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There Was Only One
The game has changed, but the rules are the same. Only the winners get out.
This next round is not held in a concrete maze but in a jungle labyrinth. It is not run in groups of four but is instead a single-player game, and for one young woman readying to plunge into the jungle alone, losing is not an option. She has to win, to get out, and not because she wants the prizes promised to the winner. An unexplainable urgency pushes her to win.
But when the race begins, nothing is as it seems. Especially her. The gamemakers have their secrets, but she has one of her own. She is about to show them what happens when the prey is really the predator.
There Was Only One is the second book in the survival dystopian series The Competition Archives and is perfect for fans of Squid Game, Escape Room, and The Hunger Games. This book ends on a slight cliffhanger, but all questions will be answered by the end of this now completed series.
This next round is not held in a concrete maze but in a jungle labyrinth. It is not run in groups of four but is instead a single-player game, and for one young woman readying to plunge into the jungle alone, losing is not an option. She has to win, to get out, and not because she wants the prizes promised to the winner. An unexplainable urgency pushes her to win.
But when the race begins, nothing is as it seems. Especially her. The gamemakers have their secrets, but she has one of her own. She is about to show them what happens when the prey is really the predator.
There Was Only One is the second book in the survival dystopian series The Competition Archives and is perfect for fans of Squid Game, Escape Room, and The Hunger Games. This book ends on a slight cliffhanger, but all questions will be answered by the end of this now completed series.
168 pages, Paperback
Published November 22, 2021
10 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Scarano
24 books464 followersNicole Scarano is an avid fiction reader and film enthusiast; her favorites being dystopian, apocalyptic, fantasy, and action sprinkled with a little romance here and there. She currently lives in Pennsylvania with her rescued pitbull, China (who was part of the inspiration for Kerberos in her first novel, Pomegranate). Nicole's passion for writing consumes her free time, especially when it includes snuggling on her sofa with China. Her love of writing is so strong, she even tattooed a quote from one of her stories on her rib-cage.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 18, 2022
Amazing!!
I love these books I love Nicole Scarano's writing style even more. She is so talented in her word choice and it doesn't just paint a picture, she sculpts it. I really thought I knew where it was going bug over and over she surprised me. I'm so glad the next one is coming soon. I can't wait!! Highly recommend
I love these books I love Nicole Scarano's writing style even more. She is so talented in her word choice and it doesn't just paint a picture, she sculpts it. I really thought I knew where it was going bug over and over she surprised me. I'm so glad the next one is coming soon. I can't wait!! Highly recommend
April 22, 2022
Actual rating: 3.25 stars.
Today I got to read the sequel to one of my favorite self-published novels. There Was Only One is the second book in The Competition Archives. Book number one, There Are Only Four, opens to a dystopian world where children run through a maze full of death traps and only one team can win and receive their freedom. But a creepy feeling sinks into our main character’s gut as she realizes that, maybe, she’s run this maze before. This series is a compelling combination of The Hunger Games and The Maze Runner.
I am a dystopian fiction fangirl. I have been for most of my life and I stand by that decision. I think the thing that makes this series such a compelling read for me is the characters. The main character is such a strong character and she fights so hard for what she believes in. And Luka is a cinnamon roll I want to protect from the harsh world around him. All be it, he is a cinnamon roll who can kill with his bare hands so...he doesn’t exactly need me to protect him. I also love so much about their relationship. I think if you’re like me and enjoy pining or even the beloved mutual pining then this one will hit the spot. It’s also one of those relationships where the drama doesn’t come from their relationship. Instead it comes from the circumstances that they’re in and they have to work together to face the world.
I think as long as you can suspend your disbelieve and let yourself have a good time then this is a perfect novella to read in an afternoon. It’s fast paced and keeps the reader compelled. It also hits a few of the familiar beats that dystopian novels usually touch on. But with a twist.
Today I got to read the sequel to one of my favorite self-published novels. There Was Only One is the second book in The Competition Archives. Book number one, There Are Only Four, opens to a dystopian world where children run through a maze full of death traps and only one team can win and receive their freedom. But a creepy feeling sinks into our main character’s gut as she realizes that, maybe, she’s run this maze before. This series is a compelling combination of The Hunger Games and The Maze Runner.
I am a dystopian fiction fangirl. I have been for most of my life and I stand by that decision. I think the thing that makes this series such a compelling read for me is the characters. The main character is such a strong character and she fights so hard for what she believes in. And Luka is a cinnamon roll I want to protect from the harsh world around him. All be it, he is a cinnamon roll who can kill with his bare hands so...he doesn’t exactly need me to protect him. I also love so much about their relationship. I think if you’re like me and enjoy pining or even the beloved mutual pining then this one will hit the spot. It’s also one of those relationships where the drama doesn’t come from their relationship. Instead it comes from the circumstances that they’re in and they have to work together to face the world.
I think as long as you can suspend your disbelieve and let yourself have a good time then this is a perfect novella to read in an afternoon. It’s fast paced and keeps the reader compelled. It also hits a few of the familiar beats that dystopian novels usually touch on. But with a twist.
January 10, 2022
This is the second thrilling entry in a very intense and well-written series. Our unnamed narrator is stuck as a player inside another round of a deadly game, but this time, she has a secret all her own that may turn the "rules" on their head. I found both books in this series so far to be real page-turners with almost non-stop action, the highest of high stakes, seemingly insurmountable odds, and truly evil villains. In short, everything you could want from the dystopian Hunger/Squid Games genre but with its own original twists. You can't help but root for vengeance to be served upon the diabolical designers of the trap and for the long-suffering and traumatized players to somehow gain their freedom against all the odds. Satisfying ending to the immediate dilemma in this book while setting the scene for an even bigger battle to come. Can't wait to see what happens next!
September 26, 2025
Another really awesome book in this dystopian horror!! The things they do to these kids is horrific, but they’re preparing to fight back and I’m so excited to read the last book!! Oh and in book one I mentioned how the FMC’s name was never mentioned? Well in this book I found out why. And I found out what’s really going on. This is a big action, scary and tense kind of story with a freaking horror of a world!! Scarano did such a good job in this series, making me feel like I’m there experiencing all this with the characters. Her characters and world building are really well written, balanced in such a way that your heart aches for the characters and you feel the horror of this dystopian world, but her descriptions of the mazes isn’t overdone. A great series so far, on to book three!!
January 11, 2022
Very good but...
Ok so read the first one...amazing and brutal and intense. BUT this book... HOLY S**T!!!! So good filled with suspense and anguish and awww moments. However, a well placed CLIFFHANGER UGHHHH ...i really hope the next book comes out way sooner then the wait time between books 1and 2 because i am so ready. Author never ceasres to amaze me with her incredible words for details that immediately make a entire world burst into your mind. Brava Brava
Ok so read the first one...amazing and brutal and intense. BUT this book... HOLY S**T!!!! So good filled with suspense and anguish and awww moments. However, a well placed CLIFFHANGER UGHHHH ...i really hope the next book comes out way sooner then the wait time between books 1and 2 because i am so ready. Author never ceasres to amaze me with her incredible words for details that immediately make a entire world burst into your mind. Brava Brava
August 22, 2025
After the ending of book 1, I was not prepared for the journey this book took me on.
This book made me feel ALL the emotions. I was so scared for these kids, I was happy with them, also sad at times but still filled with hope.
Nicole Scarano did a pretty good job wrapping up loose ends and answering questions while tearing our hearts apart. I can't wait to dive into the last book of this trilogy.
This book made me feel ALL the emotions. I was so scared for these kids, I was happy with them, also sad at times but still filled with hope.
Nicole Scarano did a pretty good job wrapping up loose ends and answering questions while tearing our hearts apart. I can't wait to dive into the last book of this trilogy.
December 20, 2021
An excellent second installment in The Archives! Scarano does an excellent job of keeping the readers captivated and on edge. It’s almost torture to have to wait for the next book! I just love this series!
If you enjoy The Maze Runner & The Hunger Games, you’ll enjoy this tale!
If you enjoy The Maze Runner & The Hunger Games, you’ll enjoy this tale!
December 8, 2021
Need the next one now!
Scarano strikes again with an engaging sequel that had me questioning where it would end with every twist and turn. Can't wait for the next one!
Scarano strikes again with an engaging sequel that had me questioning where it would end with every twist and turn. Can't wait for the next one!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews