Collared

by Jeffrey Rosoff

In a future ravaged by environmental collapse, every citizen wears a collar.
The collar determines their place in a rigid caste system ruled by the Omni and a council of twelve. Those at the bottom, known as Drifts, live without the opportunities, protections, and resources granted to those above them.
When a new policy threatens her father’s life, Ayla, a former programmer forced to survive among the Drifts, takes a desperate step to save him. What begins as a personal mission draws her into the highest levels of power, where every decision carries consequences and nothing is as it appears.
At the center of it all is Allan, the Omni’s trusted advisor—a figure whose influence extends throughout the system and whose guidance shapes the future of millions.
When Ayla’s actions set off a chain of events she never anticipated, she finds herself imprisoned alongside Coda, an amputee Drift who has spent his life surviving in a society that measures people by their value. Together, they must uncover the truth behind the decisions that brought them there before the system they live under consumes them both.
Because in a world where every life is assigned a place, the greatest danger may be discovering who decides where everyone belongs.

368 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication October 20, 2026

About the author

Jeffrey Rosoff grew up in Silicon Valley and graduated from the University of the Pacific and San Jose State University with degrees in computer science and business administration. After graduating, his interests in technology and politics led him to the Washington DC area. He served most of his career with Lockheed Martin, managing multi-million-dollar contracts in support of our national defense. When not writing, he enjoys spending time with his friends and family, including his children and four grandchildren. Other interests include world travel, enjoying exotic restaurants, and chasing squirrels from his garden.
Please feel free to follow me at:
https://www.facebook.com/JeffreyRosof...

Reviews

[Rebecca Burleson · Rating 5 out of 5]

" Collared ", by Jeffrey Rosoff, is a truly compelling and thought-provoking read. With rich character development and insightful explorations of interpersonal relationships, the novel delves into complicated emotional choices that shape its characters and their world.
I found this book incredibly difficult to put down. Rosoff challenged me to step outside my familiar perspective and immerse myself in a fascinating new world order. The story is skillfully written and the journey was quite thrilling to experience.
What resonated most, for me, was the way the story encouraged me to question what the future might hold and how human relationships could evolve in a futuristic world. A captivating read, I wholeheartedly recommend!

[Karen Rothenberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Collared by Jeffrey Rosoff! From the beginning, I was drawn into the story and genuinely interested in getting to know the characters and what was going to happen with them. As the suspense unfolded, it was difficult to put the book down.

The story kept me guessing, and the ending was thought-provoking and completely unexpected—I definitely did not see it coming. It gave me a lot to think about after I finished the book as well.

Overall, Collared was an engaging, suspenseful, and enjoyable read with characters I enjoyed (and one I hated!) and an ending that stayed with me. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys a story that keeps you curious and guessing until the very end.

I received an ARC from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic dystopian future type book with characters I loved (and loathed), and an ending I could not predict! Every page kept me engaged and wanting to turn to the next to find out what was going to happen and I had a hard time putting it down! With as much as was happening, it was still easy and fun to read. Highly recommend!

[Niki Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book!
Characters suck you in From the start and I really enjoyed following their journeys as the book progressed. I also loved the concept of the collars to represent the caste system.
Also enjoyed the *twist* (no spoilers!)

Worth the read !!!

[Thomas Fonner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another interesting book by this up-and-coming author. A lot of interesting twist and turns in the plot.

Highly recommend putting this on your shortlist

[Jaqi Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compelling read with deep, complex characters and a cleverly deceptive plot. The story keeps you guessing and reveals new layers as it unfolds.

[Jaclyn Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't normally read science fiction. I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it!!

[Phyllis Maier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Author writes a very compelling futuristic story. I was so excited to read it and cannot wait to read his next work. I highly recommend any of his books, they are all excellent!

[Lavender]

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I won this book via Goodreads Giveaways.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book through a Goodreads Giveaway. I enjoyed this book. The plot kept me enthralled throughout the book.