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The Transfer Chambers
If you could give away your sickness, would you?
Those in the Inner-City live pain-free lives, Transferring any sickness or injury to those in the Zones. You are promised immunity until you are eighteen, unless you break the rules. Then, you receive a Deadly.
Casey Lance is four days from turning eighteen when she discovers her mother’s pre-Deadly Goodbye tape, revealing something deadlier than The Transfer Chambers. And that she’s next.
To escape a life of ailments and her promised death, she forges a daring plan. But when it goes wrong, Casey is taken across the rural Zones to the heart of the very place that wants to kill her. The Inner-City. Wanted by the government and lost in skyscrapers and foreign technology, she forms a reluctant alliance with a secretive marksman and a bloodthirsty assassin to escape the Transfer Chambers for good.
With the government’s endless pursuit, malicious scientists, and no one to trust but herself, Casey faces more than life or death. She faces the future of the city, and The Transfer Chambers.
Perfect for fans of Scythe, The 100 and Black Mirror
If you like found family, shocking plot-twists, morally gray characters and reluctant allies to lovers, you will love this fast-paced story.
Those in the Inner-City live pain-free lives, Transferring any sickness or injury to those in the Zones. You are promised immunity until you are eighteen, unless you break the rules. Then, you receive a Deadly.
Casey Lance is four days from turning eighteen when she discovers her mother’s pre-Deadly Goodbye tape, revealing something deadlier than The Transfer Chambers. And that she’s next.
To escape a life of ailments and her promised death, she forges a daring plan. But when it goes wrong, Casey is taken across the rural Zones to the heart of the very place that wants to kill her. The Inner-City. Wanted by the government and lost in skyscrapers and foreign technology, she forms a reluctant alliance with a secretive marksman and a bloodthirsty assassin to escape the Transfer Chambers for good.
With the government’s endless pursuit, malicious scientists, and no one to trust but herself, Casey faces more than life or death. She faces the future of the city, and The Transfer Chambers.
Perfect for fans of Scythe, The 100 and Black Mirror
If you like found family, shocking plot-twists, morally gray characters and reluctant allies to lovers, you will love this fast-paced story.
391 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 25, 2025
4 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
Caitlyn Mika
1 book7 followersBorn and raised in Texas, Caitlyn Mika never left the 2012 YA Dystopian boom. Now she is ready for its resurgence with her debut 'The Transfer Chambers'
But she never planned to write.
After she heard a conversation between her Grandmother and Mother had after finding out of her mom had cancer, the idea came, and the book fell into place.
Currently, Caitlyn enjoys playing video games with her twin brother, hiking with her husband and eating way too much hot sauce.
But she never planned to write.
After she heard a conversation between her Grandmother and Mother had after finding out of her mom had cancer, the idea came, and the book fell into place.
Currently, Caitlyn enjoys playing video games with her twin brother, hiking with her husband and eating way too much hot sauce.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 8, 2025
In this YA dystopian novel, the illnesses and diseases can be transferred to poorer people who live in the Zones. Sounds good if you’re the one getting rid of the disease, but what about the person who receives it against their will?
The best part of this book were the characters (not only because Elan is like THE best…). Casey is so real for not knowing what to do or how to lead a rebellion, she is down-to-earth but also has the best ideas and strategies. My girl is just so intelligent in that regard, although it was a bit enervating she wasn’t able to remember like six numbers for two minutes or that she couldn’t do basic maths… Whatever, I loved her.
Also, ELAN!! Detached at first but as the book goes on he shows more of himself and his tragic past (mark my words, that man had it rough).
Every other character is so well written! They have depth and an evolution throughout, shoutout to my girl Alex.
The plot is not the best ever but it’s fast-paced and most importantly has the social commentary a dystopian novel begs for. Some chapters were less captivating than others but overall it was great.
It does not have five stars, most importantly, because of several moments that felt, in my opinion, a bit rushed or not so well explained. The general idea is easy to grasp but I could not imagine those scenes how I wished to.
Lastly, THAT ENDING! I definitely did not see that coming, you won’t either. I won’t say anything else because I get carried away and don’t want any spoilers in this review.
(But seriously I need book 2 now) (Caitlyn write it and make me ARC reader again) (I’m not even kidding) (Please!!)
The best part of this book were the characters (not only because Elan is like THE best…). Casey is so real for not knowing what to do or how to lead a rebellion, she is down-to-earth but also has the best ideas and strategies. My girl is just so intelligent in that regard, although it was a bit enervating she wasn’t able to remember like six numbers for two minutes or that she couldn’t do basic maths… Whatever, I loved her.
Also, ELAN!! Detached at first but as the book goes on he shows more of himself and his tragic past (mark my words, that man had it rough).
Every other character is so well written! They have depth and an evolution throughout, shoutout to my girl Alex.
The plot is not the best ever but it’s fast-paced and most importantly has the social commentary a dystopian novel begs for. Some chapters were less captivating than others but overall it was great.
It does not have five stars, most importantly, because of several moments that felt, in my opinion, a bit rushed or not so well explained. The general idea is easy to grasp but I could not imagine those scenes how I wished to.
Lastly, THAT ENDING! I definitely did not see that coming, you won’t either. I won’t say anything else because I get carried away and don’t want any spoilers in this review.
(But seriously I need book 2 now) (Caitlyn write it and make me ARC reader again) (I’m not even kidding) (Please!!)
November 23, 2025
I'll give it a 2.5. the author messaged me on Instagram after I posted a review of a book of a similar genre (dystopian). I thought the book sounded interesting - you can transfer your sickness to someone else, I was intrigued. I think though the book itself was a little choppy and had too much going on. It's like every chapter was a crisis and I didn't get attached to any of the characters. The main characters friendship with her best friend was all over the place. It's like the second I was into a chapter, I was quickly bored again and was just forcing myself to finish it 😔. anywho, I gave it a shot, but unfortunately probably will not read the second book whenever that comes out.
January 5, 2026
enjoyed the story, some work to be done but I think it was great for this author's first novel!
August 5, 2025
I really tried but I realized I wasn't getting anything out of this book. I was forcing myself to read it. It feels like it needs another pass with an editor for both content and grammar. It's a neat idea but it's just not told we'll enough to keep my attention. The characters are flat and the story is somehow both incredibly slow and choppy. I'm sorry I'm not going to keep trying to force myself to read this.
October 4, 2025
This book was a PRC for me. The author reached out since I'd liked books with similar themes. So heres my review of The Transfer Chambers by Caitlyn Mika
The Transfer Chambers is a clean YA dystopian sci-fi novel that takes a creative and unsettling approach to the concept of sacrifice and survival.
The transfer chambers were originally created so parents could take on their children’s illnesses and injuries — a true act of love and selflessness. But what began as something noble was twisted into a monetized system that only benefits those who can afford it. The result is a society divided between the wealthy inner city, who pay to offload their ailments, and the struggling outer zones, where the poor are left to bear the suffering.
The book also digs into social inequality in education and healthcare. Children in the outer zones who show academic promise are granted immunity and a chance at city life, while those who don’t make the cut are left behind to absorb the illnesses of the privileged. It’s a striking way to explore themes of power, inequality, and the moral costs of technology, especially the stigma of expensive healthcare and how far people will go for a chance at a healthy life.
As for the characters, I found the relationship between the main character and her best friend a little jarring. Their interactions often swung dramatically between closeness and conflict, which at times felt frustrating and hard to follow. As a mature reader, even though I knew this book was 'clean' I found I was wishing for a bit more development regarding the romance subplot, I wanted more build-up and chemistry between the love interests. It was very cutesy, but I hoped for a little more.
That said, the ending was surprising. It tugged at my heart and didn't expect the cliffhanger.
Complete honesty though It definitely had a few rough edges — particularly repetition, vagueness mostly at the start where I was trying to get a grip on what was happening and who people were, some gramatical errors that made me re-read a sentence or two and some moments where the prose could use a stronger edit and a second pair of eyes to fill in some holes here & there for full emotional impact but — Overall The Transfer Chambers had some interesting themes and it wasn't perfect but it was cool read and I enjoyed the idea of the book. It’s definitely more suitable for younger audiences.
The Transfer Chambers is a clean YA dystopian sci-fi novel that takes a creative and unsettling approach to the concept of sacrifice and survival.
The transfer chambers were originally created so parents could take on their children’s illnesses and injuries — a true act of love and selflessness. But what began as something noble was twisted into a monetized system that only benefits those who can afford it. The result is a society divided between the wealthy inner city, who pay to offload their ailments, and the struggling outer zones, where the poor are left to bear the suffering.
The book also digs into social inequality in education and healthcare. Children in the outer zones who show academic promise are granted immunity and a chance at city life, while those who don’t make the cut are left behind to absorb the illnesses of the privileged. It’s a striking way to explore themes of power, inequality, and the moral costs of technology, especially the stigma of expensive healthcare and how far people will go for a chance at a healthy life.
As for the characters, I found the relationship between the main character and her best friend a little jarring. Their interactions often swung dramatically between closeness and conflict, which at times felt frustrating and hard to follow. As a mature reader, even though I knew this book was 'clean' I found I was wishing for a bit more development regarding the romance subplot, I wanted more build-up and chemistry between the love interests. It was very cutesy, but I hoped for a little more.
That said, the ending was surprising. It tugged at my heart and didn't expect the cliffhanger.
Complete honesty though It definitely had a few rough edges — particularly repetition, vagueness mostly at the start where I was trying to get a grip on what was happening and who people were, some gramatical errors that made me re-read a sentence or two and some moments where the prose could use a stronger edit and a second pair of eyes to fill in some holes here & there for full emotional impact but — Overall The Transfer Chambers had some interesting themes and it wasn't perfect but it was cool read and I enjoyed the idea of the book. It’s definitely more suitable for younger audiences.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2025
i've received 'The transfer chambers' as an Advanced Reader copy. i love dystopian genre and it's always tricky to write a book like this, but let's what we have. the book cover is the chef's kiss. it suits perfectly x
so, the first 5-7 chapters were captivating. the main idea for the plot was really unique, however, now i see some similarities with a book i'm reading right now, it's called. 'Legend' by Marie Lu (2011 dystopian ya). i felt like the concept needed more thought in it.
of course, we meet fmc, Casey, at the beginning. she's an orphan-blacksmith, turning 18 in few days. she was relatable in a way in the first chapters, however, i questioned her decisions a lot afterwards. everything she went through felt 'easy' and i couldn't shake the thought of it. then loran appears. she is fmc's best friend, super-smart and caring. in a short notice there are many things going on and the plot leads us to be acquainted with two new characters: Elan and Alex. firstly, i had an expectation that Elan is like Four from Divergent but, unfortunately or not, he wasn't. i really liked the part about his eye and his training years but that was it. Alex was the most interesting one, her backstory and personality were something else. even the way Casey (fmc) uncovered information about other characters and then learnt about her parents felt incredibly forced and rushed.
reading this book felt like i'm running a marathon but always in the end and people passing by. i believe that was a reason for me why i wasn't attached to the story or characters much. i even sabotaged reading it for some time because it was making me overwhelmed. there were so many tropes in one book, i got lost.
i dnfed on 58%.
so, the first 5-7 chapters were captivating. the main idea for the plot was really unique, however, now i see some similarities with a book i'm reading right now, it's called. 'Legend' by Marie Lu (2011 dystopian ya). i felt like the concept needed more thought in it.
of course, we meet fmc, Casey, at the beginning. she's an orphan-blacksmith, turning 18 in few days. she was relatable in a way in the first chapters, however, i questioned her decisions a lot afterwards. everything she went through felt 'easy' and i couldn't shake the thought of it. then loran appears. she is fmc's best friend, super-smart and caring. in a short notice there are many things going on and the plot leads us to be acquainted with two new characters: Elan and Alex. firstly, i had an expectation that Elan is like Four from Divergent but, unfortunately or not, he wasn't. i really liked the part about his eye and his training years but that was it. Alex was the most interesting one, her backstory and personality were something else. even the way Casey (fmc) uncovered information about other characters and then learnt about her parents felt incredibly forced and rushed.
reading this book felt like i'm running a marathon but always in the end and people passing by. i believe that was a reason for me why i wasn't attached to the story or characters much. i even sabotaged reading it for some time because it was making me overwhelmed. there were so many tropes in one book, i got lost.
i dnfed on 58%.
October 16, 2025
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
I'm a serial 5-star reviewer, so it hurts me to take a star out of the review because I truly believe everyone should give it a shot!
I really, really, REALLY loved the idea this book was built on. The dystopian vibes were immaculate! Reluctant allies to lovers and found family? sign me in✅️
There was drama, there was action and there was love! (no spice).
If you like FAST PACED books, this one is for you!
Now, I really love a book that captures my attention from the beginning and keeps me on my toes with its story so that I devour the thing in like two days.
Personally, for me, the problem was that the pace was soooo fast that I couldn't keep up with it. It felt kind of chaotic, and I felt like without the proper describing of feelings and places, I couldn't get to care enough about the characters. I need the internal drama, the feelings, and the thought process, I need to understand why the characters choose what to do. I need these in order to form an emotional connection to the characters.
I truly believe this should have been 2 books, at least with the amount of plot happening in this one.
In the end, if you love a really fast paced YA Dystopian book full of content and plot-twists, this one is for you and you should give it a shot!
I'm a serial 5-star reviewer, so it hurts me to take a star out of the review because I truly believe everyone should give it a shot!
I really, really, REALLY loved the idea this book was built on. The dystopian vibes were immaculate! Reluctant allies to lovers and found family? sign me in✅️
There was drama, there was action and there was love! (no spice).
If you like FAST PACED books, this one is for you!
Now, I really love a book that captures my attention from the beginning and keeps me on my toes with its story so that I devour the thing in like two days.
Personally, for me, the problem was that the pace was soooo fast that I couldn't keep up with it. It felt kind of chaotic, and I felt like without the proper describing of feelings and places, I couldn't get to care enough about the characters. I need the internal drama, the feelings, and the thought process, I need to understand why the characters choose what to do. I need these in order to form an emotional connection to the characters.
I truly believe this should have been 2 books, at least with the amount of plot happening in this one.
In the end, if you love a really fast paced YA Dystopian book full of content and plot-twists, this one is for you and you should give it a shot!
August 6, 2025
The Transfer Chambers is a gritty YA Dystopian built on a fantastic premise. What if the world’s diseases and injuries could just be… sent away? Sounds like a miracle until you realize the downside. They have to go somewhere.
Casey is a beautifully conflicted, very human heroine. She makes BIG mistakes. Ones you definitely question her for. But she also learns to live with the consequences and rises above them. I felt real emotions alongside her, especially as she faced some intense betrayals. Her interactions with her friends and potential love interest are fluid and believable. And her flaws will connect well with YA readers.
Elan is such a fascinating male lead. What he initially projects as a jaded, uninterested air becomes warm and special as he learns to look outside the world as he knows it. He is more complex the more the book goes on, and I look forward to his potential in book 2.
And book two better be underway!!! That ending left me SHOOK. Idk how I’m supposed to cope until then. Book 2 has insane potential, and I can’t wait to read more into this series! Believe me. None of you will see this ending coming.
Casey is a beautifully conflicted, very human heroine. She makes BIG mistakes. Ones you definitely question her for. But she also learns to live with the consequences and rises above them. I felt real emotions alongside her, especially as she faced some intense betrayals. Her interactions with her friends and potential love interest are fluid and believable. And her flaws will connect well with YA readers.
Elan is such a fascinating male lead. What he initially projects as a jaded, uninterested air becomes warm and special as he learns to look outside the world as he knows it. He is more complex the more the book goes on, and I look forward to his potential in book 2.
And book two better be underway!!! That ending left me SHOOK. Idk how I’m supposed to cope until then. Book 2 has insane potential, and I can’t wait to read more into this series! Believe me. None of you will see this ending coming.
September 23, 2025
The Transfer Chambers wastes no time pulling you in. Set in the future where illness can be transferred to another person. The government wastes no time making sure only certain people get sick. The main character hell bent on leaving and figuring out what happened to her parents gets swept up in a rebellion. From the very first chapter, the story moves at a quick pace, every scene brimming with tension and urgency. The world-building is vivid without ever slowing the momentum, and each twist was shocking and unexpected. The characters feel real and flawed, their choices driving the plot forward in ways that keep you guessing until the final page.
If you love a fast-paced read that keeps your mind turning, The Transfer Chambers delivers. Our only wish? That it lingered a little longer on certain details. A bit more depth in a few key moments could have made this gripping story even better. It’s the kind of book you can finish in a single sitting—and then immediately want to talk about. Can’t wait to see what book two brings!
💗Fast paced
💗Reluctant allies to lovers
💗Found Family
💗Rebellion
If you love a fast-paced read that keeps your mind turning, The Transfer Chambers delivers. Our only wish? That it lingered a little longer on certain details. A bit more depth in a few key moments could have made this gripping story even better. It’s the kind of book you can finish in a single sitting—and then immediately want to talk about. Can’t wait to see what book two brings!
💗Fast paced
💗Reluctant allies to lovers
💗Found Family
💗Rebellion
October 16, 2025
ⒶⓇⒸ Ⓡⓔⓥⓘⓔⓦ
Rating / 🌟🌟🌟🌟
If you could give away your sickness would you?
And for the sake of that , the other will suffer.
In The Transfer Chambers by Caitlyn Mika, the rich live painless life because the poor take their pain for them.
Four days before turning 18, Casey finds her mothers secret goodbye message and learns a truth that could destroy everything. When her escape fails, she’s thrown into the heart of the city that wants her dead forced to trust a haunted marksman and a deadly assassin and thousand of faces who can harm her but she doesn't have any other choice to move forward. When you read these type of book you have to be ready for the best characters death , I am not giving spoilers but the story is worth it. It's emotional, and strong characters story and I loved it. The FMC is amazing , she's so strong and unbeatable 🔥.
Fast paced storyline, Brutal, Heart stopping scenarios.
Perfect for fans of The 100 and Shatter Me type.
That ending? You won’t recover and can't move on.
Waiting for the next book so that I can continue reading��.
Rating / 🌟🌟🌟🌟
If you could give away your sickness would you?
And for the sake of that , the other will suffer.
In The Transfer Chambers by Caitlyn Mika, the rich live painless life because the poor take their pain for them.
Four days before turning 18, Casey finds her mothers secret goodbye message and learns a truth that could destroy everything. When her escape fails, she’s thrown into the heart of the city that wants her dead forced to trust a haunted marksman and a deadly assassin and thousand of faces who can harm her but she doesn't have any other choice to move forward. When you read these type of book you have to be ready for the best characters death , I am not giving spoilers but the story is worth it. It's emotional, and strong characters story and I loved it. The FMC is amazing , she's so strong and unbeatable 🔥.
Fast paced storyline, Brutal, Heart stopping scenarios.
Perfect for fans of The 100 and Shatter Me type.
That ending? You won’t recover and can't move on.
Waiting for the next book so that I can continue reading��.
August 12, 2025
Hey. So I really tried and I was so excited to dive in. Dystopian is the loml but I guess my expectations were too high.😔 I was forcing myself to read it because I received the arc but I couldn’t keep going 😭 I dnfed at 50%.
The fmc is so dumb it was frustrating and I could not relate to her or the other characters. Probably the only one who was written okay was Alex??? Idk. I liked Elan but where is the plot?? I know if I finished it I would get more answers but ugh. Like, what’s the end goal here? They are trying to leave the zones behind but then what? And then it turns out that she’s like some super hero who can save people but it makes no sense. The whole thing in general is a mess. I might go back to it but I probably won’t 🤷🏻♀️ I really liked the concept but the delivery could’ve been better.
The fmc is so dumb it was frustrating and I could not relate to her or the other characters. Probably the only one who was written okay was Alex??? Idk. I liked Elan but where is the plot?? I know if I finished it I would get more answers but ugh. Like, what’s the end goal here? They are trying to leave the zones behind but then what? And then it turns out that she’s like some super hero who can save people but it makes no sense. The whole thing in general is a mess. I might go back to it but I probably won’t 🤷🏻♀️ I really liked the concept but the delivery could’ve been better.
September 20, 2025
Been on a Dystopian kick recently, got noticed by this Indie Author who sent me this to read in return for an honest review.
It held me, the whole why through. so much that I was trying to squeeze in reading any where I could and at times I was so tired I could keep my eyes open so I was forced to put it down some nights.
What a crazy concept? Casey isn't the brightest crayon in the box of books smarts (I hate to say sometimes stressfully so) she surpasses Fayre from Acotar....But she is brilliant in strategy and seemly street smarts. She faces many challenges in this crazy dystopian world and some seem insurmountable. A must read to find out.
Possible Trigger warning: lots of unaliving.
It held me, the whole why through. so much that I was trying to squeeze in reading any where I could and at times I was so tired I could keep my eyes open so I was forced to put it down some nights.
What a crazy concept? Casey isn't the brightest crayon in the box of books smarts (I hate to say sometimes stressfully so) she surpasses Fayre from Acotar....But she is brilliant in strategy and seemly street smarts. She faces many challenges in this crazy dystopian world and some seem insurmountable. A must read to find out.
Possible Trigger warning: lots of unaliving.
October 5, 2025
4.5⭐️
I was lucky enough to get sent this book by the author. When she sent me the premise of her book, I was sold! I love me some dystopian stories, especially those that are different from the ones that we are used too. This book was fast paced and filled with lots of twists and turns that will live your jaw on the floor. I mean that ending was something I didnt expect and I NEEEEEEED to know what happened next!
I do wish there was some time frame shown as well as maybe a map because I was confused at times of the times and the distances. But other than that I truly enjoyed the characters, the idea of sickness being transfered to others and how blood is the key in some way. Im looking forward to the next one!
I was lucky enough to get sent this book by the author. When she sent me the premise of her book, I was sold! I love me some dystopian stories, especially those that are different from the ones that we are used too. This book was fast paced and filled with lots of twists and turns that will live your jaw on the floor. I mean that ending was something I didnt expect and I NEEEEEEED to know what happened next!
I do wish there was some time frame shown as well as maybe a map because I was confused at times of the times and the distances. But other than that I truly enjoyed the characters, the idea of sickness being transfered to others and how blood is the key in some way. Im looking forward to the next one!
October 17, 2025
This book was a very interesting read that left me curious about the world the author created. As readers we see a glimpse into the dystopian world where sicknesses are given to others and the consequences that come with a society that lives like that. The book is fast paced with adventure left and right. The relationships in the book are not the traditional tropes which is refreshing. The relationships are stressed and put to the test, new ones are formed and not everyone has a character shield around them that protects them from every hardship. Reading this makes me eager to see what other possibilities this dystopian world has to offer as this book takes a peak into a small section of what is yet to come.
August 25, 2025
She is almost 18 when her life will change leading to her death. Those in the inner circle can cheat death and she will try to escape. She ends in the last place she ever wanted to be and she will meet two people to aid her journey. See if they can escape
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and wow what a read
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and wow what a read
August 27, 2025
a great story I found this book very fun to read
January 8, 2026
I received this book as an ARC, and I really enjoyed it. I thought it was a very unique concept and really thought out. The whole idea of the transfer chambers felt very original, and you can tell the author really put a lot of thought and time into this book. The ending had me stunned. If you are looking for a dystopian fast-paced novel, you should definitely try out this book.
I did find the main love plot was missing something, but apart from that, this book was very, very good. I highly recommend it to everyone!
I did find the main love plot was missing something, but apart from that, this book was very, very good. I highly recommend it to everyone!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews