The Culling

Oh. My. This book was brutal. Imagine the Hunger Games, but way more violent and disturbing. That being said, I couldn't put it down. This is the story of Lucky, who is living in a post apocalyptic world where you can be pulled off the streets and disappear forever. He lives with his four year old brother Cole. Lucky is trying to keep them both alive and when his old friend Cassius comes back to town as a Prefect, he thinks his problems may be solved. Unfortunately, Cassius has changed and as revenge for Lucky not helping him catch the resistance, Cassius puts Lucky in the running to become an Imposer. Of course, to become one you must win The Trials. As the five unlucky names are called, Lucky finds himself in competition with the dreamy Digory. The only problem is that only one person will survive the Trials- oh and if you come in last in any of the events, someone you love will be "culled" or killed in some horrible fashion. Since Cole is one of Lucky's Incentives, Lucky must sacrifice everything to keep him safe- even at the cost of Digory and the other contestants's loved ones. I haven't despised a character as much as Cassius in a long time. I look forward to him getting what is coming to him in future books. The Trials that the contestants must endure are horrifying and gory. The choices the contestants must make are devastating. This book is not for the faint of heart, but it definitely will keep you on the edge of your seats. Steven Dos Santos has created a world that disturbs me in so many ways and leaves me with more questions than answers. So, if you have a strong stomach and can find hope in little things, give this one a try! Happy Reading my friends!