Contrition

The Perception Trilogy #3

by Lee Strauss

The exciting conclusion of the Perception Trilogy.

Zoe and Noah and the others have survived a crash landing in the Arizona desert, but that doesn't mean they're safe. 

Having escaped President Vanderveen's henchmen, Zoe and Noah find themselves stranded in the Arizona desert with no one to lean on but each other. The stakes are high and emotions run wild.

A rogue soldier comes upon the sanctuary of their hideout. Will he help the survivors, or expose them? More danger lies ahead, and even off the grid, Zoe can't quite escape her grandfather's evil clutches.

Noah Brody will do anything to keep Zoe safe ~ battle cyborgs, robots and the annoying playboy member of their small group ~ but he's helpless when Zoe's own body fights against her. He's promised never to leave her. It's a promise he might just have to break.

Genres: Young Adult, Dystopia, Science Fiction, Romance, Fantasy, Fiction, Teen

294 pages, ebook

First published September 17, 2013

About the author

For fans of Golden Age who-dun-its ~ from a USA TODAY Bestselling author!

You'll adore Lady Gold from the acclaimed Ginger Gold Mysteries series, and the spin of series, Higgins & Hawke.

Look for the connected 1950s era Rosa Reed Mysteries.

NEW ~ The Velvet Spy ~ The Wartime Journal of Ginger Gold

For more info visit: leestraussbooks.com

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contrition is the third and final book in the Perception trilogy. It starts up right where Volition left off and continues the story of Zoe and Noah. The world is in chaos. Humans have depleted the world's resources. The major cities are domed and humans are divided between two categories, naturals and Gaps which are Genetically Altered Persons. Zoe is a Gap and Noah is a natural. Zoe has lived her privileged life secluded in Sol City with others like her. Noah hasn't. But, they fell in love and have been on the run for a full year. Zoe's Grandfather is now the President and has a price out on Noah and Zoe's head. They know too much. In the year they have been gone, enhancing oneself with cyborg parts has become the norm. Just what does the President plan to do with his cyborg army? And having humanoids as servants has also become the norm. Are the humanoids intelligent enough to rebel and plan a takeover of their own? Zoe and Noah face constant danger in the year they are on the run. They are betrayed by their traveling companions, attacked by cyborgs, starving, and dehydrated. Zoe becomes ill but how is this possible? She is a Gap and Gaps don't get sick. Their love for each other is the only thing that can get them through. What sacrifices will Noah have to make to save Zoe and keep her alive? Contrition had me on the edge of my seat and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. It is a thrilling conclusion to the series. Thank you to Netgalley and All Night Reads for giving me the opportunity to read it.

[Mandy Reads Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The desire to hold her, to comfort her, and love her was so strong. Like a tornado erupting suddenly in my soul, tossing all rational thought around like debris. Why did she affect me like that? Why did she have such an overpowering hold on me?

You'd think that love would be the furthest thing from your mind after surviving a plane crash and then having to survive the harsh desert elements all while playing hide and seek from the government and your crazy, tyrant Grandfather. Oh no, not with Zoe. Of course she isn't normal by any stretch of the imagination. She is a GAP, so Taylor would be the obvious best choice for her. But her heart still lies with Noah. And most likely always will. But seeing as him and Mary are spending more and more time together, Zoe feels she has already lost him. So if she makes it out of this whole mess alive, will she be able to make Noah see that she does remember him and her love for him? Or will something bigger than the two of them take her down before she gets a chance to find out?

Whoa, whoa, whoa... This book!! This series!! I cannot believe how with each one they have gotten better and better. At least for me. And I gotta tell you... I was in absolute awe of this one. With each page, as I got closer to the end, I tried to will the ending from coming upon me. No such luck. Yeah the end comes, but it is what happens between the first page and the last that had me aching for the characters, had me smiling because of the romance, had me hoping for a better future and a happy ending. Ain’t gonna lie…I got pretty nervous towards the end. It wasn’t looking good for Noah and Zoe or the world.

I have loved Noah from the start and loved him even more in this one. Even though there was a few times I wanted to scream at him and tell him to leave his obligations of honor at the door and just be with Zoe. Come on, the girl you love is seriously hurting for you and needs you. Why can't you see it and everyone else can? Don't be dumb about this...go and love her. Does he wake up from his stupor and reunite with her? Guess you’ll just have to read it won’t you?

I can honestly say this series is just so darn fabulous and Strauss is one of my favorite authors out there. When she asks me to review, I know I will get one heck of a story and look forward to the characters she brings to life in each and every book. It is a given. Strauss writes a book to perfection and leaves the reader with a sense of fullness, so to speak. I know I have never read one book of hers and thought…’Huh, that wasn’t fulfilling one bit’. Nope, I am always happy with each tale she spins and have a connection with each of her characters. You can’t help but love them. No matter what role they play.

Fabulous story, Strauss...and of course I look forward to more books by you!

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

DISCLAIMER: I was lucky enough to be sent this ebook arc from NetGalley for review! But that in no way affects what I think about this book.

Summary:
Here is a quick summary from NetGalley about the book,
"Zoe, Noah and the other plane crash survivors are stranded in the Arizona desert.
They all have secrets, and reasons to hide. But they’re not alone. Cyborg soldiers. War. Humans and humanoids. Who can be trusted? Zoe’s life is in danger. Noah must make an impossible choice. Will their love survive their brokenness? Will the world as they know it end before they can find out?"

What I thought about this book:

I absolutely LOVE this book! I fell in love with the characters, the story is brilliant. Honestly I can't say enough about how much I love this book. I have yet to read the first 2 books, but after reading this one, I will be buying the first 2 books in the trilogy and reviewing those as well. /i loved how I didn't even need to read the first 2 books to enjoy this book. The only downside, in my opinion, is that these books are only available on eReaders. I would love to own a printed version of this book.
This book is definitely a page turner! It's a short read at about 300 pages but I read the entire thing in one sitting! It was that good. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in YA fiction, dystopian, and sci fi. If you're interested, in this amazing ebook, it will be releasing in late September.
Be expecting reviews for the first 2 books soon.. ;)

[Angi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last book is very good. I didn't give it 5 stars because I think the ending wraps up way to quickly. It should have been a little linger and not so rushed. I didn't mind how everything wrapped up. First the science vs faith/religion thing...I'm on the side of the naturals, I was uneasy with the humanoids and the cyborgs the whole time and agree with fighting against the GAP ideas. I very much understood and agreed with Noah and all of his decisions. He was just built to do the right/ethical thing and I loved him! Zoe learned so much, changed and held fast to what she had seen, but ultimately she irritated me anyways. The fact that she spent 6 months hating Noah- never once questioning, or reasoning through why he would have left...dumb. It makes it feel like she didn't know him at all. He always does the right thing, the ethical thing. If she truly knew and loved him, she would have known in her heart that he must have had a ridiculously hard choice and reason to have left her. The way a few of the major details played out also bothered me. Their discoveries were a little too perfectly timed and they could have happened in intervals, been spread out a little more, etc. I didn't think the ending was right- it just felt rushed, but I did think it was correct...it felt like the perfect ironic twist. I am happy they got their HEA though. They had to suffer through tons of tragedy and loss, and they deserved to come out on top. And again, Noah was awesome. So overall I really enjoyed this series and I'm happy I was sick so I could read all day!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zoe, Noah and friends are hiding out in the desert now. The military is being changed to cyborgs (upgraded humans with robot parts) and also there is the creation of more humanoids (completely artificially made robots) especially as household help. Zoe's group is mostly against GAPS (genetically altered persons) and cyborgs but things partly change when they meet some rebellious cyborgs.

The romance is still kind of slow as Zoe and Noah find their way back to each other. They are also constantly on the move and don't have much time for romance or hygiene. LOL Zoe is also sick which is strange since GAPS never get sick. Noah will do anything to keep her safe. He is always sweet and worrying about everyone else. There are twists and traitors that I never saw coming.

Everything concludes in an all out Judgement Day type of war where no one is safe. It was crazy and exciting but a great ending. Each page at the end was quite a shock. There was also an epilogue which I always love. I got to see exactly where the characters end up. Great series!




"Zoe!" You can't die. I leaned back on my heels and let out a wail. All of this effort was for her. For us. I couldn't lose her now. Not when we finally had a chance.


*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review*

[Elizabeth Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overview-

I really enjoyed the final book in this series! This was a great ending with a lot of difficult choices and quite a bit of twists and turns! I was surprised with some of the turn of events, and disappointed/saddened with many of them, but in the end, I enjoyed the entire book, series, and characters. Great overall futuristic dystopian series!
Great conclusion to an awesome trilogy!!!

Cover: Pretty
Rating- PG 13
Characters: Mary, Noah, Zoe, Taylor, Hannah, Rebecca, and Jazbel
Page Turner: Yes
Series Cont.? Last in Trilogy
Recommend if You Like...The Eve
Book Boyfriend: Noah
Genre: Young Adult
Sex Scenes: No
Setting California, Arizona

See full review at my blog http://beautysinbreakdown.blogspot.co...

[Yara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received ARC courtesy of NetGalley.

Lots of action in the concluding book to the Perception trilogy. We travel even further into the wilderness with Noah and Zoe and see whether their love is strong enough to weather the daily trials sent their way. We also see what happens to Grandpa V and his plans for technology, ruling over the world, and what comes out of that. Definitely a good conclusion to Lee's futuristic/ dystopian story. I recommend this to everyone :-)

[Bonnie Clevenger · Rating 3 out of 5]

The continuing story of Zoe and Noah, book three and the finale.
Zoe's memories are back and she remembers Noah's love but his attentions have gone to Mary.
They are hiding in the lava caves of Arizona, their party consists of, Mary and Jabez, the fighters,Taylor, the computer genius and his sister Hannah who is pregnant, Rebecca, another commune escapee, Zoe and Noah.
They find their cave is heating up because of an active volcano, and must look for shelter elsewhere.
Grandpa V is trying to be a dictator and increased the manufacturing of cyborgs and humanoids and making an army of indestructible cyborgs.
They encounter some rebel cyborgs that join their team and they lead them to some mine shafts.
Zoe is getting sick and needs attention. Mary get shot and dies in the battle between the cyborgs and the rebels
First, the commune people leave, then whats left of the cyborgs, so off they go again, but Noah is determined to take Zoe back home for the attention she needs.
These books were fast paced and enjoyable. Not my normal reading genre but once you start you have to know what happens.

[JenBsBooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

As I had the complete trilogy downloaded, I went ahead and started up book 3 as soon as I finished book 2. The first half is basically survival in the desert. Taylor is described in the book as "on of those genius types who could do anything" ... those types are sure handy to have around in such survival situations!

Then it's cyborgs, humaniods and clones ... oh my. Near the end, it is mentioned that "the whole city looked like a scene from a bad apocalyptic flick" and this felt a little like a not-so-great apocalyptic story itself. It all went a little nuts, with oh so convenient ways to happen to save the world.

Looking back on this book and the series as a whole, feels more like three stars, although I originally rated the first couple books higher.

[Sharon Phelps · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling!! I loved the way that faith and the story of the end of times and the book of Revelations was subtly woven into the whole series. Noah's faith was pivotal to the story and Zoe's non-belief. Yet, it wasn't obvious or overdone. I loved that everyone stank and had dirty clothes and hair and that no one was perfect. It was a perfect dystopia series and love story. I recommend this series for older teen to grandparent.

[lectora empedernida · Rating 4 out of 5]

La temática es buenisima y la novela también, la trilogia estupenda, el punto muy negativo es la traducción que está mal hecha al español y es molesto en algunas ocasión ya que no te metes de lleno en la historia, y además a veces está incluso mal escrito. Recomiendo a la autora que para las próximas novelas lo tenga en cuenta, por favor ya que me ha encantado su manera de redactar.

Si te gusta el tema apocaliptico, futurista y fantasía, te gustará esta novela.

[Glenda Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Volition and Contrition book two and three are fantastic!

Ok so I just finished the " Perception " Trilogy and I loved all three of them! They are not your run of the mill sci-fi story. In fact there are so many twists and turns you will never guess the out come ! I recommend them to all who enjoy a good Sci-fi mystery. You will not be disappointed.

[Megan Vadnais · Rating 2 out of 5]

still bored three books later. thought the ending was too easy.

[Heather Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!! I liked the whole series and recommend it to anyone!

[Royal Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not me singing "It's thee end of the world as we know it... and i feel fine" in my head every time I think of this book.

[Ruthsic · Rating 3 out of 5]

Zoe, Noah and the other plane crash survivors are stranded in the Arizona desert. They all have secrets and reasons to hide. But they’re not alone. Cyborg soldiers...war...humans and humanoids. Who can be trusted? Zoe’s life is in danger. Noah must make an impossible choice. Will their love survive their brokenness? Will the world as they know it end before they can find out?

Contrition began with the gang crass-landing in the desert and the first half was about their life there, for about a year. It had a slow start, with all the drama of Taylor-Zoe and Noah-Mary and I honestly was getting a bit tired of it. Then things picked up mid-way through the book, and I was like - now it finally got exciting. The pace quickened, and we were back in Sol City with rebels, humanoids and cyborgs having an agenda each. The ever-looming Big Bad Grandfather was just in for like a scene - I honestly didn't understand why he made everyone quake in their boots so much. It's not like he was President Snow (now that man knew how to be domineering dictator-level evil) and by the time you reach the end, things are at hyperspeed. The plot was literally wrapped up in 20 pages (I am not kidding).

The plotline of the book, as I said before, was pretty fast-paced and kept things interesting but the writing really couldn't complement it. Throughout the book, I felt things were out of focus - and some trivial things were drawn out while the important stuff was rushed up in two lines. The epilogue was especially badly written - uninteresting and took the fun out of the book. The book was better than the previous two in the series, however, and thankfully it had more than just Zoe's and Noah's impossible-we-are-so-different-but-i-love-you story. They are not together, then back together only to be separated and then reunited. It was giving me whiplash - and it was particularly frustrating when the story had other aspects like the humanoids and rebels which could have been explored more than their tumultuous relationship. I know it is YA and romance is expected but damn, it is science fiction too and honestly, when the world is coming apart, you are not making out in a church pew for heaven's sake! I really couldn't expend the energy to ship them - I was tired by book 2 when all boys around Zoe were falling over her like dead leaves. The sad thing is, the story had potential and I loved the sci-fi parts, but not the other stuff.

Received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Sue Tint · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE this series and loved the ending to this unique, original series. I has some mild issues with the pacing, particularly the rushed ending, but still, I highly recommend this entire, wonderful series. This series was recommended to me by a Goodreads friend and I immediately picked up the first book in the series, Perception. The plot seemed like many books I've read before - 17 year old, genetically engineered to be perfect Zoe meets Noah, from the wrong side of the fence and they fall in love. But after reading Perception, I realized that although the plot seemed like many I've read, the book was so well written and unique, and I fell in love with not only Noah, but genetically perfect - yet flawed - Zoe.

Contrition is the finale to this series. Contrition picks up right where the second installment, Volition ends. Zoe and Noah are essentially on the run, after landing in Arizona. With their strange band of friends in tow, they hunker down in the caves of Arizona to try to figure out their next steps in overthrowing President Vanderveer (Zoe's grandfather). Zoe and Noah are estranged at the beginning (much to Zoe's chagrin, and honestly, Noah wants to be together too, but he can't admit it to himself), and after going through what these two have gone through, and continue to be challenged by, they deserve a happy ending.

Contrition is pretty fast paced and a lot (much of it surprising) happens. Unfortunately the ending, I feel, was a bit rushed, but the Epilogue was fantastic. The ending had me thinking and talking about it well after I finished the book. Well done, Ms. Strauss.

[Dlrox12345 · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all, I have not read the first 2 books in this trilogy. My review is based solely on what I read in this final book.

When I started reading this I felt a little discombobulated. That was when I realized this was not the beginning of the series (I forgot to read the blurb before requesting it. For some reason the cover intrigued me.) And I didn't have time to read the others so I just rolled with it. About quarter way through, the story started to make sense somewhat.

Since I don't know what happened exactly in the other books, I can't talk about plot lines or character development. Basically, the situation and the main couple reminded me of The Host by Stephanie Meyer (this is good. I liked Ian and Wanda).

So I'll write about the message I got from reading this book. That is the flip side of the coin of the great inventions and modern science. Whenever we discover something new and useful we dive headlong down that path without considering the consequences. Even though some try to be cautious the majority just don't care. If the bottom line is more profit, we go after it.

This book drives these thoughts into your conscience. Especially in the last quarter of the book, the book took a fanciful idea which may or may not become a reality in the near future, and hammered the fear of the above mentioned flip side into my head.

So although I didn't enjoy the full story, I think I still got a good bargain with a very important message.

So my rating: 3 stars

ARC courtesy of Netgalley

[Kirsty Bicknell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Contrition is the final book in the Perception series and Lee Strauss has certainly saved the best for last! The story begins precisely where Volition ended; the group are in grave danger, running from the Cyborgs, so with few provisions settle on making a camp in the mountains.
The relationships between the group are strained; Zoe's romantic feelings for Noah have returned, yet he often ignores her and whilst she hurts emotionally, she can also feel her body failing physically, which is unknown for a GAP and members of the camp begin to question her.
Lee Strauss cleverly uses the dual narrative, which reveals Noah's sense of responsibilty whilst the group are in hiding and though he feels just as deeply for Zoe he knows that ultimately her illness will lead to him making a sacrifice. In the latter part of Contrition the reader relies heavily on the separate accounts of Noah and Zoe to hear an untainted and complete version of the dramatic and sensational battle for control of Sol City and the Humanoids.
The events which lead to Contrition's conclusion take place in an intoxicating and compelling spiral, fascinating the reader.
Although for me Perception was a slow start I have loved the way in which Lee Strauss' series is motivated by her characters, particularly Noah and Zoe, and throughout the three books the reader witnesses a huge development in their personalities; the Zoe in Contrition is unrecognisable as the spoilt girl we saw in Perception.
I thank Lee Strauss for allowing me to read and review this series and I look forward to her new Minstrel series.

[T.H. Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoroughly satisfying conclusion to the series, Contrition ties up loose ends on a thrilling and emotional rollercoaster ride. There’s the whole Noah/Zoe/Taylor/Mary love square, Zoe’s grandfather, now President, the cyborgs, and the fact that Zoe and Noah are number one on President Vanderveen’s most wanted list. When war breaks out, things go from really bad, to worse, to hopeless. Or so it seems. This is the most tragic book of the trilogy, but it’s not completely devoid of hope as neither Zoe nor Noah ever give up.

Plot
There was a lot going on. This is the most action-packed book of the series and it careens along, sometimes nearly out of control, but there is a lot of ground to cover in this final book. In fact, I think the author could easily have written a fourth book in the series and kept us hooked through one more without losing anything.

There were a few issues that seemed implausible, even in this scifi future world and a couple things were predictable, but overall, it was a solid plot that moved the story forward to a heart-pounding climax and a sweet resolution.

Characters
Noah and Zoe really develop the most in this third book. They’re both so young that they have no choice but to grow up fast in the midst of a war, but it’s good to see that arc in both of them as they realize the world is more than just their teen angst and what they want.

Bottom Line
Contrition is a wild ride that runs at breakneck speed, twisting and turning, and finally rolling into the station as we all say a collective, “ahhhh.”

[Bree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Things really heat up (literally) in this final book of the trilogy, and I’m a little sad to be letting these characters go!

Zoe and Noah continue trying to find their way, even as more people join their rag-tag group. But the bigger the group, the more it splinters, and nobody is entirely sure who to trust. I loved the dynamic that this added to the story, because I never really knew what was going to happen next, adding to my connection with the main characters. At least the love triangles were toned down this time around, with only a few mentions and the characters involved acting a bit more maturely than I would have expected.

A few times Noah has to make decisions that he feels are right, even if he knows that not everyone (including Zoe) will agree. Sometimes it broke my heart, because I didn’t want it to end up that way. I had very clear expectations for Noah and Zoe, and when he needed to make those tough choices, I hoped that there would be a way for it all to work out.

There was a lot of action in this final book, and a few surprises. Occasionally, I could see things coming, and with other events I was caught completely off-guard. At times the characters would act particularly obtuse and I would want to yell at them because I *knew* something was coming but couldn’t add up the parts quick enough.

Mostly, I think this was a great conclusion to the series, and I will be watching for more by this author!

[Emmanuelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epic finale to the trilogy, but I kinda wish the end had taken up more of the book. It felt a little rushed in what was the most exciting part of the book. The greater majority of the book is consistent with the other two books in the trilogy, with Noah and Zoe being on the run from President Vanderveen and fighting for their lives. The clan has found friends along the way and for a while they are managing just fine, though not in the most luxurious way possible. But all things must come to an end. The gang ends up splitting after plans and alliances go awry. Zoe gets sick, they plan a risky maneuver to get her healthy again.

By this time in the trilogy, we've got a pretty good understanding and knowledge of the characters. We know who to love and who to hate though sometimes we still wonder who can be truly trusted. I loved the fast-changing and various environments they are constantly travelling to; it gives a good feel of their being on the run. The storyline is very enthralling, though as I mentioned above, I wish the conflict that happened towards the end with the humanoids would have taken up more of the books synopsis and been highlighted more. In a way, I knew it was eventually going to happen, but the conflict was so intense that the couple chapters it filled happened too fast.

It is sad to have to say goodbye to Noah and Brody and the gang as the trilogy has come to an end, but I can safely say it was a wonderful read.

[Justine Corcoran · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't know what to say. I'm disappointed in the overall series. I had high hopes, the first book I read in one day and then it took a totally different turn then I expected. Lee Strauss seemed to have great ideas but then it was like she got bored and went for new ones and then got bored with those and then at the very end try to make everything come together and it just didn't work. The characters were boring, they were annoying and there really was no point to any of them. none of them had any significance to the plot or storyline. What was the point of introducing characters like Taylor Blake, a fellow GAP who had been adopted after his parents had died tragically. They bring his character in a D you think there is going to be. a juicy love triangle and in all actually it was the most boring one I have ever read. There was nothing interesting in it at all. Then at the very end its more tragedy and then you get to the happy ending. which really to me was cheesy and should have happened quicker. Sorry for my rant, I am just highly disappointed, I expected more from this series and I didn't get it.

[Lisa (Bookworm Lisa) · Rating 4 out of 5]

**4.5 stars**

Contrition ends with a bang. The book is pretty much non stop action from beginning to end.

The book begins with Noah and Zoe still on the run from the corruption of the US government. Zoe's grandfather is the President and a very evil man. His aim is domination. He wants power and will do anything and everything to achieve his goals.

Noah and Zoe both face emotional growth and learn that the desire of their hearts is each other. There emotional ride is one that is fun to read and sometimes you wish you could smack them upside the head and make them do what you want!

The ending of the book was a surprise, but at the same time, Lee Strauss left many clues that didn't leave me wondering what happened. She set up the framework for the ending at the beginning of the series. She had the trilogy well set up and plotted.

This is a trilogy that is worth reading. Particularly if you are a sci-fi, technology, dystopian, romance fan. She has many different genre's present in this book.

The book has mild swearing and intimacy that is not described.

[Tracy Decresie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this series. Book 3 did not disappoint! Picking up from from When Noah had to make the decision to either save his brother or be there when Zoe wakes from her surgery, we find the civil war just about in full swing. Zoe still has her memories which makes her life as a "GAP" seem empty and boring. She tries to fight the fact that she still loves Noah. To the point of trying to hate him....yet finds herself checking his blog every night. The humanoid's become more lifelike and just when you think the rebel's have all but lost, things take a turn. Fast paced, and so well written that I couldn't put it down...yet didn't want it to be over. Decisions...decisions. Lee Strauss brings these characters to life in a big way. Though futuristic, so many scenarios parallel what is going on now. The reader can see how these things COULD happen if certain things in today's world stay on the course they're on. THAT'S just one of the reasons the reader gets so sucked in.

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Contrition is the third and final installment of the Perception Trilogy.

Book Description:
Zoe, Noah and the other plane crash survivors are stranded in the Arizona desert.They all have secrets,and reasons to hide.But they’re not alone.Cyborg soldiers.War.Humans and humanoids.Who can be trusted?

Hmmm. I've read and reviewed the previous two in this series, but unlike many reviewers who found the series improved with each book. I felt less interested with each one.

The first in the series presented an interesting premise, but the second and third books were more about jumping from one plot device to another and felt more as if the purpose was to prolong the series than to develop characters or plot.

NetGalley/All Night Reads

YA/Dystopian. 2013. Print version: 319 pages.

[Veray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the ending of this series! There were so many twists and turns in this book and the characters did lots of changing and growing. So many times I thought I knew where the story was going to go and then it went in a different direction. The ending was a surprise, but a good one. I recommend this series to anyone who love dystopian stories and great characters.

Merged review:

I loved the ending of this series! There were so many twists and turns in this book and the characters did lots of changing and growing. So many times I thought I knew where the story was going to go and then it went in a different direction. The ending was a surprise, but a good one. I recommend this series to anyone who love dystopian stories and great characters.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

An epic conclusion to the series, though some parts seemed rushed like Mary' s death. There was not much crying or sadness whenever anyone died. Mary and Taylor either died or left them like they were only there to create drama. Once their purpose was finished, they weren't needed so the author got them out of the way. The singularity should have lasted longer because if that was the conclusion to the series, I think it should be bigger to create climax.

Also at the end, a year has passed after Zoe got her heart fixed. Shouldn't she have at least tried to contact Noah? Why did it have to be Noah contacting her?

Anyway, I still enjoyed reading it.

[Bonnie Dale Keck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Permafree? Rest seem to be on Kindle Unlimited, PREQUEL to 3 set consists of Perception, Volition, Contrition Books can be gotten separately as well of course. Dystopian/futuristic/scifi/romance, bit too much romance for me and at times the female parts seemed stereotypical but since that is a personal boggle no reason to take stars.

Also author of Nursery Rhyme suspense stories including the short story I Spy with my Little Eye, as well as Clockwise books. Not only are the books available individually but also in various sets. Enjoyed the other stores more, but that again is a personal preference not an indication of any writing issues.

[Avrila · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded down because the author STILL switches POV characters and resorts to labeling the switches because they don't have separate voices. I literally forgot whose head I was supposed to be in while one of them was in a long scene without the other so I couldn't take the cue of it being the one whose name wasn't mentioned. If you can't switch POV characters without *having to* label, you can't switch POV characters in first person.

Also, the first half or so was too much like the previous book.