The Compound and The Fallout by S. A. Bodeen

The Compound duology was written by S. A. Bodeen and was published by Feiwel & Friends.

1.  The Compound, 2008
2.  The Fallout, 2013

Publisher's summary:

Eli and his family have lived in the Compound for six years.

The world they knew is gone.

Eli's father built the Compound to keep them safe. Now, they can't get out.

He won't let them.

This is a pretty short summary, but it's really all that can be said in order for the book to be appreciated as intended.  I heard about this book via a thread of YA dystopian book recommendations on Reddit.  I opened up the free sample on Amazon and began reading. 

Something struck me as a little odd, and I'm sure that the author wanted readers to pick up on it.  This caused me to want to know more.  I was compelled to keep reading.

As soon as I finished the sample, I closed it and hit the purchase button immediately.  I opened up the Kindle app on my iPad and continued reading without pause.

Usually, I finish the sample and take a few minutes to assess whether I enjoyed the sample enough to purchase the book.  Sometimes I skim the first few reviews.  In this case, my decision came with no thought required.  It likely was the fastest I have ever purchased a book after reading the sample.  

I read the entire book in less than 24 hours and immediately continued with the second book.  I also read it in around 24 hours.

If you think you might be interested in reading The Compound, do not go looking for more detailed summaries, and avoid all online reviews.  Most importantly, stay away from anything having to do with the second book, The Fallout.  The publisher's summary of that book spoils the first book.

Just read the free sample found on Amazon, and make your decision based on how you feel about it.

In reflecting about my reading experience, the early part of the first book contains many mundane details, so it's not that exciting.  I didn't much mind, since I was focused on figuring out whether I was right about what I suspected.

The Compound and The Fallout are highly suspenseful books.  The Compound is overall outstanding, and The Fallout is excellent, just a step down from the first book.