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The Conscript
Dantin Cross has his simple life turned upside down when he becomes a member of this year's conscript. Believed to be an honor to be chosen, Dantin quickly learns there's more to it than people have been told. Joined by 31 other contestants, Dantin is faced with a series of challenges aimed at testing his athletic abilities, physical strength, mental capacity, and fighting skills. What seemed like a great opportunity quickly turns deadly when he discovers not everyone will survive training. Now he must navigate the dangers of survival while looking out for his new friends, battling his emotions, and deciding what kind of man he wants to become.
The world he once knew is about to change forever. Will Dantin be able to stay true to what he believes and who he hopes to be?
The world he once knew is about to change forever. Will Dantin be able to stay true to what he believes and who he hopes to be?
- GenresDystopia
334 pages, Paperback
Published May 12, 2026
About the author
Charles Schultz
6 books7 followersCharles Schultz grew up in Worthington, Ohio. He spent the majority of his youth playing sports with a dream of becoming a collegiate athlete. Eventually his love of baseball earned him a scholarship to play at Youngstown State University. As a college athlete Charles spent a lot of time developing his writing. First, it was as a tool to set goals, journal successes and failures, and clear his mind from the immense amounts of work it was being a college athlete. Charles spent a lot of time creatively writing poems and after his playing career ended he decided to try something different, writing his first book Hitman’s Redemption.
Charles has spent the last several years expanding on his passion for writing. He has since written several other books, blogs, articles, and even contributed to a chapter to his professors coaching book. Charles loves being able to share insights, stories, and more through his writing. He also has a passion for coaching and speaking. He currently coaches several athletes as well as works with the Wooster High School Softball team.
Charles currently resides in Wooster, Ohio with his wife Erin and three children; Hunter, Sayler, and Charlie. He works as a strength coach, softball and baseball instructor, and coach. He loves talking about his passions and encourages anyone who might be on a journey for greatness themselves to reach out and connect.
Charles has spent the last several years expanding on his passion for writing. He has since written several other books, blogs, articles, and even contributed to a chapter to his professors coaching book. Charles loves being able to share insights, stories, and more through his writing. He also has a passion for coaching and speaking. He currently coaches several athletes as well as works with the Wooster High School Softball team.
Charles currently resides in Wooster, Ohio with his wife Erin and three children; Hunter, Sayler, and Charlie. He works as a strength coach, softball and baseball instructor, and coach. He loves talking about his passions and encourages anyone who might be on a journey for greatness themselves to reach out and connect.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 15, 2026
Wow 🤯 this book had me hooked for the beginning! Charles crated such an amazing story and without spoiling anything can we talk about that last page!?!?!
I can’t wait for the next one!!
I can’t wait for the next one!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely loved this book. I was fortunate to be one of the early readers, and it was worth every second of my time.
The immediate action drew me in, and I had a hard time putting it down. I was completely pulled into the story and felt a real connection with the characters.
The author did an amazing job making you feel like you were right there, inside the story.
I cannot wait for the second book!
If you love dystopian worlds and stories with a Hunger Games vibe, you will love this. 🔥📖
The immediate action drew me in, and I had a hard time putting it down. I was completely pulled into the story and felt a real connection with the characters.
The author did an amazing job making you feel like you were right there, inside the story.
I cannot wait for the second book!
If you love dystopian worlds and stories with a Hunger Games vibe, you will love this. 🔥📖
April 7, 2026
Sooooo….. to say I liked this book would be an understatement. Once I started it I didn’t want to put it down. Reminded me a little bit of hunger games or divergent.
If you love a good dystopian book. This is for you. If you enjoy people finding their people when they need them the most, this is the book for you. Can’t say enough good things about it!
If you love a good dystopian book. This is for you. If you enjoy people finding their people when they need them the most, this is the book for you. Can’t say enough good things about it!
May 16, 2026
The Conscript is a gripping dystopian fantasy that blends survival trials, political deception, and emotional character growth into an addictive, high-stakes story that keeps escalating with every chapter.
At first glance, Dantin’s world feels controlled and structured—his life inside Section 8 is simple, predictable, and confined beneath the safety of the dome. But the moment he’s selected for the Conscript, the story shifts into something much darker and far more dangerous.
What begins as an elite training opportunity slowly unravels into a layered survival narrative full of hidden agendas, shifting loyalties, and truths designed to stay buried.
Dantin is a strong protagonist because he feels genuinely human throughout the journey. He’s intelligent but uncertain, determined but still learning who he wants to become in a system that constantly tries to shape him. Watching him grow from sheltered recruit to someone capable of questioning authority and fighting for survival makes his arc incredibly satisfying.
The training sequences and escalating challenges are one of the book’s strongest elements. Each new test raises the stakes while revealing more about Natio and the unsettling reality hidden beneath its polished surface. There’s a constant feeling that something is wrong long before the full truth comes to light, which creates excellent tension throughout the story.
The friendships and alliances also add emotional depth. The found-family dynamic develops naturally as trust becomes both necessary and dangerous. Every connection feels meaningful because survival depends on knowing who you can rely on—and who might betray you.
The worldbuilding is immersive without becoming overwhelming. Heart City and the structure of the 16 Sections feel expansive and believable, giving the story a cinematic dystopian atmosphere reminiscent of classic survival-based fantasy and sci-fi stories while still carving out its own identity.
What really makes The Conscript stand out is how well it balances action with emotional stakes. The twists hit hard because the story takes time building investment in both the characters and the world they’re trying to survive.
Overall, The Conscript is an exciting, emotionally engaging dystopian fantasy that delivers dangerous trials, compelling character growth, and a story that constantly keeps you questioning the truth behind the system.
At first glance, Dantin’s world feels controlled and structured—his life inside Section 8 is simple, predictable, and confined beneath the safety of the dome. But the moment he’s selected for the Conscript, the story shifts into something much darker and far more dangerous.
What begins as an elite training opportunity slowly unravels into a layered survival narrative full of hidden agendas, shifting loyalties, and truths designed to stay buried.
Dantin is a strong protagonist because he feels genuinely human throughout the journey. He’s intelligent but uncertain, determined but still learning who he wants to become in a system that constantly tries to shape him. Watching him grow from sheltered recruit to someone capable of questioning authority and fighting for survival makes his arc incredibly satisfying.
The training sequences and escalating challenges are one of the book’s strongest elements. Each new test raises the stakes while revealing more about Natio and the unsettling reality hidden beneath its polished surface. There’s a constant feeling that something is wrong long before the full truth comes to light, which creates excellent tension throughout the story.
The friendships and alliances also add emotional depth. The found-family dynamic develops naturally as trust becomes both necessary and dangerous. Every connection feels meaningful because survival depends on knowing who you can rely on—and who might betray you.
The worldbuilding is immersive without becoming overwhelming. Heart City and the structure of the 16 Sections feel expansive and believable, giving the story a cinematic dystopian atmosphere reminiscent of classic survival-based fantasy and sci-fi stories while still carving out its own identity.
What really makes The Conscript stand out is how well it balances action with emotional stakes. The twists hit hard because the story takes time building investment in both the characters and the world they’re trying to survive.
Overall, The Conscript is an exciting, emotionally engaging dystopian fantasy that delivers dangerous trials, compelling character growth, and a story that constantly keeps you questioning the truth behind the system.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I would like to personally thank Mr Schultz for the ARC copy of The Conscript.
If I could give this book 100 stars I would. Charles Schultz does an amazing job of taking a great plot and capitalizing on it and then some. I wish this book would of been made into movies more than the Hunger Games. This book has so much more action, edge of your seat suspense, and questioning what Natio's motives really are when they choose an individual from each Section to be the Chosen Ones to participate in the Conscript. We follow 3 main charcters Dantin, Goby, and Brantley as they are the Chosen from each section and as the Conscript gets underway Charles writing style keeps you captivated and hooked because you just gotta know what the next moves are gonna be. There is no slow pacing there is no slow burn 100 or 200 page getting to the tax policy of Natio. Nope you are thrust into the action from page 1 and speaking of page 1 I love how he implemented a deadly virus as the backstory for the Sections and introduced zombies in the beginning. I honestly also loved the love triangles in this book and the mystery that comes from it and what hidden secrets Natio actually is keeping from the Conscriptees' and what lies ahead for book 2 because that cliff hanger ending will have you screaming for more especially the last couple of sentences. Charles Schultz is the next big name in YA dystopian fantasy and I hope he never stops writing because he is a very gifted author and on release day please look for my promotional video on The Read It and Rant Podcast and do yourself a favor and buy The Conscript by Charles Schultz and his other book The Hitmans Redemption. I immediately bought that as soon as he sent me the Conscript because of immersive and action packed and how great of a writer he is and Im also going to be buying his other book Be Great Lessons Learned from a life in the dirt. Do yourself a favor preorder your copy on his website charlesaschultz.com and buy it on Amazon when its released on May 12th
If I could give this book 100 stars I would. Charles Schultz does an amazing job of taking a great plot and capitalizing on it and then some. I wish this book would of been made into movies more than the Hunger Games. This book has so much more action, edge of your seat suspense, and questioning what Natio's motives really are when they choose an individual from each Section to be the Chosen Ones to participate in the Conscript. We follow 3 main charcters Dantin, Goby, and Brantley as they are the Chosen from each section and as the Conscript gets underway Charles writing style keeps you captivated and hooked because you just gotta know what the next moves are gonna be. There is no slow pacing there is no slow burn 100 or 200 page getting to the tax policy of Natio. Nope you are thrust into the action from page 1 and speaking of page 1 I love how he implemented a deadly virus as the backstory for the Sections and introduced zombies in the beginning. I honestly also loved the love triangles in this book and the mystery that comes from it and what hidden secrets Natio actually is keeping from the Conscriptees' and what lies ahead for book 2 because that cliff hanger ending will have you screaming for more especially the last couple of sentences. Charles Schultz is the next big name in YA dystopian fantasy and I hope he never stops writing because he is a very gifted author and on release day please look for my promotional video on The Read It and Rant Podcast and do yourself a favor and buy The Conscript by Charles Schultz and his other book The Hitmans Redemption. I immediately bought that as soon as he sent me the Conscript because of immersive and action packed and how great of a writer he is and Im also going to be buying his other book Be Great Lessons Learned from a life in the dirt. Do yourself a favor preorder your copy on his website charlesaschultz.com and buy it on Amazon when its released on May 12th
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Hunger Games meets The Walking Dead in this gripping post-apocalyptic story filled with danger, mystery, and emotional conflict. From the very first pages, the world feels tense and broken. A society devastated by war, disease, and fear. The idea of entire communities being isolated from the infected Reapers creates a chilling atmosphere that keeps you constantly wondering what lies beyond the safety of the sections.
The strongest part of the story is Dantin himself. At only eighteen, he is thrown into a brutal system he barely understands. His journey through The Conscript training is not just physical survival, but emotional survival as well. Watching him struggle with fear, pressure, grief, and uncertainty makes him feel realistic and relatable. The repeated phrase, “We enter as one into the Kingdom of Lions,” adds a layer of mystery throughout the novel and slowly builds anticipation about its true meaning and connection to his family’s past.
The training sequences are intense and suspenseful, but the quieter emotional moments are equally powerful. The author does a great job showing the weight placed on young people in a society built on sacrifice and control. Dantin’s internal battles often feel just as dangerous as the brutal training he’s experiencing and the Reapers outside the walls.
The world-building is another standout feature. Heart City feels both fascinating and threatening, and the secrecy surrounding The Conscript keeps the tension high from beginning to end. Every revelation raises more questions, making the story difficult to put down.
Overall, this is an engaging dystopian novel with strong emotional depth, compelling mystery, and high-stakes action. Readers who enjoy survival stories, dark futuristic societies, and character-driven narratives will likely be pulled in immediately. The ending leaves you eager to discover what comes next for Dantin and the terrifying world he now belongs to.
The strongest part of the story is Dantin himself. At only eighteen, he is thrown into a brutal system he barely understands. His journey through The Conscript training is not just physical survival, but emotional survival as well. Watching him struggle with fear, pressure, grief, and uncertainty makes him feel realistic and relatable. The repeated phrase, “We enter as one into the Kingdom of Lions,” adds a layer of mystery throughout the novel and slowly builds anticipation about its true meaning and connection to his family’s past.
The training sequences are intense and suspenseful, but the quieter emotional moments are equally powerful. The author does a great job showing the weight placed on young people in a society built on sacrifice and control. Dantin’s internal battles often feel just as dangerous as the brutal training he’s experiencing and the Reapers outside the walls.
The world-building is another standout feature. Heart City feels both fascinating and threatening, and the secrecy surrounding The Conscript keeps the tension high from beginning to end. Every revelation raises more questions, making the story difficult to put down.
Overall, this is an engaging dystopian novel with strong emotional depth, compelling mystery, and high-stakes action. Readers who enjoy survival stories, dark futuristic societies, and character-driven narratives will likely be pulled in immediately. The ending leaves you eager to discover what comes next for Dantin and the terrifying world he now belongs to.
May 21, 2026
I picked up The Conscript by Charles Schultz as a light read. It is a YA novel aimed at older teens, and at first I expected something along the lines of the old Biggles books: a group of boys drawn into adventure, confronted with the horrors of war, and forced to grow up quickly while stumbling through a series of exciting events.
There is certainly excitement aplenty, but the difference between boys’ adventure fiction of today and that of nearly a century ago is huge. Instead of a baby-faced Boy Scout atmosphere, the reader is thrown almost immediately into a dystopian future, ruled by a secretive and tyrannical government, with death lurking around every corner. There is intrigue, killing and mind control, as the main character is drafted into a shadowy government program run by Natio, which controls what remains of a zombie-infested America a hundred and fifty years into the future.
The bloodthirsty Reapers are not even the greatest danger. The real challenge is surviving the program itself. Starting with roughly thirty recruits, the numbers begin to quickly drop as the story proceeds into a harsh selection process not unlike that of Squid Game. As the body count rises, so too do the main character’s doubts about the true aims of the government.
The pacing is fast, with the novel focused very much on action. There are many descriptions of the physical challenges the recruits must endure, alongside the intellectual ones. In fact, the book often spells out the puzzles the youngsters have to solve, giving the reader a chance to work through them alongside the main character. I really liked that touch! For anyone looking for a fast-paced boys’ adventure story with danger, death and dystopia, this is well worth a read.
There is certainly excitement aplenty, but the difference between boys’ adventure fiction of today and that of nearly a century ago is huge. Instead of a baby-faced Boy Scout atmosphere, the reader is thrown almost immediately into a dystopian future, ruled by a secretive and tyrannical government, with death lurking around every corner. There is intrigue, killing and mind control, as the main character is drafted into a shadowy government program run by Natio, which controls what remains of a zombie-infested America a hundred and fifty years into the future.
The bloodthirsty Reapers are not even the greatest danger. The real challenge is surviving the program itself. Starting with roughly thirty recruits, the numbers begin to quickly drop as the story proceeds into a harsh selection process not unlike that of Squid Game. As the body count rises, so too do the main character’s doubts about the true aims of the government.
The pacing is fast, with the novel focused very much on action. There are many descriptions of the physical challenges the recruits must endure, alongside the intellectual ones. In fact, the book often spells out the puzzles the youngsters have to solve, giving the reader a chance to work through them alongside the main character. I really liked that touch! For anyone looking for a fast-paced boys’ adventure story with danger, death and dystopia, this is well worth a read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Diving into the world of dystopian novels is a new genre for me… but this book did not disappoint! The world described within this book is a scary place to consider having to live through. It creates a lot of emotions to explore while reading. The lack of control in daily life and extensive fear-based oppression under government control is terrifying and almost too close to reality. The environmental aspects of the world created a lot of intrigue and provided a great twist to the story. Kind of a Hunger Games meets Walking Dead vibe! I loved it!
I loved the character development that happened throughout the story. There were many moments that the characters had to make what I would consider as impossible choices, but that only added a deeper emotional weight to the story. There were also a lot of connections that were hard to lose, although I feel like that only made for a deeper dystopian connection. It kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the whole story and just when I thought I knew what was coming… bam! Major shift in direction! This is a great book and I would definitely recommend you to read it!
I loved the character development that happened throughout the story. There were many moments that the characters had to make what I would consider as impossible choices, but that only added a deeper emotional weight to the story. There were also a lot of connections that were hard to lose, although I feel like that only made for a deeper dystopian connection. It kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the whole story and just when I thought I knew what was coming… bam! Major shift in direction! This is a great book and I would definitely recommend you to read it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book, as it was a bit outside of what I typically read. However, I was very pleasantly surprised. The beginning chapter hooked me and the following chapters kept me engaged. At one point I started to think to myself that I’d lose interest because it would get predictable. While I did have a general idea of what I thought would happen, there were quite a few twists and turns to keep me guessing. As I was reaching the end of the book, I thought I was only going to rate this a 4 – but then the final twist got me. Can’t wait for the next book in the series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was enthralled from beginning to end. Dystopian novels are what I am drawn to, and this one did not disappoint. I was pulled in from the start, and honestly felt like I was part of the dome. I definitely experienced the fear and anticipation of the characters. The ending caught me off guard, and I was left wanting more. I am anticipating the release of the second book of the series! Great job, Charles! Loved it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow! As a long time fan and friend of the author, his work never ceases to amaze me. From the very first chapter all the way to the end I was on the edge of my seat always keeping me wondering and hoping for the best. I fell in love with Dantin, Brantley and Goby and loved how the author brings you into the story as if you are actually there. The story was wrapped up in a way to leave you looking forward to the release of part two. This story is an absolute must read!
May 13, 2026
A solid dystopian debut with strong Hunger Games and Maze Runner vibes. Sixteen Sections, a deadly Conscript, a dangerous virus, and a secret rebellion give this book plenty of tension. Some pacing runs long and the influences are noticeable, but the characters are engaging and the world is interesting. The cliffhanger ending will definitely hook fans of the genre. Great pick for readers who love YA dystopian fiction.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed this book. At the beginning I felt a bit of Hunger Games vibes which drew me in, but the story is unique and is very well written with great character development. I definitely felt myself get pulled into the story and am super excited to see where the author takes me in book 2. If you are a fan of a dystopian world, this is the book for you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Conscript is an enjoyable and engaging read. While it starts as familiar, don't let that fool you as the book progresses through twist and turns that you won't see coming. Can't wait to see what happens next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
It started out briefly as a familiar story but then all of a sudden it took on a life of its own. In this book one it did prove that Dantin had a mind of his own. He never lost himself. Can't wait to read book 2.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Starts off with a bang (literally) and doesn’t stop! Great book One of the series. It doesn’t drag on with back story but finds a way to still include it while keeping the story flowing. Gripping ending and aching for book two!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Hunger games meets the Last of Us.
This was a new genre for me, and I absolutely loved it! It’s packed full of action. It starts as a familiar story but then takes on a life of its own. THE ENDING!! I cannot wait for the second book.
This was a new genre for me, and I absolutely loved it! It’s packed full of action. It starts as a familiar story but then takes on a life of its own. THE ENDING!! I cannot wait for the second book.
May 12, 2026
For fans of The Hunger Games, Charle Schultz writes your next YA Dystopian. It will grab you in chapter 1 and not let go….and the ending….i did not see it coming. And I thought I knew what was going to happen. I did not! This story will stick with you!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book so easy to read. It reminds me of hunger games, maze runner, and divergent all rolled into one book. Plus, I did not expect that ending! I am really excited for the 2nd book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews