Freerunner

by C.K. Miller

Freerunning is my edge.

I sprint rooftops, fly gaps, and own drops that make normal people freeze. But no matter how hard I push, there’s always someone better... because of the NeoGen bracers—viral tech that rewires your body to move faster, hit harder, see in the dark, even look filter-perfect. Everyone who matters has one.

Except me, Flip Carson.

Here’s the part that makes no sense: my dad invented the bracers… and he refuses to let me anywhere near one.

I guess breaking into his secure lab is easier than trying to convince him.

But the moment I strap it on, I understand why my dad never wanted me near one. I start seeing things no one else reacts to… creatures built from my worst fears, the bring-your-worst-phobia-to-life kind, hunting me.

And the corporation twisting me dad’s arm will do anything to keep the truth buried.
Now I’m not just running to belong.
I’m running to stay free.

Because if the bracers can turn fear into monsters, what happens when the whole world plugs in?


Perfect for readers who love:

• high-stakes YA sci-fi
• parkour action
• dystopian corporate conspiracies
• near-future tech thrillers

375 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2026

About the author

C.K. Miller writes across genres and age groups. YA fantasy, sci-fi, and even picture books. But the thread running through all of it is the same: kids caught between worlds, finding out who they are. It's a theme drawn straight from her own life, growing up split between Germany and the U.S., belonging nowhere and everywhere at once.
Her debut series, the Roanfire Saga, started with a small blue agate necklace from her geology-loving father. In her imagination, that stone slowly became a cursed ruby, and years later, a four-book fantasy world. Her latest, Freerunner, trades medieval magic for a sci-fi thriller about a teen who can't stop moving. And The Key, a picture book co-created with her sister, is on the way for younger readers.
When she's not writing, she's teaching kickboxing and martial arts, chasing quail off the porch, and figuring out how many more books she can talk her husband into letting her Kickstart.

Reviews

[Kristen Crain · Rating 5 out of 5]

A slightly late ARC review:

This was a great read with likable characters and an exciting plot.

The writing is clear (I found a couple of typos, but the editing is honestly much cleaner than a LOT of books I have read, and I am a nit-picker) and intentional. There are no jerky transitions, characters who feel suddenly dropped in, or an awkward or rushed ending. The plot is well-paced and the characters have dimension that adds to the story (even the villain).

And—perhaps best of all—I could hand this to my kids without fear of them coming across anything inappropriate or particularly sensitive.

My only real critique is that I would have liked a bit more introduction to the world, just to gain my bearings at the beginning. I was trying to hobble together the general time/era (I’d say near-future) and still don’t know much about the world at large outside of the city the book takes place in. But that could definitely just be my personality as a reader, since it doesn’t take away from the story itself.

Overall, I am very happy to have read this book, and plan to pick up a physical copy for my kids.

[Becky Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was sooo good. I could hardly put it down. It was fast-paced and caught me by surprise several times. It's funny. Clean. The characters were fleshed out with wants and dreams, and they felt real. Several times I felt like I might almost stumble into them in real life somewhere out there in the real world. I enjoyed that the parents are not brushed aside but play active roles in the story without weighing it down, so it still feels like a YA read too. I enjoyed the messages of being yourself and growing comfortable with who you are. And I loved the ending. The author settled into a very comfortable place with that ending, and I really enjoyed that. I loved the friendships. The stakes are high without being dramatic...but you truly care about them too. I enjoyed that even the villain was fleshed out, and I empathized with his plotline, while seeing him as wrong. He wasn't a cardboard cutout. I can't wait to share this one with my kids, and I'll be revisiting it.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book for my honest review.

This book was everything I wanted and needed it to be and more! A great clean YA book that, if you have kids, you can feel confident letting them read.
Fast pace, high stakes, reminding you that even if it feels like everyone is better than you, you can't give up. Keep going, you will get there.
This book was a breath of fresh air. The characters felt real, and the world felt real. If you're looking for your next read, look no further than here. You won't regret it.

[Breanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a genre I usually read but I am so glad that I did. I really enjoyed the premise of the book; natural vs artificial talent. It was an interesting idea, especially with modern day AI and technology.

I really liked the characters; they were full of perceived “flaws” but turned them into strengths.

It kept me riveted and on the edge of my seat until the very end!

[Bianca Harte · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW!

First let me just say, I recommended this book to a friend of mine who has sons, I feel would really enjoy this book. The grit and dedication the main character shows to his craft is inspiring. The world build it was fresh and unique. If you’re looking for something new to read I highly recommend it! You’ll be grabbed by the first page!

[Abby Ivonhoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had so much fun reading this book. I couldn't put it down to go to sleep.
If you enjoy clean YA, and action packed scenes, involving a lot of flping and dodging.
Then I highly recommend this book.

[Nolan R Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

must read

So good!!! Unexpected turns, heart and excitement. Loved it! You will love the characters and story of triumph over ourselves.