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Kepler One: The Choosing

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The radiation on Earth is killing everyone Zoe Ruthland cares about. After winning the Lottery, she is the only tier five citizen given a chance to start over on a new planet. Seen as unworthy, a criminal, many want her to fail. Zoe must survive training, and the other cadets, to secure her place on the Kepler One spacecraft. But something sinister lurks behind the Government's plans to save humankind and Zoe has no idea that she is an integral part of it; that she is chosen for another reason.

392 pages, Paperback

Published April 26, 2017

18 people are currently reading
37 people want to read

About the author

T.P. Keane

3 books18 followers
Born in Galway, Ireland, (the middle child of seven) Writing is my biggest adventure and fictional worlds are my greatest playground. Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, and ADHD are just a fraction of the sum of ME.

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5 stars
33 (57%)
4 stars
11 (19%)
3 stars
10 (17%)
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2 (3%)
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1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Profile Image for Jas.
1,032 reviews
May 15, 2017
Kepler One is reminiscent of ‘The 100’ crossed with a version of ‘The Hunger Games’. The even have their own quaint little saying ‘May you find health this day’.
The story follows Zoe, a girl who comes from the lowest of a ‘Tiered’ system in the last bunker on Earth.
There has been a cataclysmic event on Earth, destroying not only the planet, but much of the population, and all that remains is buried in a massive bunker below the Earth, with 5 multi-level Tiers.
Those on the Tier One, the deepest, are the safest and the most privileged, as they are the furthest from the radiation soaked surface. Those in Tier Five are in mortal danger, being close to the surface. You end up in Tier Five when you are bad, commit crime, or if you are just lucky enough to be born there, as is the case with poor Zoe.
Zoe is trying to look after her dying Mother, and another young boy, Jason. This is, until there is a lottery, a lottery for a special place aboard a new program – the Kepler One. In a last ditched effort to save humanity, this project will see 15 kids chosen and launched into space to another planet to try and set up a new colony and then retrieve those left on Earth.
I won’t go into it all and spoil all the story, but obviously, Zoe is chosen.
The story focuses around her time as a Cadet in this program, the struggles, trials, and relationships with the other Cadets. Although there are only 15 spots, a lot more than that are chosen, and have to be weeded out through medical, academic and physical challenges.
The main character of Zoe is an interesting character, even though she has grown up in the hell that is Tier Five (it is full of people who kill or rape you as soon as look at you), she is one to help others. However, she is also very reserved. I found that her character seemed to be at odds with herself at times, but for the most part, this was pretty easy to overlook.
This might sound like another repeat of a story that has been done multiple times, and to some extent, it is, there is even a the love triangle between Zoe, and two boys, Nathan and Tristan, who of course have a rivalry and hate each other. But Keane has created a rather interesting dynamic with her Tiered system, and the additional characters, Otto especially are likeable enough that the story is enjoyable.
There are some issues with the story, time does not seem to get mentioned enough in the story, and moves at an irregular rate, and the Cadets all seem able to learn at incredible rates (such as Zoe who can’t read or write understanding the complexities of wormhole mechanics in what seems less than a week?), as well as they appear to heal from injuries very easily. There is a lot of glossing over of various aspects of the story, which if you are detail oriented, can be a little annoying.
Overall though, this is actually quite a decent read for this type of book, it is definitely aimed at a teenage audience. There is some violence including a near sexual assault in the book for those looking at letting younger teens read it, but there is little in the way of bad language.
For those that are into The 100, Hunger Games, and that style of story, this is definitely for you. Otherwise, if you are after something that is a fun read with a pretty interesting Dystopian World – this is well worth it.
Looking forward to the next book!
Profile Image for S.J. Francis.
Author 2 books29 followers
July 1, 2017
5 Stars for Zoe and Author TP Keane. Another winner!
Not normally a fan of science fiction/fantasy books, I did thoroughly enjoy Kepler One. Right from the beginning, this book grabbed my interest. The heroine, Zoe Ruthland is a strong woman and needs to be when face to face with the situation before her. Living through her eyes, I couldn’t help cheering her on. Kepler One is a unique story set in post-apocalyptic world where survivors are separated into five different tiers to live where those in the deepest level – one - are farther away from the effects of radiation on Earth’s surface as opposed to those living in Tier Five who live closest to the radiation. Life isn’t good for any of them, but for those in Tier 5 is the worst. A lottery meant to prolong their race gives Zoe an opportunity to escape living in Tier 5. Follow her as she goes through challenges to become one of the chosen fifteen spots to survive. Fans of Hunger Games and Dystopian worlds will enjoy this book. Aimed at young adults, this book can be enjoyed by anyone. I enjoyed it. This was a second read for me by author T. P. Keane and I wasn’t disappointed. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Profile Image for Laura.
758 reviews104 followers
May 18, 2017
Thank you to the author, T.P. Keane, and their publicist for gifting me with a copy of Kepler One - The Choosing in exchange for an honest review!

I really enjoyed this book!  I read in all in one sitting in just 3.5 hours which speaks for itself.  It wasn't completely flawless but enjoyable nonetheless.

1.  The characters.  This is the only complicated element for me.  On one hand, the author has taken steps to develop each character.  Their background, their personality, their actions, everything.  For the most part, this effort was entirely successful.  The characters jumped off the page which is a wonderful testament to the author's skill and their dedication to editing.  On the other hand, there are several prominent instances where this failed.  The main character, Zoe, had more lapses than the other characters (and they are more prominently displayed as the only POV is her perspective).  Especially near the end, she acted out of character in a spectacular fashion on several occasions.  She would randomly get angry and barge in places without thinking and would act incredibly irrationally.  This did not line up with her background of growing up in the toughest sector (the world is separated into five sectors, the fifth being the most dangerous, and Zoe grows up in the fifth).  You'd think growing up with that type of environment, you'd learn to temper yourself just a bit or at least have a more critical mind to pick apart situations and assess but Zoe doesn't seem to have any of these traits.  I did enjoy her character, nonetheless, and she provided some interesting discussion on leadership (more on that later).

2.  The plot.  As I mentioned above, I read this all in one go and was entirely engrossed.  This is 75% due to the plot and 25% due to the characters and my interest in their development.  While the characters are fascinating, the plot truly shines in this novel.  Taking a cue from all other successful novels, the author made sure to include an overarching plot line (the goal of getting to a more habitable planet) as well as secondary ones (Zoe and Nathan's exploits, Zoe's journey, and the little tests along the way).  Think a combination of The Hunger Games, Throne of Glass, and Passengers (the movie, not the book).  There is a selection process to determine who will be among the 15 people to go on the ship and travel to the selected planet that is hundreds of light-years away.  This selection process isn't exactly friendly but isn't to the level of The Hunger Games.  This provides tension which drives everything allow that much more smoothly.

3.  The romance.  Yes, there is a romance and yes, there is a love-triangle.  I'm pleased to report, however, that the romance doesn't overtake the plot in any way and the love-triangle itself isn't made too apparent until a couple of occurrences near the end.  Nothing to fret about.  I do hope that the author will keep in mind that romance is a secondary plot line in the next book as well.  The romance doesn't develop all that much because of Zoe's character which I loved as it stays very true to her personality and thought process.  All in all, I think the author is very good about sticking to the limitations of his characters in this instance.

4.  The writing.  I truly enjoyed this author's writing style.  They included some lyrical language but were also careful about making sure everything flowed well.  I can appreciate metaphorical language but there's definitely a time and a place for it and I think the author took the proper steps to ensure this was the case.

5.  The concept/idea.  This is also something I enjoyed immensely.  I loved how the author took the time to go through some of the science (I am by no means an expert in space travel and the bending of space-time in the creation and exploitation of worm-holes by the way) to make everything seem that much more believable.  The author also took the time to really flesh out the pressures of the mission (basically the survival of humanity).  I haven't read too many books related to space travel that I've enjoyed (basically The Martian) so this was a lovely read for me.

The Final Verdict:
All in all, a truly enjoyable novel.  While there were several distinct instances where characters acted extremely strangely for themselves, they were developed well and the plot shone.
4 stars
Profile Image for Monica.
2,079 reviews
June 21, 2017
I dont normally do YA. Sometimes they just tend to be written too juvenile. Not my thing BUT I am trying to broaden my horizons so I gave this a try and ending up really liking it! This is not written too juvenile for me. Although the characters are a range of ages and the heroine, Zoe is 16. This is a dystopian type of book as well or post-apocalyptic? Things are pretty rough and most dont live past 60 years old due to radiation poisoning and everything is contaminated. Government is trying to find another planet that the few still healthy can go and start over. Zoe happens to be chosen to participate in the cadet trials to be chosen to go to said new place. Lots of lying and betrayal going on and lets hope they all can survive they can get to the new planet. Nobody can trust anyone it seems and Zoe is no different.

So..there will be more. I wouldnt call it a HUGE cliffhanger but a little bit.
98 reviews6 followers
March 20, 2021
3.5 rounded up or down

YA coming of age. Heroine has agency as she competes to rise from least privileged level of her post nuclear winter underground habitat. Character building is a 4 star. World building is so-so, and the plot won't be unfamiliar to readers who like Hunger Games, albeit without that level of delicious / excruciating tension.

Heroine has trouble deciding between two very young men. Any heat is limited to a scant few kisses, as is the norm for YA.
Profile Image for Amanda Bayley.
Author 4 books55 followers
May 25, 2017
A great paced, read

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters are are engaging, the plot twists, while sometimes predictable, were well written. There were quite a few glaring issues missed by the editor but the story was so good I was able to overlook them. I look forward to more from this series.
1 review
May 30, 2018
Great read!

This was a good read. I enjoyed it. The story was similar to the Atlantis Grail series but I still can't wait to read what happens next.
Profile Image for DaddyEvil.
12 reviews1 follower
October 3, 2018
Excellent read!

Live with 15 teens as they train to go to a distant planet to send rescue ships back to planet Earth for the last of the human race.
Profile Image for J.S. Frankel.
Author 92 books237 followers
April 22, 2017
After I entered my rating, goodreads flashed the message: "Write a review."
My immediate thought was "Do I have to? I just gave the book five stars."

Okay, seriously, having been gifted by the author with ARC of Kepler One, I read it through and found it a solid read. Zoe Ruthland, one of the survivors on our future Earth, is given the chance to leave via a lottery. Yes, dystopian time, but under Ms. Keane's nimble and oh-so-practiced fingers, the novel makes the horrors of radiation sickness, drudgery of living life (if it can be called that) and terror from a corrupt government seem all too real and palpable.

Zoe's a Tier Five citizen--a shadow--the lowest of the low among the survivors. Although she is considered scum ,nevertheless she wins her chance to escape Earth and board the Kepler One, a spacecraft taking people to a new world to start over. Of course, Zoe has to survive basic training, and that takes up the bulk of the novel. Zoe finds out why she's been selected, but I'm not going to spoil it for anyone else here. Suffice it to say, the reasoning behind her selection is high on this side of sick.

As always, Ms. Keane comes up with a diverse cast of supporting players. Standouts like Nathan, Tristan, Larissa, Otto and Tristan, are all sharply defined. This is Ms. Keane's strength as a writer, making her characters believable.

Zoe is especially likeable. Tough but vulnerable, illiterate, yet possessed with a keen intelligence, she fears for her survival, but works hard and takes command of the situation when necessary, demonstrating strength and leadership. It may be a bit sudden to some readers, but not to me. Her character felt just right.

If I had to carp about anything, I'd say it was the length of the novel. It wasn't slow at all, yet I feel that the training sequences could have been shorter, which IMO would not have detracted from the novel's impact at all. Other than that, I really couldn't find much wrong with it.

Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Susan Keefe.
Author 11 books58 followers
May 16, 2017
The earth as we know it is dead! In order to survive the resulting radiation, the survivors of the catastrophic disaster which destroyed it, live below ground in a five tiered bunker. The deeper below the surface you live the safer you are, the lucky ones are deep, but those on the fifth tier live in mortal danger. These people are the criminals, the bad ones, and those who just happened to have been born there, like Zoe Ruthland.

Then a lottery is held for cadets to crew Kepler One, the last hope for mankind. Kepler One is a spacecraft which will be launched to discover a new planet for the human race to inhabit. Once it has found one, its crew will establish a colony, and then come back for the rest of the survivors on earth.

Much to everyone’s chagrin, Zoe wins a place, and is the only tier five inhabitant to do so. This exciting science fiction story follows Zoe’s cadet training as she competes in physical, mental and academic challenges with the other cadets. There are more cadets than actual places so the competition is fierce, and this story tells not only Zoe’s struggle to win a place, but also her relationship with other trainees.

As a real fan of science fiction, and already having read T. P. Keane’s fantastic previous book, The Paladins of Naretia, I was really looking forward to reading this one, and I was not disappointed.

Kepler One takes its reader on an amazing science fiction adventure, which makes compelling reading especially when you discover that there is a hidden agenda…
Profile Image for Sarah Todd.
3 reviews
April 26, 2017
I love dystopian novels, particularly young adult ones, but I have a high standard for them. TP keane certainly met my standards and even went above and beyond my expectations. So many thread are woven in this tale that I cannot wait to see where they go. Zoe is a character, submerged in an austere world where hope and choice dont exist. TP keane's writing is so vivid and true to Zoe's character that it's hard not to route for her, feel her pain, and rage against the corrupt government of Bunker Twelve. Kepler One isn't a happily ever after book, rather it is a book based on the true rigors of life, both the good and the bad. Her characters are divers, flawed, broken in many ways because of the way they live, and I suspect, there is many more surprised from them in the next books. An honest 5/5 book.
Profile Image for Katja Vartiainen.
Author 41 books127 followers
May 15, 2017
I received a copy for an honest review. I really enjoyed this book. It glued me to it from the beginning. It's a dark dystopian future, well built with a young girl, Zoe, as the main character. She is a survivor. The characters are so well built that it makes the story compelling. We really get to feel what Zoe feels- the challenges she has to face, the difficult choices she has to make, and the new, hard experiences she encounters. I like that the writer uses the story and characters to make us ponder about our contemporary society- its values and moral codes and divisions - or I did, heh. There's suspense, and it seems to build magnificently until the end. And we can only say- more!
Profile Image for Professor Boba.
29 reviews
November 14, 2022
I would call The Choosing the poor man’s version of Skyward, but nobody deserves to have this book inflicted upon them, regardless of socioeconomic status.

The most complicated parts of the writing are the typos, and the whole thing feels very unfinished. There’s not much resembling a story structure, and the one-dimensional characters aren’t enough to carry the weak plot and worldbuilding.

This looks like it was originally supposed to be a series, but I can’t find any other books or any information on the authors. I’m a bit disappointed; I wanted to see what new dumpster fire directions it would take. I suppose I’ll just have to write the sequel myself. Haha, just kidding…unless…?
Profile Image for Connie.
202 reviews9 followers
June 24, 2017
This is rather a futuristic book, where our world, earth as we call it, has been destroyed by the government.
Zoe wins a lottery drawing and has been given a chance to board Kepler One and start over.
Zoe has to go through extreme training in order to start over.
But there is a reason why she was chosen.
Will she succeed? What is her reaction when she finds out the reason she was chosen? I was able to follow the characters and the plot. It was.an interesting book. I would recommend it.
Profile Image for Amanda Showalter.
490 reviews9 followers
June 24, 2017
I am not normally interested in apocalyptic books but this one is interesting. Zoe is able to start again on a new world but not is all as it seems. This book shows you what she has to go through to try to get there along with Nathan and Tristan. Time does seem a bit messed up in the story and there are some inconsistencies but you can get through them. A pretty interesting read.
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