What do you think?
Rate this book
Denazen #2
Toxic
When a Six saved Kale's life the night of Sumrun, she warned there would be consequences. A trade-off. Something taken for the life they gained. But Dez never imagined she'd lose the one thing she'd give anything to keep... And as if it's not enough Dez finds her immunity to Kale fading, the Six brought in to help Kale learn to control his killer touch starts drooling on him the moment they meet. Worse than that? Jade can touch Kale. But bimbo Barbie is the least of Dez's problems.
After Dez and Kale got away at Sumrun, her father lost not only his most powerful weapon but an important piece of the Supremacy project. Forced by Denazen to remedy the situation, he poisons Dez and offers her a choice--surrender to Denazen for the cure...or die. Determined to find a solution that doesn't involve being bagged and tagged--or losing someone she loves--Dez keeps the poison a secret. But when a rash of Denazen attacks hit a little too close to home, Dez is convinced there's a traitor among them. Jade.
Sacrifices, broken promises, and secrets. Dez will have to lay it all on the line if there's any hope of proving Jade's guilt before they all end up Residents of Denazen. Or worse, dead...
After Dez and Kale got away at Sumrun, her father lost not only his most powerful weapon but an important piece of the Supremacy project. Forced by Denazen to remedy the situation, he poisons Dez and offers her a choice--surrender to Denazen for the cure...or die. Determined to find a solution that doesn't involve being bagged and tagged--or losing someone she loves--Dez keeps the poison a secret. But when a rash of Denazen attacks hit a little too close to home, Dez is convinced there's a traitor among them. Jade.
Sacrifices, broken promises, and secrets. Dez will have to lay it all on the line if there's any hope of proving Jade's guilt before they all end up Residents of Denazen. Or worse, dead...
317 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2012
76 people are currently reading
4634 people want to read
About the author
Jus Accardo
23 books1,496 followersJUS ACCARDO spent her childhood reading and learning to cook. Determined to follow in her grandfather’s footsteps as a chef, she applied and was accepted to the Culinary Institute of America. But at the last minute, she realized her true path lay with fiction, not food.
Jus is the bestselling author of the popular Denazen series from Entangled publishing, as well as the Darker Agency series, and the New Adult series, The Eternal Balance. A native New Yorker, she lives in the middle of nowhere with her husband, three dogs, and sometimes guard bear, Oswald.
Jus is the bestselling author of the popular Denazen series from Entangled publishing, as well as the Darker Agency series, and the New Adult series, The Eternal Balance. A native New Yorker, she lives in the middle of nowhere with her husband, three dogs, and sometimes guard bear, Oswald.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 300 reviews
October 23, 2012
It's Time to Rewind
The Bonus Scene : This was included after the end of the book - one short scene from Kale's PoV. Apparently, the best was saved for last because this was my favorite part of the book, apart from the wild beginning. I can honestly say that this is the first time I truly got to vibe on Kale and how his mind worked. Watching this one particular scene was priceless. I loved it.
The end of the book : Cliffhanger? Kinda, sorta. Not anything worth freaking out about. I've been to cliffhanger hell before. This was not it. There's something about where the cutoff point happened which honestly struck me as odd.
The last 25% of the book : I'm scowling (yes, I'm bringing back the word scowl. Who uses this anymore?) at the book because one person's actions made me GRRR. Yes. I GRRR'ed and scowled. Although, I can honestly say that I must have been falling asleep as the breadcrumbs were being dropped because I didn't see that trail. Of course, it might have been because we'd hit another lull again.
The middle section of the book : This is where I felt like the story started to get its groove back.
The first 25% of the book : Let's just say that I got stuck here for over a week. What was up with that several chapter lull? I almost quit reading.
The beginning : HOLY HOT MESS!!! Awesome start to this book! Wow, I'm so excited to keep reading! Everyone and everything has GONE MAD!!!
Why I chose to do this review in reverse - Well, let's just say that Toxic was sort of like a rolling wave. We started high, then it crashed, then the wave built back up, etc. The story was book-ended at both directions in much the same way, that I felt like the ending was just another beginning. I kept this review vague because there would be too much to spoil with a few of the things which happened. This series is one part romance and one part tale of kids with superpowers. If you like that kind of stuff then maybe you'll like this book. Or maybe not. How's that for vague?
Does Toxic qualify as a "second bridge-book slump?" Possibly. I wasn't unhappy with the story but found myself not as excited to rush through this book as I was the first. There were a few great scenes and I found enough to enjoy that I'll be picking up a copy of book 3...but I can only hope we'll get to see more
Btw...I take back what I said about not needing to read the short story in between books 1 and 2. I highly recommend reading Untouched because book 2 does sort of pick up with the assumption that you've read the short story.
Random Note : Dez's powers are now pretty cool. She's no Georgina Kincaid, but I like how she has a similar thing going on.
November 5, 2012
Spoilers
Dez, Kale and the other Sixes are still hiding from Denazen. Naturally Denazen won't give up hunting Dez and her friends. Denazens desires to capture powerful Sixes, leads to them send a Six of their own to poison Dez, forcing her to either willingly join them to get a cure or risk death.
On top of dealing with Denazen and impending death, Dez is gutted to learn that she's lost her ability to touch Kale without getting hurt. Dez worries are further escalated when new girl, Jade, who has an immunity to Kale's deadly powers sets out to steal Kale for herself.
-Dez was as great as ever. She was likeable without being a goody two shoes. I love YA heroines that actually want to have good time, that like to drink and party and make out with guys like a normal teenager. It makes a change from the usual never been kissed, naive, boring, prudish YA heroines.
One think that did annoy me about Dez was how easily she forgave Kale after he kissed Jade. I was disappointed that she didn't make him suffer a little, I expected her to tell him where to go especially after Alex had cheated on her. Even though Dez was too forgiving, she's definitely one of my favourite YA heroines.
-I loved Kale in Touch and in his novella but I disliked him in this one. He was so dumb in regard to Jade - touching her, going to parties with her, defending her, being her hero..it came across that he was more in love with Jade then Dez.
Kale treated Dez awfully — he left her at a party when police showed up to save himself and then he also saved Jade but left Dez to die in a burning building. He was such an uncaring idiot. He was all over Jade, he spent all his time with her, he confided in her and worst of all, he kissed her. Even reading his POV about the kiss and his logic that went with it didn't help. He still cheated on Dez and I hate cheating heroes. On top of everything, he then tells Dez how much he likes holding hands with Jade and how much he enjoyed his kiss with Jade..ugh, seriously WTF?! Kale was so great in the last book because he was loyal and sweet and now he's just a cheat. I'm getting annoyed with all the heroes in YA/PNR/UF either being abusers, liars or cheaters — isn't there one decent hero out there?!
-I hated Jade. She was a bitch for no good reason at all. What kind of person throws themselves on someone whose already taken?? She knew Kale loved Dez but for some reason she thought she had the right to interfere in their relationship. She was a desperate loser.
-Dez's dad seriously needs to die. I was actually interested in why he was such a dick in the first book but I don't really care anymore. He's just evil for no apparent reason and wants to control and kill anyone that doesn't follow him. It's hard to find a character engaging when they have no shades of grey.
-Dez's relationship with her mum, Shanna, was weird. They were so awkward and distant around each other. Kale was more Shanna's child than Dez, Kale and Shanna seemed to have a much more loving and sweet relationship than Dez and Shanna. I guess it was realistic that Shanna was closer to Kale than Dez considering she raised Kale and hardly knew Dez. It would have been good to see Dez being uncomfortable about her mum loving Kale more than her though.
It's quite sad that Dez doesn't really have a proper family and parents who love and look after her — her mum's a stranger, her dad's a psycho and her sister's a bitch.
At least Kale has Shanna as a parent, which is good because his grandmother's a bitch. It's frustrating how understanding he is when it comes to Ginger's actions. Kale should tell Ginger to piss off, after everything she's done to him.
This was almost as entertaining as the first book, however the romance and Kale let it down. Kale no longer holds any interest to me, he lost all his appeal and turned into a typical idiotic YA love interest. Dez was as awesome as ever so I'll still be reading the next book.
Dez, Kale and the other Sixes are still hiding from Denazen. Naturally Denazen won't give up hunting Dez and her friends. Denazens desires to capture powerful Sixes, leads to them send a Six of their own to poison Dez, forcing her to either willingly join them to get a cure or risk death.
On top of dealing with Denazen and impending death, Dez is gutted to learn that she's lost her ability to touch Kale without getting hurt. Dez worries are further escalated when new girl, Jade, who has an immunity to Kale's deadly powers sets out to steal Kale for herself.
-Dez was as great as ever. She was likeable without being a goody two shoes. I love YA heroines that actually want to have good time, that like to drink and party and make out with guys like a normal teenager. It makes a change from the usual never been kissed, naive, boring, prudish YA heroines.
One think that did annoy me about Dez was how easily she forgave Kale after he kissed Jade. I was disappointed that she didn't make him suffer a little, I expected her to tell him where to go especially after Alex had cheated on her. Even though Dez was too forgiving, she's definitely one of my favourite YA heroines.
-I loved Kale in Touch and in his novella but I disliked him in this one. He was so dumb in regard to Jade - touching her, going to parties with her, defending her, being her hero..it came across that he was more in love with Jade then Dez.
Kale treated Dez awfully — he left her at a party when police showed up to save himself and then he also saved Jade but left Dez to die in a burning building. He was such an uncaring idiot. He was all over Jade, he spent all his time with her, he confided in her and worst of all, he kissed her. Even reading his POV about the kiss and his logic that went with it didn't help. He still cheated on Dez and I hate cheating heroes. On top of everything, he then tells Dez how much he likes holding hands with Jade and how much he enjoyed his kiss with Jade..ugh, seriously WTF?! Kale was so great in the last book because he was loyal and sweet and now he's just a cheat. I'm getting annoyed with all the heroes in YA/PNR/UF either being abusers, liars or cheaters — isn't there one decent hero out there?!
-I hated Jade. She was a bitch for no good reason at all. What kind of person throws themselves on someone whose already taken?? She knew Kale loved Dez but for some reason she thought she had the right to interfere in their relationship. She was a desperate loser.
-Dez's dad seriously needs to die. I was actually interested in why he was such a dick in the first book but I don't really care anymore. He's just evil for no apparent reason and wants to control and kill anyone that doesn't follow him. It's hard to find a character engaging when they have no shades of grey.
-Dez's relationship with her mum, Shanna, was weird. They were so awkward and distant around each other. Kale was more Shanna's child than Dez, Kale and Shanna seemed to have a much more loving and sweet relationship than Dez and Shanna. I guess it was realistic that Shanna was closer to Kale than Dez considering she raised Kale and hardly knew Dez. It would have been good to see Dez being uncomfortable about her mum loving Kale more than her though.
It's quite sad that Dez doesn't really have a proper family and parents who love and look after her — her mum's a stranger, her dad's a psycho and her sister's a bitch.
At least Kale has Shanna as a parent, which is good because his grandmother's a bitch. It's frustrating how understanding he is when it comes to Ginger's actions. Kale should tell Ginger to piss off, after everything she's done to him.
This was almost as entertaining as the first book, however the romance and Kale let it down. Kale no longer holds any interest to me, he lost all his appeal and turned into a typical idiotic YA love interest. Dez was as awesome as ever so I'll still be reading the next book.
October 8, 2012
WOW! This book rendered me speechless.
After two days of trying to come up with a proper review for this, I am still empty-handed.
Well, maybe not. I may have one thing to say.
For Jade,
THISBOOKISAWESOMEEXCEPTFORTHATCERTAINREDHEADIHATEHER. THAT'S ALL. BOW.
PS: KALE IS STILL ALWAYS SHIRTLESS IN MY MIND. LOL And he didn't help with that matter in this book. I think he made it worse. *imagines Kale shirtless in the rain* Yep, definitely worse.
Updated 08/26/12
So, the release date has been pushed back again. We're gonna wait for October 2nd now.
OCTOBER.
FREAKING.
2.
I CAN'T THIS.
I...how...this...I...more...time...waiting...Kale...NOOOOOOOOOOOOO....
*tantrum fit*
I just want Kale again, is that so wrong?
Updated 08/11/12
Exactly a month to go, and we'll have Kale again. That's 30 days, or 720 hours, or 43200 minutes, or 2592000 seconds, or 2592000000 milliseconds, or 2592000000000000 nanoseconds more time left to wait.
HOW. CAN. I. WAIT. ANY. LONGER? I. NEED. THIS. NOW.
After two days of trying to come up with a proper review for this, I am still empty-handed.
Well, maybe not. I may have one thing to say.
For Jade,
THISBOOKISAWESOMEEXCEPTFORTHATCERTAINREDHEADIHATEHER. THAT'S ALL. BOW.
PS: KALE IS STILL ALWAYS SHIRTLESS IN MY MIND. LOL And he didn't help with that matter in this book. I think he made it worse. *imagines Kale shirtless in the rain* Yep, definitely worse.
Updated 08/26/12
So, the release date has been pushed back again. We're gonna wait for October 2nd now.
OCTOBER.
FREAKING.
2.
I CAN'T THIS.
I...how...this...I...more...time...waiting...Kale...NOOOOOOOOOOOOO....
*tantrum fit*
I just want Kale again, is that so wrong?
Updated 08/11/12
Exactly a month to go, and we'll have Kale again. That's 30 days, or 720 hours, or 43200 minutes, or 2592000 seconds, or 2592000000 milliseconds, or 2592000000000000 nanoseconds more time left to wait.
HOW. CAN. I. WAIT. ANY. LONGER? I. NEED. THIS. NOW.
March 2, 2020
Originally posted at:
This novel was frustrating but still very worth it and so very good! The writing was fantastic in keeping a steady pace all the way to the cliffhanger ending. I'm so glad the next book is already out!
Dez was what I found frustrating throughout this novel. She did something big that went against her character's basic mold and it made reading this novel anger-inducing. I understand the rationale behind it and she even calls herself out on it in the novel but I still can't get over my frustration.
Kale is so self-sacrificing, sweet and naive yet he can turn into an elite assassin in 5 seconds flat. So you win some and you lose some, I guess? I disliked how Kale glued himself to Jade but I understand his naive motivations even though I didn't want to see it.
Throughout this novel I wanted SO much to have someone knock some sense and/or teeth out of Alex. Hindsight is 20/20 and whatnot but he needs to understand that Dez has moved on and back off. He did get a little better by the end though.
This novel started out with a bang and ended in a bang. Both events were mindblowing and unexpected but made for an amazing story! I'll be skipping the Brandt short story for now and probably come back to it when I finish this series because I NEED to know what happens next and how things start going right again for Kale and Dez, pretty please?
My Favorite Quotes:
"Sometimes love is painful."
"Destiny is not something to toy with. Things are what they are."
"Knowing you'll be okay is worth anything I could possibly go through. Please remember that."
This novel was frustrating but still very worth it and so very good! The writing was fantastic in keeping a steady pace all the way to the cliffhanger ending. I'm so glad the next book is already out!
Dez was what I found frustrating throughout this novel. She did something big that went against her character's basic mold and it made reading this novel anger-inducing. I understand the rationale behind it and she even calls herself out on it in the novel but I still can't get over my frustration.
Kale is so self-sacrificing, sweet and naive yet he can turn into an elite assassin in 5 seconds flat. So you win some and you lose some, I guess? I disliked how Kale glued himself to Jade but I understand his naive motivations even though I didn't want to see it.
Throughout this novel I wanted SO much to have someone knock some sense and/or teeth out of Alex. Hindsight is 20/20 and whatnot but he needs to understand that Dez has moved on and back off. He did get a little better by the end though.
This novel started out with a bang and ended in a bang. Both events were mindblowing and unexpected but made for an amazing story! I'll be skipping the Brandt short story for now and probably come back to it when I finish this series because I NEED to know what happens next and how things start going right again for Kale and Dez, pretty please?
My Favorite Quotes:
"Sometimes love is painful."
"Destiny is not something to toy with. Things are what they are."
"Knowing you'll be okay is worth anything I could possibly go through. Please remember that."
October 14, 2012
More like a 3.5 stars, Toxic is the long anticipated sequel to one of my favorites books last year; it was good to get reacquainted with Dez and Kale in this fun, emotional sequel. Dez is back to her full glory, and now she has competition; Jade is here to try to teach Kale control, but she's also trying to weasel her way into his heart - or at least his pants. If this wasn't enough, Dez's immunity to Kale's touch is waning.
With a wedge... or 2, driven between Dez and Kale, there is a lot of tension in this sequel. Dez's worst insecurities being brought to light make her a little jealous, and a lot paranoid. She turns from confident to constantly worried to the point of spying. This is not the stubborn, determined Dez I love! I definitely understand where she's coming from, but the whole situation really grated on my nerves. I hated Jade with such a passion that just her alone definitely put a damper on my enjoyment of this novel. She would always get in the way, or get her way, and it annoyed the hair off of my body! Yes, we are meant to dislike her, but it worked so well on me that I didn't love the book as much as I would have otherwise, and now I look like Britney Spears.
Moving on. Kale and Alex both have good character growth in Toxic. Since I read Untouched - the novella in Kale's perspective - I know how his perplexed mind works, this made me understand his decisions better in this book. I love how he's so innocent, yet incredibly dangerous. We didn't get as many laughs from his clueless ways, however, which I missed from Touch. Since Kale is so busy withjerkface Jade, we get to know Alex a little more, and I have to say I grew to like him a lot better. In Touch he was the guilty pleasure character, the bad boy that you know you shouldn't like but you kind of do anyways. In Toxic, we see layers to his character we hadn't glimpsed at before; his level headedness for example. He has a really strong personality that makes him a great secondary character that balances out the others perfectly.
Even through all the stress and boy troubles, there is still great humor from Dez's sarcastic attitude, new, unique powers that we get to observe, and a hint of what Denazen has up their sleeves. It's a lot more about the characters than the plot itself which makes this sequel a lot less action packed. We do go through a lot of emotional ups and downs, and ultimately get a feel of what the third book will bring with some intriguing developments that come forth.
Touch still remains one of my favourite novels, the easy writing style and a steady pacing continues in Toxic, making it a very fun read regardless my dislike of a certain… person. I'm just going to hope she dies miserably in the third installment. You will do that for me, right Jus? :D
With a wedge... or 2, driven between Dez and Kale, there is a lot of tension in this sequel. Dez's worst insecurities being brought to light make her a little jealous, and a lot paranoid. She turns from confident to constantly worried to the point of spying. This is not the stubborn, determined Dez I love! I definitely understand where she's coming from, but the whole situation really grated on my nerves. I hated Jade with such a passion that just her alone definitely put a damper on my enjoyment of this novel. She would always get in the way, or get her way, and it annoyed the hair off of my body! Yes, we are meant to dislike her, but it worked so well on me that I didn't love the book as much as I would have otherwise, and now I look like Britney Spears.
Moving on. Kale and Alex both have good character growth in Toxic. Since I read Untouched - the novella in Kale's perspective - I know how his perplexed mind works, this made me understand his decisions better in this book. I love how he's so innocent, yet incredibly dangerous. We didn't get as many laughs from his clueless ways, however, which I missed from Touch. Since Kale is so busy with
Even through all the stress and boy troubles, there is still great humor from Dez's sarcastic attitude, new, unique powers that we get to observe, and a hint of what Denazen has up their sleeves. It's a lot more about the characters than the plot itself which makes this sequel a lot less action packed. We do go through a lot of emotional ups and downs, and ultimately get a feel of what the third book will bring with some intriguing developments that come forth.
Touch still remains one of my favourite novels, the easy writing style and a steady pacing continues in Toxic, making it a very fun read regardless my dislike of a certain… person. I'm just going to hope she dies miserably in the third installment. You will do that for me, right Jus? :D
October 4, 2015
Final rating: 1/5 stars
After awesome first book Touch comes a cool short story Untouched, which i loved (because it was Kale's POV) and then we have the next book in the series Toxic...Today's star is TOXIC!!!!
Well, it's not what i expected or wanted. It was totally unnecessary. Seriously. Just read the synopsis and the last 3 chapters (33, 34 & 35) in which the main point is.
I was sooooooooooo sooooooo disappointed. I expected more of everything, not a freaking love triangle in which case the third wheel, aka, triangle no. 3 person is a red-head-out-of-hell-annoying-JADE-go-kill-yourself. Soooooo, this book was more based on the emotions between Kale and Dez, and also on fecking love triangle. The biggest thing that disappointed me was NOTHING REALLY HAPPENED IN WHOLE BOOK. Oh and the author is genius in confusing people with her characters, i don't even remember who Dax is!!! Really, i had no idea. She could have made a short paragraph of who he was/is to remind readers. But she just put them all in and you HAVE to remember who that person was.
P.s. cover is well done. It is Dez, when she changed hair to those colors. Yaaaaaaaaaay >:D
____________________________________________
IF you want to save yourself of boredom here are the events of the whole book (save yourselves and read my summary):
SPOILERSSSSSSSSS
-Kale loves Dez, Dez loves Kale(like we didn't know that);
-Kale can't touch Dez anymore, insert Jade in story(why the hell?);
-Jade can touch Kale, makes Dez jealous, and is reaaaaaaally irritating girl(Let me at her, let me at her!!!);
-Dez gets poizoned by Able, and Aubrey is the only one who can heal her, if she surrenders herself and Kale to Denazen (hell yeah);
-Dez says no (oh,so she does have brain);
-Dez hides it from Kale (why?you only made it worse, idiot);
-Kale thinks she is hiding something and kisses Jade (pissed me off);
-Dez rages and throws tantrum everywhere (as she should);
-Kale confesses that his feelings didn't change when he kissed Jade(i...get it?);
-Jade rages (finally);
-Oh, and btw, there is a traitor somewhere (maybe it's Jade, but it's not, i guarantee);
-Dez is sure it's Jade (because she wants to steal Kale from her);
-Jade is fishy (because she is a pure blooded bitch);
The list continues under SPOILER
THE END = ANNOYED AND BORED TO THE CORE.
____________________________________________
Really, Touch was soooooooo cool, i loved it!!! But Toxic was totally unnecessary. Still, i want this series to end so i am waiting for third book, yaaaaaaay :D (Do not disappoint me, please)
This review can be found on my blog: infinity-of-time.blogspot.com also known as...
After awesome first book Touch comes a cool short story Untouched, which i loved (because it was Kale's POV) and then we have the next book in the series Toxic...Today's star is TOXIC!!!!
Well, it's not what i expected or wanted. It was totally unnecessary. Seriously. Just read the synopsis and the last 3 chapters (33, 34 & 35) in which the main point is.
I was sooooooooooo sooooooo disappointed. I expected more of everything, not a freaking love triangle in which case the third wheel, aka, triangle no. 3 person is a red-head-out-of-hell-annoying-JADE-go-kill-yourself. Soooooo, this book was more based on the emotions between Kale and Dez, and also on fecking love triangle. The biggest thing that disappointed me was NOTHING REALLY HAPPENED IN WHOLE BOOK. Oh and the author is genius in confusing people with her characters, i don't even remember who Dax is!!! Really, i had no idea. She could have made a short paragraph of who he was/is to remind readers. But she just put them all in and you HAVE to remember who that person was.
P.s. cover is well done. It is Dez, when she changed hair to those colors. Yaaaaaaaaaay >:D
____________________________________________
IF you want to save yourself of boredom here are the events of the whole book (save yourselves and read my summary):
SPOILERSSSSSSSSS
-Kale loves Dez, Dez loves Kale(like we didn't know that);
-Kale can't touch Dez anymore, insert Jade in story(why the hell?);
-Jade can touch Kale, makes Dez jealous, and is reaaaaaaally irritating girl(Let me at her, let me at her!!!);
-Dez gets poizoned by Able, and Aubrey is the only one who can heal her, if she surrenders herself and Kale to Denazen (hell yeah);
-Dez says no (oh,so she does have brain);
-Dez hides it from Kale (why?you only made it worse, idiot);
-Kale thinks she is hiding something and kisses Jade (pissed me off);
-Dez rages and throws tantrum everywhere (as she should);
-Kale confesses that his feelings didn't change when he kissed Jade(i...get it?);
-Jade rages (finally);
-Oh, and btw, there is a traitor somewhere (maybe it's Jade, but it's not, i guarantee);
-Dez is sure it's Jade (because she wants to steal Kale from her);
-Jade is fishy (because she is a pure blooded bitch);
The list continues under SPOILER
THE END = ANNOYED AND BORED TO THE CORE.
____________________________________________
Really, Touch was soooooooo cool, i loved it!!! But Toxic was totally unnecessary. Still, i want this series to end so i am waiting for third book, yaaaaaaay :D (Do not disappoint me, please)
This review can be found on my blog: infinity-of-time.blogspot.com also known as...
January 8, 2012
i cant wait for this book. Kale is like a cute innocent little baby that i wanna pinch and kiss...
and finally, a "third party" who's a girl! i'm getting tired of the 2 guys 1 girl love triangle...
and is it just me, or is Dez really HOT in this cover? wow.
and finally, a "third party" who's a girl! i'm getting tired of the 2 guys 1 girl love triangle...
and is it just me, or is Dez really HOT in this cover? wow.
October 10, 2012
All I can say is that this was SO worth the extra wait. Amazing sequel! Loved every moment. And Kale, so HOT.
Sad ending but major cliffhanger, so can't wait for the next book.
Plus did not guess the traitor, man that was a shock.
Full review to come later!
Sad ending but major cliffhanger, so can't wait for the next book.
Plus did not guess the traitor, man that was a shock.
Full review to come later!
September 7, 2012
Toxic Review on K-Books
"Sometimes I can't breathe when I'm near you. Knowing we can't touch steals the air from my lungs. It hurts, and it's all I can thing about."
Woah! What a phenomenal and emotional book. I was so excited when I received Toxic, the second book in the amazing Denezen series, for review. I just had to start it straight away. I instantly fell in love with this series when I read the first book Touch last year and have been very impatiently waiting for the next installment. I was not disappointed in the slightest. Toxic surpasses all my expectations and is even better than the phenomenal Touch.
Dez and Kale were warned that things would change but they never expected their worse fears would come to life. Dez's immunity to Kale's 'death touch' suddenly fades and she finds herself unable to do the one thing that she took for granted. Being able to touch her beloved boyfriend. Suddenly faced with the fact that this could be permanent a new face joins the team of Sixes, Jade may be the one person who could help Kale to control his touch. But Dez and Jade come to blows when Jade shows that she is crushing hard on Kale. But suddenly keeping her boyfriend is the least of Dez's problems. Faced with Denezen again, Dez finds life-threatening trouble and the only way to save her life may be to go to the one place she is sworn to fight against.
This is without a doubt one of the most emotional books I have ever read in my life. Toxic definitely takes us on an emotional journey. I was all happy and in love with Kale one minute just to be freaking out and crying the next. I was almost scared to finish the book just because I knew something big was going to happen. I was definitely right about that.
Dez goes through such a hard time in this book. It's really tough for her which makes it really tough on the reader. This is an incredibly emotional journey for Dez. She has to deal with the fact that she can't touch the one person she loves as well as deal with the new girl vying for Kale's attention. I really felt for her and although I have faith that everything is going to work out in the end I was just hysterical, crying one minute because my heart seriously hurt for her and then so angry the next I wanted to jump in the book and throw some punches. The thing I loved about this book is that we really got to see a different side to Dez. In book one she is this strong, take no crap from anyone, badass heroine but in this one we see her vulnerability. That she is just like any girl who has insecurities and she can't be strong all the time and I loved being able to see that side of her.
Now then let's move onto the new girl, Jade. Basically I freaking hate her! I despise her and I just want to strangle her! She is awful and mean and plainly just a bitch! There were so many times in this book where I was so damn close to throwing my kindle across the room and I was so angry. I just hate her. If I were Dez I definitely would have done something different. Like punched Jade every damn time she was near me. I was told I would be surprised by Jade by the end and I kind of was but I still cannot stand her and I want someone to hurt her so damn bad! I just hate her!!
Kale... *insert dreamy sigh here* Kale is just so perfect and sweet. I just love him. BUT as much as I love him that did not stop me from being kinda mad with him in this book. Kale is so innocent and I feel like Jade took advantage of that to try and keep him away from Dez. I love how Kale is so protective of Dez and he's terrified that he's going to hurt her but it did make me incredibly sad that Kale was spending so much time away from Dez. But by the end of course I was back to being head over heels in love with him.
Toxic is an incredible instalment in the Denezen series and there were so many twists and turns. I couldn't believe what happened in the end and was left like: *gasp* I never saw that coming. I cannot wait for the third book and I am left reeling after that cliffhanger. I am dying to see what is going to happen next. Jus is fast becoming a favourite author of mine. She is a phenomenal writer and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
Toxic will steal your breath and your heart and leave you begging for more. This is one phenomenal series that you DO NOT want to miss out. I loved every single second of it. A must-read!
"My heart beats like this for you. No amount of touching, no other girl, nothing will ever change that."
"Sometimes I can't breathe when I'm near you. Knowing we can't touch steals the air from my lungs. It hurts, and it's all I can thing about."
Woah! What a phenomenal and emotional book. I was so excited when I received Toxic, the second book in the amazing Denezen series, for review. I just had to start it straight away. I instantly fell in love with this series when I read the first book Touch last year and have been very impatiently waiting for the next installment. I was not disappointed in the slightest. Toxic surpasses all my expectations and is even better than the phenomenal Touch.
Dez and Kale were warned that things would change but they never expected their worse fears would come to life. Dez's immunity to Kale's 'death touch' suddenly fades and she finds herself unable to do the one thing that she took for granted. Being able to touch her beloved boyfriend. Suddenly faced with the fact that this could be permanent a new face joins the team of Sixes, Jade may be the one person who could help Kale to control his touch. But Dez and Jade come to blows when Jade shows that she is crushing hard on Kale. But suddenly keeping her boyfriend is the least of Dez's problems. Faced with Denezen again, Dez finds life-threatening trouble and the only way to save her life may be to go to the one place she is sworn to fight against.
This is without a doubt one of the most emotional books I have ever read in my life. Toxic definitely takes us on an emotional journey. I was all happy and in love with Kale one minute just to be freaking out and crying the next. I was almost scared to finish the book just because I knew something big was going to happen. I was definitely right about that.
Dez goes through such a hard time in this book. It's really tough for her which makes it really tough on the reader. This is an incredibly emotional journey for Dez. She has to deal with the fact that she can't touch the one person she loves as well as deal with the new girl vying for Kale's attention. I really felt for her and although I have faith that everything is going to work out in the end I was just hysterical, crying one minute because my heart seriously hurt for her and then so angry the next I wanted to jump in the book and throw some punches. The thing I loved about this book is that we really got to see a different side to Dez. In book one she is this strong, take no crap from anyone, badass heroine but in this one we see her vulnerability. That she is just like any girl who has insecurities and she can't be strong all the time and I loved being able to see that side of her.
Now then let's move onto the new girl, Jade. Basically I freaking hate her! I despise her and I just want to strangle her! She is awful and mean and plainly just a bitch! There were so many times in this book where I was so damn close to throwing my kindle across the room and I was so angry. I just hate her. If I were Dez I definitely would have done something different. Like punched Jade every damn time she was near me. I was told I would be surprised by Jade by the end and I kind of was but I still cannot stand her and I want someone to hurt her so damn bad! I just hate her!!
Kale... *insert dreamy sigh here* Kale is just so perfect and sweet. I just love him. BUT as much as I love him that did not stop me from being kinda mad with him in this book. Kale is so innocent and I feel like Jade took advantage of that to try and keep him away from Dez. I love how Kale is so protective of Dez and he's terrified that he's going to hurt her but it did make me incredibly sad that Kale was spending so much time away from Dez. But by the end of course I was back to being head over heels in love with him.
Toxic is an incredible instalment in the Denezen series and there were so many twists and turns. I couldn't believe what happened in the end and was left like: *gasp* I never saw that coming. I cannot wait for the third book and I am left reeling after that cliffhanger. I am dying to see what is going to happen next. Jus is fast becoming a favourite author of mine. She is a phenomenal writer and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
Toxic will steal your breath and your heart and leave you begging for more. This is one phenomenal series that you DO NOT want to miss out. I loved every single second of it. A must-read!
"My heart beats like this for you. No amount of touching, no other girl, nothing will ever change that."
September 17, 2016
I'm really digging this series. Dez is just my kind of chick. And yeah, she wasn't her best this time but give her a break, she had poison flowing through her veins for almost an entire book. She can be a little cranky. The situation with Jade wasn't making it any better. That girl is a menace. I wanted to drop her from the 126th floor on the spiked fence while the whole dove population of New York crapped over her perforated body.
"My personality made me easy to get along with - unless you were looking at my guy like he was a big, juicy slab of prime rib with a side of mint chocolate chip ice cream."
Aside from that drama, there were a few interesting points to the story with the creepy twins. Able and Aubrey, goth enthusiasts. I have a feeling that their Ying and Yang situation will work to Dez's advantage.
Another character that I agree with Dez on is Ginger. That woman makes me want to scream bloody murder at her. For someone who's not suppose to intervene, she seems to do that a lot when it's not needed, and do nothing at all when she could really help out. Yeah, yeah, we get it, messing with the order of things could lead to unimaginable disaster. Guess what? Doing nothing leads to the same thing! Ugh! The way I choose to look at all this powers, is they exist for a reason. If you see a horrible future and not suppose to do anything about it, then what's the point? Right? I hope they figure it out at least by the last book in the series.
And last but not least, my sweet sweet Kale. So clueless at some things and yet so deliciously competent at other things. I have a huge book crush on him. Even when he does something that seems incredibly stupid, you instantly know that it's not stupi for him. He has a totaly unique perspective and that makes him even more sweet. Sweet and deadly, just how I like them.
Over and out.
"My personality made me easy to get along with - unless you were looking at my guy like he was a big, juicy slab of prime rib with a side of mint chocolate chip ice cream."
Aside from that drama, there were a few interesting points to the story with the creepy twins. Able and Aubrey, goth enthusiasts. I have a feeling that their Ying and Yang situation will work to Dez's advantage.
Another character that I agree with Dez on is Ginger. That woman makes me want to scream bloody murder at her. For someone who's not suppose to intervene, she seems to do that a lot when it's not needed, and do nothing at all when she could really help out. Yeah, yeah, we get it, messing with the order of things could lead to unimaginable disaster. Guess what? Doing nothing leads to the same thing! Ugh! The way I choose to look at all this powers, is they exist for a reason. If you see a horrible future and not suppose to do anything about it, then what's the point? Right? I hope they figure it out at least by the last book in the series.
And last but not least, my sweet sweet Kale. So clueless at some things and yet so deliciously competent at other things. I have a huge book crush on him. Even when he does something that seems incredibly stupid, you instantly know that it's not stupi for him. He has a totaly unique perspective and that makes him even more sweet. Sweet and deadly, just how I like them.
Over and out.
Want to read
November 19, 2014This summary is making me very nervous, I do not approve of anyone else with Kale! Although a love triangle with two girls would be a twist, but still DO NOT APPROVE. Also, why does it seem that Dez is going to lose the whole I can touch Kale thing- that may successfully break my heart. GAHHHHH....NEED BOOK NOW!
February 10, 2017
Re-read: 21.01.16
Want to read
June 24, 2013The release has been pushed.frigging.back.
No... no... this is not happening
Do not touch me!
I'm falling apart.
I need this book and I need it now.
I need Kale I mean, Dez needs Kale. I need to know what happens with her abilitie to touch him! She needs to know what the future holds for them. I'm so pissed!. Excuse me while I go act like a brat.
No... no... this is not happening
Do not touch me!
I'm falling apart.
I need this book and I need it now.
October 12, 2012
Uhh..... I'm srsly not in a proper state of mind to write a proper review. I would just say.....
To the bitch named Jade
After reading the book:
Yeah, that about sums up how I am feeling. A proper review coming as soon as my head stops spinning.
To the bitch named Jade
After reading the book:
Yeah, that about sums up how I am feeling. A proper review coming as soon as my head stops spinning.
September 5, 2012
"I love the way you look at me. There's purity in it and I don't want to ruin it."
Jus Accardo is back with the next instalment in the Touch series - Toxic, and let me tell you, it's better than ever and when you finish this book you will be pulling you're hair out because you want more...yea, it's that good!
Toxic starts a few weeks after Touch and if you've read the novella - Untouched, then you know the summer wasn't an easy one for Kale or Dez. They did however, come across some new sixes and they've teamed up together. As Dez and Kale try to hide out in the hotel with Ginger, Dez's Mom and a few others but, trouble keeps finding them - which leads them to believe there maybe a traitor amongst them, but who could it be? The new girl; Jade who is helping Kale control his abilities or someone else? As if Dez didn't have enough to worry about, she loses her ability to touch Kale, she's trying to keep Jade's hands off of Kale and also a run in with her father goes wrong, Dez soon finds herself in a world of trouble but most importantly she finds herself fighting for her life.
I was so excited to start Toxic that as soon as I received it, I started it within minutes. I just needed to be back with Dez and Kale and after reading the novella told from Kale's point of view - swoon, I need more of him, and Jus Accardo really doesn't disappoint. Toxic is such a great sequel because it's bursting with emotional, heart-pounding and intense scenes. If you thought Touch was like that, then Toxic is ten times better! The action is better than ever and the details are so vivid and yes, I'll warn you...the cliff-hanger is a killer too.
We get to meet a few new characters as well and they all have interesting and unique gifts that was really exciting to read about. I was interested to see what other gifts Jus would give other characters and it was so much fun to see the results. Now Dez, I really love her. She's fun, sarcastic and stubborn and I love how she's not afraid to say what she thinks. She really has some laugh-out-loud moments during this book and I loved, but then she also has some emotional ones too and boy, were they emotional. Kale is just as great as ever. I love how innocent he is....he doesn't do complicated and everything is pretty simple for him. He's very dangerous but so sweet too. His and Dez's relationship is full of hot chemistry, it's hard not to root for them. You're heart will break for them with the tests they go through but I have faith in their relationship and I know it will work out in the end, no matter how glum it looks right now.
Overall, I absolutely loved Toxic because it's such a heart-pounding, shocking and engaging read and I'm sure any fans of this series won't be disappointed - I wasn't, and I'm counting the day down until January 31st when book three, Tremble is released.
A big thank you to Entangled Teen for giving me the opportunity to review this book.
Jus Accardo is back with the next instalment in the Touch series - Toxic, and let me tell you, it's better than ever and when you finish this book you will be pulling you're hair out because you want more...yea, it's that good!
Toxic starts a few weeks after Touch and if you've read the novella - Untouched, then you know the summer wasn't an easy one for Kale or Dez. They did however, come across some new sixes and they've teamed up together. As Dez and Kale try to hide out in the hotel with Ginger, Dez's Mom and a few others but, trouble keeps finding them - which leads them to believe there maybe a traitor amongst them, but who could it be? The new girl; Jade who is helping Kale control his abilities or someone else? As if Dez didn't have enough to worry about, she loses her ability to touch Kale, she's trying to keep Jade's hands off of Kale and also a run in with her father goes wrong, Dez soon finds herself in a world of trouble but most importantly she finds herself fighting for her life.
I was so excited to start Toxic that as soon as I received it, I started it within minutes. I just needed to be back with Dez and Kale and after reading the novella told from Kale's point of view - swoon, I need more of him, and Jus Accardo really doesn't disappoint. Toxic is such a great sequel because it's bursting with emotional, heart-pounding and intense scenes. If you thought Touch was like that, then Toxic is ten times better! The action is better than ever and the details are so vivid and yes, I'll warn you...the cliff-hanger is a killer too.
We get to meet a few new characters as well and they all have interesting and unique gifts that was really exciting to read about. I was interested to see what other gifts Jus would give other characters and it was so much fun to see the results. Now Dez, I really love her. She's fun, sarcastic and stubborn and I love how she's not afraid to say what she thinks. She really has some laugh-out-loud moments during this book and I loved, but then she also has some emotional ones too and boy, were they emotional. Kale is just as great as ever. I love how innocent he is....he doesn't do complicated and everything is pretty simple for him. He's very dangerous but so sweet too. His and Dez's relationship is full of hot chemistry, it's hard not to root for them. You're heart will break for them with the tests they go through but I have faith in their relationship and I know it will work out in the end, no matter how glum it looks right now.
Overall, I absolutely loved Toxic because it's such a heart-pounding, shocking and engaging read and I'm sure any fans of this series won't be disappointed - I wasn't, and I'm counting the day down until January 31st when book three, Tremble is released.
A big thank you to Entangled Teen for giving me the opportunity to review this book.
October 17, 2012
It was a good book, a light read. I liked 'Touch' better though.
This read was packed with fast-paced action and romance, love-triangles as well, but it kind of became boring through the middle of the story.
The characters developed well- as the relationship between Kale and Dez did- except for Jade, who made my palms itch for a bitchslap every time I read about her. She just kept talking shit about Dez throughout the whole book. She's one mean, whiny bitch. Kill her with fire!
Oddly, I liked Alex better than in the first book. Way better. Like come-on-just-kiss-her-already better, which made me feel guilty when I remembered Kale. And no, I haven't forgotten that he had hurt Dez, but I do believe he really loves her.
Oh, oh! . I don't like Ginger. At all. I just don't buy the Godmother thing and the boy-toys she keeps close to her. Weirdo. Not to mention that she enjoys being cryptic about,oh well, everything and she let her grandson get back to Denazen. Seriously? That note she gave Dez with the lame ''I'm sorry'' was crap at its finest.
Overall, since Touch was way better regarding action, plot, romance, writing (pretty much everything, huh?), I'll give 3 stars to Toxic. I liked it, it was ok and I would definitely recommend the series.
This read was packed with fast-paced action and romance, love-triangles as well, but it kind of became boring through the middle of the story.
The characters developed well- as the relationship between Kale and Dez did- except for Jade, who made my palms itch for a bitchslap every time I read about her. She just kept talking shit about Dez throughout the whole book. She's one mean, whiny bitch. Kill her with fire!
Oddly, I liked Alex better than in the first book. Way better. Like come-on-just-kiss-her-already better, which made me feel guilty when I remembered Kale. And no, I haven't forgotten that he had hurt Dez, but I do believe he really loves her.
Oh, oh! . I don't like Ginger. At all. I just don't buy the Godmother thing and the boy-toys she keeps close to her. Weirdo. Not to mention that she enjoys being cryptic about,oh well, everything and she let her grandson get back to Denazen. Seriously? That note she gave Dez with the lame ''I'm sorry'' was crap at its finest.
Overall, since Touch was way better regarding action, plot, romance, writing (pretty much everything, huh?), I'll give 3 stars to Toxic. I liked it, it was ok and I would definitely recommend the series.
October 8, 2012
Character chat with Kale, Dez, and Alex up on my blog + signed swag giveaway!
http://somelikeitparanormall.blogspot...
Ahh that ending blew!!! What a very frustrating and emotional ride. I need more <3 Kale!
http://somelikeitparanormall.blogspot...
Ahh that ending blew!!! What a very frustrating and emotional ride. I need more <3 Kale!
Read
March 13, 2018This one starts off with our heroes climbing a crane. What could possibly go wrong? =D This one's a solid middle book with a lot of build up for the conclusion. It leaves you hanging...see what I did there? But you'll definitely want to pick up the third book and start right away. My favorite scene was the invisible spying. You'll see why when you get there.
Want to read
April 12, 2013May 01, 2011 YIPPEE I am reading Touch right now and OMG I can not put it down. May can't come fast enough :)
October 14, 2012
***ARC provided by Entangled Teen for review purposes***
(Spoilers for Touch)
It’s no secret that I LOVED Touch by Jus Accardo. How could I not? With a tough yet vulnerable MC like Dez and the super hot and deadly yet clueless Kale, I was immediately hooked! After eagerly anticipating Toxic and after a few release date set backs, I was ecstatic when I received my review copy.
After Dez makes a bargain to save Kale’s life in Touch, she is warned that there will be consequences for it. But Dez doesn’t care because nothing can be worse than losing Kale, right? Fast forward to the present and Dez discovers that she is has lost her immunity to Kale’s deadly touch. After being the only person that Kale was able to touch, this definitely puts a strain on their relationship. But that is just the tip of the iceberg. Dez only has a few months left until she turns 18 and the Supremacy program kicks in and her dad has ordered two new powerful and deadly sixes after her. To make things worse, Ginger has brought in a new six to “help” Kale control his powers. Not only does Jade have very valuable power, she is also a man-stealing bitch who is after Kale. (Excuse me while I do some breathing exercises to calm me down…OK, I think I’m good)
Jade is one of the most manipulative characters I have read about and I hate her so much with this fiery passion that consumes me and I wish she would die a horrible, slow and painful death. (Yeah, she’s that bad!) There were many time when she would frustrate me so bad that I had to put the book down. Although Kale is a deadly assassin and can kill someone hundreds of different ways, being sheltered his whole life has him lacking some serious…common sense. Something Jade is not afraid to take full advantage of. Poor Kale doesn’t know that he shouldn’t let another girl hold your hand or take another girl to your date with Dez. And Dez, I know she is dealing with a LOT in life but the last thing you should be doing if another girl is after your guy is keeping secrets from him and pushing him away! ESPECIALLY if that bitch girl is trying to convince your guy that you are still involved with your ex. Speaking of Alex, I always had a soft spot for him in Touch and it continues in Toxic. Not that I want him with Dez but I do want him to be happy. Please Jus, do not kill off Alex! (Please?)
As you can probably tell, Toxic was a very frustrating story for me but I absolutely LOVED it! Toxic takes us on one hell of an emotional roller coaster that will test your patience leave you feeling drained. But as soon as you finish reading the last page you will want more! And that ending? Evil! Although Dez makes a lot of stupid choices, she still manages to hold on to the snarky and tough personality that made me love her in the first book, even if she is barely hanging on by a thread. Kale continues to be awesome and we get to see more of Alex and the rest of the sixes, new and old characters. Actually, the scenes where Kale and Alex fight over Dez are some of my favorites. Even though I HATED Jade, kudos to you Jus for writing a character that can evoke so many strong emotions from me. Whether its love or hate, when I feel something this strong for a character, for me, that is what being a great author is all about. Can’t freaking wait for the next book in the Denazen series: Tremble and the next novella: Faceless. Although I will always be Team Kale, I hope Faceless is told in Alex’s POV.
Full of heart-pounding action, suspense and emotional turmoil, Toxic is a fantastic addition to the Denazen series that you will NOT want to miss!
5 out of 5 sparkly stars!
Some of my favorite non-spoiler quotes from Toxic:
-When Kale finally spoke again, his voice sounded calm, but I knew better. If anything, it was laced with more hate than before. “You’re correct. I can’t touch her for the time being-but neither can you.”
Alex’s lip twitched. He folded his arms and puffed out his chest, standing a little straighter. I knew that stance. A challenge. “Wanna bet?”
“I do,” Kale responded coolly. “Because if you try to do it again, I’ll touch you. Then the only thing you’ll be touching is the wind as you’re scattered across this world.”
-“I can’t imagine what it must have been like to have no human interaction. How horrible.”
He opened his mouth to say something, but I cut him off. “He had human interaction. He had me.”
Jade flashed me a mock frown. “Had-past tense.
-“Are you serious? She’s just waiting for a chance to jump you.”
His eyes widened. Expression serious, he leaned forward. “That’s what you’re worried about?”
“Well, yeah. She can--”
He chuckled and scooted just a little closer. “That’s ridiculous. She has no training.”
Training? For crap’s sake. Sometimes, I wanted to beat my head against the wall when talking to Kale.
-“Dude, we’re the same kind.”
Fist clenched, Kale leaned closer. “We are nothing alike.”
Alex lost his grin. Jaw tight, he nodded in my direction. “We’re exactly alike. We both hurt her.”
-Expression sad, he said, “You can’t touch me like you used to. But you can still talk to me.” He took a step closer. “I need you to talk to me, Dez.”
-“You’re hungry?”
“Ready to eat a small horse.”
For a second, he looked worried, then he nodded. “Expression?”
I smiled. “Expression.”
-He took another step closer. I took another back. We did this until I’d backed into the side of the building.
“This is worse than anything Denazen ever did to me. To be so close and yet have so much distance. To know I could hurt you-or worse-but still want so badly to touch you.”
-He growled and stepped away. “You make me want to scream. It’s very strange.”
Read more of my reviews at:
www.MostlyYABookObsessed.com
September 24, 2012
Also posted: http://jana-thebookgoddess.blogspot.c...
When I read TOUCH (the first book in the Denazen series), I fell completely in love with it. Everything that I wanted in a book was in TOUCH. Whether that's the hot chemistry between two MCs, the action-packed storyline and the YA paranormal that I love, I knew nothing can top TOUCH. Not even its sequel. How right I am. :(
I'm sorry to say that I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first. Before you all scream at me and throw mash potatoes, hear me out. (though I do like mashed potatoes so that might be an exception).
Dez is one strong female character. She's feisty and cool and everything but there's just some part of her that I don't really like. I love my heroines strong and kickass (like Alex from Covenant, Rose from VA, Tris from Divergent etc.) but Dez just comes across as a little different. And not really in a good way.
Kale was a bit meh for me. I adored him in TOUCH. He was adorable and sweet and deadly and sexy. In TOXIC, I didn't really get that vibe from him anymore. And the bit near the end? TORE ME TO PIECES. (Those who've read this already will know what I'm talking about *hintjadehint*) Yeah, I get why he did it, but I still would have liked to punch him.
What I loved about the two main characters Dez and Kale kinda disappeared in this sequel. There were a LOT of times where I found myself wanting to kick them both in their heads, but there were times when I was still very much rooting for them. The romance that I really appreciated in Touch and found unique, is unfortunately now gone and I found their love lacking something. :(
Let's move on to Jade. EVERYONE HATES JADE. She's such a bitch! I don't think I've ever hated a character girl more than her. I am absolutely fuming. Someone needs to teach her a lesson. I wanted to bitch slap her in more than one occasion. THIS GIRL MAKES ME WANT TO KILL MYSELF.
I really don't get why suddenly everyone's like 'OMG I love Alex!'. Please. That guy is an asshole. Now and then. I really don't like him. And to be honest, I don't think he's needed. In my opinion.
On the other hand, Jus' writing is just fab. Her descriptions are perfect, and the pacing of TOXIC was one that was done very well. I think Jus' writing got even better in this. :) And no matter what I think of this sequel, I would still read anything of her's. So awesome!
The story itself was very good, and even though I had trouble with a few of the characters, I still found myself reading. There's just something about this series that sucks me right in and doesn't let go until the very last page.
Oh, there was this plot twist/secret that I totally knew. Right from the very beginning. Don't you just hate that? When you guess things correctly before the main character does? And I kinda get why Dez never got it but still. I TOTALLY KNEW THAT CHARACTER WAS BAD.
All in all, I have very mixed feelings about this sequel, and honestly: I think TOUCH was million times better. Don't kill me.
When I read TOUCH (the first book in the Denazen series), I fell completely in love with it. Everything that I wanted in a book was in TOUCH. Whether that's the hot chemistry between two MCs, the action-packed storyline and the YA paranormal that I love, I knew nothing can top TOUCH. Not even its sequel. How right I am. :(
I'm sorry to say that I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first. Before you all scream at me and throw mash potatoes, hear me out. (though I do like mashed potatoes so that might be an exception).
Dez is one strong female character. She's feisty and cool and everything but there's just some part of her that I don't really like. I love my heroines strong and kickass (like Alex from Covenant, Rose from VA, Tris from Divergent etc.) but Dez just comes across as a little different. And not really in a good way.
Kale was a bit meh for me. I adored him in TOUCH. He was adorable and sweet and deadly and sexy. In TOXIC, I didn't really get that vibe from him anymore. And the bit near the end? TORE ME TO PIECES. (Those who've read this already will know what I'm talking about *hintjadehint*) Yeah, I get why he did it, but I still would have liked to punch him.
What I loved about the two main characters Dez and Kale kinda disappeared in this sequel. There were a LOT of times where I found myself wanting to kick them both in their heads, but there were times when I was still very much rooting for them. The romance that I really appreciated in Touch and found unique, is unfortunately now gone and I found their love lacking something. :(
Let's move on to Jade. EVERYONE HATES JADE. She's such a bitch! I don't think I've ever hated a character girl more than her. I am absolutely fuming. Someone needs to teach her a lesson. I wanted to bitch slap her in more than one occasion. THIS GIRL MAKES ME WANT TO KILL MYSELF.
I really don't get why suddenly everyone's like 'OMG I love Alex!'. Please. That guy is an asshole. Now and then. I really don't like him. And to be honest, I don't think he's needed. In my opinion.
On the other hand, Jus' writing is just fab. Her descriptions are perfect, and the pacing of TOXIC was one that was done very well. I think Jus' writing got even better in this. :) And no matter what I think of this sequel, I would still read anything of her's. So awesome!
The story itself was very good, and even though I had trouble with a few of the characters, I still found myself reading. There's just something about this series that sucks me right in and doesn't let go until the very last page.
Oh, there was this plot twist/secret that I totally knew. Right from the very beginning. Don't you just hate that? When you guess things correctly before the main character does? And I kinda get why Dez never got it but still. I TOTALLY KNEW THAT CHARACTER WAS BAD.
All in all, I have very mixed feelings about this sequel, and honestly: I think TOUCH was million times better. Don't kill me.
September 18, 2012
I really liked this book, I liked book 1 better, but this book was also great. The story was really good and I wanted to keep reading to see what problems Dez and Kale would encounter now.
I did liked the story, but I think the story of book was more action packed an fast paced. In this book there was more sitting around and planning. The story did have some action packed moments, but few of them than in book 1. I did think that the story was a bit too predictable, there where some major plot twist that are obvious quite early in the book already and I had hoped for a little more surprises.
I also had the urge to shake some sense in a few characters, more than once. Dez had a few of those moments where she was totally convinced of something and I only could think please think a bit more about it, check if there is another explanation. And most of all just talk, quite often in a book the characters forget there is such a simple solution. Okay except for that I really liked getting to know the characters more and seeing more from Kale, he is such an adorable character and I love the simple way he thinks. Dez is the type of person I could never be, but I love reading about her recklesness and all the things she does to get another adrenaline fix. Both are such great characters. I did think that some side characters could get a more personality, there where a few characters from who we see a really one sided picture because of Dez' point of view. And I would like to know more about who they really are.
In this book there isn't much world building added, most of the world is already explained in book 1 and this book actually has nothing new to offer. Don't get me wrong I don't think this is a bad thing, there just wasn't anything about the world more to add. We do get a few more examples of what some of the sixes can do and I liked getting a better picture of the variety of skills.
To conclude: the story was a bit predictable, but enjoyable. The characters had a few moment where I really wanted to shake some sense in them, but I liked seeing more of the characters. There isn't really much world building in this book, but we do get a better idea of the variety of skills the sixes have. All in all a great sequel and I am looking forward to reading the next book.
I did liked the story, but I think the story of book was more action packed an fast paced. In this book there was more sitting around and planning. The story did have some action packed moments, but few of them than in book 1. I did think that the story was a bit too predictable, there where some major plot twist that are obvious quite early in the book already and I had hoped for a little more surprises.
I also had the urge to shake some sense in a few characters, more than once. Dez had a few of those moments where she was totally convinced of something and I only could think please think a bit more about it, check if there is another explanation. And most of all just talk, quite often in a book the characters forget there is such a simple solution. Okay except for that I really liked getting to know the characters more and seeing more from Kale, he is such an adorable character and I love the simple way he thinks. Dez is the type of person I could never be, but I love reading about her recklesness and all the things she does to get another adrenaline fix. Both are such great characters. I did think that some side characters could get a more personality, there where a few characters from who we see a really one sided picture because of Dez' point of view. And I would like to know more about who they really are.
In this book there isn't much world building added, most of the world is already explained in book 1 and this book actually has nothing new to offer. Don't get me wrong I don't think this is a bad thing, there just wasn't anything about the world more to add. We do get a few more examples of what some of the sixes can do and I liked getting a better picture of the variety of skills.
To conclude: the story was a bit predictable, but enjoyable. The characters had a few moment where I really wanted to shake some sense in them, but I liked seeing more of the characters. There isn't really much world building in this book, but we do get a better idea of the variety of skills the sixes have. All in all a great sequel and I am looking forward to reading the next book.
November 25, 2015
Second-Book-Syndrome strikes again. I really wanted to love this one as much as I did Touch, but just couldn’t get over the decline in Kale’s character. Once loveable, and cute in his blank-canvas of a guy ways, that trait seemed to bring him down here. With so much angst holding up Dez and Kale’s relationship—a lot of it due to Kale’s inability to see what was going on around him, or how to treat someone’s feelings with respect—I found it quite to enjoy the romance, or lack of it. And with the rest of the plot revolving around Dez keeping secrets from everyone, as a reader, it just wasn’t a fun ride to be on.
Read the full review on my blog, Demons Read Too
Read the full review on my blog, Demons Read Too
December 4, 2020
Jak pierwsza część była jeszcze fajna to tutaj praktycznie nic się nie dzieje i czyta się bardzo monotonnie. Każdego zwrotu akcji się domyśliłam na starcie, ale jakoś bardzo źle się tego nie czytało. Nie polubiłam żadnej postaci, wręcz większość mnie denerwuje, wątek miłosny jest totalnie przesadzony. Cieszę się, że wreszcie mam to za sobą, ale i tak pewnie przeczytam trzecią część, żeby skończyć serię. Główna bohaterka zaskakuje głupotą. Powtarza się schemat pierwszej części, czyli przy związku Kale'a z Deznee pojawia się kolejna osoba i jedno jest o drugie zazdrosne. Nowa postać, Jade, nie umie trzymać łap przy sobie i w ogóle nie respektuje tego, że ktoś jest zajęty. I jak tu nie czuć wkurwienia jak się myśli o tych bohaterach?
October 6, 2012
Definitely 5 starts (or more:))).
It was an incredible, emotional, adrenalin ride.
Dez is wonderful, strong, kickass heroine and Kale is the most loveable, unique, innoncent but dangerous hero, I have ever met in books.
Their love is epic.
Review later. First I must wake up from this dream.
It was an incredible, emotional, adrenalin ride.
Dez is wonderful, strong, kickass heroine and Kale is the most loveable, unique, innoncent but dangerous hero, I have ever met in books.
Their love is epic.
Review later. First I must wake up from this dream.
August 21, 2016
This Jade bitch, I hate her guts!! I couldn't even imagine how I would feel if a girl like her would be around my boyfriend all the time. I'd destroy her.
Other than that, this was a very good second book. Lots of action and emotion, it was very exciting!
Other than that, this was a very good second book. Lots of action and emotion, it was very exciting!
November 1, 2014
I really enjoyed this fast paced book and the bonus part (Kale's POV) as well but Ginger (Hello, the future isn't set in stone!) and the whole love-triangle aspect (Or this one was more of a love quadrangle...) were annoying a little bit.
January 1, 2015
Lots of drama in this installment - but it was of the good kind. I definitely did not expect it to be such a blast. Book three, I'm on my way!
September 13, 2012
Review originally posted at Step Into Fiction
Thank you to Entangled Teen for asking me to be a part of the Toxic blog tour (I'll be posting on November 1 an interview with Jus Accardo) & supplying me with an eARC of Toxic. I am very excited for this opportunity as I am a very big fan of this series!
I fell in love with the first book, Touch and even the novella, Untouched. I can’t get enough of Kale, not to mention that Dez is just so kickass and chill. The whole book had this X-Men feel to it and I love X-Men, so I absolutely needed more. Thankfully, I was not disappointed with Toxic at all.
The title is very appropriate for the book, in more than one way. Dez is poisoned, curiosity of her loving and adoring father and he’s given her an ultimatum. Turn herself over to Denazen in exchange for the poison remedy or die. She goes through the majority of the book alone because she knows what would happen if she told Kale; he’d sacrifice himself for her life. She doesn’t want him to go back there so she works alone. She’s also insecure seeing Kale spending a lot of time with Jade, who was brought in to help him get his power under control, but she throws herself on him every chance she gets. Dez is convinced Jade is working for Denazen as it’s obvious there’s a spy in the mix and she’s the newest addition of sixes.
Throughout this book, I hated Jade as much as Dez did and maybe even more, which is really hard to do because Dez basically wants to kill her. Not to mention, I even want to kick Ginger’s ass, which is just wrong because she’s old but I really really really wanted to…many times.
I know I should dislike Alex for all that he’s done but I really can’t. There’s just something about him that’s so appealing; I can’t help but like him. He cares so much about Dez and of course, that’s a problem for both Dez and Kale. The tension between Alex and Kale is so strong it’s amusing. These two hate each other maybe as much as they hate Denazen so that shows you just how deep that hatred runs. But it’s entertainment for the reader, even if the reader is torn on the guys. I’m not torn on who should be with Dez, I truly believe that’s Kale but I adore both guys, as individuals.
I am scared. Actually, no – I am terrified for what’s to come in the next book. Things got real serious in Toxic but it’s only going to get worse in the next book, especially with the last thing said in the book. Talk about a cliffhanger…it’s not so much having you hanging on for what’s to come – I actually feel it does the opposite, which is fantastic. It makes me crave what’s to come but at the same time, I’m afraid when that book comes out, of turning the pages. I feel like tissues will be mandatory while reading. You probably won’t understand until you read the book…
This is a series I highly recommend. It’s full of humor, action, drama, tension and powers; what more could you ask for? Dez’s inner monologue is probably the most entertaining aspect of this book, mostly geared at Jade! Kale has learned a lot so he’s not as clueless as he was during Touch but he still has his moments and you just find yourself shaking your head at him. It’s his innocence that I love. You could never find someone like him in real life, which is a shame, but he’s such a great character. Not to mention, he’s like a ninja. Ninja’s are awesome. Pick up Touch then when you’re done that, make sure to Untouched (the e-novella) then dive right in to Toxic. Fall in love with Kale like every reader has.
Thank you to Entangled Teen for asking me to be a part of the Toxic blog tour (I'll be posting on November 1 an interview with Jus Accardo) & supplying me with an eARC of Toxic. I am very excited for this opportunity as I am a very big fan of this series!
I fell in love with the first book, Touch and even the novella, Untouched. I can’t get enough of Kale, not to mention that Dez is just so kickass and chill. The whole book had this X-Men feel to it and I love X-Men, so I absolutely needed more. Thankfully, I was not disappointed with Toxic at all.
The title is very appropriate for the book, in more than one way. Dez is poisoned, curiosity of her loving and adoring father and he’s given her an ultimatum. Turn herself over to Denazen in exchange for the poison remedy or die. She goes through the majority of the book alone because she knows what would happen if she told Kale; he’d sacrifice himself for her life. She doesn’t want him to go back there so she works alone. She’s also insecure seeing Kale spending a lot of time with Jade, who was brought in to help him get his power under control, but she throws herself on him every chance she gets. Dez is convinced Jade is working for Denazen as it’s obvious there’s a spy in the mix and she’s the newest addition of sixes.
Throughout this book, I hated Jade as much as Dez did and maybe even more, which is really hard to do because Dez basically wants to kill her. Not to mention, I even want to kick Ginger’s ass, which is just wrong because she’s old but I really really really wanted to…many times.
I know I should dislike Alex for all that he’s done but I really can’t. There’s just something about him that’s so appealing; I can’t help but like him. He cares so much about Dez and of course, that’s a problem for both Dez and Kale. The tension between Alex and Kale is so strong it’s amusing. These two hate each other maybe as much as they hate Denazen so that shows you just how deep that hatred runs. But it’s entertainment for the reader, even if the reader is torn on the guys. I’m not torn on who should be with Dez, I truly believe that’s Kale but I adore both guys, as individuals.
I am scared. Actually, no – I am terrified for what’s to come in the next book. Things got real serious in Toxic but it’s only going to get worse in the next book, especially with the last thing said in the book. Talk about a cliffhanger…it’s not so much having you hanging on for what’s to come – I actually feel it does the opposite, which is fantastic. It makes me crave what’s to come but at the same time, I’m afraid when that book comes out, of turning the pages. I feel like tissues will be mandatory while reading. You probably won’t understand until you read the book…
This is a series I highly recommend. It’s full of humor, action, drama, tension and powers; what more could you ask for? Dez’s inner monologue is probably the most entertaining aspect of this book, mostly geared at Jade! Kale has learned a lot so he’s not as clueless as he was during Touch but he still has his moments and you just find yourself shaking your head at him. It’s his innocence that I love. You could never find someone like him in real life, which is a shame, but he’s such a great character. Not to mention, he’s like a ninja. Ninja’s are awesome. Pick up Touch then when you’re done that, make sure to Untouched (the e-novella) then dive right in to Toxic. Fall in love with Kale like every reader has.
September 18, 2012
MY REVIEW
I received a pdf arc of this book, in exchange for my honest opinion and review from Entangled Teen. This is the second book in the Denazen series, though there is a 1.5 novella called Untouched that can be read in between Bk#1 and Bk#2.
The cover on this book continues in the same colours and hues of the other two books in a brownish colour. The character on the front of the book I would say is Dez. I like the character of Dez as she is quite a strong female. After reading Bk#1 and Bk#1.5 I was really looking forward to reading Bk#2 and I have to readily admit it did not disappoint!
The story literally picks straight up where the last book left you, with the dilemma that a day may be approaching very soon that Deznee will be unable to touch Kale without his freaky power killing her too. The book begins with Dez feeling pain from Kale's touch and obviously trying her best to hide this fact from him. Kale is not as detached from emotions and the tell tale signs as Dez thinks, and guesses. As with the other books Dez gets up to stuff she shouldn't and into scrapes she shouldn't, which ends in her being touched by a poison and guess who the only person with the cure is? .....that's right Deznee's dad, the last person she would ever wish to turn to for help. It's not just admitting she may need his help it is the scary thoughts of what or who he will want in exchange for the cure!
We have new characters introduced in this book such as Jade, the one who is to work closely with Kale to try and teach him control. There are also the characters from the other books in it too. We learn more about Kiernan as she becomes closer friends with Dez. Alex is still around, still besotted with Dez yet rejected by her. Brandt also still features in this book, within the body he now possess. Brandt comes to Dez within her dreams to try and help her work out different problems, though sometimes his cryptic clues lead Dez into more confusion.
I really like the naive character of Kale. The way he see's everything as so simplistic and black and white. There seems to be no middle ground in his mind just good and bad. His character reminds me of the main character called Martyr/3;3 from Replication by Jill Williamson. So if you like Kale and this book i reckon you should give Replication by Jill Williamson a go too.
We also find in this book that there is a traitor among the sixes, but who is it? Will the traitor be found before they commit the ultimate betrayal? The book once again ends by leaving you desperately wanting to know much much more!
The book is well written, and you fall straight back into the book and plot almost immediately. It has a fair share of twists and turns, plenty of action and adventure
So did I enjoy this book? Yes, definitely. Did it make me want to read more of the Denazen Series? YES. Bk#3 Tremble is going straight on my wishlist now! Would I read other books by Jus Accardo?Yes Would I recommend this book? Yes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 300 reviews