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318

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A Defect and Legacy Code Prequel Short Story.
Each story in the Fractured Era Archives reveals the truth behind the mysteries hinted at in the bestselling Fractured Era series.

No one knows what really goes on in the Protected Camps... except the Protecteds. It's a secret that can't get out.

Test Subject 318 wants to die. But if she dies, she's taking him with her...

This is a short story (20 pages) and originally appeared in The Alien Chronicles anthology.

16 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 25, 2015

29 people are currently reading
248 people want to read

About the author

Autumn Kalquist

17 books553 followers
Hello!
I stop by Goodreads once a month or so. But I love to hear from my readers! The best way to reach me is at autumn (@) autumnkalquist.com.


Visit AutumnKalquist.com to GET YOUR FREE STORY


FRACTURED ERA SERIES by Autumn Kalquist

FRACTURED ERA ARCHIVES
318
Decode
Protecteds: Origins - Only available to newsletter subscribers.


Fractured Era Defective
Defective
Infected (Coming Soon)
Protected (Coming Soon)

Fractured Era LEGACY SERIES
Better World - Prequel
Legacy Code: Book #1
Paragon: Book #2

OR read these episodes in one compilation: Legacy (Book One of Fractured Era Legacy)

Legacy Book Two - (Publication date to be announced)


Autumn Kalquist is a USA TODAY bestselling author of the Fractured Era book series. She writes fantasy, dystopian, and post-apocalyptic fiction that asks compelling questions--often met with morally gray answers. She records songs for each of her books, which can be found on her website or on music services like Spotify. You can also purchase her graphic design, artwork, and photography through several stores on Society6.com, Redbubble.com and Casetify.com. Visit AutumnKalquist.com for more details!

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5 stars
142 (33%)
4 stars
172 (40%)
3 stars
91 (21%)
2 stars
12 (2%)
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4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
Profile Image for Michelle.
2,184 reviews87 followers
August 12, 2020
Quite the interesting little peek into a larger series, and a glimpse into a character that I assume takes a major role in book one.
The glimpse of the world as a whole that we get here is a stark one, and the character Lex is one that seems like she may have quite an edge to her.
Profile Image for Daphnee .
349 reviews224 followers
October 22, 2015
OK. That was very short but very good. I love how we learn secrets of this world but each short story but I want a whole book!
Profile Image for Patrick Mcnelis.
63 reviews2 followers
April 11, 2018
This is my first experience with Autumn Kalquist, and I am impressed. I believe a really good short story will leave the reader wanting to explore further, and such is the case with 318: Fractured Era. At the moment I am still unfamiliar with this universe, but I plan to find out more. I will be looking for this series in short order.
843 reviews3 followers
June 1, 2019
Short story

318 is a fun short story and shows the reader a glimpse into a world where a corporation rules and uses people to experiment on. I look forward to reading the full series.
9 reviews
February 27, 2021
You will be taken to a set of stories you want to read. They'll draw you to interesting and realistic characters, you'd feel strangely identified with... even when they are not like you... I just loved this series.
Profile Image for Uma.
143 reviews2 followers
January 20, 2017
Getting a backstory to a character is always cool.
Such an awesome one to boot is just mindblowing.
Great going Autumn!
Profile Image for John.
93 reviews3 followers
February 8, 2015
318 by Autumn Kalquist is a prequel short story which reveals more history behind the core books in the science-fiction series it is a part of. At the time of this review, there are two prequel short stories, two prequel novelettes, and two novels. A third novel is due to come out soon. 318 tells the first-person story of a medical prisoner known as “318”, after having been dehumanized by her captors. It reveals backstory about the series’ world events leading up to the novels.

The story was very well written, and I was able to really get emotional about the character “318”. Having read most of the other books in the series, it was great to get some more information about what happened leading up to the main storyline.

I wish there had been a lot more to the story. It really got me wrapped up in the events taking place, and I was sad to see it end. Perhaps more will be revealed later? Autumn creates these stories that just ache to be told, and as this is just twenty pages or so long, there is so much more that I would like to read about!

This is a great short story, and I definitely recommend checking it out. If you haven’t read Autumn’s other stories in this series, you might want to at least read “Legacy Code” first, as this really is a complement to the storyline found there. 318 could certainly be read alone, but its impact is expanded for those who have read the novel itself. I have already moved on to read another of the short stories available in the series, and am anxiously awaiting the third novel’s release.
Profile Image for Alan D.D..
Author 39 books79 followers
May 20, 2015
Siempre dije que la Ciencia Ficción no era de mis géneros favoritos. Crecí viendo las propagandas de Star Wars en la televisión y jamás me llamó la atención, pero ahora con Autumn, la cosa cambia bastante.
I always said Sci-Fi was not my favorite genre. I grew up watching Star Wars commercials on television and never caught my attention, but now with Autumn, things change a lot.
Esta saga me encanta en todos los sentidos porque la siento muy humana. Es un trabajo de ficción, obvio, pero todo se siente real y se escucha muy tangible cuando lo lees en voz alta.
I love this saga in every way because I feel it very human. It is a work of fiction, obviously, but it all feels real and hears very tangible when you when you read aloud.
318 es un personaje que realmente me cautivó a pesar de lo corta que es su historia, así que espero que la autora le de un lugar en próximos relatos. En serio la amé con sus pocas páginas de existencia, porque estoy de acuerdo con TODO lo que hizo. Como dice Emilie Autumn: "Si es en defensa propia, no tendremos culpa". ¡¡ARRIBA LEX!! ¡¡LEX PARA PRESIDENTE!!
318 is a character that really captivated me despite how short her story, so I hope the author will place in future stories. Seriously I loved their few pages of existence, because I agree with everything he did. As Emilie Autumn says: "If it's in self-defense, then we will take no blame." GO LEX!! LEX FOR PRESIDENT!!
Profile Image for ♣ Spacey♣.
96 reviews2 followers
February 3, 2015
As always, love reading anything from the Fractured Era series. This is a short novella but adds additional value yo the world building in both the Legacy Code and Defect series books that make up Fractured Era.
While being short (which means not a ton of time for character or world building) this novella actually does a great job with both. We may not know a ton about "328" but what we get to see paints a very good picture of who she was and has become, and she is a real and sympathetic character. Her situation helps build who she is and how you feel about her and leaves you curious about finding out the rest of her story. Also, while I have read the other books in the series (so I get the world this takes place in per those), 318 does give you enough to imagine the world this takes place in and, again, build curiosity for finding out more.
Also, one of my favorite things was the mention of a character from the Defect series. I don't want to give away spoilers but I enjoyed being able to see how this characters implied actions in this novella led to their reasonings in Defect (if that makes any sense? LOL). It was nice to have a little more insight into a character I'm hoping we see more of in future installments of Defect.
Overall, like anything in Fractured Era, highly recommended. Its a quick read and enjoyable.
293 reviews4 followers
January 30, 2016
Mesmerizing Story, I Couldn't Put It Down! Humans Stand Up for What Really Matters in This World, and Do the Right Thing!

This is an intriguing story, with an incredibly powerful warning to all of mankind embodied throughout the whole story. This is what happens when humans play God--and lose all of the better traits of being human, the ability to empathize and sympathize, and care for others, whether they're human, or animal. It's a terrifying look at what mankind's future holds, if we don't take responsibility for our actions now, and treat the Earth, and all living creatures here, with compassion, tenderness, and love. It's in our hands whether we destroy the Earth, and every living creature that lives here with our greed and insatiable desire for wealth, power, and temporary gratification,--or if we can, as much as we can, save the Earth and it's inhabitants by repairing the damage we've wrought. We still have a little time to make the right choice, but that window of opportunity is closing fast, and once the window closes, we will all be the losers ,--just another dead planet hurling through space carrying it's dead, that nobody and nothing will be around to see or care. We are all accountable, if that becomes our fate.
Profile Image for Jas.
1,032 reviews
March 7, 2016
Another tale in the 'Fractured' series, this one follows a person, referred to sometimes as 'it' or more often as '318'. They are never referred to by name, or even by gender. 318 is strapped down, or locked inside a transparent coffin, type like tube and has experiments conducted on them.
The story is told from 318s perspective, causing a whole range of emotions in the reader, from anger and horror, to sadness, and sympathy. Again, this is just how good Autumn Kalquist is. She makes you want to help 318, but at the same time, also be a bit scared of 318...
This is a fascinating story, with some really interesting characters. Obviously there is the tortured soul that is 318, but other than that, there are the Dr’s and staff that are doing the experiments. This allows Autumn to explore these characters, and explore the story, and as with all her stories, she gives us a very intricate and detailed story, giving us some hints about the future of the ‘Fractured’ series.
If you are a fan of this series, then this is a must read, and if you are not, then do yourself a favour and get into it!
The ‘Fractured’ series is a fascinating look at a possible future of humanity, and 318 is a prequel short story that gives us a keen insight into the series.
Profile Image for Célia Dias.
72 reviews7 followers
March 26, 2015
Another amazing story from this author, it's very small only 19 pages but when I read it I didn't notice the time pass. Also I thought that because it was so small, things were going to happen very fast, I was wrong.

This book tells the history of the patient 318 that was taken to the laboratory to be studied because she has an immune system capable of surviving all diseases. So she spent the last years being injected with various doses of disease and always survived but with great pain. She continues to suffer until a new doctor arrive and he helps her to remember who she actually is and helps her escape. The final was creepy but it was deserved.

The way the author wrote this character made me feel an empathy with her, it was like I was there and was suffering with her. I think it's fantastic when an author manages to convey in words this amount of feelings.

This is the second story I read from this author and was rendered. No doubt that I will continue to read more books from her. I really want to know more about this world.
Profile Image for Julie.
312 reviews10 followers
March 21, 2015
"Humans destroy what they can’t control and are terrified of what they don’t understand." What an insightful opening to a short story.    
Then the main character "318" tells us how much hate she has for them! 

318 is a "Protected"  and has super-immunity, which is what got her to where she is now. And once she meets Monroe, she wants out. But there is something else for her to do first!

The author packs a lot into a short story and I'd certainly like to know more about what happens to 318 in any follow-on novels. I liked how the history to the main character was put across and how the supporting characters were introduced. The 'coldness' of some of the characters came over really well for me.

This book would suit people who want a quick read of a story that they can find engaging, but one that won't take them several weeks to plough through. 

The novel precedes the Defect series of novellas and the recommended reading order for the series is:-

1) Legacy Code Series: Legacy Code and Paragon.
2) Defect #1 and #2 (Short prequel novellas)
3) Short stories “Decode” and “318″
Profile Image for David Dalton.
3,094 reviews
February 13, 2015
A very short story that is part of the Fractured Era storyline. See also Defect Part One (Defect, #1) by Autumn Kalquist and Defect Part Two (Defect, #2) by Autumn Kalquist . These stories set up the background for Legacy Code (Legacy Code, #1) by Autumn Kalquist series (I have the 1st Legacy book, but I am reading the Defect stories first......). YA oriented, but a good sci-f / dark future story nonetheless. There is another prequel Fracture Era short story: Decode (Fractured Era Archives) by Autumn Kalquist that I will probably knock out this weekend.
Profile Image for Darlene.
502 reviews26 followers
August 28, 2016
A short but exciting story. This is my first time reading anything by Autumn Kalquist. I just bought her "Fractured Era Series" box set stories 1-3. As a bonus I got this story for free. The beginning of the story is initially confusing to me, maybe because I've never read any of the other books, but it quickly dawns on me what is happening. They are testing super viruses on this being to find antibodies for regular humans. As it turns out 318 is a human with super immunity and the regular humans don't even consider her human at all. They treat her like an alien. Except for one man, who is also like her working among the others secretly. He is helping her escape. I am intrigued. I wish this book was longer that's why I only gave it four stars. I look forward to reading the other books in the series.
8 reviews
January 28, 2015
I read this book as part of The Alien Chronicles anthology. This book is a projection into our future of genetic manipulation and potential treatment of the early successes. It is realistically scary given the behavior of governments across the globe in the past. It is short and intense making you want to see more of 318's world. You are in luck. The author has several other books related to this story. Defect books 1&2, Legacy Code & Paragon, with more in the future. Unlike a lot of authors Ms. Kalquist lets you learn about the characters as their adventures develop, you do not get bogged down in the beginning with a ton of background setting of the stage. I have found this story and the other from this author, well written and delightful to read.
Profile Image for Calysta.
843 reviews8 followers
September 19, 2015
Intense, disturbing, compelling...I'm about to go on a book buying binge. I read Kalquist's short story in the Dark Beyond The Stars anthology and her writing style spoke to me. I went to her site, saw that I could get this for free and jumped right on it.

The concepts hinted at and then revealed are super disturbing but the writing style and characterization made it impossible to stop reading. And then it was over and I nearly yelled in frustration with the need to know more. So, I recommend this short story highly with the caveat that there is medical abuse of the POV character and violence. If that's an issue for you, read with caution.
265 reviews9 followers
May 18, 2016
This is a short story that asks us to think about how we treat those that are different. It doesn't matter if we're talking about race or gender or aliens, do we treat those different from us with fear, with acceptance, or do we exploit them because we are the majority and believe we can do what we want? I think this story is prescient, especially as we look at the changing demographics of this country and the turmoil it is causing. I think history has shown that humans do not handle change well and that those in power will do anything to keep that power. This story is a reflection of that.

Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Patiscynical.
287 reviews4 followers
February 5, 2015
A good short story

This is not a book, it's a very short story.
Apparently it's part of a larger storyline, but it's fine as a stand-alone short.
It starts with a torture scene, and I wasn't sure I wanted to read it, but then you get the backstory, and understand.
It was very original, and the characterization of 318 was quite powerful.
Results: a fine science fiction short, and a very quick read. Several reviewers were upset about the length, so please note that you are only getting a few pages here.
Profile Image for A Reader's Heaven.
1,592 reviews28 followers
April 22, 2016
No one knows what really goes on in the Protected Camps... except the Protecteds. It's a secret that can't get out.
Test Subject 318 wants to die. But if she dies, she's taking him with her...



This is quite obviously a prologue story. It gives a great introduction to Alexia "Lex" Drago and her seeming rescuer, Monroe.

I am looking forward to reading more - and something a little longer as well. If the quality is the same as this, I think I am really going to enjoy it.


Paul
ARH
Profile Image for David.
65 reviews11 followers
July 20, 2016
This short story is more of a character study than a short story. You get the background of a character that you feel great pity for, but want to have put down. I cannot help but feel like Travis Coates after the fight with the wolf. It feels like it is an interesting world that we get just a glimpse of through a dirty window, but it does not feel like a place you want to raise children.

The writing is very good, and I really wanted to give it more than three stars, but the brevity makes it unable to stand on its own so I cannot.
Profile Image for Jeffrey.
34 reviews
March 1, 2016
318 is a short tale about how humanity treats something that is different from the norm. The story reveals just enough of the world it is in to make us question about it, and ask for more. With an ending that leaves one wondering whether they should feel vindication or be ashamed for a certain character's actions.

Well written and placed in an interesting world, this short story is a good read for those looking to get into this universe.
Profile Image for Emmanuelle.
367 reviews
January 27, 2015
Finally some insight into the mystery of what Infinitek does with the Protected. 318 has been a lab rat for so long that she believes the lies that she's not human. As she gets tortured daily in the name of science, she's given up on feelings and hope. But someone comes along that just might remind her of what she's missing in life.
Profile Image for Lizzie.
373 reviews34 followers
June 19, 2016
An excellent short story. Dark. In a few well-written pages of tight dialogue and descriptive sentences Ms. Kalquist shows us how out of fear we dehumanize those who may be different and justify atrocities. In the tradition of good science fiction the story raises ethical questions we should all consider. A great read for your own contemplation or for discussion in a bookclub or classroom.
Profile Image for Dee/ bookworm.
1,400 reviews4 followers
February 10, 2015
318: Fractured Ear Archives by Autumn Kalquist is a thrilling and terrifying short story of a girl treated like a foreign object who dreams of killing the man responsible for her pain before she dies. She is in a prison being tested because she has different immunities. This is a great short story, about 19 pages long. Definitely worth the read!!
Profile Image for Jenna.
1,625 reviews14 followers
May 15, 2015
Having been 316 for two years only to live each day in agony, being tested on like an animal 316 wants out.

Will she get her chance?

This was a very short story and I knew that when I started reading but still I was disappointed I wanted more. I love the writing and the world building, from the first sentence I’m dragged to another world. Can’t wait to read more.
Profile Image for Helen.
607 reviews8 followers
April 8, 2016
Very nice quick read. Interesting plot, I received this short free in exchange for an honest review, I just finished reading Fractured World which is the first in the series. I must say the two books do not come together yet, but I am told they will. I Liked both books even though I do like my series to flow better from one to another. This series is definitely worth the read.
228 reviews23 followers
November 23, 2016
I really liked how the book elevated the thrill factor at the end. Other than that, it didnt give me too many details about the book, nor what was happening. In that sense, it kept up my curiosity levels. Also this was a breezy and quick read which meant I could absorb the details about the world quickly.

I will be reading more from the author soon.
Profile Image for Tawallah.
1,156 reviews63 followers
August 16, 2016
I received this free from Amazon as I was intrigued by this series. This short story gives a taste of the writing style of Autumn which I like, except the occasional profanity. Good story and makes you want more of the story.
Profile Image for Jonathan Kittrell.
Author 14 books14 followers
February 8, 2015
Interesting read

This was an excellent sci-fi short story. I didn't know what to expect when I read it but what I got was an excellently written fast paced story in a world that I only want to read more about. I am now reading Defect Part 1 and went ahead and bought part 2.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews

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