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The Farm #2
The Lair (Farm 2) by McKay, Emily (2014) Paperback
In the battle against the vampiric Ticks, humanity was slowly but certainly headed for extinction. For months, twin sisters Lily and Mel had been “quarantined” with thousands of other young people being harvested for their blood—food for the Ticks. Finally escaping with a few friends, the twins are separated—and must continue the fight on their own . . . After making it to a resistance base camp in Utah, Lily learned to survive at all costs. But when a Tick attack decimates the fighters, Lily and her pregnant friend, McKenna, decide to make the hard trek north to Canada—and safety. Meanwhile, Mel is being taught how to survive by the very vampire that turned her. Living without her sister is hard, but dealing with the fact that her autism was cured by the vampire bite is an even bigger challenge. But when a monstrous betrayal places Lily in mortal danger, Mel must set out to find her, save her, and begin to unravel the empire of destruction that the Ticks have built.
Paperback
First published November 5, 2013
35 people are currently reading
2003 people want to read
About the author
Emily McKay
194 books624 followersI write the kinds of books I want to read. Fast-paced books with lots of world-building, snarky heroines, and swoony heroes. I love story, pop culture, gossip, and baked goods. I’m a modern-day hippy and certified LEGO nerd.
I live in the Austin, Texas hill country, with my geeky husband and two extremely geeky kids. We have dogs, chickens, cats, and more LEGOs than should be allowed by law. Oh, and I stress bake. So if my characters talk about food a lot, that’s why.
I live in the Austin, Texas hill country, with my geeky husband and two extremely geeky kids. We have dogs, chickens, cats, and more LEGOs than should be allowed by law. Oh, and I stress bake. So if my characters talk about food a lot, that’s why.
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dnf
April 27, 201723/11/13
Why have the POV changed?
I mean Lily's chapters are now in third person....
Before
WHEN?????
I need like right now!!
Why have the POV changed?
I mean Lily's chapters are now in third person....
Before
WHEN?????
I need like right now!!
November 4, 2013
Fast paced, thrilling and intensely captivating, The Lair by Emily McKay is even better than the previous book in the series, The Farm. The characters are way more likeable, the action - even more breathtaking and twisty, and the completely jaw-dropping plot developments are sure to leave you stunned and begging for the next book. I'm so glad I finally got to read the first two books in this awesome series!
I'll be honest with you, I wasn't particularly impressed with The Farm. I really enjoyed the unique take on the vampire lore, combined with Mckay's truly blood-chilling dystopian vision, but I really hated the lead character, Lilly. I couldn't get past her annoying attitude. She was always picking fights, complaining and sabotaging every plan Carter came up with along the way. Stubborn and often times completely irrational, she made it very difficult for me to really enjoy the awesome plot and creepy atmosphere of The Farm. And Carter, while definitely better that Lily, wasn't perfect either. Some of the things he said really bothered me and I ended up disliking him by the end of the first book. That being said, I was extremely happy to see that all these characters - Lily, Carter, even McKenna and Mel - were so much better in The Lair. Sure, Carter and Lily still argued sometimes, but it wasn't pointless bickering anymore, it was simply two strong characters having different opinions. And, considering everything that happened at the end of The Farm, and everything we learned about Lily and Mel, it all made so much more sense now! Carter was way overprotective of Lily, but he had his reasons, and it wasn't just that he had feelings for her, it was more than that. Most importantly, Mel wasn't the guarded, bitchy Ms. I Know Better Than Everyone Else, she was more rational in her decisions, more thoughtful and more mindful of the people around her. She was still opinionated and fierce, but there was finally some logic to her behavior now.
The narration is still divided between three characters - Lily, Carter and Mel, with Carter's now being in first person's POV. I liked the shift. I was really tired of being in Lily's head, it was too messy in there, too tiring. Plus, being able to see the world through his eyes, and learn more about him and his relationship with Sebastian, provided me with some priceless insight and made the plot even more interesting to follow. I thought this was a brilliant move on McKay's part!
Then there's also the new Mel. In The Farm, Mel was probably my favorite character. Struggling with autism, she saw the world differently and her strong connection with Lily was fascinating to me. At the same time, while so rich on the inside, she was boxed in, trapped inside her brilliant mind, unable to fully express herself. The chapters dedicated to her character were very short and often times too bizarre and confusing for my taste. In The Lair, we meet a new Mel. I can't really talk about her transformation in detail without giving away some very important things about the plot, but I can say that overall, I was happy with all the changes. It was a bold and risky move on McKay's part, but personally I think it all worked out very well for the story.
The plot itself was completely mind-blowing. Full of unexpected twists and shocking betrayals, it was deliciously readable. I breezed through this instalment in a little over one afternoon, and I was completely absorbed in the events. On top of that, McKay's writing style improved so much! It was more captivating, more beautiful and evocative. It wasn't all focused on describing what was happening anymore. It was more reflective, filled with thoughts and passages I'd re-read over and over again, simply because they were meaningful and worth remembering. I was really impressed.
Overall, this was a fantastic sequel! If you enjoyed The Farm, you will love The Lair even more. And just like me, you'll be left begging for the third book in the series!
I'll be honest with you, I wasn't particularly impressed with The Farm. I really enjoyed the unique take on the vampire lore, combined with Mckay's truly blood-chilling dystopian vision, but I really hated the lead character, Lilly. I couldn't get past her annoying attitude. She was always picking fights, complaining and sabotaging every plan Carter came up with along the way. Stubborn and often times completely irrational, she made it very difficult for me to really enjoy the awesome plot and creepy atmosphere of The Farm. And Carter, while definitely better that Lily, wasn't perfect either. Some of the things he said really bothered me and I ended up disliking him by the end of the first book. That being said, I was extremely happy to see that all these characters - Lily, Carter, even McKenna and Mel - were so much better in The Lair. Sure, Carter and Lily still argued sometimes, but it wasn't pointless bickering anymore, it was simply two strong characters having different opinions. And, considering everything that happened at the end of The Farm, and everything we learned about Lily and Mel, it all made so much more sense now! Carter was way overprotective of Lily, but he had his reasons, and it wasn't just that he had feelings for her, it was more than that. Most importantly, Mel wasn't the guarded, bitchy Ms. I Know Better Than Everyone Else, she was more rational in her decisions, more thoughtful and more mindful of the people around her. She was still opinionated and fierce, but there was finally some logic to her behavior now.
The narration is still divided between three characters - Lily, Carter and Mel, with Carter's now being in first person's POV. I liked the shift. I was really tired of being in Lily's head, it was too messy in there, too tiring. Plus, being able to see the world through his eyes, and learn more about him and his relationship with Sebastian, provided me with some priceless insight and made the plot even more interesting to follow. I thought this was a brilliant move on McKay's part!
Then there's also the new Mel. In The Farm, Mel was probably my favorite character. Struggling with autism, she saw the world differently and her strong connection with Lily was fascinating to me. At the same time, while so rich on the inside, she was boxed in, trapped inside her brilliant mind, unable to fully express herself. The chapters dedicated to her character were very short and often times too bizarre and confusing for my taste. In The Lair, we meet a new Mel. I can't really talk about her transformation in detail without giving away some very important things about the plot, but I can say that overall, I was happy with all the changes. It was a bold and risky move on McKay's part, but personally I think it all worked out very well for the story.
The plot itself was completely mind-blowing. Full of unexpected twists and shocking betrayals, it was deliciously readable. I breezed through this instalment in a little over one afternoon, and I was completely absorbed in the events. On top of that, McKay's writing style improved so much! It was more captivating, more beautiful and evocative. It wasn't all focused on describing what was happening anymore. It was more reflective, filled with thoughts and passages I'd re-read over and over again, simply because they were meaningful and worth remembering. I was really impressed.
Overall, this was a fantastic sequel! If you enjoyed The Farm, you will love The Lair even more. And just like me, you'll be left begging for the third book in the series!
November 26, 2013
Spoilers
Meh, just as dull and unoriginal as the first book.
-I didn't enjoy the plot, it was slow and nothing interested happened until the very end. Lily and Carter finally escaped the Farm, and were safe from evul vampires and ticks (mindless zombie-like vampires) for all of 5 minutes. Lily's sister (Melanie) was turned into a vampire and had boring thought after boring thought. There was a tick attack or two. Some danger. Teen angst. A long pointless journey. All the adults fucked off somewhere else and happily abandoned their kids, as they usually do in YA. More teen angst.
-Lily was the typical-reckless-boring YA heroine. All her talk about being smart was bullshit, she was a right thicko. She was also a fucking-annoying-do-goody-idiot… She felt overly guilty about going into other people's abandoned homes and taking their stuff even though she had no other choice. Why would anyone feel guilty about that if it meant life or death?! She was in a fucking apocalypse, there was no time to be all preachy and righteous about things like that. I hate heroines who are all about morals and who don't think practically about the situation they're in.
-Carter was the usual-irritating-bossy-dull hero. I've still not forgiven him for telling Lily in the first book that the only reason he could have possibly fallen for her was because she compelled him using her abductrae (or whatever the hell it was called) powers. How arrogant and rude of him. Why on earth would Lily want to be with him after he said that to her? The funny thing though was that he turned out to have those powers himself and he didn't once consider that he might have influenced Lily's feelings for him — what a cocky prat.
-Melanie was uninteresting. I preferred her character when she was autistic. Her changing into a vampire turned her into another run of the mill, boring, speshul snowflake heroine.
-Jonathan (Lily/Melanie's dad) was a wimpy douche. He abandoned his daughters, and didn't bother looking for them when the vampires/ticks took over, instead he just hoped they'd be okay. What kind of parent doesn't make sure their children are safe?! And then when he was reunited with them, he didn't even apologise or try to make amends… He just showed off and acted like a prick. I hope he dies a horrible death in the next book.
-I rolled my eyes at Mel and Carter not making sure that Sebastian, the evul-mad-vampire-who-destroyed-the-world, was well and truly dead. It would have taken them a couple of seconds to behead him but the thickos took their sweet time waffling around when they could have been killing him. They knew that he'd eventually hunt them down so why didn't they finish him off as soon as he was immobile and unable to fight back?! The whole thing was unrealistic and contrived. I hate when characters don't seize the chance to kill the bad guy when they've been given the perfect opportunity.
-The POV's randomly switching from 1st person to 3rd person, and present to past tense was annoying. It didn't flow well at all.
-There were one or two nice twists but for the most part everything was rather predictable.
All in all, another YA novel that had nothing unique or memorable going for it. I'll read the next one but just for completion's sake.
Meh, just as dull and unoriginal as the first book.
-I didn't enjoy the plot, it was slow and nothing interested happened until the very end. Lily and Carter finally escaped the Farm, and were safe from evul vampires and ticks (mindless zombie-like vampires) for all of 5 minutes. Lily's sister (Melanie) was turned into a vampire and had boring thought after boring thought. There was a tick attack or two. Some danger. Teen angst. A long pointless journey. All the adults fucked off somewhere else and happily abandoned their kids, as they usually do in YA. More teen angst.
-Lily was the typical-reckless-boring YA heroine. All her talk about being smart was bullshit, she was a right thicko. She was also a fucking-annoying-do-goody-idiot… She felt overly guilty about going into other people's abandoned homes and taking their stuff even though she had no other choice. Why would anyone feel guilty about that if it meant life or death?! She was in a fucking apocalypse, there was no time to be all preachy and righteous about things like that. I hate heroines who are all about morals and who don't think practically about the situation they're in.
-Carter was the usual-irritating-bossy-dull hero. I've still not forgiven him for telling Lily in the first book that the only reason he could have possibly fallen for her was because she compelled him using her abductrae (or whatever the hell it was called) powers. How arrogant and rude of him. Why on earth would Lily want to be with him after he said that to her? The funny thing though was that he turned out to have those powers himself and he didn't once consider that he might have influenced Lily's feelings for him — what a cocky prat.
-Melanie was uninteresting. I preferred her character when she was autistic. Her changing into a vampire turned her into another run of the mill, boring, speshul snowflake heroine.
-Jonathan (Lily/Melanie's dad) was a wimpy douche. He abandoned his daughters, and didn't bother looking for them when the vampires/ticks took over, instead he just hoped they'd be okay. What kind of parent doesn't make sure their children are safe?! And then when he was reunited with them, he didn't even apologise or try to make amends… He just showed off and acted like a prick. I hope he dies a horrible death in the next book.
-I rolled my eyes at Mel and Carter not making sure that Sebastian, the evul-mad-vampire-who-destroyed-the-world, was well and truly dead. It would have taken them a couple of seconds to behead him but the thickos took their sweet time waffling around when they could have been killing him. They knew that he'd eventually hunt them down so why didn't they finish him off as soon as he was immobile and unable to fight back?! The whole thing was unrealistic and contrived. I hate when characters don't seize the chance to kill the bad guy when they've been given the perfect opportunity.
-The POV's randomly switching from 1st person to 3rd person, and present to past tense was annoying. It didn't flow well at all.
-There were one or two nice twists but for the most part everything was rather predictable.
All in all, another YA novel that had nothing unique or memorable going for it. I'll read the next one but just for completion's sake.
Want to read
January 26, 2013OH...NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!
NO...NO...NO...NOOOOOOOOO.....
where's the publication date??? oh no! can't be!!! pleaaa...aaseee...
don't make me wait...!!!
oh heck, at least it's 2013! so i should be fine... but waiting... makes.... meeeee.....
NO...NO...NO...NOOOOOOOOO.....
where's the publication date??? oh no! can't be!!! pleaaa...aaseee...
don't make me wait...!!!
oh heck, at least it's 2013! so i should be fine... but waiting... makes.... meeeee.....
Read
April 27, 2016DNF at 30%.
No star rating.
No star rating.
November 8, 2013
**A 4.3 Review as posted on KindleObsessed blog**
Stunned is defined as: To stupefy, as with the emotional impact of an experience; astound.
I use a lot of different words when writing reviews. Stunned is not usually one of them. But after finishing Emily McKay’s “The Lair” it’s the only word I can think of to accurately sum up my feelings.
I. Was. Stunned.
If you remember (last December) when I reviewed McKay’s “The Farm” I pretty much lost my shit. (As eloquent as that sounds.) I was head over heels in love with that book, not only for its originality (which is still rampant in “The Lair”) but because of the character choices McKay chose to explore (mentally speaking) and the overall sadistic action that spread like wildfire through-out its plot. But the book ended with some fairly serious issues up in the air, and while I was anxious to read its sequel, I was also petrified I’d pummel it with lofty expectations that could never be met. So I waited, literally, until the very last moment I could get away with reading this book. And twenty pages in, I was overwhelmed with regret. Not because my suspicions had been confirmed (I am more often proven wrong than I am proven right) but because I should have had more faith in an author I KNOW has the ability to create a truly STUNNING, and jaw-dropping story.
“The Lair” picks up exactly where “The Farm” left off. Lives dramatically changed, people missing, others dead, and a hunt for safety on the top of a very long list of wants and needs. And much like it’s predecessor, it is written in multi-narration, so we can follow every aspect of the story. The only difference? The dramatic change in EVERY characters personality.
Lily, Mel, and Carter are decidedly different from book one, but not in a concerning way. Instead, their characters reflect growth (resulting from the events that previously took place.) “The Farm” circled around fear. Fear of their situation, fear of authority, fear of each-other. “The Lair” is also based around fear, but that fear has morphed into something much more complicated. Now there is fear of becoming a monster. Fear of abandonment. Fear of loss. Fear of inevitability. Escaping is no longer the objective, living is. But living is a difficult thing to accomplish when everyone around has an ulterior motive. (Or as us everyday folk like to refer to it…everyone is lying.)
The plot itself is centered around these lies, and catapults each character into their own interesting web of deception. And the deception is what ignites the action.
With just as much (if not more) action than “The Farm,” “The Lair” races through an abundance of twists and turns at break-neck speed. I personally found it hard to put down, and after just one day noticed I was only 20 pages from finishing this 420 page novel. And the last 20 pages? Let’s just say I was awash with so many emotions I had a hard time focusing my thoughts. Though it ended in a quazi-cliffhanger, it still offered a crumb of closure. Something I appreciate more than I am willing to admit.
In the end, I was impressed. The story was solid, the characters where believable, and the continuation of a what is a very original story continued to be just that…very original.
If you have yet to read “The Farm” I highly recommend it. If you have…don’t hesitate (like I did) to pick up “The Lair.” It’s not only worth the money, but it’s worth the time you will spend reading it.
Happy Reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: There is no I in team.
Stunned is defined as: To stupefy, as with the emotional impact of an experience; astound.
I use a lot of different words when writing reviews. Stunned is not usually one of them. But after finishing Emily McKay’s “The Lair” it’s the only word I can think of to accurately sum up my feelings.
I. Was. Stunned.
If you remember (last December) when I reviewed McKay’s “The Farm” I pretty much lost my shit. (As eloquent as that sounds.) I was head over heels in love with that book, not only for its originality (which is still rampant in “The Lair”) but because of the character choices McKay chose to explore (mentally speaking) and the overall sadistic action that spread like wildfire through-out its plot. But the book ended with some fairly serious issues up in the air, and while I was anxious to read its sequel, I was also petrified I’d pummel it with lofty expectations that could never be met. So I waited, literally, until the very last moment I could get away with reading this book. And twenty pages in, I was overwhelmed with regret. Not because my suspicions had been confirmed (I am more often proven wrong than I am proven right) but because I should have had more faith in an author I KNOW has the ability to create a truly STUNNING, and jaw-dropping story.
“The Lair” picks up exactly where “The Farm” left off. Lives dramatically changed, people missing, others dead, and a hunt for safety on the top of a very long list of wants and needs. And much like it’s predecessor, it is written in multi-narration, so we can follow every aspect of the story. The only difference? The dramatic change in EVERY characters personality.
Lily, Mel, and Carter are decidedly different from book one, but not in a concerning way. Instead, their characters reflect growth (resulting from the events that previously took place.) “The Farm” circled around fear. Fear of their situation, fear of authority, fear of each-other. “The Lair” is also based around fear, but that fear has morphed into something much more complicated. Now there is fear of becoming a monster. Fear of abandonment. Fear of loss. Fear of inevitability. Escaping is no longer the objective, living is. But living is a difficult thing to accomplish when everyone around has an ulterior motive. (Or as us everyday folk like to refer to it…everyone is lying.)
The plot itself is centered around these lies, and catapults each character into their own interesting web of deception. And the deception is what ignites the action.
With just as much (if not more) action than “The Farm,” “The Lair” races through an abundance of twists and turns at break-neck speed. I personally found it hard to put down, and after just one day noticed I was only 20 pages from finishing this 420 page novel. And the last 20 pages? Let’s just say I was awash with so many emotions I had a hard time focusing my thoughts. Though it ended in a quazi-cliffhanger, it still offered a crumb of closure. Something I appreciate more than I am willing to admit.
In the end, I was impressed. The story was solid, the characters where believable, and the continuation of a what is a very original story continued to be just that…very original.
If you have yet to read “The Farm” I highly recommend it. If you have…don’t hesitate (like I did) to pick up “The Lair.” It’s not only worth the money, but it’s worth the time you will spend reading it.
Happy Reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: There is no I in team.
November 12, 2015
I want to like this this novel, and somewhere in me, a part of me does. However, I just can’t help feeling a tinge of disappointment after finishing up this second installment in McKay’s vampire series. This novel picked up exactly where the first novel, The Farm, left off (brownie point earned here for no tedious recap), and persists with the same issues/themes. However, while McKay obsessively focuses on Carter/Lily’s romantic entanglement, she fails to elaborate on the backbones of her story. I would have loved to hear more about the Abductura especially since the only skills that the reader is aware of is the ability of the Abductura to be able to bend others to their will out of sheer persuasion. McKay also does throw genetics around her novels rather leisurely, but doesn’t truly elaborate on the science behind the “regenerative gene” or what make-up comprises an Abductura. This is where the novel is truly lacking. The story would fare better with readers if McKay could firm up the details behind these two integral parts in her story. The Lair is not necessarily poorly written, on the contrary, McKay is still delivering a fresh take on a vampiric post-apocalyptic world. I just wish certain areas of the novel were more developed. It is rare for me to say this, but the rule of the movie sequel not being as great as the first applies here.
Want to read
April 1, 2013BLECH.
DAT COVER.
...
...
...
I want to say something nice, but nothing is really coming to mind right now.
DAT COVER.
...
...
...
I want to say something nice, but nothing is really coming to mind right now.
April 20, 2015
Ugh. Just ugh. Where I loved the first book in this series due to its portrayal of an autistic character, this book read like a cliched teenaged angtsy relationship.
It felt like all Lily and Carter did was whine about their relationship. How loving each other put them both at risk. How they couldn’t act responsibly or logically if they were near each other. And yet neither wanted to be apart. It was just all so overblown.
I was most disappointed in the developments of Mel’s character. Being turned into a vampire “cured” her autism, and I found it almost offensive. I was proud that when she looked back at her life with autism she was proud of it. She liked her life then, and obviously had doubts that being “cured” was a good thing. Due to her outlook, I didn’t mind her, just the changes that happened to her.
Overall, I just couldn’t get into this book. It just felt full of all the YA cliches that I hate, and left me with eye strain due to all the eye rolling. There were some rather spectacular cliffhangers at the end, but I don’t think I care enough to continue the series.
It felt like all Lily and Carter did was whine about their relationship. How loving each other put them both at risk. How they couldn’t act responsibly or logically if they were near each other. And yet neither wanted to be apart. It was just all so overblown.
I was most disappointed in the developments of Mel’s character. Being turned into a vampire “cured” her autism, and I found it almost offensive. I was proud that when she looked back at her life with autism she was proud of it. She liked her life then, and obviously had doubts that being “cured” was a good thing. Due to her outlook, I didn’t mind her, just the changes that happened to her.
Overall, I just couldn’t get into this book. It just felt full of all the YA cliches that I hate, and left me with eye strain due to all the eye rolling. There were some rather spectacular cliffhangers at the end, but I don’t think I care enough to continue the series.
March 11, 2014
4.5 stars
Still missing the dose of romance I crave in my reads, but The Lair is even better then the first book in all the ways that matter the most. Great character development and growth and the writing has such an incredible pull to it, compelling me to keep reading till the last page. Yes, I miss the romance-factor, but this book is filled with non-stop action, paranormal goodness and characters that never say die, it's easy to overlook. A fast paced addicting read! Need the next book NOW!
Still missing the dose of romance I crave in my reads, but The Lair is even better then the first book in all the ways that matter the most. Great character development and growth and the writing has such an incredible pull to it, compelling me to keep reading till the last page. Yes, I miss the romance-factor, but this book is filled with non-stop action, paranormal goodness and characters that never say die, it's easy to overlook. A fast paced addicting read! Need the next book NOW!
March 21, 2016
I really enjoyed it! It went in a completely different direction than I was expecting this entire time! Can't wait to read the next one!
March 18, 2017
3.5 stars rounded up!
•The first twist was okay, but didn't leave me wanting to know more about it. However, the second one was great! Make the (cliffhanger-ish) ending even better!
•Writing seems to match the first book for the most part so it didn't seem too disjointed.
•Character's relationships were okay, I like Carter and Lily's relationship more than Sebastien and Mel's
•Every chapter had a bit of action which is something that I need in any novel!
•The first twist was okay, but didn't leave me wanting to know more about it. However, the second one was great! Make the (cliffhanger-ish) ending even better!
•Writing seems to match the first book for the most part so it didn't seem too disjointed.
•Character's relationships were okay, I like Carter and Lily's relationship more than Sebastien and Mel's
•Every chapter had a bit of action which is something that I need in any novel!
February 6, 2017
It started off a little weak, but the characters have become more interesting, deeper and better developed (though there are some holes I would like to have seen filled), and the plot has become involved enough to really hold a readers interest. I'm looking forward to seeing how the series continues to develop.
January 16, 2020
This and other reviews can be found on The Psychotic Nerd
Short and Simple Review
It took me a bit to get into this book. While the series has some interesting dystopian ideas, this book follows a lot of the typical middle-book plotlines. The characters are now part of a rebellion, trying to survive outside what they just escaped, and the main couple separates for most of the book. This made me not as interested in the book because I could tell there would be middle-book syndrome. Thankfully, though, the pace picks up and even when the characters are separated and there are some high stakes scenes. This book changes up the narration a little and I'm not sure why. We still follow Lily, Mel, and Carter, but Carter's is in first-person for some reason instead of Lily. As for Mel, I had some problems with her portrayal in this book. *Some Spoilers For Book One* Mel is autistic and at the end of book one, she is turned into a vampire. In this book, it is clear that her turn effectively made her no longer autistic which didn't sit well with me. She does show that she is upset by this change because she was fine with who she was before and didn't want to be anyone else, so the book acknowledges the issue, but I didn't like how the book took the autistic character and tried to "cure" her. Anyway, I also found the romance annoying. Carter spends most of the book being overprotective of Lily, even though she proved in the last book she can do things for herself. I just didn't really care about their relationship. The book does get interesting near the end and ends on a pretty big note, but I honestly don't think I will read the last book. It's not at any of my libraries and I am not invested enough to want to buy a copy. Also, I get the feeling that Mel and Sebastian will be a thing and no, I do not want that to happen.
Short and Simple Review
It took me a bit to get into this book. While the series has some interesting dystopian ideas, this book follows a lot of the typical middle-book plotlines. The characters are now part of a rebellion, trying to survive outside what they just escaped, and the main couple separates for most of the book. This made me not as interested in the book because I could tell there would be middle-book syndrome. Thankfully, though, the pace picks up and even when the characters are separated and there are some high stakes scenes. This book changes up the narration a little and I'm not sure why. We still follow Lily, Mel, and Carter, but Carter's is in first-person for some reason instead of Lily. As for Mel, I had some problems with her portrayal in this book. *Some Spoilers For Book One* Mel is autistic and at the end of book one, she is turned into a vampire. In this book, it is clear that her turn effectively made her no longer autistic which didn't sit well with me. She does show that she is upset by this change because she was fine with who she was before and didn't want to be anyone else, so the book acknowledges the issue, but I didn't like how the book took the autistic character and tried to "cure" her. Anyway, I also found the romance annoying. Carter spends most of the book being overprotective of Lily, even though she proved in the last book she can do things for herself. I just didn't really care about their relationship. The book does get interesting near the end and ends on a pretty big note, but I honestly don't think I will read the last book. It's not at any of my libraries and I am not invested enough to want to buy a copy. Also, I get the feeling that Mel and Sebastian will be a thing and no, I do not want that to happen.
September 5, 2015
I found the beginning of this a bit slow, but overall, it was really good.
October 3, 2013
INITIAL THOUGHTS
I admit my original plan had been to read this book in late October, just before it is published in November, however the Farm really stayed with me and all the queries I had about "What happens next" eventually niggled me so much I gave in, and decided to go ahead and read this one as it was just sitting there on my kindle waiting for me to give in! Consequently, as I approached reading this book, I was unquestionably eager and looking forward to the experience as I had truly enjoyed Book One and that left one heck of a cliff hanger at the end! I want to find out what exactly took place with Mel as we left book one, as well as catching up with Sebastian's reaction to her, has he nurtured her and aided her to come to terms with being "turned" or as he was reluctant to "turn her", did he abandon Mel?
I have so many questions about all the characters. How is McKenna as she is heavily pregnant? What about Carter and Lily and their relationship? Will Lily and McKenna push ahead with the original plan to go to Canada? Or will they join the rebellion being valiantly led by Carter? And another uncertainty I still have is: Could Joe have possibly survived, and if so where is he?
MY REVIEW
I received an e-arc copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
The cover I believe fits well with the first book in the series, The Farm. I'd say the female on the cover could be either Mel or Lily, as the image fits the description of both teens. The byline of "There is no where to hide" is backed up as the truth as we discover the ticks are changing and no longer seem afraid to step on holy ground.
So in this book Mel has been turned although she is having problems coming to terms with what she has become. Sebastian is still with her but that has to be because it is going to be of some benefit to him in the long run as he is cold and quite cruel at times to Mel.
Carter, Lily and McKenna make it to Base Camp to realise it's not the safe haven they thought it would be and is being attacked more regularly by the Ticks. After Lily ends up hurt and there's another attack on Base Camp Carter and Lily think they would be safer apart so they can both concentrate on surviving rather than their romance, there's also the complication that McKenna has come to a decision that she thinks Joe is lost to her forever and was killed by the Ticks he lured away from them so she would be safer going to Canada in time to give birth to their child. Carter entrust's Lily and McKenna's safety to Ely, whilst he plans a secret attack on a farm in Texas. Lily isn't so keen on trusting Ely and continually compares how Ely reacts to certain situations to how Carter would have handled them. And that's all I can say about the plot really without telling you the whole book! We are introduced to a new family that in the Before had been pretty serious "Preppers". An old character returns somewhat unexpectedly to provide help when it's definitely needed. There's also a new character entering the "virus fight" who may or may not have a possible cure and vaccine against the tick virus. This character being introduced is just one of the magnificent twists in this extraordinary book written by the , in my opinion super talented Author Emily McKay. there is quite a lot of things happening and the plot twists and turns in ways I would never have dreamt of. In this second book we end up learning much more about the feud between Sebastian and Roberto, and get answers questioned about how the tick virus really began. We also meet Sabrina, also a vampire whom I think will perhaps feature more heavily in the next book. I enjoy how the plot unfolds and the pace of the book, it seem's as though there is either always something happening or danger heading towards the characters I have become so fond of in this series so far.
Once again the book ends on an agonising cliff hanger to torture the reader until they can read the next book. I feel a strong compulsion that I want . . . no need to read book three as soon as I can get my hands on a copy.
SUM UP
Did I enjoy the book? Absolutely loved it! Even more than book One! Would I recommend the book? Without a doubt, yes. Will I be reading Book 3 in this series? Positively Yes! Would I consider reading another book written by Emily McKay? Yes I would, perhaps even if it wasn't a genre I regularly read too.
QUOTES FROM THE BOOK
Some of the quotes I enjoyed the most in the book were Mel and how even though she had been turned and could speak without rhymes she continues to use them. Mel also uses them to communicate with Lily and Carter in an ensnared situation. Below are a few of them.
"Sometimes old dogs have new tricks for new dogs" "One a penny, two a penny, hot cross buns" "Three blind mice. Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil. See how they run?" These quotes fit the different scenes where they are placed in the book perfectly and provide humor to the book too.
I'm also partial to certain passages from the individual chapters from the character points of view. Once again by Mel is the one featured next, a very descriptive
"I am flat on my back and pressed between the pages of the annotated dictionary. Not a pretty posy, but a beastly bella donna."
Then there's one by Lily, again descriptive, informative and lets us learn of Lily's opinion of women and the fact she believes they have a role to play in the fight against the ticks, and the survival of the human race. "As wrong and as horrific and as horrible as this all seemed, it also somehow felt right. Like this was how it was supposed to be. Women helping other women to do the impossible. To do this difficult and dangerous thing."
I'd say some of the things the characters say really give you a deeper insight into their minds and hearts. Here is a quote from one of Carter's chapters that shows how he is feeling at the time and gives us an insight into his ironic type of humor. "I've been shot. I've had my shoulders sliced open with razor blades over and over again to insert and remove chips. I've been in serious pain. You would think having your pulled wouldn't hurt in comparison.
Trust me it does."
I admit my original plan had been to read this book in late October, just before it is published in November, however the Farm really stayed with me and all the queries I had about "What happens next" eventually niggled me so much I gave in, and decided to go ahead and read this one as it was just sitting there on my kindle waiting for me to give in! Consequently, as I approached reading this book, I was unquestionably eager and looking forward to the experience as I had truly enjoyed Book One and that left one heck of a cliff hanger at the end! I want to find out what exactly took place with Mel as we left book one, as well as catching up with Sebastian's reaction to her, has he nurtured her and aided her to come to terms with being "turned" or as he was reluctant to "turn her", did he abandon Mel?
I have so many questions about all the characters. How is McKenna as she is heavily pregnant? What about Carter and Lily and their relationship? Will Lily and McKenna push ahead with the original plan to go to Canada? Or will they join the rebellion being valiantly led by Carter? And another uncertainty I still have is: Could Joe have possibly survived, and if so where is he?
MY REVIEW
I received an e-arc copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
The cover I believe fits well with the first book in the series, The Farm. I'd say the female on the cover could be either Mel or Lily, as the image fits the description of both teens. The byline of "There is no where to hide" is backed up as the truth as we discover the ticks are changing and no longer seem afraid to step on holy ground.
So in this book Mel has been turned although she is having problems coming to terms with what she has become. Sebastian is still with her but that has to be because it is going to be of some benefit to him in the long run as he is cold and quite cruel at times to Mel.
Carter, Lily and McKenna make it to Base Camp to realise it's not the safe haven they thought it would be and is being attacked more regularly by the Ticks. After Lily ends up hurt and there's another attack on Base Camp Carter and Lily think they would be safer apart so they can both concentrate on surviving rather than their romance, there's also the complication that McKenna has come to a decision that she thinks Joe is lost to her forever and was killed by the Ticks he lured away from them so she would be safer going to Canada in time to give birth to their child. Carter entrust's Lily and McKenna's safety to Ely, whilst he plans a secret attack on a farm in Texas. Lily isn't so keen on trusting Ely and continually compares how Ely reacts to certain situations to how Carter would have handled them. And that's all I can say about the plot really without telling you the whole book! We are introduced to a new family that in the Before had been pretty serious "Preppers". An old character returns somewhat unexpectedly to provide help when it's definitely needed. There's also a new character entering the "virus fight" who may or may not have a possible cure and vaccine against the tick virus. This character being introduced is just one of the magnificent twists in this extraordinary book written by the , in my opinion super talented Author Emily McKay. there is quite a lot of things happening and the plot twists and turns in ways I would never have dreamt of. In this second book we end up learning much more about the feud between Sebastian and Roberto, and get answers questioned about how the tick virus really began. We also meet Sabrina, also a vampire whom I think will perhaps feature more heavily in the next book. I enjoy how the plot unfolds and the pace of the book, it seem's as though there is either always something happening or danger heading towards the characters I have become so fond of in this series so far.
Once again the book ends on an agonising cliff hanger to torture the reader until they can read the next book. I feel a strong compulsion that I want . . . no need to read book three as soon as I can get my hands on a copy.
SUM UP
Did I enjoy the book? Absolutely loved it! Even more than book One! Would I recommend the book? Without a doubt, yes. Will I be reading Book 3 in this series? Positively Yes! Would I consider reading another book written by Emily McKay? Yes I would, perhaps even if it wasn't a genre I regularly read too.
QUOTES FROM THE BOOK
Some of the quotes I enjoyed the most in the book were Mel and how even though she had been turned and could speak without rhymes she continues to use them. Mel also uses them to communicate with Lily and Carter in an ensnared situation. Below are a few of them.
"Sometimes old dogs have new tricks for new dogs" "One a penny, two a penny, hot cross buns" "Three blind mice. Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil. See how they run?" These quotes fit the different scenes where they are placed in the book perfectly and provide humor to the book too.
I'm also partial to certain passages from the individual chapters from the character points of view. Once again by Mel is the one featured next, a very descriptive
"I am flat on my back and pressed between the pages of the annotated dictionary. Not a pretty posy, but a beastly bella donna."
Then there's one by Lily, again descriptive, informative and lets us learn of Lily's opinion of women and the fact she believes they have a role to play in the fight against the ticks, and the survival of the human race. "As wrong and as horrific and as horrible as this all seemed, it also somehow felt right. Like this was how it was supposed to be. Women helping other women to do the impossible. To do this difficult and dangerous thing."
I'd say some of the things the characters say really give you a deeper insight into their minds and hearts. Here is a quote from one of Carter's chapters that shows how he is feeling at the time and gives us an insight into his ironic type of humor. "I've been shot. I've had my shoulders sliced open with razor blades over and over again to insert and remove chips. I've been in serious pain. You would think having your pulled wouldn't hurt in comparison.
Trust me it does."
August 13, 2020
Okay, I hate giving criticism, but here’s my honest review.
It isn’t the best writing. It’s an easy read and has a storyline that grabs you - one that I really enjoyed - but the writing itself is subpar. There are lots of issues with pronouns, grammar, and some rather awkward interactions. There were also a fair number of moments that just felt like a ton of ‘fluff.’ I was personally able to overlook all of that, but just be prepared to have to actively choose to do so. It wasn’t always an easy thing to do...
One other thing to note is that there is a spoiler in the acknowledgements section before the start of chapter 1. I actually enjoy reading the acknowledgements, so I was disappointed... It doesn’t say verbatim what will take place, but it was clear and even started well past the halfway mark at 240 pages in. So I would recommend skipping the acknowledgements!
All in all, I really did love the book. If you’re able to hold onto a story without getting too turned off by issues such as the ones stated above (I know, it’s a struggle), give it a shot! If you enjoyed the first book in the series, then I think that you’ll enjoy this one too.
It isn’t the best writing. It’s an easy read and has a storyline that grabs you - one that I really enjoyed - but the writing itself is subpar. There are lots of issues with pronouns, grammar, and some rather awkward interactions. There were also a fair number of moments that just felt like a ton of ‘fluff.’ I was personally able to overlook all of that, but just be prepared to have to actively choose to do so. It wasn’t always an easy thing to do...
One other thing to note is that there is a spoiler in the acknowledgements section before the start of chapter 1. I actually enjoy reading the acknowledgements, so I was disappointed... It doesn’t say verbatim what will take place, but it was clear and even started well past the halfway mark at 240 pages in. So I would recommend skipping the acknowledgements!
All in all, I really did love the book. If you’re able to hold onto a story without getting too turned off by issues such as the ones stated above (I know, it’s a struggle), give it a shot! If you enjoyed the first book in the series, then I think that you’ll enjoy this one too.
March 19, 2022
This book was literally like a roller coaster, both emotionally and throughout the plot in the book. The plot twists made me speechless, couldn’t even imagine some of them being a option. It’s a well written book. I really enjoy it!
January 22, 2019
Review to come. 3.5 stars
March 15, 2019
The first book fell a tad bit flat but had some good parts to it. This book was flat.
Everything original was traded in for a cliche premise.
Disappointing.
Everything original was traded in for a cliche premise.
Disappointing.
March 25, 2015
The p-prose... it's... killing me!
Okay exaggerations aside, if the first book was bad for it's purple prose, the second is nigh unbearable. Several times throughout my experience with The Lair I found myself thinking; 'Spit it out already!' or 'I'm sick of going round in circles here!' or 'Call a spade a spade for the love of Christ!' . The fact that I didn't enjoy many of Carter or Lily's chapters (a real problem considering they take up at least 80% of the book) was something made worse by - or perhaps even entirely because of - the overly flowery writing style. Well that, and they whine far too much for my liking.
I went into detail about the purple prose problem in the last review, so I'll put that to the side on the understanding that 1 - it's still there, and 2 - it's gotten worse. What I didn't say in my last review (because it wasn't an issue in The Farm, but has definitely become one in The Lair) is that Lily is clingy, emotional and reckless to the point of stupidity, while Carter is overprotective, controlling and a bit of a drama king. Never mind the fact that Lily sentenced her sister to eternal life as a monster. Never mind that the world has turned to utter shit. Never mind that she still doesn't know if any of her other family members are alive or not. What is Lily worried about? Carter. Carter, Carter, Carter. Practically every thought she has, has something to do with Carter in one way or another. Carter himself is no better. And that would've been fine - I get it, you know? Young love and all that. But I'd have appreciated it if they could have maintained at least some of their individuality. It's like, after they became and item they ceased to be separate entities altogether. It actually reminded me a lot of a couple of friends I had in high school. Once they started dating it was like they became a round-the-clock package deal - which got to be aggravating considering one was my best friend and we were suddenly no longer able to do anything without the other being there. I don't know, maybe it was just the style of the writing that made the pair seem so intolerable this time round. Whatever it was, the chemistry of this couple fizzled right out for me before I was even halfway through the book.
Mel and Sebastian on the other hand... Well I wouldn't call them the next wonder-couple or anything. In fact, I wouldn't categorize their relationship as couple-like in the slightest. And therein lies the beauty of it! What those two have between them is something dark and bitter and complicated. Mel clearly both admires and despises Sebastian, while Sebastian himself looks on Mel as a tool to be used as he sees fit. At this point I've already read the third book, so I know how this pair's 'arc' ends... But, I'll save that for then. As of the second book, Mel and Sebastian are the characters I enjoy reading about the most.
Overall, The Lair just wasn't as good as The Farm as far as I'm concerned. Most of Lily and Carter's chapters - and therefore most of the book - were just a downright drag. The only Lily chapters I remember truly enjoying were her last scenes with McKenna and her subsequent attempts to keep baby Josie safe. I don't recall enjoying Carter's chapters at all.
Oh, and I have to ask - does anyone have a reasonable explanation for why Carter and Lily's chapters have suddenly swapped perspectives? I found it really pointless, and actually quite jarring myself.
Disclaimer: The picture doesn't belong to me. The rights belong to it's respective owner.
Okay exaggerations aside, if the first book was bad for it's purple prose, the second is nigh unbearable. Several times throughout my experience with The Lair I found myself thinking; 'Spit it out already!' or 'I'm sick of going round in circles here!' or 'Call a spade a spade for the love of Christ!' . The fact that I didn't enjoy many of Carter or Lily's chapters (a real problem considering they take up at least 80% of the book) was something made worse by - or perhaps even entirely because of - the overly flowery writing style. Well that, and they whine far too much for my liking.
I went into detail about the purple prose problem in the last review, so I'll put that to the side on the understanding that 1 - it's still there, and 2 - it's gotten worse. What I didn't say in my last review (because it wasn't an issue in The Farm, but has definitely become one in The Lair) is that Lily is clingy, emotional and reckless to the point of stupidity, while Carter is overprotective, controlling and a bit of a drama king. Never mind the fact that Lily sentenced her sister to eternal life as a monster. Never mind that the world has turned to utter shit. Never mind that she still doesn't know if any of her other family members are alive or not. What is Lily worried about? Carter. Carter, Carter, Carter. Practically every thought she has, has something to do with Carter in one way or another. Carter himself is no better. And that would've been fine - I get it, you know? Young love and all that. But I'd have appreciated it if they could have maintained at least some of their individuality. It's like, after they became and item they ceased to be separate entities altogether. It actually reminded me a lot of a couple of friends I had in high school. Once they started dating it was like they became a round-the-clock package deal - which got to be aggravating considering one was my best friend and we were suddenly no longer able to do anything without the other being there. I don't know, maybe it was just the style of the writing that made the pair seem so intolerable this time round. Whatever it was, the chemistry of this couple fizzled right out for me before I was even halfway through the book.
Mel and Sebastian on the other hand... Well I wouldn't call them the next wonder-couple or anything. In fact, I wouldn't categorize their relationship as couple-like in the slightest. And therein lies the beauty of it! What those two have between them is something dark and bitter and complicated. Mel clearly both admires and despises Sebastian, while Sebastian himself looks on Mel as a tool to be used as he sees fit. At this point I've already read the third book, so I know how this pair's 'arc' ends... But, I'll save that for then. As of the second book, Mel and Sebastian are the characters I enjoy reading about the most.
Overall, The Lair just wasn't as good as The Farm as far as I'm concerned. Most of Lily and Carter's chapters - and therefore most of the book - were just a downright drag. The only Lily chapters I remember truly enjoying were her last scenes with McKenna and her subsequent attempts to keep baby Josie safe. I don't recall enjoying Carter's chapters at all.
Oh, and I have to ask - does anyone have a reasonable explanation for why Carter and Lily's chapters have suddenly swapped perspectives? I found it really pointless, and actually quite jarring myself.
Disclaimer: The picture doesn't belong to me. The rights belong to it's respective owner.
July 31, 2014
Book Review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/reviews/...
After reviewing The Farm, I thought it was time to dive into the sequel, The Lair. My one main issue with the first book in the series was Carter, the main love interest. I was hoping there’d be less chapters in the sequel told from Carter’s POV, and that the book would focus more on Lily and Mel, the two protagonists I did like. Unfortunately, Carter plays an even larger part here.
I want to know how this series ends, because seriously, the plot is engaging, the characters – minus Carter – are enjoyable, and this book ends on a cliffhanger, and I want to know what happens next. But Carter makes it really hard for me. In the first book, I could forgive some of his flaws. But here…he turns from a slightly-controlling person into a self-righteous, controlling alpha male (or at least, he acts like an alpha) who tries to control Lily’s every move. When Lily gets hurt, he starts acting like a raving maniac. I understand freaking out because someone you love is in danger, I do, but he’s just over the top. Lily would be so much better off without him. If he acts this controlling so soon in their relationship, that only predicts trouble for the future.
Also, I’m not sure what it is with YA literature, and with controlling, sometimes even abusive boyfriends. There’s nothing even remotely fun about having a person around who controls your every move. So why do these heroines seem to find that endaring?
I found Lily and Carter’s story rather boring here. We find out a bit more about the Ticks, about who is behind all this, and life in camp. Those are the interesting tidbits. There’s a few tick attacks, some action moments, but all in all, the book falls for the same trap a thousand other books have fallen into before: the love trap. Suddenly the Lily/Carter romance is more important than how the world has gone to hell, and than surviving in a world full of Ticks. Right.
Mel and Sebastian now, I found their story a lot more intriguing. I was afraid Mel would become a dull, run-down-the-mill character now she lost her autism thanks to changing into a vampire, but luckily that wasn’t the case. Vampires here are pretty terrifying, and that’s just about the best part about them. Sebastian was still awesome because I had trouble figuring out his endgame, which made him about ten times as intriguing as the rest of the characters.
I’m going to read the third book for completion’s sake, and because I want to read more about Mel, Sebastian, and maybe even Lily. Carter is a douche, and I wouldn’t mind if he got killed off in a random Tick attack.
Writing was okay, as usual, but there’s a lot of switching between first and third person POV, and present and past tense. Overall, the book didn’t flow that well.
After reviewing The Farm, I thought it was time to dive into the sequel, The Lair. My one main issue with the first book in the series was Carter, the main love interest. I was hoping there’d be less chapters in the sequel told from Carter’s POV, and that the book would focus more on Lily and Mel, the two protagonists I did like. Unfortunately, Carter plays an even larger part here.
I want to know how this series ends, because seriously, the plot is engaging, the characters – minus Carter – are enjoyable, and this book ends on a cliffhanger, and I want to know what happens next. But Carter makes it really hard for me. In the first book, I could forgive some of his flaws. But here…he turns from a slightly-controlling person into a self-righteous, controlling alpha male (or at least, he acts like an alpha) who tries to control Lily’s every move. When Lily gets hurt, he starts acting like a raving maniac. I understand freaking out because someone you love is in danger, I do, but he’s just over the top. Lily would be so much better off without him. If he acts this controlling so soon in their relationship, that only predicts trouble for the future.
Also, I’m not sure what it is with YA literature, and with controlling, sometimes even abusive boyfriends. There’s nothing even remotely fun about having a person around who controls your every move. So why do these heroines seem to find that endaring?
I found Lily and Carter’s story rather boring here. We find out a bit more about the Ticks, about who is behind all this, and life in camp. Those are the interesting tidbits. There’s a few tick attacks, some action moments, but all in all, the book falls for the same trap a thousand other books have fallen into before: the love trap. Suddenly the Lily/Carter romance is more important than how the world has gone to hell, and than surviving in a world full of Ticks. Right.
Mel and Sebastian now, I found their story a lot more intriguing. I was afraid Mel would become a dull, run-down-the-mill character now she lost her autism thanks to changing into a vampire, but luckily that wasn’t the case. Vampires here are pretty terrifying, and that’s just about the best part about them. Sebastian was still awesome because I had trouble figuring out his endgame, which made him about ten times as intriguing as the rest of the characters.
I’m going to read the third book for completion’s sake, and because I want to read more about Mel, Sebastian, and maybe even Lily. Carter is a douche, and I wouldn’t mind if he got killed off in a random Tick attack.
Writing was okay, as usual, but there’s a lot of switching between first and third person POV, and present and past tense. Overall, the book didn’t flow that well.
November 25, 2015
The Lair is the follow up to The Farm by Emily McKay. I initially read The Farm for a paranormal book club, and then later met the author at a book signing for this book. In between the two books, I was fortunate to have stumbled upon "The Before" which is a prequel type short story on Wattpad. What can I say- these books are so great- they are so very well written and the characters captivate the reader. A unique telling on the typical vampire story- this is no typical scenario. Readers are introduced to vampiric Ticks, Abuducturaes and learn the idiosyncrasies of autism and how that condition could or would alter, if one "changed". A story of twin girls and a handful of unlikely comrades that are facing a world where humans are now the minority and vampires and mutated versions of such are taking over. Teenagers are sent to farms to live/breed and those left to fight, do all they can to find a cure and save mankind. Overall this author does a wonderful job of writing compelling stories that flow smoothly and leave the reader wanting more...Speaking of more- When is the next book???
June 12, 2017
It was amazing!!! The ending was a big cliffhanger that it rlly pissed me off! Did he do it?? Wtf are they going to do now?!?! Omg there was a bunch of action, deaths, and absolutely no happiness...Swear to God only horrible things kept happening! :o
Then there's Carter who apparently his only job in the world is to worry/complain about Lily and also love her to death....which makes him oblivious of what's rlly happening around him!
Lily was tough as hell to go through what she went && Mel!! Omg getting used to her being a vampire was both difficult and entertaining! I was expecting for her && Sebastian to have some sort of a romance but NOTHING! It just gave slight hints of them being attracted to each other and that's it.
The book was some crazy shiit and I'm hoping the author comes up with the 3rd book real fast!
Then there's Carter who apparently his only job in the world is to worry/complain about Lily and also love her to death....which makes him oblivious of what's rlly happening around him!
Lily was tough as hell to go through what she went && Mel!! Omg getting used to her being a vampire was both difficult and entertaining! I was expecting for her && Sebastian to have some sort of a romance but NOTHING! It just gave slight hints of them being attracted to each other and that's it.
The book was some crazy shiit and I'm hoping the author comes up with the 3rd book real fast!
July 3, 2014
*Genre* Young Adult, Post-Tickpocalypse
*Rating* 3.5-4
*My Thoughts*
The Lair (The Farm #2) picks up approximately ONE week after the conclusion of The Farm. Things have changed for our three main characters Mel, Lily, and Carter. As with The Farm, McKay has created an interesting world where deviant creatures called Ticks, now roam freely across the former United States thanks to a new virus created by a megalomaniac vampire.
**PLEASE SEE THE REST OF MY REVIEW @ GIZMOS REVIEWS***
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
Published November 5th 2013 by Berkley Trade
*Rating* 3.5-4
*My Thoughts*
The Lair (The Farm #2) picks up approximately ONE week after the conclusion of The Farm. Things have changed for our three main characters Mel, Lily, and Carter. As with The Farm, McKay has created an interesting world where deviant creatures called Ticks, now roam freely across the former United States thanks to a new virus created by a megalomaniac vampire.
**PLEASE SEE THE REST OF MY REVIEW @ GIZMOS REVIEWS***
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
Published November 5th 2013 by Berkley Trade
November 14, 2013
I love this book. I love this series. Yes, there were times when I wanted to smack Lily and punch Carter, but they are kids trying to find their way through a very unpredictable situation. They have to make choices that should be reserved for adults - choices that put the lives of hundreds and even thousands on the line. And still, I adore them. The one person I missed hearing from the most in the book was Mel. I love her character so much, so I was a bit disappointed that I didn't see her as much throughout the book. I really can't wait for the next book. I want it now! In the meantime, I'll have to content myself with Emily's serialized prequel on Wattpad.
August 4, 2014
The 2nd in this series – The Lair is told in three voices.
Mel – Has been turned by Sebastian and is learning how to become a vampire, finding and controlling her new powers and senses.
Carter – Is deeply in love with Lily and will do anything to protect her. They have travelled with McKenna to Base Camp – a fenced area and stronghold where Carter has led other ‘Greens’ he has saved from the Farms.
Lily – Looking after a pregnant McKenna, and uncomfortable with Carter’s over protectiveness.
But they all are unsure about where is safe from the Ticks. Who is to be trusted, and who is using them for their own agendas?
Leave itself wide open for the next in the series…
Mel – Has been turned by Sebastian and is learning how to become a vampire, finding and controlling her new powers and senses.
Carter – Is deeply in love with Lily and will do anything to protect her. They have travelled with McKenna to Base Camp – a fenced area and stronghold where Carter has led other ‘Greens’ he has saved from the Farms.
Lily – Looking after a pregnant McKenna, and uncomfortable with Carter’s over protectiveness.
But they all are unsure about where is safe from the Ticks. Who is to be trusted, and who is using them for their own agendas?
Leave itself wide open for the next in the series…
July 16, 2015
Not as good as the first but still a good read. Looking forward to book three (which none of the libraries carried by the way!! so had to order from Amazon). In this book, it's about Lily trying to get McKenna to a safe area to have her baby. Carter continues to try to protect the people leading the revolution against the Ticks. He hears from Zeke of a farm that is being turned over to the Ticks so is rushing off to Texas to try to save the Greens. Lily, McKenna and Ely heading to Canada. Mel and Sebastian off with Mel learning how to be a vampire. They all end up on Robertos Ranch in Texas where a showdown takes place between Sebastian and Roberto.
May 29, 2015
Although a good read, I enjoyed the first in the series (The Farm) more.
As a bookseller the cover of The Farm appealed to girls and boys more so than the cover of The Lair. For me, The Lair's cover was too girly for such a violent book and so much more could have portrayed this story better. Sure, I totally believe in the 'Not judge a book by its cover' philosophy and preach it constantly to my Tween and Teen bookclubs but it's a hard mind set to shift across all ages.
Still... I'm looking forward to the next book.
As a bookseller the cover of The Farm appealed to girls and boys more so than the cover of The Lair. For me, The Lair's cover was too girly for such a violent book and so much more could have portrayed this story better. Sure, I totally believe in the 'Not judge a book by its cover' philosophy and preach it constantly to my Tween and Teen bookclubs but it's a hard mind set to shift across all ages.
Still... I'm looking forward to the next book.
March 27, 2016
This book was on the edge of your seat, oh my gosh reading!! Lots of twists and turns I never saw coming. Vampire books are not my kind of books I read, but Emily's style of writing keeps you glued to the story. I will read #3 next. Have to see what happens!!
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