When I came across this good sized novella prequel to The Murder Complex series I decided I had to check it out, courtesy of my library's awesome digital collection. About a year ago I passed on the opportunity to review THE MURDER COMPLEX because I didn't think it would be for me and I had read some mixed reviews. 
 How wrong I was! I so wish I had given this series a chance because THE FEAR TRIALS really grabbed me and made me want to know everything about the harsh world Cummings has created. 
 THE FEAR TRIALS delivered more characterization that most other novellas, but I do wish the characters would have been fleshed out a little more because they were very intriguing. 
 People curious about THE MURDER COMPLEX should give this one a try, it's a fast paced read that feels like it tells a complete story, one that satisfies you yet still makes you want to pick up the rest of the series right away.