IT ENDS WHERE IT BEGAN With the pending release of the deadly Nightshade virus, Brie and her allies must return to the place where her nightmare began—the Castra Project. In a world where even the most steadfast convictions can be shaken, Brie draws on her resilience, unbreakable bonds, and the flicker of hope that refuses to be extinguished. But the path ahead is riddled with uncertainty. Brie’s loyalty will be tested time and again as she navigates a landscape of deceit. From the high peaks of Hemlock to the back lanes of the Project, the divide between salvation and destruction has never been more perilous. Bloodroot is the final book of the thrilling Castra Project series by author Lisa Johnston.
If you’re looking for a perfect dystopian story, look no further as you’ve found it in Lisa Johnston’s The Castra Project series!
Dystopians are seriously one of my favorite genres and Lisa Johnston writes them brilliantly!
In Bloodroot, after narrowly escaping from the Castra project in Hemlock, Brie accepts the extremely dangerous mission to head back in to save the world and, hopefully, also her friend Heidi while she’s at it.
There were quite a few times when I would gasp out loud in surprise at a new twist or turn that I didn’t see coming at all.
I loved Brie, and Heidi, and the rest of the Hemlock group. I was terrified throughout of who wouldn’t make it to the end, because this world is brutal and in these types of stories, not everyone typically makes it to the end. And Lisa pulls no punches as normal. Once again she kept me on the edge of my seat and biting my nails the entire time.
For me, Bloodroot ended up being such a satisfying ending to The Castra Project trilogy and I’m going to be sad to leave this world and it’s characters behind.
This is my fourth book of Lisa Johnston’s and I will be reading everything she releases. She’s definitely a favorite author with these scary future worlds she’s created.
*Thank you so much to the author for providing me with an advance eGalley of Bloodroot!*
NIGHTSHADE Book 1 PUB DATE: 02.25.2023 Now Available
HEMLOCK Book 2 PUB DATE: 04.30.2023 Now Available
BLOODROOT Book 3 PUB DATE: 02.22.2024 Now Available
With the pending release of the deadly Nightshade virus, Brie and her allies must return to the place where her nightmare began—the Castra Project. In a world where even the most steadfast convictions can be shaken, Brie draws on her resilience, unbreakable bonds, and the flicker of hope that refuses to be extinguished. But the path ahead is riddled with uncertainty. Brie’s loyalty will be tested time and again as she navigates a landscape of deceit. From the high peaks of Hemlock to the back lanes of the Project, the divide between salvation and destruction has never been more perilous.
THOUGHTS:
This series and Lisa Johnston’s phenomenal writing made me a dystopian thriller fan. This series was incredible and if you want to discover a new author, a new genre, and support a great indie author, THE CASTRA PROJECT TRILOGY is an awesome start.
I loved how the third book circled back to where it all began - lots of unexpected and shocking twists I never expected. I have read four books from Johnston and every time it’s just better and better. Perfect ending to a wonderful series.
The fact that I read this trilogy in less than a week says something about how riveting it is. Four stars instead of five because I still have so many unanswered questions that I’m dying for answers to. PLEASE Lisa Johnston write another book I can’t believe you’ve done this 😭😭😭
Have to admit I was somewhat disappointed in this final book of the series. It was just too predictable unlike the first two and I guess I was just expecting a WOW of a finale. All in all a very good series.
The Castra Project Bloodroot by Lisa Johnston I give this book 4.5 stars
With the pending release of the deadly Nightshade virus, Brie and her allies must return to the place where her nightmare began—the Castra Project.
This for me was a satisfying conclusion to a trilogy that I have loved although I’m sad it’s done. Brie needs to take down the Castra Project once and for all, but who can she really trust to be by her side and can she stop the devastation of this uncertain world and save everyone she knows and loves in time.This book has more depth as I’ve become completely invested in how the author develops the storyline, immerses the reader in this future world and evolves the characters as time has gone on, especially Brie as she’s transformed from a girl into a woman. It’s the perfect mix of dystopian, action, and a little bit of romance.
I love how the FMC wasn't a chosen one to save the country. She wasn't held up on a pedestal by others. The pacing was good and the characters were all relatable. I have a new author to follow!
I finished Book Two of this series this morning and promptly ordered this one - the third - from Amazon. Unfortunately, it would take 2 days to deliver and I couldn’t possibly wait that long to find out how this phenomenal story ends.
So, I downloaded the kindle app and bought the e-version. Yes, I read this whole book on my phone. Desperate times call for desperate measures. What can I say?
And it did not disappoint! Bloodroot picks up immediately following the events of Hemlock. Again, as with my review of the previous book, I can’t launch into my typical synopsis without giving away half the plot - and it’s a goooooood plot that you need to discover and enjoy in its entirety without a single spoiler from internet scumbags like me. There were a few predictable parts but, overall, I loved it!
It will confound me for the rest of my days how this gem of a series is not topping all the bestseller lists. Why are you still reading this review? Go buy this series! Go!! Right now!
I hadn't read many dystopian novels but after reading the fantastic Wakeless, I couldn't resist the Castra Project trilogy. Through all the books, the protagonist Brie must navigate an ever-changing and complex world. I very much saw the series as a coming-of-age story, with Lisa Johnston's heroine a thoroughly believable and relatable young woman.
Throughout the series, I had a vivid mental picture of the ever-changing landscape, which is depicted with a beautifully light touch by the author. The dialogue is natural and engaging, and the story moves quickly, with Brie at the epicentre of the action at all times, towards the denouement.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this final book in the series, is, I think, how Brie becomes a woman, no longer the timid, shy young girl we meet in Nightshade. At times in this book we see her using her sexuality and vulnerability to get what she needs, and it is these nuanced changes which make her such an engaging character.
Bloodroot is the third and final book in Lisa Johnston’s Castra Project series, and I’m genuinely sad to say goodbye to these characters.
I first discovered Johnston’s writing in 2021 with her debut, Wakeless, and instantly fell in love with her storytelling. Since then, she’s only grown stronger as a writer, and Bloodroot is proof of that.
The Castra Project is a fantastic dystopian thriller series, packed with gripping suspense, rich world-building, powerful twists, emotional depth, and a bit of romance.
I loved how the story came full circle, ending where it all began. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, gasping, racing through the pages, wishing it wouldn’t end. But what an ending it was.
If you love thrillers with heart and high stakes, Lisa Johnston is a must-read. Her writing is exceptional, her characters unforgettable, and she’s just as kind and genuine as she is talented.
Time is running out! How much more devastation can our characters be subjected to? With more surprises up her sleeve, Lisa Johnston guides the reader to the end of Bloodroot, Book Three. I am, however, left with so many mixed emotions at the end of the Castra Project trilogy. The reality is that Lisa Johnston has created a dystopian world that her characters have difficulty coming to terms with, so why would I, as the reader, be allowed to come to terms? Many of the emotions felt by the characters become our own. While I want more, the point is that these characters live in a world filled with so many unknowns. The author has done a fantastic job of keeping us immersed. I can’t wait to read more of her work.