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A free copy of this story was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.

This story can be read as a standalone but I think it might be better to read it in order or at least give the other books a read after. I didn't read books 1-3 yet so can't be sure it'll have any impact on what happened in hierarchy or how it implemented what occurred in the book or in Resurfaced (book 4) . I, however assume it does from what I read in this book. I do know that book 4 ties in nicely with the discoveries in book 5.

Connor Nichols has just advance to beta in his training, best friend/fellow cadet, Vincent (Vince) Moore is happy for him but a bit envious. Readers can easily see that Connor is in love with Vince, who is fighting so hard not to give into his feelings. There relationship is a bit tense from all the pent up want. When they're called into to help in an emergency to help seal off the infected and prevent toxin contamination from spreading further into the facility, the two readily jumps in. When Vince runs off into danger, Connor can't help but follow out of worry and love for his friend. In doing so he also drags another cadet, Tamara Arnold, into the mix. When the three find themselves trapped on the floor that is supposedly contaminated by toxins they decide to lay low and wait for a rescue team. However, what finds them and the truth they discover will rock them all to the core.

It was easy to get pulled in and caught up in the story. I had only read Resurfaced so I wasn't sure of what to expect from this book. Connor and Vince's relationship dynamic, the truth about the upper hemi and Randolph's role served for a well developed action pack story with betrayal, politics and romance.