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The Eden Compound
This place is her worst nightmare on steroids.
Literally.
Star-student Kathryn Speer has her future all planned out until Shardul comes to the school. Since she’s competing with him for top marks, she can’t decide if she should despise or date him.
When Kathryn’s rich uncle extends an invitation to study genetically modified tigers at his compound, Kathryn sees it as an opportunity to impress Shardul and give her a leg up on college applications.
Then Shardul goes missing, and her GPA suddenly loses its importance as she considers using her skills and the tools at The Eden Compound to find Shardul and bring him home.
But once she’s there, she realizes he’s not the only one in real danger.
Literally.
Star-student Kathryn Speer has her future all planned out until Shardul comes to the school. Since she’s competing with him for top marks, she can’t decide if she should despise or date him.
When Kathryn’s rich uncle extends an invitation to study genetically modified tigers at his compound, Kathryn sees it as an opportunity to impress Shardul and give her a leg up on college applications.
Then Shardul goes missing, and her GPA suddenly loses its importance as she considers using her skills and the tools at The Eden Compound to find Shardul and bring him home.
But once she’s there, she realizes he’s not the only one in real danger.
177 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 10, 2023
4 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 10, 2023
Jurassic Park meets The Most Dangerous Game but with tigers, a creepy uncle, and some sweet teen romance.
I think this books is an enjoyable, quick YA sci-fi suitable for a younger audience. At abt 50k it’s a quick read.
Note: I am biased to the 100th degree. 😂
I think this books is an enjoyable, quick YA sci-fi suitable for a younger audience. At abt 50k it’s a quick read.
Note: I am biased to the 100th degree. 😂
January 10, 2023
This story started off in a way that while I was intrigued I didn’t care for the characters how ever after getting to know them a little better I came to like them and I wanted them to achieve their goals! Though I do feel that they read as though they were younger than they are supposed to be.
The setting for this compound was so vivid and exciting that I felt like I could see everything. It made me want to visit a jungle … minus the blood thirsty steroid using animals
The twists and turns in this story were so gripping and surprising it felt like a rollercoaster.
If you enjoyed Jurassic park this is one for you.
The setting for this compound was so vivid and exciting that I felt like I could see everything. It made me want to visit a jungle … minus the blood thirsty steroid using animals
The twists and turns in this story were so gripping and surprising it felt like a rollercoaster.
If you enjoyed Jurassic park this is one for you.
Read
January 11, 2023This was a quick, fun, and refreshing read. For being a relatively short book, the characters were well-developed, and of course we definitely root for the main couple...plus, no love triangle! Haha. (I'm all for a good love triangle, but it's nice to see a good example of it absolutely not being required to make a good book)
February 27, 2023
I really enjoyed The Eden Compound. It is a quick read and has a definite creep factor to it reminiscent of Jurassic Park but on a smaller scale. I would definitely recommend this and will read more by this author!
January 10, 2023
This book was a delightfully intriguing ride. I definitely did not expect what happened to transpire but really enjoyed the ending. The characters stayed true to themselves which for me makes a huge impact on the book.
May 29, 2023
AMAZING!! This book had me hooked!!! It was so good!! I was on the edge of my seat! I can’t believe how twisted Uncle Ricky was! I didn’t want the book to end! Seriously a must read!!!!
January 16, 2024
A great rite-de-passage that explores moral dilemmas, loyalty and trust, and responsibility. A realistic scenario and developed characters that teach important lessons through their decisions. Excellent read.
February 13, 2023
This novel is a sci-fi story that brings us to a nightmare on steroids in a fast pace journey that made me believe I was actually running with the way my heart was pounding.
➡️ Chapters
Let me just begin by saying that I loved the titles of the chapters.
It starts with "Culturally Appropriate" and it ends with "The Stripes of Eden".
I love how it all connected and hunted each chapter
➡️ Characters
In this story, we follow Kathryn Speer, a teenager that ends up in a not very ideal situation.
Did I like Kathryn? She reminded me of a high school colleague I had back in the day. 🤣 So I felt a bit protective and intrigued to see what she did next. Her thoughts reminded me of teen years which makes it more authentic.
In terms of the other characters, I had mixed feelings. Some I despised (which was the point), others I felt bad and sad for them, and there were those that I found intriguing and I would love to see more of them in the future.
➡️ World + Plot
The story happens in a contemporary setting, so we can relate to a lot of it. High school, technology... even the aspects that could be more sci-fi, it was understandable and realistic.
Nothing would surprise me anymore in the world, so this would be a possibility in the future. Things like this could happen, and in a way I liked it.
Plus... We have friendship and rivalry, family dynamics, science and corruption... all wrapped into a fast pace story that grabbed my attention and I felt very entertained.
➡️ Pace
Speaking of fast pace...
The fact that it was an easy to read story and action and a quick pace, that took a hold of my attention from the first couple of pages... it made me realize that it's the kind of book that's good for teens, but also for everyone that needs a boost of energy. Because that's what I felt while reading this story.
Overall… from an adult point of view, I liked it because, knowing something about culture and history... it made me think about certain things, which led to deep thoughts.
But I also liked that the very first chapter started in the future, a future we will only understand by the end, because we go back and follow the story as things unfolded.
Plus, I liked the addition of the months and year, and I specifically loved the "still this damn month" feel and one point. That really connected with my teenage memories.
[Thank you, StagBeetle Books, for the ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]
➡️ Chapters
Let me just begin by saying that I loved the titles of the chapters.
It starts with "Culturally Appropriate" and it ends with "The Stripes of Eden".
I love how it all connected and hunted each chapter
➡️ Characters
In this story, we follow Kathryn Speer, a teenager that ends up in a not very ideal situation.
Did I like Kathryn? She reminded me of a high school colleague I had back in the day. 🤣 So I felt a bit protective and intrigued to see what she did next. Her thoughts reminded me of teen years which makes it more authentic.
In terms of the other characters, I had mixed feelings. Some I despised (which was the point), others I felt bad and sad for them, and there were those that I found intriguing and I would love to see more of them in the future.
➡️ World + Plot
The story happens in a contemporary setting, so we can relate to a lot of it. High school, technology... even the aspects that could be more sci-fi, it was understandable and realistic.
Nothing would surprise me anymore in the world, so this would be a possibility in the future. Things like this could happen, and in a way I liked it.
Plus... We have friendship and rivalry, family dynamics, science and corruption... all wrapped into a fast pace story that grabbed my attention and I felt very entertained.
➡️ Pace
Speaking of fast pace...
The fact that it was an easy to read story and action and a quick pace, that took a hold of my attention from the first couple of pages... it made me realize that it's the kind of book that's good for teens, but also for everyone that needs a boost of energy. Because that's what I felt while reading this story.
Overall… from an adult point of view, I liked it because, knowing something about culture and history... it made me think about certain things, which led to deep thoughts.
But I also liked that the very first chapter started in the future, a future we will only understand by the end, because we go back and follow the story as things unfolded.
Plus, I liked the addition of the months and year, and I specifically loved the "still this damn month" feel and one point. That really connected with my teenage memories.
[Thank you, StagBeetle Books, for the ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]
April 1, 2023
Kathryn (not "Kat," not ever "Kat") is top of her class and focused on staying there. She's likeable, especially for this former AP student who chose academics over other teenage life in school. Shardul comes to town, and she suddenly has not only a rival but someone she is frankly entranced by. The feeling is clearly mutual, but Kathryn is fighting it. Both are incredibly relatable, even for the non-nerdy sort. Other characters weren't as lovely--Kathryn's uncle who is clearly demented. Bryce who I have a love-hate feeling about.
The story itself is believable. Genetic modification science, remote location, people getting too involved in their own science and damn the consquences. This is a Michael Crichton story for the modern YA reader.
I only had one moment of confusion or "um..wait..." There's a scene where Kathryn is talking to Shardul and Bryce enters the room. It's written as if she hasn't seen him since arriving on the island. Yet, she's had multiple encounters with him specifically, one just a few pages before. It's an editing glitch.
I received a reviewer's copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story itself is believable. Genetic modification science, remote location, people getting too involved in their own science and damn the consquences. This is a Michael Crichton story for the modern YA reader.
I only had one moment of confusion or "um..wait..." There's a scene where Kathryn is talking to Shardul and Bryce enters the room. It's written as if she hasn't seen him since arriving on the island. Yet, she's had multiple encounters with him specifically, one just a few pages before. It's an editing glitch.
I received a reviewer's copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 22, 2023
The Eden Compound was a phenomenal read!!!
I love anything science related, even if it's fictional science that is based around real science! [I studied multiple types of biologies in HS and college because of my utter love for it.]
The Eden Compound brings in genetic mutations caused by drug testing/enhancement. Which is quite plausible in today's time, even more so in the future. And humans are always seeking the forbidden, like desiring to bring the dinosaurs back through minute traces of ancient dna found preserved, etc., etc.
This book is no different!! It brings forth the forbidden world of science, and folds it into a phenomenal, dark, and intense story revolving around survival of the forbidden.
Survive or die trying!!
I can't praise The Eden Compound enough!!! I was hooked from the cover, then by the description, and finally by the story itself! It throws you for a loop for sure!!
If you love dark, intense, sciencie books, give The Eden Compound a read!!!!
Fwew!!!!
I love anything science related, even if it's fictional science that is based around real science! [I studied multiple types of biologies in HS and college because of my utter love for it.]
The Eden Compound brings in genetic mutations caused by drug testing/enhancement. Which is quite plausible in today's time, even more so in the future. And humans are always seeking the forbidden, like desiring to bring the dinosaurs back through minute traces of ancient dna found preserved, etc., etc.
This book is no different!! It brings forth the forbidden world of science, and folds it into a phenomenal, dark, and intense story revolving around survival of the forbidden.
Survive or die trying!!
I can't praise The Eden Compound enough!!! I was hooked from the cover, then by the description, and finally by the story itself! It throws you for a loop for sure!!
If you love dark, intense, sciencie books, give The Eden Compound a read!!!!
Fwew!!!!
March 7, 2023
Trigger warnings for The Eden Compound include violence, animal attacks, drug use, being drugged, gun violence, kidnapping.
☆
☆
It felt particularly uncomfortable the amount that the main character commented on her uncle's weight and/or height in reference to his clothing size. Though I do understand that it has bearing on the plot and events of the story.
~
I strangely feel somewhat attached to both Kathryn and Shardul, and I don't understand why that is, other than the fact that neither of them are particularly safe in the environment they're in.
~
I really liked the story, as different as it was to the books I typically pick up. And I like the fact that even though there was potentially a romance element to it, it wasn't the main focus, and that it could also easily be taken to be the start of a proper friendship too.
•
Thank you to BookSirens for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
☆
☆
It felt particularly uncomfortable the amount that the main character commented on her uncle's weight and/or height in reference to his clothing size. Though I do understand that it has bearing on the plot and events of the story.
~
I strangely feel somewhat attached to both Kathryn and Shardul, and I don't understand why that is, other than the fact that neither of them are particularly safe in the environment they're in.
~
I really liked the story, as different as it was to the books I typically pick up. And I like the fact that even though there was potentially a romance element to it, it wasn't the main focus, and that it could also easily be taken to be the start of a proper friendship too.
•
Thank you to BookSirens for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 21, 2023
This book was great.
I loved the graphic detail that was included, especially with that ending for Ricky. It’s not often this level of description is in a book and it was really nice. The slow burn romance with Shardul and Kat was really good, and gave me all the feels. I felt particularly connected to the characters after the cable fell, the journey to safety and everything they went though was very enabling.
There was one section there (page 113?) where Bryce, who had already been in a few chapters, was referred to as someone Kat recognised from the beach. I didn’t think that was necessary as he was already established as an important character.
It did take me a little bit to get used to Shardul’s proverbs and trying to understand what the underlying meaning were. Once I caught on however, I found they were a nice touch to his character.
Those are the main point from me. Overall really enjoyed this book.
I loved the graphic detail that was included, especially with that ending for Ricky. It’s not often this level of description is in a book and it was really nice. The slow burn romance with Shardul and Kat was really good, and gave me all the feels. I felt particularly connected to the characters after the cable fell, the journey to safety and everything they went though was very enabling.
There was one section there (page 113?) where Bryce, who had already been in a few chapters, was referred to as someone Kat recognised from the beach. I didn’t think that was necessary as he was already established as an important character.
It did take me a little bit to get used to Shardul’s proverbs and trying to understand what the underlying meaning were. Once I caught on however, I found they were a nice touch to his character.
Those are the main point from me. Overall really enjoyed this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2023
The Eden Compound is a great sci-fi suspense thriller for young adults. Fast paced with well developed characters and an engaging plot, this book had me hooked.
Kathryn is her school's academic star until Shardul comes along and she finds herself torn between competing with him and falling for him. Things get complicated when Shardul fails to return home after a school camp and Kathryn visits her uncle's research compound, known as "The Eden Compound". Despite her mother's warnings, Kathryn finds herself in danger from the ones she's supposed to trust.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Kathryn is her school's academic star until Shardul comes along and she finds herself torn between competing with him and falling for him. Things get complicated when Shardul fails to return home after a school camp and Kathryn visits her uncle's research compound, known as "The Eden Compound". Despite her mother's warnings, Kathryn finds herself in danger from the ones she's supposed to trust.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 11, 2023
A great stand-alone suspenseful interracial romance! Plus tigers!
I really enjoyed the teen romance and slight "Jurassic Park" feel of people using science to create horrors. The romance is clean (fine for tweens), and the horror themes are built mostly on suspense and violence. Limited swearing. The violence can be a bit gory, but not excessive and in a realistic way. The story has a strong moral story against using addictive steroids.
As a nerd in high school, I related to Kathryn and her relationships.
My only critique is I wish I hadn't read the blurb. It gives away half the story.
I really enjoyed the teen romance and slight "Jurassic Park" feel of people using science to create horrors. The romance is clean (fine for tweens), and the horror themes are built mostly on suspense and violence. Limited swearing. The violence can be a bit gory, but not excessive and in a realistic way. The story has a strong moral story against using addictive steroids.
As a nerd in high school, I related to Kathryn and her relationships.
My only critique is I wish I hadn't read the blurb. It gives away half the story.
February 13, 2023
I liked this novel. It was very much directed toward young adults. The characters were somewhat realistic, although I would have liked to know more about them, other than the fact that they were both very smart and had crushes on each other. I would have liked more description of the "Eden Compound", other than that it was an island near Fiji. More info about the people there and the FDA agents would have also given more depth to the time/place. All in all, good for the intended audience.
March 3, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The book was a great read and the danger at The Eden Compound was an unexpected twist. It did not take long to read, it was a quick and enjoyable book. The way that the more violent parts are described in a good way, not to much detail, and not to little detail. If you enjoy books that have a dark theme, you will enjoy this book.
The book was a great read and the danger at The Eden Compound was an unexpected twist. It did not take long to read, it was a quick and enjoyable book. The way that the more violent parts are described in a good way, not to much detail, and not to little detail. If you enjoy books that have a dark theme, you will enjoy this book.
April 26, 2023
This was a quick read and the pacing was pretty fast.
I enjoyed the characters and everyone played a part. I loved that there was no love triangle and I did root for the two main characters.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoyed Jurassic Park.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed the characters and everyone played a part. I loved that there was no love triangle and I did root for the two main characters.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoyed Jurassic Park.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 28, 2023
The Eden Compound is a fast-paced thriller that has good characters. I would like to have known more about the island and compound. It is a Jurassic Park for tweens. Not too violent. I liked the moral undertones. Thank you to BookSirens for the ARC of this book.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews