The Program: A Novella

by Cary Reed

They were trained to overcome anything—except who they’d become.

Recruited young, pushed to their limits, and judged without mercy, The Program forces its recruits to strip away every “weakness”… but what remains?

This collection of four short stories follows them at different points in their journey—navigating fierce rivalries, impossible challenges, private doubts, and the lingering weight of the past. Together, they form a portrait of lives forged under relentless pressure, where the line between survival and truly living blurs, and every victory leaves a mark.

Each story offers a glimpse into the trials, triumphs, and sacrifices that shape them.

Gritty, intimate, and unflinching, The Program is a coming-of-age novella about resilience, identity, and the ghosts we carry into the rest of our lives.

124 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 24, 2025

About the author

Cary Reed is an author of historical fiction novels and espionage thrillers that authentically portray of the world soldiers, spies, and intelligence agencies. Born and raised in Western Massachusetts, Reed's interest in international relations led him to pursue a degree in the subject from American University, followed by a master's degree from Georgetown University.

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Reed served in the Army as an infantry officer, serving as a platoon leader in the 82nd Airborne Division and graduating Army Ranger School. He later transitioned to military intelligence and served in various capacities in this field. Following his time in the military, Reed worked for a decade as an analyst in the U.S. intelligence community, honing his skills in analysis and strategic thinking.

​Reed's extensive experience in the world of intelligence and national security has been instrumental in his writing career. His novels are known for their gripping plots, complex characters, and attention to detail.

​Today, Reed resides in New York City, where he works in the field of cybersecurity. When he's not working or writing, he enjoys exploring the city's many cultural offerings, spending time with his family, and staying up to date on the latest developments in the world of national security.

Reviews

[Georgia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of 4 short stories about children being recruited at young ages into a program designed to test them and train them. So they avoid a life in a shelter or on the streets or worse. The kids are forced to face their pasts, present and ultimately their futures. A quick read with just over 100 pages. I recommend to readers who enjoy suspense and drama or just need something new to sprinkle in between their long books or series.

[Rachael Donovan · Rating 2 out of 5]

3/10 This novella doesn't do much to set the scene, explain the premise of The Program enough to get me invested, or give characters much depth past a few facts about each. There also weren't many defined plot points, leaving me wondering what the point was. 


A novella gives a limited view into the story's world, so what's included needs to be chosen carefully to prevent it from feeling flat. I did not find the content of this work as impactful or memorable as it had the potential to be. I think that it would be a wonderful base to expand around if the author was interested in using these pieces to create a full novel or even a series with more content.