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The Harvest Saga #2
Resist
Abby Kelley returns home from the Greater city of Olympus to find that things in Orchard Village are bad, very bad. The Olympian Guard has taken over village affairs. The Lessers are being worked to the bone in the coldest winter Orchard has seen. Villagers are being dragged away for the slightest indication of what they call “resistance.” She needs to keep her head down and her mouth shut. But, it’s so hard to do when everything within you screams rebellion.
Kyan is coming on strong, trying to convince her to take a chance on him. Shocking news of Crew’s activities in Olympus sweeps through the Villages. When Abby is taken away by the Olympian guard, Kyan sends word to Vesuvius for help. But, no one could have predicted their idea of help or what they might expect in return.
Who will be left to pick up the pieces of Abby’s heart?
Kyan is coming on strong, trying to convince her to take a chance on him. Shocking news of Crew’s activities in Olympus sweeps through the Villages. When Abby is taken away by the Olympian guard, Kyan sends word to Vesuvius for help. But, no one could have predicted their idea of help or what they might expect in return.
Who will be left to pick up the pieces of Abby’s heart?
224 pages, Paperback
First published June 29, 2014
69 people are currently reading
309 people want to read
About the author
Casey L. Bond
60 books1,676 followersRONE Award-winning author Casey Bond lives on a rural farm in West Virginia with her husband and their two beautiful daughters. She writes phoenixes – gloriously flawed and morally gray characters that fiercely rise from the ashes of their circumstances.
Worldbuilding is one of her favorite pastimes. She thinks thunderstorms are better than coffee and that watching a meteor shower is the closest thing to magic you might ever see. She’s a firm believer that every amazing book needs a world you want to wrap yourself in, a character you want to win, and a love you would fight for.
Casey is the author of When Wishes Bleed, Gravebriar, House of Eclipses, and Where Oceans Burn.
@authorcaseybond on social media sites.
Worldbuilding is one of her favorite pastimes. She thinks thunderstorms are better than coffee and that watching a meteor shower is the closest thing to magic you might ever see. She’s a firm believer that every amazing book needs a world you want to wrap yourself in, a character you want to win, and a love you would fight for.
Casey is the author of When Wishes Bleed, Gravebriar, House of Eclipses, and Where Oceans Burn.
@authorcaseybond on social media sites.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
January 31, 2016
The story is good u really don't know what happens next ...
August 11, 2014
I loved this.
So FIRST OFF WARNING: This is a SECOND in a saga please be aware of this information as there will not be spoilers for this book, BUT there are spoilers from the first!!! <-- can't be helped sorry
Casey Bond you kept me up for all hours of the night...again!
Song Choice: "All of Me" by Angus & Julia Stone, "The Girl" by City and Colour, "I would be Sad" by The Avett Brothers
First thoughts: If you liked the first one (even a little) you will love this, or maybe i am bias because I am in love with this series. I don't know, but let me tell you this book - nay! this author - is like a potato chip, you can't just have one! I dare you to try! I was amazed, and thrilled to see where this series took us. I was surprised, shocked, flabbergasted! It was truly amazing. I bow down to you Casey Bond for doing the unusual and the shocking! Absolutely amazing.
Thoughts on Plot: So wowizers! This moved fast, with a pace that could not be stopped. This book was I suppose in page wise was a little "short" of course again i might be bias because I was not pleased with that ending, but the story was HUGE. I forgo-ed eating for this book. Seriously. I was filled up on this amazing read I didn't even care. So we left Abby in Orchard once again with Gray (swoon) <-- uncontrollable reaction to mentioning him unfortunately, things have changed in Orchard. The work is harder, the guards are more prominent, and dangerous. But one this is very clear, the Lessers are no longer willing to accept them status, and why should they? They are Greater than the Greaters we all know it. I loved the rebellion in this book. I love the stand that Abby decides to take. I was shocked by the new twist and HUGE HUGE HUGE developments in this book. If you think oh its the second in a saga not much will happen, you are so wrong. There was so much in this book and trust me you will never guess what is going to happen. I honestly didn't!!
The romance: Okay I am not big on love-triangles, I am not. It always ends up with someone hurting and usually its the person i want the girl to end up with. This was dealt with very well in this book. Thank you Casey Bond!!! And that is all I am going to say on that ^_^
Characters:
I gave the casting in my last review :)
Abby: She has changed a little in this book (when i say a little I mean alot) while she is dealing with her heart breaking for so many reasons, she also is finding love in unusual places. She is dealt a very strange, and intense hand in this book. I think she handles it beautifully. She never pussy-foots around things, and she stands up for what she believes in. I loved her in the first book and I loved her even more in this book. Seriously
Crew: I was not happy. Not happy at all. I understand what was happening I do. But while he stole my heart in book one, but at the end of book one with all the shit he pulled he started to break my heart then and he just confirmed my heart break of him in this one.
Gray (swoons): hehehe well I had an odd obsession with him when he first arrived on the scene and thank god! I loved this man! He was funny, but it was also so very wise, and so loving, and so DAMN SEXY!!! seriously....*.* yum-mie!!!
Kyan: Good best friend. I truly hope that everything works out for him. And I don't want to go into details about him in this book because...spoilers ;)
We meet new characters as well but I can't talk about them because again spoilers, but I can say I don't trust any of them. :| nope nope nope ;)
The ending:
That is I look like right now, and all day yesterday while I was out and about because of the ending of this book.
So Casey Bond, you better be handing over the next book ASAPIE!!!
for more becca-ness check me out here: http://theviolethourbookreviews.wordp...
October 19, 2014
*Arc provided by the Author (I read this book month's ago but I've been very busy & was unable to post a review)
Resist is the second book in the Harvest Saga and I must say a great addition! I loved book 1 but with this one the author upped the ante beautifully. When I began to read Resist it was difficult putting it down. There were unexpected twist & turns, sad in parts & uplifting in others. The story is full of action, as well as heart wrenching moments.
Is this one click worthy? Definitely!
Resist is the second book in the Harvest Saga and I must say a great addition! I loved book 1 but with this one the author upped the ante beautifully. When I began to read Resist it was difficult putting it down. There were unexpected twist & turns, sad in parts & uplifting in others. The story is full of action, as well as heart wrenching moments.
Is this one click worthy? Definitely!
July 23, 2014
This is the second book in the Harvest Saga and it tells the continuing story of Abby,Crew, Kyan, and Gray. Abby returns to Orchard with Gray by her side to find out what happened to the other Lessers since she and the other women were taken. What she finds is that Olympus has enslaved her people even more than before. This book has twists and turns in a good way,some heart breaking moments, and some heart warming ones too!
I loved this book! I love this series and can't wait for the conclusion of this series..... I'm biting my fingernails in anticipation of what happens next! If you haven't read anything by Casey L. Bond.... you should!
I loved this book! I love this series and can't wait for the conclusion of this series..... I'm biting my fingernails in anticipation of what happens next! If you haven't read anything by Casey L. Bond.... you should!
August 1, 2014
Don't Resist.. One Click..
This is an Awesome Continuation to The Harvest Saga Series... Abby is determined to find out what happened to the lesser girl who were taken to Olympus and is determined to save them.. The Greaters from Vesuvius step in to help, but Everyone is Orchard is not so sure if they are really their to help themselves or Orchard.. Resist will leave you wanting more.. Abby will also have to face her feeling once again for the men in her like.. Will she finally choose!! I can't wait for the next book to come out..
This is an Awesome Continuation to The Harvest Saga Series... Abby is determined to find out what happened to the lesser girl who were taken to Olympus and is determined to save them.. The Greaters from Vesuvius step in to help, but Everyone is Orchard is not so sure if they are really their to help themselves or Orchard.. Resist will leave you wanting more.. Abby will also have to face her feeling once again for the men in her like.. Will she finally choose!! I can't wait for the next book to come out..
July 10, 2014
This book was amazing!!! I didn't want to put it down. I am not impatiently waiting for book 3!! Way to go Casey, another great story! Read this series, you won't be disappointed.
April 22, 2019
4.5
I'm loving this series and cruising right through it. If you like YA dystopian novels and romance, I think you'll like this series. They're easy reads, but the story is interesting.
Taking off half a star because some parts feel a little rushed. I think the author could have developed some ideas a bit more. Also the kindle version has some editing issues.
I'm loving this series and cruising right through it. If you like YA dystopian novels and romance, I think you'll like this series. They're easy reads, but the story is interesting.
Taking off half a star because some parts feel a little rushed. I think the author could have developed some ideas a bit more. Also the kindle version has some editing issues.
September 16, 2017
I've had this series on my to read list for a while & for some reason I've skipped over it a number of times. Now I'm just wondering why?! It is amazing. So addictive. Heartbreaking. I love it. I love Abby. I love Grey. Yes, now I'm totally Team Grey. I highly recommend, & FYI the first kindle book is currently free on Amazon.
August 20, 2014
I ran out and bought Resist the day it went on sale. I loved Reap, and couldn't wait to continue the story of Abby, Crew, and Kyan. Casey is quickly becoming a go-to author when I'm in the mood for a great story. Enough of my rambling! I'm sure you're eager to hear about the story.
From a Reader's Perspective:
Let me tell you, there were some major shockers in this book. They had me putting my hand to my mouth and gasping for air. This is an edge-of-your-seat read for sure. Many times, I find the middle book in a series lacking punch. They kind of go tra-la-la to move the plot along, and there's nothing interesting on the pages. Resist isn't one of those books. It'll keep you biting your nails, cringing, and tearing up over and over again. Pacing is spot on, and I wanted more when I hit the last page. As in Reap (book one), the world building is awesome. I love that there are more than one Greater factions in control of the Lessers. It made the twisty plot even more of a page turner. Warning! There is a cliffhanger. It's a big one. So, if you don't like that sort of thing, wait for the last book to come out before you start reading. If you don't mind, pick up these books ASAP.
From an Editor's Perspective:
So many errors in the writing. Mostly punctuation and pronoun confusions, but there were a few oops moments that should've been caught. Example: Even though it was only a rouse, she would be hurt. This should read: Even though it was only a ruse, she would be hurt. Sadly, what would've been a 5 star book, is dropped to 4 because of the errors. I had to turn my inner editor off.
Rating:
1 Star for keeping me on the edge of my seat
1 Star for awesome twists I was blindsided by
1 Star for world building
1 Star for pacing and wonderful conflict
-1 Star for editing
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars. A fantastic read that'll keep you gripping your chair despite the writing errors. Recommended if you can look past writing errors and really get into a story.
From a Reader's Perspective:
Let me tell you, there were some major shockers in this book. They had me putting my hand to my mouth and gasping for air. This is an edge-of-your-seat read for sure. Many times, I find the middle book in a series lacking punch. They kind of go tra-la-la to move the plot along, and there's nothing interesting on the pages. Resist isn't one of those books. It'll keep you biting your nails, cringing, and tearing up over and over again. Pacing is spot on, and I wanted more when I hit the last page. As in Reap (book one), the world building is awesome. I love that there are more than one Greater factions in control of the Lessers. It made the twisty plot even more of a page turner. Warning! There is a cliffhanger. It's a big one. So, if you don't like that sort of thing, wait for the last book to come out before you start reading. If you don't mind, pick up these books ASAP.
From an Editor's Perspective:
So many errors in the writing. Mostly punctuation and pronoun confusions, but there were a few oops moments that should've been caught. Example: Even though it was only a rouse, she would be hurt. This should read: Even though it was only a ruse, she would be hurt. Sadly, what would've been a 5 star book, is dropped to 4 because of the errors. I had to turn my inner editor off.
Rating:
1 Star for keeping me on the edge of my seat
1 Star for awesome twists I was blindsided by
1 Star for world building
1 Star for pacing and wonderful conflict
-1 Star for editing
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars. A fantastic read that'll keep you gripping your chair despite the writing errors. Recommended if you can look past writing errors and really get into a story.
September 14, 2014
Rating: 4.5 stars, worthy of rounding up
Resist picks up right where Reap left off, but with enough details to kickstart my memory about past events. Abby returns home, but she's forever changed from her time in Olympus. Then, she realizes her home is in even more danger. Can she do what's necessary to save those she cares about?
Abby is such a compelling character. Even in her moments of strength, we see her soft side. She's confused, thanks to a lot of information being thrown at her, but determined to do the right thing. Even her heart is conflicted. She loves, in some capacity, three guys--Crew, Kyan, and Gray--and each of them has a hand in her fate. I love that she's honest about her feelings, although sometimes this means hurting someone she cares about.
Before starting book two, I was leaning toward Team Kyan, but I was greatly torn. In Resist, I was solidly Team Gray, but I cared for Crew and Kyan and each broke my heart in some capacity. Abby goes through so much in this novel, and I can't wait to see how she comes through it in book three. So far, she has grown with each new challenge. Plus, a key character comes back into Abby's life, but whether it's a good or bad thing remains to be seen.
There were two major events in this novel that brought tears to my eyes. You know you are invested in a story when that happens. If this review seems vague, it's because I don't want to give anything away--I don't want to spoil the exhilarating ride for anyone.
From page one, I was invested in this story and the characters. Book three can't get here soon enough.
Note: While there were a few editing errors, it wasn't enough to pull me away from the excellent story.
Resist picks up right where Reap left off, but with enough details to kickstart my memory about past events. Abby returns home, but she's forever changed from her time in Olympus. Then, she realizes her home is in even more danger. Can she do what's necessary to save those she cares about?
Abby is such a compelling character. Even in her moments of strength, we see her soft side. She's confused, thanks to a lot of information being thrown at her, but determined to do the right thing. Even her heart is conflicted. She loves, in some capacity, three guys--Crew, Kyan, and Gray--and each of them has a hand in her fate. I love that she's honest about her feelings, although sometimes this means hurting someone she cares about.
Before starting book two, I was leaning toward Team Kyan, but I was greatly torn. In Resist, I was solidly Team Gray, but I cared for Crew and Kyan and each broke my heart in some capacity. Abby goes through so much in this novel, and I can't wait to see how she comes through it in book three. So far, she has grown with each new challenge. Plus, a key character comes back into Abby's life, but whether it's a good or bad thing remains to be seen.
There were two major events in this novel that brought tears to my eyes. You know you are invested in a story when that happens. If this review seems vague, it's because I don't want to give anything away--I don't want to spoil the exhilarating ride for anyone.
From page one, I was invested in this story and the characters. Book three can't get here soon enough.
Note: While there were a few editing errors, it wasn't enough to pull me away from the excellent story.
December 27, 2015
Wow, Resist was amazing!! The book started where the series left off in the first book Reap, and let me tell you, Casey didn't spare any time delving right into the story. We picked up where she left off with the cliffhanger in the first book, and spiralled into many unexpected events.
Meeting the characters once again was like we had never even left. The character development itself was amazing, and so much changed with the people we knew from the first book, as well as some new friends. In my review of the first book, I said my favourite character was Ky, Abby's best friend, but I would have to say Abby this time, for what she did, and for what I think she's about to do in the next book.
Casey was unbelievable with this book. The gut wrenching twists and turns, and the events that took place that I thought would not at the last minute took me off guard and shocked me. This book was incredibly well written and I loved every second of it.
All in all, this book was amazing. It was well written, the characters were all there, and Casey managed to rip my heart right out of my chest, which usually means it's a good book. I can't wait for the next book to come out so I can cry some more. I am definitely giving this book 5 out of 5 stars!
Meeting the characters once again was like we had never even left. The character development itself was amazing, and so much changed with the people we knew from the first book, as well as some new friends. In my review of the first book, I said my favourite character was Ky, Abby's best friend, but I would have to say Abby this time, for what she did, and for what I think she's about to do in the next book.
Casey was unbelievable with this book. The gut wrenching twists and turns, and the events that took place that I thought would not at the last minute took me off guard and shocked me. This book was incredibly well written and I loved every second of it.
All in all, this book was amazing. It was well written, the characters were all there, and Casey managed to rip my heart right out of my chest, which usually means it's a good book. I can't wait for the next book to come out so I can cry some more. I am definitely giving this book 5 out of 5 stars!
May 18, 2015
received a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.
Resist is the second amazing installment in The Harvest Saga series. The title is perfect for this book and series because it is definitely hard to resist reading.
Author Casey Bond does a great job continuing Abby's story. In this book, Abby starts growing into an amazing and strong young woman who along the discovered what love was really is. As you read this book you will see some of the characters from the first book along with some new characters who surprisingly have had secrets of their own.
It's definitely a must read book and series. I can't wait to see what happens next for this group.
Resist is the second amazing installment in The Harvest Saga series. The title is perfect for this book and series because it is definitely hard to resist reading.
Author Casey Bond does a great job continuing Abby's story. In this book, Abby starts growing into an amazing and strong young woman who along the discovered what love was really is. As you read this book you will see some of the characters from the first book along with some new characters who surprisingly have had secrets of their own.
It's definitely a must read book and series. I can't wait to see what happens next for this group.
September 15, 2014
After reading the First book in this series, Reap, I immediately purchased this book and read it one sitting. Turned off ALL distractions - radio, TV , even my phone and told everyone to leave me alone - so I could read this one. I put my full concentration into it, I very RARELY do that, but this book was so very worth every moment.
Be ready to laugh out loud, cry in frustration and injustice and fall in love with the Characters as well as the amazingly written World.
Be ready to laugh out loud, cry in frustration and injustice and fall in love with the Characters as well as the amazingly written World.
February 6, 2015
i Loveeed this book! It was just as good.. no better than the first (and that's pretty hard as that was awesome!)
I am really happy that Kyan seems to have moved on from Abby but they have still kept there bond & friendship.
GRAY... where do I start? I have already told Casey about my LOVE for Gray. He's such a sweetie! I am literally praying that he has a big part in the next book to! :)
On that note i really can't wait till the next book.
#newfavoriteauthor
;) ;) ;)
I am really happy that Kyan seems to have moved on from Abby but they have still kept there bond & friendship.
GRAY... where do I start? I have already told Casey about my LOVE for Gray. He's such a sweetie! I am literally praying that he has a big part in the next book to! :)
On that note i really can't wait till the next book.
#newfavoriteauthor
;) ;) ;)
May 21, 2015
I loved the first book and as soon as I was finished reading it I went onto amazon and bought this one. Casey is quickly becoming one of my fave authors! I still love the characters and the story line and can't wait for the next book! I literally read this book in a day! Couldn't put it down!
I was kind of disappointed after I was done with book 2 because I couldn't go into book 3 right away! I really need to know what happens and am hoping the next book will be out very very soon!
I was kind of disappointed after I was done with book 2 because I couldn't go into book 3 right away! I really need to know what happens and am hoping the next book will be out very very soon!
August 12, 2014
What was not to love
What was not to love
Resist start where Reap had ended and I never thought I would love it more than I did Reap but it true. I did not want it end. Some of your best work
What was not to love
Resist start where Reap had ended and I never thought I would love it more than I did Reap but it true. I did not want it end. Some of your best work
March 8, 2015
So, Casey L. Bond cliffhangered me and I loved it! I fell in love with this cast of characters in the first book of The Harvest Series and the second book did not disappoint. Such a great storyline and I can't wait to see what happens next!
September 10, 2025
Oh y gosh, really.....how can you not fall into the problems of these characters and want to help each and everyone out. Do you stay quiet so that you don't get hurt or do you stand up for not only yourself but for others? Wow, what a complex decisions she has to make to move forward in her life.
July 17, 2014
I'm so excited to release the next part of The Harvest Saga!
September 19, 2014
Love love love
May 17, 2015
All nighter!
I love this series and couldn't stop reading this book until I finished it! I can't wait to see what awaits in the next book!
I love this series and couldn't stop reading this book until I finished it! I can't wait to see what awaits in the next book!
June 21, 2015
I couldn't put this book down poor Abbie Blue and I can't wait to finish the next book and hope that she get the happiness that she truly deserves :)
November 13, 2015
Full review and more available at: http://oneguysguidetogoodreads.blogsp...
**SPOILER FREE SERIES REVIEW**
*****
My Thoughts:
Alright readers, it's story time. So when I first joined the book community about two years ago, I was immediately told one thing: dystopian is dead. Coming right off the book highs of The Hunger Games and Divergent, the book world was fed up with all things dystopian. I won't lie, I really am not a fan of THG, but I loved Divergent, until the end anyway. I couldn't hardly believe that the bookish world could be through with this genre after only a few blockbuster hits. Surely there were more that I had missed. Two years later, I'm still hearing 'dystopian is dead', but you know what? Screw that. Since I've started blogging, I've read no less than ten new and absolutely incredible dystopian series that have absolutely blown other reads out of the water. Who is this 'they' that controls the market and who are they to say what is dead? My friends, if I have anything to say about it, dystopian is certainly not dead. In these two years, one fantastic series managed to slip under my radar. One series that, until I recently met the author, I had no idea existed. Could this 'new' series live up to the greatness of the dystopians before it?
Oh hell yes it did. And then some. The tower of greatness has fallen, my friends, a new author reigns supreme. Have you met Casey L. Bond?
I can honestly say without hesitation that The Harvest Saga is EASILY sitting in my top 5 dystopian series of all time. Yeah people. It was that absolutely incredible. Three novels and I couldn't even stop reading long enough to review them. I devoured this series folks, and if you're smart, you will too!
When it comes to the plot of The Harvest Saga, I can't even really begin to describe it to you in a way that even kind of tells you how awesome it is. If I had to comp it to something, I'd call it The Hunger Games-meets-Children of Men. So basically you have a society divided along resources where the women have become barren. Make sense? In all seriousness, I found The Harvest Saga to be one of the most unique and original creations that I have seen in months. I have never read anything quite like this. With action and plot twists on each and every page, it was one whirlwind adventure that I can't wait to relive again. Oh and did I mention the feels? Sweet Mother of Moses. Feels were caught. So many times. It isn't uncommon to expect heartbreak in a series of this genre, but I was clearly not expecting the level of heartbreak I felt several times. It was incredible. Bond pulled at my heartstrings in the greatest of ways. From Reap's opening paragraph to Reclaim's closing sentence, I was absolutely enveloped in the story Bond has created. I can't say that happens enough!
From the very beginning the series hits the ground running and the action doesn't cease until the nail-biting conclusion that had my heart racing from anticipation! I laughed, I cried, I caught all the feels. Kudos to you Casey Bond, you've crafted a literary masterpiece worthy of the highest of praises.
For me, the greatest part of this series was the characters. Unlike other series, Bond really kept this one with a smaller cast. The series really perfectly followed the storyline of a handful of core characters and didn't ever once stray away from our main objective. Leading to a series that can be read extremely quickly with ease. Something Bond did in this series that I hadn't seen successfully executed many times before was the use of multiple POVs in the story. I don't mean alternating POVs, I mean multiple POVs at some points. I didn't keep a tally, but I'd say at one point there were no less than seven ongoing POVs in this series and I loved each and every one. Incredible. Bond did such a great job in developing her characters that I felt like I was right beside them, feeling their pain and reveling in their triumph with each passing chapter.
One of the great things about this novel in my eyes was the equal representation of gender roles. Far too often I find myself reading from a female author and I experience page after page of male bashing or male characters that are so weak I can hardly finish the story. Not with Bond and this series, both genders and all ages; people from all walks of life are written as equals. Now that's not to say there weren't gender roles in Bond's dystopian, I just, as a male reader, found her interpretation of the society to be a refreshing and rewarding experience.
Bond's setting for The Harvest Saga was deep-seeded in a reality that I didn't find too far from the realm of possibility. While technology definitely played a huge role in the story, I really didn't find the story to be bogged down on the sci-fi side of things. In fact, most of the technologies present in this futuristic novel are present today. It was very easy to imagine the lifestyle these characters were living in a way in which I could smell the woodsy scent of Orchard and see the towers of Vesuvius right from the comfort of my living room. With true writing talent as Bond's I was transplanted into her world in the greatest of ways. The intricate settings did an incredible job in setting the tone of the story as it changed from place to place.
Oh man. As I mentioned before, this series was one full of feels. More than that, though, it was one full of hard-hitting themes that left me questioning my own place in society. Themes such as family, freedom, privilege, industriousness, growing up, trust, love, and forgiveness were all explored thoroughly in a heartwarming way. Bond clearly wrote this series as a labor of love as the humanity involved is great. You can tell through the pages of this deeply touching trilogy that Bond herself bled into this pages, something I did not take advantage of. This series is as delicate as it is enthralling.
As you guys can clearly see, I developed a deep love for Abby Blue and her plight for the Lessers. Bond's incredible writing style was both creative and gripping. The way she seamlessly flowed from one installment to the next without bogging the reader down with the backlog was an incredible feat as well. In all honesty, I think this series would best be marketed as one massive tome. Selling this in three separate installments is torture to readers who can't get enough. Thankfully. I was fortunate enough to grab The Harvest Saga Box Set just for that reason. I cannot imagine have had to wait for each of these wonderful novels to hit the shelves.
If Casey L. Bond isn't an author you're familiar with, I suggest you rectify that, quick. She's got quite the catalog of reads built up and I cannot wait to devour each and every one.
The Harvest Saga took hold of my book mind and wouldn't let go. I've fought a book hangover for days. With unique and original plotting, exciting characters, and emotion enough to warm the coldest of heart, Bond excels with The Harvest Saga. Move over Suzanne Collins, there's a new Queen of YA Dystopian hot on your tail! It should come as absolutely no surprise to anyone that I am granting all three novels in The Harvest Saga near-perfect 5-star reviews. This will definitely not be the last you hear from me about this series. Be sure to add it to your TBR today. I promise you won't be disappointed!
*****
**SPOILER FREE SERIES REVIEW**
*****
My Thoughts:
Alright readers, it's story time. So when I first joined the book community about two years ago, I was immediately told one thing: dystopian is dead. Coming right off the book highs of The Hunger Games and Divergent, the book world was fed up with all things dystopian. I won't lie, I really am not a fan of THG, but I loved Divergent, until the end anyway. I couldn't hardly believe that the bookish world could be through with this genre after only a few blockbuster hits. Surely there were more that I had missed. Two years later, I'm still hearing 'dystopian is dead', but you know what? Screw that. Since I've started blogging, I've read no less than ten new and absolutely incredible dystopian series that have absolutely blown other reads out of the water. Who is this 'they' that controls the market and who are they to say what is dead? My friends, if I have anything to say about it, dystopian is certainly not dead. In these two years, one fantastic series managed to slip under my radar. One series that, until I recently met the author, I had no idea existed. Could this 'new' series live up to the greatness of the dystopians before it?
Oh hell yes it did. And then some. The tower of greatness has fallen, my friends, a new author reigns supreme. Have you met Casey L. Bond?
I can honestly say without hesitation that The Harvest Saga is EASILY sitting in my top 5 dystopian series of all time. Yeah people. It was that absolutely incredible. Three novels and I couldn't even stop reading long enough to review them. I devoured this series folks, and if you're smart, you will too!
When it comes to the plot of The Harvest Saga, I can't even really begin to describe it to you in a way that even kind of tells you how awesome it is. If I had to comp it to something, I'd call it The Hunger Games-meets-Children of Men. So basically you have a society divided along resources where the women have become barren. Make sense? In all seriousness, I found The Harvest Saga to be one of the most unique and original creations that I have seen in months. I have never read anything quite like this. With action and plot twists on each and every page, it was one whirlwind adventure that I can't wait to relive again. Oh and did I mention the feels? Sweet Mother of Moses. Feels were caught. So many times. It isn't uncommon to expect heartbreak in a series of this genre, but I was clearly not expecting the level of heartbreak I felt several times. It was incredible. Bond pulled at my heartstrings in the greatest of ways. From Reap's opening paragraph to Reclaim's closing sentence, I was absolutely enveloped in the story Bond has created. I can't say that happens enough!
From the very beginning the series hits the ground running and the action doesn't cease until the nail-biting conclusion that had my heart racing from anticipation! I laughed, I cried, I caught all the feels. Kudos to you Casey Bond, you've crafted a literary masterpiece worthy of the highest of praises.
For me, the greatest part of this series was the characters. Unlike other series, Bond really kept this one with a smaller cast. The series really perfectly followed the storyline of a handful of core characters and didn't ever once stray away from our main objective. Leading to a series that can be read extremely quickly with ease. Something Bond did in this series that I hadn't seen successfully executed many times before was the use of multiple POVs in the story. I don't mean alternating POVs, I mean multiple POVs at some points. I didn't keep a tally, but I'd say at one point there were no less than seven ongoing POVs in this series and I loved each and every one. Incredible. Bond did such a great job in developing her characters that I felt like I was right beside them, feeling their pain and reveling in their triumph with each passing chapter.
One of the great things about this novel in my eyes was the equal representation of gender roles. Far too often I find myself reading from a female author and I experience page after page of male bashing or male characters that are so weak I can hardly finish the story. Not with Bond and this series, both genders and all ages; people from all walks of life are written as equals. Now that's not to say there weren't gender roles in Bond's dystopian, I just, as a male reader, found her interpretation of the society to be a refreshing and rewarding experience.
Bond's setting for The Harvest Saga was deep-seeded in a reality that I didn't find too far from the realm of possibility. While technology definitely played a huge role in the story, I really didn't find the story to be bogged down on the sci-fi side of things. In fact, most of the technologies present in this futuristic novel are present today. It was very easy to imagine the lifestyle these characters were living in a way in which I could smell the woodsy scent of Orchard and see the towers of Vesuvius right from the comfort of my living room. With true writing talent as Bond's I was transplanted into her world in the greatest of ways. The intricate settings did an incredible job in setting the tone of the story as it changed from place to place.
Oh man. As I mentioned before, this series was one full of feels. More than that, though, it was one full of hard-hitting themes that left me questioning my own place in society. Themes such as family, freedom, privilege, industriousness, growing up, trust, love, and forgiveness were all explored thoroughly in a heartwarming way. Bond clearly wrote this series as a labor of love as the humanity involved is great. You can tell through the pages of this deeply touching trilogy that Bond herself bled into this pages, something I did not take advantage of. This series is as delicate as it is enthralling.
As you guys can clearly see, I developed a deep love for Abby Blue and her plight for the Lessers. Bond's incredible writing style was both creative and gripping. The way she seamlessly flowed from one installment to the next without bogging the reader down with the backlog was an incredible feat as well. In all honesty, I think this series would best be marketed as one massive tome. Selling this in three separate installments is torture to readers who can't get enough. Thankfully. I was fortunate enough to grab The Harvest Saga Box Set just for that reason. I cannot imagine have had to wait for each of these wonderful novels to hit the shelves.
If Casey L. Bond isn't an author you're familiar with, I suggest you rectify that, quick. She's got quite the catalog of reads built up and I cannot wait to devour each and every one.
The Harvest Saga took hold of my book mind and wouldn't let go. I've fought a book hangover for days. With unique and original plotting, exciting characters, and emotion enough to warm the coldest of heart, Bond excels with The Harvest Saga. Move over Suzanne Collins, there's a new Queen of YA Dystopian hot on your tail! It should come as absolutely no surprise to anyone that I am granting all three novels in The Harvest Saga near-perfect 5-star reviews. This will definitely not be the last you hear from me about this series. Be sure to add it to your TBR today. I promise you won't be disappointed!
*****
February 11, 2017
I feel the need to preface this review with the statement that these books have so much potential! I think some minor editing and revision could make this book series an instant best-seller. As an English teacher, I began reading this series during sustained silent reading time in my classroom the day I left on a conference trip after school. I became so hooked on the first book during my 45 minutes of in-class reading time throughout the day, that I read the entire evening while traveling to finish the first book. The next day, I began the second book as soon as my conference ended for the evening and read all evening long. So, I really was engaged in the plot. The world building and overall storyline is fantastic. I really wanted to keep reading into the wee hours of the night. I struggled to put it down. Unfortunately, that was not the only thing I struggled with while reading this book. As exciting and interesting as the book was, it was also maddening at times. Parts of the book clearly need some editing and revision. Character development and plot consistency seem rushed in areas of the novel causing a disjointed feel to the piece as a whole. Plus, there were some bloopers (like a mislabeling of a character's thoughts as someone else's), along with some wording, grammar, and spelling issues, that made me have to stop and figure out what was really supposed to be written. However, in terms of the series as a whole, I felt this book seemed the most polished.
February 20, 2019
First of all in the description it is recommended to read Reap first, just do it you wont be dissapointed and you will totally understand things that go on in Resist. This book took off where Reap ended and it just gets right into it.
Abby returns to Orchard and learns it is so much worse than when she left. Their work is harder and there are so many more guards that are more dangerous than before. There is so much packed into this book it will keep you up and on your toes reading till the end. The characters grow with each book. You still get everyone from Reap and some new characters come into play here. Abby is by far a favorite character though. I think there is going to be some amazingness coming from her in the next book! I sure hope good things are coming for Gray, I really like him. The story moves along pretty fast. for Kyan I really hope hes finding what he deserves. Abby never meant to hurt him but that couldn't be helped.
I think this is by far one of my favorite reads. I am loving everything about The Harvest Saga. I have said it before Casey never ceases to amaze me. You just can't outguess where she is taking a story. There are things that happen and you just can't believe it happened. She surprises you with her twists and turns. I can't wait for the next book so I can dive right into this amazing story.
Abby returns to Orchard and learns it is so much worse than when she left. Their work is harder and there are so many more guards that are more dangerous than before. There is so much packed into this book it will keep you up and on your toes reading till the end. The characters grow with each book. You still get everyone from Reap and some new characters come into play here. Abby is by far a favorite character though. I think there is going to be some amazingness coming from her in the next book! I sure hope good things are coming for Gray, I really like him. The story moves along pretty fast. for Kyan I really hope hes finding what he deserves. Abby never meant to hurt him but that couldn't be helped.
I think this is by far one of my favorite reads. I am loving everything about The Harvest Saga. I have said it before Casey never ceases to amaze me. You just can't outguess where she is taking a story. There are things that happen and you just can't believe it happened. She surprises you with her twists and turns. I can't wait for the next book so I can dive right into this amazing story.
August 2, 2019
Interesting story
I enjoyed reading the last 2 Harvest saga novel. It’s a dystopian novel that explores the existing social & political structures that is still existing in society. The rich and the poor, good vs. evil and man’s thirst for power & position. How I always loved a brave and bad ass heroine. Abby may not kick butts in the story but she is a fierce fighter and very compassionate girl. She has to endure pain both emotionally and physically and yet she remained resilient. The author was able to describe the characters without going into further detail but their actions and movement speak for themselves. How I love Kyan. I was really rooting for him but I guess they were not meant to be and I just wish in the 3rd book he will find his true love. I felt sad for Crew that it has to end that way but he was manipulated and used by his Father. I felt Abby’s pain when he was sentenced. As for Gray the Olympian guard who stood with her and loved her through tough times. I can’t wait to read the 3rd book. I hope all gets their HEA.
I enjoyed reading the last 2 Harvest saga novel. It’s a dystopian novel that explores the existing social & political structures that is still existing in society. The rich and the poor, good vs. evil and man’s thirst for power & position. How I always loved a brave and bad ass heroine. Abby may not kick butts in the story but she is a fierce fighter and very compassionate girl. She has to endure pain both emotionally and physically and yet she remained resilient. The author was able to describe the characters without going into further detail but their actions and movement speak for themselves. How I love Kyan. I was really rooting for him but I guess they were not meant to be and I just wish in the 3rd book he will find his true love. I felt sad for Crew that it has to end that way but he was manipulated and used by his Father. I felt Abby’s pain when he was sentenced. As for Gray the Olympian guard who stood with her and loved her through tough times. I can’t wait to read the 3rd book. I hope all gets their HEA.
December 11, 2019
The second installment to Casey L. Bond’s Harvest series did a really good job of keeping up the conflict and giving problems for the Abby to work through. With all the world building that happened in the first book, the story throughout the second book was solid and easy to connect with. Because of who Abby is, nothing is simple anymore and her village is thrown into chaos. With all the secrets and betrayal, can Abby find it in herself to keep going and on the way find someone where she doesn’t feel caged in?
The problematic relationships Abby finds herself in the middle of were my favorite bits of this story. I don’t normally go into a series specifically for the romantic tension, but I continued this series for that very reason. The plot just added to the goodness of it all.
The problematic relationships Abby finds herself in the middle of were my favorite bits of this story. I don’t normally go into a series specifically for the romantic tension, but I continued this series for that very reason. The plot just added to the goodness of it all.
April 30, 2020
Couldn't put it down
I'm totally rooting for Gray and Abby. At this point of storyline I haven't been able to put the books down since I started with the series. At the beginning I was rooting for Abby and Crew but by the end of the first book I felt sorry for Crew. As I started the second I have been rooting for Gray and Abby and I'm hoping that Abby is able to taken the Greaters once and for all. I hope that there is a happy ending to this storyline. Casey L. Bond has me captivated by this world and I'm glad to have found a book that has been so intense with each page turn.
I'm totally rooting for Gray and Abby. At this point of storyline I haven't been able to put the books down since I started with the series. At the beginning I was rooting for Abby and Crew but by the end of the first book I felt sorry for Crew. As I started the second I have been rooting for Gray and Abby and I'm hoping that Abby is able to taken the Greaters once and for all. I hope that there is a happy ending to this storyline. Casey L. Bond has me captivated by this world and I'm glad to have found a book that has been so intense with each page turn.
April 3, 2018
Great 2nd
A great addition to this series. It answered a lot of questions and also brought more into the air. I was pretty sad that a certain person had to die but it was obviously something that would work out in the end. Looking forward to book 3.
A great addition to this series. It answered a lot of questions and also brought more into the air. I was pretty sad that a certain person had to die but it was obviously something that would work out in the end. Looking forward to book 3.
April 21, 2019
Resist is a good continuation of the Harvest series. Abby Blue has joined the resistance trying to fight against the Greaters of Olympus. It has enough twists to keep you rooting for and worried about the characters.
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