What do you think?
Rate this book
Kiah's Soul-Shifting Journey #2
The Tech War
Determined to find her dad and bring peace to all of the quadrant citizens, Kiah finds herself playing mind games with her dark nemesis, Marcus Dunner. Book 2 not only leads Kiah into another "City of Technology" but also a new battle of the heart. When an old friend professes more than friendship, will Kiah's love for Ryker be enough to keep best friends from becoming enemies?
- GenresYoung Adult
277 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2013
2 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Ann Denton
24 books92 followersAnn Denton lives in a small community in Oklahoma where her four grandchildren are the center of her attention. Ann has shared her imagination with them since they were babies. She has spent hours of playtime with her grandsons playing everything from “pirate ship” to dressing up as aluminum foil robots. With her granddaughter, she has had countless magical tea parties and played “princess dress up.”
Ann has written poetry for years, but most recently, she collaborated with her fifteen-year-old grandson to write her very first young adult series . . . Kiah’s Soul-Shifting Journey. In January of 2013, her debut novel, The Quadrant War, book (1) was published. The Tech War, book (2) was released in September of 2013, and War's Redemption, book (3) of the trilogy was released in June of 2014.
Ann's favorite genre is young adult—both to read and write; however, she also enjoys reading other genres. Ann does most of her writing late at night when her characters take on a life of their own and keep her awake.
Ann has written poetry for years, but most recently, she collaborated with her fifteen-year-old grandson to write her very first young adult series . . . Kiah’s Soul-Shifting Journey. In January of 2013, her debut novel, The Quadrant War, book (1) was published. The Tech War, book (2) was released in September of 2013, and War's Redemption, book (3) of the trilogy was released in June of 2014.
Ann's favorite genre is young adult—both to read and write; however, she also enjoys reading other genres. Ann does most of her writing late at night when her characters take on a life of their own and keep her awake.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 19, 2015
You can read this review and more on my blog:
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The thing I like most about this series is the way the author manages to mix romance, action, and a message into such an entertaining package.
Although I enjoyed the first in the series, I feel like the story really gained some momentum in this book. Some secondary characters were brought to the forefront of the story, and I got to know them much better than I did the first time around. The best example of this would be Ryker's best friend Max. In the first book, Max was--well there's no other way to put it, Max annoyed me! Apparently he did a lot of growing while fighting alongside his friends because now I can say that Max rivals Ryker as my favorite man in this series. At some point he developes some pretty strong feelings for Kiah, but he knows that Kiah's heart belongs to Ryker so he is content to be a great friend and support system for both of them. Kiah actually feels more comfortable confiding in him at times than Ryker sometime. I thought we were headed toward love triangle territory for a while, but just when I thought Kiah was going to cross that line she made it clear who she loved so don't worry. Max's feelings for her were strong and true, but he loves Ryker like a brother. I never doubted that the way he felt about Kiah was just something that he had no control over. He would have wanted to take her from his friend; he just cared deeply for her.
Ryker was amazing as usual! He is a fantastic support system for Kiah, but he doesn't just gush over her all of the time. He has her back and looks out for her best interest. His sweetness really comes across when he treats her like the capable leader that she is, and then allows her to fall apart and tell him about all of her insecurities and pain later. Kiah is in real danger, and he's the one who has to hold her lifeless body and watch over it for day's while she soul shift. Not to mention the fact that she's the leader of a rebellion and constantly in dangerous situations. This is why he feels the need to constantly protect her.
Kiah is a very self-aware heroine. She has no problem admitting when she's wrong or has no idea what to do next. When she makes a mistake, she does what it takes to make things right. She's in a very difficult situation and has a responsibility that she never asked for thrust upon her. She takes that responsibility seriously, and that drives her to push herself to hard at times. When those closest to her tell her that she's doing a great job, she listens, but she also refuses to be satisfied. She will be a better leader because there is no other option for her. There are lives depending on her, and she knows it.
She is forced to deal with quite a bit this time around. While her relationship with Ryker isn't strained, it is put through some test, her father is still missing, and she is trying to figure out how to lead and still have a life of her own at the same time. She also has to deal with Marcus, the son of the villain from the first book, who is terrorizing her in a very creepy way throughout the entire book. She puts herself in some very dangerous situations, and feel like she has to keep certain things from everyone because she doesn't want them to talk her out of doing what she feels is the only thing that she can. She still has a great relationship with almost everyone, and they all want to help, love, and support her, but the secrets that she keeps do isolate her from others. She is forced to deal with quite a bit this time around. While her relationship with Ryker isn't strained, it is put through some test, her father is still missing, and she is trying to figure out how to lead and still have a life of her own at the same time. As if all of that wasn't enough, she also has to deal with Marcus, the son of the villain from the first book, who is terrorizing her in a very creepy way throughout the entire book. She puts herself in some very dangerous situations, and feels like she has to keep certain things from everyone because she doesn't want them to talk her out of doing what she feels is the only thing that she can. She still has a great relationship with almost everyone, and they all want to help, love, and support her, but the secrets that she keeps do isolate her from others.
Ryker worries constantly about her, and Kiah can be too reckless sometimes, but rather than argue and try to change one another they accept each other for who they are and talk through things. Their relationship is strong, and can survive whatever is thrown at it. I think that the fact that they were such good friends before they got together is the reason why they can disagree with each other and not let it ruin their relationship. When I thought that they were headed towards a breakup, I was not a happy camper, but I'm very happy that I was wrong. Ryker and Kiah are stronger and cuter than ever!
Every conflict that I mentioned is resolved in a timely manner so don't let them scare you. This book continues to deal with the serious events of the first one , but it also has a very light tone that keeps it from becoming depressing. If you're a fan of the first in the series then you won't be disappointed. Whenever I thought that I was going to dislike a direction that the story was taking, it would end up in the right place. I had moments of frustration, but they didn't last long. I should have just trusted the author not to let me down because she didn't! :)
I try to focus my reviews on what stands out to me the most in a story. In this series that is the relationships. Although the Quadrant War is very interesting, It's the relationship that make the story for me. Whether it's Kiah's relationship with Ryker, Max, Molly, her mom, or even Marcus, the relationships are very well-developed.
I was surprised how many shockers there were, and the ending is great! It put a huge smile on my face! If you hated how the first book ended and are afraid that you will have to deal with the same type of ending this time, I can set your mind at ease! The story is far from over, and I'm looking forward to reading the next book, but this time I got more of a sense of closure. It has one of the happiest cliffhangers that I've read in recent years, and that makes me want to read the next book even more!
I would recommend this book for ages 12 and up because of violence.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The thing I like most about this series is the way the author manages to mix romance, action, and a message into such an entertaining package.
Although I enjoyed the first in the series, I feel like the story really gained some momentum in this book. Some secondary characters were brought to the forefront of the story, and I got to know them much better than I did the first time around. The best example of this would be Ryker's best friend Max. In the first book, Max was--well there's no other way to put it, Max annoyed me! Apparently he did a lot of growing while fighting alongside his friends because now I can say that Max rivals Ryker as my favorite man in this series. At some point he developes some pretty strong feelings for Kiah, but he knows that Kiah's heart belongs to Ryker so he is content to be a great friend and support system for both of them. Kiah actually feels more comfortable confiding in him at times than Ryker sometime. I thought we were headed toward love triangle territory for a while, but just when I thought Kiah was going to cross that line she made it clear who she loved so don't worry. Max's feelings for her were strong and true, but he loves Ryker like a brother. I never doubted that the way he felt about Kiah was just something that he had no control over. He would have wanted to take her from his friend; he just cared deeply for her.
Ryker was amazing as usual! He is a fantastic support system for Kiah, but he doesn't just gush over her all of the time. He has her back and looks out for her best interest. His sweetness really comes across when he treats her like the capable leader that she is, and then allows her to fall apart and tell him about all of her insecurities and pain later. Kiah is in real danger, and he's the one who has to hold her lifeless body and watch over it for day's while she soul shift. Not to mention the fact that she's the leader of a rebellion and constantly in dangerous situations. This is why he feels the need to constantly protect her.
Kiah is a very self-aware heroine. She has no problem admitting when she's wrong or has no idea what to do next. When she makes a mistake, she does what it takes to make things right. She's in a very difficult situation and has a responsibility that she never asked for thrust upon her. She takes that responsibility seriously, and that drives her to push herself to hard at times. When those closest to her tell her that she's doing a great job, she listens, but she also refuses to be satisfied. She will be a better leader because there is no other option for her. There are lives depending on her, and she knows it.
She is forced to deal with quite a bit this time around. While her relationship with Ryker isn't strained, it is put through some test, her father is still missing, and she is trying to figure out how to lead and still have a life of her own at the same time. She also has to deal with Marcus, the son of the villain from the first book, who is terrorizing her in a very creepy way throughout the entire book. She puts herself in some very dangerous situations, and feel like she has to keep certain things from everyone because she doesn't want them to talk her out of doing what she feels is the only thing that she can. She still has a great relationship with almost everyone, and they all want to help, love, and support her, but the secrets that she keeps do isolate her from others. She is forced to deal with quite a bit this time around. While her relationship with Ryker isn't strained, it is put through some test, her father is still missing, and she is trying to figure out how to lead and still have a life of her own at the same time. As if all of that wasn't enough, she also has to deal with Marcus, the son of the villain from the first book, who is terrorizing her in a very creepy way throughout the entire book. She puts herself in some very dangerous situations, and feels like she has to keep certain things from everyone because she doesn't want them to talk her out of doing what she feels is the only thing that she can. She still has a great relationship with almost everyone, and they all want to help, love, and support her, but the secrets that she keeps do isolate her from others.
Ryker worries constantly about her, and Kiah can be too reckless sometimes, but rather than argue and try to change one another they accept each other for who they are and talk through things. Their relationship is strong, and can survive whatever is thrown at it. I think that the fact that they were such good friends before they got together is the reason why they can disagree with each other and not let it ruin their relationship. When I thought that they were headed towards a breakup, I was not a happy camper, but I'm very happy that I was wrong. Ryker and Kiah are stronger and cuter than ever!
Every conflict that I mentioned is resolved in a timely manner so don't let them scare you. This book continues to deal with the serious events of the first one , but it also has a very light tone that keeps it from becoming depressing. If you're a fan of the first in the series then you won't be disappointed. Whenever I thought that I was going to dislike a direction that the story was taking, it would end up in the right place. I had moments of frustration, but they didn't last long. I should have just trusted the author not to let me down because she didn't! :)
I try to focus my reviews on what stands out to me the most in a story. In this series that is the relationships. Although the Quadrant War is very interesting, It's the relationship that make the story for me. Whether it's Kiah's relationship with Ryker, Max, Molly, her mom, or even Marcus, the relationships are very well-developed.
I was surprised how many shockers there were, and the ending is great! It put a huge smile on my face! If you hated how the first book ended and are afraid that you will have to deal with the same type of ending this time, I can set your mind at ease! The story is far from over, and I'm looking forward to reading the next book, but this time I got more of a sense of closure. It has one of the happiest cliffhangers that I've read in recent years, and that makes me want to read the next book even more!
I would recommend this book for ages 12 and up because of violence.
January 8, 2014
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
As I mentioned earlier, this is book 2 and is not a standalone novel. If you read this without reading The Quadrant War you will be lost. I loved book 1 - you can find my review Here. The Tech War doesn't suffer from second book syndrome at all; I enjoyed it every bit as much as book 1. It's great because we already know the characters so we're thrown into the action immediately.
Kiah and Ryker have set their sights on the Eastern Quadrant and the threat posed by psychotic Marcus Dunner. Unfortunately for Kiah, Marcus turns out to be a much bigger threat than she ever thought possible. There's still plenty of romance between Kiah and Ryker, though sometimes I think they spend too much time trying to protect one another instead of working together. It's really rather sweet though; they make a very cute couple.
The Tech War is nonstop action. Once I started reading, I never reached a good point to stop, so I just read straight through. One thing I really enjoy about Ann Denton's books are the character interactions. Though there are multiple characters, each one has a distinct personality that really shines through. I also love the positive nature of the novels. So many dystopians are just downright depressing. Even though The New Freedom Fighters are in a war, Ms. Denton focuses more on the positive scenes and emotions. Sure people die, it is a war after all, but the overall story is one of hope not despair.
The ending blew me away. Talk about an intriguing twist! I can't wait to read Kiah's next adventure! I highly recommend The Tech War to everyone high school and up (it is also appropriate for precocious middle schoolers - I'm passing this along to my thirteen year old son). There are battles, some gore, some psychological warfare/trauma, so keep that in mind for younger readers.
As I mentioned earlier, this is book 2 and is not a standalone novel. If you read this without reading The Quadrant War you will be lost. I loved book 1 - you can find my review Here. The Tech War doesn't suffer from second book syndrome at all; I enjoyed it every bit as much as book 1. It's great because we already know the characters so we're thrown into the action immediately.
Kiah and Ryker have set their sights on the Eastern Quadrant and the threat posed by psychotic Marcus Dunner. Unfortunately for Kiah, Marcus turns out to be a much bigger threat than she ever thought possible. There's still plenty of romance between Kiah and Ryker, though sometimes I think they spend too much time trying to protect one another instead of working together. It's really rather sweet though; they make a very cute couple.
The Tech War is nonstop action. Once I started reading, I never reached a good point to stop, so I just read straight through. One thing I really enjoy about Ann Denton's books are the character interactions. Though there are multiple characters, each one has a distinct personality that really shines through. I also love the positive nature of the novels. So many dystopians are just downright depressing. Even though The New Freedom Fighters are in a war, Ms. Denton focuses more on the positive scenes and emotions. Sure people die, it is a war after all, but the overall story is one of hope not despair.
The ending blew me away. Talk about an intriguing twist! I can't wait to read Kiah's next adventure! I highly recommend The Tech War to everyone high school and up (it is also appropriate for precocious middle schoolers - I'm passing this along to my thirteen year old son). There are battles, some gore, some psychological warfare/trauma, so keep that in mind for younger readers.
December 12, 2013
Kaih's Soul-shifting Journey: The Tech War
"I am lost in his love. Nothing else matters, and I know he is mine."
This is a sophisticated and clever love story that I couldn't wait to be reunited with. The passion feels real and so does the emotions displayed throughout this touching story.
The writing is so sharp that I was immediately drawn back into this destructive world. It is an emotional roller-coaster ride that I ate up in one sitting. I needed to know Kiah and Ryker's love would survive. Most of all, that peace would become a possibility? This story was even more fulfilling than the first installment without losing its intensity and flare. I was wowed at every turn. My eyes were glued to the pages as I remained entertained throughout. This story really delivered!
"I touch his face and try to smooth his worry lines away. When I look deep into his crystal-blue eyes, I melt into his arms. I feel bad because, the truth of the matter is, it is Ryker who is getting worn out. When I soul-shift, my body is sleeping so when I pop back into my body, I am rested. Ryker, on the other hand, stays awake the whole time I am gone. I have urged him to sleep and go about his daily routine while I am gone, but he won't. He stands guard over my sleeping body like I am a sleeping princess about to be eaten by dragons or something."
"I am lost in his love. Nothing else matters, and I know he is mine."
This is a sophisticated and clever love story that I couldn't wait to be reunited with. The passion feels real and so does the emotions displayed throughout this touching story.
The writing is so sharp that I was immediately drawn back into this destructive world. It is an emotional roller-coaster ride that I ate up in one sitting. I needed to know Kiah and Ryker's love would survive. Most of all, that peace would become a possibility? This story was even more fulfilling than the first installment without losing its intensity and flare. I was wowed at every turn. My eyes were glued to the pages as I remained entertained throughout. This story really delivered!
"I touch his face and try to smooth his worry lines away. When I look deep into his crystal-blue eyes, I melt into his arms. I feel bad because, the truth of the matter is, it is Ryker who is getting worn out. When I soul-shift, my body is sleeping so when I pop back into my body, I am rested. Ryker, on the other hand, stays awake the whole time I am gone. I have urged him to sleep and go about his daily routine while I am gone, but he won't. He stands guard over my sleeping body like I am a sleeping princess about to be eaten by dragons or something."
September 15, 2013
If most novels these days are written to excite, amuse, and humor the readers...Kiah's Soul-Shifting Journey is written to last.
After reading the first part, I had very high expectations for the sequel and I was not disappointed.
The plot was unique and intense to being with, and The Quadrant War did a good job at tingling my imaginative bones, but The Tech War just took me to a different level (which sucks because now I have to wait for the next part to come out :)). The detail, the style, the approach, the mystery and the setting...almost all aspects of the story are unique, elegant and brilliantly done without being overly complicated.
I loved how Kiah and Ryker were portrayed through out this series. It makes it easy for an average reader to connect with the characters. The internal dilemmas they face are believable, and they do battle with these universal issues (temptations, desire, faith, love, fear) just like any other individuals (at the cusp of adulthood) with minds of their own. During which, they discover themselves and each other, leading to the drama, the banter, the humor and all the other fun stuff :)
I can't wait to get my hands on the final part.
After reading the first part, I had very high expectations for the sequel and I was not disappointed.
The plot was unique and intense to being with, and The Quadrant War did a good job at tingling my imaginative bones, but The Tech War just took me to a different level (which sucks because now I have to wait for the next part to come out :)). The detail, the style, the approach, the mystery and the setting...almost all aspects of the story are unique, elegant and brilliantly done without being overly complicated.
I loved how Kiah and Ryker were portrayed through out this series. It makes it easy for an average reader to connect with the characters. The internal dilemmas they face are believable, and they do battle with these universal issues (temptations, desire, faith, love, fear) just like any other individuals (at the cusp of adulthood) with minds of their own. During which, they discover themselves and each other, leading to the drama, the banter, the humor and all the other fun stuff :)
I can't wait to get my hands on the final part.
May 8, 2014
Kiah's Soul-Shifting Journey
~Ann Denton
(11)
ACTION WITH A GREAT STORY, May 8, 2014
By Robert
This review is from: Kiah's Soul-Shifting Journey: The Tech War (Kindle Edition)
REVIEW BY ROBERT K. SWISHER JR.
This is the second book I have read of Ann's. The first was exciting and well written with so many imaginative twists I was amazed - with this in mind I was apprehensive to read the second book as many times the second book has a tendency to disappoint. But, I was not let down one bit - my apprehension was unfounded. THE TECH WAR carries on the wonderful characters of Kiah and Ryker, brings them once more into great danger and never ending conflict and action, while at the same time carrying on there deepening love for each other. There is death and destruction but there is also great feeling and hope for the future - a dream we all long for. The two books are great reads for children twelve and up. Hopefully the author is working on another.
October 18, 2013
This story keeps getting better & better!
I seriously can not tell you how much I enjoy this series, & look forward to the next book to come!! This is one young adult dystopian paranormal adventure you don't want to miss! I was raving after reading Kiah's 1st journey, but this journey is even BETTER than the last! Our "little butterfly" has transformed before our eyes, taking on the bad guys without taking names! The New Freedom Force continues to astound me as they battle with passion & keep us laughing out loud. Kiah has upped the game, bringing out the big guns, & Ryker won my heart all over again! If you enjoyed book one you are sure to love this book too!!
If you have not yet started this journey with Kiah go ahead & give it a try. ;-) The best analogy I can come up with to describe this series would be Hunger Games with a Paranormal twist.
I seriously can not tell you how much I enjoy this series, & look forward to the next book to come!! This is one young adult dystopian paranormal adventure you don't want to miss! I was raving after reading Kiah's 1st journey, but this journey is even BETTER than the last! Our "little butterfly" has transformed before our eyes, taking on the bad guys without taking names! The New Freedom Force continues to astound me as they battle with passion & keep us laughing out loud. Kiah has upped the game, bringing out the big guns, & Ryker won my heart all over again! If you enjoyed book one you are sure to love this book too!!
If you have not yet started this journey with Kiah go ahead & give it a try. ;-) The best analogy I can come up with to describe this series would be Hunger Games with a Paranormal twist.
April 24, 2014
What an exciting adventure! This fast-paced, action-packed novel kept me at the edge of my seat from beginning to end. Following Kiah's journey from the first book , we get to see the heroine grow into her role as a leader, take on more challenges, and mature in her blooming relationship with Ryker.
Determined to succeed despite the obstacles in her path, Kiah is a fantastic example of Girl Power.
I found myself cheering for Kiah and her friends from the beginning to the unimaginable twist of an ending.
Set in the future, yet completely realistic and relatable, this is one novel just about anyone will enjoy.
Is "Futuristic Realism" a genre? If not, it should be, because Denton totally nailed it with this one!
Determined to succeed despite the obstacles in her path, Kiah is a fantastic example of Girl Power.
I found myself cheering for Kiah and her friends from the beginning to the unimaginable twist of an ending.
Set in the future, yet completely realistic and relatable, this is one novel just about anyone will enjoy.
Is "Futuristic Realism" a genre? If not, it should be, because Denton totally nailed it with this one!
November 18, 2013
Well, what can I say other than another great page turner! The biggest problem with this book was getting a quiet moment to relax and read, really enjoyed this book! Typical on the last day of reading, I had to leave the book during one of the crucial moments in the book!!!! Very good characters, I found myself loathing one of the characters, I always find if I loathe a character so bad, its going to be a good book =D can't Wait for book 3 =D
November 11, 2013
I loved it I can wait for the last one to come out it is exciting and has unexpected turns just when you think you have it figured out something else happens it keeps you on edge
April 15, 2015
You can read this review and more on my blog:
I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The thing I like most about this series is the way the author manages to mix romance, action, and a message into such an entertaining package.
Although I enjoyed the first in the series, I feel like the story really gained some momentum in this book. Some secondary characters were brought to the forefront of the story, and I got to know them much better than I did the first time around. The best example of this would be Ryker's best friend Max. In the first book, Max was--well there's no other way to put it, Max annoyed me! Apparently he did a lot of growing while fighting alongside his friends because now I can say that Max rivals Ryker as my favorite man in this series. At some point he developed strong feelings for Kiah, but he knows that Kiah's heart belongs to Ryker so he is content to be a great friend and support system for both of them. Kiah actually feels more comfortable confiding in him at times than Ryker. It looked like we were headed toward love triangle territory for a while, but just when I thought Kiah was going to cross that line she made it clear who she loved so don't worry. Max's feelings for her were strong and true, but he loves Ryker like a brother. I never doubted that the way he felt about Kiah was just something that he had no control over. He would never have wanted to take her from his friend; he just cared deeply for her.
Ryker was amazing as usual! He is a fantastic support system for Kiah. He has her back and looks out for her best interest. His sweetness really comes across when he treats her like the capable young woman that she is, and then allows her to fall apart and tell him about all of her insecurities and pain later. Kiah is in real danger, and he's the one who has to hold her lifeless body and watch over it for day's while she soul-shifts. Not to mention the fact that she's the leader of a rebellion and constantly in dangerous situations. He understandably feels the need to protect her constantly, but he knows how to back off when she has her mind set on doing what needs to be done.
Kiah is a very self-aware heroine. She has no problem admitting when she's wrong or has no idea what to do next. When she makes a mistake, she does what it takes to make things right. She's in a very difficult situation and has a responsibility that she never asked for thrust upon her. She takes that responsibility seriously, and that drives her to push herself too hard at times. When those closest to her tell her that she's doing a great job, she listens, but she also refuses to be satisfied. She will be a better leader because there is no other option for her. There are lives depending on her, and she knows it.
She is forced to deal with quite a bit this time around. While her relationship with Ryker isn't strained, it is put through some test, her father is still missing, and she is trying to figure out how to lead and still have a life of her own at the same time. She also has to deal with Marcus, the son of the villain from the first book, who is terrorizing her in a very creepy way throughout the entire book. She puts herself in some very dangerous situations, and feel like she has to keep certain things from everyone because she doesn't want them to talk her out of doing what she feels is the only thing that she can. She still has a great relationship with almost everyone, and they all want to help, love, and support her, but the secrets that she keeps do isolate her from others.
Ryker worries constantly and Kiah can be reckless sometimes, but rather than argue and try to change one another they accept each other for who they are and talk things through. Their relationship is strong, and can survive whatever is thrown at it. I think that the fact that they were such good friends before they got together is the reason why they can disagree with each other and not let it ruin their relationship.
This book continues to deal with the serious events of the first one , but it also has a very light tone that keeps it from becoming depressing. If you're a fan of the first in the series then you won't be disappointed. Whenever I thought that I was going to dislike a direction that the story was taking, it would end up in the right place. I had moments of frustration, but they didn't last long. I should have just trusted the author not to let me down because she didn't! :)
I try to focus my reviews on what stands out to me the most in a story. In this series that is the relationships. Although the Quadrant War is very interesting, It's the relationship that make the story for me. Whether it's Kiah's relationship with Ryker, Max, Molly, her mom, or even Marcus, the relationships are very well-developed.
I was surprised how many shockers there were, and the ending is great! It put a huge smile on my face! If you hated how the first book ended and are afraid that you will have to deal with the same type of ending this time, I can set your mind at ease! The story is far from over, and I'm looking forward to reading the next book, but this time I got more of a sense of closure. It has one of the happiest cliffhangers that I've read in recent years, and that makes me want to read the next book even more!
I would recommend this book for ages 12 and up because of violence.
The thing I like most about this series is the way the author manages to mix romance, action, and a message into such an entertaining package.
Although I enjoyed the first in the series, I feel like the story really gained some momentum in this book. Some secondary characters were brought to the forefront of the story, and I got to know them much better than I did the first time around. The best example of this would be Ryker's best friend Max. In the first book, Max was--well there's no other way to put it, Max annoyed me! Apparently he did a lot of growing while fighting alongside his friends because now I can say that Max rivals Ryker as my favorite man in this series. At some point he developed strong feelings for Kiah, but he knows that Kiah's heart belongs to Ryker so he is content to be a great friend and support system for both of them. Kiah actually feels more comfortable confiding in him at times than Ryker. It looked like we were headed toward love triangle territory for a while, but just when I thought Kiah was going to cross that line she made it clear who she loved so don't worry. Max's feelings for her were strong and true, but he loves Ryker like a brother. I never doubted that the way he felt about Kiah was just something that he had no control over. He would never have wanted to take her from his friend; he just cared deeply for her.
Ryker was amazing as usual! He is a fantastic support system for Kiah. He has her back and looks out for her best interest. His sweetness really comes across when he treats her like the capable young woman that she is, and then allows her to fall apart and tell him about all of her insecurities and pain later. Kiah is in real danger, and he's the one who has to hold her lifeless body and watch over it for day's while she soul-shifts. Not to mention the fact that she's the leader of a rebellion and constantly in dangerous situations. He understandably feels the need to protect her constantly, but he knows how to back off when she has her mind set on doing what needs to be done.
Kiah is a very self-aware heroine. She has no problem admitting when she's wrong or has no idea what to do next. When she makes a mistake, she does what it takes to make things right. She's in a very difficult situation and has a responsibility that she never asked for thrust upon her. She takes that responsibility seriously, and that drives her to push herself too hard at times. When those closest to her tell her that she's doing a great job, she listens, but she also refuses to be satisfied. She will be a better leader because there is no other option for her. There are lives depending on her, and she knows it.
She is forced to deal with quite a bit this time around. While her relationship with Ryker isn't strained, it is put through some test, her father is still missing, and she is trying to figure out how to lead and still have a life of her own at the same time. She also has to deal with Marcus, the son of the villain from the first book, who is terrorizing her in a very creepy way throughout the entire book. She puts herself in some very dangerous situations, and feel like she has to keep certain things from everyone because she doesn't want them to talk her out of doing what she feels is the only thing that she can. She still has a great relationship with almost everyone, and they all want to help, love, and support her, but the secrets that she keeps do isolate her from others.
Ryker worries constantly and Kiah can be reckless sometimes, but rather than argue and try to change one another they accept each other for who they are and talk things through. Their relationship is strong, and can survive whatever is thrown at it. I think that the fact that they were such good friends before they got together is the reason why they can disagree with each other and not let it ruin their relationship.
This book continues to deal with the serious events of the first one , but it also has a very light tone that keeps it from becoming depressing. If you're a fan of the first in the series then you won't be disappointed. Whenever I thought that I was going to dislike a direction that the story was taking, it would end up in the right place. I had moments of frustration, but they didn't last long. I should have just trusted the author not to let me down because she didn't! :)
I try to focus my reviews on what stands out to me the most in a story. In this series that is the relationships. Although the Quadrant War is very interesting, It's the relationship that make the story for me. Whether it's Kiah's relationship with Ryker, Max, Molly, her mom, or even Marcus, the relationships are very well-developed.
I was surprised how many shockers there were, and the ending is great! It put a huge smile on my face! If you hated how the first book ended and are afraid that you will have to deal with the same type of ending this time, I can set your mind at ease! The story is far from over, and I'm looking forward to reading the next book, but this time I got more of a sense of closure. It has one of the happiest cliffhangers that I've read in recent years, and that makes me want to read the next book even more!
I would recommend this book for ages 12 and up because of violence.
October 15, 2013
A book you don't want to end...this continuation of Kiah's exciting journey left me anxiously awaiting book 3...
With the Quadrant War behind them, Kiah's group of teens have a whole new battle looming, one that seems impossible to win...however, even in the most overwhelming situations, there is always hope...hope for a new way of life, hope for a future, and hope that love and good will prevail. It has been fulfilling to watch the characters grow up and to see them take on new challenges and risks! I cannot wait to experience with Kiah the final journey in the trilogy....
With the Quadrant War behind them, Kiah's group of teens have a whole new battle looming, one that seems impossible to win...however, even in the most overwhelming situations, there is always hope...hope for a new way of life, hope for a future, and hope that love and good will prevail. It has been fulfilling to watch the characters grow up and to see them take on new challenges and risks! I cannot wait to experience with Kiah the final journey in the trilogy....
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews