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The Defective Trilogy #1
Defective
In the year 2074, a global conspiracy threatens all life on Earth.
Humanity battles the worst pandemic the world has ever seen.
And the planet is dying.
Our mass extinction event has arrived.
_________________
In the 2020s, disease, epidemics, and financial collapse nearly ended civilization.
The world’s most powerful corporations saved us.
Now, in 2074, the Corporate Coalition rules all.
They genetically engineered crops, animals, bacteria… and people. All in the name of creating a better world.
But when you play with fire, the world burns.
__________________
Deep in the American South, a mysterious quarantine zone is spreading, and wildfires rage across three states. But no one knows what’s really happening. The head of the Coalition, Katherine Raines, is willing to sacrifice anything and anyone to keep the truth buried.
Selene and her little brother Eli are genetically engineered humans, "Defectives", hiding from the Coalition. Others like them are imprisoned in camps, tortured, and used like lab rats to benefit “pure” humans. As the quarantine zone creeps closer to their hideout in Telmont, Georgia, they must find a way to escape.
Anders is the troublemaking son of the Telmont's sheriff, and he's got a thing for mysterious off-grid girls like Selene. He's also got a secret that can get his family executed for treason... or be Selene's salvation.
Bas fights in an underground rebellion. When a top agent goes missing behind quarantine lines in Georgia, Bas and his team must rescue him… or ensure his secrets die with him.
Bas, Anders, Selene and the Coalition are tied together through destiny and dark secrets from the past. But time is running short as humanity inches closer to extinction. Each of them must uncover the truth about the quarantine zone and themselves, one shocking twist at a time.
Every choice they make matters and will shape the future of humanity...
if there's to be any future at all.
__________________
About
DEFECTIVE is a near-future dystopian that depicts a future you’ll recognize: Genetic experiments, “superbugs”, hyperinflation, climate change, and corporations that are more powerful than governments. What will happen when inevitable catastrophic events hit our planet in the next decade and corporations are the only ones with the resources to clean up the mess?
Defective’s complex characters, compelling themes, and shocking twists will leave you thinking about the series, humanity’s future, and your own life's path long after you finish reading the last page.
Humanity battles the worst pandemic the world has ever seen.
And the planet is dying.
Our mass extinction event has arrived.
_________________
In the 2020s, disease, epidemics, and financial collapse nearly ended civilization.
The world’s most powerful corporations saved us.
Now, in 2074, the Corporate Coalition rules all.
They genetically engineered crops, animals, bacteria… and people. All in the name of creating a better world.
But when you play with fire, the world burns.
__________________
Deep in the American South, a mysterious quarantine zone is spreading, and wildfires rage across three states. But no one knows what’s really happening. The head of the Coalition, Katherine Raines, is willing to sacrifice anything and anyone to keep the truth buried.
Selene and her little brother Eli are genetically engineered humans, "Defectives", hiding from the Coalition. Others like them are imprisoned in camps, tortured, and used like lab rats to benefit “pure” humans. As the quarantine zone creeps closer to their hideout in Telmont, Georgia, they must find a way to escape.
Anders is the troublemaking son of the Telmont's sheriff, and he's got a thing for mysterious off-grid girls like Selene. He's also got a secret that can get his family executed for treason... or be Selene's salvation.
Bas fights in an underground rebellion. When a top agent goes missing behind quarantine lines in Georgia, Bas and his team must rescue him… or ensure his secrets die with him.
Bas, Anders, Selene and the Coalition are tied together through destiny and dark secrets from the past. But time is running short as humanity inches closer to extinction. Each of them must uncover the truth about the quarantine zone and themselves, one shocking twist at a time.
Every choice they make matters and will shape the future of humanity...
if there's to be any future at all.
__________________
About
DEFECTIVE is a near-future dystopian that depicts a future you’ll recognize: Genetic experiments, “superbugs”, hyperinflation, climate change, and corporations that are more powerful than governments. What will happen when inevitable catastrophic events hit our planet in the next decade and corporations are the only ones with the resources to clean up the mess?
Defective’s complex characters, compelling themes, and shocking twists will leave you thinking about the series, humanity’s future, and your own life's path long after you finish reading the last page.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 9, 2018
95 people are currently reading
2964 people want to read
About the author
Autumn Kalquist
17 books552 followersHello!
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!
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!
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 30, 2016
I discovered Kalquist and her world of genetic modification destroying Earth and its inhabitants through a free novella followed by her free short story "318" . I was impressed with her ability to create characters and a world that immediately gave me an emotional connection to the characters and a vivid image of the scenes in my mind's eye. Defective, a full length novel, takes the characters from those shorter stories and expands them, adding more depth to the people, the world, and the plot.
To protect their children from disease and plagues a majority of people have had their children genetically modified. The consequences provide new problems and those protected children, many now adults, become 2nd class citizens, first being registered and chipped, followed by round ups and loss of all rights. Some disagree with the government 's actions and an underground railroad helps hide and move the protected together with a resistance that is fighting to learn and share the truth. The larger nations are universally ruled by corporations that control medicine, energy, and communications. On a micro level we experience life and the effects of all of these forces through Selene, a protected teenage girl, and her family. (Others have written a detailed plot outline so I will skip repeating it.)
Defective is a well written story with developed characters and excellent world building that raises questions that our society is currently asking. What affect does genetic modification have on our food, on the animals and products produced for consumption? As we alter genes to protect plants, animals and people are we creating a super bug or bacteria and diseases that will result in crop failure and starvation? We are already able to modify some of the human genome. Will we end up destroying the human race by impacting our ability to reproduce? What happens when corporations become a powerful and rich that they are able to take over governments? To some extent they already control our political candidates and law making. Whether the motive is profit or advancement of knowledge there are ethical considerations that we need to examine now.
Kalquist tells a good story in Defective and within that story she brings out important questions. She does this without detracting from the story itself. To my POV that is science fiction at its best. I look forward to books 2 and 3 of this trilogy.
I received a free copy of this book with the expectation of providing an honest review.
To protect their children from disease and plagues a majority of people have had their children genetically modified. The consequences provide new problems and those protected children, many now adults, become 2nd class citizens, first being registered and chipped, followed by round ups and loss of all rights. Some disagree with the government 's actions and an underground railroad helps hide and move the protected together with a resistance that is fighting to learn and share the truth. The larger nations are universally ruled by corporations that control medicine, energy, and communications. On a micro level we experience life and the effects of all of these forces through Selene, a protected teenage girl, and her family. (Others have written a detailed plot outline so I will skip repeating it.)
Defective is a well written story with developed characters and excellent world building that raises questions that our society is currently asking. What affect does genetic modification have on our food, on the animals and products produced for consumption? As we alter genes to protect plants, animals and people are we creating a super bug or bacteria and diseases that will result in crop failure and starvation? We are already able to modify some of the human genome. Will we end up destroying the human race by impacting our ability to reproduce? What happens when corporations become a powerful and rich that they are able to take over governments? To some extent they already control our political candidates and law making. Whether the motive is profit or advancement of knowledge there are ethical considerations that we need to examine now.
Kalquist tells a good story in Defective and within that story she brings out important questions. She does this without detracting from the story itself. To my POV that is science fiction at its best. I look forward to books 2 and 3 of this trilogy.
I received a free copy of this book with the expectation of providing an honest review.
September 18, 2017
I really like the way she brings the current technologies to their dysotopian future state. It was also interesting how the storylines of the various characters all seemed to come together at the end.
December 19, 2017
Good read
There is some suspense, some action and it is descriptive without having excessive detail. I’m enjoying every page. I am disappointed it ended without some type of break in the story line. But on to the next book.
There is some suspense, some action and it is descriptive without having excessive detail. I’m enjoying every page. I am disappointed it ended without some type of break in the story line. But on to the next book.
July 1, 2017
Fantastic book. I could read this book forever. However it ended
May 9, 2017
So this was another free dystopian and after reading quite a few lately, I think it stands out among the many. The idea of a corporate entity taking over the world is a lot easier to swallow than some other premises for books as the big evil. (I ask myself daily why Voldemort was the big evil who couldn't take over a school, thwarted by children time and again, but I digress)
Decent enough writing that there were only a few bits of dialogue that was clunky sounding.
You head hop from Selene our 16 year old heroine who constantly gets into hot water for doing things she's told not to, a cute little brother for her to protect against the corporate entity.
Katherine Raines, the head of this corporate entity, you just want to hate.
Anders, the sheriff's son, who I also want to smack upside the head.
To Bas, leader of a rebellion group with a mission along side the main Selene plot.
Add a new pandemic and some hints here and there about characters previous lives that make it interesting enough but not overwhelming.
Of course you seem to have a few cliche characters, the angry girl, etc hopefully will be better sketched out in future books.
The most interesting part seems to be who is on the corporate side and who isn't.
The worst part is Selene's instant attraction to Anders and I suspect there will be a love triangle later with her and Bas as well.
I was disappointed that book 2 is not out yet since I have seen it offered free on and off for months now.
Dear Autumn, you promised book 2 in 2016, dear, why doesn't any author know how to tell time? But manage to start other series?
Decent enough writing that there were only a few bits of dialogue that was clunky sounding.
You head hop from Selene our 16 year old heroine who constantly gets into hot water for doing things she's told not to, a cute little brother for her to protect against the corporate entity.
Katherine Raines, the head of this corporate entity, you just want to hate.
Anders, the sheriff's son, who I also want to smack upside the head.
To Bas, leader of a rebellion group with a mission along side the main Selene plot.
Add a new pandemic and some hints here and there about characters previous lives that make it interesting enough but not overwhelming.
Of course you seem to have a few cliche characters, the angry girl, etc hopefully will be better sketched out in future books.
The most interesting part seems to be who is on the corporate side and who isn't.
The worst part is Selene's instant attraction to Anders and I suspect there will be a love triangle later with her and Bas as well.
I was disappointed that book 2 is not out yet since I have seen it offered free on and off for months now.
Dear Autumn, you promised book 2 in 2016, dear, why doesn't any author know how to tell time? But manage to start other series?
April 21, 2018
This is a fast paced story, a quick and engrossing read about a failed government experiment, the people now interred because of it, a handful of resistance fighters, and an underground railroad of folks helping those people the government has yet to catch. A son who has lost 2 friends because his father, the sheriff, has turned them in. Anders comes across as a big headed adolescent but it's clear he is beginning to grow up as a result of his father and with an assist from his uncle, one of the railroad folks. Serena and her brother, living with their grandmother, are among the hidden. Serena, also a young person wanting the freedoms most teenagers have, over time realizes the catastrophic consequences of not heeding what she's been told. Overall, this sets a good foundation for the next book.
May 6, 2018
Most of the world has fallen under governmental control of a few multi-national companies. These companies are facing a pandemic and a underground rebellion at the same time. Defective sets the stage for a Fractured Era series in which some children received super-immunity to disease in failed decade long program.
January 23, 2025
Remaking the world by giant corporations
The book was consistent in creating good characters and actions that kept the reader interested and involved. The world is now run by the large corporations, foremost among them is big pharma. There is some rebellion but the book mostly focuses on a huge error that can end the world. Ended in a cliffhanger so lost a star for that.
The book was consistent in creating good characters and actions that kept the reader interested and involved. The world is now run by the large corporations, foremost among them is big pharma. There is some rebellion but the book mostly focuses on a huge error that can end the world. Ended in a cliffhanger so lost a star for that.
June 3, 2018
I couldn't finish it, despite a few tries. I think the author is over-stretching by trying to tie together books and series that are really separate. I think she's tried to reconcile the time lines and plots a few times. It just didn't work for me. I lost interest in the series of series.
May 18, 2017
Good. But...
Well written and entertaining, but it ends without coming to a climax, in my opinion. It feels like there should be some more chapters before it ends.
Well written and entertaining, but it ends without coming to a climax, in my opinion. It feels like there should be some more chapters before it ends.
November 28, 2022
The book was way to short and ended abruptly. This is no way to end a book even if it is a series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2016
I really enjoyed this prequel to her other books. It ties things together in the Fractured Era series and sets the stage for the space fleet which is featured in the Fractured Era Legacy series.
We find out what happened to the characters after 318 - and if you haven't read it, it explains it well enough in this book that you don't feel lost. There are 2 plot lines: one with two of the characters from 318, who along with their team from the Resistance are trying to rescue a Resistance member who may have been captured in a quarantined zone. The other follows a sister and brother who are Protected and in hiding. Overarching this is Katherine Raines, head of Infitek, who is essentially trying to rule the world. We see her political machinations. Has she orchestrated the Quarantine? Is it spiralling out of her control, or is it part of her grand plan?
I can't wait for the next book, to see how it comes together.
Note that I was given a copy of the book for review purposes.
We find out what happened to the characters after 318 - and if you haven't read it, it explains it well enough in this book that you don't feel lost. There are 2 plot lines: one with two of the characters from 318, who along with their team from the Resistance are trying to rescue a Resistance member who may have been captured in a quarantined zone. The other follows a sister and brother who are Protected and in hiding. Overarching this is Katherine Raines, head of Infitek, who is essentially trying to rule the world. We see her political machinations. Has she orchestrated the Quarantine? Is it spiralling out of her control, or is it part of her grand plan?
I can't wait for the next book, to see how it comes together.
Note that I was given a copy of the book for review purposes.
November 21, 2016
I have been a fan of Autumn Kalqust ever since Legacy Code . She is a great Sci fi/dystopia writer. This book takes place on earth before the whole Legacy Code series so you can read it before or after that series with no problem. They're only minorly connected.
I have the original novellas of Defect Parts 1 and 2. Some of part 1 had been included in Defective ( part 1) but it had been modified and expanded to have other plot lines.
The book is set on Earth. Many children are now "Protected" having received genetic enhancements to make them disease resistant. There is now an outbreak and Bas and his crew look for their missing man, Jeremiah. Meanwhile, Selene and her brother Eli hide off grid because they are Protected and don't want to go to the camps that all the Protected have been sent to. There's also Anders, son of the local sheriff and Kathrine the head of Infinitek.
I can't wait to read the second book. It really was an improvement on Defect and you will definitely want to read 318 after you finish it.
I have the original novellas of Defect Parts 1 and 2. Some of part 1 had been included in Defective ( part 1) but it had been modified and expanded to have other plot lines.
The book is set on Earth. Many children are now "Protected" having received genetic enhancements to make them disease resistant. There is now an outbreak and Bas and his crew look for their missing man, Jeremiah. Meanwhile, Selene and her brother Eli hide off grid because they are Protected and don't want to go to the camps that all the Protected have been sent to. There's also Anders, son of the local sheriff and Kathrine the head of Infinitek.
I can't wait to read the second book. It really was an improvement on Defect and you will definitely want to read 318 after you finish it.
December 7, 2016
Defective is the first entry in a prequel series to Kalquist's other series (Paragon? I can't recall) and deals with a somewhat post-apocalyptic Earth controlled by corporations and suffering from pandemics killing lots of humans. There are also genetically modified kids (Defectives) that are a thorn in said evil corporations' sides.
Set within that is a pretty standard "young heroes/heroines need to fight against the establishment while running through various woodlands or suburbs and falling in love against all odds" story. I don't know exactly why I keep coming back to Kalquist's books -- they aren't particularly original or interesting -- but I do. The characters are generally likable, the plot is easily followed, and the writing is good. It's a fast read that never gets dull, and there is nothing there to annoy you.
It's basically the perfect 3-star book. If you've started into Kalquist's world, this book is a good addition. If you haven't, it's just as fine to start here as anywhere else.
Set within that is a pretty standard "young heroes/heroines need to fight against the establishment while running through various woodlands or suburbs and falling in love against all odds" story. I don't know exactly why I keep coming back to Kalquist's books -- they aren't particularly original or interesting -- but I do. The characters are generally likable, the plot is easily followed, and the writing is good. It's a fast read that never gets dull, and there is nothing there to annoy you.
It's basically the perfect 3-star book. If you've started into Kalquist's world, this book is a good addition. If you haven't, it's just as fine to start here as anywhere else.
February 9, 2017
I started with Legacy Code series and enjoyed it. Then this... But I can't figure out what to read next. There are some short stories and conflicting series names. I give up. Too bad - good stories!
February 3, 2017
Autumn Kalquist is one of the new generation of successful authors, who know how to work Amazon and social networks. Despite having 10+ books to her name, you won't find her on 'Fantastic Fiction' (a website I use a lot because they normally have every book) and even 'isfdb' has only a handful stories of hers.
I enjoyed Defective, a (not very fast-paced) dystopian thriller and have just purchased the sequel, fully knowing I have signed on for a potentially long series ... but I think the author knows full well that she has to keep the tension (read: interest) up to hold her readers because she is putting all her books in one 'fractured era'.
The setting is interesting, the corporations are evil, the protagonists well designed and the story itself easily holds the readers interest.
Recommended.
I enjoyed Defective, a (not very fast-paced) dystopian thriller and have just purchased the sequel, fully knowing I have signed on for a potentially long series ... but I think the author knows full well that she has to keep the tension (read: interest) up to hold her readers because she is putting all her books in one 'fractured era'.
The setting is interesting, the corporations are evil, the protagonists well designed and the story itself easily holds the readers interest.
Recommended.
November 12, 2016
So I have read all the Legacy Code saga, prequels, etc, and the original Defect #1.... Defective compared to Defect is so much different with some of the same material. Autumn Kalquist did a wonderful job in rewriting this. I love that we have more povs in this whereas the original had just Selene from what I remember. The plot is a lot different whereas in the original it seemed as though the sickness was spreading to the plants possibly due to the atmosphere and Infinitek's constant medaling with what shouldn't be. Autumn made the world bigger in Defective, more real. I didn't feel any drag, only pure satisfying engulfment. This is definitely a must read! I can't wait for #2.
November 12, 2016
So I have read all the Legacy Code saga, prequels, etc, and the original Defect #1.... Defective compared to Defect is so much different with some of the same material. Autumn Kalquist did a wonderful job in rewriting this. I love that we have more povs in this whereas the original had just Selene from what I remember. The plot is a lot different whereas in the original it seemed as though the sickness was spreading to the plants possibly due to the atmosphere and Infinitek's constant medaling with what shouldn't be. Autumn made the world bigger in Defective, more real. I didn't feel any drag, only pure satisfying engulfment. This is definitely a must read! I can't wait for #2.
November 16, 2016
"Defective" by Autumn Kalquist is a great book to introduce you to her Fractured Era Saga, if you haven't had the pleasure of reading this wonderful author by now. Autumn has created a fantastic world that is totally believable and completely mesmerizing. She is one of the few scifi writers that has actually brought me to tears and makes me feel for her characters so much, that I become immersed in her stories for days. This book is one that will pull you in and make you a part of its world and its people, and the great part of it is, there are many more books in this series to be enjoyed once you're done. Oh, and did I mention, the artwork on the cover is absolutely stunning?
November 23, 2016
Post apocalyptic. YA. Semi Sci fi. What's not to like in the book you ask..? Using different POVs in a book isn't novel. But moving on from characters stores before they're critical enough or finished enough was fairly distracting.
Second. We just dont have context. Reading 318 or the Legacy Code doesn't give us as much context for this book as it does perspective... and understanding motives for many characters would just create more depth to their stories.
I've read The Better World series thru n thru and love the author. A huge shout out to her for sending along a preview copy in exchange for an honest review.
Second. We just dont have context. Reading 318 or the Legacy Code doesn't give us as much context for this book as it does perspective... and understanding motives for many characters would just create more depth to their stories.
I've read The Better World series thru n thru and love the author. A huge shout out to her for sending along a preview copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 7, 2016
In the future a fierce disease will spread across the earth killing millions. Scientists have developed a formula that when taken will cause offspring to have super immunity. But these people have been labeled defective. And now they are hunted by the corporation that made them.
This book follows 4 different people and the parts they play in fighting this corporation that now controls the world.
This story kept me glued to my kindle! It was one exciting scene after another and I had a hard time putting it down! Each character brought their part to life and the author did an amazing job at making you love or hate them.
Defective is a fantastic science fiction read! 5 stars!
This book follows 4 different people and the parts they play in fighting this corporation that now controls the world.
This story kept me glued to my kindle! It was one exciting scene after another and I had a hard time putting it down! Each character brought their part to life and the author did an amazing job at making you love or hate them.
Defective is a fantastic science fiction read! 5 stars!
February 7, 2017
Too many characters for me...
I really wanted to like this book, but I never could get attached to any specific character. There are soooooooooooooo many of them. I didn't finish the book because of this. I may come back to it later and start over. At that time I may update the rating.
I really wanted to like this book, but I never could get attached to any specific character. There are soooooooooooooo many of them. I didn't finish the book because of this. I may come back to it later and start over. At that time I may update the rating.
November 15, 2016
Good story
This is a great book. Great ideas. But, it was slow starting and I didn't like the way it left you hanging at the end. In know, series are like that but indelible a little bit of completion at the end of my stories. I liked it well enough to continue the series, however. I think the moral fiber of the story holds strong and I can't wait for the "evil" to get their comeuppance.
This is a great book. Great ideas. But, it was slow starting and I didn't like the way it left you hanging at the end. In know, series are like that but indelible a little bit of completion at the end of my stories. I liked it well enough to continue the series, however. I think the moral fiber of the story holds strong and I can't wait for the "evil" to get their comeuppance.
November 21, 2021
You will be taken to a set of stories you want to read. They'll draw you to interesting and realistic characters, you'd feel strangely identified with... even when they are not like you... I just loved this series.
November 25, 2016
Revealing Izzy's age to be 24 through the story off. She seems to be written as a 16-20 year old still trying to grow up, not a 24 year old woman whose suffered the loss of her brother.
December 22, 2016
4.25 / 4 Stars
February 6, 2017
I daresay Kalquist really grew as a writer. I think I enjoyed "Defective" more so than all here other books combined. Can't wait for the sequel!
Want to read
January 22, 2018have
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews