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Tier Trilogy #2
Tier 2
They’re mourning the loss of each other. But reuniting could have fatal consequences.
Kate can’t shake this uneasy feeling. Despite memories of her previous partner dying, her dreams are filled with vivid images of him alive and well. And plagued by sudden debilitating headaches, she can’t help but wonder if her body knows something she doesn’t.
Eric wants to be the dad his son deserves. So though he suffers constant reminders of his wife’s death, he’s forced to play along in a life that feels unfamiliar. But with a new romantic interest on the horizon, he wonders if it’s time to finally move on.
As the truth behind Kate’s illness begins to emerge, she fears someone has broken the fragile social contract. And when an unforeseen benefactor sends Eric information, his faith in the system faces the ultimate test.
Can two forgotten lovers rediscover the relationship their hearts remember?
Tier 2 is the second book in the enthralling Tier science fiction trilogy. If you like strong-willed protagonists, battles for romance, and portraits of societal decay, then you’ll adore Cindy Gunderson’s dystopian story.
Read Tier 2 to recall the truth today!
Kate can’t shake this uneasy feeling. Despite memories of her previous partner dying, her dreams are filled with vivid images of him alive and well. And plagued by sudden debilitating headaches, she can’t help but wonder if her body knows something she doesn’t.
Eric wants to be the dad his son deserves. So though he suffers constant reminders of his wife’s death, he’s forced to play along in a life that feels unfamiliar. But with a new romantic interest on the horizon, he wonders if it’s time to finally move on.
As the truth behind Kate’s illness begins to emerge, she fears someone has broken the fragile social contract. And when an unforeseen benefactor sends Eric information, his faith in the system faces the ultimate test.
Can two forgotten lovers rediscover the relationship their hearts remember?
Tier 2 is the second book in the enthralling Tier science fiction trilogy. If you like strong-willed protagonists, battles for romance, and portraits of societal decay, then you’ll adore Cindy Gunderson’s dystopian story.
Read Tier 2 to recall the truth today!
- GenresDystopiaScience Fiction
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2023
92 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 28, 2020
I liked this sequel to Tier 1 even more than the original. I really enjoyed that it was told from different character's perspectives. The action was pretty quick and kept me reading. I finished it in less than 2 days.
Kate and Nick are living a happy satisfying life in Tier 1, raising Kate's son from a previous marriage and their twin daughters together. Kate's headaches and nightmares involving her 1st husband (who died) and a son she doesn't remember are causing some anxiety and a bit of friction. The government seems to dislike people who ask questions and would rather alter memories than deal with differences of opinions. Are they really working towards creating a "better society?" With some secret information about what is really going on in Tier 2 and Tier 3, some of their policies are questionable.
When you're working with realistic-seeming events it's difficult to create a "satisfying ending." I'm still feeling a bit pained about the resolution, although I'm realizing that there isn't a possible scenario that would have made everyone happy.
Can't wait for the 3rd book in the trilogy. Mostly, what will it be called?
Kate and Nick are living a happy satisfying life in Tier 1, raising Kate's son from a previous marriage and their twin daughters together. Kate's headaches and nightmares involving her 1st husband (who died) and a son she doesn't remember are causing some anxiety and a bit of friction. The government seems to dislike people who ask questions and would rather alter memories than deal with differences of opinions. Are they really working towards creating a "better society?" With some secret information about what is really going on in Tier 2 and Tier 3, some of their policies are questionable.
When you're working with realistic-seeming events it's difficult to create a "satisfying ending." I'm still feeling a bit pained about the resolution, although I'm realizing that there isn't a possible scenario that would have made everyone happy.
Can't wait for the 3rd book in the trilogy. Mostly, what will it be called?
June 30, 2020
Check out my blog, One Man Book Club
The Value of a Star: Ratings Explained
Well now, here’s an unexpectedly unique take on dystopian future scyfy—and oddly (unintentionally) timely for this crazy year of 2020.
The set up: The world wasn’t ready when the virus came. Our selfish, me-first culture left the survivors with limited resources and a polluted world. There was one blessing the technology of the past left behind: DNA. Those companies that collect your DNA to reveal your heritage? That data all stuck around. In the new-post virus world of limited resources, it was decided that since we could determine who was most viable based on their DNA—who was least likely to get sick, who was most likely to be able to manage through change, stuff like that—we could then allocate resources to those who would be most likely to benefit first, then pass the excess down the line. All in the name of giving humans the best chance to survive.
Tier 1, you got what you needed because you were the best hope for survival. Your job is to mate with the optimal DNA match to strengthen our gene pool. How very Nazi-ish.
Tier 2, you got whatever Tier 1 didn’t need, and your job was to provide for Tier 1.
Tier 3, you are the least viable. You get the leftovers.
Sounds bleak, right?
Yep.
This certainly isn’t a future I want to be a part of, and that made the Tier Trilogy a terrific cautionary tale!
This is a series driven by its story. I found the foundational premise of a society built on fact-based science fascinating—and honestly all too plausible. So much of it was uncomfortable to read because I could see flashes of thought that exists in our world, and as much as I hated what the main characters had to go through, the story demanded I keep reading to discover the resolution. The unsatisfying and heart-breaking endings of books one and two promised a satisfying resolution that finally came, but not until the very end of book three.
I appreciated that there was no violence or language. The husband and wife were, um…very, in love. All the time. But everything stayed PG, and I can recommend the Tier Trilogy for ages 12 and up content-wise, but likely best for advanced 14 and up considering topics and pacing.
Happy Reading!
The Value of a Star: Ratings Explained
Well now, here’s an unexpectedly unique take on dystopian future scyfy—and oddly (unintentionally) timely for this crazy year of 2020.
The set up: The world wasn’t ready when the virus came. Our selfish, me-first culture left the survivors with limited resources and a polluted world. There was one blessing the technology of the past left behind: DNA. Those companies that collect your DNA to reveal your heritage? That data all stuck around. In the new-post virus world of limited resources, it was decided that since we could determine who was most viable based on their DNA—who was least likely to get sick, who was most likely to be able to manage through change, stuff like that—we could then allocate resources to those who would be most likely to benefit first, then pass the excess down the line. All in the name of giving humans the best chance to survive.
Tier 1, you got what you needed because you were the best hope for survival. Your job is to mate with the optimal DNA match to strengthen our gene pool. How very Nazi-ish.
Tier 2, you got whatever Tier 1 didn’t need, and your job was to provide for Tier 1.
Tier 3, you are the least viable. You get the leftovers.
Sounds bleak, right?
Yep.
This certainly isn’t a future I want to be a part of, and that made the Tier Trilogy a terrific cautionary tale!
This is a series driven by its story. I found the foundational premise of a society built on fact-based science fascinating—and honestly all too plausible. So much of it was uncomfortable to read because I could see flashes of thought that exists in our world, and as much as I hated what the main characters had to go through, the story demanded I keep reading to discover the resolution. The unsatisfying and heart-breaking endings of books one and two promised a satisfying resolution that finally came, but not until the very end of book three.
I appreciated that there was no violence or language. The husband and wife were, um…very, in love. All the time. But everything stayed PG, and I can recommend the Tier Trilogy for ages 12 and up content-wise, but likely best for advanced 14 and up considering topics and pacing.
Happy Reading!
October 15, 2022
Book 2
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Dystopian series with adult characters & family. It is so well written, engaging & that ending!!!
The only Love Trangle that makes sense!
I can't wait for book 3 and how this story ends.
Book Synopsis: 📖
"They’re mourning the loss of each other. But reuniting could have fatal consequences.
Kate can’t shake this uneasy feeling. Despite memories of her previous partner dying, her dreams are filled with vivid images of him alive and well. And plagued by sudden debilitating headaches, she can’t help but wonder if her body knows something she doesn’t.
Eric wants to be the dad his son deserves. So though he suffers constant reminders of his wife’s death, he’s forced to play along in a life that feels unfamiliar. But with a new romantic interest on the horizon, he wonders if it’s time to finally move on.
As the truth behind Kate’s illness begins to emerge, she fears someone has broken the fragile social contract. And when an unforeseen benefactor sends Eric information, his faith in the system faces the ultimate test.
Can two forgotten lovers rediscover the relationship their hearts remember?
Tier 2 is the second book in the enthralling Tier science fiction trilogy. If you like strong-willed protagonists, battles for romance, and portraits of societal decay, then you’ll adore Cindy Gunderson’s dystopian story."
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Dystopian series with adult characters & family. It is so well written, engaging & that ending!!!
The only Love Trangle that makes sense!
I can't wait for book 3 and how this story ends.
Book Synopsis: 📖
"They’re mourning the loss of each other. But reuniting could have fatal consequences.
Kate can’t shake this uneasy feeling. Despite memories of her previous partner dying, her dreams are filled with vivid images of him alive and well. And plagued by sudden debilitating headaches, she can’t help but wonder if her body knows something she doesn’t.
Eric wants to be the dad his son deserves. So though he suffers constant reminders of his wife’s death, he’s forced to play along in a life that feels unfamiliar. But with a new romantic interest on the horizon, he wonders if it’s time to finally move on.
As the truth behind Kate’s illness begins to emerge, she fears someone has broken the fragile social contract. And when an unforeseen benefactor sends Eric information, his faith in the system faces the ultimate test.
Can two forgotten lovers rediscover the relationship their hearts remember?
Tier 2 is the second book in the enthralling Tier science fiction trilogy. If you like strong-willed protagonists, battles for romance, and portraits of societal decay, then you’ll adore Cindy Gunderson’s dystopian story."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2020
I liked this book a lot more than the first book. Nick, Kate and Eric are forced to face some tough decisions, but they are willing to go against the government which is overstepping their bounds. It is a good reminder of how vigilant we must be to make sure that our country is free from the abusive powers which would lead to our destruction.
It also shows how even when one’s memories are erased, you can never forget how someone made you feel.
“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
― Maya Angelou
It also shows how even when one’s memories are erased, you can never forget how someone made you feel.
“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
― Maya Angelou
March 25, 2020
Love this book! Found myself conflicted on what I was hoping for during certain times with certain relationships. I loved how so many hard relationship situations were addressed and watching things unfold. Throughout the book I would find myself reflecting on what are values and what do I hold as a priority in my life with contributing to the community as well as my family.
November 29, 2019
Gripping novel! The character development and relatability rivals that of the greatest authors, and the plot twists kept me on my toes. It was also a very thought-provoking book with the society and government, the line between good and evil, and predestined v.s. choice themes present.
-Review by Allison, age 14-
-Review by Allison, age 14-
July 8, 2020
Tier Trilogy Book 2. I was very impressed with this book. The story shows what happens when wrong people are in power. It is nauseating to read what happens when people don't listen. The characters in the book are great and the story exciting, informative and very well written, so I hope this book wakes people up and helps them understand how wrong things can go when the wrong people are in charge and using their power to brainwash and manipulate.
December 7, 2019
Tier 2 flows seamlessly from the end of Tier 2. Being emerged into Kate’s new reality is emotionally riveting. Her experiences in this new setting are relatable even in a dystopian setting. Ms. Gunderson has created realistic characters with realistic relationships. I am so invested in these characters and I had a roller coaster of feelings immersing mornings elf in their experiences. You love some and really hate others. The world building within The Berg’s society is rich and conceivable with just the right hint of foreboding. The ending was so hard to read and I admit I sobbed at certain parts. ThT is how invested you get into these characters. If you are looking for a fresh approach to the dystopian genre look no further! can’t wait for Tier 3!
November 26, 2019
It is really a gripping story. Hard to put down before finishing. Very well written and with the number of characters involved it could have been hard to follow but if flows flawlessly. Looking forward to the next book for the conclusion. It is sometimes hard to believe that it is fiction as so many principles of real life are intertwined in the story. Looking forward to more.
November 22, 2019
The intricate groundwork and character development from Tier 1 blossom in Tier 2! More than just a view of post-apocalyptic life, Gunderson weaves an increasingly elaborate and intriguing examination of relationships, societal challenges and moral dilemmas that most of us face sooner or later.
Tier 2 captivated me from the first pages and didn't let go until I was done. A thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Fortunate enough to get an advanced copy, I just finished reading it a second time and enjoyed it even more!
Can't wait for Tier 3!
Tier 2 captivated me from the first pages and didn't let go until I was done. A thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Fortunate enough to get an advanced copy, I just finished reading it a second time and enjoyed it even more!
Can't wait for Tier 3!
November 13, 2019
This is another page turner by Cindy Gunderson. I enjoyed so much reading about the characters and was anxious and excited to see how the main dilemma from Tier 1 would potentially be resolved. I can’t wait until Tier 3 is released. There are some very thought provoking ideas in these dystopian novels. Great job to Cindy on her first two novels. 👏👏👏
January 19, 2020
I found both Tier 1 and Tier 2 fascinating and difficult to put down. I was fascinated by the story line and the choices presented to the characters and their individual reactions to the events and decisions in their lives. I've since gone back and read them both again, because I read them so fast the first time just to get the story line! I can't wait to read the third book when it comes out. Both books have surprised me and I'm sure the third will too!
January 4, 2020
Another great read!
I read Tier 2 with just as much excitement and speed as Tier 1! This book builds upon the themes of Tier 1 and now I cannot wait for Tier 3!
I read Tier 2 with just as much excitement and speed as Tier 1! This book builds upon the themes of Tier 1 and now I cannot wait for Tier 3!
November 30, 2019
Great follow up to Tier 1.
Enjoyed the book so much I could not put it down. Just upset that it wasn’t longer. Really excited for the 3rd installment.
Enjoyed the book so much I could not put it down. Just upset that it wasn’t longer. Really excited for the 3rd installment.
June 9, 2021
Tier 2 starts with us seeing where Kate, Eric, and their boys' lives have become since their separation. Kate is having headaches and the weirdest dreams that make no sense. Eric is feeling a loss that is keeping him from being able to move on. They are living their lives, not to their fullest, but getting through. There are so many secrets, but will they come to light or just stay in the background except for those that know what happened.
Oh Nick, sweet Nick is having to hold so much back, such a burden is laying on him. He has always wanted to do what was right, keep improving society, and making a difference. He has the opportunity to do that, but what will it cost him?
I still have tears in my eyes. This book is so real in feelings, and making the hard decisions, like those that we all have to make everyday. I don't know how Cindy wrote this book, much less narrated it without being a blubbery mess like me. You are my hero girl.
If you have read/listened to Tier 1, you must continue on to Tier 2. I'm about to start Tier 3 and it's the last, so I'm not sure how I feel about that, but I need to know how it all ends.
Oh Nick, sweet Nick is having to hold so much back, such a burden is laying on him. He has always wanted to do what was right, keep improving society, and making a difference. He has the opportunity to do that, but what will it cost him?
I still have tears in my eyes. This book is so real in feelings, and making the hard decisions, like those that we all have to make everyday. I don't know how Cindy wrote this book, much less narrated it without being a blubbery mess like me. You are my hero girl.
If you have read/listened to Tier 1, you must continue on to Tier 2. I'm about to start Tier 3 and it's the last, so I'm not sure how I feel about that, but I need to know how it all ends.
July 7, 2020
After getting to the cliff hanger ending of Tier 1, you better believe I was anxious to start Tier 2! Told from multiple perspectives, I got a great glimpse into the internal struggles each character was facing as they attempted to follow the societal rules. There were twists and turns and I legitimately didn’t know how it was going to end. Now I can’t wait for Tier 3 to come out!
August 21, 2020
Loved the plot. Great characters. Really completes the first in the series "Tier 1". Have gone immediately on to Tier 3. Very engaging.
February 12, 2025
Finally they start to come to their senses. It's super messed up that they moved eric (and Tal) from Tier 1 to Tier 2 and gave Eric a gardening job when created the biggest and mopst beneficial discovery they had had in centuries. And because they had to erase their memories and whatnot, you know his discovery has had his name removed from it. And like they're supposed to be all "Tier 1 is about serving the community so he doesn't need the credit for his discovery" well then better change Berg to a new name since credit isn't all that important.
Nick is a huge asshole and I honestly don't know how he managed to live with his decision for that long (at least a year). I get it he eventually did the right thing but he was willing to go along with it all until he realized that the committee was actually shit and Kate was severely suffering (and therefore his life suffered and he felt guilt). He didn't put Kate's well-being above his own wants until her well-being started to impact him. He "gave her up" bro he never actually had her since she would always choose Eric over him. I imagine Nick never actually cared what happened to Tal or Eric in this which is horrendous. In my opinion the only way Nick can redeem himself is by spearheading the revolution all the way to the end.
Okay to the last bit, when Nick tells Kate the deal, look I absolutely want her to end up with Eric and Tal buuuuuuut moving out to tier 3 alone, just the 4 of them is not actually a better deal. If Kate's tumor markers mean she won't get cancer and will live to be 70ish and Eric dies in his 40s and Tal and Bent live to 40s she'll outlive them all. Not to mention Tal and Bent never having any other friends or relationships or kids or chances to use their minds for engineering. Unless we're going to soon find people who do live outside Tiers 1 and 2 and/or people start leaving the tiers willingly as a part of rebellion or because of a rebellion (escaping violence). So I do think for the story to really continue the family will have to encounter more people somehow.
Nick is a huge asshole and I honestly don't know how he managed to live with his decision for that long (at least a year). I get it he eventually did the right thing but he was willing to go along with it all until he realized that the committee was actually shit and Kate was severely suffering (and therefore his life suffered and he felt guilt). He didn't put Kate's well-being above his own wants until her well-being started to impact him. He "gave her up" bro he never actually had her since she would always choose Eric over him. I imagine Nick never actually cared what happened to Tal or Eric in this which is horrendous. In my opinion the only way Nick can redeem himself is by spearheading the revolution all the way to the end.
Okay to the last bit, when Nick tells Kate the deal, look I absolutely want her to end up with Eric and Tal buuuuuuut moving out to tier 3 alone, just the 4 of them is not actually a better deal. If Kate's tumor markers mean she won't get cancer and will live to be 70ish and Eric dies in his 40s and Tal and Bent live to 40s she'll outlive them all. Not to mention Tal and Bent never having any other friends or relationships or kids or chances to use their minds for engineering. Unless we're going to soon find people who do live outside Tiers 1 and 2 and/or people start leaving the tiers willingly as a part of rebellion or because of a rebellion (escaping violence). So I do think for the story to really continue the family will have to encounter more people somehow.
February 6, 2025
Ok
Having read and been intrigued by Tier 1, I moved on to Tier 2. This time, I was prepared for the romance side of this dystopian tale and it worked out much better for me. The writing is good.
Kate has been paired with Nick, living in tier 1, with all her memories of being with Eric mostly wiped clean. She knows that she had paired with him and that he’s Bentley’s father; but believes that he died a long time ago and that Bentley was their only child.
In tier 2, Eric is living with Tal (Kate & Eric’s first child), & is unable to move on with his life. He too believes that his former partner passed away a long time ago & his memories have been wiped clean.
Kate’s memory wipe was not complete as she continúes to have vivid dreams about her former family and constant headaches. Nick loves her enough to buck the committee’s goals and help Kate deal with her symptoms, even to his own detriment.
Having read and been intrigued by Tier 1, I moved on to Tier 2. This time, I was prepared for the romance side of this dystopian tale and it worked out much better for me. The writing is good.
Kate has been paired with Nick, living in tier 1, with all her memories of being with Eric mostly wiped clean. She knows that she had paired with him and that he’s Bentley’s father; but believes that he died a long time ago and that Bentley was their only child.
In tier 2, Eric is living with Tal (Kate & Eric’s first child), & is unable to move on with his life. He too believes that his former partner passed away a long time ago & his memories have been wiped clean.
Kate’s memory wipe was not complete as she continúes to have vivid dreams about her former family and constant headaches. Nick loves her enough to buck the committee’s goals and help Kate deal with her symptoms, even to his own detriment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2024
dystopian prose
Look for a plot synopsis elsewhere
Look for my highlighted portions in Goodreads.
This is an amazing series for lovers of dystopian fiction. It really gives me the itch to reread things like Animal Farm, 1984, and some Machiavelli.
I’m just a bit wary that book three will wrap things up too cleanly. The author has a clean distinct voice with characters who have their own distinct strengths, motivations, and shortcomings that make for a gripping story.
Tear jerker ending.
Look for a plot synopsis elsewhere
Look for my highlighted portions in Goodreads.
This is an amazing series for lovers of dystopian fiction. It really gives me the itch to reread things like Animal Farm, 1984, and some Machiavelli.
I’m just a bit wary that book three will wrap things up too cleanly. The author has a clean distinct voice with characters who have their own distinct strengths, motivations, and shortcomings that make for a gripping story.
Tear jerker ending.
May 31, 2024
Love the story! Spoiler alert
I am enjoying the journey of the story, but I wish the author would stay in Kate's head because Nick sounds the same and I don't know who is thinking. A couple of other thoughts on this book in the series. The bargain at the end doesn't really make sense and Nick should have realized he could have still had more control.
I am enjoying the journey of the story, but I wish the author would stay in Kate's head because Nick sounds the same and I don't know who is thinking. A couple of other thoughts on this book in the series. The bargain at the end doesn't really make sense and Nick should have realized he could have still had more control.
August 14, 2025
After the first book, I didn’t expect to like the second book. I still think it’s wordy in places that don’t need it. But it’s been a while since a book made me cry. It’s heartbreaking, and yet hopeful.
August 25, 2022
I think I liked this one even better the first. I can't wait to read the third book!
July 15, 2023
Hard to put down.
December 29, 2024
Even better than book 1! Now on to book 3.
May 24, 2025
Can't wait to read the third. This is a phenomenal series
December 23, 2025
5 Star
So much better than Book 1. It explains a lot. The main characters are believable. I can't wait for book 3.
So much better than Book 1. It explains a lot. The main characters are believable. I can't wait for book 3.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews