The Registration - (The Elysian Files) by Madison Lawson

About the Book

Short Summary: In a world where most citizens are allowed to kill once in their lifetime, Lynell Mize finds herself on the hitlist of many and has only fourteen days to survive, find out why, and learn to forgive herself.

Book Synopsis

A 2023 IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award Silver Medal Winner

A 2023 IPPY Award Bronze Medal Winner

A 2023 Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award Finalist

"A journey with twists and heart." --Marni MacRae, international bestselling author

"It was everything I hoped it would be and more." --Kristy Gardner, author of The Stars in Their Eyes

You can't outrun the Registration.

Imagine it's legal to commit one murder in your lifetime--if you Register the victim and accomplish the kill within fourteen days. So when Lynell Mize stands in line to Register the man who abused her as a child, she's shocked to hear a stranger Register her to be killed. Why would anyone who doesn't know her squander his one legal murder on her? Desperate to survive the next two weeks, she must find out who wants to kill her--and why.

Easier said than done as Lynell soon discovers that multiple strangers have used their Registration on her. Along the way, she reunites with her estranged husband who is determined to dig up a past Lynell prefers to keep buried. With only days left to live, Lynell fights to uncover the truth and survive a destiny not of her choosing.

For readers who enjoy The Chemist by Stephanie Meyer, All Your Perfects by Colleen Hoover, Behind Closed Doors by B. A. Paris, and The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.

Review Quotes

"The Registration challenges our humanity in a visceral, heart pounding exploration of right and wrong . . . Reminiscent of The Purge but with more heart, this crime thriller is set in a near-future dystopia. It was everything I hoped it would be and more." --Kristy Gardner, author of The Stars in Their Eyes

"Every once in a decade you read a genre bending thrill ride in the world of a sci-fi thriller that'll grip you from the first to the last page. Madison Lawson is one of my favorite authors, and I can't wait to read the next humdinger of a thriller." --The Strand Magazine

"Lawson is a genius; her world building and textured characters stick with you and make you think. The Registration tangles the reprehensible with reason and takes the reader on a journey with twists and heart." -- Marni MacRae, international bestselling author

"Madison Lawson's debut is a stunning sci-fi mystery with a unique vision of a near-future America that hooks you from page one and doesn't let go. Overflowing with creativity, action and twists I never saw coming, The Registration is not just riveting sci-fi but a dive into the psyche that explores love, family and the darkest--and brightest--aspects of humanity." --Rob Samborn, author of The Prisoner of Paradise and Painter of the Damned

"Talk about a hook. Lawson's debut thriller starts with a twist and just keeps zipping along from there with a fast, suspenseful pace, unflinching exploration of hot-button issues, and a protagonist you'll want to root for. The Registration offers a glimpse at a terrifying, not-so-impossible future, and I couldn't look away." --T. M. Blanchet, author of Herrick's End and Herrick's Lie

"VERDICT Lawson delivers a compelling dystopian near-future tale . . ." --Library Journal

"Wow! What a ride! In a speculative future where you can register to kill a person once in your life without it being a crime, a woman goes to register her abuser only to learn that someone is also registering to kill her. The premise of The Registration is so unique. The plot is action-packed, making this a page turner. And the characters . . . Lawson excels at creating complex characters--flawed but one you can't help but root for. The emotional beat in the story grabbed ahold of me and didn't let go until the last page. Brava to Lawson on her debut!" --Sarina Dahlan, #1 bestselling author of Reset

About the Author

Madison Lawson writes novels full of suspense, social commentary, and complex relationships. She is an award-winning short story author, and her debut novel, The Registration, was optioned for film by Sony Pictures. Madison is represented by Julie Gwinn at the Seymour Agency. Madison received her BA in English with a focus on Creative Writing from Texas A&M University and her MA in English Literature from North Carolina State University. To stay updated, follow Madison on social media and checkout her website madisonlawson.com.