Extracted (Book 1)

By Rich Castro

When 14-year-old Kai Wong wakes up under the glow of a quarantine dome, he quickly realizes things aren't as they should be. Outside, a global crisis has turned survivors into feral carriers. Inside, the Arcadia quarantine stands between teeming danger and a controlled—but eerie—sense of safety.

In Extracted, Kai must navigate this fractured world, encountering divided government factions, unpredictable betrayal, and the heart-wrenching weight of survival. As secrets unravel and tension rises, Kai discovers that family can be found in blank slates—and trust is the hardest thing to rebuild.

Why We Love It:

• Gripping post-apocalyptic world-building that grabs teens from the first page
• Complex characters with real emotional stakes—perfect for readers who love layered stories of trust, loyalty, and hope
• High-stakes tension with moral and spiritual undertones woven into the storyline

Perfect For:

• Teens and young adult readers who love dystopian or sci-fi thrillers
• Readers of series like The Maze Runner, Unwind, or The 5th Wave
• Families and schools looking for books that spark conversation about courage and identity

With layered storytelling and dynamic pacing, Extracted is a compelling first installment in a gripping trilogy. Dive in—and journey with Kai as he uncovers what it truly means to survive with purpose.