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Oxygen: They Will Take Your Breath Away - A Dystopian Thriller
They will take your breath away...
In 2137, each person is fitted with nanotechnology that measures every breath they take. Each person has an oxygen quota of 10 million litres. When they have used this up, they receive a letter telling them they have less than a day to live.
But the rich people in Luxor City can buy Blue Oxygen – an oxygen replacement that does not use up a person’s quota. Jake thinks this system is unfair.
Then Bailey, Jake’s brother-in-law, receives his letter. Jake needs to find some Blue Oxygen to prolong Bailey’s life – and he’ll do anything to get it.
But when Jake meets Astrid on his city raid, what he thought was a simple decision turns out to be one that could change life … for everyone.
In 2137, each person is fitted with nanotechnology that measures every breath they take. Each person has an oxygen quota of 10 million litres. When they have used this up, they receive a letter telling them they have less than a day to live.
But the rich people in Luxor City can buy Blue Oxygen – an oxygen replacement that does not use up a person’s quota. Jake thinks this system is unfair.
Then Bailey, Jake’s brother-in-law, receives his letter. Jake needs to find some Blue Oxygen to prolong Bailey’s life – and he’ll do anything to get it.
But when Jake meets Astrid on his city raid, what he thought was a simple decision turns out to be one that could change life … for everyone.
306 pages, Paperback
Published June 15, 2022
58 people are currently reading
406 people want to read
About the author
Seth Rain
27 books33 followersSeth Rain lives in the Black Country, in the UK, waking far too early in the morning to write dystopian science fiction novels. Having studied English and Philosophy at University, he went on to attain a Master of Arts in English Literature. He has been a fan of dystopian and science fiction stories for some time and is now embarking on writing a series of novels of his own.
When he's not writing, Seth teaches English to 11-18 year olds. And when he's not writing, or teaching children, he spends time with his own two teenage children, his girlfriend, films, music and above all, books.
When he's not writing, Seth teaches English to 11-18 year olds. And when he's not writing, or teaching children, he spends time with his own two teenage children, his girlfriend, films, music and above all, books.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 24, 2022
'Once you see other people as different to yourself, then all kinds of evil will surely follow.’
This was fantastic from start to finish.
An utterly unique concept with a brilliant storyline, beautifully woven together with some really likeable characters and setting.
Hands down Seths best work to date. Highly recommend.
'Jake smiled and thought to himself how no one he’d ever met, until then, had the power to take his breath away quite like Astrid.'
This was fantastic from start to finish.
An utterly unique concept with a brilliant storyline, beautifully woven together with some really likeable characters and setting.
Hands down Seths best work to date. Highly recommend.
'Jake smiled and thought to himself how no one he’d ever met, until then, had the power to take his breath away quite like Astrid.'
June 18, 2023
I'm giving this book 5 stars because this is by an indie author. Yes, there are a few minor errors but it does not detract from the story. I read this in two sittings with a little sleep in between. I loved it!
December 5, 2024
When we cured illness and disease, we had to figure out a fair way to take our turn on this planet. And this is the way.
Barely 2 stars. Unfortunately, I found Seth Rain's "Oxygen: They Will Take Your Breath Away - A Dystopian Thriller" to be painfully dull and needlessly (sorry, I misspelled nauseatingly) melodramatic. In addition, so much of this story - which I did think had potential - to be extremely repetitive with a choppy writing style only adding to the torment. And yes, to answer your question I very much considered making this a DNF! At best, this was an unsophisticated effort where with the absence of a few random curse words could have easily meant it could be sold as a middle grade tome.
He had almost run out of oxygen, and he knew it.
My negative reaction was only exacerbated by the short and unneeded breaks, with 67 "chapterlets" spread over only 293 pages (that's around 4.37 pages per chapter for those of you keeping up with the accounting). If I will take away anything from this book it's that - once again - I should just stay away from the Young Adult genre. This is particularly true I think if it's indicated that the story is supposedly dystopian in nature, as I'm now convinced that everyone that has contributed to this overflogged approach is just looking for any scraps left over from "The Hunger Games" or "Twilight" series. So wave your flags, shout "nuclear war" and have at it!
I’m sorry. I didn’t want to hurt you. But I don’t … you know we’re not in love.
I also found myself struggling mightily to connect with any of the one-dimensional characters - good or bad - who all had their standard lines to constantly utter and stress to anyone willing to listen. The relationships were often infantile and no one seemed to fit their age, particularly when it came to not loving mummy or daddy as much as possible. Plus, I just can't get past the myriad of plot holes, some of which were big enough to pump in as much oxygen as these people needed! For example, cars weren't driven because of the expense of petrol, right? And yet, they had electricity as we know (watching TV, running trams, etc.). Surely the world of approximately 2139 would have been able to construct electric cars from all that scrap? And really : no one noticed a grubby waif of a young man opening a trap door on the property of the city's most important citizen during the year's biggest gala? Da fuh???
Her father was a tyrant, and she hated him.
I did say that I thought this story had potential but I just don't understand why Rain didn't run more with certain aspects. I mean, we're obviously still in this state of dystopia but the description is incomplete. This contributed overwhelmingly to a lack of coherence in the plot. There were just too many rushed sequences - including the whole "lion episode" which last, what, three, maybe four paragraphs? - and a lack of focus on things like the immortality that was programmed into everyone's… um, come to think of it: HOW DID they do that? I mean, did anyone think to ask how children are given their necessary implants at birth to extend life and install as well the O blockchain? And do we really believe the government knows about EVERY child born with so much of this world being an "us vs. them" existence?
There certainly wasn't enough room for children unless you were prepared to pay the price.
And while we're on the topic: did I miss how Blue Oxygen is made? And really folks: how could oxygen be a problem (I know, I know: it's not really … but tell the kids that because it makes for a hell of a way to save resources and prevent overpopulation!). I mean, here's a doozy of a truth bomb for you to consider: does anyone remember their very first chemistry demonstration, where electrolysis of water produces … what class? Anyone? Anyone? That's right: 2 units of hydrogen (also a potential propellant and source of energy, even explosively so!) and 1 unit of oxygen! So again, if a bright young lad like Bailey could fix all those cars and/or make sure any other leftover bits were useful, don't you think he could have set up, I don't know, an O-still? Because brewing still exists because folks drink and, and… sigh…
Blue Oxygen tastes different. It’s clean. That’s the difference.
OK, the hell with it. I didn't like this book. And I gave it 2 stars because I only give 1 if the editing is ALSO crap. So… yay?
Barely 2 stars. Unfortunately, I found Seth Rain's "Oxygen: They Will Take Your Breath Away - A Dystopian Thriller" to be painfully dull and needlessly (sorry, I misspelled nauseatingly) melodramatic. In addition, so much of this story - which I did think had potential - to be extremely repetitive with a choppy writing style only adding to the torment. And yes, to answer your question I very much considered making this a DNF! At best, this was an unsophisticated effort where with the absence of a few random curse words could have easily meant it could be sold as a middle grade tome.
He had almost run out of oxygen, and he knew it.
My negative reaction was only exacerbated by the short and unneeded breaks, with 67 "chapterlets" spread over only 293 pages (that's around 4.37 pages per chapter for those of you keeping up with the accounting). If I will take away anything from this book it's that - once again - I should just stay away from the Young Adult genre. This is particularly true I think if it's indicated that the story is supposedly dystopian in nature, as I'm now convinced that everyone that has contributed to this overflogged approach is just looking for any scraps left over from "The Hunger Games" or "Twilight" series. So wave your flags, shout "nuclear war" and have at it!
I’m sorry. I didn’t want to hurt you. But I don’t … you know we’re not in love.
I also found myself struggling mightily to connect with any of the one-dimensional characters - good or bad - who all had their standard lines to constantly utter and stress to anyone willing to listen. The relationships were often infantile and no one seemed to fit their age, particularly when it came to not loving mummy or daddy as much as possible. Plus, I just can't get past the myriad of plot holes, some of which were big enough to pump in as much oxygen as these people needed! For example, cars weren't driven because of the expense of petrol, right? And yet, they had electricity as we know (watching TV, running trams, etc.). Surely the world of approximately 2139 would have been able to construct electric cars from all that scrap? And really : no one noticed a grubby waif of a young man opening a trap door on the property of the city's most important citizen during the year's biggest gala? Da fuh???
Her father was a tyrant, and she hated him.
I did say that I thought this story had potential but I just don't understand why Rain didn't run more with certain aspects. I mean, we're obviously still in this state of dystopia but the description is incomplete. This contributed overwhelmingly to a lack of coherence in the plot. There were just too many rushed sequences - including the whole "lion episode" which last, what, three, maybe four paragraphs? - and a lack of focus on things like the immortality that was programmed into everyone's… um, come to think of it: HOW DID they do that? I mean, did anyone think to ask how children are given their necessary implants at birth to extend life and install as well the O blockchain? And do we really believe the government knows about EVERY child born with so much of this world being an "us vs. them" existence?
There certainly wasn't enough room for children unless you were prepared to pay the price.
And while we're on the topic: did I miss how Blue Oxygen is made? And really folks: how could oxygen be a problem (I know, I know: it's not really … but tell the kids that because it makes for a hell of a way to save resources and prevent overpopulation!). I mean, here's a doozy of a truth bomb for you to consider: does anyone remember their very first chemistry demonstration, where electrolysis of water produces … what class? Anyone? Anyone? That's right: 2 units of hydrogen (also a potential propellant and source of energy, even explosively so!) and 1 unit of oxygen! So again, if a bright young lad like Bailey could fix all those cars and/or make sure any other leftover bits were useful, don't you think he could have set up, I don't know, an O-still? Because brewing still exists because folks drink and, and… sigh…
Blue Oxygen tastes different. It’s clean. That’s the difference.
OK, the hell with it. I didn't like this book. And I gave it 2 stars because I only give 1 if the editing is ALSO crap. So… yay?
June 18, 2022
I was given an ARC of this story and it was thought-provoking to say the least because it focused on the wide gape between the rich and poor - in this case, life-giving oxygen. It's set in a possible future where there are too many people living too long due to 'alterations'. Though, for me, it reflected today's world where the few have everything while others struggle to survive - this premise, however, is a matter of life and death.
The writing style was great for this genre, the characters perfect for the plot, while it was embroiled in twists, turns, tension and surprises; I loved it.
Although I enjoyed the story, at the same time I was disturbed by the issues of inequality and rich entitlement, and certainly the lack of compassion in the name of that entitlement, which, of course, highlights how our world works in reality - sad and distressing.
This story, in my opinion, is worth reading because it just might ignite positive motives for changes in our reality, although...
Overall, an excellent read.
Recommended for sure.
The writing style was great for this genre, the characters perfect for the plot, while it was embroiled in twists, turns, tension and surprises; I loved it.
Although I enjoyed the story, at the same time I was disturbed by the issues of inequality and rich entitlement, and certainly the lack of compassion in the name of that entitlement, which, of course, highlights how our world works in reality - sad and distressing.
This story, in my opinion, is worth reading because it just might ignite positive motives for changes in our reality, although...
Overall, an excellent read.
Recommended for sure.
June 24, 2022
In Oxygen, Seth Rain has created another terrifying vision of the future, this time using the air that we breath and what life would be like if everyone had a limit on their supply. Once again, he has produced a book which throws you straight into the life of Jake, a raider who disagrees with a system where the rich never run out of air and the ordinary person receives a letter when their time is almost up. There’s plenty of action and drama as Jake and a girl called Astrid take on system. The vivid descriptions of the bleak landscape really makes you think about what would happen if this ever became true, and the way he has brought each character to life keeps you invested in the story until last page.
I’ve read and loved all of Seth Rain’s previous books and I can honestly say that he is an author who only gets better with each book he writes.
I’ve read and loved all of Seth Rain’s previous books and I can honestly say that he is an author who only gets better with each book he writes.
May 6, 2023
IDK what I thought of this book!
The synopsis and premise both seemed extremely promising, and I thought this would be like a 10/10 book for me. However, it seemed soooooo focused on the coding behind restricting oxygen (legit pages spent explaining blockchains). I felt like I was back in Higher Computing!
I wish that the author spent more time describing the society and what had to happen in order for such a dystopian rule to be put in place, as well as the impact it has on the society overall.
This overall seemed much more science-fictiony - and don't get me wrong I love sci-fi - but it was presenting itself like a YA dystopian novel so I was disappointed.
The synopsis and premise both seemed extremely promising, and I thought this would be like a 10/10 book for me. However, it seemed soooooo focused on the coding behind restricting oxygen (legit pages spent explaining blockchains). I felt like I was back in Higher Computing!
I wish that the author spent more time describing the society and what had to happen in order for such a dystopian rule to be put in place, as well as the impact it has on the society overall.
This overall seemed much more science-fictiony - and don't get me wrong I love sci-fi - but it was presenting itself like a YA dystopian novel so I was disappointed.
December 18, 2024
The premise is simple, but interesting: Something has happened, and to avoid problems caused by over-population, each individual is assigned a fix amount of oxygen at birth. Of course, the rich are able to find ways around this. Cue, the tension. I actually really enjoyed this. While some of the characters perhaps lacked a bit of development, I flew through the 300ish pages in just a couple of days. It was a solid, accessible dystopian tale, and I'd be interested in reading more by Seth.
May 23, 2023
Seth Rain once again delivers a hauntingly, riveting story that leaves you questioning the moral gray complexities of this future. For Jake and Astrid, their lives would have never collided into one another if it wasn't Jake's desperate need to steal Blue Oxygen to save a friend reaching the end of his quota and Astrid determined to make her own path outside of her father's plans for his daughter. After the heist goes absolutely wrong and a truly despicable punishment is thrusted upon innocent people Jake cares for; Jake becomes obsessed to tear down the whole system, enabling those that have been used and abused by the rich finally achieve something that is fair in their lives. Hunted by those whom would lose everything, Jake and Astrid accompanied by a team of brave coders set to change the future... or make a grand sacrifice to try.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
June 15, 2022
Wildly imaginative! Wonderful characters. Interesting plot. Vivid descriptions. Simply a GREAT read!
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
May 26, 2023
Compulsive reading...
I really enjoyed this story, it made me think about all the things I take for granted.
The characters are likeable but not too perfect, they have depth and the vulnerability of their situation is the constant through the book.
Thank you Seth
I really enjoyed this story, it made me think about all the things I take for granted.
The characters are likeable but not too perfect, they have depth and the vulnerability of their situation is the constant through the book.
Thank you Seth
August 16, 2023
I liked the story but I wanted so much more. Some books have far too much padding in them but, for me, this didn’t have enough.
I thought this was written for a young adult audience due to the simplicity of how it was written.
Still, I felt compelled to finish it, which is always a good sign
I thought this was written for a young adult audience due to the simplicity of how it was written.
Still, I felt compelled to finish it, which is always a good sign
October 12, 2023
Would make a good movie
The story and characters are great. Takes a while to get in to and it's not as smooth of a read as I would have liked.....but I can see it making a great film
The story and characters are great. Takes a while to get in to and it's not as smooth of a read as I would have liked.....but I can see it making a great film
March 12, 2024
I enjoyed the idea of the story but felt the characters could have done with more development. Some of the story felt quite repetitive and there world building was a little sparse. Really interesting concept though.
May 31, 2024
This was a very fast read. Interesting idea but I found it could have been so much better if more was explained on the world building and character building. Overall not terrible but felt it didn’t flow as well as I wanted.
February 2, 2025
It took a while to get going but I enjoyed it. I don’t get how the “powers” would not know exactly who was using the blue oxygen seeing as it linked into the system. And not sure how the world is any better at the end than at the beginning?
July 21, 2025
A entertaining read
I really enjoyed the structure of the book. The switching of charecter narrative real gave something to the story telling. The story could be extended and universe building further books. This could be a world unto itself.
Props to the author.
I really enjoyed the structure of the book. The switching of charecter narrative real gave something to the story telling. The story could be extended and universe building further books. This could be a world unto itself.
Props to the author.
June 8, 2022
I enjoyed Oxygen very much, it really creeped me out !
Rain knows how to keep you glued to the pages until you finished reading the entire novel.
Brilliant.
Rain knows how to keep you glued to the pages until you finished reading the entire novel.
Brilliant.
October 3, 2022
Excellent story!
This book was well written and fast paced. I would have given it a five, but there were some typos.
This book was well written and fast paced. I would have given it a five, but there were some typos.
May 11, 2023
short but sweet?
Couldn’t help but being disappointed with how quickly it all came together in the end, felt like this was a missed opportunity for building a richer world.
Couldn’t help but being disappointed with how quickly it all came together in the end, felt like this was a missed opportunity for building a richer world.
July 21, 2023
A surprisingly good read actually. If you like the fabulous 'In Time' starring Justin Timberlake then you will love this book as it is astonishingly similar.
February 22, 2025
great read
A fast paced thriller that sucks you in right from the start, read it in 3 days as couldn't put it down 😍
A fast paced thriller that sucks you in right from the start, read it in 3 days as couldn't put it down 😍
July 30, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
September 13, 2025
I loved this, easy to read and follow and made you really care and route for the characters.
December 11, 2025
oxygen
loved the book and was an easy read. loved the concept and the plot was good as well. not my usual choice of thriller but it was good
loved the book and was an easy read. loved the concept and the plot was good as well. not my usual choice of thriller but it was good
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews