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PROLOGUE

Congratulations The fact that you’re reading thistill your next birthday Yes, you, standing there leafing through these pages Do not put this book down I’m dead serious—your life could depend on it

This is my story, the story of my family, but it could just as easily be your story too We’re all in this together; trust me on that

I’ve never done anything like this, so I’ to jump in, and you try to keep up

Okay I’m Max I’m fourteen I live with my family, who are five kids not related to me by blood, but still totally my family

We’re—well, we’re kind of a Not to sound too full ofyou’ve ever seen before

Basically, we’re pretty cool, nice, sy, Nudge, the Gasel—were made on purpose, by the sickest, ine They created us as an experiment An experiment where we ended up only 98 percent hu impact, let me tell you

We grew up in a science lab/ prison called the School, in cages, like lab rats It’s pretty a we can think or speak at all But we can—and so much more

There was one other School experiment that made it past infancy Part human, part wolf—all predator: They’re called Erasers They’re tough, smart, and hard to control They look hu into wolf s, and claws The School uses theuards, police—and executioners

To theh to be a fun challenge Basically, they want to rip our throats out And make sure the world never finds out about us

But I’ht?

This story could be about you—or your children If not today, then soon So please, please take this seriously I’ you—but you need to know

Keep reading—don’t let anyone stop you

— Max And e,

the Gasel

Welcohtmare

PART 1

FLOCK FRI

GHT

1

The funny thing about facing i else into perspective Take right now, for instance