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Concealed in the Shadows #2
Released from the Darkness
Two young seeksmen are dead, and Sydney blames herself. The only way to get her sister back from the county’s clutches, while also preventing more death, was to offer her own life in exchange for Evvie’s freedom.
She expected a dreadful end, but nothing like the prison in which she wakes. Agonizing county life is redefined in Neo-Necropolis, new city of the dead, which lies beneath the earth. Worse than being allegedly deceased, is the false identity Sydney is forced to assume where Evvie, Sheridan’s captain, and Crewe never existed.
Sydney alone knows the magnitude of the county’s evildoings inside, outside, and now below. At only eighteen, the responsibility to defend freedom falls solely on her tried and tested shoulders—a burden that requires desperate action when a catastrophic revelation upends the world as she knew it.
The people Sydney cares for are more vulnerable than ever. Though she’s buried underground and monitored by county agents, she must escape this new captivity. Maybe it’s time to fight fire with fire. Sydney has proven her courage in facing their weapons, but can she trigger her own?
She expected a dreadful end, but nothing like the prison in which she wakes. Agonizing county life is redefined in Neo-Necropolis, new city of the dead, which lies beneath the earth. Worse than being allegedly deceased, is the false identity Sydney is forced to assume where Evvie, Sheridan’s captain, and Crewe never existed.
Sydney alone knows the magnitude of the county’s evildoings inside, outside, and now below. At only eighteen, the responsibility to defend freedom falls solely on her tried and tested shoulders—a burden that requires desperate action when a catastrophic revelation upends the world as she knew it.
The people Sydney cares for are more vulnerable than ever. Though she’s buried underground and monitored by county agents, she must escape this new captivity. Maybe it’s time to fight fire with fire. Sydney has proven her courage in facing their weapons, but can she trigger her own?
343 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2014
7 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
Gabrielle Arrowsmith
5 books146 followersGabrielle Arrowsmith grew up in a small town in Minnesota enjoying school, soccer, reading, playing piano, and endless adventures with her brother and cousins. As a young child, Gabrielle’s desire to write led her to fill many diaries and notebooks with her thoughts, poems, stories, and scripts.
Gabrielle recalls first believing in the worth of her writing in high school, where her advanced language and literature coursework both challenged and celebrated her craft.
From 2006-2009, Gabrielle attended St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN where she earned a degree in Elementary Education.
Gabrielle is currently teaching and pursuing her passion for storytelling through writing and acting. She enjoys reading, watching movies, listening to and playing music, playing and coaching soccer, being outdoors, and spending time with her family and friends.
Gabrielle recalls first believing in the worth of her writing in high school, where her advanced language and literature coursework both challenged and celebrated her craft.
From 2006-2009, Gabrielle attended St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN where she earned a degree in Elementary Education.
Gabrielle is currently teaching and pursuing her passion for storytelling through writing and acting. She enjoys reading, watching movies, listening to and playing music, playing and coaching soccer, being outdoors, and spending time with her family and friends.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 14, 2014
After a great civil war that nearly destroyed society, everything is highly regulated and monitored to ensure everyone's safety- or so the government wants you to believe.
This, the second book in the series picks up right where the previous one left off (definitely read Concealed in the Shadows first).
After Sydney exchanges her life and freedom for her sister, she finds herself in an unground secret facility intended for those who are trying to fight for freedoms, or even those who accidentally learned too much. As she tries to adjust to her new loss of freedom she begins to make friends and finds out things are a lot worse than she realized.
I don't want to say much more as I don't want to give the plot away, so will just jump to my feelings about the book now.
I loved this book, had a very hard time putting it down. I enjoyed it even more than the first book. I fell more in love with the great characters and liked the new characters that were introduced. I found myself wanting to fight right alongside them, helping them get the freedom they love. I like that in this book there is more background history that is revealed, showing more of the magnitude of everything going on. I also appreciate that it feels real in that not all of the good guys go unharmed and lives are lost; but not to the point where it makes you so angry that you can't stand it.
This is a clean book and while the subject matter is definitely a PG-13 level there is no vulgarity or overly graphic imagery, which I truly appreciate.
Oh and be warned, like the first book this one leaves off right in the middle of some major events, so I will be greatly anticipating the next book in this series.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This, the second book in the series picks up right where the previous one left off (definitely read Concealed in the Shadows first).
After Sydney exchanges her life and freedom for her sister, she finds herself in an unground secret facility intended for those who are trying to fight for freedoms, or even those who accidentally learned too much. As she tries to adjust to her new loss of freedom she begins to make friends and finds out things are a lot worse than she realized.
I don't want to say much more as I don't want to give the plot away, so will just jump to my feelings about the book now.
I loved this book, had a very hard time putting it down. I enjoyed it even more than the first book. I fell more in love with the great characters and liked the new characters that were introduced. I found myself wanting to fight right alongside them, helping them get the freedom they love. I like that in this book there is more background history that is revealed, showing more of the magnitude of everything going on. I also appreciate that it feels real in that not all of the good guys go unharmed and lives are lost; but not to the point where it makes you so angry that you can't stand it.
This is a clean book and while the subject matter is definitely a PG-13 level there is no vulgarity or overly graphic imagery, which I truly appreciate.
Oh and be warned, like the first book this one leaves off right in the middle of some major events, so I will be greatly anticipating the next book in this series.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 25, 2014
Riveting. Dangerous. Emotional.
The second book in the series, Released from the Darkness, shows the author's talent and skill in penning a great story.
The novel continues the series in a dark underground society which makes you almost forget the perils of the society above. In this new dynamic, Sydney Harter is thrown into a situation which she could have never believed existed. She is reduced to a mere inmate and had to do things methodically with no hope of ever seeing the sun or her family again. Her crime? Knowing too much.
Sydney makes allies with some inmates and they try to plan an escape from this horrid little hidden world which was forced upon them.
This novel is a perfect sequel to the first and Sydney's relationship with her father and her sister is tried and tested multiple times.
The novel ends on another precipice and leaves the reader craving the third book in the series to know just what happens.
Sydney's words at the end of the book left me spellbound and hungry to see if everything works out, or if tragedy would strike yet again.
I took off one star from my rating of this book due to the fact that I thought that the writing was a little bit simplistic in parts. However I must say that the plot made up for this as I was always eager to see what happened next - a real page turner.
I would definitely recommend this novel. It was a definite good read and I am that much better for having read it.
I gave Released from the Darkness four out of five stars.
* I received an ARC copy of this novel in return for reading and writing an honest review of the book and this is how I honestly feel. *
The second book in the series, Released from the Darkness, shows the author's talent and skill in penning a great story.
The novel continues the series in a dark underground society which makes you almost forget the perils of the society above. In this new dynamic, Sydney Harter is thrown into a situation which she could have never believed existed. She is reduced to a mere inmate and had to do things methodically with no hope of ever seeing the sun or her family again. Her crime? Knowing too much.
Sydney makes allies with some inmates and they try to plan an escape from this horrid little hidden world which was forced upon them.
This novel is a perfect sequel to the first and Sydney's relationship with her father and her sister is tried and tested multiple times.
The novel ends on another precipice and leaves the reader craving the third book in the series to know just what happens.
Sydney's words at the end of the book left me spellbound and hungry to see if everything works out, or if tragedy would strike yet again.
I took off one star from my rating of this book due to the fact that I thought that the writing was a little bit simplistic in parts. However I must say that the plot made up for this as I was always eager to see what happened next - a real page turner.
I would definitely recommend this novel. It was a definite good read and I am that much better for having read it.
I gave Released from the Darkness four out of five stars.
* I received an ARC copy of this novel in return for reading and writing an honest review of the book and this is how I honestly feel. *
May 5, 2014
See more reviews on my blog! http://sparetimebookblog.blogspot.com/
Sydney has been through a lot. She has basically given up her life and freedom to take her sisters place. Neo-Necropolis is a prison that you never get to leave. People who are there no longer exist to the outside world. Sydney is doing her best to learn how to live here. She has been beaten down and is now afraid and alone. She slowly finds friends in this new environment. People who have a plan. A plan to escape. This is no easy task though. Can Sydney trust these strangers? Did she really know the people from outside the wall like the thinks she did? A war is starting. Which side will she stand on?
A lot of my favorite characters re-appear. I don't want to give to much away but, one man specifically I was excited to see back. We are also introduced to new ones. Most of which I liked.
Sydney has been through a lot. She is forever a changed person. There is a little romance in this one but, nothing huge. You definitely know who she has feelings for. This story definitely has a real feel to it. You don't just get good vs. evil. You get full out war and people die on both sides. The good guys will lose people too. It is time for Sydney and those she loves to prepare for war.
This book was very fast pace and keeps you interested. so much happens in this one that I never expected. People are not as they seem and there are a lot of questions that need answering. You definitely need to read the first book first obviously. Otherwise you will miss out on a lot of information.
Sydney has been through a lot. She has basically given up her life and freedom to take her sisters place. Neo-Necropolis is a prison that you never get to leave. People who are there no longer exist to the outside world. Sydney is doing her best to learn how to live here. She has been beaten down and is now afraid and alone. She slowly finds friends in this new environment. People who have a plan. A plan to escape. This is no easy task though. Can Sydney trust these strangers? Did she really know the people from outside the wall like the thinks she did? A war is starting. Which side will she stand on?
A lot of my favorite characters re-appear. I don't want to give to much away but, one man specifically I was excited to see back. We are also introduced to new ones. Most of which I liked.
Sydney has been through a lot. She is forever a changed person. There is a little romance in this one but, nothing huge. You definitely know who she has feelings for. This story definitely has a real feel to it. You don't just get good vs. evil. You get full out war and people die on both sides. The good guys will lose people too. It is time for Sydney and those she loves to prepare for war.
This book was very fast pace and keeps you interested. so much happens in this one that I never expected. People are not as they seem and there are a lot of questions that need answering. You definitely need to read the first book first obviously. Otherwise you will miss out on a lot of information.
August 28, 2014
I definitely suggest you read book # 1 first, Concealed in the Shadows, or you may be a bit confused.
The story picks up right where it left off, Sydney has been carted away to an underground jail that the people of the county are completely unaware of. All the residents there have been proclaimed dead.
I felt claustrophobic reading this as Gabrielle Arrowsmith is able to portray the prison so clearly and how the residents are feeling with such intensity that you just want them to get some air! You can't imagine Sydney or any of these people spending the rest of their lives underground. At the same token, there doesn't appear to be any way out as the security is very tight.
I was hardly able to put this book down because when the action starts, it's very fast moving. The twist of Sydney seeing who the prison commander is shocked me! I won't spoil it here but what an interesting wrench to throw in. My only real complaint is that I am now anxiously awaiting the third installment of the story and I really have no idea how these folks will ever come to live in peace.
I gave this 4/5 stars as I reserve 5's for the highest of literature and while the story is amazing and fast, sometimes the writing is a little simple. I absolutely love this series though, so highly recommend to anyone who likes a good dystopian but you will definitely be left wanting more!
The story picks up right where it left off, Sydney has been carted away to an underground jail that the people of the county are completely unaware of. All the residents there have been proclaimed dead.
I felt claustrophobic reading this as Gabrielle Arrowsmith is able to portray the prison so clearly and how the residents are feeling with such intensity that you just want them to get some air! You can't imagine Sydney or any of these people spending the rest of their lives underground. At the same token, there doesn't appear to be any way out as the security is very tight.
I was hardly able to put this book down because when the action starts, it's very fast moving. The twist of Sydney seeing who the prison commander is shocked me! I won't spoil it here but what an interesting wrench to throw in. My only real complaint is that I am now anxiously awaiting the third installment of the story and I really have no idea how these folks will ever come to live in peace.
I gave this 4/5 stars as I reserve 5's for the highest of literature and while the story is amazing and fast, sometimes the writing is a little simple. I absolutely love this series though, so highly recommend to anyone who likes a good dystopian but you will definitely be left wanting more!
July 12, 2014
When I first read Concealed in the Shadows I was amazed by the love between the sisters Evvie and Sydney. Sydney and Evvie have been through a lot with the death of both their parents and then the planned death of their grandmother. They were split up and put into foster homes. Sydney works for everything to get her sister with her when she turns 18.
In Released from the Darkness Sydney takes the place of her sister from being kidnapped. She is free from the chips and tablets of her town but for only a short period of time. In the opening up the book Sydney finds herself trapped in Necropolis. She had know idea how she came to be there at first.
This is just an action packed book from the first page to the last. There are sub plots and twists that take the reader on many amazing turns. I hated to put the book down when I had to. This was a highly anticipated sequel to Concealed in the Shadows, but I hope that Gabrielle Arrowsmith has a long list of books planned for this series. There is so much to written and read. This is a reader that will be waiting for the next book to come out!
In Released from the Darkness Sydney takes the place of her sister from being kidnapped. She is free from the chips and tablets of her town but for only a short period of time. In the opening up the book Sydney finds herself trapped in Necropolis. She had know idea how she came to be there at first.
This is just an action packed book from the first page to the last. There are sub plots and twists that take the reader on many amazing turns. I hated to put the book down when I had to. This was a highly anticipated sequel to Concealed in the Shadows, but I hope that Gabrielle Arrowsmith has a long list of books planned for this series. There is so much to written and read. This is a reader that will be waiting for the next book to come out!
April 13, 2014
*I was given a copy by the author in exchange for an honest review*
An amazing sequel to the first book. I couldn't read fast enough :)
It starts straight where we left off and is even more emotional, fast-paced and full of twists. The characters have more to lose now than ever... and more to fight for.
I have always loved Sydney's determination, spirit and loyalty for those she cares about, especially her sister. I have always admired Crewe's head-strong personality and Evvie's caring, understanding nature. I didn't think the characters could get any better; develop any more. I couldn't have been more wrong. Even more interesting characters are introduced and the stakes couldn't be higher. Its time for Sydney to get out of the shadows, to be released from the darkness!
Happy reading :)
An amazing sequel to the first book. I couldn't read fast enough :)
It starts straight where we left off and is even more emotional, fast-paced and full of twists. The characters have more to lose now than ever... and more to fight for.
I have always loved Sydney's determination, spirit and loyalty for those she cares about, especially her sister. I have always admired Crewe's head-strong personality and Evvie's caring, understanding nature. I didn't think the characters could get any better; develop any more. I couldn't have been more wrong. Even more interesting characters are introduced and the stakes couldn't be higher. Its time for Sydney to get out of the shadows, to be released from the darkness!
Happy reading :)
February 22, 2014
Wow! What an amazing read..
Where do I start..
Sydney is strong,courages and determined. All she wants is to be with her sister Evvie and keep her safe. Life has never been easy but Sydney will do everything in her power to do it. Releasd From the Shawdows reveals hidden secrets, twist and turns that left me glued to the pages.
Gabrielle introduced us to a few new chacters that simply add to this great story.
Its a great read, believable and lots of likable characters like our old friend Crewe, new ones like Red and Gauge.
A must read for any age.
Where do I start..
Sydney is strong,courages and determined. All she wants is to be with her sister Evvie and keep her safe. Life has never been easy but Sydney will do everything in her power to do it. Releasd From the Shawdows reveals hidden secrets, twist and turns that left me glued to the pages.
Gabrielle introduced us to a few new chacters that simply add to this great story.
Its a great read, believable and lots of likable characters like our old friend Crewe, new ones like Red and Gauge.
A must read for any age.
July 22, 2016
I was lucky enough for the opportunity to beta-read an ARC of Released from the Darkness. I absolutely LOVED it! It is a great storyline that goes through the next trials and adventures of Sydney Harter's life. It picks up without little gap from the ending of Concealed in the Shadows. I loved the adventure and excitement of this book. There are some great plot twists and something is revealed that I did not see coming. It's a wonderful next segment in the series and I hope everyone else enjoys it as much as I did!
January 30, 2016
Released From Darkness is an action packed read I couldn't help but love. The main character, Sydney, is a strong lead. Her devotion to her sister is so true it's almost heartbreaking. There's so much more I'd to touch on about the story and characters, but to do that would give away surprises (both good and bad) which make this book what it is, a powerful tale of the fight for freedom. Kudos to Gabrielle Arrowsmith. You kept me on the edge of my seat through the whole book.
February 16, 2016
This book launched from where the last one left off. Wonderful, fast-paced. Really enjoyed this read!
The only thing that's missing is that I'd like to see a little more development between Sydney and her sister, but this book overall was much stronger than the first (and the first was pretty good).
Definitely recommend for fans of dystopian novels!
Note: this would probably not stand well on its own. Definitely read the first book first.
The only thing that's missing is that I'd like to see a little more development between Sydney and her sister, but this book overall was much stronger than the first (and the first was pretty good).
Definitely recommend for fans of dystopian novels!
Note: this would probably not stand well on its own. Definitely read the first book first.
March 19, 2014
This book keeps you hook from the very beginning. It starts where one leaves off smoothly. the authors style makes it so you feel like you know the characters. I found myself feeling the emotions along with them.. This book also leaves off right in the middle of a major event. I can't wait for number three.
I was given a copy of this book for a honest review.
I was given a copy of this book for a honest review.
March 26, 2014
Action from the beginning
I wasn't sure about reading the second book but once I started I was glad I did. It began with allot of action and new people that were easy to get to know that was in this prison with her. I loved the escape yet there was danger all around and even when you think you may have your freedom, do you really?
I wasn't sure about reading the second book but once I started I was glad I did. It began with allot of action and new people that were easy to get to know that was in this prison with her. I loved the escape yet there was danger all around and even when you think you may have your freedom, do you really?
September 23, 2014
Another great one in the series. I really enjoy this book and can't wait to read the next!!
March 11, 2015
This second book is just as good as the first. You want to know more and the excitement and suspense is everywhere on every page. A for sure must read.
May 9, 2015
Again a fantastic read from Gabrielle Arrowsmith. The second chapter into this series is just as good as the first. Cannot wait for the next book!!
May 15, 2018
An Interesting Second Book.
In this second book, it picks up where the first left off. Within the first 30% of the book there is a surefire twist, or so you think. There is plenty of action, and a possible budding romance. Thankfully the romance is very low key, and not a part of the main story.
We meet several new characters in Neocropolis, which is where the first part of the book takes place. Again these characters are well done, and their place in the story fits well. The rest of the book is set around Sheridan, with trips to other areas as well as back to Miles.
For me, I can see certain elements from a George Orwell book, which I find is common in a lot of today's dystopian novels.. Although, it has been very much elaborated on with today's technological advances.I
Overall, this is a fast paced follow up to the first book, and again, I very much enjoyed it. I would recommend if you like dystopian novels.
In this second book, it picks up where the first left off. Within the first 30% of the book there is a surefire twist, or so you think. There is plenty of action, and a possible budding romance. Thankfully the romance is very low key, and not a part of the main story.
We meet several new characters in Neocropolis, which is where the first part of the book takes place. Again these characters are well done, and their place in the story fits well. The rest of the book is set around Sheridan, with trips to other areas as well as back to Miles.
For me, I can see certain elements from a George Orwell book, which I find is common in a lot of today's dystopian novels.. Although, it has been very much elaborated on with today's technological advances.I
Overall, this is a fast paced follow up to the first book, and again, I very much enjoyed it. I would recommend if you like dystopian novels.
July 20, 2019
This second book is more page-turning, thrilling, and full of twists than the first book. I enjoyed it much more and I look forward to the third book in this trilogy.
January 25, 2025
I can't believe this all happened in 2 to 3 weeks ... it's all happening so fast :) very good read !!!
July 26, 2016
I like the series and have found it interesting and exciting. My one real problem is with the main character, Sydney. She's supposed to be strong, independent, and very mature for her age and for the most part she does exude this qualities. However, when things are going to heck around her and her companions, she tends to have temper tantrums about the dumbest things. It got a bit annoying in this (the 2nd) book. That being said, I still recommend it to lovers of dystopian fiction with it's very interesting take on America after a world changing event.
June 15, 2014
I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is a hard review for me to write because I loved Concealed in the Shadows but I just couldn't get into this one. It's written well with a lot of great descriptions, there are twists and action but I just couldn't connect. I just found there was so going on and so many characters that I was lost sometimes.
This is a hard review for me to write because I loved Concealed in the Shadows but I just couldn't get into this one. It's written well with a lot of great descriptions, there are twists and action but I just couldn't connect. I just found there was so going on and so many characters that I was lost sometimes.
June 23, 2015
The Defining Battle
As a rag tag town of survivors recover from a merciless governmental attack, the unquenchable thirst for freedom from tyranny propels them forward in spite of seemingly insurmountable odds.
As a rag tag town of survivors recover from a merciless governmental attack, the unquenchable thirst for freedom from tyranny propels them forward in spite of seemingly insurmountable odds.
April 5, 2015
Didn't let me down this book was as good as the first can't wait to read the next book.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews