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The Lost Souls #2
Naturals
Tess is finally safe from the reach of the Council, now that she is living in the Middlelands with the rebel Isolationists. With James having returned to Templeton, she easily falls back into her friendship with Henry, though her newfound knowledge of Robert’s chosen one status still stings.
Even surrounded by people, Tess has never felt more alone. So she’s thrilled when James returns to the settlement, demanding to see Tess — until she finds out that it’s because her sister, Louisa, has been recruited into Tess’s old position at Templeton, and that the dangerously sadistic chosen one George has taken an interest in her.
Even surrounded by people, Tess has never felt more alone. So she’s thrilled when James returns to the settlement, demanding to see Tess — until she finds out that it’s because her sister, Louisa, has been recruited into Tess’s old position at Templeton, and that the dangerously sadistic chosen one George has taken an interest in her.
352 pages, Paperback
First published April 2, 2013
17 people are currently reading
2106 people want to read
About the author
Tiffany Truitt
8 books321 followersTiffany Truitt was born in Peoria, Illinois. A self-proclaimed Navy brat, Tiffany spent most of her childhood living in Virginia, but don’t call her a Southerner. She also spent a few years living in Cuba. Since her time on the island of one McDonalds and Banana Rats (don't ask), she has been obsessed with traveling. Tiffany recently added China to her list of travels (hello inspiration for a new book).
Besides traveling, Tiffany has always been an avid reader. The earliest books she remembers reading belong to The Little House on the Prairie Series. First book she read in one day? Little Woman (5th grade). First author she fell in love with? Jane Austen in middle school. Tiffany spent most of her high school and college career as a literary snob. She refused to read anything considered "low brow" or outside the "classics."
Tiffany began teaching middle school in 2006. Her students introduced her to the wide, wonderful world of Young Adult literature. Today, Tiffany embraces popular Young Adult literature and uses it in her classroom. She currently teaches the following novels: The Outsiders, Speak, Night, Dystopian Literature Circles: The Hunger Games, The Giver, The Uglies, and Matched.
Besides traveling, Tiffany has always been an avid reader. The earliest books she remembers reading belong to The Little House on the Prairie Series. First book she read in one day? Little Woman (5th grade). First author she fell in love with? Jane Austen in middle school. Tiffany spent most of her high school and college career as a literary snob. She refused to read anything considered "low brow" or outside the "classics."
Tiffany began teaching middle school in 2006. Her students introduced her to the wide, wonderful world of Young Adult literature. Today, Tiffany embraces popular Young Adult literature and uses it in her classroom. She currently teaches the following novels: The Outsiders, Speak, Night, Dystopian Literature Circles: The Hunger Games, The Giver, The Uglies, and Matched.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
March 31, 2013
*Genre* YA Dystopian
*Rating* 4
*Review*
Whenever I get the chance to read a second book in a series, or trilogy, I often hesitate and pray that it's better than the original. Often times than naught, I'm left disappointed. For Naturals, the sequel to Chosen Ones, I got exactly what I wanted out of the book. I found the story more appealing on so many different levels and obviously, I will be eagerly awaiting to read the third installment.
Naturals picks up two days after the end of Chosen One's and finds Tess, McNair, Henry, Robert, and Eric heading out of a mission to find the Naturals encampment (Isolationalists). Tess becomes a stronger character overall this time out. She finds herself in a different situation where people don't trust her and she often has to prove herself in order to remain within the encampment including learning how to milk cows and taking a shower au natural.
She makes friends with a character named Lockwood and learns that she needs to work hard in order to fit in with the Isolationalists who really don't trust her. Tess often finds herself wondering what happened to James after she left Templeton, and she finds that she is getting closer to Henry in many different ways until James shows up at ISO camp. Tess also has a conundrum in that she really feels awful about leaving her sister Louisa behind at at the mercy of those like George who has an agenda all his own.
As with all second novels, it seems, there is a pretty interesting cliffhanger which will leave readers wondering what the heck is going to happen next. Overall, I found Naturals to be appealing and enjoyable and will definitely read the third installment once it is released.
*Recvd from Entangled 03/06/2013* Expected publication: April 2nd 2013 by Entangled Teen
*Rating* 4
*Review*
Whenever I get the chance to read a second book in a series, or trilogy, I often hesitate and pray that it's better than the original. Often times than naught, I'm left disappointed. For Naturals, the sequel to Chosen Ones, I got exactly what I wanted out of the book. I found the story more appealing on so many different levels and obviously, I will be eagerly awaiting to read the third installment.
Naturals picks up two days after the end of Chosen One's and finds Tess, McNair, Henry, Robert, and Eric heading out of a mission to find the Naturals encampment (Isolationalists). Tess becomes a stronger character overall this time out. She finds herself in a different situation where people don't trust her and she often has to prove herself in order to remain within the encampment including learning how to milk cows and taking a shower au natural.
She makes friends with a character named Lockwood and learns that she needs to work hard in order to fit in with the Isolationalists who really don't trust her. Tess often finds herself wondering what happened to James after she left Templeton, and she finds that she is getting closer to Henry in many different ways until James shows up at ISO camp. Tess also has a conundrum in that she really feels awful about leaving her sister Louisa behind at at the mercy of those like George who has an agenda all his own.
As with all second novels, it seems, there is a pretty interesting cliffhanger which will leave readers wondering what the heck is going to happen next. Overall, I found Naturals to be appealing and enjoyable and will definitely read the third installment once it is released.
*Recvd from Entangled 03/06/2013* Expected publication: April 2nd 2013 by Entangled Teen
May 5, 2013
Naturals is the second book in Tiffany Truitt's The Lost Souls series. In book one, The Chosen Ones, we see Tess sentenced to death by the Council after she discovered she can reproduce. She is rescued by Robert, Henry and James, with the help of some naturals from an isolation camp in the midlands. In a world where natural humans are dying out, one who can reproduce is extremely important. But James can't go all the way, he has to go back to Templeton and Tess fears she'll never see him again.
Travelling through the midlands to the camp in dangerous and they are attacked a couple of times along the way by Abnorms, like Chosen Ones, but not made with the same care. When they reach the isolationist camp they aren't treated very well by the naturals there. They all hate Chosen Ones and look down on Tess for having a relationship with one, and Henry by association. But eventually, things get a bit better and Tess finds a brilliant friend in Lockwood. Until James arrives and saves Tess's life, leaving Tess having to fight for his.
Throughout the book, Tess constantly plans to go back for her sister, and only remaining family, Louisa. Eventually, her hand is forced when a threat comes from George, a violent Chosen One that we met in book one, that he has Louisa, and is willing to make a trade.
This book was just as good as The Chosen Ones and I really enjoyed it. There's some new characters introduced, McNair who is tough and serious, Eric, who is like McNairs right hand man and also a tough guy, they are both nice to Tess and try to help her. My favourite character is Lockwood, he is awesome, funny and sarcastic, apparently thought to be weak within the community but when it comes to Tess, he wasn't afraid to stand up for her and do what needed to be done.
Tess's character really grows in this book and she learns to stand up against authority for what she believes in. I wasn't overfond of Henry in the first book and I can't say I warmed towards him much in this book either. But he wants to be with Tess and will try to keep her safe any way he can. I loved James just as much in this one, and he showed just how much he really loves Tess.
The ending was surprising and completely unexpected. While this book didn't have much by way of action, it was still really interesting to see how things work in the isolation camps and what kind of people are there. I feel the next book is where it will all come to an end, as George plans to bring down the Council. I can't wait!!
Travelling through the midlands to the camp in dangerous and they are attacked a couple of times along the way by Abnorms, like Chosen Ones, but not made with the same care. When they reach the isolationist camp they aren't treated very well by the naturals there. They all hate Chosen Ones and look down on Tess for having a relationship with one, and Henry by association. But eventually, things get a bit better and Tess finds a brilliant friend in Lockwood. Until James arrives and saves Tess's life, leaving Tess having to fight for his.
Throughout the book, Tess constantly plans to go back for her sister, and only remaining family, Louisa. Eventually, her hand is forced when a threat comes from George, a violent Chosen One that we met in book one, that he has Louisa, and is willing to make a trade.
This book was just as good as The Chosen Ones and I really enjoyed it. There's some new characters introduced, McNair who is tough and serious, Eric, who is like McNairs right hand man and also a tough guy, they are both nice to Tess and try to help her. My favourite character is Lockwood, he is awesome, funny and sarcastic, apparently thought to be weak within the community but when it comes to Tess, he wasn't afraid to stand up for her and do what needed to be done.
Tess's character really grows in this book and she learns to stand up against authority for what she believes in. I wasn't overfond of Henry in the first book and I can't say I warmed towards him much in this book either. But he wants to be with Tess and will try to keep her safe any way he can. I loved James just as much in this one, and he showed just how much he really loves Tess.
The ending was surprising and completely unexpected. While this book didn't have much by way of action, it was still really interesting to see how things work in the isolation camps and what kind of people are there. I feel the next book is where it will all come to an end, as George plans to bring down the Council. I can't wait!!
March 26, 2013
<33333333333333333333'd that is all!!!!!
April 20, 2013
As this is the second book in the Lost Souls series I'm going to assume that anyone reading this review has already read the first book. If you haven't read Chosen Ones be warned that this review will contain spoilers so you may wish to look away now. I have to admit that while I though Naturals was an OK read it did have that second book in a series feel to it, there is much less action than I wanted and the story is more character driven. I felt the plot moved quite slowly and I found it very easy to put the book down to go off to do something else and I almost had to force myself to pick it back up again. When I was actually reading it was enjoyable enough but I was never compelled to carry on reading.
I had expected quite an action packed story, Tess, Henry and Robert needed to complete their journey to the Isolationists and then there was mention in the blurb of them going back to Templeton to rescue her sister Louisa which promised plenty of danger. As it was the journey to the Isolationist's camp was fairly uneventful, there were a few minor issues along the way but nothing that raised my pulse rate. The majority of the book is spent at the camp where Tess and Henry are learning how different life is in the Middlelands compared to the compound where they were raised. The Isolationists are suspicious of outsiders and don't seem very happy about having Tess, Henry and Robert living with them so it is up to them to fit in and find a way to prove to the community that they can be valuable assets.
Although I felt the romance between Tess and James happened a little too quickly in the first book I had really wanted to see more of them together and I particularly wanted to get to know James better as I felt we didn't really learn much about him in the first book. I had high hopes for that but unfortunately he doesn't even make an appearance until we're 70% into the story. I'm not a huge fan of love triangles so it won't surprise anyone who knows me that I was really annoyed by the way Tess turned to Henry in James's absence. Especially when it was so obvious that she was just using him because he was there and she was not actually falling in love with him. I ended up being annoyed with her and feeling sorry for both Henry and James and that doesn't really leave me feeling much confidence for any future relationship developments.
Things really started to pick up for me after James's reappearance and when they finally left the camp to go on the rescue mission (which I think was at about 85% into the story). The pace picked up, the danger increased and I actually started to feel invested in what was happening. Unfortunately that part happens so quickly when I really wanted it to keep going. There is a major twist revealed at the end that definitely makes me curious about the next book in the series though. One thing I will say is that I liked Tess much more in this book than I did in the first (apart from the way she treated Henry anyway!), she is a much stronger character now and more willing to stand up for herself and what she believes in. She does still have a tendency to think that the world revolves around her but I think that can be quite a common trait amongst teenagers so I can forgive her for it. What I really want to see in the next book is more action and less sitting around talking about what they should be doing. If the pace could be as good for the whole book as it was for the last 20% of this one then it would be a fantastic read. As it is I do think that anyone who enjoyed Chosen Ones will want to read Naturals to continue Tess's journey and it looks like most other reviewers enjoyed it much more than I did. It probably lost a star with me just because I hate love triangles so much so anyone who don't mind them will automatically be at an advantage.
I had expected quite an action packed story, Tess, Henry and Robert needed to complete their journey to the Isolationists and then there was mention in the blurb of them going back to Templeton to rescue her sister Louisa which promised plenty of danger. As it was the journey to the Isolationist's camp was fairly uneventful, there were a few minor issues along the way but nothing that raised my pulse rate. The majority of the book is spent at the camp where Tess and Henry are learning how different life is in the Middlelands compared to the compound where they were raised. The Isolationists are suspicious of outsiders and don't seem very happy about having Tess, Henry and Robert living with them so it is up to them to fit in and find a way to prove to the community that they can be valuable assets.
Although I felt the romance between Tess and James happened a little too quickly in the first book I had really wanted to see more of them together and I particularly wanted to get to know James better as I felt we didn't really learn much about him in the first book. I had high hopes for that but unfortunately he doesn't even make an appearance until we're 70% into the story. I'm not a huge fan of love triangles so it won't surprise anyone who knows me that I was really annoyed by the way Tess turned to Henry in James's absence. Especially when it was so obvious that she was just using him because he was there and she was not actually falling in love with him. I ended up being annoyed with her and feeling sorry for both Henry and James and that doesn't really leave me feeling much confidence for any future relationship developments.
Things really started to pick up for me after James's reappearance and when they finally left the camp to go on the rescue mission (which I think was at about 85% into the story). The pace picked up, the danger increased and I actually started to feel invested in what was happening. Unfortunately that part happens so quickly when I really wanted it to keep going. There is a major twist revealed at the end that definitely makes me curious about the next book in the series though. One thing I will say is that I liked Tess much more in this book than I did in the first (apart from the way she treated Henry anyway!), she is a much stronger character now and more willing to stand up for herself and what she believes in. She does still have a tendency to think that the world revolves around her but I think that can be quite a common trait amongst teenagers so I can forgive her for it. What I really want to see in the next book is more action and less sitting around talking about what they should be doing. If the pace could be as good for the whole book as it was for the last 20% of this one then it would be a fantastic read. As it is I do think that anyone who enjoyed Chosen Ones will want to read Naturals to continue Tess's journey and it looks like most other reviewers enjoyed it much more than I did. It probably lost a star with me just because I hate love triangles so much so anyone who don't mind them will automatically be at an advantage.
May 31, 2014
http://readingandwritingurbanfantasy....
3.5 stars
At A Glance
Everything was going really well. The story was interesting and suspenseful. But then stupid decision after stupid decision was made and I just got sick of it.
The Good
I loved Chosen Ones, the first book of the series. It has been one of the dystopians that has really stood out to me. The world in these books is as bad as they come: human suppression, women are considered the problem, superior race taking over, death, mayhem, and government conspiracies. It's all so horrible and wonderful at the same time.
Tess has finally gotten away from the people that want to kill her because she is different. She thinks for herself, wants more out of life, and she loves someone forbidden. But life in the rebel camp isn't rainbows and unicorns either. Tess learns the hard way that hate and fear are universal, not even her supposed saviors are immune to ignorance do to fear of the unknown. I think Tess does the best she can to survive in her new world. She will always fight for what she believes in even if that makes her the outcast. I feel so bad for Tess. She can't seem to catch a break. But she always has her friends to rely on. I really hope she can start some real change in the next book because so far she is just getting beaten down again and again.
Henry is such an emotional character. He has hate buried deep inside because of his past and it makes him unpredictable. Sometimes he's an amazing friend, but other times he is just despicable. James was the same goodhearted but fierce boyfriend to Tess. He really would do anything for her. But it was Lockwood, the new addition, that I feel for. He is so funny, sarcastic, and loyal. I love his outlook on life and love. You can't help but respect this guy.
I liked the story overall. Though Naturals wasn't as good as Chosen Ones, it was still one hell of an adventure. I am happy with the world building. I finally got some answers to questions I had left with the first book but I still have more. The writing was good, as was the dialogue. I am excited for the next book.
The Bad
OMG, I never seen so many stupid decisions made in one book. I was literally pulling out my hair in frustration. It was never so obvious that these really are a bunch of kids playing rebellion than it was in this book. There is no planning, no logic when this group runs out on missions or situations, they just go and figure they will play it by ear. Yeah, the perfect way to go into life and death situations, right? *sigh*
The first half had a little too many flashbacks for my taste. I just wanted to stick with the present because that was more exciting.
The first two-thirds felt a little disjointed from the last one-third. The beginning and middle were about Tess and her new life at the rebel camps and the last part was all about James and "the mission." I wish the story was more cohesive.
The Snuggly
Tess and Henry get close in this book. But I never liked Henry so that wasn't something I was rooting for. I loved when James came back into the picture, but he and Tess barely had any time together at all. But they are still a cute couple. And I loved that they moved their relationship forward.
There is some good old fashion young adult sex in this book. Kissing, groping, and nakedness, oh my!
Final Thoughts
I really hope Tess and the rest of the crew smarten up in the next book. If they do, then I am so there. I think Truitt is a good writer who knows how to tell a great story. But even young adults need to make logical decisions to survive any world. Just saying. Recommended.
Quotes
"I can't help but wonder if there has ever been a place where freedom truly existed. I think freedom is what mankind fears most in the world. When you're free, you can't blame anyone or anything for who you become."
“Did you two eat some mushrooms you found in the woods?” Eric asked, resting his rifle against his chest. Clearly, he was welcoming the break as well.
“Bad idea, I did that once on a hike for supplies, and let me tell you... whew, the things I saw. One time, I swear these fairy things with the largest bo--"
3.5 stars
At A Glance
Everything was going really well. The story was interesting and suspenseful. But then stupid decision after stupid decision was made and I just got sick of it.
The Good
I loved Chosen Ones, the first book of the series. It has been one of the dystopians that has really stood out to me. The world in these books is as bad as they come: human suppression, women are considered the problem, superior race taking over, death, mayhem, and government conspiracies. It's all so horrible and wonderful at the same time.
Tess has finally gotten away from the people that want to kill her because she is different. She thinks for herself, wants more out of life, and she loves someone forbidden. But life in the rebel camp isn't rainbows and unicorns either. Tess learns the hard way that hate and fear are universal, not even her supposed saviors are immune to ignorance do to fear of the unknown. I think Tess does the best she can to survive in her new world. She will always fight for what she believes in even if that makes her the outcast. I feel so bad for Tess. She can't seem to catch a break. But she always has her friends to rely on. I really hope she can start some real change in the next book because so far she is just getting beaten down again and again.
Henry is such an emotional character. He has hate buried deep inside because of his past and it makes him unpredictable. Sometimes he's an amazing friend, but other times he is just despicable. James was the same goodhearted but fierce boyfriend to Tess. He really would do anything for her. But it was Lockwood, the new addition, that I feel for. He is so funny, sarcastic, and loyal. I love his outlook on life and love. You can't help but respect this guy.
I liked the story overall. Though Naturals wasn't as good as Chosen Ones, it was still one hell of an adventure. I am happy with the world building. I finally got some answers to questions I had left with the first book but I still have more. The writing was good, as was the dialogue. I am excited for the next book.
The Bad
OMG, I never seen so many stupid decisions made in one book. I was literally pulling out my hair in frustration. It was never so obvious that these really are a bunch of kids playing rebellion than it was in this book. There is no planning, no logic when this group runs out on missions or situations, they just go and figure they will play it by ear. Yeah, the perfect way to go into life and death situations, right? *sigh*
The first half had a little too many flashbacks for my taste. I just wanted to stick with the present because that was more exciting.
The first two-thirds felt a little disjointed from the last one-third. The beginning and middle were about Tess and her new life at the rebel camps and the last part was all about James and "the mission." I wish the story was more cohesive.
The Snuggly
Tess and Henry get close in this book. But I never liked Henry so that wasn't something I was rooting for. I loved when James came back into the picture, but he and Tess barely had any time together at all. But they are still a cute couple. And I loved that they moved their relationship forward.
There is some good old fashion young adult sex in this book. Kissing, groping, and nakedness, oh my!
Final Thoughts
I really hope Tess and the rest of the crew smarten up in the next book. If they do, then I am so there. I think Truitt is a good writer who knows how to tell a great story. But even young adults need to make logical decisions to survive any world. Just saying. Recommended.
Quotes
"I can't help but wonder if there has ever been a place where freedom truly existed. I think freedom is what mankind fears most in the world. When you're free, you can't blame anyone or anything for who you become."
“Did you two eat some mushrooms you found in the woods?” Eric asked, resting his rifle against his chest. Clearly, he was welcoming the break as well.
“Bad idea, I did that once on a hike for supplies, and let me tell you... whew, the things I saw. One time, I swear these fairy things with the largest bo--"
March 28, 2013
**THIS IS A SPOILER-FREE REVIEW**
When I read Chosen Ones last year, I enjoyed the book despite small issues I had with it. The book had interesting characters and a romance to die for. After how Chosen Ones ended, I was looking forward to reading Naturals, the sequel.
Tess, as a character, has really undergone tremendous growth throughout the series. In Chosen Ones, she was rather narrow-minded, naive and weak. In Naturals however, the reader gets to see a change in her. She was a whole lot braver and stronger. I liked that she no longer bowed down to authority if they were wrong. She didn't mince her words and openly voiced out her opinions. After the events of Chosen Ones, I thought Tess would turn out to be a Bella Swan in New Moon, but I was pleasantly surprised that she didn't let the downs in her life to rule her future. Instead, she put her mind and energy into her goals, vowing to do whatever she had to to reach them. I loved the new headstrong and determined Tess. However, there was one scene where I was pretty upset with Tess. I just didn't approve of her decision or her attitude. Other than that though, Tess was a very likable heroine. I wasn't a huge fan of Henry, Tess' childhood friend, but I liked him a lot better in this one. I felt like the reader got to know the layers to his character much better in Naturals, making it much easier to grow fond of him. At some point, I really felt bad for what happened to him. James, Tess' love interest doesn't make an appearance until midway through the book. I missed his absence in the first half of the book, but I was glad to have him back later on. He was still his usual mysterious and really sweet self as in Chosen Ones. Naturals introduces the reader to a bunch of new characters, all of whom were very well-fleshed out. Character-wise, Naturals was great!
While Chosen Ones gave the reader insight on the Chosen Ones, the killing machines created at Templeton, Naturals delves further into the life of the rebel Isolationalists. The author introduces us to their lifestyle and community. I felt like Naturals was a lot more character driven than plot driven. Rest assured that it wasn't without a plot though. In fact, the plot was pretty intense and had me flipping me the pages and keeping me on the edge. I would like to talk more about the plot line, but I do not want to spoil anything for those readers who haven't started this series yet. All I can say is that the story line was action-packed and highly entertaining. As far as the romance goes, I was satisfied with it. However, I was slightly disappointed by the love triangle, if you can call it that. I loved James and Tess' relationship in Chosen Ones, but my feelings were quite conflicted after getting to know more about Henry. I also didn't like how Tess treated him and I couldn't help but feel sympathy for him. Fortunately, the romance didn't overshadow the story line and hence, didn't bother me as much as it should have. My favorite part of Naturals was the growing friendship between Tess and Lockwood. I loved the banter and lines that they shared and I would anticipate their scenes more than scenes between Tess and her love interests. Tiffany Truitt's writing was still as engaging as in Chosen Ones. I still found myself being very much invested in her writing and couldn't wait to get to the end of the book.
If you enjoyed Chosen Ones, there is no doubt that you will enjoy the sequel, Naturals. This isn't a book that suffered from middle book syndrome. This series has all the elements that make up for a solid dystopian : great cast of characters, strong world-building, engaging plot line and a sweet forbidden romance. Fans of dystopian novels, this is not a series to be missed out!
June 21, 2013
After reading the first of this series I couldn't wait to jump by into Tess's world and I loved how much has changed for her. The author starts us off with us meeting up with Tess again and her adjusting to life away from the world she new and living with Isolationists. Wow the world building in this book is phenomal. I loved that we got to see this world through the eyes of Tess being that she is someone from the outside looking in and really lived a sheltered life in the world she knew. She had no idea about how dangerous it was living somewhere esle and having to adjust to a lot of the comforts she was used to having not being there anymore. I think the author really created a uniquie world that I for one would not want to live in. I don't know that I would have been able to handle it all.
Tess has a lot to contend with this time around once she gets to the new Isolantists camp and realizes they just may have their own reasons for wanting to help her. I was instantly suscipious of this camp and wasn't sure it was a good place for Tess to be. I liked that the more Tess learned about the camp the stronger she finally became and she wasn't such a push over anymore. She seemed to finally realize she needed to grow up and deal with her new life. I have to say that a lot of the events that take place and lead up to James comning back into her life were full of twists and turns that I didn't see coming and some will really shake you up and make you think about this world and wonder if Tess is really safe anywhere.
I loved having James back in the picture and how well him and Tess really were made for each other. I love the whole forbidden love thing and how regardless they refused to let others tear them apart. They decided that no matter what they were there for each other and refused to be told their love was not ok. Overall this book was a great read and one that I think may readers will love especially lovers of a good dystopian read. If you haven't read this series you really need to start it because it is one you don't want to miss.
Tess has a lot to contend with this time around once she gets to the new Isolantists camp and realizes they just may have their own reasons for wanting to help her. I was instantly suscipious of this camp and wasn't sure it was a good place for Tess to be. I liked that the more Tess learned about the camp the stronger she finally became and she wasn't such a push over anymore. She seemed to finally realize she needed to grow up and deal with her new life. I have to say that a lot of the events that take place and lead up to James comning back into her life were full of twists and turns that I didn't see coming and some will really shake you up and make you think about this world and wonder if Tess is really safe anywhere.
I loved having James back in the picture and how well him and Tess really were made for each other. I love the whole forbidden love thing and how regardless they refused to let others tear them apart. They decided that no matter what they were there for each other and refused to be told their love was not ok. Overall this book was a great read and one that I think may readers will love especially lovers of a good dystopian read. If you haven't read this series you really need to start it because it is one you don't want to miss.
May 15, 2013
I enjoyed Chosen Ones, but can easily say that Naturals is better. You can certainly tell that this is Ms. Truitt's second book. The plotting and pacing are better, and the characters more relatable. I found Tess, especially, to be extremely strong in this installment. She was much more willing to confront her feelings and think about how her upbringing impacted her. I liked her strength of character and her conviction that what she was doing was right. For me, the main draw of this book is Tess, and I was really pleased to see her growth.
I also liked that this book helped further establish the dystopian world used in this series. Tess is away from the compound, out in the so-called "wilds", and you really got a better sense of what the world was like through her journey to the Isolationists' camp. It was interesting to see the stark contrast between compound life and the life these people chose to live away from everyone. It was very much reminiscent of the pioneers' journey out west back in the early days of the United States, when food was not in abundance and everything had to be gained through physical work of some sort. Since Tess was "pampered" for most of her life, she finds the transition difficult, and I found her journey to be extremely realistic and well done.
This book is much more action-packed, even though a large portion of it is taken up by Tess' learning to fend for herself and work to keep herself and the community alive and thriving. Even though she is supposedly safe, there is a definite sense of threat underlying everything, and this is ratcheted up when she becomes ill. I was really pleased that we got to see James again, even though Henry's actions leading up to their reunion really rubbed me the wrong way. He is such an angry character, and while I suppose some of it is warranted, I can't get behind his actions or thoughts, and really found myself not liking him at all. Like the contrast between Tess' previous life and the one at the camp, James and Henry are so different from each other. I like that James really seems to respect Tess' decisions and is willing to let her lead, whereas Henry wants to be the one in control and do what he feels is best for her, regardless of her feelings on the subject. I will be interested to see how their relationship progresses with the events at the end of the book.
Naturals is a much faster read than its predecessor. Tess is more likable, and the reader is really able to get inside her head and understand her feelings and where she's coming from. I loved seeing her personal growth, and can only hope that continues, even with the reveal at the end. I like how she still struggles to not be the girl the Council turned her into, and the steps she's taking to ensure she lives her life according to her own rules. If you liked Chosen Ones, you definitely need to pick up Naturals, as it is an extremely solid continuation of the series. Just be forewarned that the ending will leave you extremely anxious and impatient for the as-yet-unnamed final installment!
An e-galley was provided by the publisher for blog tour purposes.
***
To see more of my reviews, please visit me @ Read and Reviewed!
I also liked that this book helped further establish the dystopian world used in this series. Tess is away from the compound, out in the so-called "wilds", and you really got a better sense of what the world was like through her journey to the Isolationists' camp. It was interesting to see the stark contrast between compound life and the life these people chose to live away from everyone. It was very much reminiscent of the pioneers' journey out west back in the early days of the United States, when food was not in abundance and everything had to be gained through physical work of some sort. Since Tess was "pampered" for most of her life, she finds the transition difficult, and I found her journey to be extremely realistic and well done.
"I can't help but wonder if there has ever been a place where freedom truly existed. I think freedom is what mankind fears most in the world. When you're free, you can't blame anyone or anything for who you become." - 81%
This book is much more action-packed, even though a large portion of it is taken up by Tess' learning to fend for herself and work to keep herself and the community alive and thriving. Even though she is supposedly safe, there is a definite sense of threat underlying everything, and this is ratcheted up when she becomes ill. I was really pleased that we got to see James again, even though Henry's actions leading up to their reunion really rubbed me the wrong way. He is such an angry character, and while I suppose some of it is warranted, I can't get behind his actions or thoughts, and really found myself not liking him at all. Like the contrast between Tess' previous life and the one at the camp, James and Henry are so different from each other. I like that James really seems to respect Tess' decisions and is willing to let her lead, whereas Henry wants to be the one in control and do what he feels is best for her, regardless of her feelings on the subject. I will be interested to see how their relationship progresses with the events at the end of the book.
Naturals is a much faster read than its predecessor. Tess is more likable, and the reader is really able to get inside her head and understand her feelings and where she's coming from. I loved seeing her personal growth, and can only hope that continues, even with the reveal at the end. I like how she still struggles to not be the girl the Council turned her into, and the steps she's taking to ensure she lives her life according to her own rules. If you liked Chosen Ones, you definitely need to pick up Naturals, as it is an extremely solid continuation of the series. Just be forewarned that the ending will leave you extremely anxious and impatient for the as-yet-unnamed final installment!
An e-galley was provided by the publisher for blog tour purposes.
***
To see more of my reviews, please visit me @ Read and Reviewed!
April 11, 2013
BOOK REVIEW by Michelle 10th APRIL 2013:
RATING: 4.25 JAMES & LOCKWOOD STARS!
Two days later....
McNair, Eric, Jones, Robert, Henry and Tess are making their way to the Isolationist's Compound.
The super human strength, brutal, deformed abnorm soldiers are standing in their way.
The compound is about everybody having a job assigned to them and pitching in.
Lockwood is a really likable character. I loved how he brought a sense of casualness, normality to Tess’s day. He is a very loyal character who can think for himself, he isn’t a clone. He makes up his own mind what is right and wrong in the compound.
I loved him in the bath scene.
"Welcome home, Tess," he said with a sincere smile.
It was difficult, but I returned his smile.
New sub character’s are an asset to this storyline. At the same time, I felt this instalment for the most part was character driven. Towards the latter half of the book we get more of that danger of the characters from Templeton Mansion and we are back in the saddle of villains and danger.
Henry is a likeable character, we get a lot more of him in this instalment. I do feel for him but also I wanted to shake him and give him a stinky dead fish slap. He is redeemable.
James is a gorgeous character. I love the Tess and James combination. He is such a stand up guy, loyal to Tess and determined for her, and so in love.
Do I still understand the bigger picture of those in charge of the Chosen? No. I think I want to understand that more. We get the minions. We understand what makes them strive to climb the food change, but the why of where that food change leads......? I can feel like I am in the bubble of these characters lives and Templeton’s Chosen.
Tiffany shows us there is more several days walk from Templeton Mansion, being where the Isolationists have tried to live a peaceful life.
Tess of the DÚrbervilles was a nice story parallel addition that is slid into some scenes.
Robert is a great guy. I really like him and McNair, Eric is a guy you want behind a gun, but he also has this big brother side to him. These characters help bring a more humane side to this dystopian and its soldiers.
“Did you two eat some mushrooms you found in the woods?”Eric asked, resting his rifle against his chest. Clearly, he was welcoming the break as well. “Bad idea, I did that once on a hike for supplies, and let me tell you... whew, the things I saw. One time, I swear these fairy things with the largest bo--“
It was great seeing how the Naturals choose to judge the same way the Chosen judge. It made me realize James has a need to be accepted and treated differently as he is a different Chosen. He has heart and a soul, even though he was genetically engineered to be a soldier and fed propaganda. He shows he can think for himself and want more from the life he had no choice but to accept and follow.
Tess has grown in character, which you would expect after everything she has witnessed and gone through. She has accepted her new life until............ then she fires up like the little rocket she needs to be to save those she loves.
The ending has me all intrigued to where Tiffany will take us next. I know Tess will be heading in a certain direction and I know the shiz will be hitting the fan along the way.
A great sequel that shows us that humanity still prevails in some, there is still hope for a better life. The Chosen to me don’t seem to have a job at Templeton Mansion unless they have Naturals to toy with .
Where is all this going to end up?
A great couple of twists are thrown in to keep us guessing for book # 3.
Michelle
RATING: 4.25 JAMES & LOCKWOOD STARS!
Two days later....
McNair, Eric, Jones, Robert, Henry and Tess are making their way to the Isolationist's Compound.
The super human strength, brutal, deformed abnorm soldiers are standing in their way.
The compound is about everybody having a job assigned to them and pitching in.
Lockwood is a really likable character. I loved how he brought a sense of casualness, normality to Tess’s day. He is a very loyal character who can think for himself, he isn’t a clone. He makes up his own mind what is right and wrong in the compound.
I loved him in the bath scene.
"Welcome home, Tess," he said with a sincere smile.
It was difficult, but I returned his smile.
New sub character’s are an asset to this storyline. At the same time, I felt this instalment for the most part was character driven. Towards the latter half of the book we get more of that danger of the characters from Templeton Mansion and we are back in the saddle of villains and danger.
Henry is a likeable character, we get a lot more of him in this instalment. I do feel for him but also I wanted to shake him and give him a stinky dead fish slap. He is redeemable.
James is a gorgeous character. I love the Tess and James combination. He is such a stand up guy, loyal to Tess and determined for her, and so in love.
Do I still understand the bigger picture of those in charge of the Chosen? No. I think I want to understand that more. We get the minions. We understand what makes them strive to climb the food change, but the why of where that food change leads......? I can feel like I am in the bubble of these characters lives and Templeton’s Chosen.
Tiffany shows us there is more several days walk from Templeton Mansion, being where the Isolationists have tried to live a peaceful life.
Tess of the DÚrbervilles was a nice story parallel addition that is slid into some scenes.
Robert is a great guy. I really like him and McNair, Eric is a guy you want behind a gun, but he also has this big brother side to him. These characters help bring a more humane side to this dystopian and its soldiers.
“Did you two eat some mushrooms you found in the woods?”Eric asked, resting his rifle against his chest. Clearly, he was welcoming the break as well. “Bad idea, I did that once on a hike for supplies, and let me tell you... whew, the things I saw. One time, I swear these fairy things with the largest bo--“
It was great seeing how the Naturals choose to judge the same way the Chosen judge. It made me realize James has a need to be accepted and treated differently as he is a different Chosen. He has heart and a soul, even though he was genetically engineered to be a soldier and fed propaganda. He shows he can think for himself and want more from the life he had no choice but to accept and follow.
Tess has grown in character, which you would expect after everything she has witnessed and gone through. She has accepted her new life until............ then she fires up like the little rocket she needs to be to save those she loves.
The ending has me all intrigued to where Tiffany will take us next. I know Tess will be heading in a certain direction and I know the shiz will be hitting the fan along the way.
A great sequel that shows us that humanity still prevails in some, there is still hope for a better life. The Chosen to me don’t seem to have a job at Templeton Mansion unless they have Naturals to toy with .
Where is all this going to end up?
A great couple of twists are thrown in to keep us guessing for book # 3.
Michelle
April 24, 2013
Even better than the first! I had high hopes for Naturals and it met every one. Full of thrills, surprises, and topped off with a game-changer ending, this book was brilliant!
On a side note, I really appreciated that the Isolationists weren't seen as "good guys" to combat the "bad guys" on the Council. True, their ideals were slightly better than those of the council, but they were by no means perfect. They had deeply ingrained prejudices against the Chosen Ones (or, as they called then, the abnormals). They were not welcoming, but very suspicious of Tess and Henry. They were realistically portrayed. If a group of people was forced into hiding to avoid a government intent on letting natural born humans die out and had to fight for survival, this is how they would be. Real people stuck in a world that had collapsed. I really liked that about this book, so I had to mention it.
Tess grew so much in this book. She was forced to realize how bad the situation of her world was. She had to learn how to survive rather than rely on the council's charity and how to stand up for herself. She came alive in this book. In book 1, I felt that she was a little difficult to like and quite mean. But, in this book, she became more forgiving, relaxed her black and white view of the world. She became a truly admirable heroine.
There was a brief appearance of a love triangle in this book. Tess thought that she would never see James again and it was easy for her to turn to Henry. But, it was always clear the James was her first choice and that she loved him more than she could ever love Henry.
Henry, obviously, played a larger role in this book. I got to know him better. He was very sweet, loyal, and protective (though that didn't always work out in his favor). Though he made some mistakes, I really liked him.
Never fear-James does appear in this book. He was as sweet and lovable as ever. I wanted to see more fire in him, though. I want to see him come alive and fight for what he wants. He came off as passive a few times. I hope that we get to see him more active in the next books. Until I see that, I can only say that I really liked him, not quite adored.
The stakes were raised in this book. We find out what is happening in the east, the horrors that they've employed in the endless war. We find out how bad everything truly is. Our characters have a long fight ahead of them.
The plot was brilliant. Fast-paced and full of twists. And the ending was a game-changer. It took me a while to wrap my head around everything that happened. I'm so anxious to find out what happens next. I need to get my hands on book 3.
If you liked Chosen Ones, you will love Naturals. This sequel was absolutely amazing!
*Thanks to Netgalley and Entangled Teen for a copy!
On a side note, I really appreciated that the Isolationists weren't seen as "good guys" to combat the "bad guys" on the Council. True, their ideals were slightly better than those of the council, but they were by no means perfect. They had deeply ingrained prejudices against the Chosen Ones (or, as they called then, the abnormals). They were not welcoming, but very suspicious of Tess and Henry. They were realistically portrayed. If a group of people was forced into hiding to avoid a government intent on letting natural born humans die out and had to fight for survival, this is how they would be. Real people stuck in a world that had collapsed. I really liked that about this book, so I had to mention it.
Tess grew so much in this book. She was forced to realize how bad the situation of her world was. She had to learn how to survive rather than rely on the council's charity and how to stand up for herself. She came alive in this book. In book 1, I felt that she was a little difficult to like and quite mean. But, in this book, she became more forgiving, relaxed her black and white view of the world. She became a truly admirable heroine.
There was a brief appearance of a love triangle in this book. Tess thought that she would never see James again and it was easy for her to turn to Henry. But, it was always clear the James was her first choice and that she loved him more than she could ever love Henry.
Henry, obviously, played a larger role in this book. I got to know him better. He was very sweet, loyal, and protective (though that didn't always work out in his favor). Though he made some mistakes, I really liked him.
Never fear-James does appear in this book. He was as sweet and lovable as ever. I wanted to see more fire in him, though. I want to see him come alive and fight for what he wants. He came off as passive a few times. I hope that we get to see him more active in the next books. Until I see that, I can only say that I really liked him, not quite adored.
The stakes were raised in this book. We find out what is happening in the east, the horrors that they've employed in the endless war. We find out how bad everything truly is. Our characters have a long fight ahead of them.
The plot was brilliant. Fast-paced and full of twists. And the ending was a game-changer. It took me a while to wrap my head around everything that happened. I'm so anxious to find out what happens next. I need to get my hands on book 3.
If you liked Chosen Ones, you will love Naturals. This sequel was absolutely amazing!
*Thanks to Netgalley and Entangled Teen for a copy!
July 29, 2015
This is the second book in the Lost Souls series and while she does give you a lot of information to fill in some of the blanks if you haven't read the first book, I am really glad that I had. (Check out my review of Chosen Ones.) There may be some spoilers from Chosen Ones in my review below.
Naturals picks up where Chosen Ones left off - Tess has finally escaped Templeton, with her childhood friend Henry and brother-in-law Robert, but she has left behind the two people she loves most - her younger sister Louisa and James, the chosen one that awoke in her all the feelings that the Council had tried to snuff out.
Tess is on the run because it has been discovered that she is actually fertile and would be able to live if she were to get pregnant. In the wasteland that has become the U.S. after the wars, women have lost the ability to bear children. Her own sister, Emma, died in childbirth, and so she has seen in first hand. The Council would like nothing more than for the 'natural' human race to die out. They have no need for them since they have started creating the perfect 'chosen ones.' Both races have been taught to hate the other one, but somehow James and Tess got past those early lessons.
Now Tess is in the midlands at an Isolationist community, and is finding that prejudices run deep both ways. That even in this 'free' community, there are still those in power who want to take away the rights of some. She does discover though that there is another one like her, able to have kids, living in the community. That is pretty much the only thing they have in common though. Sharon has had 8 children, though only 5 have lived. Tess is pretty sure that she doesn't want to become another Sharon. She can't imagine having sex with any man who wants to try to have a child. Tess is pretty standoffish with her and doesn't understand why Sharon keeps going out of her way to help her.
Then there is Lockwood. Tess is partnered up with him to learn what her job in the community is going to be - milking cows and taking care of other livestock. Lockwood turns out to be a really good friend to Tess, proving that men and women can just be friends. Tess's friendship with Henry is more complicated than that. She doesn't think she will ever see James again, and having Henry close is reminding her of all the feelings that she had for James and awakening desires that she is not sure she wants.
I loved this book and flew through it in a day. I can't wait for the third book as this one leaves you hanging on wanting more!
Naturals picks up where Chosen Ones left off - Tess has finally escaped Templeton, with her childhood friend Henry and brother-in-law Robert, but she has left behind the two people she loves most - her younger sister Louisa and James, the chosen one that awoke in her all the feelings that the Council had tried to snuff out.
Tess is on the run because it has been discovered that she is actually fertile and would be able to live if she were to get pregnant. In the wasteland that has become the U.S. after the wars, women have lost the ability to bear children. Her own sister, Emma, died in childbirth, and so she has seen in first hand. The Council would like nothing more than for the 'natural' human race to die out. They have no need for them since they have started creating the perfect 'chosen ones.' Both races have been taught to hate the other one, but somehow James and Tess got past those early lessons.
Now Tess is in the midlands at an Isolationist community, and is finding that prejudices run deep both ways. That even in this 'free' community, there are still those in power who want to take away the rights of some. She does discover though that there is another one like her, able to have kids, living in the community. That is pretty much the only thing they have in common though. Sharon has had 8 children, though only 5 have lived. Tess is pretty sure that she doesn't want to become another Sharon. She can't imagine having sex with any man who wants to try to have a child. Tess is pretty standoffish with her and doesn't understand why Sharon keeps going out of her way to help her.
Then there is Lockwood. Tess is partnered up with him to learn what her job in the community is going to be - milking cows and taking care of other livestock. Lockwood turns out to be a really good friend to Tess, proving that men and women can just be friends. Tess's friendship with Henry is more complicated than that. She doesn't think she will ever see James again, and having Henry close is reminding her of all the feelings that she had for James and awakening desires that she is not sure she wants.
I loved this book and flew through it in a day. I can't wait for the third book as this one leaves you hanging on wanting more!
April 30, 2013
Naturals picks up where Chosen Ones leaves off. Tess, Henry, and Robert are making their way to the Isolationalist Camp, after Tess sadly and reluctantly has to leave James behind. Breaking free from a world where a government indoctrinated belief system has taught that humanity, or Naturals, were a weakness, especially the women, resulting in the creation of the Chosen Ones, a superior race designed to rule and protect. The Isolationalist did not live by these rules, and because of Tess' unique ability to be able to have children, she had been granted help from this group. Tess soon finds that she has to work really hard to prove herself to those in the Isolationalist camp. She also discovers a whole new kind of prejudice against her, and even more so against Robert, even though he is working to help them. She and Henry draw closer in their relationship, especially when Tess thinks she will never see James again, but Henry isn't quite honest about everything. They face a whole new set of issues and have to learn to adapt to a different lifestyle, culture, and way of doing things, facing danger from within the compound and without. Then, when James returns with news that Louisa, Tess' sister, is now serving at Templeton in her place, things get even more complicated, and culminate in something no one sees coming.
I enjoyed this second installment in The Lost Souls Series. I liked watching Tess's character grow and adapt. We get to see a lot more of Henry in this book, but I have to say that I am team James all the way and missed him not being in a big part of the book, though he does show up towards the end. I am rooting for James and Tess to find a way to be together, and the last few chapters of the book ended up being the most exciting. I also enjoyed getting to know Lockwood, who ends up being a really good friend to Tess. The ending was something I did not see coming and is a bit of a cliffhanger that has left me dying to know where the story will go from here. There are many surprises, twists, and turns in Naturals. If you enjoy dystopian novels coupled with science fiction, as well as romance, danger, and a little mystery, then The Lost Souls series is something you may want to check out. I enjoyed Naturals, and I a looking forward to the next installment.
I enjoyed this second installment in The Lost Souls Series. I liked watching Tess's character grow and adapt. We get to see a lot more of Henry in this book, but I have to say that I am team James all the way and missed him not being in a big part of the book, though he does show up towards the end. I am rooting for James and Tess to find a way to be together, and the last few chapters of the book ended up being the most exciting. I also enjoyed getting to know Lockwood, who ends up being a really good friend to Tess. The ending was something I did not see coming and is a bit of a cliffhanger that has left me dying to know where the story will go from here. There are many surprises, twists, and turns in Naturals. If you enjoy dystopian novels coupled with science fiction, as well as romance, danger, and a little mystery, then The Lost Souls series is something you may want to check out. I enjoyed Naturals, and I a looking forward to the next installment.
April 26, 2013
Naturals illustrates just how much Truitt has grown as an author. This installment opens with an emotional prologue in which I could actually feel Tess' emotions. Compared to Chosen Ones, the emotional writing is a huge improvement. The words are beautiful and Truitt shows instead of tells what happens to Tess. The characters continue to grow; the plot is engrossing; and the continued world building is fantastic. This is one book you don't want to miss.
Now that Tess has stopped repressing her emotions, I like her much better. She is a lot easier to relate to in this novel, and she is actually quite likable. I admire her bravery, but the fact that she forgives people (who sometimes don't deserve it) so easily annoys me at times. James is fantastic, just like in the last novel. Robert is MIA for a lot of the book, but I still ended up loving him even more, and Henry is the biggest jerk alive. The new characters, such as Lockwood, add an interesting layer to the story.
The plot is intriguing and captivating. There isn't a lot of action, but the reader is still kept on the edge of his or her seat with this installment. The writing is unbelievably wonderful, and Truitt's ability to show instead of tell improved vastly from the previous book. The character development is believable and engaging. Truitt also paints a very vivid picture of life with the Isolationists, which shows the true price of freedom in Tess' world. Truitt incorporates classical literature as a method of helping us further understand the characters, much like she did in the last novel, and I really like that addition to her stories. There is a big surprise at the ending, and I'm a bit displeased at how things ended. However, I know this isn't the last book, and I appreciate the feeling of suspense that the ending gives. If everything had been happy and perfect, then no one would continue reading the series, right? I'll just suffer until the next book comes out, haha.
Overall, I'd recommend this book and this series to fans of Dystopian literature... especially if you're tired of the same cookie-cutter type plots and characters in the other novels of the genre. The Lost Souls series stands out in an over-saturated genre and is a must-read for all fans of YA Dystopian.
Now that Tess has stopped repressing her emotions, I like her much better. She is a lot easier to relate to in this novel, and she is actually quite likable. I admire her bravery, but the fact that she forgives people (who sometimes don't deserve it) so easily annoys me at times. James is fantastic, just like in the last novel. Robert is MIA for a lot of the book, but I still ended up loving him even more, and Henry is the biggest jerk alive. The new characters, such as Lockwood, add an interesting layer to the story.
The plot is intriguing and captivating. There isn't a lot of action, but the reader is still kept on the edge of his or her seat with this installment. The writing is unbelievably wonderful, and Truitt's ability to show instead of tell improved vastly from the previous book. The character development is believable and engaging. Truitt also paints a very vivid picture of life with the Isolationists, which shows the true price of freedom in Tess' world. Truitt incorporates classical literature as a method of helping us further understand the characters, much like she did in the last novel, and I really like that addition to her stories. There is a big surprise at the ending, and I'm a bit displeased at how things ended. However, I know this isn't the last book, and I appreciate the feeling of suspense that the ending gives. If everything had been happy and perfect, then no one would continue reading the series, right? I'll just suffer until the next book comes out, haha.
Overall, I'd recommend this book and this series to fans of Dystopian literature... especially if you're tired of the same cookie-cutter type plots and characters in the other novels of the genre. The Lost Souls series stands out in an over-saturated genre and is a must-read for all fans of YA Dystopian.
April 4, 2013
After finishing Chosen Ones, I was antsy to start this. It wasn’t hard to fall for Tess and James, their connection and love was something I enjoyed so much in the first book. After learning a lot about the world the Chosen Ones live in, it was nice to learn about the Naturals, their beliefs and ways of life.
Tess is still trying to find a home with the isolationist’s, which hasn’t been easy for her. She has learned something about her self that isn’t east to deal with and not just that but what the isolationist’s want from her. Tess is finally starting to rebuild her friendship with Henry. I think Tess has come a long way from the confused and angry girl from before, she is determined and much stronger. Henry was a different story, seeing just how broken he was heart breaking, he hold such hatred for the world they live in. I couldn’t help but to feel for him. We don’t really see much of James until later inn the book, and that is right about the time when everything hits the fan. But their time together was still sweet even with the world around them being in chaos.
The world building was wonderful, the isolationist’s camp is a rough environment, and all of them work so hard for everything, their food, their water, and showers. Their living arrangements weren’t much better. This is a world that I couldn’t imagine myself living in, but the way it was described was so vivid, and disturbing at the same time. And it was easy to see why these people have such tough shells when it came to their personalities. Tess is still trying to figure out who to trust, and when you think you know who the enemies are, the twists that take place changes things.
The things about this that stood out for me was the character development, Tess and Henry, and even Robert was remarkable, and the plot just thicken with each page. But the jaw dropping ending was the one thing I didn’t see coming, and left me dumbfounded. I don’t think the installment is going to come soon enough. This is a fabulous series, with forbidden romance, a world that is both frightening and intriguing. The Lost Souls series is not one to be missed.
Tess is still trying to find a home with the isolationist’s, which hasn’t been easy for her. She has learned something about her self that isn’t east to deal with and not just that but what the isolationist’s want from her. Tess is finally starting to rebuild her friendship with Henry. I think Tess has come a long way from the confused and angry girl from before, she is determined and much stronger. Henry was a different story, seeing just how broken he was heart breaking, he hold such hatred for the world they live in. I couldn’t help but to feel for him. We don’t really see much of James until later inn the book, and that is right about the time when everything hits the fan. But their time together was still sweet even with the world around them being in chaos.
The world building was wonderful, the isolationist’s camp is a rough environment, and all of them work so hard for everything, their food, their water, and showers. Their living arrangements weren’t much better. This is a world that I couldn’t imagine myself living in, but the way it was described was so vivid, and disturbing at the same time. And it was easy to see why these people have such tough shells when it came to their personalities. Tess is still trying to figure out who to trust, and when you think you know who the enemies are, the twists that take place changes things.
The things about this that stood out for me was the character development, Tess and Henry, and even Robert was remarkable, and the plot just thicken with each page. But the jaw dropping ending was the one thing I didn’t see coming, and left me dumbfounded. I don’t think the installment is going to come soon enough. This is a fabulous series, with forbidden romance, a world that is both frightening and intriguing. The Lost Souls series is not one to be missed.
April 19, 2013
Giving the book at big 5 out of 5 stars. Love the book and the cover makes sense for what is the big plot. Naturals is the second book from the series The Lost Souls.
This book how the name says it it talk a lot more about Naturals, their rules, how are they different from the
which is the first book from the series. What i love about this book is that every page kept me wanting to know whats on the next one, i read this book in the same night i have read the first one. Both they are amazing books. Unfortunately for this book i can not say to much because everything is important, reveals big secrets, and what might be happening in the book, and don't like give that away. What i can say that it will be romance, sparks, drama and lots of action, that could put in danger everyone that is trying to help Tess. Also you will find out that she is in this book so important that even the chosen ones want her, so is a kind of "war" going on, who will "have" Tess and what are they willing to do to protect her and her "abilities" (there i gave you a spoiler). You will find out so many things that Tess in the first book makes you think they are impossible, or that some people weren't supposed to be there for her.
Again this is a book that is connected with the previous, meaning tell you only some small details about the chosen ones, to understand who they are and what they do you should read the first book. After reading this book you will probably hate me, because is impossible not to fall in love with the book. Don't take my word for it, believe all of us that read this book, which you will need a long time to read all the amazing reviews.
This book how the name says it it talk a lot more about Naturals, their rules, how are they different from the
which is the first book from the series. What i love about this book is that every page kept me wanting to know whats on the next one, i read this book in the same night i have read the first one. Both they are amazing books. Unfortunately for this book i can not say to much because everything is important, reveals big secrets, and what might be happening in the book, and don't like give that away. What i can say that it will be romance, sparks, drama and lots of action, that could put in danger everyone that is trying to help Tess. Also you will find out that she is in this book so important that even the chosen ones want her, so is a kind of "war" going on, who will "have" Tess and what are they willing to do to protect her and her "abilities" (there i gave you a spoiler). You will find out so many things that Tess in the first book makes you think they are impossible, or that some people weren't supposed to be there for her.Again this is a book that is connected with the previous, meaning tell you only some small details about the chosen ones, to understand who they are and what they do you should read the first book. After reading this book you will probably hate me, because is impossible not to fall in love with the book. Don't take my word for it, believe all of us that read this book, which you will need a long time to read all the amazing reviews.
April 12, 2013
The Story-
Tess, Henry and Robert finally make it to the isolationist's camp, but it is far from paradise. The isolationist's live a hard life, each working for the food they eat. Many of the younger kids dislike Henry and Tess, and believe them to be spoiled. Tensions rise and grow worse as Tess insists on returning to her old compound to find the little sister she left behind.
Somebody doesn't want her to leave, and bloody clues are left to encourage her to stay. But, Tess is determined. Before she can leave, she contracts a bronchial virus, and without medicine, lies on her death bed. Her only hope is James, and his visions of the future.
My Thoughts-
I like how this book picks up right where Chosen One's left off. It makes the story more fluid. Poor Tess is taken to the isolationist camp, and James is sent away. Trying to get on with her life, Tess and Henry start a little romance. It is not a surprise, there were hints in book 1. We get a nice touch of two old friends supporting each other. What is a surprise is the way Henry acts, he becomes a bit dubious and sleazy. This becomes obvious when Tess is ill. Many will say, all is fair in love and war, but he just had to know she wouldn't forgive him.
Then we have the subplot about returning to find Tess's sister. I really would have enjoyed a more active approach. I really wanted there to be more. Perhaps the mutant abnormals could attack, or there could have been more of a struggle to get to the isolationists, or a more active Eastern presence. I'm not sure what, but something was missing to make the tension high.
The last few chapters of the book are the most exciting. We finally get James involved, and head off to find the sister, and BAM, awesome twists develop. But, then the book is over, right when it got good. Is it worth the read? Yes, especially because the ending sets up a great sequel.
Tess, Henry and Robert finally make it to the isolationist's camp, but it is far from paradise. The isolationist's live a hard life, each working for the food they eat. Many of the younger kids dislike Henry and Tess, and believe them to be spoiled. Tensions rise and grow worse as Tess insists on returning to her old compound to find the little sister she left behind.
Somebody doesn't want her to leave, and bloody clues are left to encourage her to stay. But, Tess is determined. Before she can leave, she contracts a bronchial virus, and without medicine, lies on her death bed. Her only hope is James, and his visions of the future.
My Thoughts-
I like how this book picks up right where Chosen One's left off. It makes the story more fluid. Poor Tess is taken to the isolationist camp, and James is sent away. Trying to get on with her life, Tess and Henry start a little romance. It is not a surprise, there were hints in book 1. We get a nice touch of two old friends supporting each other. What is a surprise is the way Henry acts, he becomes a bit dubious and sleazy. This becomes obvious when Tess is ill. Many will say, all is fair in love and war, but he just had to know she wouldn't forgive him.
Then we have the subplot about returning to find Tess's sister. I really would have enjoyed a more active approach. I really wanted there to be more. Perhaps the mutant abnormals could attack, or there could have been more of a struggle to get to the isolationists, or a more active Eastern presence. I'm not sure what, but something was missing to make the tension high.
The last few chapters of the book are the most exciting. We finally get James involved, and head off to find the sister, and BAM, awesome twists develop. But, then the book is over, right when it got good. Is it worth the read? Yes, especially because the ending sets up a great sequel.
June 25, 2013
I was so ready to jump into this one after finishing the first book. I just had to see where the author would take Tess next. I needed to know if James was okay and where he was and what he was doing. I needed to know more about Robert and Henry and the resistance. I needed to know more about the Isolationists and all they stood for. To put it simply, I just needed more.
This takes place just two days after the first ended. Tess, Robert and Henry as well as their guides are still traveling through the woods to their new home. I was happy to see that Tess isn't wallowing in having to say goodbye to James, but instead set on becoming that girl she has finally discovered. That inner strength still there that she didn't even know she possessed.
I don't want to go into too much detail but I will say that this book was full of really wonderful characters, all of them flawed in one way or another and yet, all of them perfect too, well not perfect per se but perfect for the story and perfect for Tess, Henry, Robert, James, Lockwood, Eric, Susan, McNair, I really enjoyed all of them, warts and all, in fact I enjoyed this whole story and completely devoured it. I dare say I loved it more than the first.
And can we talk about that ending? Actually, no, we can't talk about that ending because I don't want to give anything away but, I will say, I didn't see that one coming. At. All. And, holy crap! I can't wait for book three. I need book three, like now. Sigh. It is going to be a long wait.
This takes place just two days after the first ended. Tess, Robert and Henry as well as their guides are still traveling through the woods to their new home. I was happy to see that Tess isn't wallowing in having to say goodbye to James, but instead set on becoming that girl she has finally discovered. That inner strength still there that she didn't even know she possessed.
I don't want to go into too much detail but I will say that this book was full of really wonderful characters, all of them flawed in one way or another and yet, all of them perfect too, well not perfect per se but perfect for the story and perfect for Tess, Henry, Robert, James, Lockwood, Eric, Susan, McNair, I really enjoyed all of them, warts and all, in fact I enjoyed this whole story and completely devoured it. I dare say I loved it more than the first.
And can we talk about that ending? Actually, no, we can't talk about that ending because I don't want to give anything away but, I will say, I didn't see that one coming. At. All. And, holy crap! I can't wait for book three. I need book three, like now. Sigh. It is going to be a long wait.
April 8, 2013
You can read more on my blog as I took part in the tour: The Bookaholic
Chosen Ones became one of my new favorite dystopias last year, and I sat on pins and needles waiting for the sequel. I’m excited to say that Naturals was just as amazing and didn’t disappoint, and now I’m eagerly awaiting the next yet again!
The world that Tiffany Truitt has built is intense and gritty. It’s in your face from the moment you begin reading. The most noticeable thing in the sequel would be the character changes. Where Tess was a bit naïve and still learning a lot in the first book, by the second, she has developed and grown into a strong and smart character full of edge. At times she felt a bit too judgmental or clingy to things/ideas, and I found this underlying message through this development. Henry aggravated me often and I don’t want to go into detail in fear of spoilers because of this being a sequel review--but I wasn’t a fan of his character. This sequel was more about the character development than the action for me I think, though the action was still there, the details gritty and gripping, and I enjoyed every bit of it. I particularly liked learning more about the wider part of this world outside of Templeton, the Isolationists and their lifestyle, and the dangers that kept me on edge and reading.
This is not a series you want to miss.
<3
Pixie
Chosen Ones became one of my new favorite dystopias last year, and I sat on pins and needles waiting for the sequel. I’m excited to say that Naturals was just as amazing and didn’t disappoint, and now I’m eagerly awaiting the next yet again!
The world that Tiffany Truitt has built is intense and gritty. It’s in your face from the moment you begin reading. The most noticeable thing in the sequel would be the character changes. Where Tess was a bit naïve and still learning a lot in the first book, by the second, she has developed and grown into a strong and smart character full of edge. At times she felt a bit too judgmental or clingy to things/ideas, and I found this underlying message through this development. Henry aggravated me often and I don’t want to go into detail in fear of spoilers because of this being a sequel review--but I wasn’t a fan of his character. This sequel was more about the character development than the action for me I think, though the action was still there, the details gritty and gripping, and I enjoyed every bit of it. I particularly liked learning more about the wider part of this world outside of Templeton, the Isolationists and their lifestyle, and the dangers that kept me on edge and reading.
This is not a series you want to miss.
<3
Pixie
April 7, 2013
ARC provided by Entangled Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review.
Just so you people know the blurb has a lot of spoilers, and I hate that.
Moving on...
This book starts when the first ended and we discover about Tess's past and we get to know how disfunctional was her relationship with her mother .
While in the first book we were in the Choosen Ones world now we get to see the natural's one.
Tess starts mending her relationship with Henry but she sees how demaged he becomes from his hate about the world.
With the naturals Tess still doesn't fit and James's absence keeps her rooted to her past along with the knowledge that she didn't fight for her sister.
This book was a little bit slow but still it kept me interested.
Tess started growing here and she fought for herself and the ones she cared about.
Her relationship with Henry showed that she was still a teen girl who could be confused about her feelings but at the same time for all the book she makes it clear that James is the love of her life.
I still think that these books should have a PG-16 warning or something because there are some themes in this books that kids shouldn't have to read(and no, there are no explicit things as sex or sexual abuse, but they still made me uncomfortable.)
And warning, this book has a cliffhanger.
Just so you people know the blurb has a lot of spoilers, and I hate that.
Moving on...
This book starts when the first ended and we discover about Tess's past and we get to know how disfunctional was her relationship with her mother .
While in the first book we were in the Choosen Ones world now we get to see the natural's one.
Tess starts mending her relationship with Henry but she sees how demaged he becomes from his hate about the world.
With the naturals Tess still doesn't fit and James's absence keeps her rooted to her past along with the knowledge that she didn't fight for her sister.
This book was a little bit slow but still it kept me interested.
Tess started growing here and she fought for herself and the ones she cared about.
Her relationship with Henry showed that she was still a teen girl who could be confused about her feelings but at the same time for all the book she makes it clear that James is the love of her life.
I still think that these books should have a PG-16 warning or something because there are some themes in this books that kids shouldn't have to read(and no, there are no explicit things as sex or sexual abuse, but they still made me uncomfortable.)
And warning, this book has a cliffhanger.
May 2, 2014
Life is changed forever for Tess, she knows so much now. She is enlightened and well on her way to a sort of freedom with the Isolationists. She knows love and hate and hurt now and it better for it all.
The world around her is so much more than what had been taught to her. Life is different, Tess is different, an exception, she can have children, it was unheard of and she never thought it would be possible. Having left behind James and said goodbye she is running for her life to the safety of the Isolationists and she is reunited with her friend Henry. I both like and don't like him. I am so team James but i suppose that's complicated...
Again the harsh treatment of women boiled my blood in this book but it was an extremely good read. The plot is so unique and so powerful that I was ready to join the resistance myself LOL!
I was terrified for a good portion of this book being team James and all but man oh man was it edge of your seat nail bitingly good! I am really loving this series and cannot wait to read Creators!! Can you say roller coaster!?? Wow, just wow!!
The world around her is so much more than what had been taught to her. Life is different, Tess is different, an exception, she can have children, it was unheard of and she never thought it would be possible. Having left behind James and said goodbye she is running for her life to the safety of the Isolationists and she is reunited with her friend Henry. I both like and don't like him. I am so team James but i suppose that's complicated...
Again the harsh treatment of women boiled my blood in this book but it was an extremely good read. The plot is so unique and so powerful that I was ready to join the resistance myself LOL!
I was terrified for a good portion of this book being team James and all but man oh man was it edge of your seat nail bitingly good! I am really loving this series and cannot wait to read Creators!! Can you say roller coaster!?? Wow, just wow!!
March 24, 2014
Tess's character was really growing up in the last book, and suddenly, here we meet Tess 2.0:Dumb&Bitchy!
I don't get how the girl who had complete control of her emotions, and who knew how to stay under the radar, suddenly turns into a whiney brat who is telling everyone how important she is, so they had better go back for her sister. Isn't this the same sister she never gave a damn about? And, if she suddenly cared, why didn't she just bring her in the first place?
I can overlook many problems and still love a book as long as I love the main character. As of this book, with the way she treated people (Henry) and the terrible decisions she makes that put others in danger, I no longer like Tess.
I don't get how the girl who had complete control of her emotions, and who knew how to stay under the radar, suddenly turns into a whiney brat who is telling everyone how important she is, so they had better go back for her sister. Isn't this the same sister she never gave a damn about? And, if she suddenly cared, why didn't she just bring her in the first place?
I can overlook many problems and still love a book as long as I love the main character. As of this book, with the way she treated people (Henry) and the terrible decisions she makes that put others in danger, I no longer like Tess.
April 20, 2013
You know, this novel was better than the first in a lot of ways but I'm really getting annoyed with the whole James leaving and coming back bullshit. It's overrated and overused. I think this author needs to find some more ideas. Regardless it's a good novel, I just get completely frustrated when things that happened in the first installment of a series, happen in a second.
March 11, 2013
WOAH. Even better than the first one. I don't even know how to handle it... Review to come!
July 17, 2013
4.5 stars...
April 24, 2014
See my review of the entire series on Such a Novel Idea.
April 15, 2013
★★★★½
Review to be posted soon.
Review to be posted soon.
March 26, 2018
Oh how I struggled with this book. I even tried to read some reviews on here to see if the book would get any better and if anyone else had the same problem I did. First of all I don’t mind a tiny recapping here and there where it might be important but seriously!?!?! I felt like I was re-reading chunks from the first book. Could the author not come up with enough of a story that she had to fill this book with so much of the first? Or did she think ‘oh maybe a lot of people reading this SECOND book in the SERIES didn’t bother to read the first so I better cater to them’ I felt like it was a waste of money.
There is seriously no substance to this book you could take any decent parts and have a few chapters. It took to the end of the book for it to get interesting. I almost want to tell people don’t bother reading this book if the third one is written like this one there is no need the author will catch you up on nothing much additional to the first book. I am wondering does the third book just keep recapping the first and second book?
There is seriously no substance to this book you could take any decent parts and have a few chapters. It took to the end of the book for it to get interesting. I almost want to tell people don’t bother reading this book if the third one is written like this one there is no need the author will catch you up on nothing much additional to the first book. I am wondering does the third book just keep recapping the first and second book?
February 8, 2021
I gotta say, the way women are treated in this series is despicable and I'm very surprised that I am sticking with it. I'm very much pro-badass women, so to see how people are treating Tess and other women just rules my stomach.
But on the other hand, I'm loving how Tess is sticking up for herself and her rights and for the people she loves. It's taking a bit of time, but she is going to kick ass soon enough.
I'm sad that she goes from one prison to another, when the hope of freedom was given. I know this new place is "better" than before, but it's still a prison, no matter what shape or form it is.
After the ending of this book, I'm very intrigued to see how things are going to conclude in book 3. So many things are still left open and I hope the justified ending can happen!
But on the other hand, I'm loving how Tess is sticking up for herself and her rights and for the people she loves. It's taking a bit of time, but she is going to kick ass soon enough.
I'm sad that she goes from one prison to another, when the hope of freedom was given. I know this new place is "better" than before, but it's still a prison, no matter what shape or form it is.
After the ending of this book, I'm very intrigued to see how things are going to conclude in book 3. So many things are still left open and I hope the justified ending can happen!
October 1, 2025
not as good as book 2, but I guess it is setting the stage for book 3.
April 10, 2013
Natural-born humans are becoming obsolete due to an unexplained virus that is rendering more women infertile with each passing generation. The dictatorial leaders of the council have created a race of genetically engineered beings called Chosen Ones who supposedly exist to protect the remaining Naturals from harm. But the council’s goals are more sinister than they claim to be. Tess, a young woman found to be fertile, is on the run from the council and staying with a group of Isolationists, Naturals who refuse to be held comfortably captive in the council’s compounds. As Tess struggles to adjust to life in the Isolationists’ camp, she wonders if she has merely been passed to a different group of captors.
Full disclosure: I didn’t know this was part of a series. If I had, I probably would’ve read the first book first. (I hate reading a series out of order.) But since I didn’t figure it out until a few pages in, and by then I was “in the middle” of this one and wanted to keep going, this will have to be one series I don’t read chronologically. Now that I think about it, this may be the only series I haven’t read in the right order. I need to stop thinking about this, ’cause it’s going to bug me.
Anyway. One of the reasons I never read out of order is that I hate piecing together the backstory. Even though the first few pages generally help readers to pick up where the last book left off, and there are some scattered explanations and reminders throughout the book, I always feel like I’m missing something. It’s like the way you feel when your friends have a legendary night the one time you decide to stay home — even though you’re heard about it so many times that you know the details as well as they do, you’re still one degree removed from the action. (Side note: This makes me think of “The Blitz” on How I Met Your Mother. ["The Gentleman!"]) This feeling of being removed from the action is probably why I didn’t like James. (Or maybe it’s because he reminds me of Edward Cullen: no personality of his own, really, just a boring artsy guy with superpowers who struggles with the duality of his nature while being hung up on an ordinary, often-sullen mortal girl. Is it terribly apparent that I am Team Jacob?) Seriously, though: without getting to watch the beginning of Tess and James’s courtship, it (and their love) just wasn’t real to me. I had no desire for them to work things out because I didn’t feel any emotional connection to their relationship. Other than that disconnect, I didn’t feel like I was missing too much by not having read the first book first.
This is all making it sound like I disliked this book, which is not the case at all. I’m a sucker for a decent dystopian novel; characters whose lives are threatened and whose worlds are rocked have the chance to show you what they’re really made of. The characters in Naturals are real people (well, most of them, anyway): they go through tough times, they make mistakes, and sometimes (but not always) they learn from them.
I also enjoyed Tess as a narrator, because there really is nothing special about her other than her fertility, and this makes her immensely relatable (the “everygirl” quality, not the fertility…although I can relate to that, too, come to think of it).
The idea of living in a society where you aren’t guaranteed a family legacy, where family is actually a dying concept, is frightening. And the desperate things that people will do to avoid dying out too soon…well, it’s not surprising, but it’s still a lot to wrap your head around, and this book does a wonderful job of portraying that.
All in all: a good exploration of what it means to truly be a member of the human race. Worth reading.
Full disclosure: I didn’t know this was part of a series. If I had, I probably would’ve read the first book first. (I hate reading a series out of order.) But since I didn’t figure it out until a few pages in, and by then I was “in the middle” of this one and wanted to keep going, this will have to be one series I don’t read chronologically. Now that I think about it, this may be the only series I haven’t read in the right order. I need to stop thinking about this, ’cause it’s going to bug me.
Anyway. One of the reasons I never read out of order is that I hate piecing together the backstory. Even though the first few pages generally help readers to pick up where the last book left off, and there are some scattered explanations and reminders throughout the book, I always feel like I’m missing something. It’s like the way you feel when your friends have a legendary night the one time you decide to stay home — even though you’re heard about it so many times that you know the details as well as they do, you’re still one degree removed from the action. (Side note: This makes me think of “The Blitz” on How I Met Your Mother. ["The Gentleman!"]) This feeling of being removed from the action is probably why I didn’t like James. (Or maybe it’s because he reminds me of Edward Cullen: no personality of his own, really, just a boring artsy guy with superpowers who struggles with the duality of his nature while being hung up on an ordinary, often-sullen mortal girl. Is it terribly apparent that I am Team Jacob?) Seriously, though: without getting to watch the beginning of Tess and James’s courtship, it (and their love) just wasn’t real to me. I had no desire for them to work things out because I didn’t feel any emotional connection to their relationship. Other than that disconnect, I didn’t feel like I was missing too much by not having read the first book first.
This is all making it sound like I disliked this book, which is not the case at all. I’m a sucker for a decent dystopian novel; characters whose lives are threatened and whose worlds are rocked have the chance to show you what they’re really made of. The characters in Naturals are real people (well, most of them, anyway): they go through tough times, they make mistakes, and sometimes (but not always) they learn from them.
I also enjoyed Tess as a narrator, because there really is nothing special about her other than her fertility, and this makes her immensely relatable (the “everygirl” quality, not the fertility…although I can relate to that, too, come to think of it).
The idea of living in a society where you aren’t guaranteed a family legacy, where family is actually a dying concept, is frightening. And the desperate things that people will do to avoid dying out too soon…well, it’s not surprising, but it’s still a lot to wrap your head around, and this book does a wonderful job of portraying that.
All in all: a good exploration of what it means to truly be a member of the human race. Worth reading.
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