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Life First #1
Life First
This is an alternate cover edition for ASIN B00DFNWFX4.
Strong-willed Kelsey Reed must escape tonight or tomorrow her government will take her kidney and give it to someone else.
In this future forged by survivors of pandemics that wiped out 80 percent of the world's population, life is valued above all else. The government of "Life First" requires the mentally ill to be sterilized, outlaws abortions and sentences to death those who refuse to donate an organ when told.
Determined not to give up her kidney, Kelsey enlists the help of her boyfriend Luke and a dodgy doctor to escape. The trio must disable the tracking chip in her arm for her to flee undetected. If they fail, Kelsey will be stripped of everything.
* This is an Awesome Indies Approved book.
Strong-willed Kelsey Reed must escape tonight or tomorrow her government will take her kidney and give it to someone else.
In this future forged by survivors of pandemics that wiped out 80 percent of the world's population, life is valued above all else. The government of "Life First" requires the mentally ill to be sterilized, outlaws abortions and sentences to death those who refuse to donate an organ when told.
Determined not to give up her kidney, Kelsey enlists the help of her boyfriend Luke and a dodgy doctor to escape. The trio must disable the tracking chip in her arm for her to flee undetected. If they fail, Kelsey will be stripped of everything.
* This is an Awesome Indies Approved book.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 15, 2013
191 people are currently reading
1086 people want to read
About the author
R.J. Crayton
19 books100 followersRJ Crayton is the author of the three book series. The Prophecy of Light series includes Trapped, Unleashed and the soon to be released Foretold. The Virus series includes Concealed, Exposed, and Contained. The fast-paced dystopian Life First series include Life First, Second Life and Third Life:Taken. She's also author of the paranormal novel Scented and the short-story collection Four Mothers. Prior to becoming an author, Crayton was a journalist. She reported for several publications, including The Kansas City Star and Education Technology News. Crayton lives in Maryland with her husband and two children. When she's not writing, she enjoys eating cupcakes, walking, reading, sewing or watching TV (she's partial to Star Trek, super hero flicks and gripping dramas). To find out more about her, visit her website, www.rjcrayton.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
January 19, 2014
This is a very well written fiction story that adds interesting fuel to the debate between those that support the `rights' of the individual and those that put the rights of community ahead of those of the individuals. Should the individual be expected to suffer, even to risk life, for a common good? Should we all, ultimately, be conscript soldiers of society?
The principle character is fascinating, complex, and totally credible. Whether she is actually a hero, a coward, or a genuine conscientious objector, each of us has to decide for ourselves. For me Kelsey was a mix of all three, just as most of us would probably be, depending on the degree and type of cultural indoctrination we had experienced.
The only flaw of the plot was for me the over close relationships of all the principle characters in Kelsey vs The State. This tightness helped drive the intensity of the drama, but it all proved to strain my buy in to its plausibility. Wouldn't the prosecution have ripped the defence case apart even more effectively than it did as a consequence of the degree of nepotism? I think so.
This is a really good read and an excellent affirmation of competence amongst independent writers. We should all be grateful that the fall of old-publishing through the rise of the net has allowed writers like Crayton to be heard.
PS- I really dislike the new cover. The generic, sultry beauty has no relationship to the story. I guess the change is a crass marketing ploy. The old hollow dice image was far more relevant and original.
The principle character is fascinating, complex, and totally credible. Whether she is actually a hero, a coward, or a genuine conscientious objector, each of us has to decide for ourselves. For me Kelsey was a mix of all three, just as most of us would probably be, depending on the degree and type of cultural indoctrination we had experienced.
The only flaw of the plot was for me the over close relationships of all the principle characters in Kelsey vs The State. This tightness helped drive the intensity of the drama, but it all proved to strain my buy in to its plausibility. Wouldn't the prosecution have ripped the defence case apart even more effectively than it did as a consequence of the degree of nepotism? I think so.
This is a really good read and an excellent affirmation of competence amongst independent writers. We should all be grateful that the fall of old-publishing through the rise of the net has allowed writers like Crayton to be heard.
PS- I really dislike the new cover. The generic, sultry beauty has no relationship to the story. I guess the change is a crass marketing ploy. The old hollow dice image was far more relevant and original.
July 13, 2014
I read it in an evening! It wasn't my intention but I couldn't put it down. I have started typing so many sentences in this review that have all been deleted. Mandatory organ donation-- there's no real way to be opposed to it without sounding a little bit like a jerk, and there were moments where I wanted Kelsey to stop bring so selfish. Until I came back to my senses. It's a book that will definitely have you arguing with yourself because it's so easy to see how horrible it would be to be forced to give up an organ or what a blessing it would be to know that you could have a kidney or bone marrow or blood if you needed it. Especially if the population is still rebuilding from a pandemic decades before. And through all of the head spinning debates, you get wonderful characters to fall in love with. It's beautiful. I'm starting Second Life today. Apparently I enjoy head spinning :D
December 20, 2013
This story begins 100 years after a pandemic kills approximately 80% of the world’s population and 50 years (two-and-a-half generations) after the government of what used to be most of the United States instituted the Life First mandate. To insure the survival of what little populace remained, the government required that all persons be DNA type-matched and a GPS chip with alarm nanos be placed in all persons. The idea was that if a person became ill or had an accident, the most likely donor of blood, tissue cells or an organ could be quickly located and a transplant made, insuring that the stricken lived as long a possible.
However, participation was not voluntary. If a person did not wish to comply with the mandatory “donation,” he or she was declared a sociopath, imprisoned and was eventually “terminated” when someone genetically compatible needed a heart, a liver, a double lung or a double kidney transplant. Several “free states” had been formed prior to the enactment of Life First, namely Peoria (the original state of Florida), but now a person had to get there first and the GPS nanos made that virtually impossible.
Using this viewpoint of a dystopian society, we follow Kelsey Reed, the daughter of a prominent Senator, who has been “matched” and must give up a kidney. Her mother had died and her best friend had been maimed in botched up situations and Kelsey decides to flee. And, as the reader can expect, she gets caught. Game on.
This was the most psychologically terrifying novel that I have ever tried to read. With the current threat of bio-terror in our world and increasing government interference in our medical choices, the premise of this novel strikes more than uncomfortably close to home. This is the debate of “pro-choice” versus “right to life” taken to an all-new level. The idea that such a concept as Life First could actually become law after a terrorist attack feels actually more like a probability than a possibility.
And the reason it feels so strongly that way is due to the author’s writing skill. Not only are the mechanics of the writing top-notch (grammar, punctuation, spelling, sentence structure, editing), the structure of the story flows logically. This may be a dystopian situation but the author creates a reality that cannot be denied and there is no deus ex machina to miraculously save the day.
However, that incredible skill to create a terrifying reality quickly became a negative in this reader’s experience. There is not one page in this novel that contains a breath of fresh air or even a momentary chance to breath any air. There is not one genuine smile or even a small hint of laughter until the last 10 paragraphs of the book. Page after page, the terror builds with no relief.
And page-by-page, the storyline caused my indignation, my anger and my distress to build. Even knowing that this was “just a story,” I couldn’t control my stress. I tried stopping every few chapters to rest my brain, but that didn’t work either. Then I took to scan-reading, then reading just the first and last pages of each chapter only. But even that provided no psychological relief.
I read prodigiously, especially mystery/thrillers from the likes of Child, Baldacci, Flynn, de Mille and Kellerman. I am used to graphic violence and terror, both in books and in my past career. But, in this instance, there was just too much tension and anger and stress written into every page.
I am not a young person and, most times I know when to pace myself or just out-right stop doing something that is hurting me. And this was one of those times. I stopped.
This is one of the very few books that I have not been able to read cover to cover, word for word. It is the author’s excellent skill in developing her premise that initiated that action but it is also the author’s choice to pace the conflict without even momentary relief that made the final decision for me.
I received a copy of this novel through the Goodreads Giveaway program. That fact did not, in any way, influence my opinion of the book.
However, participation was not voluntary. If a person did not wish to comply with the mandatory “donation,” he or she was declared a sociopath, imprisoned and was eventually “terminated” when someone genetically compatible needed a heart, a liver, a double lung or a double kidney transplant. Several “free states” had been formed prior to the enactment of Life First, namely Peoria (the original state of Florida), but now a person had to get there first and the GPS nanos made that virtually impossible.
Using this viewpoint of a dystopian society, we follow Kelsey Reed, the daughter of a prominent Senator, who has been “matched” and must give up a kidney. Her mother had died and her best friend had been maimed in botched up situations and Kelsey decides to flee. And, as the reader can expect, she gets caught. Game on.
This was the most psychologically terrifying novel that I have ever tried to read. With the current threat of bio-terror in our world and increasing government interference in our medical choices, the premise of this novel strikes more than uncomfortably close to home. This is the debate of “pro-choice” versus “right to life” taken to an all-new level. The idea that such a concept as Life First could actually become law after a terrorist attack feels actually more like a probability than a possibility.
And the reason it feels so strongly that way is due to the author’s writing skill. Not only are the mechanics of the writing top-notch (grammar, punctuation, spelling, sentence structure, editing), the structure of the story flows logically. This may be a dystopian situation but the author creates a reality that cannot be denied and there is no deus ex machina to miraculously save the day.
However, that incredible skill to create a terrifying reality quickly became a negative in this reader’s experience. There is not one page in this novel that contains a breath of fresh air or even a momentary chance to breath any air. There is not one genuine smile or even a small hint of laughter until the last 10 paragraphs of the book. Page after page, the terror builds with no relief.
And page-by-page, the storyline caused my indignation, my anger and my distress to build. Even knowing that this was “just a story,” I couldn’t control my stress. I tried stopping every few chapters to rest my brain, but that didn’t work either. Then I took to scan-reading, then reading just the first and last pages of each chapter only. But even that provided no psychological relief.
I read prodigiously, especially mystery/thrillers from the likes of Child, Baldacci, Flynn, de Mille and Kellerman. I am used to graphic violence and terror, both in books and in my past career. But, in this instance, there was just too much tension and anger and stress written into every page.
I am not a young person and, most times I know when to pace myself or just out-right stop doing something that is hurting me. And this was one of those times. I stopped.
This is one of the very few books that I have not been able to read cover to cover, word for word. It is the author’s excellent skill in developing her premise that initiated that action but it is also the author’s choice to pace the conflict without even momentary relief that made the final decision for me.
I received a copy of this novel through the Goodreads Giveaway program. That fact did not, in any way, influence my opinion of the book.
August 12, 2014
At first glance, R.J. Crayton's novel seems to be a contemporary romance, perhaps even a new adult story. Suddenly, and without warning, the reader is sucked into the life of a young woman who's being forced into a procedure because of a "Life First" rule: after a worldwide pandemic, anyone healthy who matches someone unhealthy has no choice but to give up an organ.
Read full review in the 2014 August issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2014 August issue of InD’tale Magazine.
April 18, 2014
My review for this book will be posted soon!
May 6, 2017
Finally, a book that kept me interested! I don't know if any of you noticed what I book slump I've been in. If you read the blurb: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2..., you can see that it contains subject matter that makes us all worry about what extremes could bring about, and how on the other extreme of not allowing for fear of the extremes is also life threatening. (In my attempt to not give spoilers I am creating very bad sentences!) It is something in our current news that keeps everyone upset no matter which side of the fence you stand.
Here the young main character, Kelsey Reed, doesn't want to give up her kidney. It is the law that you must, in this dystopia, if someone needs your kidney, heck, you have two! you give it up. Otherwise, you are breaking the law and must go to prison and eventually give up all your donatable parts.
We follow this young woman as she learns more about herself and tries to escape her fate.
It is a quick moving story with deep morals to look at. I was so into it that as soon as I got paid I bought the next two books! I can't wait to continue the series!
Here the young main character, Kelsey Reed, doesn't want to give up her kidney. It is the law that you must, in this dystopia, if someone needs your kidney, heck, you have two! you give it up. Otherwise, you are breaking the law and must go to prison and eventually give up all your donatable parts.
We follow this young woman as she learns more about herself and tries to escape her fate.
It is a quick moving story with deep morals to look at. I was so into it that as soon as I got paid I bought the next two books! I can't wait to continue the series!
October 17, 2018
now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
April 27, 2014
I would like to thank author RJ Crayton and The Cover Contessa for granting me the chance to read this e-book in exchange for an honest review. Though I received the e-book for free that in no way influenced this review.
I wasn't quite sure what to make if this book in the beginning, but within a few short pages I was hooked. Ms. Clayton has envisioned a horrifying future that comes in a pretty package. A future where the individual is less important than the society as a whole. In some strange way this society's reaction to the plague that decimated 80% of the global population makes sense. Or should I say made sense.
After the plague people had to band together if they wanted humanity to survive. After years of relearning much of the knowledge lost with the bulk of the world's population things are beginning to level off. Yet it is clear that the terror still lurks in the hearts of all who live in FoSS and follow the "Life First" mandate. This mandate may well have saved humanity from extinction, yet now the pendulum has swung too far in the wrong direction. If you are discovered to be a donor match you must automatically undergo surgery and give away your organ to the match, regardless of if you know them or not.
Kelsey grew up without her mother for most of her life, but she never really knew the truth behind her mother's death until she meets Dr. Grant. He turns out to be a throwback to the pre-plague era, believing in the Hippocratic Oath rather than Life First, because Life First doesn't abide by the whole "do no harm" ethic. He gives her a video her mother made minutes before dying - and it turns out her mother didn't need to die if only the doctor that Grant was working for had listened when Dr. Grant said he knew what was causing Kelsey's mother such distress, and how to fix it. Her mother's message really hit home for Kelsey, especially since her best friend Susan had been marked for a routine bone marrow transplant. Susan went in and she underwent the surgery like a good citizen, but she developed an infection that left her paralyzed from the waist down. This had the effect of really cooling Kelsey's jets on Life First, since they only cared that Susan was alive, but were totally unconcerned with her radical loss of quality of life.
Kelsey elects to escape to a free country where Life First isn't an issue. However she made this choice after being marked, which made her an automatic felon. And once she is caught while running she learns that had she stayed and submit she would have been disqualified because she was pregnant.
Kelsey has strong moral convictions and tries to stand by them in the face of overwhelming odds. She also tries to be strong for her loved ones, not wanting to cause them any further pain or public harm. Even though she occasionally loses her cool, she always manages to pull herself back together. Of course she has the help of her beloved, her wonderful father, and her Uncle Albert. Without them she simply doesn't know what she'd do.
This story arc is smooth and well written, pacing the characters and their development nicely. And the moral dilemmas being posed aren't given any pat answers, but rather put forth for the reader to think on, and hopefully come to their own terms with the choices, or lack thereof. I truly enjoyed having the duality of the story and the issues under consideration, for they complimented each other beautifully and gave this story an added dimension and depth that it, and I, most certainly benefited from.
Strong-willed Kelsey Reed must escape tonight or tomorrow her government will take her kidney and give it to someone else.
In this future forged by survivors of pandemics that wiped out 80 percent of the world's population, life is valued above all else. The government of "Life First" requires the mentally ill to be sterilized, outlaws abortions and sentences to death those who refuse to donate an organ when told.
Determined not to give up her kidney, Kelsey enlists the help of her boyfriend Luke and a dodgy doctor to escape. The trio must disable the tracking chip in her arm for her to flee undetected. If they fail, Kelsey will be stripped of everything.
* This is an Awesome Indies Approved book.
I wasn't quite sure what to make if this book in the beginning, but within a few short pages I was hooked. Ms. Clayton has envisioned a horrifying future that comes in a pretty package. A future where the individual is less important than the society as a whole. In some strange way this society's reaction to the plague that decimated 80% of the global population makes sense. Or should I say made sense.
After the plague people had to band together if they wanted humanity to survive. After years of relearning much of the knowledge lost with the bulk of the world's population things are beginning to level off. Yet it is clear that the terror still lurks in the hearts of all who live in FoSS and follow the "Life First" mandate. This mandate may well have saved humanity from extinction, yet now the pendulum has swung too far in the wrong direction. If you are discovered to be a donor match you must automatically undergo surgery and give away your organ to the match, regardless of if you know them or not.
Kelsey grew up without her mother for most of her life, but she never really knew the truth behind her mother's death until she meets Dr. Grant. He turns out to be a throwback to the pre-plague era, believing in the Hippocratic Oath rather than Life First, because Life First doesn't abide by the whole "do no harm" ethic. He gives her a video her mother made minutes before dying - and it turns out her mother didn't need to die if only the doctor that Grant was working for had listened when Dr. Grant said he knew what was causing Kelsey's mother such distress, and how to fix it. Her mother's message really hit home for Kelsey, especially since her best friend Susan had been marked for a routine bone marrow transplant. Susan went in and she underwent the surgery like a good citizen, but she developed an infection that left her paralyzed from the waist down. This had the effect of really cooling Kelsey's jets on Life First, since they only cared that Susan was alive, but were totally unconcerned with her radical loss of quality of life.
Kelsey elects to escape to a free country where Life First isn't an issue. However she made this choice after being marked, which made her an automatic felon. And once she is caught while running she learns that had she stayed and submit she would have been disqualified because she was pregnant.
Kelsey has strong moral convictions and tries to stand by them in the face of overwhelming odds. She also tries to be strong for her loved ones, not wanting to cause them any further pain or public harm. Even though she occasionally loses her cool, she always manages to pull herself back together. Of course she has the help of her beloved, her wonderful father, and her Uncle Albert. Without them she simply doesn't know what she'd do.
This story arc is smooth and well written, pacing the characters and their development nicely. And the moral dilemmas being posed aren't given any pat answers, but rather put forth for the reader to think on, and hopefully come to their own terms with the choices, or lack thereof. I truly enjoyed having the duality of the story and the issues under consideration, for they complimented each other beautifully and gave this story an added dimension and depth that it, and I, most certainly benefited from.
December 13, 2013
Review also published on my blog StudentSpyglass
Plot: ★★★★
Characters: ★★★
Readability: ★★★★★
Overall: ★★★★
Following a horrific pandemic which killed 80% of the global population, Life First is set in a world where the government rigidly controls everything related to health. Everyone is DNA-typed at birth so that when someone needs a new [insert organ here], the best possible match can be found quickly, and the match has to provide the organ.
When Kelsey Reed is informed she needs to donate her kidney, she realises she doesn’t like the idea of being forced into risking her life for a stranger. Determined not to give up her kidney, Kelsey attempts to escape with her boyfriend Luke, knowing that the likely penalty if caught is to be sent to prison with a sentence of death by organ donation (exactly what it sounds like).
Life First is a great concept, because it’s not so hard to imagine. Hundreds of thousands of people sit on waiting lists for organ transplants, and it’s becoming more and more common to hear encouragement to register as an organ donor. A spokesman for the Order of St John told the BBC in September of this year that around 3 people a day die due to a shortage of organs. As opt-out systems are increasingly discussed, it isn’t too far a stretch to imagine the introduction of mandatory donation. This is particularly believable in the small remaining population in Life First, where life is valued above all else (even choice). In Life First, people don’t die whilst waiting for an organ because organ donation is mandatory. However, whilst this means less deaths for those in need of an organ, it also means perfectly healthy individuals are forced to undergo surgery, risking their own health whether or not they want to.
Life First is a very dramatic read, and I couldn’t put it down. The plot is full of twists and revelations: whilst this makes for a great, gripping read, it’s worth noting this means it isn’t at all light-hearted. There isn’t really humour to balance out the tension, and so it can sometimes seem quite dark.
Kelsey is a really interesting character. Is she foolish for running, risking all her organs and death if she gets caught? Is she selfish to refuse to give up her kidney, when someone else could die without it? Or is she brave and justified in doing everything she can to make her own choice, rather than going meekly along with a procedure she’s unhappy with? I’d say at times she manages to come across as a little bit of all of those, but in a believable three-dimensional way. In real life, things aren’t black and white and the same can be said of the characters in Life First. Even the government isn’t strictly ‘evil’ – although controlling and harsh and very anti-choice, it has good intentions behind that.
Recently, I’ve felt like a lot of the dystopian fiction I’ve been reading has followed a formula: the premise to draw you in + a seemingly average protagonist who later develops an incredible skill/talent/ability + a love triangle. Whilst I’ve loved a lot of these, Life First was great because it really stood out as not seeming to follow this formula. Kelsey is also an older, more grown-up character, and Life First is definitely more like new adult than young adult.
Plot: ★★★★
Characters: ★★★
Readability: ★★★★★
Overall: ★★★★
Following a horrific pandemic which killed 80% of the global population, Life First is set in a world where the government rigidly controls everything related to health. Everyone is DNA-typed at birth so that when someone needs a new [insert organ here], the best possible match can be found quickly, and the match has to provide the organ.
When Kelsey Reed is informed she needs to donate her kidney, she realises she doesn’t like the idea of being forced into risking her life for a stranger. Determined not to give up her kidney, Kelsey attempts to escape with her boyfriend Luke, knowing that the likely penalty if caught is to be sent to prison with a sentence of death by organ donation (exactly what it sounds like).
Life First is a great concept, because it’s not so hard to imagine. Hundreds of thousands of people sit on waiting lists for organ transplants, and it’s becoming more and more common to hear encouragement to register as an organ donor. A spokesman for the Order of St John told the BBC in September of this year that around 3 people a day die due to a shortage of organs. As opt-out systems are increasingly discussed, it isn’t too far a stretch to imagine the introduction of mandatory donation. This is particularly believable in the small remaining population in Life First, where life is valued above all else (even choice). In Life First, people don’t die whilst waiting for an organ because organ donation is mandatory. However, whilst this means less deaths for those in need of an organ, it also means perfectly healthy individuals are forced to undergo surgery, risking their own health whether or not they want to.
Life First is a very dramatic read, and I couldn’t put it down. The plot is full of twists and revelations: whilst this makes for a great, gripping read, it’s worth noting this means it isn’t at all light-hearted. There isn’t really humour to balance out the tension, and so it can sometimes seem quite dark.
Kelsey is a really interesting character. Is she foolish for running, risking all her organs and death if she gets caught? Is she selfish to refuse to give up her kidney, when someone else could die without it? Or is she brave and justified in doing everything she can to make her own choice, rather than going meekly along with a procedure she’s unhappy with? I’d say at times she manages to come across as a little bit of all of those, but in a believable three-dimensional way. In real life, things aren’t black and white and the same can be said of the characters in Life First. Even the government isn’t strictly ‘evil’ – although controlling and harsh and very anti-choice, it has good intentions behind that.
Recently, I’ve felt like a lot of the dystopian fiction I’ve been reading has followed a formula: the premise to draw you in + a seemingly average protagonist who later develops an incredible skill/talent/ability + a love triangle. Whilst I’ve loved a lot of these, Life First was great because it really stood out as not seeming to follow this formula. Kelsey is also an older, more grown-up character, and Life First is definitely more like new adult than young adult.
December 29, 2013
This book cost me an entire night’s sleep!
I’m a mom of four (including an infant, an 8 year old with autism, and two teenagers), so my reading time is both limited and precious. So is my sleeping time. And this book cost me several hour’s worth of sleep, because I just couldn’t stop reading. I literally stayed up all night to finish reading it. That’s pretty much the highest recommendation I can give a book.
I adore dystopian literature, both YA and adult – some of my favorite books include Lois Lowry’s “The Giver” and George Orwell’s “1984”. I believe that fans of these books (or more recently, The Hunger Games) would greatly enjoy this book.
Life First is set in the future in the former United States of America. The exact year isn’t specified, but we learn that 80% of the population was wiped out in a pandemic 100 years or so ago. The Federation of Surviving States (FoSS) has a government and laws that are loosely based on those of the US, but with changes that were made due to the drastically reduced population. One of the laws is that every healthy person must be registered in a database; if someone needs something you can provide in order to survive – like your blood, your bone marrow, or one of your kidneys, for example – then you are legally obligated to provide the necessary organ(s) and/or tissues (so long as you have an 80% or greater chance of living through the surgery). This is what the national slogan of “Life First” means.
Kelsey is a woman in her early 20s who has been “marked” to donate one of her kidneys to a stranger who needs one. Given certain experiences in her life, she is not a supporter of the Life First mandate, and makes plans to escape having to make the “donation.” But in the FoSS, there are heavy consequences for fleeing a donation, and if she’s caught she will be punished severely.
On the negative side (and I’m grasping here), there are some plot issues that might require a little suspension of disbelief. I can’t go into details on those issues without giving away spoilers, but I will say that those issues are very minor, and well worth suspending disbelief for. There are also a couple of small editing errors (typos/spelling – things like using “it’s” instead of “its” or “gate” instead of “gait”).
This is a very fast-paced, quick read, yet some of the ethical questions it raises about pro-life versus pro-choice and to what lengths society should go to preserve life could be discussed long after the book is finished. I really enjoyed this book, and finished it in one sitting (or as close to “one sitting” as a mom is allowed to have); highly recommended!
**I received a complimentary copy of this ebook; however, all opinions expressed are completely my own.**
I’m a mom of four (including an infant, an 8 year old with autism, and two teenagers), so my reading time is both limited and precious. So is my sleeping time. And this book cost me several hour’s worth of sleep, because I just couldn’t stop reading. I literally stayed up all night to finish reading it. That’s pretty much the highest recommendation I can give a book.
I adore dystopian literature, both YA and adult – some of my favorite books include Lois Lowry’s “The Giver” and George Orwell’s “1984”. I believe that fans of these books (or more recently, The Hunger Games) would greatly enjoy this book.
Life First is set in the future in the former United States of America. The exact year isn’t specified, but we learn that 80% of the population was wiped out in a pandemic 100 years or so ago. The Federation of Surviving States (FoSS) has a government and laws that are loosely based on those of the US, but with changes that were made due to the drastically reduced population. One of the laws is that every healthy person must be registered in a database; if someone needs something you can provide in order to survive – like your blood, your bone marrow, or one of your kidneys, for example – then you are legally obligated to provide the necessary organ(s) and/or tissues (so long as you have an 80% or greater chance of living through the surgery). This is what the national slogan of “Life First” means.
Kelsey is a woman in her early 20s who has been “marked” to donate one of her kidneys to a stranger who needs one. Given certain experiences in her life, she is not a supporter of the Life First mandate, and makes plans to escape having to make the “donation.” But in the FoSS, there are heavy consequences for fleeing a donation, and if she’s caught she will be punished severely.
On the negative side (and I’m grasping here), there are some plot issues that might require a little suspension of disbelief. I can’t go into details on those issues without giving away spoilers, but I will say that those issues are very minor, and well worth suspending disbelief for. There are also a couple of small editing errors (typos/spelling – things like using “it’s” instead of “its” or “gate” instead of “gait”).
This is a very fast-paced, quick read, yet some of the ethical questions it raises about pro-life versus pro-choice and to what lengths society should go to preserve life could be discussed long after the book is finished. I really enjoyed this book, and finished it in one sitting (or as close to “one sitting” as a mom is allowed to have); highly recommended!
**I received a complimentary copy of this ebook; however, all opinions expressed are completely my own.**
February 23, 2014
This is one of those novels that uses a disturbing possible future to make us think critically about our present and ourselves.
After a pandemic kills the majority of the population, life has become sacred, something to be guarded at all costs. If someone needs an new organ, for example, the huge medical database finds whoever is the best match, and that citizen must give the organ. Kelsey, marked for a kidney transplant, decides that it should be her choice, so she tries to run away before the surgery.
This introduces a host of ethical questions: Is Kelsey right or wrong? Selfish or not? Is the well-being of society more important than the rights of the individual? Is the government justified? Is saving one life worth the risk to another? I love how Crayton doesn't hesitate to give good arguments for the others side—sometimes even better than the main character's—so we're never sure what to think.
I wish Kelsey had stuck to her position more, and made a stand, because these issues fade somewhat after the first part of the book. However, even her choice to back off is interesting. She doesn't try to change the world. She tries to save herself. And again I wonder: selfish or not?
The world-building is good. I like the offhand references to survival statistics classes that seem to be the norm for school children. There are also a few believability issues, but most derive from the what-ifs of a society like this, so they're up for debate.
Repetition and over-explanation at times slow the pace. The few errors or oddities in language and mechanics don't really interfere with enjoyment, as the book is well written overall.
In the middle, the narrative takes a turn. It becomes a legal drama with lots of talk and little action. Some people might not like this, but I did, and congratulate Crayton for going where the story would go, instead of bowing to the Hollywood-action-at-all-costs mantra. The courtrooms scenes are full of twisty logic, clever arguments, and verbal traps. Very engaging.
During this section, Kelsey doesn't really do much. She's just an observer, thinking and reacting but making few choices. Again, some readers might not like this, but it works here, and communicates the helplessness of not being in control.
The ending is satisfying while leaving some questions unanswered for the sequel, Second Life.
Though Life First isn't directly about a specific current issue, readers can draw many uncomfortable and thought-provoking parallels. This is what good speculative fiction should do, and Life First accomplishes the task.
*I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review*
After a pandemic kills the majority of the population, life has become sacred, something to be guarded at all costs. If someone needs an new organ, for example, the huge medical database finds whoever is the best match, and that citizen must give the organ. Kelsey, marked for a kidney transplant, decides that it should be her choice, so she tries to run away before the surgery.
This introduces a host of ethical questions: Is Kelsey right or wrong? Selfish or not? Is the well-being of society more important than the rights of the individual? Is the government justified? Is saving one life worth the risk to another? I love how Crayton doesn't hesitate to give good arguments for the others side—sometimes even better than the main character's—so we're never sure what to think.
I wish Kelsey had stuck to her position more, and made a stand, because these issues fade somewhat after the first part of the book. However, even her choice to back off is interesting. She doesn't try to change the world. She tries to save herself. And again I wonder: selfish or not?
The world-building is good. I like the offhand references to survival statistics classes that seem to be the norm for school children. There are also a few believability issues, but most derive from the what-ifs of a society like this, so they're up for debate.
Repetition and over-explanation at times slow the pace. The few errors or oddities in language and mechanics don't really interfere with enjoyment, as the book is well written overall.
In the middle, the narrative takes a turn. It becomes a legal drama with lots of talk and little action. Some people might not like this, but I did, and congratulate Crayton for going where the story would go, instead of bowing to the Hollywood-action-at-all-costs mantra. The courtrooms scenes are full of twisty logic, clever arguments, and verbal traps. Very engaging.
During this section, Kelsey doesn't really do much. She's just an observer, thinking and reacting but making few choices. Again, some readers might not like this, but it works here, and communicates the helplessness of not being in control.
The ending is satisfying while leaving some questions unanswered for the sequel, Second Life.
Though Life First isn't directly about a specific current issue, readers can draw many uncomfortable and thought-provoking parallels. This is what good speculative fiction should do, and Life First accomplishes the task.
*I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review*
February 5, 2017
A compelling read about an almost too real idea of a dystopian future. An interesting new take on the abortion and bodily autonomy debates with a flawed yet empathetic main character. I'm interested to see where the rest of the series goes.
Check out my full review. (Link will be live February 9, 2017).
Check out my full review. (Link will be live February 9, 2017).
March 18, 2019
*I received a free copy of this book from the author through Making Connections in exchange for an honest review*
Kelsey is young, healthy and happy until she is told that she must donate her kidney to a stranger. Scared that the procedure could disable or kill her, Kelsey decides to run away, knowing that if she is caught she will go to prison and her organs will all be harvested until she is dead.
This book turned out to be nothing like what I was expecting-in a good way. It is a story that will get people talking because this society has very clear ideas about Life First-abortion is illegal,women are put at risk to try and save the baby,organ donation is compulsory and those who refuse are regarded as murderers and killed for their organs. It will get emotions running high depending on where you stand on these issues. I don't let my personal opinions affect me when I read a book and I didn't have any problem with the book or its content.
The characters are all well written and you can really feel for them as they face each emotional incident. I really liked Dr Grant, Susan and Kelsey's father as they all add real emotion and depth to the plot. It's easy for readers on one side of the divide to think Kelsey is selfish but when you get deep into her story it does challenge you to think what you would do with her history. The plot was really well worked with lots of twists and surprises that keep you hooked. I expected this to just be one of these on-the-run dramas but it was so much more than that. There was depth, drama, tension and action in this book that I didn't expect. The storytelling was done beautifully, and you can't help but care what happens to everyone involved.
I don't really have a negative on the book. I liked the way the author presented the story, the plot was good, the characters interesting and 'real', and a society that was different. Pehaps an epilogue would have been nice to tie up what happened to everyone but that's me being a bit picky. A good dystopian read for adult and NA/older YA to read.
One thing I would change: I hate each chapter having a title as it gives away the plot for that chapter. I found that frustrating.
If I could, this would be 3.5 out of 5.
Kelsey is young, healthy and happy until she is told that she must donate her kidney to a stranger. Scared that the procedure could disable or kill her, Kelsey decides to run away, knowing that if she is caught she will go to prison and her organs will all be harvested until she is dead.
This book turned out to be nothing like what I was expecting-in a good way. It is a story that will get people talking because this society has very clear ideas about Life First-abortion is illegal,women are put at risk to try and save the baby,organ donation is compulsory and those who refuse are regarded as murderers and killed for their organs. It will get emotions running high depending on where you stand on these issues. I don't let my personal opinions affect me when I read a book and I didn't have any problem with the book or its content.
The characters are all well written and you can really feel for them as they face each emotional incident. I really liked Dr Grant, Susan and Kelsey's father as they all add real emotion and depth to the plot. It's easy for readers on one side of the divide to think Kelsey is selfish but when you get deep into her story it does challenge you to think what you would do with her history. The plot was really well worked with lots of twists and surprises that keep you hooked. I expected this to just be one of these on-the-run dramas but it was so much more than that. There was depth, drama, tension and action in this book that I didn't expect. The storytelling was done beautifully, and you can't help but care what happens to everyone involved.
I don't really have a negative on the book. I liked the way the author presented the story, the plot was good, the characters interesting and 'real', and a society that was different. Pehaps an epilogue would have been nice to tie up what happened to everyone but that's me being a bit picky. A good dystopian read for adult and NA/older YA to read.
One thing I would change: I hate each chapter having a title as it gives away the plot for that chapter. I found that frustrating.
If I could, this would be 3.5 out of 5.
November 5, 2013
I’ve had a good run of dystopian novels lately. Life First continues that trend. A dystopia is the opposite of a utopia and typically a dystopian novel will extrapolate a current social or political movement taken to an extreme. Crayton’s extrapolated future struck me as different from most which, at the risk of getting too political, I’ll explain.
Although the future extrapolated in a dystopian novel is typically thought to be a warning against continuing in a particular direction, many are nothing more than slippery slope arguments. The slippery slope argument often seems rational, but is usually a logical fallacy when used as a justification against taking the first step. (If you want to understand why, Google will uncover several good explanations.)
Life First was different for reasons I couldn’t quite pinpoint until I finished the book and took time to reflect. The biggest reason is the slippery slope argument isn’t there. Those who are arguing in real life to take the first steps (at least in the US) of limiting abortion with an eye to eradicating it completely are the same people who would object the loudest to the next steps, forcing someone to donate an “unneeded kidney” for example. Even if other events happened in between (a pandemic that wiped out 80% of the world’s population, in this story) I’m not sure that those who are for the first steps would ever support the next steps. Yet, the logic to justify the first steps (the sanctity of life) seems to apply at least as much to the additional steps. For me, the “warning” wasn’t needed, but did prompt some reflection and gave me new insights on the issue being explored, which is another kind of success.
But none of the subtext matters unless the story is good. This one was. I was drawn into Kelsey’s plight and cared how it ended. It also prompted questions about how I would react if put in the same position and how far I’d be willing to go in defense of my position.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
Although the future extrapolated in a dystopian novel is typically thought to be a warning against continuing in a particular direction, many are nothing more than slippery slope arguments. The slippery slope argument often seems rational, but is usually a logical fallacy when used as a justification against taking the first step. (If you want to understand why, Google will uncover several good explanations.)
Life First was different for reasons I couldn’t quite pinpoint until I finished the book and took time to reflect. The biggest reason is the slippery slope argument isn’t there. Those who are arguing in real life to take the first steps (at least in the US) of limiting abortion with an eye to eradicating it completely are the same people who would object the loudest to the next steps, forcing someone to donate an “unneeded kidney” for example. Even if other events happened in between (a pandemic that wiped out 80% of the world’s population, in this story) I’m not sure that those who are for the first steps would ever support the next steps. Yet, the logic to justify the first steps (the sanctity of life) seems to apply at least as much to the additional steps. For me, the “warning” wasn’t needed, but did prompt some reflection and gave me new insights on the issue being explored, which is another kind of success.
But none of the subtext matters unless the story is good. This one was. I was drawn into Kelsey’s plight and cared how it ended. It also prompted questions about how I would react if put in the same position and how far I’d be willing to go in defense of my position.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
March 4, 2015
*Received book in exchange for honest review* (review also posted on Amazon)
Kelsey Reed lives in a world where a person can be marked for organ donation by law. If they refuse, they are labeled a sociopath and are sentenced to death by donating all of their organs whenever the need arises. Kelsey Reed has been marked and is to donate a kidney to a random person. The problem is that she vehemently is against it. Her best friend was marked and went through with a bone marrow donation and was paralyzed as a result of an infection that grew and her own mother died (although Kelsey doesn't find this info out until later in life) because of the Life First policy that the government has. So she runs. She runs with her boyfriend to try to escape the mandated donation and start a new life. But what happens when the fool proof plan suddenly isn't so fool proof??
I generally enjoyed this book and read through it fairly quick (to include hiding in my cube at work to read more during work hours). At times I definitely found myself saying "it's just a kidney donation, seriously???" But then you think about what if you weren't asked, what if you had to do this or you died?? Suddenly it's very different. I thought this book moved at a good pace and definitely kept the action rolling. The court scenes I feel were very detailed and I enjoyed being in the court room during all of that. And I definitely had mixed feelings about Dr Grant but in the end I was satisfied. And I feel like the attitude of the guards at the holding cell were pretty accurate, especially with what Pig Face tried to do at lights out (although my knowledge mostly comes from tv shows on this fact). I definitely enjoyed this book and can't wait to see what the future has in store for Kelsey and Luke. And poor Susan!!! I can't imagine having my best friend save my life and then my whole life trying to go tit for tat to make it even, especially with what her role ended up being. Definitely looking forward to learning more about Susan.
Kelsey Reed lives in a world where a person can be marked for organ donation by law. If they refuse, they are labeled a sociopath and are sentenced to death by donating all of their organs whenever the need arises. Kelsey Reed has been marked and is to donate a kidney to a random person. The problem is that she vehemently is against it. Her best friend was marked and went through with a bone marrow donation and was paralyzed as a result of an infection that grew and her own mother died (although Kelsey doesn't find this info out until later in life) because of the Life First policy that the government has. So she runs. She runs with her boyfriend to try to escape the mandated donation and start a new life. But what happens when the fool proof plan suddenly isn't so fool proof??
I generally enjoyed this book and read through it fairly quick (to include hiding in my cube at work to read more during work hours). At times I definitely found myself saying "it's just a kidney donation, seriously???" But then you think about what if you weren't asked, what if you had to do this or you died?? Suddenly it's very different. I thought this book moved at a good pace and definitely kept the action rolling. The court scenes I feel were very detailed and I enjoyed being in the court room during all of that. And I definitely had mixed feelings about Dr Grant but in the end I was satisfied. And I feel like the attitude of the guards at the holding cell were pretty accurate, especially with what Pig Face tried to do at lights out (although my knowledge mostly comes from tv shows on this fact). I definitely enjoyed this book and can't wait to see what the future has in store for Kelsey and Luke. And poor Susan!!! I can't imagine having my best friend save my life and then my whole life trying to go tit for tat to make it even, especially with what her role ended up being. Definitely looking forward to learning more about Susan.
May 27, 2016
I didn't hate this book, but I certainly didn't like it and I think it comes down to one thing: unmet expectations. The synopsis promised a dystopian future, but the people had everything we have (plus authoritarian rule). Basically, the author didn't go far enough, she didn't actually imagine a dystopian future and then write it down. If you really wanted there to be a place where no one is allowed to die, where healthy people have to give up organs for unhealthy people, then people would not be living by themselves, they would be living in group homes where they could be kept an eye on; they would not be sending there kids to "camp" where they could possibly drown (this actually happens in the story... why is there a camp in a dystopian future?). You'd have your kids and your baby-makers locked down, that's all I'm saying.
Of course, none of this matters, because the author was not writing a dystopian future, nor do I think she set out to. This is a contemporary fiction masquerading as a dystopian future book, and there's nothing I hate more than contemporary fiction books. I personally found the "romantic banter" between the main character and her boyfriend to be awkward and disgusting and I skimmed past it. It's not like it actually mattered to the story. The boyfriend comes off as skeevy and controlling in the first few chapters. The main character comes off as irrational and prone to childlike hyperbolic statements that jump to conclusions no reasoned adult would conclude. I found her to be annoying. And boy do I hate pregnant characters. You will not be warming my cold dead heart with this schlock; it will only piss me off.
About 50% of the novel takes place in a padded cell, which made this book at least 150% more boring (the author likes to throw meaningless statistics into her text, so why not me?). I hate it when characters are locked in rooms. Also, this came off more as a courtroom/political drama than I think it was probably meant to.
*sigh* Ok, I was mistaken. I hate this book.
Of course, none of this matters, because the author was not writing a dystopian future, nor do I think she set out to. This is a contemporary fiction masquerading as a dystopian future book, and there's nothing I hate more than contemporary fiction books. I personally found the "romantic banter" between the main character and her boyfriend to be awkward and disgusting and I skimmed past it. It's not like it actually mattered to the story. The boyfriend comes off as skeevy and controlling in the first few chapters. The main character comes off as irrational and prone to childlike hyperbolic statements that jump to conclusions no reasoned adult would conclude. I found her to be annoying. And boy do I hate pregnant characters. You will not be warming my cold dead heart with this schlock; it will only piss me off.
About 50% of the novel takes place in a padded cell, which made this book at least 150% more boring (the author likes to throw meaningless statistics into her text, so why not me?). I hate it when characters are locked in rooms. Also, this came off more as a courtroom/political drama than I think it was probably meant to.
*sigh* Ok, I was mistaken. I hate this book.
December 2, 2013
I got the recommendation for this book off of one of the blogs I read, and it sounded very interesting as the premise pushes the whole "pro-life" concept to a high degree. In the world where Kelsey Reed lives, every citizen is tagged with a biometric marker, and should someone else need help, that citizen is required to provide it whether that's a piece of skin for a graft, bone marrow to treat cancer, or a kidney to replace a failed one. Once you're eighteen, you're eligible to become a donor, whether you want to or not, because Life Comes First.
Kelsey, however, does not want to give up her kidney, let alone to some stranger several states away, and so she plans to run away and avoid the donation. The story follows her escape attempt, her time in prison, and her trial, before the final escape attempt which will determine if she lives or dies by the hand of the government.
Most of the story follows Kelsey's time in prison and the trial, where she is being tried to determine if she was temporarily deranged or if she's a complete psychotic who should be kept in jail until her organs are needed and harvested by the state, killing her in the process. This was the weakest point of the book, IMO - not the story or the descriptions, but the sheer amount of time spent in the novel that focused on the prison and the courtroom. It seems to me that more could've been done on either side of this section to further flesh out the world that Kelsey lived in, which would've been more interesting to me.
This is a fascinating book that's worth a read, even with the flaws, and I enjoyed it as much as one can enjoy such a subject. It's a topic that those who are "pro-baby / pro-life" should consider, since so many of them stop caring once the child is born, as this is one way a truly "pro-life" stance would be enacted.
Kelsey, however, does not want to give up her kidney, let alone to some stranger several states away, and so she plans to run away and avoid the donation. The story follows her escape attempt, her time in prison, and her trial, before the final escape attempt which will determine if she lives or dies by the hand of the government.
Most of the story follows Kelsey's time in prison and the trial, where she is being tried to determine if she was temporarily deranged or if she's a complete psychotic who should be kept in jail until her organs are needed and harvested by the state, killing her in the process. This was the weakest point of the book, IMO - not the story or the descriptions, but the sheer amount of time spent in the novel that focused on the prison and the courtroom. It seems to me that more could've been done on either side of this section to further flesh out the world that Kelsey lived in, which would've been more interesting to me.
This is a fascinating book that's worth a read, even with the flaws, and I enjoyed it as much as one can enjoy such a subject. It's a topic that those who are "pro-baby / pro-life" should consider, since so many of them stop caring once the child is born, as this is one way a truly "pro-life" stance would be enacted.
February 22, 2014
Reviewer: Saffron B.
3.0 on the Masq Scale
The premise of Life First was fascinating. Is it ethical to force people to donate non-essential organs to save the lives of strangers? It made me do some serious thinking and initiated some really interesting conversations. The story idea and plot had excellent potential. "Unfortunately I don’t feel it fully delivered. The setting gives the opportunity for action-packed rebellion and anti-governmental espionage. With a sci-fi, anti-apocalyptic premise like this I was expecting something epic. Instead the story is centered mostly in a single cell in a holding facility. Still there was potential, perhaps a psychological element? Or some kind of incredible and daring escape? … That didn’t happen either.
In the end I was left feeling a bit let-down. There are sequels so perhaps they pick up the story thread and give it more life but in this particular book there is no growth, there’s no progress. The main character really didn’t change from start to finish and she spent the book being tossed around by circumstance rather than saving herself or fighting the bigger fight. "I also feel that the book could have been a lot shorter. It’s mostly made up of inner monologue which works in certain circumstances but in this case I felt was overdone. Quite often the main character would think something and then say exactly the same thing, thus doubling up on word count with no story advancement.
Without reading the subsequent books I can’t say for certain but I do feel that this book could be changed from OK to Fantastic, if the whole series was cut down and made into a single book. If the excess inner monologue was removed and the action amped up it could make really great stand-alone novel. As it is, I’m giving it three stars on the Masq. scale.
3.0 on the Masq Scale
The premise of Life First was fascinating. Is it ethical to force people to donate non-essential organs to save the lives of strangers? It made me do some serious thinking and initiated some really interesting conversations. The story idea and plot had excellent potential. "Unfortunately I don’t feel it fully delivered. The setting gives the opportunity for action-packed rebellion and anti-governmental espionage. With a sci-fi, anti-apocalyptic premise like this I was expecting something epic. Instead the story is centered mostly in a single cell in a holding facility. Still there was potential, perhaps a psychological element? Or some kind of incredible and daring escape? … That didn’t happen either.
In the end I was left feeling a bit let-down. There are sequels so perhaps they pick up the story thread and give it more life but in this particular book there is no growth, there’s no progress. The main character really didn’t change from start to finish and she spent the book being tossed around by circumstance rather than saving herself or fighting the bigger fight. "I also feel that the book could have been a lot shorter. It’s mostly made up of inner monologue which works in certain circumstances but in this case I felt was overdone. Quite often the main character would think something and then say exactly the same thing, thus doubling up on word count with no story advancement.
Without reading the subsequent books I can’t say for certain but I do feel that this book could be changed from OK to Fantastic, if the whole series was cut down and made into a single book. If the excess inner monologue was removed and the action amped up it could make really great stand-alone novel. As it is, I’m giving it three stars on the Masq. scale.
March 7, 2015
Life First by RJ Crayton is a terrifying look at organ donation on a deeper level. This facetious story really makes you think in realistic terms. A compelling mystery that grabbed me right away. This is about individual rights and freedom. Shocking how things could get so turned around. Where a government makes decisions for you even if you are against them. This is an outrageous concept but outrageous things have been known to happen. Yes, I got caught up in the plot!
First Life takes place in the future where our government has a heavier hand in our lives. A time when we are not in control of our future. It’s more of a dictatorship that could have very catastrophic consequences. This is a very frightening but compelling mystery that had me thinking about the ramifications of such a predicament. This is about individual rights and freedom and clearly makes a statement.
Dynamically told, this haunting story is imaginative, gripping and a real page turner. The writing is fierce and easy to absorb. It was difficult not to get caught up in the emotionally charged plot line.
There are lies, deception, drama and real-life emotion. Well told, this striking story captured my attention right away. It is a thrill ride into the unknown and I enjoyed the entertaining twists that kept the suspense going all the way through.
Quote ~
The phrase "Life First" dances in my head. The words are connected with every memory, every synapse, like an intricate web. I've heard the phrase so often, lived it, breathed it. Yet, when she asks the question like that, the familiar mantra seems meaningless. What would happen if there was no one else? The answer pops into my mind as clear as day, and I blurt it out before I can stop myself. "Then he would die."
August 17, 2013
I was given a copy of this ebook in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Life First is set at some unspecified future date after the population of the USA has been decimated by pandemics, resulting in social upheaval and changes in law. The social construct now requires you to risk your health by making living donations to others. Not to do so is illegal and can result in a criminal trial and sentence of "death by donation". That is right. You are confined and your body is mined for parts until it kills you.
This story is terrifying in that, like 1984, it is not so far fetched that it could not become reality. Kelsey has a dilemma. She has been marked as the best possible match for a stranger with kidney failure. She now has no choice but to donate one of her kidneys in spite of any risk to her own health.
Kelsey believes the choice of whether or not to donate should be her own, and while she would willingly take the risk for a loved one, risking her life and her health for a stranger is not something she is willing to do. So she runs.
This book is an emotional thrill ride. I read it in one day and it left me feeling as though I'd lived every set-back, every emotional upheaval with Kelsey and her friends and family. It is well written, well edited, and extremely thought provoking. Although it is set at some undetermined point in a future world there isn't much in the way of science fiction here, with the exception of the implants that each person has inserted in their arm to monitor their health.
It is a dystopian thriller you will be glad you read and I highly recommend it.
Life First is set at some unspecified future date after the population of the USA has been decimated by pandemics, resulting in social upheaval and changes in law. The social construct now requires you to risk your health by making living donations to others. Not to do so is illegal and can result in a criminal trial and sentence of "death by donation". That is right. You are confined and your body is mined for parts until it kills you.
This story is terrifying in that, like 1984, it is not so far fetched that it could not become reality. Kelsey has a dilemma. She has been marked as the best possible match for a stranger with kidney failure. She now has no choice but to donate one of her kidneys in spite of any risk to her own health.
Kelsey believes the choice of whether or not to donate should be her own, and while she would willingly take the risk for a loved one, risking her life and her health for a stranger is not something she is willing to do. So she runs.
This book is an emotional thrill ride. I read it in one day and it left me feeling as though I'd lived every set-back, every emotional upheaval with Kelsey and her friends and family. It is well written, well edited, and extremely thought provoking. Although it is set at some undetermined point in a future world there isn't much in the way of science fiction here, with the exception of the implants that each person has inserted in their arm to monitor their health.
It is a dystopian thriller you will be glad you read and I highly recommend it.
March 18, 2014
I was completely intrigued by this book from the very first page. There were fairly few characters in-keeping with the story, but they were all extremely well thought out. I really think RJ Crayton should be expecting calls for film rights because this played out in my mind as I read it like a really great film.
There was something (although it has nothing to do with the writing) that kept you thinking from page to page. It gripped you like King Kong and would not let go until you had finished the book. But there was a small niggle and that’s that I am not completely sure I would put this squarely in the chicklit genre. I love reading and will pick up any book that interests me, but I would say this has a leaning to Sci-fi and I grew up on this genre. Life First reminded me of some of the most famous films like Blade Runner and Silent Running.
This is not to say that I didn’t enjoy it, as I have had it glued to my hand every minute I could fit in some reading. The characters are all involved in a fantastic and heroic story. I can’t really say much more otherwise it would spoil the book for you. There are moral and heartfelt choices to be made and this book shows that love can open people’s eyes, and that sometimes you do get what you want if you fight hard enough. Even if you only like full on chick-lit I would highly recommend you read this as the love story alone is strong enough to keep your interest and you never know, it might lead you to other genres.
I loved everything about this book from start to finish.
Reviewed by Noemie T. Verlan on behalf of BestChickLit.com
There was something (although it has nothing to do with the writing) that kept you thinking from page to page. It gripped you like King Kong and would not let go until you had finished the book. But there was a small niggle and that’s that I am not completely sure I would put this squarely in the chicklit genre. I love reading and will pick up any book that interests me, but I would say this has a leaning to Sci-fi and I grew up on this genre. Life First reminded me of some of the most famous films like Blade Runner and Silent Running.
This is not to say that I didn’t enjoy it, as I have had it glued to my hand every minute I could fit in some reading. The characters are all involved in a fantastic and heroic story. I can’t really say much more otherwise it would spoil the book for you. There are moral and heartfelt choices to be made and this book shows that love can open people’s eyes, and that sometimes you do get what you want if you fight hard enough. Even if you only like full on chick-lit I would highly recommend you read this as the love story alone is strong enough to keep your interest and you never know, it might lead you to other genres.
I loved everything about this book from start to finish.
Reviewed by Noemie T. Verlan on behalf of BestChickLit.com
July 18, 2014
Life First follows the story of Kelsey Reed. Her father is a politician in this post-pandemic version of America; her mother died of pre-eclampsia while pregnant with a second child. The fetus also did not survive. In this America, where Life First is law, fetuses are never sacrificed to save the mother's life, and all good citizens are required not only to give blood, but to be organ donors whenever they are a good match for a person who needs a transplant. Refusal to donate when marked is punishable not only by prison, but by a horrible death: the prisoner is killed by having all his or her usable organs taken at once.
Kelsey is marked for a kidney donation. Her best friend suffered serious complications during her donation, and is now in a wheelchair. Kelsey no longer believes in Life First. So she and her boyfriend, with the help of a doctor, hatch a plot for her escape to Peoria -- another country, in what used to be Florida, where no one is forced to give up any body parts to save a stranger. But the plan fails; Kelsey is captured and sent to prison, where her life hangs in the balance.
I found Crayton's plot compelling, and I could imagine America turning into this parody of itself if certain political factions had their way. I wished the writing were a bit smoother, and that Kelsey and Luke didn't feel compelled to call each other by name so often when they're the only two people in the conversation. But those are quibbles. Life First is a fine start to what looks to be an interesting series.
***
Originally published at http://hearth-myth-rursday-reads.blog...
Kelsey is marked for a kidney donation. Her best friend suffered serious complications during her donation, and is now in a wheelchair. Kelsey no longer believes in Life First. So she and her boyfriend, with the help of a doctor, hatch a plot for her escape to Peoria -- another country, in what used to be Florida, where no one is forced to give up any body parts to save a stranger. But the plan fails; Kelsey is captured and sent to prison, where her life hangs in the balance.
I found Crayton's plot compelling, and I could imagine America turning into this parody of itself if certain political factions had their way. I wished the writing were a bit smoother, and that Kelsey and Luke didn't feel compelled to call each other by name so often when they're the only two people in the conversation. But those are quibbles. Life First is a fine start to what looks to be an interesting series.
***
Originally published at http://hearth-myth-rursday-reads.blog...
October 8, 2013
Kelsey, as a character, is a hard read. Are we supposed to like her and admire her pluck or are we to see her as a selfish person for wanting the choice to do what she will with her body. Is this a theme meant to translate to the reader? The idealism of youth and the idea that one’s responsibility is solely to oneself. As the story develops the character blossoms and the audience is able to get to know her and identify with her to an extent. Her society is pro-life to an extreme; she’s not willing to embrace and for some readers Life First may feel a timely read. It’s up to the reader to decide if Kelsey’s stand is brave or stupid and they might just relate that struggle to themselves.
Crayton’s plotting and writing style are very fluid. Descriptions are, for the most part, compactly written and designed to give the reader an eye-in-the-sky kind of feel. If there are errors in the work, I didn’t spot them. Life First is very cleanly and professionally presented. That this is the first novel Crayton has written is astonishing especially as journalists used to writing facts, in my experience, tend to be somewhat wooden when they start writing. Reader see none of those traits in Life First.
If you are a fan of dystopian novels but would prefer an older protagonist, Life First is the novel for you.
Crayton’s plotting and writing style are very fluid. Descriptions are, for the most part, compactly written and designed to give the reader an eye-in-the-sky kind of feel. If there are errors in the work, I didn’t spot them. Life First is very cleanly and professionally presented. That this is the first novel Crayton has written is astonishing especially as journalists used to writing facts, in my experience, tend to be somewhat wooden when they start writing. Reader see none of those traits in Life First.
If you are a fan of dystopian novels but would prefer an older protagonist, Life First is the novel for you.
August 11, 2016
*A Copy of this Book Was Given To Me By The Author In Exchange For An Honest Review*
Life First is a clever and thought provoking YA read. It takes the idea that humanity should help each other to a whole new level. I was really struck by the fact that the idea in the book stemmed from a random argument made by a lawyer, and how EASILY I could see this becoming a reality. It is a frightening thought to say the least.
How far is too far when it comes to helping another to save a life? Most people wouldn't think twice about a blood donation, or even in many cases bone marrow. Some people have even been known to donate organs voluntarily for a complete stranger... but what if the choice wasn't yours?
The characters are well written and the story moves at an easy pace with some unexpected twists and turns along the way. The questions raised are certainly chilling, and the scenarios hit a little too close to home at times.
I was lucky enough to be sent book 2 as well which I will certainly be reading as I want to know how Kelsey's story plays out but there is enough of an ending that it would certainly work as a stand alone.
A solid 4 out of 5 stars.
V""V
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.
For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
Life First is a clever and thought provoking YA read. It takes the idea that humanity should help each other to a whole new level. I was really struck by the fact that the idea in the book stemmed from a random argument made by a lawyer, and how EASILY I could see this becoming a reality. It is a frightening thought to say the least.
How far is too far when it comes to helping another to save a life? Most people wouldn't think twice about a blood donation, or even in many cases bone marrow. Some people have even been known to donate organs voluntarily for a complete stranger... but what if the choice wasn't yours?
The characters are well written and the story moves at an easy pace with some unexpected twists and turns along the way. The questions raised are certainly chilling, and the scenarios hit a little too close to home at times.
I was lucky enough to be sent book 2 as well which I will certainly be reading as I want to know how Kelsey's story plays out but there is enough of an ending that it would certainly work as a stand alone.
A solid 4 out of 5 stars.
V""V
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.
For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
June 23, 2015
Life First by RJ Crayton does what all sci-fi thrillers should do: start with tension or action. The story opens with Kelsey, 23, walking down a hall with her father. An unspoken threat hangs in the air. Kelsey examines the rug and muses on how they are alike—both fakes. This set-up draws the reader in and holds you.
The novel takes place in the future after major pandemics have wiped out much of Earth’s humans. The United States has reformed into several countries. The story’s characters live in a county that believes in the importance of preserving every life to the point that it forces people to give up their organs to save others.
The government demands that Kelsey submit to an operation to remove a kidney. She rejects the idea for several reasons and wants to escape to a neighboring country (part of current Florida) that still allows self-determination. The plot has many twists and turns, where bravery or treachery lurk around every corner. Crayton created a strong cast of supporting characters. Kelsey’s relationship with her father—at first difficult and later strong—is compelling. This is a good read.
My only quibble is styling this novel as dystopian. With the exception of the forced organ donations, Kelsey’s country boasts a low-crime rate, a functioning government and judiciary, and general prosperity. That’s not a dystopia.
The novel takes place in the future after major pandemics have wiped out much of Earth’s humans. The United States has reformed into several countries. The story’s characters live in a county that believes in the importance of preserving every life to the point that it forces people to give up their organs to save others.
The government demands that Kelsey submit to an operation to remove a kidney. She rejects the idea for several reasons and wants to escape to a neighboring country (part of current Florida) that still allows self-determination. The plot has many twists and turns, where bravery or treachery lurk around every corner. Crayton created a strong cast of supporting characters. Kelsey’s relationship with her father—at first difficult and later strong—is compelling. This is a good read.
My only quibble is styling this novel as dystopian. With the exception of the forced organ donations, Kelsey’s country boasts a low-crime rate, a functioning government and judiciary, and general prosperity. That’s not a dystopia.
November 28, 2017
I am a huge fan of dystopian novels and was looking forward to reading this. However, the first thing that I noticed was how amateur the writing is. It is cliche, sloppy and cringeworthy.
Although this may be categorised as a dystopia, as it is based in a future that takes away a persons right to have control over their own body, I would have to say that, for me, it doesn't qualify to be in this genre. For one, the only aspect of society that can be considered negative is the control over people's bodies, however, not much else has seemed to change within society. People seem pretty free to continue their life as normal. Although I tend to agree that normally subtle changes not only makes a story plausible and realistic, but also gives it a terrifying edge as it shows the possibility of this world actually becoming a reality, in this case it just seemed lazy.
The pacing of the plot was off as well. She spent far too long in the cell and it became monotonous. It also meant that we are stuck with the unlikeable main character. She is ridiculously dramatic and weak, who couldn’t do anything right and had to be rescued. I also felt no connection to her relationship with her controlling boyfriend either.
I really can’t think of any positives so overall this was a huge disappointment!!!
Although this may be categorised as a dystopia, as it is based in a future that takes away a persons right to have control over their own body, I would have to say that, for me, it doesn't qualify to be in this genre. For one, the only aspect of society that can be considered negative is the control over people's bodies, however, not much else has seemed to change within society. People seem pretty free to continue their life as normal. Although I tend to agree that normally subtle changes not only makes a story plausible and realistic, but also gives it a terrifying edge as it shows the possibility of this world actually becoming a reality, in this case it just seemed lazy.
The pacing of the plot was off as well. She spent far too long in the cell and it became monotonous. It also meant that we are stuck with the unlikeable main character. She is ridiculously dramatic and weak, who couldn’t do anything right and had to be rescued. I also felt no connection to her relationship with her controlling boyfriend either.
I really can’t think of any positives so overall this was a huge disappointment!!!
June 23, 2013
I started this book and couldn't put it down. It seemed like every chapter, there was some new, important revelation.
The story is set in the future, where disease has killed most of the population and society is in the process of rebuilding. Now, everyone has chips implanted in their arms to help keep track of their health/location and alert the government if they become perilously ill so the government can send help. Everyone in this society is DNA typed at birth, and Kelsey has been told she's the perfect match for a man who needs a kidney. She doesn't want to do it. The reasons are revealed through flashbacks that make your jaw drop. She has to escape, but she also has to get this tracking/health chip out of her arm to do so.
The story unfolds nicely and touches on some interesting ethical issues. Who has a right to make medical decisions for us? When two people's lives are at stake, who do we save? The controversial subject of abortion is touched upon with some tangential characters, so some zealots may dislike the book for that. But, that wasn't the central part of the story. The story of Kelsey's escape is what drives things, and this is one ride you want to be along for.
The story is set in the future, where disease has killed most of the population and society is in the process of rebuilding. Now, everyone has chips implanted in their arms to help keep track of their health/location and alert the government if they become perilously ill so the government can send help. Everyone in this society is DNA typed at birth, and Kelsey has been told she's the perfect match for a man who needs a kidney. She doesn't want to do it. The reasons are revealed through flashbacks that make your jaw drop. She has to escape, but she also has to get this tracking/health chip out of her arm to do so.
The story unfolds nicely and touches on some interesting ethical issues. Who has a right to make medical decisions for us? When two people's lives are at stake, who do we save? The controversial subject of abortion is touched upon with some tangential characters, so some zealots may dislike the book for that. But, that wasn't the central part of the story. The story of Kelsey's escape is what drives things, and this is one ride you want to be along for.
September 12, 2014
Wow. Just wow.
There, that’s my review. Can I leave it at that?
!!!
Well, this was my maiden voyage into the dystopian genre. I really struggled with this book…I struggled to find the opportunity to lock myself away for half a day to read it in one sitting!
As a dystopian first-timer, I really wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was hooked from the first page. The story is set in post-pandemic America, a hundred years in the future, in which the twenty percent of survivors are obliged to donate organs when ordered to do so. Kelsey Reed does not want to donate her kidney: she must flee before she’s under the surgeon’s scalpel, but escape isn’t easy, when first, she has to extricate the tracking chip in her arm. She is helped by a doctor, who treated her mother just before she died and who feels obliged to look after Kelsey, and her boyfriend, Luke. Her escape has to be successful: to fail will result in heinous consequences.
I’ll admit to not being a great fan of present-tense novels, but this was so well written, the characters so well drawn, I barely noticed. It’s packed with tense moments, gripping moments, tender moments. The unexpected jumps out from behind a door, and there you are, unable to turn the pages fast enough.
Brilliant.
There, that’s my review. Can I leave it at that?
!!!
Well, this was my maiden voyage into the dystopian genre. I really struggled with this book…I struggled to find the opportunity to lock myself away for half a day to read it in one sitting!
As a dystopian first-timer, I really wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was hooked from the first page. The story is set in post-pandemic America, a hundred years in the future, in which the twenty percent of survivors are obliged to donate organs when ordered to do so. Kelsey Reed does not want to donate her kidney: she must flee before she’s under the surgeon’s scalpel, but escape isn’t easy, when first, she has to extricate the tracking chip in her arm. She is helped by a doctor, who treated her mother just before she died and who feels obliged to look after Kelsey, and her boyfriend, Luke. Her escape has to be successful: to fail will result in heinous consequences.
I’ll admit to not being a great fan of present-tense novels, but this was so well written, the characters so well drawn, I barely noticed. It’s packed with tense moments, gripping moments, tender moments. The unexpected jumps out from behind a door, and there you are, unable to turn the pages fast enough.
Brilliant.
September 8, 2014
I won this book in a Goodreads contest. It was a pleasant surprise, I very much enjoyed the style of the book: it is perfect to underline the tension throughout the book. In a not so distant future, a pandemics has wiped about 80 percent of the population. The survivors have turned back to the Puritan view of the sanctity of life above all, putting life first even before individual choice and freedom. Therefore, one someone needs a transplant, one healthy individual is chosen to donate a body part. If he or she refuses, they are condemned by society and locked up and their body parts are taken one by one to be given away. Kelsey Reed is marked to donate a kidney but she refuses and chooses to run. She is caught and sent to trial. The story is centered around Kelsey, her family and the man she loves and how they deal with Kelsey choice. The style is realistic and more than one time I felt one with Kelsey, with her fears and with her doubts. There were also a few mushy passages I didn't enjoy much, but apart from that, it was a convincing story and a good read.
July 23, 2013
Crayton write a captivating book about the freedom of choice… or perhaps the lack there of, standing up for one’s beliefs, and ultimately, the consequences that we face based on the choices that we make.
Imagine being in your early twenties and being notified that you have been “marked” as the perfect match to donate a kidney to a complete stranger. The man needs your organ in order to survive but what about your chance of survival? Could this donation result in your death? If you flee and you are captured you will be sentenced to death and they will harvest your organs at will. What would you do? Is the life of a stranger more important, a higher priority, than yours? Or would you place your life first?
Check out the FULL review by visiting us at Griffin's Honey http://www.griffinshoney.com/book-rev...
Imagine being in your early twenties and being notified that you have been “marked” as the perfect match to donate a kidney to a complete stranger. The man needs your organ in order to survive but what about your chance of survival? Could this donation result in your death? If you flee and you are captured you will be sentenced to death and they will harvest your organs at will. What would you do? Is the life of a stranger more important, a higher priority, than yours? Or would you place your life first?
Check out the FULL review by visiting us at Griffin's Honey http://www.griffinshoney.com/book-rev...
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