What do you think?
Rate this book
Project Paper Doll #3
The Trials
After being on the run, Ariane Tucker finds herself back where she started—under the cruel control of Dr. Jacobs, head of the research facility that created her. Now she must participate in the upcoming trials; a deadly competition pitting her against other alien hybrids, each representing a rival corporation.
But Ariane is no one’s weapon. She is prepared to die if it means taking down those involved in Project Paper Doll. They destroyed all that she holds dear, including Zane Bradshaw, the one person she trusted and cared for the most—the person she was forced to leave behind, bleeding and alone.
As her plan takes shape Ariane will need to depend on, now more than ever, the other side of her heritage—the cold, calculated instincts born from her alien DNA. With Zane gone she has nothing left to lose.
With heart-pounding action, and plenty of surprises, the gripping conclusion to Stacey Kade's Project Paper Doll series delivers a powerful finish that will keep fans hooked to the very end.
But Ariane is no one’s weapon. She is prepared to die if it means taking down those involved in Project Paper Doll. They destroyed all that she holds dear, including Zane Bradshaw, the one person she trusted and cared for the most—the person she was forced to leave behind, bleeding and alone.
As her plan takes shape Ariane will need to depend on, now more than ever, the other side of her heritage—the cold, calculated instincts born from her alien DNA. With Zane gone she has nothing left to lose.
With heart-pounding action, and plenty of surprises, the gripping conclusion to Stacey Kade's Project Paper Doll series delivers a powerful finish that will keep fans hooked to the very end.
328 pages, Hardcover
First published April 21, 2015
44 people are currently reading
1908 people want to read
About the author
Stacey Kade
17 books1,592 followers**Stacey Kade also writes as S.A. Barnes. Her latest release is DEAD SILENCE, coming from Nightfire Books on 1/25/22.**
The daughter of a minister and a music teacher, Stacey Kade grew up reading Harlequin romances on the sly in the basement. Kade is the author of two young adult series (The Ghost and Goth trilogy and the Project Paper Doll series) and two young adult contemporary standalone novels. 738 DAYS and STARLIGHT NIGHTS, her contemporary romance duo for adults, both received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly.
Kade lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband, Greg, and their three dogs.
The daughter of a minister and a music teacher, Stacey Kade grew up reading Harlequin romances on the sly in the basement. Kade is the author of two young adult series (The Ghost and Goth trilogy and the Project Paper Doll series) and two young adult contemporary standalone novels. 738 DAYS and STARLIGHT NIGHTS, her contemporary romance duo for adults, both received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly.
Kade lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband, Greg, and their three dogs.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
March 13, 2016
Review posted on Fafa's Book Corner !
Beware spoilers ahead!
Ever since I read Kade's former series The Ghost and the Goth I have been a fan of hers. Last year I decided to actually get into this series. After reading the sequel I couldn't wait to read this book! I am happy to report that this was a great book!
The book begins with a prologue in Ariane's point of view. She's at GTX and now has to enter the trials. In order to do so she temporarily stops a soldiers heart. At this point she is listening to everything Dr. Jacobs tells her to do. When Ariane reaches the trials she will find a way to destroy the trials and anyone else who ran it. Even if it means she'll die in the process.
You are then taken to the first chapter which takes place a month after The Hunt. Ariane is doing sit-ups. She's started some hardcore training for the trials. And in the background Rachel is ranting. Apparently she now works as Dr. Jacobs intern. Rachel basically gets paid to 'watch' Ariane. Ariane assumes that Dr. Jacobs has set this up as a way to get a reaction from her.
Ariane tries her best to tune Rachel out. But eventually she stops what she's doing and responds to Rachel's rant. Which prompts a nasty reaction from Rachel. Almost like she thought that she was talking to walls. The two of them get in a bit of a fight. Then Dr. Jacobs arrives with Rachel's money.
Once Rachel leaves Dr. Jacobs tries asking Ariane what was their fight about. She doesn't give him an answer and instead he decides to talk about the trials. They'll begin a week from where chapter starts. And it's taking place in California. Aside from that Dr. Jacobs does not know anything. Everything else is on the down low. The next day Dr. Jacobs wakes Ariane up and has her get ready. It is revealed that the trials are taking place early.
This book was so good! Even better than the sequel! It was much darker than The Hunt. And there was way more action. From the minute Ariane reaches the trials it's a roller coaster of emotions and action. There were high revelations! And some character deaths.
The character arcs were very well done in this book! Ariane wants to go through and find a way to stop the trials from ever happening again. If that means she'll have to die along with the people who run it and the competitors, she's content with that. Ariane believes that she isn't meant to live a very long life. And that everything in her life has lead her up to this moment. Surprisingly it wasn't annoying to read about the fact that she gave up on living. While it was sad that she thought that way I understood her reasoning. Zane's finally found a way to not be useless. He's now just like Ariane. And he feels great. Throughout the book he constantly tells himself and Ariane that he's happy with how he is only to find out that having abilities isn't all that cracked up to be. I enjoyed reading about Zane. It was interesting to see him change his mind and come to few a realizations.
We are introduced to a few new characters. It was actually pretty cool to read about Dr. Emerson John. I can't really say that about the other characters because I didn't like them. Dr. John's research was fascinating as well as his take on the hybrids. Ford and Carter came in along with Rachel. I really loved Carter and Ford. There brother and sister relationship was sweet to read about. While I still don't like Rachel I understood her more and really felt for her.
It was interesting to read about the trials. I truly did not expect it all to go down the way it did. I loved how throughout the whole book it was questionable whether or not the hybrids are all evil based on their genetic make-up and the reason's behind their creation. The Good or Evil theme was pretty cool! The ending was realistic considering the characters and their situations. While it isn't the happiest ending I understood why it had to end that way.
I gave this a four star because while I love the series I simply did not love this book. I felt that there should've been some more strings to be tied up. But alas it was still a good conclusion.
Overall this was a good conclusion to the series! I recommend it to fans of light-hearted Sci-Fi and fans of the author.
Beware spoilers ahead!
Ever since I read Kade's former series The Ghost and the Goth I have been a fan of hers. Last year I decided to actually get into this series. After reading the sequel I couldn't wait to read this book! I am happy to report that this was a great book!
The book begins with a prologue in Ariane's point of view. She's at GTX and now has to enter the trials. In order to do so she temporarily stops a soldiers heart. At this point she is listening to everything Dr. Jacobs tells her to do. When Ariane reaches the trials she will find a way to destroy the trials and anyone else who ran it. Even if it means she'll die in the process.
You are then taken to the first chapter which takes place a month after The Hunt. Ariane is doing sit-ups. She's started some hardcore training for the trials. And in the background Rachel is ranting. Apparently she now works as Dr. Jacobs intern. Rachel basically gets paid to 'watch' Ariane. Ariane assumes that Dr. Jacobs has set this up as a way to get a reaction from her.
Ariane tries her best to tune Rachel out. But eventually she stops what she's doing and responds to Rachel's rant. Which prompts a nasty reaction from Rachel. Almost like she thought that she was talking to walls. The two of them get in a bit of a fight. Then Dr. Jacobs arrives with Rachel's money.
Once Rachel leaves Dr. Jacobs tries asking Ariane what was their fight about. She doesn't give him an answer and instead he decides to talk about the trials. They'll begin a week from where chapter starts. And it's taking place in California. Aside from that Dr. Jacobs does not know anything. Everything else is on the down low. The next day Dr. Jacobs wakes Ariane up and has her get ready. It is revealed that the trials are taking place early.
This book was so good! Even better than the sequel! It was much darker than The Hunt. And there was way more action. From the minute Ariane reaches the trials it's a roller coaster of emotions and action. There were high revelations! And some character deaths.
The character arcs were very well done in this book! Ariane wants to go through and find a way to stop the trials from ever happening again. If that means she'll have to die along with the people who run it and the competitors, she's content with that. Ariane believes that she isn't meant to live a very long life. And that everything in her life has lead her up to this moment. Surprisingly it wasn't annoying to read about the fact that she gave up on living. While it was sad that she thought that way I understood her reasoning. Zane's finally found a way to not be useless. He's now just like Ariane. And he feels great. Throughout the book he constantly tells himself and Ariane that he's happy with how he is only to find out that having abilities isn't all that cracked up to be. I enjoyed reading about Zane. It was interesting to see him change his mind and come to few a realizations.
We are introduced to a few new characters. It was actually pretty cool to read about Dr. Emerson John. I can't really say that about the other characters because I didn't like them. Dr. John's research was fascinating as well as his take on the hybrids. Ford and Carter came in along with Rachel. I really loved Carter and Ford. There brother and sister relationship was sweet to read about. While I still don't like Rachel I understood her more and really felt for her.
It was interesting to read about the trials. I truly did not expect it all to go down the way it did. I loved how throughout the whole book it was questionable whether or not the hybrids are all evil based on their genetic make-up and the reason's behind their creation. The Good or Evil theme was pretty cool! The ending was realistic considering the characters and their situations. While it isn't the happiest ending I understood why it had to end that way.
I gave this a four star because while I love the series I simply did not love this book. I felt that there should've been some more strings to be tied up. But alas it was still a good conclusion.
Overall this was a good conclusion to the series! I recommend it to fans of light-hearted Sci-Fi and fans of the author.
April 12, 2020
3.5*
I’m so sad that this trilogy has come to an end. A few years ago I found The Rules in my local bookstore and decided to give it a try. It was such a satisfying, unique, and intriguing read that I could not put it down. I didn’t read the second book until a year ago when I found it at my local dollar store (what a deal!). And it wasn’t until recently that I decided to finish off this trilogy.
The first book was an absolute gem, a five star read for sure.
The second book was still very good, just a tad bit to slow for my test.
This last book was interesting but not what I was expecting.
If I remember correctly, the first book felt more like a romancey sci-fi contemporary read. The second book was more action and thrilling. This last book was like action and sci-fi.
Now to this book alone: I wish we got more insight on the ending, it felt a little rushed and short. The epilogue was quite clever and I love how it tied the trilogy together. Although I didn’t love the last two books in this trilogy, it will always hold a special place in my heart since it was one of the books that got me into ya.
I’m so sad that this trilogy has come to an end. A few years ago I found The Rules in my local bookstore and decided to give it a try. It was such a satisfying, unique, and intriguing read that I could not put it down. I didn’t read the second book until a year ago when I found it at my local dollar store (what a deal!). And it wasn’t until recently that I decided to finish off this trilogy.
The first book was an absolute gem, a five star read for sure.
The second book was still very good, just a tad bit to slow for my test.
This last book was interesting but not what I was expecting.
If I remember correctly, the first book felt more like a romancey sci-fi contemporary read. The second book was more action and thrilling. This last book was like action and sci-fi.
Now to this book alone: I wish we got more insight on the ending, it felt a little rushed and short. The epilogue was quite clever and I love how it tied the trilogy together. Although I didn’t love the last two books in this trilogy, it will always hold a special place in my heart since it was one of the books that got me into ya.
February 12, 2023
I love Stacey Kade's writing. Simple as that! Back in my high school years, Ghost and the Goth was my go to read and it helped me through some very tough times. As I have gotten older and have more money to spend (Yay Adulthood!), I have been on the lookout for more Stacey Kade books to read, enjoy, and eventually review so I can share all of the love.
Unfortunately, I was only able to find book three in the Project Paper Doll series locally. It's been sitting on my shelf for literally five years and I finally decided that I was just going to pick it up and hope for the best. That was a bit of a mistake because I was very lost (although Stacey does a great job of filling in as many details as possible), but regardless... this book is good! I really need to get my hands on the first two books in this series so I can re-read this book in the way it was meant to be - as a series.
Ariane Tucker is an alien hybrid who is apart of a wicked experiment. The corporation that created her has her as apart of a trial, showing off their abilities. She's designed to be a potential weapon of mass destruction, but she truly isn't one. She's a girl who misses her dear friend (cough cough... something more?... cough cough) Zane and is just trying to cope with her very confusing existence. But then, things suddenly change when someone from her past comes back.... And things turn dark FAST.
If I had read this as a series, this would have been one INCREDIBLE finale. Seriously, this book had me pulled in and glued to it (even if I was very confused on why certain things were happening). I do recommend reading the entire series in the correct order to get the full effect, but this book was GOOD. Honestly, I loved the unique ideas and drama that goes down. I'm thoroughly impressed and really think more people need to get their hands on this series. What a hidden gem!
Four out of five stars!
Unfortunately, I was only able to find book three in the Project Paper Doll series locally. It's been sitting on my shelf for literally five years and I finally decided that I was just going to pick it up and hope for the best. That was a bit of a mistake because I was very lost (although Stacey does a great job of filling in as many details as possible), but regardless... this book is good! I really need to get my hands on the first two books in this series so I can re-read this book in the way it was meant to be - as a series.
Ariane Tucker is an alien hybrid who is apart of a wicked experiment. The corporation that created her has her as apart of a trial, showing off their abilities. She's designed to be a potential weapon of mass destruction, but she truly isn't one. She's a girl who misses her dear friend (cough cough... something more?... cough cough) Zane and is just trying to cope with her very confusing existence. But then, things suddenly change when someone from her past comes back.... And things turn dark FAST.
If I had read this as a series, this would have been one INCREDIBLE finale. Seriously, this book had me pulled in and glued to it (even if I was very confused on why certain things were happening). I do recommend reading the entire series in the correct order to get the full effect, but this book was GOOD. Honestly, I loved the unique ideas and drama that goes down. I'm thoroughly impressed and really think more people need to get their hands on this series. What a hidden gem!
Four out of five stars!
May 6, 2015
Project Paper Doll is a series I've quite enjoyed. It has strong character development, a sweet, slightly quirky romance (no love triangle!), and an engaging story line. The series follows Ariane, a human-alien hybrid with otherworldly abilities, and her very human love interest, Zane, as they attempt to outmaneuver and outrun the very research facility that created her. The action in this final installment is intense, with much better pacing than in the previous book, but my favorite aspect is the characters. Ariane and Zane both struggle with finding their place in the world - Ariane because she doesn't feel like she belongs anywhere, despite the fact that she shows more humanity than many of the people around her, and Zane because he has always been told he's not good enough. Their vulnerabilities were so easy for me to empathize with; I've really grown to love both of these characters over the course of the series. Especially Zane, who is handsome and by all rights should be super confident, but is actually quite shy and refreshingly sincere. He is protective of Ariane, but more in an emotional sense than in a physical one, which I really thought was special. Ariane I wish hadn't been so self-sacrificing in The Trials (she was ready and willing to die at least three times too many), mostly because I wanted her to have the life she deserves. She was almost giving up a little too easily. The romance between the two of them remains more than satisfying. They have a unique connection, and, more importantly, work together so well in each and every book. It was great seeing them communicate and stick together, despite the odds or when they were at odds. I like how they always tried to build each other up, too. While the last chapters could have perhaps been a bit stronger for me, I'm still happy with how Stacey Kade ends everything. Here's to more triangle-free series from her!
This review can also be found at Love at First Page.
This review can also be found at Love at First Page.
January 3, 2016
"Until recently, I’d never thought much about dying. That sounded great,enlightened even, like a lack of concern about my own mortality was a gift of higher spiritual knowledge via my alien half. But to be honest, that had nothing to do with it.
The truth was there were things worse than death."
An amazing ending to an amazing series.I loved reading about Ariane and Zane and their adventures!Their relationship might be one of my favourites ever,I just adore how they care for each other and how they're always willing to do whatever it takes to save the other one.It was interesting to read about the Trials and to meet Emerson St.John and Justine.However,I'm not sure how I feel about the ending.I mean,I suppose it's some kind of compromise-.I got so attached to these characters,so I'm a bit sad that it's all over,but also happy because I experienced this great journey with them.
Favourite quote:
"I wanted to defeat Dr. Jacobs, to stand over him in triumph.
Or, okay, at the very least, see him howling in immense pain and possibly— no, definitely, bleeding.
See? Compromise. That really is the key to success."
Read
January 3, 2018I get the feeling there might, just maybe, be another book coming at some point in the future. It ended well, don't get me wrong, but I am not done knowing what happens to these two characters. Love both heroes and the high stakes standoff was awesome! My favorite scene was the mall chase.
May 18, 2015
I've had to wait forever for this book. So I am glad to say, that I am satisfied. The Hunt had such a brutal ending leaving me needing the next sooo badly. Just imagine my horror when I saw how long I had to wait.
The trials that had been anticipated for the hybrids for a while finally took place in this book. Let me tell you, anything that I guessed may have happened didn't. That's a good thing though because the scenarios in my head are usually worst case scenarios (I'm a pessimist when it comes to books, I tend to think the worst things will happen). They go to Chicago for the trial and are given targets to track down in the city and, well, kill. Of course nothing stays this simple, and everything takes a turn for the unexpected causing chaos to arise.
After Zane and Ariane were separated at the end of the previous book, I was very afraid it would take half of this book for them to be reunited. Thankfully, it only took about 50 or so pages. Once again, this reunion was nothing like I expected but regardless at least they were together. At first, things were a bit different than they used to be due to obvious changes but I was glad to see that the romance I loved between Ariane and Zane was not left behind while the action played out.
Ariane is such a dynamic character. She has grown oh so much since the first book and I really like how apparent that is. The situations she has been in have changed her and she has grown. She went from a nervous girl hiding from her enemies to the confident one facing then straight up. That was definitely something I admired in the books.
I only wish we saw a bit more of Ford and Carter. They are definitely more of background characters in this book but I really liked them in the last one and would have liked to see more of them. They still were significant to the story but did not appear as often throughout.
All in all, I am happy with this conclusion. The entire puzzle is finally completed and I can see the whole picture clearly now. Anything that used to be confusing to me was cleared up and there is a bit of a twist that I did not expect. I was sad at one part but I am ultimately so glad it ended the way it did. It was a good way to conclude a very interesting trilogy.
The trials that had been anticipated for the hybrids for a while finally took place in this book. Let me tell you, anything that I guessed may have happened didn't. That's a good thing though because the scenarios in my head are usually worst case scenarios (I'm a pessimist when it comes to books, I tend to think the worst things will happen). They go to Chicago for the trial and are given targets to track down in the city and, well, kill. Of course nothing stays this simple, and everything takes a turn for the unexpected causing chaos to arise.
After Zane and Ariane were separated at the end of the previous book, I was very afraid it would take half of this book for them to be reunited. Thankfully, it only took about 50 or so pages. Once again, this reunion was nothing like I expected but regardless at least they were together. At first, things were a bit different than they used to be due to obvious changes but I was glad to see that the romance I loved between Ariane and Zane was not left behind while the action played out.
Ariane is such a dynamic character. She has grown oh so much since the first book and I really like how apparent that is. The situations she has been in have changed her and she has grown. She went from a nervous girl hiding from her enemies to the confident one facing then straight up. That was definitely something I admired in the books.
I only wish we saw a bit more of Ford and Carter. They are definitely more of background characters in this book but I really liked them in the last one and would have liked to see more of them. They still were significant to the story but did not appear as often throughout.
All in all, I am happy with this conclusion. The entire puzzle is finally completed and I can see the whole picture clearly now. Anything that used to be confusing to me was cleared up and there is a bit of a twist that I did not expect. I was sad at one part but I am ultimately so glad it ended the way it did. It was a good way to conclude a very interesting trilogy.
May 8, 2015
4.5 – This was a very satisfying ending to a great series! The plot was exciting and mostly very unpredictable (), fast-paced, intense, and it really sucked me in! I was riveted by the story and anxious for the characters and how it would all turn out. The action was taut and heart-racing, at times, with some how-will-they-get-out-of-this moments.
I loved the characters, but I was really sad that . I adored Ariane and Zane, though! Ariane is tough and kick-butt, but also good and sweet and likable. Zane is awesome in every way! And I loved the two of them together—their cute banter (not as light and fun as in previous books, but it still sneaks in a bit here and there and shows why they make such a good couple), swoony moments, support of each other, and willingness/determination to fight for each other :) I was also BEYOND thrilled to see :) I was SO hoping for that!!
I loved the ending of the book, too—it’s rather unrealistic and fanciful, but SO satisfying :)
This book has some mature language and violence, as well as some kissing, making out, and implied sex (sexy and a bit steamy, but not graphic). I’d recommend The Trials for older teens or adults.
I loved the characters, but I was really sad that . I adored Ariane and Zane, though! Ariane is tough and kick-butt, but also good and sweet and likable. Zane is awesome in every way! And I loved the two of them together—their cute banter (not as light and fun as in previous books, but it still sneaks in a bit here and there and shows why they make such a good couple), swoony moments, support of each other, and willingness/determination to fight for each other :) I was also BEYOND thrilled to see :) I was SO hoping for that!!
I loved the ending of the book, too—it’s rather unrealistic and fanciful, but SO satisfying :)
This book has some mature language and violence, as well as some kissing, making out, and implied sex (sexy and a bit steamy, but not graphic). I’d recommend The Trials for older teens or adults.
January 17, 2022
2022 update: I am still very much in love with this book. It's wild to think I first read it in 2015.
This was such a good wrap up of the series.
"'It's not, actually.' I could not understand why everyone kept assuming that this girl, the closest thing I had to an archnemesis, quite frankly, meant anything significant to me."
This was such a good wrap up of the series.
"'It's not, actually.' I could not understand why everyone kept assuming that this girl, the closest thing I had to an archnemesis, quite frankly, meant anything significant to me."
October 29, 2015
*Source* Library
*Genre* Young Adult, Science Fiction
*Rating* 3.5-4
*My Thoughts*
The Trials is the final installment in Stacey Kade's Project Paper Doll trilogy. Ariane Tucker, aka GTX-F-107, has been returned to Dr. Jacobs labs after being on the run with her boyfriend Zane Bradshaw who was last seen in peril, and his fate unknown. She must now get ready to participate in a competition where she will be pitted against her fellow genetically engineered hybrids Ford, and Carter owned by Dr. Laughlin, and a mysterious participant from Emerson St. John.
*FULL REVIEW POSTED @ GIZMOS REVIEWS 10/29/2015 -
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
Published: April 21st 2015 by Disney-Hyperion
*Genre* Young Adult, Science Fiction
*Rating* 3.5-4
*My Thoughts*
The Trials is the final installment in Stacey Kade's Project Paper Doll trilogy. Ariane Tucker, aka GTX-F-107, has been returned to Dr. Jacobs labs after being on the run with her boyfriend Zane Bradshaw who was last seen in peril, and his fate unknown. She must now get ready to participate in a competition where she will be pitted against her fellow genetically engineered hybrids Ford, and Carter owned by Dr. Laughlin, and a mysterious participant from Emerson St. John.
*FULL REVIEW POSTED @ GIZMOS REVIEWS 10/29/2015 -
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
Published: April 21st 2015 by Disney-Hyperion
August 16, 2016
review to come
October 31, 2017
First of all, I NEVER write reviews, so you gotta know that this is serious.
I'm sorry but this was the worst book I've read in a long while. The first book was my favorite, and the second one was fairly good as well, but the third one I could barely even finish.
The entire book was filled with badly written conversations between Ariane and Zane. They were forced and put in probably to be used as a filler to make the book longer and dramatic, but it was just fighting. They would go back and forth between sacrificing themselves and yelling at the other one for wanting to do that. This started in the first book when Ariane tried to leave Zane in the middle of the night to sacrifice herself, and it keeps going on with that for the next two.
I skimmed over so many parts in this book and it isn't worth recommending to anyone.
I'm sorry but this was the worst book I've read in a long while. The first book was my favorite, and the second one was fairly good as well, but the third one I could barely even finish.
The entire book was filled with badly written conversations between Ariane and Zane. They were forced and put in probably to be used as a filler to make the book longer and dramatic, but it was just fighting. They would go back and forth between sacrificing themselves and yelling at the other one for wanting to do that. This started in the first book when Ariane tried to leave Zane in the middle of the night to sacrifice herself, and it keeps going on with that for the next two.
I skimmed over so many parts in this book and it isn't worth recommending to anyone.
August 20, 2017
Blew through the entire series in two days ... and dare anyone to linger over books 1 and 2 and not compulsively grab for book 3 to figure out what's going to happen next. A nice twisty suspense meets sci fi series for those who love aliens with psychic abilities and secret government plots.
January 7, 2022
This book was my favorite of the series. I felt like it flowed really nicely and it had plenty of action deserving of a finale. There were some reveals I wasn’t expecting and some deaths I did think would happen but they still hurt.
May 23, 2019
The book was actually good, at the end of the first book i always knew that the father that made her was the bad person
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2016
“When you’re created in a lab, it’s like existing in a void, no sense of connection to a larger world or family” (Location 992). Ariane Tucker was created in a genetics lab, and bred for one cause: to grow her powers and use them to kill every other alien, in a sick game known to her as “The Trials.” In The Trials, the third book of The Project Paper Dolls series, Stacey Kade once again throws us into the lives of Ariane, an alien-hybrid, and Zane Bradshaw, a normal highschool kid who by the third book is turned to an alien himself. Ariane has an idea. The Trials were a cruel, cruel thing, and the only way she knew to stop it, is to stop the creators. The only problem was that it would be suicide. But she’s okay with that, she had no one to live for anyways. Or so she thought. After being dead for a little while, Dr. St. John is able to give Zane a 2nd chance, with one condition, that he himself would also become an alien-hybrid. Showing up on the 1st day of The Trials, Zane completely shocks Ariane, and everyone else there. The two team up once again, as they have in the first two books, to defeat The Trials.
Stacey Kade is an outstanding author and this series was mindblowing. Not only is her writing visual and crafty, but it’s as if you’re actually there, witnessing every rebel move Ariane makes, or every witty comment Zane says. This book reaches out with a strong grasp, and pulls you in head-first, in a way that won’t let you put down the book. It’s suspenseful, quirky, romantic, and humorous, but I have to say that it’s the style of writing that drove me to give this book 5 stars. Kade can perfectly use words to emotionally attach a reader while building on to the characters lovable personalities. Near the end of the book, Ariane and Zane are reunited once again, “The familiarity of it, and the reminder that, until this moment, I’d thought I might never experience it again, made me eyes burn with more than the cold.” (Location 3693). And I’m not going to lie, I did cry here. I could see myself in this book a lot more than you would expect. Sure, I’m not an alien trying to sabotage a killing game while trying not to get killed myself, but I could see myself in Ariane and Zane on a more emotional level. And Kade’s switching 1st person points of view allowed me to see more into each character, and see myself within them. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone into YA books. It’s not really like other YA books, but it’s something that I feel any reader would get hooked onto. From the second I finished the first book in the series, I knew that this would be one of the few series’ that I see all the way through. It was absolutely flawless.
Stacey Kade is an outstanding author and this series was mindblowing. Not only is her writing visual and crafty, but it’s as if you’re actually there, witnessing every rebel move Ariane makes, or every witty comment Zane says. This book reaches out with a strong grasp, and pulls you in head-first, in a way that won’t let you put down the book. It’s suspenseful, quirky, romantic, and humorous, but I have to say that it’s the style of writing that drove me to give this book 5 stars. Kade can perfectly use words to emotionally attach a reader while building on to the characters lovable personalities. Near the end of the book, Ariane and Zane are reunited once again, “The familiarity of it, and the reminder that, until this moment, I’d thought I might never experience it again, made me eyes burn with more than the cold.” (Location 3693). And I’m not going to lie, I did cry here. I could see myself in this book a lot more than you would expect. Sure, I’m not an alien trying to sabotage a killing game while trying not to get killed myself, but I could see myself in Ariane and Zane on a more emotional level. And Kade’s switching 1st person points of view allowed me to see more into each character, and see myself within them. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone into YA books. It’s not really like other YA books, but it’s something that I feel any reader would get hooked onto. From the second I finished the first book in the series, I knew that this would be one of the few series’ that I see all the way through. It was absolutely flawless.
July 17, 2016
3.5/5
A special thank you to Hyperion for providing a copy for review!
While I still didn't enjoy this one as much as the first book, it was better than the 2nd! It was a good ending to a very interesting trilogy.
I figured Zane was going to end up like Ariane in this book! It still kinda sucked though, that St. John used him as a weapon. I can imagine what it was like for Ariane when he walked into the room for the first time. I'm glad they ended up working things out, though, because I do like Zane and Ariane together!
I liked how everything played out in the end. There were no loose ends, nothing left to wonder about.
There's not much else I can say about this book. While I enjoyed this book as I was reading it, it's not something that will stick with me, unfortunately. I'm afraid I've already started to forget the details. I am still eager to read Kade's future work, though!
This review was originally posted on Novel Heartbeat. To see a breakdown of my assessment, please visit the full review here.
January 7, 2022
2019
I Love this series! having re-read them this month, reminded me why they are in my top five favorite series of all time.
And I know I said this in the other two reviews, but I really do hope that Netflix turns this series into a show. It be so cool to see Ariane and Zane come to life.
2016
This book was amazing!! just like the other two The Rules and The Hunt were!! it had me hook I couldn't put it down for anything. I just loved it!! It was a prefect ending to the series which is one of my favorites now.
I Love this series! having re-read them this month, reminded me why they are in my top five favorite series of all time.
And I know I said this in the other two reviews, but I really do hope that Netflix turns this series into a show. It be so cool to see Ariane and Zane come to life.
2016
This book was amazing!! just like the other two The Rules and The Hunt were!! it had me hook I couldn't put it down for anything. I just loved it!! It was a prefect ending to the series which is one of my favorites now.
June 3, 2015
I struggled with this book, although I'm not quite able to pin down why. I found it hard to follow, almost like there was a lot that the reader was supposed to catch onto and I didn't. Turning points in books should be clear and not have to be inferred by reading between the lines. It moved quickly which I liked, but I just couldn't get really into this one. Glad it's over.
Would be interesting for another version in which the aliens do in fact come to earth and Ariane makes contact.
Would be interesting for another version in which the aliens do in fact come to earth and Ariane makes contact.
August 8, 2015
3.5 stars.
A good end to this imaginative series. Things really tied up a little too well, but there was a lot of dangerous sport and cunning and clever surprises.
This series is a welcome refreshing surprise in a lot of ways and I'm sad to see it go.
A good end to this imaginative series. Things really tied up a little too well, but there was a lot of dangerous sport and cunning and clever surprises.
This series is a welcome refreshing surprise in a lot of ways and I'm sad to see it go.
June 3, 2017
I'd have liked a wrap up sooner (some of the obvious plot points/twists we're apparently not so obvious to our main characters) and more of the after math. I get that this story was about her dealings with GTX/other agencies, but some more alien stuff would have been even better.
May 30, 2015
A great ending to the trilogy! This is definitely a must-read series!
August 16, 2015
Zane and Ariane... Just love surrounds them. If I could have someone that cares about me the way Zane did from the beginning, I'd kill for the opportunity.
September 7, 2015
I love these characters and the suspense Stacey Kade creates by letting us live in their heads. A great summer read.
August 3, 2019
The third book in the "Project Paper Doll" series, this novel opens with protagonist Ariane Tucker preparing for a competition to the death with other human/alien hybrids like herself. Unwilling to further the creation of supersoldiers/spies/assassins, as is the intention of the project, she is determined to win the trials and destroy everyone involved. However, her plans quickly change when one of her competitors turns out to be Zane, the beloved boyfriend she'd believed to be dead. He had been rescued at the last minute by the head of another company participating in the project, whose method is to inject existing humans with viral DNA rather than create beings who are hybrids at birth. The trials don't go at all as expected; first, it turns out that Zane's savior isn't actually interested in the government contract the three companies are supposed to be vying for. He's become involved with a different governmental agency, one that wants to use Ariane to help understand the alien technology recovered from Roswell instead of using her as a weapon. Shortly after being presented with this opportunity to walk away from the trials, however, a media breach brings the spotlight on Ariane's creator's and her creator's main rival's ethics violations, and suddenly the hybrids are being hunted by more than just each other as those responsible for Project Paper Doll are desperate to destroy the evidence of their wrongdoing - i.e., the hybrids themselves.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I wouldn't say it quite had the charm of the first one, but it was definitely more interesting than the second one, and it was exciting enough that I blew through it in just a few days, staying up until 6 AM one night to finish it.
Spoilers - the ending was a satisfying end to the series. I felt it was as happy of an ending as could realistically be expected. Ariane is not 100% free at the end as she is forced to work for the governmental department trying to understand the alien technology. However, she has more leverage over them than she did over her creators because recent UFOs sightings have suggested that the Roswell aliens have made trips back to Earth and are searching for her. The Department of Homeland Security hopes that in the event the aliens make contact, Ariane will be a liaison who can prevent an attack. This provides incentive for the DHS to treat her well, so although she is monitored, she is permitted to return to a normal life aside from her occasional assistance to the DHS. However, she can now live openly, without having to constantly strive to be invisible. The book closes with her wearing brightly colored clothes and inviting a classmate over to her house for the first time ever. Given the overwhelming resources pitted against her, I feel that this is a happy ending with a realistic compromise. It was also heartwarming and satisfying to see Ariane's reunion with her adoptive father at the end - they are going to be a family again, this time for real. The ending cut off just a bit sooner than I would have liked (we never get to see Ariane and her mother reunite), but then again I suppose it's better to leave the reader wanting more rather than going on too long.
I was also pleased with the direction of Zane and Ariane's relationship. My concerns at the end of the second book were dispelled as it turns out that the virus injected into Zane is not automatically permanent, and he made the decision to discontinue the injections and therefore the pursuit of transformation. Zane finally learns to accept himself as he is, and he successfully saves Ariane to from giving in to her darker desires for revenge. For Ariane's part, after being torn between wanting a normal life but worried that deep down, she wasn't made for it, she has found the perfect balance.
Another balance struck well, in my opinion, was the handling of the aliens. Throughout the series, I'd been worried that they would suddenly show up as a huge attack force and start destroying the earth. That would have radically changed the nature of the series, which is ultimately a personal story about two people on journeys to self-acceptance and happiness. I think the author played it just right by implying that they're still out there, still active, and likely to visit in the future, without disrupting the existing story.
However, I would have liked to see a little more worldbuilding. I thought we were going to learn more about how the other hybrids "worked" in this novel, but we didn't. In fact, I think the novel could have benefitted from more characterization of the other hybrids in general. We get the barest hints of Ford and Carter's dreams, and it's so little that (again, spoiler), when they died, I almost felt more sorry for Ariane being the only hybrid left than I did for their own sakes. Some things also just don't make logical sense. I don't want to nitpick over all of them, but one of the major ones is that (again, spoiler), Ford turns out to be Ariane's literal twin. The embryos were created at GTX, and one of Laughlin's agents stole the one who would grow up to be Ford. First, I don't understand how this wouldn't violate the rules of the trials (Laughlin is using someone else's creation to represent his work. Even if Ford won, why would the government award Laughlin the contract? Surely if Ford won, the contract would still go to Jacobs as the person who actually created the winner). Second, this undermines the supposed motivations of Laughlin. The main driving force we're given for Laughlin's and Jacobs's behavior is their egos: a former student and mentor, they are now bitter rivals and desperate to prove who is cleverer. Even if Ford had won, Laughlin would only have been proving Jacobs's superiority. In fact, his choosing Ford over all his other "creations" to begin with arguably already does that.
Also, in some ways, I feel like the ending isn't quite as happy as we're supposed to believe it is. Despite Ariane's vow to put a stop to Project Paper Doll, it seems unlikely she can do it alone, especially if she's planning to return to a semblance of her normal life. The third competitor is halfway across the country and planning to sell off his powers-granting virus, and the government agency that funded the project to begin with got away with everything clean and is no doubt hoping to continue. Indeed, I'm not convinced that Ariane herself isn't in danger from being jumped and pulled into a van.
I have mixed feelings about the major twist at the end. (Again, major spoilers.) It turns out that Ariane has a biological father - her creator, Dr. Jacobs, who used his own DNA to fertilize her mother's egg. For me, the main plus of this revelation is that it finally leads Ariane to question her dichotomy that had been annoying me since book one - that her emotions are a result of her human heritage and that her cold, calculating logic are from her alien heritage. Confronted with the knowledge of her father, she is forced to admit, "All along I'd been attributing my darkest impulses to the alien side of myself. And instead, it could just as easily be my humanity...I was nothing but equal parts unknown and despised. I'd never realized how much I'd counted on the human side of myself to be something not...awful." This is one of the most meaningful parts of the book, and brushes at bigger questions regarding human nature. However, I feel like better build-up could have made this revelation more meaningful. There was build-up regarding Ariane's mother, but none about her father, yet in the end, we get an answer to a question that was never posed instead of to the question that was. Beyond forcing Ariane to question her nature, the main impact of this revelation was simply to make me even more appalled at the things Dr. Jacobs did, because he did them to his own daughter. Given the lack of set-up and other implications, this almost felt like a twist being there just for the sake of there being a twist, because it doesn't ultimately change much, if anything.
Having reached the end of the series, I can now say that as a whole, it seems like there were several "pistols hung on the wall" that never went off. Laughlin's desire to kill Ariane (and his willingness to cause any amount of death/damage necessary in the process). The tracker in Ariane's spine. The controlling effect that Laughlin's hybrids seemed to have over Ariane when they first met. Even the Trials themselves (for all that build-up, we never get the "Hunger Games"-style showdown that was hinted at; heck, despite the participants having permission to eliminate each other, after being set loose, the three of them begin the competition with a conversation before going their separate ways).
But overall, I greatly enjoyed this book and this series. I wish it had a bigger fan following. I searched, but there doesn't seem to be much in the way of fanart or fanfiction out there. This makes me sad, because it's one of those books that makes you want to spend time in that world with those characters after you've finished reading.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I wouldn't say it quite had the charm of the first one, but it was definitely more interesting than the second one, and it was exciting enough that I blew through it in just a few days, staying up until 6 AM one night to finish it.
Spoilers - the ending was a satisfying end to the series. I felt it was as happy of an ending as could realistically be expected. Ariane is not 100% free at the end as she is forced to work for the governmental department trying to understand the alien technology. However, she has more leverage over them than she did over her creators because recent UFOs sightings have suggested that the Roswell aliens have made trips back to Earth and are searching for her. The Department of Homeland Security hopes that in the event the aliens make contact, Ariane will be a liaison who can prevent an attack. This provides incentive for the DHS to treat her well, so although she is monitored, she is permitted to return to a normal life aside from her occasional assistance to the DHS. However, she can now live openly, without having to constantly strive to be invisible. The book closes with her wearing brightly colored clothes and inviting a classmate over to her house for the first time ever. Given the overwhelming resources pitted against her, I feel that this is a happy ending with a realistic compromise. It was also heartwarming and satisfying to see Ariane's reunion with her adoptive father at the end - they are going to be a family again, this time for real. The ending cut off just a bit sooner than I would have liked (we never get to see Ariane and her mother reunite), but then again I suppose it's better to leave the reader wanting more rather than going on too long.
I was also pleased with the direction of Zane and Ariane's relationship. My concerns at the end of the second book were dispelled as it turns out that the virus injected into Zane is not automatically permanent, and he made the decision to discontinue the injections and therefore the pursuit of transformation. Zane finally learns to accept himself as he is, and he successfully saves Ariane to from giving in to her darker desires for revenge. For Ariane's part, after being torn between wanting a normal life but worried that deep down, she wasn't made for it, she has found the perfect balance.
Another balance struck well, in my opinion, was the handling of the aliens. Throughout the series, I'd been worried that they would suddenly show up as a huge attack force and start destroying the earth. That would have radically changed the nature of the series, which is ultimately a personal story about two people on journeys to self-acceptance and happiness. I think the author played it just right by implying that they're still out there, still active, and likely to visit in the future, without disrupting the existing story.
However, I would have liked to see a little more worldbuilding. I thought we were going to learn more about how the other hybrids "worked" in this novel, but we didn't. In fact, I think the novel could have benefitted from more characterization of the other hybrids in general. We get the barest hints of Ford and Carter's dreams, and it's so little that (again, spoiler), when they died, I almost felt more sorry for Ariane being the only hybrid left than I did for their own sakes. Some things also just don't make logical sense. I don't want to nitpick over all of them, but one of the major ones is that (again, spoiler), Ford turns out to be Ariane's literal twin. The embryos were created at GTX, and one of Laughlin's agents stole the one who would grow up to be Ford. First, I don't understand how this wouldn't violate the rules of the trials (Laughlin is using someone else's creation to represent his work. Even if Ford won, why would the government award Laughlin the contract? Surely if Ford won, the contract would still go to Jacobs as the person who actually created the winner). Second, this undermines the supposed motivations of Laughlin. The main driving force we're given for Laughlin's and Jacobs's behavior is their egos: a former student and mentor, they are now bitter rivals and desperate to prove who is cleverer. Even if Ford had won, Laughlin would only have been proving Jacobs's superiority. In fact, his choosing Ford over all his other "creations" to begin with arguably already does that.
Also, in some ways, I feel like the ending isn't quite as happy as we're supposed to believe it is. Despite Ariane's vow to put a stop to Project Paper Doll, it seems unlikely she can do it alone, especially if she's planning to return to a semblance of her normal life. The third competitor is halfway across the country and planning to sell off his powers-granting virus, and the government agency that funded the project to begin with got away with everything clean and is no doubt hoping to continue. Indeed, I'm not convinced that Ariane herself isn't in danger from being jumped and pulled into a van.
I have mixed feelings about the major twist at the end. (Again, major spoilers.) It turns out that Ariane has a biological father - her creator, Dr. Jacobs, who used his own DNA to fertilize her mother's egg. For me, the main plus of this revelation is that it finally leads Ariane to question her dichotomy that had been annoying me since book one - that her emotions are a result of her human heritage and that her cold, calculating logic are from her alien heritage. Confronted with the knowledge of her father, she is forced to admit, "All along I'd been attributing my darkest impulses to the alien side of myself. And instead, it could just as easily be my humanity...I was nothing but equal parts unknown and despised. I'd never realized how much I'd counted on the human side of myself to be something not...awful." This is one of the most meaningful parts of the book, and brushes at bigger questions regarding human nature. However, I feel like better build-up could have made this revelation more meaningful. There was build-up regarding Ariane's mother, but none about her father, yet in the end, we get an answer to a question that was never posed instead of to the question that was. Beyond forcing Ariane to question her nature, the main impact of this revelation was simply to make me even more appalled at the things Dr. Jacobs did, because he did them to his own daughter. Given the lack of set-up and other implications, this almost felt like a twist being there just for the sake of there being a twist, because it doesn't ultimately change much, if anything.
Having reached the end of the series, I can now say that as a whole, it seems like there were several "pistols hung on the wall" that never went off. Laughlin's desire to kill Ariane (and his willingness to cause any amount of death/damage necessary in the process). The tracker in Ariane's spine. The controlling effect that Laughlin's hybrids seemed to have over Ariane when they first met. Even the Trials themselves (for all that build-up, we never get the "Hunger Games"-style showdown that was hinted at; heck, despite the participants having permission to eliminate each other, after being set loose, the three of them begin the competition with a conversation before going their separate ways).
But overall, I greatly enjoyed this book and this series. I wish it had a bigger fan following. I searched, but there doesn't seem to be much in the way of fanart or fanfiction out there. This makes me sad, because it's one of those books that makes you want to spend time in that world with those characters after you've finished reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2021
This book opens with Ariane readying herself for the Trials, with Zane's "death" acting as a backdrop for her anger and pain, thinking of the injustices of it all and how her one chance at love is gone forever. When she arrives in Chicago, ready to get this to-the-death match over with, Zane is there, in the flesh and altered genetic sequence. Despite being here under the guise of competing for St. John, Zane has been gifted a plan to get Ariane out and safe. But she can't leave--there's too much at stake, and it isn't just about her.
I love that Ariane is at constant war within herself because it makes for decisions that won't always fall fully on one side. I also love that Zane, even if he doesn't think her decisions are the best, sticks by her through it all and does what he can to actively help (now included with his own set of mental abilities, which Ariane isn't exactly on board with). The unlikely pair fit together well, especially now that they have undergone so much chaos together. You know what they say... Dealing with men who have no regard for life makes the heart grow fonder.
This is part of the trilogy in which things are really happening and conclusions are being made. There's less outright character development and more action, blood, and rage. It's time to secure Ariane's freedom--but at what cost?
I love that Ariane is at constant war within herself because it makes for decisions that won't always fall fully on one side. I also love that Zane, even if he doesn't think her decisions are the best, sticks by her through it all and does what he can to actively help (now included with his own set of mental abilities, which Ariane isn't exactly on board with). The unlikely pair fit together well, especially now that they have undergone so much chaos together. You know what they say... Dealing with men who have no regard for life makes the heart grow fonder.
This is part of the trilogy in which things are really happening and conclusions are being made. There's less outright character development and more action, blood, and rage. It's time to secure Ariane's freedom--but at what cost?
October 2, 2017
This last book in the Project Paper Doll series doesn't disappoint with lots of twists, some really surprising, and it also offered plenty of action. The protaginist Ariane is a great main character all the way through this series she grows and changes. In this book, Arianne wants to stop the trials from happening. And what a shock that Zane is still alive and is entered in the trials. I loved their relationship. Also the new characters kept me intrigued, the other doctors and their motives. The subplot about Rachel, the grand-daughter of Dr. Jacobs had it's own shocking twist. And the story about genetic-engineering was also quite different than I expected. I think the best part of this book was strong character development and the relationship between Arianne and Zane--a great love story subplot. I love the way everything in this book is related.
February 14, 2018
I wanted to love this series. I wanted to lock it away with Stacey Kade’s Ghost and the Goth series. I wanted to feel all that love all over again.
But I didn’t. All I felt at the end was relief... That my time in the world of alien hybrids was finally over. I didn’t get closure. I didn’t get a book hangover. I didn’t care. Like the second book, I was skimming pretty early on to try to find the good parts. I skipped pages of unnecessary filler.
I wanted Ariane to succeed. I wanted her plans to succeed. I wanted her to win on her terms. I wanted more survivors. But failure is the key to this book’s success.
I wanted there not to be plotholes (like what happens to the bits of arm she’s missing after being “discovered” at Laughlin’s??). But what Mick Jagger has lamented for decades remains true. We can’t always get what we want. This series is such a stark reminder.
But I didn’t. All I felt at the end was relief... That my time in the world of alien hybrids was finally over. I didn’t get closure. I didn’t get a book hangover. I didn’t care. Like the second book, I was skimming pretty early on to try to find the good parts. I skipped pages of unnecessary filler.
I wanted Ariane to succeed. I wanted her plans to succeed. I wanted her to win on her terms. I wanted more survivors. But failure is the key to this book’s success.
I wanted there not to be plotholes (like what happens to the bits of arm she’s missing after being “discovered” at Laughlin’s??). But what Mick Jagger has lamented for decades remains true. We can’t always get what we want. This series is such a stark reminder.
May 29, 2018
A neatly tied bow concluding the series that's just a tad too sweet and unrealistic.
This final tome included some repeated steam and arguements interrupted by a surprise twist here and an inevitable pop-up there.
The story was a little fast and a wee bit unbelievable in tone and perspective but that may be due to the four year build up of anticipation rather than a declining skill of the author. The concluding chapters seemed a little rushed and unexplained compared to the rest of the series but it was so cozy that it's hard to complain about.
All in all, the tale was enjoyable.
Be warned: there is extramarital content with implied repetition but nothing that exceeds the content of previous installments. Personally I recommend you skip that page and half scene simply because there's more satisfying, lower-key steam sewn throughout the story with more humorous circumstances.
This final tome included some repeated steam and arguements interrupted by a surprise twist here and an inevitable pop-up there.
The story was a little fast and a wee bit unbelievable in tone and perspective but that may be due to the four year build up of anticipation rather than a declining skill of the author. The concluding chapters seemed a little rushed and unexplained compared to the rest of the series but it was so cozy that it's hard to complain about.
All in all, the tale was enjoyable.
Be warned: there is extramarital content with implied repetition but nothing that exceeds the content of previous installments. Personally I recommend you skip that page and half scene simply because there's more satisfying, lower-key steam sewn throughout the story with more humorous circumstances.
April 27, 2020
...well I finished it! I think that’s only because I’m really bored right now. This book was slow moving and took me a lot longer than it should have to read. I just wanted to know how it ended. The whole series disappointed me with its lack of world building or explanation of anything that was going on. I kept waiting her to explain things but she really never did. So...if you’re wanting to read this book for some answers, don’t bother. Sure, the series gets wrapped up and has an ending but it was just so far from what I was wanting. Oh well. Still an interesting premise and pretty well done series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews