The Span

by E.J. Nickson

Cole Pateras is the fastidious and calculating firstborn son in the most powerful family left on a burned-out planet. When there is haunting news of someone from his past, Cole begins to question the character he plays and his role in the empire that reigns over the remnants of humanity.

After a shocking act of violence, Cole is removed from the protection provided by his status and finds himself with nowhere left to turn. Desperate, Cole is forced to ask an old enemy for help and discovers they want what he needs–retribution.

THE SPAN explores the wastelands between future civilizations, the space between people in relationships, and the distance some go to search for identity.

Audible Audio

Published February 3, 2023

About the author

E. J. is a wife and mother, a foster parent, a reformed corporate lackey with a degree in something unhelpful, and is a twenty-year veteran of the horse training industry. She currently works part time trying to teach adults and children how to not damage themselves on horseback. In her spare time - when she’s not ignoring laundry, bathing one of the multiple dogs and/or children, or acting as an unpaid chauffeur - she gives in to her persistent craving to tell a story she hopes you can lose yourself in.

Reviews

[Sandra G · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was in a bit of a reading funk when I started The Span by E.J. Nicksonand it was a bit difficult for me to get into the book. That changed after Cole had a bit of an altercation with his brother. I became so invested in this story that it caused me to lose sleep! This book has all the action and intrigued that a reader could want, plenty of political drama and character development,  layered relationships and a main character that tugs at the heart strings. And that ending… wow!

[Zee Lacson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not big on dystopian fiction as I often find it a little too depressing.
The Span balances dystopia with hope just enough to keep me reading.
Cole is immediately interesting (& hot). The world that EJ Nickson builds for him is such a convincing reason for him to be the kind of person he is. He maintains such control on this emotions that when they do break from his control his passion isn't paralleled. Morally gray and 100% compelling. He was a perfect Herald for this story.
The ending was twisted, satisfying, and overall just perfect. Totally worth the read.

[Kari Pohar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I enjoyed cole’s journey and rooted for him the entire time. I’d highly recommend this book.

[Michelle Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was not a ya book, yet it definitely had divergent vibes to me. Following the main character and his fight between his power and his humanity kept me reading.