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While pursuing a knowledgeable, evasive target, Malkarai ends up in Cavington, a politically neutral town that is partially seceded from the greater United States – a place where agents aren’t always allowed and mutants like him are never welcome. This only proves to be a problem when he runs into Satyrna after apprehending a thief. Wanting to repay him for his help, she forces her friendship on the stranger to help him avoid the prejudice of the locals, but ends up causing an avalanche of problems she never foresaw. Book 1 in the dystopian Division 53 Series.

505 pages, Paperback

First published June 6, 2015

3 people are currently reading
219 people want to read

About the author

E.M. Johnson

3 books7 followers
I'm a writer, drawer, crafter, techie, gamer, runner, and I love the wilderness. My favorite place to write is in a comfy chair, looking at nature.

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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
Profile Image for Shawn.
3 reviews
May 27, 2025
I had the privilege of reading this piece of literature multiple times across its development lifecycle.

The Dark, simply put, was written for the characters that live there. The author does a wonderful job with her writing and creates a cast that you will adore (and possibly hate!). It's a lot longer than many of the recent fiction titles that have been released recently. However, the story reads easily from start to finish and at no point feels like it's dragging on.

More than anything, I want more readers to take a chance and read this title. The various editors, proof readers, publisher and I were all in agreement. We are huge fans and can't wait to get our hands on the next book.

If nothing else, several chapters are available for preview. Take some time to check it out for yourself.
1 review
June 14, 2015
This is a fast-paced read set in an intriguing alternate future that is grounded in reality and is sure to please both fans of fantasy and realism. There is plenty of cloak-and-dagger action and mystery to keep readers wondering what's next, and the fun and witty characters are easy to fall in love with. Enjoy this great story!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
74 reviews3 followers
October 5, 2015
This was a fun read in the Dystopian fiction category. Given the ages of the characters and the situations they encounter, I think the book could be categorized as either for Young adults or adults. The characters were enjoyable and non-predictable.
I look forward to reading more in this series!!
I received this book free in a Goodreads giveaway.
Profile Image for Greg Frommelt.
1 review3 followers
September 1, 2015
Great book with a new and original take on the dystopian style novel. An enthralling mix of action and romance. Combines all the aspects of books that I love into one book seamlessly. Would suggest the book to anyone!
1 review
June 13, 2015
Great story! Keeps the reader engaged throughout the entire book with great environmental descriptions and excellent character development.

Highly Recommend!
27 reviews
December 24, 2018
A bit rough at the start but gets better

The beginning of the book is a bit slow, and can be a bit jumpy but it's not long before it settles in and gets going. It ends up being a very fun read.
1 review
December 19, 2015
I liked this book a lot. Has a very enjoyable build up of events that kept me interested throughout the entire book.
Profile Image for Heather.
101 reviews3 followers
June 11, 2020
This started out really slow for me but got better the last quarter of the book.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews