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Breeder
An outcast cursed to consume the memories of anything she touches. A woman fated to repopulate the nation's army. A breeder barred from the sword.
Seventeen-year-old Alex Kingsley is determined to evade her marriage contract and a life of prescribed motherhood, even if it means competing in Belgate's enlistment trials under false pretenses.
But when the netherworld cracks open, Alex is handed a burden far heavier than bending the minds of men. As darkness spills across the land, she must ally with her critics and unleash a curse that was never forged for battle—a curse that now stands between mankind and oblivion.
Seventeen-year-old Alex Kingsley is determined to evade her marriage contract and a life of prescribed motherhood, even if it means competing in Belgate's enlistment trials under false pretenses.
But when the netherworld cracks open, Alex is handed a burden far heavier than bending the minds of men. As darkness spills across the land, she must ally with her critics and unleash a curse that was never forged for battle—a curse that now stands between mankind and oblivion.
453 pages, Paperback
First published June 13, 2025
About the author
Erica Gallegos
4 books12 followersErica’s writing journey began in 5th grade with her first illustrated book, Running Rain. Since then, she’s won a Watty Award (Breeder, 2020), sat on a world-building panel at WattCon (Los Angeles, 2022), and published the first two books in The Ephemeral trilogy.
She gravitates toward fantasy—with slow-burning romantic subplots, of course—and she aims to write stories that are inclusive, bold, and at times, deliberately uncomfortable. If she’s doing her job right, someone, somewhere, is calling her a “Nasty Woman.”
When she’s not building new worlds, Erica works to green the business sector and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in her home state. She also survives a chaotic semiannual road trip with her partner, Petr.
To stay up to date on The Ephemeral trilogy and her upcoming fantasy saga GODSGIVEN, subscribe to her newsletter, follow her on social media (@egalleguess), or join her Discord server (The Gritz).
She gravitates toward fantasy—with slow-burning romantic subplots, of course—and she aims to write stories that are inclusive, bold, and at times, deliberately uncomfortable. If she’s doing her job right, someone, somewhere, is calling her a “Nasty Woman.”
When she’s not building new worlds, Erica works to green the business sector and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in her home state. She also survives a chaotic semiannual road trip with her partner, Petr.
To stay up to date on The Ephemeral trilogy and her upcoming fantasy saga GODSGIVEN, subscribe to her newsletter, follow her on social media (@egalleguess), or join her Discord server (The Gritz).
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 16, 2023
This book is one of the best things I've ever read. Something I'll always cherish. Something I'll spend my money on if it gets published. My soul strives in its existence. It's characters hold my undying love.
Words could never be enough to express how much I love this series.
Words could never be enough to express how much I love this series.
May 30, 2026
Such a fantastic debut that every young woman should read.
The writing style scratches an itch for me, and Alex is such a layered, entertaining protagonist. I adored her relationship with the love interest, and even though she isn’t male-centered—at all—I really liked how she wasn’t just a man-hating teenager. She has every reason to despise men and male leadership, but instead, she forms alliances and friendships with her male cohort (much like Mulan), and it was really refreshing!
Likewise, she’s definitely a tomboy protagonist, but she’s not a pick-me. There are hints of internalized misogyny that I think we all experienced at that age, which makes sense given her procreation-obsessed society, but she clearly respects women who spit on the status quo. I think she has a satisfying character arc ahead of her.
The writing style scratches an itch for me, and Alex is such a layered, entertaining protagonist. I adored her relationship with the love interest, and even though she isn’t male-centered—at all—I really liked how she wasn’t just a man-hating teenager. She has every reason to despise men and male leadership, but instead, she forms alliances and friendships with her male cohort (much like Mulan), and it was really refreshing!
Likewise, she’s definitely a tomboy protagonist, but she’s not a pick-me. There are hints of internalized misogyny that I think we all experienced at that age, which makes sense given her procreation-obsessed society, but she clearly respects women who spit on the status quo. I think she has a satisfying character arc ahead of her.
May 31, 2026
I love this book. And it has become a comfort book that I know I can always go back to. It gives me the feeling of the 2010s when all of those dystopian/apocalyptic books and movies were coming out. I ate them all up then and I still do now. But Breeder feels so much different because it’s truly original. It’s a fantastic read.
Alex is a memorable heroine and one that felt real. She’s brave to a fault and just wants to do the right thing. I love FMCs like her and I’m always looking for secondary characters that keep me just as invested. Fudge. That sweet boy.
I will never get bored of Breeder and I hope it gets the recognition it deserves. As always, I’m looking forward to the next work of E Gallegos!
Alex is a memorable heroine and one that felt real. She’s brave to a fault and just wants to do the right thing. I love FMCs like her and I’m always looking for secondary characters that keep me just as invested. Fudge. That sweet boy.
I will never get bored of Breeder and I hope it gets the recognition it deserves. As always, I’m looking forward to the next work of E Gallegos!
November 3, 2019
I loved this book! Technically, it's only on Wattpad- but I wouldn't be surprised if the author got a publishing deal because she is AMAZING.
First off, her characters are cool. She managed to create lovable, relatable, and emotion & thought-provoking main characters. She can illustrate an entirely different world and give you descriptive details within ONE single paragraph. She conveys a message of strength, girl power, and development in oneself after having grown up in a single-minded environment!
I am a big fan of the first book in this series, and I am more than ecstatic to announce that I will forever be a fan of this author!
First off, her characters are cool. She managed to create lovable, relatable, and emotion & thought-provoking main characters. She can illustrate an entirely different world and give you descriptive details within ONE single paragraph. She conveys a message of strength, girl power, and development in oneself after having grown up in a single-minded environment!
I am a big fan of the first book in this series, and I am more than ecstatic to announce that I will forever be a fan of this author!
October 20, 2020
Erica Gallegos has truely created a wonderful work of fiction. Alex Kingsley's is your typical teenage girl rebelling against the social requirements expected of her. Going against the grain Alex aquires unlikely friends and comrades in arms whom btw although they are supporting characters are endearing in their own rights. I would recommend this book as a thoroughly good read and never a dull moment. Im currently reading book 2 and I won't give any spoilers but you won't want to miss it either
December 17, 2020
I came across this story on Wattpad and was blown away at how well it was written. One of the better fantasy novels I'd read in a long while. I really enjoyed the relationships between Alex, Will, Tom, and her friends. The death scenes were touching tearjerkers, and the characters felt alive and relatable. Can't wait to read Vol. 2! Great job Erica!
May 29, 2021
Absolutely love this book, couldn't put it down. Been quite a while since I've found a book that I wanted to read a second time
May 26, 2023
Read this book on Wattpad years ago. Enjoyed it immensely. Also read the other books in the series. Recommend it highly!
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November 13, 2024I DNF this within 10%. Don’t waste your time or money on this book.
June 27, 2025
Not often a book makes me gasp at clever turns of phrase every other paragraph but this one made me enjoy the craft as much as the story.
September 3, 2025
Very entertaining story about a unique female warrior protagonist. I will definitely be reading the next one in the series.
February 1, 2026
Alex Kingsley is a teen who wants to be a warrior. In her world, women are relinquished to the role of having children - breeders. Alex wants more. She also has a secret. Beneath her gloves, she has hidden power. She'll have to overcome many challenges to change the Patriarchal views of her world.
The author paints intricate descriptions of this fantasy world. Kudos to her creative skill and imagination all for our benefit.
A must read for anyone who roots for the longshot and loves action adventures.
The author paints intricate descriptions of this fantasy world. Kudos to her creative skill and imagination all for our benefit.
A must read for anyone who roots for the longshot and loves action adventures.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews