The Headhunters Race

Headhunters #1

by Kimberly Afe

Sixteen-year-old Avene was sentenced to prison at thirteen for a crime she didn't commit. Now she has a chance to win her freedom back – if she enters the Headhunters Race. Second prize isn't so bad either, an upgrade to the Leisure Prison if you make it to the finish line. To win either prize, Avene and the other prisoners must navigate one hundred and fifty miles of dense forest, desert, and worst of all, cannibal territory.

With a mechanical collar timed to strangle the prisoners if they're not back in nine days, Avene allies herself with seventeen-year-old McCoy, another prisoner that insists on helping her at every turn and a boy she's trying hard not to fall for. Together they battle nature, other prisoners, and the timed death collars to win the coveted prize. But when Avene is tested with one deadly conflict after another, she realizes there is more at stake than winning her freedom – first she has to survive.

Genres: Dystopia, Young Adult, Romance, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure, Survival

196 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Kimberly is the mother of two awesome kids, wife of the nicest man in the world, and her dog's best friend. She works by day and writes middle grade and young adult science fiction and fantasy novels in her spare time. She lives with her family in the beautiful Sonoran Desert.

Reviews

[Aydrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dang this one was actually pretty crazy, didn't know what to expect, but I really liked it. The MC has major trust issues though, lol, but it was really frustrating at times. Kind of love McCoy :)

[Catherine Winn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a real page turner! Excellent plot and fantastic characters.

[BookLoversLife · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avene was sent to prison for something she didn't do. This isn't just a prison though, this is a hell. King runs the prison in such a way where he doesn't care if the prisoners live or die. He feeds them in a trough twice or three times a week and there's never enough to feed everyone. Its a constant battle to get food. Avene tries to supplement the meals by hunting in the abandoned part of the prison. To Avene this place is hell.

The only way to gain your freedom is to take part in The Headhunters Race. Its a race to kill and bring back Gavins head. He killed Avenes mother and is also her brother!! Avenes mom was married to Governor King and when she was killed King said she was an accomplice. Gavin got away but Avene was thrown into prison. If you win the race you are granted your freedom but even if you don't win, you can still win an upgrade to the Leisure prison. Avene had applied twice but King doesn't let her enter. This time is different.

When she gets her place in the race she has every reason to succeed. She wants revenge on Gavin and wants her freedom. She knows the race wont be easy but she has no idea whats in store. With the help of McCoy can she stay alive long enough to win her freedom?

Ok, that was quite a ride!! When I read the blurb I immediately added it to my wishlist. I got the chance to review it and I jumped at it.

From the get go you are thrown into the deep end. The prison is a horrible place and the author captured the essence of it perfectly. She made it come alive and you could picture how dank and dreary it was. The prisoners have to fight each other for food. They steal and will do anything to feed themselves. Any weakness is exploited and every second is one you have to watch your back. You trust no one!!

Avene went from living her life to being put into this place for no reason. She isnt the only one though. Anyone King thinks has crossed him is put into it. He is one mean and nasty so and so!! He has no compassion and doesn't care about anyone.

Avene is an awesome character. She is tough, strong and smart. She finds it hard to trust anyone so when McCoy keeps showing up wherever she is she immediately thinks the worse. All she wants is revenge on Gavin and King dead. She knows the race is tough but still signs up. She stays strong through the whole journey and always uses her head. The only thing I didn't like was her constant reference to Verla and what Verla said!!! It got annoying after a while.

Oh McCoy. Be still my heart!!! He totally won me over. At the start I thought he was a weird one, constantly watching Avene, but he is anything but. Strong, kind, smart and full of awesomesauce, I loved his character. He totally worms his way into Avenes life and without him she mightn't survive.

This book grabbed me from the very first page. It was action packed, full of suspense, filled with characters that will have you rooting for them and is firmly on my favourites list. Every page is a fight for survival and has you on the edge of your seat. I couldn't get through the pages fast enough but yet I dint want it to end. You think you know what will happen but you have no idea!! The twists and turns would give you whiplash! I loved everything about this and can not wait for book 2. It ends on a cliffhanger and when I got to it I was like NOOOO, it cant end like that. I need the next book like yesterday!!! Highly recommend.

[T.B. Markinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I saw the cover for The Headhunters Race I knew I had to read the book. The cover is intriguing and pulled me in. And I’m so happy to report that the book didn’t disappoint. Right from the start I was hooked. Avene is one of those characters who I cheered for, but I also wanted to lecture her. She has some serious trust issues. I understood why, but I still wanted to shout, “Knock it off and learn to trust!”

There are so many twists and turns in this book that I bet I couldn’t name them all right now if put on the spot. I devoured the book in less than two days. I’ll admit, I stayed up late two nights in a row since I could not put this book down. I hope Afe does not make us wait too long for her next book. I want more right now.

[Kimber Wheaton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review

The Headhunter's Race is a nonstop, action-packed ride that will keep you turning pages as fast as you can all the way to the end. Though, I'm not sure I'd call it an end so much as the opportunity to begin a new story. The novel is a dystopian adventure with a sprinkling of romance. In many ways it reminded me of The Hunger Games.

Main character Avene hasn't had an easy life. Her step-father, the governor of her town, is cruel and nasty. When her mother is murdered, Avene is blamed and thrown into prison for the crime. Life in the prison is beyond harsh. From the descriptions, it seemed as if 2/3 of the town was there, wallowing in filth and starving. The Headhunters Race is the chance for freedom. Travel dangerous terrain filled with bears, coyotes, and cannibals. Yes, you heard right, cannibals. Though it seems impossible to win, at least it provides some hope.

I was intrigued by romantic interest McCoy. He was odd, to say the least. It was difficult to determine whether he was genuinely a decent person or if it was all an act. We see him through Avene's eyes, and she stopped trusting anyone years ago. I really wanted to know more about McCoy. It seems like we barely scratch the surface of his personality and life story. In many ways I found him to be the most interesting character in the novel. His actions were so out of character for the average prisoner. Avene was constantly confused by him as well.

The imagery and descriptions are quite vivid, some not the least bit pleasant, in this raw, gritty story. The whole plot line regarding the cannibals is morbid. If you're a fan of dystopian, consider adding The Headhunters Race to your TBR list. I don't know if Ms. Afe has another book planned, but I would really like to know what happens to Avene and McCoy next.

[Cait S]

DNF at Chapter 3. Writing was just too clunky for me to get into, personally. Gorgeous cover though.

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit late but better late then never. So I read this book back in the beginning of February when I won it as an ebook from the author Kimberly Afe and I was very much pleased with this story. It was intersting and very much intriguing. I stayed up until midnight on a school night to finish it and see what happens and even after I did my head was clustered with thoughts as to how it ended and as to what we learn in the end. It was very much a page turner.

The main character in this book's name is Avene. She was one of those characters that I loved and cheered on throughout various parts of the book but at other points I just wanted to talk some scene into her. Avene is a character that has some pretty serious trust issues of others. At times I understood, especially with her background story, but when it came to McCoy I just wanted her to trust him. Even just a little. And it's safe to say I fell in love with McCoy's character more than Avene because I just love a good male love interest.

Now my only real complaint with it was one, I felt that the situations that arise for characters, are really good and well thought out, but they were too easily resolved in my opinion. It didn't take them very long to find the solution and move on with their journey. Although it didn't annoy me too badly as many different conflicts arise for our characters. I think the book could have used more character development and world building. I really want to know how things ended up the way they did and why so many people, and children/teenagers it seems, end up in this prison. Plus, the book was short. I feel like somethings could have have more explained, the situations/conflicts. The book was too rushed and I couldn't enjoy it more due to this.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and am interested in reading the sequel and others works by Ms. Afe.

[Saruuh Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

((3.5 stars))

When I started reading this, I expected more dystopia than survival story and I am extra happy that this book is what it is.

In The Headhunters Race Avene, the protagonist, is imprisoned with only one hope of getting out of jail - win a manhunt of prisoners organised by the governor, and capture a fugitive in return for her freedom. But she'll have to battle criminals much more deadly than her in order to return the fugitive to the governor - her sadistic stepfather.

The Headhunter's Race reads, quite unexpectedly, as a modern survivalist fairy tale. The imprisoned girl, the malevolent stepfather, the huge task she has to complete in order to achieve her goal - freedom. I loved all the different elements of this book. The transition from prison to wildlands is seamless, the threats and dangers piled on top of each other to create an impossible summit of conflict Avene had to overcome, and made for a compelling and at parts emotional thrill ride.

I had a couple issues with the middle of the book, where it seemed like threats were being thrown at Avene one after another for no apparent reason. I feel like this could have worked better had Avene made some real progress and then had set backs spaced at crucial moments - which actually did happen later in the book. But other than that, I enjoyed it.

The Headhunters Race is a fast paced, quick read to be enjoyed by fans of dystopia, post-apocalyptic, and contemporary thrillers alike.

[C.M. Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed The Headhunter’s Race. Avene is a wonderful protagonist—I appreciated the way she grew and matured over the course of the novel and the way the author wove this growth together with the plot. The things that happened in the book caused Avene’s growth and her growth (or failure) led to the plot’s advance. It was seamless. The pacing was excellent and kept my attention. And even though I can’t wait for book two to find out what happens to Avene, Boom, Kurt and even Gavin, the novel ended well and I was very satisfied with the ending—it didn’t leave me hanging. It was a great book.

[Lise Foket · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a nice read and a must for the hunger games fans. The writing is good, the characters are very likeable and the world is, well horrible, but it's dystopian so I guess that's a good thing. It was plain and simple, a fun read.

But I had some issues with it though. Actually one big issue: It was so rushed. The characters didn't get enough time to develop and although I liked them, I felt like they were strangers to me. I would have loved to get to know them a bit better. The same goes with the worldbuilding, but I guess that we'll see more of that in the next books.

Liked it a lot and hope that there'll be sequels!

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is action packed, non-stop and I couldn't get through the pages fast enough. I really loved Avene's character, she is strong, compassionate, and fearless. She has a hard time trusting people because of what her mentor, Verla taught her as far as surviving. Another strong character in the book that I enjoyed is McCoy. He was strong and kind and the hero type. There were so many other characters that were good, like the 9-year-old kid Jake and King who you love to hate. This book leaves you wanting more. Can't wait for the sequel.

[Abi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Headhunters Race was an enjoyable read.

I really liked Avene. Her trust issues could be slightly annoying at times, but it was understandable that she would have them.

I also really liked McCoy, Zita, Jake and Jim.

I liked the romance in this.
There was a hint of romance throughout the book, but it never became the main focus in it.

Overall, a good read, with likable characters.

[Christina Ferreira · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reminded me a lot of The Hunger Games, except that there is no Capitol and it's based in a prison but still the whole thing reminded me of the Hunger Games. It's good though, you like the characters and they're all different and it's just shocking at some parts, I mean there's cannibals and bears and there's a mechanical collar around the prisoners necks which tighten every three days which is pretty interesting and scary at the same time. It's a good book overall, I enjoyed it and it's an easy read!

[Chelsea Moreen · Rating 3 out of 5]

[Aug 2015]
3.5. The concept of this story is interesting and I liked the main character most of the time but she had some moments. I think that the reason I gave it 3.5 stars is that the story was squashed down but it was still really good. I'm excited to continue with the series.

[Lesly!]

wOAH? Did you just Say, Prison at 13? Battle in an arena to gain freedom? This is my genre!

[Ozana Ozzy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Worst book in a while, predictable, simple and boreing.
Hope that won't be sequalls.

[Emily Agnello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very creepy at times, but never a dull
moment. I wonder when the second book
comes out

[Ellen Wookey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t know what I was expecting but I thoroughly enjoyed The Headhunters Race

Kimberly Afe knows how to build up the curiosity in someone. The Headhunters Race is a novel full of questions, and characters that will make you laugh, cry and ask yourself why.

I don’t know what I was expecting but I thoroughly enjoyed The Headhunters Race. Once you begin reading you go right into the gruesome details of how life in Dead Man’s Pen is for all its residents. I found it interesting that Kimberly Afe did not go into much character details. You get snippets of how the characters arrived in Dead Man’s Pen and how Avene views the others but you don’t get much of their stories or how life was for them growing up. The Headhunters Race could have been much longer that it was. it also allows the readers to gather many questions but is very refreshing for a dystopia world.

Avene full of suspicions that leads her to a have only a handful of people that is somewhat trustable. Even Avene’s cell mate even makes her nervous and on edge.

I found McCoy to be very loyal. Even though Avene misunderstood him for most of the novel, he held his ground and did what he thought needed to be done. Never backing down no matter how awful Avene treated him. I just wanted to hug McCoy and go skipping down the edge of the water with our arms linked. I want to know more about McCoy the snippet we get wasn’t enough.

The character I was most intrigued with in the end was ‘Kurt’. Just who is Kurt? I have my hopes but I will have to wait and see in the second book. I always have that small piece of hope that there is some sort of humanity left and one character named King was just plain awful. No further words for him. Thinking about it makes me shake my head.

[Erisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received this novel in exchange for an honest review*
Read full review at:
www.bookaholic-reads.blogspot.com.au

NO SPOILERS:

My Opinion:

The Headhunters Race was a fast pace dystopian/ sci-fi book. It was an enjoyable read and definitely entertaining. The protagonist of this book, Avene, had confidence in herself and she was determined in any task received. The theme of trust and friendship was portrayed throughout the book which is a major issue today in society. Avene's strength and courage made this novel really interesting as it isn't common to see female protagonist's who have self confidence in themselves. Th Headhunters Race was a page-turner and very adventurous. I recommend this to all the Hunger Games Fans and other Dystopian bookaholics.

SPOLIERS AHEAD- Be aware!

The HeadHunters Race starts off in a prison where we learn the background of Avene's life and how she was framed for her own mother's death. Her Father is the King of Water Junction who suspects everyone of being evil. The new prisoners come who later Avene forms a friendship with. Avene is really sweet and strong in how she helps the "Greenies" to collect their meal for the day. McCoy is a cute, strong male protagonist as well who we later find out has feelings for Avene. Their romance is not the centre theme of the book but there are hints of romance which are especially shown during the end where they try to save each other by unlocking the collars. The Race is a game where more than 50 prisoners go into Millers Creek to try to find Gavin who killed Avene's mum and the King's wife's head. The Race begins and Avene is on her own until a young boy, Jake, steals her backpack which has all her supplies for survival. McCoy later retrieves the backpack and forms and alliance with Jake and Avene then all three of them are off together to Millers Creek to find Gavin. Avene starts to have trust issues and seems to not be able to trust McCoy and Jake as the prize to be freed is to return back to Water Junction with Gavin and Avene's head. Later Avene uses her trust problem as an escape card to leave behind McCoy and Jake. This trust issue seems to grow largely in the book and this shows that Avene is not perfect and is actually a relatable, multi-dimensional character who is unstable in life due to her mother's death. Avene later returns back to the group as she just experienced a near death when she was attacked by a bear. The story continues on in this story line except they are later attacked by cannibals and captured but freed by Jake's sister. Jake eventually died due to the collar tightening which was really upsetting though I did not have much time to sympathise for Jake as this story was very fast pace and at times I wished the book would go a bit slower so I could understand what was happening and what where the future events. This book can easily be compared to the Hunger Games which could let this book have a downfall in achieving readers but Afe's writing style is really unique and I loved how Avene would give herself self confidence by listening to some of her mother's quotes. The end of this book was really shocking when Avene tells Zita (roommate), McCoy and Boom (her uncle) about the real reason why this race occurs and why there are so many prisoners. 3 years ago the Governor was tired of so many cannibal attacks so he made a deal with them that they should go to Millers Creek and every year they would send 50 prisoners for them to eat. No prisoner was supposed to survive as they where going to Cannibal territory but shockingly Avene, McCoy & another prisoner returned and was put back into jail. This truth was really unexpected and we can definitely expect many twists and turns in the upcoming sequel. I hope Kimberly Afe doesn't make us wait too long for the next novel in this series as this twist turner and truth has left the novel with so many unanswered questions and definitely a cliffhanger. Overall I rate this novel a 4 stars out of 5 stars but this novel is an exciting book which I recommend to any Dystopian lover.

[Pete Tarsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A teen in a place she doesn’t want to be, kept there against her will. A society existing after some devastating event, but governed by a corrupt leader. A deadly contest, where the teen’s life hangs in the balance numerous times. All the while, she wants to take down the leader.

That generalized plot synopsis may sound like many other YA dystopian tales, but the specifics of The Headhunters Race by Kimberly Afe make it a hidden gem among the genre, and one that I highly recommend.

Our protagonist is sixteen-year-old Avene, and she starts the story in prison for a crime she didn’t commit. There are many others in prison—people of all ages—and some of them are just as innocent as Avene is. The prison is overseen by Governor King, who happens to be Avene’s stepfather. Her mother was apparently murdered by Avene’s stepbrother (King’s son) Gavin, who’s out there somewhere.

King allows the prisoners to enter the titular race to win freedom if they bring back the head of his guilty son. Gavin is supposedly hiding out in a community across the territory where cannibals dwell. Using the race to escape from prison won’t work, as the runners wear collars that slowly constrict around their necks as the days go on—a gripping “ticking clock” element in the story. Returning in time without Gavin gets a consolation prize: and upgrade into the “leisure prison.” It’s still prison, and Avene won’t settle for being a runner-up.

She wants to win the race. She wants to avenge her mother’s death, not only by confronting the boy who caused it but by killing him and his father, who she also holds responsible.

She’s not randomly thrust into the situation. She’s not rebelling just to rebel. She wants revenge, and that revenge is motivated by the love of her mother. I learned in my writing courses that whether a character is good or evil is a secondary character trait to having them truly care about something. How can a reader be expected to be interested in a character who isn’t passionate about something? Avene wants answers and revenge, and I’m immediately interested in her and her story.

The race is treacherous, the terrain is difficult, there’s the threat of cannibals, and once Avene is revealed as King’s stepdaughter, there may even be a target on her own head. There’s nothing in the rules against killing other racers; everyone’s hunting, and any chance to eliminate competition increases the chance of winning. Fortunately, Avene has the assistance of a fellow racer named McCoy, and they develop feelings for each other. But can he be trusted? After all, every racer wants to win. Does he have ulterior motives?

Kimberly Afe tells the story in present tense from Avene’s point of view, and it’s an excellent choice because it immerses the reader in the action as it unfolds. Also, it prevents the reader from knowing everything that’s going on. I’m stressing this point because it plays into my appreciation of the ending of the novel.

This is a spoiler-free review, so I won’t reveal if Avene succeeds in any of her objectives, but the ending caused my jaw to drop. I love it when a new piece of plot or character development makes me rethink everything that has come before it. The Headhunters Race has that kind of ending. It’s a big game-changer for the world of this book series as I thought I understood it, and it leaves me with such tremendous anticipation for the sequel.

Because of its well-developed protagonist with clear motives, a tight and tense plot with gripping twists and turns, and strong narrative choices, I give The Headhunters Race by Kimberly Afe FIVE STARS. It’s a must read, especially if you enjoy the genre.

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot! I admit that at first I was pulled in by the cover, it sort of had this piratey feel to it and thought that it was going to have swashbuckling action with pirates or even better assassins and then when I read the summary I was double intrigued.

Although it seemed a little short to me, it was full of action and was well paced, there wasn't any part where I thought it dragged on, nor did it have any boring parts. It had an interesting concept about the Kill Plague and cannibals and the Headhunter Race in order to find Gavin. Some might think that it's a cheap replica of the Hunger Games (especially when King says "Let the games begin!") but I assure you it's not. First off, the point of the game is to find Gavin and bring him to King, who's this evil Governor (like in the Walking Dead) alive or dead (his head) and then you're set free from the prison. The headhunters have a total of 9? days to come back and they're giving packs with bare essentials (like in Battle Royale) and they have to go through cannibal territory to get to the small town where Gavin is supposedly hiding in.

The characters were unique and had interesting back stories, or rather Avene did. It was significant to learn how King manipulated everyone into thinking that Avene had something to do with the murder of her mother and which is the reason she's in the prison in the first placepersonally I believe that King also lied about Gavin killing Avene's mother and it was actually King who murdered her. I believe Gavin is innocent in all this. Although I could be wrong...

Sometimes I find it endearing when the MC is clueless about how the hot guy/love interest likes her and thinks that the guy is evil and up to no good. But in this book, you could just tell how McCoy felt about Avene since the beginning and I found it sort of irritating whenever she mentioned something about not being able to trust him and how she scrutinized his every action into how he was supposedly deceiving her. She was just in denial throughout most of the book until the very end, and I mean the very end like the last few pages. But it's nice to see the little romance in this book blend in with the action filled book.

One of the recurring thoughts I had while reading this?: It's like Avene cannot catch a break! There's always something happening to her; if it's not being kidnapped, it's being attacked by a bear or held captive by cannibals or her stuff being stolen,etc. you get the idea.. At times I felt like it was too unrealistic since no one has that much of bad luck but considering that Avene didn't have that much of luck in the first place, it was sort of understandable that these things had to happen to get the story going.

There are lots of things left unanswered, with the sort of cliffhanger ending, but it ended just as it was getting good! And I thought I was on to something, a theory that I had going on, but it ended suddenly and I'm going to have to wait till the sequel comes out! This is a real good book and I'd say it's one of the best books I've read this year and I definitely recommend it!

[Soph - Lock&Key · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay I'm gonna be really harsh here but....

This was completely and utterly a Hunger Games try hard, I could not get past it, could not enjoy it because the similarities were too much for me.

So let's talk about these similarities:

First the plot - prisoners trying to win a challenge to earn their freedom and a higher place in society ? A big Hunger games check right there. Okay, so I will admit that the setting was a bit different, and the circumstances, as in she chose to go in the race instead of being forced. However the prisoners all setting up alligemces, the main characters reluctance to to trust the male lead. Her thinking he is going to stab her in the back at the beginning and not realising that he has genuine feeling for her. Her wanting to protect a much younger character...... The list goes on. You can't deny the similarities there.

Seconded the characters - Avene, a tough girl who wants to make it on her own, with the add of trust issues, and McCoy, a guy who is stronger then people think he is and only wants to protect Avene? A massive Hunger games check right there! I must say that the character resmebalence really bothered me. Avene was a much toned town version of Katniss, in my eyes she was trying to be all badass, but she just couldn't pull it off, and McCoy was meant to be a Peeta but that was also a fail because he was far too stiff. However you could just tell that their dynamic was supposed to be the same. Him trying to protect her, and her always saying she doesn't need him, not realising that she loves him. Him always knowing he has feeling for her. You also can't deny that Zita was Prim and Jake was Rue. I didn't like that the characters lacked originality, it really bothered me.

And third and finally.....the romance - him chasing after her, secretly protecting her while she thinks he betrayed her ? You can't get a bigger Hunger Games check. I'm not going to prattle on about the similarities in the romance because it aggravates me too much.

Though the similarities were there, it also just wasn't pulled off properly, it was all too rushed and the book was way too short. I felt so on the outskirts and I didn't feel much of anything while reading this. There were some good points like the cannabolls, and the intrigue if King and the deal.....but honestly this book does not have a lot going for it. It really does have so much potential, though, and that makes me sad. With more devolepments I know this book could step out of the Hunger Games shadow. This has the potential to be its own book, something unique. However the lack of depth made it just shrink and not compare to other books similar to this. Overall, it wasn't that bad, I just wish that there was more detail, more connections, more of a reason for me to be enticed.

[Mandy Sickle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Avene has been in prison as a conspirator in the death or her mother for three years even though she had nothing to do with it her step brother did. The prison where Avene has spent the last three years has been a fight every day for food and to stay alive. Every year a race is run that the prisoners get a chance to compete racing to find her brother who ran away to bring him back in hopes of getting out of prison. It’s a risky race through harsh territory and cannibal are around every corner. Avene has signed up each time in hopes that she will finally get to ask her brother all her burning questions. It’s her step father is the leader of the town and the one who through her in prison, and refuses to let her race.

When she signs up she knows he’s not going to pick her but when her friend also signs up with the plan that Avene will go in her place she takes the chance. On the day of the race Avene will have to race alone over the 150 miles but she won’t be doing it alone with a guy she’s not sure she trusts. She’ll have to learn to trust McCoy or she may not make it back in time to have the collar around her neck removed and she’ll die. Will Avene find her brother ? Will she learn to trust McCoy? Will they make it back without being captured by the cannibals?

I like Avene she’s had a hard life with the plague that killed her father, the murder of her mother and spending the last three years fighting to survive in the terrible prison. While things may have been tough it’s made her a stronger character willing to risk it all for a chance to avenge her mother and the people who are tossing into the prison for meaningless things. At first I wasn’t sure about McCoy but as the book progressed I saw the budding relationship between the two and started to like him more. For a bad guy King has some interesting motives and it kind of makes sense why he did what he did.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from The Headhunters Race because I picked it up based on the cover a while back and the fact that it’s a Dystopia novel. The author has created a dark and interesting world while the race aspect isn’t new throwing the twist of the cannibals creates a unique story. I found The Headhunters Race to be a captivating novel it’s creepy loaded with action that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. I enjoyed the story it’s one that might have given me nightmares before bed but I admit to nothing. The author has created a detailed intricate story that flows along smooth it’s well written and a quick read. I like the character I was cheering Avene on through the whole book and was able to connect with her. I enjoyed the book it’s a great first book to an exciting new series and after the way it ended I’m looking forward to the next one.

[Yu Xuan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this an ARC from Goodreads

A simple and extremely quick read.

This story is basically about inmates who can enter a race and if they are first, they will earn freedom. Or if they come second place, they'll get upgraded to a leisure prison thing-o.

Plot
In this dystopian world, I wish there was actually info dumping so I knew what was going on. Like what is the Killing Plague and how does the government work? I would like more descriptions about the prison.
The book as a whole felt really rushed. I was expecting more descriptions and length in the race since that's what the title of the book is. It started off alright. The middle just flopped and didn't have any tension or make me feel anything.bHowever, I wouldn't exactly call the it boring since little bits of information kept me interested and boring would also mean getting a rating of 1 or 2 stars. I feel like I could just read the first and last few chapters and I still would have good knowledge about the whole book. The book did end strongly and I'm looking forward to what happen next.

Romance
Thanks gods this book does not have a pathetic love triangle or a relationship with a stalking douchebag. I nearly cried in relief when this was just a normal sweet relationship. I loved how McCoy was protective without being a Xavier (from Halo) and Avene's thoughts wasn't all about McCoy and/or how hot he is. Good to see that she has priorities...
This book also earns brownie points for a not describing the eyes of the love interest every second page.

Characters
Although the characters aren't cliqued or make me face-palm everything they say a word, I feel that the characters lacked enough depth. Yes, they weren't a cardboard cutout but I think more backstory or some other way to reveal more info about them is necessary.

Avene- protagonist
Avene is a 16 year old girl who is in prison for killing her mum, a crime she didn't commit. In order to earn her freedom she enters a race. She become unwilling allies with McCoy and Jake. I liked how she knew how to survive and doesn't become all putty at the hands of her love interest. She seems very real in that, she KNOWS how to hunt and use knives but isnt invincible to the point of unbelievable. Overall, she is a great character and a good change in all the annoying protagonists in ya literature.

An average book but I hope there is a sequel because I'm wondering what happens next...

[L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting new YA sci-fi/ distopian that’s fresh and futuristic!

Full of twists and turns ‘The Headhunters Race’ is an action-packed, thrilling adventure story that takes you on a fantastical magical journey. I was enthralled by the creative, vivid settings and in-depth world building that took this genre to new heights. I literally sat glued to the pages engrossed within this spectacular novel for hours on end…not wanting to it to end! Highly readable and incredibly addictive this compelling book is unputdownable. The exquisite cover of this striking novel caught my eye instantly; reminiscent of many YA book covers.

16-year-old Avene enters the Headhunters Race. {*This part reminded me a bit of ’the hunger games’}. She has to navigate 150 miles of forest, desert and worst of all cannibal territory! If Avene doesn’t finish the course in 9 days she will be strangled by the collar around her throat…
17-year-old McCoy is partnered with her. As she struggles to not fall for him, they are tested to the limit with various contests and deadly challenges. There is something more important than just winning freedom – it is a struggle for survival.

As soon as I saw this *new* YA distopian book I knew that I just had to read it! I was in for a real treat as The Headhunters Race combines a clever mix of death-defying danger and nail-biting intensity as to leave you breathless and wanting to read on…and on…
I was just hooked to this book. Unable to breathe as I gasped with shock and surprise at the Spinechilling, unfolding events. The chemistry and sparkling connection between McCoy and Avene was electric; they were really the cutest couple ever and a great pairing. Sucked into the most phenomenal, epic saga this is the start of an EPIC series of scope, substance and vast premise.
Kimberly Afe writes in such a warm, friendly style it is as though she is reaching out to her readers and getting ‘under the skin’ of her interesting characters. As an avid reader of the young adult genre and a huge fan of post-apocalyptic/ distopian novels I was thrilled upon encountering such an original new, standalone novel.

*I would like to thank the author for providing me with an e-copy of her book, to read and review*

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really liked The Headhunter's Race when I first started reading it. I thought the premise was interesting, and the set up was good. The reading flowed easily and I was excited about it. Avene sounded like an awesome kick-ass strong heroine who is bent on revenge and freedom and will stop at nothing to get her chance.

About halfway through the book I started getting really bored. This is definitely a "journey book" and each time they kept back tracking or getting more survival issues or being kidnapped, it was just UGH enough already. I kept wanting the plot to move forward, but it didn't move forward fast enough for my tastes.

Then, I finished the book. That ending. I mean, really? Yes, in a way it is very epic, a devastating bombshell. BUT - and this is a spoiler sort of - I can't stand when books end just about as they started with no advancement!!!!! *deep breath* OK so I'm trying to not straight up give away the ending, but I don't know how to express my utter disappointment and my "so why did I just read a book where nothing really changed and the whole thing was pointless" feeling.

As for the characters, I did like them a bit. Avene was strong and determined, but flawed with her lack of trust. McCoy, well, I don't know if he is genuine or if he has ulterior motives, but he has been there helping Avene the entire time, whether she saw it or not. Their little maybe romance was sweet, but really under-developed. First she can't trust him, then she wants to kiss him, and there's not much in between, or after. I don't even have a good McCoy quote to use for our That's What He Said meme. I did like Zita, she seems like a great friend who really wants Avene to succeed and I think their partnership in the prison works well.

In conclusion, this is NOT my kind of book and that is why it got a low rating. I was expecting an exciting "race" with an epic conclusion, but what I got was not the conclusion I expected. I might be overreacting, others will probably enjoy the plot twist and I know not everyone hates "journey" books like I do. But it took me all month to finally finish this book and since I've had so little time to read with the move and all, I kind of wish I spent my time reading something else.

[Katie (Katie's Corner Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

See full review at my blog http://crasyabout.blogspot.com

Who has read hunger games and loved the book, will love Headhunters Race. It is amazing book, which makes you be on edge the whole time while reading it. It is quite short and that was my main disappointment in it. It was less than 200 pages and I really wanted to know more about that world. The one and only similarity with hunger games is the race. But not in its concept. While tributes were chosen in Hunger Games, to participate in the race is your own choice to gain freedom. And I didn’t just write freedom by mistake, I meant it. All the participants of the race are prisoners sent to the prison for petite crimes or just because the governor doesn’t like them. There is a mission, to find a person named Gavin and bring him or his head to the governor. You have only 9 days to cover 160 miles and not get caught by the cannibals.

If I never was a big fan of Katniss, I became a really big fan of Avene. She is great and I really did get a good feel on her character. I felt all her emotions her fears and her desires. The only thing I didn’t like about Avene was her wholehearted distrust to everyone and everything. I liked how she became a new person, and we get to see everything from the first raw.

Another great character is McCoy. I didn’t get only one thing: is his surname Mitchell or McCoy? I mean everyone calls him McCoy… okay not talking about it now. He is amazing, and well I never was his fan in the beginning, but I always was getting a good vibe from him, no matter how much Avene disliked him, I had a soft spot for him, and he didn’t disappoint me.

Overall, the book is amazing, and I really can’t describe it all for you. I really hope you will consider it, and will be as lost in it as I was. Happy Reading! Enjoy every bit of it, and don’t forget to leave your thoughts, and read this amazing expert.

XOXO

Katie

[Mimi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I appreciate YA dystopias that actually deliver on the ugliness of the world in which the story takes place. Series like The Selection and Shatter Me take the label but are essentially frilly stories about pretty people doing pretty things in a world that, for pretty dumb reasons, is slightly less than okay. On the other hand, The Headhunters Race is nasty. The dystopia is actually physically present around the characters who resort to actions that would make most people shudder. Avene and her ilk don't just have "hard lives" like some of these other YA dystopian inhabitants, they're straight up dehumanized. America Singer didn't have to drink bird blood straight from the source for sustenance because she could afford lemon iced tea in her "dystopia."

The Headhunters Race is an entertaining little book, emphasis on little. It's very short and fast-paced to the point of reading more like a draft than an actual novel. Dragging out action scenes can take a reader out of the experience but introducing a conflict and then solving it within a paragraph or two doesn't allow for tension to build which sort of makes the encounter fall flat. The brevity also took a toll on character development, relying mainly on telling instead of showing what the characters are like, why they're like that, and that they've changed, if applicable. Bulking out the book could have made the stakes higher, allowed for the reader to get more attached to certain characters, making for more impactful deaths and more joyous...non-deaths. Ultimately, the world is intriguing enough and the unanswered questions are enticing enough to make me want to continue the series. It's such a quick read that at least I won't feel like I've wasted too much time with it.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as part of a goodreads givaway.

Wow... I love this book!

The headhunters race is about an innocent girl called Avene who was sentenced life in prison. All prisoners were given the opportunity to win back their freedom by winning a race through forests, deserts and cannibal territory.

This is the shortest book I have read in a very long time and I was able to read it in only one sitting. However, it didn't feel short at all. It was jam-packed full of action and suspense. This book was full of twists, turns and mystery. I wasn't sure who to trust throughout the book, or to be honest what was going on in the bigger picture. I always wanted to know what was going to happen next; there was never a dull moment!

I felt like the reader really got to know the characters and I felt really invested in the story. I went through a whole range of emotions while reading this book.

I loved Avene. She was a strong character, but she also stayed realistic. I felt like she dealt and handled with issues in ways which I would hope I would have in her position. I also loved the stubbornness within her regarding McCoy. I absolutely was rooting for them!

And then there was the ending...wow...

I need to know more. Please tell me there will be a second book!

Kimberly Afe has written this book beautifully, and I am really keen to read more of her work. The headhunters race is definitely one of my favourites. I feel like it is the rare kind of book I will read again and again.

I think everyone should read this book. It is amazing. So if you haven't you should get on that now.

[Jenna · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really tried but I gave up on 61% the story was not getting any better.
I wanted to like this book, I liked the cover
BUT I DON'T LIKE THE MAINCHARACTER:
Avene our 16 year old heroin was put in jail by her step dad for a crime her brother committed.
She has been in jail for 3 years now and the only way to get out is to play in the headhunters race, a race to find her brother who killed her mother.

The race navigates true rough landscape forest, desert, and cannibal territory, to make sure nobody tries to escape all prisoners get a neckband that tightens every 3 days. How do you win the game? to bring her brother's head back.

Avene teams up with McCoy who is looking out for her.

I had many issues with this book:
The blurb says that she is trying hard not to fall for McCoy, until 61% in the book I have not noticed anything resembling love building.
This book reminds me off the hunger games.
I missed the inner dialog or any dialog that was more than a few words or sentences.
Avene is not a nice or realistic character.
I don't get why if she knows her stepfather is a dictator and a horrible person ( I mean he did put her in jail) that she just believes that her brother indeed killed her mother.
The story exist for a big part on the road, going here , going there. But it's missing action and feels stretched out. Even though she's going places there's nothing happening.

When Jack dies I feel her emotions are strange. She loves him, when did that happened? I was missing the dialog, the banding between Jack and Avene, When did she start to care for Jack? You can miss someone with words but it's the deeds that count. This book was all word no deeds.