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The Fringe #1
Recon
Eli knows corruption runs deep within the compound. It's a reality he's forced to confront every year on Bid Day. But when your job is to go out into the radiation-soaked Fringe so that others can live in peace, you don’t ask too many questions.
For Harper, the bid system works just fine. She’s the best developer in her year, and she's confident she’ll find a place among the wealthy, respected Systems workers.
But when an upset in the bidding changes the course of Harper’s future, she’ll be forced to rely on an unlikely ally — dark, unreadable Eli Parker. In her search for answers, Harper will learn that in the compound, the truth doesn’t set you free. It gets you killed.
For Harper, the bid system works just fine. She’s the best developer in her year, and she's confident she’ll find a place among the wealthy, respected Systems workers.
But when an upset in the bidding changes the course of Harper’s future, she’ll be forced to rely on an unlikely ally — dark, unreadable Eli Parker. In her search for answers, Harper will learn that in the compound, the truth doesn’t set you free. It gets you killed.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 9, 2014
727 people are currently reading
1608 people want to read
About the author
Tarah Benner
39 books348 followersTarah Benner is the author of more than 25 books, including Witches of Mountain Shadow, Mountain Shadow Mysteries, The Fringe, the Elderon Chronicles, the Lawless Saga, and more.
She lives and writes in sunny Colorado with her two dogs, a cat, a toddler, and her beloved partner in crime. When she’s not writing, she enjoys breakfast, hiking, yoga, and martial arts.
She lives and writes in sunny Colorado with her two dogs, a cat, a toddler, and her beloved partner in crime. When she’s not writing, she enjoys breakfast, hiking, yoga, and martial arts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
August 12, 2016
I loved it! A sci-fi with a splash of romance. My favorite kind of plot.
Ok, to be specific, it's a post-apocalyptic dystopian plot. We are given characters on the cusp of adulthood learning to navigate this new world. They live in an enclosed compound sealed to keep the radiation out. What they learn, as they mature into adulthood and find their way in what turns out to be a messy political subterfuge, is hair raising.
The character development is exquisite. Each one is slowly revealed through challenges and actions. Their relationships evolve gradually and organically.
I was glued to this book. When I finished the last page I couldn't click fast enough to download book 2. I'm all in and once again sorry I've let a gem like this linger in my tbr list for so long.
Ok, to be specific, it's a post-apocalyptic dystopian plot. We are given characters on the cusp of adulthood learning to navigate this new world. They live in an enclosed compound sealed to keep the radiation out. What they learn, as they mature into adulthood and find their way in what turns out to be a messy political subterfuge, is hair raising.
The character development is exquisite. Each one is slowly revealed through challenges and actions. Their relationships evolve gradually and organically.
I was glued to this book. When I finished the last page I couldn't click fast enough to download book 2. I'm all in and once again sorry I've let a gem like this linger in my tbr list for so long.
March 6, 2016
No, it doesn't have a pretty cover! No, I doesn't have an interesting title! I've never even heard about this book before. But the question is why not?? This was sooo sooo good! Tarah's writing style is beautiful and the characters she created are just so lovable. There is action, romance, suspense, friendship that made my heart ache. This book was absolutely unputdownable.
July 10, 2020
3.5 Stars
Good start to the series. It had a bit of a Divergent feel to it which I liked, but unfortunately, the heroine isn't as smart as Tris, though she is probably as hot headed. I do like how it is dual POV which is uncommon in this genre. I think I connected a lot more with the hero than the heroine, which is good and bad, but i am really looking forward to seeing how a relationship would play out with them two. Hopefully the next books are even better now that we are getting somewhere.
Good start to the series. It had a bit of a Divergent feel to it which I liked, but unfortunately, the heroine isn't as smart as Tris, though she is probably as hot headed. I do like how it is dual POV which is uncommon in this genre. I think I connected a lot more with the hero than the heroine, which is good and bad, but i am really looking forward to seeing how a relationship would play out with them two. Hopefully the next books are even better now that we are getting somewhere.
November 29, 2015
Overall, I enjoyed this. It's a fast read, but it's not very deep. The chapters basically alternate between Eli and Harper in 1st POV, but both sound very similar. A problem a find very common to most authors who use this technique. When alternating POVs like this one must change the vocabulary, phrasing, and rhythm in order to change the character's voice. Few authors convincingly do this.
Eli and Harper's on again/off again relationship was convincing until the end. Come on Eli. You're into her. She's getting released from being a cadet soon enough and you brush her off. It's a bit old.
The compound was mostly convincing, but some of the jargon seemed off. These are people who have been locked away for at least 50 years, yet they sound just like the early 21st century. Plus, young adults who've never seen the world prior the war understand pre-war contexts?
Seems like it was easier for the author to write about our present day world in a compound rather than imagine how language and slang would change in 50+ years after being locked away.
I'm reading the second book and I'm thinking what I like about this first book, its quickness, its lightness, its somewhat compelling characters, might be dissipating. Will update soon.
UPDATE: I forgot to mention how I found the author's tendency to narrate what the other characters were feeling through the POV of Eli and Harper. This wasn't done with a "gee, I wonder how they're feeling" but a certain confidence as if the character knew without doubt how the other people felt without the reader seeing any evidence of it. Don't tell me, show me. With 1st person, there's no way another person can know how another person is feeling or what they are thinking without the other person stating it.
Eli and Harper's on again/off again relationship was convincing until the end. Come on Eli. You're into her. She's getting released from being a cadet soon enough and you brush her off. It's a bit old.
The compound was mostly convincing, but some of the jargon seemed off. These are people who have been locked away for at least 50 years, yet they sound just like the early 21st century. Plus, young adults who've never seen the world prior the war understand pre-war contexts?
Seems like it was easier for the author to write about our present day world in a compound rather than imagine how language and slang would change in 50+ years after being locked away.
I'm reading the second book and I'm thinking what I like about this first book, its quickness, its lightness, its somewhat compelling characters, might be dissipating. Will update soon.
UPDATE: I forgot to mention how I found the author's tendency to narrate what the other characters were feeling through the POV of Eli and Harper. This wasn't done with a "gee, I wonder how they're feeling" but a certain confidence as if the character knew without doubt how the other people felt without the reader seeing any evidence of it. Don't tell me, show me. With 1st person, there's no way another person can know how another person is feeling or what they are thinking without the other person stating it.
November 22, 2015
In a nutshell, the story is Wool meets Divergent. After a nuclear war, everyone (well, almost everyone) lives in underground bunkers. At a certain age, you take tests to determine where you will go with your career. There are three Tiers: Tier One are the elite individuals who pretty much run things. Tier Two are the white-collar managers who have special treatment and special privileges, such as Control, and Health and Rehab. Tier Three are those who didn’t score high enough to get into Tier Two, and inherit the blue-collar work, and in turn aren’t expected to live long. One of these jobs is Recon, the regular patrol of the exterior to make sure the compound remains safe. So far, so good.
Harper scores very low on the testing, and ends up on Recon. One would expect the story would then be about what recon is and the dangers inherent in being on patrol. But this first book is about training. And that’s not really what it’s about either. According what happens here, training is essentially running around a track, doing pushups and learning self defense. No classwork. No shooting. No survival skills. Because that’s the extent of what it shows.
This book really focuses on Harper’s relationship with her trainer, Eli, who supposedly is a hot 24-year-old lieutenant who yells at her a lot, yet is really just fighting his own desire for her. In addition, Harper has anger issues, and perpetually gets into trouble because she can’t believe she scored as low as she did on her test. Well, apparently she didn’t, but I won’t tell you too much to spoil the story. The point is, I came in expecting a story about RECON, and got something else.
If you’re looking for a relationship story, I would say this book’s okay, but really not even that great, because I didn’t end up caring about the characters. Harper was annoying, Eli was indecisive and weak. And of course, both of them were stereotypically gorgeous. As far as dystopian literature, it was that in name only.
Harper scores very low on the testing, and ends up on Recon. One would expect the story would then be about what recon is and the dangers inherent in being on patrol. But this first book is about training. And that’s not really what it’s about either. According what happens here, training is essentially running around a track, doing pushups and learning self defense. No classwork. No shooting. No survival skills. Because that’s the extent of what it shows.
This book really focuses on Harper’s relationship with her trainer, Eli, who supposedly is a hot 24-year-old lieutenant who yells at her a lot, yet is really just fighting his own desire for her. In addition, Harper has anger issues, and perpetually gets into trouble because she can’t believe she scored as low as she did on her test. Well, apparently she didn’t, but I won’t tell you too much to spoil the story. The point is, I came in expecting a story about RECON, and got something else.
If you’re looking for a relationship story, I would say this book’s okay, but really not even that great, because I didn’t end up caring about the characters. Harper was annoying, Eli was indecisive and weak. And of course, both of them were stereotypically gorgeous. As far as dystopian literature, it was that in name only.
July 31, 2015
This book really did have a lot of potential but the it had too many missing pieces that prevented me from enjoying it. It seemed like every few pages the heroine was "training". what I wanted was some back story on this world created. some depth and history to the characters. It was just lacking in a lot of areas. I also am not a fan of cliffhanger endings. It seemed like the only time there was a chance of intensity in th plot, that the book just ended. Not a series I will continue.
January 12, 2021
DNF @ 40%. A dystopian/sci-fi/post-apocalyptic romance that is honestly more bland than anything with that many descriptors ought to be.
I really tried to like this one, but it’s just not happening. I love a good post-apocalyptic setting; add some romance, and it’s catnip for me. Sadly, Recon was just....bland and boring. Both lead characters seem very wooden and flat: our heroine is a hotheaded young rebel, our hero is a hardass fighter and drill sergeant. This string of cliches is actually used in a paragraph: “She’s a loose cannon, and she knows too much. She’s going to get herself killed.”
Sigh. That’s too much cliche for me to handle; I don’t mind playing with familiar tropes (I actually dig it) and not everything under the sun has to be “original,” but characters and writing like that are just too formulaic for my tastes.
I really tried to like this one, but it’s just not happening. I love a good post-apocalyptic setting; add some romance, and it’s catnip for me. Sadly, Recon was just....bland and boring. Both lead characters seem very wooden and flat: our heroine is a hotheaded young rebel, our hero is a hardass fighter and drill sergeant. This string of cliches is actually used in a paragraph: “She’s a loose cannon, and she knows too much. She’s going to get herself killed.”
Sigh. That’s too much cliche for me to handle; I don’t mind playing with familiar tropes (I actually dig it) and not everything under the sun has to be “original,” but characters and writing like that are just too formulaic for my tastes.
March 3, 2015
This is a really good 5/5 book for me. Story line is great and so are the characters. . I would recomend this book to everyone who likes action,suspense, and romance. Overall a 5/5 for me.
March 12, 2018
Recon : Divergent :: Red Queen : The Hunger Games
April 28, 2021
Popcorn Novel, but generally too shallow to be good
Recon begins on a decently strong note for this sort of dystopian post-apoc genre fair: strong character voices, a fair amount of tension, and obvious stakes. The two main characters, Harper and Eli, were realistically flawed, imperfect people who the I could understand a heartbeat, even if they weren't necessarily likeable (I liked them just fine, but I can definitely see where they won't necessarily be many people's cuppa given Eli's manipulative tendencies, and Harper's explosive temper.)
Unfortunately, everything about the book falls apart once the second act is reached. While it didn't quite make my DNF pile, it wasn't for lack of trying. I found myself just curious enough about what the heck was going on (and drawn in by a handful of decently well written character moments) that I finished, though it was a close a call.
Without spoilers, I can say that the book's biggest weaknesses are it's poor planning and shaky worldbuilding. Major plot points sneak up on you without much, if any, foreshadowing; sometimes happening entirely off screen to Protagonist B while the book focuses on Protagonist A while they either navel gaze, fast-forward through a training montage, or manage to do both simultaneously. Occasionally you'll get a scene where the Big Bad literally calls one of the protagonists into their office to give a big Evil Speech about their plan to destroy them... and then just lets protagonist go. Because Reasons.
Which folds neatly into the trouble with the worldbuilding. I was initially quite smitten with the idea of a big, corporate fallout shelter that rolls the usual Post-Apoc Dystopia into an anti-capitalist message. It's not particularly groundbreaking, but when done well I'm the kind of person who eats that up like, well, popcorn. Go figure.
However, contrary to how often it's used, this set up can also be very difficult to pull off successfully. Few authors think through the needs that such a society would have, much less manage to address them in a way that fully makes sense, and Benner is not one of them.
We learn very quickly that there are three main tiers of society, and a set number of jobs within those tiers. What Tier you get sorted into dictates how much money you get, what sort of rations you can buy (which seems to be automatically deducted from a citizen's pay though they insist that the citizens are "paying" for them and not simply being given a government ration, same as their enforced rents on housing... I suppose I can understand that tomatoe/tomatoe logic, but I'd be more interested if the book seemed to care more about addressing the logical flaws of the system than it does pushing a tedious romance story. Anyway, I digress.) your type of housing, ect. Of course, the most brutal and thankless jobs are reserved for Tier 3, while the most educated jobs are Tier 1, and everything that isn't guaranteed death while being mildly respectable is Tier 2.
And if you're thinking that that actually makes a sort of sense in a Neo-Capitalistic hellhole sort of way, I'd agree. It mostly does. The point where it falls apart, for me, is within the titular Recon role of Tier 3 where our intrepid heroes work. Recon is treated like shit, because of course they are. They have the worst possible jobs in the place, because of course they do. They're expected to go out into the world and fight for the lives of their fellow citizens, and they're expected to do it on the worst possible rations, with almost no training what so ever (they're trained to fight, but there's no mention of any survival training, tactics training, attempts at group cohesion, etc. They're basically being trained as lone wolf MMA fighters rather than any kind of actual soldiering,) and in teams so small that they're practically guaranteed to die when facing a force of any real strength.
Meanwhile, they're also, en masse, supposed to keep their mouths shut about the fact that they're not actually Recon--they're actually the Compound's militia who fighting real human beings (called Drifters) because, allegedly, the citizenry don't know that these Drifters exist. Except, of course, that the citizenry absolutely does know they exist because the Compound adopts Drifter kids regularly enough to have an entire facility dedicated to raising them.
(Harper being shocked that Drifters exist is brought up literally within paragraphs of discussing the fact that Harper herself is drifter-born, a fact which she's known her entire life. It makes no sense.)
The trouble that I have with this concept, and which plagued me through the entire book, is that militant forces cannot operate this way and have it be overlooked by the population. They literally cannot, particularly when the book is also trying to sell the fact (though this doesn't come up until around the 50% mark--see my previous note about plot points never surfacing until the second they're relevant) that Recon has been drafting extra members from the population because their terrible management practices are getting their people killed so fast that they can't be replaced through regular recruitment periods alone. Citizens notice drafts. They will always notice drafts.
Unfortunately, the entire plot hinges upon the idea that the regular citizens don't know any of this, until another plot point () completely blows that notion out of the water. And then promptly reverts to the status quo once it's no longer relevant to the romance drama.
All of that said, I did actually like some elements of the book.
While the romance is way too rushed, and way to reliant upon nebulous "I'm so drawn to him/her" feelings rather than the characters actually spending any quality time together or getting to know one another at all, I actually do buy that Harper and Eli would make a good couple if they were allowed to progress their romance naturally on a B-Plot. They're both prickly, and they get on each other's nerves because they're both exceedingly prideful, but they're also both very loyal and intelligent people (when not carrying the plot's idiot ball) who you could easily see getting along in better circumstances. I'm probably going to give the second book a try specifically because I enjoy their dynamic in the rare instances that they aren't being melodramatic at each other.
There's also a lot of great character moments with Eli and other Recon member's PTSD surrounding their past deployments. I genuinely like the initial training montages with Harper's little class of budding friendships, because they feel realistic and the characters there are both strongly written and deeply likeable.
In conclusion, if you're looking for a novel to turn your brain off to and you enjoy cookie-cutter Post-Apocalyptic Dystopias, then you'd probably like Recon. But if you're banking on this to live up it's Hunger Games comparisons, this is definitely not the book for you.
popcorn /ˈpäpˌkôrn/ (n.) corn of a variety with hard kernels that swell up and burst open with a pop when heated.
popcorn novel /ˈpäpˌkôrn ˈnävəl/ (n.) a novel best consumed mindlessly, like movie popcorn
Recon begins on a decently strong note for this sort of dystopian post-apoc genre fair: strong character voices, a fair amount of tension, and obvious stakes. The two main characters, Harper and Eli, were realistically flawed, imperfect people who the I could understand a heartbeat, even if they weren't necessarily likeable (I liked them just fine, but I can definitely see where they won't necessarily be many people's cuppa given Eli's manipulative tendencies, and Harper's explosive temper.)
Unfortunately, everything about the book falls apart once the second act is reached. While it didn't quite make my DNF pile, it wasn't for lack of trying. I found myself just curious enough about what the heck was going on (and drawn in by a handful of decently well written character moments) that I finished, though it was a close a call.
Without spoilers, I can say that the book's biggest weaknesses are it's poor planning and shaky worldbuilding. Major plot points sneak up on you without much, if any, foreshadowing; sometimes happening entirely off screen to Protagonist B while the book focuses on Protagonist A while they either navel gaze, fast-forward through a training montage, or manage to do both simultaneously. Occasionally you'll get a scene where the Big Bad literally calls one of the protagonists into their office to give a big Evil Speech about their plan to destroy them... and then just lets protagonist go. Because Reasons.
Which folds neatly into the trouble with the worldbuilding. I was initially quite smitten with the idea of a big, corporate fallout shelter that rolls the usual Post-Apoc Dystopia into an anti-capitalist message. It's not particularly groundbreaking, but when done well I'm the kind of person who eats that up like, well, popcorn. Go figure.
However, contrary to how often it's used, this set up can also be very difficult to pull off successfully. Few authors think through the needs that such a society would have, much less manage to address them in a way that fully makes sense, and Benner is not one of them.
We learn very quickly that there are three main tiers of society, and a set number of jobs within those tiers. What Tier you get sorted into dictates how much money you get, what sort of rations you can buy (which seems to be automatically deducted from a citizen's pay though they insist that the citizens are "paying" for them and not simply being given a government ration, same as their enforced rents on housing... I suppose I can understand that tomatoe/tomatoe logic, but I'd be more interested if the book seemed to care more about addressing the logical flaws of the system than it does pushing a tedious romance story. Anyway, I digress.) your type of housing, ect. Of course, the most brutal and thankless jobs are reserved for Tier 3, while the most educated jobs are Tier 1, and everything that isn't guaranteed death while being mildly respectable is Tier 2.
And if you're thinking that that actually makes a sort of sense in a Neo-Capitalistic hellhole sort of way, I'd agree. It mostly does. The point where it falls apart, for me, is within the titular Recon role of Tier 3 where our intrepid heroes work. Recon is treated like shit, because of course they are. They have the worst possible jobs in the place, because of course they do. They're expected to go out into the world and fight for the lives of their fellow citizens, and they're expected to do it on the worst possible rations, with almost no training what so ever (they're trained to fight, but there's no mention of any survival training, tactics training, attempts at group cohesion, etc. They're basically being trained as lone wolf MMA fighters rather than any kind of actual soldiering,) and in teams so small that they're practically guaranteed to die when facing a force of any real strength.
Meanwhile, they're also, en masse, supposed to keep their mouths shut about the fact that they're not actually Recon--they're actually the Compound's militia who fighting real human beings (called Drifters) because, allegedly, the citizenry don't know that these Drifters exist. Except, of course, that the citizenry absolutely does know they exist because the Compound adopts Drifter kids regularly enough to have an entire facility dedicated to raising them.
(Harper being shocked that Drifters exist is brought up literally within paragraphs of discussing the fact that Harper herself is drifter-born, a fact which she's known her entire life. It makes no sense.)
The trouble that I have with this concept, and which plagued me through the entire book, is that militant forces cannot operate this way and have it be overlooked by the population. They literally cannot, particularly when the book is also trying to sell the fact (though this doesn't come up until around the 50% mark--see my previous note about plot points never surfacing until the second they're relevant) that Recon has been drafting extra members from the population because their terrible management practices are getting their people killed so fast that they can't be replaced through regular recruitment periods alone. Citizens notice drafts. They will always notice drafts.
Unfortunately, the entire plot hinges upon the idea that the regular citizens don't know any of this, until another plot point () completely blows that notion out of the water. And then promptly reverts to the status quo once it's no longer relevant to the romance drama.
All of that said, I did actually like some elements of the book.
While the romance is way too rushed, and way to reliant upon nebulous "I'm so drawn to him/her" feelings rather than the characters actually spending any quality time together or getting to know one another at all, I actually do buy that Harper and Eli would make a good couple if they were allowed to progress their romance naturally on a B-Plot. They're both prickly, and they get on each other's nerves because they're both exceedingly prideful, but they're also both very loyal and intelligent people (when not carrying the plot's idiot ball) who you could easily see getting along in better circumstances. I'm probably going to give the second book a try specifically because I enjoy their dynamic in the rare instances that they aren't being melodramatic at each other.
There's also a lot of great character moments with Eli and other Recon member's PTSD surrounding their past deployments. I genuinely like the initial training montages with Harper's little class of budding friendships, because they feel realistic and the characters there are both strongly written and deeply likeable.
In conclusion, if you're looking for a novel to turn your brain off to and you enjoy cookie-cutter Post-Apocalyptic Dystopias, then you'd probably like Recon. But if you're banking on this to live up it's Hunger Games comparisons, this is definitely not the book for you.
June 28, 2018
I've been too busy reading books 2 and 3 to review on this one, but I just discovered book 5 isn't out yet, so I'm holding off on reading 4 (silly me, thought this was a trilogy!)
Loved it, though. Absolutely loved the plot, the character development, Harper's growth, and the romance. (Mind you, I've read through Book 3, so basing this off more than just what we saw in Recon.) There are certain books that I love and will reread again strictly based off the chemistry and moments between the main leads (like Penryn and the End of Days,) and I can already tell this series will join that special club.
I'll always find things to poke holes at with dystopians, so I had to actively spend time not thinking about how stupid the Compound and Board were at times. The entire execution of Recon (the department) could've been handled so much better, and I was hoping for some sort of explanation as to why the deployments in general were being handled like that. I'm being picky, but if the people who founded the compounds were so smart, why are they purposely sending people out in pairs to die? They have the knowledge and analytical abilities, why wasn't there more thought and planning?
I also always thought of reconnaissance as more of a preliminary observation of an area/person, yet these people are killing. I tried to let all my little nit-pickyness go, though, and truly did enjoy Benner's story for what it was.
It's crazy seeing how far Harper has come from the first few pages of reading about her. She's a completely different person, and I actually feel proud of her! As if I've somehow been a part of her transformation. Getting inside of Eli's head is such a treat, too.
Can't wait for this series to be completed, and I'd definitely recommend this one to friends who enjoy dystopian romances.
Loved it, though. Absolutely loved the plot, the character development, Harper's growth, and the romance. (Mind you, I've read through Book 3, so basing this off more than just what we saw in Recon.) There are certain books that I love and will reread again strictly based off the chemistry and moments between the main leads (like Penryn and the End of Days,) and I can already tell this series will join that special club.
I'll always find things to poke holes at with dystopians, so I had to actively spend time not thinking about how stupid the Compound and Board were at times. The entire execution of Recon (the department) could've been handled so much better, and I was hoping for some sort of explanation as to why the deployments in general were being handled like that. I'm being picky, but if the people who founded the compounds were so smart, why are they purposely sending people out in pairs to die? They have the knowledge and analytical abilities, why wasn't there more thought and planning?
I also always thought of reconnaissance as more of a preliminary observation of an area/person, yet these people are killing. I tried to let all my little nit-pickyness go, though, and truly did enjoy Benner's story for what it was.
It's crazy seeing how far Harper has come from the first few pages of reading about her. She's a completely different person, and I actually feel proud of her! As if I've somehow been a part of her transformation. Getting inside of Eli's head is such a treat, too.
Can't wait for this series to be completed, and I'd definitely recommend this one to friends who enjoy dystopian romances.
December 28, 2021
I wish I could rate it higher but there are some plot and world-building holes the size of an airbus 380 I can't overlook. I liked the premise, the writing is good and the characters interesting. But other things are ludicrous, starting with the existence of a gap year in a post-apocalyptic compound with limited resources and population control. Or the cardboard behaviour of the villains (mostly). The telling, not showing, like when the author glosses over the 3 months of training that should keep our youngsters from dying like flies, without any kind of flesh to it.
I'd like to read the second book. I'll pretend this was an unfinished novel with only the main ideas drafted.
I'd like to read the second book. I'll pretend this was an unfinished novel with only the main ideas drafted.
May 18, 2016
Interesting premise. It was a nice change to read about a post-apocalyptic world that didn't feature zombies. Not sure everything was plausible but i'm certainly not an expert and I was impressed that the author actually did some research to back up all the recycling systems and methods that were described as being used within the compound.
February 7, 2017
I actually liked this book quite a lot. Both Harper and Eli are characters that start out being pretty awesome, but who yet have a chance to grow. On to book two.
Quite addicting.
Quite addicting.
September 8, 2021
Hands down, The Fringe Series by Tarah Brenner has to be one of the most underrated Young Adult series I have come across! The series is 5 books in total and it’s a finished series, which is great! Post-Apocalyptic/Dystopian society: Check. Strong female protagonist: Check. Sexy male love interest with a tortured past: Check. Underground Fights, Automatic Weapons, and Unbreakable Bonds: Check, check, and check!
Recon is Book 1 in the Fringe Series….
Harper Riley is sure that her spot in Systems and the top-tier lifestyle it has to offer is a done deal. After all, she is the top developer in her year and arguably one of the best developers in the entire Compound. Why wouldn’t she get the highest bid?
Eli Parker’s job in Recon is simple; Keep the compound safe from the dangers of the Fringe and train new recruits every year to survive on the radiation-soaked wasteland surrounding the Compound. But when the core of the society he lives in is full of lies and death, nothing is as simple as it seems.
When the compound’s annual Bid Day reveals unexpected results that no one can explain, Harper and Eli’s worlds collide. They quickly realize that in their world of power struggles, corruption, and deadly secrets, they are stronger together than they are apart.
I genuinely loved this book and bought the next installment before I even read the last chapter. The setting and social structure is just as memorable as the amazing characters. I found myself quickly relating to Harper’s strong will and petulant tendencies while simultaneously falling in love with Eli’s dark, brooding, sarcastic personality. Recon is written from the perspectives of both Harper and Eli so we, as the readers, get to experience this story from two very different perspectives. There is a romance angle to this series between the main characters. Less “enemies to lovers” trope, more “this is against the rules” trope. It’s a slow burn that, in my opinion, did a great job of lending to the development of the characters while not getting in the way of the actual plot.
I would absolutely recommend this series to anyone who enjoys Post-Apocalyptic or Dystopian. This is in the Young Adult genre, so it is more character and action driven -which I prefer- as opposed to being focused on intense world building or focusing heavily on intricate political structures. Fans of Divergent or The Hunger Games will absolutely enjoy this series!! Brenner has also released paranormal, fantasy, and other dystopian series that I encourage everyone to check out!!
January 1, 2021
Recon (The Fringe) is a dystopian tale about the last remnant of humanity. Harper lives in a compound with a community of a few thousand people who are relatively safe and surviving. Other communities like hers are mentioned and it’s implied they are all connected and possible run by the same government.
But this new society is very class based and the privileges you have, including the food you’re allowed is based on what section and rank you are. On Bid Day all the recent graduates are picked for their life’s work. They don’t get to choose, they can only focus on what they want in school and hope to be chosen for it.
Harper fully expects that she has earned the place she wants to have, so when her bids go badly and she ends up in Recon she’s understandably angry and confused. Recon is dangerous and no one goes there if they have a choice. Now she’ll be facing the radiated wastelands and the dregs of humanity who scratch by a short existence before they die.
I enjoyed this but it felt a little flat and predictable at times. It’s not listed as YA but it had a very YA feel to it. Harper is a little too bad ass at everything she does, and she seems to have friends who are exactly what she needs to get what she needs. Eli is a great character and I love all the angst and conflict there.
I am looking forward to reading the second one, because I did like it, but I’m hoping for a few more surprises in the next one. I'd rate it 3.5 stars.
But this new society is very class based and the privileges you have, including the food you’re allowed is based on what section and rank you are. On Bid Day all the recent graduates are picked for their life’s work. They don’t get to choose, they can only focus on what they want in school and hope to be chosen for it.
Harper fully expects that she has earned the place she wants to have, so when her bids go badly and she ends up in Recon she’s understandably angry and confused. Recon is dangerous and no one goes there if they have a choice. Now she’ll be facing the radiated wastelands and the dregs of humanity who scratch by a short existence before they die.
I enjoyed this but it felt a little flat and predictable at times. It’s not listed as YA but it had a very YA feel to it. Harper is a little too bad ass at everything she does, and she seems to have friends who are exactly what she needs to get what she needs. Eli is a great character and I love all the angst and conflict there.
I am looking forward to reading the second one, because I did like it, but I’m hoping for a few more surprises in the next one. I'd rate it 3.5 stars.
February 5, 2017
Amazing beginning to a series
I love post apocalyptic stories and Recon did not disappoint! It had some similar aspects to some other stories in this genre, it reminds me of Divergent and maybe a little of the series Enclave. From the idea to the characters I thought this story was well written.
It has danger (coming at the characters from more than one direction), great potential villains, and the makings if some real kick ass characters.
I loved Harper. Here's a girl who thought she was going to have it all only to have the rug ripped out from right under her. But instead of just accepting her fate she takes those lemons and makes lemonade. But not without making some serious waves along the way. Her character grew so much in this first book I can only see her being amazing, strong and someone to be feared by the end of the series.
Its not often I get a book that I become so involved with that I get mad I have to put it down because I'm too tired from reading it all day. I also can't say I often stay awake thinking of all the possible conspiracies and what will happen to the characters. There really aren't enough good words I can say about Recon, so simply put I loved it. I can't wait to continue the journey and I know this is going to be a series that I'm going to enjoy reading again and again.
I love post apocalyptic stories and Recon did not disappoint! It had some similar aspects to some other stories in this genre, it reminds me of Divergent and maybe a little of the series Enclave. From the idea to the characters I thought this story was well written.
It has danger (coming at the characters from more than one direction), great potential villains, and the makings if some real kick ass characters.
I loved Harper. Here's a girl who thought she was going to have it all only to have the rug ripped out from right under her. But instead of just accepting her fate she takes those lemons and makes lemonade. But not without making some serious waves along the way. Her character grew so much in this first book I can only see her being amazing, strong and someone to be feared by the end of the series.
Its not often I get a book that I become so involved with that I get mad I have to put it down because I'm too tired from reading it all day. I also can't say I often stay awake thinking of all the possible conspiracies and what will happen to the characters. There really aren't enough good words I can say about Recon, so simply put I loved it. I can't wait to continue the journey and I know this is going to be a series that I'm going to enjoy reading again and again.
July 24, 2025
I was enticed to get the book when it was offered for free through bookbub. A good marketing strategy, because I quite enjoyed the book and it ended on a bit of a cliffhanger so I got the second book.
As I was reading it and mentioning it to my wife I called it the Silo Hunger Games. That's basically it.
But I didn't really like the Silo book (and have started the TV show but am bored), and I didn't like the Hunger Games movie. Yet somehow this book worked for me. Good plot movement, good character development. Looking forward to starting the second book.
* I see other people comparing it more with Divergent than The Hunger Games. Yes I think they are right. I saw both movies and they both sort of run together. I now recall hating the Divergent movie. Divergent had such a silly premise of compartmentalization of a job corps and leaving out too many areas of work that would be needed, and I forget what else annoyed me about the movie. But as I said, so far so good with this book series.
As I was reading it and mentioning it to my wife I called it the Silo Hunger Games. That's basically it.
But I didn't really like the Silo book (and have started the TV show but am bored), and I didn't like the Hunger Games movie. Yet somehow this book worked for me. Good plot movement, good character development. Looking forward to starting the second book.
* I see other people comparing it more with Divergent than The Hunger Games. Yes I think they are right. I saw both movies and they both sort of run together. I now recall hating the Divergent movie. Divergent had such a silly premise of compartmentalization of a job corps and leaving out too many areas of work that would be needed, and I forget what else annoyed me about the movie. But as I said, so far so good with this book series.
October 6, 2023
Overall, it was a good read and made me want to continue the series. There's quite a bit of cussing, so fair warning. But, it reminded me of the Divergent series.
Ugh. There is a major detail that the author didn't stay consistent with from the end of one chapter to the beginning of the next. In the end of chapter 14, it says "With my hands cuffed behind me, I hit the filthy concrete shoulder-first, and a wave of pain shoots up my right side." Then in the beginning of chapter 15, it says "Moans and whispers drift down the tunnel from the other prisoners, and I crush my hands against my ears to block out the sounds of suffering."
So are her hands cuffed in the jail cell or not?! I hate when authors are not consistent with their details🙄
Ugh. There is a major detail that the author didn't stay consistent with from the end of one chapter to the beginning of the next. In the end of chapter 14, it says "With my hands cuffed behind me, I hit the filthy concrete shoulder-first, and a wave of pain shoots up my right side." Then in the beginning of chapter 15, it says "Moans and whispers drift down the tunnel from the other prisoners, and I crush my hands against my ears to block out the sounds of suffering."
So are her hands cuffed in the jail cell or not?! I hate when authors are not consistent with their details🙄
April 16, 2021
If you know me, or just follow my blog, you should know by now. But if you don't, I'll let you in on a little secret. I love post apocalypse and dystopia books. I can't get enough of them. And this book is no exception. A unique mix of a dystopia built into an apartment complex filled with everything you could ever need, this is a world where your job is assigned to you on your graduation date, and with it comes the rest of your life. But for Harper, it's not going the way she hoped, or even expected. And it's a book I couldn't get enough of.
Check out my full review here!
https://radioactivebookreviews.wordpr...
Check out my full review here!
https://radioactivebookreviews.wordpr...
May 12, 2021
This my first introduction to this author and I really enjoyed Recon. I downloaded the set of four books from KU and am looking forward to reading the rest. Hopefully they will continue in the same way.
A dystopian world after a nuclear attack and these societies are what is left. There are people on the outside who are scraping together a life but you don’t know how much of a life. The teenagers are ranked at 18 to determine where they will work and when the main character does not make it into her desired group she pushes to find out more. Which causes ripples in the system and the leaders take drastic action to undermine her and her friends.
A dystopian world after a nuclear attack and these societies are what is left. There are people on the outside who are scraping together a life but you don’t know how much of a life. The teenagers are ranked at 18 to determine where they will work and when the main character does not make it into her desired group she pushes to find out more. Which causes ripples in the system and the leaders take drastic action to undermine her and her friends.
May 18, 2018
Not for me
Poor writing and big plot holes. I can read and enjoy a book with plot holes if it is well written with good characterisation. And I can read and enjoy a book that has amateurish writing if the plot is great and makes sense. But I just can't overlook both. Also the two different character view points used were indistinguishable because they sounded like the same character. By 70 % I had to skim to get to the end. I'm honestly surprised by all the other high ratings on this book.
Poor writing and big plot holes. I can read and enjoy a book with plot holes if it is well written with good characterisation. And I can read and enjoy a book that has amateurish writing if the plot is great and makes sense. But I just can't overlook both. Also the two different character view points used were indistinguishable because they sounded like the same character. By 70 % I had to skim to get to the end. I'm honestly surprised by all the other high ratings on this book.
February 24, 2021
Make sure you understand ahead of time that purchasing this series will alienate you from your friends, your family, heck your life because after 1 page you will have entered the world of Tarah Benner's The Fringe and you will not want to leave. This series is incredibly immersive and enjoyable. It has it all from science fiction to Dystopian world scapes to love, mystery and suspense. I honestly cannot put these down sometimes because I get so engrossed in the stories. I highly recommend putting this author at the top of your list.
August 14, 2023
What with N.Korea and Silo-bunkers being built, this future is not hard to imagine.
Generally the story isn't necessarily original but it is easy to imagine, especially as Tarah describes it well without an overly lengthy explanation.
Both main characters are almost thrust upon each other and begin to unravel an ever increasing amount of information that puts them in clear danger. Harper does have some annoying traits but it is possible to breeze over these sections.
I found myself easily pulled into the story and fast becoming their cheerleaders.
Generally the story isn't necessarily original but it is easy to imagine, especially as Tarah describes it well without an overly lengthy explanation.
Both main characters are almost thrust upon each other and begin to unravel an ever increasing amount of information that puts them in clear danger. Harper does have some annoying traits but it is possible to breeze over these sections.
I found myself easily pulled into the story and fast becoming their cheerleaders.
October 14, 2017
Audible listen. This book is just what I needed at a time when I have been re-listening to my old favorite dystopian/apocalyptic books for months now. Unable to find a great first person present tense narrative with humor, suspense, and engaging world building I opted for the old favs. Until I gave this one a go. The narration was excellent, the premise and detail in this first book show promise, and I love the strong personalities right from the start. Already listening to book 2.
August 25, 2020
It was okay but not memorable.
Yikes, that's negative. I think it's a good mesh of aspects from The Giver with a dystopian world where a test controls your future, and most modern dystopian tale. It's like Divergent if people were sent to different jobs rather than different communities.
Great for pre-teen and maybe teen romance fans!
It's book 1, so maybe it's just getting it's foundation set and will end up being amazing.
Yikes, that's negative. I think it's a good mesh of aspects from The Giver with a dystopian world where a test controls your future, and most modern dystopian tale. It's like Divergent if people were sent to different jobs rather than different communities.
Great for pre-teen and maybe teen romance fans!
It's book 1, so maybe it's just getting it's foundation set and will end up being amazing.
September 5, 2018
Nice story, very much a deeper “version” of Tris and Four from divergent. Way too much profanity(mostly F%*$) which I can’t tolerate. Not even needed... WHY did author feel the need? 😑Alas, I’ll have to bow out from the rest of series but compelled to read wiki spoilers, since the plot did catch my attention.
October 4, 2020
This story reminds me of Divergent, with the relationship that slowly is revealed and the fight against the people in charge. Having said that, I feel more for the characters in this book and have had to get the next book in the series.
Really good and well written dystopian story, with lots of scope for further stories.
Really good and well written dystopian story, with lots of scope for further stories.
January 20, 2021
It was recommended to me because I love Hunger Games and Divergent. Unfortunately a lot of dystopian romance books get recommended based off of my love of those two books and so few books live up to them. This is different. This is a great start to the series. I hope the rest live up to this one. Dystopia, Sci-Fi, romance, mystery, humor this has it all.
March 9, 2021
Interesting
It took a bit for me to get into this book but eventually I did and I am glad that I stuck with it. I love the way the story is told by two characters points of view. I also like that the female character of Harper is strong and not so immature as many are in other books written in this genre. Looking forward to continuing on with the series.
It took a bit for me to get into this book but eventually I did and I am glad that I stuck with it. I love the way the story is told by two characters points of view. I also like that the female character of Harper is strong and not so immature as many are in other books written in this genre. Looking forward to continuing on with the series.
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