Defect: Part One

Defect #1

by Autumn Kalquist

This edition is out-of-print. These short episodes have been merged into upcoming novel release Defective.



Selene Hayes is a genetic experiment gone wrong.
Damaged.
Broken.
Defective.

World hunger has been vanquished, but drug-resistant diseases kill millions. The corporation that gave Selene superimmunity called her Protected...until they discovered the truth. Now they hunt her and those like her, and Selene's been hiding off-grid for eight years to avoid capture.

But she can't hide forever. Rumors of a new threat--and a mysterious quarantine--have reached her sanctuary. And if Selene has to fight, she'll fight until she dies. The Corporate Coalition will never take her alive.

Genres: Science Fiction, Dystopia, Young Adult, Fantasy, Thriller, Post Apocalyptic, New Adult

100 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 19, 2014

About the author

Hello!
I stop by Goodreads once a month or so. But I love to hear from my readers! The best way to reach me is at autumn (@) autumnkalquist.com.


Visit AutumnKalquist.com to GET YOUR FREE STORY


FRACTURED ERA SERIES by Autumn Kalquist

FRACTURED ERA ARCHIVES
318
Decode
Protecteds: Origins - Only available to newsletter subscribers.

Fractured Era Defective
Defective
Infected (Coming Soon)
Protected (Coming Soon)

Fractured Era LEGACY SERIES
Better World - Prequel
Legacy Code: Book #1
Paragon: Book #2

OR read these episodes in one compilation: Legacy (Book One of Fractured Era Legacy)

Legacy Book Two - (Publication date to be announced)

Autumn Kalquist is a USA TODAY bestselling author of the Fractured Era book series. She writes fantasy, dystopian, and post-apocalyptic fiction that asks compelling questions--often met with morally gray answers. She records songs for each of her books, which can be found on her website or on music services like Spotify. You can also purchase her graphic design, artwork, and photography through several stores on Society6.com, Redbubble.com and Casetify.com. Visit AutumnKalquist.com for more details!

Reviews

[Autumn Kalquist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Selene's story continues in Defective - Coming Summer 2015.

[Vivian Jane ✯ · Rating 4 out of 5]

**ARC provided by the author for an honest review!**
4 STARS!

Coward. That's what she was. For all she'd dreamed of leaving their homestead, of living a normal life, the truth was that she couldn't handle being normal.

The Defect serial is the prequel to Legacy Code and the story takes place on Earth focused on Selene. Her and her brother, Eli are Protected or what everyone likes to call, Defectives.

Spending the last few years with her Nan in a farm isolated from everyone and everything, things get well, boring. The secrets of the world unbeknownst to Selene call out to her, but with Nan questioning everything, she is stuck in a dilemma. Either stay in her current life where everything seems to be a conspiracy, but safe or leave and risk getting caught by the Corporate Coalition.

While the current world is in a frenzy, with food shortages and rumors of a deadly disease, Selene meets Anders. Who is the "modern-day Viking" and why does he want to help her? In a world like hers, no one is to be trusted.
Thinking the day can't get any worse, at home, everything takes a turn for the worse and Selene will do anything possible to keep the only family she has alive.

Part One ends in a cliffhanger, but Selene's story will continue in Defect Part Two.

--

This installment of the Defect series was quite short and you start out with questions. As you slowly get the gist of what's going on, it ends leaving you wanting more. I liked Selene; you can't blame her for wanting to leave because curiosity can get the better of you, but she knew the right thing to do when things got dangerous. A courageous and strong heroine is what every YA novel needs.

Selene and Eli's relationship was cute and it seemed so realistic. Despite the circumstances, Selene treated Eli the way a normal sister would treat her little brother and through the tough times, she will always be there for him.

I have yet to read the Legacy Code, but this serial will probably lay the foundation of the world before everything fell apart.
(So excited! Need to read Legacy Code!!!)

[Eccentric Editions · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received the copy in exchange of an honest review*
Okay! I couldn't help myself from picking this book after reading Legacy Code, as the second book is to come so, I picked Defect spin off of Legacy Code.
How it was before the life in Legacy Code and I devoured it in an hour I guess but close as it is a short story.
As from 5 stars I'm into the storyline and off to read the second book in Defect :D
Just have to know what Selene do and I would be doing the same thing, just that how much I'm into the story. It's really well written.
Definitely a must read.

[David Dalton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, here I am again reading another YA sci-fi story. This from a zombie/special forces/James Bond type of reader. I came across this title via the Kindle Unlimited program and took a chance. Very short, but it is intended to be. A prequel to Autumn's Legacy Code (which I have not read yet). Seems Legacy Code takes place well over a couple of years in the future. But I like this story because it is setting things up for the Legacy Code world. Reminded me a bit of the beginning of The Stand (in respect to the beginning of the spread of a deadly flu-like epidemic). By itself this is really just a chapter or two (100 pages) and even Defect: Part Two only looks to be 52 pages. A good marketing idea for the author, but tough on the pocketbook of the readers (Yes, I read it via KU, but many others do not have KU). I think Defect #1 goes for $2.99 and #2 for $0.99, but that is almost $4 for only 152 pages. I liked it, but I'm not in LOVE with it.

[Shannon Miz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was amazing. I read and liked Legacy Code, but Defect took things to a new level.

I was definitely intrigued to find out what had happened to lead to the events in Legacy Code, and was kind of shocked (and a bit terrified!) at how closely the world resembled ours (or at least, ours in a few years perhaps). This world was chilling, mainly because it felt quite plausible.

Selene is a great protagonist as well. She is so relatable, I feel like she responds much like we would in her situation. And grandmother Nan and brother Eli complimented her perfectly. The situations that Selene faced led to a fast-moving, exciting plot that ended in a cliffhanger.

I could not and did not put this story down from start to finish. I was that immersed in it. I absolutely cannot wait for the next installment! I don't want to say much else, for fear of giving anything away, but this is a story not to be missed!

*Copy was provided for honest review.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be very engaging, in fact I read it in one sitting. Bear in mind that it is a novella, so it is short, but that means that you don't have to put aside lots of time from work or family to read it. I previously read "Legacy Code" and this novella predates that, filling in the beginnings. If you have any doubts about reading this story, rest assured that it is engaging (if you like sci-fi style tales). I am looking forward to the next part, so go ahead and read it, you really might find it very involving!
*I received a free copy in exchange for reviewing this book* - but that doesn't mean that this review is any less valid - it just means I can't wait for the next instalment!

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely going to continue reading this series AND the 'Legacy Code' series.

[Erth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bravo! A good fast read! 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.

[Alan D.D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

¡No sé por qué dejé este libro tan olvidado! Es excelente de cabo a rabo y no pierde emoción. Cuando se pone algo ligero es solo para volverse catalizador del evento que sigue y queda perfecto.
Me encantó el personaje de Selene, simpaticé con ella y creo que entiendo su forma de actuar, así que es seguro que disfrutaré con su historia. Anders es un personaje que me dio mucha curiosidad, me tiene intrigado de dónde salió y cómo se relacionará con Selene en el futuro (¡¡TIENE QUE!! ¡¡AUTUMN KALQUIST TIENES QUE DARME MÁS DE ÉL!!).
La sociedad que presenta Autumn en este libro es muy interesante, es completa y creo que estoy comenzando a entender más o menos el tipo de inspiración que tuvo para la saga, y si estoy bien, me parece que estamos ante de una novela juvenil muy entretenida pero con un carácter adulto y un mensaje muy importante para todos.
¡Definitivamente leeré el resto de la saga a medida que vaya saliendo!
¿Quieres algo diferente, corto y de calidad? Este libro es la elección ideal :D
I don't know why I left this book so forgotten! It is excellent from beginning to end and it doesn't lose emotion. The point when the story becomes light is only to become a catalyst for event tracking and is perfect.
I loved the character of Selene, I sympathized with her and I think I understand her ways, so it's sure I'll enjoy whit her history. Anders is a character that made ​​me very curious, has intrigued me where it came from and how he relates to Selene in the future ( HE MUST!!AUTUMN KALQUIST YOU HAVE TO GIVE ME OF HIM!!).
The society that Autumn presents in this book is very interesting, is complete and I think I'm beginning to understand more or less the kind of inspiration that took to the series, and if I'm right, I think that this is a very entertaining teen novel but with an adult character and a very important message for all.
I'll definitely read the rest of the series as they are launched!
Want something different, short and quality? This book is the ideal choice :D

[B at Spare Time Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

See more reviews on my blog! http://sparetimebookblog.blogspot.com/

I am so excited for this novella series! After reading The Legacy Code, I was so curious about what happened to Earth. I have high hopes for this series to enlighten me! Selene and her family live off the grid. Her brother Eli and her Nan are self sufficient and make money by selling their home grown goods. The food now is genetically modified. They venture into town when they need something and that's about it. It is a necessity, since her and Eli are Protecteds. There genes have been modified to be immune to disease but, there is a problem. A Defect with how it was done. Secrets are being whispered. Panic is starting and it is heading straight for Selene and her family. What will they do? What can they do? They are no longer safe.

Again, this is a novella so it is short. I found myself at the end dying for more! Selene and her family are in a bad situation. There is little time to figure out what to do. If they don't have supplies they will never survive. Selene is young, soon to be 18. She has a lot on her plate. A lot of responsibility. Can she make up for a mistake she never meant to happen? Will they survive?

I am desperate to know more! I was drawn into Selene's world and I am curious as to how this is going to play out. What is her part in all this? I am looking forward to the next installment! This novella series is going to be an amazing addition to the Legacy Code series!

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

*received a eARC via the author in exchange for an honest review*

Oh man! When I first read the blurb of Defect and the Legacy Code, I knew I have to read it! It sounds so interesting and intriguing but really, really awesome.

And well, it didn't disappoint me! Defect is the prequel novella of "The Legacy Code" and it's the story about Selena, her Nan and her brother Eli. Selena and Eli are Protecteds, meaning they can never get sick. But now there are rumors, food shortage and everyone starts to panic. People are getting sick, there's only GM food and crops anymore and each day it's harder to survive.

The characters seem all likeable and realistic - Selena's relationship to her brother Eli is really cute and strong and I just loved all of them. They reacted like normal people would do and that makes it even more awesome.

The story is a little confusing at first but once you're into it you definitely want to find out more and continue as fast as possible. It's a novella, so I knew it would be short and that there'd be a cliffhanger but damnit! Now I'm really excited not only for the second part of Defect but also for the Legacy Code! I think Autumn Kalquist did a really good job and I hope the other books/novellas will be as captivating and thrilling as this one! Well done! :)

[Aret · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.....

And my honest opinion, I loved it.

The story takes place 300 years before Legacy Code. So we get the background insight on what made Legacy Code what it was. We have a girl, her brother and her Nan all trying to live a quiet life "off grid". But sometimes things don't stay so quiet...as you'll find out when you read this story.

It is a Novella so yes it's short, if your not into that, then wait until it all comes out at once but I guarantee, you won't be disappointed with the story. It's serious, and exciting, and has great characters you get to know and love just in a short amount of time..characters you WANT to know more about. There's a great cliffhanger that leaves you satisfied but wanting more and happy to wait.

I enjoy Autumn's writing style. She has a way of writing that throws you right in the story, into the characters..like you are really there or one of them. She gives wonderful detail so you can picture what's really going on. She leaves you wanting more!

Check out this book, you'll like it!

[Mariam Mohammed · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC (Advanced Reader's Copy) from the author for free in exchange for an honest review. I am not under any obligation to give a positive or altered review. Thanks to Autumn Kalquist for kindly providing me with an ARC of her book.

What I liked: Almost everything. The plot, the settings, the characters, everything. Everyfrickinthing. But there's one thing which I adore No love triangles!

What I had an issue with: Basically nothing. The author DID warn me about it >_<

Yes, knowing that I could have an issue with this book, but I still got up to read it. It is definitely short and includes a cliffhanger, and it had me like, "Damn when is the next one coming out".

But I couldn't stop myself from reading any of her works. I just love them so much. So much.

What I expect in the 2nd Installment: More action, a bit lengthier, more scenes of them Selene and Anders, ofcourse *_* .

That one quote I just love, love, and love: "You mess with nature, you face the consequences."

[Nikki Harriet · Rating 4 out of 5]

*A copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.*

Defect is a prequel novella of Autumn Kalquist's Legacy Code, so I decided to read this one first.

I definitely enjoyed and was intrigued by this book. It has an interesting, unique story with characters that were easy to relate to and also likeable. Although, at first, I was not that drawn into the story and a little confused. But once I got to read more and understand their world, the story became clear to me and I was captivated. I'm glad to know things about them and their world, and I wanted to know more. I felt it was kind of short, but of course, that's how a novella is supposed to be. It ended in a cliffhanger, so I really, really want to read what happens next!

Autumn Kalquist did a good job in writing this book. It was profound and captivating. Once I was immersed in the story, I didn't want to put it down. Defect is a quick, engaging read that will make you want for more. I highly recommend this, and I am looking forward to read Legacy Code and the next installments.

[Ashley Anne ⚡️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Defect is a novella series set hundreds of years before Legacy Code. Defect #1 introduces us to Selena, her little brother Eli and her grandmother Nan. Selena's parents passed away and for the past 8 years she and her brother have been living with Nan. Outside of the city, hidden-- because she and her brother are Protecteds. If the Corporate Coalition knew they existed they would be taken/quarantined.

There is a pandemic starting. A sickness is being spread causing food shipments to be halted. People begin to panic and rush to collect food and supplies. A riot breaks out at the local grocery store. During the riot Selena and her brother met the mysterious Anders.

Trouble only increases when Selena comes in contact with some wanted criminals(she doesn't know they are wanted) who invade her home. Life changes in an instant. Everything Selena has done on a daily basis for the last 8 years is going to change. Fast.

For a short novella, Autumn introduces the characters perfectly. She has you pulling for Selena and her family from the very beginning. I look forward to seeing the characters develop and seeing how this pandemic continues.

[Dede · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! And that it was to short too. In love it so much.
The action, and the whole story was so good, that I didn’t notice when was gone. I was so into the action, and pray for Selene.

I like more this little story then Legacy Code. Selene intrigue me so much and more because I don’t know were she stands in all of this, in that world and how important is she. But I assume she has to be important. That is the feeling that I get.

I like this story also because I can see when this all thing about Defect started. And it is nice to now about this world more. Because it is a new perspective of the world, that I never read about it, and I love it so much. And in Legacy Code I didn’t get to much when this world start to falling apart and how they came up with this idea of living in space.
So it is a short sweet, full of adrenaline story, that will help you to know more about this new world in the first book of the series, Legacy Code.

I definitely recommend this book, more if you read the Legacy Code. Good Job Autumn Kalquist! Can’t wait for the next one! :)

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received a free copy in exchange for reviewing this book*
I enjoyed this book. The rough part was that once I was invested in the book, it ended! Oh well, such is the situation when you read a novella...
This book is set 300 years before Legacy Code. Crops (and people!) are being modified, sickness are harder to treat and are so much more dangerous if you fall ill, and living off the grid is possibly your best way to survive. Selene, the main character is doing just that. She lives with her grandmother and younger brother. She is almost 18, and often feels confined by the hand she's been dealt. In the book, it seems to give some background information, while still leaving many questions unanswered. I did enjoy getting more information on the grain that was the main staple in Era's world (in Legacy Code). I look forward to reading what happens next and seeing how the author will take us from Selene's world to Era's.

[chocolatte · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads*

Wow! I am a very fussy reader, and I will gladly say that this book really suits my liking. To be honest I would say I enjoyed this book a lot.

Selene is one of the reasons why I enjoyed this book so much. She's just that brave person who can be reckless when she wants and careful when she needs to be. The fact that she is a female protagonist makes it so much of a better read because we, or I, don't see this in many books.

Another reason why I loved this book so much is the storyline. I have never seen this done before. Never. Because this is so the book itself is just soooo unpredictable! The way the book ended on a cliffhanger just left me craving for more!

I have to say I am quite excited for the Defect: Part Two. I would definitely say the author, Autumn Kalquist, did exceptionally well in making this series short and at the same time very captivating. Or as they say 'short and sweet'.

[Robert V · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part one of the prequel to Legacy Code

This is a gripping beginning to what is planned to be a large epic. It explains why the Infinitec fleet had to abandon Earth on a quest for a new home planet for the human race. The characters are interesting, and I came to care about their fate in this short tale, but I had to deduct a point because the story ends abruptly, without any resolution to any of the plot threads. I have discussed this with the author, and she explained that eventually, this will be combined with part two as a single novel. It's still worth reading by itself, but if cliffhanger endings are a deal-breaker for you, you might want to wait for the next installment, which is coming out very soon.

Like Legacy Code, this is very much a dystopian novel. If you require happy endings and situations where there is hope for mankind, this is not the book for you. Not recommended for children.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, which takes place 300 years before Legacy Code, introduces us to Selene, her brother Eli, and their "Nan". Selene and Eli are "Protecteds", which in essence means they'll never get sick. Selene considers herself and Eli to be more defective than protected. We learn that the three of them have been living "off-grid" for the past 8 years, and they are very self-sufficient - canning lots of food so they won't be affected by food shortages. Selene worries that they will be found, but we're not told much about how or why they became Protecteds, why Selene feels defective, or who may be looking for them. This was an enjoyable quick read and I'm hoping the next installment will shed light on these questions.
**I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.**

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review can also be found on my blog: http://melissa-reads-books.blogspot.b...

*Free eBook provided by the author for an honest review*

This book is the fist part of the prequel of the Legacy Code series.
It's about a seriously badass character called Serena. She lives with her Nan and her 8 years old brother, Elias. The story is short but I can tell she's very protective towards her family and determinate when something needs to be done.

The storyline is very mysterious because Serena doesn't know all the secrets of the world she lives in. But it's really well written.
It's written in a way you want to find out more, but without making you frustrated about not knowing anything. And this makes me SO excited to read the next books in this series!

Oh and I am very curious about Anders! (A possible male crush?? :D)

[Paranormal Tendencies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Selene dreams of getting off the farm, but there’s no place for a defect like her. She’s been genetically altered and is immune to illness, but that means trouble. If she and her brother are found, they’ll become lab rats. So their Gran hides them on the farm and they stay off grid. Till the day they get robbed. Seline takes her little brother into town for new clothes. She meets a handsome stranger, but is confused about the chaos in the small town. When she returns home, her gran is being held at gunpoint and their small farm is cleaned out. A bond of sick people come and take all their food and destroy their plants.
At 100 pages, this was a quick and very entertaining read. I read it all in one sitting. The subject matter along with the characters make for a really good story. I am eager to find out what happens next. I give The Defect pt
1, 4.5 stars.

[Erth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first time reading any of Autumn Kalquist's books:

The Defect #1 - Wow a great start to what is sure to be a long great read. I found so many thoughts and emotions flowing while reading. By the way, this was a one time sit down read. Meaning, I never stopped until the words did. haha..

Selena has a plate full of dreams, worries, troubles and possibly adding a bit of romance? I do not want to give to much away but I feel a bit sad for Selena and life she now has.

The way the author describes and puts into detail just the right things at just the right time is marvelous. She even teases the reader with a few unsuspected surprises.

I was so disappointed when Defect #1 ended. It just made me crave More, More, More...I highly recommend the book and the Author to all...can't wait to read on...

**I received a copy from the author for an honest review**

[Jenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Selena Hayes is one lucky girl, she can’t get sick. She was designed in a way that she is immune. The only thing not so great about this, is that her offspring has a 50% chance of being born with a defect.

Life on earth is difficult, food is scarce and people are getting sick and dying.

Selena lives with her Nan and her little brother Eli. The three of them are living in hiding.

Lately more messages about conspiracy are being broadcasted and people are turning violent.
So far they have been safe until trouble knocks on their front door.

I find it very hard to judge a novella; it’s too short to really get in to. I did like the writing and story kept my attention.
Can’t wait to read the next book in the series. Novella ends with a cliffy.

[♣ Spacey♣ · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK, so for a short novella this is great. I really feel like you get a good idea of the world the story takes place in (even though the main characters live "outside" normal society). I imagine its hard to create a world and back story in such a short book and yet it works out well in this. You get enough to feel like you can understand where the story is coming from and just enough to keep you intrigued about whats going to happen. The characters are pretty easy to get to know and they feel very real even in the short time you spend with them. They are believable and I found myself really feeling for them as this part of the story ended. Can't wait to start the second part and will probably go a little nutty waiting for the 3rd and 4th parts ;)

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

This prequel came out after the first book in the series, so I came back to read it after I read Legacy Code. I really enjoyed this story a lot more than Legacy Code. I'm not sure how far before the first novel's events this takes place, but it appears to be a modern setting. It is definitely nice to read about what happened to cause Legacy Code's setting.

I found the 'romance' in this book to be a little on the cheesy side, but it could just be that I'm not a teenage-ish girl in love? :)

I'm looking forward to part two of this prequel!!

[Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Defect is a two part novella/short story that takes place before Legacy Code. Selene and Elias live on a homestead with Nan, living mostly off the land. Selene and Elias must hide the fact that they are "protected." This means they have been genetically altered to resist disease but are feared by the general population. They must hide to avoid being detained in a special camp.

Selene and Elias go to town one day to discover a "food shortage" and that their newly acquired currency does not work. They are rescued by the mysterious Anders. However, life is about o get much more complicated.

[Emmanuelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part One of the Defect serial is a great novelette to introduce us to the characters: Selene, Eli, and Nan. You don't even need to have read Legacy Code to understand what's going on here.
The world is in a state of turmoil, but Selene, Eli and Nan are mostly sheltered from that living on their remote farm. But, one small mishap and their lives are about to turn around real fast.
I can't wait to read Part Two!

[Tess · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received this ebook free as an ARC via the author, in exchange for an honest review*

Defect: Part One was a nice quick read, telling a story set back on Earth, 300yrs prior to Legacy Code.

I really enjoyed it, and got hooked in from the first page. I did expect a bit more background to the defectives, but I'm sure more story to that will come in good time. For a short novella it was a nice fill until the next instalment, which I'm very much looking forward to.

[Brandy Corona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant start of this Novella series! I loved Legacy Code so much and it's really nice to get the prequel of the story. I cannot wait to read the rest. Selene is an amazing character and you quickly get sucked into the world of the Defected!

*received this book in exchange for an honest review*