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The Hybrid #3
Augmented
Lee Urban must win to survive.
After being sentenced to the banned list, half of the Asian Federation believes Lee Urban is a ticking time bomb that could end the world as they know it. They’re willing to do anything to erase her existence and silence her voice before she can take a stand.
There’s only one way to fight enroll in the Race to the Clouds. Winning the competition would garner global media attention and give Urban the coverage she needs to dismantle the enhancement programs. Unfortunately, it also happens to be the deadliest event of the year.
With less time to train than her rivals, Urban and her team must find a way to best the competition. But as enemies close in, riots erupt, and her homeland teeters on the brink of civil war, one thing is certain—she’s running out of time. Not just for herself, but for every Natural she represents.
After being sentenced to the banned list, half of the Asian Federation believes Lee Urban is a ticking time bomb that could end the world as they know it. They’re willing to do anything to erase her existence and silence her voice before she can take a stand.
There’s only one way to fight enroll in the Race to the Clouds. Winning the competition would garner global media attention and give Urban the coverage she needs to dismantle the enhancement programs. Unfortunately, it also happens to be the deadliest event of the year.
With less time to train than her rivals, Urban and her team must find a way to best the competition. But as enemies close in, riots erupt, and her homeland teeters on the brink of civil war, one thing is certain—she’s running out of time. Not just for herself, but for every Natural she represents.
368 pages, Hardcover
Published September 16, 2025
10 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
About the author
Candace Kade
3 books350 followersCandace Kade spends her time dreaming up stories typically involving tech, psychology, culture, and/or swords. She is the author of the Hybrid series and a certified Krav Maga assistant instructor who loves writing fight scenes. A third culture kid, she considers Chengdu and OKC to be her homes. When she’s not exploring new countries, she enjoys hiking in national parks, moving, and teaching her two sons Mandarin. She can be bribed with boba tea, fluffy puppies, and breakfast tacos.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
November 30, 2025
Fast-paced and triumphant end to the trilogy. Loved the racing plot of this book!
October 29, 2025
How did I miss reviewing this book? I loved it! This was such a fun series to read and so creative too.
August 11, 2025
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. First off I am so thankful to have gotten to read this!! When I first picked up Enhanced a year ago I had no idea of the journey I was about to go on and now having finished the trilogy I am left amazed! What a thrill ride of fast-paced action, beautiful characters, vivid world building and heartwarming themes. Candace Kade has such a way of being able to immerse readers in this world so easily and I am so sad to leave. The series may be over but it is one that lasts longer in your mind than on the page. Thank you to Candace Kade for writing this book and for reminding us that God turns broken things into beautiful masterpieces. 💕
July 18, 2025
I was soo excited to read this ARC copy of Enhanced that I received for my honest review. I was not disappointed!
As the third book in the series, Enhanced not only wrapped up the cliff hangers from the past books, but also blew me away with several plot surprises. Author Candace Kade does a wonderful job of weaving just the right amount of action, romance, and suspense into her work. I love that I can both enjoy this series and share it with the high school students I teach.
As a Third culture kid, teacher, and mom of third culture kids, I am thrilled when I find fiction that reflects our multicultural experiences. I love how Candace infuses her stories with both the positives and the challenges of living in two worlds. Urban, the main character, is faced with these as she fights for those she loves and those like her.
Like Urban in this series, I , too have come to appreciate my unique role in this world as a Hybrid. Thank you, Candace, for your words in this book that beautifully reflect the struggle many of us face as we navigate our many worlds. 💛
As the third book in the series, Enhanced not only wrapped up the cliff hangers from the past books, but also blew me away with several plot surprises. Author Candace Kade does a wonderful job of weaving just the right amount of action, romance, and suspense into her work. I love that I can both enjoy this series and share it with the high school students I teach.
As a Third culture kid, teacher, and mom of third culture kids, I am thrilled when I find fiction that reflects our multicultural experiences. I love how Candace infuses her stories with both the positives and the challenges of living in two worlds. Urban, the main character, is faced with these as she fights for those she loves and those like her.
Like Urban in this series, I , too have come to appreciate my unique role in this world as a Hybrid. Thank you, Candace, for your words in this book that beautifully reflect the struggle many of us face as we navigate our many worlds. 💛
Currently reading
March 6, 2025Read an early version and loved this final book of the series! Full of thrills and excitement, and concludes Urban’s story arc with a sensational finish!
September 26, 2025
Augmented is the third and final installment of the Hybrid series, and what a ride it was from start to finish. It's been a long journey, and now Urban finally takes to the skies with her passion for motorcycle racing, while fighting for the future of Naturals in a genetically-enhanced population.
After what she faced in Hybrid, Urban's whole life has been upturned. In Augmented she learns to rebuild--not only herself and her mission but also relationships with the people nearest to her. Seeing how dysfunctional her family was in the first book, it's been so rewarding to watch her slowly reconnect with each of her family members.
Now that she's confirmed to be the Hybrid--an in-between Naturals and Enhanced--Urban also must reconcile the two worlds she's been straddling but never fully entered her entire life. It's a pretty clear metaphor for third-culture life, which we love to see! I do wish we got a little more of the setting, as this book takes place mainly in sci'fi'ed Chengdu, and there was a brief trip to Shanghai, which would have been awesome to see in more detail--but everything was still vividly described and full of sense and wonder.
Though book one remains irrevocably my favorite of the series, I really enjoyed this conclusion. Excited to see what Candace Kade comes up with next!
Final rating: 3.5 rounded to 4!
After what she faced in Hybrid, Urban's whole life has been upturned. In Augmented she learns to rebuild--not only herself and her mission but also relationships with the people nearest to her. Seeing how dysfunctional her family was in the first book, it's been so rewarding to watch her slowly reconnect with each of her family members.
Now that she's confirmed to be the Hybrid--an in-between Naturals and Enhanced--Urban also must reconcile the two worlds she's been straddling but never fully entered her entire life. It's a pretty clear metaphor for third-culture life, which we love to see! I do wish we got a little more of the setting, as this book takes place mainly in sci'fi'ed Chengdu, and there was a brief trip to Shanghai, which would have been awesome to see in more detail--but everything was still vividly described and full of sense and wonder.
Though book one remains irrevocably my favorite of the series, I really enjoyed this conclusion. Excited to see what Candace Kade comes up with next!
Final rating: 3.5 rounded to 4!
September 16, 2025
“The art of kintsugi is about drawing out beauty from the ashes, joy from the tears, wholeness from the brokenness… It’s also about patience.”
High-powered & electrifying, Augmented wraps up Urban’s story with a squeal of motorcycle tires and a gleam of beauty formed from fragments.
Like the first two books in the series, this one plunges you into the immersive, colorful, techy world of futuristic Asia. And once again, the food descriptions made me hungry. (Seriously, how does that food sound so delicious?) Suspense keeps the storyline taut and riveting, and the threats to Urban and her team snowball until you’re wondering if they’ll be at all able to get out intact. (No spoilers here, but the climax is just as thrilling as you could wish for.)
Characters change and grow and reveal hidden depths in Augmented, fulfilling setups from the earlier books, and their interactions infuse the story with so much life. (For one thing, Ash and Lillian are hilarious. And speaking of Lillian…I love Lillian. I love her so much. She’s intense and committed and cares so much about Urban it makes me ache. Sister relationships are some of my favorites to read, and this one is golden.)
Urban endures storm after storm after storm in this series, and finishing Augmented, I felt like she’d become a friend of mine. I was so proud of her, of the choices she made and the resilience she refined in her life through the crucible. She’s a study in kintsugi herself, like the book shows so beautifully, struggling to reglue two pieces of her life with the unexpected gold born from her past. (And as she unknowingly changes as a piece of art herself, I loved seeing her own artistic talents resurface a bit, particularly in one scene with a sunset.)
Augmented holds an exploration of identity and belonging, an encouragement to persevere, a pointer for navigating the strange desert of the in-between when you feel like you’ve lost the directions, and a reminder to stand up, steely-spined, for what’s good and right.
It’s bittersweet to bid the Hybrid series farewell. It’s a good one, and I’m certainly planning to visit Urban and her world again someday.
🧬 heads-up for side characters’ drunkenness, violence that sometimes gets a bit cringeworthy and intense, and a few nondescriptive kisses 🧬
November 17, 2025
I’ve been following this series since the first book came out in 2023. It had me hooked immediately, and I had to know how things would work out for Urban and her family. Ultimately, I think Augmented ended up being a very satisfying conclusion.
From the beginning, this series has dealt with issues of identity and belonging. If you don’t know about the series already, this is a scifi world where genetic enhancement is the norm… at least, for those who can afford it to give their children enhancement, because it can only be done in utero. So, not only do people’s enhancements get chosen for them by their parents; if their parents can’t afford to get it done, the person can’t get it done later in life. This has created a societal divide where the “Enhanced are not only smarter/faster/stronger than “Naturals” they’re richer, too, and overall seen as better. But even Enhanced can crash and burn because of the “SOSH” system where you essentially get social “reputation points” depending on who you know and what impressive/cool/positive/fun things you do that make people give you points. But if you do something people don’t like, your point number can tank and end up putting you on the street, no matter how fancy your enhancements are.
The only way for this big gap between Enhanced and Naturals to be bridged would be for “hybrids” to exist: Essentially, science would need to find a way for people’s DNA to be able to accept enhancements after birth. In order for this become possible, it has to start with one person, and a lot of the series deals with trying to find this “hybrid” and helping us understand why certain individuals on both sides of the equation wouldn’t want this to be possible.
Without spoiling too much, the hybrid in book 2, “Hybrid” (you probably guessed that from the title) so “Augmented” ends up dealing with the consequences of that.
Again, I’m not wanting to spoil too much, but I did feel like the ultimate conclusions drawn by “Augmented” were very satisfying in the end. The hybrid is going to deal with opposition, but that doesn’t mean the battle isn’t worth fighting for the ultimate long-term good of the world. Something I thought was handled well from a broad perspective was that the author dealt with the way different societies around the world were handling the divide between Naturals and Enhanced, not just in the location where the story was set. This helped increase the tension as we see one country falling into a civil war over it, and we don’t want to see that happen elsewhere.
But on a smaller scale, I loved the personal and familial-level stakes as well. Urban’s family started the first book appearing united, but there were internal divisions between them because of Urban being a Natural that they, as an otherwise Enhanced family were having to hide for her own safety. It’s one reason Urban was experiencing a conflict of identity, because she was struggling with who she was verses who she had to appear to be, and not feeling accepted either way. But after the big moments of book 2, I loved how they started to come together in this book. Secrets were revealed and rifts healed. I especially loved how Urban and Lucas healed their rift and Lucas, despite continuing to be a bit of a jokester and rebel, really came through for Urban in this book. The scene where he was pelting a medical bot with cotton balls because it scared Urban by coming at her with a needle was peak adorableness, and I just wanted to hug him and tell him what a good brother he was. This was after spending most of two books wanting to smack him, so that was quite a change. XD
I also really appreciated how Urban and her parents became closer, mending their own hurts and uncovering secrets that explained why they had made the choices that they did up to this point.
And finally, URBAN AND EVEREST TOGETHER FOREVERRRRRR!!! <333 AAAAAAAHHH! I just loved their relationship so much through the whole series. So well-handled and so wholesome and healthy. More romantic relationships like this in fiction, please.
I could certainly go on about the side characters I loved, too, and I especially loved the redemption one of them experienced, but I run the risk of more spoilers, so I will refrain.
Suffice it to say that, overall, I truly loved this final book. I’m sad it’s over because I enjoyed spending time with these characters so much, but I also look forward to seeing what Candace Kade writes in the future as her career continues. I definitely see myself rereading this series in years to come.
Highly recommended to all scifi lovers!
Content Advisory:
This book is YA scifi and very appropriate for that audience
Language:
Mentions of swearing, but the words aren’t written out.
Violence/Scariness:
Urban is in peril throughout much of the book, with multiple attempts of people trying to kill or capture her, but she remains uninjured. She deals with some trauma reactions around needles from the occurrences of the previous book, but this isn’t constant.
An explosion is implied to kill some people, but no bodies are described. Someone gets injured, which is only barely described.
A motorcycle crash is described. It's implied the rider died, and there's brief mention of mangled limbs, but no further description of the body.
Some drunk Aquas nearly drown a young Natural girl. Urban gets in a fight (moderately described) trying to save her but nobody gets hurt and the girl is saved.
Urban’s family is nearly drowned at one point (some evil people throw their unconscious bodies into the water, but no description beyond that), but they get rescued.
Someone important to Urban gets severely injured. This is pretty described, including a lot of blood. Urban spends several chapters fearing for the person’s life while the hospital attempts treatment. The person ultimately
Another person gets hurt trying to save Urban from an attacker. There’s no blood described here, but Urban sees video of emergency services taking the person away and there’s mention of a mangled body again, but it’s not described in detail. This person also ultimately
Talk of riots and civil wars between Enhanced and Naturals, but these aren’t described to any extreme.
Sexual/Romance:
Ash flirts a little with Lillian, and Urban and Everest hold hands, hug, and share a couple of mildly described kisses.
Spiritual:
This is solidly scifi, so there’s no magic. It’s all futuristic technology.
The author and publisher are Christians, but this trilogy never dealt with spiritual themes. The big theme throughout is Urban figuring out who she is, accepting it, and figuring out where she belongs. There are also strong themes of biological family and friendship, and trying to make the world a better place for everyone.
Other:
Mentions of a bar and drinking, and depiction of some drunk people (always portrayed in a negative light where drunk people are not behaving as they should). Urban doesn’t partake.
The story deals a bit with Urban’s father’s alcoholism, showing how he uses it to drown out his emotional problems, but the consequence is that it hurts his family. They do finally dig down to the root of his emotional pain and start to address it by the end of the book.
From the beginning, this series has dealt with issues of identity and belonging. If you don’t know about the series already, this is a scifi world where genetic enhancement is the norm… at least, for those who can afford it to give their children enhancement, because it can only be done in utero. So, not only do people’s enhancements get chosen for them by their parents; if their parents can’t afford to get it done, the person can’t get it done later in life. This has created a societal divide where the “Enhanced are not only smarter/faster/stronger than “Naturals” they’re richer, too, and overall seen as better. But even Enhanced can crash and burn because of the “SOSH” system where you essentially get social “reputation points” depending on who you know and what impressive/cool/positive/fun things you do that make people give you points. But if you do something people don’t like, your point number can tank and end up putting you on the street, no matter how fancy your enhancements are.
The only way for this big gap between Enhanced and Naturals to be bridged would be for “hybrids” to exist: Essentially, science would need to find a way for people’s DNA to be able to accept enhancements after birth. In order for this become possible, it has to start with one person, and a lot of the series deals with trying to find this “hybrid” and helping us understand why certain individuals on both sides of the equation wouldn’t want this to be possible.
Without spoiling too much, the hybrid in book 2, “Hybrid” (you probably guessed that from the title) so “Augmented” ends up dealing with the consequences of that.
Again, I’m not wanting to spoil too much, but I did feel like the ultimate conclusions drawn by “Augmented” were very satisfying in the end. The hybrid is going to deal with opposition, but that doesn’t mean the battle isn’t worth fighting for the ultimate long-term good of the world. Something I thought was handled well from a broad perspective was that the author dealt with the way different societies around the world were handling the divide between Naturals and Enhanced, not just in the location where the story was set. This helped increase the tension as we see one country falling into a civil war over it, and we don’t want to see that happen elsewhere.
But on a smaller scale, I loved the personal and familial-level stakes as well. Urban’s family started the first book appearing united, but there were internal divisions between them because of Urban being a Natural that they, as an otherwise Enhanced family were having to hide for her own safety. It’s one reason Urban was experiencing a conflict of identity, because she was struggling with who she was verses who she had to appear to be, and not feeling accepted either way. But after the big moments of book 2, I loved how they started to come together in this book. Secrets were revealed and rifts healed. I especially loved how Urban and Lucas healed their rift and Lucas, despite continuing to be a bit of a jokester and rebel, really came through for Urban in this book. The scene where he was pelting a medical bot with cotton balls because it scared Urban by coming at her with a needle was peak adorableness, and I just wanted to hug him and tell him what a good brother he was. This was after spending most of two books wanting to smack him, so that was quite a change. XD
I also really appreciated how Urban and her parents became closer, mending their own hurts and uncovering secrets that explained why they had made the choices that they did up to this point.
And finally, URBAN AND EVEREST TOGETHER FOREVERRRRRR!!! <333 AAAAAAAHHH! I just loved their relationship so much through the whole series. So well-handled and so wholesome and healthy. More romantic relationships like this in fiction, please.
I could certainly go on about the side characters I loved, too, and I especially loved the redemption one of them experienced, but I run the risk of more spoilers, so I will refrain.
Suffice it to say that, overall, I truly loved this final book. I’m sad it’s over because I enjoyed spending time with these characters so much, but I also look forward to seeing what Candace Kade writes in the future as her career continues. I definitely see myself rereading this series in years to come.
Highly recommended to all scifi lovers!
Content Advisory:
This book is YA scifi and very appropriate for that audience
Language:
Mentions of swearing, but the words aren’t written out.
Violence/Scariness:
Urban is in peril throughout much of the book, with multiple attempts of people trying to kill or capture her, but she remains uninjured. She deals with some trauma reactions around needles from the occurrences of the previous book, but this isn’t constant.
An explosion is implied to kill some people, but no bodies are described. Someone gets injured, which is only barely described.
A motorcycle crash is described. It's implied the rider died, and there's brief mention of mangled limbs, but no further description of the body.
Some drunk Aquas nearly drown a young Natural girl. Urban gets in a fight (moderately described) trying to save her but nobody gets hurt and the girl is saved.
Urban’s family is nearly drowned at one point (some evil people throw their unconscious bodies into the water, but no description beyond that), but they get rescued.
Someone important to Urban gets severely injured. This is pretty described, including a lot of blood. Urban spends several chapters fearing for the person’s life while the hospital attempts treatment. The person ultimately
Another person gets hurt trying to save Urban from an attacker. There’s no blood described here, but Urban sees video of emergency services taking the person away and there’s mention of a mangled body again, but it’s not described in detail. This person also ultimately
Talk of riots and civil wars between Enhanced and Naturals, but these aren’t described to any extreme.
Sexual/Romance:
Ash flirts a little with Lillian, and Urban and Everest hold hands, hug, and share a couple of mildly described kisses.
Spiritual:
This is solidly scifi, so there’s no magic. It’s all futuristic technology.
The author and publisher are Christians, but this trilogy never dealt with spiritual themes. The big theme throughout is Urban figuring out who she is, accepting it, and figuring out where she belongs. There are also strong themes of biological family and friendship, and trying to make the world a better place for everyone.
Other:
Mentions of a bar and drinking, and depiction of some drunk people (always portrayed in a negative light where drunk people are not behaving as they should). Urban doesn’t partake.
The story deals a bit with Urban’s father’s alcoholism, showing how he uses it to drown out his emotional problems, but the consequence is that it hurts his family. They do finally dig down to the root of his emotional pain and start to address it by the end of the book.
July 20, 2025
A superb conclusion to The Hybrid Series trilogy by Candace Kade!
Augmented is the final book in The Hybrid Series. Those who have enjoyed the first two books in this YA futuristic scifi trilogy will already have a good idea of what’s at stake for Lee Urban.
I loved how the author builds her world for this series. The futuristic world reflects our modern world—we are its past, with fictional innovations and scientific progress having taken place. The primary focus is human genetic engineering and some potential societal problems that it could create.
The author builds momentum with her pacing until you don’t want to put Augmented down. Urban, with her friends, teammates, and family by her side, must face her enemies and several life-or-death circumstances. These challenges help her grow and mature.
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5/5 stars)
I would highly recommend Augmented to readers who have already enjoyed Enhanced and Hybrid. This YA scifi series is written primarily for older teens (15+) but can be enjoyed by adult readers of YA fiction too. Younger readers might find the story a bit too intense, and may not relate to the college-age main character. I recommend parents read these books first—especially if your child has a more sensitive personality. You are the best judge as to what books your child is ready to read.
Although published as Christian speculative fiction, this trilogy isn’t overtly Christian. Being written by a Christian author, there are, of course, many underlying Christian themes throughout—self-sacrifice and putting others’ needs above your own being the most obvious to me.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and am grateful to have received a complimentary ebook ARC of Augmented from the publisher/author. All opinions expressed in this review are my honest thoughts about this book.
Augmented is the final book in The Hybrid Series. Those who have enjoyed the first two books in this YA futuristic scifi trilogy will already have a good idea of what’s at stake for Lee Urban.
I loved how the author builds her world for this series. The futuristic world reflects our modern world—we are its past, with fictional innovations and scientific progress having taken place. The primary focus is human genetic engineering and some potential societal problems that it could create.
The author builds momentum with her pacing until you don’t want to put Augmented down. Urban, with her friends, teammates, and family by her side, must face her enemies and several life-or-death circumstances. These challenges help her grow and mature.
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5/5 stars)
I would highly recommend Augmented to readers who have already enjoyed Enhanced and Hybrid. This YA scifi series is written primarily for older teens (15+) but can be enjoyed by adult readers of YA fiction too. Younger readers might find the story a bit too intense, and may not relate to the college-age main character. I recommend parents read these books first—especially if your child has a more sensitive personality. You are the best judge as to what books your child is ready to read.
Although published as Christian speculative fiction, this trilogy isn’t overtly Christian. Being written by a Christian author, there are, of course, many underlying Christian themes throughout—self-sacrifice and putting others’ needs above your own being the most obvious to me.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and am grateful to have received a complimentary ebook ARC of Augmented from the publisher/author. All opinions expressed in this review are my honest thoughts about this book.
September 13, 2025
A lot could be said about endings, especially this one, but when it comes down to it all there really is to say is that it's a good one.
Instead of being drawn out and dragging, the excitement in this book continuously amps up in a fashion we've come to know, love, and expect from Kade and this series. Does it include a motorcycle race? Absolutely, and the biggest most death-defying one yet! Part sports drama, part political thriller, part bio/cyber punk sci-fi, (and part culinary exploration🤤) the action and twists, dangers, and risks don't stop from page one until the breathless end that is just . . . tres bien.
And yet, that's not all there is to this story! Throughout the series we've seen this thread of identity, family, and belonging as Urban struggles through navigating the divisiveness of the world she lives in and her place in it. That thread is wound deeply in this climactic conclusion as well, this theme of fighting for this place where you belong and straddling that gap of being two things but not wholly either. I know several third-culture people (including the author) who have dealt with this in-betweenness of being 'both and' in an 'either or' kind of world and bridging that chasm. It's no easy feat, but an important one. Bridges connect places, making them more accessible and familiar to both sides, and the concept is as vital relationally as it is geographically.
In short, this book is a thrill ride with meat on its bones and a sweet finish. Once I never thought I would really enjoy a sci-fi with virtual reality tech and bioengineering, but Kade proved me wrong, and I'm glad she did.
Instead of being drawn out and dragging, the excitement in this book continuously amps up in a fashion we've come to know, love, and expect from Kade and this series. Does it include a motorcycle race? Absolutely, and the biggest most death-defying one yet! Part sports drama, part political thriller, part bio/cyber punk sci-fi, (and part culinary exploration🤤) the action and twists, dangers, and risks don't stop from page one until the breathless end that is just . . . tres bien.
And yet, that's not all there is to this story! Throughout the series we've seen this thread of identity, family, and belonging as Urban struggles through navigating the divisiveness of the world she lives in and her place in it. That thread is wound deeply in this climactic conclusion as well, this theme of fighting for this place where you belong and straddling that gap of being two things but not wholly either. I know several third-culture people (including the author) who have dealt with this in-betweenness of being 'both and' in an 'either or' kind of world and bridging that chasm. It's no easy feat, but an important one. Bridges connect places, making them more accessible and familiar to both sides, and the concept is as vital relationally as it is geographically.
In short, this book is a thrill ride with meat on its bones and a sweet finish. Once I never thought I would really enjoy a sci-fi with virtual reality tech and bioengineering, but Kade proved me wrong, and I'm glad she did.
September 16, 2025
A fantastic ending to an action packed series! The story opens where book two left off and we are immediately into another action scene. Urban is joined by some old and new friends and her family to help her fight back against those that would try to silence her from speaking against the enhancement programs.
It all comes down to Urban and she chooses to enroll in the Race to the Clouds with the hopes of winning and proving to the world that everyone has value. This final race is an edge of your seat epic and I loved who became her coach to train for the race. Urban’s family opens up with her, and her relationship with her family strengthens.
Of course there are super human powers, fantastical beasts, jiu-jitsu, delicious Chinese cuisine, and political intrigue. This book has courage, found family, self-sacrifice, belonging, and hope. The Hybrid trilogy is not only well written ya sci-fi, but it shows how those who are a part of multiple cultures may struggle to fit in, but they have a unique place and voice and should be proud of who they are.
I highly recommend this series and I look forward to reading more from Candace Kade.
I received a complimentary copy from the author Candace Kade and Enclave Publishing. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
It all comes down to Urban and she chooses to enroll in the Race to the Clouds with the hopes of winning and proving to the world that everyone has value. This final race is an edge of your seat epic and I loved who became her coach to train for the race. Urban’s family opens up with her, and her relationship with her family strengthens.
Of course there are super human powers, fantastical beasts, jiu-jitsu, delicious Chinese cuisine, and political intrigue. This book has courage, found family, self-sacrifice, belonging, and hope. The Hybrid trilogy is not only well written ya sci-fi, but it shows how those who are a part of multiple cultures may struggle to fit in, but they have a unique place and voice and should be proud of who they are.
I highly recommend this series and I look forward to reading more from Candace Kade.
I received a complimentary copy from the author Candace Kade and Enclave Publishing. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
August 8, 2025
This trilogy by Candace Kade was hands down an adrenaline ride through a world where there are those that have enhanced abilities and can more than survive, they thrive. The only way to remain is to continually climb in popularity and have a top not slosh score ( must read to understand 😉). I would recommend this for those who love fast paced science fiction, video games, and immersive worlds that make you want to keep reading ‘just one more chapter’!
(I received an eARC copy of this book from the author for my very honest review and here you go!)
(I received an eARC copy of this book from the author for my very honest review and here you go!)
August 7, 2025
An exciting conclusion to the series. Think Fast and the Furious meets Hunger Games, Uglies, and Maximum Ride.
Urban’s journey from the Natural to the Hybrid and now to a reluctant spokesperson of sorts for a new era of genetic experimentation has been one fraught with twists and turns and a lot of setbacks, but also one of found family, forgiveness, and what it means to be human.
I think this story has a lot of points that would make for interesting classroom and book club discussions. Generic experimentation such as what we see in the Hybrid series doesn’t seem that far off, but I couldn’t help thinking while I read the book how dangerous genetic experimentation is. The book is quite provocative. Should we start flying? Should we be able to go invisible? It’s such an interesting topic to debate and discuss.
I appreciated the way the author used the metaphor of kintsugi, the art of repairing broken pottery with melted gold to reseal the cracks, to describe Urban’s emotional journey. It’s such a heartwarming thought about our own cracks, isn’t it?
Urban has faced rejection, ridicule, imprisonment, sacrifice, danger, and death along her journey and now readers can find out the breathtaking conclusion of Urban’s ride.
* thanks so much to the author for an advanced copy of this book. The opinions expressed in my review are entirely my own.
Urban’s journey from the Natural to the Hybrid and now to a reluctant spokesperson of sorts for a new era of genetic experimentation has been one fraught with twists and turns and a lot of setbacks, but also one of found family, forgiveness, and what it means to be human.
I think this story has a lot of points that would make for interesting classroom and book club discussions. Generic experimentation such as what we see in the Hybrid series doesn’t seem that far off, but I couldn’t help thinking while I read the book how dangerous genetic experimentation is. The book is quite provocative. Should we start flying? Should we be able to go invisible? It’s such an interesting topic to debate and discuss.
I appreciated the way the author used the metaphor of kintsugi, the art of repairing broken pottery with melted gold to reseal the cracks, to describe Urban’s emotional journey. It’s such a heartwarming thought about our own cracks, isn’t it?
Urban has faced rejection, ridicule, imprisonment, sacrifice, danger, and death along her journey and now readers can find out the breathtaking conclusion of Urban’s ride.
* thanks so much to the author for an advanced copy of this book. The opinions expressed in my review are entirely my own.
June 20, 2025
I received a free eARC through a giveaway and was not incentivized to provide a review; all thoughts are my own.
Augmented by Candace Kade follows Lee Urban into the political conflict shaking the Federations. With her ever-endearing family and friends, Urban decides to compete in the dangerous Race to the Clouds in the hopes of revealing her secret (iykyk if you read Hybrid) to the world. With numerous organizations and the Deadly Five tailing her, Urban struggles to figure out if she is up to changing the world and where she fits in between the Enhanced and Natural worlds.
This book was a fabulous end to the trilogy and entirely gripping. I was so captivated that I blazed through the story in a single day, even reading during meals. I loved seeing Urban's talents come to fruition, and I was pleasantly surprised at all the plot twists Candace Kade kept throwing in! I thought I could sense where the story was going, but I was kept guessing!
Urban's inner conflicts were wonderful, especially her relationship with Everest, and the Chinese cultural influence, along with futuristic elements, was as fantastic as ever. It's been beautiful to see how the author's writing style has improved through the trilogy. That said, I did notice one or two typos and some oddly placed commas.
Regardless, Augmented is a smashing conclusion to the series that will leave you immersed in the Asian Federation and ties up every story thread into one big beautiful bow, complete with epic action sequences, family and friendship, enhancements, and belonging in a divided world.
Augmented by Candace Kade follows Lee Urban into the political conflict shaking the Federations. With her ever-endearing family and friends, Urban decides to compete in the dangerous Race to the Clouds in the hopes of revealing her secret (iykyk if you read Hybrid) to the world. With numerous organizations and the Deadly Five tailing her, Urban struggles to figure out if she is up to changing the world and where she fits in between the Enhanced and Natural worlds.
This book was a fabulous end to the trilogy and entirely gripping. I was so captivated that I blazed through the story in a single day, even reading during meals. I loved seeing Urban's talents come to fruition, and I was pleasantly surprised at all the plot twists Candace Kade kept throwing in! I thought I could sense where the story was going, but I was kept guessing!
Urban's inner conflicts were wonderful, especially her relationship with Everest, and the Chinese cultural influence, along with futuristic elements, was as fantastic as ever. It's been beautiful to see how the author's writing style has improved through the trilogy. That said, I did notice one or two typos and some oddly placed commas.
Regardless, Augmented is a smashing conclusion to the series that will leave you immersed in the Asian Federation and ties up every story thread into one big beautiful bow, complete with epic action sequences, family and friendship, enhancements, and belonging in a divided world.
September 19, 2025
Like Candace, I hate saying goodbye to great characters and series, as a reader and a writer. Yet with Augmented, Candace did herself and speculative fiction proud once again. This last installment in Urban's adventures carries the highest stakes externally and internally. It's so immersive, I finished half in one day, and the other half in a matter of hours (with a short but necessary break for sleep).
Candace is still a master world-builder. By now, the world Urban inhabits, its rules and systems, are familiar. Yet still within that familiarity, I found fascination, intrigue, and yes, a dark underbelly. That is, the enhancements, tech, and AI capabilities had my creative mind spinning with "what ifs." At the same time, Candace's world-building and focus on Urban as a protagonist reminded me a world this glitzy could carry major pitfalls. Thus Augmented, like the rest of the series, reminded me to keep everything in perspective without preaching at me.
Another reason Augmented works so well when books like it sometimes don't, is how invested I got in Urban and her journey. I've loved watching her grow from the series' beginning. Yet here, she takes everything she's faced and focuses on the eternal question, "What does all this mean for who I am and will become?" Yet Urban Lee is not some cardboard YA, coming-of-age protagonist. She's still three-dimensional, an adventurer who longs for quiet, capable and vulnerable, an athlete and an artisan. And unlike similar protagonists, Urban achieves a strong balance between what she wants and needs, plus what is best for her circle and community. She doesn't read as a cliche "chosen one." She honestly reads as a university student who would rather not be in the spotlight, but chooses said spotlight to help herself and others, not to prove something.
The plot itself is an example of a plot-driven book done right. My pages flew because of the pace, but I also got time to explore character development and character-driven moments. Urban's relationships with her family, for one, are strong points here. She's learning to see them all as people with strengths and foibles, while setting boundaries and speaking truth even when it's hard (e.g., someone else's pain, even a family member's, doesn't give them the right to hurt others). I also enjoyed the twists with a couple of characters Urban thought she knew well, but maybe didn't, because we've all had that happen, if not at the level Augmented uses.
The action of the plot could drag a little, but for the most part, I was loath to stop reading. I commend Candace because Augmented marks the third time Urban is thrust into a "win or else" situation. Most authors, myself included, might struggle to keep that foundation fresh. Candace pulled it off--again, mostly because her plot has underpinnings of character and far-reaching sociopolitical repercussions. I'm not sure how she achieved that balance, but it works. Plus, some of the "action scenes," especially ones like the Dragon Boat Festival, are absolute nail-biters.
As noted, there are spots the plot drags just a little. I skimmed in a few places, either because I had an inkling where the story was going or because I wanted to hurry and get some information I felt was more important than what was happening in real time (the arc with Everest is a major example). Plus, while Urban's training itself is interesting, I often got a bit bogged down with all the discussions of biometrics, devices, and so on.
I would've loved to see more of Urban as an Artisan in Augmented. That's her true gift, what she really wants to do, and yet she's been forced to fit an athletic, Aqua-based, "secret weapon"-type mold for the whole trilogy. I completely get it--for the story to work, Urban needs to participate in or go through the events she does. Yet, as a creative writer and lover of English who always excelled in the humanities instead of athletics or STEM, I can't help feeling, just a little, as if we "Artisans" got shortchanged by speculative fiction yet again.
Finally, I loved the epilogue and thought Candace and Urban got their message across without the heavy-handedness that could've happened. Yet--and this is a nitpick--as I closed the book, I still had questions about who truly "belonged" or didn't. As in yes, Urban has done a wonderful, almost impossible thing, and because of that, it's likely everyone truly will belong. But I couldn't get people like Ordanata, Coral, even Everest, out of my head. I wondered what "belonging" would mean for them, and whether enhancements would actually enhance them or send a message like Urban wrestled with (e.g., you are more object, bargaining chip, or curiosity than person).
Anyway, that's a nitpick, and the other issues are small to medium. Overall, I think Augmented is a triumph and the exact right way to end a trilogy like it. I hope Candace writes more soon, and that her upcoming books are just as engaging as the Hybrid series.
Candace is still a master world-builder. By now, the world Urban inhabits, its rules and systems, are familiar. Yet still within that familiarity, I found fascination, intrigue, and yes, a dark underbelly. That is, the enhancements, tech, and AI capabilities had my creative mind spinning with "what ifs." At the same time, Candace's world-building and focus on Urban as a protagonist reminded me a world this glitzy could carry major pitfalls. Thus Augmented, like the rest of the series, reminded me to keep everything in perspective without preaching at me.
Another reason Augmented works so well when books like it sometimes don't, is how invested I got in Urban and her journey. I've loved watching her grow from the series' beginning. Yet here, she takes everything she's faced and focuses on the eternal question, "What does all this mean for who I am and will become?" Yet Urban Lee is not some cardboard YA, coming-of-age protagonist. She's still three-dimensional, an adventurer who longs for quiet, capable and vulnerable, an athlete and an artisan. And unlike similar protagonists, Urban achieves a strong balance between what she wants and needs, plus what is best for her circle and community. She doesn't read as a cliche "chosen one." She honestly reads as a university student who would rather not be in the spotlight, but chooses said spotlight to help herself and others, not to prove something.
The plot itself is an example of a plot-driven book done right. My pages flew because of the pace, but I also got time to explore character development and character-driven moments. Urban's relationships with her family, for one, are strong points here. She's learning to see them all as people with strengths and foibles, while setting boundaries and speaking truth even when it's hard (e.g., someone else's pain, even a family member's, doesn't give them the right to hurt others). I also enjoyed the twists with a couple of characters Urban thought she knew well, but maybe didn't, because we've all had that happen, if not at the level Augmented uses.
The action of the plot could drag a little, but for the most part, I was loath to stop reading. I commend Candace because Augmented marks the third time Urban is thrust into a "win or else" situation. Most authors, myself included, might struggle to keep that foundation fresh. Candace pulled it off--again, mostly because her plot has underpinnings of character and far-reaching sociopolitical repercussions. I'm not sure how she achieved that balance, but it works. Plus, some of the "action scenes," especially ones like the Dragon Boat Festival, are absolute nail-biters.
As noted, there are spots the plot drags just a little. I skimmed in a few places, either because I had an inkling where the story was going or because I wanted to hurry and get some information I felt was more important than what was happening in real time (the arc with Everest is a major example). Plus, while Urban's training itself is interesting, I often got a bit bogged down with all the discussions of biometrics, devices, and so on.
I would've loved to see more of Urban as an Artisan in Augmented. That's her true gift, what she really wants to do, and yet she's been forced to fit an athletic, Aqua-based, "secret weapon"-type mold for the whole trilogy. I completely get it--for the story to work, Urban needs to participate in or go through the events she does. Yet, as a creative writer and lover of English who always excelled in the humanities instead of athletics or STEM, I can't help feeling, just a little, as if we "Artisans" got shortchanged by speculative fiction yet again.
Finally, I loved the epilogue and thought Candace and Urban got their message across without the heavy-handedness that could've happened. Yet--and this is a nitpick--as I closed the book, I still had questions about who truly "belonged" or didn't. As in yes, Urban has done a wonderful, almost impossible thing, and because of that, it's likely everyone truly will belong. But I couldn't get people like Ordanata, Coral, even Everest, out of my head. I wondered what "belonging" would mean for them, and whether enhancements would actually enhance them or send a message like Urban wrestled with (e.g., you are more object, bargaining chip, or curiosity than person).
Anyway, that's a nitpick, and the other issues are small to medium. Overall, I think Augmented is a triumph and the exact right way to end a trilogy like it. I hope Candace writes more soon, and that her upcoming books are just as engaging as the Hybrid series.
September 15, 2025
Augmented by Candace Kade was the final installment of the Hybrid Series. I also just got done reading another book about AI and between these two books there are some interesting observations. This book was a good book; it looks at the implications of having someone that is both what is termed in the book as “natural” and “augmented.” The Author said that she wrote this book mainly for those that have dealt with being caught between two worlds. I happen to have invested emotions in this area. For me this book hit home pretty hard in some of the subjects looked at such as rejection, acceptance and how society views you compared to how God has made you and knows you. I found myself crying at times, because of the close proximity to my own life experiences.
I cheered for Urban, and I cried for her at certain times when a lot seemed stacked against her with no hope. Things would appear to be looking up and then something or someone would bring adversity in it would look like things were not going to get better. Urban is a very resilient character. Like in real life when reading everything happening to her, we might ask how one person can cope with all this adversity. We know s those that follow Christ Jesus that HE is the only way we are not consumed and crushed daily by the many horrible things that go on in this world of ours. Without Him, we would all be driven to such despair that we could not carry on, but by the grace of God in Christ, we have peace.
This book shows us the costs associated with playing God and trying to alter His creation of human beings. Though it seems that augmentation would just enhance ones natural abilities and that would be the end of it, there are steep costs involved. IN this book in particular one of the costs is that if you were not genetically enhanced in the womb, then you are a natural versus a enhanced. When born a natural you are automatically pushed to the bottom. It becomes a class system where only the ones with money are able to afford to enhance their children and are deemed worthy to be the best of society. Everyone born natural is seen as less than and given barely a chance to survive. Those born with some enhancements are still pushed to the bottom, since their parents weren’t able to afford the best enhancements.
This book is a take on the classic survival of the fittest and most wealthy, where the wealthy seem to believe they can do anything because they have the money. While the story is all familiar, the author gives it a fresh look, especially where AI is involved and the ongoing debates about it. In my opinion, human beings should never attempt to circumvent God and how He created all of us. Advancements in technology will happen, but that by no means should give us any reasons to try to be Him in augmenting or enhancing the human body as if we know better than He does or for some reason believe He was mistaken in how He created us.
I enjoyed Candace Kade’s ability to connect the reader with raw emotions. She built a world that could easily be our own in a very short period. She brought to readers and world leaders the controversies surrounding AI and the questions of whether it is all just to assist or to take over with human masters only at the top. These are some difficult things to discuss, but Candace Kade does not back off, so applause for that. I would recommend reading this book, you will be thrown for a loop and will likely think more on the issues presented within as you read and after.
I received a complimentary copy from the author through Celebrate Lit, for my honest opinion.
I cheered for Urban, and I cried for her at certain times when a lot seemed stacked against her with no hope. Things would appear to be looking up and then something or someone would bring adversity in it would look like things were not going to get better. Urban is a very resilient character. Like in real life when reading everything happening to her, we might ask how one person can cope with all this adversity. We know s those that follow Christ Jesus that HE is the only way we are not consumed and crushed daily by the many horrible things that go on in this world of ours. Without Him, we would all be driven to such despair that we could not carry on, but by the grace of God in Christ, we have peace.
This book shows us the costs associated with playing God and trying to alter His creation of human beings. Though it seems that augmentation would just enhance ones natural abilities and that would be the end of it, there are steep costs involved. IN this book in particular one of the costs is that if you were not genetically enhanced in the womb, then you are a natural versus a enhanced. When born a natural you are automatically pushed to the bottom. It becomes a class system where only the ones with money are able to afford to enhance their children and are deemed worthy to be the best of society. Everyone born natural is seen as less than and given barely a chance to survive. Those born with some enhancements are still pushed to the bottom, since their parents weren’t able to afford the best enhancements.
This book is a take on the classic survival of the fittest and most wealthy, where the wealthy seem to believe they can do anything because they have the money. While the story is all familiar, the author gives it a fresh look, especially where AI is involved and the ongoing debates about it. In my opinion, human beings should never attempt to circumvent God and how He created all of us. Advancements in technology will happen, but that by no means should give us any reasons to try to be Him in augmenting or enhancing the human body as if we know better than He does or for some reason believe He was mistaken in how He created us.
I enjoyed Candace Kade’s ability to connect the reader with raw emotions. She built a world that could easily be our own in a very short period. She brought to readers and world leaders the controversies surrounding AI and the questions of whether it is all just to assist or to take over with human masters only at the top. These are some difficult things to discuss, but Candace Kade does not back off, so applause for that. I would recommend reading this book, you will be thrown for a loop and will likely think more on the issues presented within as you read and after.
I received a complimentary copy from the author through Celebrate Lit, for my honest opinion.
October 10, 2025
3.5 Stars
AUGMENTED is the conclusion to this unique YA science-fiction where people are pitted against each other by their enhancements or lack of them, in other words, naturals versus enhanced. This third installment has society at the forefront of all out war with the main character at a pivotal place to sway opinion as she enters another dangerous competition. Fans of the genre and this series should enjoy this exciting conclusion!
It took me a bit to start to remember what happened in the previous books. It came eventually as this story starts moving forward. I would have liked a bit more recap into this world and who everyone was than what the author wrote. Once things got going though, pieces started falling into place as Urban reconnects with her family and then enters a deadly race in order to gain the traction she needs. It's pretty much a mix of slight breaks between nonstop moments from there.
I found the whole idea of this high-tech society where basically social media give different factions and people the following they need to drive violence, peace or change. You could say it's on scale with how social media impacts our world now except a bit more intense. I also found the whole enhancements situation and Urban being her own unique type interesting. The author did a great job in working all of that out and making this world make sense. It's definitely an immersive story with plenty of suspense and tension while being character driven. I liked seeing Urban continue to grow into herself and her work with another set of characters to accomplish something together.
There were a few rough places here and there. Some places that could have had better dialogue or smoother sequences. I also felt like there was more drama and things that happened that didn't make sense to me. I would have liked to have been pulled in more to the story and felt more compelled to join Urban's cause.
In the end, was it what I wished for? This was an overall intriguing story with an immersive world and a likable character. Definitely a series to read if you enjoy dystopians with plenty of sci-fi aspects.
Content: Some violence, but clean.
Source: I received a complimentary copy through Celebrate Lit, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
AUGMENTED is the conclusion to this unique YA science-fiction where people are pitted against each other by their enhancements or lack of them, in other words, naturals versus enhanced. This third installment has society at the forefront of all out war with the main character at a pivotal place to sway opinion as she enters another dangerous competition. Fans of the genre and this series should enjoy this exciting conclusion!
It took me a bit to start to remember what happened in the previous books. It came eventually as this story starts moving forward. I would have liked a bit more recap into this world and who everyone was than what the author wrote. Once things got going though, pieces started falling into place as Urban reconnects with her family and then enters a deadly race in order to gain the traction she needs. It's pretty much a mix of slight breaks between nonstop moments from there.
I found the whole idea of this high-tech society where basically social media give different factions and people the following they need to drive violence, peace or change. You could say it's on scale with how social media impacts our world now except a bit more intense. I also found the whole enhancements situation and Urban being her own unique type interesting. The author did a great job in working all of that out and making this world make sense. It's definitely an immersive story with plenty of suspense and tension while being character driven. I liked seeing Urban continue to grow into herself and her work with another set of characters to accomplish something together.
There were a few rough places here and there. Some places that could have had better dialogue or smoother sequences. I also felt like there was more drama and things that happened that didn't make sense to me. I would have liked to have been pulled in more to the story and felt more compelled to join Urban's cause.
In the end, was it what I wished for? This was an overall intriguing story with an immersive world and a likable character. Definitely a series to read if you enjoy dystopians with plenty of sci-fi aspects.
Content: Some violence, but clean.
Source: I received a complimentary copy through Celebrate Lit, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
June 27, 2025
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review and I have to say I really enjoyed reading this book and am so thankful to have received an early copy! Getting to re-enter this world and hang out with these characters again was awesome!
First off, the cover is absolutely gorgeous like what??? I love the color scheme and it matches all the beautiful covers for this series perfectly!!
Anyway, cover thoughts aside, this book was really good! Hybrid still beats it for my favorite book in this series, though this book is a close second. I will admit that it was a tiny bit slow at some points, but the climax and the end?! Ah so good!!
I was not a super huge fan of the plot, since it did drag at some points imo. However, the character dynamics and character arcs? OH MY GOODNESS those were done so well! Like, the way Urban’s relationship with her family members changes and how we get family dynamics was so fun. Also, I think Lucas may be one of my new favorite characters. That boi in this book was awesome. And the father-daughter dynamic eee yUS!
As for Everest, yes, just yes. Everest has always been one of my top favorite characters, but everything that happened in this book YES. I loved it so much! He is such an amazing character. And him and Urban are so adorableeee!
And Urban’s character arc! Candace tied Urban’s arc up perfectly with this book. I honestly hadn’t seen the way Urban’s arc was weaved through each of the books until this point and then at the climax I was in awe at how well it was done. I love a good character arc in a story and this one was done so well!
Again, so thankful to receive an ARC! I read this book so fast and wish there was still more to read! XD Loved this book so much!
First off, the cover is absolutely gorgeous like what??? I love the color scheme and it matches all the beautiful covers for this series perfectly!!
Anyway, cover thoughts aside, this book was really good! Hybrid still beats it for my favorite book in this series, though this book is a close second. I will admit that it was a tiny bit slow at some points, but the climax and the end?! Ah so good!!
I was not a super huge fan of the plot, since it did drag at some points imo. However, the character dynamics and character arcs? OH MY GOODNESS those were done so well! Like, the way Urban’s relationship with her family members changes and how we get family dynamics was so fun. Also, I think Lucas may be one of my new favorite characters. That boi in this book was awesome. And the father-daughter dynamic eee yUS!
As for Everest, yes, just yes. Everest has always been one of my top favorite characters, but everything that happened in this book YES. I loved it so much! He is such an amazing character. And him and Urban are so adorableeee!
And Urban’s character arc! Candace tied Urban’s arc up perfectly with this book. I honestly hadn’t seen the way Urban’s arc was weaved through each of the books until this point and then at the climax I was in awe at how well it was done. I love a good character arc in a story and this one was done so well!
Again, so thankful to receive an ARC! I read this book so fast and wish there was still more to read! XD Loved this book so much!
September 17, 2025
It was great to catch up with Urban, her family, and friends. The story picks up right where Hybrid leaves off. You definitely want to read these in order.
I love how the author really brought this world to life. It would be fascinating to spend a day in that world seeing how everything works from the Aquas to the fliers, and who wouldn't want to see a Gamelyon?!
Urban has to participate in the Race to the Clouds so that she can fight to stop what's going on with the enhancement program. Unfortunately, like Urban herself, no one knows where she belongs since she's the Hybrid. Trying to become a representative proves challenging to say the least!
There are a lot of twists and turns. Secrets are unveiled and truths come to light in some unexpected ways. I know, that's rather vague, but clearly I can't give anything away! Her relationship with her family members often seem to leave a lot to be desired, but thankfully, at various points, they are able to step up to the plate.
I loved that even though Urban is on the "banned" list, she finds a sponsor who is willing to take her on and support her for the Race to the Clouds! I wanted to cheer them on throughout the whole story! Mako may have been one of my favorite characters. lol
Everest is once again a hero in the story and I loved how he protected and supported Urban! He takes one for the team and continues to prove himself over and over. Everest is the kind of hero we all want in a story!
Am I sad this series is over, you better believe it! I can't wait for more stories from this author!
*I received an ARC ebook from the author. This is my personal opinion.
I love how the author really brought this world to life. It would be fascinating to spend a day in that world seeing how everything works from the Aquas to the fliers, and who wouldn't want to see a Gamelyon?!
Urban has to participate in the Race to the Clouds so that she can fight to stop what's going on with the enhancement program. Unfortunately, like Urban herself, no one knows where she belongs since she's the Hybrid. Trying to become a representative proves challenging to say the least!
There are a lot of twists and turns. Secrets are unveiled and truths come to light in some unexpected ways. I know, that's rather vague, but clearly I can't give anything away! Her relationship with her family members often seem to leave a lot to be desired, but thankfully, at various points, they are able to step up to the plate.
I loved that even though Urban is on the "banned" list, she finds a sponsor who is willing to take her on and support her for the Race to the Clouds! I wanted to cheer them on throughout the whole story! Mako may have been one of my favorite characters. lol
Everest is once again a hero in the story and I loved how he protected and supported Urban! He takes one for the team and continues to prove himself over and over. Everest is the kind of hero we all want in a story!
Am I sad this series is over, you better believe it! I can't wait for more stories from this author!
*I received an ARC ebook from the author. This is my personal opinion.
October 7, 2025
Will she survive long enough to start the race....
I fell in love with Candace Kade's sci-fi-ish debut novel, Enhanced, thanks to the edge of your seat action and excellent worldbuilding. Somehow, the author managed to amp things up in the second book in The Hybrid series. Then comes Augmented. Just when you think that the stakes can't get any higher for Lee Urban...they do, in a really big way.
The Hybrid series has gone from strength to strength as it has progressed. It has continued to be both entertaining and engrossing for YA readers and adults, such as myself, alike. But there has been a great deal more to the story than just some really good sci-fi. In Augmented, author Candace Kade speaks through the experiences of her heroine about the broken pieces of our lives not being the end. About those broken pieces being made into something new. Different than what was before but by no means worthless.
As I've read The Hybrid series I've felt like Lee Urban has become something of a friend. Reading Augmented has been a little bittersweet for me as it is a satisfying conclusion - with a few surprises thrown in - but that is the word. Conclusion. I have to say goodbye to Lee Urban, Everest, and the other characters I've come to know. Ahh...Well...Now I must simply live in the hope of reading more from Candace Kade in the future....
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
I fell in love with Candace Kade's sci-fi-ish debut novel, Enhanced, thanks to the edge of your seat action and excellent worldbuilding. Somehow, the author managed to amp things up in the second book in The Hybrid series. Then comes Augmented. Just when you think that the stakes can't get any higher for Lee Urban...they do, in a really big way.
The Hybrid series has gone from strength to strength as it has progressed. It has continued to be both entertaining and engrossing for YA readers and adults, such as myself, alike. But there has been a great deal more to the story than just some really good sci-fi. In Augmented, author Candace Kade speaks through the experiences of her heroine about the broken pieces of our lives not being the end. About those broken pieces being made into something new. Different than what was before but by no means worthless.
As I've read The Hybrid series I've felt like Lee Urban has become something of a friend. Reading Augmented has been a little bittersweet for me as it is a satisfying conclusion - with a few surprises thrown in - but that is the word. Conclusion. I have to say goodbye to Lee Urban, Everest, and the other characters I've come to know. Ahh...Well...Now I must simply live in the hope of reading more from Candace Kade in the future....
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
September 28, 2025
This is the third and final instalment in this trilogy. Urban , a young adult (17-18) girl is entering the most dangerous competition in the world called Race to the Clouds (RTC) in hopes to prevent a civil war. I haven’t read the first two books. Apparently, Urban was born a ‘natural’ who then became ‘enhanced’ by a microneedle patch, which then activated a dormant gene, and then she became an (aqua) ‘hybrid’. Whew, that’s a mouthful. Urban had gone MIA and had done some amazing things prior to this book. Based on this fact, she is offered a renewed contract to work for the rebellious Croix. At the same time she is also offered protection from the AiE.
There are political things going on as well that play into the story quite a bit. The AiE, Deadly Five and Supers Against Soups to name a few, which play a part of the division between the naturals and the hybrid. Urban is left faced with difficult decisions to deal with and she yearns to do the right thing. An adventurous read for the young adult (15+) and can be enjoyed by an oldie like me.
“I’m the hybrid. What if they reject me? I’m not one of them. But they’re my family. Besides, I’ve never shared their genes“. -Quote from book. I received this e-book for free from Celebrate Lit Tour and the opinions I express are honest and my own.
There are political things going on as well that play into the story quite a bit. The AiE, Deadly Five and Supers Against Soups to name a few, which play a part of the division between the naturals and the hybrid. Urban is left faced with difficult decisions to deal with and she yearns to do the right thing. An adventurous read for the young adult (15+) and can be enjoyed by an oldie like me.
“I’m the hybrid. What if they reject me? I’m not one of them. But they’re my family. Besides, I’ve never shared their genes“. -Quote from book. I received this e-book for free from Celebrate Lit Tour and the opinions I express are honest and my own.
September 17, 2025
What a fantastic conclusion to this series! I was both excited and nervous for it. I loved the first two books and wondered how everything would wrap up in this final installment. It blew all my expectations out of the water. I loved it so much!
It starts right where the last book left off, and I was immediately gripped. There were action-packed moments that had me losing my breath. My anxiety was so high. I couldn't read fast enough.
This was not a predictable read by any means. I never knew what was going to happen next. The Race to the Clouds was really interesting. And dangerous. But I really admired Urban's determination in the midst of daunting odds.
I've really enjoyed watching Urban's journey and growth throughout this whole series. It was inspiring. I highly recommend it to fans of YA science fiction. This is not a standalone, so be sure to start with book one, Enhanced.
I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
It starts right where the last book left off, and I was immediately gripped. There were action-packed moments that had me losing my breath. My anxiety was so high. I couldn't read fast enough.
This was not a predictable read by any means. I never knew what was going to happen next. The Race to the Clouds was really interesting. And dangerous. But I really admired Urban's determination in the midst of daunting odds.
I've really enjoyed watching Urban's journey and growth throughout this whole series. It was inspiring. I highly recommend it to fans of YA science fiction. This is not a standalone, so be sure to start with book one, Enhanced.
I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
September 21, 2025
Augmented is the final book of the Hybrid trilogy. I haven't read the first two. It might be a good idea to do that, though, to start the series from the beginning.
I'll admit that science-fiction is not one of my preferred genres. Also, I am obviously not a young adult (but I do enjoy some young adult fiction). I guess combining the genre, and that it's book 3 of a series, would explain why it was a little hard for me to get into the story. Once I did, though, I found it action-packed and moved swiftly.
I like the faith-based aspect of the story, that God can take the broken pieces of our lives and weave them together into something beautiful. I can relate, since I have many broken pieces in my life, and I can see that God is putting them together again. I want all of my life to bring Him honor and glory.
This is a story that I am sure my grown kids would probably enjoy. If you enjoy Christian science fiction or YA fiction, you'll certainly want to add Augmented, and the rest of the series, to your TBR list.
I'll admit that science-fiction is not one of my preferred genres. Also, I am obviously not a young adult (but I do enjoy some young adult fiction). I guess combining the genre, and that it's book 3 of a series, would explain why it was a little hard for me to get into the story. Once I did, though, I found it action-packed and moved swiftly.
I like the faith-based aspect of the story, that God can take the broken pieces of our lives and weave them together into something beautiful. I can relate, since I have many broken pieces in my life, and I can see that God is putting them together again. I want all of my life to bring Him honor and glory.
This is a story that I am sure my grown kids would probably enjoy. If you enjoy Christian science fiction or YA fiction, you'll certainly want to add Augmented, and the rest of the series, to your TBR list.
August 17, 2025
In a fitting and satisfying end to the Hybrid Trilogy, Lee Urban steps up to claim her place as the Hybrid and works through both internal and external challenges to do the right thing for herself, her family, an those to come after her.
Author Candace Kade wove a lovely tale that pulled together the series. Deftly progressing the story and balancing new elements and old, this finale explored Lee Urban's relationships in greater depth--particularly with her parents--in a relatable way that every young adult grapples with eventually. The plot retains a steady stream of action and intrigue while doubling down on interior elements like personal duty and loyalty with larger themes of social justice and identity. Kade pulls this off in a sophisticated way that avoids leaving the reader feeling preached at.
While AUGMENTED completes this story line, I look forward to what Kade tackles next!
Author Candace Kade wove a lovely tale that pulled together the series. Deftly progressing the story and balancing new elements and old, this finale explored Lee Urban's relationships in greater depth--particularly with her parents--in a relatable way that every young adult grapples with eventually. The plot retains a steady stream of action and intrigue while doubling down on interior elements like personal duty and loyalty with larger themes of social justice and identity. Kade pulls this off in a sophisticated way that avoids leaving the reader feeling preached at.
While AUGMENTED completes this story line, I look forward to what Kade tackles next!
August 28, 2025
A Resounding Conclusion
Wow! This series ends with so many exciting twists and turns! While there were a few moments that felt a little slow, I enjoyed following Urban as she prepared for the Race to the Clouds and worked to bring about change in her dystopian world. I loved how this book dealt with some of the family issues and resolved several lingering disputes and misunderstandings between characters. Kade delivers an encouraging message about purpose and belonging as Urban learns to embrace her identity. I loved the use of kintsugi as a metaphor and have enjoyed seeing this unique art style show up in other books and blogs I've had the pleasure of reading--it's such a beautiful concept and you'll love seeing how it applies to Urban's story!
Thank you to the author for providing a copy of the book to review. My options are my own.
Wow! This series ends with so many exciting twists and turns! While there were a few moments that felt a little slow, I enjoyed following Urban as she prepared for the Race to the Clouds and worked to bring about change in her dystopian world. I loved how this book dealt with some of the family issues and resolved several lingering disputes and misunderstandings between characters. Kade delivers an encouraging message about purpose and belonging as Urban learns to embrace her identity. I loved the use of kintsugi as a metaphor and have enjoyed seeing this unique art style show up in other books and blogs I've had the pleasure of reading--it's such a beautiful concept and you'll love seeing how it applies to Urban's story!
Thank you to the author for providing a copy of the book to review. My options are my own.
September 21, 2025
My teenage son and I were desperately waiting for this 3rd installment of the Hybrid series to publish -- when I dangled my kindle in front of his face, he "snatched" it from me and didn't give it back for two days while he "horked it down" (Ratatouille reference!). He grew up a bookworm but has recently struggled with an ongoing reading slump -- I am so so happy he was engaged with this series and it reminded him he loves stories and books!
We both love the action, tech, characters, settings, themes. He grudgingly bit his tongue for spoilers as I read it right after him, but once I finished -- game on! We had such fun talking about the book together.
Also, we live abroad and he is definitely a 3rd culture kid who can relate to Urban. xoxo
I can't recommend this series enough -- for adults and young adults/teens alike.
We both love the action, tech, characters, settings, themes. He grudgingly bit his tongue for spoilers as I read it right after him, but once I finished -- game on! We had such fun talking about the book together.
Also, we live abroad and he is definitely a 3rd culture kid who can relate to Urban. xoxo
I can't recommend this series enough -- for adults and young adults/teens alike.
September 27, 2025
This is the final book in this series. It didn't let up or fall short of the mark either. Every major thing that I had questions about from the prior books, this author gave me answers to those. In addition to that, Urban really shines in this final chapter. The transformed lives in this series stick with you. It's fantastic for discussions and pondering the what-ifs and the questions of how we might have reached this place in some form, already in today's world. The action and suspense, while having us so hooked on Urban Lee's journey, are amazing and well worth reading. I feel blessed to have read this series and I can easily recommend it.
Thanks to Celebrate Lit for my digital copy of this book. This review is my own and contains what I thought about this book. A positive review of a book is never required.
Thanks to Celebrate Lit for my digital copy of this book. This review is my own and contains what I thought about this book. A positive review of a book is never required.
September 25, 2025
This may be the end of the series but the characters will be remembered for a long time. The author has delivered a place where fighting for good is dangerous. Can you imagine someone trying to silence you because they don’t like what you would share? Everyday you must fight for freedom and your voice to be heard.
I love the depth of the characters and how there is faith embedded in the story which for me made the story more meaningful. Trying to prevent a deadly war is the theme of this story but along the way we witness strength, faith and working together that brings this trilogy to a beautiful end.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
I love the depth of the characters and how there is faith embedded in the story which for me made the story more meaningful. Trying to prevent a deadly war is the theme of this story but along the way we witness strength, faith and working together that brings this trilogy to a beautiful end.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
July 3, 2025
I loved seeing the new dynamics between Urban and Lucas. Lucas himself was also a pretty great character (and props to Kade for changing his character and making him likeable 😂). I do wish that Lillian had gotten a little bit more page time, and we could have seen all three Lee siblings together.
The plot was good, but I think I was expecting a little bit more from it since Augmented is the final book in the series, and thereby the series climax. It was almost a little more political intrigue/suspense at times rather than action.
If you're looking for a series with themes of identity and belonging with a good dose of technology, science, and adventure, The Hybrid Series might be perfect for you.
Cautions: moderate romance; a few kisses; non-graphic, brief heavy violence *
*it's been a little bit since I finished Augmented, so I may have forgotten a caution.
(I received an eARC from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)
The plot was good, but I think I was expecting a little bit more from it since Augmented is the final book in the series, and thereby the series climax. It was almost a little more political intrigue/suspense at times rather than action.
If you're looking for a series with themes of identity and belonging with a good dose of technology, science, and adventure, The Hybrid Series might be perfect for you.
Cautions: moderate romance; a few kisses; non-graphic, brief heavy violence *
*it's been a little bit since I finished Augmented, so I may have forgotten a caution.
(I received an eARC from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)
July 13, 2025
Wow! What an ending! What a story! Imagine if Martin Luther King Jr was a young Chinese woman and instead of risking his life in peaceful protests he joined the most deadly race that ever was. Crazy, right?! Urban doesn't stand up and give many speeches, but she does face danger with courage knowing that the cause of equality is greater than herself.
Fast paced! Exciting! Dangerous! Closed Door Romance.
This is the final book in the series & we get to see Urban come to better understand herself and her family. She gets to see the dynamic existence of being not fully a natural and not fully enhanced makes her a better person for having a bit of both worlds inside herself.
Fast paced! Exciting! Dangerous! Closed Door Romance.
This is the final book in the series & we get to see Urban come to better understand herself and her family. She gets to see the dynamic existence of being not fully a natural and not fully enhanced makes her a better person for having a bit of both worlds inside herself.
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