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All Against All
One rule. One winner. One hundred million dollars.
A group of random strangers are invited to take part in a mysterious lottery with an intriguing premise. Twenty-seven accept the offer.
But what begins as an unusual social experiment quickly descends into something much more sinister. The contestants receive more than they bargained for, and the dark side of human nature reveals itself.
As the lottery spirals into a life-and-death struggle for survival, Alice Kato is left searching for answers. How far are ordinary people willing to go to win this extraordinary amount of money? Is there anyone she can trust? Is there any way out?
And just who exactly is pulling all the strings?
Everyone has their price. Most just don't know what it is yet.
A group of random strangers are invited to take part in a mysterious lottery with an intriguing premise. Twenty-seven accept the offer.
But what begins as an unusual social experiment quickly descends into something much more sinister. The contestants receive more than they bargained for, and the dark side of human nature reveals itself.
As the lottery spirals into a life-and-death struggle for survival, Alice Kato is left searching for answers. How far are ordinary people willing to go to win this extraordinary amount of money? Is there anyone she can trust? Is there any way out?
And just who exactly is pulling all the strings?
Everyone has their price. Most just don't know what it is yet.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 5, 2016
231 people are currently reading
516 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
April 16, 2025
A few years ago, when I read The Wrong Box by Robert Louis Stevenson, was my first interaction with a tontine. Tontines are financial arrangements where people invest their money along with a set number of others in the hope that they will be the last of the investors to be left alive as some kind of insurance scam.
Here, in All Against All, the investors are only investing their lives in the hope of earning 100 million dollars, but as typical of these things, there are many who want to short circuit the process and get the quick win by killing their fellow competitors. Alice Kato is a gossip columnist who has decided to enter the tontine she was invited to participate in. It's difficult to turn down a chance at 100 million. That type of money is lifechanging, even thirty years into the future.
Because the money award is so large and only one winner can take all, there is a mad scramble to try to be the winner, regardless of the tactics one must use. Of course, greed is an essential ingredient of this story with appropriately gory, horror elements throughout. Although the book is a good read, the pacing is slow, almost plodding, with insufficient action situations.
Here, in All Against All, the investors are only investing their lives in the hope of earning 100 million dollars, but as typical of these things, there are many who want to short circuit the process and get the quick win by killing their fellow competitors. Alice Kato is a gossip columnist who has decided to enter the tontine she was invited to participate in. It's difficult to turn down a chance at 100 million. That type of money is lifechanging, even thirty years into the future.
Because the money award is so large and only one winner can take all, there is a mad scramble to try to be the winner, regardless of the tactics one must use. Of course, greed is an essential ingredient of this story with appropriately gory, horror elements throughout. Although the book is a good read, the pacing is slow, almost plodding, with insufficient action situations.
September 26, 2020
I am kind of embarrassed to say I had this book for quite a while on my kindle and kept passing it up, as it was a kindle freebie. Let me start off by saying I am a big fan of movies that start out with a group of people waking up and not remembering who they are or how they came to be where they are. Well "All Against All" isn't exactly like that, it has that kind of feel.
The story involve twenty some odd people of different back grounds who elect to be part of a lottery, the winning prize is one hundred million dollars. The catch, the prize goes to the last person left alive. The story revolves around Alice, an ex-addict trying to make a name for herself (with much difficulty) in her chosen profession as a journalist.
The story begins to moves rather quickly once we have met the contestants and become familiar with their lives and circumstances.
Nathan Allen does a rather impressive job of moving the story forward and at times from side to side to fill in the peripheral story lines. He does it without losing you or confusing the plots, which i thought he accomplished quite well. The story is loaded with twist and turns as you would imagine would be the circumstances when a group of people are trying to win so much money.
The writing is tight, except in one or two places, but thats only because at those points i personally would have preferred a different outcome. Amazingly enough the characters are diverse, very interesting and kept me turning pages (or rather swiping pages).
Towards the end of the story there is a dream sequence that completely caught me off guard and I loved it. While the ending is not 100% unexpected, how the end comes to be was utterly fantastic.
This was a great read, I enjoyed it very much and would easily recommend this to anyone looking for a fun read.
The story involve twenty some odd people of different back grounds who elect to be part of a lottery, the winning prize is one hundred million dollars. The catch, the prize goes to the last person left alive. The story revolves around Alice, an ex-addict trying to make a name for herself (with much difficulty) in her chosen profession as a journalist.
The story begins to moves rather quickly once we have met the contestants and become familiar with their lives and circumstances.
Nathan Allen does a rather impressive job of moving the story forward and at times from side to side to fill in the peripheral story lines. He does it without losing you or confusing the plots, which i thought he accomplished quite well. The story is loaded with twist and turns as you would imagine would be the circumstances when a group of people are trying to win so much money.
The writing is tight, except in one or two places, but thats only because at those points i personally would have preferred a different outcome. Amazingly enough the characters are diverse, very interesting and kept me turning pages (or rather swiping pages).
Towards the end of the story there is a dream sequence that completely caught me off guard and I loved it. While the ending is not 100% unexpected, how the end comes to be was utterly fantastic.
This was a great read, I enjoyed it very much and would easily recommend this to anyone looking for a fun read.
July 27, 2020
2.5 stars. A very intriguing premise, with only an average execution. Given this is a story about people fighting each other to the death, there was very little action. The protagonist was one of the most helpless and pathetic characters I have ever encountered. Ok for what it is, a freebie on amazon, but I would personally stick to Battle Royale or the Hunger Games.
July 22, 2020
🖤
Totally random book i picked up after browsing through Amazon Kindle store. Also free so that helped. A LOT.
Ok so after reading this book, it's way less about the game but more on human nature + money.
human nature + survival?
human nature + power?
human nature + realising the world works a specific way for rich people?
Anyways, you get the gist.
p.s: i do think it's somewhat reductive to present all human beings as inherently despicable shits even when socialised but books that take this view, do have some really great quotes.
🖤🖤
There's a lot to be said, positively, for how intuitive the book is in candidly pointing out these things but have to say, i am kind of disappointed with the fact that it was more thematic & this is the moral of life than reading about people offing themselves for sport. BUT i enjoyed the book nontheless, which is the most important thing i suppose.
⭐⭐⭐.5 
February 2, 2020
Alice has a choice: take her chances as a contestant in the lottery for a chance at $100 million, or get out now for a consolation prize of $2K. Winner of the lottery is determined to be the sole survivor only.
Nathan Allen starts this novel off with a lesson in the animal kingdom that is relevant to the central theme to the lottery. A bit of foreshadowing. I think any reader would have guessed, but it was still an "oooh" moment. This futuristic dystopian is even more intriguing and terrifying because you quickly begin to realize just how plausible this story really is. Twenty-seven contestants, each with different backgrounds, weakness, and strengths. Twenty-seven contestants with the different concepts and ideas of how and when the money will be won. With a Hunger Games twist, "may the odds be in their favor".
All Against All is well-written and even paced. It is an easy read, and honestly I could have read it all in one sitting had I been given the time. I certainly was captivated enough to do so. The characters were generalized, yet believable. Alice was the main focus with a few supporting roles who were each developed well and served their purpose. The ending left me satisfied and, daresay, do I sense a sequel? I hope so. If Allen has no plans (at this time for one), then touché , Mr. Allen. Touché.
My first read from Nathan Allen in one of my favorite genres. I recommend him to anyone, particularly All Against All. I look forward to more by this author.
Nathan Allen starts this novel off with a lesson in the animal kingdom that is relevant to the central theme to the lottery. A bit of foreshadowing. I think any reader would have guessed, but it was still an "oooh" moment. This futuristic dystopian is even more intriguing and terrifying because you quickly begin to realize just how plausible this story really is. Twenty-seven contestants, each with different backgrounds, weakness, and strengths. Twenty-seven contestants with the different concepts and ideas of how and when the money will be won. With a Hunger Games twist, "may the odds be in their favor".
All Against All is well-written and even paced. It is an easy read, and honestly I could have read it all in one sitting had I been given the time. I certainly was captivated enough to do so. The characters were generalized, yet believable. Alice was the main focus with a few supporting roles who were each developed well and served their purpose. The ending left me satisfied and, daresay, do I sense a sequel? I hope so. If Allen has no plans (at this time for one), then touché , Mr. Allen. Touché.
My first read from Nathan Allen in one of my favorite genres. I recommend him to anyone, particularly All Against All. I look forward to more by this author.
September 18, 2017
This book had an interesting premise and, for the most part, executed the story pretty well. The premise being, that sometime in the not too distant future, the wealthiest of the wealthy set up bets and lotteries for their own amusement and then watch them play out, betting on the outcome. This particular one involves inviting 100 ordinary folks a prize of 100 million dollars if they are the last surviving member of the group, or they can opt out for a 2000 dollar immediate payment. Once the ones who have opted out of the competition have their money, the rest soon discover they are targets for the more ruthless competitors still in the race. Interesting, yes? Pretty much.
There are a few flaws near the end of the book that almost lost me. One, a dream sequence/alternate ending that was unnecessary and confusing. And two, a plot line i thought was left hanging having to do with the condition of the main character. Other than that, i rather enjoyed the book.
There are a few flaws near the end of the book that almost lost me. One, a dream sequence/alternate ending that was unnecessary and confusing. And two, a plot line i thought was left hanging having to do with the condition of the main character. Other than that, i rather enjoyed the book.
July 28, 2019
A must read
I must say I absolutely loved this book! It was a quick grab right from the beginning, and held you through to the end. The story line was different from others in this genre. I am looking forward to reading more works from this Author.
The only frustration I had, was not having the amount of time I usually had to read it. So it took longer than normal & interrupts the flow, but still managed to become a great read.
I must say I absolutely loved this book! It was a quick grab right from the beginning, and held you through to the end. The story line was different from others in this genre. I am looking forward to reading more works from this Author.
The only frustration I had, was not having the amount of time I usually had to read it. So it took longer than normal & interrupts the flow, but still managed to become a great read.
January 17, 2018
This was a fun action novel with a little bit of a sci-fi and dystopian bent to it. A world where the wealthy make all the decisions down to controlling other peoples' lives? -- chilling indeed.
The writing was pretty simple. Easy to understand, but average skill, in my opinion.
All in all, it was worth the read. I'll be keeping an eye out for this author again.
The writing was pretty simple. Easy to understand, but average skill, in my opinion.
All in all, it was worth the read. I'll be keeping an eye out for this author again.
November 28, 2018
I. Could not put this down, devouring it in slightly less than two hours. I can see it happening in the near future. The "opioid crisis" could easily play out just as the book's drug did. We live in a fast-paced society that makes this near future scenario a distinct possibility. No matter what, as the protagonist Alice realized, money is the real drug, the real corruptor, and no one is immune to it's lure....except perhaps, Alice? Great book. Well written and a real thrill ride, one which I am sure I will take again.
I would recommend this book to anyone have 16 and up. Mystery/Psychological Thriller fans especially. It's a real thrill ride.
I would recommend this book to anyone have 16 and up. Mystery/Psychological Thriller fans especially. It's a real thrill ride.
August 31, 2018
Impactful action!
This book was an easy read with events unfolding in quick succession. However, unlike being a drab account of how things happen one after the other, most scenes had a deep yet subtle message for the reader.
Sci-fi, thriller, and a touch philosophical. Enjoyable.
This book was an easy read with events unfolding in quick succession. However, unlike being a drab account of how things happen one after the other, most scenes had a deep yet subtle message for the reader.
Sci-fi, thriller, and a touch philosophical. Enjoyable.
November 17, 2018
A good read
Well written and an interesting and captivating story. This book would make an excellent selection for a study in a academic setting.
Well written and an interesting and captivating story. This book would make an excellent selection for a study in a academic setting.
April 19, 2020
This book should be a movie
I loved this book, I read the whole thing in a day! A great premise and I did not see the ending coming. Very clever.
I loved this book, I read the whole thing in a day! A great premise and I did not see the ending coming. Very clever.
June 18, 2023
I enjoyed this thriller set years in the future, with a plot that I oddly could see realistically happening. Money is powerful in every way, shape or form, and this gives you a taste of how far people are willing to go to get it. It makes you question what decision would I make if provided with an opportunity such as this? The ending was satisfying as well. I'm intrigued to read more of Nathan Allen's work.
May 25, 2023
2,5 na verdade. Bom entretenimento porém previsível em várias partes pra qualquer pessoa que consuma muitos livros, séries e filmes dentro desse estilo.
April 11, 2024
I enjoyed this, love the twists
July 24, 2024
The plot twist is there but honestly ion like the main character's ending 😕 like it is fine be different as a writer but cmon 😭😭💀
August 29, 2020
Interesting Concept, Well Treated
The lottery was presented with some quirks, partly believable and partly off-the-wall. The future society was carefully crafted and almost believable. I had a lot of trouble with the many, many typos and errors; and there were some phrases that were just idiotic. Gruesome as it was, the story was still interesting enough to finish. With a little bit more coherence, the writing could have been great. I found very little character development but a good story line. I liked the surprises at the end.
The lottery was presented with some quirks, partly believable and partly off-the-wall. The future society was carefully crafted and almost believable. I had a lot of trouble with the many, many typos and errors; and there were some phrases that were just idiotic. Gruesome as it was, the story was still interesting enough to finish. With a little bit more coherence, the writing could have been great. I found very little character development but a good story line. I liked the surprises at the end.
November 25, 2023
3,5 ster. Origineel, spannend, vond het drugs aspect soms iets minder. Wel een geweldig einde.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2020
It was a free nook book, so I grabbed it and read it quickly in one sitting. It was entertaining. Although, no one should have thought the lottery meant when you die of old age. It should have been pretty clear that 'last living' participant meant that it was going to get pretty real, pretty quick. So, it was weird that the main character seemed surprised at the situation she put herself in.
That said, it was entertaining, a quick read, and free.
That said, it was entertaining, a quick read, and free.
March 4, 2021
2/5 Stars (%32/100)
DNF at %26.
The title is interesting, the book cover is interesting, the whole battle royale plot is interesting but the execution is weak in my opinion. I read about 70 pages but nothing significant happened regarding the battle royale/hunger games plot. I also could not connect with the main character Alice. For these reasons and more, I don't think I want to read 200 pages more. Still, it is not horrible and I can see how some people might enjoy this. Just not my cup of tea.
DNF at %26.
The title is interesting, the book cover is interesting, the whole battle royale plot is interesting but the execution is weak in my opinion. I read about 70 pages but nothing significant happened regarding the battle royale/hunger games plot. I also could not connect with the main character Alice. For these reasons and more, I don't think I want to read 200 pages more. Still, it is not horrible and I can see how some people might enjoy this. Just not my cup of tea.
September 3, 2019
This book has a simple but intriguing premise -- a group of ordinary people find themselves taking place in an unlikely lottery, but said lottery has deadly consequences. Not an uncommon premise... but this book not only has an unexpectedly interesting world set in the near future, but uses its premise to explore human nature, greed, and the possibility of violence in all of us. It also shows what lengths even the best of us will go to for wealth, notoriety, and to save our own lives.
Alice, a journalist for a sensationalist tabloid, receives a mysterious letter in the mail that draws her to a symposium where everyone present is given a choice. If they bow out of a curious wager, they receive two thousand dollars and can go their own way... but if they choose to participate, the last living person in said wager wins a massive fortune. Intrigued, Alice and twenty-six others join, figuring that it's a harmless game and they have the possibility to win millions if they live long enough. But when members of the lottery begin dying violently, Alice realizes that what seemed to be a curiosity is in fact a deadly game... one she discovers she will go to insane lengths to survive.
The writing is nicely paced, carrying the action along at a brisk but not breakneck pace and maintaining suspense nicely while still being descriptive enough to paint a vivid picture of what's going on. It does tend to screech to a halt every so often to info-dump on certain aspects of the world, and while I appreciated the fleshing out of this version of the future, it did sometimes disrupt the flow of the story. Still, Allen has woven a compelling future, and I wouldn't mind seeing more stories set in this world.
Alice is a surprisingly complex character, flawed but sympathetic at the same time. The book explores just how the tension and horror of her situation push her to extremes, and how the human mind bends or breaks beneath unspeakable circumstances. It also deftly explores human nature and just how far we'll go against one another in the name of wealth or self-preservation. It also contains some deft social commentary, though how heavy-handed this commentary is may vary depending on your personal beliefs.
While not perfect, "All Against All" is a fascinating psychological thriller with a sci-fi flavor, though the sci-fi elements are low-key enough that non sci-fi fans can enjoy it. And as I stated earlier, I'd love to see more books in this particular world.
Alice, a journalist for a sensationalist tabloid, receives a mysterious letter in the mail that draws her to a symposium where everyone present is given a choice. If they bow out of a curious wager, they receive two thousand dollars and can go their own way... but if they choose to participate, the last living person in said wager wins a massive fortune. Intrigued, Alice and twenty-six others join, figuring that it's a harmless game and they have the possibility to win millions if they live long enough. But when members of the lottery begin dying violently, Alice realizes that what seemed to be a curiosity is in fact a deadly game... one she discovers she will go to insane lengths to survive.
The writing is nicely paced, carrying the action along at a brisk but not breakneck pace and maintaining suspense nicely while still being descriptive enough to paint a vivid picture of what's going on. It does tend to screech to a halt every so often to info-dump on certain aspects of the world, and while I appreciated the fleshing out of this version of the future, it did sometimes disrupt the flow of the story. Still, Allen has woven a compelling future, and I wouldn't mind seeing more stories set in this world.
Alice is a surprisingly complex character, flawed but sympathetic at the same time. The book explores just how the tension and horror of her situation push her to extremes, and how the human mind bends or breaks beneath unspeakable circumstances. It also deftly explores human nature and just how far we'll go against one another in the name of wealth or self-preservation. It also contains some deft social commentary, though how heavy-handed this commentary is may vary depending on your personal beliefs.
While not perfect, "All Against All" is a fascinating psychological thriller with a sci-fi flavor, though the sci-fi elements are low-key enough that non sci-fi fans can enjoy it. And as I stated earlier, I'd love to see more books in this particular world.
Read
April 2, 2023This is a near-future dystopian story that recasts the standard "Battle Royale" premise as a mystery. Surely, you've seen some variation on this before: a group of random strangers is assembled, told that they need to compete for a prize, and then released to murder each other. In this case, it's a simple setup: last survivor gets $100 million. No one ever says that they ought to kill each other--it's presented more like a strange reverse life insurance policy--but then members of the group start turning up dead.
The book is fairly short, which contributes to a snappy pace, but it could have been a good 100 pages longer. I would start by removing (yes, removing, even though it needs to be longer) the large blocks of exposition--or reducing them to the occasional paragraph. Then I'd work all of that information into the story. The ending depends on a lot of information we get through exposition, and it very easily could have been communicated through subplots. I think that would have made the ending more satisfying. I also think that the social commentary inherent to these kinds of dystopian stories would hit harder if it was more integrated into the plot.
Then again, just explaining what you need to know does move things along. Some readers may appreciate that, and it is better than creating a contrived situation to explain something that everyone (except the reader) ought to already know. Assuming Allen is being deliberate in ignoring the "show-don't-tell" doctrine, then most of my only real criticisms are minor. The ending is a bit muddled, but what is already on the page could be reshuffled to tighten it up. The POV is a little inconsistent at times, too. It's clearly a limited 3rd, but it randomly drifts to other perspectives, like it's forgotten it's not full omniscient, sometimes. A bigger issue, for me, is that random coincidence is what resolves a key tense moment, near the end.
As I mentioned, the story is more of a mystery (with some action) than the relentless beat-em-up extravaganza one might expect from the premise. I will warn you that I figured out the entire ending at about the 20% mark (and I got some of it even earlier). If being able to figure out the ending early bothers you, you may be annoyed. Otherwise, if that all sounds interesting, then give it a shot. After all, it's free!
The book is fairly short, which contributes to a snappy pace, but it could have been a good 100 pages longer. I would start by removing (yes, removing, even though it needs to be longer) the large blocks of exposition--or reducing them to the occasional paragraph. Then I'd work all of that information into the story. The ending depends on a lot of information we get through exposition, and it very easily could have been communicated through subplots. I think that would have made the ending more satisfying. I also think that the social commentary inherent to these kinds of dystopian stories would hit harder if it was more integrated into the plot.
Then again, just explaining what you need to know does move things along. Some readers may appreciate that, and it is better than creating a contrived situation to explain something that everyone (except the reader) ought to already know. Assuming Allen is being deliberate in ignoring the "show-don't-tell" doctrine, then most of my only real criticisms are minor. The ending is a bit muddled, but what is already on the page could be reshuffled to tighten it up. The POV is a little inconsistent at times, too. It's clearly a limited 3rd, but it randomly drifts to other perspectives, like it's forgotten it's not full omniscient, sometimes. A bigger issue, for me, is that random coincidence is what resolves a key tense moment, near the end.
As I mentioned, the story is more of a mystery (with some action) than the relentless beat-em-up extravaganza one might expect from the premise. I will warn you that I figured out the entire ending at about the 20% mark (and I got some of it even earlier). If being able to figure out the ending early bothers you, you may be annoyed. Otherwise, if that all sounds interesting, then give it a shot. After all, it's free!
April 22, 2020
I'm sorry to do this, but this author has to either of never picked up a firearm, never taken a physics class, or is extremely young and hasn't thought through any part of what they are writing.
I had no problem with the concept of the book or the reveal of who the big baddie is the whole time. The last kill though is a joke, telegraphed from 200 pages before by testing a gun that fires backwards and including one of the characters saying "you would have killed yourself if I didn't test this". Really a gun that shoots backwards? Sure I could see it of the barrel was plugged and it caused the weapon to be destroyed, but in order to "fire backwards" what does the entail? The barrel would have to face the person who was armed the round and firing pin would have to be on the same side and be reversed. So you're telling me that this journalist and her criminal brother couldn't tell that a barrel was pointing at them? Let's say it looked like a normal gun, then if it did somehow "fire backwards" the weapon would have been destroyed and completely unusable.
I couldn't get over this, I won't get over this. I got the book for free and still feel like I overpaid. The rest of these reviews have to come from friends and family. Don't waste your time, I did and the dies ex machina isn't enough the gun firing backwards isn't enough. Then please think about this, in a world full of shit people in a shitty kill or be killed game, a drug addict wins a competition by letting every known person in the competition be in her house and around her..... She isn't attacked until the very end and honestly the only thing hurt on the pages is the readers intelligence. Everything else happens "off the pages" and the reader is informed via a small blip.
Ignore this steaming pile of wasted time. Of I could give 0 stars I would.
I had no problem with the concept of the book or the reveal of who the big baddie is the whole time. The last kill though is a joke, telegraphed from 200 pages before by testing a gun that fires backwards and including one of the characters saying "you would have killed yourself if I didn't test this". Really a gun that shoots backwards? Sure I could see it of the barrel was plugged and it caused the weapon to be destroyed, but in order to "fire backwards" what does the entail? The barrel would have to face the person who was armed the round and firing pin would have to be on the same side and be reversed. So you're telling me that this journalist and her criminal brother couldn't tell that a barrel was pointing at them? Let's say it looked like a normal gun, then if it did somehow "fire backwards" the weapon would have been destroyed and completely unusable.
I couldn't get over this, I won't get over this. I got the book for free and still feel like I overpaid. The rest of these reviews have to come from friends and family. Don't waste your time, I did and the dies ex machina isn't enough the gun firing backwards isn't enough. Then please think about this, in a world full of shit people in a shitty kill or be killed game, a drug addict wins a competition by letting every known person in the competition be in her house and around her..... She isn't attacked until the very end and honestly the only thing hurt on the pages is the readers intelligence. Everything else happens "off the pages" and the reader is informed via a small blip.
Ignore this steaming pile of wasted time. Of I could give 0 stars I would.
June 27, 2022
I just finished this book! Sir I would gladly kiss the ground you walk on if you were readily available for me to do so. I have always been an avid reader but haven’t read a novel in a long time. This book has you HOOKED from beginning to END! I couldn’t read fast enough, and although having nightmares by how you depict each scene with such detail is riveting. I have read LOTS OF BOOKS, from Stephen king to Dean Koontz, James Patterson and so on, you are a phenomenal writer and I am certain you will be a household like them! As a writer myself, I aspire to be as captivating as you write. I had NIGHTMARES. My wife will tell you, this book brings and the worst and best in both character and reader. I absolutely loved loved loved it! Thank you for this experience and loved your letter at the end! #newfavoritebook
March 9, 2018
Found this book for free on Google Play Books, and the cover caught my attention. Turned out to be a great read.
The plot is set in the future, where a few people are called together and given an option to either receive two thousand dollars instantly, or join a lottery (a version of dead pool) where the last surviving member of the lottery wins a huge cash price, a hundred million dollars.
The main character is a journalist who enlists herself in this lottery. What seems to start as lottery which won't be ending for at least a few decades, quickly turns into Hunger Games. The story is fast paced, with interesting characters, and a ton of plot twists.
The beauty of the story actually lies in the setting. Being set 2066-2067, the author describes many futuristic changes in the technology, society and people. They seem nothing like the ones we normally think about in science fiction, rather they are quite realistic. A new detail about the world keeps unfolding as chapters go by, and that's great world building.
Shall be looking ahead to other books by Nathan Allen.
The plot is set in the future, where a few people are called together and given an option to either receive two thousand dollars instantly, or join a lottery (a version of dead pool) where the last surviving member of the lottery wins a huge cash price, a hundred million dollars.
The main character is a journalist who enlists herself in this lottery. What seems to start as lottery which won't be ending for at least a few decades, quickly turns into Hunger Games. The story is fast paced, with interesting characters, and a ton of plot twists.
The beauty of the story actually lies in the setting. Being set 2066-2067, the author describes many futuristic changes in the technology, society and people. They seem nothing like the ones we normally think about in science fiction, rather they are quite realistic. A new detail about the world keeps unfolding as chapters go by, and that's great world building.
Shall be looking ahead to other books by Nathan Allen.
July 22, 2020
I didn’t really know much about this book, I had it and so, started reading it without any early expectations. To my surprise it got me hooked from the beginning, when Alice Kato, a young journalist working on a dead end / sensationalist / trashy newspaper, receives a hand delivered invitation to join a lottery contest, thinking that it might be some kind of pyramid scam or some product testing-sell, but it turns out to be another type of contest, a macabre social-experimenting bloodshed lottery.
“If you are here tonight,” he began, “that means you have been selected to take part in a once in a lifetime opportunity” …
I must say, this style of sci-fi + thriller is definitely different from what I usually read, never the less, I quite enjoyed it, the futuristic dystopian/hunger games like story is pretty conceivable, specially how things are currently developing nowadays, could be seeing some of the book’s features appearing by the 2066. I liked this book; it is a fast paced read with interesting characters, and lots of twists.
“If you are here tonight,” he began, “that means you have been selected to take part in a once in a lifetime opportunity” …
I must say, this style of sci-fi + thriller is definitely different from what I usually read, never the less, I quite enjoyed it, the futuristic dystopian/hunger games like story is pretty conceivable, specially how things are currently developing nowadays, could be seeing some of the book’s features appearing by the 2066. I liked this book; it is a fast paced read with interesting characters, and lots of twists.
November 10, 2024
Nothing special, but a fun read nonetheless!
December 30, 2024
Absolutely fantastic. Couldn't put this down, the twists and turns and suprises at the end of this book has me vocally excited. For being a free book on playstore I'm shocked how great this read was
April 17, 2020
What great little gem of a story! Stuck inside for COVID19, I needed an escape and All Against All was just that! I had envisioned some sort of Survivor or Hunger Games scenario where people were on an island fighting one another, but that is not what All Against All is. In this story, people have the choice to opt out, or stay in. If they stay in and end up being the last one alive they win the prize. There is no timeline, so in theory all contestants could just live out their full lives naturally if they so chose. But $100,000,000.00 really taps a person’s soul. What will happen to the 28 contestants? What will they do? What would you do?
This is a fast moving story with good character development. I particularly liked the ending which left me feeling fulfilled and that all loose ends were tied up. There was a confusing dream sequence at the end that I felt detracted from the flow of the plot, but other than that All Against All was an enjoyable read. Well done, Nathan Allen. More please!
This is a fast moving story with good character development. I particularly liked the ending which left me feeling fulfilled and that all loose ends were tied up. There was a confusing dream sequence at the end that I felt detracted from the flow of the plot, but other than that All Against All was an enjoyable read. Well done, Nathan Allen. More please!
March 3, 2020
I don't remember how this book came to me... but it is a wow book. The cover art is enough to get you to pick up the book and look at the synopsis. The synopsis, a futuristic, Hunger Games-type of event for 27 willing adults with a hundred-million-dollar prize for the lone survivor, was also very compelling.
The tech in the book is very, very believable and not much of a stretch compared to today's tech. I really enjoyed the bits about futuristic gun control and weaponry. The new drugs and the pharma manipulation are so scary that I worry that this WILL be an issue sooner than the book depicts.
But the whole concept of the elite rich betting on horrific games that use ordinary citizens for their entertainment was sickening and, unfortunately, feasible. I hope I never live long enough to read about this in real life.
The ending is the BESTEST part!! I won't spoil but it was exactly the kind of ending you would hope for.
I'll say one thing, read it.
The tech in the book is very, very believable and not much of a stretch compared to today's tech. I really enjoyed the bits about futuristic gun control and weaponry. The new drugs and the pharma manipulation are so scary that I worry that this WILL be an issue sooner than the book depicts.
But the whole concept of the elite rich betting on horrific games that use ordinary citizens for their entertainment was sickening and, unfortunately, feasible. I hope I never live long enough to read about this in real life.
The ending is the BESTEST part!! I won't spoil but it was exactly the kind of ending you would hope for.
I'll say one thing, read it.
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