Author: Steven Dos Santos
Publisher: Flux
Release Date: March 8th 2013
Find on: Amazon, Goodreads
Quick Review: Lucian "Lucky" Spark has been recruited for training by the totalitarian government known as the Establishment. According to Establishment rules, if a recruit fails any level of the violent training competitions, a family member is brutally killed . . . and the recruit has to choose which one.
As the five recruits form uneasy alliances in the hellish wasteland that is the training ground, an undeniable attraction develops between Lucky and the rebellious Digory Tycho. But the rules of the training ensure that only one will survive--the strongest recruits receive accolades, wealth, and power while the weakest receive death. With Cole--Lucky's four-year-old brother--being held as "incentive," Lucky must marshal all his skills and use his wits to keep himself alive, no matter what the cost.
Detailed Review: First things, first.
IS LUCIAN GAY???
When I read the first part of the book, I was thinking whether Lucian was really gay or something. Then again, I continued my voyage through the sea of words and I realized that - "Lucian is gay". I find it hard to believe but yet it is undeniable - that the author had actually written his main character as someone who is gay but it's fascinating to see how it turns out.
How the story unfurls into a world where the weak must die and the strong reigns.
'Digory Tycho, one of the two most popular and handsomest boys in the Instructional Facility's recent history. The boy who everyone in the Parish says is a shining example of the core values of The Establishment and will someday make a Great Imposer and a fine husband to anyone lucky enough to catch his eye.'
See that clue, I picked out for you, well, there you have it... Need more evidence? Well, I have a few more but... I'll give you one that won't reveal too much (hence this bit is in the summary).
'I crane my neck to look up at him. "You do realize that question works both ways, don't you?"
He half-smiles, a sparkle of white amidst all the gray. "Right, Lucian."
My name. He actually knows my name...'
This part is pretty bleh. But see the similarities of a girl when they see someone who they had a crush on for years and suddenly the guy talks to the girl. The story continues where the girl will squeal and say, "OMG he knows my name."
REACTIONS: Lucian via girl on the inside when their crush talks to them.
So...
The story continues where Lucian decides to get captured by The Establishment so he can talk with his good ol' buddy, Cassius. The author has really created a dramatic scene where there are these creatures called The Canids who tear up a man or supposedly A Worm as how the soldiers call them. Thieve, slaves and whatnots - this is where Lucian meets Digory.
LUCIAN; a young boy (well, not really a boy), he's someone who you can rely on, be friends with and most certainly he has the will to fight for his freedom no matter the price or his family (his brother, Cole) - he will go through battlefields, love and desires as he races to fight for what he really believes in! But what can you do if you're life is already on hold?
DIGORY; A supposed golden boy, who has his own thoughts about The Establishment where the world is free from hunger, slavery and death. He will tumble and fall until he reaches the very end of what you call - NOTHING - to save who he loves, cherish and who he fights for until the very end of times.
CASSIUS; an uncle? A Prefect? Does he really love his new world where corrupted cities, minds and bodies have tasted the dust? He is a man who cares for Lucian and his brother, Cole where he will do everything in his power to he save them. After being recruited into the program, Cass has been brainwashed! But then again, can you really trust the person who's been lying to you the most?
As the world spirals out of control for Lucian, his life and Digory is not yet done.
'He reaches up and caresses my cheek. "I love you, Lucky."
"I love you, too."
And then we're kissing each other, and it's like I've never lived before.'
Really believe me? Well, you should.
Brief Review: The Culling is a world - full of hunger, love and desire as Lucky races to save his loved ones until the end of time. Santos has written an impressive, dramatic read that propels the characters into a land of no freedom and no regrets.
My Rating: 4/5 'Really Liked it'
Your Reviewer:
When I read the first part of the book, I was thinking whether Lucian was really gay or something. Then again, I continued my voyage through the sea of words and I realized that - "Lucian is gay". I find it hard to believe but yet it is undeniable - that the author had actually written his main character as someone who is gay but it's fascinating to see how it turns out.
How the story unfurls into a world where the weak must die and the strong reigns.
'Digory Tycho, one of the two most popular and handsomest boys in the Instructional Facility's recent history. The boy who everyone in the Parish says is a shining example of the core values of The Establishment and will someday make a Great Imposer and a fine husband to anyone lucky enough to catch his eye.'
See that clue, I picked out for you, well, there you have it... Need more evidence? Well, I have a few more but... I'll give you one that won't reveal too much (hence this bit is in the summary).
'I crane my neck to look up at him. "You do realize that question works both ways, don't you?"
He half-smiles, a sparkle of white amidst all the gray. "Right, Lucian."
My name. He actually knows my name...'
This part is pretty bleh. But see the similarities of a girl when they see someone who they had a crush on for years and suddenly the guy talks to the girl. The story continues where the girl will squeal and say, "OMG he knows my name."
REACTIONS: Lucian via girl on the inside when their crush talks to them.
Reaction 1
Reaction 2
Your pick.
So...
The story continues where Lucian decides to get captured by The Establishment so he can talk with his good ol' buddy, Cassius. The author has really created a dramatic scene where there are these creatures called The Canids who tear up a man or supposedly A Worm as how the soldiers call them. Thieve, slaves and whatnots - this is where Lucian meets Digory.
LUCIAN; a young boy (well, not really a boy), he's someone who you can rely on, be friends with and most certainly he has the will to fight for his freedom no matter the price or his family (his brother, Cole) - he will go through battlefields, love and desires as he races to fight for what he really believes in! But what can you do if you're life is already on hold?
DIGORY; A supposed golden boy, who has his own thoughts about The Establishment where the world is free from hunger, slavery and death. He will tumble and fall until he reaches the very end of what you call - NOTHING - to save who he loves, cherish and who he fights for until the very end of times.
CASSIUS; an uncle? A Prefect? Does he really love his new world where corrupted cities, minds and bodies have tasted the dust? He is a man who cares for Lucian and his brother, Cole where he will do everything in his power to he save them. After being recruited into the program, Cass has been brainwashed! But then again, can you really trust the person who's been lying to you the most?
As the world spirals out of control for Lucian, his life and Digory is not yet done.
'He reaches up and caresses my cheek. "I love you, Lucky."
"I love you, too."
And then we're kissing each other, and it's like I've never lived before.'
Really believe me? Well, you should.
Brief Review: The Culling is a world - full of hunger, love and desire as Lucky races to save his loved ones until the end of time. Santos has written an impressive, dramatic read that propels the characters into a land of no freedom and no regrets.
My Rating: 4/5 'Really Liked it'
Your Reviewer:
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