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Project ELE #4

Surviving ELE

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"I am surrounded by people but I’ve never felt so alone. Every minute, every hour that Tony is being used by Zack, is torture to me. Can they not see that I die a little more each day that we’re apart?" ~Willow Mosby, Surviving ELE

In the aftermath of Project ELE, Willow's life has become a series of one traumatic moment after another. It spins around her in a cyclone of fury, ripping and ravaging her heart. She can't help but wonder: will the pain and heartache ever end?

Willow Mosby is not one to sit back and accept defeat. When Zack turns Tony against her, she decides that it's time to stop Zack once and for all. With the help of her friends and the occupants of Camp Cheley, she begins methodically hunting down the man who has caused her so much torment. What she doesn't realize is that she may not be the hunter, she might just be the prey.

Willow's time is running out and the man she loves is coming after her with a vengeance that can't be satisfied. Will Willow be able to save Tony? Or will she be forced to take down the man she loves?

From the authors of Project ELE comes Surviving ELE. The fourth book in an all-new apocalyptic series with a paranormal twist: The ELE Series.

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First published February 8, 2013

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282 people want to read

About the author

Rebecca Gober

14 books318 followers
Rebecca Gober was born in Houston, Texas in 1982 and spent most of her life growing up in Dallas, Texas. In between working full time, being a wife and mother of two, Rebecca has never let her passion for reading and fiction fall through the cracks. Rebecca Gober's first series, The Night Marchers Series, which she co-authored with her best friend and partner in crime, Courtney Nuckels, was released in e-book format in October of 2011. Since then, Rebecca and Courtney have gone on to write Redemption, the sequel to Night Marchers and three books in The ELE Series: Project ELE, Finding ELE and Exposing ELE. Ending ELE is scheduled to release in September 2013. In addition to being an author of six successful books, Rebecca is the CEO of Clean Teen Publishing. A new publishing company that opened their doors in early 2013, whose content ratings for every book published gives them a unique presence in the market.

Rebecca and Courtney are downhome country girls powered by chocolate and other random late night cravings. Coined in southern twang they bring new meaning to the word y'all. BFI's since the 6th grade, with a knack for getting into sticky situations, has resulted in countless ideas to write about for years to come.

When Rebecca is not working or writing, you can find her spending time with her family and her not so little puppy Neo.

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5 stars
281 (45%)
4 stars
218 (35%)
3 stars
94 (15%)
2 stars
16 (2%)
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4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for Melanie's.
566 reviews29 followers
February 9, 2013
Surviving ELE is the fourth installment in the dystopian style young adult series that follows Willow Mosby, a 16 year old girl having to cope with unimaginable circumstances that are developing around her at the same time as her remarkable powers are evolving.

Surviving ELE continues from where we were left during the epilogue in Finding ELE with a story that yet again I read start to finish without a pause. The choices that Willow has to face are almost unbearable to read and the roller coaster ride of emotions that I have come to expect from these books was more at the forefront than ever.

Just when I think I have figured out what is going to happen another curve ball is thrown in the way keeping you page turning until the very end. At one point I thought they were actually wrapping the series up and to be honest I wasn't sure if I was relieved that Willow might finally be catching a well deserved break or upset that there wouldn't be a fifth book to look forward to. Well I needn't have worried because just like with the previous three I am now sitting here with more unanswered questions!

Whilst dystopian style stories are nothing new, these books continue to have a fresh take on things but then they throw in something like the "white eye" power which reminds me of historical stories of seers (and no that isn't a spoiler ... white is not the power of prophecy).

Brilliant!

V""V
Profile Image for Lauren.
125 reviews3 followers
February 10, 2013
Eeeep! This book was fantastic! So many things happen, so many issues are resolved. Questions were answered. All around wonderful and fun! I will not go into too much detail with this book because I want you to read it - I'm not CliffsNotes!

There is quite a few places that caused my heart to beat out of my chest. There was a few scenes that seriously made my belly tingle. There was one scene in particular that had me screaming at the book - cheering Willow on and saying FINALLY!!!!!

And for my one "spoiler," like I always try to do for my readers:

This is NOT the last book. As of right now (I say that because Rebecca and Courtney are notorious for changing their minds :P ) there will be one more book. This is your spoiler because as I got about 80% through the book my heart started getting sad. It seemed as though we were wrapping up the story while there were some questions arising that couldn't just be left unanswered! Looking back, I should have seen that they were opening up the story again to be able to give us more, but I was so hung up on what had just happened that my brain seriously couldn't function properly! And once I was finished I just sat there, mouth hanging open, and scratching my head in total shock and awe.
Profile Image for Colleen.
16 reviews4 followers
February 10, 2013
I was given this book by the author for an honest review.
Fourth book in the series & they just keep getting better & better!!! Willow's back & Zac has taken Toni from her! She must face him, but she's not on her own, her friends refuse to let her go it alone. Willow must get Toni back & then just when you think all is well, she must save her friends & family. This book is thrilling, action packed, funny in places & in other places had me in tears. But such an exciting read! Best end of the world series I've read!! LOVED IT!
Profile Image for Magen McMinimy.
Author 46 books185 followers
March 10, 2013
Surviving ELE spurred my insomnia.

I’ve been waiting for this book for what felt like forever. I’ve been so anxious to find out what would become of Tony. This was another great installment in the series and I am very curious to see where they take the series from here. The ending made it more than clear that this is not the end of Willow and her friends. There were a few formatting issue in my copy, but they weren’t even distracting enough to catch my eye most the time. I only mention it because I’m sure others will rate according to this minor issue. However my review will be purely on the story. I’m tired of reading reviews that don’t so much rate the book but the grammar, formatting and spelling issues.

This installment gave exactly what I wanted! It wrapped up everything I felt it should and opened up a whole new direction for the next book. My stomach dropped from time to time as I wondered what these two authors were going to do to my favorite character (Tony) and truly I was not expecting what they came up with. (I will say no more but I would gush if not for my fear of spoiling the genius they came up with)

They addressed a major nagging question in my mind-why did they not return to the shelter after everyone cleared out and see what was happening with this—in my mind—perfect place to loot. I was sure there would be some good stuff there lol.

I was happy to see that through all this drama and unfairness in Willow’s life she showed moments of simply being a sixteen year old girl i.e. the Willow/Alec relationship.

Now Spoiler alert I smiled when Zack finally got what he deserved, in a purely evil and fantastic way!

I’m a little surprised to say that while normally I’m a crier I didn’t shed a tear at this book. Though I did feel my heart squeeze on more than one occasion(poor little Sabby)

This whole series has been fantastic, once I picked up PROJECT ELE I was hooked and I’m still in Rebecca and Courtney’s snare, I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book.
Profile Image for Fiona Wilson.
Author 2 books57 followers
December 31, 2015
At the end of book 3, Exposing ELE, Willow was running in fear from someone she thought she knew, someone she trusted with her life.

At the start of book 4 she is still running, not only from one, but two people. One of them is Zack, who has taken over from his father in trying to gain more insight into why Willow has the powers she has, and is trying to have those powers for himself.

In this book Willow has to deal with a lot of emotions - loss, fear, and anger among them. She is captured on more than one occasion by Zack. Can she escape his clutches every time or is she destined to become his lab rat after all?

Willow also acquires new powers, due to her ability to reap someone else's powers. However she has never gone as far as the reapers themselves as she still has control of her humanity. She has to rein in her anger at times as she feels herself start to go out of control. Does this mean she will eventually turn into a reaper as she has feared for some time? Or is there something different in Willow that the reapers are lacking?

This book allows the reader to see the depth of the love Willow's friends have for her. They would go to the ends of the earth for her, and during this book she realises that she is not alone, she does have her friends behind her. And these friends are most definitely needed now.

The ending is such a lovely ending. After everything she has been through it's nice to see Willow finally getting a little bit of happiness. But obviously this won't last for long.

I have so much respect for the authors of this series. They have written all of them consistently well, with enough action and teenage angst to appeal to all ages. Roll on number 5!
Profile Image for Shona Booky Ramblings of a Neurotic Mom.
550 reviews28 followers
February 10, 2013
Surviving ELE is the fourth book in the ELE Series which centres around 16 year old Willow Mosby. Since we first met Willow in Project ELE she has grown so much more than she thought she would. At every turn she has faced new hardships, heart ache and despair. But she doesn't let that keep her down for long. When we left her in Finding ELE she was running for her life, from the man she was falling in love with, a man who was being controlled by Zack. True to form Willow fights back and refuses to give up on the man she loves and vows to get him back.

Gober and Nuckles have once again delivered in the series that never fails to amaze me. Just when you think you know where the story is going they blind side you with something completely different. At one point whilst reading I had this awful thought that this would be the last book in the series and it certainly looked that way for a bit, but I am pleased to report there will be more to come.

Once I picked this book up I literally couldn't put it down and devoured it in one sitting. Now I have the agonizing wait until the next in the series is released... but as I have found out the wait is definitely worth it. If you haven't started this series yet then you should.
Profile Image for Jo.
13 reviews2 followers
February 16, 2013
Best one so far. You get more history on Project Ele, as well as glimpse the broader spectrum this story encompasses. There is plenty of action and I was glad to see how Willow handled certain situations. At times you forget she's just a 16 year old girl, then her reactions and thoughts remind you of her age and fallibility. Luckily, she is a great heroine who grows with each difficulty and hardship she is faced with. Oh, and I love Tony. My heart broke I don't know how many times, but its worth it in the end. Great read and love the series.
Profile Image for Tasha.
1,490 reviews26 followers
March 20, 2016
The excitement you feel reading this book may lead to a heart attack (no not literally). Eeeep! This book was fantastic! So many things happen, so many issues are resolved. Questions were answered. All around wonderful and fun! There are quite a few places that caused my heart to beat out of my chest. There were a few scenes that seriously made my belly tingle. Reading this whole book I wanted to kick Zack he is such an…… well you get what I am trying to say right?
Profile Image for Lisa.
1,529 reviews15 followers
February 20, 2013
I liked this series! Fun, different and kept me entertained :)
Profile Image for Lela.
365 reviews9 followers
March 5, 2013
Enjoyed this book! As usual we are left hanging waiting for the next installment! <3
1 review
February 23, 2013
Another great book from two of my favorite authors. Keep up the great work.
Profile Image for Allison.
18 reviews2 followers
December 8, 2018
Entertaining enough concept that I want to finish the series, I’ve read the first four books this week so I want to see how it ends. Probably wouldn’t re-read the series, but I am enjoying it. Fast reads too if you’re looking for something like that. My biggest complaint is the serious lack of editing, in all the books, but I especially noticed it in this one. Opening quotations around unspoken descriptive sentences, the word “media” kept getting used and all I could figure out was maybe autocorrect was changing “me and I”, there was a whole two pages where every sentence spoken out loud just didn’t start with a capitalized letter. Stuff like that that’s just distracting, and quite honestly surprising to see that much of in a 4th book of a series. Other than that, it’s not a bad book, just needs some real help editing.
Profile Image for Book Catharsis.
376 reviews25 followers
November 19, 2018
After 4 books in 72 hours, I still want more!

I've read the first 4 books in the past 72 hours (on top of working full time) and I cannot get enough! The story doesn't seem to be dragging on or filled with fluff to take up pages. It keeps you captivated. I absolutely love this series, the characters and all of the attention to detail. My only recommendation would be more editing, because the grammar, punctuation, and spelling all need to be cleaned up a bit.
Profile Image for Marilee.
7 reviews1 follower
February 20, 2019
Good storyline, but had a lot of glaring typos. Needs to be edited better.
170 reviews
July 16, 2023
Survivng ELE

This book was as good as the other stories! Now I'm on the final chapter. I am very impressed with the authors of these books.
Profile Image for Nancy.
296 reviews
April 2, 2021
A bit more crying and some laughing and hate and many other emotions ... couldn't put it down.
Profile Image for Amanda Tumbaga.
4 reviews3 followers
February 17, 2013
I'm really torn on this book. I'm not great at writing reviews, but I know what I like and what I don't. In this case, unlike the first 3 of this series, I am struggling with a positive review. I normally refrain from giving a review if my review is not positive but in this case it is my hope that my review will allow the authors to make improvements before releasing the next book. I hope the authors will forgive me for the following somewhat harsh review, but I feel it should be said.

Edit: I have added one more star because the formatting error has been fixed. The rest of my review still stands. I would prefer to give this book 3.5 stars, but since 3 is too low with the formatting fixed I gave a 4.

To be clear, I still LOVE the story and I do still plan to read future installments. YA sometimes throws me off because there is not much that an adult can relate to, something that was far less of a problem in the first 3 books of this series. I really, really love the story and the characters...but...

What really ruined everything for me was the writing itself. I remember the writing style from the first 3 being a little simplistic, but this one seemed downright childish. I get that as a YA title this is intended for a younger audience, but even my 11 year old noticed the very plain almost child-like writing style in this book. I read this while my daughter was coming out of anesthesia in the hospital (just this past Monday) and SHE read some while not only still recovering from anesthesia, but loopy on painkillers and she still had zero trouble comprehending what she was reading and commenting on how simple it seemed for "something you would read mom." At times, especially during dialog it felt like I was reading a 5th grade essay rather than a young adult novel. The whole thing feels rushed. Written in a rush, edited in a rush, released in a rush. You know the feeling in Jr. High when you have a 1000 word essay due, but you only have 900 words so you pick through and add in extra words and flip things around to get exactly 1000 words? I feel like the authors/editors of this book did the exact opposite. At times I felt like words were removed and things condensed down for some reason I cannot quite fathom. I found myself wondering if releasing a kindle edition book on kindle is priced by the number of words and a lot of words were removed to keep publishing costs low. I felt like this book could have easily been longer and contained more detail and not felt so rushed and cut short. It felt like every sentence was cut short, like a kid reducing how much he has to write. I felt like the descriptions given in most of the book were inadequate making it difficult to paint a picture in my head for many of the scenes.

So in closing I want to repeat that I STILL love the story and I can't wait for more, but I really hope that when more comes the story will be again aimed towards the young ADULT rather than the pre-teen.
Profile Image for Amanda Shelley-Masters.
436 reviews21 followers
July 29, 2013
Wow! just Wow! I am speechless! and exhausted! the running in this book was crazy...lol...I absorbed every word and I don't think it could have been any better! this story is freaking amazing!

We start again where the last left off Willow is trying to find a way to fixing Zack's hold over Tony but the visions are getting stronger and she knows it is only a matter of time before Zack takes him over completely.

When Tony becomes to much of a threat to the groups safety Willow takes him away for a few days before the change can take its full affect. It doesn't take long for the visions to catch up though and Willows life is in danger from the man that she loves most in this world and she decided that she is going to go after the man responsible for her pain, Zack.

Her plans go ary however and she ends up captured and Zack has some very sinister plans in mind. Willow manages to escape temporally but Zack captures her friends and family to lure her back. What will she do? There is only one thing left to do, go in and take out Zack once and for all and this time she is going to finish the job, or die trying.

Unfreakingbeliveable! best story EVER! I so can't wait for the next one! I wish it was out right now so I could read it! hurry up and write Rebecca and Courtney!!!....lol...I devoured every word just like the rest and I can't believe the ending!!! I so have to know what is going to happen!

I love all the new powers popping up and I hope their are some more in the story to come! my favourite part in the book was when Tony and willow used the reading power on each other! I soooo love those two!

Zack is the ultimate bad guy! He is way more creepy then his father! He always goes to the extreme and has way more creative ideas of torture and chaos then his father ever did!

keep up the good work ladies! I can't wait for the next book! everyone get your copies of this series NOW!
Profile Image for Lynn Worton.
869 reviews31 followers
August 25, 2013
Review 6******

This is the fourth book in the acclaimed ELE Series. I absolutely LOVED it!

Willow Mosby is a fantastic character! She has had to deal with a lot in her short life, but losing Tony may just break her. I love this character! She is only sixteen, but she has a maturity about her that has others looking up to her as a leader, even the adults.

As this is the fourth book in the series, I knew that I was heading for a rollercoaster ride of EPIC proportions! This book sure didn't disappoint! The story picks up from the cliffhanger at the end of the third book. I was completely engrossed in the story from start to finish! This book is full of danger, action and romance. I have come to love all the characters (except for Zack, of course!), and they come alive for me; I feel what they feel, and see what they see. More than once I was reduced to tears! Why, oh why, do book characters affect me so? (rhetorical question - I'm just a big softie at heart!). The twists and turns in this story continued to surprise me (although I should be used to expecting the unexpected in this series by now!). The story is just as fast paced as the other three, if not more so! The book ends on another cliffhanger, which is cruel punishment for readers such as myself, as I want to read the next story RIGHT NOW!!!

The writing partnership between Rebecca Gober and Courtney Nuckels is as strong as ever, and I hope it remains so for a long time to come! Their combined writing styles compliment each other beautifully. They have created a world that is believable (which is somewhat terrifying!), and characters that are extremely memorable. I highly recommend this book (and series!) if you love YA Paranormal Romance or Dystopian novels. - Lynn Worton
Profile Image for Ruth Silver.
Author 21 books1,110 followers
May 29, 2013
It's been a few months since I've read the ELE series. Surviving ELE, I picked up because I wanted to read another great Dystopian Romance. I loved the initial premise of Project ELE and I really enjoyed the first three stories in the series.

Surviving ELE is the fourth book in the ELE series. It took me awhile to get into the novel. I felt as though a lot of the story was told to me, not shown until the last quarter of the book. The authors work good together when it comes to action and suspense. When there are twists and turns in the series (and there are two big ones thrown at you near the middle and again end of the story), the book really moves along. I felt like Surviving ELE suffered in the first half of the book. It was well edited and clear but the writing didn't pull me in. The story felt slow until half-way through the book when suddenly it picked up speed like a freight train.

I honestly felt like the book suffered in the beginning because of the pacing. I like the ELE series but I'd rather the authors spent a few more months reading through the book (not just editing words and phrases) but adding scenes and bringing up the level of intensity like it had been for the ending of the book. The first chapter sells the book - I didn't feel quite like the first chapter did that with Surviving ELE. The last chapter sells the next book - I did feel like the story at the end was progressing forward and I'd like to see what happens next. However, I'm not sure if I will pick up the fifth book when it's released or not yet.
Profile Image for Brooke Banks.
1,045 reviews189 followers
March 11, 2016
The Good:
Willow failing and learning
Same as previous entries
Found out what Zac wants with Willow

The Bad & The Other:
Felt more disconnect with Willow with her repeated use of the term “man card”
Candy's just around for showdown moments and is “fixed” by getting a boyfriend
Didn't feel like it's own story, but a filler
Waiting for the bigger story is getting to me



After 4 books and around 600 some pages, I don’t have much to say. It’s much the same as previous installments but the love triangle is resolved, which leads to its own set of trouble. We’re finally getting into the government side of things, which is what I’ve been dying for.

Surviving ELE feels more like filler or an appetizer than a satisfying novel that can stand on its own. It does finish the save Tony storyline but it doesn’t feel like enough. Maybe because I was jumpy throughout to get somewhere with the larger plot that I get a sampling of but didn’t sate my appetite.

Some moments I wanted to smack Willow for thinking slowly. She continues her character progression at least. Though background characters get shafted. Like shrugging off Candy because she’s got a boyfriend now, which makes everything okay. (And what is with YA making sure everyone gets perfectly paired off!?!)

We finally figure out what Zac wants with Willow but that’s only the beginning. Everyone knew there was a bigger story with a puppeteer behind the curtain – the only questions left are who and why?
Profile Image for Charlotte.
146 reviews20 followers
February 22, 2013
Way to not edit!! So there was continuity issues and spacing issues incorrect usage of words. "There is rage in his tone as he insinuates the verbs." Insinuates? That word.. I don't think it means what you think it means...I had trust issues reading anything from a new author so quick to fame and now I rememebr why. Did fame and money go to your head so you pushed the release and didn't care about the process anymore? The last one was release in December. books are not supposed to be made within two months. You're not Dean Koontz. The plot was.. ok. The ending sucked. Did NOT leave me interested in the next one. Besides how put off I was but the editing issues the ending gave me just enough closure to not care what happens next. I am disappointed. AND I saw some reviews where people said they got the book early for an "honest" review.. that sounds a bit back alley to me. "Here take this.. just make us look good".


I did not get the book early.
This is the most honest review you'll see.
Profile Image for Jenny.
18 reviews
August 17, 2013
LOVED IT!

I was on the edge of my seat the whole time they were going through their missions and doing recon.

When Zack would appear in the book I got angry and could totally feel what Willow was feeling, when Zack was controlling Tony I was so emotionally torn for him and Willow. I just wanted to reach into the book and take it away from him, make Zack STOP!

I have connected so much with the characters in this book, I am suffering a big book hangover with this whole series right now.

I read the first two awhile back, but re-read them so I could read books three and four. I read these all in a matter of days and the high I got from these books and all the feelings the characters make me feel is amazing.

These 2 ladies know how to write a book and they have made this series amazing so far!!!

I thought I was done with the Series when I was almost done with book 4, but then I get to the end and it says TO BE CONTINUED and I said whaaaaaattttttttttt!!!!!

So I am now anxiously awaiting news on the 5th book and when it will be out!!
Profile Image for Kristin Scearce.
766 reviews23 followers
March 30, 2013
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is the fourth book in the ELE Series, and once again, the authors do not disappoint. The war between Willow and her friends and Zack and his minions has reached epic proportions, and they'll stop at nothing to take each other down. Willow's fighting for her family, her friends, her love, and her life, as Zack wants to sell her blood and powers to the highest bidder, while also keeping some for himself. He has to be stopped, and fast!

"Surviving ELE" is a wonderful continuation of Willow's story, as we see further into Zack's evil plot and Willow's relationships with her family, friends, and especially Tony. He's under Zack's control, and she knows she has to stay away from him, but how can she when he's the love of her life? I can't wait for what happens next, this is such an awesome series!

5 stars
Profile Image for Rebekah Ashworth.
3 reviews
February 23, 2013
I'm continuously amazed at how the authors are able to keep me on the edge of my seat. The character that they give Willow is an incredible one she undergoes so much in such a short amount of time as is able to process it and grow and learn from it and be an inspiration to others around her. I cannot wait for the next book to see what lies in store for her. Don't get me wrong I love all the other characters in this book they give so much to the story and to willow, she just happens to be my favorite :) keep up the good work girls
Profile Image for Lori.
202 reviews12 followers
September 17, 2013
Disclaimer: I received this book in return for an honest review.

This book picks up where Exposing ELE leaves off and does not disappoint. From start to finish I was so pulled into this story that I was unable to put it down. This series has by far become one of my favorites and the author's of this series are truly talented. I have come to love the characters and find myself rooting for them along the way. I can't wait for the final book in the series "Ending ELE" to see how this series ends.
35 reviews3 followers
March 10, 2013
Great story...seemed a little rushed and could have added more but still liked the story line. Great quick read. Needed to be edited better tho, I almost stopped reading it because it was driving me nuts that it wasn't spaced correctly. It seemed like after every sentence there was not a space, for example..."Alec's expression turns angry.Alec can be pretty stubborn.When he has his...." Great job tho ladies, can't wait for the next book :)
95 reviews5 followers
February 1, 2019
This series is one of my ultimate favorites, I have 're- read this series many, many times and each time not only do I feel like it's the first time but there is so many feels with this series. Author Rebecca Gober, will rip your heart to shreds and then puts it back together piece by piece, until your completely whole with faint remembrance of the pain you went through along with each of our beloved character's. I would definitely recommend this series.
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