What would you do if you were granted the power to commit one consequence-free murder? Would you wield it for justice? For vengeance? Or would you keep it as a silent ace, a tool of protection you hope never to use?
This is the premise of One Free Kill Society, my newest story that delves into a dystopian world where every person is given a single, legally sanctioned act of murder—a “free kill.” No questions asked. No penalties enforced. It’s a world where the balance of power, morality, and humanity is fundamentally altered by this chilling rule.
In this society, the free kill isn’t just a loophole; it’s a cultural cornerstone. The mere knowledge that anyone could act on their “one free kill” creates a pervasive sense of tension and distrust. Governments, corporations, and even families are reshaped by the looming presence of this ultimate right.
Laws exist to prevent second kills, but the damage is often already done. Suspicion replaces security, and every argument carries the silent threat of irreversible consequences. Yet, in this grim reality, some people use their free kill for acts of perceived justice, challenging systemic corruption or targeting oppressors. Others hoard it, their restraint becoming both a moral high ground and a dangerous liability.
The Story
At the heart of One Free Kill Society is a cast of characters navigating this perilous world. Each has their own motivations, fears, and moral boundaries. The character we follow is named Lucas Bennett, a normal man who tries to live his day to day life without attracting too much attention to himself. The adventure that ensues keeps him asking ‘do I continue to keep my head down, or do I speak out?’
What happens when trust becomes a rarity? When power is concentrated in the hands of those willing to act? And what does it mean to live in a society where death is always one argument away?
At its core, One Free Kill Society isn’t just a thriller—it’s a meditation on human nature. It asks: What drives people to take someone’s life? How has our society become so desensitized by the media? Does our human nature crave violence? How many people does it take to change a society? And what is the price of a soul?
Why This Story Matters
In a time when questions about justice, accountability, and power dominate our headlines, One Free Kill Society offers a fictional lens to explore these issues. It challenges readers to confront their own beliefs about morality and vengeance. Would you use your free kill? If so, who would you choose—and why? This is why I enjoy writing dystopian future. We can inspect our own world in a way that puts a boundary between us and the horrible reality. It gives us a chance to ask why a world would descend into such chaos, while figuring out how to prevent it in our own.
This isn’t just a story about death; it’s about life, choices, and the invisible lines that bind us together as a society. I will admit, this is a violent book. There needed to be an element of desensitization in their society that is so vile that we, in our own world, find it so repelling that we wonder how anyone would enjoy it. When talking with my editor, we talked about different parts of the book. I asked if any of the parts could be cut. She said, “Don’t dumb it down. Keep the necessary violence. It shows how far gone they are.”
I refuse to put in graphic romantic scenes in my books. In respect to violence, I use it as an illustrative measure. If you are not comfortable with violence, I would not recommend this book for you. It’s a sad but true reality this society that these people find themselves in.
Stay Updated
If you’re as intrigued by this concept as I am, make sure to follow me on Instagram, where I’ll be sharing more frequent updates about One Free Kill Society, including sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes insights, and my writing process. It’s much easier for me to make a story or a reel to make a quick update rather than a full blog. I’ve been making updates on this book for the past year, and I’m so excited to finally release it. This blog will continue to serve as a hub for big updates or monthly recaps, but Instagram is the place to go for the most consistent content.
We’re shooting for a late January – early February release date in 2025.
A Note About The Broken Codex
Before I wrap up, I want to address something that many of you may have been wondering about: The Broken Codex. For the past two years, I’ve promised that it was coming, and I know some of you have been eagerly awaiting its release.
Unfortunately, I have to announce that The Broken Codex won’t be coming out anytime soon. After completing The Agitator’s Trilogy, which The Broken Codex was meant to serve as a prequel for, I found myself completely drained. Spending three and a half years immersed in that world was both an incredible experience and an exhausting one.
I intended to release The Broken Codex right after The Agitator’s Trilogy, but I realized I needed a palette cleanse—time to step away and explore new ideas. Doing so brought fantastic books like One Free Kill Society and my first nonfiction book, Nametags. While I still love the world and story of The Broken Codex, it’s not something I can return to just yet.
I’m truly sorry for the delay and any disappointment this may cause. Right now, I can’t say for certain when—or if—it will come out. Thank you for your understanding and for continuing to support my work. I hope one day that I will be able to jump back in and do the book the justice it deserved.
Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Writing stories that resonate with readers like you is what makes all of this worthwhile. Stay tuned for updates here on the blog and on Instagram—I can’t wait to share more with you!
Until then,
Ethan Jepsen