The walls were designed to keep everyone in their place.

In Paradise, where your district determines the life you’re allowed to live, Gin Aldrich has had enough. Known as Baby Blue, he leads the Color Guard—a growing band of runaways, gutter kids, and young rebels stealing from the powerful, fighting the regime, and daring others to imagine something better.

Then they raid a government armory.

Overnight, the Color Guard becomes the most wanted group in Paradise. The Regiman puts a bounty on Gin’s head. Rival gangs begin closing in. Two young mercenaries are already hunting him. And as the pressure builds, Gin pushes his people toward a confrontation none of them may survive.

Gin has gone by many names—Baby Blue, Wolf Hunter, revolutionary, delinquent. The deeper the rebellion goes, the harder it becomes to tell whether he is losing control or whether everything is unfolding exactly as he intended.

What to expect: Adult dystopian science fiction with a young cast (most leads are 15–17), multiple POVs, fast pacing, escalating action, political conflict, and a strong character focus. Best suited for readers who enjoy Red Rising, Scythe, and The Poppy War.

Content notes: Graphic violence, including torture, executions, and the deaths of minors. Strong language throughout. Child soldiers and state violence toward minors are central to the story. No sexual violence and no sexual content beyond a kiss. The ending is bleak, and this is Book One of a continuing series, so several character and story arcs remain open.