The Circle King

by Brooklyn Maelee

In a world where everyone is perfect, could you live a lie? Welcome to Samantha Marie’s reality. The Earth’s population has been segregated into Circles based on their job and role in society. Each couple is allowed one child, and when Samantha’s parents want to keep their illegal second daughter, her life is turned upside down. In order to protect her family secret, she must take on a new identity and train to join the most dangerous Circle in the country. While protecting secrets of her own, Samantha discovers no one is as perfect as they seem. In a story of shocking twists and turns, Samantha must overcome obstacles outside her control before she faces the was her sacrifice really worth the danger? Get The Circle King now!

291 pages, Paperback

Published June 7, 2022

Reviews

[Kindra Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING!!!

This book is simply amazing!! The plot absolutely captivates the readers and really brings everyone in on a thrilling story! I read this book so fast and couldn't put it down! If you liked the Hunget Games, Divergent, or any other dystopian book, then this is the reading for you!!! It is beautifully written with many engaging plot twist that will keep your attention throughout the entirety of the book!

[Harry Hueston]

The Circle King is a well written novel describing a world of a king and various circles. The King is the head of the country, and he has a number of governors. Each governor represents a circle of power/career/job path. In this story, a teenage girl called Sammi Melita is the novel’s main character. The book focuses on her development in the areas of physical strength and mental endurance. The author weaves an interesting tale of Sammi, going into a unique training academy, facing numerous physical and mental challenges as she develop into a prime candidate for a position in Circle of the Guards. Her ongoing struggles against numerous fellow students, evolves into a life and death struggle prior to her graduation. In the end, after a challenge that almost takes her life, she succeeds in becoming a member in an elite Circle of the Guard. However, the cost of this membership is losing her family and her little sister. The end of the novel involves Sammi, losing her memory, then leaving her country with an old friend, Denver Nyah in search of a new beginning. Interesting read, Dr.Harry Hueston

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Circle King by Brooklyn Maelee is a cute, light hearted, enjoyable read for its younger, target, demographic. The main character, Sam, contains symbolism and allusions to the Biblical truths that lie behind Maelee’s purpose for writing, creating a strong universal connection and speaking to younger generations of God’s word. Sam also hints to her indecision over her actions at the academy, and her sacrifice for her younger sister Harmony. This indecision and hint of confection makes Sam a complex character with layers behind her motivation with turmoil in the midst of dedication, overall making her a fascinating character worthy of both lighthearted admiration and deeper, more pensive study. Both manners of this characterization were skillful done and speak to Maelee’s understanding of the human condition and talent to portray it in fictitious people and story arcs. Similarly the plot she fabricates, despite a few issues, is masterful. Spoilers- Maelee creates a trap for the reader into believing James is an antagonist and seeking to harm Sam, so at the end of the test when it seems like James is the assassin I was left shaking my head at the plots predictability, but not a page later I learned that I had been lured into the ploy of the banquet, just like Sam given the whole thing was a test to get into the circle of guards. The false betrayal was something Cassandra Clare may have written, the masterful reveal, speaking to Holly Black.
Moving forward with more books I’m hoping not only to learn more of Sam’s story but I also want Maelee to get away from the stereotypes and plot so common in young reader dystopian. I want to see more traps like the one I mentioned above, and there are still several questions left unanswered. Who is the The Circle King and why the sudden disappearance? What truly happens to second born children? Who is the “you” mentioned in the first few chapters? Whats the rot and corruption in the society that truly makes it a dystopian? So much leaves me waiting for book two with bated breath.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Can't wait to read the next book. So many twists that I didn't expect. Silly me.

[Abby Rust · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book ever!! I loved the characters. Such a good Christian book! So many plot twists! I didn’t want to put it down!