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Exalted #2

Denounced

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Book 2 of the EXALTED series.

Mena, an Exalted trainee, is the on the other side of a difficult choice: to leave the United Republic of the Saved with Ryker or return with Ethan and be United. Her decision changes everything . . . things she never considered. She has to overcome shocking realizations and tough challenges in the new life she has chosen. The people she thought she knew are not who she thought they were. Secrets come to light that were never meant to be known, by Exalted and citizens alike. The truth about the Republic is worse than Mena thought possible. Though she struggles, she continues on her mission to save the people of the Republic from the emotion-controlling drug called the Pump and set them free. She will do whatever she has to do for them and the people she loves.

244 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

28 people are currently reading
412 people want to read

About the author

Tara Elizabeth

9 books130 followers
I 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.)

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Eugenia (Genie In A Book).
392 reviews
October 25, 2013
I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This does nothing to change my opinion or perceptions on the novel.

...

With another riveting dystopian novel as a stunning follow on from Exalted, Tara Elizabeth has done it again in creating a plot that seeps intrigue and focuses on rebellion. With parts that kept me glued to the pages and waiting with bated breath over what could possibly happen next or the next twist that may emerge, Denounced will not disappoint.

My life is about more than me right now, and I know that...but is it unthinkable to find enjoyment in something or someone amidst peril? Am I less of an Exalted? Am I less of a strong, young woman?



*CHARACTER*

In this novel, we see Mena's character develop further. Because she is now off the Pump, she experiences the full range of emotions that 'normal humans so, and has to find ways to deal with them whilst also acting as Dr. Frederick's personal spy. This causes her to raise questions about her own character and emotional state, ultimately leading to the final stage of her self-awareness and choice she makes about the Republic she lives in.

She must choose between trying to save the society she lives in or escape to freedom, leave Ethan, her soon-to-be United behind or go with who feels right as Ryker does. These are all important decisions resting on her shoulders which she is forced to make head-on in the novel.

There are no signs of life anywhere. It makes me sad. It's sad to know that there were once children playing on those playgrounds and people living their lives as they wanted. Now we are all drugged into a stupor and living inside prisons.




*WRITING AND PLOT*

This series may seem to be taking shape with the same dystopian 'formula'. However, it never ceases to get boring or seem like something I've seen before or enjoyed as much. This series, and this book in itself has unique elements to it. This is aided by the clear and succinct writing style which is very fitting for the book and I have come to love it for its simplistic and direct nature, as a reflection of what the 'ideal' Exalted would think. Through every page, and even through the writing itself we see Mena's transformation into an even stronger, resilient young woman on all the physical, social and emotional levels.

*WORLD BUILDING*

Another thing that got big ticks for me was the further explanation given to the world-building aspect. Unlike some dystopian novels where descriptions and explanations as to why things are in their current state is very vague and only in the first novel, in Denounced I was so happy to see that the author took it one step further. The world-building is what really makes or breaks a novel like this, and for the 'light-bulb' moments that I got out of this, it really made the story even more immersing and connected well with the reader.

*CONCLUSION*

In conclusion, I definitely found Denounced to be a thoroughly enjoyable dystopian novel and on par with the success of Exalted. With the same sparks of witty humor, an exhilarating plot and cliff-hanger ending that will leave you dying for the next book, I can confidently say that Denounced will not disappoint.
Profile Image for Cheer Papworth.
337 reviews55 followers
August 12, 2013
First I want to thank Tara Elizabeth for the ARC copy of Denounced and the opportunity to read and review it. I have been anxiously waiting this sequel to Exalted and I must say right off the bat, I really enjoyed it! Once again, a spectacular book cover...truly one of my favorites in recent memory.

Denounced takes off right at the crucial spot that Exalted leaves us, with Mena racing back towards the gates of The Republic of the Saved in an attempt to finish the Third Trial first. In fact, she does finish first, by default, as does Ethan. As Mena recovers from her injuries during the trial she discovers that she is back on the mind controlling drug, The Pump, and although it is clouding her feelings, she is fighting through it. She also finds herself the favorite of the diabolical Republic leader, Dr. Fredericks, who gives Mena a special assignment with her new partner (surprise) to go out and destroy mauraders and their camps. As Mena's mind clears from The Pump, she discovers the stirrings of others who are secretly not taking The Pump and develops a plan to rebel against the Republic and free the Exalted and those enslaved by Dr. Fredericks.

Tara Elizabeth had a real challenge on her hands writing characters who suddenly wake up from the effects of The Pump and discover feelings for the first time. When characterization is such a challenge for most writers, this could have been a difficult obstacle yet I found the characters to be well developed and believable. I especially appreciate the transformation of Mena from a cold soldier to an inspiring leader. Even though a real love triangle developed in Exalted, I was glad to find that Mena was true to the new feelings of being in love, with one guy! What a concept! As far as villains go, Dr, Fredericks fits the bill with his morbid collection of kill trophies, a true psychopath. Oh, I cannot forget the precious Lilly, though I was a little disappointed that more drama didn't ensue with her hiding in Ryker's room. My other criticism is that the middle of the story was a little slow, but I do think the experiences that Mena and Ryker have on the outside open up some real possibilities for a future story, one I will line up to read.
Profile Image for Donna.
Author 19 books39 followers
July 15, 2013
This book was freakishly awesome!!!!! Denounced, which follows Exalted, is so full of action and emotion, that it was hard to put down. I devoured this book in a day. The MC, Mena, has the weight of the world on her very capable shoulders. I found myself laughing and crying as she struggled with situations that were completely out of her control. She is a strong young woman, but the time she lives in is unfair and harsh. I actually found myself fearing for her safety. At one point in the story, she learns a hard lesson about unfairness and it nearly destroys her.

The ending was fabulous, yet I can hardly wait to read the third book. Hurry up, Tara Elizabeth. I really, really need to know what happens. This story will pull you in and hold you hostage. It's very well written and reads like a movie in my head. I can't wait to see what happens next!!
Profile Image for Candice.
91 reviews8 followers
August 14, 2013
My favorite part so far--

"Unfortunately, you will not have the honor of being my United. I am sorry to leave you with an inferior trainee."

Hahahaha, awesome :)

Book two is first place for me! Mena made the hard choice and embraces all that comes with it. She was physically fierce in book one. She has to be emotional steel in book two--without the pump.

Ryker, Ethan, Val, Lily, Kinah, Az...they are all here and then some as the plot continues. I love all of these characters and the new ones that join the story.

Brilliant extension to book one. The humor is great, the intrigue engaging, the plot moving, and the characters surprising. I can't wait for more!!!
Profile Image for Kasie.
78 reviews6 followers
November 21, 2014
I received this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

After I read Exalted I was dying to dive into Denounced. Sadly my to-do list was larger than I could handle so it to wait a little while. Worth the wait? Absolutely!

I loved Exalted! So of course I'm going to jump on Denounced and it certainly didn't disappoint. Denounced was full of pain, passion, action, death, and conspiracy. So if you hadn't already guessed, I loved it!

Warning: Spoilers!


Profile Image for John Boettcher.
585 reviews42 followers
September 5, 2013
This was a great dystopian novel, and I received this book after winning a giveaway on Goodreads. (As a quick side note, Tara Elizabeth contacted me after seeing I had won the contest and gave me the first book in the series Exalted for free to read. Thanks Tara!! )

The book is standard, and un-standard dystopian. The prose is written well. When Elizabeth creates her universe, she doesn't needlessly go into overly wordy descriptions of everything in the world, rather just gives the reader what is important and is more direct and to the point than alot of authors out there. I particularly liked that aspect about the form of the book. It was easy to read and the characters not only had decent development, but their actions and choices had significant consequences not only for themselves, but for the rest of the characters in the book.

The main protagonist, Mena, is faced with a plethora of choices, one main choice which I won't give away for sake of spoilers, but makes the book a page-turner nonetheless. The antagonists were fun and hate-able, which is always nice to see in a dystopian story.

I made the unfortunate mistake of reading Denounced when it arrived in the mail from Goodreads instead of reading the first book in the series before this one. I am anxious for both the third book in the series to come out, as well as the experience of reading the book before Denounced, so I can learn a bit more about the backstory behind, Mena, Ethan, Ryker, and others.

I will probably have to come back and add to this review after reading through the first one and getting more of a ground-level view of the storyline. However, the book was good in its form and presence along and again, I was captivated by the story and am looking forward to the third book!
Profile Image for Traci.
26 reviews
August 15, 2013


I received an ARC of this book (my first ever!), in exchange fir a review. I loved it!!! Tara Elizabeth had an uphill battle to add enough excitement and challenges to surpass "Exalted", but I think with the startling discoveries Mena makes, both about herself and emotions as well as the strange Republic of the saved they live in, "Denounced" does the job.
The story drops you right where you left off in "Exalted", in the middle of the third trial with Mena still on the Pump, but after she has chosen to go back to the Republic, instead of with Ryker and Lily. She fights her way to the end of the trial, surprisingly not finishing first. This had me very surprised, but it worked itself out. Next, we go through the middle bits, although slightly slow, we uncover some dark secrets of both Ryker and the Republic. I'm not going to say anymore about the plot because I don't want to ruin anyone else's chance at figuring out the truth along with Mena.
Overall, this story was well written (only a few spelling mistakes), and I'm definitely looking forward to the next book in the series! The characters with the exception of Lily, all had a chance to grow and develop, particularly Mena, Val, and Ethan. I truly like where Tara Elizabeth is taking this series. So often we read about a character escaping one bad environment for another, never really resolving problems but just swapping them for others. In "Denounced", Mena takes a stand and decides to fight to make things better, which a refreshing story to follow. Great book and fantastic series!!!
Profile Image for Cindee.
107 reviews2 followers
August 13, 2013
An amazing sequel from Exalted! At first I wasn't sure where the book could go without keeping its own rhythm. I fell in live with Exalted because of its similarity to The Hunger Games. Denounced is its own book and stands strong without even being compared to THG.
I loved Mena's character and how strong she stayed, and it was believable because she trained to be this person, her body was trained to fight. That's one of the things that throws me in dystopian novels when the heroin/hero has had no training but can take on the world without a scratch.
The last few chapters were the best with all the twists and turns, my heart was racing. And I was shocked at the end of the book, not because there was a surprise ending but because she leaves you wanting to read more and to only be disappointed that we have months to wait for the third installment. I can't wait to find out what happens with some of the Exalted. And I can't wait to find out about Ethan, I didn't start liking him till the end and now I'm like Yay Ethan lol.
Thanks for a great read Tara!
Profile Image for Julie.
5 reviews3 followers
August 20, 2013
Thanks to Tara Elizabeth for the ARC, I devoured "Exalted" and was really looking forward to the 2nd book. After waiting what felt like forever, "Denounced" did not disappoint!

True to form, Tara Elizabeth's story had twists and turns that were shocking and unexpected. I love her stories, a story about people waking up from a drug induced haze to feel real feelings and seeing how they live in a world controlled by a psychopath is so original and amazing.

"Denounced" really dug deep in evolving a lot of characters. I enjoyed seeing Mena become an amazing leader, Ethan dealing with his newfound emotions, Val dealing surprisingly well with getting off the Pump, Ryker being a HUGE surprise, and I enjoyed learning more about Dr. Fredericks. Although he's crazy, I really enjoyed getting a closer look at him.

I cannot wait for the next installment. The ending was, WOW, just left me hungering for more. I hope we get to learn more about the Citizens, and the Ambassadors!

If you're looking for a great new series to get hooked on this is the one! Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Myndi .
1,544 reviews51 followers
August 23, 2013
"My nausea increases with each word that venomously drips from his forked tongue."

This is an example of the amazing symbolism and imagery you will find yourself engulfed in when you read these books. Ms. Elizabeth has once again drawn me in from word one and kept me fully enthralled until the very last page. I am very anxious for book three, because while there is a certain amount of closure in book two, we are still definitely left hanging and wanting more! This time, we get to see even more of a change in Mena as she grows and understands how corrupt the government is. We see her make more friends now that she has the emotions to do so. We see her struggle with whom to trust and doubt herself many times. I felt a lot of empathy for her as I read. I loved getting to know Val a bit more and seeing the changes in Ethan. While I know she's working hard, I can't help but hope that Tara Elizabeth is quick with the release of book three!
Profile Image for Clarice.
400 reviews6 followers
September 4, 2013
Torn between the greater good for her people and her own heart, Mena returns to The United Republic of the Saved. She is going to find a way to help them, no matter what. And although she may have to unite with a man she doesn't love, become someone she doesn't want to be, and give up the man and the little girl that she loves, she is willing to sacrifice for the others like her. She must break the control the republic has on everyone living within its confines that is not an Ambassador.
There are surprises in this book that I did not see coming! And, as usual, Mena is kicking butt and taking names. And I have to say, it is a surprise ending!! Anything and everything can happen and things do go wrong. There is also some explanation about the war and such that comes as a huge shocker! What isn't surprising about this book? That it was just as awesome as the first!
5 reviews
December 21, 2013
Wow

I just finished reading Denounced. It was really well written, great characters and world building. While it does have the typical love triangle,it is not the main focus of the story. The main character Mena is strong,smart, and clever. One of the few books I've read, where the heroine doesn't suddenly start making stupid choices just because of a guy. You go with her as she learns to think logically in spite of her new emotions. I loved watching her move through this world and learn who she is. There are some very violent scenes, as well as some very tender moments. I would say this series is comparable to the hunger games trilogy. It's a great story, hard to put down. I Loved this! I can't wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Stacey Duos.
3 reviews1 follower
August 19, 2013
I absolutely love this book! I was so curious after reading Exalted to learn how everything would unfold. This was definitely a book that was hard to put down. There were absolutely no boring parts that you had to "get through". Right when I thought I knew what was going to happen, something unexpected was thrown in the mix and I LOVE that in a book. I am looking forward to the next one to see what happens!
1,678 reviews18 followers
August 18, 2013
I was given a copy of this ARC book in exchange for my honest review.

Flipping awesome!!! Words cannot express the feelings in this second book of the Ehalted Series. The same characters are still involved as well as a few newcomers. This is action packed and will keep you reading. You can see the growth Tara has made in her writing and I am so honored to be a part of her legacy. Now... Just a few months to wait for #3
Profile Image for Lisa.
167 reviews1 follower
August 16, 2013
This book was AMAZING!!! I couldn't put it down start to finish! Just when I thought I had a clue what would happen next I was taken by surprise. I felt all the emotions right along with the characters. It was full of action and as in the first one left me sitting on the edge of my seat the whole time! I can't wait for the next one!!!
Profile Image for Books About Boyfriends.
45 reviews1 follower
December 3, 2013
This one picked the story up a little bit and the tension between the two main characters is ramped up - though it's mostly a tension of anticipation. There are some awesome twists in this book and the end opens up a lot of possibilities for the next book in the series. I'm looking forward to finding out what book 3 has in store.
Profile Image for Madison Sunderland.
28 reviews2 followers
August 26, 2013
I just can't get enough of this series! The second book is just as good as the first (if not better), and I'm very surprised at that. It's rare to find a series like this, normally the books get worse as the story rolls on. I can't wait until the third one comes out!!
Profile Image for Megan.
22 reviews
September 9, 2013
Ahhh....I need the next book!!! I should not read any more books unless ALL of them are finished. But then that would be tough for the authors I guess. LOL. Loved the book, can't wait for the next one!!
Profile Image for Victoria.
18 reviews1 follower
October 29, 2013
I loved this book it's even better than the first one. I can't wait until the next one comes out. The end was very exciting.
Profile Image for Christina.
40 reviews2 followers
August 27, 2013
Liked it...not as much as the first...but i think it's a good segue for book 3!
Profile Image for Haylie.
85 reviews
December 11, 2018
Interesting .... to say the least.

We now get the main idea of what the Exalted are, what has been happening with the government, and two possible outcomes for the future.

I enjoyed reading on from the first book, and seeing the different paths all our characters are taking. However I still felt like this book was lacking any decent story line.

Don't get me wrong, it was enjoyable. Just not an exciting fast paced book like what I am used to with this type of Genre. Probably what I would class as light reading if you want a book to fill in time, especially for when you are waiting for the next installment in one of your main series.
Profile Image for ᒪᗴᗩᕼ .
2,078 reviews190 followers
March 16, 2015
"That's what life should be about. Color. Life. Happiness. Not this. Not heartache. Not lies."

--Tara Elizabeth, Denounced

I really like Tara Elizabeth's books, I like that they have a deeper meaning to them. They are more than just a story...

"Is it bad to seek happiness when there are horrible things happening around us? My life is about more than me right now, and I know that...but is it unthinkable to find enjoyment in something or someone amidst peril? Am i less of a strong, young woman?



Mena is a terrific heroine, she is strong and way capable of kicking some ass. Now that she is off the pump, she is feeling all kinds of emotions. The emotions are new and confusing to her, but she is finding her way. I hope that book 3 delves into more romance, or flirtation between Mena and Ryker.

Ryker is...well I guess I would really like to get inside Ryker's head. I feel like somethings missing from him, and maybe that's it.

All in all this is good second book and I am looking forward to the third book.
67 reviews1 follower
January 21, 2014
World building is still a huge positive.

I like the fact that this book wasn't devolving into love triangle hell-her issue with wanting to help, loving Ryker (still not a fan of how quickly they fell in love) and being uncertain about being united with Ethan.

This book had those elements but it added essentially a mystery-trying to find out why the pump was created and to what purposes. Some of the things Mena and Ryker did without getting caught pushed my ability to believe but I still liked the mystery.

I wasn't a few fan of the ending (still very Cliff Hanger) but I thought the ending was too easy.

I thought this story read a bit quicker than the first one and built a good deal of suspense at times in the story.

Profile Image for Deana The  Queen .
459 reviews42 followers
January 31, 2015
Denounced begins just moments after Exalted ends, and it's awesome! Mena and her friends continue their journey off of the Pump and try to figure out the secrets behind the Republic. They find they've been lied to all their lives (no big surprise there), but what was surprising is who else has already been off the Pump for years! Great continuation of the tale, and I'm looking forward to now finishing United, the third book in the series.
Profile Image for Karla.
308 reviews
January 17, 2014
I love the story of what happens next. I thought the cliff hanger in the first was a bit better, but honestly as a second book in a trilogy I haven't read many better than this. Second books are usually really slow and boring but this was fabulous. We learn so much more about the world with a lot of mystery left. I can't wait to get the ending to this story.
Profile Image for Donna.
1,550 reviews37 followers
April 29, 2015
Exciting second book!

Great story, can't wait to read the third one and see what happens to Mena and Tyler, Val and Ethan.
It was exciting all the way, and finally, when I wondered if Mena would come to her senses about the importance of who she is United with for the rest of her life, she does.
Profile Image for Breanna Brown.
Author 6 books25 followers
October 28, 2016
First off, I wasn't too surprised by what happened. A little too predictable; especially if you're me and you've read tons of dystopian books. And I wasn't too big a fan of the writing. But I still was interested; and I'll read the third book, too :)
Profile Image for Janice Stinnett.
385 reviews1 follower
September 25, 2016
Great

This book was just as engrossing as the first one. The lies and treachery that is shown is very real. The more things that the main character finds out about her world the bigger the mystery gets. I've really enjoyed the books do far. A really easy read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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