Sometime in the future, the Earth is controlled by one government. Even with such power and control, the government keeps to itself. They never broadcast news about what’s going on. People keep to themselves, live well, and keep the government on the bottom of their list of worries. On the east of a continent with no name (used to be north america) is a boarding school--Rulers of the Affairs of the State Prep (R.A.S.P.) Even with the government at such a distance in the minds of the masses, the school is famous. But no one talks about it. RASP recruits only the best of the best, the smartest of the smart and the strongest of the strong in hopes of creating a capable group of kids ready to tackle the oh so secret government jobs. There’s training in every field imaginable- economics, history, propaganda, marketing, athletics. When Kenly, a witty, clever, slightly arrogant redheaded girl from a run down town is recruited to attend RASPl, she is hardly surprised. Unlike the ignorant people she used to live with (with the exception of her one friend from home) she actually carried around with her some common sense. While everyone from home either congratulated her or glared at her with either looks of jealousy or hatred, she was just ready to leave. As Kenly becomes familiar with the new school, she begins to notice things others don’t—things that make her question the objectives of the school and the government.[
Ella is falling apart trying to live a "perfect" high school life. Then she meets Ren, who can see past her scars. Suddenly perfection isn't her only option.
*****
Ella Volkov is a gifted music student, but she's depressed and starting to crack under the pressure of high school. Her overbearing father won't even let her choose what instrument she plays. Then she finds herself alone at a party with Ren, her best friend's crush. She'd always thought he was rude, but after that night he's all Ella can think about. Now she's trapped. If Ella dates Ren, it will ruin her friendship with Jenny. But if she stays true to Jenny, she's losing the one person who can see past her scars. It's up to Ella to decide if she will forge her own path, or stay in the "perfect" box designed for her...
Content and/or Trigger Warning: depression, anxiety, self-harm, violence, sexual assault.
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