that a fact is important, or that a main character feels a certain way without the prose there to help the reader feel that way. Each revelation Deandria Hannah, the main character, had seemed believable and justified to me. I must also commend the author on her skill with making a reader feel the intensity and immediacy desired in an action scene. There is a lot of action and adventure in this novel, and Nicolle Barbee's best writing comes through at these times for me.

Taking a look at the storyline...I loved it, but I'm always fascinated by end-of-the-world scenarios, or a good post-apocalypse read. In Population Countdown: Fight for Mankind, a new superhuman race has been born, and they've taken over. It's not just that they are superior to humans, due to their large physical stature, intelligence, and mind-reading abilities; humans aren't born at all anymore, and they can't explain why. Is it evolution, an alien invasion, or some kind of biological weapon? That's something I took a while to debate myself, but I won't throw out any spoilers in this. As if the likely extinction of the human race isn't bad enough; these Suprans see humans as diseased rodents and do their best to wipe them out. At the start of the book, you quickly learn that all remaining humans are slaves or hiding. Of course, the punishment for being caught on the run or in hiding is death. That part also gets interesting. You either die by firing squad, or you're thrown into a twisted show known to humans as Fire Battles, but officially called Fire Battle Gladiators. I've seen the show explained in the other reviews so far, so I'll skip that part, and sum it up fast. Supran gladiators basically burn humans alive in a Roman coliseum type setting with advanced fire weapons and the fans go wild. No, the humans are not given any weapons themselves. I wouldn't call it a fair fight, and Suprans don't care if it is. It's all done for entertainment value. Don't expect for this show to take up most of the action scenes though because it doesn't come into pop up until much much later in the book.

21-year-old Deandria Hannah has been on the run or hiding since she was 16 years old. Years prior, Suprans started a war against humans, using their advanced laser weapons, drones, and knowledge of human military practices. Although the book begins post battle, humans obviously lost the war and have been forced into slavery. The last few years Deandria has found refuge inside a military facility that is hidden inside a mountain in Colorado. Hundreds of people live in the facility, created to sustain life in case this type of scenario played out. By chapter two, you learn that nearly all of Deandria's family members are dead. Only she and her brother, Triston, remain. While living in this facility, everyone has a role to play, and Deandria, Triston, and other key characters serve as a group of rebels constantly looking for ways to fight Suprans and save humans (mostly each other...especially when captured). I want to avoid spoilers, so that's all I'll say about that. With much of the action and adventure laid out, I should also delve into the romance. Yes, there is some, although there is nothing erotic or physically charged about it. The majority of it is between Deandria and her Supran boyfriend, Clinton. Clinton is an anomaly, does not hold the same hate and aggression toward humans, and he even goes as far as to fight and kill his own kind without remorse. After dating for nearly a year, a devastating event changes Deandria's mindset and her feelings for Clinton. A new hate for Suprans starts to build inside her, and a good portion of the book and her inner monologue focuses on the conflict she feels about the relationship. As if that weren't enough drama for the heroine, another love interest slides in there while Deandria and Clinton are on the outs, but I won't say much about Chris, the pilot who decides to pursue Deandria at exactly the wrong time. I would love to continue talking about the plot and could probably go on forever, but it already looks like I've written a damn book!

I don't doubt that most readers will fall in love with several characters, and not just one. For me, I quickly took a liking to Triston, although that was a mistake. No, I won't explain and spoil anything. I also found myself wrapped up in Heather, Deandria's best friend. I could relate to her most...her strength, her attitude, and her man-like mentality. It was refreshing. While she and Deandria are alike in some ways, Deandria has a much darker side, as you'll quickly learn through her inner monologue. There were times it was a bit much for me, but other times I was laughing out loud. Male readers will also have no trouble relating to one of the main male characters...whether it's Triston, Clinton, Chris, or Brent. There is plenty of testosterone to go around! I'm big into character development, so it's always good when you feel a connection to more than one character.

It was more than a great read for me, and so I'll go ahead and give it five stars. Not because it was perfect, or the writing was the best I've ever come across...it was simply a perfect book for me. I couldn't have picked a better one out at this point in my life.

[Arrwyn Odalht · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book captivated me from the first paragraph to the end, which disappointed me! I can't wait for the rest of the series!!!
I found a few grammatical errors ... not properly edited which I find annoying, but have learned to overlook it. The main character is very real throughout the book but I'd like to know more about the Suprens.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would recommend for any YA reader!

The author has a unique style of writing that is simple and fun for the YA reader, but compelling and deep during the darkest moments of this novel. Every female on earth will be able to relate to the inner monologue of the sarcastic and often pessimistic heroine, especially in relation to the men in her life. I often found myself laughing out loud because I couldn't help but think of myself and my own friends throughout this book. Nicolle Barbee also does a very good job of unraveling key plot points throughout the book. I can't accuse her of giving away too much off the top, as many authors do.

I had to get through a few chapters to be totally hooked, but I was barely able to put this book down after a certain male character died and the drama picked up. I won't spoil it for you, but you'll be surprised, as I was many times throughout the book. The story centers around a future planet earth, where humans are no longer born. Instead, humans have given birth to a new superior race known as Suprans. These superhuman beings resemble Vikings physically, have superior intelligence, and read minds through physical contact. Humans are headed for extinction, and Suprans are doing their best to help that along. Every remaining human either plays slave to Supran masters or hides with other human outlaws.

Deandria, the 21-year-old heroine (narrator of the book), lives in a hidden facility within a mountain in Aspen, Colorado. She is one in a group of rebels who spend their time planning attacks against the Suprans, while also attempting to stay hidden from Supran hunters. As we often see in these SciFi reads, Deandria is dating a Supran herself, and much of her thought process revolves around her past and the guilt/drama that clouds this relationship. Toss in a human admirer, and you've got one confused heroine! While there is a good amount of conflict among these two, there is a ton of action, and I can't fail to mention Fire Battle Gladiators. This execution-style show is mentioned throughout the book, but you don't get a real taste until chapter thirteen. Suprans have taken the Roman games of old and turned them into their own deadly sporting events. But in this game, humans don't have weapons or fight back. Instead, Supran gladiators create out-of-this-world fire weapons. They use these weapons to kill drugged-up humans in the quickest and most creative way possible, and the winner gains the title of Fire Battle Gladiator. These are the most graphic moments in the book, but nothing I would consider rated R.

Finally, you won't have all the answers you seek at the end of this novel. Plenty has been left in the air for what I'm assuming will be a second book. All in all, this was a worthwhile read, and I liked it.

[Cheyenne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book free as a Frist-Reads Goodreads winner.

My Official rating for this book is 3.5 stars.

When I think of Sci-fi there are two things that I associate with it the most. The first is the Syfy channel on TV that I've been known to watch occasionally. And the second is the human race being hunted/destroyed by some super race of beings, alien or otherwise. In this case only the latter applies. But while the story's base concept may not be wholly original it was done well. Something we all know doesn't always happen.

The book is in Deandria's POV, the heroine of the story. Deandria lives in a hidden mountain facility in Colorado along with hundreds of other human rebels hiding from Suprans to avoid being killed or taken as slaves as well as trying to save their own kind. Suprans came to be as the super offspring of humans ironically. It's unknown why or how but humans suddenly stopped giving birth to regular children and started producing Suprans instead. Eventually the Supran race overthrew the humans who they were so superior to. There's also Clinton, the resident Supran in Deandria's hidden mountain home and her boyfriend.

For the majority of the book I didn't like Deandria. At. All. Most of her thoughts and actions were selfish and she was very cruel in her treatment of Clinton. She was kind of like a child throwing a long drawn-out temper tantrum. I felt like reaching into the book and slapping her many a times while reading it. I felt no remorse for her inner turmoil as such and very little sympathy for her. Near the end she got herself together though so my dislike for her has been sedated slightly. The book was very push-pull throughout. Something was usually happening and it was hard to tell where the cards would fall. It played off the nature of the book well especially seeing as their was casualties within the pages. Character wise they were all pretty good. Most of them didn't really jump out to me in their personalities but they were good nun-the-less. The book was left open so there could be a sequel in the future. Right now it's going as a standalone I believe. The ending wasn't terribly cliffhanger-ish so rest assured those of you afraid of the edge. If there ever is a sequel I would be willing to read it.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure how I felt about this one after the first few chapters, but fast forward a little more, and I became addicted! Each chapter just gets better and better. I did find myself loving the narrator's BFF more than any other character, but it's pretty typical of me to latch on to someone other than the main character. I loved the sarcasm and humor throughout the novel, and you can't go wrong with the action and shocking twists. As far as plots go, it's one that Scifi readers will easily like. One key difference...after a war between humans and a new super human race (Suprans), the world hasn't been destroyed. Instead, Suprans have created an even better existence/utopia for themselves, while the dwindling humans are in slave camps or hiding in various locations around the world. I don't consider myself to be much of a reviewer, so I won't go in to detail about the story line, characters, and writing, but they were all great for me. You can count me in when the next book of this series is released. Oh yes, it ends with "TO BE CONTINUED", which is good because a whole bunch needs to be solved.

This is random, but for some reason I couldn't stop imagining who would play Clinton (narrator Deandria's Supran boyfriend)if this book ever became a movie, and then it hit me!! KELLAN LUTZ! Girls, if you don't know who I'm talking about, shame on you. Follow the link to check him out. Read the book, and you'll know what I'm talking about!

http://images2.fanpop.com/images/phot...

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the not-so-distant future, the world has not collapsed after a brutal war that killed most of the human population. Instead, a new superhuman race born from humans, and known as Suprans, has made a seemingly more advanced and better world. A world where human children no longer exist, the humans who remain are slaves, and any caught hiding are executed. Deandria Hannah is 21 years old and the narrator…and I might add, a deeply disturbed main character worth following. She lives in a mountain-enclosed military base, along with hundreds of human survivors. She, with her Supran boyfriend, Clinton, her brother, Triston, a best friend, Heather, and many others, are constantly pursued by Supran hunters, but that does not stop them from carrying out missions against the superior beings. While attempting to make sense of her past and the loss of her family members, Deandria not only fights those she hates, but the feelings she has for Clinton, the only Supran known to sympathize with humans. Nicolle Barbee’s characters are each flawed in their own way, completely believable, and easy to relate to. The plot is tense and engrossing at times, but also full of dark humor and lighter human moments. This book will resonate with both the YA and NA audiences, and free from overly foul language and any kind of erotica, it is safe for teens to read, as long as some intense violence is acceptable. Population Countdown: Fight for Mankind is a success in my book.

[Sarah Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm happy that I was able to read this exciting novel for FREE! As a big fan of the New Adult genre, this story hit what I wanted right on the nail! I was sucked in from the first page and my attention was kept all the way until the end...where I was left wondering what will happen next! Aaaaah! Looks like I'll have to read the second book.

I do have some small complaints...like how long it took to describe the advanced mountain facility the humans were living in. Ms. Barbee obviously didn't want to give everything away off the top and so she sprinkled bits and pieces throughout the story, which I can appreciate, but it wasn't until much later in the book that I understood why they had such a great food supply...because of a floor dedicated to farming, where their special lighting system mimics sunlight and farmers raise livestock and harvest crops. Once that was explained, I was free to stop wondering about it!

I LOVED the plot of this book. Who knew we would give birth to our own supposed demise! I also loved the characters and related very well to Deandria and Heather. I also loved the realistic relationship between Deandria and Clinton. The conflict and feelings seemed real and not like something you'd find in an impossible fairy tale! To conclude, this would be a great read for YA, NA and Adult readers.

[☆Joycedale☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked from the first few pages. The world as we knew it no longer exists, its been taken over by "super-humans" known as Supran.
It starts with Deandria making a risky escape after being captured. We're taken into the mountain hideaway where a group are hiding in a self-substaining shelter. Deandria, her brother Tristan, her bff Heather and her bf a Supran named Clinton are part of the group that go on missions to rescue other humans or defeat Supan's that get within their boundary.
After a tragedy Deandria breaks things off with Clinton because ever though she knows he's not like the rest she can't seem to look at him since all Supran have the same characteristics.
After they pull off a monumental attack in the humans favor, Deandria and Heather are captured in a trap and headed for "Fire Battle Gladiators", an execution style game show.
I love the plot, the characters, the writing style and outcome. Nicole writes in a way that drew me in and didn't let me go until the end. Her description of the characters, their feelings and the world are great. Even the minor characters have depth that makes me want to know more about their stories.
After the preview which confirmed something I had wondered about I can't wait for the next one.

I received a copy from the author through Book Review Buzz in exchange for a honest review. Thank you.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Word of advice: The first half of the book is pretty good, but the last 10 chapters, or so, are awesome! So, if you find yourself wondering if there's a lot more action ahead, or if it will become a real page turner, the answers are yes & yes. I see that a fair amount of people have already delved into the plot and characters, so I'll sum it all up fast.

*Humans stuck in a dystopian-type world, where a newly evolved (possibly) species of human has been born and taken over...check!

*Humans are now slaves to a superhuman species that possesses incredible strength, mindreading abilities, and advanced intelligence...check!

*Humans caught hiding are executed in a televised (somewhat Hunger Games like)show. Fire Battle Gladiators truly fires things up...so, check!

*Humans hide together in a mountain-hidden backup base, where the narrator (Deandria Hannah) and her friends plot against a Supran leader...check!

*Humans escape capture, defeat a Supran leader, and the female lead deals with her own tormenting/conflicting feelings for her on-again, off-again Supran boyfriend...check!

*Humans keep hope for the future alive...but questions need to be answered...check!

*A good read for YA (especially the female variety)humans...check!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.

This book grabbed me almost immediately and sucked me in. Nicolle Barbee does an admirable job of creating a world in which humans are no longer the superior species. Her descriptions of the Suprans and their evolution from human are authentic and believable; the characters that she peoples her new world with are similarly engaging and you find yourself rooting for them in their desperate circumstances. The one thing I did not find believable in Ms. Barbee's world however, (the reason I gave four stars instead of five) was the haven in the mountain where the humans hid from the Suprans. It seemed way too unrealistic that this underground bunker had so many amenities, and that food/water/electricity was so easy to come by. Some explanations are given, but they seem pretty implausible given the state of the rest of the country and the dire situation in which the human race finds itself. Other than that I absolutely loved the book and am looking forward to reading the sequel.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was convinced I would be giving this book at least four stars after the first chapter, until the heroine's inner dialogue began to focus on her conflicted feelings for her boyfriend and another love interest. I'm sure it's just because I'm a guy, but I'm not big on romance at all, and while there is no physical stuff, a chunk of this book revolves around this kinda/sorta love triangle. The good news is that the plot is strong, I enjoyed most of the characters, and there is plenty of action, twists, and thrilling moments. This book is ideal for young adult and new adult readers, given that there is no dirty language or sex scenes, and most of the characters are in their twenties. There is a younger voice throughout the book, the narrator is a female, and I believe this book will resonate most with female readers, although guys can still enjoy it, as long as they don't mind a little romance. I read through to the end, so it still kept me interested.

[Kelly Clevinger Bernard · Rating 3 out of 5]

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.** Overall, I really enjoyed this novel and was captivated within a few pages by Deandria's story. I like a good sci-fi story that doesn't get too complicated and this book fit the bill. I look forward to future works fro this author.

I gave the book 3 stars but this book could have easily been a 4 star. Here's why... I am trying to figuring out if this is a YA or adult novel? The writing style and language used seemed very simplistic for either category. I think if the writing were a little more complex I would have enjoyed the story more. Also, there needs to be more depth to some of the characters, such as Clinton. I feel like I didn't know him at all. More details on how the humans are surviving would also have been interesting. There seems to be plenty of food and unlimited access to water but it's not really explained and I was left curious.

[David Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Goodreads first reads book. thank you very much Nicolle Barbee for the book Population Countdown. I found the book a great read with every reader in mind enough of an adult read with out going into the adult themes so it would be great for all ages.
The story shows what humans go through when they find themselves out numbered and on the brink of becoming extinct. There is a small group of human hiding and fighting the supran.
Deandria finds her self in live with the only supran that is kind. After she looses all her family she turns to her best friend Heather. Brent to only doctor helps to find a way to survive the problem while he tends to all the other medical needs. Well with out giving to much a way I think it would be best for you all to get the book and read the story.
I personally can not wait to find out what happens next Nicholle you did a great job at leaving us all wanting more. Please give us the next round soon.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m in love with this book! I was hooked from the very first page. Even the poem excerpt chosen was perfection, and helped set the tone for the rest of the book. The writing style is something I should applaud because I hate when authors "tell" the whole time instead of showing. Nicole is wonderful at showing and writing actively. Maybe it's because I'm a female, but it was also easy for me to love the narrator. I don't need to delve into the whole novel, but I will leave you with two of my favorite poetry excerpts:



Come out of the world—come above it—
Up over its crosses and graves,
Though the green earth is fair and I love it,
We must love it as masters, not slaves.
—Ella Wheeler Wilcox,
A Song of Life



I was angry with my friend:
I told my wrath, my wrath did end.
I was angry with my foe:
I told it not, my wrath did grow.
—William Blake,
A Poison Tree

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I guess I have a somewhat unique review, since I had the privilege of reading the first edition and the brand new extended edition that hasn't even been released yet!! I liked the first book just fine, and was definitely hooked in the end, but I am in love with the new edition! It's hard for me to throw out 5 star reviews, but I would give the new version a 4.5. I would say that the first book would get a 3.5, or maybe 4 stars from me because I did end up a big fan, but there were some holes in the first one for me. I don't want to turn this into a spoiler session because I know the new book doesn't release for a couple months, but everything truly comes together for me in the second book & I was blown away by how excited I was to read through it. I'm so happy I was the first fan chosen to read it! Big thanks to author, Barbee. Can't wait for the next book in the series to release!!

[Delia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as a first reads giveaway.


This book was amazing, better that I thought it would be it surpassed any expectations I had about it.
I literally couldn't put it down I was up til 4am reading. I cant wait for the next book in this series. I will be recommending this book to everyone I know.

This book has a little of everything you've got action, a little romance, some sci fi, and a few heartbreaking moments. The story had me captivated from the first page and it never got slow it kept my interest from beginning to end. I love Deandria the main character she's spunky and has no filter when she talks. I wish there was a little more of Clinton I really like him and Deandria's best friend Heather is funny she had my cracking up. I cant wait to see what happens in this series and how this fight is gonna end.

[Taylor Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by this book!! It is the best Sci-Fi novel I have read in a while (read it twice already), although I would also venture to put it in the dystopian category too. I think this is also a good read for both teens and adults...mainly because there is no heavy petting/sexy time or cursing. Be warned that there is dark humor, some graphic violence, and a little romance. I was also caught off guard a few times by some BIG surprises, so be prepared to have your jaw hit the floor! I HATE spoilers, so I will not go into detail, but I loved Nicoleś writing style, the characters (especially Heather) and it was easy to get sucked in fast.

[Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was pretty damn good! There were a couple slower chapters for me at the start, but the story takes off after a main character dies. The action also picks up in a big way in the second half of this book, and there is one surprise after another after you hit chapter 13. The chase scenes & crazy twists kept me hooked. Most of the main characters were very likeable, & I'm always shocked when I don't mind the rambling of a female narrator. But Deandria seemed a little more male than female if you ask me. There is a ton left to resolve in the end, so you can bet I'll be reading the next one in the series.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite thing about this book was the main character. Deandria is a strong young woman; she's fiercely loyal, and her internal dialogue and actions reinforce this loyalty. I have a very strong affinity for loyal characters, and she's the kind of person I would want to be friends with. I was able to connect with her, and felt personally involved in her story. The first half of the book was a little slow at times, but the second half definitely makes up for that. Overall this was an enjoyable read and I look forward to finding out what happens next!

[Kendal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm no writer, so I'll keep this short. Loved the characters, and I had a fun time with this one...especially since I personally know the wonderful author (who also introduced me to Goodreads). I told her I would give the book an honest rating...and for me that was 4 stars. It was a great adventure!

I must love books where the human race is dying because now I want to read this one again:

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so lucky to have won this book, not only was it a "goodread" but the author signed it & included a nice note- thank you! The story was fresh - I love a good scifi tale and this had all the action, love & dystopian future you could want. I love the idea that the enemy is essentially us - we give birth to a mutated race who consequently tries to wipe us out. The enemy is within & that is super frightening!