Stronger

by Lani Woodland

It's been said, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. In the aftermath of an alien invasion, the old saying became literal.

When the aliens attacked Earth, their bombs changed our atmosphere. Through DNA manipulation, humanity survived, but exist now as two distinct classes of people: the Valudis who heal and gain strength from every hurt, and the weaker Debilii, for whom the slightest injury can be fatal. The Debilii are servants for the Valudis, who in turn act as warriors and protectors. And ruling over them all are the alien Orions who decided they liked Earth enough to stay.

Despite being born a Debilii, Lexie Hake bravely joined the resistance to free Earth from the Orions. When several run-ins with Bryant, a handsome Valudis, bring her secret activities to the aliens’ notice, the whole rebellion is put at risk. Lexie is forced to take a more active role in overthrowing the Orions. ‪She might be Earth’s last chance at freedom, and if she fails, the Orions’ ruthless reign may never end.

Genres: Young Adult

ebook

First published August 24, 2014

About the author

I became an avid reader in elementary school, when I first discovered the Babysitters Club and Sweet Valley Twins series. In sixth grade, I began writing plays and recruiting (with force when necessary) my friends to act them out. Most of these early works were inspired by She-Ra, the epitome of girl power to my young self.

I have a hard time enjoying any book without at least a little romance in it. I live in Southern California with my husband, our two children and a large collection of board games. I have worked as a spot-welder, babysitter, janitor, photographer, gymnastics coach, and movie extra. I enjoy bonfires at the beach, hole-in-the-wall restaurants, speed talking, chocolate as a cure-all, and the word "precisely."

I'm the author of Breaking Pointe, Stronger, THE YARA SILVA TRILOGY, including: Intrinsical, Indelible, and Inevitable, and Out of Bounds, the third book in the Pom Pom Periodicals series. With Erica Cameron I'm the co-author of the Laguna Tides series, starting with Taken By Chance. I also co-wrote the pirate adventure Pieces of Jade, books one and two of The Pom Pom Periodicals (That’s The Spirit, Give Me A C) and two short stories in Enchanted: Love Stories of the Paranormal with Melonie Piper.

Reviews

[Kathy * Bookworm Nation · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every once in awhile I am just in a Sci-Fi kind of mood. I've read and enjoyed a few of Ms. Woodland's books recently and when I saw Stronger I thought it sounded like a lot of fun. I also liked that it was a standalone, although now that I'm finished I wouldn't mind returning to this world.

After an alien invasion by the Orions, the inhabitants of earth were separated into two groups. The Valudis (Val), who were strong and healed quickly, becoming stronger each time they were hurt. They were treated like heroes, even though they were more like bullies. And the Debillii (Deb), who were weak and died quickly. They served the Valudis and are treated pretty poorly.

The book opens with Lexie, a Deb, learning that her Uncle had faked her death to protect her from the Orions. Being born into a strong Valudis family couldn't save her from the Orions. She spent the past twelve years training and helping the Rebellion try and overthrow the Orions. I liked Lexie, with her unorthodox upbringing she was able to view her world in a totally different way than those around her. She didn't really fit in with the Debs and certainly not at all with the Vals. She has a good heart and is always helping those around her. Since she is raised knowing who the Orions really are, she is upset by the all the unfairness around her and tries in her small way to make a difference. She can't seem to stop getting into trouble though and finds herself in some tough spots. She finds unlikely help from two of the most popular Val warriors, Ty and Bryant. Ty happens to be her brother, who thinks she's dead. And Bryant is the guy she has had a crush on since she was five. He's also dating one of the Orions.

I thought this was a fun read. Since its a standalone book there is a lot that takes place and Lexie has to go through a lot. At one point Lexie is taken and experimented on. She is beaten often and badly. It was a little more violent than I was expecting, although not overly detailed or graphic. It is always hard for me to read about women getting beaten. Anyway, I did think Lexie was quick to forgive at times, and tended to hide her feelings to help those who wronged her not feel so bad. Even understanding why people did what they did, you'd think the PTSD would kick in and make it a harder for her to forgive so quickly. I think it would have added some better tension for those who wronged her to have to work a little harder for her forgiveness. It was fun watching Lexie come into her own and grow as a character. The overall story was also fun, I always enjoy dystopian type stories where people fight for their freedom and fight for what they believe in. I thought the romance was sweet, but wouldn't have minded a little more.

Overall, a fun story. Things wrap up well, but I wouldn't mind a companion novel or novella to show more of what happens next. :)

Content
Romance: Squeaky clean
Language: None that I remember
Violence: Moderate Lexie gets beat up quite a bit. Before she is captured, but a lot once she is taken. Some talk of Orions killing people or having people kill each other.
Read again: Yes

Source: Gift, thank you!!!

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure what I was expecting when I started reading this book, but I was stunned.
What a well written book and well planned and executed storyline.

I was drawn in and the book played out like a movie in my head -- as good a concept as any of the more famous stories in this genre. It was dramatic and intriguing, full of suspense and a bit of romance. The concept was complete yet simple enough not to overwhelm you in confusing detail.
Lexie's character develops and changes, growing in strength and courage, in such a seamless manner that I found myself thinking back to her character as first introduced and wondering how she could still be the same person.

The ending, although not completely happy, did not leave me feeling upset. It concluded -- always good.
Thank you, Ms Woodland, for an enjoyable read. There are a thousand things I should have been doing instead but I can't quite bring myself to regret reading your book instead.

[Morgan Shamy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never read sci-fi for pleasure before, and now I'm wondering why. STRONGER is a fantastic, epic, amazing story. I fell in love with the world building and the characters. I've read this author before and have LOVED her work. This isn't any different. Not once was I bored or did my thoughts veer off--I was into the story the whole time! (Which is a rare thing for me!) What a ride from start to finish. So much action and fun. I enjoyed this very much!!!

[Kimchi · Rating 5 out of 5]

You have to read this book. I couldn't put it down. This was one of the best books this year. I also like that it was a whole book and I don't have to wait for the rest of the book. I'm all about suspense but really tired of love triangles. This is a girl that knows her mind. I love it.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW!!!!!! All I can say is WOW!!!!

[Chersti Nieveen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This light science fiction will appeal to readers of any genre. Full of action and packed with romance, this was a quick read that stuck with me.

[Ellen Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The world building/concept was amazing and cool. The romance is always important to me and this one really worked for me. I highly recommend it!

[Angie Creel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!! It was had me hooked from page 1.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5