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Fractured Era Archives
Decode
A Defect and Legacy Code Prequel Novelette.
Each story in the Fractured Era Archives reveals the truth behind the mysteries hinted at in the bestselling Fractured Era series.
Disease ravages humanity, killing millions across the globe. Haunted by the loss of her son to the deadly illness, geneticist Avia Sherman must find the strength to keep going. To find a cure.
It's called The Protected Project. To save mankind, Avia must find the missing key to create superimmunity in unborn children... before the world plunges into desolation.
This is a short story (40 pages) and originally appeared in The Telepath Chronicles anthology.
Each story in the Fractured Era Archives reveals the truth behind the mysteries hinted at in the bestselling Fractured Era series.
Disease ravages humanity, killing millions across the globe. Haunted by the loss of her son to the deadly illness, geneticist Avia Sherman must find the strength to keep going. To find a cure.
It's called The Protected Project. To save mankind, Avia must find the missing key to create superimmunity in unborn children... before the world plunges into desolation.
This is a short story (40 pages) and originally appeared in The Telepath Chronicles anthology.
64 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 25, 2015
25 people are currently reading
243 people want to read
About the author
Autumn Kalquist
17 books553 followersHello!
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!
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
February 3, 2015
OK. I love the Fractured Era series. love love love it. I love reading all the short stories associated with Fractured Era too.
These books and stories are so easy to read and yet so engaging. I love the world building and the characters. This one is no different.
The main characters- Avia, Lizzy, and Dalton - feel very real for characters we have a limited time to get to know. While we don't get a ton of world building we start to understand a little more about Infinitek and the world within its walls (which, really is a form of world building since they have a huge impact on the world of the Fractured Era series).
I feel like there is more to Avia's story so I'm hoping we may see her in future installments, or that those will reveal more about her and her research (I've found with this series that things tend to unfold and get explained in the interwoven novels and stories that make up F.E.).
Highly recommended read. Its quick, enjoyable, and engrossing.
These books and stories are so easy to read and yet so engaging. I love the world building and the characters. This one is no different.
The main characters- Avia, Lizzy, and Dalton - feel very real for characters we have a limited time to get to know. While we don't get a ton of world building we start to understand a little more about Infinitek and the world within its walls (which, really is a form of world building since they have a huge impact on the world of the Fractured Era series).
I feel like there is more to Avia's story so I'm hoping we may see her in future installments, or that those will reveal more about her and her research (I've found with this series that things tend to unfold and get explained in the interwoven novels and stories that make up F.E.).
Highly recommended read. Its quick, enjoyable, and engrossing.
February 18, 2015
This the 4th book I have read in the "Defect" series. I should say novella/short short stories. But I like them just the same. I cannot wait until the full-length Defect novel is published.
Each story adds to what we readers know about the Fractured Era. Each one is different and I will enjoy seeing where this storyline goes.
Still waiting in the wings is
(which I have on my Kindle).
YA? Not sure, but good sci-fi for sure.
Each story adds to what we readers know about the Fractured Era. Each one is different and I will enjoy seeing where this storyline goes.
Still waiting in the wings is
(which I have on my Kindle).YA? Not sure, but good sci-fi for sure.
February 9, 2015
Decode by Autumn Kalquist is a short story which takes place in her Legacy Code series. There are a few novels, novelettes, and short stories in this series and Decode is currently the first chronologically. This story follows Avia, a geneticist who is trying to discover a cure for diseases which have endangered humanity.
I liked this book. The story was short, but it was well written and told a great story. A lot of valuable history was revealed from the Legacy Code world. The only bad part about Decode was that it wasn’t a novel. While I enjoyed hearing about these events, it would have been nice to have had more to read about them.
If you are a fan of Autumn’s other books, this is a great addition to the series. I’m eager to read the forthcoming books in the series!
I liked this book. The story was short, but it was well written and told a great story. A lot of valuable history was revealed from the Legacy Code world. The only bad part about Decode was that it wasn’t a novel. While I enjoyed hearing about these events, it would have been nice to have had more to read about them.
If you are a fan of Autumn’s other books, this is a great addition to the series. I’m eager to read the forthcoming books in the series!
January 27, 2015
This short story was a cool glimpse into the start of the Infinitek projects. It's beneficial to have read the other books out in this series, but not necessary. Avia is a recluse of society, by choice; when a new problem arises from a past experiment, Avia gets involved begrudgingly, but ends up learning more than she had expected.
February 12, 2015
This series is just so good. I can't wait to read the full novel of Defect, because I love the point of the series that takes place on Earth, but as of now I have run out of those stories, so now I'm starting Legacy Code. I loved this story and I wish that it had been longer because I thought the characters were all very well developed despite them only being around for this short story.
February 15, 2015
Swift. Intelligent. Sci-fi Storytelling.
May 13, 2025
Decode is a short story that serves as an introduction to The Fractured Era Series (where I think it appears again as part of one of the larger stories).
I gather that the events in this story are meant to be happening in the future. But this is probably meant to be the near future, as of 2014. It looks almost as if we are there. Some of the devices may look a little different, but there’s little in the main line of the story that probably couldn’t have already happened as of a year or two ago.
On the face of it, there is not a lot very remarkable about the story. A young researcher working for a large company has been working on some kind of gene therapy for a major pandemic that has been killing off children and the elderly. In fact, the current action is taking place right at the first anniversary of the death of her own toddler son, which has left her guilt-ridden for focusing more on her research than on her son.
Her boss, a doctor who is not unsympathetic but is nevertheless very conscious of wasting the company’s resources, asks her to help another doctor under his supervision take care of a little girl who has come in having suddenly developed bad seizures.
This other doctor is arrogant, demeaning, and generally annoying. When Avia doesn’t want to come with him because she is too upset remembering her son’s death, he walks out remarking that “team
players get funded.”
Avia finds a way to help the girl after all. And the girl gives her in return, a clue to the solution of the problem she has had with creating the right gene for her project.
Having read some of the books in the Legacy Code series which happens much further in the future than the Fractured Era Series, it seems to me that the real enlightening part of this story is its foreshadowing of the type of company this Infinitek that Avia works for is. By the time we get to the Legacy Code era, Infinitek is running a far-ranging search for another habitable planet. I forget whether this is because Earth is no longer viable or just for purposes of colonization, but by the time we meet them out in space their small group of ships is so far from home that they will never get back even if Earth is still there to get back to. They are barely holding together, and they are still being run by the company (which still has hopes of making a profit somehow), and the same sorts of people are still in charge – those who can be sympathetic but have to keep looking over their shoulders to be sure they are not bringing the wrath of the company down on them, and those who are happy, even eager, to hurt their fellow crew members.
I gather that the events in this story are meant to be happening in the future. But this is probably meant to be the near future, as of 2014. It looks almost as if we are there. Some of the devices may look a little different, but there’s little in the main line of the story that probably couldn’t have already happened as of a year or two ago.
On the face of it, there is not a lot very remarkable about the story. A young researcher working for a large company has been working on some kind of gene therapy for a major pandemic that has been killing off children and the elderly. In fact, the current action is taking place right at the first anniversary of the death of her own toddler son, which has left her guilt-ridden for focusing more on her research than on her son.
Her boss, a doctor who is not unsympathetic but is nevertheless very conscious of wasting the company’s resources, asks her to help another doctor under his supervision take care of a little girl who has come in having suddenly developed bad seizures.
This other doctor is arrogant, demeaning, and generally annoying. When Avia doesn’t want to come with him because she is too upset remembering her son’s death, he walks out remarking that “team
players get funded.”
Avia finds a way to help the girl after all. And the girl gives her in return, a clue to the solution of the problem she has had with creating the right gene for her project.
Having read some of the books in the Legacy Code series which happens much further in the future than the Fractured Era Series, it seems to me that the real enlightening part of this story is its foreshadowing of the type of company this Infinitek that Avia works for is. By the time we get to the Legacy Code era, Infinitek is running a far-ranging search for another habitable planet. I forget whether this is because Earth is no longer viable or just for purposes of colonization, but by the time we meet them out in space their small group of ships is so far from home that they will never get back even if Earth is still there to get back to. They are barely holding together, and they are still being run by the company (which still has hopes of making a profit somehow), and the same sorts of people are still in charge – those who can be sympathetic but have to keep looking over their shoulders to be sure they are not bringing the wrath of the company down on them, and those who are happy, even eager, to hurt their fellow crew members.
August 18, 2020
Liked this series.
September 10, 2019
Not bad. Very easy to read, but felt more like the opening chapter of a good book than a short story in its own right.
February 14, 2017
Very short book where just one single event happens. Despite the 64 pages, it's just a glimpse at a character and it does not even have a proper ending. As an editor I would have rejected it "as is" until it has more to offer.
I will read the next full length-novel, but this is a major disappointment.
I will read the next full length-novel, but this is a major disappointment.
March 30, 2015
What I expected:
With this book I had no pre-conceived ideas as by now I am used to Autumn producing books that are totally unexpected and original.
What it was:
Avia Sherman is a scientist and Doctor Phan has control of her 'Protected Project' funding. Doctor Phan wants Avia to join his team on a new case, but Avia just wants to work on her project, to try and complete it before Infinitek cut her funding. There is a lot of story packed into this short novella. It took me about an hour to read it on a long train journey and I was taken away from it all into this world of genetic manipulation and dying children. The story describes what the world could be like if humanity starts playing about with genetic modification in humans. There is good and bad in everything- you decide! I did enjoy the story, but I felt rushed at the end, probably because time was running out within the story! If you have read any of Autumn's other stories and enjoyed them, I'm sure you will enjoy this one as much as the others. If you haven't yet started with Autumn's different series, make sure that you read this one!
Suggested Reading Order:
1.) Legacy Code Series: Legacy Code and Paragon.
2.) Defect #1 and #2 (Short prequel novellas)
3.) Short stories “Decode” and “318″ (Available individually or in anthologies.)
With this book I had no pre-conceived ideas as by now I am used to Autumn producing books that are totally unexpected and original.
What it was:
Avia Sherman is a scientist and Doctor Phan has control of her 'Protected Project' funding. Doctor Phan wants Avia to join his team on a new case, but Avia just wants to work on her project, to try and complete it before Infinitek cut her funding. There is a lot of story packed into this short novella. It took me about an hour to read it on a long train journey and I was taken away from it all into this world of genetic manipulation and dying children. The story describes what the world could be like if humanity starts playing about with genetic modification in humans. There is good and bad in everything- you decide! I did enjoy the story, but I felt rushed at the end, probably because time was running out within the story! If you have read any of Autumn's other stories and enjoyed them, I'm sure you will enjoy this one as much as the others. If you haven't yet started with Autumn's different series, make sure that you read this one!
Suggested Reading Order:
1.) Legacy Code Series: Legacy Code and Paragon.
2.) Defect #1 and #2 (Short prequel novellas)
3.) Short stories “Decode” and “318″ (Available individually or in anthologies.)
May 25, 2015
Me encantó. La historia te enternece demasiado, te acerca al dolor de Avia, al de Lizzy, la confusión que sienten ambas ante su situación, y te hace ver todo desde un punto de vista muy realista hacia el futuro.
I loved it. The story softens you too much, it makes you feel Avia's pain, Lizzy's, the confusion felt by both to their situation, and makes you see things from a very realistic forward POV.
Comparto la opinión de Autumn, coincido en que todo viene con un precio, y si bien cada quién decide su destino, a veces los demás son los que lo hacen con sus acciones.
I agree with Autumn, that everything comes with a price, and although each person decides their fate, sometimes the others are those who do this with their actions.
Puedo entender al fin por qué salió el Protected Program, aunque aún queda un misterio por resolver: ¿Cómo nació Infinitek? Porque allí en la historia ya existe.
I can finally understand how the Protected Program was born, although there is still an unsolved mystery: How did Infinitek? Because in the story it already exist.
Esta se está volviendo una de mis sagas favoritas. ¡Gracias, Autumn, por el ejemplar!
This is becoming one of my favorite series.Thanks, Autumn, for the book!
I loved it. The story softens you too much, it makes you feel Avia's pain, Lizzy's, the confusion felt by both to their situation, and makes you see things from a very realistic forward POV.
Comparto la opinión de Autumn, coincido en que todo viene con un precio, y si bien cada quién decide su destino, a veces los demás son los que lo hacen con sus acciones.
I agree with Autumn, that everything comes with a price, and although each person decides their fate, sometimes the others are those who do this with their actions.
Puedo entender al fin por qué salió el Protected Program, aunque aún queda un misterio por resolver: ¿Cómo nació Infinitek? Porque allí en la historia ya existe.
I can finally understand how the Protected Program was born, although there is still an unsolved mystery: How did Infinitek? Because in the story it already exist.
Esta se está volviendo una de mis sagas favoritas. ¡Gracias, Autumn, por el ejemplar!
This is becoming one of my favorite series.Thanks, Autumn, for the book!
January 30, 2016
Spectacular Story, They're so Many Variables, and Each Person Brings Along Their Own Hopes and Expectations.
The future is what we make of it. There must be a commonality for events, and expectations to meet a common criteria, across many different types of people from all over the world. The cooperation between nations and religions, will most likely be the pivotal point that defines what is important for everyone across the globe. Without this, it leaves each culture and /or country in a race to beat everyone else, in an open bid for world domination, to decide what is important to mankind from a scientific viewpoint. Whoever wins the "race," will probably be "King of the Mountain," until something better comes along and shifts the balance of power. It would be better for all people, everywhere, to pick a common goal, and work cooperatively to achieve this goal, if for no other reason, than to alleviate the war skirmishes, world hunger, suffering, and poverty, while protecting the world environment, flora, and fauna. Who knows, if we can unite and work towards these common causes, maybe John Lennon's song "Imagine," could become the theme song for the whole world. Peace, harmony, and love, sounds really good to me, right now!
The future is what we make of it. There must be a commonality for events, and expectations to meet a common criteria, across many different types of people from all over the world. The cooperation between nations and religions, will most likely be the pivotal point that defines what is important for everyone across the globe. Without this, it leaves each culture and /or country in a race to beat everyone else, in an open bid for world domination, to decide what is important to mankind from a scientific viewpoint. Whoever wins the "race," will probably be "King of the Mountain," until something better comes along and shifts the balance of power. It would be better for all people, everywhere, to pick a common goal, and work cooperatively to achieve this goal, if for no other reason, than to alleviate the war skirmishes, world hunger, suffering, and poverty, while protecting the world environment, flora, and fauna. Who knows, if we can unite and work towards these common causes, maybe John Lennon's song "Imagine," could become the theme song for the whole world. Peace, harmony, and love, sounds really good to me, right now!
March 26, 2015
This book is a short story that complements the other two series of this author, Legacy Code and Defect. It is set in a future world in which the planet was swept by disease, bacteria and viruses increasingly resistant, that makes the existing medication completely useless.
When I started reading I was not expecting to be so rendered the writing of this author. It's a simple writing but it grabbed me from the first paragraph.
The characters, in this case geneticist Avia, are written with fantastic quality. I could feel the hurt and the pain and some times my heart broke with situations she passed. I found this character very strong, despite all her problems and the ending was well deserved.
We don't have a romance but we do have a love story of a mother who lost a child to the pandemic of new diseases that exist and did everything to find a solution to save future children from this nightmare.
I loved this book and the view of this author on this new world, is undoubtedly an author to follow.
When I started reading I was not expecting to be so rendered the writing of this author. It's a simple writing but it grabbed me from the first paragraph.
The characters, in this case geneticist Avia, are written with fantastic quality. I could feel the hurt and the pain and some times my heart broke with situations she passed. I found this character very strong, despite all her problems and the ending was well deserved.
We don't have a romance but we do have a love story of a mother who lost a child to the pandemic of new diseases that exist and did everything to find a solution to save future children from this nightmare.
I loved this book and the view of this author on this new world, is undoubtedly an author to follow.
March 7, 2016
Decode is a fascinating look at humanity from multiple different angles, and none of them are particularly pretty. This is set in Autumn's 'Fractured' series future, and as with most of her books, paints a very bleak look for the future of humanity.
The story follows a Dr Avia Sherman, as she tries to help a young patient in the care of some other Dr's (I use the term loosely), who would use the patient more as a lab rat, than see her get better.
This is a captivating and clever story, with a well-developed and very detailed background story. This is what makes the ‘Fractured’ series (all of Autumn’s stories) so great to read, and so exceptional, is the quality of the universe she has created around the characters.
As with all her stories, the characters in Decode are also wonderfully written, believable in their dialogue and their interactions.
This is a fantastic prequel short story, another excellent addition to the series, giving fans some great insight into what it was like on Earth.
The story follows a Dr Avia Sherman, as she tries to help a young patient in the care of some other Dr's (I use the term loosely), who would use the patient more as a lab rat, than see her get better.
This is a captivating and clever story, with a well-developed and very detailed background story. This is what makes the ‘Fractured’ series (all of Autumn’s stories) so great to read, and so exceptional, is the quality of the universe she has created around the characters.
As with all her stories, the characters in Decode are also wonderfully written, believable in their dialogue and their interactions.
This is a fantastic prequel short story, another excellent addition to the series, giving fans some great insight into what it was like on Earth.
November 8, 2016
Disappointing short
Gives minimal early back ground to time before book 1 not really a short story more a long abstract. Having read Legacy book 1in the Fractured Era Series found this Decide as a prequel to the prequel a nonsense. It should have been an intro to the full prequel Defective. Disappointing after reading book 1 Legacy and I am wondering why it is number 2 in series and not book one, but then there is the other book 1 a Better World. They all day they are part of the Fractured Era Series can someone please sort out the running order for the series as it is at the moment annoyingly confusing
Bought Paragon book 3 before 'book' 2 when I opened the download it was a repeat of book one Legacy!!!!! waiting for this error to be sorted out
Gives minimal early back ground to time before book 1 not really a short story more a long abstract. Having read Legacy book 1in the Fractured Era Series found this Decide as a prequel to the prequel a nonsense. It should have been an intro to the full prequel Defective. Disappointing after reading book 1 Legacy and I am wondering why it is number 2 in series and not book one, but then there is the other book 1 a Better World. They all day they are part of the Fractured Era Series can someone please sort out the running order for the series as it is at the moment annoyingly confusing
Bought Paragon book 3 before 'book' 2 when I opened the download it was a repeat of book one Legacy!!!!! waiting for this error to be sorted out
September 25, 2015
I'm not normally a Sci-Fic reader but this isn't a typical Sci-Fic story. It's really an prequel short story. I went out & purchased this story between books #2 & #3 in the Fractured Era Series because the series is that good! Autumn Kalquist really gets into character development, I found tears in my eyes at times as I read this story. No spoilers here though, buy the books, read the books, get int a very good new author!
November 12, 2015
This is a short story prequel to the Fractured Era series. Humanity has been suffering from various plagues and a doctor is trying desperately to find a cure using gene therapy. She receives help from an unexpected source ....
This clearly explains how the Protecteds got to be that way. Very satisfying.
This clearly explains how the Protecteds got to be that way. Very satisfying.
January 11, 2016
Very short prequel to the Fractured Era series
Another fast read, giving a few more hints at how life on earth ended, setting the stage for the fractured era. Nice character development for such a short story, and the plot moves right along. A couple more prequels, and we will have the whole story!
Another fast read, giving a few more hints at how life on earth ended, setting the stage for the fractured era. Nice character development for such a short story, and the plot moves right along. A couple more prequels, and we will have the whole story!
March 24, 2016
Like 318: Fractured Era Prequel Story this is a really nice short sciFi story - emotional and a even little dark (dystopian!?).
Knowing about the Fractured Era universe is no prerequisite; the story stands on its own.
Knowing about the Fractured Era universe is no prerequisite; the story stands on its own.
March 10, 2015
A very interesting and imaginative Book. It fit perfectly into the Telepath anthology as well. My only disappointment was that it was over so soon. Once I got a chance to really sit down with the book I finished it the same day.
February 16, 2015
Exciting
Enjoyed the story and the characters. I am waiting to see, what happens next now that, Avia, found her formula for her project. Ready to read her next book and see what the future holds.
Enjoyed the story and the characters. I am waiting to see, what happens next now that, Avia, found her formula for her project. Ready to read her next book and see what the future holds.
April 27, 2015
This is a short story prequel to Legacy Code. Avia is a scientist who is looking for a way to enhance human immunity while mourning the death of her son. She meets Lizzy, a girl with exceptional giftedness who may be the key.
September 26, 2015
Intense and engaging
Autumn Kalquist very quickly creates an all too believable world and puts you in the center of it. You can't help but be immediately pulled in. I look forward to reading more from this gifted author.
Autumn Kalquist very quickly creates an all too believable world and puts you in the center of it. You can't help but be immediately pulled in. I look forward to reading more from this gifted author.
January 29, 2016
I enjoyed this story. The story grabbed you and kept you interested all the way through. This is a prequel short story for the Fractured series, but was very easy to get into and follow without knowing the series. I would recommend this to anyone interested in Dystopian stories.
February 13, 2016
Short but sweet
This short story sets the stage for the fractured era series perfectly. I've read the first three books in the series and this story is yet another wonderful piece of the puzzle that makes up the infinitek saga.
This short story sets the stage for the fractured era series perfectly. I've read the first three books in the series and this story is yet another wonderful piece of the puzzle that makes up the infinitek saga.
April 2, 2016
A tale of grief and hope, this story pulled me in but was over too quickly. I enjoyed reading it, the characters were well described, and the story itself was decently paced and emotional. It did make me want to know where the series will go.
May 21, 2016
Emotional and raw. The feelings of a mother after losing a child and still trying to carry on with life and work amid hidden agendas and smug male superiority. I can't wait to read how this merges with the entire Fractured Era story. Well written. Bring me more.
June 9, 2016
Another good short, probably her best. It tells a good story in a short space, longer than the others, which really helps. I like where all these disparate stories seem to be going and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
June 9, 2016
While the start felt slightly stifled, it quickly grew into a rather interesting short story that left me curious about the series itself. Autumn was able to weave a sense of human warmth into the story without saturating it towards the cliché side. Well done.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews