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The Woodlands #4
The Wanted
What would you be willing to sacrifice to get what you Wanted? It’s the question facing both Rosa and Joseph as they are pushed and pulled in unimaginable directions. It’s the question Superior Grant answered with a resounding, “Anything and everything.” The only thing they want is to be back in each other’s arms. But what will it cost them to get there? Separated after a failed mission, they are caught in dual hells. Joseph, sinking as he struggles to face what he did to escape and who he had to leave behind. Rosa, straddling the divide between fighting the evil, calculating Superior Grant and trying her best to stay alive. When what they Wanted seems unreachable, can they find the strength—the will—to keep trying? To keep fighting? And find their way back to each other and to Orry? The Wanted is the stunning conclusion of The Woodlands Series. Do you dare enter the Woodlands? A dystopian page-turner with over 750 five-star ratings on Goodreads. The Woodlands Series is perfect for fans of The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, The Divergent Series by Veronica Roth, and The Jewel Series by Amy Ewing. The Woodlands is an Award-Winning Finalist in the " Young Adult" category of the 2014 USA Best Book Awards, as well as a Semifinalist in The Kindle Book Awards by the Kindle Book Review.
423 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2014
37 people are currently reading
859 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Nicolle Taylor
16 books456 followersLauren Nicolle Taylor is the bestselling author of THE WOODLANDS SERIES and the award-winning YA novel NORA & KETTLE (Gold medal Winner for Multicultural fiction, Independent Publishers Book Awards 2017), which is the first book in the acclaimed PAPER STARS SERIES.
She has a Health Science degree and an honors degree in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
A full time writer and artist, Lauren recently moved to Canada with her husband and three children for a new adventure. She recently signed a three book deal for her YA fantasy series and can't wait to share it with you.
She is a proud hapa and draws on her multicultural background in all of her novels.
She has a Health Science degree and an honors degree in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
A full time writer and artist, Lauren recently moved to Canada with her husband and three children for a new adventure. She recently signed a three book deal for her YA fantasy series and can't wait to share it with you.
She is a proud hapa and draws on her multicultural background in all of her novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
November 18, 2014
This is one of those rare moments when I struggle to write a review as there are no words to adequately portray how full my heart is with love and admiration for this series. So much has happened to Joseph and Rosa up to the point at which the curtains open on The Wanted; gruelling misery, triumph over pain and harrowing oppression and yet somehow there is more to endure for this brave young couple. Separated by circumstances beyond their control, Rosa and Joseph are forced to deal with a life without the other and the uncertainty of each other's fate. Each struggling viciously in their own way, Rosa under the evil, torturous thumb of Grant and Joseph floundering and lost unable to deal with the loss of Rosa.
It's always been clear that Rosa has unmeasurable strength, flawed and fierce and willing to do whatever it takes for her family. Joseph in contrast has been this golden, perfectly virtuous angel with the moral compass that helps keep Rosa grounded when driven and blinded by hatred. In The Wanted, Joseph's halo is tarnished by grief and his dependence on Rosa turns to unhealthy substitutes in her absence. As much as I want to slap Joseph for his stupidity, I'm rejoicing that he is human and finally has a chink in his armour. His imperfection in the end solidified them as a couple, Rosa no longer feels like the inadequate companion, the moment becomes clear as she declares, "And the truth was I didn't need Joseph. I wanted him." Such a beautiful lesson about relationships and love and the inspiration for the title, The Wanted.
So now this series is over and I will deeply miss both Rosa and Joseph, but it might come as a surprise that I don't feel a reader's sadness; I feel full, satisfied, as the story is complete. The return to Pau, where the series began feels symbolic and allows for resolution with characters of the past. As I ponder the journey, both physically and emotionally, that these two have suffered through, I feel proud that they stand, that they survived despite the scars and the loss. Lauren has created characters that will live on in my memory, unforgettable, imperfect and triumphant. I would recommend this series to absolutely everyone for the lessons that can be found within the pages and for the beautiful story of love.
It's always been clear that Rosa has unmeasurable strength, flawed and fierce and willing to do whatever it takes for her family. Joseph in contrast has been this golden, perfectly virtuous angel with the moral compass that helps keep Rosa grounded when driven and blinded by hatred. In The Wanted, Joseph's halo is tarnished by grief and his dependence on Rosa turns to unhealthy substitutes in her absence. As much as I want to slap Joseph for his stupidity, I'm rejoicing that he is human and finally has a chink in his armour. His imperfection in the end solidified them as a couple, Rosa no longer feels like the inadequate companion, the moment becomes clear as she declares, "And the truth was I didn't need Joseph. I wanted him." Such a beautiful lesson about relationships and love and the inspiration for the title, The Wanted.
So now this series is over and I will deeply miss both Rosa and Joseph, but it might come as a surprise that I don't feel a reader's sadness; I feel full, satisfied, as the story is complete. The return to Pau, where the series began feels symbolic and allows for resolution with characters of the past. As I ponder the journey, both physically and emotionally, that these two have suffered through, I feel proud that they stand, that they survived despite the scars and the loss. Lauren has created characters that will live on in my memory, unforgettable, imperfect and triumphant. I would recommend this series to absolutely everyone for the lessons that can be found within the pages and for the beautiful story of love.
January 15, 2016
This book broke me.
I cried, the kind of crying that you can't see through and you don't care that you just used your shirt sleeve to wipe your nose, kind of crying. At least three times!!
The Wanted is a hauntingly beautiful ending to a beloved series. Rosa and Joseph each go through their own personal hell. They fray at the edges. They crack from within. Lauren Nicolle Taylor does a wonderful job of giving an answer to a question many have asked. How many times can a heart break before the pieces no longer fit seamlessly back together?
I want more. I'm sad to let go of these characters. Their story has been told. The conclusion was better than I hoped. But, I want more. I will be waiting for the next big story from Lauren Nicolle Taylor. Congratulations Mrs. Taylor, for a series that will stick with its readers for generations to come.
August 24, 2014
I miss Rosa. Like, already, I miss her. It has only been a few days since I finished reading this book (and the series) and I wish I had more Rosa in my life. She's a polarizing character, some love her and some loathe her, but clearly I adore her. And because Lauren Nicolle Taylor wrote her so amazingly well, I feel like she is real. Truly, this book is bittersweet, for as wonderful as it was to read, I am incredibly sad that the journey is over.
I wanted to read The Wanted slowly, to savor every chapter, since I knew I was reading the final thoughts from Rosa and Joseph. But it sped by, leaving me unable to put it down. This review won't be too in depth, because I don't want to spoil anything from The Wanted, or from the first three books. In fact, I want you to go read them now. I'll wait.
The Wanted is told in dual POVs, both Rosa's and Joseph's. Sometimes these are hard to read, but not in The Wanted. The voices are so incredibly distinct, there is never any question as to whose chapter it is. Being in the minds of both Rosa and Joseph is so critical to this book, and to be able to gain insight into their struggles puts the entire story in perspective. The character development throughout this series is so incredible, and more significantly, so realistic. They rise and fall, just like we all do. They have strengths and weaknesses, and struggles and triumphs, and are about the most authentic characters I have ever come across.
The supporting characters are just as well thought out and well written, and we are introduced to some new characters that I absolutely did not know what to make of. I didn't know who should or could be trusted, which is kind of perfect in a book for me.
The plot totally did not go where I expected it to, and it was a very pleasant surprise. Without getting too much into it, we get a glimpse into a different part of the world for a bit, and it is a wild ride. And it all leads up to an ending where absolutely anything can happen, and there is definitely no clear-cut way things will turn out. During the course of the book, there were a couple of times when I felt I knew what was going to happen (and I did), but for the most part, I was definitely kept guessing.
I am so glad that I stumbled across The Woodlands over a year ago on Goodreads. This series has been such an incredible pleasure to read, and while I am so sad it is over, I am so glad that I got to take this adventure with Rosa, Joseph, and the whole world of The Woodlands.
I wanted to read The Wanted slowly, to savor every chapter, since I knew I was reading the final thoughts from Rosa and Joseph. But it sped by, leaving me unable to put it down. This review won't be too in depth, because I don't want to spoil anything from The Wanted, or from the first three books. In fact, I want you to go read them now. I'll wait.
The Wanted is told in dual POVs, both Rosa's and Joseph's. Sometimes these are hard to read, but not in The Wanted. The voices are so incredibly distinct, there is never any question as to whose chapter it is. Being in the minds of both Rosa and Joseph is so critical to this book, and to be able to gain insight into their struggles puts the entire story in perspective. The character development throughout this series is so incredible, and more significantly, so realistic. They rise and fall, just like we all do. They have strengths and weaknesses, and struggles and triumphs, and are about the most authentic characters I have ever come across.
The supporting characters are just as well thought out and well written, and we are introduced to some new characters that I absolutely did not know what to make of. I didn't know who should or could be trusted, which is kind of perfect in a book for me.
The plot totally did not go where I expected it to, and it was a very pleasant surprise. Without getting too much into it, we get a glimpse into a different part of the world for a bit, and it is a wild ride. And it all leads up to an ending where absolutely anything can happen, and there is definitely no clear-cut way things will turn out. During the course of the book, there were a couple of times when I felt I knew what was going to happen (and I did), but for the most part, I was definitely kept guessing.
I am so glad that I stumbled across The Woodlands over a year ago on Goodreads. This series has been such an incredible pleasure to read, and while I am so sad it is over, I am so glad that I got to take this adventure with Rosa, Joseph, and the whole world of The Woodlands.
August 24, 2014
I was given an ARC by the author for an honest review.
The Wanted is the last book in the Woodlands series. Its bittersweet that an amazing series is coming to an end. This whole series from book 1, The Woodlands has just been a series that I have been following from the beginning.
I don't even know where to start. This book was just that good. The prologue was great because it really explained how The Woodlands became to be. Then before chapter one starts there are a few lines that just describe the whole situation of Rosa and Joseph..
"Every minute I gained, I fought for..."
"Everything that's happened to me, good or bad, I earned."
"I am not wanting."
"I am wanted."
"Which scares me most of all."
(The Wanted. Taylor, Lauren Nicolle. (2014) pg 10)
But as each page is read, it shows how much Rosa and Joesph have been through and how much they have grown. Rosa went from an unhappy girl that felt trapped in both the city and her family to a pregnancy that was forced upon her and found love with Joesph, new friends and was able to love her child. Joesph has just loved Rosa from the day that he met her. Mrs. Taylor writes the book from both Rosa and Joesph's prospective. She does it so well, that it flows seamlessly. These characters have grown from book 1, The Woodlands. The love that they share is beautiful.
I wish the series was not ending. This is just one series that has many characters that could have their own story or the story of Rosa and Joesph could be kept going. This YA dystopian series has been amazing from the beginning. I am eager to read what next Lauren Nicolle Taylor comes out with. She is a great author.
The Wanted is the last book in the Woodlands series. Its bittersweet that an amazing series is coming to an end. This whole series from book 1, The Woodlands has just been a series that I have been following from the beginning.
I don't even know where to start. This book was just that good. The prologue was great because it really explained how The Woodlands became to be. Then before chapter one starts there are a few lines that just describe the whole situation of Rosa and Joseph..
"Every minute I gained, I fought for..."
"Everything that's happened to me, good or bad, I earned."
"I am not wanting."
"I am wanted."
"Which scares me most of all."
(The Wanted. Taylor, Lauren Nicolle. (2014) pg 10)
But as each page is read, it shows how much Rosa and Joesph have been through and how much they have grown. Rosa went from an unhappy girl that felt trapped in both the city and her family to a pregnancy that was forced upon her and found love with Joesph, new friends and was able to love her child. Joesph has just loved Rosa from the day that he met her. Mrs. Taylor writes the book from both Rosa and Joesph's prospective. She does it so well, that it flows seamlessly. These characters have grown from book 1, The Woodlands. The love that they share is beautiful.
I wish the series was not ending. This is just one series that has many characters that could have their own story or the story of Rosa and Joesph could be kept going. This YA dystopian series has been amazing from the beginning. I am eager to read what next Lauren Nicolle Taylor comes out with. She is a great author.
August 16, 2014
I can't believe that it's over! This series is what turned me on to dystopian writing. I can't praise it enough. Rosa is an admirable woman and I could never have made it through what she went through. I don't know anyone that could. The final installment of The Woodlands series is, quite possibly, the best. It is such an amazing storyline and the reader is so drawn into the story that it is almost impossible to put down. I cannot wait to reread the entire series again and again. Lauren Nicolle Taylor is my favorite author of all time and I have never been able to chose a favorite before. Her writing is incredible and it creates a web that I never want to escape from. The imagination that she possesses is staggering. The Woodlands series is a must-read and I know that someday, a movie will be made because it is too incredible a story to not have that kind of exposure!
August 18, 2014
I have loved reading The Woodlands series. Rosa is such an amazing character. Her resilience, strength and tenacity really shine in this book. All the characters have grown and developed so much that I'm feeling a little sad that this is the end of their story. A beautiful end to an amazing series.
August 22, 2014
Things do get better with time.......I have loved each and every book in this series, and The Wanted, by far, was the most heart wrenching and emotional of the series. I was pulled in from the very beginning into their world. The emotions I felt ran from excitement, to heartbreak, to loneliness and finally an all consuming love. The descriptions were so well written that you couldn't help but feel each and every emotion that Rosa and Joseph were experiencing. I'm with Rosa when she couldn't help but hate and love Joseph at the same time. I didn't know you could feel those two emotions so strongly together, but the way the scene was written made me experience it along with Rosa. The new characters that were introduced kept me intrigued and waiting to see what would happen. You never knew what was in store, whose side they were on and who was using who. I can't say enough about my love of this series. It's different from anything out there, and the beautiful way in which it is written, makes it a story that will stay with you forever. This is definitely a series that will be read over and over again. I'm looking forward to more great "all-nighter novels" from Lauren, and will quickly devour anything that she writes!!!!
May 25, 2015
The last book in a series presents an internal struggle for me. Will it live up to its predecessors? Will I walk away feeling satisfied with the series as a whole? It's not always the case. There are plenty of times when the last book disappoints me. I'm happy to report that is so NOT the case with the final book in The Woodlands series. The Wanted delivers all the way! Not only do we get to see a lot of Joseph and Rosa - flawed, yet admirable characters, but Ms. Taylor gives us a chance to see so many other strong supporting characters along the way. It's a beautifully written story with a satisfying conclusion, providing a gentle release from the emotional turmoil experienced throughout most of the book. If I had received a hard copy, I would've hugged it. It's just THAT kind of story that restores your faith in humanity and instills hope for better tomorrows, even in the worst of days, leaving you sighing gently and dabbing at your eyes with a tissue. Beautiful!
November 4, 2014
This is one of my all-time favorite series that I have ever read!
It was so well-written, and the strength of the characters was amazing!
This particular book was one of the hardest books I've ever read because of all the emotions it inflicted. There were times that I seriously contemplated throwing my Kindle, and was really not sure the poor thing would make it out of this story unscathed!
My heart broke, it ached, but by the end, it was put back together.
I get it, I really do. I totally understand why everything that happened, happened.
It was beautifully written, and I'm so glad to have been a part of The Woodlands Journey!!
It was so well-written, and the strength of the characters was amazing!
This particular book was one of the hardest books I've ever read because of all the emotions it inflicted. There were times that I seriously contemplated throwing my Kindle, and was really not sure the poor thing would make it out of this story unscathed!
My heart broke, it ached, but by the end, it was put back together.
I get it, I really do. I totally understand why everything that happened, happened.
It was beautifully written, and I'm so glad to have been a part of The Woodlands Journey!!
October 12, 2014
Here are some facts about this book:
-The fourth and last novel in the series, The Woodlands
-Will release on October 31, 2014
-A post-apocalyptic dystopian novel
-Responsible for at least two late nights beneath the blanket
-Probably contains nicotine somewhere in there
Out of all the books in The Woodlands series, this one is my favorite because of the dual narrative and beautiful language that weaves together the sensory details with Rosa's inner thoughts. Rosa may think that she's horrible with metaphors, but her narrative voice is actually filled with vivid figurative language.
The story is divided between the perspectives of Rosa and Joseph. Given the movement that Rosa and Joseph take part in against the oppressive regime of the Superiors, I had an idea of what would happen, but I had no idea how. The episodes between Rosa and Joseph are brief but important -- each scene moves the story forward and keeps me intrigued on what would happen next.
Sometimes the perspective would switch and I'd whine, "No, but I wanted to find out what happened to Rosa." But soon enough, I'd be entranced with Joseph's side of the line.
So what's going on in The Wanted?
Rosa is a prisoner of the Superiors and faces interrogations in multiple forms. They want information about her friends, the Survivors, and Joseph. She has to stay strong and defiant and not let them break her.
I had no idea how Rosa was going to get out of that captivity. I was thinking that maybe Joseph could smash his way in to save her, but then that'd be really cliched and predictable. The story went nowhere in that direction. It was filled with plot twists that boggled my mind and kept me chasing down the rest of the story to find out what would happen.
In the beginning of the series, I wasn't able to identify strongly with Rosa (even though I liked her a lot as a character), but in The Wanted, I cheered for her the whole way. I think it's partly because she has matured over the past few books, especially after the death of Apella, a girl who ultimately proved Rosa's judgmental views wrong with her sacrifice. And while Rosa does "size up" people when observing them, she's a lot less judgmental than before because she tries to see things from their side of the fence.
Joseph was forced to leave her and escape. He struggles with feelings of guilt over the violence he used in order to flee. In the meantime, he is helping with the Survivors' rebellion against the iron grip of the Superiors. With many readers, there was an issue of Joseph being too perfect. To me, he just came across as an optimistic sort of guy who knows what he wants. In this book, however, his optimism and values go under trials of loneliness, grief, guilt, and uncertainty. It was good to explore some inner turmoil and weakness within him because his negative reaction to certain actions shows us where his values are as a person. Even if he is an overall hero, he can still be prone to moments of weakness.
Like with Rosa, some of the people in the Survivors have mellowed out a bit after their initial hostility towards each other, such as Deshi. I've gotten really fond of him and Rash as minor characters. I was even hoping for Deshi to hook up with another guy that comes into the picture in this novel, but *ahem* that did not happen, probably for the best.
I'm going to miss Rosa, Deshi, Rash, and Joseph. They had a wonderfully cranky but loving dynamic. When I saw the novella The Willful, I was actually hoping that this series had been extended into a quintet. Overall, I enjoyed this wonderful ending to The Woodlands series. The main loop is concluded, but as with life, there is a lot of uncertainty in the details in the aftermath. Will Deshi and Hessa become close again? Will Rosa and Joseph move past this moment of disloyalty? Will they all be a family in five years, after things have settled down somewhat? I think so.
Glamorous Book Lounge
-The fourth and last novel in the series, The Woodlands
-Will release on October 31, 2014
-A post-apocalyptic dystopian novel
-Responsible for at least two late nights beneath the blanket
-Probably contains nicotine somewhere in there
Out of all the books in The Woodlands series, this one is my favorite because of the dual narrative and beautiful language that weaves together the sensory details with Rosa's inner thoughts. Rosa may think that she's horrible with metaphors, but her narrative voice is actually filled with vivid figurative language.
The story is divided between the perspectives of Rosa and Joseph. Given the movement that Rosa and Joseph take part in against the oppressive regime of the Superiors, I had an idea of what would happen, but I had no idea how. The episodes between Rosa and Joseph are brief but important -- each scene moves the story forward and keeps me intrigued on what would happen next.
Sometimes the perspective would switch and I'd whine, "No, but I wanted to find out what happened to Rosa." But soon enough, I'd be entranced with Joseph's side of the line.
So what's going on in The Wanted?
Rosa is a prisoner of the Superiors and faces interrogations in multiple forms. They want information about her friends, the Survivors, and Joseph. She has to stay strong and defiant and not let them break her.
I had no idea how Rosa was going to get out of that captivity. I was thinking that maybe Joseph could smash his way in to save her, but then that'd be really cliched and predictable. The story went nowhere in that direction. It was filled with plot twists that boggled my mind and kept me chasing down the rest of the story to find out what would happen.
In the beginning of the series, I wasn't able to identify strongly with Rosa (even though I liked her a lot as a character), but in The Wanted, I cheered for her the whole way. I think it's partly because she has matured over the past few books, especially after the death of Apella, a girl who ultimately proved Rosa's judgmental views wrong with her sacrifice. And while Rosa does "size up" people when observing them, she's a lot less judgmental than before because she tries to see things from their side of the fence.
Joseph was forced to leave her and escape. He struggles with feelings of guilt over the violence he used in order to flee. In the meantime, he is helping with the Survivors' rebellion against the iron grip of the Superiors. With many readers, there was an issue of Joseph being too perfect. To me, he just came across as an optimistic sort of guy who knows what he wants. In this book, however, his optimism and values go under trials of loneliness, grief, guilt, and uncertainty. It was good to explore some inner turmoil and weakness within him because his negative reaction to certain actions shows us where his values are as a person. Even if he is an overall hero, he can still be prone to moments of weakness.
Like with Rosa, some of the people in the Survivors have mellowed out a bit after their initial hostility towards each other, such as Deshi. I've gotten really fond of him and Rash as minor characters. I was even hoping for Deshi to hook up with another guy that comes into the picture in this novel, but *ahem* that did not happen, probably for the best.
I'm going to miss Rosa, Deshi, Rash, and Joseph. They had a wonderfully cranky but loving dynamic. When I saw the novella The Willful, I was actually hoping that this series had been extended into a quintet. Overall, I enjoyed this wonderful ending to The Woodlands series. The main loop is concluded, but as with life, there is a lot of uncertainty in the details in the aftermath. Will Deshi and Hessa become close again? Will Rosa and Joseph move past this moment of disloyalty? Will they all be a family in five years, after things have settled down somewhat? I think so.
Glamorous Book Lounge
November 10, 2014
3.5-4.0, so I’m rounding up. Be prepared…. This was a very hard book to read, not because the writing or editing was horrible, but because we had to see Joseph rapidly spiral into the complete opposite of the guy we had come to know and love.
Plot:
At the end of The Wounded, Joseph had to leave Rosa, who had been captured by Superior Grant. The Wanted picks up there. The two of them are still separated, and Joseph is tormented by the guilt of not only leaving Rosa there, but also murdering the guards who stabbed her. In the meantime, Superior Grant tortures Rosa to find out the location of Joseph and the others. While with the Grants, Rosa finds out the Superior’s ultimate plans, and she learns that there is a spy living among her friends.
Characters:
Rosa still is often temperamental and does things that aren’t really in her best interest, but she was very strong and admirable in this book. In fact, it was almost as if she and Joseph switched places. She understood why he left her and searched for a way to get back to him, while he became totally irrational and almost jeopardized their relationship. I wanted to scream at him a good portion of the book.
In the past, Rash has been the comic relief, but in this one, he was actually a little bitter. Amazingly, even though he and Joseph remain very jealous of each other, Rash kind of became a voice of reason, giving Joseph a well-deserved kick in the pants when he needed one.
A lot of the other characters – Matt, Deshi, and the other Survivors are back. We get to learn a little bit about what’s going on with Careen, Pietre, Alexi and the boys. However, I think they highlight of The Wanted was meeting Superior Grant’s family and learning just how crazy and demented he was.
Writing:
Like the other books, there are grammatical errors sprinkled throughout, but there is nothing too bothersome. Taylor uses a lot of imagery, and because I’m very visual, I often got stuck trying to picture what she had written about. There is some language in this book, and there are adult situations, but nothing too graphic.
The Bottom Line:
It had been a while since I read the Wounded, so I was kind of lost at the beginning because I had forgotten a bunch of the stuff that happened. Since I had forgotten how the last one ended, I couldn’t remember how captivating the story had been, and I almost dreaded reading it. Fortunately, The Wanted was very gripping. I did expect a lot of action, but the book was more of a psychological thriller. Regardless, it was a fitting end to the series.
Plot:
At the end of The Wounded, Joseph had to leave Rosa, who had been captured by Superior Grant. The Wanted picks up there. The two of them are still separated, and Joseph is tormented by the guilt of not only leaving Rosa there, but also murdering the guards who stabbed her. In the meantime, Superior Grant tortures Rosa to find out the location of Joseph and the others. While with the Grants, Rosa finds out the Superior’s ultimate plans, and she learns that there is a spy living among her friends.
Characters:
Rosa still is often temperamental and does things that aren’t really in her best interest, but she was very strong and admirable in this book. In fact, it was almost as if she and Joseph switched places. She understood why he left her and searched for a way to get back to him, while he became totally irrational and almost jeopardized their relationship. I wanted to scream at him a good portion of the book.
In the past, Rash has been the comic relief, but in this one, he was actually a little bitter. Amazingly, even though he and Joseph remain very jealous of each other, Rash kind of became a voice of reason, giving Joseph a well-deserved kick in the pants when he needed one.
A lot of the other characters – Matt, Deshi, and the other Survivors are back. We get to learn a little bit about what’s going on with Careen, Pietre, Alexi and the boys. However, I think they highlight of The Wanted was meeting Superior Grant’s family and learning just how crazy and demented he was.
Writing:
Like the other books, there are grammatical errors sprinkled throughout, but there is nothing too bothersome. Taylor uses a lot of imagery, and because I’m very visual, I often got stuck trying to picture what she had written about. There is some language in this book, and there are adult situations, but nothing too graphic.
The Bottom Line:
It had been a while since I read the Wounded, so I was kind of lost at the beginning because I had forgotten a bunch of the stuff that happened. Since I had forgotten how the last one ended, I couldn’t remember how captivating the story had been, and I almost dreaded reading it. Fortunately, The Wanted was very gripping. I did expect a lot of action, but the book was more of a psychological thriller. Regardless, it was a fitting end to the series.
March 27, 2015
Sigh! The last book. The End. I"m happy with the end and satisfied but I don't think I am able to let go all the characters. I love them all and it has been tough journey with losses, the obstacles, the pain, the tears shed, the relief, the hurt, all the emotions, it is bitter sweet. It was a roller coaster.
It's been Awesome to get to know Rosa and growing with her throughout the series. She is stronger and brave and everyone; all the survivors too, but she was selfish too, which make her more realistic, to save the loved ones. She is just awesome!
I'll miss all of the survivor family, love them all. Orry, Hessa, Rosa May, they have also been through the hard days too, but were protected by all the family. They are the lifeline and motivation for the better future and for all the people that endured through greed and selfishness of the superiors.
Hope to see them in future. The end of an amazing series, which I'm trying to hold on.
------------------------------------------------
My Inline Comments
“Yours doesn’t, you blond jerk.” I was no longer beautiful blond man.
I think I mentioned this; or not but Rash is awesome!!!
His eyes found me. He put his hand up, stop, and yelled, “Call me Naf!” Then he grinned and turned away. He pushed the button twice for instant detonation, and the air around him flashed white.
I have to stop reading for few minutes and control my emotions.
There have been losses through the journey, it is heart breaking. It feels so real, getting to know them and losing them, even nearly losing Joseph and Rosa.
The only way to describe the color was ‘blah’, as if they had mixed every dull color together to create one super-dull one.
I love the way she thinks. Lol! 'Blah'
It's been Awesome to get to know Rosa and growing with her throughout the series. She is stronger and brave and everyone; all the survivors too, but she was selfish too, which make her more realistic, to save the loved ones. She is just awesome!
I'll miss all of the survivor family, love them all. Orry, Hessa, Rosa May, they have also been through the hard days too, but were protected by all the family. They are the lifeline and motivation for the better future and for all the people that endured through greed and selfishness of the superiors.
Hope to see them in future. The end of an amazing series, which I'm trying to hold on.
------------------------------------------------
My Inline Comments
“Yours doesn’t, you blond jerk.” I was no longer beautiful blond man.
I think I mentioned this; or not but Rash is awesome!!!
His eyes found me. He put his hand up, stop, and yelled, “Call me Naf!” Then he grinned and turned away. He pushed the button twice for instant detonation, and the air around him flashed white.
I have to stop reading for few minutes and control my emotions.
There have been losses through the journey, it is heart breaking. It feels so real, getting to know them and losing them, even nearly losing Joseph and Rosa.
The only way to describe the color was ‘blah’, as if they had mixed every dull color together to create one super-dull one.
I love the way she thinks. Lol! 'Blah'
September 11, 2014
(ARC)
The line at the top of the 'review' box says "what did you think?" I wish it were as simple to answer as that question is!
My answer is that I am sad to have come to the end of what is, quite simply a stunning series.
Lauren's ability to keep the story strong throughout four books (each with their own amazing adventure), with characters who feel like my friends, and imagery akin to the greats of the writing world has blown me away.
In The Wanted we get to see how perfectly imperfect Joseph really is from his point of view, which added even more depth to the final installment.
Lines like "I was a patchwork of wounds and scars. He was the glue that held me together. And now he was gone." And "If I do find you, Rosa, I'm not sure if you'll be able to find me." Broke my heart.
The Wanted had me crying, smiling goofy smiles, shaking my head at choices made by characters, cherishing my children, my heart racing so incredibly fast at times (at one stage I swear I was running right along side Rosa), I was outraged yet strangely intrigued to have a little insight into evil of the Woodlands world and felt a yearning for more at the end yet I closed my ipad with a smile.
If you've read the first three books, I'm pretty sure you will be chomping at the bit to get the answers to all the big questions, and if you haven't well, then....get reading. I'm off to start back at the Woodlands and read all four again while I await for what I'm hoping will be a Novella or two to come (PLEASE!!) ;-)
The line at the top of the 'review' box says "what did you think?" I wish it were as simple to answer as that question is!
My answer is that I am sad to have come to the end of what is, quite simply a stunning series.
Lauren's ability to keep the story strong throughout four books (each with their own amazing adventure), with characters who feel like my friends, and imagery akin to the greats of the writing world has blown me away.
In The Wanted we get to see how perfectly imperfect Joseph really is from his point of view, which added even more depth to the final installment.
Lines like "I was a patchwork of wounds and scars. He was the glue that held me together. And now he was gone." And "If I do find you, Rosa, I'm not sure if you'll be able to find me." Broke my heart.
The Wanted had me crying, smiling goofy smiles, shaking my head at choices made by characters, cherishing my children, my heart racing so incredibly fast at times (at one stage I swear I was running right along side Rosa), I was outraged yet strangely intrigued to have a little insight into evil of the Woodlands world and felt a yearning for more at the end yet I closed my ipad with a smile.
If you've read the first three books, I'm pretty sure you will be chomping at the bit to get the answers to all the big questions, and if you haven't well, then....get reading. I'm off to start back at the Woodlands and read all four again while I await for what I'm hoping will be a Novella or two to come (PLEASE!!) ;-)
July 17, 2018
UGHHH I despise finishing series'. They always ruin me.
I'll always miss the little Sulle family with Joseph, Rosa and Orry. We can't forget Deshi and Hessa either. As well as Rash, Matthew, Gwen, Pelo- damnit I just love them all and I shall miss them dearly.
(apart from Elise - she can go crawl into a hole and live there the rest of her short lonely life. Actually she'll be fine! She'll have the wondrous company of Grant and Judith. They will make one lovely evil family.)
Back to the review...
This series always shocks me no matter the amount of times I've read it and that's when you know a book is special and has been well-constructed (character-wise, world-wise, everything..). Thank you Lauren Nicolle Taylor for creating a series that I will cherish and most likely come back to a minimum of every 2 years ;)
I'll miss you Rosa and gang!
I'll always miss the little Sulle family with Joseph, Rosa and Orry. We can't forget Deshi and Hessa either. As well as Rash, Matthew, Gwen, Pelo- damnit I just love them all and I shall miss them dearly.
Back to the review...
This series always shocks me no matter the amount of times I've read it and that's when you know a book is special and has been well-constructed (character-wise, world-wise, everything..). Thank you Lauren Nicolle Taylor for creating a series that I will cherish and most likely come back to a minimum of every 2 years ;)
I'll miss you Rosa and gang!
August 24, 2014
This was a book that I didn't want to finish, it was going to signify the end of a journey that I have loved following. Joseph and Rosa feel like old friends to me now, from start to finish they have grown so much and it has been easy to come to love them.
Lauren writes with such detail that you even come to understand and know the minor characters, her way of writing is so easy to read.
The Woodlands has been one of those series that has been built on with each book and you find yourself thinking that there's no possible way that the next book could be any better. But they have been, The Wanted was the perfect end to a journey, not ended with a pretty satin bow tie but ended in a realistic, honest way.
I'm sad that the series has ended but I cannot wait for whatever comes next for Lauren Nicolle Taylor!
Lauren writes with such detail that you even come to understand and know the minor characters, her way of writing is so easy to read.
The Woodlands has been one of those series that has been built on with each book and you find yourself thinking that there's no possible way that the next book could be any better. But they have been, The Wanted was the perfect end to a journey, not ended with a pretty satin bow tie but ended in a realistic, honest way.
I'm sad that the series has ended but I cannot wait for whatever comes next for Lauren Nicolle Taylor!
September 19, 2014
Somehow Lauren Taylor gets even better with every book, every paragraph, every word that she writes. I have completely fallen in love with this series and I don't even know how to put my review into words. These books are the most amazing books I've ever read and I loved The Wanted the best. Throughout the story, Rosa and Joseph are seperated from each other and you see how that affects their lives.
Joseph starts to turn to other things in Rosa's absence to try to deal with his grief. I loved that part of the story because by having Rosa and Joseph seperate from each other and showing Joseph in that state, we saw him as more of a normal human instead of how Rosa saw him when she compared him to herself.
I'm sad to see this series end but at the same time, I think it was a perfect ending and I couldn't ask for anything more.
Joseph starts to turn to other things in Rosa's absence to try to deal with his grief. I loved that part of the story because by having Rosa and Joseph seperate from each other and showing Joseph in that state, we saw him as more of a normal human instead of how Rosa saw him when she compared him to herself.
I'm sad to see this series end but at the same time, I think it was a perfect ending and I couldn't ask for anything more.
August 31, 2014
I received an arc for an honest review. I can truly say that I was hooked from the very first time I read the Woodlands. I couldn't wait to see how the story would finally end & I couldn't have been happier with the final book. Great job Lauren Nicolle Taylor- you wrapped it up so nicely and left room in case you ever wanted to come back later for any spin off stories? LOL!!! Can't wait for what you come up with next!!!!!!!!!!!!!
November 4, 2014
I'm pretty sure I held my breath till chapter 52. And I sobbed many times..good sobs. I'm really going to miss the characters I've become so very attached to. Rosa tops my list of favorite female protagonists. I will miss her most. I wish it could have gone on longer and I hope I will see them all in the future, happy, healthy and loved.
October 31, 2014
It is perfect. Rarely do I complete series that I feel each book kept my attention the way the Woodland books did. This book was the long awaited closure to a journey. Laurens ability to write both physical and emotional landscapes is amazing. She delivers a perfect conclusion to the Woodland series, well done Lauren.
November 3, 2014
The woodland series is one of the best series I have ever read. The wanted is so emotional and had the perfect ending. It really torn me and couldn't help but cry. Rosa and Joseph go through a lot. I couldn't imagine and hope in the real world we never have endure what they did. I seriously didn't want the story to end.
November 8, 2015
After reading the entire series, the last book had so much promise! The storyline was strong, but then floundered. The entire last half of the book was dull and repetitive. Ok, I get it Joseph and Rosa are soooo in love but do not feel worthy of one another. I ended up skimming over the banal, insipid internal dialogue until there was actually some action.
November 14, 2014
what a great series this was, am sad it's over, but think there's still room for one more (without giving any spoilers)
November 19, 2014
Excellent book, amazing series. I didn't want it to end but it was a fantastic finale.
February 9, 2016
It took me a bit to warm up to this series but by book 3 I was hooked. Loved this last book and the ending was utterly perfect!
March 4, 2015
I paid for a book I already owned because my Kindle is an asshole. I. Regret. Nothing.
Summary:
Everything is falling apart.
After a failed mission, Joseph and Deshi are forced to leave Rosa behind in the healing machine. With them, they carry the haunting questions, What have we done? Will she survive? Will we ever see each other again?
Rosa is determined to answer at least one. Waking up in the machine, she realizes that she has come back from the dead … and she's about to face a whole new nightmare. After all, wheelchair-bound Superior Grant isn't about to let her forget that he has the power to kill her. And it will take everything in her to stay alive long enough to prove that he can't break her.
Without Rosa at his side, Joseph is falling apart. Between trying to stay strong for Orry and not knowing how to live with what he had to do to survive, he is no longer the same man that Rosa fell in love with. He's just as broken. Just as frail. And somehow he has to find his own way to keep going.
And when everything falls apart, they have to ask themselves if what they want is worth it to keep going?
Initial Thoughts:
I went into this as emotionally prepared as possible. I still almost ended up as pummeled as before. Were this not the actual ending to the book, I might have been. And in some ways, it was worse.
Characters:
Rosa, Rosa, Rosa… From the first book, we are introduced to this impulsive, defiant, strong young woman. She is angry but hopeful in the beginning. Though she doesn't fit in the perfect world the Superiors have created, she has some hope that she might one day form a niche. A hope that is ripped away at the Classes and forms a whole new Rosa. A Rosa that has gone past angry and straight to enraged. No longer hopeful, Rosa of The Woodlands becomes desperate as everything begins to change her … and threatens to break her.
In The Wall Rosa is just as desperate. For Joseph. For Orry. For herself. For her new, and old, family. She is not only desperate, but determined. As she grows into her roles as partner and mother, she has to revisit an old role that never seemed to fit right: daughter.
A role that feels even more ill-fitting in The Wounded. With the sadness looming overhead, it isn't enough that her family has survived if they are no longer able to live. As the horrors of their lives erupt in one single blow, Rosa is far from backing down. This is a mother ready to fight. For every life.
When it comes to her own life, however, she has to learn the meaning of the phrase "bide your time." Entrapped in the world of The Wanted, Rosa embodies exactly what it means to love another. To protect them, no matter the cost. And to survive every ounce of torment forced unto her so that she could see her son again.
As a person, Rosa does this wonderful thing where she grows and matures … without losing any of the qualities that make her the Rosa we fell in love with in the beginning. Still strong, impulsive, and defiant, she now adds forgiving, clever, and courageous to her list of attributes. A very convincing heroine.
Joseph has managed a few leaps and bounds, but this book sent him down the rabbit hole. To a place I was ashamed to find him, sometimes. Without Rosa by his side, he just sort-of disintegrated as an individual. The guilt of his necessary actions ate away at him. From the violence needed to save his life to the guilt of leaving Rosa behind, both actions drove him into a despair so deep that all he wanted was to forget. And he almost didn't remember in time.
I'll be honest, I was highly disappointed in Joseph. But he needed this. He was too perfect by far in the first three books, and his downward spiral made him more human than anything else could. Though I didn't like him for pretty much any part of The Wanted, I at least understood him. And that's enough.
Deshi is honestly the character I think I related to the most in the terms of doing what is necessary. (Spoiler alert for everyone who hasn't read the books yet…) When he admitted to not regretting killing Superior Este, I knew I had found a kindred spirit. Where Joseph suffers from his guilt and Rosa can't bring herself to do it, Deshi identified Este as a severe threat to his family and he took her out. As he should. No need to feel guilty over defending the lives of yourself and those you love. This boy right here knows what it means to survive and keep his family safe.
Rash is an awesome answer to those who think men and women cannot be friends without wanting to be romantically involved. As he tells Joseph: he loves Rosa, but he's not in love with her. I wouldn't say it affects him more than anyone that Rosa isn't there, but he's the most open with his animosity. Which I loved. There are no filters when it comes to Rash. Happy, sad, or angry, he will show it. And you will know it.
Elise is the role-reversal of that jerk that keeps hitting on you after you already friendzoned his ass. Not even kidding. Despite Joseph wanting to be alone … she shows up. Joseph is clearly in love with someone else and tells her so. Her response? "Just fun. Nothing serious." Excuse me? Bitch say what? He says "just friends" and she takes that as "not right now". People, if a man had done this to a woman, she'd be calling harassment on him so fast, there would be a crowd of feminists with pitchforks and torches lighting up his ass before he had time to blink. But because she's a woman and he's polite enough not to completely tell her off, she gets away with this? No. Hell no. OH HELL FUCKING NO!!
Her role, for me, actually serves a purpose. She reminds me that there are actual women who do get away with this kind of shit. These types of women are the reason, when a guy cheats, his girl will typically go after the other woman, instead of blaming him. (Which Rosa doesn't exactly do, since she knows Joseph is responsible for his own actions.) The point I'm making is: feminism is about gender equality. If it's not okay for a man to constantly keep coming onto a woman who has clearly shut him down, it sure as hell is not okay for a woman to do the same damn thing.
Plot & Setting:
With Rosa being left behind, we all know where this plot is going. The poor girl is going to be tortured. Which means that the torment she suffers is just as horrific for the reader as it is for Rosa. There's no escaping it. Only enduring through it.
Consistent with its predecessors, this book is character-based. It's all about the feels and the triumph, here. (Though why that opening when none of those characters were relevant sort of bugs me now…)
Writing Style:
I'm just going to paste my Amazon review here for you. Just so you get the proper idea of how I feel about Lauren's writing.
Lauren Nicolle Taylor does not know the meaning of moderation. She hits hard, fast, and earnestly. Opening one of her books is akin to waiting on an active volcano to erupt. Because there will be an eruption. There is no doubt. It is only the 'when' that has you worried as you proceed with caution into The Woodlands Series. You will not emerge the same. Ashes will cover you from head to toe. Tear stains will create black streaks down your face. And you will hold your arms tight across your chest as you try to protect yourself from feeling more, and to keep yourself from exposing just how much you have already felt.
The Wanted is the final book in the series, and I loved and hated it for that fact. Much like its predecessors, it will make you FEEL. Anger, pain, heartache, loss… There is no escaping it. These books are all emotional, but this one is even more so for being the end to a truly fantastic story.
Will it appeal to everyone? No. Is it for meant for mature young adults, rather than those just entering their teen years? Yes. Does that mean it should be avoided by anyone? Not at all.
This is a remarkable experience, reading the entire series. I just hope more people will continue to enjoy Rosa's journey.
Overall Opinion:
This series will devastate you. And it will be worth every heartbreaking minute.
Summary:
Everything is falling apart.
After a failed mission, Joseph and Deshi are forced to leave Rosa behind in the healing machine. With them, they carry the haunting questions, What have we done? Will she survive? Will we ever see each other again?
Rosa is determined to answer at least one. Waking up in the machine, she realizes that she has come back from the dead … and she's about to face a whole new nightmare. After all, wheelchair-bound Superior Grant isn't about to let her forget that he has the power to kill her. And it will take everything in her to stay alive long enough to prove that he can't break her.
Without Rosa at his side, Joseph is falling apart. Between trying to stay strong for Orry and not knowing how to live with what he had to do to survive, he is no longer the same man that Rosa fell in love with. He's just as broken. Just as frail. And somehow he has to find his own way to keep going.
And when everything falls apart, they have to ask themselves if what they want is worth it to keep going?
Initial Thoughts:
I went into this as emotionally prepared as possible. I still almost ended up as pummeled as before. Were this not the actual ending to the book, I might have been. And in some ways, it was worse.
Characters:
Rosa, Rosa, Rosa… From the first book, we are introduced to this impulsive, defiant, strong young woman. She is angry but hopeful in the beginning. Though she doesn't fit in the perfect world the Superiors have created, she has some hope that she might one day form a niche. A hope that is ripped away at the Classes and forms a whole new Rosa. A Rosa that has gone past angry and straight to enraged. No longer hopeful, Rosa of The Woodlands becomes desperate as everything begins to change her … and threatens to break her.
In The Wall Rosa is just as desperate. For Joseph. For Orry. For herself. For her new, and old, family. She is not only desperate, but determined. As she grows into her roles as partner and mother, she has to revisit an old role that never seemed to fit right: daughter.
A role that feels even more ill-fitting in The Wounded. With the sadness looming overhead, it isn't enough that her family has survived if they are no longer able to live. As the horrors of their lives erupt in one single blow, Rosa is far from backing down. This is a mother ready to fight. For every life.
When it comes to her own life, however, she has to learn the meaning of the phrase "bide your time." Entrapped in the world of The Wanted, Rosa embodies exactly what it means to love another. To protect them, no matter the cost. And to survive every ounce of torment forced unto her so that she could see her son again.
As a person, Rosa does this wonderful thing where she grows and matures … without losing any of the qualities that make her the Rosa we fell in love with in the beginning. Still strong, impulsive, and defiant, she now adds forgiving, clever, and courageous to her list of attributes. A very convincing heroine.
Joseph has managed a few leaps and bounds, but this book sent him down the rabbit hole. To a place I was ashamed to find him, sometimes. Without Rosa by his side, he just sort-of disintegrated as an individual. The guilt of his necessary actions ate away at him. From the violence needed to save his life to the guilt of leaving Rosa behind, both actions drove him into a despair so deep that all he wanted was to forget. And he almost didn't remember in time.
I'll be honest, I was highly disappointed in Joseph. But he needed this. He was too perfect by far in the first three books, and his downward spiral made him more human than anything else could. Though I didn't like him for pretty much any part of The Wanted, I at least understood him. And that's enough.
Deshi is honestly the character I think I related to the most in the terms of doing what is necessary. (Spoiler alert for everyone who hasn't read the books yet…) When he admitted to not regretting killing Superior Este, I knew I had found a kindred spirit. Where Joseph suffers from his guilt and Rosa can't bring herself to do it, Deshi identified Este as a severe threat to his family and he took her out. As he should. No need to feel guilty over defending the lives of yourself and those you love. This boy right here knows what it means to survive and keep his family safe.
Rash is an awesome answer to those who think men and women cannot be friends without wanting to be romantically involved. As he tells Joseph: he loves Rosa, but he's not in love with her. I wouldn't say it affects him more than anyone that Rosa isn't there, but he's the most open with his animosity. Which I loved. There are no filters when it comes to Rash. Happy, sad, or angry, he will show it. And you will know it.
Elise is the role-reversal of that jerk that keeps hitting on you after you already friendzoned his ass. Not even kidding. Despite Joseph wanting to be alone … she shows up. Joseph is clearly in love with someone else and tells her so. Her response? "Just fun. Nothing serious." Excuse me? Bitch say what? He says "just friends" and she takes that as "not right now". People, if a man had done this to a woman, she'd be calling harassment on him so fast, there would be a crowd of feminists with pitchforks and torches lighting up his ass before he had time to blink. But because she's a woman and he's polite enough not to completely tell her off, she gets away with this? No. Hell no. OH HELL FUCKING NO!!
Her role, for me, actually serves a purpose. She reminds me that there are actual women who do get away with this kind of shit. These types of women are the reason, when a guy cheats, his girl will typically go after the other woman, instead of blaming him. (Which Rosa doesn't exactly do, since she knows Joseph is responsible for his own actions.) The point I'm making is: feminism is about gender equality. If it's not okay for a man to constantly keep coming onto a woman who has clearly shut him down, it sure as hell is not okay for a woman to do the same damn thing.
Plot & Setting:
With Rosa being left behind, we all know where this plot is going. The poor girl is going to be tortured. Which means that the torment she suffers is just as horrific for the reader as it is for Rosa. There's no escaping it. Only enduring through it.
Consistent with its predecessors, this book is character-based. It's all about the feels and the triumph, here. (Though why that opening when none of those characters were relevant sort of bugs me now…)
Writing Style:
I'm just going to paste my Amazon review here for you. Just so you get the proper idea of how I feel about Lauren's writing.
Lauren Nicolle Taylor does not know the meaning of moderation. She hits hard, fast, and earnestly. Opening one of her books is akin to waiting on an active volcano to erupt. Because there will be an eruption. There is no doubt. It is only the 'when' that has you worried as you proceed with caution into The Woodlands Series. You will not emerge the same. Ashes will cover you from head to toe. Tear stains will create black streaks down your face. And you will hold your arms tight across your chest as you try to protect yourself from feeling more, and to keep yourself from exposing just how much you have already felt.
The Wanted is the final book in the series, and I loved and hated it for that fact. Much like its predecessors, it will make you FEEL. Anger, pain, heartache, loss… There is no escaping it. These books are all emotional, but this one is even more so for being the end to a truly fantastic story.
Will it appeal to everyone? No. Is it for meant for mature young adults, rather than those just entering their teen years? Yes. Does that mean it should be avoided by anyone? Not at all.
This is a remarkable experience, reading the entire series. I just hope more people will continue to enjoy Rosa's journey.
Overall Opinion:
This series will devastate you. And it will be worth every heartbreaking minute.
October 15, 2017
I honestly don't even know where to start. This series blindsided me. The first book has just been hanging out on my Nook for ...well, I don't know how long I've had it. But it's just been hanging out, waiting to be read and I'm so glad that I finally got around to reading it. I really didn't expect the ride I just went on. I like going into a book blind; I don't read blurbs or the covers. I don't want to know anything about what may or may not happen. Because of this, this series was quite a ride.
But this review should be about this last book, not the whole series. I did find a few continuity errors- time of day and clothing- or lack thereof... Those kind of errors bother me because it messes with the movie that's happening in my head.
But overall, I loved this book as much as I loved the others. The emotions. The edge of my seat drama. It was a great ride and I really really hate that it has ended but I understand why it had to. And like I said in another review of one of the other books, I really do hope to see this eventually be made into a movie. I'd LOVE to see it.
But this review should be about this last book, not the whole series. I did find a few continuity errors- time of day and clothing- or lack thereof... Those kind of errors bother me because it messes with the movie that's happening in my head.
But overall, I loved this book as much as I loved the others. The emotions. The edge of my seat drama. It was a great ride and I really really hate that it has ended but I understand why it had to. And like I said in another review of one of the other books, I really do hope to see this eventually be made into a movie. I'd LOVE to see it.
January 24, 2019
What an absolutely wonderful series finale. I LOVED this ending! God, I shipped Rosa and Joseph so freaking hard. And since I wasn't really sure about the two of them in the first one, that was surprising. Maybe it's Lauren Nicolle Taylor's writing. It is just so beautiful. In this one, Rosa and Joseph have been torn apart. Rosa is being held at the compound with Superior Grant and Joseph was forced to leave her so he could work with the Survivors and follow through with their plan to try and take down the rulers of The Woodlands. There was so much action in this one and so much suspense. I was just waiting with anticipation for Rosa and Joseph to reunite and it was completely worth it. The ending was awesome. Great finale. I will miss these characters!
February 9, 2021
Mind blowing Series
This review is an overall review of the entire series. The series is mind numbing with all horror created by the Superiors. I think the cliche emotional roller coaster is over used, but definitely applies here. The tragedy and torture that this culture is pushed through is mind blowing. The strength & perseverance that the survivors have is beyond heroic.
This review is an overall review of the entire series. The series is mind numbing with all horror created by the Superiors. I think the cliche emotional roller coaster is over used, but definitely applies here. The tragedy and torture that this culture is pushed through is mind blowing. The strength & perseverance that the survivors have is beyond heroic.
July 5, 2025
lauren ilysm. i love this series sm it will always be my fav ever read it first in covid and had to come back it was even better than i remembered. like dare i say this beats even hunger games divergent etc why didnt this blow up i neeeeed a movie of it omg
August 18, 2017
Loved the Woodland Series. It was exciting, adventurous and plenty of great characters. Read all four in a row, could not put them down.
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