The First

by S.H. Reynolds

When you have to choose, Legacy or Love, how will you decide?

In a world where loyalty is currency and power defines your worth, Elitus stands above all—training the strongest Wights to defend a future built on order and obedience. No distractions. No weaknesses. No exceptions.
Alex Clarke is the crown jewel of the program—the Golden Boy, beloved leader, and son of Elitus legacy. Precision, honor, and control run through his veins. He's destined for greatness, expected to lead without falter, and forbidden from wanting anything... or anyone.
Andy Parrish is the embodiment of beautiful chaos. Stubborn, brilliant, and unapologetically reckless, she’s everything Elitus warns against—emotional, unpredictable, and impossibly alluring. She doesn’t belong in Alex’s world. But somehow, she’s the only thing that makes sense in it.
When the rules tighten and tensions rise, their forbidden connection becomes impossible to ignore. But in a place that punishes desire and demands sacrifice, falling in love could destroy more than just reputations—it could unravel the very foundations of Elitus itself.
Honor or heart. Order or rebellion. Golden Boy or Beautiful Chaos.
They can't have both.
But what if they were never meant to choose?

307 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 7, 2025

About the author

S.H. Reynolds writes stories about powerful people making emotionally catastrophic decisions—because happy, well-adjusted characters are boring, and therapy is expensive.
Fueled by caffeine, spite, and the occasional existential crisis, S.H. specializes in slow-burn tension, morally gray disasters, and dialogue that cuts sharper than a blade.
The First, is the debut novel and the beginning of The Elitus Series that will probably ruin some fictional lives (and maybe a few real ones). Book 2 The Queen is set to release in September 2025.
Proceed with caution—and popcorn.

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Web: www.shreynolds.com

Reviews

[RedFireLady · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written sci-fi romance story about self-discovery, rebellion, and standing up for your beliefs.

We follow the story of some elite beings; weapons that are bred and trained to take orders and get results. These "wights" have powers that were created in a lab and bred into several generations within a military style community.
As the first generation has come of age, they are rebelling against a system that has controlled every aspect of their lives.

The characters are conflicted and complex, and the plot is well-built into the world S.H. Reynolds created. I was fully immersed into the story and rooting for our FMC and MMC the whole way. This was both a comfy romantic read but also a coming of age story with political undertones.

I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series to find out what comes next in this world, and who our next couple will be!

[Twinkle.butt.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The First” by S.H. Reynolds is an intriguing exploration of themes like ambition, identity, and the complexities of human relationships. The narrative follows a compelling protagonist who navigates the challenges of pursuing their dreams while grappling with personal and societal expectations.
The characters are well-crafted, each with their own motivations and flaws, making them relatable and engaging.
The storyline is gripping, with twists that keep readers invested in the outcome. It delves into the struggles of self-discovery and the pressure to succeed, resonating with many readers.
Overall, “The First” is a thought-provoking read that balances emotional depth with an engaging plot. If you’re looking for a book that prompts reflection while providing an entertaining story, this could be a great choice! Would you like to know more about a specific aspect of the book?

[Rachel Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this books so quickly and was left at the end of it , not with a cliffhanger thank the goddess, but with so many interesting characters and potential plot lines that that make me eager for more books to come out in this series. The MMC Alex is a genetically engineered super soldier who lives in a community created, and inhabited by Elitus, the creators of said super soldiers and their families. The story is dual POV between him and the FMC Andy. You follow them and other incredible characters through a journey of self discovery, love, and trying to create a better future for all super soldiers and their families. I really loved the spicy scenes and the way that SH Reynolds brings these characters to life.

[Heather Shower · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hooked me fast! an intense world of power and legacy, a forbidden romance that burns slow but hits hard, and characters who challenge everything they’ve ever known. Emotional, gripping, and impossible to put down. I can’t wait for book 2

[Sandra Mena · Rating 4 out of 5]

First time reading a book out of my usual genre. Really enjoyed this book.

[the.horror.girl.27 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to read this book debut novel by SH Reynolds and enjoyed it. Book one in The Elitus saga, a dystopian romantasy about a world where kids are specifically bred with certain qualities to fight in their type of military. Trained and ruled under a system called Elitus, the kids are sectioned by ability and pretty much all live in dorms from when they’re fairly young. The story follows Alex, Elitus golden boy and Andy, a stubborn sort of wild combat female. Ruled by Elitus’ strict rules and lifestyle, they begin to push to change the rules instead of outright rebellion. Written in dual POV, it’s a fast moving fun book to read

[Ashley Glovas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was selected to do an ARC read of book 2, so naturally I had to check out book 1 and I was not disappointed. Alex is a "first" and crowned jewel of the Elitus. Focused, driven, loyal and looking to improve their program now that he has graduated. Andy is is broken due to her family situation that she has kept hidden and has been in love with Alex for years. Will they finally get to be together, or will their loyalty to the Elitus win out? You will have to read to find out. I loved the character angst, the tension, and the love that shown through of family and friends. Great read and I am looking forward to book 2.

[Yesenia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating dystopian romantasy!

Venture into the intoxicating whirlwind of emotions sparked by the forbidden love shared between Alex and Andy within the oppressive regime of Elitus. This dystopian realm forces them to navigate a delicate balance between loyalty to the system's ironclad rules and the fiery yearning of their hearts. With a unique dual narrative, the tale offers a poignant exploration of duty and desire through the contrasting viewpoints of the protagonists. The fusion of romance and fantasy in this tale will undoubtedly tug at your heartstrings, leaving you captivated and craving more.

[Emily Bramlett · Rating 4 out of 5]

💔 A forbidden romance set in a world on the edge
🏙️ Beautifully gritty dystopian vibes with real emotional depth
🖤 A little slow in parts, but the connection between the characters stayed with me
✨ The First by S.H. Reynolds is a solid 4-star read


[Angela Griffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this read. This book is about Alex and Andy and their struggle against the rules set in place about relationships between the students/soldiers. Alex is the rule follower and Andy is unpredictable. It was a bit slow at certain points and I wish there would’ve been a bit more on the background of the PPG, the people that are bent on stealing some of their soldiers for their own use, but a good read.