Action, Fiction, Science Fiction, Thriller, Young Adult
Description
In a world rebuilt on trials and silent overseers, 800 young strangers are taken into a sealed facility where every test determines whether they live or die. Ariyike wants only one thing—to survive quietly—but the system has other plans. As alliances crumble and fear rewrites who people become, she discovers the truth: the tests aren’t about strength… they’re about breaking the mind. And the deeper the Trials go, the more Ari begins to wonder if survival is worth who she must become to achieve it.
Tropes
Deadly Tests / Survival Games
Government-Controlled Facility
Fear-Based Trials
Unethical Experimentation
Emotionally Guarded Protagonist
Trauma-Based Character Arcs
Strangers to Reluctant Allies
Forced Vulnerability
Slow-Build Emotional Bonding
Trauma Bonding
Enemies-to-allies
Group Dynamics Under Pressure
Moral Dilemmas
Quiet Tension
Authority vs Rebellion Seeds
Systematic Dehumanization
Weakness as a Weapon
Content Warnings
Death
Depression
Suicidal ideation (non-graphic)
Psychological distress
Fear-based experiments
Violence/fighting
Harassment
Implied sexual threat (no assault)
Trauma
Panic-inducing situations
Spice Level
0 - None
Bonus Content Included
Author’s Notes
Thank you for reading Trials of the Unknown.
This story was born out of a deeply personal place—a mix of survival, faith, fear, and the strength it takes to keep moving even when the world feels unkind. Ari’s journey reflects the struggle so many young adults face: fighting battles no one else sees, trying to rebuild yourself after life has broken you down, and learning that strength doesn’t always look loud. Sometimes it’s quiet. Sometimes it’s trembling. But it’s still strength.
I pray this book finds the people who need it most, those learning to stand again, to forgive themselves, and to see their own worth. Thank you for supporting my work and for stepping into this world with me.
— Lauren Zoey
⸻
Sneak Peek of Book Two: Trials of the Unknown
The next chapter of Ari’s journey will push everything to its breaking point.
The facility is changing.
The tests are evolving.
And for the first time, the participants won’t just be fighting the system—they’ll be fighting each other.
Alliances will fracture.
Secrets will surface.
Loyalties will be tested.
And survival will demand choices that stain the soul.
Ari and Seo Jun will find themselves caught between the government’s manipulation and the rising rebellion brewing inside the compound. Friendships will shift. Enemies will rise. Trust will become dangerous—and love even more so.
In Trials of the Unknown, every decision has consequences.
Every test demands sacrifice.
And not everyone will make it out alive.
Prepare for a story of betrayal, power, and the price of freedom.
Special Instructions
• Please leave an honest review on Amazon & Goodreads within 7 days of download.
• Spoilers are allowed, but add a spoiler warning before them.
• Do not share any screenshots of the final twist or last 6 chapters.
• If posting on TikTok or Instagram, please tag @laurenzoeybooks so I can thank you.
• ARC readers who submit a review will receive early access to Book Two, where the characters face each other as enemies.
Thank you for supporting my debut novel.
Preferred Review Sites
Amazon
Goodreads
TikTok
Instagram
YouTube
Author Website
Details
Lauren Zoey
Publisher:
Length:
485 pages
Narrator(s):
Third- person narrative