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DeInception
Ward and Leandrea must survive the fallout of their rebellion in this riveting second book in the Multi-Award-Winning ReInception Trilogy by Sarena Straus
Using ReInception to rid society of unwanted human behaviors seemed like a noble cause, but thanks to Ward and Leandrea and their high-profile rebellion, the world was about to find out the brutal truth.
Powerful political and corporate interests want ReInception to continue, expanding the procedure to prisoners, social dissidents and, most of all, the serving class known as the Prole. They will stop at nothing to keep the truth about ReInception hidden.
With the country’s fate at stake, Ward is being held hostage and Leandrea is on the run. Anyone might be a friend. Any friend could be an enemy. Who can be trusted when, at any moment, ReInception can change their minds forever?
DeInception, the newest novel of the ReInception trilogy, is a fast-paced, futuristic adventure that examines what happens when a divided society is willing to fight each other to survive.
Using ReInception to rid society of unwanted human behaviors seemed like a noble cause, but thanks to Ward and Leandrea and their high-profile rebellion, the world was about to find out the brutal truth.
Powerful political and corporate interests want ReInception to continue, expanding the procedure to prisoners, social dissidents and, most of all, the serving class known as the Prole. They will stop at nothing to keep the truth about ReInception hidden.
With the country’s fate at stake, Ward is being held hostage and Leandrea is on the run. Anyone might be a friend. Any friend could be an enemy. Who can be trusted when, at any moment, ReInception can change their minds forever?
DeInception, the newest novel of the ReInception trilogy, is a fast-paced, futuristic adventure that examines what happens when a divided society is willing to fight each other to survive.
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Published November 25, 2024
22 people want to read
About the author
Sarena Straus
6 books80 followersAuthor of the multi-award-winning novel, "ReInception" (Winding Road Stories, 2022)
A corporation's immensely popular mind technology is eradicating socially unacceptable behavior in 2126 New York City. When a college student and a government-labeled terrorist discover the truth of what's happening inside people's heads, they fight for their free will and the future of society.
Writer, attorney, and child safety advocate, Sarena has appeared as a commentator on numerous TV and radio shows. She is also the author of "Bronx DA: True Stories from the Sex Crimes and Domestic Violence Unit." In 2010, Bronx DA was sold as a pilot to CBS/Paramount.
ReInception is the recipient of multiple awards including and American Writing Award, Literary Titan Gold Award, and a LitPick Five Star review.
A corporation's immensely popular mind technology is eradicating socially unacceptable behavior in 2126 New York City. When a college student and a government-labeled terrorist discover the truth of what's happening inside people's heads, they fight for their free will and the future of society.
Writer, attorney, and child safety advocate, Sarena has appeared as a commentator on numerous TV and radio shows. She is also the author of "Bronx DA: True Stories from the Sex Crimes and Domestic Violence Unit." In 2010, Bronx DA was sold as a pilot to CBS/Paramount.
ReInception is the recipient of multiple awards including and American Writing Award, Literary Titan Gold Award, and a LitPick Five Star review.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 1, 2025
I received a copy of this novel from the author in exchange for a fair review.
A smart, complex, dystopian future sci-fi with great characters and a quick-paced plot, you should check this out.
Given it’s a sequel, there will be spoilers from the first book so please, please read that book first. It’s really really good and won a bunch of awards.
This book begins where the other left off, pretty much the exact minute. But in this book, Ward and Leandra, recently lovers, have been ripped apart. As such, while the last novel was quick-paced too, this one has even more tension because it moves back and forth between the two characters, each of whom undergo traumas and have to make big decisions.
The concept is dystopian and techno-wary at its core, but in a way that also feels realistic. It has touches of 1984 as well as just a warning about how those in power will always misuse technology to stay in power. A classic theme but a classic for a reason. How ReInception works is explained more in this novel, and in the way I prefer. We get a demonstration but not intricate details. As such, it’s believable enough to not make you question it. And it’s wild.
The best thing about the novel are the characters. Ward and Leandra are just so likeable. They both struggle with whether they are making the right choices, as even when they do, the consequences or repercussions are dire. They are two characters whom you just want something good to happen to, but Strauss doesn’t let that happen.
The plot is peppered with little details that I didn’t expect. There aren’t any major surprises, except maybe the very end, which was great, but little things here and there. The book is so well-conceived, and you figure things out maybe paragraphs before the characters do, which is how you want it to go.
The book also raises really interesting questions about not just would a government ever implement a technology like ReInception but whether this sort of technology could ever be used for good reasons. ReIncdeptoin was originally used to cure people of addictions or convince them to live a healthier lifestyle, but even if a person chooses that, is it ethical to rewire a person in this way? Is it a slippery slope? I don't have the answer, but the concept is interesting to me. There are also similar questions the book raises, like that of the nuances behind uprisings and how sometimes freedom fighters are also oppressive in their own ways and how we reconcile with that.
It’s a smart book. It’s also extremely unputdownable and exciting. I highly recommend it.
A smart, complex, dystopian future sci-fi with great characters and a quick-paced plot, you should check this out.
Given it’s a sequel, there will be spoilers from the first book so please, please read that book first. It’s really really good and won a bunch of awards.
This book begins where the other left off, pretty much the exact minute. But in this book, Ward and Leandra, recently lovers, have been ripped apart. As such, while the last novel was quick-paced too, this one has even more tension because it moves back and forth between the two characters, each of whom undergo traumas and have to make big decisions.
The concept is dystopian and techno-wary at its core, but in a way that also feels realistic. It has touches of 1984 as well as just a warning about how those in power will always misuse technology to stay in power. A classic theme but a classic for a reason. How ReInception works is explained more in this novel, and in the way I prefer. We get a demonstration but not intricate details. As such, it’s believable enough to not make you question it. And it’s wild.
The best thing about the novel are the characters. Ward and Leandra are just so likeable. They both struggle with whether they are making the right choices, as even when they do, the consequences or repercussions are dire. They are two characters whom you just want something good to happen to, but Strauss doesn’t let that happen.
The plot is peppered with little details that I didn’t expect. There aren’t any major surprises, except maybe the very end, which was great, but little things here and there. The book is so well-conceived, and you figure things out maybe paragraphs before the characters do, which is how you want it to go.
The book also raises really interesting questions about not just would a government ever implement a technology like ReInception but whether this sort of technology could ever be used for good reasons. ReIncdeptoin was originally used to cure people of addictions or convince them to live a healthier lifestyle, but even if a person chooses that, is it ethical to rewire a person in this way? Is it a slippery slope? I don't have the answer, but the concept is interesting to me. There are also similar questions the book raises, like that of the nuances behind uprisings and how sometimes freedom fighters are also oppressive in their own ways and how we reconcile with that.
It’s a smart book. It’s also extremely unputdownable and exciting. I highly recommend it.
September 18, 2024
I read this book a few months back, and it was an absolutely AMAZING sequel to the series!! Straus proves again that she knows sci-fi! This is a can't miss series, and I can't wait for more people to read it, so I have people to rave about it with! Easy 5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
January 1, 2025
The sequel was DEFINITELY worth the wait. This series is criminally underrated and I will forever recommend it to people who enjoy sci-fi/dystopian novels.
July 4, 2025
I had so much fun writing this sequel and can’t wait to tell you what the characters are up to in the third and final installment coming out next year!
November 21, 2025
When you reach the end of a book and just want to yell at the author “WRITE FASTER”. I could not believe all that happened in book 2. So many things were revealed and so much is still unknown. Will Leandra and Ward be able to work together to find justice and peace in the world they live in? If you thought book 1 left you on a cliff just wait till you finish book 2. So incredible!
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November 5, 2024
"ReInception doesn't just eliminate addiction, it can rid humankind of all unwanted behaviours."
I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THE SEQUEL FOR TWO YEARS! It was worth the wait! I flew through the whole book in one day, took me bit longer because people were interrupting me at work but I still devoured it and loved so many things! First of all, it starts on the same day that the first book did, but this time it's from Ward's POV and we get to see more details about their encounter and how it all started. Secondly, the way I've missed this world and it felt so nice to be back, even despite the fact that the government is messing people up, this future world still sounds so interesting and if they weren't trying to brainwash people and use them for their evil things, the Reinception could actually be used for good, it's such an amazing thing. But only if you have the option and freedom of doing it for yourself and if it's not forced. Because that is scary, the was parents modified their kids, that's horrible and no parent should be that cruel, even if they think it's for their kids benefit. There's a mention of Gen Z conspiracy theory that cracked me up and then made me gasp when it was actually made to come true in a way. Honestly didn't expect the ending to go that way and I knew it'd be a cliffhanger, because well duh, second book in a trilogy, but still I need third book now!
I love how some things kept feeling like divergent and especially in the end with that spoiler I won't mention, and how much it's like the world of Uglies as well, with all the body/mind modifications.
If you like me feel nostalgic about the old times YA dystopia era, then this trilogy is for you, it's more adult dystopia, because they are freshly in their twenties, with the vibes that are exciting and inspiring and it will keep you on the edge of your seat.
I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THE SEQUEL FOR TWO YEARS! It was worth the wait! I flew through the whole book in one day, took me bit longer because people were interrupting me at work but I still devoured it and loved so many things! First of all, it starts on the same day that the first book did, but this time it's from Ward's POV and we get to see more details about their encounter and how it all started. Secondly, the way I've missed this world and it felt so nice to be back, even despite the fact that the government is messing people up, this future world still sounds so interesting and if they weren't trying to brainwash people and use them for their evil things, the Reinception could actually be used for good, it's such an amazing thing. But only if you have the option and freedom of doing it for yourself and if it's not forced. Because that is scary, the was parents modified their kids, that's horrible and no parent should be that cruel, even if they think it's for their kids benefit. There's a mention of Gen Z conspiracy theory that cracked me up and then made me gasp when it was actually made to come true in a way. Honestly didn't expect the ending to go that way and I knew it'd be a cliffhanger, because well duh, second book in a trilogy, but still I need third book now!
I love how some things kept feeling like divergent and especially in the end with that spoiler I won't mention, and how much it's like the world of Uglies as well, with all the body/mind modifications.
If you like me feel nostalgic about the old times YA dystopia era, then this trilogy is for you, it's more adult dystopia, because they are freshly in their twenties, with the vibes that are exciting and inspiring and it will keep you on the edge of your seat.
February 2, 2025
**Before getting into the review portion. Thank you Serena Straus for sending me the book so I can read and review it.**
This is the sequel to ReInception, so if you haven't read that yet. I highly recommend you do so, then get to this one.
I kinda forgot how much I enjoyed following Ward and Lea's story from the first book and now into this one. Despite the world, and what kind of tech they live through is screwy and controlled by corrupt people in power.
Even with it being a fairly short book (just under 300 pages), I didn't want it to leave off. Of course on a cliffhanger and now I gotta wait and see what happens next.
This is the sequel to ReInception, so if you haven't read that yet. I highly recommend you do so, then get to this one.
I kinda forgot how much I enjoyed following Ward and Lea's story from the first book and now into this one. Despite the world, and what kind of tech they live through is screwy and controlled by corrupt people in power.
Even with it being a fairly short book (just under 300 pages), I didn't want it to leave off. Of course on a cliffhanger and now I gotta wait and see what happens next.
December 22, 2024
DeInception is the long awaited sequel to ReInception by Sarena Straus. It continues the perilous story of Ward, Leandrea, and the rest of their comrades as they fight against ReInception and its corrupted use of reprogramming the human mind. After the raid, everyone is split apart and are now desperately trying to stay one step ahead of the Authority and the people behind ReInception. After being captured by the Authority during the raid, Ward is taken to a ReInception facility. Ward has no idea how he is going to escape in his current condition, or if it will even be possible. He thinks there might be a potential ally at the facility, but he has no way to be certain. He tries to get through to some of the people who knew Leandrea, and tries to convince them of the truth about what ReInception is really doing to people. But as time drags on, he wonders what more he can do before it all comes to an end. Because once they put him through ReInception and not only find out everything he knows about the Origins, but also who he truly is, he will be finished. And everything that Ward had been fighting for up to that point will have all been for nothing. Meanwhile, Leandrea manages to escape with the help of an unlikely ally, but remains hesitant about who she should trust and what she should do with the files that were entrusted to her for safe keeping. Will she be able to use the files to help bring an end to ReInception and find a way back to Ward? Or will she bring about a chain of events that once set in motion can never be undone?
Opinion:
I have personally come to enjoy this story for its unique perspective. It shows the reader what could happen if people were to ever discover a way of using modern technology to change a person's mental state or their behavior as an individual altogether. At first, a concept like that would be appealing. If someone were suffering from dementia, you could make it less severe. If someone has an addiction, you could eliminate the desire for the addiction entirely. But what if the wrong people ever discovered that they could use this very same technological breakthrough to manipulate and control entire populations with ease? How would we prevent this kind of technology from being abused? How would it be regulated? Would restricting the circumstances in which it would be deemed fit to use be good enough? Should we even try to create something like this, regardless of the potential benefits under the right conditions?
Despite this book having taken a year longer to finish than the author intended, the world that she has created is as sharp and vivid as ever. Through the characters' eyes, we see a world that is changing very quickly and is about to take a drastic turn with nowhere for them to run. People who were once content with just accepting whatever they were told are beginning to question what has been going on all this time and whether or not this is really how things should be. Others are torn between a new reality and which way they should go next. People who were thought to be allies might be changing sides. And a new group conveniently makes a chaotic entrance, forcing the government and the people behind ReInception to show their hand, which causes a chain reaction of cataclysmic proportions. Even with all of the chaos unfolding and the drastic changes that rapidly occur, the author keeps everything together. Her clear depiction of the story and the events as they unfold keep the reader fully engrossed throughout the story. It is primarily steady and fast-paced, matching the overall tone and setting for the world the story takes place in. This is especially good for a sequel in a series since some stories tend to slow down or the main focus is lost after the first book is written. If Ms. Straus continues writing like this, the final book will certainly be worth the wait to see what is next for Ward, his friends, and everyone else whose lives have suddenly been turned upside down.
I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good dystopian novel centered around advanced technology and the challenges that can inevitably occur, and the consequences of not being diligent in how these advancements are being used.
Opinion:
I have personally come to enjoy this story for its unique perspective. It shows the reader what could happen if people were to ever discover a way of using modern technology to change a person's mental state or their behavior as an individual altogether. At first, a concept like that would be appealing. If someone were suffering from dementia, you could make it less severe. If someone has an addiction, you could eliminate the desire for the addiction entirely. But what if the wrong people ever discovered that they could use this very same technological breakthrough to manipulate and control entire populations with ease? How would we prevent this kind of technology from being abused? How would it be regulated? Would restricting the circumstances in which it would be deemed fit to use be good enough? Should we even try to create something like this, regardless of the potential benefits under the right conditions?
Despite this book having taken a year longer to finish than the author intended, the world that she has created is as sharp and vivid as ever. Through the characters' eyes, we see a world that is changing very quickly and is about to take a drastic turn with nowhere for them to run. People who were once content with just accepting whatever they were told are beginning to question what has been going on all this time and whether or not this is really how things should be. Others are torn between a new reality and which way they should go next. People who were thought to be allies might be changing sides. And a new group conveniently makes a chaotic entrance, forcing the government and the people behind ReInception to show their hand, which causes a chain reaction of cataclysmic proportions. Even with all of the chaos unfolding and the drastic changes that rapidly occur, the author keeps everything together. Her clear depiction of the story and the events as they unfold keep the reader fully engrossed throughout the story. It is primarily steady and fast-paced, matching the overall tone and setting for the world the story takes place in. This is especially good for a sequel in a series since some stories tend to slow down or the main focus is lost after the first book is written. If Ms. Straus continues writing like this, the final book will certainly be worth the wait to see what is next for Ward, his friends, and everyone else whose lives have suddenly been turned upside down.
I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good dystopian novel centered around advanced technology and the challenges that can inevitably occur, and the consequences of not being diligent in how these advancements are being used.
January 12, 2025
'DeInception' is a fast-paced, thought-provoking dystopian thriller that will keep you hooked til the final scene.
The second part in a trilogy - following on from the award-winning ReInception - Straus ramps up the tension and threat even more as we follow the dual POV stories of Ward and Leandrea.
The pair have been separated, and the story follows their very different paths towards the dramatic denouement. The world that Straus has created is explored in more detail and opened up into new locations, cities, and laboratories with some truly impressive results. As with the last story, Straus' inventive use of story structure keeps the reader on board, and her highly creative vision for the future and it's new technology feels frighteningly plausible.
A story that builds on its predecessor but very much takes on a new life of its own, I highly recommend digging back into Leandra Justus' world. Let's just hope that smart sci-fi such as this can contribute to the lessons that we need to learn to help prevent such a future as this occurring.
The second part in a trilogy - following on from the award-winning ReInception - Straus ramps up the tension and threat even more as we follow the dual POV stories of Ward and Leandrea.
The pair have been separated, and the story follows their very different paths towards the dramatic denouement. The world that Straus has created is explored in more detail and opened up into new locations, cities, and laboratories with some truly impressive results. As with the last story, Straus' inventive use of story structure keeps the reader on board, and her highly creative vision for the future and it's new technology feels frighteningly plausible.
A story that builds on its predecessor but very much takes on a new life of its own, I highly recommend digging back into Leandra Justus' world. Let's just hope that smart sci-fi such as this can contribute to the lessons that we need to learn to help prevent such a future as this occurring.
January 11, 2025
Guardians of the Galaxy meets dystopian America
I jumped into the series and still followed the events that were happening which I think is a testament to the storytelling abilities of the author. By chapter 3 I understood the setting and character and was eager to finish so I can go read book 1.
The world building is why I rated this book a 5, I won’t be forgetting this setting anytime soon. I loved learning about this environment from the in-depth view of the characters.
Loved the dual narration and felt both narrators did well providing emotion and life to the characters.
Well done!
I jumped into the series and still followed the events that were happening which I think is a testament to the storytelling abilities of the author. By chapter 3 I understood the setting and character and was eager to finish so I can go read book 1.
The world building is why I rated this book a 5, I won’t be forgetting this setting anytime soon. I loved learning about this environment from the in-depth view of the characters.
Loved the dual narration and felt both narrators did well providing emotion and life to the characters.
Well done!
January 2, 2026
I liked this one but not as much as book 1! I think it was a solid bridge novel between the introduction in book 1 and the conclusion in what’s to come in book 3! I wish we had more of Ward and Lea but unfortunately they were separated for pretty much the entirety of the book. However, we learned a lot in this book and several secrets were revealed which still made it entertaining!
I am looking forward to read the conclusion when it is released!
Thank you so much to Ripped Pages LLC and the author for the gifted copy!
I am looking forward to read the conclusion when it is released!
Thank you so much to Ripped Pages LLC and the author for the gifted copy!
July 7, 2025
I received a copy of this book via storygraph giveaway.
My thoughts throughout the book are as follows:
-"Everything went black" every time Ward passes out, repetitive and annoying
- supine means on your back, not on your stomach.
- author doesn't know how to play chess
- homophones (rappel vs repel)
- can't decide on capitalization or no for slang
- characters not interesting at all
- plot and sci fi elements boring and cliche
My thoughts throughout the book are as follows:
-"Everything went black" every time Ward passes out, repetitive and annoying
- supine means on your back, not on your stomach.
- author doesn't know how to play chess
- homophones (rappel vs repel)
- can't decide on capitalization or no for slang
- characters not interesting at all
- plot and sci fi elements boring and cliche
August 1, 2025
Loved this book just like the last one. I love the dual pov between Lea and Ward. I love the development of the characters. I hated his sister just like I was supposed to. And I love all the world building and plot twists.
December 8, 2025
Book Review:
★★★★★
“Ward and Leandrea must survive the fallout of their rebellion in this riveting second book in the
Multi-Award-Winning ReInception Trilogy by Sarena Straus”
Just when I thought this series couldn’t get any better...
DeInception picks up immediately after the events of book 1. Lea and Ward are separated, enemies become allies, and allegiances are tested. There was so much action in this book. I loved the character development and continual world-building as we are brought to new locations. This book was filled with devastating secrets and unexpected betrayals. Once again, ending on a shocking cliffhanger that has me on the edge of my seat waiting for book 3!
★★★★★
“Ward and Leandrea must survive the fallout of their rebellion in this riveting second book in the
Multi-Award-Winning ReInception Trilogy by Sarena Straus”
Just when I thought this series couldn’t get any better...
DeInception picks up immediately after the events of book 1. Lea and Ward are separated, enemies become allies, and allegiances are tested. There was so much action in this book. I loved the character development and continual world-building as we are brought to new locations. This book was filled with devastating secrets and unexpected betrayals. Once again, ending on a shocking cliffhanger that has me on the edge of my seat waiting for book 3!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews