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Contaminated #2
Mercy Mode
A gripping survival story, the second in a series by a best-selling author, of a strong girl rebuilding her life in a post-apocalyptic society where a contaminated drink makes victims act like zombies; just right for fans of James Dashner, Carrie Ryan, and The Walking Dead.
Seventeen-year-old Velvet, her little sister, Opal, their mom, who is recovering from the Contamination, and Velvet's sweet boyfriend, Dillon, are attempting to build a new life amid the rationing and regulations of the post-outbreak nation. But the outbreak isn't over: more people turning into "Connies," more madness erupting, more killings occurring. And what they are being told is not the truth; the truth is far darker and more threatening.
Seventeen-year-old Velvet, her little sister, Opal, their mom, who is recovering from the Contamination, and Velvet's sweet boyfriend, Dillon, are attempting to build a new life amid the rationing and regulations of the post-outbreak nation. But the outbreak isn't over: more people turning into "Connies," more madness erupting, more killings occurring. And what they are being told is not the truth; the truth is far darker and more threatening.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2014
17 people are currently reading
698 people want to read
About the author
Em Garner
3 books70 followersEm Garner writes books.
She likes rainbows and unicorns and glitter and zombies, and she hates the feeling of corduroy, the grit of sand in her teeth (who doesn’t?) and the way banana candy tastes.
She lives by the ocean with her family, and she always goes in the water even though she’s afraid of sharks.
She likes rainbows and unicorns and glitter and zombies, and she hates the feeling of corduroy, the grit of sand in her teeth (who doesn’t?) and the way banana candy tastes.
She lives by the ocean with her family, and she always goes in the water even though she’s afraid of sharks.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
May 2, 2016
Ah Mercy Mode. Long sought after, after reading the first Contaminated which had set the stage for this.
Velvet Ellis is back with her family ready to take on the post Contamination World in Book Two: Mercy Mode.
All in all another good book.
Velvet Ellis is back with her family ready to take on the post Contamination World in Book Two: Mercy Mode.
All in all another good book.
September 19, 2014
This is book 2 so will contain spoilers for book 1!
With the outbreak now contained, Velvet now lives with her sister Opal, mother and Dillon. They are trying to survive in the aftermath of the contamination. Dillon has to work and Velvet is trying to keep her mother from being found by the soldiers. Once a week she has to travel to the town to get their weekly rations, which is very risky because there is now mandatory testing for contamination everywhere. Velvet knows that if she is tested, she will more than likely be found to be carrying the contamination, because she drank a little bit of the Thin- Pro.
Every where she goes she see signs that the contamination isn't over. There's more soldiers around, mandatory testing, and more Connies can be seen. While the government told them that the contamination is contained, The Voice is telling them that its not true. More waves of Connies are breaking out and now where Velvet lives is considered a Black Zone. The people that are tested and found to have the virus are taken away, even if they show no signs of the disease, and brought to the Sanitarium. They are never seen again!
When Velvet is finally caught, she is taken to the Sanitarium and tested, with surprising results!
I really enjoyed book 1, Contaminated and was excited to read book 2. Mercy Mode was all book 1 was and more!
Velvet is much stronger in this book than book 1. Both physically and emotionally. She is now married to Dillion because it was the only way they could stay together and keep Opal. Every day is a struggle to survive for her and the more things she sees happening in the outside world, the more worried she is about her family. Dillion has to drive to work everyday and may not make it home, she is tasked with finding food and other stuff they need to live and she also has to watch her sister and her mother and keep them safe.
I loved Dillion in book 1 and I loved him even more in Mercy Mode. He is the strong reliable type. He loves Velvet and is so patient and kind to her. They are trying to make the most of life and his relationship with Velvet is in its infancy, yet they had to marry. He is a constant in her life and is always there when needed.
Another relationship I loved seeing was that of Velvet and her sister Opal. Opal has seen things most kids her age would never dream of yet Velvet tries her hardest to shield her from the worst. Velvet will do anything and everything to protect her and vice versa. They need each other and have such a strong bond.
Overall Mercy Mode was an action packed, edge of your seat ride. It had more action and more twists and turns than book 1 and I flew through it. We are left with a lot of questions though so Im really looking forward to the next one. All in all Mercy Mode is an enjoyable, fresh take on the Zombie phenom and a series that goes from strength to strength.
With the outbreak now contained, Velvet now lives with her sister Opal, mother and Dillon. They are trying to survive in the aftermath of the contamination. Dillon has to work and Velvet is trying to keep her mother from being found by the soldiers. Once a week she has to travel to the town to get their weekly rations, which is very risky because there is now mandatory testing for contamination everywhere. Velvet knows that if she is tested, she will more than likely be found to be carrying the contamination, because she drank a little bit of the Thin- Pro.
Every where she goes she see signs that the contamination isn't over. There's more soldiers around, mandatory testing, and more Connies can be seen. While the government told them that the contamination is contained, The Voice is telling them that its not true. More waves of Connies are breaking out and now where Velvet lives is considered a Black Zone. The people that are tested and found to have the virus are taken away, even if they show no signs of the disease, and brought to the Sanitarium. They are never seen again!
When Velvet is finally caught, she is taken to the Sanitarium and tested, with surprising results!
I really enjoyed book 1, Contaminated and was excited to read book 2. Mercy Mode was all book 1 was and more!
Velvet is much stronger in this book than book 1. Both physically and emotionally. She is now married to Dillion because it was the only way they could stay together and keep Opal. Every day is a struggle to survive for her and the more things she sees happening in the outside world, the more worried she is about her family. Dillion has to drive to work everyday and may not make it home, she is tasked with finding food and other stuff they need to live and she also has to watch her sister and her mother and keep them safe.
I loved Dillion in book 1 and I loved him even more in Mercy Mode. He is the strong reliable type. He loves Velvet and is so patient and kind to her. They are trying to make the most of life and his relationship with Velvet is in its infancy, yet they had to marry. He is a constant in her life and is always there when needed.
Another relationship I loved seeing was that of Velvet and her sister Opal. Opal has seen things most kids her age would never dream of yet Velvet tries her hardest to shield her from the worst. Velvet will do anything and everything to protect her and vice versa. They need each other and have such a strong bond.
Overall Mercy Mode was an action packed, edge of your seat ride. It had more action and more twists and turns than book 1 and I flew through it. We are left with a lot of questions though so Im really looking forward to the next one. All in all Mercy Mode is an enjoyable, fresh take on the Zombie phenom and a series that goes from strength to strength.
March 3, 2023
this book is so frustrating because of how much potential the story has. it begins VERY SLOW and borderline boring but towards the middle it really picks up and gets interesting, i really thought it was going to redeem itself. but the ending was so disappointing, it ends on a cliff hanger? which is confusing because there’s no following third book. maybe i’m just searching for something more when this book is really just a bit bland and straight forward. also they never even mention why velvet is the way she is…what is the point of this book? i do have to say though, velvet is really great interesting character i’m just truly disappointed that she never amounts to anything particular throughout both of the books😕
July 12, 2023
This is just what I needed - a pandemic, apocalypse, and dystopia book all in one. Velvet and her household of little sister Opal, "husband" Dillon, old Mrs. Holly, and "cured" Mom are managing to eke out a survival after a huge part of the population has succumbed to the "Contamination". Unfortunately, they are picked up by a cruel scientist who is interested in Velvet's unusual abilities. She is prodded, poked, punished, and abused until she escapes. With the help of Arnaldo, a sympathetic orderly, Brice, a young soldier, Dr. Ellen, a disgraced scientist, and Dillon, Velvet is able to rescue Opal and escape to a green zone. I hope the author is working diligently on the next book as I want to know what is going to happen.
August 23, 2019
After the wonderful Contaminated, I was supremely disappointed in this followup. The beginning half feels a lot like filler and waiting for the ending. The MC becomes more and more unlikeable-- this is on purpose of course, but not to good effect. Also, the science becomes odd and not well described after it is done so well in the predecessor. The story devolves into one that blames the "evil scientists/doctors." Finally, there are many threads that were opened in this story that remain open at the end and the ending feels incredibly rushed. In my opinion, I would read Contaminated as a standalone.
February 16, 2021
Velvet tries to keep her sister and mother safe in a country where Connies (Contaminated) seem to be increasing daily.
I loved "Contaminated" (the first book) and enjoyed this sequel as well. Velvet is an excellent character who isn't hampered by the usual YA tropes of worrying only about herself and her popularity. She's just trying to survive while worrying about if she herself might be contaminated.
I'm bummed that there was never a third book in this series! It definitely has an ending that makes you want to know what happened next.
I loved "Contaminated" (the first book) and enjoyed this sequel as well. Velvet is an excellent character who isn't hampered by the usual YA tropes of worrying only about herself and her popularity. She's just trying to survive while worrying about if she herself might be contaminated.
I'm bummed that there was never a third book in this series! It definitely has an ending that makes you want to know what happened next.
August 5, 2022
Really disappointed. I really loved the first book because it seemed like an earnest attempt of characters struggling to exist in this new world they have to live in. However, the 2nd book relies on Marvel-esq twists and sense of grandeur that feels unearned. Velvet's experiences aren't dictated at all by her actions; getting where she was at the "Act 3" point feels, while not out of left field, unearned. It veers more into some kinda of sci-fi/supersoldier bit than something more grounded and character-driven.
December 25, 2017
I had a great time reading this book. I love the way Velvet is kept as a brave and determined character. She was a young girl that decided to survive no matter the circumstances, not only for herself but for those she loved. I was very excited to read this book after reading the first one. Not a lot of romance but that is what I love about it. It was more about how the real world would be if it turn into madness.
November 20, 2018
This book is more "all over the place" than the first book. Velvet is immune or contaminated or...
Velvet avoids being tested through leaps of logic. Their mom has moments of clarity at random times. Usually when convenient. They are able to have a puppy despite struggling for food. But they seem to have unlimited supplies of mac and cheese. I skimmed a lot in this book to see where it would go.
There is a happy ending of sorts. Unless there is a book three. Then maybe not so happy.
Velvet avoids being tested through leaps of logic. Their mom has moments of clarity at random times. Usually when convenient. They are able to have a puppy despite struggling for food. But they seem to have unlimited supplies of mac and cheese. I skimmed a lot in this book to see where it would go.
There is a happy ending of sorts. Unless there is a book three. Then maybe not so happy.
January 22, 2026
Started slow but then totally drew me in!! I have BEEF with the way they ended this book. One chapter is the middle of an action-packed scene and the next chapter is a 3 page epilogue? That isn’t even addressed as the epilogue?
I’ll never complain about a rushed ending again because this is the worlds most rushed ending
I’ll never complain about a rushed ending again because this is the worlds most rushed ending
July 12, 2017
This was a good read- there's some really intense parts in tbis book- more so than the first one. I really enjoyed it, but I wish there was more info and explanation about the contamination itself and on the world outside the black zone. I'm really hoping those two things are coming in book 3.
May 28, 2017
zombies -- first part was excellent -- till the fire and then the book goes downhill from there :/
April 16, 2018
A dystopia story about an older teen trying to keep her family together in a world where a diet drink has caused mass dementia. Lots of suspense and empathetic characters.
November 1, 2017
The first one was better since this one dragged on for too long. The ending was incredible, though.
April 7, 2015
I bought a copy of Contaminated last year and ate it up, so I was overjoyed when Em Garner sent me an ARC of Mercy Mode to read and review. And I definitely liked it as much--if not more--than its predecessor. Plus, it's set in PA, and reading a book that's set in someplace familiar is always a huge plus for me! But let's go into detail.
I'm not a huge zombie girl. In fact, I'm not even a huge fan of paranormal. But the Contaminated series has a way of making these zombie-like victims seem fresh and unique, while still keeping things familiar. This, I think, will make the book appeal to both undead junkies and paranormal newbies, like me.
As far as plot goes, I was actually very impressed. Often times, the sequel to a dystopian novel lacks in action and excitement (as shown by the first halves of Catching Fire and Insurgent). While it may not have been as riveting as I would've liked, I wasn't yanked around. Mercy Mode managed to keep things at a steady pace, and the final third of the book was successful in keeping me up far past my bedtime.
Now for my favorite part. Characters.
Mercy Mode doesn't have a large cast of characters, which I appreciate, because it gives me a better chance to connect with each of them in ways that wouldn't be possible if there had been more. Yes, Mrs. Holly did seem a little unnecessary to the story, but she was still strong and sassy for an old woman living in harsh conditions. Velvet's mother triggered a lot of sympathy from me, and Opal was the bright spot in a crappy situation. Cute, spunky, and, to quote Velvet, "sometimes a bit of a brat," Opal provided a lot of entertainment.
There was a character that did seem a little off to me. Dillon. He was sweet and tried his best to provide for his and Velvet's makeshift family, but he always seemed a little distant, something he hadn't been in Contaminated. But it's possible that he was written that way on purpose. He and Velvet were forced to have a somewhat rushed relationship, marrying solely for the purpose of benefits and more food, rather than love. Velvet herself often remarked that she and Dillon had been awkward with each other recently, and I don't blame them, under the circumstances.
My favorite character was Velvet. She was great. She appealed to me in ways that Katniss and Tris do, but without being a copycat, dystopian heroine. She's original and very much her own person. She's strong and feisty and would do anything for her family. She's fiercely protective of her little sister and puts herself through life-threatening danger to make things better for her.
So all in all, Mercy Mode is a fantastic and entertaining read that will appeal to paranormal and dystopian lovers alike, especially for fans of The Program and Divergent. I definitely recommend reading the series, and sincerely hope there is a sequel very soon!
I'm not a huge zombie girl. In fact, I'm not even a huge fan of paranormal. But the Contaminated series has a way of making these zombie-like victims seem fresh and unique, while still keeping things familiar. This, I think, will make the book appeal to both undead junkies and paranormal newbies, like me.
As far as plot goes, I was actually very impressed. Often times, the sequel to a dystopian novel lacks in action and excitement (as shown by the first halves of Catching Fire and Insurgent). While it may not have been as riveting as I would've liked, I wasn't yanked around. Mercy Mode managed to keep things at a steady pace, and the final third of the book was successful in keeping me up far past my bedtime.
Now for my favorite part. Characters.
Mercy Mode doesn't have a large cast of characters, which I appreciate, because it gives me a better chance to connect with each of them in ways that wouldn't be possible if there had been more. Yes, Mrs. Holly did seem a little unnecessary to the story, but she was still strong and sassy for an old woman living in harsh conditions. Velvet's mother triggered a lot of sympathy from me, and Opal was the bright spot in a crappy situation. Cute, spunky, and, to quote Velvet, "sometimes a bit of a brat," Opal provided a lot of entertainment.
There was a character that did seem a little off to me. Dillon. He was sweet and tried his best to provide for his and Velvet's makeshift family, but he always seemed a little distant, something he hadn't been in Contaminated. But it's possible that he was written that way on purpose. He and Velvet were forced to have a somewhat rushed relationship, marrying solely for the purpose of benefits and more food, rather than love. Velvet herself often remarked that she and Dillon had been awkward with each other recently, and I don't blame them, under the circumstances.
My favorite character was Velvet. She was great. She appealed to me in ways that Katniss and Tris do, but without being a copycat, dystopian heroine. She's original and very much her own person. She's strong and feisty and would do anything for her family. She's fiercely protective of her little sister and puts herself through life-threatening danger to make things better for her.
So all in all, Mercy Mode is a fantastic and entertaining read that will appeal to paranormal and dystopian lovers alike, especially for fans of The Program and Divergent. I definitely recommend reading the series, and sincerely hope there is a sequel very soon!
July 6, 2015
A couple of major developments have transpired in the time that passed between Contaminated and Mercy Mode. Since Dillon’s parents were taken away, it only makes sense for him to move in with Velvet, Opal and their contaminated mother. Velvet and Dillon have married so that she and her family can be covered by his health benefits, but in actuality their relationship is still in the early stages of dating and they are more like “roomies”. Mrs. Holly, an elderly neighbor who also refused to leave when the community was evacuated, moved in with them after her husband died. The five of them are still struggling to survive in a world where there are dangers both from the Connies, who were contaminated by ThinPro, and the government that has become even more intrusive in its methods of dealing with those who have been contaminated.
Much like the first book in the series, the cover of this novel does not look very promising. Luckily, what’s inside is an exciting and suspenseful follow up to Contaminated that definitely leaves the door wide open for a third book. Though Velvet sometimes treads dangerously close to certain type of savior/martyr heroine that we’ve seen in novels of this genre before, she remains a likable character who readers will root for. The plot has its share of twists and turn, some of which are more surprising than others, but overall it has a steady momentum that will keep readers engaged. I liked that throughout the two books, the reader is exposed to various settings within this society from the housing projects to the outskirts of society to the testing facility for the contaminated. Garner builds a post-apocalyptic world that is quite believable in many ways, especially the ways in which the government deals with it. The conclusion indicates that the third book will go in an entirely new direction. Readers will be anxious to see if Velvet finally gets a happy ending.
Grade Range: 9-12
Literary Quality: Good
Characterization: Good
Recommendation: Recommended
Much like the first book in the series, the cover of this novel does not look very promising. Luckily, what’s inside is an exciting and suspenseful follow up to Contaminated that definitely leaves the door wide open for a third book. Though Velvet sometimes treads dangerously close to certain type of savior/martyr heroine that we’ve seen in novels of this genre before, she remains a likable character who readers will root for. The plot has its share of twists and turn, some of which are more surprising than others, but overall it has a steady momentum that will keep readers engaged. I liked that throughout the two books, the reader is exposed to various settings within this society from the housing projects to the outskirts of society to the testing facility for the contaminated. Garner builds a post-apocalyptic world that is quite believable in many ways, especially the ways in which the government deals with it. The conclusion indicates that the third book will go in an entirely new direction. Readers will be anxious to see if Velvet finally gets a happy ending.
Grade Range: 9-12
Literary Quality: Good
Characterization: Good
Recommendation: Recommended
September 14, 2014
A sickness spreads across the country from a contaminated diet drink. Now the government is at a loss as to how to cure the sick, so their answer is to quarantine them until the worst of their symptoms has past, then fit them with a collar that sends electric shocks to the person whenever they get angry or overly agitated, symptoms left behind by the sickness, along with abnormal strength which can pose a threat to others. However, if the anger or aggression gets to bad the collar goes into mercy mode, the consequence, death. But there is one family that breaks all the rules when it comes to the contamination sickness and how it is supposed to work, and of course the government wants them for guinea pigs, once Velvet get a taste of this she escapes and takes her family and runs.
This was a different kind of dystopian book as we get a look into the government and what they would do as far as testing and how far they would go to get what they want. It isn't just the normal hide and seek type book.
I felt a bit behind at the beginning having not read the first book, but quickly caught up and then was swept away in the action. This book was full of action and it kept you page turning just to find out how everybody faired into the next chapter. Definitely a stay up past your bedtime book. I liked that there was not a ton of characters to learn and keep track of so I could just jump right in, it was a fun, quick book that was just a easy read, full of action, good relationships, and family values. I can't wait to read book one.
This was a different kind of dystopian book as we get a look into the government and what they would do as far as testing and how far they would go to get what they want. It isn't just the normal hide and seek type book.
I felt a bit behind at the beginning having not read the first book, but quickly caught up and then was swept away in the action. This book was full of action and it kept you page turning just to find out how everybody faired into the next chapter. Definitely a stay up past your bedtime book. I liked that there was not a ton of characters to learn and keep track of so I could just jump right in, it was a fun, quick book that was just a easy read, full of action, good relationships, and family values. I can't wait to read book one.
March 17, 2020
Mercy Mode (Contaminated 2) continues the story of Velvet Ellis and her family with many new developments since the conclusion of the first book. Now Dillon and Velvet are married in order to keep together, secure more food rations and share his health care benefits. One of Velvet’s former neighbors, Mrs. Holly, has also joined the household. Since Dillon is eighteen, he has been given a job at the sanitation department. It is Velvet’s job to take care of the others during the day and report to the distribution center for the family rations. Happenstance aids the family when a hen wanders into the yard. By trying to find the original owners of the hen, Velvet and Opal realize that there are provisions in the vacant houses in the neighborhood. Life seems to be going along smoothly until the neighborhood is set afire. Velvet is separated from the rest of the family by the authorities and is taken to the Sanitarium. Everything in Velvet’s life quickly becomes a nightmare in which she is subjected to many tests by Dr. Dona and Dr. Billings because she is a unique victim of the contamination. Mercy Mode (Contaminated 2) is a well written second book and adds much to the plight of Velvet. Dillon and Velvet evolve as characters and their relationship changes appropriately. There is more violence than the first book which effectively demonstrates how Velvet is changing as a victim of the ThinPro poison. Mercy Mode (Contaminated 2) is recommended for grades six through ten.
March 17, 2015
After finishing the first book I honestly wasn't even sure if I even wanted to finish the series. Then again my love for any Apocalypse story knows no limits and with there only being one more book I figured why not.
Until about halfway things were going fine. Sure they dragged a bit and the story-lines themselves were farfetched at times and even laughable... I was invested but then it all changed and not only did things go downhill they were rushed at such a rate, I'm anything but pleased.
I'm honestly the type of person who believes a bad book can be saved or at least redeemed a bit by a wonderful ending. Mercy Mode did not deliver and I was left with more questions and a cloudy head. Even seems like another book could be written but I think after all this, even if that happens I'm done. Zombie lovers probably won't go crazy over this series, as the main character often reminds readers how zombie-like they are but are actually anything but.. It's so repetitive I felt like I was being scolded to remember. The stories were not overly anything and after they basically lose everything they worked for, saved and loved I'm left wondering, what was the point?
Until about halfway things were going fine. Sure they dragged a bit and the story-lines themselves were farfetched at times and even laughable... I was invested but then it all changed and not only did things go downhill they were rushed at such a rate, I'm anything but pleased.
I'm honestly the type of person who believes a bad book can be saved or at least redeemed a bit by a wonderful ending. Mercy Mode did not deliver and I was left with more questions and a cloudy head. Even seems like another book could be written but I think after all this, even if that happens I'm done. Zombie lovers probably won't go crazy over this series, as the main character often reminds readers how zombie-like they are but are actually anything but.. It's so repetitive I felt like I was being scolded to remember. The stories were not overly anything and after they basically lose everything they worked for, saved and loved I'm left wondering, what was the point?
March 3, 2015
Mercy Mode is definitely a 5-star book. It is the sequel to Contaminated and the main character is a 17 year old girl named Velvet. In the first book, her, her sister Opal and her mom (who was recovering from being contaminated) survived in a society ruined by zombielike connies (people who drank a weight loss drink called ThinPro fell ill with a mutation). In this action-filled sequel, Garner describes the post-apocalyptic world that the main characters live in. Turns out that even with thousands of "connies" roaming around, the real enemy is the other people struggling to survive. Military checkpoints are being set up, and random checks for contamination are being issued to citizens. Because Velvets mother is contaminated, they have to hide her from the soldiers as they come by. Velvet is taken from her home because she is tested "inconclusive" and various experiments are done on her in order to find a cure to the contamination. In the end, Velvet, Tony (velvets husband), and Opal run away to an area called a "Green Zone"- where there are not nearly as many connies.
August 10, 2014
These books are great, really. Both times I have read a book in this series I have been saved from a reading slump. So that's rather commendable of the book.
I think the best thing about books in this series is that they're easy reading. They have pretty decent content and it holds my attention. Quite the feat for books challenged with getting me out of a reading slump.
The pacing is pretty much spot on as well. Perfect flow and pace definitely contributes to the easy readability.
Another thing that hasn't changed since the last book, but unfortunately is not a good thing, is my great dislike for Opal. That girl does not act like an eleven year old. More like a five year old. Seriously. She is really immature and a nuisance.
There are some good twists in there which keeps the book interesting. I didn't see them coming.
I don't really have that much of an opinion on this book to be honest, so this is a hard review for me to write.
4/5 comets
I think the best thing about books in this series is that they're easy reading. They have pretty decent content and it holds my attention. Quite the feat for books challenged with getting me out of a reading slump.
The pacing is pretty much spot on as well. Perfect flow and pace definitely contributes to the easy readability.
Another thing that hasn't changed since the last book, but unfortunately is not a good thing, is my great dislike for Opal. That girl does not act like an eleven year old. More like a five year old. Seriously. She is really immature and a nuisance.
There are some good twists in there which keeps the book interesting. I didn't see them coming.
I don't really have that much of an opinion on this book to be honest, so this is a hard review for me to write.
4/5 comets
November 29, 2015
I liked this sequel a little more than the original. We learn a little more about what is happening around her and she has someone to rely on in Dillon. I still would have liked to have gotten into a little more of the "science" thinking and without hating the scientists so much. I didn't believe any of them were really doing this because they believed in it and really felt they were doing this for the "better good." The doctor I really liked was Ellen and I wish we could have learned more from her. That being said, the book kept me reading quickly because I wanted to know what was going to happen, especially as they were trying to escape. Sadly, when I visited the website of the author, I read that the publisher was no longer going to be publishing and therefore we would not be getting the third book in this series. I would like to know what they find out about the green zones and how life could come back.
December 24, 2014
This book had a darker tone than the first one. I'm sorry but I would have raided all the homes on my street in the first week there, rather than risking being tested every time I entered town. Was I surprised that Velvet was actually contaminated - no, she always figured she was. In her , not her mother, resides the real cure. How far will the government go to acquire it? On a deeper level this is also a cautionary tale on how quickly your personal/civil rights could be taken from you. No voting, no warning, the government can take you, keep you and test on you any way they want - you are no longer a person just an object for their use.
I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
November 4, 2014
I chose this book because I read the first book and really liked it and found out it was a series so i rented the second one too. the story takes place in the future across the U.S and the character is facing coping with her mom and herself being contaminated and figuring out how to live and stay away from the soldiers and not get caught. The main character is definitely dynamic because she becomes angry and gets more protective and more aware of her surroundings. "I started to wonder if I was actually contaminated?" (velvet page 164). This book is about survival and a future where that's all that matters. I would definitely recommend this book and series to others. It's a great read.
June 21, 2015
Mercy Mode started out strong, but seemed to get weaker as the pages wore on. To be honest, I was a bit disappointed in this book because Velvet is not the strong, capable young woman that she was in Book 1. That being said, the pacing of Mercy Mode was spot on and the plot interesting. I had trouble with some of the plot lines of this book, as it seemed like the author needed to use parts of the book as a bridge to something else entirely. Overall, I found it to be an enjoyable read and a book I would recommend to those readers who are fans of dystopian novels.
August 26, 2015
I'm not completely sold on the ending, but the rest of the story kept me engaged.
It had enough action and chaos that you wanted to read more to find out what was going on.
The lead discovers more about what is going on. The lead develops more and discovers more about herself. Her sister is her normal adorable self. The love interest....Well, not much going on there. Probably one of the weaker points of the story.
I do love me a dystopian survival story. Can't wait to get my hands on the eventual next book (and there is gonna be one right?).
It had enough action and chaos that you wanted to read more to find out what was going on.
The lead discovers more about what is going on. The lead develops more and discovers more about herself. Her sister is her normal adorable self. The love interest....Well, not much going on there. Probably one of the weaker points of the story.
I do love me a dystopian survival story. Can't wait to get my hands on the eventual next book (and there is gonna be one right?).
January 11, 2016
This is a good book, surrounding a girl name Velvet, who is living, or surviving to be precise, with her family and relatives in a very disoriented world after a virus outbreak that has destroyed many lives, it might actually sound like a zombie apocalypse in the movies. She gets to experience many things that is too much for her age, and too many that has made her lost her innocence. This book has remarkably tried to set up the answer to a question that has sometimes concerned me: "What does it feel like to survive when the world collapse?"
October 26, 2014
Thanks to Netgalley.com and the publisher for access to this title.
A very strong book 2 in a time of usual sequel disappointment. This installment was heavier on the scifi aspect, but it is still a great story of survival in a post apocalyptic world. It can also introduce a great discussion about governmental impact and control. Recommended for fans of dystopias and zombies.
I will definitely be watching for book 3.
A very strong book 2 in a time of usual sequel disappointment. This installment was heavier on the scifi aspect, but it is still a great story of survival in a post apocalyptic world. It can also introduce a great discussion about governmental impact and control. Recommended for fans of dystopias and zombies.
I will definitely be watching for book 3.
April 12, 2016
Mercy Mode is the sequal to Contaminated. In this book Violet and her family face even more troubles.There is many check ends on the streets, you are forced to be tested to see if you are infected, and they are taking all the Connies away.Violet is infected but doesn't show any signs.Violet gets taken away too a facility too be tested.There she finds her father, who is also being tested. Violet's father is different than the other Connies, he has more anger ,is more aggressive,and is stronger.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2014
I love it when each book in a series gets better! I enjoyed Contaminated, but I loved Mercy Mode! Velvet keeps getting braver and stonger as she faces the new world order and I love her complicated relationships. The story got more complicated and more action filled. I cannot wait for more! Book three please!
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