The Cipher is the debut novel that announced author Kathe Koja to the world. And what a world she introduced us to. One teeming with rain-soaked nights, beer-drenched hallways, bug-infested walls, and a dark hole filled with infinite possibilities. Best of all is Nick’s unabashed narration which demonstrates Koja’s proclivity toward the lewd and unsavory. It may make your skin crawl, but it’ll satiate that penchant for all things dark and disturbing.