What do you think?
Rate this book
The Last Year #3
Betrayals in Spring
Althea assumes now that she, Pax, and Lucas are reunited in spring that the next steps are obvious - locate Deshi and prepare to take down the Others once and for all. But she doesn't expect the subtle changes in Lucas.
After being left alone last season with only his Element father for company, Lucas has started to question whether their rightful place isn't with the strange alien race as opposed to humanity. When an emergency forces Lucas to aid the Others so they can remain on Earth, Althea worries that she's lost him once and for all.
The one thing she knows is that Deshi's the key to any hope of reclaiming the planet. So as the Others gut their already wobbly support system, Althea and Pax gather together the beginnings of a plan - and maybe an army.
Even if she can convince Lucas their side is the right one, the Prime Other holds Deshi captive and shrouds any knowledge about their fourth in clouds of secrecy. What they discover deep underground is a roadblock they didn't expect - and one that could steal their last hope of saving humanity.
After being left alone last season with only his Element father for company, Lucas has started to question whether their rightful place isn't with the strange alien race as opposed to humanity. When an emergency forces Lucas to aid the Others so they can remain on Earth, Althea worries that she's lost him once and for all.
The one thing she knows is that Deshi's the key to any hope of reclaiming the planet. So as the Others gut their already wobbly support system, Althea and Pax gather together the beginnings of a plan - and maybe an army.
Even if she can convince Lucas their side is the right one, the Prime Other holds Deshi captive and shrouds any knowledge about their fourth in clouds of secrecy. What they discover deep underground is a roadblock they didn't expect - and one that could steal their last hope of saving humanity.
391 pages, Paperback
First published December 7, 2012
19 people are currently reading
819 people want to read
About the author
Trisha Leigh
13 books519 followersTrisha Leigh is a product of the Midwest, which means it’s pop, not soda, garage sales, not tag sales, and you guys as opposed to y’all. Most of the time. She’s been writing seriously for five years now, and has published 4 young adult novels and 4 new adult novels (under her pen name Lyla Payne). Her favorite things, in no particular order, include: reading, Game of Thrones, Hershey’s kisses, reading, her dogs (Yoda and Jilly), summer, movies, reading, Jude Law, coffee, and rewatching WB series from the 90’s-00’s.
Her family is made up of farmers and/or almost rock stars from Iowa, people who numerous, loud, full of love, and the kind of people that make the world better. Trisha tries her best to honor them, and the lessons they’ve taught, through characters and stories—made up, of course, but true enough in their way.
Trisha is the author of THE LAST YEAR series and the WHITMAN UNIVERSITY books. She’s represented by Kathleen Rushall at Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.
Her family is made up of farmers and/or almost rock stars from Iowa, people who numerous, loud, full of love, and the kind of people that make the world better. Trisha tries her best to honor them, and the lessons they’ve taught, through characters and stories—made up, of course, but true enough in their way.
Trisha is the author of THE LAST YEAR series and the WHITMAN UNIVERSITY books. She’s represented by Kathleen Rushall at Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
April 27, 2019
Althea is reunited with Lucas but things are awkward between them. Not only is Lucas uncertain about Pax's relationship with Althea but he also thinks that they might be better off going with the Others. When his father is injured and unable to complete his duties as an Elemental, Lucas turns himself in to the Others to help. The big question is whether he will come back on Althea's side or side with the Others for good. In the meantime, Althea and Lucas must try to find Deshi and rescue him.
In some ways, this plot is crawling along at the pace of a snail. I'm ready for some action and some resolution. Luckily, there is only one more book and I hope I will get what I am craving. I'm too invested in the characters not to read the final book but I did find this installment a little boring.
In some ways, this plot is crawling along at the pace of a snail. I'm ready for some action and some resolution. Luckily, there is only one more book and I hope I will get what I am craving. I'm too invested in the characters not to read the final book but I did find this installment a little boring.
April 19, 2020
(Source: Purchased on kindle from Amazon.co.uk for only £2.56!)
This is the third book in the ‘The Last Year’ series, and kicks off where book 2 ‘Winter Omens’ left off. **Warning – some unavoidable spoilers for books 1 and 2**
Althea, Pax, and Lucas are back in the cabin where Pax and Althea were previously staying, after the fight with the ‘Others’ at the end of Winter Omens. Pax is injured and unconscious, whilst Althea and Lucas care for him as best they can.
Things are a bit tense between Lucas and Althea, as Lucas is upset that Althea was with Pax last season whilst he was on his own. Althea dislikes that Lucas is upset about this, but at the same time realises that if Lucas had spent last season with some other girl, she would be jealous too.
Things with the ‘Others’ aren’t going too well either. Althea is getting to the point where she is afraid to sleep as her sinum (part of her mind) is under attack by the Others, and she’s has very little protection against them in that respect. Deshi is still being held prisoner, and Cadi is gone.
Althea, Lucas, and Pax must now come up with a new plan. They must work out how to reclaim Deshi, the best way to proceed after that, and how they can help the humans if the worst comes to the worst and the dissidents can’t save Earth.
Can Althea, Lucas, and Pax rescue Deshi? What are the Others currently up to? And how long do they have before the Others are finished with Earth and throw it away like the other planets they have used up and destroyed?
This is the third book in the series, and I loved it just as much as the previous two. Trisha’s writing is excellent, and I just love the whole tone of these books as well as the stories they tell. Starting this book is like coming home again from a long absence, and I honestly cannot recommend this series enough!
I love Althea, Lucas, and Pax. I personally am not a fan of love triangles, but the almost love triangle here actually works, and I totally feel Althea’s warring emotions, even though she makes a definite choice over which boy she is in love with in this instalment (well done Althea!).
The romance in this book is in a good balance with everything else that’s going on, and is a nice side story, without being too much or too little. I have to say that I did really enjoy this little romance storyline as much as the post-apocalyptic storyline.
Lucas and Pax both have their own characteristics and way of doing things, and they’re both great characters. I really can’t wait to see how Deshi will fit in to this group in book 4. I love the way that the group have been slowly bought together over the course of the series, and how they’ve grow together.
The ending? OMG – can’t believe we’ve left Althea where we’ve left her! I need to read the next book now!
Overall; This series really is one of my most favourite series of all time, and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next instalment! Thanks so much to Trisha Leigh for writing such an amazing series of books! Highly recommended!
9.25 out of 10.
This is the third book in the ‘The Last Year’ series, and kicks off where book 2 ‘Winter Omens’ left off. **Warning – some unavoidable spoilers for books 1 and 2**
Althea, Pax, and Lucas are back in the cabin where Pax and Althea were previously staying, after the fight with the ‘Others’ at the end of Winter Omens. Pax is injured and unconscious, whilst Althea and Lucas care for him as best they can.
Things are a bit tense between Lucas and Althea, as Lucas is upset that Althea was with Pax last season whilst he was on his own. Althea dislikes that Lucas is upset about this, but at the same time realises that if Lucas had spent last season with some other girl, she would be jealous too.
Things with the ‘Others’ aren’t going too well either. Althea is getting to the point where she is afraid to sleep as her sinum (part of her mind) is under attack by the Others, and she’s has very little protection against them in that respect. Deshi is still being held prisoner, and Cadi is gone.
Althea, Lucas, and Pax must now come up with a new plan. They must work out how to reclaim Deshi, the best way to proceed after that, and how they can help the humans if the worst comes to the worst and the dissidents can’t save Earth.
Can Althea, Lucas, and Pax rescue Deshi? What are the Others currently up to? And how long do they have before the Others are finished with Earth and throw it away like the other planets they have used up and destroyed?
This is the third book in the series, and I loved it just as much as the previous two. Trisha’s writing is excellent, and I just love the whole tone of these books as well as the stories they tell. Starting this book is like coming home again from a long absence, and I honestly cannot recommend this series enough!
I love Althea, Lucas, and Pax. I personally am not a fan of love triangles, but the almost love triangle here actually works, and I totally feel Althea’s warring emotions, even though she makes a definite choice over which boy she is in love with in this instalment (well done Althea!).
The romance in this book is in a good balance with everything else that’s going on, and is a nice side story, without being too much or too little. I have to say that I did really enjoy this little romance storyline as much as the post-apocalyptic storyline.
Lucas and Pax both have their own characteristics and way of doing things, and they’re both great characters. I really can’t wait to see how Deshi will fit in to this group in book 4. I love the way that the group have been slowly bought together over the course of the series, and how they’ve grow together.
The ending? OMG – can’t believe we’ve left Althea where we’ve left her! I need to read the next book now!
Overall; This series really is one of my most favourite series of all time, and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next instalment! Thanks so much to Trisha Leigh for writing such an amazing series of books! Highly recommended!
9.25 out of 10.
December 9, 2012
Betrayals in Spring was, in a word, exquisite.
The book opens with a sense of relief as Althea is finally reunited with Lucas and the three dissidents we've come to know and love from Whispers in Autumn and Winter Omens are together and ready to join forces to save the planet Earth from the Others - or so Althea thinks. But after Lucas has spent an entire season alone with his Element father, his focus on the fight against the Others isn't as laser-sharp as it was last Autumn. And when they realize that it may be nearly impossible to get to Deshi, their fourth and final fellow Elemental child who will be essential to any victory, it looks like they may even have to form an army - of humans and non-humans alike.
Althea is a strong character, whose desperation to save the planet and humanity is always her most important consideration. Though there is plenty of romantic drama, (no spoilers!) she never lets a boy get in the way of working toward her goal. She is smart, strong, and determined, but doesn't let her human side take a toll because of that.
I love the supporting characters in this novel just as much as the main character - a huge plus. From the boys, Lucas and Pax, to Greer, who's fast becoming Althea's best friend, to Brittany and other teens they know from home, the author expertly manages a large and diverse cast of characters. They're each so awesome that I wish she was planning a spinoff for each of them. You know characters are great when you would jump at the chance to read each of their backstories and cross your fingers for their strong appearance in the next book.
Speaking of the next book, Betrayals in Spring had me absolutely DYING to know what would happen in the fourth and final book. The author did a great job of tying up enough plot lines in a satisfying way while building up to a cliff hanger that was absolutely excruciating - in the best way possible.
After reading the first two books in the series, Whispers in Autumn and Winter Omens, I have come to expect strong, lyrical writing from this author, and she did not disappoint. The prose is heart-stoppingly beautiful - more importantly, it put me right inside the main character's head and heart. And her heart was an important place to be. Althea's emotions - pain, panic, and falling in love - are an exhilarating roller coaster, and the author's excellent writing kept me happily strapped in for the ride.
Five stars to an incredible third installment in this series! Can't wait for the fourth.
The book opens with a sense of relief as Althea is finally reunited with Lucas and the three dissidents we've come to know and love from Whispers in Autumn and Winter Omens are together and ready to join forces to save the planet Earth from the Others - or so Althea thinks. But after Lucas has spent an entire season alone with his Element father, his focus on the fight against the Others isn't as laser-sharp as it was last Autumn. And when they realize that it may be nearly impossible to get to Deshi, their fourth and final fellow Elemental child who will be essential to any victory, it looks like they may even have to form an army - of humans and non-humans alike.
Althea is a strong character, whose desperation to save the planet and humanity is always her most important consideration. Though there is plenty of romantic drama, (no spoilers!) she never lets a boy get in the way of working toward her goal. She is smart, strong, and determined, but doesn't let her human side take a toll because of that.
I love the supporting characters in this novel just as much as the main character - a huge plus. From the boys, Lucas and Pax, to Greer, who's fast becoming Althea's best friend, to Brittany and other teens they know from home, the author expertly manages a large and diverse cast of characters. They're each so awesome that I wish she was planning a spinoff for each of them. You know characters are great when you would jump at the chance to read each of their backstories and cross your fingers for their strong appearance in the next book.
Speaking of the next book, Betrayals in Spring had me absolutely DYING to know what would happen in the fourth and final book. The author did a great job of tying up enough plot lines in a satisfying way while building up to a cliff hanger that was absolutely excruciating - in the best way possible.
After reading the first two books in the series, Whispers in Autumn and Winter Omens, I have come to expect strong, lyrical writing from this author, and she did not disappoint. The prose is heart-stoppingly beautiful - more importantly, it put me right inside the main character's head and heart. And her heart was an important place to be. Althea's emotions - pain, panic, and falling in love - are an exhilarating roller coaster, and the author's excellent writing kept me happily strapped in for the ride.
Five stars to an incredible third installment in this series! Can't wait for the fourth.
December 11, 2012
No! It can't be the end already!
First thoughts:
It took me a few pages to get back into the story - but once I did I could not put it down. I was afraid we were getting into a love-triangle but my fears were put to rest.
I am not very happy with the way the book ended - major cliff-hanger!!
How long do I have to wait for the 4th?!?!?!
I plan to write a better review soon....
First thoughts:
It took me a few pages to get back into the story - but once I did I could not put it down. I was afraid we were getting into a love-triangle but my fears were put to rest.
I am not very happy with the way the book ended - major cliff-hanger!!
How long do I have to wait for the 4th?!?!?!
I plan to write a better review soon....
September 29, 2014
Gah... this book -
I mean... after reading this third book, I'm dying to get my hands on the fourth and final book in this series.
Betrayals in Spring opens with Althea and Lucas finally reunited!! The three of them, make their way to a safe-house of sorts and are forced to sort through where they stand what their ultimate plan is.
That's easy for Althea... find Deshi and join forces to save Earth from The Others. Of course everything can't be that easy. For as much as Althea wants to throw herself into Lucas's arms and tell him how much she missed him, there is something different about him. So they keep their distance.
"I get it Althea. Nothing is the same. Not you, not me. Certainly not us." His gaze flicks to Pax again, almost as though he can't help it.
My body almost rips in two, half wanting to shake sense into Lucas and the other part dying to step into his arms and beg him to see that we can still figure this out- that just because things have changed doesn't have to mean they're gone.
I'll admit it... after Winter Omens, I was on the fence about Lucas and to be honest, I was on the fence about him through the beginning of book 3, but HOMG this boy gave me all the feels.
"...I know we spent some time apart, and that we didn't make each other any promises last autumn. We didn't have time, really, but I wold have, Althea. I still would."
My heart bangs against my rib cage. I want him to stop talking. I want him to talk forever.
"But I know you're scared of believing in a someday that might not come true..."
Lucas was left alone last season and he only had his element father to connect with and it seems to Althea as though his views on what their purpose in this world is, might have changed. You can sense her holding back with him which is why their relationship is strained. Then the unthinkable happens and Lucas is forced to help The Others and she worries that she might lose him for good.
No matter what happens though, Althea is convinced that the next move is to find Deshi and so with a little help they determine where they need to go. And this is where I stop telling you about the story!
I absolutely love the characters in this series. Althea is strong and determined and while there is the underlying romance, it's not her main focus. She's determined to save Earth and save its inhabitants... her love life will have to take a backseat! She won't let either Lucas or Pax get in the way of her goal.
Even the secondary characters of Greer and Griffin and Nat are wonderfully done and I hope we get some more of them in book 4.
This story again has fast paced action and lots of twists and turns that I think all readers will enjoy, and the end has me counting down the days to February 19th and the release of the final book Summer Ruins. (24 in case you're counting with me)
Definitely put this series on your must read list! I definitely count this series among the best of the best in YA right now!
This review can be found on my blog, Fic Fare:
I mean... after reading this third book, I'm dying to get my hands on the fourth and final book in this series.
Betrayals in Spring opens with Althea and Lucas finally reunited!! The three of them, make their way to a safe-house of sorts and are forced to sort through where they stand what their ultimate plan is.
That's easy for Althea... find Deshi and join forces to save Earth from The Others. Of course everything can't be that easy. For as much as Althea wants to throw herself into Lucas's arms and tell him how much she missed him, there is something different about him. So they keep their distance.
"I get it Althea. Nothing is the same. Not you, not me. Certainly not us." His gaze flicks to Pax again, almost as though he can't help it.
My body almost rips in two, half wanting to shake sense into Lucas and the other part dying to step into his arms and beg him to see that we can still figure this out- that just because things have changed doesn't have to mean they're gone.
I'll admit it... after Winter Omens, I was on the fence about Lucas and to be honest, I was on the fence about him through the beginning of book 3, but HOMG this boy gave me all the feels.
"...I know we spent some time apart, and that we didn't make each other any promises last autumn. We didn't have time, really, but I wold have, Althea. I still would."
My heart bangs against my rib cage. I want him to stop talking. I want him to talk forever.
"But I know you're scared of believing in a someday that might not come true..."
Lucas was left alone last season and he only had his element father to connect with and it seems to Althea as though his views on what their purpose in this world is, might have changed. You can sense her holding back with him which is why their relationship is strained. Then the unthinkable happens and Lucas is forced to help The Others and she worries that she might lose him for good.
No matter what happens though, Althea is convinced that the next move is to find Deshi and so with a little help they determine where they need to go. And this is where I stop telling you about the story!
I absolutely love the characters in this series. Althea is strong and determined and while there is the underlying romance, it's not her main focus. She's determined to save Earth and save its inhabitants... her love life will have to take a backseat! She won't let either Lucas or Pax get in the way of her goal.
Even the secondary characters of Greer and Griffin and Nat are wonderfully done and I hope we get some more of them in book 4.
This story again has fast paced action and lots of twists and turns that I think all readers will enjoy, and the end has me counting down the days to February 19th and the release of the final book Summer Ruins. (24 in case you're counting with me)
Definitely put this series on your must read list! I definitely count this series among the best of the best in YA right now!
This review can be found on my blog, Fic Fare:
December 9, 2012
Plot: 5 stars
Characters: 5 stars
Style: 5 stars
Pace: 5 stars
Trisha has such a way with phrases. I took my sweet time with this one, because I kept catching bits and pieces of description, and wanting to savor the way they danced over the brain. Her characters are wonderful, the relationship with Althea and the guys deepened greatly in this one, and changed in ways I rather hoped they would. But the ending.... I'll just say, I'm so glad this is being self-published, because if I had to wait a whole year like the spacing for most traditional published books, I would scream. XD As it is, I'm anxiously waiting for the conclusion!!
Characters: 5 stars
Style: 5 stars
Pace: 5 stars
Trisha has such a way with phrases. I took my sweet time with this one, because I kept catching bits and pieces of description, and wanting to savor the way they danced over the brain. Her characters are wonderful, the relationship with Althea and the guys deepened greatly in this one, and changed in ways I rather hoped they would. But the ending.... I'll just say, I'm so glad this is being self-published, because if I had to wait a whole year like the spacing for most traditional published books, I would scream. XD As it is, I'm anxiously waiting for the conclusion!!
January 12, 2013
Only flaw is the reveal at end since I seriously suspected Deshi not being on their side with his fathers actions in the previous book. Best sum it by changing the title to betrayal of spring. Glad lucas didn't betray them. I just wanted wanted that feral spawn daughter of the prime other to be incinerated so very much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2013
Skimmed. The story has gotten super sloppy that I couldn't bear to keep reading it word for word. Only wanted to see how the series would conclude. Too bad, there was much promise for this set. But I think the author could've "tightened" up the story and characters a lot.
January 16, 2013
This is my first book review on for my review blog (http://the-book-binge.blogspot.com) -- I wanted to wait to launch it and start doing is specifically for this book -- Betrayals in Spring (The Last Year #3) by Trisha Leigh -- because it's a series I love so much and feel so passionately about. Over the next few weeks, I'll do some retroactive reviews on books I've read and continue to add reviews for books as I read them. :)
(SPOILER ALERT)
Betrayals in Spring, the third installment in Trisha Leigh's series, The Last Year, is, like the two previous books (Whispers in Autumn and Winter Omens), an absolute gem. Once again, her newest novel is even more enticing and successful than the last. In a young adult literature market overpopulated with dystopian and post-apocalyptic writers of all kinds trying to capture the magic of a blockbuster book series like Divergent (Veronica Roth) and The Hunger Games (Suzanne Collins), Trisha Leigh sets herself and her story apart from the rest, raising the bar not just for readers, but for other writers.
The Last Year is a more than a simple post-apocalyptic series. Leigh populates her carefully crafted books with elements that can appeal to all readers. She carefully incorporates science fiction elements in the form of The Others, the alien race that arrived on earth in 2015 and changed planets's destiny forever. She takes a fresh approach to the race of the Sidhe, a supernatural race found in Irish and Scottish mythology (often associated with and frequently seen in books that deal with world of faeries or "fey"). She also carefully interweaves elements of American history as her main characters begin to discover what the world was before The Others changed it so drastically.
When Betrayals in Spring begins, we find our half-human/half-other Dissidents, Althea, Pax, and Lucas finally united in a cabin provided to them by the Sidhe, Griffin, and his sister, Greer. Magical enchantments on the cabin keep them safe from the Others and allow them the time to regroup, heal, and plan. Pax is recovering from a near-fatal accident that occurred at the end of Winter Omens when he was impaled with a piece of playground equipment. Fighting both the muscle injuries and an infection, he is unconscious and left to be cared for by Althea and Lucas, whose once loving relationship is now suddenly strained. Emotional discomfort and the inability to move forward with any sort of planning to find Deshi (the fourth Dissident) and rescue him from the clutches of The Others cause for an awkward living situation.
As Althea tries to bond once more with Lucas and recover some sense of normalcy, she finds herself confused. First, about the emotions she felt for Pax last season, but which were wiped away once she saw Lucas's face again, and second, by the waves of tension rolling off Lucas, who is fighting his own internal battles. As Lucas tries to come to terms with his lineage, both Other and human, to decide whose side he is truly on, Althea tries to recapture their friendship so that they can, at the very least, protect their interests and safety until he decides.
But when Lucas's father, Apa (Water), attempts to take his life so that The Others would embrace Lucas as the only being left who could control the water and ice elements on Earth, discontinuing their quest for his death, Lucas agrees to leave and assist The Others. His sacrifice keeps Earth from certain destruction until his father regains his strength, but leaves Pax and Althea worried, praying for his return.
The Dissidents receive help multiple times from Griffin and Greer (the latter fighting her own battle with The Others), and eventually are given the clues they need to attempt to infiltrate The Others' Underground Core and retrieve Deshi. Despite their certainty they are walking into a trap, it's a risk they must take. Cadi, their Spritan mentor, has told them that only the four of them together can they rescue the Earth from what will ultimately be destruction if The Others are allowed to continue to extract their vital resource from the earth. Lucas returns, fully committed to saving humanity after discovering that the Broken have now become slaves to The Others in extracting this resource, a radioactive primordial nuclide, which is the key to their survival.
But it isn't only those with special powers who assist the Dissidents. Together, they develop a plan to form an army of teens they've met in their previous homes in Atlanta, Portland, Danbury, and Des Moines. They carefully unleash their secret power to unveil these humans and call them to their aide, developing an emergency back-up plan: Should the leaders of these groups of teens not hear from any of the Dissidents in two months, they are to convene at Griffin and Greer's cabin where Brittany, a peer of Althea's from Danbury, is ready to lead the charge. In the meantime, these bold and courageous humans continue research on primordial nuclides, hoping to discover what exactly it is that The Others are after.
In an action packed conclusion, filled with obstacles that Althea, Lucas, and Pax could never never have planned for, they find themselves at the mercy of the very last person they would have suspected -- Deshi, who has now embraced his Otherness and trapped his peers, surrounding them with characters ready to kiss away their sanity and beat them to a pulp. It's the very definition of a betrayal, not only in spring, but by spring.
The successes of the third installment are numerous. Betrayals in Spring deals with deep human emotions and quandries: the struggle Althea, Lucas, and Pax face in defining what they mean to each other; Althea's struggle to be as open about her love for Lucas as he is to her in the face of an unknown future; and the question of how far or at what price a race or a civilization of people should go to save themselves and when it goes too far. These are all questions that most people struggle with at some point in their lives and the latter is certainly a question that humanity is facing, even today, on Earth. As a lover of history, Trisha Leigh also manages to weave into the plot some fun and truly interesting historical elements. Leigh doesn't simply write a story, she does her research. Whether it's making sure the history is right or finding a truly unique way to incorporate science and chemistry into the story, she does it accurately and in a way that makes a reader -- like me -- want to pause from my reading and research these things that were unknown to me before, not unlike her characters. She also leaves the readers with a cliffhanger that leaves us ready and excited for more -- but equally sad that the fourth installment will be the last.
That Betrayals in Spring is in Amazon's Top 100 for Children's Sci Fi books is no mistake. It's among the absolute best of young adult lit out there with one of the freshest approaches. Five stars on Goodreads.com is simply not enough. This book is absolutely spectacular. It deserves fireworks.
(SPOILER ALERT)
Betrayals in Spring, the third installment in Trisha Leigh's series, The Last Year, is, like the two previous books (Whispers in Autumn and Winter Omens), an absolute gem. Once again, her newest novel is even more enticing and successful than the last. In a young adult literature market overpopulated with dystopian and post-apocalyptic writers of all kinds trying to capture the magic of a blockbuster book series like Divergent (Veronica Roth) and The Hunger Games (Suzanne Collins), Trisha Leigh sets herself and her story apart from the rest, raising the bar not just for readers, but for other writers.
The Last Year is a more than a simple post-apocalyptic series. Leigh populates her carefully crafted books with elements that can appeal to all readers. She carefully incorporates science fiction elements in the form of The Others, the alien race that arrived on earth in 2015 and changed planets's destiny forever. She takes a fresh approach to the race of the Sidhe, a supernatural race found in Irish and Scottish mythology (often associated with and frequently seen in books that deal with world of faeries or "fey"). She also carefully interweaves elements of American history as her main characters begin to discover what the world was before The Others changed it so drastically.
When Betrayals in Spring begins, we find our half-human/half-other Dissidents, Althea, Pax, and Lucas finally united in a cabin provided to them by the Sidhe, Griffin, and his sister, Greer. Magical enchantments on the cabin keep them safe from the Others and allow them the time to regroup, heal, and plan. Pax is recovering from a near-fatal accident that occurred at the end of Winter Omens when he was impaled with a piece of playground equipment. Fighting both the muscle injuries and an infection, he is unconscious and left to be cared for by Althea and Lucas, whose once loving relationship is now suddenly strained. Emotional discomfort and the inability to move forward with any sort of planning to find Deshi (the fourth Dissident) and rescue him from the clutches of The Others cause for an awkward living situation.
As Althea tries to bond once more with Lucas and recover some sense of normalcy, she finds herself confused. First, about the emotions she felt for Pax last season, but which were wiped away once she saw Lucas's face again, and second, by the waves of tension rolling off Lucas, who is fighting his own internal battles. As Lucas tries to come to terms with his lineage, both Other and human, to decide whose side he is truly on, Althea tries to recapture their friendship so that they can, at the very least, protect their interests and safety until he decides.
But when Lucas's father, Apa (Water), attempts to take his life so that The Others would embrace Lucas as the only being left who could control the water and ice elements on Earth, discontinuing their quest for his death, Lucas agrees to leave and assist The Others. His sacrifice keeps Earth from certain destruction until his father regains his strength, but leaves Pax and Althea worried, praying for his return.
The Dissidents receive help multiple times from Griffin and Greer (the latter fighting her own battle with The Others), and eventually are given the clues they need to attempt to infiltrate The Others' Underground Core and retrieve Deshi. Despite their certainty they are walking into a trap, it's a risk they must take. Cadi, their Spritan mentor, has told them that only the four of them together can they rescue the Earth from what will ultimately be destruction if The Others are allowed to continue to extract their vital resource from the earth. Lucas returns, fully committed to saving humanity after discovering that the Broken have now become slaves to The Others in extracting this resource, a radioactive primordial nuclide, which is the key to their survival.
But it isn't only those with special powers who assist the Dissidents. Together, they develop a plan to form an army of teens they've met in their previous homes in Atlanta, Portland, Danbury, and Des Moines. They carefully unleash their secret power to unveil these humans and call them to their aide, developing an emergency back-up plan: Should the leaders of these groups of teens not hear from any of the Dissidents in two months, they are to convene at Griffin and Greer's cabin where Brittany, a peer of Althea's from Danbury, is ready to lead the charge. In the meantime, these bold and courageous humans continue research on primordial nuclides, hoping to discover what exactly it is that The Others are after.
In an action packed conclusion, filled with obstacles that Althea, Lucas, and Pax could never never have planned for, they find themselves at the mercy of the very last person they would have suspected -- Deshi, who has now embraced his Otherness and trapped his peers, surrounding them with characters ready to kiss away their sanity and beat them to a pulp. It's the very definition of a betrayal, not only in spring, but by spring.
The successes of the third installment are numerous. Betrayals in Spring deals with deep human emotions and quandries: the struggle Althea, Lucas, and Pax face in defining what they mean to each other; Althea's struggle to be as open about her love for Lucas as he is to her in the face of an unknown future; and the question of how far or at what price a race or a civilization of people should go to save themselves and when it goes too far. These are all questions that most people struggle with at some point in their lives and the latter is certainly a question that humanity is facing, even today, on Earth. As a lover of history, Trisha Leigh also manages to weave into the plot some fun and truly interesting historical elements. Leigh doesn't simply write a story, she does her research. Whether it's making sure the history is right or finding a truly unique way to incorporate science and chemistry into the story, she does it accurately and in a way that makes a reader -- like me -- want to pause from my reading and research these things that were unknown to me before, not unlike her characters. She also leaves the readers with a cliffhanger that leaves us ready and excited for more -- but equally sad that the fourth installment will be the last.
That Betrayals in Spring is in Amazon's Top 100 for Children's Sci Fi books is no mistake. It's among the absolute best of young adult lit out there with one of the freshest approaches. Five stars on Goodreads.com is simply not enough. This book is absolutely spectacular. It deserves fireworks.
November 27, 2019
The Last Year Book #3- Betrayals in Spring by Trisha Leigh
Genre- Y/A, Sci-fi, Dystopian-Romance
My Rating- 4/5
All my reviews are not without spoilers so HERE's THE WARNING!!!!
--------------------------------
Betrayals at Spring continues from Winter Omens
Althea, Lucas and Pax have been reunited, Ko is dead, Cadi is captured, Deshi is missing and Leah and Brittany are unveiled.
I slightly felt the book a bit let down from its predecessor. It wasn’t bad at all, trust me, which was why I have four stars! But again, it could have been a bit more uh, you know, better?
The plot was simple, the trio were to find Deshi, unite and find a way to save the planet from the Others enslavement. All while this went on, I never felt any development from the characters. The pace and lines went the same way since from the first book.
Another thing was the romance. The love triangle wasn’t actually one. I know the elementals sought the closeness of each other and I believe it is never wrong to have two guys whom you could love. Not at all. Because you have been through both of them in a path where obstacles harboured over your head and yet you managed to get out.
Lucas was, again unnecessarily jealous. The fact that he and Pax talked with their heads touching and while Althea talking with Pax was just wrong? And Althea, girl, you needed to be a bit more mature here because you are leaning both the way to the guys and it isn’t fair to either.
Majority of the chapters were spent inside the hive, one trying to evade the other. I think, a lot of more other things could have been mentioned rather than cramming everything for the last book.
But, overall, I finished it. YEh!
New and new things. Old matters coming out, relationships and tears. Friendships and betrayals. And finally, finding our fourth who turns out to be not on your side. And in the end, the three dissidents are captured by the Others. Again.
Waiting for the Finale!
Genre- Y/A, Sci-fi, Dystopian-Romance
My Rating- 4/5
All my reviews are not without spoilers so HERE's THE WARNING!!!!
--------------------------------
Betrayals at Spring continues from Winter Omens
Althea, Lucas and Pax have been reunited, Ko is dead, Cadi is captured, Deshi is missing and Leah and Brittany are unveiled.
I slightly felt the book a bit let down from its predecessor. It wasn’t bad at all, trust me, which was why I have four stars! But again, it could have been a bit more uh, you know, better?
The plot was simple, the trio were to find Deshi, unite and find a way to save the planet from the Others enslavement. All while this went on, I never felt any development from the characters. The pace and lines went the same way since from the first book.
Another thing was the romance. The love triangle wasn’t actually one. I know the elementals sought the closeness of each other and I believe it is never wrong to have two guys whom you could love. Not at all. Because you have been through both of them in a path where obstacles harboured over your head and yet you managed to get out.
Lucas was, again unnecessarily jealous. The fact that he and Pax talked with their heads touching and while Althea talking with Pax was just wrong? And Althea, girl, you needed to be a bit more mature here because you are leaning both the way to the guys and it isn’t fair to either.
Majority of the chapters were spent inside the hive, one trying to evade the other. I think, a lot of more other things could have been mentioned rather than cramming everything for the last book.
But, overall, I finished it. YEh!
New and new things. Old matters coming out, relationships and tears. Friendships and betrayals. And finally, finding our fourth who turns out to be not on your side. And in the end, the three dissidents are captured by the Others. Again.
Waiting for the Finale!
March 31, 2018
Good but needs some editing
This is the third book in the series and while the story is progressing well, I found myself distracted by grammar mistakes and events that didn't make sense. The events I speak of(without spoiling) are things like a character doing something or going somewhere and the result just being glossed over. The whole event being way too easy to match the rest of the story. Same with things being mentioned that a character is doing but never being told what the result of that is. I felt that this book was rushed. The beginning was a little slower and everything was given full attention but the last half of the book the whole thing was rushed.
I am a huge fan of the series so even though there are some grammar mistakes in all 3 books, the books are definitely worth reading. I can't wait to start book 4. I just hope it doesn't feel as much like a fanfiction. I really think the author needs to go over the books again with her editors though.
This is the third book in the series and while the story is progressing well, I found myself distracted by grammar mistakes and events that didn't make sense. The events I speak of(without spoiling) are things like a character doing something or going somewhere and the result just being glossed over. The whole event being way too easy to match the rest of the story. Same with things being mentioned that a character is doing but never being told what the result of that is. I felt that this book was rushed. The beginning was a little slower and everything was given full attention but the last half of the book the whole thing was rushed.
I am a huge fan of the series so even though there are some grammar mistakes in all 3 books, the books are definitely worth reading. I can't wait to start book 4. I just hope it doesn't feel as much like a fanfiction. I really think the author needs to go over the books again with her editors though.
September 30, 2018
Nice, Fun, and Very Enjoyable
Beautifully written, youth friendly, romantic and adventurous, these are wonderful stories. If you're in the mood for a young adult series that builds from book to book without any single book being complete in itself, this is for you. I am enjoying the story, the concepts, the twists, the aliens vs. humans interactions, the tension, the romance, and the whole series.
Beautifully written, youth friendly, romantic and adventurous, these are wonderful stories. If you're in the mood for a young adult series that builds from book to book without any single book being complete in itself, this is for you. I am enjoying the story, the concepts, the twists, the aliens vs. humans interactions, the tension, the romance, and the whole series.
June 16, 2018
I really liked this book and series. The characters were well fleshed and I liked them. Lots of adventure and excitement and setting on the edge of the chair waiting to see what would happen next. I will be reading more by this author.
June 17, 2021
I felt like the beginning was a little slow, and I wish Althea was more decisive in her relationship choices. But the tensions kept building, and I'm left wondering how the MCs are going to win against the Others. I will be reading the next one to find out how this ends.
May 4, 2017
Awesome series and I read a ton of this genre. It stands with the best of them!
August 11, 2017
I enjoyed this book more than the other two combined!
April 21, 2021
I didn't like this one as much as the previous two, solely because it was 70% relationship drama, but RIGHT THERE AT THE END it got pretty good
December 15, 2013
Amazing. I am LOVING this series. I'm sorry I let it sit on the TBR list for so long, but I knew it was gonna be good so I was saving it. I'm kinda glad I waited till the whole series was out because there's no way I would have been able to be patient enough to wait for each new installment. Trisha Leigh has done a fantastic job about weaving together a story with four main characters, with Althea being the most prominent. The chemistry between Althea, Lucas, and Pax is great and while there is adjustments that need to be made as the three interact together, they finally smooth out the kinks.
The main goal of this third installment is the trio finding a way to get to Deshi. But they are being warned that something will be highly difficult. Will they find him? What state will he be in when they do find him? They don't know whether he'll be converted to the Other side or if he'll be battered and bruised beyond repair. The Others are smart and keep out-thinking the trio of Dissidents at every turn. But Althea, Lucas, and Pax aren't giving up. They're coming up with back-up plans should things go awry.
The environment continues to flow beautifully as we skip from the four Sanctioned Cities to the Cabin to the Others HQ. More and more of the unanswered questions we've had from the beginning are being answered and the puzzle that is the story is filling out to form a beautiful picture.
I can't wait to get started on the fourth installment and find out how and if the Dissidents are going to save Earth. Not only do I want to find out how it ends, but I want to experience all the tiny details in between that make the story so fantastic.
The main goal of this third installment is the trio finding a way to get to Deshi. But they are being warned that something will be highly difficult. Will they find him? What state will he be in when they do find him? They don't know whether he'll be converted to the Other side or if he'll be battered and bruised beyond repair. The Others are smart and keep out-thinking the trio of Dissidents at every turn. But Althea, Lucas, and Pax aren't giving up. They're coming up with back-up plans should things go awry.
The environment continues to flow beautifully as we skip from the four Sanctioned Cities to the Cabin to the Others HQ. More and more of the unanswered questions we've had from the beginning are being answered and the puzzle that is the story is filling out to form a beautiful picture.
I can't wait to get started on the fourth installment and find out how and if the Dissidents are going to save Earth. Not only do I want to find out how it ends, but I want to experience all the tiny details in between that make the story so fantastic.
December 12, 2012
First of all, if you haven’t read Trisha Leigh’s first book in this series, WHISPERS IN AUTUMN, yet, drop everything you’re doing and read it immediately!
Ok, now that you’ve read WHISPERS IN AUTUMN, drop everything you’re doing and read WINTER OMENS!
Trisha Leigh delivers an incredible sequel in this second book of her THE LAST YEAR series. I had expected this book to be a bit less of an intense page-turner than AUTUMN. And, that would have been fine as AUTUMN set a seriously high bar. Leigh’s story may be about humans who feel no emotion, but she is a master at eliciting thrilling emotions from her readers. However, in book two she doesn’t loosen her grip on her readers’ hearts…she squeezes even tighter.
Her well-developed characters continue to bloom and are even more engaging in WINTER. Althea and her friends, both old and new, delighted and frustrated and surprised and excited me.
The story’s intensity is through the roof with action and twists. And, Leigh’s torture scenes are so, well, torturous that I wanted to put the book down and eat chocolate cake and sob. But, I couldn’t. Because not only was the chocolate cake all gone, but I just could NOT stop reading this story. In fact, I stayed up all night reading it. And, at 4:31 am when I finished WINTER OMENS, I finally went to bed overwhelmingly satisfied with this sequel and super excited for book three…BETRAYALS IN SPRING (out now! review to come!).
Ok, now that you’ve read WHISPERS IN AUTUMN, drop everything you’re doing and read WINTER OMENS!
Trisha Leigh delivers an incredible sequel in this second book of her THE LAST YEAR series. I had expected this book to be a bit less of an intense page-turner than AUTUMN. And, that would have been fine as AUTUMN set a seriously high bar. Leigh’s story may be about humans who feel no emotion, but she is a master at eliciting thrilling emotions from her readers. However, in book two she doesn’t loosen her grip on her readers’ hearts…she squeezes even tighter.
Her well-developed characters continue to bloom and are even more engaging in WINTER. Althea and her friends, both old and new, delighted and frustrated and surprised and excited me.
The story’s intensity is through the roof with action and twists. And, Leigh’s torture scenes are so, well, torturous that I wanted to put the book down and eat chocolate cake and sob. But, I couldn’t. Because not only was the chocolate cake all gone, but I just could NOT stop reading this story. In fact, I stayed up all night reading it. And, at 4:31 am when I finished WINTER OMENS, I finally went to bed overwhelmingly satisfied with this sequel and super excited for book three…BETRAYALS IN SPRING (out now! review to come!).
February 24, 2013
Can I get away with just saying, “Buy this book because you’ll never ever ever ever regret it”? No? Well, all right, then.
Althea and Lucas have finally been reunited … but something is “off” with Lucas. Althea attributes that to his being alone for so long, forced to survive on his own throughout their season apart, whereas she’s had a companion. His bitterness toward the relationship between Althea and Pax is palpable, but they really don’t have time for jealousy. Because now, they must find the fourth dissident, Deshi, and press forward in their battle against The Others. And in order to do that, they must work as a team, whether the boys get along or not.
You may be thinking, “Oh for Pete’s sake. Another YA love triangle.” Ah, don’t make that jump just yet, readers. While there is tension between the three, this isn’t a love story. I repeat – NOT a love story. This is a story of survival. Of hope. Of doing the right thing when it may not serve your own desires. Though, I do feel obligated to throw in a favorite line from Lucas:
“Where you are, I am.”
I’ll just leave that there.
To strengthen their numbers, the three decide to enlist the help of a select few humans. The question is, will that effort actually work?
Althea and Lucas have finally been reunited … but something is “off” with Lucas. Althea attributes that to his being alone for so long, forced to survive on his own throughout their season apart, whereas she’s had a companion. His bitterness toward the relationship between Althea and Pax is palpable, but they really don’t have time for jealousy. Because now, they must find the fourth dissident, Deshi, and press forward in their battle against The Others. And in order to do that, they must work as a team, whether the boys get along or not.
You may be thinking, “Oh for Pete’s sake. Another YA love triangle.” Ah, don’t make that jump just yet, readers. While there is tension between the three, this isn’t a love story. I repeat – NOT a love story. This is a story of survival. Of hope. Of doing the right thing when it may not serve your own desires. Though, I do feel obligated to throw in a favorite line from Lucas:
“Where you are, I am.”
I’ll just leave that there.
To strengthen their numbers, the three decide to enlist the help of a select few humans. The question is, will that effort actually work?
February 26, 2013
Once again Leigh has done it once again. This story picks up exactly where the second book ended and it began with action and suspense. I really enjoyed this book and the characters are growing on me more. In each book you can see that there is more depth to each character, becoming more relatable and well rounded. You can see each character growing to their potential through their mistakes and battles. I am glad and relieved that there is no more love triangle!! I despise love triangles because its just angst and I want to roll my eyes the whole time. Anyhew, I could not put this book down because each page was filled with action. As the series goes on, there is more action going on. I also like how the book brings in other characters (humans)and makes them part of the story line whether earth will be saved or destroyed by the Others. I like how strong-willed all of these characters are, showing their potential to be leaders, and not giving up hope.
March 17, 2013
I enjoyed this book but I felt a sense of loss over Pax. In the first book, she developed the relationship with Lucas a little bit and it was sweet. She then went on to develop Pax and Althea's relationship a lot in book 2, there just seemed to be more passion and spark between them. Now, in book three she switches back to Lucas and then seems to solidify it and I was sad about that. I wouldn't have matched her with Lucas. I spent most of the third book hoping it was a trick of the author that she was with Lucas so that it took a little away from the story line.
Overall, this is a developmental book, just developing the story. It seems a little slow at times.
The ending was out of nowhere...it just ended. Almost as if she decided later on where to end it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2012
With the first two books of THE LAST YEAR series, Trisha Leigh has proven she can create a heart stopping story and carry the tale with beautiful prose. Her lyrical blend continues with BETRAYALS IN SPRING.
The third book in a four book series has the potential to fall into a lull, but BETRAYALS IN SPRING not only continues the pacing of the two previous books but surges forward, leaving the reader breathless and hungry for the final book. The author takes what could have been a cliched love triangle and gives the situation a breath of fresh air, all while maintaining a strong female main character who holds her own against humans and Others alike. THE LAST YEAR is the best new YA series I've read this year.
The third book in a four book series has the potential to fall into a lull, but BETRAYALS IN SPRING not only continues the pacing of the two previous books but surges forward, leaving the reader breathless and hungry for the final book. The author takes what could have been a cliched love triangle and gives the situation a breath of fresh air, all while maintaining a strong female main character who holds her own against humans and Others alike. THE LAST YEAR is the best new YA series I've read this year.
January 25, 2016
While I'm enjoying this series I feel like not a whole lot has happened in the three books I've read. Not much progress is made by the characters in their quest to find Deshi and save Earth. They pretty much just keep going in circles. I really do want to find out how it all ends though so I will read the last book in the series. One thing I am happy about it that the relationship thing is resolved in this book. For a love triangle this one wasn't so annoying. There isn't any over the top brooding and jealousy, thank goodness! I have a feeling I know who the third character will end up with too.
March 30, 2016
Addictive. So, so addictive.
Oh man this story is so amazing to follow and journey with the main characters.
I was hooked and now I'm hooked-er-er (?) haha
Smooth flow between the books and a good recap if your memory isn't the best. But not over done if your memory is good. haha
I love the outside thinking in this book. Lots of cool things that I don't think anyone has ever thought up before. Like the mind tunnels! Genius! You rock Trisha Leigh
Don't umming and ar-ing about this book or its series. BUY BUY BUY!
Recommend to any para-normal reader and to teens as its only light romance
Oh man this story is so amazing to follow and journey with the main characters.
I was hooked and now I'm hooked-er-er (?) haha
Smooth flow between the books and a good recap if your memory isn't the best. But not over done if your memory is good. haha
I love the outside thinking in this book. Lots of cool things that I don't think anyone has ever thought up before. Like the mind tunnels! Genius! You rock Trisha Leigh
Don't umming and ar-ing about this book or its series. BUY BUY BUY!
Recommend to any para-normal reader and to teens as its only light romance
December 12, 2012
I just loved this book. It is the third of four and when I was finished I wanted more. Trisha Leigh's writing sucks you in and you can actually feel the characters emotions. I Actually went back a couple pages and re read them because I couldn't believe she left us with such a cliff hanger and thought I'd missed a page or two somewhere. Nope . Just have to wait for the next book to see what happens.
Go and read, Whispers in Autmun, Winter Omens, and then Betrayals in Spring. You won't be disappointed.
Go and read, Whispers in Autmun, Winter Omens, and then Betrayals in Spring. You won't be disappointed.
March 6, 2015
This book is the third in a four-book series. Like the first two, this one is suspenseful, well-written, and enjoyable. It is fun to watch how the characters have changed, matured, strengthened and grown. Every character is complex and well-developed which makes the reader care about them. Of course, there is the love triangle and lots of action but less actual violence than the last book. I am neither a usual fan of young adult or dystopian books but I am enjoying this series immensely. Off the to the 4th and last installment. Oh, and Wolf is my very favorite character.
Read
December 13, 2015This series is losing me
The first book enticed me, the second book kept me, but this book lost me. This series is being pulled out way to much. I'm not saying the author shouldn't take time to develop the characters or the story, but come on, this story should be finishing by now! There are times in the book where it lags, and I feel the urge to skip to more action. I feel like the characters haven't moved very far at all within the story. And don't even get me started on a love triangle. It was unnecessary. I'm not sure I'm going to take the time to read the next book.
The first book enticed me, the second book kept me, but this book lost me. This series is being pulled out way to much. I'm not saying the author shouldn't take time to develop the characters or the story, but come on, this story should be finishing by now! There are times in the book where it lags, and I feel the urge to skip to more action. I feel like the characters haven't moved very far at all within the story. And don't even get me started on a love triangle. It was unnecessary. I'm not sure I'm going to take the time to read the next book.
May 10, 2017
The dreaded love triange is completed in this book and the three of them are awkwardly together. It is about as fun as Thanksgiving with your family. So, Althea, Pax, and Lucas set off to get Deshi, because maybe he will fall in love with her too and they can REALLY party. But, Deshi has been captive for a very long time. Does he have Other Stockholm Syndrome?
...almost finished One book to go....
...almost finished One book to go....
October 28, 2014
Y por más que quiera, esta serie me está matando. La tortura a los personajes me obligo a saltar largos segmentos de esta novela, con la conclusión de no continuar, ni por casualidad el proximo libro. Pasan más tiempo recuperandose de las heridas que haciendo cualquier otra cosa: podría intentan nuevos trucos con sus poderes, pero se la pasan peleando entre sí. Ni siquiera el romance, triangulo con puntas abiertas a otros personajes, ayuda a sumar una estrella.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews