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Exalted #3
United
In this last chapter of the Exalted Trilogy, Mena and her friends discover the meaning of freedom and the costs to keep it.
With Mena’s parents and friends missing, she and Ryker set out on a journey to find them and to warn the people of Toledo Lake about the imminent threat of retaliation from the First Republic. Things don’t go as planned, and Mena struggles to stay strong through all of her emotional perils.
New friendships form. Old friendships fade. War will do that to people—even the strongest of people.
Will Toledo Lake survive the wrath of Dr. Fredericks and his army? Will the Third Republic join in the attack?
Strength be with you, Mena.
*PLUS A BONUS STORY*
RYKER'S JOURNEY is a companion short story for the Exalted Trilogy, which includes: Exalted, Denounced and United. First published in Journeys: Bayou Writers Group Anthology Volume 1 in September 2014.
With Mena’s parents and friends missing, she and Ryker set out on a journey to find them and to warn the people of Toledo Lake about the imminent threat of retaliation from the First Republic. Things don’t go as planned, and Mena struggles to stay strong through all of her emotional perils.
New friendships form. Old friendships fade. War will do that to people—even the strongest of people.
Will Toledo Lake survive the wrath of Dr. Fredericks and his army? Will the Third Republic join in the attack?
Strength be with you, Mena.
*PLUS A BONUS STORY*
RYKER'S JOURNEY is a companion short story for the Exalted Trilogy, which includes: Exalted, Denounced and United. First published in Journeys: Bayou Writers Group Anthology Volume 1 in September 2014.
Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 2014
36 people are currently reading
165 people want to read
About the author
Tara Elizabeth
9 books130 followersI write Young Adult Fiction, mostly Dystopian/Sci-Fi novels with a splash of Romance and a hint of sarcasm. I'm also a graphic artist, wife, mother, and Red Vine lover. I grew up in the Deep South surrounded by bayous, magnolia trees, crawfish and great people. My culture is a huge part of my life, and you can see some of those details in my writing.
Novels By Tara Elizabeth:
Zoo
Exalted (Exalted Trilogy: Book 1)
Denounced (Exalted Trilogy: Book 2)
United (Exalted Trilogy: Book 3)
Thanks for reading!
Connect with me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/author.tara.e...
(Unfortunately, I am no longer able to accept review requests. I am currently focusing on writing. Thanks for understanding.)
Novels By Tara Elizabeth:
Zoo
Exalted (Exalted Trilogy: Book 1)
Denounced (Exalted Trilogy: Book 2)
United (Exalted Trilogy: Book 3)
Thanks for reading!
Connect with me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/author.tara.e...
(Unfortunately, I am no longer able to accept review requests. I am currently focusing on writing. Thanks for understanding.)
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 26, 2015
I was given this copy of United by the author in exchange for a review.
This is the last time we will see Mena and Ryker and get to experience all the awesome and awful things they do. I was so looking forward to United when I finished Denounced, but by the time it was ready I had forgotten why. After rereading the last 2 chapters of Denounced I was ready to go again.
At first the changing of voice from character to character was confusing since I had forgotten who many people were. After I reoriented myself with everyone, I actually enjoyed the varied viewpoints on each scene. Everyone experiences things differently. Seeing a scene from the viewpoint of someone like Ryker and Az or Ethan at the same time was helpful and useful.
The growth and maturity each Exalted faces in United is amazing. I was surprised that Az adjusted so well while Ethan did not. I can only assume that the Pump only exaggerated his ego and that his selfishness is inborn. The change in other characters, like Val and Jenna, is equally remarkable. Jenna was able to take her skills and make a positive impact. Her kindness and caring have to be genuine and not something created by the Republic.
The loss of many characters was hard as always. I was upset that one particular character was allowed to live, but the justice given them is fitting. The downfall of the reminds me of so many other books but also so much history. It seems humans will never learn.
Mena and Ryker’s relationship is tested so many times and in so many ways that I was so glad to see them still together. It is hard for someone to change to fit another person’s life but both did. Ryker is so understanding and patient with Mena. Sometimes in dystopian books the main character’s relationship is skewed or unhealthy but I felt this one was not.
Over all this book was as good as the other two. I have enjoyed every book from Tara Elizabeth so far. I give United 5 stars.
I did not think the novella at the end was necessary. I did not gain anything from it.
This is the last time we will see Mena and Ryker and get to experience all the awesome and awful things they do. I was so looking forward to United when I finished Denounced, but by the time it was ready I had forgotten why. After rereading the last 2 chapters of Denounced I was ready to go again.
At first the changing of voice from character to character was confusing since I had forgotten who many people were. After I reoriented myself with everyone, I actually enjoyed the varied viewpoints on each scene. Everyone experiences things differently. Seeing a scene from the viewpoint of someone like Ryker and Az or Ethan at the same time was helpful and useful.
The growth and maturity each Exalted faces in United is amazing. I was surprised that Az adjusted so well while Ethan did not. I can only assume that the Pump only exaggerated his ego and that his selfishness is inborn. The change in other characters, like Val and Jenna, is equally remarkable. Jenna was able to take her skills and make a positive impact. Her kindness and caring have to be genuine and not something created by the Republic.
The loss of many characters was hard as always. I was upset that one particular character was allowed to live, but the justice given them is fitting. The downfall of the reminds me of so many other books but also so much history. It seems humans will never learn.
Mena and Ryker’s relationship is tested so many times and in so many ways that I was so glad to see them still together. It is hard for someone to change to fit another person’s life but both did. Ryker is so understanding and patient with Mena. Sometimes in dystopian books the main character’s relationship is skewed or unhealthy but I felt this one was not.
Over all this book was as good as the other two. I have enjoyed every book from Tara Elizabeth so far. I give United 5 stars.
I did not think the novella at the end was necessary. I did not gain anything from it.
January 11, 2015
The third installment of Tara Elizabeth's Exalted series, United, makes the series feel complete. Writing this third installment in different voices really gives a different feel to the characters. Characters I thought I loved I found I didn't care for after all, and characters I hated I fell in love with. I loved that the book wasn't only the completion of Mena's story but you got a feel of what was going on in the other characters head and how their story ended.
The writing blended very well, where you could probably get away with not reading the books one after another. I had read both Exalted and Denounced and it was awhile till United was complete, so I went back and reread the series. But when I picked up United I felt that I could've most likely just picked up United without reading the first two again. Tara Elizabeth's characters voices flowed in all three books. Often I find in book series that sometimes the other novels don't write as well as the previous book, or the characters voices have changed so much that you begin to dislike them by the end.
I liked that in United it was clear that it isn't just the strongest and the best that are needed to protect a village but everyone who has a love for it, no matter their size.
Probably the only part that I could've used more of, was more of a build up to how the Exalted were created. Their was a bit more information in the second book about how it came to be. I'm pretty sure it could've been a book on it's own how society became to be, the Island, the pump everything. It was an interesting concept and defiantly would've liked more background on that. However, in reading any types of these novels based in the future I always thirst for more of the before time.
Anyone who enjoyed Hunger Games or the Divergent series will enjoy Tara Elizbeth's Exalted Complete Series. Thank you for sharing your ideas with us!
The writing blended very well, where you could probably get away with not reading the books one after another. I had read both Exalted and Denounced and it was awhile till United was complete, so I went back and reread the series. But when I picked up United I felt that I could've most likely just picked up United without reading the first two again. Tara Elizabeth's characters voices flowed in all three books. Often I find in book series that sometimes the other novels don't write as well as the previous book, or the characters voices have changed so much that you begin to dislike them by the end.
I liked that in United it was clear that it isn't just the strongest and the best that are needed to protect a village but everyone who has a love for it, no matter their size.
Probably the only part that I could've used more of, was more of a build up to how the Exalted were created. Their was a bit more information in the second book about how it came to be. I'm pretty sure it could've been a book on it's own how society became to be, the Island, the pump everything. It was an interesting concept and defiantly would've liked more background on that. However, in reading any types of these novels based in the future I always thirst for more of the before time.
Anyone who enjoyed Hunger Games or the Divergent series will enjoy Tara Elizbeth's Exalted Complete Series. Thank you for sharing your ideas with us!
January 7, 2015
I recieved a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review
I have enjoyed the Exalted series from the very beginning, and United provided a satisfactory ending. This picks up right where Denounced ended and goes on to explore life outside the First Republic where Mena and her peers had spent most of their lives before rebelling against the corrupt Dr. Fredericks - who is obviously a psychopath, to put it lightly.
Having the story told from many different POV's was an interesting take which I appreciated, as it did give an insight into what they were thinking. It would have been nice if they had had more individual narrative voices to differentiate them more fully, however there was some good character development by the end.
The plot itself did seem a bit slow and repetitive in the start, but at the end of each chapter was a 'mini cliffhanger' of sorts which kept me turning the pages quickly. While I feel that some points could have been expanded upon such as the villagers themselves and some of their genetic mutations, along with what became of the other Republics in more detail - for the most part things were cleared up and justice was served. I can't help but think that it was rushed towards the end, but I nonetheless I finished the book satisfied overall with what I had read.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Though this conclusion fell just a tiny bit short of my ultimate appraisal which the other two books earned from me, I did still enjoy it. I honestly can't wait to see what Tara Elizabeth will write next, especially with her Zoo series.
I shake off that nonsense train of thought and take a deep breath. I need to make a plan. I want to be the woman I know I can be, and I want to be strong both physically and mentally.
I have enjoyed the Exalted series from the very beginning, and United provided a satisfactory ending. This picks up right where Denounced ended and goes on to explore life outside the First Republic where Mena and her peers had spent most of their lives before rebelling against the corrupt Dr. Fredericks - who is obviously a psychopath, to put it lightly.
Love pushes its way forward. I can even feel it though no one is calling out my name. Yes, there are cries of mourning and loss, but there is mostly joy. It's overwhelming.
Having the story told from many different POV's was an interesting take which I appreciated, as it did give an insight into what they were thinking. It would have been nice if they had had more individual narrative voices to differentiate them more fully, however there was some good character development by the end.
They are fighting for more than honor. They are fighting for their lives and their families. They are fighting for their freedom.
The plot itself did seem a bit slow and repetitive in the start, but at the end of each chapter was a 'mini cliffhanger' of sorts which kept me turning the pages quickly. While I feel that some points could have been expanded upon such as the villagers themselves and some of their genetic mutations, along with what became of the other Republics in more detail - for the most part things were cleared up and justice was served. I can't help but think that it was rushed towards the end, but I nonetheless I finished the book satisfied overall with what I had read.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Though this conclusion fell just a tiny bit short of my ultimate appraisal which the other two books earned from me, I did still enjoy it. I honestly can't wait to see what Tara Elizabeth will write next, especially with her Zoo series.
June 23, 2015
"Ugh, where to begin..."
Book Title: United
Author: Tara Elizabeth
Series: Exalted #3
Source: I Own Kindle
Overall Rating : 2.5/5
✧Breakdown of Rating✧
Plot: 2.5/5. What's with all the POV's?
Characters: 2.7/5 I did really like them in the first two books.
Theme: 3.7/5
Flow: 2.3/5
Originality: 3/5
Book Cover: 2/5. I really don't like the bra.
The Feels: 2/5
Ending: 3/5. Everything was just too tidy at the end. Cliffhanger: No, this is the last book in the series.
Rating for Entire Series : 3.5 This final installment really brought down the whole series for me.
My Thoughts :
Wow, I really didn't like the multiple POV's, there were just too many. I really liked Ryker in the first two books, but being inside his head, he just seemed too wussified. I really feel like she rushed through this just to get it done. For a short book, I should have flew through this, but instead it took me days to finish.
Book Title: United
Author: Tara Elizabeth
Series: Exalted #3
Source: I Own Kindle
Overall Rating : 2.5/5
✧Breakdown of Rating✧
Plot: 2.5/5. What's with all the POV's?
Characters: 2.7/5 I did really like them in the first two books.
Theme: 3.7/5
Flow: 2.3/5
Originality: 3/5
Book Cover: 2/5. I really don't like the bra.
The Feels: 2/5
Ending: 3/5. Everything was just too tidy at the end. Cliffhanger: No, this is the last book in the series.
Rating for Entire Series : 3.5 This final installment really brought down the whole series for me.
My Thoughts :
Wow, I really didn't like the multiple POV's, there were just too many. I really liked Ryker in the first two books, but being inside his head, he just seemed too wussified. I really feel like she rushed through this just to get it done. For a short book, I should have flew through this, but instead it took me days to finish.
January 27, 2015
I'm a big dystopian fan and after already reading Zoo by this author, I was excited to start this series. It didn't disappoint. The storyline kept my attention from chapter one. The characters intrigued me to where I needed to learn more about them. A bonus?! STRONG heroine! Not just physical (although she is a bada** knife thrower) but mentally. She didn't let anyone decide her fate for her and did what she had to do for herself & the people she loved. Reading heroines like this is so refreshing and makes it that much easier to connect with Mena. I was rooting for her the whole time. Ryker was incredible too & loved Mena the way she needed to be loved. Their relationship was beautiful. This story had all the elements I love in dystopian worlds; action, suspense, love, friendship. I wanted to devour this series to see how it ended but also slow down to enjoy every page. The story came together as it should have but I would have liked an epilogue & maybe a story for Ethan? ;) If you're a YA fan and love dystopian stories grab this series. 4.5 Stats!
January 11, 2015
United was everything I've come to expect and love about a Tara Elizabeth novel. I would love to go back and re-read the entire trilogy back to back however, as I was a bit rusty and had to go back to book 2 and remind myself what was going on. It's the last book in a dystopian trilogy so of course the epic battle must take place. I was so saddened by the losses, but impressed with the strength of most of the main characters. I would love to see perhaps a spin off that delves into Ethan's life post Exalted. If you're a fan of dystopian, a fan of Ms. Elizabeth, or a fan of this series, you must read this book. If you are a fan of dystopian at all and haven't read the first two, I would encourage you to pick them up and give all three a read, you won't be disappointed.
February 9, 2015
I loved this book! It's the third and final of the Exalted trilogy. The entire book is filled with action as the characters head to Lake Toledo to warn them that their way of life is in danger. Tara Elizabeth has woven a fabulous story filled with frantic and dangerous travel, action, and romance. The ending actually made me tear up and I couldn't believe the story was over. I wish there was more. The end was absolutely fabulous, by the way!!! I'm looking forward to more books from this wonderful writer.
May 1, 2015
Great ending!
I could not have been more satisfied with this final installment of the Exalted series. Sometimes the first book in a series is good and the second and third don't keep the excitement and pace and character involvement but each book in this one was so well written, well edited, exciting and involving.
Personally I like the short Patterson paragraphs (James Patterson gives short paragraphs that make you feel like you are progressing quickly. Through the book. And so you do.)
I intend to read more by Tara Elizabeth. So should you. A good writer.
I could not have been more satisfied with this final installment of the Exalted series. Sometimes the first book in a series is good and the second and third don't keep the excitement and pace and character involvement but each book in this one was so well written, well edited, exciting and involving.
Personally I like the short Patterson paragraphs (James Patterson gives short paragraphs that make you feel like you are progressing quickly. Through the book. And so you do.)
I intend to read more by Tara Elizabeth. So should you. A good writer.
January 15, 2015
The ending was good. What I liked most about this book is that we get to see a more emotional heroine. In the previous books she was a bit closed off. She feels more humane this time around. All the different pov's was a nice change of pace.
May 6, 2016
4.5/5.0
In this final installment of the Exalted Trilogy, Mena and Ryker set out to find her parents and others who have gone missing.
Read full review in the 2016 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
In this final installment of the Exalted Trilogy, Mena and Ryker set out to find her parents and others who have gone missing.
Read full review in the 2016 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
September 10, 2017
A wonderful series
I completely enjoyed the exalted trilogy the stories were very thought-provoking and shows what can happen when a society has too much control. Always enjoy watching characters realize themselves and become more than their some parts this is what happened with in the stories. Mena the main character is forced to decide in the world she's always known in the world she has no idea about. A strange man who attacks her and gives her this outlandish story changes her life and then becomes her life . But it's not just her world it's the world of her friends and family as well and soon the entire Republique that she lives in. The stories show the very heart and soul of humanity and what can happen when evil geniuses try to take it away with drugs .
I completely enjoyed the exalted trilogy the stories were very thought-provoking and shows what can happen when a society has too much control. Always enjoy watching characters realize themselves and become more than their some parts this is what happened with in the stories. Mena the main character is forced to decide in the world she's always known in the world she has no idea about. A strange man who attacks her and gives her this outlandish story changes her life and then becomes her life . But it's not just her world it's the world of her friends and family as well and soon the entire Republique that she lives in. The stories show the very heart and soul of humanity and what can happen when evil geniuses try to take it away with drugs .
January 6, 2015
Well, the series has come to the end, and I'm super sad about that. Mena has been a great character to read. Everything was wrapped up nice and tidy with a beautiful ending. We see the ending/beginning of the Republic world with Mena, Ryker, Ethan, Az, and even the evil Dr. Fredericks.
Usually I like the different perspectives, but I feel that maybe there were too many perspectives at times; I was easily distracted from the plot. I also felt that there were a few chapters added that could have been fantastic, but that ended flat. It was less like I was experiencing the story and more that I was reading a summation of events.
Tara is great at breaking down a scene, and her ideas are brilliant. I absolutely adored the first and second books. Book three--I don't know...I felt like this book was just a quick wrap up of loose ends interspersed with random events that connect but don't really move the story forward enough. I am happy about the happily every after :) It was just a bit too neat and tidy.
Usually I like the different perspectives, but I feel that maybe there were too many perspectives at times; I was easily distracted from the plot. I also felt that there were a few chapters added that could have been fantastic, but that ended flat. It was less like I was experiencing the story and more that I was reading a summation of events.
Tara is great at breaking down a scene, and her ideas are brilliant. I absolutely adored the first and second books. Book three--I don't know...I felt like this book was just a quick wrap up of loose ends interspersed with random events that connect but don't really move the story forward enough. I am happy about the happily every after :) It was just a bit too neat and tidy.
June 10, 2016
Very ADDICTIVE Series!!
I loved this series. I have read almost every dystopian book series Amazon Kindle has and this one is one I'll always remember. Great development of characters! My anxiety and emotion rose and fell with Mena's AND Val's!! Thank you SO much Tarah for sharing your creativity and imagination with me! Keep them coming, please?
P.S. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED ❤️❤️❤️ the book Zoo! Thank you for that one as well :)
I loved this series. I have read almost every dystopian book series Amazon Kindle has and this one is one I'll always remember. Great development of characters! My anxiety and emotion rose and fell with Mena's AND Val's!! Thank you SO much Tarah for sharing your creativity and imagination with me! Keep them coming, please?
P.S. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED ❤️❤️❤️ the book Zoo! Thank you for that one as well :)
January 17, 2015
I had trouble with the third book. I felt that it was very scattered and had too many POV's. I didn't feel that it truly gave me the answers I was looking for, but in the end it had a good ending. This was a tough one for me because I was really looking forward to the end and it kind of fell flat for me.
May 29, 2016
This book was exactly what I expected. It was a little awkward, a little messy, and predictable. Then again, it's also a very well done self-published book. It was 100% clean, no worries there. I liked it, but I know that not everyone would. This trilogy would probably appeal more to younger YA readers.
October 9, 2015
United
Still my favorite part of this series was getting to read the many different points of view. I hope this trilogy is followed up with a few novellas about some of the other side characters we have read about.
Still my favorite part of this series was getting to read the many different points of view. I hope this trilogy is followed up with a few novellas about some of the other side characters we have read about.
February 18, 2016
Fight For the Diverse Human Race
Love this trilogy!! Can't wait to read it again! Love one of the themes of diverse people banding together to fight for the right to live free. Highly recommend. Just set aside a bit of time, cause you won't be able to put it down.
Love this trilogy!! Can't wait to read it again! Love one of the themes of diverse people banding together to fight for the right to live free. Highly recommend. Just set aside a bit of time, cause you won't be able to put it down.
February 24, 2016
Really loved the premise of these books!
I was thrown by the spelling and mistakes in continuity though. Hench the three stars.
That being said I found I couldn't stop until I finished all three in the series.
I was thrown by the spelling and mistakes in continuity though. Hench the three stars.
That being said I found I couldn't stop until I finished all three in the series.
April 9, 2016
It is almost impossible to rate and review the individual books in the exalted series individually, as the flow together to become one continuous story. So... if one is looking for a great YA dystopian read, this one is as good as they come!
May 16, 2016
Awesome
The whole trilogy was amazing, I'm 31 years old and loved it. I love most of the teen books about worlds after war or medical mistakes. Maze Runner trilogy, Divergent trilogy, Hunger Games...
The whole trilogy was amazing, I'm 31 years old and loved it. I love most of the teen books about worlds after war or medical mistakes. Maze Runner trilogy, Divergent trilogy, Hunger Games...
June 11, 2016
Fantastic!
I LOVED this series. Each book showed deeper character development. So many stories still left to explore...Val, Ethan, Lily, Mena's parents, the other republics. I would love to read about them all in their own books. Great writing and superb story!!!
I LOVED this series. Each book showed deeper character development. So many stories still left to explore...Val, Ethan, Lily, Mena's parents, the other republics. I would love to read about them all in their own books. Great writing and superb story!!!
November 13, 2016
Great storyline!
I loved the trilogy. Enjoyed the different take on post apocalypse and the control of people. Would have loved a little more story about what happens after the final book. Just leaves you wanting to know more.
I loved the trilogy. Enjoyed the different take on post apocalypse and the control of people. Would have loved a little more story about what happens after the final book. Just leaves you wanting to know more.
September 27, 2015
3.75 stars
January 20, 2016
Punctuation issues aside, I really liked the whole series. Everyone felt real to me. It was a good, hopeful ending.
January 6, 2016
Awesome series
I loved this series. It kept me on my toes the whole time. I wish Ethan didn't leave though. He should have stayed and been married to Val.
I loved this series. It kept me on my toes the whole time. I wish Ethan didn't leave though. He should have stayed and been married to Val.
February 10, 2016
great series. sad it was over
February 20, 2016
Great Book
I wish this wasn't the last book of the series. I have really enjoyed this book, along with the first two books of this series.
I wish this wasn't the last book of the series. I have really enjoyed this book, along with the first two books of this series.
February 24, 2016
Good series
This was a good series. Great action and plot. Although I don't really care when the author feels like they need to match everyone up with a love interest.
This was a good series. Great action and plot. Although I don't really care when the author feels like they need to match everyone up with a love interest.
August 28, 2016
Awesome final book.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews