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Haunted
Punish the guilty or save the innocent? He can’t do both.
As a liquidator, it’s Noah State’s job to carry out justice for the Elite—which is why they send him to Metro Area Four. There’s evidence of a resistance movement and chatter about a dangerous uprising. Noah’s orders? Stop it at any cost.
Failure means death. But Noah’s haunted by the blood spilled in his past and certain God has condemned him for it. Shedding more isn’t an option.
Then he meets Maddison James, a hospital apprentice with revolutionary leanings, and glimpses a future he thought was lost. A future within reach if they can survive his brother’s interference, a resistance more threatening than anyone imagined, and one unforgivable choice.
As a liquidator, it’s Noah State’s job to carry out justice for the Elite—which is why they send him to Metro Area Four. There’s evidence of a resistance movement and chatter about a dangerous uprising. Noah’s orders? Stop it at any cost.
Failure means death. But Noah’s haunted by the blood spilled in his past and certain God has condemned him for it. Shedding more isn’t an option.
Then he meets Maddison James, a hospital apprentice with revolutionary leanings, and glimpses a future he thought was lost. A future within reach if they can survive his brother’s interference, a resistance more threatening than anyone imagined, and one unforgivable choice.
370 pages, ebook
First published March 11, 2014
6 people are currently reading
477 people want to read
About the author
Charity Tinnin
1 book29 followersCharity Tinnin’s fascination with dystopian lit began in high school with Brave New World, and she’s been devouring the genre ever since. Now, she works as a freelance editor and lives in the foothills of North Carolina—a terrain very similar to a certain series. When she’s not editing for a client or working on the State v. Seforé series, she spends her time reading YA and discussing the merits of Oliver Queen, Captain America, Frederick Wentworth, and Stefan Salvatore online.
Speaking of the Internet, Charity loves to talk about YA fiction, comic TV/movies, and State v. Seforé. Find her on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, her website to start the conversation.
Speaking of the Internet, Charity loves to talk about YA fiction, comic TV/movies, and State v. Seforé. Find her on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, her website to start the conversation.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 11, 2014
This book. Oh. My. Gosh. You guys, this book!!! Typing from the floor, where I have taken up permanent residence after excessive swooning. I mean, you've got Noah, and his sweet, battered, broken, just-wants-to-do-the-right-thing heart (not to mention ivy green eyes and perfectly mussed hair). As if he weren't ENOUGH to make me just a little bit want to body snatch Maddison, then we have Daniel, with his snark that will not quit. Broken in a whole different way, all razor sharp edges and smirks, and God help me, I just want to fix him.
I want to fix EVERYTHING. I want to bust into this dystopian world and single handedly destroy the regime just to make everything okay for my boys (can I call them mine?).
This book gave me five heart attacks. It's got everything. Swoonworthy boys, a smart and passionate heroine, a fun circle of friends, family drama, undercover investigations, terrorist plots, baked goods, coded messages, romance, dictators, genetically enhanced super soldiers, kissing, stalkers, brotherly fisticuffs, and at least one bee hive.
I mean . . . what else can I say? Oh I know, READ. THIS. BOOK!!!
I want to fix EVERYTHING. I want to bust into this dystopian world and single handedly destroy the regime just to make everything okay for my boys (can I call them mine?).
This book gave me five heart attacks. It's got everything. Swoonworthy boys, a smart and passionate heroine, a fun circle of friends, family drama, undercover investigations, terrorist plots, baked goods, coded messages, romance, dictators, genetically enhanced super soldiers, kissing, stalkers, brotherly fisticuffs, and at least one bee hive.
I mean . . . what else can I say? Oh I know, READ. THIS. BOOK!!!
August 12, 2016
Noah State's last name says it all. His mind and body have been enhanced in the service of a government that has replaced "traditional" justice with a simpler system: all crimes are punishable with death. As a liquidator, twenty-year-old Noah is judge, jury, and executioner. His latest mission: liquidate all members of a rumored resistance movement.
Undercover on said mission, he meets Maddison. They share a growing attraction and trust, deep grief in their respective pasts, hidden hatred for the totalitarian regime. But how can they have a chance together when disclosure of his true identity would push her away for good? Not to mention he'll be liquidated himself on the day of his mission deadline, when he doesn't satisfy his superior. Noah can't take any more blood on his hands, even if the cost is his life.
This book is a lovely blend of high stakes, dystopian storyworld, and character relationships. As for the stakes, there's of course Noah's mission. There's also Maddison's dabbling in the resistance, wanting freedom and revenge on the regime (unbeknownst to Noah, of course, because things just weren't tense enough). Further complicating everyone's lives (and safety) is Noah's liquidator brother, Daniel. Unlike Noah, Daniel enjoys his job. Really enjoys his job. (He also really enjoys antagonizing Noah.)
As for the dystopian storyworld, I'm not much of a description reader, so I don't need much in this area. Tinnin makes sure we know where we are and we feel the contrast to our own world, but she doesn't belabor it. There's a reasonable amount of futuristic tech, but gadgets don't drive the story. There are definite hints this world was previously our own, but place names have all been made generic (cities are numbered). Noah's super-senses, speed, and strength are an excellent feature, too, well written and fun to read. The most detailed and vital elements of the world, though, are found in governmental power and societal attitudes, which are represented well by a few varying bit characters.
And now for the characters (a.k.a. Why I Read). In a sentence, I love them.
Maddison is no Distressed Damsel. She isn't weepy or passive. She doesn't twist her ankle in the woods. She makes her own decisions, fights her own battles, tries to protect the people she loves with a deep ferocity and anger at the world that threatens them. But she isn't Too Tough or Too Cool. She makes questionable decisions. She gets scared. She apologizes when she should. She cries. She bakes too many cookies when she's stressed. She loves with her whole heart. Maddison is a person, not a type.
And ... well, Noah. Noah who wakes up at night thinking his hands are coated with the blood of people he's executed. Noah who worries not only about his own soul before God, but also about his brother's. Noah who loves to drive his "smart car" manually just because he can, who restores dilapidated, physical books because they're rare pieces of history. Yes, he's a person, too.
Together, Noah and Maddison (not the stakes or the storyworld) drive this book. They've both been through so much, and they've both learned to hide their true selves--from their world, of course, but also from their loved ones. But from each other, no hiding is needed. This relief in openness, in acceptance, is what makes me root for them as a couple. Yes, their dates and their banter are fun to read (and balance the tension and darkness of much of the book), but the sense of home they find in each other is the real gem here. I want to see this relationship continue to grow.
However, the brightest gem of the novel might not be Noah and Maddison but rather Noah and Daniel--their shared past, the wedges between them, the constant conflict. Daniel refuses to acknowledge how he's wronged Noah and refuses to treat him with respect. For most of the book, I considered Daniel a sociopath, but a moment at the end suggests otherwise. Any path of reconciliation for these brothers will be an uphill, rocky one. I want the second book as much for Noah and Daniel as Noah and Maddison.
Yes, that's the gist. I want the second book. I want it right now.
Undercover on said mission, he meets Maddison. They share a growing attraction and trust, deep grief in their respective pasts, hidden hatred for the totalitarian regime. But how can they have a chance together when disclosure of his true identity would push her away for good? Not to mention he'll be liquidated himself on the day of his mission deadline, when he doesn't satisfy his superior. Noah can't take any more blood on his hands, even if the cost is his life.
This book is a lovely blend of high stakes, dystopian storyworld, and character relationships. As for the stakes, there's of course Noah's mission. There's also Maddison's dabbling in the resistance, wanting freedom and revenge on the regime (unbeknownst to Noah, of course, because things just weren't tense enough). Further complicating everyone's lives (and safety) is Noah's liquidator brother, Daniel. Unlike Noah, Daniel enjoys his job. Really enjoys his job. (He also really enjoys antagonizing Noah.)
As for the dystopian storyworld, I'm not much of a description reader, so I don't need much in this area. Tinnin makes sure we know where we are and we feel the contrast to our own world, but she doesn't belabor it. There's a reasonable amount of futuristic tech, but gadgets don't drive the story. There are definite hints this world was previously our own, but place names have all been made generic (cities are numbered). Noah's super-senses, speed, and strength are an excellent feature, too, well written and fun to read. The most detailed and vital elements of the world, though, are found in governmental power and societal attitudes, which are represented well by a few varying bit characters.
And now for the characters (a.k.a. Why I Read). In a sentence, I love them.
Maddison is no Distressed Damsel. She isn't weepy or passive. She doesn't twist her ankle in the woods. She makes her own decisions, fights her own battles, tries to protect the people she loves with a deep ferocity and anger at the world that threatens them. But she isn't Too Tough or Too Cool. She makes questionable decisions. She gets scared. She apologizes when she should. She cries. She bakes too many cookies when she's stressed. She loves with her whole heart. Maddison is a person, not a type.
And ... well, Noah. Noah who wakes up at night thinking his hands are coated with the blood of people he's executed. Noah who worries not only about his own soul before God, but also about his brother's. Noah who loves to drive his "smart car" manually just because he can, who restores dilapidated, physical books because they're rare pieces of history. Yes, he's a person, too.
Together, Noah and Maddison (not the stakes or the storyworld) drive this book. They've both been through so much, and they've both learned to hide their true selves--from their world, of course, but also from their loved ones. But from each other, no hiding is needed. This relief in openness, in acceptance, is what makes me root for them as a couple. Yes, their dates and their banter are fun to read (and balance the tension and darkness of much of the book), but the sense of home they find in each other is the real gem here. I want to see this relationship continue to grow.
However, the brightest gem of the novel might not be Noah and Maddison but rather Noah and Daniel--their shared past, the wedges between them, the constant conflict. Daniel refuses to acknowledge how he's wronged Noah and refuses to treat him with respect. For most of the book, I considered Daniel a sociopath, but a moment at the end suggests otherwise. Any path of reconciliation for these brothers will be an uphill, rocky one. I want the second book as much for Noah and Daniel as Noah and Maddison.
Yes, that's the gist. I want the second book. I want it right now.
March 22, 2016
A headstrong heroine. Two gorgeous, genetically-altered brothers trained to be liquidators (translation: executioners). An intolerant government that bears a frightening resemblance to our current “politically correct” society. Add those together and you get a drama worthy of the CW, and it’s just as addictive.
Noah is the kind of character I love. He’s flawed and broken, but the heart of a hero hides beneath his brokenness. Maddison is the perfect combination of strong and vulnerable, and the relationship between Noah and Daniel is masterfully done. They have the love, friendship, and rivalry that only siblings can have.
Haunted is a story that unsettles you in a good way. It reminds you that there are very few absolutes in life, and the line between right and wrong is sometimes hard to find. Noah faces an impossible choice that keeps you turning pages to find out what happens, and the twist at the end guarantees I’ll be buying book two the day it comes out. (Which is soon, right?)
Noah is the kind of character I love. He’s flawed and broken, but the heart of a hero hides beneath his brokenness. Maddison is the perfect combination of strong and vulnerable, and the relationship between Noah and Daniel is masterfully done. They have the love, friendship, and rivalry that only siblings can have.
Haunted is a story that unsettles you in a good way. It reminds you that there are very few absolutes in life, and the line between right and wrong is sometimes hard to find. Noah faces an impossible choice that keeps you turning pages to find out what happens, and the twist at the end guarantees I’ll be buying book two the day it comes out. (Which is soon, right?)
September 2, 2016
Charity Tinnin has an excellent voice and wonderful talent for description!! I loved the main character, Noah. (Yay for guy POVs!!!) And I'm not gonna lie - I drooled through every food scene. Um hello - southern fare, sweet tea, and pumpkin muffins? YES please. (Can Maddison come live at my house? Just sayin'.) I look forward to seeing more of hottie boys Daniel and Noah, and watching Maddison grow into her strengths in a fantastic dystopian world where right and wrong are as complex as reality. Great debut, Charity!!
March 11, 2014
This book is now one of my favorites. Charity Tinnin is definitely an up and coming author with a long future ahead of her. She knows how to weave a page-turning read with compelling characters. She populates this book with people I love and people I love to hate. This is a book not to miss!
February 12, 2015
I ran into Charity Tinnin via her fangirling over the show Arrow (and I joined her party, heh). I decided I'd better try out her book. Haunted is a YA dystopian that has a strong dose of romance.
Haunted is a great start to the series. The main characters of Noah and Maddison have a lot of depth and strongly held beliefs to drive them as they try to avoid getting on the wrong side of the Elites. This story has been done before, but Noah's brother Daniel is the wild card that keeps everyone guessing. You think you have him figured out, and he does something off the rails.
The story moves along at a good pace with a lot of action and drama at the right time, with some moments to build our empathy for the characters and set up even more calamity for them. The description sets the tone and doesn't intrude.
There is a strong thread of romance through the book, but as a guy it mostly adds to the tension rather than detracting from the story. As characters develop their feelings, it makes the choices they make have more impact.
Overall this is a really enjoyable read if you like YA or dystopian. It has enough action to please adventure fans, and I think YA romance fans could read it as well. There's a lot to the book, and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
Haunted is a great start to the series. The main characters of Noah and Maddison have a lot of depth and strongly held beliefs to drive them as they try to avoid getting on the wrong side of the Elites. This story has been done before, but Noah's brother Daniel is the wild card that keeps everyone guessing. You think you have him figured out, and he does something off the rails.
The story moves along at a good pace with a lot of action and drama at the right time, with some moments to build our empathy for the characters and set up even more calamity for them. The description sets the tone and doesn't intrude.
There is a strong thread of romance through the book, but as a guy it mostly adds to the tension rather than detracting from the story. As characters develop their feelings, it makes the choices they make have more impact.
Overall this is a really enjoyable read if you like YA or dystopian. It has enough action to please adventure fans, and I think YA romance fans could read it as well. There's a lot to the book, and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
April 22, 2015
This book was rather interesting. The plot was alot different than any of the dystopian novels I've read thus far.
The story follows, Noah, a liquidator who is sent into a Metro area to sift out people who are apart of the resistance movement. His judge, jury and executioner title was unique and I think it highlighted how human he is and his compassionate nature. He always fought for the underdog and wanted all his actions to show off integrity. His brother Daniel, who is also a liquidator, is miles apart from Noah with regards to his character. While Noah battles with his guilt and humanity, Daniel plunges head first into his title. Strangely enough, there is that brotherly connection between them regardless.
Maddison is a good character as well. I liked that her response to events were realistic, this includes her doubts and fears as well.
The dialogue between all the characters were great!. I especially enjoyed Jakob's character. I hope to see more of him in the next book!
The writing was also good for a debut novel. And I'm sure the author can only get better from here on out.
My rating is: 3.5 to 4 stars
The story follows, Noah, a liquidator who is sent into a Metro area to sift out people who are apart of the resistance movement. His judge, jury and executioner title was unique and I think it highlighted how human he is and his compassionate nature. He always fought for the underdog and wanted all his actions to show off integrity. His brother Daniel, who is also a liquidator, is miles apart from Noah with regards to his character. While Noah battles with his guilt and humanity, Daniel plunges head first into his title. Strangely enough, there is that brotherly connection between them regardless.
Maddison is a good character as well. I liked that her response to events were realistic, this includes her doubts and fears as well.
The dialogue between all the characters were great!. I especially enjoyed Jakob's character. I hope to see more of him in the next book!
The writing was also good for a debut novel. And I'm sure the author can only get better from here on out.
My rating is: 3.5 to 4 stars
July 14, 2014
Intense and Intricate Plot
Although it took me a few chapters to get the characters straight in my mind, Haunted hooked me from the beginning. I enjoyed every aspect of Charity's writing. She brings strong characters to life, a plot that drives the story forward and keeps the reader turning pages, and a story that will leave you pondering if either side of the law is better in its convictions.
And I can't believe she left the story hanging where she did. She makes sure you'll want to pick up Hunted when it releases. But not in a disappointing way...
Merged review:
Although it took me a few chapters to get the characters straight in my mind, Haunted hooked me from the beginning. I enjoyed every aspect of Charity's writing. She brings strong characters to life, a plot that drives the story forward and keeps the reader turning pages, and a story that will leave you pondering if either side of the law is better in its convictions.
And I can't believe she left the story hanging where she did.
She makes sure you'll want to pick up Hunted when it releases.
But not in a disappointing way...
Although it took me a few chapters to get the characters straight in my mind, Haunted hooked me from the beginning. I enjoyed every aspect of Charity's writing. She brings strong characters to life, a plot that drives the story forward and keeps the reader turning pages, and a story that will leave you pondering if either side of the law is better in its convictions.
And I can't believe she left the story hanging where she did. She makes sure you'll want to pick up Hunted when it releases. But not in a disappointing way...
Merged review:
Although it took me a few chapters to get the characters straight in my mind, Haunted hooked me from the beginning. I enjoyed every aspect of Charity's writing. She brings strong characters to life, a plot that drives the story forward and keeps the reader turning pages, and a story that will leave you pondering if either side of the law is better in its convictions.
And I can't believe she left the story hanging where she did.
She makes sure you'll want to pick up Hunted when it releases.
But not in a disappointing way...
March 13, 2015
Pardon my fangirlish squeals, but...
This book. Oh. My. Gosh. You guys, this book!!! Typing from the floor, where I have taken up permanent residence after excessive swooning. I mean, you've got Noah, and his sweet, battered, broken, just-wants-to-do-the-right-thing heart (not to mention ivy green eyes and perfectly mussed hair). As if he weren't ENOUGH to make me just a little bit want to body snatch Maddison, then we have Daniel, with his snark that will not quit. Broken in a whole different way, all razor sharp edges and smirks, and God help me, I just want to fix him.
I want to fix EVERYTHING. I want to bust into this dystopian world and single handedly destroy the regime just to make everything okay for my boys (can I call them mine?).
This book gave me five heart attacks. It's got everything. Swoonworthy boys, a smart and passionate heroine, a fun circle of friends, family drama, undercover investigations, terrorist plots, baked goods, coded messages, romance, dictators, genetically enhanced super soldiers, kissing, stalkers, brotherly fisticuffs, and at least one bee hive.
I mean . . . what else can I say? Oh I know, READ. THIS. BOOK!!! (less)
This book. Oh. My. Gosh. You guys, this book!!! Typing from the floor, where I have taken up permanent residence after excessive swooning. I mean, you've got Noah, and his sweet, battered, broken, just-wants-to-do-the-right-thing heart (not to mention ivy green eyes and perfectly mussed hair). As if he weren't ENOUGH to make me just a little bit want to body snatch Maddison, then we have Daniel, with his snark that will not quit. Broken in a whole different way, all razor sharp edges and smirks, and God help me, I just want to fix him.
I want to fix EVERYTHING. I want to bust into this dystopian world and single handedly destroy the regime just to make everything okay for my boys (can I call them mine?).
This book gave me five heart attacks. It's got everything. Swoonworthy boys, a smart and passionate heroine, a fun circle of friends, family drama, undercover investigations, terrorist plots, baked goods, coded messages, romance, dictators, genetically enhanced super soldiers, kissing, stalkers, brotherly fisticuffs, and at least one bee hive.
I mean . . . what else can I say? Oh I know, READ. THIS. BOOK!!! (less)
May 17, 2014
You will lose sleep.
Haunted is love and suspense, a perfect combination, and a great story. Noah State is a government agent who’s new assignment is to identify, infiltrate and eliminate the persons responsible for the recent increase in domestic anti-government terrorism. Working undercover, he meets a young woman, Maddison, who captures his heart...but she may be one of the terrorists.
This is a wonderful love story filled with danger and suspense. Or is it a wonderful suspense story filled with dangerous love? Either way, I thoroughly enjoyed it, and recommend it. I’m not normally drawn to love stories as many of them tend to be carbon copies of all their predecessors. This is a surprising exception to that rule. I—a lover of suspense, mysteries, and thrillers—could not put it down. I wanted more. Fortunately, there is more to come.
Charity Tinnin, you owe me several hours of sleep.
Haunted is love and suspense, a perfect combination, and a great story. Noah State is a government agent who’s new assignment is to identify, infiltrate and eliminate the persons responsible for the recent increase in domestic anti-government terrorism. Working undercover, he meets a young woman, Maddison, who captures his heart...but she may be one of the terrorists.
This is a wonderful love story filled with danger and suspense. Or is it a wonderful suspense story filled with dangerous love? Either way, I thoroughly enjoyed it, and recommend it. I’m not normally drawn to love stories as many of them tend to be carbon copies of all their predecessors. This is a surprising exception to that rule. I—a lover of suspense, mysteries, and thrillers—could not put it down. I wanted more. Fortunately, there is more to come.
Charity Tinnin, you owe me several hours of sleep.
May 16, 2014
It's rare that you read a dystopian where the choice that needs to be made isn't glaringly obvious to the reader. Tinnin does this extremely well. As the end of Book #1 culminates, the two opposing sides are more blurred than black and white...there is no perfect choice. And I love that.
You know what else I love? The witty brotherly wordplay and interaction between brothers Noah and Daniel. What can I say? I'm a sucker for a bad guy who might (and might not) have a heart. Well done, Ms. Tinnin, well done.
The futuristic tech threaded throughout the novel also adds another layer to everything. It's executed in a way that adds more depth not just to the setting, but to the characters as well. Coupled with the cool southern vibe, it makes for an intriguing future not far from our own.
All I can say is BRING ON BOOK #2! :)
You know what else I love? The witty brotherly wordplay and interaction between brothers Noah and Daniel. What can I say? I'm a sucker for a bad guy who might (and might not) have a heart. Well done, Ms. Tinnin, well done.
The futuristic tech threaded throughout the novel also adds another layer to everything. It's executed in a way that adds more depth not just to the setting, but to the characters as well. Coupled with the cool southern vibe, it makes for an intriguing future not far from our own.
All I can say is BRING ON BOOK #2! :)
January 24, 2015
This dystopian book was engaging, entertaining and had just the right blend of mystery and romance, to keep the pages turning! While the start of the book was a little slow for me, building the setting and giving me the background information I needed, it does pickup and hold your attention quiet thoroughly from that point on! Now, I am anxiously awaiting the sequel! So eager to find out what happens to these characters and how in the world everything will work its way out for good. Can't wait!
May 22, 2015
Not sure why it took me so long to get to this one, but I'm sure glad I finally did. It is pretty darn awesome. Now the problem of having to wait for book #2. So a request to the author... please write faster! Oh and I need to mention that the cover is what had me grabbing this book to begin with. So cool.
March 27, 2014
A great dystopian work! I love the way that we can really see inside the character's minds and can't wait for more of this in book 2. The way that you can really feel the struggles of the characters; not just situational but emotional, pulled me in from the beginning It kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time and if it wasn't for my job I would have read it in one sitting! TEAM SEFORE`!
July 23, 2014
I'm not usually a fan of YA but you had me at dystopian. I really enjoyed the book. as I read I imagined it to be a similar world to that of the movie Equilibrium. Warning: this book will make you crave cookies, especially if you don't bake often like me.
June 2, 2015
A great story, reminded me of Nikita in a way but set in a world more like the society in the Hunger Games. I loved every single thing about it except the ending. I really dislike cliffhangers.
March 11, 2019
YA, however I found it a vastly more entertaining dystopian cozy than some labeled for adults. Plot spread slowly like peanut butter and the character development was smooth as jam - good for a mystery reader who likes a touch of Christianity in the meal, I mean reading. 🤓Highly recommended.
February 4, 2022
3 Stars
Mostly-Spoiler Free TLDR:
I was tricked into reading Crime/Mystery Fiction. It may not be labeled that way, but it's written pretty similar to that genre. One of my least favorite genres as it is.
However, besides the cheesiness this book can be, it's not half bad. If you're looking for an all around decent/good morally gray read, this book is for you.
It's labeled as 'Christian Fiction', but doesn't turn that direction as a book until the Epilogue. I kept waiting for more of the 'Christian' aspects to kick in, and was a bit disappointed when they didnt.
Vibes:
Twilight x The Amazing Spiderman x Scythe (Neal Shusterman)
---
Christian/Conservative Content Advisory;
Major Spoilers:
-1 use of "sh**"
-5 kiss scenes
-Man bullies his son
-Brothers get into fist fights with each other constantly
-MC recollects killing people
-MC has an obsessed stalker
-Side Character snaps another's neck
-War scene between two groups, which result in a lot of casualties and death
-A warehouse which supposedly contains children is set on fire. It then explodes, killing 25 people with it
---
Thoughts and MAJOR Spoilers Below:
Plot: 3/5
-After staged attacks from the religious sects, the [US?] is turned into a dictatorship and class system. The police force (liquidators) rule with nearly limitless power, with the authority to "liquidate" (kill) anyone who commits the smallest of infractions.
-Noah, an unwilling liquidator, has 5 months to under cover a 'terrorist' organization ("The Resistance") and liquidate them for their crimes. If he fails, he dies. He forms a relationship with a Resistance sympathizer... and 80% of the book is focused on their relationship, the other 20% the terrorist hunt. He unearths the organization, goes to battle with them with other liquidators, and is presumed dead by the end of the book.
-Side Plots include Noah's bloodthirsty liquidator brother, Noah's guilt about his past, odd mentions of God thrown in, and Noah's obsessed stalker.
------
Writing: 3/5
It was good, in a bit of a Hallmark crossed with Crime themed style writing.
------
World Building: 3/5
I was left wanting more. The author set up this neat idea of a dictatorship, class system,, and automatic punishment for the pettiest of crimes. Liquidators are genetically enhanced, all religions are banned, a test determines which class you're set in...
But that's it. The author sets up all these cool ideas, but barely delves into any of them. And the little bit the author does to explore the issues makes me side (for the most part) with the dictatorship?
------
Characters' Rating: 3/5
As with Worldbuilding, the author had the same issue with characters.
-Noah was set up great. Forced to be a killer, he deals with immense guilt and tries to avoid his forced path as much as he can. By the end of the book, it looks like as if he may just embrace a little of the liquidator life style. 90% of his thoughts are focused on Maddison, though, which takes the attention away from his growth.
-Daniel; I absolutely love this character. Set up as a bloodthirsty bad guy brother, he has the most sense out of anyone in the book. He outsmarts every single character, and has a bit of a 'Deadpool' vibe to him. I sincerely thought he was going to die at the end, he's that type of 'great character'. Instead we see him completely break down at the "death" of Noah, which was way more satisfying to read.
-Jakob, Maddison's little brother, is a shadow of Noah before Noah became a liquidator. He isn't a fantastic character, but does well as an 'extra character'.
-The calm Ben turning out to be a bloodthirsty cult leader was great.
Everyone else is meh. Maddison is your typical spunky boring love interest. Baddies are baddies. Friends are just there.
------
Overall Enjoyment: 3/5
I'll give enjoyment a 3. I finished it within two days, it's chessiness is just enough to not be overbearing. This book gets points for making me agree with the dictatorship government over the 'religious' terrorist group, as well as killing off the MC (if only for a moment). This book towed the line of having all the things I usually just don't like to read (Crime Fiction and romance), without making me hate it. The last two chapters grabbed my attention enough that I'll end up reading Book 2 to see what happens.
**EDIT
Absolutely gutted. Book 2, after 8 years, has never came out. And the preview for it at the end of this book looked so amazing. RIP book series.
Mostly-Spoiler Free TLDR:
I was tricked into reading Crime/Mystery Fiction. It may not be labeled that way, but it's written pretty similar to that genre. One of my least favorite genres as it is.
However, besides the cheesiness this book can be, it's not half bad. If you're looking for an all around decent/good morally gray read, this book is for you.
It's labeled as 'Christian Fiction', but doesn't turn that direction as a book until the Epilogue. I kept waiting for more of the 'Christian' aspects to kick in, and was a bit disappointed when they didnt.
Vibes:
Twilight x The Amazing Spiderman x Scythe (Neal Shusterman)
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Christian/Conservative Content Advisory;
Major Spoilers:
-1 use of "sh**"
-5 kiss scenes
-Man bullies his son
-Brothers get into fist fights with each other constantly
-MC recollects killing people
-MC has an obsessed stalker
-Side Character snaps another's neck
-War scene between two groups, which result in a lot of casualties and death
-A warehouse which supposedly contains children is set on fire. It then explodes, killing 25 people with it
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Thoughts and MAJOR Spoilers Below:
Plot: 3/5
-After staged attacks from the religious sects, the [US?] is turned into a dictatorship and class system. The police force (liquidators) rule with nearly limitless power, with the authority to "liquidate" (kill) anyone who commits the smallest of infractions.
-Noah, an unwilling liquidator, has 5 months to under cover a 'terrorist' organization ("The Resistance") and liquidate them for their crimes. If he fails, he dies. He forms a relationship with a Resistance sympathizer... and 80% of the book is focused on their relationship, the other 20% the terrorist hunt. He unearths the organization, goes to battle with them with other liquidators, and is presumed dead by the end of the book.
-Side Plots include Noah's bloodthirsty liquidator brother, Noah's guilt about his past, odd mentions of God thrown in, and Noah's obsessed stalker.
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Writing: 3/5
It was good, in a bit of a Hallmark crossed with Crime themed style writing.
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World Building: 3/5
I was left wanting more. The author set up this neat idea of a dictatorship, class system,, and automatic punishment for the pettiest of crimes. Liquidators are genetically enhanced, all religions are banned, a test determines which class you're set in...
But that's it. The author sets up all these cool ideas, but barely delves into any of them. And the little bit the author does to explore the issues makes me side (for the most part) with the dictatorship?
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Characters' Rating: 3/5
As with Worldbuilding, the author had the same issue with characters.
-Noah was set up great. Forced to be a killer, he deals with immense guilt and tries to avoid his forced path as much as he can. By the end of the book, it looks like as if he may just embrace a little of the liquidator life style. 90% of his thoughts are focused on Maddison, though, which takes the attention away from his growth.
-Daniel; I absolutely love this character. Set up as a bloodthirsty bad guy brother, he has the most sense out of anyone in the book. He outsmarts every single character, and has a bit of a 'Deadpool' vibe to him. I sincerely thought he was going to die at the end, he's that type of 'great character'. Instead we see him completely break down at the "death" of Noah, which was way more satisfying to read.
-Jakob, Maddison's little brother, is a shadow of Noah before Noah became a liquidator. He isn't a fantastic character, but does well as an 'extra character'.
-The calm Ben turning out to be a bloodthirsty cult leader was great.
Everyone else is meh. Maddison is your typical spunky boring love interest. Baddies are baddies. Friends are just there.
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Overall Enjoyment: 3/5
I'll give enjoyment a 3. I finished it within two days, it's chessiness is just enough to not be overbearing. This book gets points for making me agree with the dictatorship government over the 'religious' terrorist group, as well as killing off the MC (if only for a moment). This book towed the line of having all the things I usually just don't like to read (Crime Fiction and romance), without making me hate it. The last two chapters grabbed my attention enough that I'll end up reading Book 2 to see what happens.
**EDIT
Absolutely gutted. Book 2, after 8 years, has never came out. And the preview for it at the end of this book looked so amazing. RIP book series.
January 2, 2026
This book... it had potential.
I didn't like the main characters Noah and Maddison. Noah is way to saint like , always doing the right thing, rarely making any mistakes, and on top of that he of course had to look incredible. And thier romance was annoying. I can't count how many times I rolled my eyes. I just wish they and thier relationship had been better developed emotionally rather than just physically.
I actually liked Daniel the most. He felt so much more developed and complex. I would buy the second book just to see what happens to him.
The plot itself was really good. Especially the ending. If it weren't for the interesting ending I would only rate this book 2.5/5.
Conclusion: The plot was great but the 2 main characters ruined it. If the Characters were just better developed and their relationship more emotionally rich I think it would have been a great read.
Edit: Found out she never did come out with the second book.
I didn't like the main characters Noah and Maddison. Noah is way to saint like , always doing the right thing, rarely making any mistakes, and on top of that he of course had to look incredible. And thier romance was annoying. I can't count how many times I rolled my eyes. I just wish they and thier relationship had been better developed emotionally rather than just physically.
I actually liked Daniel the most. He felt so much more developed and complex. I would buy the second book just to see what happens to him.
The plot itself was really good. Especially the ending. If it weren't for the interesting ending I would only rate this book 2.5/5.
Conclusion: The plot was great but the 2 main characters ruined it. If the Characters were just better developed and their relationship more emotionally rich I think it would have been a great read.
Edit: Found out she never did come out with the second book.
February 3, 2015
Typically when life makes it difficult for me to finish a book, the zest with which I approached it at the beginning gradually disappears, and it’s hard to jump back into the story once I've set it aside. Although I was not able to give this novel the ten straight hours I would have liked to, stepping away from Haunted was not detrimental to my excitement to return to the reading! The silly thing haunted me until I stayed up late one night just to see what happened to the characters. (Did you get the play on words—Yes.No.Maybe?)
My favorite character was actually Maddison. She’s the girl next door, except she carries some major baggage—her parents were killed by an Elite. And poor Noah happens to be one. Their budding relationship was the main reason I kept flipping the pages.
Props to Ms. Tinnin: she knows how to create a ‘bad guy’ you can’t help but secretly cheer for. Perhaps it was his quick wit . . . but whatever it was that drew me into his character, I sincerely hope he reappears in book two…a lot!
The Christian themes were not hammered in your face the whole time, which is always refreshing. My favorite part, the epilogue, tied everything up perfectly.
This complete and other reviews can be found at: Edgy Inspirational Romance http://www.edgyinspirationalromance.c...
My favorite character was actually Maddison. She’s the girl next door, except she carries some major baggage—her parents were killed by an Elite. And poor Noah happens to be one. Their budding relationship was the main reason I kept flipping the pages.
Props to Ms. Tinnin: she knows how to create a ‘bad guy’ you can’t help but secretly cheer for. Perhaps it was his quick wit . . . but whatever it was that drew me into his character, I sincerely hope he reappears in book two…a lot!
The Christian themes were not hammered in your face the whole time, which is always refreshing. My favorite part, the epilogue, tied everything up perfectly.
This complete and other reviews can be found at: Edgy Inspirational Romance http://www.edgyinspirationalromance.c...
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