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Because the lies are comfortable. The truth is horrifying.
Cracks in the facade of a perfectly planned city begin to surface. Secrets told to keep the citizens safe turn out to be lies to keep them in line. Those in power manipulate from the shadows behind whispers and fear.
Cracks in the facade of a perfectly planned city begin to surface. Secrets told to keep the citizens safe turn out to be lies to keep them in line. Those in power manipulate from the shadows behind whispers and fear.
As military general, he had promised to keep his people safe. When an order for the unthinkable comes through, Rhun makes the hard, sacrificial call to leave everything behind – including his wife.
She thought she had received the promotion of a lifetime. She was wrong. Soon Jordan’s waking dreams turn to nightmares.
If they’re brave enough to look past the veil, only madness awaits.
Now, to have any chance at survival in the wasteland, they must work as one. Time is short. Hope exists. But the truth could be even more shocking than they expected.
Full of the fast-paced danger and plot twists found in Nathan Hystad’s Survivor series and the mystery in Riddle’s Atlantis Gene.
- GenresScience Fiction
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 26, 2018
290 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Yanez
228 books544 followersInternational bestselling author, check.
USA Today bestselling author, check.
Writing wild tales since 2012, check, check.
I'm Jonathan, a husband, father, and writer. I write because that's what I was born to do and I love doing it. Because of the support from awesome people like you, I get to do it full-time.
Connecting with fellow lovers of the written word is important to me so please join the Pack via my website at www.jonathan-yanez.com where you can grab an exclusive story or hang out with us at www.facebook.com/groups/jonathansread...
Hope you decide to stay in touch,
Jonathan
USA Today bestselling author, check.
Writing wild tales since 2012, check, check.
I'm Jonathan, a husband, father, and writer. I write because that's what I was born to do and I love doing it. Because of the support from awesome people like you, I get to do it full-time.
Connecting with fellow lovers of the written word is important to me so please join the Pack via my website at www.jonathan-yanez.com where you can grab an exclusive story or hang out with us at www.facebook.com/groups/jonathansread...
Hope you decide to stay in touch,
Jonathan
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 10, 2019
Life in the city isn't always what it seems to be as a young physical training manager discovers when she decides to look into secrets her former boss uncovered just before he was fired (outside) allegedly for failing to met quotas. What follows is a bit government secrets, a bit alien robot hunt, a bit post-apocalyptic survival in the outside and all thriller. I was mesmerized by the pounding pace and great characterization that marks this first in a series by Jonathan Yanez. Just when I thought I had an idea where the story was going, he threw a new curve at me and, along with the characters, I was off on a new roller coaster ride .
If you're a survivalist literature fan, or even if you just love a good futuristic thriller with more twists and turns than a mid-western corn maze, you will LOVE this story.
If you're a survivalist literature fan, or even if you just love a good futuristic thriller with more twists and turns than a mid-western corn maze, you will LOVE this story.
September 6, 2018
3 1\2* to 4
First off, it is well edited. Yea.
The story is original but at the same time familiar. I'm sure it's hard for authors to find a way not to have other works and worlds leak through in their stories. You will probably recognize some themes if you've read much of this genre. Still, it's a very good read!
Why not more stars? Familiarity with other works. Personal dislike for stories that appear to have no planned ending. Preference is for waiting for a trilogy to be completed before reading.
I will definitely be buying further books in this series and check out other works from this author.
Highly recommend this book.
First off, it is well edited. Yea.
The story is original but at the same time familiar. I'm sure it's hard for authors to find a way not to have other works and worlds leak through in their stories. You will probably recognize some themes if you've read much of this genre. Still, it's a very good read!
Why not more stars? Familiarity with other works. Personal dislike for stories that appear to have no planned ending. Preference is for waiting for a trilogy to be completed before reading.
I will definitely be buying further books in this series and check out other works from this author.
Highly recommend this book.
September 26, 2018
Thrive - a review by Rosemary Kenny
The first of 5 (so far) books in The Pandora Experiment series, Thrive tells of a society that's a cross between Hunger Games and The Matrix, where citizens of what they believe are walled Earth cities, are forced to conform to laws imposed by the elites, whose true self-gratifying motives are hidden in a book called The Codex.
When unique citizens, discover the truth or ask too many awkward questions, they're exiled into the wastelands - a vast wilderness outside the walls, where they will pay the ultimate price for their rebellion. When Jordan is promoted after Robert her boss and Buie, her former mentor are cast out, she thinks she's fortunate, but after her eyes are opened to the facts, she and her colleagues and friends Alice, Owen and Jerrick are soon in peril of their lives!
Eventual encounters with another such group, (a mainly military unit of followers of leader General Ruhn) from the other cities, leads to all uniting against the dangers. Fighting together they are able to start what they call Free City, spreading the word with their own machines (drones) to alert others to the truth and give an open invitation to join them in the new fortress of Freedom.
A great first book, to start what promises to be an exhilarating saga. Highly recommended - get it now!
The first of 5 (so far) books in The Pandora Experiment series, Thrive tells of a society that's a cross between Hunger Games and The Matrix, where citizens of what they believe are walled Earth cities, are forced to conform to laws imposed by the elites, whose true self-gratifying motives are hidden in a book called The Codex.
When unique citizens, discover the truth or ask too many awkward questions, they're exiled into the wastelands - a vast wilderness outside the walls, where they will pay the ultimate price for their rebellion. When Jordan is promoted after Robert her boss and Buie, her former mentor are cast out, she thinks she's fortunate, but after her eyes are opened to the facts, she and her colleagues and friends Alice, Owen and Jerrick are soon in peril of their lives!
Eventual encounters with another such group, (a mainly military unit of followers of leader General Ruhn) from the other cities, leads to all uniting against the dangers. Fighting together they are able to start what they call Free City, spreading the word with their own machines (drones) to alert others to the truth and give an open invitation to join them in the new fortress of Freedom.
A great first book, to start what promises to be an exhilarating saga. Highly recommended - get it now!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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August 14, 2019conflicted on scoring
easy, flowing read
interesting premise
politics I agree with (let's not let a canonical/orthodox book be the reason we war with other groups of people!!! question authority!!!)
but something....
maybe the juxtaposition of capable female MC with retro-sexist language/thoughts (maybe unconscious? - "Miss ___" (vs. Ms. or a made-up honorific for our future/alt reality??? the general always referring to his "men" with no acknowledgement of his city keeping women out of military service)
This author writes that he has a young daughter... it will be interesting to see if/how his writing changes in re: this kind of unconscious limitations on women as he contemplates what he wants for his daughter's future...
Will he start using more inclusive language?
Language that allows female reader to envision themselves in all roles?
Language that does not use marital-status to determine which honorific to use for women (while not asking the same personal revelation of men/other genders)?
easy, flowing read
interesting premise
politics I agree with (let's not let a canonical/orthodox book be the reason we war with other groups of people!!! question authority!!!)
but something....
maybe the juxtaposition of capable female MC with retro-sexist language/thoughts (maybe unconscious? - "Miss ___" (vs. Ms. or a made-up honorific for our future/alt reality??? the general always referring to his "men" with no acknowledgement of his city keeping women out of military service)
This author writes that he has a young daughter... it will be interesting to see if/how his writing changes in re: this kind of unconscious limitations on women as he contemplates what he wants for his daughter's future...
Will he start using more inclusive language?
Language that allows female reader to envision themselves in all roles?
Language that does not use marital-status to determine which honorific to use for women (while not asking the same personal revelation of men/other genders)?
July 28, 2019
Jordan lives in a society where advancement and survival is driven by production quotas. After a friend is thrown out of the city for not meeting his quotas, Jordan takes the words of a friend and decides that there is something not right. In trying to gat the word out, she and a number of friends are banished beyond the city walls. There she and her remaining compatriots must struggle to survive. Can they find anyone to explain what the situation is a and to help them survive? The story becomes instantly convoluted and not very probable. Throw in a bunch of killer robots and a smarter than average mysterious individual who reminded of me of a long-running British TV show and I could only roll my eyes. Don’t expect this story to be much more than a young adult action novel.
The audio version is well down and good for listening on a long drive..
The audio version is well down and good for listening on a long drive..
July 7, 2019
What can I say? I love this author! I don’t usually read much sci-fi but this author really makes it interesting. Readers of urban fantasy and sci-fi will both love it. I loved the main character Jordan. She had a good head on her shoulder and wasn’t afraid to go the extra mile for people. It was a really scary place outside the city gates. Something no one expected. I kept thinking I was inside a video game and running for my life. I just knew there was no escaping the tickers. But this bunch did a great job. I was sad when we lost some of the ones we met, but that’s how it goes with any battle.
The narration was superb! Loved it!
The narration was superb! Loved it!
January 27, 2025
Good book. Nice story. Nice premise. The reveal could've been more exciting. The story could've had a lot more meat. Just felt a little rushed. Could've been more detailed and a little more like a lore. Something like a Harry Potter or LOTR, Just setting up the premise for a little longer, then going into the crux a little slowly and then having a great climax.
I enjoyed it enough to finish it within 2 days. Read 100+ pages both days. Fun story, good characters, and looking forward to the next part.
But, could've had a LOT more meat. Just felt it was a little lighter than it could have been.
I enjoyed it enough to finish it within 2 days. Read 100+ pages both days. Fun story, good characters, and looking forward to the next part.
But, could've had a LOT more meat. Just felt it was a little lighter than it could have been.
June 4, 2021
It reads a bit like a manifesto
When I started reading, certain structures, ideals, and social constructs seemed like a prophetic analogy of where our society is heading. Then truth reads its " ugly" head and ideas of freedom take root. I couldn't stop reading and will leave you with the knowledge you cannot unlearn. Humanity values personal freedom at the core of it's existence. I'm on to book two.
When I started reading, certain structures, ideals, and social constructs seemed like a prophetic analogy of where our society is heading. Then truth reads its " ugly" head and ideas of freedom take root. I couldn't stop reading and will leave you with the knowledge you cannot unlearn. Humanity values personal freedom at the core of it's existence. I'm on to book two.
December 4, 2021
Very good!!!
I don't know what to expect of this book, I went in almost thinking it was like the other books this author has written. But it's not it has less comic over-the-top action of his other books. This one deals with shock and awe it puts you add the reader in the shoes of a young woman whose entire world is turned upside down. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
I don't know what to expect of this book, I went in almost thinking it was like the other books this author has written. But it's not it has less comic over-the-top action of his other books. This one deals with shock and awe it puts you add the reader in the shoes of a young woman whose entire world is turned upside down. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
April 18, 2024
Social experiment.
What a shock to be cast out of your safe zone. That is exactly what this book is about. People grouped together out of circumstances that caused them to be exiled. In the beginning, I was not a fan of the dictorial ways the leaders made their decisions. However, that was one of the ways for the experiments profession. Very believable characters amid an action packed world.
Thanks for the great read.
What a shock to be cast out of your safe zone. That is exactly what this book is about. People grouped together out of circumstances that caused them to be exiled. In the beginning, I was not a fan of the dictorial ways the leaders made their decisions. However, that was one of the ways for the experiments profession. Very believable characters amid an action packed world.
Thanks for the great read.
August 6, 2018
And then there were two.
What a great start to a very good series, characters and storyline all work very good. I'm hoping that the stories stay true to there intent and that is to show that we are all together on this planet and we should learn to get along. Jonathan Yanez I will be reading more of your books, well done.
What a great start to a very good series, characters and storyline all work very good. I'm hoping that the stories stay true to there intent and that is to show that we are all together on this planet and we should learn to get along. Jonathan Yanez I will be reading more of your books, well done.
August 3, 2018
Jonathan Yanez
Pandora is a work of genius. I am saying nothing of the detail for that will only lead to spoilers. I loved it and look forward to the next one. I don't read the teasers. Would much rather wait. Wolves Rock!!!!
Pandora is a work of genius. I am saying nothing of the detail for that will only lead to spoilers. I loved it and look forward to the next one. I don't read the teasers. Would much rather wait. Wolves Rock!!!!
May 22, 2020
Best book
Thrive: wanted more. It was written very well. Enjoyed it, but disappointed that some were killed. Could have had more details about the surrounding areas, inside and out.
Keep writing.
Thrive: wanted more. It was written very well. Enjoyed it, but disappointed that some were killed. Could have had more details about the surrounding areas, inside and out.
Keep writing.
March 20, 2021
Great science fiction!
Sometimes you need a break from your normal reading. For me, I turn to science fiction. Packed with action, plot twists, this emotional journey across an unknown location will keep you turning the pages late into the night.
Sometimes you need a break from your normal reading. For me, I turn to science fiction. Packed with action, plot twists, this emotional journey across an unknown location will keep you turning the pages late into the night.
June 16, 2021
What a world!
What a book of a different future. There is a bleak reality. The world building is detailed and complex. The characters stand out. The plot is a solid one. In all a very exciting read!
What a book of a different future. There is a bleak reality. The world building is detailed and complex. The characters stand out. The plot is a solid one. In all a very exciting read!
April 25, 2022
Excellent
I love his writing. He trips you from the first page to the last. I read his series Hunters and was also captured by his writing. He has great characters and story lines. I recommend him to all Sci-Fi readers.
I love his writing. He trips you from the first page to the last. I read his series Hunters and was also captured by his writing. He has great characters and story lines. I recommend him to all Sci-Fi readers.
March 28, 2024
This was an interesting read, I did enjoy it! A good idea, well done with interesting characters, it had a little of a YA feel about the story, but a far amount of action & stress in the plot carry it along nicely. A good fun read!
April 1, 2024
A really great read
This is a really good read from start to finish, a great plotline and character development as the back story gradually reveals itself.
I am really looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
This is a really good read from start to finish, a great plotline and character development as the back story gradually reveals itself.
I am really looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
August 17, 2018
Very Good!
I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters are very interesting and the story moves along the right, not to slow and not to slow
I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters are very interesting and the story moves along the right, not to slow and not to slow
December 3, 2018
Ok. Predictable
The storyline became very predictable and the ending seemed to just end. Not sure I will be looking to purchase book two.
The storyline became very predictable and the ending seemed to just end. Not sure I will be looking to purchase book two.
January 4, 2019
Nope, couldn't do it. Tried 3 different times to make it through this drivel and just couldn't. The only saving grace was I didn't have to pay for it as I have Kindle Unlimited.
September 9, 2019
AMAZING!!!
I am so into this storyline! I am so happy to find Jonathan Yanez’s books. I read & listen at the same time! I have to say, it’s a great beginning for this series! :)
I am so into this storyline! I am so happy to find Jonathan Yanez’s books. I read & listen at the same time! I have to say, it’s a great beginning for this series! :)
December 5, 2019
This one was a simple but fun read. I kept feeling like I was reading a different version of Wool mixed with elements of Colony. Not much in the way of hard science in this but enjoyable nonetheless.
December 28, 2019
Interesting for a post-apocalyptic novel. Well written, good characters, a fair amount of action and lots to think about.
February 16, 2020
The structure was a little disappointing. It would've been nice to see how City One was doing since Jordan's exit. Story and idea are phenomenal.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2021
Super book Jonathan Yanez is an excellent author Edge of the seat and can't put down reading
June 23, 2021
A Fun Read.. New type of Survival.
Great beginning for a new series. Gotta love Leopold. Rhun and Jordan make great leads.Cant wait to see where this story goes.
Great beginning for a new series. Gotta love Leopold. Rhun and Jordan make great leads.Cant wait to see where this story goes.
August 26, 2021
A real page turner !
A perfect city.
Banishment and certain death if you leave it.
Until one woman discovers what (and who) is out there...
A perfect city.
Banishment and certain death if you leave it.
Until one woman discovers what (and who) is out there...
December 1, 2021
Awesome couldn't put it down
March 19, 2022
Really enjoyed this post apocalyptic genre bending story with hunger games and scifi elements.
Buying the next one right now
Buying the next one right now
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews