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Spook Squad #2

Generation 18

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A serial killer striking every twelve hours. A Kite monster murdering at random. Though neither event seems related, Agents Sam Ryan and Gabriel Stern quickly discover a link between the two-the military base known as Hopeworth. But are the serial killings a military cover-up that has gone dangerously wrong, or is there a deeper, more personal reason behind the murders of the red-headed adoptees? And are the so-called random attacks of the Kites nothing more than a methodical clean-up of a past mistake?As the investigation continues, Sam discovers a connection between herself and the murder victims, a connection that implies a link to Hopeworth itself. But if she is a product of the military, why does Hopeworth appear to know nothing about her? With the killings escalating and the danger drawing closer to home, Sam not only has to battle to bring a killer to justice, but to save Gabriel's life. And the one person who seems to hold the key to what is going on, as well as what has happened in Sam's past, is the mysterious man who saved her life. But does she dare believe his words or the dreams she seems to share with him? Because this mystery man may not be just her enemy, but the enemy of humankind itself.

232 pages, Paperback

First published September 22, 2004

161 people are currently reading
934 people want to read

About the author

Keri Arthur

100 books6,002 followers
Keri Arthur, author of the New York Times bestselling Riley Jenson, Guardian series, has now written more than 25 books. She's received several nominations in the Best Contemporary Paranormal category of the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Awards, and recently won RT's Career Achievement Award for urban fantasy. She lives in Melbourne with her daughter and two crazy dogs

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
Profile Image for Angela (Angel's Book Nook).
1,672 reviews972 followers
August 4, 2024
Generation 18 is book two in the Spook Squad series by Keri Arthur. I’m having a blast with this series. Each book is a non stop adventure that I can’t put down. It’s full of action, mystery, suspense, and adventure.

Sam is such an enjoyable character. She’s strong, smart, kick ass and determined. Gabriel is equally appealing. As are all the secondary characters.

We are treated to a packed full adventure. There’s a serial killer case, vampires ripping off blood banks, and Sam’s powers are getting stronger and stranger. We learning a little more on Sam’s past which might involve a secret government agency that’s dealing in engineering the births of supernatural kids.

As for this being a romance. I wouldn’t classify it as such. Yes, their is one brewing, but it stays in the background. We focus on Sam and the mystery surrounding her and of course a new case for her to investigate.

Generation 18 is full of mystery, suspense, and near death moments at every turn. I was fascinated by the story from beginning to end. I was surprised by the information we gained and the developments. It’s a spectacular read and one any urban fantasy fan will enjoy.

Rated: 5 Stars

**Note: This series has to be read in order.

angelsgp-seethisreview-blure
Profile Image for Yodamom.
2,208 reviews215 followers
October 9, 2014
This second book in the series picks up right where Memory Zero left off. Sam is partnered with a reluctant Gabriel, who is making he partnership a living bore-fest. His theory, that she will get tired of working as a paper pusher and will request a transfer. Too bad for him she is not going down as easy and he wished, she can out stubborn him and maybe out maneuver him too. Their banter and power plays are fun to witness, and I love that fact that she usually wins the battle with her brains, strength and determination.
Sam is developing some very interesting powers. There are still so many unknowns going on in her life, she finds few if any real answers. There are her dreams, where she meets with a mysterious man who seems to have all the knowledge of her past but only wants to play word games with her. She is on the edge of something, it’s there just out of reach.
Gabriel, the self imposed loner wants nothing to do with a partner, he’ll just watch them die and he’s had enough of that. He has feelings, and these he keeps under his veil of indifference, he will not go there again. When his family is endangered some of his shell cracks and we get to see a little more of the inner Gabriel.
During the story Sam is attacked by an angry Budgie, yes the cute little bird. it was so funny I almost sprayed my coffee all of my Kindle. The vision was hilarious. there are some not so funny intense attacks and some very nasty evil doers.
I enjoyed this story as much as the first book. We got closer to the answers and further away from a possible romance. I like that is not easy, so this is perfect for my taste. The author centers the story on the dangers not the love interest, that is the cherry on the top of the cake still waiting to be devoured. Now where is book 3 ?
Profile Image for All Things Urban Fantasy.
1,921 reviews620 followers
October 11, 2014
Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy

GENERATION 18 is the middle book in the Spook Squad series and it valiantly escapes the classic second book syndrome of not living up to the expectations of the previous book and being a dull set up to the expected major events of the third and last book. Its exciting, fun, and attention grabbing with mysteries wrapped around yet more mystery. There is a frentic pacing to GENERATION 18 considering Sam’s supposed connection to the victims and her mysterious origins. Sam is in a constant search for answers to just who she is and as she moves closer to the answer, three more come up.

While I would say a book leans more towards one genre or another this one solidly treads the line between urban fantasy and science fiction with shifters and other magically abled people alongside secret government projects messing around with human genes creating super powered people. The intriguing mysteries of some truly horrid murders and just who and what Sam is are what keeps the plot rolling. I mainly kept reading this book just to figure out what the mystery of Sam’s past is and about all of the secret government projects that seem to keep popping up in this story.

Sam is a very strong character and I liked her determination and will to keep going forward even when she hits a roadblock. Her relationship with Gabriel is an odd one. I can’t really figure it out. I think they work well together but I just don’t see them getting together as love interests which I assume will occur in the next book as Sam seems determined for it to happen. With GENERATION 18 there are mysteries to untwist, bad guys to fight, and brilliant new powers to discover. This story is a wonderfully exciting build up to the last book in this trilogy, PENUMBRA.
Profile Image for Shelleyrae at Book'd Out.
2,613 reviews558 followers
March 21, 2010
A strong sequel to Memory Zero, Sam is still struggling with her identity, and how it ties in with a series of brutal murders linked to Hopeworth, a secretive military base. Gabe also wants answers but is torn between protecting Sam and his duties to the federation.
As with Memory Zero there is plenty of action, grisly murders and intruiging mysteries.
The tension between Sam and Gabriel grows as Gabriel continues to deny his attraction to Sam in an effort to protect her and himself.
I raced through this novel, caught up in the relationships and interested in the answers.
Profile Image for Jen Davis.
Author 7 books726 followers
October 8, 2014
Knowing that this series has a limited shelf life put me on the fence about whether I wanted to move forward reading it. Now that I have read this second installment, I am glad I stuck with it. I liked Memory Zero pretty well, but I liked this one better. Maybe because I already understood the world, but also because Keri Arthur really advances the bigger picture and gives me more elements toward a romance.

The story picks up just a few weeks after the event of Zero. Sam is now a member of the Special Investigations Unit and partnered with Gabriel. It’s not going well. Gabriel wants nothing to do with a partner. His last two died and he is not looking to go through that again. So he is freezing her out, burying her in paperwork, hoping she’ll quit. This only makes Sam more determined to stick it out.

Meanwhile, a serial killer is tearing through their domain, and it is slowly revealed to have ties with Sam’s mysterious history. I really enjoyed watching it unfold. The pace is fast, though not quite as breakneck as in the last book. And one of the things I liked about it, is how it all folds into the big picture. I find that I really like the world building. The further we get into the series, the more of it is revealed. Arthur manages to both answer questions and pose new ones, all while taking us deeper inside Sam and Gabriel’s characters.

And speaking of Sam and Gabriel… their prickly relationship is moving to a different level. No, we’re not crossing into romanceland, but we are getting acknowledgement of an attraction that works in both directions. Unfortunately, Gabriel’s issues keep all the yearning in the hands-off phase. At least we’re moving in the right direction, and in the meantime, the sexual tension is well done. I really like the bond between them! These two definitely have chemistry, but I am ready for Sam to knock some sense into her partner. Enough is enough.

I also have to give credit to Sam’s character. She is smart, loyal, and kickass. I love watching her evolve into… whatever she is evolving into. Bring on Penumbra! (I just hope that the ending manages to give us the answers –and the romance– I’ve been waiting for.)

Rating: B/B+
Profile Image for Danielle (Danniegurl).
1,960 reviews110 followers
June 5, 2017
Love this series, not much to say I devoured it quickly and the romance is coming but there's so much tension between Gabriel and Sam. Gabriel is being annoying over it, and Sam doesn't know what to do. I highly recommend this series if you like the In Death Series and Paranormal it's like they had a baby and you got this! It's excellent right up my alley. If I tell you more about my feelings on the story I will be giving away some of the plot points and I don't want to do that, it's that good.

As a reminder I would recommend that everyone who reads this series get in contact with Arthur to write more for this series, this is a series I could totally get behind and keep reading and reading and reading. There is just enough info to keep me wanting to read more without making me feel annoyed or needing more. Each point of info brings more and more questions!

Profile Image for Elise ✘ a.k.a Ryder's Pet ✘.
1,314 reviews3,106 followers
May 11, 2017
Urgh, I regret and I don't regret reading this book.. I seriously shouldn't read it.. It's boring and I just keep waiting for more! I like Keri Arthur as an author... I mean, she's great, however this book/series..are killing me -.- It's interesting, and you want to keep reading it in the hopes that it will get better... But it doesn't :/ AND then, after I've read this book, I find out that Keri stopped/gave up on this series after book three... Nope, I will seriously not continue with this series if there's only one book more and it leaves you out of nowhere... Kinda pissed, really.. :/

Rate: 3/2-2.5 stars.
958 reviews5 followers
March 3, 2021
Excellent

I'm delighted by a story that has so much going on. There's psychic abilities, military experiments, a girl who is tough but not stupid, a great relationship dynamic (though no actual relationship!) And I can't wait to see what comes next. I like Sam and Gabriel.
Profile Image for Sarah.
3,358 reviews1,235 followers
May 14, 2010
While this review won't contain spoilers for Generation 18 it may include things that happened in the first book in the series Memory Zero. If you're new to the series I'd recommend the books are read in order so you might want to read the reviews for Memory Zero rather than continue reading here. I would like to say that I love this series & would definitley recommend it to any fans of urban fantasy.

Generation 18 continues the story a few months after the ending of Memory Zero. Sam and Gabriel are now partners but Gabriel is still not happy about this & is determined to keep Sam at arms lenght. So far he has been quite successful at keeping her on the sidelines by keeping her busy with paperwork but things are going to have to change now they are working on this case. Sam is fed up with being pushed to one side and is determined to get into the thick of things with this investigation - wether Gabriel likes it or not.

With Sam's increasing talents it looks like Gabriel is going to need her help. She still has no memory of where she came from and it's looking like her memory could hold the key to solving the current spate of serial killings.

I loved the first book in this series but if anything Generation 18 was even better. I really like both Sam and Gabriel and they make a great partnership even though Gabriel is trying to push Sam aside to keep her safe. Sam isn't the type to sit back - she wants to be involved in Gabriel's life and is determined to do whatever it takes to convince him they can work well together. I'm really enjoying the mystery of Sam's past and the way she is slowly starting to learn more about herself and her abilities and I'm looking forward to seeing how this will continue in the next book.

As I've come to expect from Keri Arthur, the story is action packed from the very beginning and takes you on a roller coaster ride of twists and turns throughout the book. She is fantastic at building suspense and this makes it almost impossible to put the book down - I think I've read all of her books in just 1 or 2 sittings and Generation 18 was no exception. Although there is no romance between Sam and Gabriel yet you can feel the chemistry between them and I have high hopes for their relationship developing in Penumbra. I can definitely recommend both this series and Keri's Nikki and Michael vampire series and I'm keen to get started on her other books.
Profile Image for Heather.
2,762 reviews19 followers
May 28, 2016
A serial killer striking every twelve hours. A Kite monster murdering at random. Though neither event seems related, Agents Sam Ryan and Gabriel Stern quickly discover a link between the two-the military base known as Hopeworth. But are the serial killings a military cover-up that has gone dangerously wrong, or is there a deeper, more personal reason behind the murders of the red-headed adoptees? And are the so-called random attacks of the Kites nothing more than a methodical clean-up of a past mistake?As the investigation continues, Sam discovers a connection between herself and the murder victims, a connection that implies a link to Hopeworth itself. But if she is a product of the military, why does Hopeworth appear to know nothing about her? With the killings escalating and the danger drawing closer to home, Sam not only has to battle to bring a killer to justice, but to save Gabriel's life. And the one person who seems to hold the key to what is going on, as well as what has happened in Sam's past, is the mysterious man who saved her life. But does she dare believe his words or the dreams she seems to share with him? Because this mystery man may not be just her enemy, but the enemy of humankind itself.

I found I am really liking this series. I am sorry it is only 3 books. Sam is an awesome heroine. She is strong and realistic. The only thing that I don't like is her waffling on Gaberial. Also while I like Gaberial overall as a character, his stubbornness about the not dating a partner is beyond annoying. The crime was also interesting and I enjoyed watching them figure it out. I finished this book in one day. I am giving it a 3 because of the annoyance of the romance aspect.
Profile Image for Paranormal Kiss.
892 reviews43 followers
September 30, 2014
Generation 18 is the 2nd book in the Spook Squad series by Keri Arthur. It continues where the first book, Memory Zero leaves off. Sam has been recruited to the SIU squad and partnered with Gabriel. Gabriel is not happy about this. He doesn’t want a partner because his last two partners have died. He’s determined to get Sam to either quit or request a transfer.

Sam is sick and tired of being bogged down in menial tasks and paperwork while Gabriel goes off in the field. So when she sees an opportunity to work on the newest case regarding a serial killer she dives in. Through the course of the investigation Sam finds hints of information about her past. Information that opens up more questions and leaves her determined to find answers.

I really liked Generation 18. It’s fast paced, mysterious and interesting. We learn more about the characters and get glimpses of where the overall story is headed. There is even more chemistry between Sam and Gabriel but still no romance. This book ends with the case solved but you’ll be anxious to get your hands on the final book, Penumbra, due out October of this year.

I would recommend Generation 18 and the Spook Squad series to fans of urban fantasy.

*ARC received from Random House Publishing Group - Bantam Dell via NetGalley.
Profile Image for Beth.
3,102 reviews301 followers
November 23, 2025
Generation 18 is the second book in the Spook Squad series.

Recently put on special duty with a hostile partner, Gabriel Stern, Sam Ryan must uncover the mystery behind the serial deaths and the vampire attacks. Gabriel continues to block all of Sam's attempts to work as a team, so Sam begins striking out on her own. The closer Sam comes to solving the mystery, the more she uncovers about her missing past.

Generation 18 starts out at a lively pace and continues to combine mystery, action and a smidgen of romance to keep the story highly entertaining. Arthur has an absorbing way of slowly unfolding the story, but still keeping you in the dark. Locking me in for the long haul, I'm looking forward to Penumbra, when all is finally revealed.

I received this copy of Generation 18 from Random House Publishing Group - Bantam Dell in exchange for an honest review. This book is set for publication September 30, 2014.
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,083 reviews102 followers
September 29, 2014
As a second book, this was quite strong and enjoyable. The story has a strong plot that stands alone, yet still ties into the first one, and the overall characters and story arc are advanced well.

The big draw of this book is the information learned about Sam’s past. In the first book, she struggled with knowing nothing. In this book, she’s starting to learn things, and they are both unsettling and intriguing. I can’t wait to learn more in the next book.

One thing I really like about the whole series is the inventiveness of the world and the characters that inhabit it. There are some standard creatures like vampires, but then there are creatures like kites, which are quite scary and unlike anything I’m familiar with. It helps keep the books fresh and new because you never know what’s going to come out next.

Overall, this was a great sequel story. It was exciting and action packed, and made me want to continue the series. You can’t ask for more than that.
Profile Image for Puddlyduck.
201 reviews22 followers
July 26, 2014
(Minor spoilers)

Generation 18 is a solid follow up to Memory Zero, however it didn't feel quite as exciting as the first in the series. Sam begins to learn more about where she came from, if not what she is exactly. What complicates the situation is 'Joe Black', the man who visits her in her dreams. Claiming to want to help her, he then holds back vital information and shows increasing frustration towards her. It'll be interesting to find out exactly who he is, although I have a hunch or two already.

Between Gabriel's continued rejections, and increasing evidence leading her to look towards the military for information about her childhood, it felt like this book was setting the story up for something bigger to happen in the next. I hope so, as I'm off to buy it now!

3.5 stars
Disclaimer: this book was provided by netgalley.
Profile Image for Marsha.
219 reviews30 followers
November 30, 2014
This book took off right where the first one left off. It was an enjoyable read, though (for me) the story was almost too much PNR, rather than UF - which is totally fine; I just prefer more UF than PNR. But, that doesn't mean that the story wasn't well written and entertaining. The only reason that I didn't give it 5 stars was because there were so many names and issues going on (really three different mysteries - two murder plots and Sam's history - though they were all tied together, sort of) - I got a little confused at times. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Chris.
2,882 reviews209 followers
September 19, 2018
Decent paranormal fantasy trilogy about a police officer who doesn't remember anything about her life before age 14. Then everything in her life is turned upside down when it suddenly seems as if nearly everyone is out to get her. Delightfully free of sex (but not sexual tension), I wish things had been tied up a little more at the end of the third book. (The books were originally released in 2004/5, then rereleased with new covers a decade later.)
Profile Image for Paraphrodite.
2,670 reviews51 followers
May 26, 2016
A fabulous read! The action is fast-pace and the romance is slow-burn...

Sad to learn that the next book is the last one and that it was discontinued before everything was resolved... I can really see this as a long-running series. Maybe the re-release will help change the author's mind.
Profile Image for RachelW (BamaGal).
746 reviews77 followers
July 24, 2021
3.5 Stars. Enjoyed it, but it dragged a bit at the last. I was ready for the book to be over about 30 pages before it actually ended.
Profile Image for Nikyta.
1,459 reviews263 followers
December 3, 2017
Reviewed on The Blogger Girls

I won’t go into too much detail about this book because so much happens. What I will say is that it goes just a tad deeper into Hopeworth but at the same time causes Sam and Gabriel to uncover the mystery behind some unexpected murders. We also get to learn a bit more about Gabriel as a character and the situations he’s involved in.

This was a pretty solid follow up to Memory Zero. I liked that there’s still so much tension between Gabriel and Sam and that Sam is at the point where she won’t take ‘no’ for an answer. Also, it’s obvious that Sam is maturing into the person she was always meant to be when they created her. I loved that she’s coming into her abilities and really starting to get a feel for what she can do. At the same time, I’m not quite sure what to think of Gabriel. I loved him in the last book but this one he’s so stubborn and his reasoning for why he doesn’t want to pursue anything with Sam is a little ridiculous BUT I still found it a little endearing because he’s being so loyal to his dead mate.

While I really enjoyed this book, I had a few issues. For starters, I feel like the storyline surrounding Sam’s amnesia didn’t go anywhere. In the last story, we already learned about Sam including the fact that she may be a science experiment. In this one, we still don’t know 100% that she was an experiment so it’s still implied. Other than that, I feel like only one storyline was concluded in this book and the other two story lines are still wide open with not many questions answered. For example, the kites – they were brought up once or twice then nothing. No explanations of who’s controlling them, why they’re controlling them, why they’re targeting certain people, etc. not even an attempt to find out why. I fear that with all these questions still left open and only one book left, there might not be enough room for conclusions to everything 😦

In the end, I still liked this one. I love how fast-paced this series is and the intense sexual tension between Sam and Gabriel. I do wish the story had progressed with more answers to who Sam is but as it was, I really enjoyed getting deeper into the mystery of the 12 hour murders and seeing that mystery unfold. Definitely give this one a go if you’re looking for a fast-paced mystery!
Profile Image for SARA.
50 reviews
January 19, 2022
Gabriel doesn't want to work with Sam. He's making her life miserable. But she keeps getting in harms way, especially as there is something killing adoptees from a military facility. The murders are every 12 hours and look to be by a kite. Which Sam can feel. Then Gabriel's adopted sister is murdered. And a link is forming between Gabriel and Sam they can feel when the other is in trouble and there pain. Then they discover the clones are everywhere including one of Gabriel which nearly gets Sam killed because she tries to kill it but his brother who runs the spook squad doesn't believe her at first letting her know she's expendable. But Gabriel is missing and only Sam can find him. Which she does. Where does this leave them all now. Especially when Sam is remembering dreams and someone she thinks could be her brother.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
24 reviews
July 20, 2022
Worth it

I read the first book and almost quit, but I hate being a quitter with books. I continued reading and it got better, it got to the point I wanted to keep reading and then it was over. I've read several of Arthur's books and have never been disappointed. I started reading this one and couldn't put it down! The catch and release with the two main characters has been interesting and makes me want to read the next book! The evil, I feel though is just beginning, and I look forward to seeing Sam persevere and finally understand what she is. And of course, I want to see Gabriel brought to his knees and admit his feelings for Sam!
1,216 reviews10 followers
June 24, 2019
this series gets better with each book. Sam Ryan doesn't know her past, but it will come back to bite her in the ass. Gabriel Stern wants to forget his past, but can't deny his attraction to Sam. The government's experiments have come back to bite them in the ass. A serial killer is out killing off army personal associated with two projects. The government doesn't want to help, but to cover up the mess. Sam and Gabriel need to find the serial killer before its too late. Slowly Sam is learning about her past and what she finds is mind boggling.
Profile Image for Amy Bradley.
630 reviews8 followers
July 27, 2017
Content note: kidnapping, drugging, medical experimentation

Full of action as Sam tries to figure out who (and what) she is, while dealing with her reluctant partner, Gabriel. Someone is murdering women, and removing their reproductive organs. Conspiracy and secrecy muddy the waters as they try to investigate.
Profile Image for ~Shawna the crazy coffee reader~.
514 reviews42 followers
July 31, 2017
So glad I continued in this series. Although the love interest is next to zero in this book, the action really picks up. She is coming into her own more and more and realizing she needs to rely on herself and her intuition. I'm still not a fan of the wishy washy Gabriel but I really liked this book.
33 reviews
September 16, 2018
Military cover ups and frustrating non communication between the two leads, makes the plot a little tedious at times. But the storyline is developing strongly and cohesively. I did expect to see Sam and Gabriel’s relationship developing stronger than it is by now. However the developments in her genetics and ties to the military projects are taking precedence.
Profile Image for Lyndsey Gollogly.
1,365 reviews6 followers
March 20, 2022
Another brilliant book from one of my favourite authors. I really like this series although I’m getting so frustrated with Gabriel he needs to deal with his issues! I love the Sam Ryan I really feel for her and the way she’s treated. Hopefully she won’t be so lonely for too much longer. The thing with Keri Arthur is you just become so immersed into her worlds no Mary what series you’re reading.
Profile Image for Isabel Ede.
318 reviews
March 5, 2023
Sam is really a mixed up character. There is still no details of her past, who her parents were what her special abilities are and they are developing the older she gets. Her world has taken a turn in her life with her new job and new partner. Hope the next book sees Sam finding answers and happiness.
439 reviews7 followers
July 3, 2020
In this instalment Sam is still looking for answers into her past. This book has done an amazing job of being a solid story in its own right but also setting the scene for the next instalment in the series. You cant go wrong with a Keri Arthur book!
Profile Image for Hayzbaw.
280 reviews
Read
September 3, 2020
Great story, however because I hadn't read the first in the series and there was no real introduction it was hard to understand. This book really needed a chapter explaining what we learnt about these characters in the first story
Profile Image for Connie.
723 reviews18 followers
April 9, 2025
This series reads very easily! It's futuristic and deals with cloning.
Sam is SIU investigator. She is trying to figure out who and what she is, while helping solve murders.
There are people that have different abilities, like shape shifting.
Lots of action in these!
Enjoy!
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