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The Elite #2
The Trials
Lives will be lost, prophecies fulfilled and trials endured.
Connor Moore doesn’t have the same luxury as other eighteen-year-olds. He has been called upon to assume the mantle of the Judge of an Elite race of humans. Now to prove himself to a population who doubts him, he must pass a series of three trials that will test his mind, body and spirit.
Things are made worse when two women vying for his affection finally meet and Connor realizes a decision must come soon. However, there is little time for personal life when an ancient evil force returns to the realm of men and Elites. If he fails to pass the series of trials to prove his claim as Judge and earn the Elite race’s support, the world will have no hope.
With the support of friends and loved ones, Connor embarks on his trials. He begins a journey that will take him from dangerous jungles, to lost islands and dungeons not of this world. Friends will fall, new allies will be made and true darkness will make its presence known.
Connor Moore doesn’t have the same luxury as other eighteen-year-olds. He has been called upon to assume the mantle of the Judge of an Elite race of humans. Now to prove himself to a population who doubts him, he must pass a series of three trials that will test his mind, body and spirit.
Things are made worse when two women vying for his affection finally meet and Connor realizes a decision must come soon. However, there is little time for personal life when an ancient evil force returns to the realm of men and Elites. If he fails to pass the series of trials to prove his claim as Judge and earn the Elite race’s support, the world will have no hope.
With the support of friends and loved ones, Connor embarks on his trials. He begins a journey that will take him from dangerous jungles, to lost islands and dungeons not of this world. Friends will fall, new allies will be made and true darkness will make its presence known.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
37 people are currently reading
282 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Yanez
226 books536 followersInternational bestselling author, check.
USA Today bestselling author, check.
Writing wild tales since 2012, check, check.
I'm Jonathan, a husband, father, and writer. I write because that's what I was born to do and I love doing it. Because of the support from awesome people like you, I get to do it full-time.
Connecting with fellow lovers of the written word is important to me so please join the Pack via my website at www.jonathan-yanez.com where you can grab an exclusive story or hang out with us at www.facebook.com/groups/jonathansread...
Hope you decide to stay in touch,
Jonathan
USA Today bestselling author, check.
Writing wild tales since 2012, check, check.
I'm Jonathan, a husband, father, and writer. I write because that's what I was born to do and I love doing it. Because of the support from awesome people like you, I get to do it full-time.
Connecting with fellow lovers of the written word is important to me so please join the Pack via my website at www.jonathan-yanez.com where you can grab an exclusive story or hang out with us at www.facebook.com/groups/jonathansread...
Hope you decide to stay in touch,
Jonathan
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 3, 2013
MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS
We leave Conner in Book One The Beast Within finding out he is an Elite but not only that but he is a Judge to and he has to do three trials to prove himself save his loved ones and the Elite race.
And Book Two the Trials take us on Conner’s journey through all three of these trials and all I can say poor Conner he is literally thrown into the lion’s den.
I was so happy to be back in the world Jonathan has created his writing draws you right back into the story it’s like you haven’t left. I loved Conner’s Character in The Beast Within as he was very true to himself and just so damn nice. That doesn’t change in this book but we do see the growth of his character, we see him grow to become the man that he’s going to be and you can really see him becoming The Judge.
His first trial to bring back the head of a fire serpent and like with all the trails Conner faces there is a great cast of weird and wonderful characters he meets along the way. One of them being “little Conner” (you will have to read the book) he is so cute and I want one myself.
Conner is still struggling with his feelings for the two women in his life Katie and Laren and I found myself at times wanting to shout at him. “Will you just pick one” and I’m going to say it now I want it to be Laren.
I didn’t like Lu in The Beast Within as he wasn’t very nice to but Lu’s personality really came through in this book he was funny and I had a few laugh out moments with him and it looks like there might be a little love interest for him to. By the end of the book he changes again and for good reasons to he’s got me a little worried but I will keep my fingers crossed for him.
There are great battle scenes which are written so you can see it all happening in your head and I found myself cheering Conner on.
We find out about Vercin who is the baddies in this book who everyone thought was dead he basically wants to rule the world Human and Elite a like. There is a shock for Katie based around the baddies in the book.
When Conner returns from his third trial he comes back to devastation caused by Vercin and Vercin takes something with him that Conner will do anything to get back.
We meet new characters I loved Caderyn he is going to play a big part in book 3 I think. Also Reap is a character you feel for I hope we hear more about him.
As we come to the end of the book you can feel there is going to be One hell of a battle to come as Good versus Evil try to build up their Army’s. And I can’t wait bring it on.
This series just gets better and better and draws you right in with the Action you still have me hook line and sinker Jonathan.
We leave Conner in Book One The Beast Within finding out he is an Elite but not only that but he is a Judge to and he has to do three trials to prove himself save his loved ones and the Elite race.
And Book Two the Trials take us on Conner’s journey through all three of these trials and all I can say poor Conner he is literally thrown into the lion’s den.
I was so happy to be back in the world Jonathan has created his writing draws you right back into the story it’s like you haven’t left. I loved Conner’s Character in The Beast Within as he was very true to himself and just so damn nice. That doesn’t change in this book but we do see the growth of his character, we see him grow to become the man that he’s going to be and you can really see him becoming The Judge.
His first trial to bring back the head of a fire serpent and like with all the trails Conner faces there is a great cast of weird and wonderful characters he meets along the way. One of them being “little Conner” (you will have to read the book) he is so cute and I want one myself.
Conner is still struggling with his feelings for the two women in his life Katie and Laren and I found myself at times wanting to shout at him. “Will you just pick one” and I’m going to say it now I want it to be Laren.
I didn’t like Lu in The Beast Within as he wasn’t very nice to but Lu’s personality really came through in this book he was funny and I had a few laugh out moments with him and it looks like there might be a little love interest for him to. By the end of the book he changes again and for good reasons to he’s got me a little worried but I will keep my fingers crossed for him.
There are great battle scenes which are written so you can see it all happening in your head and I found myself cheering Conner on.
We find out about Vercin who is the baddies in this book who everyone thought was dead he basically wants to rule the world Human and Elite a like. There is a shock for Katie based around the baddies in the book.
When Conner returns from his third trial he comes back to devastation caused by Vercin and Vercin takes something with him that Conner will do anything to get back.
We meet new characters I loved Caderyn he is going to play a big part in book 3 I think. Also Reap is a character you feel for I hope we hear more about him.
As we come to the end of the book you can feel there is going to be One hell of a battle to come as Good versus Evil try to build up their Army’s. And I can’t wait bring it on.
This series just gets better and better and draws you right in with the Action you still have me hook line and sinker Jonathan.
November 21, 2013
I have fallen in love with this series and this is only the second book! From the start I was ready to follow this story anywhere it wanted to take me, it had me at the first sentence. The characters are so well defined they seem like friends who decided to drop by and relate a new adventure. The language is straight forward and appropriate for the place and type of people they are. There is nothing slow about anything which happens, we keep moving from action to action with time for reflection that does not even slow down the pace. This was a perfect blend of action and introspection that allowed you to know the character and get behind or against them through their thoughts and deeds.
Connor Moore has been changed forever, he now officially belongs within the world of the Elites, but must still prove himself to be the Judge of the prophesy who will save his race and humankind from a darkness coming to claim them. To do this he must endure The Trials, which have not been used in over a thousand years but is the only way to garner support for a half-blood. When he accepts to undertake them he finds that he is told that he must pass the three trials which will test him mind, body, and spirit. Being eighteen is hard enough but to take on the role of savior is more than any teenager should have to do. The question is if he can do it before the darkness overtakes them. And to add to his burden he has not one but two girls who want to know where they stand in his life. That may have to wait until they see if they survive.
This is a smart, witty, action packed series that has eye candy throughout (great imagination from great descriptions) that anyone would enjoy. I have found characters that I can relate to and cry for or laugh about or hate and that is what good writing does, it draws you in and makes you care one way or the other. That is what I have here. It may not be for everyone but I would think if given a try it would do the same for anyone. And I for one cannot wait for the next installment, cliff hangers always make me anxious and I want to know what happens!
Connor Moore has been changed forever, he now officially belongs within the world of the Elites, but must still prove himself to be the Judge of the prophesy who will save his race and humankind from a darkness coming to claim them. To do this he must endure The Trials, which have not been used in over a thousand years but is the only way to garner support for a half-blood. When he accepts to undertake them he finds that he is told that he must pass the three trials which will test him mind, body, and spirit. Being eighteen is hard enough but to take on the role of savior is more than any teenager should have to do. The question is if he can do it before the darkness overtakes them. And to add to his burden he has not one but two girls who want to know where they stand in his life. That may have to wait until they see if they survive.
This is a smart, witty, action packed series that has eye candy throughout (great imagination from great descriptions) that anyone would enjoy. I have found characters that I can relate to and cry for or laugh about or hate and that is what good writing does, it draws you in and makes you care one way or the other. That is what I have here. It may not be for everyone but I would think if given a try it would do the same for anyone. And I for one cannot wait for the next installment, cliff hangers always make me anxious and I want to know what happens!
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July 15, 2013Check out The Elite series blog tour for reviews, excerpts, and more!
August 28, 2013
Really enjoyed it and can't wait to read more
December 2, 2025
Very nice series.
I got started on the series sometime ago, but this one got lost in the shuffle of my TBR pile. Picked I up again the other day. Being intrigued, I couldn't really put it down.
There is a battle between the magical world and the mundane world. A nasty piece of work has been freed from an inescapable prison and is wreaking havoc.
Connor, newly awakened to his power as an Elite and still learning, is forced to rise to the occasion to save the world.
The Judge is next in the series and hopefully is as delightful as the first two.
Highly recommend.
I got started on the series sometime ago, but this one got lost in the shuffle of my TBR pile. Picked I up again the other day. Being intrigued, I couldn't really put it down.
There is a battle between the magical world and the mundane world. A nasty piece of work has been freed from an inescapable prison and is wreaking havoc.
Connor, newly awakened to his power as an Elite and still learning, is forced to rise to the occasion to save the world.
The Judge is next in the series and hopefully is as delightful as the first two.
Highly recommend.
September 14, 2013
“There is a dragon roaming your jungle, but don’t worry, he’s with us.”–-Conner
Think about the worst test you’ve ever had to take. Driver’s license test? SATs? Organic Chemistry final after partying all night at a frat party? Well, Conner has to pass a much, much worse test with a less than 10% survival rate. And if he passes, then he gets to lead his fellow Elites into an ultimate showdown with a villain much older, more powerful, and waaaay angrier than him. That advanced theories in quantum mechanics test doesn’t seem too bad anymore, eh?
After a brief flash forward into the future, the Trials starts up back where book one ends. Conner is about to find out what his first of three tests/trials will be. The majority of the book is him passing the tests and meeting new allies and strengthening friendships. There’s still the love triangle between him and Katie and Laren, but although it’s a storyline, it seems more of an after thought since most of the excitement is with passing the tests and dealing with a powerful enemy. Speaking of enemy, we get to learn more about him and see for ourselves how powerful he really is. We also learn the surprising identity of one of the villian’s allies.
Conner is still as gung-ho and optimistic as ever, always seeming to know what to do and say at the right time. He seems too perfect, which makes it hard to relate to him although he is likable. He’s like the male version of a “Mary Sue” character where he’s good at everything, handsome, noble (heck, the guy won’t even eavesdrop), and pretty much flawless. Despite that, it’s still fun reading about him trying to fulfill the prophecy and lead the Elites. Secondary characters are hit and miss. There are so many that I wish they could be fleshed out a bit more so they have more depth and history to them.
Unlike the first book, I felt myself drawn into the story earlier on. I enjoyed the action scenes as Conner tried to figure out how to complete each test. There is more magic and alternate magical locales which frees Mr. Yanez to do some world-building with more fantasy elements. We get to learn more about sorceresses, and I’d like to read more about their abilities especially since one of Conner’s allies unexpectedly turns out to be a pretty good one!
Overall, I’m recommending this to those that enjoy YA fantasy! As I was reading, I kept wavering between whether I’d considered this 4 or 5 stars, so I’m giving it a 4.5 out of 5!
(Originally posted on my blog; I received a copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.)
Think about the worst test you’ve ever had to take. Driver’s license test? SATs? Organic Chemistry final after partying all night at a frat party? Well, Conner has to pass a much, much worse test with a less than 10% survival rate. And if he passes, then he gets to lead his fellow Elites into an ultimate showdown with a villain much older, more powerful, and waaaay angrier than him. That advanced theories in quantum mechanics test doesn’t seem too bad anymore, eh?
After a brief flash forward into the future, the Trials starts up back where book one ends. Conner is about to find out what his first of three tests/trials will be. The majority of the book is him passing the tests and meeting new allies and strengthening friendships. There’s still the love triangle between him and Katie and Laren, but although it’s a storyline, it seems more of an after thought since most of the excitement is with passing the tests and dealing with a powerful enemy. Speaking of enemy, we get to learn more about him and see for ourselves how powerful he really is. We also learn the surprising identity of one of the villian’s allies.
Conner is still as gung-ho and optimistic as ever, always seeming to know what to do and say at the right time. He seems too perfect, which makes it hard to relate to him although he is likable. He’s like the male version of a “Mary Sue” character where he’s good at everything, handsome, noble (heck, the guy won’t even eavesdrop), and pretty much flawless. Despite that, it’s still fun reading about him trying to fulfill the prophecy and lead the Elites. Secondary characters are hit and miss. There are so many that I wish they could be fleshed out a bit more so they have more depth and history to them.
Unlike the first book, I felt myself drawn into the story earlier on. I enjoyed the action scenes as Conner tried to figure out how to complete each test. There is more magic and alternate magical locales which frees Mr. Yanez to do some world-building with more fantasy elements. We get to learn more about sorceresses, and I’d like to read more about their abilities especially since one of Conner’s allies unexpectedly turns out to be a pretty good one!
Overall, I’m recommending this to those that enjoy YA fantasy! As I was reading, I kept wavering between whether I’d considered this 4 or 5 stars, so I’m giving it a 4.5 out of 5!
(Originally posted on my blog; I received a copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.)
September 21, 2013
*Review abridged from my book review blog, Reading the Alphabet.
After Connor learns what he is he must undergo three trials to quell the skeptics who don't quite believe that he is what he is. These trials will take him to faraway places, including other realms and they aren't going to be easy. The Trials are so rare, they haven't happened in the last 1,000 years, so excitement is in the air, and no one knows what to expect. Fortunately, his friends are there to back him up and along the way he'll forge new alliances, but will he be able to pass the trials and stop the evil that is heading his way?
I continued to enjoy Connor, who after learning that he is special, doesn't change at heart. He's still a good guy at heart, and he is not willing to compromise his morals for an easy way out. From actions to words, Connor continues to be a genuinely nice person. He is exactly the person I'd want in the role he is trying to prove himself worthy of to those who may doubt him. The Trials introduces us to a bunch of new characters, my favorite were the people living in the Amazon rainforest and I love how the Yanez incorporated Connor's father into the book.
Relationships and romance do not play a heavy part in the book, but Connor realizes that he has a choice to make between Katie and Laren, and soon. So far, the whole thing has been open and honest, which is nice, and although no one knows where they stand, it's okay because they aren't alone. There's no playing with feelings.
I thoroughly enjoyed the second installment of The Elite series. There was a well balanced mix of action, suspense, intrigue, and character interaction. If anything, I'd want this book to be longer but then again, that's why there is Book 3, and I think this book ended on a great spot-a solid close to this part of the plot with the promise of much more in the overall story arc.
*I received a copy of this book through Grapevine Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.*
After Connor learns what he is he must undergo three trials to quell the skeptics who don't quite believe that he is what he is. These trials will take him to faraway places, including other realms and they aren't going to be easy. The Trials are so rare, they haven't happened in the last 1,000 years, so excitement is in the air, and no one knows what to expect. Fortunately, his friends are there to back him up and along the way he'll forge new alliances, but will he be able to pass the trials and stop the evil that is heading his way?
I continued to enjoy Connor, who after learning that he is special, doesn't change at heart. He's still a good guy at heart, and he is not willing to compromise his morals for an easy way out. From actions to words, Connor continues to be a genuinely nice person. He is exactly the person I'd want in the role he is trying to prove himself worthy of to those who may doubt him. The Trials introduces us to a bunch of new characters, my favorite were the people living in the Amazon rainforest and I love how the Yanez incorporated Connor's father into the book.
Relationships and romance do not play a heavy part in the book, but Connor realizes that he has a choice to make between Katie and Laren, and soon. So far, the whole thing has been open and honest, which is nice, and although no one knows where they stand, it's okay because they aren't alone. There's no playing with feelings.
I thoroughly enjoyed the second installment of The Elite series. There was a well balanced mix of action, suspense, intrigue, and character interaction. If anything, I'd want this book to be longer but then again, that's why there is Book 3, and I think this book ended on a great spot-a solid close to this part of the plot with the promise of much more in the overall story arc.
*I received a copy of this book through Grapevine Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.*
December 16, 2013
The Trials was just as good as, if not better than, The Beast Within. The characters you already know and love continue to grow and evolve, and the new characters introduced are just as well developed as the first. And BONUS! These new characters grow on you just as quickly.
You get the full range of emotions with this one. And it is all written so you can "see" what is happening. The plot thickens and has left me wanting more. I'm looking forward to book 3, and hope it isn't long in coming.
You get the full range of emotions with this one. And it is all written so you can "see" what is happening. The plot thickens and has left me wanting more. I'm looking forward to book 3, and hope it isn't long in coming.
November 13, 2014
Book two of the Elite series, I'd suggest readers to pick up the first book in the series before reading this book simply because I feel that a lot of character building and plot may have taken place there. The Trials (book 2 alone) is a fantastic read from beginning to end. Jonathan has done a wonderful job creating a world with great detail and characters that are realistic and believable for readers with a story line that is both fun and well written.
November 3, 2013
The Trials by Jonathan Yanez is extremely well done...It picks up right where book one leaves off and throws you right back into the action. I completely lost myself in The Trials from the very first page and couldn't put it down....This is a fantastic series so far and I look forward to the next book!
September 15, 2013
I enjoyed the 2 books in this series. Looking forward to reading the next one when it comes out.
December 3, 2013
Light fantasy reading.
September 16, 2014
I enjoyed the book but compared to the first one this one took a while to get going.
May 7, 2014
Another great addition to the series.
The second time is as good as the first. Fun and intriguing. I'm ready to read the 3rd book in the series to see how Connor's story ends.
The second time is as good as the first. Fun and intriguing. I'm ready to read the 3rd book in the series to see how Connor's story ends.
July 27, 2015
Super cool!
July 27, 2015
The Elites are a great species character.
January 19, 2016
Interesting story.
Compelling story of mystery and intrigue. Syfy meets historical drama. Constant drama compels moving from chapter to chapter. Interesting story line.
Compelling story of mystery and intrigue. Syfy meets historical drama. Constant drama compels moving from chapter to chapter. Interesting story line.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews