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Forager #2

Infiltrator

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For eighteen-year-old Ethan Jones, Nanako, and the surviving members of his foraging team, the trip back to Newhome is a nightmarish journey fraught with danger.

When they do get back to Newhome, Nanako's dreams of a normal life are shattered when Ethan's jilted ex-fiancé makes it her personal goal to turn Nanako's life into a living hell. And as if that isn't enough, she and Ethan fall afoul of a senior officer of the town's draconian Custodian police force.

To complicate matters, more memory fragments from Ethan's missing year surface, bewildering him with their horrific implications - what exactly did he get up to with the Hamamachi Rangers two years ago? Did they - did he - really commit such heinous crimes?

Furthermore, a Hamamachi Ranger who used to have the hots for Ethan stumps him when she asks if Nanako has told him the dreadful things that happened to her after she was dumped back in Hamamachi two years ago. What are these disturbing secrets from her past that Nanako is hiding from him?

Against this backdrop of personal anguish, the Hamamachi Rangers and ferocious Skel, dead set upon revenge, unleash their diabolical plan against Newhome. But how far will they go in their quest for vengeance? Can the Custodians stop them, or should Ethan risk his life again by stepping up to help save the town, going against Nanako and her insistence that he stay away from combat because she can't bear the thought of losing him.

348 pages, Paperback

First published April 30, 2014

168 people are currently reading
357 people want to read

About the author

Peter R. Stone

24 books76 followers
Peter Stone, an avid student of history, was reading books on Ancient Greece from the age of four. Periods of interest include the ancient world, medieval era, Napoleonic times, and the Second World War. He still mourns the untimely passing of King Leonidas of Sparta and Field Marshal Michel Ney of France.

A product of the Cold War Generation, Peter Stone studied the ramifications of a nuclear missile strike when he was in his senior year of high school, learning the effects of nuclear fallout and how to (hopefully) survive it. He has ever been drawn to post-apocalyptic and dystopian novels and films, and eagerly devoured The Day of the Triffids and John Christopher's Tripod Trilogy when he was a child. He is also an avid fan of science fiction, and his favorite books include the Lensmen Series by E.E.Doc.Smith, anything by Alastair Reynolds, and the Evergence trilogy by Sean Williams. He also enjoys J-pop (especially Ayumi Hamasaki trance remixes), K-pop, Korean movies, and K-drama.

Peter Stone graduated from Melbourne School of Ministries Bible College in 1988. He has been teaching Sunday School and playing the keyboard in church for over twenty-five years. His wife is from Japan and they have two wonderful children. He has worked in the same games company for over twenty years, but still does not comprehend why they expect him to work all day instead of playing games.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for David Caldwell.
1,673 reviews34 followers
June 3, 2014
Ethan, Nanako, and the rest of his foraging team are returning to Newhome after the disastrous events of the trade delegation. They have vowed to end the feud between Ethan's and Nanako's hometowns. Of course, they can't let anyone know unless they want to be thrown in jail or worse. But then Nathan has had plenty of practice keeping secrets. It would be easier though if he could remember that missing year of his life.

This is the second book in the Forager series. The story (and action) takes up right where book one ends. So if you haven't read book one yet, go do that and then come back here. I'll wait.

Now that everyone is back, let's continue. There is a lot of good stuff with this series. There are well-developed characters, a fast paced plot, and plenty of intrigue and action. It is easy to like the main characters even when they turn all angsty. (Fair warning, the angst level climbs pretty high in this story. But then, that is true for most books in this genre.)The pacing is excellent. It is fast enough to keep it interesting while slow enough that intrigue builds throughout. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing at what will happen next.

I enjoyed how the thread of the Skel is progressing. I still think that making a suit of armor out of bones would be a major pain. I was glad that it was pointed out that their suits are fairly inflexible and has other weak spots (like the joints. Of course there has to be holes in the face as well.) The Skel make a great villain group.

There were 2 minor problems for me. the first is that there were some glitches throughout the book. They were minor and probably due to spellcheck thinking it knows more than the human who is using it. Silly program. The other is at times, information is given repeatedly. Not a terrible thing but it was mildly annoying.

To end on a good note, I want to give kudos to Peter Stone. He doesn't use any profanity in his book. He has Ethan give a sidenote saying that the Skel used profanity about every other word but since he didn't use that type of language, he wasn't going to repeat it here. I felt that was a very clever device to do something good.

I give this a high recommendation especially for any fan of dystopian novels.

Profile Image for Ginny.
494 reviews15 followers
December 9, 2023
Good continuation of the trilogy. I like the cover on my paperback much better than the one shown above.
Very exciting, they keep getting into and out of serious trouble!
Now on to the next book!
Author 11 books55 followers
May 10, 2014
I was given a copy of the first book in this series in exchange for an honest review. I liked it so much I bought book two. This one is even better. It gets more into the past of both of the main characters and a more twisted plot begins to unfold. I am looking forward to book three. This is a "clean" book. No bad language or sexual content. Though there is a husband and wife and it is implied, it is very vague. Great for ages 14 and up. I give it 5 stars and think it is one of the better dystopian books out there. Set in a futuristic Australia, the language is a little different and fun.
934 reviews8 followers
February 27, 2017
Good series

This is such a good series. The story is an original one. The characters are well rounded and believable . the authors descriptions are believable and easy to visualise. I look forward to the next one.
Profile Image for Patrick Cox.
240 reviews2 followers
April 28, 2020
Ethan Jones is like a modern day Chuck Norris. He can kick bootie like Chuck. I am really enjoying this story. Action, adventure and all kinds of cool things.

or Ethan Jones, Nanako, and the surviving members of his foraging team, the trip back to Newhome is a nightmarish journey fraught with danger.

When they do get back to Newhome, Nanako's dreams of a normal life are shattered when Ethan's jilted ex-fiancé makes it her personal goal to turn Nanako's life into a living hell. And as if that isn't enough, she and Ethan fall afoul of a senior officer of the town's draconian Custodian police force.

To complicate matters, more memory fragments from Ethan's missing year surface, bewildering him with their horrific implications - what exactly did he get up to with the Hamamachi Rangers two years ago? Did they - did he - really commit such heinous crimes?

Furthermore, a Hamamachi Ranger who used to have the hots for Ethan stumps him when she asks if Nanako has told him the dreadful things that happened to her after she was dumped back in Hamamachi two years ago. What are these disturbing secrets from her past that Nanako is hiding from him?

Against this backdrop of personal anguish, the Hamamachi Rangers and ferocious Skel, dead set upon revenge, unleash their diabolical plan against Newhome. But how far will they go in their quest for vengeance? Can the Custodians stop them, or should Ethan risk his life again by stepping up to help save the town, going against Nanako and her insistence that he stay away from combat because she can't bear the thought of losing him.
Profile Image for Shantelle Hazelton.
93 reviews1 follower
June 13, 2019
Great book!

This 2nd book did not disappoint! I loved every second from beginning to end. I like that the author portrayed depression in a real way as well. Can’t wait to read the next book!
637 reviews5 followers
July 22, 2019
This one is even more intriguing, due I think to the story being told in a flashback style with Ethan's amnesia providing the excuse. Still a few plotholes and editing issues, but the mystery increases. Held my attention nicely.
Profile Image for Daniel Jobling.
108 reviews
November 16, 2020
Good

So there is a lot of things I enjoy about this book especially how mental illness/health is addressed nanako is brilliant character and the character arc for her is very well done. The main story is very intriguing looking forward to see how it unfolds in book 3
421 reviews3 followers
December 21, 2020
An interesting series

This is book 2 in the series. This series has great characters as well as an intriguing storyline. With lots of action and suspense it will keep you interested
214 reviews4 followers
July 6, 2021
Amazing!

The story continues in a surprising way. This is another good book by Peter. I feel like this will be a series I will not want to end when i am reading the last book!
It seems that hate will never leave the human race as long as people want what others have.
Profile Image for Jānis.
456 reviews37 followers
July 31, 2024
Otrā sērijā un interesi joprojām uztura... Lai arī gaidīju, ka atklāsies kaut kas vairāk, Ethans joprojām pinās savā amnēzijā, palīdz cilvēkiem un palīdz sev un nespēj novērtēt nedz citu ļaunumu, nedz arī māk rīkoties pietiekami apdomīgi... Jāturpina.
Profile Image for Peggy Pancherz.
1,173 reviews6 followers
January 20, 2018
Good book

Read all of the books in order to really enjoy. Characters are realistic and get better and better. Storyline continues to grow and develop.
Profile Image for Trevor Gamez.
3 reviews5 followers
July 8, 2018
this world is so scary yet i want to be there just to see it.
Profile Image for Maureen.
620 reviews16 followers
March 8, 2020
Fabulous book 2. Man, these poor kids have it hard, though! The backstabbing and plots are like a soap opera, only with a better story.
Profile Image for Amanda.
2 reviews1 follower
April 12, 2018
I read the first book in this series last year as part of a reading challenge (to pick new books that I wouldn't normally read) and I wasn't expecting to like it, but I was hooked! I found the characters easy to relate to even if the situations are difficult to imagine living through.
I'm looking forward to getting some more answers in the final book. In my opinion the series would make a good trilogy of films.
Profile Image for Ilana.
1,220 reviews17 followers
February 3, 2015
Title: Infiltrator
Author: Peter R Stone
Publisher/Year: CreateSpace Publishing 5/12/14
Length: 272 pages
Series: Forager #2

Overview

For eighteen-year-old Ethan Jones, Nanako, and the surviving members of his foraging team, the trip back to Newhome is a nightmarish journey fraught with danger.

When they do get back to Newhome, Nanako's dreams of a normal life are shattered when Ethan's jilted ex-fiancé makes it her personal goal to turn Nanako's life into a living hell. And as if that isn't enough, she and Ethan fall afoul of a senior officer of the town's draconian Custodian police force.

To complicate matters, more memory fragments from Ethan's missing year surface, bewildering him with their horrific implications - what exactly did he get up to with the Hamamachi Rangers two years ago? Did they - did he - really commit such heinous crimes?

Furthermore, a Hamamachi Ranger who used to have the hots for Ethan stumps him when she asks if Nanako has told him the dreadful things that happened to her after she was dumped back in Hamamachi two years ago. What are these disturbing secrets from her past that Nanako is hiding from him?

Against this backdrop of personal anguish, the Hamamachi Rangers and ferocious Skel, dead set upon revenge, unleash their diabolical plan against Newhome. But how far will they go in their quest for vengeance? Can the Custodians stop them, or should Ethan risk his life again by stepping up to help save the town, going against Nanako and her insistence that he stay away from combat because she can't bear the thought of losing him

My Thoughts

There's something to be said about what needs to happen in a bridge book or book 2 in a series. your'e building off the high that was in the first book and need to have enough to carry you through to the finale. In this case though i have to say that the first half of this 2nd installment was a bit of a drag and it took me some time to get through it. I feel like i had to pause a few times while reading and pick up something else just to re-center myself. In any event - i think that the action and hints at what happened 2 years ago and what can happen with the right direction set us up to be in a great place for the next book.

So we are picking up in this story where we find that life is continuing to be rough for them in Newhouse. Ethan and Nanako continue to try to make their relationship work, while figuring out what it was that they had all those years before the accident. At the same time, the 'military' is trying to find a way to put the attacks at bay and to get some added security in the town - while also plotting against Himmamachi. That's never going to go over well.

Throughout this 2nd story - we get to see the friendships between the foragers evolve and not in a good way. Ethan's skills become a bit more evident, and it's a question now as to who he can trust with this new information and what that will cost him. He's also arrested several times for espionage and various other count as do his wife and friends. Their lives are turned upside down - literally and i think that it's going to show us whether or not they had something real.

The underlying bit of this story though isn't necessarily their relationship anymore, but understanding what happened to Ethan 2 years ago and who was behind it. I still have my thoughts on the matter and i think that they are going to be proven correct - especially at what was hinted at towards the end of the story. Now why he was recruited - that's going to be something that we'll have to get to, and what that means now that Ethan and crew aren't in Newhouse anymore also makes us wonder. All in a good way.

So there are so many questions to be answered - least of all who was behind the genetic mutations and why. I think that i'm still really curious since we've never gotten to the bottom of that - and i think that there's going to be something bigger happening with all that. The other thing is that i'm curious as to what Nanako's real role is - i don't doubt that their relationship is one that's based on love, but i find all the timing to be convenient and i think that there's more to it. Anyhow - that's just me being a skeptic. So i'm off to read Expatriate - the final installment and see what comes of everything. Will the towns survive? will the boys survive? and will Ethan and Nanako live happily ever after?
Profile Image for Julie Arduini.
Author 17 books142 followers
July 19, 2016
Book Description;

For eighteen-year-old Ethan Jones, Nanako, and the surviving members of his foraging team, the trip back to Newhome is a nightmarish journey fraught with danger. When they do get back to Newhome, Nanako’s dreams of a normal life are shattered when Ethan’s jilted ex-fiancé makes it her personal goal to turn Nanako’s life into a living hell. And as if that isn’t enough, she and Ethan fall afoul of a senior officer of the town’s draconian Custodian police force. To complicate matters, more memory fragments from Ethan’s missing year surface, bewildering him with their horrific implications – what exactly did he get up to with the Hamamachi Rangers two years ago? Did they – did he – really commit such heinous crimes? Furthermore, a Hamamachi Ranger who used to have the hots for Ethan stumps him when she asks if Nanako has told him the dreadful things that happened to her after she was dumped back in Hamamachi two years ago. What are these disturbing secrets from her past that Nanako is hiding from him? Against this backdrop of personal anguish, the Hamamachi Rangers and ferocious Skel, dead set upon revenge, unleash their diabolical plan against Newhome. But how far will they go in their quest for vengeance? Can the Custodians stop them, or should Ethan risk his life again by stepping up to help save the town, going against Nanako and her insistence that he stay away from combat because she can’t bear the thought of losing him.

Infilitrator is another page turner filled with action, suspense, a little romance, and even an air of mystery. Peter Stone is a natural storyteller, placing the reader right in the middle of action. I admitted in the first book in the series, Forager, that dystopian novels are usually over my head and I’m intimidated by them. That’s not the case with this series or Infiltrator.

Ethan’s still fighting amnesia, a year missing from memory, but slowly the memories are coming back. While they do, he’s fighting to save Newhome. When it would appear he could have a moment’s peace, even time with family brings stress. Nanako has secrets Ethan discovers. The threat of death either from the dreadful Skel or within ranks is always there.

This was an engaging read full of entertainment. I definitely recommend checking out Infiltrator.

I received a copy of Infiltrator in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Tamara.
515 reviews7 followers
May 13, 2014
Review also posted on The Avid Book Collector

I was given the honor of reviewing the first book in this series, Forager, a couple of months ago for Mr. Stone, and I absolutely loved it. So when Mr. Stone informed me book two, Infiltrator was out, it was a no brainer for me to one click this title immediately – and let me tell you, I am so glad I did. Forager was amazing, but Infiltrator was over-the-top spectacular!

Once again set in a post-apocalyptic Australia, we get to pick up right where Forager left off. Ethan and his friends have returned to Newhome after they had stopped the Custodians from nuking an entire town. The journey home was not an easy one as they cross paths with the Skel and some are injured. Once they do get home and questioned then released, they try to settle back into life. Of course, it seems that racism is rampant in Newhome, and some people make life harder for Ethan and Nanako, no thanks to Sienna. Throughout the story, Ethan starts to remember snippets of his lost memories and with each one, many shocking details emerge and everything is not as it seems, as secrets of betrayal and conspiracy come to light. Where Nanako seemed to be independent, confident and secure in book one, we get to see a more vulnerable girl in Infiltrator.

Right out of the gate, the action was intense and continued throughout, keeping me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Unexpected allies are made and unlikely betrayals emerge. Mr. Stone really knows how to write a well-crafted story that keeps the reader engrossed and always guessing what’s going to happen next. This is an awesome adventure and I can’t wait to continue this journey in the next installment of this awesome trilogy. Well done Mr. Stone! Well done!
Profile Image for Cody Neese.
34 reviews
December 25, 2016
Great book

The author did a good job at keeping it interesting and not giving all the information to you so you would have to make some educated guesses. The author keep the book clean and didn't put any inappropriate things in the book.
Profile Image for Shakuita Johnson.
Author 48 books494 followers
June 16, 2015
Once again we get the story from Ethan...we pick up were Forager left off after the events of the Custodians trying to nuke a whole town and Ethan and gang stopping them. After being questioned extensively they are sneaked out and start the journey back to their home, only things don't go as plan. An unplanned stop and complications from wounds sustained leave the group in a bit of a pickle. Blasts from the past and errant memories from Ethan start to surface and give us a bit of a glimpse into what happened to give Ethan amnesia in the first place. Everything's not what it seems and the hits just kept on coming. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what obstacle would have to be overcome next. Secrets, betrayals, and bombs aplenty in the second installment of this amazing series. I for one can't wait until book three comes out and we continue on the crazy journey Ethan, his wife, and his friends find themselves on next. Bravo!
Profile Image for Jim.
1,093 reviews56 followers
August 22, 2023
Infiltrator follows on from Forager, the second in a trilogy. The action is set 100 years in the future around the nuked remains of Melbourne, Australia. The first book 'Forager' excited me more as it had the feeling of the book I wanted to write myself as a teenager. There is a lot of action but the characters aren't very nuanced, the good are admirable and the bad are despicable with very few characters in between, but this is YA. Our hero is Ethan Jones, the forager of the previous title, now he is infiltrating the Custodian ranks and learning more about the Skel at the same time. He can't settle down to family life with his Japanese bride, Nanako, because there is always something happening. I found the tech they had a hundred years in the future a bit implausible, they don't have international communication or aircraft but they do have functioning MRI scanners, genetic engineering, G-Wagons, smartphones and even a cruise missile...
67 reviews1 follower
November 1, 2015
I received a copy of the trilogy in exchange for an honest review.

Loved it!! It was great to read all three in rapid succession. I particularly enjoyed the characters which were well developed and the setting which was imaginative and detailed. It was easy to read, exciting straight away and even though it took three books for Ethan to get his memory to gradually return, I had immense patience as I care deeply for Ethan and Nana-Chan and wished them well.

A few things bugged me, but did not take away from the books. For example, it did not seem that Ethan's friends were aware of his being missing for a year.

But net, you can't go wrong with this trilogy. Easy to read, exciting straight away and riveting.
Profile Image for WayneM0.
402 reviews33 followers
April 17, 2016
This was the second in the E Book series Forager and I really enjoyed it.
Lots of action,twists,turns, surprises, and good characterization.
The plot is fantastic and really draws you in to what is happening (and even more importantly what has happened in the past)
The characters are fantastic and really add so much depth and feeling to the story.
I have been reading a lot of Dyostopian fiction lately and this really is right up their with my favourites (for those keeping score the Partials sequence series is still No 1)
So this is very highly recommended for those that like YA dyostopian fiction and I'm really looking forward to reading the 3rd in the series - Expatriate.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
173 reviews
September 1, 2015
Infiltrator is the second book of the "Forager Trilogy".
This book gave me more incite to the characters past, and made the characters seem relatable.There were more twists and turns that made me want to keep reading! I feel as if I was apart of the story instead of just reading it, Peter R. Stone gave me a greater understanding of this book and made this a very fun read! This book is so much better than the first book!



I received a free copy (from author) for an Honest review
1,343 reviews8 followers
May 17, 2016
The second book in this YA apocalyptic series does not disappoint. I enjoy how Stone educates us on the lives of each character. Lots of action, no graphic sex or cursing, but lots of violence. Some of the action scenes are so realistic, I gasp when something happens. Even though there is a lot of violence, it is written so it doesn't give me nightmares. I borrowed this book through the Kindle Owner library. However, this may be a series I will buy to reread at my pleasure.
Profile Image for Sally Hannoush.
1,882 reviews27 followers
September 21, 2015
This is the second book in the series. It continues where book one left off. There is a lot of action in this one and and we learn a lot of secrets. The puzzle pieces come together a bit more. But there is still a lot more to learn and I enjoyed the journey. Looking forward to the third one.
Profile Image for Carly Kirk.
822 reviews9 followers
July 17, 2016
Intense

Very intense story! I can't wait to find out how it all ends... Probably the only thing that bothers me is the sheer volume of problems that are thrown against the main characters. I know it's to keep the action going, but jeez...
Profile Image for Nancy Hetzke.
49 reviews2 followers
November 22, 2016
I have liked the whole series. So much so I bought the next ones after getting the first in the series for free. I can't wait till the next book comes out. This takes place in Australia after a nuclear war. It's the second in the series that uses Korean/Japanese culture as the dominant group.
Profile Image for Cristine.
168 reviews
September 1, 2014
Just as great as the first book. Super exciting and fun to read. I immediately joined the author's email list. I can't wait for book 3!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

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