Sting Wars

The Sovereign Code #5

by Tamar Sloan, Heidi Catherine

The final battle for Immunity has arrived

Echo and River have fought for one thing—Immunity for all. And yet, it’s never been that simple. The truth has always been out of reach.

Now, the Razers want justice. The Green Borns want to protect humanity’s last stronghold. And as war erupts, the dream of one Zone may finally come true. The Extinction Zone.

Because the machines of war are far more deadly than they realized. Venom is the ultimate weapon. And the enemy was never who they thought it was.

Is there one to save them all? Or was Immunity the ultimate lie?

Genres: Dystopia, Science Fiction

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 22, 2023

About the author

Tamar really struggled writing this bio, in part because it’s in third person, but mostly because she hasn’t decided whether she’s primarily a psychologist who loves writing, or a writer with a lifelong fascination with psychology.

She must have been someone pretty awesome in a previous life (past life regression indicated a Care Bear), because she gets to do both. Beginning her career as a youth worker, then a secondary school teacher, before becoming a school psychologist, Tamar helps children and teens to live and thrive despite life’s hurdles like loss, relationship difficulties, mental health issues, and trauma.

As lover of reading, inspired by books that sparked beautiful movies in her head, Tamar loves to write young adult romance. To be honest, it was probably inevitable that her knowledge and love of literature would translate into writing emotion driven stories of finding life and love beyond our comfort zones. You can find out more about Tamar’s books at www.tamarsloan.com

A lifetime consumer of knowledge, Tamar holds degrees in Applied Science, Education and Psychology. When not reading, writing or working with teens, Tamar can be found with her husband and two children enjoying country life on their small slice of the Australian bush.
The driving force for all of Tamar’s writing is sharing and connecting. In truth, connecting with others is why she writes. She loves to hear from readers and fellow writers. Find her on all the usual social media channels or her website.

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Echo and River keep fighting for immunity for all, but are they fighting in vain? The irritation between Dead born's and Green born's become more agitated by the hour, and they have a hard time convincing everyone that they would be better off as one society. Most Green born's refuse to believe that Oren is manipulating them and soon the war is an actuality. Just like Oren wants...

I'm almost exhausted by everything they have to go through, in this book as well as the previous ones. When they finally get a rest they barely get time to breathe before something else happens. The authors also had a couple of more surprises to add to the story in this last book of the series. Although I'm going to miss Echo, River and the others I feel ready to leave this futuristic world behind and see what Sloan and Catherine come up with next!

* I received an ARC from the authors and I'm giving my honest review. *

[Christine Cazeneuve · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

I, for the most part, really enjoyed this series. The books at the start were terrific and I anxiously awaited for the next. However, the last two books were disappointing and this was my least favorite of the group. It seemed to lack the dynamics of the previous ones and even Makk couldn't satisfy me. Overall it's still a pretty good series and am glad I read it.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an ending

This final book in The Sovereign Code series was really good. It wrapped up the series so well. This book picked right up where book 4 left off. And man, what a ride this book was. Echo, River, Chase, and the gang are all trying to live and come up with a way to end Oren and his way of tyranny.

[ems_booknook · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an ending to an amazing and unique dystopian series.

It’s hard to find a series that’s not just like the rest of them, so I was so glad to find one that was new.

So many threads weaving all the way through, and extremely well thought out.

I’ll definitely be reading everything these authors have released.

[Devika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sting Wars is the fifth and final part in The Sovereign Code series. I really love this series so far. The whole concept is really unique and I enjoyed every plottwist in this series. I am really looking forward to see what the final pieces of the puzzle will bring. What will these authors have in store for their readers?

This book just brings the whole series together. Tamar Sloan and Heidi Catherine really know how to work together to make a great book. This whole series is amazing! It is something like you would have never seen before.

Check out my full review on my blog Boekensteeg

[Shannon Bolton · Rating 4 out of 5]

What to say 🤔... overall, I think I enjoyed this series but at the same time, on multiple occasions, I wanted to DNF it. Dont misunderstand me, the writing was good. What the author put the characters through at times got on my nerves. There was SO MUCH back and forth over who The Sovereign was that it started to really annoy me. Also, how was it so easy for the characters to go back and forth from Green Zone to Dead Zone? That seemed a tad unbelievable. Another thing was Flora doing what she did - I mean, seriously!? Don't even get me started on Clover. I could write a book about my thoughts on her. I wanted someone to put her in The Hive from the moment she showed up in the story. Harsh, I know (sorry, not sorry). ALL those things aside, I did find myself having a hard time putting my Kindle down. I read the entire series within a few days because I was genuinely drawn into the story and wanted to see how it all turned out in the end. So kudos to the author for simultaneously pulling me into Echo's world but also making me want to throw her books across the room. 😂

[Mya Elizabeth Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Frankly I’m happy it’s over…

I felt like this was dragged out like entirely too much
This book is nonstop LOSS LOSS LOSS LOSS
like I got no time to BREATHE geez!!

They must’ve said something along these lines “we’re trapped” “this is it” “no way out” like TEN TIMES I got so annoyed.

I do love the dynamic of River and Echo though, that’s why it’s three and not two stars. The romance. I love how they’re always by each other sides and love each other so much that they’re willing to sacrifice their own live for the other. I love love so it wasn’t hard to like them lol

Welp this journey is over, finally lol

[Julia · Rating 2 out of 5]

So glad this series is over. It was such a slog with five books. Should have just been a trilogy and really needed some editing. It just kept repeating problems over and over. It was like one step forward and two steps back every book.

Even finale was dragged out in the last book. Then the epilogue was so sunny and happy it felt like a disservice to all the things the characters had gone through.

I really liked the Thaw Chronicles, but this series made me not want to read any more books by these authors.

[Sharon Golding · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointed. This series got progressively worse with each book. It was very long winded, with the same things seeming to happen constantly. Some things were ever explained, like how Leif and his family managed to get hold of the vaccines when everyone saw them leaving in the opposite direction. A lot of the time it was just plain boring. Sorry but this is my honest opinion.

[Samantha Comeau · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overall just a bad ending to what could have been a really interesting series. The motives of the green born side and leader in the war are overstated and while also being unexplained. They had glazed over many things in this series and I was hoping it would come together better in the end.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I did enjoy the ending of this story, it felt like it got drug out for way to long. If they had condensed it into three books, and made them just a little longer I think it would have been great. Either way, I am glad I read them. Great story

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I still can not stand the narrator and choice of voices.

This one is better than rest, but I feel there are still plot holes.

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book five and the finale of The Sovereign Code series and Echo has just undergone another extraction, leaving her weaker than ever, in Reed’s attempt to produce an Immunity vaccine for all. After the last battle against Oren, everyone is scattered and people have no idea if their loved ones are still alive or safe. Those in the Dead Zone, with the Razers under Chase, are controlling who of the Green Born can enter and collect fruit. They have to pay with a sack of supplies, but some are not happy with how the Dead Born are suddenly in control of matters and chaos ensues, which of course excites the bees and many die trying to flee. Oren has always wanted to keep only those he thought deserved it safe within the Sting, but even those he used and promised Immunity to, he betrayed and killed! Flora and River had been raised as his own children, but he would rather see them both dead. He has put a target on River and Echo’s backs and the Green Born who remain have been pretty much brainwashed into believing everything he says. The fire injured him badly but instead of dying, he managed to escape and is back in control of his deadly workers and queen bees. Reed says Flora must have died in the Sovereign graveyard and Chase refuses to go and look for her. River however, cannot leave finding out what happened to his twin sister and searches until he finds her.

But that does not leave him happy, as Flora has been suffering under Oren’s lies and treatment for far too long. She knows things he tried to have hidden from her and lets him know that Echo is not the Sovereign they all hoped she was, and reveals all to River before jumping to her death! Those from the Dead Zone and the Moon Walkers all converge on the Sting, seeing it as the last safe place to stay after most of their homes were destroyed and the netting keeping them safe had been destroyed. Only the Green Born don’t want them there accusing them of eating all their food and will use venom and other weapons against them all. Rather than unite as Echo and River have tried to have them do, all against Oren and his control over them all, they are fighting believing they will be given Immunity by Oren so long as they force the undesirables out. Many of those were part of their own lives, having been born Green Born, but deemed Vulnerable during their Confirmation trial. As they continue to battle against each other rather than Oren, the only outcome that looks likely is that they will all die and the Extinction Zone will have the last laugh.

Oren doesn’t care who gets killed in these battles between each group and he makes matters so much worse as he releases bees, the queen bees he can individually control, as well as a multitude of the metallic workers which are deadly. The bees are incredibly fast and tiny, making them hard to stop, and being fatal for most with just one sting. The workers are much stronger and have a distinct advantage to those without any real weapons. Matters will have to reach rock bottom, even after a bit of assistance from Reed, before most of the Green Born finally realise whose side they should have been on. Chase is left with guilt over Flora’s death, whilst Echo and River have an amazing development, making River even more protective than he ever was. In his long fought desire to gain Immunity, Oren himself is left to face off against his own flaws and get what’s coming to him. So much death and division because of one man! I loved how Nola and Vern got back together after so long apart, but also young Makk, who idolised Chase and wanted to be a Razer so badly. His parents try to stop him stepping up, but he will always put himself in harm’s way and help others. Some wonderful moments in the story, but also lots of heartbreak and death of loved ones, as Oren plays with them all, to get what he wants. Glad to see the coming together and successes along the way and a nice epilogue with new additions to their existence. The ending ties together so much of what has happened throughout the series and was well thought out. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Rebecca Bean · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt invested at first, but by the end of the book, I was just so ready for it to be over. Several things that bugged me about the series in general rose to the surface again.

POTENTIAL SPOILERS AHEAD


- As mentioned in the Book 1 review, the narrator for the audiobook drove me a bit crazy. She has several voices, but so many of them are obnoxiously nasal or over the top. At least Chase speaks faster in the later books and River and Echo sound pretty normal.
- The history of the area still seems weird to me. The last books give some better clarification, but despite the Dead Zone conditions killing off so many people, it's strange that the population is so small and yet no one is old enough or even passed down stories of what life was like before the super bees. And they're so brainwashed that they seem to hold little value for family relationships in the Green Zone. I would expect riots or some kind of Dead Zone sympathy from parents of children who tested as vulnerable.
- There's not enough emotion expressed surrounding the deaths of loved ones and strangers. There's some quick descriptions of sadness or horror and then it's back to normal life with rare mentions of it later.
- The shock of discovering a new Sovereign feels like a copy paste each time. I would be more skeptical with each one.
- I think the concept of the Sovereign simply doesn't make sense. Scientists accidentally create super bees and suddenly human DNA follows the same pattern as bees and a singular queen bee exists that can save everyone?
- The constant lack of questions that I would think would surely cross their minds. How does a Sovereign save everyone? Because Harvesting seemed obvious, but no one seemed to think that far ahead. Who came up with the Sovereign idea anyway? How would you even discover that?
- The biggest one that drove the rating on this book down for me—where does Orren get his endless supply and construction of killing methods? He's a single person whose closest ally is dead. The worker bee machines (who also somehow exist in large numbers with seemingly little help) couldn't do it all. But somehow he has these high-tech, massive, and elaborate means available to him constantly with little to no help.
- Also a little weirded out every time it alludes to River and Echo having sex. I can't get it out of my head that they're only 17. Same issue with age with Flora being some kind of super genius in multiple fields of study/practice. Where did she manage to learn most of that in a brainwashed community that doesn't allow her outside and has only a single other scientist?

Overall, the series could be pretty captivating, but the plotholes mentioned above always kept it from really resonating with me and making me want to recommend it to others. The authors did a decent job of answering some of the questions surrounding Sovereign candidates, though.

[alishasbooknook · Rating 3 out of 5]

The last book in The Sovereign Code was an interesting read but didn’t fully meet my expectations. It was completely ruined when my least favourite trope (pregnancy) was in it, it made me feel like I wasted my time reading the first 4, just for the whole story to be ruined by an overused cliche. Which is why my star rating is lower than the previous 4, 1 deducted for the crappy trope, and 1 for all the time I wasted reading the books, if I knew that this was going to be in the story, I never would have started the series.

Besides Echo being pregnant, and the fact it had to be continuously mentioned every 5 minutes incase you somehow forgot, the story was good, and I liked the characters. The whole lead up to the war was suspenseful and the actual war was a lot shorter than I thought it would be, but still had a good ending.

The writing style is engaging, and there are definitely highlights throughout the book. Character development, the themes of love, loss, resilience and so much more. It just would have been so much better without her being pregnant, it was just so boring and once again a series that would have been perfect, was ruined.

Overall, it was okay, I don’t really have anything else to say because the trope ruined the whole thing for me, it would have been so much better without it.

[Reads_Must · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sting Wars
The Sovereign Code #5
Dystopian, YA
Tamar Sloan & Heidi Catherine
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I've been really enjoying this series and this book was another good addition.

The same arguments again and again became a little frustrating and repetitive but I do understand why they had to happen.

Echo and River are great characters and they're always very well written. I like how much they have continued to grow throughout the series. I was sad when a certain character died as they have played a large role in the plot.

I did see one of the surprises coming but it was still nice when it was revealed, especially because of the characters reactions.

The pacing was just right and I was kept engaged the whole time. I couldn't put this book down and I finished reading it in one sitting.

The time jump towards the end was nice. It fit the plot nicely and I liked seeing what River and Echo had achieved.

I would've liked the world to be explored even more. Are there any other survivors or communities etc?

Overall this was a great finale and I'll miss reading about these characters and their lives.

*Thank you to @heidicatherine and @tamarsloan for providing this ARC. This is my own opinion and an honest review, which I am leaving voluntarily*

[Avo_in_bookland (Narelle) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sting Wars is the perfect end book to the Sovereign series. Wrapping it all up with big Plot twists and the final Uprising to Conquer Oren and his Tyranny. Left me feeling happy but also a little heart broken.

It’s Time for Chase and the Razors to get payback. The Greezone to find out the truth and for River to connect with his mother and Vernon. Is Echo really the Sovereign and will they achieve the result of One Zone for all.

Oren doesn’t care how many people get killed in his quest to only save the True Immume. But it’s time for the Green Zone, the Dead zone and the Moon people to work as one to fight for Survival. And sadly not all our Favourites will make it out alive.

Absolutely loved this series. Mack, Nectar, River and of course Echo have to be my Favourites. Awesome to have a whole series written about the fuzzy little Bees. Thankyou to Tamar Sloan and Heidi Catherine for writing such a Great Series.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twists and turns and surprises continue in the last book in the Sovereign Code series. River and Echo are back in their search for Immunity for everyone. Hoping that this can be done peacefully, they try to unite the Dead Borns with the Green Borns but there is someone standing in the way and they will let nothing interfere with their plans. Will River and Echo find the real sovereign in time to save everyone?
I was really invested in the characters in this book. Especially River, Echo, and Makk.
As with the previous books, very readable and hard to put down. By turns heartwarming, heart-wrenching, and horrifying. Excellent read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Victoria Weir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I just loved this series.

I am so sad that it is over.

I have never read a series quite like this one. I love that bees are the main part in this story and that while they are an absolute vital part of life they are also the major cause of death, of course there is always the evil overlord controlling everything.

I’ve never read a book where these tiny little insects are the cause of so much death!

Seriously loved this series from the first book, the first chapter. And they didn’t change throughout the whole series.

I loved that ultimately a common little bee made everything right. Not some super bee.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for the entire series!

Can’t wait to read more by these authors.

[DeeDeeWReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an ending!!! This last book in the Sovereign Code Series had everything you thought you wanted and more. Love, sacrifice, lose, bees, so many bees.

There is a HEA, that much I will tell you. For who, you will have to read to find out, but you will be kept guessing and learning more and more until the very last page.

I loved this series so much and I am sad it is over, but I am glad I was here to read every page of it. I laughed, I cried, so many tears, but most of all, I felt what the characters did.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Sahar's Honest Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

A War for Survival
The final battle has begun. Will the Green Born and Dead Born unite to survive, or will everything fall apart under the weight of one man's ruthless ambition? Echo and River carry the hope of humanity on their shoulders, but can they endure what's coming? Will Immunity finally be within reach—or has it all been a lie?
This gripping series finale is packed with nonstop action, unexpected twists, and high emotional stakes. If you enjoy dystopian romances with head-spinning turns and relentless momentum, this series is worth diving into—just be sure to start from the beginning.

[Corrine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final battle has begun. Will everyone survive? Will we finally get our sovereign? Immunity for all?

More secrets.
More twists and turns!
More suspense!
More Bees!

What a way to end! From the first page to the last I was just waiting to see what was going to happen next. I was so invested I was able to finish reading in an afternoon!

Sting Wars was a strong finale that wrapped everything up from the series, even giving us a look into the future.

I personally would love to see a prequel series going back to the very beginning!

*A Thank you goes to Heidi Catherine and Tamar Sloan for providing this ARC in return for an honest review!*

[Bookaddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible series and a fitting finale.
All the series was a back and forward for River and Echo - their fight, their struggles, and a bit their relationship.
But in the end, they stay together like one - and their love and comittment is the most wonderful thing in the book.
It was a series with wonderful characters - even the ones that I hated!
And with so many twists and turns, that kept me breathless.
I think I’ll read again the whole series, without pauses between books. Will worth it!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Neil · Rating 1 out of 5]

Do not waste your time! Terrible writing and conclusion to this series. Sadly you can very much tell the books/authors that stretch a story just to print more books and make $. Probably encouraged by publishers (like Amazon/Kindle) again to make $. This final book just keeps repeating the same things over and over and over again, this is the definition of beating a dead horse, without providing anything new or exciting. Absolutely disappointing writing and conclusion. Hope this saves others some disappointment and wasted time!

[Jessica Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woah! What an ending to a fantastic series.
I loved every single page!

I want to say a huge thank you to Tamar & Heidi for creating such an incredible storyline. This series is one of the best series I’ve ever read.

I loved the way the characters were written, I love the twists and turns & the incredible shocks. The authors are brilliant. I didn’t see so many of them coming.

If you enjoy dystopian worlds with fantastic character development & amazing story I highly recommend you pick these books up immediately.

I’m still in awe…

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one hell of a finale for this incredible series that has had me hooked since book one. Well paced and action packed, the final battle for immunity has begun. It’s a thrilling read, entertaining and captivating as we follow River and Echo to the end of their journey to unite everyone and save the day. Gripping, this had me on the edge of my seat as the authors weaved their magic, answered our questions and tied up loose ends.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this series because the subject matter was so different for other dystopian books. Echo, River, Chase and Flora and the gang have been looking for a way to make dead borns and green borns immuned to the bees. Their journey takes them through many perilous adventures. This final book definitely includes some surprises. Very good finish to an excellent series.

[Jill Gauger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the final book in the series and it doesn’t disappoint.
It’s action packed from start to finish as River and Echo try to unite the Dead Borns and the Green Borns in the fight to defeat Oren before he destroys humanity. The twists and turns are filled with chaos and hope and a fitting end to this battle that will decide all.
I love this book and series and highly recommend it.

[Helen Jones hazlewood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This final instalment of the Hive series is a compulsive read from the first page. The action is relentless and unpredictable, and the tension palpable as this wonderful series comes to a thrilling climax, with some unexpected twists that make for a satisfying ending. Another captivating series by Heidi and Tamar. I can't wait to read the next!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this series so much. This final book was perfect. It kept me guessing at every single turn of events.

The ending has me sobbing. Floras final message. River and Maggie being sovereigns. Reed turning out to be the good guy (man that one scene sure had me scared). These characters feel like family to me. And I love knowing they are safe.