Young adult
In a near-future society where only Winners succeed, Maz Tallis enters a high-stakes competition to win life-saving treatment for her half-brother, but as she faces betrayal and uncovers a dangerous secret, she must choose between saving him or exposing the corrupt system.
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In near-future NewBrit, where only Winners succeed, Maz Tallis is a Loser. All she wants is the expensive medicine that could save her half-brother, Kyle.
As her final term at Albion House Academy begins, Maz enters the Manticore Challenge, a competition offering the winner 1,000 Life Chances—credits that can be exchanged for life-saving treatments. For Maz, this could be her only shot at getting the medication Kyle so desperately needs.
To improve her chances of winning, Maz comes up with a bold plan. But when Felix, a charismatic Winner, steals her idea, they become fierce rivals. To make matters worse, Kyle gets a superbug, making the need for treatment even more urgent.
As Maz uncovers a disturbing secret at the heart of the competition, she faces an agonising dilemma: save her brother or expose the threat. Battling self-doubt and a corrupt system, Maz must decide if she will risk everything to reveal the truth. And will she find a way to save the people she loves without losing herself?
Here's what readers have to say about this book....
This book was an interesting premise of dystopian future Britain which pulled on some real life events and attitudes and showing the potential end of the situations. The use of superbugs as a focal point as well as extreme anti immigration were interesting to see and certainly show what could happen if things continue as they are. The language was very basic showing that it's very much the young end of young adult intended as the audience which I found a bit jarring at the start to get on with. I also found the pop culture references via Will a bit cringy but overall enjoyed the book and the pacing. The ending was satisfying as whilst there were resolutions there was no unrealistic 'and they all had lemonade ' ending which I don't think would have been true to the story. I also appreciated that the potential romance was hinted at but didn't overtake the book nor did it make the romantic interest act purely out of romantic feelings which a lot of books unfortunately fall into. I cannot give it 5 stars as I don't think it quite has it for 5 stars but viewing it as a young teenage book and considering the plot I feel 4 stars is a fair rating. Adults who like YA, I don't think this is for you but if you have kids who like The Hunger Games or similar they will definitely enjoy this book.
