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Aim: Book 1 of The Subjects Trilogy
Escaping captivity doesn’t make you free. Subject B and her sister, Subject A, have spent their entire lives inside a secret lab, the victims of cruel experiments by the Professor. Subject A is given the power to read minds and Subject B the ability to melt into liquid form. Together, they use their gifts to escape the lab. On the outside, the sisters take different paths to cope with their pain. Subject A uses her gift to understand human nature, but Subject B is haunted by the lab, and won’t trust anyone. As Subject A tries to control the darkness within her sister, Subject B is faced with the choice to forgive the Professor or take her revenge.
360 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2017
10 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
P.R. Castle
8 books6 followersP.R. Castle is a thinker, perhaps an overthinker. Writing is her way to nut out the millions of thoughts and questions she has in her head. Therefore, much of her writing reflects her own journey, and what life has taught her about suffering, vulnerability, freedom and love.
Her ponderings have allowed her to author The Subjects Trilogy, a young adult science fiction, and The Rock, a fictionalised exploration of vulnerability.
P.R. Castle is passionate about creating stories with mystery, action and adventure, but also wants her novels to challenge readers to think about the deeper questions in life, and to mull over the choices they’ve made in their own lives.
She’d love to hear your ponderings too. Feel free to contact her (writetoprcastle@gmail.com).
Her ponderings have allowed her to author The Subjects Trilogy, a young adult science fiction, and The Rock, a fictionalised exploration of vulnerability.
P.R. Castle is passionate about creating stories with mystery, action and adventure, but also wants her novels to challenge readers to think about the deeper questions in life, and to mull over the choices they’ve made in their own lives.
She’d love to hear your ponderings too. Feel free to contact her (writetoprcastle@gmail.com).
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 9, 2017
What an intriguing yet chilling premise! I could easily place myself in the position of being deprived of everything which we take for granted. Science Fiction devotees will love this story from P.R Castle. What a fantastic imagination!
September 2, 2025
The Subjects Aim by P.R.Castle
What a great read this book was, despite it being a genre I don’t often read, it was an enjoyable and intriguing read. The main characters, sisters, are referred to as Subject A and Subject B, which I found disconcerting but necessary. The girls have been locked away and experimented n all of their lives, reading about this can be quite confronting. Part of the experiments ensure they each have a different superpower – which eventually enables them to escape. On the ‘outside’ the siters come across many fascinating characters and they have to make decisions about who may be trustworthy or not. Both girls have totally different personalities and are affected in different ways from their experience in captivity. The chapters are short and sharp and made me wanting to keep reading. The first in a trilogy the young author has done very well with this publication. I am super keen to read the next two in the series.
What a great read this book was, despite it being a genre I don’t often read, it was an enjoyable and intriguing read. The main characters, sisters, are referred to as Subject A and Subject B, which I found disconcerting but necessary. The girls have been locked away and experimented n all of their lives, reading about this can be quite confronting. Part of the experiments ensure they each have a different superpower – which eventually enables them to escape. On the ‘outside’ the siters come across many fascinating characters and they have to make decisions about who may be trustworthy or not. Both girls have totally different personalities and are affected in different ways from their experience in captivity. The chapters are short and sharp and made me wanting to keep reading. The first in a trilogy the young author has done very well with this publication. I am super keen to read the next two in the series.
November 10, 2019
Aim is incredibly easy to read, from the first page you are thrown into this futuristic, whitewashed, technologically advanced, laboratory where you meet A and B.
To say this book is intense is an understatement, for the first half of the book, the twins are living in such a heightened state of awareness that it leaps from the page and drags you in to it too.
I did struggle with the amount of nothing that went on in the first half of the book. I understand it is important to build the plot and lay a foundation for the climax, but half the book is a little excessive. I am also struggling with the sisters as characters. I am finding them hard to relate to and quite empty. I realise they haven't seen any other people or the real world before, and they havent had the opportunity to develop 'real' personalities, but they seem to be walking shells. One is Angry and the other is asleep or out to it in pain for the majority of the book.
Towards the end, I found the plot to be filled with cliches and highly predictable. I also found myself losing the ability to care for A and B. I think the problem is that there are so many scenes where nothing is happening, nothing is being added to the story, they are just sitting, stagnant, using dialogue to fill the gaps.
I will say, this book held my interest from the first page, It does have a unique spin on traditional YA Sci-fi. Filled with slight twists and turns that will force you to start connecting dots and an easy to read writing style.
Yes, Aim, is receiving mixed reviews, but if the blurb interests you, don't let the reviews stop you from making up your own mind about A and B.
To say this book is intense is an understatement, for the first half of the book, the twins are living in such a heightened state of awareness that it leaps from the page and drags you in to it too.
I did struggle with the amount of nothing that went on in the first half of the book. I understand it is important to build the plot and lay a foundation for the climax, but half the book is a little excessive. I am also struggling with the sisters as characters. I am finding them hard to relate to and quite empty. I realise they haven't seen any other people or the real world before, and they havent had the opportunity to develop 'real' personalities, but they seem to be walking shells. One is Angry and the other is asleep or out to it in pain for the majority of the book.
Towards the end, I found the plot to be filled with cliches and highly predictable. I also found myself losing the ability to care for A and B. I think the problem is that there are so many scenes where nothing is happening, nothing is being added to the story, they are just sitting, stagnant, using dialogue to fill the gaps.
I will say, this book held my interest from the first page, It does have a unique spin on traditional YA Sci-fi. Filled with slight twists and turns that will force you to start connecting dots and an easy to read writing style.
Yes, Aim, is receiving mixed reviews, but if the blurb interests you, don't let the reviews stop you from making up your own mind about A and B.
July 20, 2017
The Subjects’ Aim is a well written and well-paced Science Fiction Novel. The plot is an intriguing concept, which offers two perspectives through the two main characters. Unfortunately, I was unable to empathise with these characters - which for me is a huge thing as a reader – and therefore could not fully engage with the story.
It was about half way through the book that I felt the novel took on a new level, with the introduction of new characters and I found myself thinking more about these characters and how they fit into the bigger picture.
I did enjoy reading this book, as it was something different to what I would normally read and believe that if you ae a sci-fi fan, you will find it fascinating.
It was about half way through the book that I felt the novel took on a new level, with the introduction of new characters and I found myself thinking more about these characters and how they fit into the bigger picture.
I did enjoy reading this book, as it was something different to what I would normally read and believe that if you ae a sci-fi fan, you will find it fascinating.
July 8, 2017
Easy and enjoyable read, jam packed with adventure.
I really enjoyed reading Aim, I initially picked it up because I was looking for something to read during my commute to work and it was perfect. The story line is gripping and suspenseful and the writer's imagination meant I was constantly trying to make the connections myself as to what would happen next (however was always pleasantly surprised!). I thought it was really interesting how the book explores the concept of "forgive and forget" vs retribution and which one should prevail, not only that but the story line had quite a fast pace as the main characters learnt to develop their powers and survive in the real world (sort of like the X-Men). Pretty easy reading to take your mind off the day as you're transported in the middle of the action from the comfort of your couch, I'm looking forward to reading what happens next!
I really enjoyed reading Aim, I initially picked it up because I was looking for something to read during my commute to work and it was perfect. The story line is gripping and suspenseful and the writer's imagination meant I was constantly trying to make the connections myself as to what would happen next (however was always pleasantly surprised!). I thought it was really interesting how the book explores the concept of "forgive and forget" vs retribution and which one should prevail, not only that but the story line had quite a fast pace as the main characters learnt to develop their powers and survive in the real world (sort of like the X-Men). Pretty easy reading to take your mind off the day as you're transported in the middle of the action from the comfort of your couch, I'm looking forward to reading what happens next!
July 11, 2017
Loved the duality and conflict throughout. The gripping story line and excellent science fiction keep you hooked from start to finish. Highly recommend this book and will keep an eye out for the next book in this series.
July 4, 2017
Thought it was great. It was pacy, enjoyable and clean. There's a real love of science in this book, apparently the first of three, and her characters stay to true to that. I read this as an adult, but it's definitely suitable for YA. The language and interaction between characters is safe. I'd actually love to see it as a graphic novel.
Anyway, two sisters (Subject A and Subject B) have been kept in a lab their whole lives by some weird Professor. Subject B decides it's time to breakout, but not before the sisters are both experimented on for a final time, leaving them with powers. They're not quite sure what's happening, but as events progress through some pretty cool action scenes, they both start to utilise their gifts. There's this big action sequence at the end to tie off events and lead into book 2.
There's a good psychological side plot and also another biiiig thing which I won't spoil, but overall pretty good. Definitely going to read book 2.
Anyway, two sisters (Subject A and Subject B) have been kept in a lab their whole lives by some weird Professor. Subject B decides it's time to breakout, but not before the sisters are both experimented on for a final time, leaving them with powers. They're not quite sure what's happening, but as events progress through some pretty cool action scenes, they both start to utilise their gifts. There's this big action sequence at the end to tie off events and lead into book 2.
There's a good psychological side plot and also another biiiig thing which I won't spoil, but overall pretty good. Definitely going to read book 2.
July 7, 2017
Wonderful read, i couldn't put it down, i wanted to know everything along with the characters only faster. I loved it.
July 11, 2017
I found The Subjects Aim imaginative and believable with strong female characters. I will be watching out for next instalment.
July 20, 2017
It was illuminating and at times it gave me chills of anticipation as I turned each page .
I loved it and I would recommend this book to anyone how loves this type of genre
I loved it and I would recommend this book to anyone how loves this type of genre
July 8, 2017
I was emotionally invested in this book by the end of the first chapter, and that investment didn't dwindle as I read on. Well written and easy to read, yet with a story line that was quite complex. I loved it! I read it in two sittings, only putting it down in the middle because it was 2am and my eyes were falling out of my head! What I loved, was how although the story had a strong vein of the scientific, it was told from the perspective of emotion, and almost had a spirituality about it as well. This book is a real home-run!
June 15, 2018
You can also read this review in my blog here
The Subjects Aim is one those books that I’m having a hard time reviewing because I honestly don’t know what to say except for the usual thing you would normally read in most book reviews – the story, the characters, the ending.
Well, since I can’t manage to make my brain work today, I’ll just stick to the usual then, *wink.
The story
I’m never a fan of Science Fiction although I’ve read some that I really liked in the past. I guess the big part of the reason why I decided to give this book a try was because of the twins. I know I know, I’m shallow, haha. But ofcourse I also like stories about (super) powers and I think the situation the sisters are in kind of intrigued me. It intrigued me because I want to see what the author is going to do to make this one different than other stories with the same concept that I’ve read before.
So, was it different? Hmm, it feels pretty much the same for me. I guess the only difference was the suspense building especially on the last few chapters of this story. There’s a hint of romance too which I think made me hopeful but this story focused more on the twins and their situation so that was definitely a buzz killer.
It’s only the start of the series though and I have a feeling that it’ll get better on the next installment. (hopefully more romance though, *wink)
The characters
Well, contrary to what I expected, I never became a fan of the twins. Aside from having super powers, they’re pretty much typical for me. I can’t see any qualities that I like or even hate. Well, I almost want to hate Subject B but I guess her reaction is pretty much normal in that situation. I’m quite curious what will happen to her and to her relationship with her sister in the next installment though.
There’s another set of twins introduced in this story and their connection to the girls were really interesting. Hopefully we’ll get to know more about them and see more of them in action in the next installment.
The ending (SPOILER, sorry)
Thankfully it wasn’t a cliff hanger but it was still a very sad ending for me. I wasn’t expecting someone to die, let alone someone who’s really closed to the twins! I guess the only consolation is that they learn something, it may not be enough but atleast they’ve got something to start looking for.
***
This was my first time from the author and I also my first science fiction this year, so I guess my mood kind of played a big role why I didn’t fully enjoy this story. The narration was fine and I think those who love science fiction may find this one more to their liking.
To read more of my reviews, book news and updates:
Main Blog: Blushing Geek
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The Subjects Aim is one those books that I’m having a hard time reviewing because I honestly don’t know what to say except for the usual thing you would normally read in most book reviews – the story, the characters, the ending.
Well, since I can’t manage to make my brain work today, I’ll just stick to the usual then, *wink.
The story
I’m never a fan of Science Fiction although I’ve read some that I really liked in the past. I guess the big part of the reason why I decided to give this book a try was because of the twins. I know I know, I’m shallow, haha. But ofcourse I also like stories about (super) powers and I think the situation the sisters are in kind of intrigued me. It intrigued me because I want to see what the author is going to do to make this one different than other stories with the same concept that I’ve read before.
So, was it different? Hmm, it feels pretty much the same for me. I guess the only difference was the suspense building especially on the last few chapters of this story. There’s a hint of romance too which I think made me hopeful but this story focused more on the twins and their situation so that was definitely a buzz killer.
It’s only the start of the series though and I have a feeling that it’ll get better on the next installment. (hopefully more romance though, *wink)
The characters
Well, contrary to what I expected, I never became a fan of the twins. Aside from having super powers, they’re pretty much typical for me. I can’t see any qualities that I like or even hate. Well, I almost want to hate Subject B but I guess her reaction is pretty much normal in that situation. I’m quite curious what will happen to her and to her relationship with her sister in the next installment though.
There’s another set of twins introduced in this story and their connection to the girls were really interesting. Hopefully we’ll get to know more about them and see more of them in action in the next installment.
The ending (SPOILER, sorry)
Thankfully it wasn’t a cliff hanger but it was still a very sad ending for me. I wasn’t expecting someone to die, let alone someone who’s really closed to the twins! I guess the only consolation is that they learn something, it may not be enough but atleast they’ve got something to start looking for.
***
This was my first time from the author and I also my first science fiction this year, so I guess my mood kind of played a big role why I didn’t fully enjoy this story. The narration was fine and I think those who love science fiction may find this one more to their liking.
To read more of my reviews, book news and updates:
Main Blog: Blushing Geek
Subscribe
Facebook Page
November 11, 2019
Aim - The Subjects’ Part 1
Most of us are aware of animal testing. Products tested on animals, too often done inhumanely, and experiments done in the name of science. Imagine being one of these animals, caged and subjected to grueling trials and tests, operated on and left with harsh side effects. For twins Subject A and Subject B, this is the only life they have known. Their home, the Lab, is like a cage. The Professor, the only other person they know besides themselves, their caretaker and master, doing whatever he pleases to them, in what we assume is in the name of science. They have classes like at school, but what they learn is completed controlled by the Professor. The food they eat is bland but nutritious, they have only read about social interaction in the books they are given to read, and their physical “exercise” or training, is done in a simulation. This is where the story begins, in a future that is scary but possible. The twins have only ever known this life and haven’t questioned it, until now.
Part One of AIM follows the story of Subject A and Subject B, twin sisters who are no longer content with their sheltered and cruel life. They want answers, to see if there is a world outside the Lab and who they really are. Why the Professor has given them this life. They have been conditioned to think and act a certain way, but what happens when free-will takes over? It’s a whole different world outside the Lab, far bigger and exciting, but with its own challenges. Who can they trust? Is everyone like the Professor? Who are they? Where did they come from? Their apparent post-traumatic stress disorder makes it difficult for the twins to navigate the maze of life.
The Subjects’ is action packed and makes one consider the world we live in and what the future may hold. Is this something that is possible; simulated scenarios for training, experimental operations to change the structure of our DNA that may or may not work as planned, and worse? It’s certainly something I would run away from too, which is what Subjects A and B aim to do; away from their cage and into the great unknown in search for answers. Leaving the Lab is only the beginning of their thrilling adventure in search of freedom. “Trust no one.”
This easy to read page-turner keeps one guessing and is something you must read for yourself as there’s only so much I can say.. I highly recommend Part 1 of Aim to anyone who likes science fiction, thrillers and stories that make you question the world we live in and the future. I am looking forward to Part 2!
Most of us are aware of animal testing. Products tested on animals, too often done inhumanely, and experiments done in the name of science. Imagine being one of these animals, caged and subjected to grueling trials and tests, operated on and left with harsh side effects. For twins Subject A and Subject B, this is the only life they have known. Their home, the Lab, is like a cage. The Professor, the only other person they know besides themselves, their caretaker and master, doing whatever he pleases to them, in what we assume is in the name of science. They have classes like at school, but what they learn is completed controlled by the Professor. The food they eat is bland but nutritious, they have only read about social interaction in the books they are given to read, and their physical “exercise” or training, is done in a simulation. This is where the story begins, in a future that is scary but possible. The twins have only ever known this life and haven’t questioned it, until now.
Part One of AIM follows the story of Subject A and Subject B, twin sisters who are no longer content with their sheltered and cruel life. They want answers, to see if there is a world outside the Lab and who they really are. Why the Professor has given them this life. They have been conditioned to think and act a certain way, but what happens when free-will takes over? It’s a whole different world outside the Lab, far bigger and exciting, but with its own challenges. Who can they trust? Is everyone like the Professor? Who are they? Where did they come from? Their apparent post-traumatic stress disorder makes it difficult for the twins to navigate the maze of life.
The Subjects’ is action packed and makes one consider the world we live in and what the future may hold. Is this something that is possible; simulated scenarios for training, experimental operations to change the structure of our DNA that may or may not work as planned, and worse? It’s certainly something I would run away from too, which is what Subjects A and B aim to do; away from their cage and into the great unknown in search for answers. Leaving the Lab is only the beginning of their thrilling adventure in search of freedom. “Trust no one.”
This easy to read page-turner keeps one guessing and is something you must read for yourself as there’s only so much I can say.. I highly recommend Part 1 of Aim to anyone who likes science fiction, thrillers and stories that make you question the world we live in and the future. I am looking forward to Part 2!
July 21, 2017
Talk about an emotional and different read. Two sisters who have lived their entire life in an experimental lab run by a mad professor. They were so different in how they felt and what they could experience. One understood human nature and the other could melt into water. The escape from the lab and have to learn to deal with darkness, revenge, trust, etc. and lots of other things. This is the first book in the Subjects Trilogy and certainly starts the series off on a high note. Well written with interesting characters and a strong plot. I received an arc copy and voluntarily chose to review it.
July 18, 2017
I sit in front of the computer reflecting on this amazing story. It is strange how a piece of literature can be a mirror to your past experiences. The relations of emotional turmoil the two main characters, especially Subject B, can just hit the right nerve that takes you back to a time of pain and hurt but also of hope and triumph. This book is like a second birth for me, seeing that not only am I over past experiences but also can reflect on how they build my life. I, thank you, P. R Castle, for your gift, The Subjects' Aim.
April 2, 2019
This book was quite enjoyable and I am interested to know what happens next.
The only critical comment I would give was just that there were times when there were too many questions asked and they sounded a bit too childish and I feel that they could have been implied instead of directly asked.
Otherwise, I really enjoyed reading it.
The only critical comment I would give was just that there were times when there were too many questions asked and they sounded a bit too childish and I feel that they could have been implied instead of directly asked.
Otherwise, I really enjoyed reading it.
April 16, 2020
Awesome I I’m just reading your book
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Hi I I’m just reading your book reading your text I’m reading your book book and book book reading your book reading book and book reading your reading book reading your books
July 16, 2017
Very fast paced and engaging read. I'll be on the look out for the second book in this intriguing trilogy!
February 14, 2020
Originally published on my blog here!
To me, Aim was an easy to read YA sci-fi. I found that the story itself was paced nicely, where it was slow to start, and built up the world well.
I enjoyed how characters Subject A and Subject B discover the world around them is more complex than what has been taught to them via 'lessons' that the Professor gave them. I also loved how there was differences in personality between A and B, which affects how they react and interact with others they come across. I also enjoyed reading how the powers that they discover they have are unique, and are different to those that you typically read about in conventional sci-fi. I did feel that the 'world' that the characters belong too stood out more for me than the characters- with the world experienced by A and B changing from the white-walled lab to the unknown open outdoors, which is heavily described.
I thought it was also a rather interesting to see characters choose either to forgive or retribution, as well as the excessive questioning other characters' motives. I also loved the different perspectives side-characters brought into A and B's situation, and how they all meshed well into the story, despite everything going downhill. I also love how science was cleverly woven throughout the book!
All-in-all, I found this a light, quick read, and I enjoyed it for the descriptiveness, and I hope that I get to read the next two installments- Method and Conclusion in the near future!
My rating for this book is 4.5/5
To me, Aim was an easy to read YA sci-fi. I found that the story itself was paced nicely, where it was slow to start, and built up the world well.
I enjoyed how characters Subject A and Subject B discover the world around them is more complex than what has been taught to them via 'lessons' that the Professor gave them. I also loved how there was differences in personality between A and B, which affects how they react and interact with others they come across. I also enjoyed reading how the powers that they discover they have are unique, and are different to those that you typically read about in conventional sci-fi. I did feel that the 'world' that the characters belong too stood out more for me than the characters- with the world experienced by A and B changing from the white-walled lab to the unknown open outdoors, which is heavily described.
I thought it was also a rather interesting to see characters choose either to forgive or retribution, as well as the excessive questioning other characters' motives. I also loved the different perspectives side-characters brought into A and B's situation, and how they all meshed well into the story, despite everything going downhill. I also love how science was cleverly woven throughout the book!
All-in-all, I found this a light, quick read, and I enjoyed it for the descriptiveness, and I hope that I get to read the next two installments- Method and Conclusion in the near future!
My rating for this book is 4.5/5
December 6, 2017
Lab Rats or More?
This was a deep book which made the readers question reality. The story was puzzling and I wanted the same questions answered that A and B did. I cannot wait to get some of the answers to the enigmas that are A and B. This was a horror story that will haunt the reader for a long time.
This was a deep book which made the readers question reality. The story was puzzling and I wanted the same questions answered that A and B did. I cannot wait to get some of the answers to the enigmas that are A and B. This was a horror story that will haunt the reader for a long time.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews