Ruby watched Matt die. And now he’s being announced as a Captain of the world’s deadliest army on live TV. And beside him? Jack. Doctor Thaddeus is back, and he’s recruiting new Subjects—volunteers to become elemental super soldiers to protect the country from impending threats. Ruby knows this means more people will die at the hands of Thaddeus in his mission to create the perfect human weapons. When Ruby and Shawn are captured by Lab-Loyal Subjects, they quickly learn that no one is who they seem. Will Ruby survive the tortures of the Lab, or will she have to become the weapon she was designed to be? What would you do to survive?
Nikki Haase is an author who writes across genres; mainly dystopian sci-fi, and contemporary new adult fiction. Besides writing, Nikki enjoys reading, dyeing her hair vivid colors, and occasionally long-boarding. When she's not engrossed in a notebook, creating worlds with only the alphabet, she is usually cuddling or playing with her hyperactive dog, Kira, and watching spooky YouTube videos. With an unhealthy love for coffee and tea, she truly does turn caffeine into books.
I read the first book in Haase's Experiment X series, Sacrifice, some time ago, so I went back and brushed up, reminding myself how much I enjoyed the tale of Karen Turner and her discovery that she's part of a terrifying government experiment.
Book 1 was good, but book 2 ups the ante to the nth degree, mostly taking place inside the infamous lab, where Karen and her friends fight to survive appalling torture. Whom can she trust? And if she does survive, who will she be at the conclusion?
The staggering level of inhumanity isn't easy to read, but Karen's progress from victim of domestic abuse to homicidal weapon is both terrifying and understandable.
Thrilling, frightening and compelling in equal measure. I'm heading straight into the final book of the trilogy. Note that a prequel is due out soon.
I sat down to do some light reading one night and the next thing I know, I had devoured this whole thing.
First thing is first: I loved the first book in the series, but the writing was rough and choppy in places. That is NOT the case anywhere in the sequel. The quality of writing has improved and was a joy to read! I think that's why I sped though this in one sitting.
Secondly, I love the characters. I have favorites and I've been a mess hoping they live since I cracked the first page! I'm fully prepared to be destroyed by book three. While Haase struggles a bit with her physical descriptions of new characters (just about every female character was described with a 'round face') they come off the pages in their mannerisms and dialogue and the unique ways they take a stand (or don't).
In 'Exposed', the second installment of Nikki Haase’s series, the stakes are higher, and the narrative dives deeper into the dark world of super soldiers. This sequel sees Ruby grappling with loss, betrayal, and the daunting reality of her existence. Awarding this book 4 stars, I found 'Exposed' to be a significant step up from its predecessor, showcasing Haase's growth as a storyteller and her ability to intensify the suspense and engagement.
The novel excels in its exploration of themes such as identity, loyalty, and the cost of power. As Ruby and Shawn navigate the treacherous waters of their reality, the reader is taken on an emotional and action-packed journey. The introduction of new characters and the deepening of existing ones add layers to the story, enriching the reader's experience.
'Exposed' is not without its darker elements, featuring moments of graphic violence that serve to underscore the brutal world Ruby inhabits. These moments, while intense, are integral to the story, emphasizing the high stakes and the characters' desperation.
Overall, 'Exposed' is a compelling continuation of Ruby's story, building on the foundation laid in 'Sacrifice' and setting the stage for an epic conclusion. It is a testament to Haase's ability to weave a narrative that is both enthralling and emotionally resonant.
An incredible take-no-prisoners sequel, author Nikki Haase brings back Karen Turner and her fellow super soldiers who must use their elements (fire, water, air, and earth) to battle the evil government that has captured and imprisoned them in the hopes of turning them into weapons of war. I am not a huge fan of torture, but the payoff is deliciously brutal and satisfying. I am excited to read the next book in the series!
Nikki sent this book as an arc to me and It was so good, it reminded me of the Divergent series mixed with Avatar which is super cool. This book was action packed and descriptive which I love in books but I also felt connected to each of the characters and their journeys. Sometimes when I read sci-fi books the second book is hard to understand and connect with the first book but that was not the case with this series because I thought the first book lead into the second perfectly. 4.5/5 ⭐
When reading I was wondering where things would go. Now I didn’t think inside one of the facilities but it did. The things they were put those was tough but yet it was exciting. I wonder if the characters we followed got even stronger to take on the oncoming threat due to the experiments done on them. Only one way to find and that’s the next book to see how the war will be.
A other fantastic work from Nikki Haase! Yall are missing out if you don't pick up this series, I'm telling ya! The twists are always just so well done and not only that it's so dark and gritty and believable! I can't wait to start revolt <3
The deep dive into the experimentation on the super soldiers in this book completely expanded this sequel and made it all the more interesting. With the non-stop action and twists the entire way though, I was barely able to put it down. The details completely drew me in and made me feel for all the characters. I do want to throw out the trigger warning of attempted SA for future readers. The writing showed growth and depth coming from book one and the plot just kept getting better! I absolutely cannot wait for book three so I can continue following the rebellion!
Much like the first book, I couldn't put it down and the authors additions of so many new in-depth characters and the subtle, side plot romance left me craving the next book!
I can usually predict storylines, but Nikki Haase continually surprises me. This book was a really wild ride.
First, if you haven't read book one-Sacrifice-I recommend you do THAT first or you will not fully enjoy Exposed. These are not standalone books and should be read in order.
This is a really different kind of story. I really enjoyed the different presentations of the elements and their corresponding powers. I think it was slightly creepy as it was just a little too realistically possible, meaning the author did an awesome job! I got totally sucked in! The characters, the evil doctors, the parents, the science and so much more!
I will definitely be continuing this series. I'd highly recommend this for anyone 16ish or older. I'd consider this somewhat clean with some language and references to past and current mature content.
Wow just wow. This book delves further into the dystopian nightmare of the lab and scientists attempting to create the perfect super soldier. The fight for survival is ongoing and there are just moments of fleeting hope. The book keeps you on your toes and makes you cheer on Ruby as she keeps fighting. It also highlights how much of a monster people can be.
New characters are introduced and old ones show up in surprising ways. It's fast paced with lots of violence. It's an entertaining read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
ARC REVIEW my only major qualm with book 2 of this series is the disconnection i felt from end book 1 to start book 2. i felt there was information left out that had me confused for the first few chapters. now full disclosure, i didn’t reread book 1 immediately before starting this one so the confusion may be in part due to time, but relationship dynamics seemed fast tracked in a way that the reader was not fully involved in the progression. all that being said, this series concept is INCREDIBLE. its unique and exciting with twists and turns. action and adventure with a healthy dose of heartbreak at times. i cannot wait for book three and will absolutely be rereading the first two before diving in so i can have that full connection from one to the next❤️
The more I read this series the more and more it reminds me of marvel’s black widow program just with powers! Without giving any spoilers, I’m just gonna say that I can’t wait to find out what happens in the next book!!!!!
This book flows so perfectly from the first book you would think they are one continuous book. The storyline kept me on my seat and left me hanging at the end. I’m loving the series and cannot wait to read more
The next installment of Experiment X series. The group is found and tortured again, and they are finding themselves having to set up a revolution of other subjects to escape the lab hell. New plot twists and turns that I was not ready for! Tell me it isn’t so Nikki, not a betrayal of that level. I’m crushed for Ruby!!
Nikki sent this book as an arc to me and It was so good, it reminded me of the Divergent series mixed with Avatar which is super cool. This book was action packed and descriptive which I love in books but I also felt connected to each of the characters and their journeys. Sometimes when I read sci-fi books the second book is hard to understand and connect with the first book but that was not the case with this series because I thought the first book lead into the second perfectly. 4.5/5 ⭐