DIABOLICAL KIDS

The year is 3050. Humanity survived a century-long war against an alien civilization by creating monsters so terrifying that the invaders fled Earth. The victory came at an unimaginable cost, only one-third of the planet's population remained, and the world rebuilt itself under the rule of a unified global government. For sixteen years, Zane has never been allowed to leave his home. When the government police force known as C.I.V.I.C. finally finds him, he's torn away from the only life he's has ever known and thrust into a place where survival depends on intelligence rather than strength. Surrounded by strangers, forced into deadly games, and unable to trust anyone, Zane must outwit both the system that stole his freedom and the people willing to betray each other to stay alive. In a world built on sacrifice, the greatest enemy isn't always the one trying to kill you but it's the one standing beside you.