What do you think?
Rate this book
Covenant #1
Covenant
A YA Dystopian Novel
If it only took one surgery...
to be beautiful, to be smart, to be perfect...
would you do it?
What if it meant you could never go home again?
Seventeen-year-old Samantha Lewinson lives inside the Covenant, a city cutoff from the outside world. There is no sexism. There is no racism. All are equal. All belong.
Until she discovers a dangerous secret...
One that threatens to turn her world upside down. Now Samantha is faced with a choice, but who can she trust?
With no place to run, does she dare to expose the truth? Only one thing is certain. Her time is running out.
You'll love this Dystopian page-turner, because everyone loves a nonstop thrill ride. Get it now!
If it only took one surgery...
to be beautiful, to be smart, to be perfect...
would you do it?
What if it meant you could never go home again?
Seventeen-year-old Samantha Lewinson lives inside the Covenant, a city cutoff from the outside world. There is no sexism. There is no racism. All are equal. All belong.
Until she discovers a dangerous secret...
One that threatens to turn her world upside down. Now Samantha is faced with a choice, but who can she trust?
With no place to run, does she dare to expose the truth? Only one thing is certain. Her time is running out.
You'll love this Dystopian page-turner, because everyone loves a nonstop thrill ride. Get it now!
- GenresDystopiaYoung Adult
372 pages, ebook
Published February 21, 2019
39 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Jim Miesner
5 books18 followersHi. My name is Jim Miesner, and I write words. Occasionally those words turn into sentences, which turn into paragraphs, which become short stories and even sometimes books.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 30, 2020
It's been a while since I've read a dystopian novel as I was getting a little bored with the same old thing, however this was refreshing. Covenant by Jim Miesner has put my faith back into the dystopian genre.
I think what was refreshing was that Sam didn't actually think there was anything wrong with her way of life in the Shell. She wasn't a rebel out to destroy her repression as so many dystopian novels begin. She was happy and grateful for her way of life and was desperately trying to persuade Jenny, a young girl, to take the Sacrament and join them for a better life. As the Sacrament freed them of pathogens and the need to eat, all their body needed was the Source, fed into them through a tube in their navels while they slept. This meant that they couldn't have any contact with the world beyond the Shell without special suits to keep any pathogens away.
It wasn't until she sympathised with Jenny about Jenny's parents that she helped her escape to find her sick mother and cure her. Sam (suited up in a bio hazard suit to protect her) helped Jenny escape but complications meant that they crashed in the desert alone and with a tear in Sams suit. She knew she didn't have long before her death so vowed to help Jenny find her parents before she died.
This book has so many twists and turns and I would love to find out what happens next.
My only gripe would be that their wasn't really a lot of science behind the so called virus and how it was suppose to be so deadly to people outside the Shell or how it was actually suppose to help those within the Shell to continue living. It wasn't really explained that well to me I don't think.
I think what was refreshing was that Sam didn't actually think there was anything wrong with her way of life in the Shell. She wasn't a rebel out to destroy her repression as so many dystopian novels begin. She was happy and grateful for her way of life and was desperately trying to persuade Jenny, a young girl, to take the Sacrament and join them for a better life. As the Sacrament freed them of pathogens and the need to eat, all their body needed was the Source, fed into them through a tube in their navels while they slept. This meant that they couldn't have any contact with the world beyond the Shell without special suits to keep any pathogens away.
It wasn't until she sympathised with Jenny about Jenny's parents that she helped her escape to find her sick mother and cure her. Sam (suited up in a bio hazard suit to protect her) helped Jenny escape but complications meant that they crashed in the desert alone and with a tear in Sams suit. She knew she didn't have long before her death so vowed to help Jenny find her parents before she died.
This book has so many twists and turns and I would love to find out what happens next.
My only gripe would be that their wasn't really a lot of science behind the so called virus and how it was suppose to be so deadly to people outside the Shell or how it was actually suppose to help those within the Shell to continue living. It wasn't really explained that well to me I don't think.
February 28, 2020
In a not so far-off future, people live without knowing hunger, thirst, pain, joy... They all received the Sacrament. All, really? Is the Sacrament such a good thing, after all? That's what the Covenant think and Sam, the heroin, too. Until Jenny comes. And then, everyting seems to get out of control.
First, thanks Goodreads and the "Shut up and Read" group for the opportunity to read that book. I really, really liked it. I'm a huge dystopian novels fan and am always happy to discover new ones. The book was well written, the characters interesting but not "supermen", if you know what I mean. They all have flaws and difficulties to overcome.
The story in itself is original and credible enough to be just a tiny bit scary ^_^ there are no downtimes and we can hardly catch our breath all throughout the reading. Well done!
If I loved it so much, then why not a 5 stars review? Well, I sometimes felt like things were rushed... Within two days, eveything changes and it was hard to follow. AND when I read, there were a lot of typos in the book and being a book doctor myself (in France), it kind of "pissed me off" a little.
Anyway, that was a good book, I'm happy I read it and I am totally ready to read the sequel(s).
First, thanks Goodreads and the "Shut up and Read" group for the opportunity to read that book. I really, really liked it. I'm a huge dystopian novels fan and am always happy to discover new ones. The book was well written, the characters interesting but not "supermen", if you know what I mean. They all have flaws and difficulties to overcome.
The story in itself is original and credible enough to be just a tiny bit scary ^_^ there are no downtimes and we can hardly catch our breath all throughout the reading. Well done!
If I loved it so much, then why not a 5 stars review? Well, I sometimes felt like things were rushed... Within two days, eveything changes and it was hard to follow. AND when I read, there were a lot of typos in the book and being a book doctor myself (in France), it kind of "pissed me off" a little.
Anyway, that was a good book, I'm happy I read it and I am totally ready to read the sequel(s).
March 28, 2019
I really liked this story! I have to say that it was different and interesting. It did have a bit of religious elements in it but not too noticeable and not on your face, but sometimes I saw them here and there. The characters were great and the concept of the world and how some of them lived was very interesting to me. The story does have some action and a few twists that were very good.
Would definitely recommend!
Would definitely recommend!
March 31, 2020
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was an interesting book to read. It is for sure a page-turner. you want to reach the end as soon as possible, but, not end. The overall story is very interesting and the women in the story are as strong as their counterparts. Even in a dystopian society, not everyone is out to get you. Somehow gives you hope for the humanity :).
I did not enjoy the way beginning and the end of the book, it felt very chaotic. As a reader, we do not get a full picture of the life that Sam has been living (which I am still very curious). I also felt that in the book, it quite often skipped some details and I had to use my imagination.
Apart from the main character, other characters in the book are not very developed. The book makes you feel like you are in that world with the characters as you know so little of them. Which made me wonder if they would have felt the same. Though the fact that Sam was unwilling to trust anyone was reasonable.
Overall this is an interesting book to read.
This was an interesting book to read. It is for sure a page-turner. you want to reach the end as soon as possible, but, not end. The overall story is very interesting and the women in the story are as strong as their counterparts. Even in a dystopian society, not everyone is out to get you. Somehow gives you hope for the humanity :).
I did not enjoy the way beginning and the end of the book, it felt very chaotic. As a reader, we do not get a full picture of the life that Sam has been living (which I am still very curious). I also felt that in the book, it quite often skipped some details and I had to use my imagination.
Apart from the main character, other characters in the book are not very developed. The book makes you feel like you are in that world with the characters as you know so little of them. Which made me wonder if they would have felt the same. Though the fact that Sam was unwilling to trust anyone was reasonable.
Overall this is an interesting book to read.
January 12, 2020
“I told you, Samantha. Sometimes you can’t see the forest for the trees.”
Samantha-Sam is a new Covenant member. She doesn’t eat, she’s never sick, she doesn’t hurt, nothing bad every happens to her.
Then she’s assigned to Jenny, a young “native” that the scientists in the Covenant are studying before they give her the Sacrament that allows her to be as free from harm- and memories that the rest who live within the safety of The Shell. However, Jenny wants to return to her family. And for some reason, Samantha is willing to help her.
Will they make it? Sam has been told that if she leaves the Shell ; leaves the Sacrament, she’s doomed. But are they all doomed anyway? Or do Jenny and Sam hold a key to something else?
When I first started this book, I wasn’t sureI’d like it. It seemed a bit formulaic, and I was disheartened by the thought that it seemed like a hodgepodge of pieces of different ideas borrowed from other stories...until Dr. Tesla was introduced....and Emmanuel...and Kelley, Daniel,Marlena and Rogers I’m old enough and educated enough to possibly (mis)understand that name choices aren’t hit and miss. I really began to care for these characters despite their “flaws”- and I chose to use this term in a very broad stroke because sometimes, our weaknesses are where our strengths lie.
This is a very well written young adult dystopian thriller that kept me reading steadily for two days! Bring on another one like this, and you’ll have a fan for life Mr. Miesner
Samantha-Sam is a new Covenant member. She doesn’t eat, she’s never sick, she doesn’t hurt, nothing bad every happens to her.
Then she’s assigned to Jenny, a young “native” that the scientists in the Covenant are studying before they give her the Sacrament that allows her to be as free from harm- and memories that the rest who live within the safety of The Shell. However, Jenny wants to return to her family. And for some reason, Samantha is willing to help her.
Will they make it? Sam has been told that if she leaves the Shell ; leaves the Sacrament, she’s doomed. But are they all doomed anyway? Or do Jenny and Sam hold a key to something else?
When I first started this book, I wasn’t sureI’d like it. It seemed a bit formulaic, and I was disheartened by the thought that it seemed like a hodgepodge of pieces of different ideas borrowed from other stories...until Dr. Tesla was introduced....and Emmanuel...and Kelley, Daniel,Marlena and Rogers I’m old enough and educated enough to possibly (mis)understand that name choices aren’t hit and miss. I really began to care for these characters despite their “flaws”- and I chose to use this term in a very broad stroke because sometimes, our weaknesses are where our strengths lie.
This is a very well written young adult dystopian thriller that kept me reading steadily for two days! Bring on another one like this, and you’ll have a fan for life Mr. Miesner
May 5, 2019
The covenant is a community of people living in a sheltered dome segregated from the outside world. After introducing the sacrament humans in the dome no longer have the same basic necessities as outside. This allows for the main 7 sins to be made redundant and a life in a Utopia-like state to take over. After discovering something flawed in the system Sam makes it her mission to save one girl,Jenny, who seems to hold the key to the dome’s ruin. As they escape Sam soon realises that what she was taught and led to believe isn’t all the truth and when she needs to make a decision billions of life are at state.
The book does have a serious sci-fi feel to the dystopian/post apocalyptic background. There is an underlying tone of religion but it’s not too in your face and feeds very well into the plot of the story.
The characters are written very well, they are easy to imagine and hold a richness to them that holds your interest throughout. The twists and turns of the plot have you on the edge of your seat. There is a a great action sequence at the end and it leads to a very interesting cliffhanger/ lead in for the next novel.
All in all this was a very good read and anyone that has a love of futuristic, dystopian books will be more than happy with this book!
The book does have a serious sci-fi feel to the dystopian/post apocalyptic background. There is an underlying tone of religion but it’s not too in your face and feeds very well into the plot of the story.
The characters are written very well, they are easy to imagine and hold a richness to them that holds your interest throughout. The twists and turns of the plot have you on the edge of your seat. There is a a great action sequence at the end and it leads to a very interesting cliffhanger/ lead in for the next novel.
All in all this was a very good read and anyone that has a love of futuristic, dystopian books will be more than happy with this book!
April 15, 2020
*I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
Despite this book falling under a genre I don't usually read, I truly enjoyed reading Covenant!
There's a lot of excitement and action to it that kept me on the edge of my seat and waiting for the next page. I couldn't help but read through this as quickly as I could, even though I didn't want it to end. The characters in this book are strong and smart, but not so much that they have no flaws. I enjoyed seeing the change in Sam's character as she went through her journey with Jenny and the naturals.
That being said, I feel that at some moments it was a bit too rushed. It seemed that the timeline jumped a little too quickly. I also felt that there was a lack of detail or backstory to things such as the virus, the Source, and Sam's life. Aside from those small things, this book is very well written. I can't wait to read more about this group!
Despite this book falling under a genre I don't usually read, I truly enjoyed reading Covenant!
There's a lot of excitement and action to it that kept me on the edge of my seat and waiting for the next page. I couldn't help but read through this as quickly as I could, even though I didn't want it to end. The characters in this book are strong and smart, but not so much that they have no flaws. I enjoyed seeing the change in Sam's character as she went through her journey with Jenny and the naturals.
That being said, I feel that at some moments it was a bit too rushed. It seemed that the timeline jumped a little too quickly. I also felt that there was a lack of detail or backstory to things such as the virus, the Source, and Sam's life. Aside from those small things, this book is very well written. I can't wait to read more about this group!
April 2, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. It's a good opening to a dystopian YA series. The characters and setting are believable and well written. There are a few things I would like to see develop in the next book. I like a bit of romance in my novels (old romantic) and that wasn't explored as much as it could have been. The main character could also do with adding a few flaws to make her stand out a bit more. I gave it to my daughter to read and she said it was a good addition to the YA market. She doesn't like romance in her books so was happy it wasn't too sappy. I guess you can't please everyone and this is for Young Adult not old ladies. I'll definitely keep my eyes out for the next book. I think the ending has set up a lot of possibilities.
March 29, 2020
*I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review*
Covenant is another take on the dystopian YA novel, with a truly interesting premise. The story line is captivating, and the book is a page turner. The protagonist is a resourceful, intelligent, and determined, and the story is fun to follow through her POV.
While I did enjoy the book overall, the writing style is a bit rough. The beginning of the book and the climax feel rushed, there seems to be a few spots where the author changed his mind about character connections leading to some inconsistencies, and some of the action is a bit confusing to read.
The conclusion sets up for a second book in the series, and I look forward to finding out what happens next.
Covenant is another take on the dystopian YA novel, with a truly interesting premise. The story line is captivating, and the book is a page turner. The protagonist is a resourceful, intelligent, and determined, and the story is fun to follow through her POV.
While I did enjoy the book overall, the writing style is a bit rough. The beginning of the book and the climax feel rushed, there seems to be a few spots where the author changed his mind about character connections leading to some inconsistencies, and some of the action is a bit confusing to read.
The conclusion sets up for a second book in the series, and I look forward to finding out what happens next.
June 28, 2020
** I received a copy of this book in exchange of an honest review
Actual rating 3.75
The protagonist Sam is the reluctant hero. She was mostly doing everything because of a little girl, Jenny. Although she has her own world views and belief, these were not strong enough for her to be the bringer of change in her world inside the Shell.
The pacing of the book is slow to middling. For me there wasn't a part of the book which was so exciting or fast paced that it made me want to read more. But this great for a casual read, like during commute, wherein you could stop and easily pick it up.
The characters are likable/lovable. I especially love Marlena. She is like your stern lovable grandma.
Actual rating 3.75
The protagonist Sam is the reluctant hero. She was mostly doing everything because of a little girl, Jenny. Although she has her own world views and belief, these were not strong enough for her to be the bringer of change in her world inside the Shell.
The pacing of the book is slow to middling. For me there wasn't a part of the book which was so exciting or fast paced that it made me want to read more. But this great for a casual read, like during commute, wherein you could stop and easily pick it up.
The characters are likable/lovable. I especially love Marlena. She is like your stern lovable grandma.
March 20, 2019
Sam is part of the the Shell, living in a segregated world that is supposed to be untouched by the 7 deadly sins. Her attempt to convert a younger girl, Jenny, result in Sam questioning everything she has known to be true, and an attempt to take a small stand to do right by Jenny. This small stand for one girl quickly escalates into the start of a full battle between two polarized communities.
Similar in style to the Silo series; Jim Miesner does a solid job of introducing us to the Covenant, a fantastic dystopian story with a very strong willed female character leading the way.
Similar in style to the Silo series; Jim Miesner does a solid job of introducing us to the Covenant, a fantastic dystopian story with a very strong willed female character leading the way.
February 23, 2019
I found Sacrament on a free sight, loved it.
So I read the next book in the series WOW WOW WOW, loved this book as well. I couldn't put it down, the story line was excellent. I was drawn into the book. Your book took me on a great adventure. This series has a great future if the next book in this series is as good as the 2 previous books. Can't wait for the next book. Thank you Jim Miesner. The Sacrament and Covenant well worth reading.
So I read the next book in the series WOW WOW WOW, loved this book as well. I couldn't put it down, the story line was excellent. I was drawn into the book. Your book took me on a great adventure. This series has a great future if the next book in this series is as good as the 2 previous books. Can't wait for the next book. Thank you Jim Miesner. The Sacrament and Covenant well worth reading.
March 12, 2019
I enjoyed this story about Sam, a girl who had been given the sacrament and now lived in the shell, trying to show others that their way of life was the best way. When she meets Jenny, she tries so hard to get her to want to join them, and when she refuses, Sam is heartbroken. Jenny and her actions set off a chain of events that send Sam on a journey she never expected, and she has to decide whether living in the shell is really the best way to be living. I’d recommend this boom.
February 28, 2020
A perfect world of peace and tranquillity, is exposed as a lie, when Jenny eats an orange in the garden of eden.
This novel is about righteousness, perseverance and doing what is right even when everyone tells you it's wrong.
A set of seemingly bad decisions and failures, leads the reluctant hero down a dangerous and harrowing path of self discovery.
Ultimately, human nature prevails in all its forms despite appearances.
A well written novel about the folly of perfection.
This novel is about righteousness, perseverance and doing what is right even when everyone tells you it's wrong.
A set of seemingly bad decisions and failures, leads the reluctant hero down a dangerous and harrowing path of self discovery.
Ultimately, human nature prevails in all its forms despite appearances.
A well written novel about the folly of perfection.
February 27, 2019
Covenant has a unique take on a post-apocalyptic /dystopian world. It creates a horrible feeling of 'oh my gosh, this could, in part, become true life!'. I enjoyed it and recommend it. The world and main characters are well-developed and caused great empathy in me.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this ebook from the author and this is my honest and freely given opinion.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this ebook from the author and this is my honest and freely given opinion.
October 25, 2019
beautiful. eventually. fer me, it was a long way to the deep end. the memory of sacrament pushed me on when the story dragged fer me. interesting story, n then more so, though it felt slow fer me. some surprises, n some more, n some more, n then it gets deep, n beautiful. not new concepts, but beautifully expressed, eventually. choked up at the ending(from the beauty of it)
January 21, 2020
Exciting, suspenseful, very well written. Well rounded characters. This futuristic book will have you guessing what comes next. See what happens when Sam worries about a little girl who has been taken from her parents and strives to get them back together outside of her familiar domed city. Nothing can stop them. A great read!
- Monica L.
- Monica L.
May 21, 2020
Weird punctuation but decent book
Grammatically, the author wites like my dad and it jars me out of the story in places. But I enjoyed the plot and the characters so you should give it a try.
Grammatically, the author wites like my dad and it jars me out of the story in places. But I enjoyed the plot and the characters so you should give it a try.
August 4, 2020
A great story following the main character Samantha through her exciting adventure & realisation that her world is a lie! Brilliant idea & plot, excellent story, grabbed me from the start & I can't wait for more from this writer & series! I do recommend to anyone that likes this genre!
June 30, 2019
Great read!
It was hard to put down and I was sad when it ended because I want to know what happens next!!!!
It was hard to put down and I was sad when it ended because I want to know what happens next!!!!
October 17, 2019
Madness
January 20, 2020
The cover drew me in and the characters kept me enthralled. I love Sam and Jenny. Their plucky attitude and unwillingness to give up were enormous. The world building was great and felt like it could very well happen. It ended on a high note and I can't wait to see where this is headed. I look forward to more by this author. I do recommend this book to others who enjoy a good yarn in the dystopian genre.
February 21, 2019
I first read this author's short, 'Sacrament' after choosing it from a selection in a Bookfunnel campaign. It was what I would call a tease of a story. I desperately wanted to know more about Samantha Lewinson after I had flown through its pages, and so here we are. My complete thanks to the author for following this up.
This book - and it is a book, not a short - is full of excitement, adventure, meaning, humanity, and hope. I was not disappointed in any way by this story. I was bombarded with all kinds of emotions whilst reading this, and more than once my heart was in my mouth with fear. I also realised quite a few times that I was holding my breath.
I really enjoyed this. It's well-written, well put-together, and the reader is right THERE with the characters from page one.
This book - and it is a book, not a short - is full of excitement, adventure, meaning, humanity, and hope. I was not disappointed in any way by this story. I was bombarded with all kinds of emotions whilst reading this, and more than once my heart was in my mouth with fear. I also realised quite a few times that I was holding my breath.
I really enjoyed this. It's well-written, well put-together, and the reader is right THERE with the characters from page one.
March 13, 2019
Samantha has been chosen and groomed to be part of the Covenant society or the Shell as she calls it. As she grows she is to mentor new children into the SHELL. Her first trainee is Jenny who is not seduced into being saved. Jenny and Samantha's relationship triggers a series of events where they are fleeing the SHELL to reach Jenny's ill mother................ Samantha knows that she cannot survive out of the shell, as once inducted into it as a chosen one, the way one is fed is by a tube that keeps all nutrients at the right level. Those chosen do not need to go to the toilet too.......................... in fact the pleasure of eating and being sociable no longer exists in Samantha's shell life....... the story develops and really makes one think about what makes us HUMAN.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews