Unnatural Selection
Sixty kidnapped orphans. Deadly tests. Not everyone will survive.
Nineteen-year-old Nic Mariano has been trying (a little unsuccessfully) to keep his life from jumping off the tracks. After getting fired, he signs up for a research study to make some money. When he turns up for the interview, he is knocked out and wakes up in a strange facility with 59 other kidnapped orphans.
Their captors—a mysterious billionaire couple—force them to complete dangerous tests which push them to their limits. Tests filled with deadly robotic creatures, blood and desperation.
As the orphans’ numbers begin to dwindle, danger lurks not only in the vicious tests but also in the other orphans as well. They might not be able to survive without getting blood on their hands. If they can even walk away with their lives.
The Maze Runner meets Squid Games in this fast-paced Australian YA sci-fi filled with action, friendship and slow-burn queer romance.
"For those looking for a good survival, tournament style with a hint of romance (no smut which works in the stories favour) then this is the book for you."
- Pygmy on Goodreads
"Rhiannon Bird writes a haunting, personal narrative about survival, choice, and social value. Nic is a compelling, sympathetic protagonist, and the ensemble cast gives the bleak setting warmth and urgency."
- Kurtis on Goodreads
"Nostalgic YA with a gay male hero and a sweet, chaste relationship that felt like a breath of fresh air amid all the murder and death and horror."
- Kai on Goodreads