Steven Dos Santos

Conscripted by a totalitarian government that murders family members when recruits fail their training levels, Lucky forges uneasy alliances with four fellow recruits against whom he is competing for survival, a situation that is further complicated by his growing feelings for a rebellious rival. Original.

The Culling

Jessica Nottingham

I'd been eyeing The Culling ever since I first saw it pop up on Goodreads. I'm a huge fan of dystopian novels, but never in my reading history had I seen one with a gay male protagonist! Let's be honest, male leads are few and far between in dystopia as it is. One from the LBGT community though? Unheard of. Thus I couldn't help but jump up and down with glee when I was given the opportunity to read an early copy of this book. Even better? It absolutely didn't disappoint!

Now before you lament over the similarities between this and another very popular series out there, let me assure you that Steven Dos Santos' book is well worth your time. While there are parallels, I honestly couldn't say I loved one over the other. Think Battle Royale and you'll have a good idea of this book. Much bloodier, much grittier, way more action. The Establishment is a heartless, evil government in a bleak and brutal world. People suffer and people die. If you're not okay with violence in your reading, this isn't a book for you.

Honestly, what I loved most of all were the characters. Lucian is a very likable protagonist. He cares for his brother, and wants nothing more than safety for the two of them. Watching him slowly learn that the world around him doesn't pull punches is heartrending. Then Dos Santos throws in the other recruits and my whole life was turned upside down. Ranging from kind to utterly sadistic, each one brings their own brand of crazy to the story. I loved that the author wasn't afraid to show the dark side of people who are being forced to compete to survive.

I think what really made this a stand out read for me was the simple fact that there isn't a barrier between the reader and the characters. I felt what they felt, saw what they saw, and hurt when they hurt. There were some things that weren't fully explained for me, but I'm hopeful the next book will wrap them up. Again, I know this book is similar to others out there and yet I still stand by my opinion that it shines on its own just fine. The brutality might shock you, but the underlying themes of friendship, family, and romance will keep you reading.

The Culling

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