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The Permutation Archives #1
The Harvested
There are only a few things Mila is afraid of. Most are pretty common fears, but there is one that sets her apart from those around her. The fear of a secret. With one drop of blood, her secret of a power beyond anything anyone had ever seen before is unleashed, landing her in a place where she is a prisoner. And an experiment. And there are only a few that know their dictator’s ultimate goal. Some are willing to save her, others want to exploit her for their own dark and sinister intentions, and it is up to her to stop them before it’s too late.
- GenresAudiobook
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 2, 2016
10 people are currently reading
256 people want to read
About the author
Kindra Sowder
52 books115 followersKindra Sowder was born and raised in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA until the age of 12, when her family moved to Spartanburg, SC. She graduated from high school in 2006 with full honors and as a member of her high school Literary Club and the Spanish Honor Society. In January 2014, she graduated with her second degree in Criminal NeuroPsychology. She married her husband Edd Sowder in May 2014 and still lives in Spartanburg, SC where their company Burning Willow Press is based. She is the author of the Miss Hyde Novellas that are coming to television, and the ground-breaking series The Permutation Archives. She has earned a number of award nominations and wins for her literary works. She is currently penning more works and is earning her Masters Degree in English and Creative Writing with a concentration in Fiction from South New Hampshire University. As of 2018, she is undergoing treatment for Behcet's Disease. She hopes to become an advocate, and a voice for others with this rare condition.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 14, 2018
Wonderfully immersive, The Harvested is unlike anything I’ve read before. The worldbuilding is great, the characters are strong and believable, and the plot is very compelling. This YA sci-fi tells the story of Mila and people like her who have powers due to mutations in their blood. After an announcement by their government reveals their existence, they are rounded up to experimentation facilities where Mila and all her friends face the true depths of human cruelty.
June 3, 2016
My Five Star Review of “The Harvested” (The Permutation Archives Book 1)
Written by Kindra Sowder
This story is about an alternate and very possible series of events that could happen especially given the constant evolutionally process in genetics research and the constant threat of homegrown terrorist threats our country faces. This story was written very well and the story flowed seamlessly. Character building and depth are truly remarkable. The dialogue displayed gave a well-balanced natural effect I enjoyed as the story progressed. Editing and grammar were all satisfactory. Really what affected me was the sense of fear and trepidation that was prevalent immediately by the main character and supporting cast. This government depicted was really oppressive and totalitarian to the extreme. The mandatory genetic medical testing by the government of the citizens was shocking and only added to the sense of fear, loss of hope and the lack of control any citizen may think they have however short lived. Mila the main character of this story lost everyone and everything by the time this story was complete. Mila’s ordeal was a well described metamorphosis where she had no control and lived in constant fear. This metamorphosis Mila endured was close to a correlation of a caterpillar who eventually changes into a butterfly only with all the paint and suffering the reader could imagine. There is a love interest in this story and I don’t want to spoil this so all I can say is the balance of what Mila suffered compared to what she gained by the end of the story gave this reader hope for what comes next for the remaining series that are coming. This story also reminded me of certain aspects of “Dark Angel’ television series with the description of genetic testing and control of the population of the country. This story is a great read and I look forward to the next addition of this series.
Written by Kindra Sowder
This story is about an alternate and very possible series of events that could happen especially given the constant evolutionally process in genetics research and the constant threat of homegrown terrorist threats our country faces. This story was written very well and the story flowed seamlessly. Character building and depth are truly remarkable. The dialogue displayed gave a well-balanced natural effect I enjoyed as the story progressed. Editing and grammar were all satisfactory. Really what affected me was the sense of fear and trepidation that was prevalent immediately by the main character and supporting cast. This government depicted was really oppressive and totalitarian to the extreme. The mandatory genetic medical testing by the government of the citizens was shocking and only added to the sense of fear, loss of hope and the lack of control any citizen may think they have however short lived. Mila the main character of this story lost everyone and everything by the time this story was complete. Mila’s ordeal was a well described metamorphosis where she had no control and lived in constant fear. This metamorphosis Mila endured was close to a correlation of a caterpillar who eventually changes into a butterfly only with all the paint and suffering the reader could imagine. There is a love interest in this story and I don’t want to spoil this so all I can say is the balance of what Mila suffered compared to what she gained by the end of the story gave this reader hope for what comes next for the remaining series that are coming. This story also reminded me of certain aspects of “Dark Angel’ television series with the description of genetic testing and control of the population of the country. This story is a great read and I look forward to the next addition of this series.
January 23, 2018
Kinda Sowder created a world of hopelessness and threw in
a heroine unlike any other...she sends you through the full range of emotions along with her leading protagonist...fear, sorrow, anger, and finally hope. I can't wait to see how Mila develops and the woman she turns into!
a heroine unlike any other...she sends you through the full range of emotions along with her leading protagonist...fear, sorrow, anger, and finally hope. I can't wait to see how Mila develops and the woman she turns into!
July 22, 2016
Harvested by Kindra Sowder is by far her greatest work to date. This urban fantasy sucks readers in fast. The action is thrilling...I felt fear and wasn't sure what to expect. All I knew was that something bad was about to happen to the main character. Then, just when I thought maybe the fear would subside, the worst happened. Just like the main character, Mila, feared would happen. Sooner or later she knew they would come for her. Because of what she can do. Sleep wouldn't come knowing that at any moment they were coming for her. Not knowing when nor how adds to the suspense of this spectacular read. I found myself lured deep into this dark world. The unknown keeping me on the edge of my seat...
A girl is soon taken into a facility where experiments and all are done. Mila is soon taken as a hostage and kept on like a lab rat. She has a power that they want from her...the question of who will survive or win this war is something I highly recommend readers to read on their own. Kindra Sowder has a power that is raw and magnetic. Readers will forever be trapped inside of her fantasy world and hanging onto every one of her words. I was deeply satisfied with this brilliantly well-written masterpiece. The desire, no, the need to read her next book, is so strong that it's incredible. Kindra Sowder can wrap her readers around her finger and keep them hostage in her books. Absolutely, loved this new adventure. Can't wait for the next novel. Overall, I highly recommend this page turner to all. Harvested is definitely a must read for all.
A girl is soon taken into a facility where experiments and all are done. Mila is soon taken as a hostage and kept on like a lab rat. She has a power that they want from her...the question of who will survive or win this war is something I highly recommend readers to read on their own. Kindra Sowder has a power that is raw and magnetic. Readers will forever be trapped inside of her fantasy world and hanging onto every one of her words. I was deeply satisfied with this brilliantly well-written masterpiece. The desire, no, the need to read her next book, is so strong that it's incredible. Kindra Sowder can wrap her readers around her finger and keep them hostage in her books. Absolutely, loved this new adventure. Can't wait for the next novel. Overall, I highly recommend this page turner to all. Harvested is definitely a must read for all.
June 25, 2018
It's like a 2.7 for me.
This was most definitely not for me. I'm a reader who likes a story that advances with interaction between the MC(s) and other characters. World build up is great and even some monologue that helps you to better relate to the character is amazing. But this just didn't call to me. It didn't bring me in. The first page made things interesting but with the way she described nearly everything (and this was just them in the living room) I immediately began to worry that this would be a tedious read. I was hoping things would speed up, hoping the details would be abbreviated to upkeep a certain tempo that really flowed with all the danger and suspense. I was hoping to have a reason to like her, or at least find her endearing, but it never happened. She has this amazing power that never seems to be able to do anything other than what the government wants. The world itself is dark and frightening, but it's never really expanded on history-wise. I wanted to know why everyone was so scared and how they all came to be docile when it came to the president. I wanted to know why Mila thought she had rights in the facility despite living a life of keeping your head down and never questioning them. It just all seemed very awkward for me. I have the last installment and wanted to catch up on the series, but if the rest of the books are like this, then no thanks. I'll stick to the last book and hope it catches me up.
This was most definitely not for me. I'm a reader who likes a story that advances with interaction between the MC(s) and other characters. World build up is great and even some monologue that helps you to better relate to the character is amazing. But this just didn't call to me. It didn't bring me in. The first page made things interesting but with the way she described nearly everything (and this was just them in the living room) I immediately began to worry that this would be a tedious read. I was hoping things would speed up, hoping the details would be abbreviated to upkeep a certain tempo that really flowed with all the danger and suspense. I was hoping to have a reason to like her, or at least find her endearing, but it never happened. She has this amazing power that never seems to be able to do anything other than what the government wants. The world itself is dark and frightening, but it's never really expanded on history-wise. I wanted to know why everyone was so scared and how they all came to be docile when it came to the president. I wanted to know why Mila thought she had rights in the facility despite living a life of keeping your head down and never questioning them. It just all seemed very awkward for me. I have the last installment and wanted to catch up on the series, but if the rest of the books are like this, then no thanks. I'll stick to the last book and hope it catches me up.
June 6, 2016
What a fantastic book! Kindra is a New To Me Author, and I am SO glad I chose to read that book. Kindra is a fantastic author, and her book blew my mind! Mila is a fantastic heroine, and she shines in this tale. Those who love dystopian tales will find themselves engrossed in this new tale because this future that could actually be possible! I though the plot of this story was so fantastically well written that I couldn't stop reading it. I spent all the time I WASN'T reading thinking about Mila, and this story. If you're on the fence, you need to grab this book because it will soon become your favorite read! Overall, I felt the story moved along at a good pace, and I was engrossed in how detailed the story was. I wasn't lost at all during this story, and I didn't have any moments where I felt the plot was went rouge or I thought the characters did something too unrealistic. I really loved this novel and I will be checking out other books by this author! Amazing quality writing, with a story that won't leave you alone! I loved it!
August 3, 2016
Just finished reading The Permutation Archives Book 1: The Harvested by Kindra Sowder and all I can say is WOW girl...wow.. O.o
Seriously everyone go to her page and get this book.
My review:
A great author makes her readers love and hate her equally and Kindra Sowder delivers that in SPADES. As you read this book you find yourself swept up in the story and the characters. Her attention to detail paints a perfect picture for you. These characters become your friends and people you care for as you immerse yourself in the rich landscape. You smile with them, laugh with them, and cry with them. You feel their hope, their anxiety, fear and courage. Hang on ladies and gents, you're in for one roller coaster of a ride.
Seriously everyone go to her page and get this book.
My review:
A great author makes her readers love and hate her equally and Kindra Sowder delivers that in SPADES. As you read this book you find yourself swept up in the story and the characters. Her attention to detail paints a perfect picture for you. These characters become your friends and people you care for as you immerse yourself in the rich landscape. You smile with them, laugh with them, and cry with them. You feel their hope, their anxiety, fear and courage. Hang on ladies and gents, you're in for one roller coaster of a ride.
June 25, 2016
Amazing
What else can I say other than WOW! This book was fantastic. The characters were so intense and the storyline was electrifying. Young adults dealing with such ferocious emotions and heartbreaking truths in a new frightful United States led by a psychotic tyrant. The decisions poor Mila had to make, had my heart pounding and tears brimming in my eyes. Some parts hit close to home. The ending had me heated with betrayals and my stomach doing flips from nervousness. It was action packed all the way through. Very well written and I very much look forward to reading the rest of the series.
What else can I say other than WOW! This book was fantastic. The characters were so intense and the storyline was electrifying. Young adults dealing with such ferocious emotions and heartbreaking truths in a new frightful United States led by a psychotic tyrant. The decisions poor Mila had to make, had my heart pounding and tears brimming in my eyes. Some parts hit close to home. The ending had me heated with betrayals and my stomach doing flips from nervousness. It was action packed all the way through. Very well written and I very much look forward to reading the rest of the series.
June 29, 2016
Perfect World
What a fantastic story! This Sci-fi/dystopian grabs you by the hand and sweeps you inside! Young adults being ripped from their families as the government tries to steal their special powers. They are pitted against each other in hopes of breaking them apart faster.
A wild adventure that will have you guessing along the way as well as have you trying to help figure out ways to help them! Definitely a must read if you love adventure~
What a fantastic story! This Sci-fi/dystopian grabs you by the hand and sweeps you inside! Young adults being ripped from their families as the government tries to steal their special powers. They are pitted against each other in hopes of breaking them apart faster.
A wild adventure that will have you guessing along the way as well as have you trying to help figure out ways to help them! Definitely a must read if you love adventure~
June 27, 2016
"The Harvested" by Kindra Sowder had me gripping onto my couch as I read it. It's a great, interesting story, like all her other books, and is full of suspense and action. I instantly fell in love with the protagonist, Mila, who is well-written like the rest of the characters in the book.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading, whether it's their type of book or not ... just read it, it's really great!
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading, whether it's their type of book or not ... just read it, it's really great!
May 9, 2017
This is a fantastic start to this series, it reminds me of a cross between Hunger Games and The Maze Runner. These young adults are scared of being different, being singled out, tested, tortured, and are fighting for their lives. You came to love Mila and those she calls her family and the great lengths to which she will go to trying to keep people safe. I was eager to dive into the next book to see what happens next, you will too!
June 22, 2016
I love first person stories and this one definitely has a great novel line that keeps readers entertained. I would have liked to feel some more depth from the characters backgrounds and how it affected them through the story and there were some more telling sentences that could have shown more, but for the most part this was an easy to follow enjoyable read.
June 6, 2016
Great read
As a sci-fi/dystopian fanatic, I absolutely loved this book. There was a moment where I thought it was going too slow and that there wasn't enough action in the book, but the very next page, all of that changed. It's a wonderful read and I cannot wait to read the next!!
As a sci-fi/dystopian fanatic, I absolutely loved this book. There was a moment where I thought it was going too slow and that there wasn't enough action in the book, but the very next page, all of that changed. It's a wonderful read and I cannot wait to read the next!!
August 8, 2016
A girl is soon taken into a facility where experiments are done on her. Mila is soon taken as a hostage and kept on like a lab rat. She has a power that they want from her. The question of who will survive or win this war is something readers should read on their own. but a fantastic book
February 14, 2017
This book was absolutely amazing and inspired me to write the spin off, The John Baker Chronicles.
Kindra paints an amazing canvas of a frightening, dystopian future ruled by a monstrous dictator and the powerful heroine that dares to stand up to him.
Kindra paints an amazing canvas of a frightening, dystopian future ruled by a monstrous dictator and the powerful heroine that dares to stand up to him.
June 17, 2016
Loved this book. It was amazing. Kept me in suspense.
August 16, 2025
A gripping and suspenseful story with a strong, intriguing heroine. Mila’s journey is full of danger, secrets, and unexpected twists, keeping you hooked from start to finish. Dark, thrilling, and impossible to put down.
April 25, 2022
Narration: Okay if a bit overly dramatic. The cadence and intonation frequently at odds with what I felt should have been the emotion context of the text. The cast of voices was actually pretty good, if only there were more dialogue.
So many useless words ...
Mutant is discovered by the government and becomes a victim of an expected forced rendition to a secret lab where they conduct experiments while said prisoners plot their inevitable revenge ... now add details to make it interesting ... except that doesn't happen here.
What we get instead is an entire chapter on how to cook and eat green beans? This type of detail is not good world building and does not advance the main plot. Just as aggravating is the perpetual perseveration on the same dramatic element for pages of internal soliloquy (oh the drama of it all). Stir in some ridiculous science and I was nearly screaming at the speaker about how that is not how any of this works (hint: when atoms split really bad things happen ... except in this story where you just bleed a little bit). I kept hoping the story would pick up, but except for a few rare parts, it never really did.
Then we get to the main character ... I can tolerate a fair amount of youthful angst, but Mila hit my limit pretty quickly. The constant introspection was driving me bat crazy with how if took forever to resolve ... only to circle back to it later and do it again. I really do have a low threshold for drama (so if that is your thing, feel free to consider my rating 1 star higher). I just could not connect to any of the characters at all. By the time we get to the point where MC is revealed to be truly monstrous, any sympathy I may have had for that character completely evaporated. She was forced to make a choice ... she chose poorly. In the end, I did not really see much in the way of character growth before we get the pseudo cliffhanger ending (no real resolution yet) and a detailed setup/info-dump for the next book.
This title is also currently available on Kindle Unlimited ...
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
#feeaudiobookcodes #audiobookboom
So many useless words ...
Mutant is discovered by the government and becomes a victim of an expected forced rendition to a secret lab where they conduct experiments while said prisoners plot their inevitable revenge ... now add details to make it interesting ... except that doesn't happen here.
What we get instead is an entire chapter on how to cook and eat green beans? This type of detail is not good world building and does not advance the main plot. Just as aggravating is the perpetual perseveration on the same dramatic element for pages of internal soliloquy (oh the drama of it all). Stir in some ridiculous science and I was nearly screaming at the speaker about how that is not how any of this works (hint: when atoms split really bad things happen ... except in this story where you just bleed a little bit). I kept hoping the story would pick up, but except for a few rare parts, it never really did.
Then we get to the main character ... I can tolerate a fair amount of youthful angst, but Mila hit my limit pretty quickly. The constant introspection was driving me bat crazy with how if took forever to resolve ... only to circle back to it later and do it again. I really do have a low threshold for drama (so if that is your thing, feel free to consider my rating 1 star higher). I just could not connect to any of the characters at all. By the time we get to the point where MC is revealed to be truly monstrous, any sympathy I may have had for that character completely evaporated. She was forced to make a choice ... she chose poorly. In the end, I did not really see much in the way of character growth before we get the pseudo cliffhanger ending (no real resolution yet) and a detailed setup/info-dump for the next book.
This title is also currently available on Kindle Unlimited ...
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
#feeaudiobookcodes #audiobookboom
December 14, 2016
The story kept my interest despite copious amounts of narrative. I'd say about 90-95% of the book is narrative, descriptions of surroundings, emotions (past and present), feelings, backstories, facial expressions and body language. There's very little dialogue, so if you're like me and prefer dialogue you may find that your eyes start to wonder over the page, looking for dialogue. It's not something that's necessarily bad in this book, it's just the way it is. But I found that all descriptions slowed down the flow of the plot development and the sense of immediacy is lost, especially at the ending. It made me not really connect with the characters. And I couldn't help it but wonder why any of the captives aren't using their power to get out of there. Well, one tried and was succeeding but Mila almost fried him.
Some may prefer this type of writing, for me it was a bit of a hurdle to read through it. I don't want to sound negative, the book will definitely keep you reading on, just that I started skipping paragraphs about half way thorough because my mind and eyes started to wonder off.
Some may prefer this type of writing, for me it was a bit of a hurdle to read through it. I don't want to sound negative, the book will definitely keep you reading on, just that I started skipping paragraphs about half way thorough because my mind and eyes started to wonder off.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews