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The Forsaken #2
The Uprising
Alenna is being hunted. She can run and hide.Or she can stand and fight. Alenna is being chased by the government that destroyed her life. Determined to strike back, she joins the uprising. But victory has a high price. Will she risk everything and return to the Wheel? Or will she leave Liam, the boy she loves, to his fate? Battered. Bloodied. Defiant. Alenna's fight for survival continues.
385 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 6, 2013
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August 10, 2015
EPIC! EPIC! EPICCCCCCCCCC!!!!!!!!!! Did I mention how EPIC this was!!! ;)
This book was so good, and I'm kicking myself for letting it sit on my shelf for years, and just now getting to it!! I loved it!!! Absolutely, positively, LOVED IT!!! It was filled with non-stop action and adventure, twist and turns, and surprises around every corner!! I honestly can't think of a single time I got bored, or thought it was lacking anything while I was reading it!! It was just so much fun! I loved book one too, and already stated book three, the "EPIC" conclusion, which started out pretty dam good so far too!!
~~~~~~~EDITED~~~~~~~
4.5 STARS
How do I even express my love for this book? Lisa M. Stasse is a brilliant story teller and a PHENOMENAL world builder!! I was instantly sucked back into this world after reading the first book almost two years ago and loving it to pieces. Stasse made it easy to merge back into this world without too much difficultly, and held my interest with the thrilling plot, and heart-pounding action and adventure that took this book to a whole new level of awesome!!!
I LOVED the cast of characters Stasee created, every single one of them!! Even the villains were pretty hardcore!! Alenna, the main character and only POV was one of the best female protagonist I've ever read. She has all the character traits I love. Fierce, strong, a bada** fighter, caring, willing to fight until the end, and determined to bring down the corrupt government that stole everything from her and the ones she loves. But what I loved about her character was the growth she developed since book one. When she first arrived on the island, she was unsure of herself, naive, I wouldn't call her weak, but she didn't know how to fight or to handle the stress of the island. But throughout book one and two she built up to the be strong, fierce, lovable, and determined character that she is in this book!!
This dystopian is definitely one of the better ones that I've read. I loved the world-building and the prison island where life expectantly is only 2 years after you arrive. The twist and turns of this series is just so thrilling and non-stop, that it keeps you literally on the edge of your seat anticipating the next twist! I enjoyed that it always kept me second guessing what would come next!
THE PLOT
Choose A Tribe.
Watch Your Back.
And Don't Stop RUNNING....
THE UPRISING HAS OFFICIALLY BEGUN...
Alenna never imagined she would be one of the kids who would be sent to Island Alpha—AKA The Wheel, a prison Island for kids who test positive for a high capacity of brutal violence. But she was, and now she finds herself fighting against the same people who ruined her and her families lives. But being sent to the wheel was really a blessing in disguise. Even with the tortures obstacles she endured and conquered, because what she found on Island Alpha changed her world, forever!
After barely escaping Island Alpha alive, Alenna and her boyfriend Liam crashed on Destiny Station, and right into the hands of rebel scientist who are secretly working to overthrow the UNA, better known as United Northern Alliance and reinstate freedom back to the people. Her and Liam are reunited with other kids from the Wheel who too have been rescued by the rebel scientist looking to recruit and build their numbers.
Their plan is simple:
Bide their time, prepare scientifically to go against the UNA, regroup with other rebel bases, and then when all is set in motion and ready to go, return to the wheel and take control over it. And then build their numbers with the kids they recruit on Island Alpha, and then eventually, when their ready, return to the UNA and destroy their corrupt government and bring them down once and for all!!
Simple right? I think not.
All does not go as planed for their group, and they will have to fight every step of the way just to stay alive. Returning to the wheel was not as easy as they hoped, and when they return to find a new leader, one even more malicious and organized then the Monk, the drones last leader, they know they have their work cut out for them, and that hope of ever making it off of Island Alpha again, is looking to be slim to none...
Overall, THE UPRISING was a fantastic second installment that had my blood pumping and heart racing the entire time. THE UPRISING has left me eager in anticipation to dive back into this series with the conclusion that I know if it's anything like this book will be beyond EPIC!! If you love the dystopian genre, with plenty of Sci-f twist, and a county on the brink of civil war, fighting to regain their freedom, with tons of action and adventure to keep you reading late into the night, then THE UPRISING is one sequel you DON'T want to miss!!!
This book was so good, and I'm kicking myself for letting it sit on my shelf for years, and just now getting to it!! I loved it!!! Absolutely, positively, LOVED IT!!! It was filled with non-stop action and adventure, twist and turns, and surprises around every corner!! I honestly can't think of a single time I got bored, or thought it was lacking anything while I was reading it!! It was just so much fun! I loved book one too, and already stated book three, the "EPIC" conclusion, which started out pretty dam good so far too!!
~~~~~~~EDITED~~~~~~~
4.5 STARS
How do I even express my love for this book? Lisa M. Stasse is a brilliant story teller and a PHENOMENAL world builder!! I was instantly sucked back into this world after reading the first book almost two years ago and loving it to pieces. Stasse made it easy to merge back into this world without too much difficultly, and held my interest with the thrilling plot, and heart-pounding action and adventure that took this book to a whole new level of awesome!!!
I LOVED the cast of characters Stasee created, every single one of them!! Even the villains were pretty hardcore!! Alenna, the main character and only POV was one of the best female protagonist I've ever read. She has all the character traits I love. Fierce, strong, a bada** fighter, caring, willing to fight until the end, and determined to bring down the corrupt government that stole everything from her and the ones she loves. But what I loved about her character was the growth she developed since book one. When she first arrived on the island, she was unsure of herself, naive, I wouldn't call her weak, but she didn't know how to fight or to handle the stress of the island. But throughout book one and two she built up to the be strong, fierce, lovable, and determined character that she is in this book!!
This dystopian is definitely one of the better ones that I've read. I loved the world-building and the prison island where life expectantly is only 2 years after you arrive. The twist and turns of this series is just so thrilling and non-stop, that it keeps you literally on the edge of your seat anticipating the next twist! I enjoyed that it always kept me second guessing what would come next!
THE PLOT
Choose A Tribe.
Watch Your Back.
And Don't Stop RUNNING....
THE UPRISING HAS OFFICIALLY BEGUN...
Alenna never imagined she would be one of the kids who would be sent to Island Alpha—AKA The Wheel, a prison Island for kids who test positive for a high capacity of brutal violence. But she was, and now she finds herself fighting against the same people who ruined her and her families lives. But being sent to the wheel was really a blessing in disguise. Even with the tortures obstacles she endured and conquered, because what she found on Island Alpha changed her world, forever!
After barely escaping Island Alpha alive, Alenna and her boyfriend Liam crashed on Destiny Station, and right into the hands of rebel scientist who are secretly working to overthrow the UNA, better known as United Northern Alliance and reinstate freedom back to the people. Her and Liam are reunited with other kids from the Wheel who too have been rescued by the rebel scientist looking to recruit and build their numbers.
Their plan is simple:
Bide their time, prepare scientifically to go against the UNA, regroup with other rebel bases, and then when all is set in motion and ready to go, return to the wheel and take control over it. And then build their numbers with the kids they recruit on Island Alpha, and then eventually, when their ready, return to the UNA and destroy their corrupt government and bring them down once and for all!!
Simple right? I think not.
All does not go as planed for their group, and they will have to fight every step of the way just to stay alive. Returning to the wheel was not as easy as they hoped, and when they return to find a new leader, one even more malicious and organized then the Monk, the drones last leader, they know they have their work cut out for them, and that hope of ever making it off of Island Alpha again, is looking to be slim to none...
Overall, THE UPRISING was a fantastic second installment that had my blood pumping and heart racing the entire time. THE UPRISING has left me eager in anticipation to dive back into this series with the conclusion that I know if it's anything like this book will be beyond EPIC!! If you love the dystopian genre, with plenty of Sci-f twist, and a county on the brink of civil war, fighting to regain their freedom, with tons of action and adventure to keep you reading late into the night, then THE UPRISING is one sequel you DON'T want to miss!!!
August 5, 2013
Oh, The Uprising is such a mess, it really is. Once I opened the novel, I was hurled into paragraph after paragraph of info-dumping about what happened in the first book. Not a good way to try to impress me, novel. The most important events in this book are very predictable, with only one detail, I knew exactly who was the monk, what would happen with Alenna and her gang, and the ending. I was kind of expecting The Uprising to be a let-down, but I didn't think it would ever be worse than the first one.
The romance is unbelievable this time around. Alenna and Liam are always touching each other and talking only to each other. They're together so much that I honestly think Liam wipes Alenna's ass as well. It's ridiculous that it's funny. Yes, it's funny to read about their romance because it's unrealistic and stupid. Lisa M. Stasse tries very hard to make Alenna and Liam into likable, caring leaders but it's obvious that these two only care about each other and no one else. Since all they do is talk to each other. Alenna as a character is boring and annoying, her need to be with Liam and fight for him made me laugh. She's nothing special, I don't understand why everyone loves her. Also, Liam is a blank canvas, nothing, nothing is even remotely interesting about him. Not even his, 'piercing blue eyes'.
I like the cover, it's so pretty! Yup, that's about all I liked about this book.
Lisa M. Stasse has created such a boring series. No doubt, there are times that I thought this series could have been great, with action packed scenes and an adorable romance. But instead, everything is contrived and boring, too forceful to even try to enjoy. And the romance is *shudders* I can't even. Don't read this unless you're willing to lose some brain cells. If I decide to read the third book, I'm sure as hell not doing that sober.
Want to read
August 14, 2012Just finished Forsaken, cannot wait to see where the story picks up. Sooo many questions, totally paranoid about everyones agenda.
August 5, 2013
1.5 stars.
The title of this book is one of the biggest hints at how OBVIOUS and CLICHÉ it is. The Uprising looked good, I can tell you that – I generated a liking for the UK cover. After my disappointment in The Forsaken with the romance, the calculated plot, and the rigid writing, I had expected the trilogy to improve in all these aspects – but alas, it did not whatsoever! These three aspects that I disliked in The Forsaken continued to worsen, particularly the romance, which became more laughable than movable. Altogether The Uprising was a sequel with not much to love.
This book cannot be a labelled as a victim of Second Book Syndrome… because the first book wasn’t any better.
At the end of The Forsaken we see Alenna and Liam captured by scientists at the top end of Australia at a secret base called Destiny Station (cue laughs because this seems like a play on words with “Destination”) that are trying to bring down the UNA and their control of the wheel. Alenna is acquainted with her mother. We are introduced to a few new characters like Cass and Emma who attempt to create their own insurgence without the help of the adult scientists but fail as the adults are watching them all the time. A machine of the UNA attacks Destiny Station and everything falls into chaos. Everyone gets on submarines stolen from the Japanese and escapes to the Antarctic Arc, another safe haven in Antarctica. Liam goes with the Dr on the search for his father stuck in the Indian Ocean between the Antarctic Arc and South Africa. Alenna returns to the wheel to liberate everyone from the island and the UNA but they encounter the drones lead by the Monk (surprising since they witness the Monk die in the previous book) … and blah blah blah the book from here on out just becomes a copy of book one. Surprise!
I probably didn’t even explain the plot properly… Fact: I know I didn’t, because it was really nothing interesting.
I feel like a stupid test dummy.
I have nothing to say about this book, except that it was disappointing.
The Uprising had the same cheesy, undesirable, and contrived romance. The Uprising had the same flat characters, cardboard cutouts with no ability to connect with the reader. The Uprising had the same calculated plot restricting the characters to one choice decisions with no room for error.
I’ve forgotten all that David tried to do for Alenna; I saw it all before. I’ve forgotten who took up the Monk position; it was obvious from the moment they returned back to the island. I found another female protagonist who can only survive knowing that a boy she loves is alive. Not her mother, but a boy.
“For Liam, I will fight. For Liam, I will do anything.”
Phrases like the aforementioned are pretty much in every chapter of The Uprising. It’s sickening, considering how much more there is to fight for. And reflecting back on The Forsaken, it’s hardly anything to believe. This “obsession” is something to ridicule, to make fun of.
Why the extra half a star? Because there was still that UNA tactics and idea that I liked. For really anything else? Nada.
Will I read book three? Possibly. Just so that I can close the book on a devastatingly written sham said to be “hotter than the Hunger Games”.
Zzzzzz.
I wouldn’t even call the above a review. Just utter disappointment.
The title of this book is one of the biggest hints at how OBVIOUS and CLICHÉ it is. The Uprising looked good, I can tell you that – I generated a liking for the UK cover. After my disappointment in The Forsaken with the romance, the calculated plot, and the rigid writing, I had expected the trilogy to improve in all these aspects – but alas, it did not whatsoever! These three aspects that I disliked in The Forsaken continued to worsen, particularly the romance, which became more laughable than movable. Altogether The Uprising was a sequel with not much to love.
This book cannot be a labelled as a victim of Second Book Syndrome… because the first book wasn’t any better.
At the end of The Forsaken we see Alenna and Liam captured by scientists at the top end of Australia at a secret base called Destiny Station (cue laughs because this seems like a play on words with “Destination”) that are trying to bring down the UNA and their control of the wheel. Alenna is acquainted with her mother. We are introduced to a few new characters like Cass and Emma who attempt to create their own insurgence without the help of the adult scientists but fail as the adults are watching them all the time. A machine of the UNA attacks Destiny Station and everything falls into chaos. Everyone gets on submarines stolen from the Japanese and escapes to the Antarctic Arc, another safe haven in Antarctica. Liam goes with the Dr on the search for his father stuck in the Indian Ocean between the Antarctic Arc and South Africa. Alenna returns to the wheel to liberate everyone from the island and the UNA but they encounter the drones lead by the Monk (surprising since they witness the Monk die in the previous book) … and blah blah blah the book from here on out just becomes a copy of book one. Surprise!
I probably didn’t even explain the plot properly… Fact: I know I didn’t, because it was really nothing interesting.
I feel like a stupid test dummy.
I have nothing to say about this book, except that it was disappointing.
The Uprising had the same cheesy, undesirable, and contrived romance. The Uprising had the same flat characters, cardboard cutouts with no ability to connect with the reader. The Uprising had the same calculated plot restricting the characters to one choice decisions with no room for error.
I’ve forgotten all that David tried to do for Alenna; I saw it all before. I’ve forgotten who took up the Monk position; it was obvious from the moment they returned back to the island. I found another female protagonist who can only survive knowing that a boy she loves is alive. Not her mother, but a boy.
“For Liam, I will fight. For Liam, I will do anything.”
Phrases like the aforementioned are pretty much in every chapter of The Uprising. It’s sickening, considering how much more there is to fight for. And reflecting back on The Forsaken, it’s hardly anything to believe. This “obsession” is something to ridicule, to make fun of.
Why the extra half a star? Because there was still that UNA tactics and idea that I liked. For really anything else? Nada.
Will I read book three? Possibly. Just so that I can close the book on a devastatingly written sham said to be “hotter than the Hunger Games”.
Zzzzzz.
I wouldn’t even call the above a review. Just utter disappointment.
dnf
August 10, 2013Despite my best efforts to try to read The Uprising, I truly can't do it. It's tedious, I'm not a fan of the characters, and I really have no interest in seeing what happens next. I expected this to be a stronger book than The Forsaken, but I have been let down.
Note: I have only read part of The Uprising, before abandoning it.
Note: I have only read part of The Uprising, before abandoning it.
May 5, 2013
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers and Edelweiss.)
This is book 2 in the ‘The Forsaken’ series, and kicks off around 2 months after the end of book 1 ‘The Forsaken’.
**Warning – some unavoidable spoilers for book 1 ‘The Forsaken’**
It’s been around 2 months since Aleena and Liam made it off the wheel and to Australia where scientists are trying to work out the best way to bring down the UNA. Aleena and Liam don’t feel like they’re doing enough to rescue the friends that they left behind on the wheel though, and whilst the scientists continue to ask them meaningless questions, Aleena and Liam are approached by some ex-drones, who seem to have their own ideas about what has to be done.
Ultimately though, the decision to return to the wheel is almost forced upon them, and Aleena, Liam and several hundred others make their way back to the wheel, with the intention of taking it over, and using it as a weapon against the UNA. Unfortunately, the resurrected Monk and his drones have other plans, and Aleena and Liam once again find themselves running for their lives.
What will become of the wheel though? Is there any hope of taking power from the Monk? And can you really trust anyone in this awful place?
This was a great second instalment in this series, although why these kids keep putting their faith in people who shouldn’t be trusted I don’t know!
Aleena and Liam are pretty powerless at the start of this book. Although they’ve succeeded in escaping the wheel, it seems that now they’re just playing a waiting game until the people that they’re now relying on decide to rescue their friends. It’s easy to see how upsetting this is for Aleena when she feels that she left so many people behind her. Especially Gadya and David, who she felt were real friends, and who may or may not have survived Aleena and Liam’s escape.
Once again in this book it’s difficult to know who to trust, taking people at face value seems to get you nowhere, as more often than not someone is trying to stab you in the back. Aleena does seem to make some silly decisions at times though. Although this time the decision to trust said person is out of her hands, she’s still utterly shocked when this person betrays them yet again! In fact she’s unsure who it even was who betrayed them at first! Er, hello?! Only one person knew you were bl*ody coming! It shouldn’t be that difficult to work out?!
Trust plays a major role in this book though, and it seems that knowing who to trust is just impossible. The number of betrayals, surprise arrivals, and shock encounters is immense, to the point where you wonder how anybody ever trusts anybody in this place!
The romance was greatly reduced in this book, and definitely took a side-line to the other plotlines. Aleena and Liam seemed pretty happy and secure in their relationship though which was nice to see.
I liked the storyline in this book, although I was a little surprised at times. Firstly I was surprised at decision to return to the wheel. Although there were obviously people there who needed rescuing, I thought it was a pretty dumb idea to just saunter on back to the wheel and think that they would have the upper hand! Crazy! There were plenty of twists and turns though, that totally kept me wondering what would happen next, and although quite a chunk of the book was taken up with travelling, it was kept interesting by the perils of the journey, so well done to the author there!
The ending was certainly an interesting one, and leaves us with a slightly different outlook for book 3. It will be interesting to see how this story ends, although I have a horrible feeling that there is going to be an all-out war in the next book.
Overall; a good second instalment in this dystopian series.
7 out of 10.
This is book 2 in the ‘The Forsaken’ series, and kicks off around 2 months after the end of book 1 ‘The Forsaken’.
**Warning – some unavoidable spoilers for book 1 ‘The Forsaken’**
It’s been around 2 months since Aleena and Liam made it off the wheel and to Australia where scientists are trying to work out the best way to bring down the UNA. Aleena and Liam don’t feel like they’re doing enough to rescue the friends that they left behind on the wheel though, and whilst the scientists continue to ask them meaningless questions, Aleena and Liam are approached by some ex-drones, who seem to have their own ideas about what has to be done.
Ultimately though, the decision to return to the wheel is almost forced upon them, and Aleena, Liam and several hundred others make their way back to the wheel, with the intention of taking it over, and using it as a weapon against the UNA. Unfortunately, the resurrected Monk and his drones have other plans, and Aleena and Liam once again find themselves running for their lives.
What will become of the wheel though? Is there any hope of taking power from the Monk? And can you really trust anyone in this awful place?
This was a great second instalment in this series, although why these kids keep putting their faith in people who shouldn’t be trusted I don’t know!
Aleena and Liam are pretty powerless at the start of this book. Although they’ve succeeded in escaping the wheel, it seems that now they’re just playing a waiting game until the people that they’re now relying on decide to rescue their friends. It’s easy to see how upsetting this is for Aleena when she feels that she left so many people behind her. Especially Gadya and David, who she felt were real friends, and who may or may not have survived Aleena and Liam’s escape.
Once again in this book it’s difficult to know who to trust, taking people at face value seems to get you nowhere, as more often than not someone is trying to stab you in the back. Aleena does seem to make some silly decisions at times though. Although this time the decision to trust said person is out of her hands, she’s still utterly shocked when this person betrays them yet again! In fact she’s unsure who it even was who betrayed them at first! Er, hello?! Only one person knew you were bl*ody coming! It shouldn’t be that difficult to work out?!
Trust plays a major role in this book though, and it seems that knowing who to trust is just impossible. The number of betrayals, surprise arrivals, and shock encounters is immense, to the point where you wonder how anybody ever trusts anybody in this place!
The romance was greatly reduced in this book, and definitely took a side-line to the other plotlines. Aleena and Liam seemed pretty happy and secure in their relationship though which was nice to see.
I liked the storyline in this book, although I was a little surprised at times. Firstly I was surprised at decision to return to the wheel. Although there were obviously people there who needed rescuing, I thought it was a pretty dumb idea to just saunter on back to the wheel and think that they would have the upper hand! Crazy! There were plenty of twists and turns though, that totally kept me wondering what would happen next, and although quite a chunk of the book was taken up with travelling, it was kept interesting by the perils of the journey, so well done to the author there!
The ending was certainly an interesting one, and leaves us with a slightly different outlook for book 3. It will be interesting to see how this story ends, although I have a horrible feeling that there is going to be an all-out war in the next book.
Overall; a good second instalment in this dystopian series.
7 out of 10.
December 28, 2014
Ugh.
If I didn't own the 3rd book already, I would give up with the series. This was everything I hated about the 1st book, but twice as bad. And it didn't even have a semi interesting plot to keep it going.
If I didn't own the 3rd book already, I would give up with the series. This was everything I hated about the 1st book, but twice as bad. And it didn't even have a semi interesting plot to keep it going.
August 3, 2013
Sometimes I read sequel with caution. I’m scared that it won’t fulfill my expectations especially if I love the first book. The Uprising is no exception. After all, I’m feeling a little bit of YA-Dystopia exhaustion these days after reading books and with them miserably failed to entertain me. So I dive in with wariness only to realize that I shouldn’t be, that there’s no reason for me to worry because this book rocked my boat pretty darn hard.
I liked how the first book ended with Alenna and Liam escaped and found temporarily refuge in Australia. But that was it, ‘momentarily’ because their fight isn’t over. What makes this more dangerous is that the two doesn’t know which ones to trust. A lot of factions are offering insights to them and most of them are believable but not all of them can be trusted. There are also people from the first book that made reappearance and Alenna thought she knows these people but she was wrong. And following her instinct isn’t enough to survive this maze of betrayals. Moreover, it looks like they need to return and free the place where they narrowly escaped the last time.
There are so many things that happened in this book. And I was also as confused as Alenna to the people surrounding her. And like Alenna, it would be also very difficult for me to hand them down my trust considering her previous experiences with these people and this gut instinct that they have hidden agenda with their moves . And oh man, I was right. Like I said earlier there are some reappearance from the characters from the first book but only one of them left a huge mark on me and that was David. In my review of The Forasken, I said that David was clever on his every step. My feelings as well as my trust fluctuated the whole time. It was swinging from trust to betrayal and back again. But in the end, he stood his ground and finally (hopefully) declared which side he’s really on. This guy has the wits as well the determination and dedication to meet his goal and with that I can say I kind of liked him. Too bad though with the ending he purposely chose for himself.
I’m really surprised that romance has had to take a back seat in order to highlight the brewing revolution. For a moment, Liam and Alenna separated ways because Liam has his own mission to do. I really liked when the two main leads particularly if they are a couple have their own task to do and not just relying and supporting the other. I mean, support is given but I want the story to showcase their individuality, to focus on their strengths and weaknesses so I can see their characters developed.
With that kind of ending I am expecting a solid conclusion and more definite answers. This book is two notches higher than the first and I’m greatly satisfied with the outcome. So holler me when the third book comes because I’m ready.
See original post here @ Aeropapers
I received an eARC from Simon & Schuster Books via Edelweiss. Thank you.
****
Wow-wow-wowzers! Full review later.
****
Here comes the second book! Woot! Woot!
I liked how the first book ended with Alenna and Liam escaped and found temporarily refuge in Australia. But that was it, ‘momentarily’ because their fight isn’t over. What makes this more dangerous is that the two doesn’t know which ones to trust. A lot of factions are offering insights to them and most of them are believable but not all of them can be trusted. There are also people from the first book that made reappearance and Alenna thought she knows these people but she was wrong. And following her instinct isn’t enough to survive this maze of betrayals. Moreover, it looks like they need to return and free the place where they narrowly escaped the last time.
There are so many things that happened in this book. And I was also as confused as Alenna to the people surrounding her. And like Alenna, it would be also very difficult for me to hand them down my trust considering her previous experiences with these people and this gut instinct that they have hidden agenda with their moves . And oh man, I was right. Like I said earlier there are some reappearance from the characters from the first book but only one of them left a huge mark on me and that was David. In my review of The Forasken, I said that David was clever on his every step. My feelings as well as my trust fluctuated the whole time. It was swinging from trust to betrayal and back again. But in the end, he stood his ground and finally (hopefully) declared which side he’s really on. This guy has the wits as well the determination and dedication to meet his goal and with that I can say I kind of liked him. Too bad though with the ending he purposely chose for himself.
I’m really surprised that romance has had to take a back seat in order to highlight the brewing revolution. For a moment, Liam and Alenna separated ways because Liam has his own mission to do. I really liked when the two main leads particularly if they are a couple have their own task to do and not just relying and supporting the other. I mean, support is given but I want the story to showcase their individuality, to focus on their strengths and weaknesses so I can see their characters developed.
With that kind of ending I am expecting a solid conclusion and more definite answers. This book is two notches higher than the first and I’m greatly satisfied with the outcome. So holler me when the third book comes because I’m ready.
See original post here @ Aeropapers
I received an eARC from Simon & Schuster Books via Edelweiss. Thank you.
****
Wow-wow-wowzers! Full review later.
****
Here comes the second book! Woot! Woot!
July 6, 2014
****SPOILERS ALERT****
I want the third book now!
Although there were some annoying things in the books I didn't quit like. For example: the romance. God, it was so cheesy. I did not like Liam, and especially the fucking insta-love romance. I'm gonna tell you why. First off he was described as a fearful warrior. Instead of acting like a leader, he follows Alenna like a lost puppy and tries to kiss her all the time, like a maniac. And then there is the so called connection. Ahhh, the connection. Alenna and Liam feels this goddamn *connection*, which they find out they have because they spent time together when they were kids. And off course that explains why they loved each other after looking at each other five times.
Beside from that, the book is fast-paced and the action is non stop. Sometimes I put down the book just to take a few breaths before I can read again, because it's so many shocks along the books.
I really liked to see Alenna change bit by bit, to someone that stood up for herself and someone tougher.
I hate Liam. He's too nice. Too I'm-perfect-so-I'm-easy-to-love kind of boy. When he got taken by that feeler in the first book, I was doing my happy dance and screaming: "Ha!! Gotcha, you son of a bitch!". Then he got rescued. off course he would get rescued. Why wouldn't he. I was so pissed. When I started reading the second book he wasn't bang-myself-against-a-wall-annoying. I could deal with him, because the book was so damn good.
And then there's David. At first I didn't really know why the author put him in the book. After they came to the wheel and they met David after his not-so-much-betrayal. I began to like him a lot better than Liam, so now I'm on 'Team David' if you can call it that.
I was crying so hard when David sacrificed himself at the end. I was like "Noooooo, David!!! What the fuck are you doing, you're supposed to end up with Alenna!! Don't you dare die!", but off course I don't think he's dead. I really hope that's not my lucky thinking, but hey, if David is really dead, I want Liam dead too. Mohahahaha.
Gadya. What can I say about her. I really did not like the way she was so goddamn protective about Liam. Let him go woman he doesn't like you anymore. Pull yourself together!! God, she was so annoying. But she was much better in the second book. I actually began liking her.
I know I complained a bit... Okay very much. But I recommend it to everyone. It was all in all, one of my favorite books, even if it doesn't sound like it. Now go read it!
I want the third book now!
Although there were some annoying things in the books I didn't quit like. For example: the romance. God, it was so cheesy. I did not like Liam, and especially the fucking insta-love romance. I'm gonna tell you why. First off he was described as a fearful warrior. Instead of acting like a leader, he follows Alenna like a lost puppy and tries to kiss her all the time, like a maniac. And then there is the so called connection. Ahhh, the connection. Alenna and Liam feels this goddamn *connection*, which they find out they have because they spent time together when they were kids. And off course that explains why they loved each other after looking at each other five times.
Beside from that, the book is fast-paced and the action is non stop. Sometimes I put down the book just to take a few breaths before I can read again, because it's so many shocks along the books.
I really liked to see Alenna change bit by bit, to someone that stood up for herself and someone tougher.
I hate Liam. He's too nice. Too I'm-perfect-so-I'm-easy-to-love kind of boy. When he got taken by that feeler in the first book, I was doing my happy dance and screaming: "Ha!! Gotcha, you son of a bitch!". Then he got rescued. off course he would get rescued. Why wouldn't he. I was so pissed. When I started reading the second book he wasn't bang-myself-against-a-wall-annoying. I could deal with him, because the book was so damn good.
And then there's David. At first I didn't really know why the author put him in the book. After they came to the wheel and they met David after his not-so-much-betrayal. I began to like him a lot better than Liam, so now I'm on 'Team David' if you can call it that.
I was crying so hard when David sacrificed himself at the end. I was like "Noooooo, David!!! What the fuck are you doing, you're supposed to end up with Alenna!! Don't you dare die!", but off course I don't think he's dead. I really hope that's not my lucky thinking, but hey, if David is really dead, I want Liam dead too. Mohahahaha.
Gadya. What can I say about her. I really did not like the way she was so goddamn protective about Liam. Let him go woman he doesn't like you anymore. Pull yourself together!! God, she was so annoying. But she was much better in the second book. I actually began liking her.
I know I complained a bit... Okay very much. But I recommend it to everyone. It was all in all, one of my favorite books, even if it doesn't sound like it. Now go read it!
April 7, 2014
This book... I feel as though the second one was better than the first one (which I knew when I started the series) but it also wasn't. I think the first book had more adventures and suspenseful moments. I think book two went a little fast and I'm left with a little cliff hanger. All in all, I can't wait for the third book.
August 22, 2018
After finishing 'The Forsaken' I was desperate to know what would happen next, book 1 ended on such a cliffhanger that I was desperate to find out what becomes of Gadya, Alenna and Liam and if the Wheel ever gets defeated. I had to wait 2 days for the book to come in the library (actually very quick service, but feels longer when you are waiting to find out what happens next).
I did enjoy the first book but I wasn't blown away by it, I was just captivated enough that I have to know what happens next so I approached this book with eager hands but not expecting much.
After Alenna escaped from the wheel she wasn't sure what to expect from her life, with her boyfriend by her side but her closest friends left behind amidst the danger of the wheel she has some choices to make. Stay safe in the secret community or fight for freedom from the UNA. Making the choice to return to the wheel means sacrificing her life and being thrown back into a world of violence and uncertainty, but Alenna isn't a scared little girl anymore, she is a fighter and a survivor and she wants to stand up for herself and her friends, and the future of the world. Plus in some ways it seems like she doesn't really have a choice!
I honestly wasn't expecting much from this book, thought it would be like the first, I wanted to read it quickly and see what happened next but that was it. However when I started to read I found myself quickly pulled into the world and really enjoying it. The characters are so much more developed - not just Alenna and Liam but even characters we haven't met before like Dr Barrett and Alenna's mum. The world is really well set up and the imagery is amazing, I could visualize every tunnel, every room, every aspect of the wheel. It really came to life off the page. The storyline is good and well paced, there are a lot of twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat and a few curveballs that I certainly didn't predict.
Alenna and Liam put a lot of their trust into people they don't know, mainly scientists running the rebellion and also other rescued survivors. We meet Cass, a sassy girl with a streak of revenge in her blood, she wants to fight back to the ones who ruined her life on the wheel and her friend Emma, a rather meek and quiet young lady but with a fierce intelligence and hidden strength.
When they return to the Wheel it is nothing like the place they have left, the Drones are organized and brutal, bloodthirsty and almost like zombies, but harder to kill. They have all been controlled and being led once more by the mysterious 'Monk' With all their plans going wrong, Alenna, Liam and Cass have a much tougher fight on their hands than they ever expected.
I got this book home and read it in 3 sittings over 3 days, I read it so quickly - I was desperate to find time to sit down and read, I just couldn't get enough, I had to know what happens. This book still has slower moments but they felt more needed and well placed, but overall the action carries you through the pages and I found myself really enjoying the story. It was so much better than book 1.
I am now desperate to know what happens in the third installment and can't wait to get stuck in. This book takes the premise of the first book and ramps it up about a hundred gears! Well worth a read.
I did enjoy the first book but I wasn't blown away by it, I was just captivated enough that I have to know what happens next so I approached this book with eager hands but not expecting much.
After Alenna escaped from the wheel she wasn't sure what to expect from her life, with her boyfriend by her side but her closest friends left behind amidst the danger of the wheel she has some choices to make. Stay safe in the secret community or fight for freedom from the UNA. Making the choice to return to the wheel means sacrificing her life and being thrown back into a world of violence and uncertainty, but Alenna isn't a scared little girl anymore, she is a fighter and a survivor and she wants to stand up for herself and her friends, and the future of the world. Plus in some ways it seems like she doesn't really have a choice!
I honestly wasn't expecting much from this book, thought it would be like the first, I wanted to read it quickly and see what happened next but that was it. However when I started to read I found myself quickly pulled into the world and really enjoying it. The characters are so much more developed - not just Alenna and Liam but even characters we haven't met before like Dr Barrett and Alenna's mum. The world is really well set up and the imagery is amazing, I could visualize every tunnel, every room, every aspect of the wheel. It really came to life off the page. The storyline is good and well paced, there are a lot of twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat and a few curveballs that I certainly didn't predict.
Alenna and Liam put a lot of their trust into people they don't know, mainly scientists running the rebellion and also other rescued survivors. We meet Cass, a sassy girl with a streak of revenge in her blood, she wants to fight back to the ones who ruined her life on the wheel and her friend Emma, a rather meek and quiet young lady but with a fierce intelligence and hidden strength.
When they return to the Wheel it is nothing like the place they have left, the Drones are organized and brutal, bloodthirsty and almost like zombies, but harder to kill. They have all been controlled and being led once more by the mysterious 'Monk' With all their plans going wrong, Alenna, Liam and Cass have a much tougher fight on their hands than they ever expected.
I got this book home and read it in 3 sittings over 3 days, I read it so quickly - I was desperate to find time to sit down and read, I just couldn't get enough, I had to know what happens. This book still has slower moments but they felt more needed and well placed, but overall the action carries you through the pages and I found myself really enjoying the story. It was so much better than book 1.
I am now desperate to know what happens in the third installment and can't wait to get stuck in. This book takes the premise of the first book and ramps it up about a hundred gears! Well worth a read.
dnf
October 18, 2019I gave up on this book roughly 50 pages in.
My main issue was that it's been seven years since I've read book one and I can't remember a thing. This book does a great job of recapping book one, but I still can't bring myself to care about the characters. I'm putting this aside for now. I may have to reread book one to see if I still think this series is worth reading. I don't know if I ever will though because dystopians just aren't my cup of tea anymore.
My main issue was that it's been seven years since I've read book one and I can't remember a thing. This book does a great job of recapping book one, but I still can't bring myself to care about the characters. I'm putting this aside for now. I may have to reread book one to see if I still think this series is worth reading. I don't know if I ever will though because dystopians just aren't my cup of tea anymore.
May 1, 2015
Ok, I really don't want to review this at all. In all honesty when it comes to the YA genre I've read books that are infinitely better than this and then some.
This book's predecessor The Forsaken begins with the basic stuff: when a girl turns sixteen an event takes place that changes her life forever, that places her in the perfect spot to meet the love of her life. This instant falling in love is getting kinda dull at this point. Actually it already became dull years ago, if not completely ridiculous. Don't get me wrong, I have pairings that I like in YA. I love The Legend Trilogy despite it sharing some of this book's traits. Although what Marie Lu did with her series was create characters that actually possessed personalities. They were characters that weren't defined completely by their feelings for their love interest. They could go on without them if they had to. Also as far as characters go, you could tell Marie Lu's characters apart through their dialogue alone, and that's a mountain sized difference.
I will say that my favourite character in both of these books is Gadya. I'm my opinion the story should have been about her, which would have been much more interesting.
So now with this second novel the young lovers are shifting from one place to another so quickly it makes Brad Pitt's country hopping in World War Z look like a snail's crawl. With it came (I will admit) some good actions scenes, which the basic fast paced writing style handled nicely. Although I am drawn to some of the conveniences that rear their heads whenever a minor road block is encountered: such as a certain submarine that is plastered with writing that the lead (Alenna) can't read being that its in Japanese. But that's ok, because a newly introduced cardboard girl knows how to speak Japanese. Likewise with love-interest-Liam's convenient knowledge of submarines that he displays for the uncertainty of his sweetheart. Apparently he'd been reading up on submarines during their stay at the Destiny Station rebel base, just in time for their underwater voyage. Maybe its stupid to hang on those small things, but they just niggle away at me something fierce. And if I see the words "resistance cell" one more time!!!!
Things seem to fall into place and out of place in the blink of an eye with this story. Almost every element is frantic and lacked any planning. It could have been interesting, if not for the messy story telling and the lifeless characters who have such run-of-the-mill lines throughout. Rant over :)
I really hope I don't offend anyone with this. If you guys enjoyed this book then I'm happy for you. It's always good to find things that you like and I'm glad if some people can get enjoyment out of reading these books. But sadly for me the experience was pretty lacking.
Personal Rating: 3/10
This book's predecessor The Forsaken begins with the basic stuff: when a girl turns sixteen an event takes place that changes her life forever, that places her in the perfect spot to meet the love of her life. This instant falling in love is getting kinda dull at this point. Actually it already became dull years ago, if not completely ridiculous. Don't get me wrong, I have pairings that I like in YA. I love The Legend Trilogy despite it sharing some of this book's traits. Although what Marie Lu did with her series was create characters that actually possessed personalities. They were characters that weren't defined completely by their feelings for their love interest. They could go on without them if they had to. Also as far as characters go, you could tell Marie Lu's characters apart through their dialogue alone, and that's a mountain sized difference.
I will say that my favourite character in both of these books is Gadya. I'm my opinion the story should have been about her, which would have been much more interesting.
So now with this second novel the young lovers are shifting from one place to another so quickly it makes Brad Pitt's country hopping in World War Z look like a snail's crawl. With it came (I will admit) some good actions scenes, which the basic fast paced writing style handled nicely. Although I am drawn to some of the conveniences that rear their heads whenever a minor road block is encountered: such as a certain submarine that is plastered with writing that the lead (Alenna) can't read being that its in Japanese. But that's ok, because a newly introduced cardboard girl knows how to speak Japanese. Likewise with love-interest-Liam's convenient knowledge of submarines that he displays for the uncertainty of his sweetheart. Apparently he'd been reading up on submarines during their stay at the Destiny Station rebel base, just in time for their underwater voyage. Maybe its stupid to hang on those small things, but they just niggle away at me something fierce. And if I see the words "resistance cell" one more time!!!!
Things seem to fall into place and out of place in the blink of an eye with this story. Almost every element is frantic and lacked any planning. It could have been interesting, if not for the messy story telling and the lifeless characters who have such run-of-the-mill lines throughout. Rant over :)
I really hope I don't offend anyone with this. If you guys enjoyed this book then I'm happy for you. It's always good to find things that you like and I'm glad if some people can get enjoyment out of reading these books. But sadly for me the experience was pretty lacking.
Personal Rating: 3/10
June 28, 2013
INITIAL THOUGHTS:
Full Review to Come: My Precious Blog
www.thecallawayfam.blogspot.com
This story picks up right where The Forsaken left not skipping a beat. Unbelievable non-stop action in this one. Pacing initially is fast and continues to gain momentum as the book progresses. Just when one problem is remedied another one crops up. Oddly, I may even have to say the pace of the read may have been TOO fast. There was little time for the reader to digest it all. Alenna still continues to be a strong heroine. She cares deeply for her mother, her friends and of course Liam and will not hesitate to fight to the death for any of them. She's learned to fight from Gadiya in the last story, in this installment she perfects her skills. The only thing I felt slightly annoyed with is many times in the book when there was a tiny break in the action it was filled with Alenna fretting over her mother or Liam. After reading page after page of her constant worries, I did grow a little tired of it, but at the same time I can't blame her because I know I would have been worried too. Part of it was the author's fault because she kept going back to it over and over again. Liam and Alenna become closer in this installment. I'm not sure if their relationship will have readers swooning though. Its always been one of those insta love types where I don't feel like they've really built a strong foundation. I guess I'd consider their relationship sufferers from being slightly shallow. I think Alenna is drawn to Liam for his looks more than anything else. Well and he's a great fighter. This book moves the story along. I didn't fell like it was just filler, like some middle books in a trilogy are. It definitely had substance, kept me on the edge of my seat and urged me to rush to the end to find out what would happen to the characters. New characters were introduced: Emma, Cass and Alian. Emma was quiet, reserved but smart. Cass was standoffish and fierce, of course she and Gadiya butted heads, no surprises there. The way this second book wrapped up I felt satisfied me. Again, it didn't end abruptly, just like book one. It finished at a resting point in the story. Of course now we still have a battle to fight in the final installment. Well, its not just a battle its a full out war.
Full Review to Come: My Precious Blog
www.thecallawayfam.blogspot.com
This story picks up right where The Forsaken left not skipping a beat. Unbelievable non-stop action in this one. Pacing initially is fast and continues to gain momentum as the book progresses. Just when one problem is remedied another one crops up. Oddly, I may even have to say the pace of the read may have been TOO fast. There was little time for the reader to digest it all. Alenna still continues to be a strong heroine. She cares deeply for her mother, her friends and of course Liam and will not hesitate to fight to the death for any of them. She's learned to fight from Gadiya in the last story, in this installment she perfects her skills. The only thing I felt slightly annoyed with is many times in the book when there was a tiny break in the action it was filled with Alenna fretting over her mother or Liam. After reading page after page of her constant worries, I did grow a little tired of it, but at the same time I can't blame her because I know I would have been worried too. Part of it was the author's fault because she kept going back to it over and over again. Liam and Alenna become closer in this installment. I'm not sure if their relationship will have readers swooning though. Its always been one of those insta love types where I don't feel like they've really built a strong foundation. I guess I'd consider their relationship sufferers from being slightly shallow. I think Alenna is drawn to Liam for his looks more than anything else. Well and he's a great fighter. This book moves the story along. I didn't fell like it was just filler, like some middle books in a trilogy are. It definitely had substance, kept me on the edge of my seat and urged me to rush to the end to find out what would happen to the characters. New characters were introduced: Emma, Cass and Alian. Emma was quiet, reserved but smart. Cass was standoffish and fierce, of course she and Gadiya butted heads, no surprises there. The way this second book wrapped up I felt satisfied me. Again, it didn't end abruptly, just like book one. It finished at a resting point in the story. Of course now we still have a battle to fight in the final installment. Well, its not just a battle its a full out war.
December 27, 2013
Actual rating - 3.5
The Uprising was a pretty good sequel, but i did have a few problems with it.
There was a point where i got quite bored, as the story started to drag, and felt slow.
Luckily, it did pick back up again.
The other problem i had, was the main characters judgement.
After everything that happened in The Forsaken, you would think they'd stop trusting people so easily.
The amount of times they were shocked over a character betraying them was ridiculous, especially when it seemed to be the same character all the time.
The ending was pretty good, and i'm looking forward to see where it goes in book three.
The Uprising was a pretty good sequel, but i did have a few problems with it.
There was a point where i got quite bored, as the story started to drag, and felt slow.
Luckily, it did pick back up again.
The other problem i had, was the main characters judgement.
After everything that happened in The Forsaken, you would think they'd stop trusting people so easily.
The amount of times they were shocked over a character betraying them was ridiculous, especially when it seemed to be the same character all the time.
The ending was pretty good, and i'm looking forward to see where it goes in book three.
August 18, 2018
*BEWARE POTENTIAL SPOILERS*
Wow, what a bland and mundane novel.
It picks off right where the last one ended, with Alenna and Liam escaping the wheel but then during the first act of the novel they just chill out in a rebel base. The urgency and action just fizzles out. The outpost gets attacked so they flee to another base in Antarctica. The resistance, united in their seemingly easy task to overthrow the wheel under rebel occupation, attack the wheel but of course, it goes horribly wrong. Somehow the resistance with their airships, guns, technological ingenuity and fleet of soldiers gets overrun by the Monk's army of expendable and feeble warriors with their primitive bows and arrows. Are u Kidding Me?
That's just one erk of many I have with the novel.
During the beginning, Alenna just hurls this dump of exposition in your face like some sort of stretched recap that lingers far longer than it needs to. Additionally, Alenna just monologues too much. The first couple of times you don't notice it then it becomes repetitive. It just breaks the flow of the story and she doesn't even contemplate about new topics. She's constantly thinking about Liam and has these worrisome doubts, which is ok but as I said happens too often.
At least I can say the action was intense and unexpected.
But back to stuff I hate. We're introduced to this new character 'Cass' at the rebel base who somehow possesses this super, ultra cunning thief like erudition. She manages to steal keys, physical devices, she overhears confidential information like some mastermind spy-pickpockter. Like you expect me to believe that a kid is outsmarting trained adult guards. Like no. And then in the final confrontation between the Monk's army and the Travellers, she gets caught in the heat of the battle or something and we never hear from hear again. IDK our hero's had to abandon her but that's it. She had no longer lasting impact. Maybe she comes back in the sequel or something. I don't really care.
Speaking of predictable stuff, this whole book never surprised me. This new monk is portrayed as some omnipotent being as he/she (no discrimination) manages to uncover (or is aware) everyone's personal circumstances and is aware of the Resistance's plan to take back the wheel. The Monk's reveal is far from a twist. Shifting loyalties are exposed and everyone isn't who u think they are whatever, predictable af.
This book just failed to engross me in the story and its world. It doesn't expand on the history of the UNA, the wheel, the characters nothing. Honestly just go watch 3% on netflix - 2 out of 5
Wow, what a bland and mundane novel.
It picks off right where the last one ended, with Alenna and Liam escaping the wheel but then during the first act of the novel they just chill out in a rebel base. The urgency and action just fizzles out. The outpost gets attacked so they flee to another base in Antarctica. The resistance, united in their seemingly easy task to overthrow the wheel under rebel occupation, attack the wheel but of course, it goes horribly wrong. Somehow the resistance with their airships, guns, technological ingenuity and fleet of soldiers gets overrun by the Monk's army of expendable and feeble warriors with their primitive bows and arrows. Are u Kidding Me?
That's just one erk of many I have with the novel.
During the beginning, Alenna just hurls this dump of exposition in your face like some sort of stretched recap that lingers far longer than it needs to. Additionally, Alenna just monologues too much. The first couple of times you don't notice it then it becomes repetitive. It just breaks the flow of the story and she doesn't even contemplate about new topics. She's constantly thinking about Liam and has these worrisome doubts, which is ok but as I said happens too often.
At least I can say the action was intense and unexpected.
But back to stuff I hate. We're introduced to this new character 'Cass' at the rebel base who somehow possesses this super, ultra cunning thief like erudition. She manages to steal keys, physical devices, she overhears confidential information like some mastermind spy-pickpockter. Like you expect me to believe that a kid is outsmarting trained adult guards. Like no. And then in the final confrontation between the Monk's army and the Travellers, she gets caught in the heat of the battle or something and we never hear from hear again. IDK our hero's had to abandon her but that's it. She had no longer lasting impact. Maybe she comes back in the sequel or something. I don't really care.
Speaking of predictable stuff, this whole book never surprised me. This new monk is portrayed as some omnipotent being as he/she (no discrimination) manages to uncover (or is aware) everyone's personal circumstances and is aware of the Resistance's plan to take back the wheel. The Monk's reveal is far from a twist. Shifting loyalties are exposed and everyone isn't who u think they are whatever, predictable af.
This book just failed to engross me in the story and its world. It doesn't expand on the history of the UNA, the wheel, the characters nothing. Honestly just go watch 3% on netflix - 2 out of 5
March 15, 2020
RATING: 7.8/10
The Uprising carried your typical "filler book" vibes, which is something that seems unavoidable with most trilogies, but overall I thought that it was an enjoyable read because of the challenging pace and development.
THE PLOT
The 2nd book moves in a 'full circle' kind of way - with the MC getting off Island Alpha in the very beginning, and ending with the MC going back to Island Alpha in the end. This is a plot heavy book, but i thought i enjoyed myself thoroughly during the MC's journey from one safe house to another, and then ending with her risking her life back on island Alpha.
THE CHARACTERS
The author introduces new people to the story - Emma, Cass and Alun. All of them are likeable and interesting, though i do wish that the author had given more time to their individual character development instead of making the plot so heavy. The previous characters are not brought up or mentioned at all until the very end, which was a bummer because I was hoping to see more of them in book two. I have high hopes for book 3, where hopefully everything will tie together neatly in a grand finale.
THE PACE
It was an action-packed, suspenseful read without a dull moment, and for that, I am very impressed. the story never seemed to lag or slow down enough to make me lose interest, which was great! Even though this book did have a little bit of 'filler story' vibes, i thought that the gruelling pace at which the plot moved did help the reading process a lot. I whipped through this book in a day, and I'm definitely looking forward to book 3!
THE ENDING
I expected a cliffhanger. I expected something to go horribly wrong and for the book to end on a huge question mark. i didn't expect it to kinda fade off into a peaceable ending where everyone achieves their goal and someone sacrifices their life and it's all good and they prepare for war etc. i wanted the book to keep speeding towards the very end, and leave me hanging. it wasn't exactly predictable, but i'd say that it wouldn't have made me look forward to book 3 if i hadn't already been so impressed by book 2.
OVERALL
I borrowed this trilogy from the library at the recommendation of my best friend. it's definitely fast paced and interesting, but even though i wouldn't mind rereading, it's not a book i'd buy to keep in my collection.
The Uprising carried your typical "filler book" vibes, which is something that seems unavoidable with most trilogies, but overall I thought that it was an enjoyable read because of the challenging pace and development.
THE PLOT
The 2nd book moves in a 'full circle' kind of way - with the MC getting off Island Alpha in the very beginning, and ending with the MC going back to Island Alpha in the end. This is a plot heavy book, but i thought i enjoyed myself thoroughly during the MC's journey from one safe house to another, and then ending with her risking her life back on island Alpha.
THE CHARACTERS
The author introduces new people to the story - Emma, Cass and Alun. All of them are likeable and interesting, though i do wish that the author had given more time to their individual character development instead of making the plot so heavy. The previous characters are not brought up or mentioned at all until the very end, which was a bummer because I was hoping to see more of them in book two. I have high hopes for book 3, where hopefully everything will tie together neatly in a grand finale.
THE PACE
It was an action-packed, suspenseful read without a dull moment, and for that, I am very impressed. the story never seemed to lag or slow down enough to make me lose interest, which was great! Even though this book did have a little bit of 'filler story' vibes, i thought that the gruelling pace at which the plot moved did help the reading process a lot. I whipped through this book in a day, and I'm definitely looking forward to book 3!
THE ENDING
I expected a cliffhanger. I expected something to go horribly wrong and for the book to end on a huge question mark. i didn't expect it to kinda fade off into a peaceable ending where everyone achieves their goal and someone sacrifices their life and it's all good and they prepare for war etc. i wanted the book to keep speeding towards the very end, and leave me hanging. it wasn't exactly predictable, but i'd say that it wouldn't have made me look forward to book 3 if i hadn't already been so impressed by book 2.
OVERALL
I borrowed this trilogy from the library at the recommendation of my best friend. it's definitely fast paced and interesting, but even though i wouldn't mind rereading, it's not a book i'd buy to keep in my collection.
May 28, 2019
In the Uprising, it picks up at Destiny Station and we find out what happens to Alenna and Liam there and follow their adventure back to the wheel.
I thought this was an excellent follow up to the Forsaken. One thing I really loved about this novel was watching how dynamic the main characters became. Their personalities evolve through the series and you can really see Alenna, who started out more timid and inexperienced in this rougher way of life, become braver and take more risks and learn to fight for what she believes in. Gadya develops more depth and seems to drop some of her coarse nature. Some of this may be due to working through Alenna coming between her and Liam but regardless, it was nice to see her personality take on more life. Liam, we already knew was a fierce and skilled fighter, but we also see how protective he is of those he loves. This is evident in The Forsaken when he is captured because he saved Alenna, but he finds himself faced with more situations where he seems to really struggle with Alenna having to fend for herself when he may not be there to save her. While these experiences are necessary for both of their developments, the novel succeeds on portraying how difficult it can be for both of them. David. Oh, David. He is an interesting character and in some ways his part seemed rather small to me in the first book but he certainly plays an interesting role in this one. Alenna's unwavering trust in him is interesting since to many it would seem undeserved. One may almost assume it could be a love triangle, however, she really is 100% devoted to Liam and her affection for David seems purely platonic. This novel showed how he played a much greater role in the wheel and the rebellion then was initially indicated.
Alenna and Liam find that their return to the wheel is not what they had in mind and they will have to bravely defeat their adversaries if they want to take over or even survive. Expect lots of action, bravery, betrayal and new revelations about the rebellion and the UNA in this novel.
I thought this was an excellent follow up to the Forsaken. One thing I really loved about this novel was watching how dynamic the main characters became. Their personalities evolve through the series and you can really see Alenna, who started out more timid and inexperienced in this rougher way of life, become braver and take more risks and learn to fight for what she believes in. Gadya develops more depth and seems to drop some of her coarse nature. Some of this may be due to working through Alenna coming between her and Liam but regardless, it was nice to see her personality take on more life. Liam, we already knew was a fierce and skilled fighter, but we also see how protective he is of those he loves. This is evident in The Forsaken when he is captured because he saved Alenna, but he finds himself faced with more situations where he seems to really struggle with Alenna having to fend for herself when he may not be there to save her. While these experiences are necessary for both of their developments, the novel succeeds on portraying how difficult it can be for both of them. David. Oh, David. He is an interesting character and in some ways his part seemed rather small to me in the first book but he certainly plays an interesting role in this one. Alenna's unwavering trust in him is interesting since to many it would seem undeserved. One may almost assume it could be a love triangle, however, she really is 100% devoted to Liam and her affection for David seems purely platonic. This novel showed how he played a much greater role in the wheel and the rebellion then was initially indicated.
Alenna and Liam find that their return to the wheel is not what they had in mind and they will have to bravely defeat their adversaries if they want to take over or even survive. Expect lots of action, bravery, betrayal and new revelations about the rebellion and the UNA in this novel.
July 31, 2019
*NO SPOILERS*
(This is a review for the whole series)
First of all, ignore the negative reviews. I loved this series (It is my favorite underrated gem), but hey, everyone is different.
I admit I was skeptical to read this book at first (I'm a pretty picky reader sometimes), but once I got through the first couple of chapters, I couldn't put it down. I have read a lot of Dystopian books with a sci-fi edge, and I believe this book series could be my favorite. Yes, it has similar elements to Divergent and The Hunger Games and other books, but what do you expect? There are only so many original ideas that can come from a futuristic, rebellion-themed series.
HOWEVER, I found it to be unique in its own way and a very good book with great characters. I love Alenna's growth throughout the books. I also loved how incredibly complex David's character was. I found myself constantly trying to understand him and learn why he was the way he was. And the whole series is full of twists and turns that I did not see coming (THAT SECOND BOOK THOUGH). The one thing I learned from this series is: You can't trust ANYONE.
Unlike other YA Dystopians, this series is fast-paced from the beginning of the first book until the end of the third. I have read this series several times and found it very well written and definitely UNDERRATED. Yes. The love stuff is a little cheesy sometimes, but most YA love is (Examples: Katniss & Peeta, Bella & Edward, Tris & Four, etc). It really starts to grow on you, however, by the end of the series.
I 100% recommend this series! The message is beautiful and the characters are relatable. Period.
(This is a review for the whole series)
First of all, ignore the negative reviews. I loved this series (It is my favorite underrated gem), but hey, everyone is different.
I admit I was skeptical to read this book at first (I'm a pretty picky reader sometimes), but once I got through the first couple of chapters, I couldn't put it down. I have read a lot of Dystopian books with a sci-fi edge, and I believe this book series could be my favorite. Yes, it has similar elements to Divergent and The Hunger Games and other books, but what do you expect? There are only so many original ideas that can come from a futuristic, rebellion-themed series.
HOWEVER, I found it to be unique in its own way and a very good book with great characters. I love Alenna's growth throughout the books. I also loved how incredibly complex David's character was. I found myself constantly trying to understand him and learn why he was the way he was. And the whole series is full of twists and turns that I did not see coming (THAT SECOND BOOK THOUGH). The one thing I learned from this series is: You can't trust ANYONE.
Unlike other YA Dystopians, this series is fast-paced from the beginning of the first book until the end of the third. I have read this series several times and found it very well written and definitely UNDERRATED. Yes. The love stuff is a little cheesy sometimes, but most YA love is (Examples: Katniss & Peeta, Bella & Edward, Tris & Four, etc). It really starts to grow on you, however, by the end of the series.
I 100% recommend this series! The message is beautiful and the characters are relatable. Period.
March 10, 2020
This dystopian novel “The Uprising” by Lisa M. Stasse from the Forsaken Trilogy has a very unique fictional story behind it but this book is quite predictable. Alenna and her boyfriend, Liam have lived a brutal life on the wheel forced on by the UNA. In order for them to take over the UNA they’ll have to join the rebels after they escape and leave many loved ones behind. The UNA has upgraded their technology with drones lead by a new monk. The major events in this book were very predictable. Most books that have had relationships like the ones addressed in this book always end in someone getting killed.
Some might say the romance in this book is a little much, which it is at times when Liam is so smitten with Alenna. At the beginning he is described as a great and brave warrior, which may have been true but his love for Alenna has made him weak. Always following her every last step, being the follower, not the leader he seemed to be.
There are books before this one that I haven't read and in all honesty I wouldn't want to. Yes, reading the books will give me a better understanding but reading this one sure hasn't grabbed my attention like I had hoped. At the beginning, I enjoyed reading into what was going to happen but as I read page by page I couldn't find an enjoyable part that made me intrigued. As I was finding a book to read this one grabbed my eye by the detailed cover, and a really good back cover but let's be honest, the back cover made the book seem so much more interesting than it is.
Some might say the romance in this book is a little much, which it is at times when Liam is so smitten with Alenna. At the beginning he is described as a great and brave warrior, which may have been true but his love for Alenna has made him weak. Always following her every last step, being the follower, not the leader he seemed to be.
There are books before this one that I haven't read and in all honesty I wouldn't want to. Yes, reading the books will give me a better understanding but reading this one sure hasn't grabbed my attention like I had hoped. At the beginning, I enjoyed reading into what was going to happen but as I read page by page I couldn't find an enjoyable part that made me intrigued. As I was finding a book to read this one grabbed my eye by the detailed cover, and a really good back cover but let's be honest, the back cover made the book seem so much more interesting than it is.
October 12, 2020
Amazing book, I believed it to be fantasy sci-fi but I was mistaken. I haven’t read the first book where Aleena is on the wheel fighting for her life. The Uprising was released on August 6th 2013, 7 years ago already. Liam and Aleena have an amazing relationship, they are eachothers rocks. no matter what they always have each others backs. When obstacles come along and they have to separate Aleena tries her best to not focus on Liam.
With former drones walking freely around destiny station, Liam is in edge when a couple of them come to talk to Aleena. Eventually Liam calms down and allows Aleena to do what she wants.
This book is kind of a taste of what our world could be like, luckily there is no drug yet to make people follow one specific persons orders. It’s nice to read dystopian books and watch movies like this because it allows our heads to travel to a new place, we can ask our selves what we would do in a situation like that. It’s genuinely very crazy to think about.
The Uprising (The Forsaken: Trilogy) is a series of 3 books, this is the second book. The whole time i was reading The Uprising I wanted to know how Aleena was on the wheel, now come to find out there’s three books.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone, the author makes it very believe able. It just sucks you in and soon enough you’ve read the whole book.
With former drones walking freely around destiny station, Liam is in edge when a couple of them come to talk to Aleena. Eventually Liam calms down and allows Aleena to do what she wants.
This book is kind of a taste of what our world could be like, luckily there is no drug yet to make people follow one specific persons orders. It’s nice to read dystopian books and watch movies like this because it allows our heads to travel to a new place, we can ask our selves what we would do in a situation like that. It’s genuinely very crazy to think about.
The Uprising (The Forsaken: Trilogy) is a series of 3 books, this is the second book. The whole time i was reading The Uprising I wanted to know how Aleena was on the wheel, now come to find out there’s three books.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone, the author makes it very believe able. It just sucks you in and soon enough you’ve read the whole book.
March 10, 2018
imma just save you the time so you don't have to read my rant. an let you know not to bother reading this book.
Alenna -the main chick. Done my head in.
Her faithfulness in her friend is fickle. She doesn't deserve the friendship and loyalty David shows her.
The love interest Liam is just as bad. Actually their relationship seems just as unhealthy.
The insta love between them in the first book was eye roll worthy and the gag reflexes were just as bad in this one too.
Only took them a few days to fall for each other and why? Because he said a few nice things and has a great bod? So now you falling all over him? WTF!
The ONLY! Reason Alenna made out alive (in book one) is because DAVID-and the others. Yet AGAIN! Risked himself to hold the feelers back so she could get away. She didnt even have the decency to look back at him. Maybe try to help him or something.
There's so much potential wasted in this story. It could of been epic!
Uuuuggh!!
I hate you i hate you i hate you! Now sit on my shelf an collect dust like the rest of the shit books that tricked me with their fancy covers. 😣😝😖
Alenna -the main chick. Done my head in.
Her faithfulness in her friend is fickle. She doesn't deserve the friendship and loyalty David shows her.
The love interest Liam is just as bad. Actually their relationship seems just as unhealthy.
The insta love between them in the first book was eye roll worthy and the gag reflexes were just as bad in this one too.
Only took them a few days to fall for each other and why? Because he said a few nice things and has a great bod? So now you falling all over him? WTF!
The ONLY! Reason Alenna made out alive (in book one) is because DAVID-and the others. Yet AGAIN! Risked himself to hold the feelers back so she could get away. She didnt even have the decency to look back at him. Maybe try to help him or something.
There's so much potential wasted in this story. It could of been epic!
Uuuuggh!!
I hate you i hate you i hate you! Now sit on my shelf an collect dust like the rest of the shit books that tricked me with their fancy covers. 😣😝😖
October 17, 2022
This story narrates a young girls adventures with her boyfriend in a dystopian society where the US government has been overthrown by a form of government that wants to only have easily manipulated people in their population. Alenna the main character is seen going on many adventures in this story since she is a rebel fighting against the government. She travels from different rebel camps and fights government drones, to in the end reach their goal of overthrowing the government and restoring peace to the US. This book makes you want to sometimes yell at the main character for making not so great decisions but in the end she always succeeds. You watch her and her boyfriends relationship grow stronger despite the conflict and she makes new relationships some good and some bad. This story leaves the reader wondering what will happen next and makes you want to read the next book in the series. This is why I would definitely recommend the book to other young adult readers or people who like adventure and mystery books. Overall this story left me wanting more and excited to see what the main characters next journey would be.
November 9, 2021
I this first third of the book I thought I was just going to DNF the entire trilogy. All of the interactions between the kids and the adults seemed so fake and Alenna and Liam's co-dependency was a little annoying. The population of people on the island was so confusing. In book one it's made out like there are some scattered villages, each with under 50 people and then a larger drone camp with a few hundred, now all of a sudden there are tens of thousands of drones and thousands of travelers. Plus all of the buildings and tech and passageways that are found all of a sudden seemed pretty unbelievable. Like if there was a giant elevated highway in the jungle, you'd think people in book one would have known about it- even if they didn't go into that sector. Definitely have to suspend your disbelief for This one.
April 9, 2020
This book was so much better than the last one, but what kept me from giving it a better review was when I realized in the last couple pages that this was a total Hunger Games spin-off. In the first book, she gets sent to the wheel to try and survive. In the second book, she gets sent back to the wheel and this time she’s liberating it with her friends. I’d be surprised if they didn’t go back to the UNA to start a war in the third book. Another thing that bothered me was David’s story. He should’ve had his crap together and got a fail safe in case he died. Also, in the last few pages he went into a gas chamber and “died” and with him I’m just gonna use that term loosely because I wouldn’t be surprised if he showed up in the next book.
November 16, 2017
Aleena and Liam need to get back to the Wheel. They need to save their friends. But when they reach the Wheel with the scientists their whole plan gets destroyed. Now, they have to come up with a new plan as fast as possible but they keep running into obstacles.
So, I thought that the book was good but I also think that Aleena was WAY too dependent on Liam throughout the book like she couldn't defend herself at all when she learned how to fight in the first book. I also think that Liam was way too protective over Aleena and never let her fight. But other than that it was a really good book, with a good storyline.
So, I thought that the book was good but I also think that Aleena was WAY too dependent on Liam throughout the book like she couldn't defend herself at all when she learned how to fight in the first book. I also think that Liam was way too protective over Aleena and never let her fight. But other than that it was a really good book, with a good storyline.
July 26, 2019
This is a series I started several years ago but never got around to continuing. After reading this book I probably won't finish the series. This book has a main character that is way to dependent on her BF. The plot has a lot of ins and outs that seem to never quite work together. Some of the solutions to conflicts in this book seem to come from convenience instead of actual plot lines. It isn't necessarily a bad series so far but there are just so many better ones to choose from.
December 2, 2023
For some reason I only had this book and not the other two of this trilogy and accidentally read it as a stand-alone. Surprisingly, it read really well and the story was compelling despite not having read the first book. Interesting dystopian concept, I have plans to read the first and third books as well.
March 21, 2017
Here again is another series that I started many moons ago. I remembered that I liked the first book but when I started this, I forgot a lot of what happened. What was great was that this book gave hints as to what happened before. I thought it was a good second book. There was a lot of action with trying to staying alive against the UNA. The romance between Alenna and Liam, was in the background. Thankfully. The thing that bother me about them was Alenna always wanting to keep track of where Liam was instead of worrying about more important things.
This book had betrayal, escaping, surprises, fighting, rescuing, a upgrade of drones, and a new group besides the drones and villagers. So, I’m interested to see what happens in the next book. Can they win? We’ll see...
This book had betrayal, escaping, surprises, fighting, rescuing, a upgrade of drones, and a new group besides the drones and villagers. So, I’m interested to see what happens in the next book. Can they win? We’ll see...
May 11, 2017
When I read this book, I realised that I don't like book series such as hunger games and twilight. I did not get to finish it because I was interested into a different book to read such as a teenage drama and horror.
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