In a nation ruled by surveillance, obedience, and the iron grip of the Burnham dynasty, seventeen-year-old Parker Stephens never imagined he'd become a fugitive-or that his own government would try to kill him. When the country's flawless tracking system, *Version 56*, begins to fail for the first time in history, panic ripples through the nation. Citizens vanish. Borders shift. And anyone who steps out of line is thrown into rehabilitation... or worse. Demetria Hargrove, a top academy graduate destined to marry into the Burnham family, is dragged into the investigation. But when she uncovers corruption far darker than she ever imagined, she chooses to run-straight into the paths of two criminals the government wants erased. Now bound together by survival, Parker, Amber, Mateo, and Demetria race through abandoned towns and fractured loyalties as the system collapses around them. Trust is fragile. Secrets are deadly. And every flicker of a watch screen could mean discovery... or death. As rebellion sparks across the country and the Burnham legacy begins to crumble, these four unlikely allies must decide what-and who-is worth saving before their world disappears for good.

the games -- open for critique (chapter by chapter ill put more) this is a temporary cover and temporary title! Ophelia and Zephyr are two complete opposites, united by the games that only happen every decade. They're both descend from poor families, unable to support themselves. They find themselves in the most serious situations, but make alliances and even enemies along the way. What really happens behind the scenes? Read as I publish to find out more!

was listening to staying up by the neighbourhood. mentions nightmares. game is a nightmare and scary and i love it. entered contest. boomzies. yeona, riley main characters 2 killers; ghost and idol

This is to help me edit my story and fix things up! Just to clear that up. Before I describe it, I have a few pointers. One, this is not yet finished. I started working on this book December of 2022. It is only halfway done, so do not expect an ending for the time being. Two, this might get published one day, but I am not so sure. Any pointers would be greatly appreciated before editing. I am a young writer, so some vocab/descriptions could be off, my apologies. Now onto the description!: This game happens every few years, the generations of new born children taking the responsibility. 40 people under the age of 25 are selected every new game. They must take the challenge before returning, allowing a final choice. Some people get notified years before, some way after. Typically a fourth back out, and another fourth of the contestants die. But once you are in... there's no going back. Filled with many different perspectives, bound to death would be a good read if you're into murder scenarios or gruesome betrayals. Anyhow, please give any necessary feedback, I'll try to update every week.