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Blackbird Duology #2
Deadfall
In the compelling sequel to Blackbird, Anna Carey delivers a gritty and adrenaline-filled story of a girl desperate to escape her mysterious and terrifying assailants. Told in second person, this heart-pounding thriller puts the reader in front of the target.
A week ago, you woke up in Los Angeles with no memory of who you are. The only thing you knew: people are trying to kill you. You put your trust in Ben, but he betrayed you and broke your heart. Now you've escaped to New York City with a boy named Rafe, who says he remembers you from before. But the two of you are not safe. The same people who are after you are tailing Rafe as well. As the chase heats up, your memory starts to return, but your past cannot save you from the terrifying circumstances of your present, or the fact that one wrong move could end this game forever.
With enemies on every side, and not a reprieve in sight, Deadfall will grab readers and refuse to let go. Perfect for fans of the Maze Runner series and the Legend series.
A week ago, you woke up in Los Angeles with no memory of who you are. The only thing you knew: people are trying to kill you. You put your trust in Ben, but he betrayed you and broke your heart. Now you've escaped to New York City with a boy named Rafe, who says he remembers you from before. But the two of you are not safe. The same people who are after you are tailing Rafe as well. As the chase heats up, your memory starts to return, but your past cannot save you from the terrifying circumstances of your present, or the fact that one wrong move could end this game forever.
With enemies on every side, and not a reprieve in sight, Deadfall will grab readers and refuse to let go. Perfect for fans of the Maze Runner series and the Legend series.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 16, 2015
27 people are currently reading
2226 people want to read
About the author
Anna Carey
26 books2,310 followersAnna Carey has been a gift wrapper, face painter, nanny, horrific cocktail waitress, sofa saleswoman and children's book editor. She graduated from New York University and has an MFA in fiction from Brooklyn College. She currently lives in Los Angeles, where she can be found writing, reading, and referencing 90s pop culture.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews
March 16, 2016
Los capítulos son muy cortos como en el libro anterior, la pluma de Anna Carey es ágil y sencilla lo cual ayuda bastante en la fluidez de la historia. Me gustaría mencionar que la narrativa en segunda persona ya no me causo tanto conflicto como en su antecesor, además en este contamos con la novedad de que algunos capítulos son narrados por otros personajes.
Si he de ponerle un PERO a Deadfall definitivamente seria que nos topamos con un triángulo amoroso demasiado forzado para mi gusto y uno que otro cliché en este. Sin embargo, el resto de la novela es demasiado interesante, sobre todo el descubrir por qué esta organización EAA está dándoles caza.
RESEÑA COMPLETA: http://www.elplacerliterario.com/2016...
Si he de ponerle un PERO a Deadfall definitivamente seria que nos topamos con un triángulo amoroso demasiado forzado para mi gusto y uno que otro cliché en este. Sin embargo, el resto de la novela es demasiado interesante, sobre todo el descubrir por qué esta organización EAA está dándoles caza.
RESEÑA COMPLETA: http://www.elplacerliterario.com/2016...
February 6, 2017
2.5
At the beginning of this book I was enjoying it! the new male character was awesome (it's one of the few things I liked about this book), we were getting answers, but then... the unnecessary love triangle, the things that Blackbird did, and the death of certain character made me disliked it a lot!!!
At the beginning of this book I was enjoying it! the new male character was awesome (it's one of the few things I liked about this book), we were getting answers, but then... the unnecessary love triangle, the things that Blackbird did, and the death of certain character made me disliked it a lot!!!
December 21, 2019
I really liked the ending. I mean when Rafe got killed my heart broke in two. And it was way too fast, she didn't even had the time to mourn him.
The love triangle suffocated me a little. She went to Ben when everyone looked bad at her, but then she would go to Rafe when things got bad. I liked the fact that at the end she didn't go with Ben and decided to continue her life without both of them.
I wished we could have seen what happened of all the hunters and see the future of Lena, like what is she gojng to do after all of this? Go to school? Find a job? IDK
If you like the kind of book where there is suspence, people hunting other people and a short book that you can read in a day or few, this is the book for you.
The love triangle suffocated me a little. She went to Ben when everyone looked bad at her, but then she would go to Rafe when things got bad. I liked the fact that at the end she didn't go with Ben and decided to continue her life without both of them.
I wished we could have seen what happened of all the hunters and see the future of Lena, like what is she gojng to do after all of this? Go to school? Find a job? IDK
If you like the kind of book where there is suspence, people hunting other people and a short book that you can read in a day or few, this is the book for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2020
Personajes: 1/5 Extremadamente básicos e insulsos, solo existen para que la protagonista (también insulsa) haga algo interesante.
Desarrollo de historia: 2/5 apresurado, torpe y desprolijo.
Escenas de pelea: 2/5 Jamás me perdí tanto, es peor que usar Google Maps en Corea del sur.
Escenarios: 4/5 muchos lugares, bien detallados.
Romance: 2/5 Innecesario. Abajo explicado ↓↓
Final: 1/5… Abajo ↓↓
Edición leída: 3/5 Argentina : V&R , 2015 (sospecho que es pirata ya que cambia el diseño de interior que se utilizaba en el anterior tomo y carece de solapas). Error en la sinopsis y algunos errores de tipeo.
Siento que el nivel de la historia bajó considerablemente entre el primer y el segundo –y último– tomo de esta serie; no me pareció correcto el desarrollo que llevó a cabo la autora en muchas partes y hasta pude sentir que intentaba alargar partes innecesarias, lo cual es muy malo teniendo en cuenta la longitud del libro.
Hay muchas escenas que carecen realmente de sentido y que, de haber ocurrido de forma realista, podrían haber generado un desenlace muy distinto al que se obtuvo. No entiendo el punto de las peleas y disparos en trenes repletos de gente que no se da por aludida, peleas donde terminan desarmando a los cazadores únicamente quitándoles el arma y sacándoles el cartucho de la misma pero nunca quedándosela para su propia protección, tampoco entiendo que se realicen diversos allanamientos donde los personajes encuentran mucho material para culpabilizar a los creadores del juego y así todo se actúe como si nada, no se haga intervenir a la policía inmediatamente ni tampoco agarren las pocas pruebas que hay para tenerlas en su poder.
El desarrollo que se da en este tomo al triángulo amoroso me parece desastroso: innecesario y muy mal llevado a cabo. Se forjan vínculos amorosos en apenas días más fuertes de lo humanamente posible y crean algunas situaciones de tensión irrelevantes entre los protagonistas del mismo; finalmente se saca a uno de en medio de la forma más baja y, así todo, el segundo también queda parcialmente descartado. Aunque con lo abierto que es el final, podría interpretarse que lleguen a reunirse nuevamente.
No me parece bien deshacerse de alguien que logró tantas cosas de una forma tan sosa y banal, se sintió hasta como una falta de respeto hacia el personaje. Es una de las escenas más carente de sentido y que hasta yo, que no soy quien vivió lo que ellos por lo tanto carezco de experiencia, se dio cuenta de que podría ocurrir; alguien tan experimentado no se hubiera expuesto así ante semejante peligro. Además ¿sobrevive mágicamente la protagonista? ¿por qué? Tranquilamente podría haber sido asesinada junto a su pareja, pero oh casualidad se la deja vivita y coleando, nadie la detiene y el asesino hasta escapa teniendo todas las de ganar.
El final casi abierto no ayudó en mucho
Su editora tampoco la ayudó mucho en la corrección y confección de los paratextos de la novela, por lo visto no dio mayor importancia al texto ni a los tiempos en que se desarrolla la historia, ya que tenemos una sinopsis mal ubicada temporalmente y constantes errores de tipeo y ortografía.
En conclusión: Deadfall no solo que llega a ser una conclusión lenta, aburrida y alargada, sino que además arruina el nivel que dejó su predecesora volviéndola una historia del montón. Los personajes no te mueven un pelo, no hay una sola frase que resaltar y el desarrollo es un asco. Fin.
May 14, 2019
I JUST FINISHED A BOOK IN ONE SITTING! MY FIRST TIME!😭
💀Rafe is a Kaz Brekker in the making (which is probably a bad thing)
💀 WHY!!!😭😭
💀 Feels like "The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell and "The Maze Runner" by James Dashner had a baby...and it's a beautiful baby
💀 This duology is perfect if you're looking for a nice, easy read
I'm not gonna lie, I was very hesitant to read this duology because it's apparently a YA Mystery and that's not a genre I was trying to venture into😅 However, I was pleasantly surprised. It wasn't anything "over the top" for my standards. The only "issue" I kind of had was that the last few chapters kind of felt rushed but it didn't really bother me
💀Rafe is a Kaz Brekker in the making (which is probably a bad thing)
💀 WHY!!!😭😭
💀 Feels like "The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell and "The Maze Runner" by James Dashner had a baby...and it's a beautiful baby
💀 This duology is perfect if you're looking for a nice, easy read
I'm not gonna lie, I was very hesitant to read this duology because it's apparently a YA Mystery and that's not a genre I was trying to venture into😅 However, I was pleasantly surprised. It wasn't anything "over the top" for my standards. The only "issue" I kind of had was that the last few chapters kind of felt rushed but it didn't really bother me
December 22, 2015
I really really really enjoyed what the author was writing about. But I could not stand the second person "you". Also, this book would have been better if it was written with more descriptions and details. And I HATED death.
October 31, 2018
Kitap akıcıydı. Hızlı okumakta bir sorun yoktu. Ancak fazla mı kolaydı bazı şeyler? Ben ve Rafe arasındaki tercih ya da ne bileyim diğer tüm olaylar aceleye getirilmiş, sonlandırayım da bitsin denilmiş gibiydi sanki.
November 29, 2021
Me encantó esta duología.
Leanlaaaa
Leanlaaaa
June 20, 2015
Warning! There might be some slight spoilers for Blackbird ahead!
I really enjoyed Blackbird last year, while I know some had a problem with the second person narration, I loved it and it worked so well with the plot and story, and I don't think it would have worked any other way.
Blackbird and Deadfall have a lot of things working for it in YA, it's original, I haven't read another book like it, it runs and feels like a movie, which I always love when books can do that, they're fast paced to the point where they don't let you get comfortable with the story so you feel how intense it is and it creates the dangerous atmosphere and keeps you on your toes. It isn't predictable and while one major thing felt predictable in Blackbird, it set things up perfectly for Deadfall, which I have to say, is more intense, crazy and twisted than I thought it would be.
Deadfall leaves off-literally-where blackbird finished, with "Blackbird" (we finally have a real name for her, but let's still call her Blackbird) after finding out about Ben and finding the guy she's been having flashbacks about, at the station. Blackbird finally gets to know about herself, between having more flashbacks with her memory returning in pieces and Rafe, her character growth sets in, she's a whole lot more angry than afraid now, the events in Blackbird urging her on to end AAE.
At the end of Blackbird we got a whole lot more questions than answers, Deadfall gives us those answers. It's delves into AAE and how it started out, how it formed and evolved, how deep rooted and connected it was in the real world, and just how sick and twisted and sociopathic the founder was. We get to see how big the foundation is and how they covered their tracks. We also get to see some of the other survivors, and as memories come back, we get to know Blackbird and Rafe, how they survived the island.
One of my main issues were the connection, but it doesn't have anything to do with the second person narration, it's more the fact of, how can you get to know the characters when they don't really know themselves? All they are trying to do is survive, they're always on alert, checking perimeters, hiding, fighting, trying to stay out of sight, they don't know anything outside of that and they don't let their guard down, so it's hard to really get to know them.
The other issue was the romance, it's the one thing I wasn't fond of in Blackbird, it was instalove, but then considering what you find out by the end, I could forgive it, and while it doesn't have instalove in Deadfall, I still had issues with it, because...love triangle. It's not bad, and to be honest, romance wasn't really the focus to begin with, but you have Rafe, who she fell in love with on the island, and then Ben, who helped her when she couldn't help herself, and well, I'm not fond of Ben, for Blackbird reasons, so it's not too bad.
I have a love-hate relationship with the ending of Deadfall, it's fitting, it's realistic, and it was nice to see Blackbird take charge of her life, on her own, but then there's that, and I'm not forgiving you for that, Anna Carey.
Deadfall answers the questions we were left with Blackbird, it's twisted, and intense and fast paced and although I didn't really connect with the characters, I still cared for them.
~~A copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.~
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Review originally posted on Studio Reads
February 17, 2017
Einfach toll! Hat mich total unterhalten! Spannung bis zum Ende und tolle Protagonisten!
Read
February 16, 2016Just as compelling as the first. Really loved Rafe and seeing that relationship unfold in the way it did. Just the thought that there could be people like this in the world scares me to death. Really admire these characters. They and what they experienced felt so real!
February 5, 2021
3,5 Sterne.
March 20, 2015
Maybe I'm just a huge fan of the 2nd person POV, but I really liked this one too! Review to come!
03/19/2015: You can find more of my reviews here at my blog: Take Me Away...
A small part of me didn't want to write this review. Not because I didn't like it, but because I don't normally like to write reviews that may have spoilers in them. But I toughed it out and I think I did pretty well. There may be spoilers from the previous book, but none from this one.
Deadfall starts off right where the cliffhanger in Blackbird ended. It was nice to finally get all the questions I had answered. Just in case you don't remember everything about it, you may need to re-read Blackbird because there is no recap. But that's partly due to the way the story pulls you right back into it. And immediately it gets crazy.
My favorite part about this one was surprisingly the POV. Even though the writing style and the thriller aspects were good, I still loved the Second Person POV the most. The reason being, "she" was so much stronger than what I would've been in that situation. There is no way I would've been able to survive as long as she did, so getting the chance to "do it" just seemed pretty cool. Ok, so I know I was sitting in my chair reading it, but since I put myself in all the stories I read, it felt as if I was doing all these things. Things I know I would in no shape or form would ever want to do in real life.
Since this is a duology, all the answers are given in the first book and they are explained more in this one. Because of this, things are more creepy and crazy. From finding out more about why this is happening to finding out who she can and can't trust, this series will definitely have you biting your nails, pulling your hair out, and any other anxious activity one does when their heart rate triples.
My only problem was the ending. The last book left off on a cliff hanger where it was obvious something was going to happen. Since this book was the end of the series, I don't feel that the last fight scene should've been that easy. Maybe a little more fighting and a look into the trial nearer the end would have made me feel better. But only because I wish it wasn't over so soon.
I need everyone to read this book so that I can talk to someone about it. I need to tell someone how it all ties together, Everyone will understand when they finally read this one. Because trust me... At the end of this one, it will leave you with so many feels that you have no idea what to do with.
03/19/2015: You can find more of my reviews here at my blog: Take Me Away...
A small part of me didn't want to write this review. Not because I didn't like it, but because I don't normally like to write reviews that may have spoilers in them. But I toughed it out and I think I did pretty well. There may be spoilers from the previous book, but none from this one.
Deadfall starts off right where the cliffhanger in Blackbird ended. It was nice to finally get all the questions I had answered. Just in case you don't remember everything about it, you may need to re-read Blackbird because there is no recap. But that's partly due to the way the story pulls you right back into it. And immediately it gets crazy.
My favorite part about this one was surprisingly the POV. Even though the writing style and the thriller aspects were good, I still loved the Second Person POV the most. The reason being, "she" was so much stronger than what I would've been in that situation. There is no way I would've been able to survive as long as she did, so getting the chance to "do it" just seemed pretty cool. Ok, so I know I was sitting in my chair reading it, but since I put myself in all the stories I read, it felt as if I was doing all these things. Things I know I would in no shape or form would ever want to do in real life.
Since this is a duology, all the answers are given in the first book and they are explained more in this one. Because of this, things are more creepy and crazy. From finding out more about why this is happening to finding out who she can and can't trust, this series will definitely have you biting your nails, pulling your hair out, and any other anxious activity one does when their heart rate triples.
My only problem was the ending. The last book left off on a cliff hanger where it was obvious something was going to happen. Since this book was the end of the series, I don't feel that the last fight scene should've been that easy. Maybe a little more fighting and a look into the trial nearer the end would have made me feel better. But only because I wish it wasn't over so soon.
I need everyone to read this book so that I can talk to someone about it. I need to tell someone how it all ties together, Everyone will understand when they finally read this one. Because trust me... At the end of this one, it will leave you with so many feels that you have no idea what to do with.
June 16, 2015
Find this review and more on my blog, Lilybloombooks
Blackbird - was one of the most unusual novels I read in 2014. It had a very interesting story line and the writing, done in second person narration, added that flare that made it worth reading. Not only that, it ended on quite the cliff hanger so I was eager to dive into Deadfall.
Deadfall, was even BETTER than it's predecessor. The race is on to take down those hunting the teens - and the game of hunter vs hunted turns. It's exhilarating and intense; keeping you on your toes throughout the whole novel. Many questions that were left unanswered were answered, and I loved getting the details surrounding this morbid game these people play.
In Blackbird, I wasn't too keen on the added POVs that were thrown in. But in Deadfall, I quite enjoyed them. There is a lot going on, more than what surrounds Sunny/(we learn her name but I'm not sharing) and it helps us to learn more about the other people involved and WHY. Sunny is still having dreams of her time on the island, and I enjoyed these, too. Her and Rafe were close on the island, and I loved seeing the flashbacks of their time together and what else happened there.
We don't know everything - and you wont know everything - but that's okay. Even though the story is done being told, it's not over. The ending left on a bittersweet note - something MAJOR happens that had me reeling. Not to say I liked it, but it adds to scary severity of the situation. But my heart was aching.
Beautiful writing, intense, non stop action and a story that will stick with you for a while. What's not to love? I highly recommend it.
*I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.*
Blackbird - was one of the most unusual novels I read in 2014. It had a very interesting story line and the writing, done in second person narration, added that flare that made it worth reading. Not only that, it ended on quite the cliff hanger so I was eager to dive into Deadfall.
Deadfall, was even BETTER than it's predecessor. The race is on to take down those hunting the teens - and the game of hunter vs hunted turns. It's exhilarating and intense; keeping you on your toes throughout the whole novel. Many questions that were left unanswered were answered, and I loved getting the details surrounding this morbid game these people play.
In Blackbird, I wasn't too keen on the added POVs that were thrown in. But in Deadfall, I quite enjoyed them. There is a lot going on, more than what surrounds Sunny/(we learn her name but I'm not sharing) and it helps us to learn more about the other people involved and WHY. Sunny is still having dreams of her time on the island, and I enjoyed these, too. Her and Rafe were close on the island, and I loved seeing the flashbacks of their time together and what else happened there.
We don't know everything - and you wont know everything - but that's okay. Even though the story is done being told, it's not over. The ending left on a bittersweet note - something MAJOR happens that had me reeling. Not to say I liked it, but it adds to scary severity of the situation. But my heart was aching.
Beautiful writing, intense, non stop action and a story that will stick with you for a while. What's not to love? I highly recommend it.
*I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.*
June 22, 2015
I really loved the first book in this duology and could not wait to get into this one! I devoured it in one sitting and cannot praise it enough! I enjoy Ms. Carey’s writing and also loved her Eve Trilogy but these books are a complete different storyline.
If you enjoy mystery/psychological thrillers, then you would really enjoy this duology! I can tell you that I enjoyed the first book but LOVED the second! The stakes were amped up in the second book and as you start to really unravel the mystery, the more thrilling and heart pounding the read got!
At first, I had forgotten that these books are told in the second person which puts the reader as the main character and it threw me off a little but once I got use to it, I really enjoyed reading this way!
I enjoyed the ending and was glad for the way that the author chose to end her story. I shed quite a few tears because the ending is not completely happy but it kept the reader on their toes not knowing what was going to happen next!
If you enjoy mystery/psychological thrillers, then you would really enjoy this duology! I can tell you that I enjoyed the first book but LOVED the second! The stakes were amped up in the second book and as you start to really unravel the mystery, the more thrilling and heart pounding the read got!
At first, I had forgotten that these books are told in the second person which puts the reader as the main character and it threw me off a little but once I got use to it, I really enjoyed reading this way!
I enjoyed the ending and was glad for the way that the author chose to end her story. I shed quite a few tears because the ending is not completely happy but it kept the reader on their toes not knowing what was going to happen next!
April 12, 2015
Deadfall is an amazing sequel by Anna Carey.
Can you imagine waking up somewhere not knowing who you are or where you are? All you know is that someone is trying to kill you and you are not sure why or what you have done to make someone want to take you out. You put your trust in the one person you think you can trust only for him to burn you and break your heart. Your not sure what you should do but you know you need to get away so you decide to run.
You run away with Rafe another guy you think you can trust. You and Rafe run to New York and as you are on the run you find out people are not only trying to kill you but they are trying to kill Rafe as well. Then if things could not get any worse for you your memory starts to come back.
What will you remember and in the end who will you trust..........
Can you imagine waking up somewhere not knowing who you are or where you are? All you know is that someone is trying to kill you and you are not sure why or what you have done to make someone want to take you out. You put your trust in the one person you think you can trust only for him to burn you and break your heart. Your not sure what you should do but you know you need to get away so you decide to run.
You run away with Rafe another guy you think you can trust. You and Rafe run to New York and as you are on the run you find out people are not only trying to kill you but they are trying to kill Rafe as well. Then if things could not get any worse for you your memory starts to come back.
What will you remember and in the end who will you trust..........
March 16, 2016
I really loved this two book series. This is actually one that I wouldn't mind being three books. This book starts off exactly where the first book left off. It was just as action packed as the first book too. From start to finish I was intrigued and biting my nails. I must say I really loved Rafe. I loved getting to know him somewhat in this book. I wish I could have even got some more flashbacks with him and Lena on the island. I'm glad I gave this series a chance. After reading mixed reviews and hearing that the series was in second person pov I wasn't sure. But I went with my gut and decided to give it a go and I loved it!
December 2, 2020
Blackbird was my most surprising and intriguing read of 2020 thus far with its shock-value and storyline, unlike anything I’ve read about before. This duology is short, hard-hitting, and face-paced: everything you could essentially want out of a mystery thriller. After Blackbird’s cliffhanger-ending, I dove straight into Deadfall in search of answers. I have many thoughts on this conclusion to the duology, so continue reading to hear about what I both liked and disliked about Deadfall by Anna Carey.
What I loved: Deadfall picks up directly where Blackbird left off. The beginning of this novel conflicted with me emotionally. Sunny - who we now know as Lena - has escaped Los Angeles in pursuit of New York after reconnecting with a fellow target and past lover: Rafe. Rafe was introduced throughout flashbacks in the first novel, and I had anxiously anticipated his arrival after personally leaning into Ben and Lena’s connection. What I respected here is that, although I was personally rooting for Ben and Lena, I could understand the connection shared between Rafe and Lena as well. Carey crafts a love triangle that I enjoyed reading and could sympathize with. I loved that the momentum only increased throughout Deadfall. If you thought the stakes couldn’t get any higher in Blackbird; think again. As we progress through the novel, Lena continues to fight for her life, rediscover her past, and birth new truths about AAE. We’re introduced to a myriad of new characters who were fellow targets on the island, and also see Ben reenter the picture against all odds. I loved how I never knew where the novel was headed. Up until the final chapters of the novel - I second-guessed everything. Deadfall kept the intensity and mystique of the previous novel and took things to a level I could have never imagined.
What I didn’t love: About two-thirds of the way through this novel, I didn’t think I would have to include this section in my review. That was the disappointing thing. It wasn’t until the end of the novel that so many things began to fall apart for me. I’ll say first that I had a more difficult time connecting to the cast of characters in Deadfall than I did in Blackbird. This might be for the sake that the newly introduced targets were still trying to figure out their own identities, nonetheless, Carey didn’t dwell on their character arcs and left something to be desired. The death of Rafe was completely unexpected. Although I wasn’t very fond of him throughout the novel, his death is what struck me the most over any other event. It wasn’t until his death that I felt inside how sick and twisted and inhumane and horrifying it would be in the shoes of the targets. More than that, I was crushed over the fact that Rafe had fought so hard, and for so long, to be killed right before tasting freedom. This scene was deeply upsetting and I felt unnecessary to the conclusion of the duology. Although I’ve appreciated how short these novels have been in length, I left this conclusion feeling like I needed another hundred pages to tie up the many loose ends. Many questions were lingering long after the final page. I didn’t find closure about Lena’s life after AAE. What about her previous infringements? Would she make a new life for herself, or start over completely? As someone who was rooting for Ben and Lena since the beginning of Blackbird, I was unsatisfied with their goodbye. I would have loved an indication from Carey of whether Ben and Lena would try again one day, or if they had just weathered too much despair together to make it ever work. I wanted to know more about what was to happen to the hunters of AAE in depth. I wanted to know the response from the world on AAE and I wanted to see more about Lena’s brother and remaining family. To put it simply: in my eyes, it was rushed and poorly executed. I’m unsure if Carey wanted to leave the readers to determine the ending, or if they felt that these loose ends weren’t important to explain.
Ultimately, I am shocked at what this duology turned out to be. Long after reading this series, I believe that I will continually revisit this intriguing world and concept in my mind. I’m unsatisfied with the conclusion to Lena’s story, but I can appreciate how engaged I was with the plot and the lead characters to look back on this read fondly.
What I loved: Deadfall picks up directly where Blackbird left off. The beginning of this novel conflicted with me emotionally. Sunny - who we now know as Lena - has escaped Los Angeles in pursuit of New York after reconnecting with a fellow target and past lover: Rafe. Rafe was introduced throughout flashbacks in the first novel, and I had anxiously anticipated his arrival after personally leaning into Ben and Lena’s connection. What I respected here is that, although I was personally rooting for Ben and Lena, I could understand the connection shared between Rafe and Lena as well. Carey crafts a love triangle that I enjoyed reading and could sympathize with. I loved that the momentum only increased throughout Deadfall. If you thought the stakes couldn’t get any higher in Blackbird; think again. As we progress through the novel, Lena continues to fight for her life, rediscover her past, and birth new truths about AAE. We’re introduced to a myriad of new characters who were fellow targets on the island, and also see Ben reenter the picture against all odds. I loved how I never knew where the novel was headed. Up until the final chapters of the novel - I second-guessed everything. Deadfall kept the intensity and mystique of the previous novel and took things to a level I could have never imagined.
What I didn’t love: About two-thirds of the way through this novel, I didn’t think I would have to include this section in my review. That was the disappointing thing. It wasn’t until the end of the novel that so many things began to fall apart for me. I’ll say first that I had a more difficult time connecting to the cast of characters in Deadfall than I did in Blackbird. This might be for the sake that the newly introduced targets were still trying to figure out their own identities, nonetheless, Carey didn’t dwell on their character arcs and left something to be desired. The death of Rafe was completely unexpected. Although I wasn’t very fond of him throughout the novel, his death is what struck me the most over any other event. It wasn’t until his death that I felt inside how sick and twisted and inhumane and horrifying it would be in the shoes of the targets. More than that, I was crushed over the fact that Rafe had fought so hard, and for so long, to be killed right before tasting freedom. This scene was deeply upsetting and I felt unnecessary to the conclusion of the duology. Although I’ve appreciated how short these novels have been in length, I left this conclusion feeling like I needed another hundred pages to tie up the many loose ends. Many questions were lingering long after the final page. I didn’t find closure about Lena’s life after AAE. What about her previous infringements? Would she make a new life for herself, or start over completely? As someone who was rooting for Ben and Lena since the beginning of Blackbird, I was unsatisfied with their goodbye. I would have loved an indication from Carey of whether Ben and Lena would try again one day, or if they had just weathered too much despair together to make it ever work. I wanted to know more about what was to happen to the hunters of AAE in depth. I wanted to know the response from the world on AAE and I wanted to see more about Lena’s brother and remaining family. To put it simply: in my eyes, it was rushed and poorly executed. I’m unsure if Carey wanted to leave the readers to determine the ending, or if they felt that these loose ends weren’t important to explain.
Ultimately, I am shocked at what this duology turned out to be. Long after reading this series, I believe that I will continually revisit this intriguing world and concept in my mind. I’m unsatisfied with the conclusion to Lena’s story, but I can appreciate how engaged I was with the plot and the lead characters to look back on this read fondly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2019
Reseña completa en Books FD
Deadfall, es una historia muy fluida, entretenida, un thriller bien trabajado que mantiene el suspenso adecuado durante toda la lectura, narrada en segunda persona, es que logramos meternos totalmente en la piel de la protagonista haciendo más real todos los sentimientos y emociones que tiene al vivir algo. Con un final que no me termina de convencer, es que al final, gracias a la pluma de la autora que es muy fluida, se lee muy rápido y hay situaciones que las haces propias. Entretenida, es como puedo definir mi experiencia.
Deadfall, es una historia muy fluida, entretenida, un thriller bien trabajado que mantiene el suspenso adecuado durante toda la lectura, narrada en segunda persona, es que logramos meternos totalmente en la piel de la protagonista haciendo más real todos los sentimientos y emociones que tiene al vivir algo. Con un final que no me termina de convencer, es que al final, gracias a la pluma de la autora que es muy fluida, se lee muy rápido y hay situaciones que las haces propias. Entretenida, es como puedo definir mi experiencia.
December 21, 2020
Entweder habe ich mich an den ungewöhnlichen Schreibstil gewöhnt oder der Schreibstil fiel aufgrund der rasanten Geschehnisse nicht mehr so ins Gewicht. Die gefühlte Distanz zur Protagonistin war auch nicht mehr so groß wie im ersten Band. Insgesamt war ihr Verhalten auch logischer und nachvollziehbarer. Die Handlung im zweiten und finalen Teil konnte mich auch mehr fesseln. Alles war in sich schlüssig und gut aufeinander aufgebaut. Es gab Spannung und Dramatik. Am Ende wurden die offenen Fragen geklärt und die Story gut abgeschlossen. Für mich ein 3,5 Sterne - Buch.
September 13, 2017
Mucho mejor que el primero! Si es que con lo fácil que era juntar ambos libros en uno solo y hubiera sido perfecto... pero separarlo en dos cuando la trama es la misma... no le vi el sentido. Al menos este tiene un final y me ha gustado bastante.
Además aparecen más personajes y ya no es solo la historia de una chica a la que están buscando, es mucho más que eso, es un grupo de personas persiguiendo a un grupo de chicos.
Además aparecen más personajes y ya no es solo la historia de una chica a la que están buscando, es mucho más que eso, es un grupo de personas persiguiendo a un grupo de chicos.
May 23, 2024
Me gustó el dueto.
Debo decir que pensé que iba a tener una vuelta de tuerca, pero no paso, es lo que hay.
También quizás pensé q me iba a dar pistas de cual era el misterio y lo descubre la protagonista bastante repentinamente, al menos yo no me lo veía venir.
A pesar de eso es un libro q me gustó.
Lo disfrute.
Debo decir que pensé que iba a tener una vuelta de tuerca, pero no paso, es lo que hay.
También quizás pensé q me iba a dar pistas de cual era el misterio y lo descubre la protagonista bastante repentinamente, al menos yo no me lo veía venir.
A pesar de eso es un libro q me gustó.
Lo disfrute.
September 18, 2018
Nota: 3,5
A continua foi bem melhor que o primeiro, teve um final razoável. Algumas partes eu achei bem fáceis demais e outras eu não entendi nada ainda. Foi uma duologia ok. Uma pena que não foi bem explorada, tinha tudo pra dar certo.
A continua foi bem melhor que o primeiro, teve um final razoável. Algumas partes eu achei bem fáceis demais e outras eu não entendi nada ainda. Foi uma duologia ok. Uma pena que não foi bem explorada, tinha tudo pra dar certo.
January 27, 2024
Pues pasa lo mismo que con el libro anterior,es de muy muy fácil lectura y está lleno de acción pero hay demasiadas cosas que no cuadran o metidas ala fuerza como el "triangulo amoroso" con el intentan poner un poco de amor en una historia de persecución.
El final se me hizo demasiado simple.
El final se me hizo demasiado simple.
June 21, 2025
Si el primer libro estuvo bueno, ufff, en comparación a este, es aburrido, éste libro tiene tanto suspenso, acción, dramas y cosas inexplicables y sorprendentes, que hacen de un gran libro, normalmente leo romance, pero este libro vale la pena para cambiar de géneros de lectura, no es pesado y es muy interesante.
Read
March 18, 2020This Book Really Grabs Your Attention.
October 29, 2018
3.5
Me encantó la narración y la idea de la historia, pero me parece que el libro necesitó más páginas y profundizar ciertas cositas para que fuera perfecto!
Me encantó la narración y la idea de la historia, pero me parece que el libro necesitó más páginas y profundizar ciertas cositas para que fuera perfecto!
June 22, 2015
This review (and others) can be seen in all its properly formatted glory on my blog Beauty and the Bookshelf.
Possibly leaning toward 3.5 stars because of the fast pace and thrill factor.
Despite its issues, I liked Blackbird. (And by that I mostly mean that it lacked that something to make me really care for a book.) Deadfall is pretty much in the same boat as its predecessor--this series is just missing a connection and the quality I need from a book to have much interest in it--but I think I liked it more. What this series does accomplish is having a quick, on-your-toes page-turner quality you might find from thrillers, and the concept is pretty interesting. But again--something with this series just doesn't cut it.
Deadfall starts right about where Blackbird left off. (If you haven't read Blackbird, beware of spoilers, at least in this paragraph.) Sunny found out Ben had been lying to her the whole time (that's fun), and is once again on the run and can trust basically no one. But before she boards a train heading off to another state, she sees someone she recognizes...and that's about where I have to stop telling you about Deadfall because I'll spoil the whole thing. The biggest difference between Blackbird and Deadfall is that now we actually know things. Well, not really--we, as well as the characters, are still looking for a lot of answers (spoilers spoilers spoilers for Blackbird): Who are they really? Why are people hunting them? (I find that concept VERY interesting.) What happened on the island? How can they stop AAE, the group behind the hunting? And so on and so forth. Blackbird was more of a setup as Sunny starts to get her bearings, and in Deadfall we get to see more of the falling action as a conclusion and answers--hopefully--near. Really, I think this series would benefit by having a prequel that should be read after the first two books, and is all about the island. I really want to know more about what happened on the island and I think it would be super interesting. It would also help make it easier to care about some of the characters, because as is, with the second person POV and the way it's written, it's hard to really care about and feel for certain characters, especially when they're in peril.
You might be wondering why I even bothered with Deadfall after the basically "meh" Blackbird. It's like I said--I did like it. And after finishing, I do feel a bit of something, and it was just a little bit difficult to put down. These books just have a sort of engaging quality brought to them because of the premise, but the execution stops it being from holy-shit-slapjack amazing. I can see where the use of second person works--Sunny doesn't know who she is and is trying to figure everything out, so using "you" keeps her more general and mysterious. But for storytelling, I think it takes away from any emotional aspects of the story. It's kind of just there. It's a little bit more than telling, but the potential is there. I love books that just have this on-the-run element and that are such quick reads, and I really liked that about Deadfall. But it just has this void where emotion and connections should be.
Deadfall brought answers yet didn't. I don't fully understand some things that happened or WHY some things happened, but I expected just a little bit more from the ending. Still, I liked this. It was pretty fast paced with some predictability, and it had some interesting things going on (and one was unnecessary and, um, why was I a little sad, and another literally had me say OH, BARF out loud). My favorite thing about this series is probably how fast fast fast it is, and also the whole spoilery thing that's happening to the characters--but I wish it was explored more because holy crap that's super interesting. Deadfall wasn't a disappointment because I don't know that I really had any expectations for it, but if I did, I'd say they were exceeded just a bit.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, and that in no way sways my opinion of the book.
Possibly leaning toward 3.5 stars because of the fast pace and thrill factor.
Despite its issues, I liked Blackbird. (And by that I mostly mean that it lacked that something to make me really care for a book.) Deadfall is pretty much in the same boat as its predecessor--this series is just missing a connection and the quality I need from a book to have much interest in it--but I think I liked it more. What this series does accomplish is having a quick, on-your-toes page-turner quality you might find from thrillers, and the concept is pretty interesting. But again--something with this series just doesn't cut it.
Deadfall starts right about where Blackbird left off. (If you haven't read Blackbird, beware of spoilers, at least in this paragraph.) Sunny found out Ben had been lying to her the whole time (that's fun), and is once again on the run and can trust basically no one. But before she boards a train heading off to another state, she sees someone she recognizes...and that's about where I have to stop telling you about Deadfall because I'll spoil the whole thing. The biggest difference between Blackbird and Deadfall is that now we actually know things. Well, not really--we, as well as the characters, are still looking for a lot of answers (spoilers spoilers spoilers for Blackbird): Who are they really? Why are people hunting them? (I find that concept VERY interesting.) What happened on the island? How can they stop AAE, the group behind the hunting? And so on and so forth. Blackbird was more of a setup as Sunny starts to get her bearings, and in Deadfall we get to see more of the falling action as a conclusion and answers--hopefully--near. Really, I think this series would benefit by having a prequel that should be read after the first two books, and is all about the island. I really want to know more about what happened on the island and I think it would be super interesting. It would also help make it easier to care about some of the characters, because as is, with the second person POV and the way it's written, it's hard to really care about and feel for certain characters, especially when they're in peril.
You might be wondering why I even bothered with Deadfall after the basically "meh" Blackbird. It's like I said--I did like it. And after finishing, I do feel a bit of something, and it was just a little bit difficult to put down. These books just have a sort of engaging quality brought to them because of the premise, but the execution stops it being from holy-shit-slapjack amazing. I can see where the use of second person works--Sunny doesn't know who she is and is trying to figure everything out, so using "you" keeps her more general and mysterious. But for storytelling, I think it takes away from any emotional aspects of the story. It's kind of just there. It's a little bit more than telling, but the potential is there. I love books that just have this on-the-run element and that are such quick reads, and I really liked that about Deadfall. But it just has this void where emotion and connections should be.
Deadfall brought answers yet didn't. I don't fully understand some things that happened or WHY some things happened, but I expected just a little bit more from the ending. Still, I liked this. It was pretty fast paced with some predictability, and it had some interesting things going on (and one was unnecessary and, um, why was I a little sad, and another literally had me say OH, BARF out loud). My favorite thing about this series is probably how fast fast fast it is, and also the whole spoilery thing that's happening to the characters--but I wish it was explored more because holy crap that's super interesting. Deadfall wasn't a disappointment because I don't know that I really had any expectations for it, but if I did, I'd say they were exceeded just a bit.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, and that in no way sways my opinion of the book.
December 29, 2015
Anna Careys "Deadfall" ist der zweite Band ihrer "Blackbird" Jugendthriller Dilogie. Nachdem Band 1 damals auf ganzer Linie überzeugen konnte, ist die Vorfreude auf den zweiten und letzten Band dieser Reihe groß gewesen. Und Anna Carey hat auch mit ihrer Fortsetzung auf ganzer Linie überzeugen und punkten können.
Wie bereits schon der Vorgänger "Blackbird" ist auch "Deadfall" ein absoluter Pageturner. Nach ein paar verschlungenen Seiten, kann und will man sich nicht mehr von dem Buch trennen. Anna Careys Schreibstil habe ich bereits in ihrer Jugendbuch-Dystopie "Eve & Caleb" kennen gelernt, aber in "Blackbird" und "Deadfall" kommt das Gefühl auf, eine vollkommen neue Anna Carey kennen zu lernen. Dies macht wohl die wahrlich verrückte Erzählperspektive aus. Ich kann mich nicht daran erinnern, wann ich das letzte Mal ein Buch in der Du-Perspektive gelesen habe. Und Anna Carey wendet diese für den Leser sehr persönliche Perspektive perfekt an, sodass die Spannung von Kapitel zu Kapitel immer weiter steigt. Irgendwann bin ich mit der Protagonistin eins geworden, förmlich verschmolzen, ich habe mich zwischen den Zeilen, ebenfalls gehetzt umgedreht um meine Umgebung nach möglichen Verfolgern zu überprüfen. Herzrasen und Adrenalinkick pur!
Auch die Charaktere sind Anna Carey in "Deadfall" wahnsinnig gut gelungen. Die Protagonistin hat zwar bereits einiges über die Orginisation, die die Menschenjagden veranstalten und auch Jagd auf sie selbst machen, herausgefunden. Dennoch tappt sie bei vielen Dingen noch im Dunkeln. Besonders die Geschehnisse ihrer Vergangenheit bleiben weiter ein großes Geheimnis. Ebenso ihr eigener Name und der rätselhafte Junge der immer wieder in ihren Erinnerungsfetzen auftaucht. Gerade diese Tatsachen machen die Geschichte für den Leser umso spannender, weil man sich selbst vollkommen verloren fühlt und perfekt mit der Protagonistin mitleiden und mitfiebern kann. Und mitfiebern kann man mit der Protagonistin besonders gut, denn relativ schnell wird deutlich, dass sie wieder einmal verfolgt wird und es um Leben und Tod geht. Nur versteht weder sie, noch der Leser, warum. Es bleibt allerdings auch nicht viel Zeit fürs Nachdenken, denn ihre Verfolger gönnen ihr keine Atempause und jagen sie komme was wolle, egal ob Tag oder Nacht durch die ganze Stadt. Dennoch macht unsere Protagonistin den Verflogern ihren Kampf keinesfalls leicht, denn sie ist intelligent, gerissen und schnell. Umso mehr Herzrasen für den Leser. Bei so manch einer Szene ist mir wirklich das Herz explodiert und beinahe stehen geblieben, oh mein Gott, die Spannung war wirklich atemberaubend. Ich brauche mehr! Schade, dass die Dilogie "Blackbird" mit diesem zweiten Band beendet ist.
Und was für ein Ende. Eine grandiose, fesselnde Feuerwerksexplosion an Spannung erwartet den Leser. Das gesamte Buch ist ja bereits durch eine Spannungskurve der besonderen Art durchzogen, aber das Ende toppt noch einmal alles. Und auf den letzten Seiten wird es zusätzlich noch richtig emotional. Mir sind sogar die Tränen gekommen. Die liebe Anna Carey meint es nicht gut mit ihren Lesern, ein Schock folgt auf den nächsten. Kein Buch für schwache Nerven! Aber jeder Jugendthriller Leser sollte sich diese Reihe auf gar keinen Fall entgehen lassen!
Wie bereits schon der Vorgänger "Blackbird" ist auch "Deadfall" ein absoluter Pageturner. Nach ein paar verschlungenen Seiten, kann und will man sich nicht mehr von dem Buch trennen. Anna Careys Schreibstil habe ich bereits in ihrer Jugendbuch-Dystopie "Eve & Caleb" kennen gelernt, aber in "Blackbird" und "Deadfall" kommt das Gefühl auf, eine vollkommen neue Anna Carey kennen zu lernen. Dies macht wohl die wahrlich verrückte Erzählperspektive aus. Ich kann mich nicht daran erinnern, wann ich das letzte Mal ein Buch in der Du-Perspektive gelesen habe. Und Anna Carey wendet diese für den Leser sehr persönliche Perspektive perfekt an, sodass die Spannung von Kapitel zu Kapitel immer weiter steigt. Irgendwann bin ich mit der Protagonistin eins geworden, förmlich verschmolzen, ich habe mich zwischen den Zeilen, ebenfalls gehetzt umgedreht um meine Umgebung nach möglichen Verfolgern zu überprüfen. Herzrasen und Adrenalinkick pur!
Auch die Charaktere sind Anna Carey in "Deadfall" wahnsinnig gut gelungen. Die Protagonistin hat zwar bereits einiges über die Orginisation, die die Menschenjagden veranstalten und auch Jagd auf sie selbst machen, herausgefunden. Dennoch tappt sie bei vielen Dingen noch im Dunkeln. Besonders die Geschehnisse ihrer Vergangenheit bleiben weiter ein großes Geheimnis. Ebenso ihr eigener Name und der rätselhafte Junge der immer wieder in ihren Erinnerungsfetzen auftaucht. Gerade diese Tatsachen machen die Geschichte für den Leser umso spannender, weil man sich selbst vollkommen verloren fühlt und perfekt mit der Protagonistin mitleiden und mitfiebern kann. Und mitfiebern kann man mit der Protagonistin besonders gut, denn relativ schnell wird deutlich, dass sie wieder einmal verfolgt wird und es um Leben und Tod geht. Nur versteht weder sie, noch der Leser, warum. Es bleibt allerdings auch nicht viel Zeit fürs Nachdenken, denn ihre Verfolger gönnen ihr keine Atempause und jagen sie komme was wolle, egal ob Tag oder Nacht durch die ganze Stadt. Dennoch macht unsere Protagonistin den Verflogern ihren Kampf keinesfalls leicht, denn sie ist intelligent, gerissen und schnell. Umso mehr Herzrasen für den Leser. Bei so manch einer Szene ist mir wirklich das Herz explodiert und beinahe stehen geblieben, oh mein Gott, die Spannung war wirklich atemberaubend. Ich brauche mehr! Schade, dass die Dilogie "Blackbird" mit diesem zweiten Band beendet ist.
Und was für ein Ende. Eine grandiose, fesselnde Feuerwerksexplosion an Spannung erwartet den Leser. Das gesamte Buch ist ja bereits durch eine Spannungskurve der besonderen Art durchzogen, aber das Ende toppt noch einmal alles. Und auf den letzten Seiten wird es zusätzlich noch richtig emotional. Mir sind sogar die Tränen gekommen. Die liebe Anna Carey meint es nicht gut mit ihren Lesern, ein Schock folgt auf den nächsten. Kein Buch für schwache Nerven! Aber jeder Jugendthriller Leser sollte sich diese Reihe auf gar keinen Fall entgehen lassen!
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