Brid: Fight or Flight

by David Alan Woods

THERE’S AN ANIMAL IN ALL OF US…

It is 2417.

Giant insects – the Sectz – now rule the planet. Humanity hides away in city-colonies. Yet a last hope rises. Military scientists splice the most formidable beast DNA with that of the human genome to create a savage new breed of Hybrid Soldier – the Bridz .

The hybrid wars have begun.

In the eye of this bioweapons storm, a pre-Hybrid schoolboy named Xavier Wish is about to discover his powers – and his purpose – in a war to save the human species.

Written for all ages, Fight or Flight is a fast-paced, sharp-witted, sci-fi action adventure set in an unthinkable post-apocalyptic London.

398 pages, Paperback

Published August 20, 2025

About the author

I worked as a writer and creative director at some of London’s top advertising agencies and wrote two series of children’s books before penning my debut sci-fi novel BRID: Fight or Flight. Written for all ages, it's a fast-paced, action-packed, sharp-witted story set in the post-apocalyptic London of 2417 in a future dominated by giant insects – the Sectz. The story follows twelve-year-old Xavier Wish on his journey to become one of a new breed of Hybrid Soldiers – the Bridz – where military scientists splice the human genome with the DNA of the most savage beasts. He's about to discover his powers – and his purpose – in a global species war that threatens mankind’s existence.

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Reviews

[Nick Malara · Rating 5 out of 5]

BRID: Fight or Flight hooked me from the first page and didn’t let go. David Alan Woods drops you straight into a future Earth where gigantic, genetically engineered insects dominate the food chain and humanity is fighting just to stay alive. The opening scene alone, featuring a two-meter Mosquito hunting a young boy in his bedroom, is one of the most intense and vividly written sequences I’ve read in sci-fi.

The worldbuilding is excellent: fortified skyscraper colonies, quantum-dot solar tech, transparent aluminum structures, and a society built around “Hybrid Soldiers,” humans fused with animal DNA to fight the insect threat. It all feels fully imagined and believable. The military newsfeeds and global war reports add a great sense of scale.

Xavier, the young protagonist, is easy to root for. His emerging abilities, complicated family history, and tight bond with his sister give the story heart. The constant tension between survival, responsibility, and identity kept me invested the whole way through.

If there is one thing to note, it is that the book packs in a lot of detail. Readers who like deep worldbuilding will love it, while those who prefer a lighter touch may find a few sections a bit heavy on explanation. But the payoff, especially the action scenes, is absolutely worth it.

Overall, this is a fast, imaginative, and cinematic sci-fi adventure that feels tailor-made for fans of creature combat, high-stakes futuristic warfare, and young heroes stepping into their power. I’m already looking forward to the next installment in the BRID series.

Highly recommended!

[Joseph Wadas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick, engaging read with a gritty world and a likable main character whose growth kept me interested. The action moves fast and the ideas are creative, even if a few moments felt rushed. Overall, an entertaining story that left me wanting to see what comes next.

[Unscripted Chic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fast-paced sci-fi adventure set in a future where Earth is overrun by giant insects and humans are barely hanging on. The story follows Xavier Wish, a regular teen who suddenly finds himself turned into a “Brid” — a human-animal hybrid created to help humanity survive. As he learns to use his new abilities, he’s thrown into dangerous battles, tough choices, and a world that’s far more brutal than he ever imagined. It’s about survival, identity, and figuring out who you are when everything changes overnight. If you like intense fight scenes, and underdog heroes discovering their strength, this one’s an exciting and easy-to-get-into read.

[Pradip Atluri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bio-Hacking the Apocalypse

I really enjoyed diving into David Alan Woods’ world. It felt like a fresh take on the apocalypse. Imagine 2417 London where bugs the size of trains are the bosses. These things, called Sectz, started as simple park rides. To me, this is a perfect metaphor for the Frankenstein effect of modern technology. We build things for fun or profit without thinking about the long term price. We see it today with AI or climate issues where the tool eventually starts running the show.
The hero, Xavier, is a kid I truly rooted for. He wants to be a White Tiger warrior like his brother. Instead, the tests say he will be a Goat. I loved that conflict because it feels so real. Who hasn't been told they are a goat when they wanted to be a lion? His journey from disappointment to leadership is what kept me turning pages. The writing is snappy and fast. It felt very cinematic, like I was watching a high stakes survival movie. It asks a deep question about what it means to be human when we have to become part animal just to stay alive. I honestly couldn't put it down. This is a must read.

[Μιχαήλ Σιδηρόπουλος · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt the tension and danger of a future where giant insects rule and humanity survives by rewriting its own DNA. What really hooked me wasn’t just the action, though—it was Xavier. Watching him struggle with fear, expectations, and his uncertain future made the story feel personal and emotional, not just epic. I found myself genuinely invested in whether he’d live up to his own hopes, not just the world’s demands. The science felt believable, the creatures were vividly unsettling, and the pacing made it hard to stop reading. I kept telling myself “one more chapter” and actually meant it. By the end, I felt like I’d grown alongside Xavier

[Brittany Dodson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for Dystopian lovers

Amazing world building and character development! I can definitely see this becoming a school room classic, TV series, or both! Although I didn't read it to him, I gave my 9 year old the plot summary and he was over the moon at the idea of the hero being the GOAT.

[Andres · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the idea of "BRID: FIGHT OR FLIGHT": giant insects taking over the world and kids turning into animal-human hybrids to fight back, waou ! The beginning grabbed me fast, especially with Xavier’s early battles. I also liked Xavier himself, as a character, and generally the teamwork with all friends.

But sometimes, the story slows down because there’s so much explanation about science and technology. I wish the pacing stayed tighter all the way through, but it’s still a cool story with a lot of imagination to say the least !

[Laurence Dickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast paced sci-fi thriller that throws readers straight into a dangerous world where survival is anything but guaranteed. The story follows young Xavier as he faces terrifying, oversized predators and is forced to rely on instinct, intelligence and courage to stay alive. This book is gripping from the very first chapter.

[Samantha Macino · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept me on my toes in a future realm. Pivoting turns with excitement. I am excited to read the second book!

[Fluffy Friends · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The concept is original and the story moves quickly, keeping the tension high throughout. The world feels well thought out, and the mix of action and sci-fi elements makes it easy to stay invested from start to finish.

A great choice for readers who enjoy dystopian science fiction with strong pacing and an exciting storyline.

[C.M. Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

BRID: Fight or Flight grabbed me right away with its bold premise and didn’t let go. Giant insects ruling the world, hybrid kids discovering what they’re becoming, and a brutal fight for survival makes for a really fun, high-stakes read. Xavier is easy to root for, and I liked the mix of action, humor, and heart threaded through the story, especially in the school setting, which made the world feel grounded despite how extreme it is. The science and worldbuilding are clearly well thought out, and the action scenes feel cinematic. Overall, this was a fast-paced, imaginative sci-fi adventure that kept me engaged and definitely left me curious to see where the series goes next.

[Olivia Troy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fast-paced, intense read that kept me hooked from the start. The action is strong, the tension stays high, and the story doesn’t slow down. I really liked how the characters felt gritty and real, not over-polished, which made the stakes feel higher. If you’re into thrillers that lean hard into survival, instinct, and nonstop momentum, this one is definitely worth the read.

[Deepali Bakshi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast-paced and immersive sci-fi adventure set in a striking future London. Brid: Fight or Flight blends action, imagination, and emotion through relatable young characters discovering their purpose in a dangerous world. The vivid descriptions make every scene feel cinematic. An exciting, thoughtful read for anyone who enjoys dystopian futures and stories of growth and courage.

[Ozan Akyildiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This dystopian vision of a London infested by giant insects, where humans must splice with animal DNA to survive, hooked me from the very first page. The biological details and the "Grading" process—determining which animal the teens will merge with—brought a Harry Potter-esque excitement to the story, but with a much grittier, harder edge. Between the author’s visceral descriptions of creatures like the giant mosquitoes and the relentless action, it was impossible to put this book down. Xavier and Blokker’s journey through this dark world strikes a perfect balance between tension and humor, backed by some genuinely solid character development. For anyone tired of standard sci-fi tropes, "BRID: Fight or Flight" is a refreshing, immersive debut that has me eagerly waiting for the sequel.

[Ella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Brid to be a compelling sci-fi dystopian thriller that kept me engaged from start to finish. The story blends psychological tension with intelligent world-building, and I especially liked how education is portrayed as a vital survival tool rather than a background detail. The atmosphere is yet gripping, with consistently high stakes throughout. Overall, this is a well written and thought provoking read that I would recommend to fans of dystopian and thriller fiction.

[Alefiyah Ghadiali]

BRID: Fight or Flight by David Alan Woods is a raw, unflinching plunge into a dystopian future where humanity’s dominance has been stripped away — and survival depends on science, mutation, and the ruthless will to fight. Set in a ruined London in the year 2417, the novel throws you straight into a world overrun by giant, monstrous insects called the Sectz — creatures physically superior to humans. Civilization has collapsed, and what remains hides in fortified city-colonies.

In response to extinction, scientists create the Bridz — hybrid soldiers born from splicing beast DNA with human genes, designed to fight back. The story centers on a pre-hybrid teenager, Xavier Wish, who, along with his friends, must navigate this violent new world. He’s thrust into an impossible choice: remain a child... or embrace a primal power that could either save humanity or destroy what’s left of his soul.

What grabbed me most was the sense of visceral dread and the brutal realism in the world-building. The insects — not aliens, not zombies, but evolutionary predators — feel terrifyingly plausible. Their dominance isn’t made up; it’s earned. And humanity’s response — mutating the human body itself — raises harrowing questions: What does it mean to be human when your blood runs animal? How far can you change before you lose yourself?

[T.L. Shane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brid opens in the year 2417 with 12-year-old Xavier battling a giant mosquito, its belly already swollen with human blood. He prevails eventually, only to face a centipede as long as a commuter train the next morning on his way to school. He uses his wits and rapidly developing strength to outsmart and dispatch the huge creature.
All middle-school protagonists need a bully to keep them on their toes, and Xavier has Blokker, the most fearsome bully of the school. Fortunately, Xavier has great friends, Yasmine, a girl who is quickly showing the characteristics of a big cat hybrid, and their male friend, Zac, who has discovered that he has DNA of a giant pangolin. The three are inseparable—good friends to have in an unfriendly world.
I read this book quickly because the story captured my interest. I even found myself trying to carve out breaks throughout the day to have time for one more chapter, or at least a few more pages. That fits my definition of a good book.
The Sectz—giant insects—were originally created by geneticists as an amusement park attraction. Children were able to ride on docile giant ants or even fly on a friendly overgrown dragonfly. But the insects were released into the wild by protesters, where they bred and reverted to their natural temperaments, no longer friendly to humans—who then became their prey.
“Adapt or die” is now the motto of the remaining humans who still live in the ruins of cities like London. The most important adaptation is hybridization, in which human embryos are crossed with the DNA of the biggest, most dangerous mammals that ever roamed the Earth. Each child born has been exposed to a DNA mix of water buffalo, lion, tiger, polar bear, hyena, and other mammal DNA. By early puberty, each human child shows obvious signs of which mammal DNA formed their hybrid. These human-mammal hybrids are known as Brids.
Xavier’s older brother, a white tiger Brid, is already a military hero at the age of 19. When the military school leaders test the incoming freshman high school class, Xavier is hoping to hear that he will also grow into a white tiger Brid. Imagine his disappointment when the military examiners announce that he will most likely develop into a human-goat Brid.
Xavier is the first to theorize that the Sectz are now working together in a new and uncharacteristically sophisticated manner to overthrow the human military bases. He and his friends leave their military high school without official permission to attempt a daring rescue at one of the nearby bases that has been overrun by mantis and stick insect Sectz in a coordinated attack over several weeks. Drama and suspense ensue.
High level military officers begin to hint at secrets about Xavier—that he knows nothing about. A tantalizing plot-twist-teaser ends the novel…setting the stage for book 2 of this series.
I have one criticism that I’m throwing in here because I found it distracting. David Alan Woods often uses incomplete sentences to emphasize action. One example is, “He let his vision drop again to ground level. To river level.” However, sometimes strings of incomplete sentences go on and on, for example, “Mandibles bludgeoned up into his face. Jerking his head back. With extreme violence. Unconscious. Before he hit the ground. Landing heavily. An ungainly Hippo heap.” In my opinion, this technique was overused in many places.
Back to the story itself. The well-constructed dystopian world is built on a fascinating premise. The author skillfully weaves much of the backstory information into conversations between characters. Human interaction between Xavier and his family, friends, and instructors feels natural. The protagonist and other young characters are well-drawn. The lighthearted banter between all the pre-Brid students keeps some of the dystopian darkness at bay and offers some moments of comedy. The school setting is a good choice because it draws the young readers of today into a place that they are familiar with, even in this strange future world.
This is a book that will fascinate middle grade and high school student fans of science fiction. The unending war between Sectz and Brids promises to provide material for an entire series of books. I am looking forward to watching Xavier, Yasmine, and Zac grow up and meet their destiny as heroes. I will certainly keep an eye on David Alan Woods and his writing in the future.

[Myunique Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a lot of fun with this one. Brid: Fight or Flight is the kind of sci-fi that wastes zero time getting weird, dangerous, and exciting, and I was locked in pretty early on. I picked it up expecting a solid middle-grade/YA adventure and ended up tearing through it faster than planned, which is always a good sign for me. Overall, this landed as a strong 4-star read.

The opening throws you straight into the chaos of this world—humanity hiding out in ruined cities while massive insects roam free. Following Xavier Wish, a 12-year-old just trying to survive long enough to make it to school, immediately grounds the story. One minute he’s dealing with homework and bullies, the next he’s outsmarting creatures that should not exist. That balance between everyday kid problems and full-on survival mode really worked for me.

The concept behind the world is easily the standout. The Sectz being the result of a failed genetic experiment turned entertainment attraction is such a clever, unsettling idea. Even better is the solution humanity comes up with: hybridizing children with animal DNA to give them a fighting chance. The Brids concept raises a lot of quiet questions about choice, identity, and sacrifice, even while the story stays fast and accessible.

Xavier is a likable lead, especially because he isn’t immediately “special” in the way he wants to be. His reaction to learning he may develop into a goat hybrid instead of something flashy or legendary felt honest and relatable. His friendships with Yasmine and Zac were another highlight for me. The three of them feel like real kids who trust each other in a world that gives them very few reasons to feel safe. Their humor and loyalty soften the harsher parts of the setting in a way that feels natural.

The pacing is quick and very bingeable. I kept telling myself I’d stop after one chapter and then didn’t. As the story builds toward coordinated insect attacks and Xavier starts noticing patterns the adults seem to miss, the tension ramps up nicely. The military-school backdrop works well too—it’s familiar enough to anchor younger readers while still feeling dangerous and high-stakes.

I do have one stylistic gripe. The action scenes lean heavily on fragmented sentences for intensity, and while that can be effective in short bursts, it sometimes went on longer than I liked. A few scenes felt choppier than necessary, and I occasionally wished the prose would settle into a smoother rhythm so the moments could land harder.

That said, the characters are engaging, the world is imaginative, and the story clearly knows where it’s headed. The ending leaves just enough unanswered to make the next book feel necessary rather than optional. This feels like the start of a series with a lot of room to grow, especially as the characters get older and the war escalates.

If you’re into dystopian sci-fi with smart kids, dangerous creatures, and big ideas wrapped in an accessible package, this is well worth the read. I’m definitely curious to see where Xavier’s story goes next.

[Select Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Alan Woods’ “BRID: FIGHT OR FLIGHT” is a sci-fi thriller. Set in the year 2417, the book takes place in post-apocalyptic London, where giant insects, called the Sectz, rule the roost, just as giant insects of varying species do everywhere else in the world.

The giant insects were originally docile creatures, created for use as amusement park rides. Somewhere along the way, however, the insects stole the show.

To combat the Sectz, the military began creating a breed of hybrid soldiers, called Brids, years earlier. The new warriors were created by splicing human genomes with the DNA of such beasts as lions, and tigers, and bears – oh, my!

The result was hybrid soldiers that shared the characteristics of the animals whose DNA they acquired. This created a diverse army with the size and strength of the fiercest animals on Earth – an army that would be able to hopefully combat the global infestation of the Sectz.

As the Brids and Sectz wage war, 12-year-old Xavier Wish enters the picture. He wants to be just like his 19-year-old brother who is a White Tiger Brid, and his track record against a giant mosquito and colossal centipede indicate he may have the same genetic makeup to become as fierce a warrior as his older bro.

Unfortunately, the process which splices animal DNA and human genomes is randomized, and it is not until a pre-hybrid like Xavier approaches puberty that the type of Brid he will become can be estimated through testing. Wanting to be a White Tiger Brid but being told he will most likely become a Goat Brid, is not what Xavier wants to hear.

Still, Xavier perseveres and show a remarkable understanding of the enemy and their military strategies. He also show uncommon courage, leadership abilities, and the willingness to adapt or die.

“Brid” is a well-written dystopian thriller that is imaginative, entertaining, and engaging. At times, the book reads like a screenplay from the Batman television series. Yoiks!

The book is lengthy and not without minor stylistic and typographical issues, or the ability to answer all the questions raised between the book’s covers. Nevertheless, the book is a solid novel that avoids the abject horror of many similar tomes, while preserving the humanity of its characters.

[GOVIND · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Instant Classic, more than just a thrilling adventure!


David Alan Woods has surely presented an action-packed science fiction adventure in his creation “BRID: Fight or Flight”. This work of fiction managed to touch deep human emotions while being wildly imaginative at its core. Set in the future (year 2417), the author has portrayed an unthinkable dystopian London landscape. This tale immerses readers in a realm dominated by the fearsome, colossal insects known as the Sectz. The concept alone is enough to captivate: humanity is compelled to seek refuge in fortified city-colonies. At the same time, military researchers urgently combine animal DNA with the human genome to innovate a new class of fighters: the Hybrid Soldiers, or Bridz. The story focuses on Xavier Wish, a young boy on the brink of adolescence, who leads a tumultuous yet typical life — until his latent mammalian abilities start to emerge. Following Xavier as he uncovers his role in a worldwide battle for human survival is compelling, as he is propelled into military training to hone his "savage potential." Woods’ prose is brisk and clever, maintaining momentum throughout the narrative. The story, rooted in science, is conveyed through deeply relatable teenage characters, grounding the high-concept world. The horror element, propelled by the vivid and graphic portrayal of the oversized insects, makes them genuinely nightmarish. More than simply an exhilarating journey, BRID: Fight or Flight poses crucial questions regarding humanity, warfare, ecology, and a daunting global species imbalance. Whether you’re a Young Adult reader or an older enthusiast of apocalyptic tales, this novel offers a gratifying experience that perfectly paves the way for the continuation of the BRID series. If you're seeking a book that skillfully merges the excitement of discovering power with the urgency of a genuine struggle for survival, this is a must-read for you.

[Linda Sanchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in a future that feels both unthinkable and disturbingly plausible, BRID: Fight or Flight delivers a fast-moving dystopian story that blends sci-fi action with deeper questions about identity, instinct, and survival.
The premise immediately pulls you in. A world overrun by giant insects is already unsettling, but the idea of humanity fighting back by creating hybrid soldiers adds a sharp ethical edge. The Bridz are not just weapons. They are a reminder of how far humans will go when extinction feels close. That tension runs quietly beneath the action and gives the story weight beyond the battles.
Xavier is a strong protagonist, especially for a coming-of-age story set against such a brutal backdrop. Watching him move from an ordinary schoolboy into someone forced to confront his own potential and purpose feels natural and engaging. His journey balances fear, curiosity, and resilience in a way that works for both younger readers and adults.
The pacing is quick without being careless. London’s post-apocalyptic setting feels vivid and dangerous, and the Sectz are genuinely threatening rather than cartoonish villains. The writing has a sharp, almost playful wit at times, which helps keep the story from becoming too heavy despite its darker themes.
What stands out most is how accessible the book is. It works as an exciting sci-fi adventure while still raising thoughtful questions about what makes us human when survival demands we become something else. This is a smart, energetic read for fans of dystopian fiction, eco-thrillers, and action-driven sci-fi that still has a heart underneath the chaos.

[Edmond Thornfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

BRID: Fight or Flight delivers exactly what it promises: a fast-paced, intelligent sci-fi thriller with heart. Woods's dystopian vision of 2417 London—where giant genetically-engineered insects rule and humanity's survival depends on human-animal hybrid soldiers—is both terrifying and brilliantly conceived.

The prose is functional yet dynamic, employing intentional parataxis, controlled metaphors, and vivid action sequences that kept me breathless. While the POV occasionally shifts between Xavier's limited third-person perspective and omniscient narration of the Sectz, this technique works perfectly for MG/YA, enhancing tension and providing crucial biological insight without slowing momentum.

Xavier Wish is a compelling protagonist whose emerging abilities, family bonds, and moral courage anchor the relentless action. The world-building is exceptional—fortified colonies, vertical agriculture, quantum-dot technology—all seamlessly integrated without info-dumping.

The syntax shows confident variety with effective sentence modulation, and the vocabulary strikes that rare balance: elevated but accessible, challenging without obscuring. Grammar is technically sound throughout.

For readers craving original, absorbing sci-fi with visceral combat, genuine emotion, and a protagonist who feels authentically human facing impossible odds—this is unmissable. Highly recommended.

[Sarah Vigue · Rating 4 out of 5]

A high-octane dystopian adventure that redefines survival in a world ruled by monsters.
Set in the year 2417, BRID: Fight or Flight plunges readers into a chilling future where humanity cowers in city-colonies while giant insects—the Sectz—dominate the planet. The premise is electrifying: military scientists engineer hybrid soldiers, the Bridz, blending human DNA with the fiercest beasts to reclaim Earth.
The story follows Xavier Wish, a seemingly ordinary schoolboy who discovers extraordinary powers amid the chaos of hybrid wars. What makes this novel stand out is its seamless fusion of sci-fi action, eco-thriller tension, and sharp wit, all wrapped in a fast-paced narrative that keeps readers hooked. The world-building is vivid—post-apocalyptic London feels both alien and eerily familiar—and the ethical undertones of genetic manipulation add depth beyond the action.
Written for all ages, this book delivers cinematic battles, suspenseful twists, and a protagonist whose journey from vulnerability to strength resonates deeply. Fans of The Hunger Games, Ender’s Game, and Jurassic Park will find themselves at home here.
Verdict: BRID: Fight or Flight is more than a survival story—it’s a gripping exploration of what it means to be human when nature fights back. A must-read for dystopian and sci-fi enthusiasts craving originality and adrenaline.

[Damir Salkovic · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a future London under siege by genetically engineered giant insects, twelve-year-old Xavier Wish survives a deadly encounter that reveals the first signs of his impending transformation into a Hybrid soldier (a “Brid”). As global fortresses fall and his brother fights on the front lines, Xavier must navigate school, family, and awakening abilities that may determine humanity’s survival.

David Alan Woods delivers a visceral sci-fi/horror adventure set in a nightmarish alternative future. The novel excels in sharply choreographed action sequences and ambitious worldbuilding featuring military society, advanced technology, and planetary conflict. While its imaginative scope is vast and impressive, the narrative occasionally stumbles under the weight of its own lore. Dense thickets of exposition sometimes stall the momentum. A more seamless, dialogue-driven approach might have further fleshed out the characters. Overall, BRID is a bold and inventive series-opener. It serves as a high-stakes entry point for YA readers drawn to the intersection of speculative biology and the grim grit of dystopian survival.

[Lia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a slow-burn, tension-driven read that focuses more on atmosphere and psychological unease than nonstop action — and it does that very well.

From the opening scenes, the author creates a strong sense of dread through careful pacing and vivid sensory detail. Moments that should feel uncomfortable do, and the tension builds gradually rather than relying on shock value. The “fight or flight” theme isn’t just a title; it’s woven thoughtfully into the story, shaping both the characters’ reactions and the overall mood.

The writing is controlled and immersive, especially in scenes where fear takes over. If you enjoy stories that let suspense simmer and trust the reader to sit with it, this will be a good fit. That said, readers looking for a fast-paced thriller or constant twists may find the pacing slower than expected, and character depth develops more gradually than in some genre novels.

Overall, this is a well-crafted, concept-driven read that rewards patience. It’s best approached as a psychological or speculative thriller rather than a traditional horror novel — and within that space, it delivers a tense and memorable experience.

[Huey Carroll]

Survival is a Mental Game

BRID: Fight or Flight carries a sharp, electric tension—like holding your breath longer than you thought possible. It’s not just frightening; it’s intimate in its fear, forcing you to inhabit the fragile space between instinct and paralysis.

At the center is Xavier, a boy whose greatest strength is also his greatest burden: he feels everything too quickly. He isn’t fearless—he’s alert, raw, and painfully aware of his own vulnerability. What makes the novel compelling isn’t whether he survives, but how his mind wrestles with terror, calculating survival while instinct threatens to overwhelm reason. His sensitivity becomes both weapon and liability, giving emotional weight to every decision.

Woods’ prose is precise and atmospheric, with a clinical attention to biological detail that heightens the horror rather than dulling it. The pacing is relentless, especially in early sequences, where moments of stillness feel like coiled springs ready to snap.

I Recommend if you prefer psychological survival over spectacle, and mounting dread over explosive action.

[A Lavender · Rating 5 out of 5]

BRID: Fight or Flight wastes no time pulling you into its world. The opening alone is tense, vivid, and unsettling in the best way, and it immediately sets the tone for what follows, a fast-moving, imaginative sci-fi story with real stakes.
What I enjoyed most was how clearly the world is built without slowing the story down. The future setting, the hybrid soldiers, and the constant threat of the Sectz all feel thought-out and believable, but the focus stays on the characters, especially Xavier. There’s a strong emotional core beneath the action, particularly around family, fear, and responsibility, which gives the story more weight than a standard action-driven sci-fi novel. The pacing is quick, the concepts are creative, and the danger always feels close. It’s the kind of book that’s easy to keep reading “just one more chapter.” If you enjoy sci-fi with strong worldbuilding, high tension, and a younger protagonist who feels genuinely human, this is a great start to a series.

[Eleanor Sage · Rating 5 out of 5]

A science-fiction thriller that, from its very first pages, plunges the reader into the harsh world of 2417. Earth has been overrun by giant insects Sectz and humanity is forced to hide in colonies. The book’s opening is strikingly intense: twelve-year-old Xavier Wish wakes up in his room only to discover a two-meter mosquito ready to attack. The combat scene is described with incredible detail — from the eerie sight of the "living vacuum" to the hero's realization of his own unusual strength. After all, Xavier is a "pre-hybrid" whose DNA contains the genes of dangerous predators, offering a great hope for the salvation of all mankind. All in all, this is a book for fans of post-apocalyptic fiction and action. The author masterfully combines scientific details about insects, skillfully weaving them into the plot. It is a deep story about finding one's purpose in a world where man is no longer at the top of the food chain.

[PRAMILA · Rating 4 out of 5]

BRID: Fight or Flight is a gripping, high-energy sci-fi story that doesn’t waste time easing you in. From the start, the world feels dangerous and unpredictable, and the constant sense of survival keeps the pages turning. The action is sharp, visual, and often feels cinematic, making it easy to imagine this story playing out on screen.

What I appreciated most was the underlying idea beneath the chaos. Beyond the battles and tension, the book quietly raises questions about humanity, evolution, and what we are willing to become in order to survive. Xavier’s journey, from an underestimated boy to someone forced to step up... adds an emotional layer that grounds the story amid all the intensity.

That said, the book leans heavily into momentum, so readers who prefer slower pacing or deeper emotional pauses may find it dense in places. But if you enjoy action-driven sci-fi with bold ideas, strong imagery, and nonstop urgency, this is a compelling and memorable read.

[Eric Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The hubris of diversified global entertainment companies has brought the Earth to its knees. Giant, genetically modified insects wage war against mankind, and humanity fights back by splicing animal DNA into tweens. The story is tight, the action is fun, and it has more bugs than a Texas apartment building.
Though a scene or two display a level of violence more common in YA and older—I'm referencing the horse fly attack specifically here—the tone, pace, and humor place it Middle-Grade adjacent. The abundance of onomatopoeia and single word sentences cements it there. Now, I don't subscribe to the dogma that the age of the protagonist, 12 in this case, is definitive. Neither is a lack of romantic subplot. These kids have bigger things to worry about. I mean, what does puberty even look like when you've been spliced with a yak?