"The Murder Complex" (2014) by Lindsay Cummings REVIEW

"Count to three. Relax your mind. Now survive."

The Murder Complex is Lindsay Cummings's action-packed debut novel set in a dystopian future where the murder rate is higher than the birth rate. When I read the synopsis, I was intrigued. When I started reading it, I couldn't stop.

The Initiative watches everyone, everywhere, but not for the good of the people. Make one wrong move and the officers (known as Leeches) will not hesitate to shoot. Meadow Woodson, recently turned sixteen, lives with her father, her older brother Koi, and her younger sister Peri. Throughout Meadow's life, her father has taught her to survive any situation she may come across, making her well able to defend herself armed with just a dagger. Getting a job in this world is a test she is ready to pass by any means necessary.

Zephyr James, seventeen, is an orphan who works for the Initiative (called Wards). Every week, he works with his friend Talan to clean up the bodies in the streets. When he sleeps at night, he has visions of a girl with moonlit hair. On one occasion, he comes face to face with her, Meadow. Instantly he is head over heels, finding the girl of his dreams, but little does he realize he is an assassin programmed by a force called the Murder Complex, ready to kill at any moment, and that Meadow's life holds secrets to his past.

That is only the first 100 pages of this thrilling and complex story. If I had to compare this book to current pop culture, I would have to say that it is a combination of The Hunger Games and Divergent, mixed with originality, complexity, and depth, and is far more superior than either of the other titles fore mentioned. Like I said in the beginning of this review, I couldn't put the book down. It truly is action-packed, but the pacing of the book is rather amazing as well, never quite losing its stride. Lindsay Cummings also masterfully switches between the points of views between Meadow and Zephyr, keeping the reader intrigued and allowing us to piece together some of the puzzles.

Though with minor issues of transitioning and lack of detail every now and then, I highly recommend this book to those looking for a thrilling adventure. I can't wait to read the ebook prequel The Fear Trials and I highly anticipate the sequel!

Rating: 14+

4.5/5 Stars

You can purchase your copy here.

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