An action-packed, blood-soaked, futuristic debut thriller set in a world where the murder rate is higher than the birthrate. For fans of Moira Young’s Dust Lands series, La Femme Nikita, and the movie Hanna.
Meadow Woodson, a fifteen-year-old girl who has been trained by her father to fight, to kill, and to survive in any situation, lives with her family on a houseboat in Florida. The state is controlled by The Murder Complex, an organization that tracks the population with precision.
The plot starts to thicken when Meadow meets Zephyr James, who is—although he doesn’t know it—one of the MC’s programmed assassins. Is their meeting a coincidence? Destiny? Or part of a terrifying strategy? And will Zephyr keep Meadow from discovering the haunting truth about her family?
Action-packed, blood-soaked, and chilling, this is a dark and compelling debut novel by Lindsay Cummings.
I’ve had this in my TBR for far too long, and after finishing it, I’m sorry I didn’t get to it sooner.
When another author friend recommended this book, I looked it up and loved the premise. Having La Femme Nikita as a comp title was just icing on the cake. Trained assassins, a government who tracks population numbers, a fierce female protagonist, and family secrets – what’s not to like? Be warned – this is a dark storyline with violence and some graphic deaths, so it may not be to everyone’s taste; however, if you enjoy thrilling plot twists and outstanding action sequences, this could be for you. I felt like the romance happened at the speed of lightning (literally love at first sight for one of the characters), but it didn’t really overshadow the plot.
Several reviewers have commented on the violence, but I felt it was comparable to The Hunger Games. I’ve already downloaded the next book, and I guarantee it won’t take me so long to read this one.
Books and Such 
Sounds interesting. Some people can’t handle graphic violence. I can. However, I may not want to read this one when I’m alone!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Graphic violence doesn’t both me either, Joan, and it fits within this story. Sometimes I’ll come across a book where it’s just out of place and maybe added for shock value. You’d be fine reading this one alone!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am a wuss in real life, but violence, gore, and the paranormal don’t bother me in books. Sounds like a great read!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Think you’d enjoy this one, Priscilla. It’s a series I plan on continuing.
LikeLike
Violence doesn’t bother me at all. This sounds awesome!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It really was, Staci – I just hate it took me so long to get to it. Now to find time to read the sequel.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah. The dreaded and ever-growing TBR list. I get it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds great… But some days I don’t like graphic violence…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I get it – some days you need something sweet and fluffy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This sounds intriguing, Teri. Violence doesn’t overly bother me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It had some great twists, Robbie. Think there are at least a couple more books?
LikeLike
I guess that’s one way to control the population! This sounds like an interesting premise, Teri, thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not totally PC, but it’s a form of population control, lol. Have a great weekend, Jacquie!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I enjoyed the enthusiasm of your review, Teri. 😀 The book seems to live up to its title for violence. I like the idea of a Florida houseboat setting — I can hear the insects buzzing just thinking about it.
The current version of me doesn’t handle that kind of violence well (including the Hunger Games) — so your review was very useful in letting me know that — and not be misguided by the YA category. Have a great rest of the week. Hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I read something recently about violence in YA books and how The Hunger Games kind of opened the door for others. It’s not for everyone, and I know I’d appreciate the warnings up front. Hugs, Teagan!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am fine with violence provided it isn’t senseless. A great review, Teri.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly – same here, Robbie.
LikeLiked by 1 person