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The Rising Resolution #1

The Killing Plot

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A WORLD ON THE BRINK OF EXTINCTIONA GIRL SEARCHING FOR ANSWERSAN EXPLOSIVE TRUTHThe Killing Plot is the first book in a gripping YA trilogy about the fiercely independent Arela Harkess, a young woman whose relentless quest for answers leads her down a path filled with corruption and treachery. In the ruins of a dying world lies Osiris, a protected city of humanity’s last survivors, where breaking the law means exile and political factions struggle for domination.Arela, an orphan since her parent’s mysterious disappearance, is searching for answers. No one in Osiris just vanishes. But with no records of their existence, Arela wonders if there is something more sinister at play. As she searches deep within Osiris, she tumbles into a world of greed and manipulation, of menacing secrets and forbidden love. Her search for the truth is so dangerous, it may get her killed. Or worse.Arela must accept who she is and learn to grapple with the strange power she doesn’t yet understand, or she’ll lose everything she’s ever loved. Perfect for fans of The Hunger Games and Divergent, debut author Tahnee Perry has created a breathtakingly original series filled with friendship, romance, suspense and an unforgettable journey of self-discovery.

261 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 2, 2021

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Tahnee Perry

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
Profile Image for (old.enough.for.fairytales).
563 reviews368 followers
March 19, 2021
“There’s always something you can do,” Jaela says, jabbing a finger into my arm. “You just have to choose to do it.”


I really enjoyed The Killing Plot ! It felt like a throwback to my early YA days when all I wanted to read was dystopian books. Set in Osiris, a futuristic version of NYC, The Killing Plot follows protagonist Arela as she searches for the truth about her parents’ death...and along the way discovers a sinister plot surrounding missing orphans from TemWel. Definitely a page turner, The Killing Plot was a fun, quick read! If you’ve loved dystopian YA in the past, I think you’ll love this book.

My only criticisms were that Arela feels incredibly impulsive...more so than the normal 17 yr old YA protagonist, and she often goes from chill to unhinged in a matter of seconds (in normal conversations that sure, might be a little emotional, but don’t require such an immediate extreme reaction). It felt a bit heavy handed and unnatural at times. Also, there were a couple of instances where there were some noticeable inconsistencies, most notable being a scene where Arela’s outfit changes from one thing, to another, and back to the original outfit in a matter of minutes when she for sure did not change clothes in the story.

I definitely can’t wait for book 2 because i have questions....and I need to know what happens with the love interest! I adore him. Thanks so much to the author for sending me a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Lily.
470 reviews241 followers
May 12, 2023
I'm trapped. I'm in a never-ending nightmare where adults are evil and corrupt. Where the innocent don't get out alive. Where the hero doesn't swoop in to save me.


The worldbuilding is like a delightful, steampunk mix between The Hunger Games and City of Ember. The action is good, and the mystery is exciting enough to keep me reading. When Arela is being reasonable, she and Cenric are so cute together, and I loved the focus on art (painting) vs technology (coding). Their two hobbies are really opposites from two different worlds, just like Arela and Cenric are essentially opposites.


Cenric was really my favorite character (he's so good <333), but Arela was annoying in multiple instances. She and the reader both know that she's often volatile and unreasonable and never thinks before she acts. She feels guilty about these negative traits multiple times throughout the book, but she never seems to learn her lesson.


Really. 🤦‍♀️ She's not always this bad, but when she is, it's all I can do not to throw the book across the room. I really hope she learns and grows and matures in the next two books.


I wouldn't recommend The Killing Plot to anyone under 13. Many parts of it are really middle-grade appropriate, and the book is technically "clean," but I was super disappointed that some other, random parts of it are really dark and/or graphic (see content warnings section below). I wasn't overly bothered, but some of the graphic stuff felt like they weren't necessary and clashed with the target audience.


The Killing Plot isn't perfect, but I admit that I still can't wait to see what happens in the second book. :) The author did a good job with the plot and pacing as well as with writing the supporting characters.


Content warnings: For readers at least 13+
Profile Image for Julie - One Book More.
1,291 reviews224 followers
January 23, 2021
An immersive and captivating dystopian novel, The Killing Plot is the story of Arela, a rebellious and intelligent young woman who wants to find out why kids are disappearing from the orphanage in which she lives. With the help of friends and a possible love interest, Arela begins to uncover a shocking and disturbing secret, one that reaches the top of their government. The more Arela uncovers, the more dangerous her world becomes, but Arela won’t rest until she learns the truth of Osiris and its missing orphans.

Arela is a fantastic protagonist with a great blend of rebelliousness, intellect, impulsivity, good intentions, and recklessness. I like that she persists and never gives up on her goals and the people she cares about. She also sees through the utopian facade of Osiris and the leaders who perpetuate the dystopian world.

I also love the found family between Arela and her three best friends. Parentless, they all live in the same orphanage, and they look out for, support, and encourage each other. They have such distinct and unique personalities, and I love their easy and funny banter as well as their strong bond. They are different in their approaches to life and their views on society, but that doesn’t interfere with the respect and love they have for each other.

Cenric is another interesting character who is similar to Arela and her friends. Though he has parents, their absence and his subsequent loneliness and feelings of abandonment are evident. Unlike Arela and her friends, Cenric has a more solitary life and seems to avoid situations where he could develop relationships. That is until he meets Arela.

Cenric and Arela have an instant connection that only grows as the story progresses. This enemies-to-lovers, forbidden love relationship is full of obstacles, mystery, and angst. Cenric is the son of the leaders of Osiris, and Arela is an orphan. This puts them on opposite ends of the social ladder and leads to a secret relationship.

Cenric and Arela’s views on society also contrast, which causes a bit of tension in their budding relationship. Cenric’s indoctrinated views stand in sharp contrast to Arela’s, and it is interesting to see her open Cenric’s eyes to the mistruths and the harsh realities of Osiris. However, Cenric isn’t as naive as he seems. Cenric is also very secretive, and the pair struggles with trusting and opening up to each other. This is for good reason since Osiris is intolerant to dissension or deviation from the norm.

I enjoyed the dystopian elements in the story which include disenfranchised people, and an oppressed society with total governmental control, harsh rules and punishments, a fear of the world outside of Osiris, and a lack of individuality. The story is filled with mystery, morally grey characters, and you never know who to trust, especially considering how many people manipulate the system for their own personal gain.

There are also some supernatural elements in the story that intrigued me. Arela, for example, develops a unique power that is exacerbated by emotions. I’m curious how this newfound power ties into her parentage, her past, and her future. I think it also relates to Osiris and the world beyond. What is beyond the walls of Osiris? Does anyone else have these powers? I can’t wait to learn more in the next book! Thanks so much to NetGalley and Tahnee Perry for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Maria Elena | pagesofmaria.
759 reviews233 followers
March 19, 2021
Dystopian reads aren’t my usual go-to genre. In fact, I might be one of the few readers on earth who hasn’t read either The Hunger Games or Divergent. (Though I’ve watched all The Hunger Games movies and loved them!) Yet, when I do have the occasion to read this genre, I highly enjoy it. The Killing Plot is an example.

The book follows Arela Harkess, an orphan teenager who has spent most of her life at TemWel, which is a sort of institute for children that for one reason or another are alone in the world. Despite being surrounded by a group of friends who love her, Arela’s understandably haunted by thoughts of her parents. Who were they? Why did they abandon her? Are they dead? To find an answer to her questions, Arela gets herself into situations that could prove dangerous if anyone where to catch her. Osiris, the dystopian version of the United States in which the story is set, is ruled by a strict totalitarian regime led by the Conservationists. Going against the rules is punishable with exile from the city’s protective dome, which would lead to certain death. In her search, Arela stumbles upon a bigger mystery, one that could put her and the people closest to her in danger.

I found Arela to be a very enjoyable protagonist. She’s reckless to the point of being interesting, and I never thought she made stupid decisions. Every action had a purpose and its calculated risks. Through her eyes, we get a clear picture of how things in Osiris work. The author does an excellent job of showing you how rotten the politics are below their pretty exterior without having the protagonist influence our perception of the world. Arela has her own beliefs and doubts, so we’re able to draw the conclusions of what’s right and wrong based on our own backgrounds.

Me being passionate about mystery subplots within a book, I was very intrigued by the mystery Arela stumbles upon during her search. However, nothing could have prepared me for its resolution. I expected something shady to be amiss, but what I found chilled me to my bones. For some reason, it wasn’t at all what I was expecting. The character reactions were so well done that I had to stop for a moment while I was reading.

There’s also a blooming romance in this book, which I found to be adorable. I’m curious to see how it will progress, and I’m highly anticipating the continuation of this story because there are things that need to be resolved ASAP. The chapters leading toward the ending were a rollercoaster of emotions and situations that had my heart racing. I highly recommend readers of YA to check out this book, which has nothing to envy to more popular titles.

Thank you to the author for sending me a copy!
Profile Image for Thais • tata.lifepages •.
607 reviews1,024 followers
March 27, 2021
The killing plot is a YA dystopian novel where humanities last survivors live in Osiris, a closed-off city to protect them from the outside atmosphere. No one knows exactly what is on the other side of the protected perimeter, they hear rumors of a toxic virus that kills you immediately.

The story follows Arela, an orphan who lives in a housing for orphan kids, TemWel. She has no recollection of her parents or any information about how she became an orphan. I struggled a bit with her personality, I found her to be childish and immature in dialogues, and at the same time she was very reckless and determined to find out the truth about her family and what happened to them.

The plot follows the conflict between the Conservationists (the government) and the Resolutionists. Arela finds herself tangled in this mess full of political intrigue, secret researchers and organizations, mysterious kidnappings and rebels. Somehow she knows her family is connected to all of this and with the help of her friends she is intent on figuring out everything. The ending had me reeling, I need the sequel asap!

Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy for review.

Profile Image for Chiara | wordsbychiara.
672 reviews351 followers
March 23, 2021
Most of those who have been following me for a while know that dystopians and I have a very hate-to-love relationship. It’s not a genre that easily attracts my fancy, maybe because thinking about the tragic outcomes our world could face in certain circumstances chills me. But you know what tickles my fancy like few things can? Politics.

THE KILLING PLOT follows Arela Harkess, who is an orphan teenager who spends most of her life in what we could call an orphanage. Growing up, Arela is driven by a desire to find out the truth about her parents—to know why she was abandoned and if her parents are dead. Finding the answers to these questions, however, puts Arela in the position of risking the wrath of the Conservationists, the rulers of the totalitarian regime presiding over Osiris (our dystopian USA). In a world where a citizen’s only purpose is to work, where artistic expression is considered a waste of time, where technology is forbidden and all networks are closely controlled and monitored, non-compliance to the status quo could result in exile from the city’s protective dome, and thus to certain death. Getting her hands on that forbidden technology, however, may be Arela’s only way of finding out the truth about her past, and in her search for answers, she uncovers an even bigger mystery that could put the people closest to her in peril. What’s the mystery? And will Arela find the answers she seeks? Well, you’ll have to read the book to find out!

Arela was a protagonist I thoroughly enjoyed. Her situation puts her in the position of making dangerous and reckless decisions, but they never felt rash—which is a fault easily found in young protagonists of more popular books, let’s be honest. Every action had a calculated risk Arela was aware of and ready to face to reach her goals, which made her appear determined and likable.

Arela was also a great lens through which the reader could learn about Osiris’s politics. The reverse side of the Conservationists coin were the rebel movement of the Resolutionists, but what I found to be really interesting is that though Arela defies the Conservationists, this doesn’t make her a rebel. Arela still knows the Resolutionists for their violent actions and doesn’t support them. This was a very original stand, and it allows the reader to be unbiased toward both parties and make their own opinion.

I also loved the tight-knit group of friends around Arela—perhaps even more than I did the potential romance. I’m a lover of romance, but while I found Cenric to be an adorable character and his role in the story to be very interesting, I wasn’t too invested in the childish and petty attitude he and Arela had toward one another in the beginning.

Overall, this was a highly enjoyable and fast-paced read. The chapters leading to the climax were a rollercoaster and I cannot wait for the next book to find out what else is in store for Arela! I highly recommend this read to lovers of YA in general and fans of dystopian novels.

Thank you to the author for sending me a copy to review!
Profile Image for Rashmi Binu.
239 reviews2 followers
January 9, 2021
My first time reading a Dystopian tale.. I went into it blind.. Just by the intrigue the title created.. Without reading the blurb!
The book initially for a novice like me seemed.. Well Dystopian.. But once the plot fell into place and the characters introduced.. It sucked me into an amazing adventure... So looking forward to the next one ❤
Profile Image for Anjali.
450 reviews24 followers
March 16, 2021
I usually try to read a new / debut author novel with an open mind... I didn't succeed after I read the description of this book... I've watched some of The Hunger Games and Divergent movies and I didn't quite relate, though I do enjoy dystopian fiction...

Arela, the main protagonist is unusually bold and reckless from the beginning of the story... Yet as I read the story, she got under my skin... With that attitude it's not surprising that she walks right into trouble as the narrative picks up pace...

The dystopian world that the author created is quite relatable, because it is so possible that some day this might come to pass...

So despite my initial reserve, I enjoyed reading this book... And I loved it! I did expect it to end on a cliff hanger, and it did... I can't wait to read the rest of this series, so hurry up author...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for alexis.
137 reviews44 followers
July 13, 2024
Osiris is a city where the last members of humanity live. The air outside kills, but the city is protected from the outside world. Arela is an orphan who lives in the city. She has no memory of her parents and any record of them has been erased. Arela is desperate for answers and fights to get them.


Thank you to NetGalley and Tahnee Perry for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I haven’t read a dystopian book in a while, and I really enjoyed this one. I was immediately drawn in. It kept me guessing throughout. I wanted to figure out what was happening and had to keep reading. If you liked Divergent, I think you’ll like this book.

I liked the characters, but I had trouble really connecting with them. I liked how the main character, Arela, was portrayed. I feel like authors often don’t write their characters to seem the age they are. However, I think Arela definitely seemed like a 16/17 year old. I am excited to see her character development in the next book.

The pacing of the book was off. It was a bit slow at times and nothing was really happening. Things did pick up. However, the ending did feel rushed. I wish it had been a bit longer so the end could have been stretched out a bit more. Things seemed to happen really fast. I think the pacing could have been a little better. I do think it was a good opener for a series though.

I thought the world building was good. I liked that we didn’t get a big overload of information at the beginning and it was weaved through the whole story.

I definitely want to read the next part. There are still so many questions left unanswered. I think with further building of the world and development of the plot in the next book this story would really stand out. I went back and forth on my rating for this book and settled on 3/5 because there was a lot that I liked and not too much I didn’t. Overall, I enjoyed it.

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Profile Image for Heidi.
58 reviews4 followers
April 14, 2021
*I received this ARC courtesy of NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

I actually ended up liking this more than I thought I would. Going in I had absolutely no expectations and didn't really know much about what the plot of the book. The beginning was sort of slow for me, there were a lot of chapters where nothing really happened, there was just a lot of Arela going places and doing the same things over and over. Towards the end (around 70%) the pace started picking up more and this is when I couldn't stop reading. However, the ending did feel very rushed and it seems the author has a hard time with finding that sweet spot between slow pacing where not much happens and too fast pacing where too much is happening all at once. I got a bit lost at the end and felt like I couldn't keep up with the story.

I liked the overall story and the plot, I just wished the book was longer and had more focus on the bigger events later in the book and spent less time on the (a bit boring) beginning. I would also have loved to see some more world building. I know this is Perry's debut novel, and sadly, it shows. I often found myself a bit annoyed with the (somewhat clumsy) writing and a lot of plot holes and unrealistic happenings/character traits.

With more pages, better pacing, a bit more editing and more world building this could have easily gotten 5 stars from me because of how much I liked the story and was interested in this world and the characters. Will I re-read it? No. Will I pick up the second book? I'll most likely give it a chance, yes.

Overall, the story and idea was there, and they were great. But it just lacked in too many areas for me to give a better rating. The author is definitely on my radar though, and I'm curious to see what will happen in the next book(s).
Profile Image for Tiffany Martin.
438 reviews1 follower
February 15, 2021
This incredible story drew me in immediately and I remained mesmerized the entire time I was reading! The world of Osiris is fascinating and the mystery surrounding what lies outside it's walls still has me reeling. I want to know what is going to happen now that I have long since finished the first book. I am anxiously awaiting the second....that cliffhanger was HUGE! I love a book that leaves me wanting to get to the next book and this one definitely does that!

Arela is the most amazing heroine but she isn't simply guts and glory. She is clumsy and emotional, reckless and prone to mistakes. She's so relatable! And she is an orphan who lives with other orphans and they are trying to survive this harsh world, together, and make something of themselves. But, Arela wants to solve a huge mystery about her own life. She wants to find her parents. And in doing so, she uncovers one of Osiris' darkest secrets and it puts her life, and her friends' lives, in jeopardy.

This is such a fun read! I adore the characters and the forbidden love story that's in this! My absolute favorite character is Arela's love interest, Cenric. If you enjoy fantasy and dystopian novels, this is definitely for you! I cannot recommend this enough!

Thank you, Tahnee Perry, for allowing me to read this when it was in developmental stages! It is truly amazing and I loved it!
Profile Image for Carl.
148 reviews2 followers
June 9, 2021
This book has quite a slow start but it soon picks up. Once it starts to pick up the pace i really enjoyed it, starts becoming a lot more action packed and couldn't wait to see how it ended. Now i'm really looking forward to reading the rest of the trilogy.
Profile Image for Jae.
97 reviews11 followers
March 8, 2021
I went in this book knowing absolutely nothing about it. And the beginning was so interesting and fun to read about! Its set in a futuristic society where this society is closed off from the rest of the world because they cannot survive in the outside. Its ruled by one family and so a lot of brainwashing is involved. We follow our main character Arela, an orphan who does not know why her parents left her. We see her struggle with accepting who her parents were and struggle her way through in such a society.

First off with the things i liked, i think the beginning was done really well, knowing about the world was a really pleasant experience. Its a world where people have forgotten what phones or well most advancements from the past, yes they do have their own technology but its not of what we(in the real world) know. So it was fun when she discovered what a mobile phone was and its functions.

Now with the plot itself. Things felt too convenient at points and the plot started around the last 30%. Sitting through 70% with JUST character work( which too wasn’t done that well) was simply boring. Again the plot, like many dystopians followed a very similar format, the little difference was with the character work. The characters in my opinion, while having a unique story, had a flat growth arc and i did not connect or get invested in any of the characters. And the romance, that was what completely ruined this book for me. It felt cringey, and forced and just over all unenjoyable and that took so much page time. The pacing again was really slow in the beginning and too fast near the end which did not work for me at all. The writing style, while accessible, was not able to lure me by itself, so the world building was the only thing that had me reading this book. wHICH TOO by the end hadn’t expanded as much as i had hoped to.


I think its also important to note that I don’t enjoy dystopians and this is the first ive read in a very long time, so readers who enjoy dystopian may like this, so definitely try this out if you do!!!

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley
Profile Image for Kirsten Moody.
339 reviews274 followers
January 17, 2021
This was such a great young adult dystopian book, a great start to a series.
We are set in a world where it has been ravaged by a virus, leaving a fraction of the population alive but having to stay within Osiris.
Osiris is a haven from the virus where people only die to old age, accidents or exile. However, it is a very authoritarian setting. Citizens of Osiris can only wear certain things, can only pursue 'useful' careers and must be in a heterosexual relationship.
Arlea is our main character and she has been searching for information on her parents which do not seem to exist. She also has a group if friends that they discuss politics of Osiris and debate whether the way things are should change, whether the rebel group are fighting for a good cause.
Amongst this we also get a contrast with something lighter with potential live interests which works well to break up all the politics.
This book took a far darker turn than what I was expecting and it left me needing to know what happens!
Highly recommend this if you enjoy dystopian or political young adult books.
Profile Image for Chelsea.
847 reviews98 followers
April 22, 2022
Rating: 2.5
I liked the way this book started, but it got too slow and boring pretty early on. It wasn't a bad book, it just wasn't for me.
Profile Image for periwynn.
84 reviews18 followers
November 2, 2021
Your typical dystopian sci-fi for younger YA readers. The book was easy to get into, well-written and quick to read. But it was very similar to many other YA dystopian sci-fi novels, I couldn't find anything really unique in it.
The story is about a 17 years old orphan girl who wants to find her parents and her place in this city, which is closed from the outside world and is under totalitarian regime, where, for example, even thinking in not government-approved way is punishable by exile.
The plot was predictable, the characters felt a bit flat. I strongly disliked the main character because she was so unbearably naive and reckless in situations she knew were dangerous. She made sooo many stupid decisions even though she was supposed to be this 'not-like-other-girls mathematical genius' who could magically hack into every program and crack or calculate every password using her mental power of algorithms or something...and she got out of any situation completely unhurt. Needless to say, I found stuff like that very unbelievable, even though it is a sci-fi novel after all. That probably wouldn't be the case if I was younger when reading that, when I too thought that programming and cracking passwords was half magic. I would have thought the main character very badass and brave, but she was just way too naive.
Anyway, this was a fun read. It ended on a cliffhanger, but I don't know yet if I'm gonna continue the series - maybe if all the other books will be as short and quick to read as this one.
Profile Image for Candice Willman.
388 reviews66 followers
March 27, 2021
Thank you so much to the author for sending me a copy of the book to review! All opinions are my own!

I just have to say that I adore dystopian. It is def one of my fav genres and I love finding new ones to read. I enjoy the thrill and constantly on the edge of your seat with the story.

The Killing Plot is a quick and fast paced read. It takes place in a city, Osiris (love the Egyptian god feel of the name) that is surrounded by a bubble of sorts after the fall of our current civilization. The MC is Arela who lives at an orphanage. On top of the dystopian world setting we have a mystery. There are kids that are disappearing around Arela at the orphanage.

Arela is a strong MC and takes it upon herself to figure out why these kids go missing. Arela is an easy relatable character because she is emotional and accident prone yet still strong willed and persistent.

There is a bit of a forbidden romance, which who doesn’t love? The friends and other characters Arela surrounds herself with are interesting and definitely teenagers. They seem to rebel against the system in which their government has enforced. It definitely reminds me a bit of 1984 with the over bearing government. The citizens main job is to work and obey. Technology is forbidden. Artistic expression and enjoyment aren’t really allowed. Everything is watched at all times and if you break the law you are forced out of this “bubble” society.

Overall I enjoyed the story and the world. There are many twists and turns through this read. It is dystopian through and through and just reminds the reader that we wouldn’t want to live in such a world. I can’t wait to see where book 2 leads Arela and the others. There are so many questions and answers to be figured out. If you enjoy YA dystopian, this book is for you!

Profile Image for Writingwhatsonmymind.
78 reviews4 followers
January 27, 2022
3.75 stars.

Originally I thought this story was going to be fantasy. I received a copy of the second book in the series for free for my own unbiased review and bought the first one to read first. It is a short book so I thought, sure why not?

Soon after I started reading it I realised it was not a fantasy, but a dystopia. I wasn't too enthralled by it at first but I hate putting books down so I kept reading and I am very glad I did.

The start felt a bit for a younger audience than I'm used to, even with the YA genre, however as the story progressed it does bring about more adult-topics that make you feel disgusted and appalled. All in a good way, really.

I won't go into much detail but it does end in a bit of a cliffhanger and I am looking forward to reading the second novel and continue learning about Arela's story.

Secretly, I am hoping for a bit of a love triangle so, fingers crossed.
Profile Image for Kelly {SpaceOnTheBookcase].
1,255 reviews65 followers
June 10, 2022
You all know how much I love historical fiction novels, but what you may not know yet, is that I love Dystopian novels just as much!

In the town of Osiris free will is removed and a central ministry rules all. Located within a bubble, the ruins of the crumbled civilization outside the walls is believed to mean instant death.

Arela is an orphan with no knowledge of her parents. She is intelligent and rebellious by nature and her main objective is to find answers to what happened to her parents. Unlike her friends, the disappearance of her parents has no paper trail.

Arela forms a new friendship with someone from the ruling family and the story takes off. It is incredibly fast paced and does not leave you wanting. The characters are easy to invest in and you will definitely find someone to root for.

If you like novels like The Hunger Games and 1984, this story is absolutely for you!

Thank you to the author for providing me a copy in exchange for a review.
Profile Image for Eileen.
2,371 reviews130 followers
March 16, 2021
3.5 stars

I found this to be a pretty solid debut, and the author definitely shows a lot of promise. Overall I enjoyed this story and I found the world to be quite interesting. For the most part, I liked Arela's spunk, intelligence, and willingness to take risks. I loved her relationship with her best friends/family, and I admired her fearlessness. I also found Cenric to be a likable character, even if he was a bit clueless about his own privilege and what that meant. And the mystery of what it is like outside the walls is also intriguing and that alone makes me want to read on with this series, as does the mystery surrounding how Osiris came to be and who the Conservationists and Resolutionists actually are. For those of you who care, this book does end on a cliffhanger, and there's a ton that is left unresolved, and while that is okay for making you want to read the next book, I would have preferred there to be at least some resolution of some of the plotlines. The pacing of this book is definitely uneven and for such a short book, it made it a bit jarring. The plot actually moves very slowly at first as the author shows us the world that Arela lives in. You are introduced to Cenric as their paths cross and much of this early part seems to focus more on who he is and why he's even paying attention to her. But then it's like a spring was released and you get a ton of information and action dumped on you all at once that leaves you a bit breathless by the time you reach the end, only to find that absolutely everything is left hanging. Still, I found the story to be interesting and I definitely want to read more. As I said, I think this story shows promise and I'm looking forward to seeing how the author continues to build this story.

I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Brooke.
336 reviews6 followers
January 19, 2021
I was really lucky to have been approved by NetGalley to read this copy before it’s release!

Anyone who loved the Divergent series and The Hunger Games will seriously enjoy this. It has very similar vibes and context of a rebellious young girl, who knows nothing of what happened to her family. Now an orphan, and tired of the ‘rules’ of the totalitarian regime enforced by the government, she fights to find out as much information about her earlier life as possible, but of course, it wouldn’t be a dystopian novel without a few hitches, and there are several throughout this book.

This book is based on a future where democracy ruined the world and a new government was formed to protect those left, it’s an interesting concept that devices we are so reliant on now will some day be called ‘old world devices ’

I really enjoyed this book, I have a preference for dystopian, young adult thrillers with twists and this was perfect. It’s a bit of a slow burner, but a really good introduction to what’s going to be a trilogy of books. You becomes so intricately involved and interwoven with the protagonist, her friends and the troubles they face in finding the truth, and ultimately, each other. The way Tahnee Perry has developed such an intricately detailed world, and the context to which this whole plot is based on is so immersive, beautiful and relatable in some aspects.

I read this within the space of a day, I couldn’t put it down, I did struggle slightly in areas to keep going, as I felt it dragged a little, but the chapters are very short, so incredibly helpful if you don’t have a lot of time to read or find it hard to keep your focus on long chapters.

I am really excited to read the next book in the series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for audrey.
207 reviews80 followers
July 10, 2021
Thank you to Tahnee Perry for providing me with an eARC of her debut novel “The Killing Plot” through NetGalley for me to read and review honestly!

Real rating: 3.5/5 stars.

“The Killing Plot” provides all the necessary requirements of a dystopian novel which was something I really loved and have found it hard to find recently. It was marketed to fans of both “The Hunger Games” and “Divergent” and I felt that was correctly done, and I even felt some similarities to Marie Lu’s “Legend” series. Though the start felt a bit slow, the main character Arela Harkess is strong-willed, though reckless most of the time and therefore incredibly intriguing. She was a refreshing perspective to read from as I feel that she was transparent in her mostly selfish aims to find out about her mysteriously disappeared parents. I felt that her group of friends from TemWel faded into the background and did not gain my deeper interest and that Arela’s relationship with Cenric 100% kept me going when the plot slowed down. I absolutely loved the path their relationship went from strangers to a budding romance. In the end, the plot really got exciting and fast-paced as Arela found herself constantly falling into danger in her now colliding search for her parents and her now disappearing friends and fellow orphans. You will for sure find me reading the sequel when it comes out!
Profile Image for Ryan.
86 reviews11 followers
May 19, 2021
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a digital copy of this book for an honest review!

Arela lives in Osiris, a very controlling and restrictive place closed off from the rest of the world due to "toxins." The government is totalitarian and if you don't abide by their rules then you are exiled, thrown outside the gates and left to die. Arela is an orphan obsessed with finding out what happened to her parents. She searches relentlessly for answers and finds more than she bargained for.

The characters were very strong and distinct. I loved the interactions and banter. Arela's closest friends at the orphanage were diverse and extremely likeable. Arela herself had a strong voice and passion and quite a temper and was overall a really fun character.

The writing and plot was okay. The focus at the beginning of the book (Arela's search for her parents) kinda gets derailed and shifted. There is nothing wrong with switching up the MC's motivation, but it could have been executed better. A lot of the writing felt choppy... scenes didn't really flow or transition well, and often times I was confused as to how it got to a certain point and go back and reread.

Overall, it was an enjoyable book with a interesting and new twist on dystopia.
Profile Image for Anj✨.
176 reviews29 followers
February 5, 2021
Thank you Netgalley and Tahnee Perry for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.


Set in Osiris, where the last of humanity lives, we follow the story of Arela, an orphan who is trying to find information about her past and her parents. In her continuous search for answers, she uncovers the truth upon the disappearance of orphans where a corruption that involves some on the top-level in their government.

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With an intricately written world and fascinating plot, The Killing Plot is an amazing first book! It begins similar to other dystopian novels and it also contains new ideas. Tahnee Perry's writing style is easy to follow and consistent throughout the book. It was mostly slow paced to introduced a world so different from ours, letting the reader soaked in all the details. The characters are well-develop and relatable. Arela, the protagonist, is wonderful! She's adventurous, intelligent, a little bit rebellious and isn't afraid to speak her mind.
I struggled slightly with the romance element. The enemy to lovers/forbidden love feels forced and rushed for me. There's also Arela's developing power, how it will play on her future and the world beyond the walls of Osiris that intrigues me. I did expect it to end on a cliffhanger, and it did 🙈. I can't wait to read more!
Profile Image for Denice Langley.
4,672 reviews41 followers
December 2, 2022
The world as we know it no longer exists, this is a well loved plot line. In THE KILLING PLOT, Tahnee Perry gives the plot a few tweaks and makes it her own. Set in a post apocalyptic version of a large city somewhere in what used to be the United States, a young woman lives in an orphanage. With no blood relatives, she has built a family of her fellow orphans. They rely on each other for support and advice. This is the back story of Arela's quest to find how and why so many of the orphans have gone missing with no trace. Along the way, she is also trying to find more information on how she came to be in this orphanage.

The world building is first rate. The characters come to life, bringing an added dimension to the story. They pull at your heart strings or give you a headache when their actions lead them into trouble. This is the first book in a new series. Ms Perry has taken the time and effort to give us the foundation of what to expect in the coming stories. It will be very interesting to see where this cast of characters take us next.
1 review
February 3, 2021
Set in Osiris, a dystopian American city, Arela Harkess is an orphan attempting to uncover the dangerous mysteries of her parents and the increasingly missing children in TemWel, the boarding school orphanage. Each turn leads her closer to a truth about her world, but is it the one she’s looking for?

This book was riveting and fascinating at every turn. The first page immediately captivates the reader with the instant action and intrigue and it rarely lets up. Tahnee Perry created an immersive and compelling plot and world as it brings up some of today's issues in a different time and with different viewpoints, including censorship and protests, the price of freedom and peace, and homosexuality. Seeing multiple sides of the argument, with a little bias, is engrossing. Moreover, the situations that the arguments take place in are slower than the usual fast-paced writing, allowing the reader time to ponder on the ideas. In addition, Arela’s non-willingness to join the rebellion is a new idea and didn’t fall into a cliche. It was well-formed and fit in with her character since she grew up in a city-run school. Additionally, the ending was unexpected and well-written, and there were clues so that if the reader examined the book diligently, they might guess it. Also, although Cenric is a somewhat cliche character, he is an essential one and rebelled by painting, a frivolous and unrecommended pursuit. He helps the reader see the ugliness of the society as well as the small aspects of beauty.

There is some difficulty connecting Arela. Her powerful female narrative and her ingenuity are both compelling, however, she tends to be hot-headed and irritable. With all her misinterpretations of situations and anger explosions, the romance with Cenric feels forced as if the author was trying to cover a ‘what if she went with Cenric instead of another guy.’ It’s still cute, but it’s hard to see how the two ended up together.

I recommend this book to those who enjoy YA (Young Adult) dystopian series and don't shy away from big questions. This is a good read.
Profile Image for Adarsh Booklover.
32 reviews4 followers
October 22, 2021
The Killing Plot is an intriguing and extremely well written dystopian novel. It is the story of Arela, a rebellious and intelligent young woman who is on a quest to find out why children are disappearing from the orphanage in which she lives.
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Arela seeks help from her friends to uncover a shocking and disturbing secret, one that challenges the political system and government. The more Arela digs into the matter, the more dangerous her world becomes.
Why kids are disappearing?
Is Arela in danger?
What's the truth of Osiris?
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Arela is a strong lady with a mix of recklessness, rebelliousness and intellect. Reading about her bond with her three bestfriends and love interest increased my interest more in the story. The plot is filled with mystery, supernatural elements and morally grey characters. I enjoyed the dystopian elements in the story which include forbidden love, harsh rules, disenfranchised people, and an oppressed society in control of governmental.
Overall, a great read!!
Profile Image for Book Smith.
33 reviews6 followers
October 22, 2021
✨✨One of my friends recommended me this book last week. I can't describe what I'm feeling after reading this story. The book made me happy and cry. The plot caught my attention from the first paragraph. The female protagonist Arela is an orphan and a bit of a rebel. I found her to be fairly emotional and impulsive too, but in a good way. Seeing her character development as the pages kept turning, was worth reading about.
Her relationships with her close ones is narrated nicely. The incident where she lost both her parents made my heartbeat stop!!✨✨

✨✨The author used simple language, so beginners can also give it a shot. The author's storytelling is brilliant. When I was reading the book, I felt like I was one of the characters. The world-building and character-building is great. The book has got all the main components that any good book must have. I'll recommend this book to all dystopian book lovers!✨✨
Profile Image for Eilish.
47 reviews1 follower
April 5, 2021
I loved everything about this book. It’s so well written and the plot is just so gripping and exciting that you can’t do anything but continue reading to find out what happens next which is why I probably finished it in a few hours. It’s a true dystopian book that has so much link to now but with such an amazing twist of things to come. The characters are really relatable and all play a big part in the story that it feels like you yourself are part of the story which is amazing!
I hope book 2 is released very soon I can’t wait to find out what happens next!

I received this free for reviewing purposes, nevertheless this is a review of my true thoughts and feelings towards this book.
Profile Image for Saumya Gupta.
31 reviews4 followers
October 22, 2021
T.M. Perry's this book is one of the best beginnings to a wonderful series. I'm a big fan of dystopian books and The Killing Plot just fits right. The book is set in Osiris, a futuristic version of NYC. The book has got all elements of a bestseller. It's a mix of action, romance, political drama and whatnot!💕

Our main character Arela is an orphan in the world's last surviving city, Osiris. Her parents went on missing and she has no idea what happened to them and what she's supposed to do now. With the help of her friends, she decides to look into the matter but she stumbles onto something much bigger. I won't go into spoilers and ruin the story for you. I request you all to read and find out yourself. 📖

I enjoyed the book from the beginning to end. It has a lot of variety in the characters. I can't wait to read part 2. 😍
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