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Slip #2
Grip
In a tumultuous world of population control, one illegal child has slipped through the cracks. Now, as a teenager, Benson Kelly has escaped certain death at the hands of the Department of Population Control, only to find himself the symbol of a rebellion, something he never intended.
While trying to survive one day at a time, Benson seeks to unravel the tangled knot of secrets left behind when his father died, the key to which has something to do with his mother, Janice Kelly, recently escaped from the insane asylum.
As the rebel group known as the Lifers continue to use brute force to send a message to the government, Benson's twin, Harrison Kelly, seeks to exploit a loophole that could be the key to freedom for his brother. All that's required is a simple act of murder.
Meanwhile, Population Control's attack dog, a sadistic cyborg known as The Destroyer, closes in on Benson and his family. His directive: Kill them all.
Faith, family and love will be pushed to the limits in the GRIPping sequel to Slip.
While trying to survive one day at a time, Benson seeks to unravel the tangled knot of secrets left behind when his father died, the key to which has something to do with his mother, Janice Kelly, recently escaped from the insane asylum.
As the rebel group known as the Lifers continue to use brute force to send a message to the government, Benson's twin, Harrison Kelly, seeks to exploit a loophole that could be the key to freedom for his brother. All that's required is a simple act of murder.
Meanwhile, Population Control's attack dog, a sadistic cyborg known as The Destroyer, closes in on Benson and his family. His directive: Kill them all.
Faith, family and love will be pushed to the limits in the GRIPping sequel to Slip.
400 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2014
78 people are currently reading
335 people want to read
About the author
David Estes
81 books2,677 followersGet a FREE short story from David Estes' #1 Amazon bestselling epic fantasy series, Fatemarked, when you sign up for his mailing list: https://www.subscribepage.com/b2v6v3
David Estes has written more than 50 science fiction and fantasy books. He loves chatting with his readers, all of whom he considers to be his friends. David lives in Hawaii with his Aussie wife, Adele, his moody cats, Bailey, Luna, and Ruby, and his rambunctious sons, Beau and Brody.
Join 3,000+ David Estes Fans and YA Book Lovers Unite in David Estes' official fan group at:
http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/7...
Books by David Estes:
-The Fatemarked Epic- For fans of A Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings, and The Way of Kings! Four kingdoms. A century-old war. One ancient prophecy that could change everything.
-The Kingfall Histories- a follow up series to the #1 Amazon bestselling series, The Fatemarked Epic
-The Forsworn Oath- the third series in the Fatemarked/Kingfall world
-Strings- “A wonderful retelling of the Pinocchio story…I simply couldn’t put this book down.”—Rysa Walker, bestselling author of TIMEBOUND
-The Dwellers Saga and the Country Saga. Voted books to read if you enjoyed the Hunger Games on Buzzfeed and Listopia.
-Salem's Revenge trilogy- the witch apocalypse begins!
-Slip Trilogy- "Someone must die before another can be born..."
-The Adventures of Nikki Powergloves- Kid superheroes? 'Nuff said.
David Estes has written more than 50 science fiction and fantasy books. He loves chatting with his readers, all of whom he considers to be his friends. David lives in Hawaii with his Aussie wife, Adele, his moody cats, Bailey, Luna, and Ruby, and his rambunctious sons, Beau and Brody.
Join 3,000+ David Estes Fans and YA Book Lovers Unite in David Estes' official fan group at:
http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/7...
Books by David Estes:
-The Fatemarked Epic- For fans of A Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings, and The Way of Kings! Four kingdoms. A century-old war. One ancient prophecy that could change everything.
-The Kingfall Histories- a follow up series to the #1 Amazon bestselling series, The Fatemarked Epic
-The Forsworn Oath- the third series in the Fatemarked/Kingfall world
-Strings- “A wonderful retelling of the Pinocchio story…I simply couldn’t put this book down.”—Rysa Walker, bestselling author of TIMEBOUND
-The Dwellers Saga and the Country Saga. Voted books to read if you enjoyed the Hunger Games on Buzzfeed and Listopia.
-Salem's Revenge trilogy- the witch apocalypse begins!
-Slip Trilogy- "Someone must die before another can be born..."
-The Adventures of Nikki Powergloves- Kid superheroes? 'Nuff said.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
September 12, 2017
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. Thank you to the author, David Estes, and the publisher, Createspace, for this opportunity.
This is the first instalment in a science fiction trilogy, set in the dystopian, fictional future of our own world. Rising sea levels and diminished resources means the human species is under threat of extinction. The only way to save the entire human race is to sacrifice a few. The ruthless government organisation, known as Pop Con, have theorised that for our species to continue to thrive our numbers must be capped. For one to be born, another must die. Any born outside of this algorithm are labelled as illegal 'Slips', and all these slips must be neutralised.
This book is proof that you shouldn't give up on a series! From 2 stars given to the first book, to 4 stars given to this one! I had no reason to continue with this series after largely writing off the first book, but I liked the concept and, as the books were fast reads, I thought I would continue on and give this book a try.
The factor I disliked in the first book was the lack of any forward momentum of the plot. Here, however, intrigue worked alongside the action, that heavily dominated the previous instalment, to make this book as thought-provoking as it was thrilling.
It is heartening to see a trilogy that deserves to be one. This book did not fall into the trap of the 'middle book syndrome', and provided enough to satiate my hunger for both plot progression and character development, without loosing the feel of the series other readers loved from the first book.
This is the first instalment in a science fiction trilogy, set in the dystopian, fictional future of our own world. Rising sea levels and diminished resources means the human species is under threat of extinction. The only way to save the entire human race is to sacrifice a few. The ruthless government organisation, known as Pop Con, have theorised that for our species to continue to thrive our numbers must be capped. For one to be born, another must die. Any born outside of this algorithm are labelled as illegal 'Slips', and all these slips must be neutralised.
This book is proof that you shouldn't give up on a series! From 2 stars given to the first book, to 4 stars given to this one! I had no reason to continue with this series after largely writing off the first book, but I liked the concept and, as the books were fast reads, I thought I would continue on and give this book a try.
The factor I disliked in the first book was the lack of any forward momentum of the plot. Here, however, intrigue worked alongside the action, that heavily dominated the previous instalment, to make this book as thought-provoking as it was thrilling.
It is heartening to see a trilogy that deserves to be one. This book did not fall into the trap of the 'middle book syndrome', and provided enough to satiate my hunger for both plot progression and character development, without loosing the feel of the series other readers loved from the first book.
March 6, 2016
A great middle book to the Slip trilogy. This book advances the group and story back into St. Louis as they take on the Hunters, Destroyer and Corrigan Mars. I can't wait to find out what happens in the conclusion. Also a few revelations are revealed in the second book that explains why things happened in book one.
Read
February 7, 2015The sequel to SLIP is now AVAILABLE!! I don't want to spoil anything for those who haven't read the first book yet, but I'd venture to say the sequel has even more action and shocking moments than SLIP. I appreciate all your support and I hope you enjoy the read!
Get GRIP for Kindle HERE: http://www.amazon.com/Grip-Slip-Trilo...
Get GRIP in Amazon Paperback HERE: http://www.amazon.com/Grip-The-Slip-T...
Get GRIP for Kindle HERE: http://www.amazon.com/Grip-Slip-Trilo...
Get GRIP in Amazon Paperback HERE: http://www.amazon.com/Grip-The-Slip-T...
August 18, 2016
Holy Guacamole Batman!
Grip is the gripping (pardon the pun) sequel to Slip, my former favorite book by David Estes. Grip has now taken that honor! This book just STUNNED me! Sequels in general have a top job living up to their predecessors, but Grip achieved this with flying colors!
**I should mention at this point that there will be spoilers for Slip in this review, but none for Grip.**
I was so looking forward to this book! I actually read Slip for the first time as an ARC last June, so I couldn't wait to see Benson and Harrison together in action! What I love so much about this book is it didn't play out like I thought it would have at all. Grip, if possible, is even darker than Slip, with higher stakes and even more twists! It completely exceeded my expectations!
Things I loved about Grip:
Harrison In Slip, Harrison really came across as a brat to me, but in this one, he really steps up to the plate. I didn't agree with all his decisions and choices, but I am loving his evolution. He does remind me a lot of his father, Michael Kelly, but so much smarter in so many ways.
A Family Back Together I really loved seeing Harrison and Benson together for the first time. I myself have identical twin boys that are teens, and the bond between them is so strong. Even though Harrison and Benson have been apart their whole lives, they still have this bond. The scenes with them together were my favorites! Then there's Janice--she has her boys back again. She actually shines in parts of this book, and the scenes with this broken family were done so very well. It was easy to relate to Janice in these! I really got the mom factor here. And her craziness is starting to make more and more sense to me.
Destiny We get a new character in this one, a Slip the same age as our heroes who is also a Slip herself. Destiny takes the cake for creativity and survival technique. One of my favorite characters ever!
The Ads and Articles Throughout the Book As in Slip, Grip is filled with these, and they really help the reader gauge the reaction of the public. There's a lot of brainwashing going on here, and its interesting to me to see the people who get sucked in, and then the ones who don't, whose comments have been deleted. This was my favorite example in this book:
"Do you love dogs but not all the responsibility?
BotPetsTM new line of BotDogs 6.0 is more advanced than ever!
Programmed to perform more than thirty tricks, your pet will keep you
entertained for hours, without ever requiring feeding or exercise.
And like all of our species of BotDogs, there‟s no waste pickup required!
BotPets, we take the poo out of poodle.
Important Disclosures: BotDogs 6.0 were modified from the original design of AttackDogs 6.0
used by Crows in law enforcement endeavors. The “bite” and “attack” commands have been
removed, however, in less than one percent of cases, larger models have been found to be defective. It’s advised that children be supervised around BotDogs 6.0 at all times. BotPets is not
liable for any injury or death resulting from defective products."
The World Building Its again excellent in this book, and we get a much broader scope as well. We learn more about the government, the resistance, and the general public.
The Writing Itself Again, beautiful writing done here! I love seeing a writer grow. One of my favorite quotes:
"Happy moments are like stars. They seem so close you think you can
touch them, but really they’re fleeting and a million miles away. Enjoy them from afar and don’t come to expect them. In your life there will be more cloudy nights than clear ones."
The Twists In Slip, there was one big twist at the end that was MIND BLOWING. In Grip, there are several twists that will blow your mind to a far off galaxy on the other side of the universe!
The Feels Of course. And the best thing about a David Estes book! You will feel EVERYTHING. The anger, the sadness, the despair, the love, the fear, the hope...everything.
Final verdict for this book: 5 very EPIC stars! This sequel is a stunner. If you're going to take the ride that is this series, make sure you hold on tight, don't lose your grip! (I'm sorry, couldn't help it)
**I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an HONEST review**
Grip is the gripping (pardon the pun) sequel to Slip, my former favorite book by David Estes. Grip has now taken that honor! This book just STUNNED me! Sequels in general have a top job living up to their predecessors, but Grip achieved this with flying colors!
**I should mention at this point that there will be spoilers for Slip in this review, but none for Grip.**
I was so looking forward to this book! I actually read Slip for the first time as an ARC last June, so I couldn't wait to see Benson and Harrison together in action! What I love so much about this book is it didn't play out like I thought it would have at all. Grip, if possible, is even darker than Slip, with higher stakes and even more twists! It completely exceeded my expectations!
Things I loved about Grip:
Harrison In Slip, Harrison really came across as a brat to me, but in this one, he really steps up to the plate. I didn't agree with all his decisions and choices, but I am loving his evolution. He does remind me a lot of his father, Michael Kelly, but so much smarter in so many ways.
A Family Back Together I really loved seeing Harrison and Benson together for the first time. I myself have identical twin boys that are teens, and the bond between them is so strong. Even though Harrison and Benson have been apart their whole lives, they still have this bond. The scenes with them together were my favorites! Then there's Janice--she has her boys back again. She actually shines in parts of this book, and the scenes with this broken family were done so very well. It was easy to relate to Janice in these! I really got the mom factor here. And her craziness is starting to make more and more sense to me.
Destiny We get a new character in this one, a Slip the same age as our heroes who is also a Slip herself. Destiny takes the cake for creativity and survival technique. One of my favorite characters ever!
The Ads and Articles Throughout the Book As in Slip, Grip is filled with these, and they really help the reader gauge the reaction of the public. There's a lot of brainwashing going on here, and its interesting to me to see the people who get sucked in, and then the ones who don't, whose comments have been deleted. This was my favorite example in this book:
"Do you love dogs but not all the responsibility?
BotPetsTM new line of BotDogs 6.0 is more advanced than ever!
Programmed to perform more than thirty tricks, your pet will keep you
entertained for hours, without ever requiring feeding or exercise.
And like all of our species of BotDogs, there‟s no waste pickup required!
BotPets, we take the poo out of poodle.
Important Disclosures: BotDogs 6.0 were modified from the original design of AttackDogs 6.0
used by Crows in law enforcement endeavors. The “bite” and “attack” commands have been
removed, however, in less than one percent of cases, larger models have been found to be defective. It’s advised that children be supervised around BotDogs 6.0 at all times. BotPets is not
liable for any injury or death resulting from defective products."
The World Building Its again excellent in this book, and we get a much broader scope as well. We learn more about the government, the resistance, and the general public.
The Writing Itself Again, beautiful writing done here! I love seeing a writer grow. One of my favorite quotes:
"Happy moments are like stars. They seem so close you think you can
touch them, but really they’re fleeting and a million miles away. Enjoy them from afar and don’t come to expect them. In your life there will be more cloudy nights than clear ones."
The Twists In Slip, there was one big twist at the end that was MIND BLOWING. In Grip, there are several twists that will blow your mind to a far off galaxy on the other side of the universe!
The Feels Of course. And the best thing about a David Estes book! You will feel EVERYTHING. The anger, the sadness, the despair, the love, the fear, the hope...everything.
Final verdict for this book: 5 very EPIC stars! This sequel is a stunner. If you're going to take the ride that is this series, make sure you hold on tight, don't lose your grip! (I'm sorry, couldn't help it)
**I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an HONEST review**
June 10, 2015
Holy schnikes, I am still REELING from the last sentence in this powerful sequel to Slip!
As Grip opens, we find the gang all together in Lifer headquarters. I can’t seem to get enough of the Kelly family. Benson, Harrison and, especially Janice, are back along with Luce, Check, Rod and Gonzo. New characters are introduced along with thrilling new reveals that absolutely took my breath away. Harrison decides to seek Benson’s Death Match and kill him so that Benson can be free and no longer an illegal “Slip”. In the meantime, the Department of Population Control (Pop Con) is trying to destroy the Lifer’s AND the Kelly family.
As in Slip, I adored any time we get scenes with Janice, Benson and Harrison’s mom. For all of her insanity, she seems to be the one who makes the most sense. Harrison can be a bit of a loose cannon at times, but his love for his family shines through at key moments. And then there’s Benson who has had the hardest life but has come through it all with the biggest heart. There’s just something about this entire family that makes me care so dang much as to what happens to them next.
I have just a few words about evil "Destoyer"... He's one of the scariest psychopaths EVER!! He's what nightmares are made of.
And the writing…! There were many moments that made me pause just to let the words wash over me. “She melts into the flow, feeling like an autumn leaf cast aside by a stiff breeze into a fast-moving river.” Gorgeous!
David Estes has really outdone himself with this book. In every one of his books, he always makes me sit up and gasp with his mind boggling twist and turns. I usually have so many different emotions while reading any of his books and Grip was no exception and probably hit me the most with a full range. There was loud laughter, SHOCK, loud sobs, tears, giggles, more SHOCK, and a couple of sit up and “WHAAATTTT!?!!?!”’s!!!
I need what I know will be an EPIC conclusion to this series, and I need it NOW…! Another WELL DONE from me, David Estes! Grip is easily my favorite of all your books so far!
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
As Grip opens, we find the gang all together in Lifer headquarters. I can’t seem to get enough of the Kelly family. Benson, Harrison and, especially Janice, are back along with Luce, Check, Rod and Gonzo. New characters are introduced along with thrilling new reveals that absolutely took my breath away. Harrison decides to seek Benson’s Death Match and kill him so that Benson can be free and no longer an illegal “Slip”. In the meantime, the Department of Population Control (Pop Con) is trying to destroy the Lifer’s AND the Kelly family.
As in Slip, I adored any time we get scenes with Janice, Benson and Harrison’s mom. For all of her insanity, she seems to be the one who makes the most sense. Harrison can be a bit of a loose cannon at times, but his love for his family shines through at key moments. And then there’s Benson who has had the hardest life but has come through it all with the biggest heart. There’s just something about this entire family that makes me care so dang much as to what happens to them next.
I have just a few words about evil "Destoyer"... He's one of the scariest psychopaths EVER!! He's what nightmares are made of.
And the writing…! There were many moments that made me pause just to let the words wash over me. “She melts into the flow, feeling like an autumn leaf cast aside by a stiff breeze into a fast-moving river.” Gorgeous!
David Estes has really outdone himself with this book. In every one of his books, he always makes me sit up and gasp with his mind boggling twist and turns. I usually have so many different emotions while reading any of his books and Grip was no exception and probably hit me the most with a full range. There was loud laughter, SHOCK, loud sobs, tears, giggles, more SHOCK, and a couple of sit up and “WHAAATTTT!?!!?!”’s!!!
I need what I know will be an EPIC conclusion to this series, and I need it NOW…! Another WELL DONE from me, David Estes! Grip is easily my favorite of all your books so far!
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
October 29, 2017
[I received a copy of this book through NetGalley.]
Keeping on catching up with my NetGalley readings. I finished the first book earlier this week, now on to book 2, which was also a good one in its own way, and not the dread ‘second book syndrome sufferer’ I usually fear in such cases.
It does pave up the way to the ‘grand finale’ of book 3, of course, among other things by introducing new developments and therefore a third way, so to speak. It’s not about the hunt for Slips only, not anymore; the Lifers are also involved, and no party is all black or all white. The action is not only about running away/reacting this time, although the book does have its share of such scenes since they’re part of its premise, however the characters also start making moves of their own, instead of only the villains setting plans in motion. And even if said moves are a little on the clunky side, the characters are clearly proactive and taking on their enemies now.
The story has its share of twists. Like in the first book, they are partly predictable (e.g. the one where only the audio part is played), yet at the same time some of them are of the gritty kind, that I wouldn’t necessarily have expected in a YA story (this is not YA for 12-year-old, for sure). And as far as I can tell, there’s one major twist that is a definitive one, there’s not going to be any ‘surprise, I’m back’ scene (I hope there won’t be because it was a sad moment, and retconning it would cheapen it).
The ads and propaganda inserts are interesting, too. At first I didn’t care much for them, but little by little they’re helping draw a more comprehensive picture of the world (the technology people have at hand, the comments—both published and deleted—on newspaper articles
The characters keep evolving, Harrison especially is going on a path I like: at first he felt to me like he was ‘just there’, some kind of afterthought patched onto Benson’s story, yet here he takes action, initiates moves that have their own ethical backlashes, gets to go through ordeals as well, discovers betrayal... At the same time, while he does resent his father and seems to unconsciously prevent himself from properly grieving, he’s also accepted his brother like, well, a brother. He’s an interesting counterpoint to Domino: both children had very similar backgrounds (a Slip sibling, one parent being constantly away to take care of the Slip), but Harrison is going a completely different path. On the other hand, I don’t care that much for the Destroyer, perhaps because at this point he’s so broken that even his fighting against his leash doesn’t look like there’ll be much development her, apart from ‘yay I get to be a psychopath 100% of the time now’.
A few new characters get introduced, like Destiny (another Slip, who goes through her own dark moments because of the mistakes she made, and has to learn to outgrow this—all the while showing her inner strength and resourcefulness in terms of survival techniques, -she- didn’t have a Michael Kelly to craft a false ID for her after all!). Or the Agriculturists, more in the background for now but with an agenda of their own.
Conclusion: A solid second book that furthers the overarching plot.
Keeping on catching up with my NetGalley readings. I finished the first book earlier this week, now on to book 2, which was also a good one in its own way, and not the dread ‘second book syndrome sufferer’ I usually fear in such cases.
It does pave up the way to the ‘grand finale’ of book 3, of course, among other things by introducing new developments and therefore a third way, so to speak. It’s not about the hunt for Slips only, not anymore; the Lifers are also involved, and no party is all black or all white. The action is not only about running away/reacting this time, although the book does have its share of such scenes since they’re part of its premise, however the characters also start making moves of their own, instead of only the villains setting plans in motion. And even if said moves are a little on the clunky side, the characters are clearly proactive and taking on their enemies now.
The story has its share of twists. Like in the first book, they are partly predictable (e.g. the one where only the audio part is played), yet at the same time some of them are of the gritty kind, that I wouldn’t necessarily have expected in a YA story (this is not YA for 12-year-old, for sure). And as far as I can tell, there’s one major twist that is a definitive one, there’s not going to be any ‘surprise, I’m back’ scene (I hope there won’t be because it was a sad moment, and retconning it would cheapen it).
The ads and propaganda inserts are interesting, too. At first I didn’t care much for them, but little by little they’re helping draw a more comprehensive picture of the world (the technology people have at hand, the comments—both published and deleted—on newspaper articles
The characters keep evolving, Harrison especially is going on a path I like: at first he felt to me like he was ‘just there’, some kind of afterthought patched onto Benson’s story, yet here he takes action, initiates moves that have their own ethical backlashes, gets to go through ordeals as well, discovers betrayal... At the same time, while he does resent his father and seems to unconsciously prevent himself from properly grieving, he’s also accepted his brother like, well, a brother. He’s an interesting counterpoint to Domino: both children had very similar backgrounds (a Slip sibling, one parent being constantly away to take care of the Slip), but Harrison is going a completely different path. On the other hand, I don’t care that much for the Destroyer, perhaps because at this point he’s so broken that even his fighting against his leash doesn’t look like there’ll be much development her, apart from ‘yay I get to be a psychopath 100% of the time now’.
A few new characters get introduced, like Destiny (another Slip, who goes through her own dark moments because of the mistakes she made, and has to learn to outgrow this—all the while showing her inner strength and resourcefulness in terms of survival techniques, -she- didn’t have a Michael Kelly to craft a false ID for her after all!). Or the Agriculturists, more in the background for now but with an agenda of their own.
Conclusion: A solid second book that furthers the overarching plot.
July 20, 2017
When I read the first book I gave it so much praise and was very disappointed that it did not have as much attention as it should have. Now, I want to scream because this series needs to have so much more publicity.
Usually moving on into a series the books are never as good as the first, however, this book was better than the first. My heart broke multiple times, I was on the edge of my seat, my fingers could not swipe the page fast enough and I was left with a serious cliff hanger. If you like books similar to The Hunger Games and survival PLEASE go get this book.
I'm not sure I am prepared to read the last book. I am not ready for the series to end and I am nervous about he outcome.
Usually moving on into a series the books are never as good as the first, however, this book was better than the first. My heart broke multiple times, I was on the edge of my seat, my fingers could not swipe the page fast enough and I was left with a serious cliff hanger. If you like books similar to The Hunger Games and survival PLEASE go get this book.
I'm not sure I am prepared to read the last book. I am not ready for the series to end and I am nervous about he outcome.
August 13, 2016
TRIGGER WARNING FOR SUICIDAL ACTIONS AND THOUGHT.
I received Grip (Slip #2) in exchange for an honest review.
Just take my heart and soul right now, David. Seriously. Just take it.
Grip was the solemn sequel to Slip. I mean that in every sense of the word. Everything about it was tragic, heart wrenching and beautiful. If I am being honest I have the urge to cuss like trucker because I cuss when I am really thrilled about something but I'm going to refrain because this book deserves a good and proper review.
I'm assuming if you've reached the second novel in this series you already know about the amazing characters: Benson, Harrison, Luce, and the rest of the gang. Characters make or break a book. It's as simple as that. Benson, our main character if you will, alongside his identical twin Harrison are joined together having been separated for sixteen years. We soon learn that though they're mirror images physically - they are nothing alike.
Benson is level headed and thinks his way through things. Harrison on the other hand is a spit-fire who acts before considering the outcome. They do have one thing in common though: they are both wanted by the government. However, they are not the only ones. The group of rag-tag kids are taken to Refuge - a place created by Lifers (an anti-pop-con group) for Slip's and illegals to seek safety. Pop Con seeks to destroy anything that challenges the law. Anyone who takes the side of a Slip or an illegal citizen are as good as dead.
But are the Lifers really any better than the system that murders innocent children? Benson struggles with this question time and time again. With the help of some unlikely friends he delves deeper and deeper into a labyrinth he may not be able to find his way out of.
Meanwhile, Harrison faces his own demons. He plans on killing Benson's Death Match in hopes of making Benson a legal citizen of the RUSA. He'll do anything to protect the family he just got back. With the help of Destiny, another kick-ass female character who also happens to be a Slip, he sets off to complete his task. Both lead characters are complex and wonderful in their own ways, but I must admit I fell in love with Harrison. He has to be my favorite character thus far.
David has an impeccable talent with words, he never ceases to stun me with some of his passages.
"'Isn't that enough?' Destiny asks."
Right then, Benson knows it is and always should've been. The meaning in his life is right in front of him, next to him, all around him. And he does fit. He does belong. Not necessarily in a particular place, but with particular people. They're his people. His friends. His family. His life. He smiles a very real smile, one he thought he might never smile again. The Slip named Destiny has reminded him that all hope is not lost. Hope is never lost while there is love."
This story continues to get better and better. I didn't know what to expect from the second novel, I never really do. But I certainly did not expect half of what took place - uuugh. This book hurt me, and brought forth an emotional toll but trust me, it was well worth it. I can't even begin to imagine what the third book will be like, but I'll be waiting.
Every character in Grip has a purpose. Every fragment of the story is a puzzle piece. Once you get to the end you will RECOIL with absolute, undeniable shock.
I received Grip (Slip #2) in exchange for an honest review.
Just take my heart and soul right now, David. Seriously. Just take it.
Grip was the solemn sequel to Slip. I mean that in every sense of the word. Everything about it was tragic, heart wrenching and beautiful. If I am being honest I have the urge to cuss like trucker because I cuss when I am really thrilled about something but I'm going to refrain because this book deserves a good and proper review.
I'm assuming if you've reached the second novel in this series you already know about the amazing characters: Benson, Harrison, Luce, and the rest of the gang. Characters make or break a book. It's as simple as that. Benson, our main character if you will, alongside his identical twin Harrison are joined together having been separated for sixteen years. We soon learn that though they're mirror images physically - they are nothing alike.
Benson is level headed and thinks his way through things. Harrison on the other hand is a spit-fire who acts before considering the outcome. They do have one thing in common though: they are both wanted by the government. However, they are not the only ones. The group of rag-tag kids are taken to Refuge - a place created by Lifers (an anti-pop-con group) for Slip's and illegals to seek safety. Pop Con seeks to destroy anything that challenges the law. Anyone who takes the side of a Slip or an illegal citizen are as good as dead.
But are the Lifers really any better than the system that murders innocent children? Benson struggles with this question time and time again. With the help of some unlikely friends he delves deeper and deeper into a labyrinth he may not be able to find his way out of.
Meanwhile, Harrison faces his own demons. He plans on killing Benson's Death Match in hopes of making Benson a legal citizen of the RUSA. He'll do anything to protect the family he just got back. With the help of Destiny, another kick-ass female character who also happens to be a Slip, he sets off to complete his task. Both lead characters are complex and wonderful in their own ways, but I must admit I fell in love with Harrison. He has to be my favorite character thus far.
David has an impeccable talent with words, he never ceases to stun me with some of his passages.
"'Isn't that enough?' Destiny asks."
Right then, Benson knows it is and always should've been. The meaning in his life is right in front of him, next to him, all around him. And he does fit. He does belong. Not necessarily in a particular place, but with particular people. They're his people. His friends. His family. His life. He smiles a very real smile, one he thought he might never smile again. The Slip named Destiny has reminded him that all hope is not lost. Hope is never lost while there is love."
This story continues to get better and better. I didn't know what to expect from the second novel, I never really do. But I certainly did not expect half of what took place - uuugh. This book hurt me, and brought forth an emotional toll but trust me, it was well worth it. I can't even begin to imagine what the third book will be like, but I'll be waiting.
Every character in Grip has a purpose. Every fragment of the story is a puzzle piece. Once you get to the end you will RECOIL with absolute, undeniable shock.
December 12, 2014
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review
I just finished Grip and I am still not 100% what to think of it, I am not sure whether I enjoyed it, but it was a good book. The pace and writing style done well and the first 30% had me hooked, after that it got darker and heavier and I can only hope it's all worth it in the end. Some parts of scenes were hard to read and I had to skip a few parts. There are some great scenes and some heartbreaking ones. It definitely wasn't an easy book to read and David doesn't spare the readers the hard parts. I can only hope our world will never descend into anything resembling this world.
The first 30% of the book had me flipping the pages at rapid speed, it was great to be back with Benson and his friends. We also meet an interesting character early on called Destiny and I immediately liked her. The characters we met in the first book played an important role, but later on we also meet new characters who turn out to be maybe even more important than some others. There are twists and turns I didn't see coming and this book surprised me a few times along the way. There was so much more going on then I first thought and it was like every time there was another layer revealed.
This book gave me a new appreciation for Janice, she's truly an unique character and she's just so different it's almost interesting being in her mind. I also really liked Destiny, she was a fresh addition to the group, although there was a scene involving her I had to skip partly as I didn't want to read it. I like Benson as well, he's so down to earth and good at times. He has such an unique perspective on things and it was refreshing to see. He looks beyond the borders and refuses to play the games of pop con. Then there's the Destroyer, he is a truly disgusting character and didn't enjoy the scenes from his perspective, he's just so twisted. And while I don't like using terms like good and evil, his character really came close to true evil. He didn't seem to have any motivations beside killing.
This book adds some things in terms of world building, there isn't necessarily more that we learn, but more different layers and thing we didn't realize were there. Some plots which were set up earlier we only learn of now and things that make everything fall in place a bit more.
To conclude: Grip is a good book, but I had some difficulties reading some parts and it wasn't always enjoyable. Which is why I can only give this book 3 stars. Grip continues the horrible story of what our world could be like in the future, it's kinda terrifying and I really hope it will never get to this. It deals with dark and heavy topics and was a bit depressing at times, although there is always a sliver of hope. There are some interesting characters and they certainly make it worth the read.
I just finished Grip and I am still not 100% what to think of it, I am not sure whether I enjoyed it, but it was a good book. The pace and writing style done well and the first 30% had me hooked, after that it got darker and heavier and I can only hope it's all worth it in the end. Some parts of scenes were hard to read and I had to skip a few parts. There are some great scenes and some heartbreaking ones. It definitely wasn't an easy book to read and David doesn't spare the readers the hard parts. I can only hope our world will never descend into anything resembling this world.
The first 30% of the book had me flipping the pages at rapid speed, it was great to be back with Benson and his friends. We also meet an interesting character early on called Destiny and I immediately liked her. The characters we met in the first book played an important role, but later on we also meet new characters who turn out to be maybe even more important than some others. There are twists and turns I didn't see coming and this book surprised me a few times along the way. There was so much more going on then I first thought and it was like every time there was another layer revealed.
This book gave me a new appreciation for Janice, she's truly an unique character and she's just so different it's almost interesting being in her mind. I also really liked Destiny, she was a fresh addition to the group, although there was a scene involving her I had to skip partly as I didn't want to read it. I like Benson as well, he's so down to earth and good at times. He has such an unique perspective on things and it was refreshing to see. He looks beyond the borders and refuses to play the games of pop con. Then there's the Destroyer, he is a truly disgusting character and didn't enjoy the scenes from his perspective, he's just so twisted. And while I don't like using terms like good and evil, his character really came close to true evil. He didn't seem to have any motivations beside killing.
This book adds some things in terms of world building, there isn't necessarily more that we learn, but more different layers and thing we didn't realize were there. Some plots which were set up earlier we only learn of now and things that make everything fall in place a bit more.
To conclude: Grip is a good book, but I had some difficulties reading some parts and it wasn't always enjoyable. Which is why I can only give this book 3 stars. Grip continues the horrible story of what our world could be like in the future, it's kinda terrifying and I really hope it will never get to this. It deals with dark and heavy topics and was a bit depressing at times, although there is always a sliver of hope. There are some interesting characters and they certainly make it worth the read.
January 4, 2015
Review to come!!!!
HINT: It's brilliant.
HINT: It's brilliant.
April 15, 2017
For more awesome books and the reviews of the rest of the series go at
http://readdayandnight.blogspot.com/2...
Gripping, captivating and enthralling. This book continuesin the wake of Slip and makesthe reader delve deaper in the world of Benson Kelly. This was a one sit read for me that I absolutely loved and would recommend it to every dystopian fan. The book was awesome, intriguing and captivating all at the same time with its masterfully structured plot and well developed characters and last but not the least the vivid description.
http://readdayandnight.blogspot.com/2...
Gripping, captivating and enthralling. This book continuesin the wake of Slip and makesthe reader delve deaper in the world of Benson Kelly. This was a one sit read for me that I absolutely loved and would recommend it to every dystopian fan. The book was awesome, intriguing and captivating all at the same time with its masterfully structured plot and well developed characters and last but not the least the vivid description.
February 26, 2019
How how how how how does this book have >4 stars? I'm being generous with 3, just because I managed to finish it. It's clearly a YA book, but seems to lack all respect for young adults' ability understand more than the barest scraps of plot and character development. There are so many plot holes and unbelievable coincidences that I don't know where to start. The concept of this book is strong, but the realization has been severely disappointing. It was so disappointing that, despite my neurosis for finishing series, I will not be reading the final installation of this series in the foreseeable future.
January 8, 2015
So where do I start with Grip?
It is a sad fact that most middle books of trilogies struggle. It's just the way it works. I've yet to read many middle books that I absolutely love. 90% of the time they feel a little like filler.
Grip just about makes it to the top of my list of middle books. Estes manages to escape most of the problems associated with middle books and actually made Grip a book I cared about, rather than just a way to get to the final book.
The 3rd person, present tense still doesn't work for me 100% but I've kinda gotten used to it, so it bothered me less in this book.
As for the story itself? Excellent for the most part. I love getting to see more of Harrison and really seeing how having such different childhoods has affected him and Benson.
The parts with The Destroyer are as dark and disturbing as one would expect, which I think made them some of my favourite bits!
But, and it's the reason this is 4 not 5 stars, there was still a little hint of 'filler' in certain places that I felt slowed the book down a little.
Overall it was a great read, if a quick one (I finished it in two sittings).
I will say that the little surprise at the end (I won't spoil it) - I did not see coming. As for the next book, I think it's been set up pretty well, enough that I can't wait to get my hands on it!
It is a sad fact that most middle books of trilogies struggle. It's just the way it works. I've yet to read many middle books that I absolutely love. 90% of the time they feel a little like filler.
Grip just about makes it to the top of my list of middle books. Estes manages to escape most of the problems associated with middle books and actually made Grip a book I cared about, rather than just a way to get to the final book.
The 3rd person, present tense still doesn't work for me 100% but I've kinda gotten used to it, so it bothered me less in this book.
As for the story itself? Excellent for the most part. I love getting to see more of Harrison and really seeing how having such different childhoods has affected him and Benson.
The parts with The Destroyer are as dark and disturbing as one would expect, which I think made them some of my favourite bits!
But, and it's the reason this is 4 not 5 stars, there was still a little hint of 'filler' in certain places that I felt slowed the book down a little.
Overall it was a great read, if a quick one (I finished it in two sittings).
I will say that the little surprise at the end (I won't spoil it) - I did not see coming. As for the next book, I think it's been set up pretty well, enough that I can't wait to get my hands on it!
August 3, 2015
A fantastic sequel. Fast paced and action packed. The twist at the end didn't work for me since I expected it but it's still masterfully done.
Benson and Harrison find themselves among two fronts. The Lifers and Pop Con. As things fall in place and the big game moves on to the political level, action scenes get crazier, the lies and intrigues behind the scenes paint the details we already know in a whole new color.
I like the new Slip. The character development continues on the great path it took in Book One.
I was a bit disappointed that the bond between Benson and his friends isn't explored further. Especially Check is lost in the background noise. But I get that this was necessary, since both brothers had to go through isolation as an important stage of character development.
The focus is on the new characters bonding with the Kellys, which is nice. Simon is great.
I'm glad the third part is out already. I'd go crazy waiting for it otherwise.
Benson and Harrison find themselves among two fronts. The Lifers and Pop Con. As things fall in place and the big game moves on to the political level, action scenes get crazier, the lies and intrigues behind the scenes paint the details we already know in a whole new color.
I like the new Slip. The character development continues on the great path it took in Book One.
I was a bit disappointed that the bond between Benson and his friends isn't explored further. Especially Check is lost in the background noise. But I get that this was necessary, since both brothers had to go through isolation as an important stage of character development.
The focus is on the new characters bonding with the Kellys, which is nice. Simon is great.
I'm glad the third part is out already. I'd go crazy waiting for it otherwise.
December 6, 2014
Amazing, agonizing for more!
I can usually put a book down for a while, even a good book, for a short while. I could NOT put this down. I think my family thinks I've left the planet; I've been so far 'in' I'm not sure I could've focused very long on the outside world (okay, emergencies excluded). I finished Slip in record time, and I thought it was excellent. Grip is that much better. Kudos to Mr. Estes for keeping the action going and, just when you think you've figured it out, WHAM! You know so little. For book 3, I'm just going to have to go 'dark' for a day, turn off my phone, internet, etc, because once I get my eyes on it I'm not going to be able to see anything else! Home run, Mr. Estes!
I can usually put a book down for a while, even a good book, for a short while. I could NOT put this down. I think my family thinks I've left the planet; I've been so far 'in' I'm not sure I could've focused very long on the outside world (okay, emergencies excluded). I finished Slip in record time, and I thought it was excellent. Grip is that much better. Kudos to Mr. Estes for keeping the action going and, just when you think you've figured it out, WHAM! You know so little. For book 3, I'm just going to have to go 'dark' for a day, turn off my phone, internet, etc, because once I get my eyes on it I'm not going to be able to see anything else! Home run, Mr. Estes!
December 20, 2014
What a great read from David Estes. The second book in the series had some very sad moments and some poignant moments. There was action and a battle between the evil machine, the Destroyer, who is about ten percent human still, and the slips, especially Benson and his twin Harrison. Their friends are very individual people too, with their own stories of how they came to be in the slip community.
I love the relationship between the twins and their mother Janice. The book is constantly giving reveals that surprise us and further the story, then giving us new mysteries.
I can't wait for the third book in the trilogy. This is a very well written book with NO editing errors. It is cleanly edited (thanks Adele) which is such a pleasure to see in indie books these days.
I love the relationship between the twins and their mother Janice. The book is constantly giving reveals that surprise us and further the story, then giving us new mysteries.
I can't wait for the third book in the trilogy. This is a very well written book with NO editing errors. It is cleanly edited (thanks Adele) which is such a pleasure to see in indie books these days.
March 19, 2015
For anyone who is reading this, stop what you are doing. Don't think. Just buy this book (and the 1st one, Slip, if you haven't read it already). I was hooked after Slip, but Grip took it to another level. Edge of your seat amazing. Heart wrenching, inspiring. Words cannot explain.
David, I've just bought Flip so I'm off to start reading. Amazon review to come tomorrow! Thank you for this amazing ride.
David, I've just bought Flip so I'm off to start reading. Amazon review to come tomorrow! Thank you for this amazing ride.
July 7, 2016
Honestly I only started this because I had forgotten my paperback at home but my kindle was in my purse. I thought I'll just read it during my son's physical therapy appt then continue it after I finish the book I've already started.
That didn't happen. I got so sucked into the story I finished it today, never picking up the book I had already started.
This story is just so unreal with all its point twists and unexpected scenes.
That didn't happen. I got so sucked into the story I finished it today, never picking up the book I had already started.
This story is just so unreal with all its point twists and unexpected scenes.
January 1, 2015
This is an absolutely fantastic sequel to Slip; I can't wait for the third book to come out!
January 3, 2015
A cliff hanger and some!!!! I simply can not wait for the third instalment. A series of books I can see rocketing to the top five at the end of this new year!!!
January 20, 2015
Wow this story continues with an action packed fast paced sequel. The writing is again excellent the characters are so David Estes real and strong.
March 11, 2017
Sequel to Slip, which I read quite a while ago now. It's good to know what happened next to the characters, but I didn't think this book was as good as the first one.
Plot
Harrison and Benson are hiding out at Refuge, the secret lair of the Lifers. All is well until the arrival of another Slip, a girl named Destiny, heralds disaster for the base, and in the aftermath Harrison sets out to make his brother legal by killing his Death Match. Supposedly this will right the problem that Benson's Death Match didn't die before he was born. Meanwhile Domino and Corrigan Mars continue to hunt for Benson and the other Slips.
Good Things
-The second half of the book was full of excitement and action. There is a torture scene. I love torture scenes. Also lots of guns and explosions and chase scenes. All good.
-Janice finally has her boys together again! Now if only they could share deep conversations instead of awkwardly being unable to understand each other.
-More Harrison, and he's still not a fully functional human being with a proper moral structure.
-The Death Match dude? Turns out to be this random badass ex-soldier named Boris Decker. His very short page-time was probably the best part of the book.
Not So Good Things
-Destiny, apart from entering the story as a harbinger of change and chaos, pretty obviously only exists as a love interest for Harrison, like Luce pretty obviously only existed as a love interest for Benson. I'm still waiting for a good female character that isn't Janice.
-Benson and Harrison are sort of developing, but their relationship really isn't. The conflict between them is very simplistic ("How could you ever understand me with the differences in our lives?" "Well, you clearly had it better because at least Dad paid attention to you!") and doesn't really get enough focus for you to care. I'd like to see them hash out their differences for real instead of dancing around them. I did like Harrison being protective towards Benson, but it didn't feel real because we never see the two of them really talk!
-While I understand that the Lifers are terrorists and their methods aren't good, I don't necessarily think they should be painted as being as bad as the main antagonists. I'd like to see Jarrod get a little more complexity and more focus--he might be using the wrong weapons to fight PopCon but at least he's fighting, and that's more than the rest of the world is doing. Besides, characters doing the wrong things for the right reasons are my jam.
-Domino Destovan is not nearly as interesting as a cyborg pet as he was as a psycho soldier. I feel like he's already reached peak psycho and now he's just kind of stabilized at "we all know he's kind of insane but ineffectual". And that stability makes him less interesting.
Actually Pretty Bad Things
-Remember Luce, the underdeveloped love interest for Benson? Oh yeah. As if the lack of developed female characters wasn't bad enough already.
-Boris Decker?
-The first half of the book is waaaaay too slow. I would say that until about 50% in I was just waiting for something to happen. Yeah, Destiny had bots chasing her etc, but Destiny wasn't even in the first book. I don't care about Destiny. And we all knew she was going to be fine anyways-The new bland love interest girl can't die THAT soon.
Overall
There were a few scenes that were really good, and I did like seeing what happened to Harrison and Benson next. But the plot felt contrived and pointless, the characters were flatter than I remembered, and the entire first half of the book was simply boring. Soooo...Idk. I'm probably still going to read the last book to find out how it ends, but I can't say I enjoyed this book as much as I expected to.
I received an ARC on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Plot
Harrison and Benson are hiding out at Refuge, the secret lair of the Lifers. All is well until the arrival of another Slip, a girl named Destiny, heralds disaster for the base, and in the aftermath Harrison sets out to make his brother legal by killing his Death Match. Supposedly this will right the problem that Benson's Death Match didn't die before he was born. Meanwhile Domino and Corrigan Mars continue to hunt for Benson and the other Slips.
Good Things
-The second half of the book was full of excitement and action. There is a torture scene. I love torture scenes. Also lots of guns and explosions and chase scenes. All good.
-Janice finally has her boys together again! Now if only they could share deep conversations instead of awkwardly being unable to understand each other.
-More Harrison, and he's still not a fully functional human being with a proper moral structure.
-The Death Match dude? Turns out to be this random badass ex-soldier named Boris Decker. His very short page-time was probably the best part of the book.
Not So Good Things
-Destiny, apart from entering the story as a harbinger of change and chaos, pretty obviously only exists as a love interest for Harrison, like Luce pretty obviously only existed as a love interest for Benson. I'm still waiting for a good female character that isn't Janice.
-Benson and Harrison are sort of developing, but their relationship really isn't. The conflict between them is very simplistic ("How could you ever understand me with the differences in our lives?" "Well, you clearly had it better because at least Dad paid attention to you!") and doesn't really get enough focus for you to care. I'd like to see them hash out their differences for real instead of dancing around them. I did like Harrison being protective towards Benson, but it didn't feel real because we never see the two of them really talk!
-While I understand that the Lifers are terrorists and their methods aren't good, I don't necessarily think they should be painted as being as bad as the main antagonists. I'd like to see Jarrod get a little more complexity and more focus--he might be using the wrong weapons to fight PopCon but at least he's fighting, and that's more than the rest of the world is doing. Besides, characters doing the wrong things for the right reasons are my jam.
-Domino Destovan is not nearly as interesting as a cyborg pet as he was as a psycho soldier. I feel like he's already reached peak psycho and now he's just kind of stabilized at "we all know he's kind of insane but ineffectual". And that stability makes him less interesting.
Actually Pretty Bad Things
-Remember Luce, the underdeveloped love interest for Benson? Oh yeah. As if the lack of developed female characters wasn't bad enough already.
-Boris Decker?
-The first half of the book is waaaaay too slow. I would say that until about 50% in I was just waiting for something to happen. Yeah, Destiny had bots chasing her etc, but Destiny wasn't even in the first book. I don't care about Destiny. And we all knew she was going to be fine anyways-The new bland love interest girl can't die THAT soon.
Overall
There were a few scenes that were really good, and I did like seeing what happened to Harrison and Benson next. But the plot felt contrived and pointless, the characters were flatter than I remembered, and the entire first half of the book was simply boring. Soooo...Idk. I'm probably still going to read the last book to find out how it ends, but I can't say I enjoyed this book as much as I expected to.
I received an ARC on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 7, 2017
Original review is available on my blog: https://yaguitarist.wordpress.com/201...
The sequel to Slip is indeed GRIPping. It is so gripping that I was unable to stop reading the novel once I started. If Slip is the introduction to the world and characters, Grip is going to be the novel where everything escalated. Character development is prominent in Grip. Benson was placed in a position where he had to make important choices to protect those he hold dear.
In this sequel, there is a higher emphasis on family and relationship. Benson's twin, Harrison, was desperately trying to find a loophole in the death authorisation system in order to turn his brother into a legal citizen. Even after finding the loophole, he was willing to be branded as a criminal so that Benson would get the normal life he had always wanted.
I enjoyed reading the tiny snippets of news, advertisements and the comment section below it at the end of every chapter. It is interesting to read about the type of lies that the government will say to make the masses believe and support their 'righteous' actions. It is very disturbing to read about the huge impact propaganda has on the citizens. The extent of brainwashing is so great that the citizens can't even see that UnBees are human beings. What makes it scarier is how the citizens actually believe the information they read in the news. They didn't have any doubt or hesitation that perhaps the information given in the news might be fake or are just snippets of the issue.
The numerous plot twists blow me away and I totally didn't see it coming. In addition, Grip ended with a cliffhanger. I hate cliffhangers as I will be dying to get my hands on the next novel and start flipping its pages to find out what is going to happen afterward.
~SPOILERS~
Harrison, gosh, he ticks me off. I feel that he is too rash at times. Instead of weighing the pros and cons of certain decisions, he just rushes right in. I know that he felt guilty about 'robbing' his brother's life away from him because he just happened to 'pop' out of his mother's womb 2 minutes earlier than Benson. As such, he wanted to repay that 'debt'. But, he should respect Benson's decisions as well. Benson never wanted Harrison to kill his death match and get branded as a criminal as a result. However, Harrison stubbornly didn't listen and went after his brother's death match.
Harrison trusts people too easily that I can't figure out whether he is just too naive or he just so happens to get caught up in that moment of panic. The last person I will go to when I'm on the run would be someone that is heavily involved with the government. Alarms went off in my head when Harrison was going to seek help from his best friend, whose father was one of the most important personals in population control. With the amount of brainwashing the government did, there is no doubt that Harrison's friend would side with the government. I don't know if I'm being too harsh on Harrison but those are my initial thoughts.
Finally, I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an arc of Grip in exchange for an honest review. :)
The sequel to Slip is indeed GRIPping. It is so gripping that I was unable to stop reading the novel once I started. If Slip is the introduction to the world and characters, Grip is going to be the novel where everything escalated. Character development is prominent in Grip. Benson was placed in a position where he had to make important choices to protect those he hold dear.
In this sequel, there is a higher emphasis on family and relationship. Benson's twin, Harrison, was desperately trying to find a loophole in the death authorisation system in order to turn his brother into a legal citizen. Even after finding the loophole, he was willing to be branded as a criminal so that Benson would get the normal life he had always wanted.
I enjoyed reading the tiny snippets of news, advertisements and the comment section below it at the end of every chapter. It is interesting to read about the type of lies that the government will say to make the masses believe and support their 'righteous' actions. It is very disturbing to read about the huge impact propaganda has on the citizens. The extent of brainwashing is so great that the citizens can't even see that UnBees are human beings. What makes it scarier is how the citizens actually believe the information they read in the news. They didn't have any doubt or hesitation that perhaps the information given in the news might be fake or are just snippets of the issue.
The numerous plot twists blow me away and I totally didn't see it coming. In addition, Grip ended with a cliffhanger. I hate cliffhangers as I will be dying to get my hands on the next novel and start flipping its pages to find out what is going to happen afterward.
~SPOILERS~
Harrison, gosh, he ticks me off. I feel that he is too rash at times. Instead of weighing the pros and cons of certain decisions, he just rushes right in. I know that he felt guilty about 'robbing' his brother's life away from him because he just happened to 'pop' out of his mother's womb 2 minutes earlier than Benson. As such, he wanted to repay that 'debt'. But, he should respect Benson's decisions as well. Benson never wanted Harrison to kill his death match and get branded as a criminal as a result. However, Harrison stubbornly didn't listen and went after his brother's death match.
Harrison trusts people too easily that I can't figure out whether he is just too naive or he just so happens to get caught up in that moment of panic. The last person I will go to when I'm on the run would be someone that is heavily involved with the government. Alarms went off in my head when Harrison was going to seek help from his best friend, whose father was one of the most important personals in population control. With the amount of brainwashing the government did, there is no doubt that Harrison's friend would side with the government. I don't know if I'm being too harsh on Harrison but those are my initial thoughts.
Finally, I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an arc of Grip in exchange for an honest review. :)
December 2, 2023
Grip is the second book in the Slip Trilogy by David Estes. I love that we get multiple perspectives as we continue to follow Benson as he is trying to find the answers to the secrets his father left him in this SciFi Dystopian. PopCon is still on the move to eradicate all of the Slips that have managed to slip through the system and are using up the populations' resources, or so they say.
Grip is faster-paced with a lot more action than the first book in the series, ‘Slip’. We are introduced to a few more characters, the familiar characters we met in the first book, and a lot of character development.
I would’ve liked to see a bit more movement on the plot, but I feel we did peel back a couple of layers of it this one creating more intrigue. There is no middle book syndrome in this series! I can’t wait to see what happens in Flip, the third and final book in the series.
There aren’t enough words to say how much I love David Estes’ writing. If you haven’t checked out any of his other books, you should. The Fatemarked and Kingfall series are must-reads for Fantasy readers. He does an amazing job at world-building in all of his books and the ability to get you to connect with his characters is impressive.
I look forward to reading even more of his books. 4.5 stars
I have a YouTube channel, 'BookandBuJo'. Check it out - BookAndBuJo - YouTube
BookAndBuJo - YouTube
Grip is faster-paced with a lot more action than the first book in the series, ‘Slip’. We are introduced to a few more characters, the familiar characters we met in the first book, and a lot of character development.
I would’ve liked to see a bit more movement on the plot, but I feel we did peel back a couple of layers of it this one creating more intrigue. There is no middle book syndrome in this series! I can’t wait to see what happens in Flip, the third and final book in the series.
There aren’t enough words to say how much I love David Estes’ writing. If you haven’t checked out any of his other books, you should. The Fatemarked and Kingfall series are must-reads for Fantasy readers. He does an amazing job at world-building in all of his books and the ability to get you to connect with his characters is impressive.
I look forward to reading even more of his books. 4.5 stars
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March 11, 2017
Book: Grip
Author: David Estes
Rating: 4 Out of 5 Stars
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with this free galley in exchange for an honest review. I would also like to thank David Estes for providing me with a free copy of Slip-almost two years ago-which got me hooked on this series.
So, as many of you know, this is not my first David Estes book. I have written a number of reviews for his books and will keep doing so. I am a fan of his writing and books; I strongly encourage you to get him on your author radar. He does have a lot of talent.
Grip picks right back up where Slip left off. I really do think it is important to point out that Grip is in the middle of a series and you do need to read Slip prior to reading Grip. Anyway, we dive right into the action. Benson and Harrison are back in action and are together. The stakes seem higher in Grip than they do in Slip. The world is on the break of ending and it seems like everyone is trying to hold onto the way things were before all the Slips were made public.
Harrison shows a lot of character growth. I really wasn't a big fan of him in Slip, but in Grip, he seems to have outgrown that little bit of bratiness he had in Slip. He may not always make the best choices, but he has grown up and stepped up to the current situation. He is still his father's son, but is kind of drifting away from that. He really is becoming his own person.
We see a family reunited. Harrison and Benson are together for the first time in their lives and it is great to see how their bond forms. They do have struggles, but the bond is still there. Janice just seems so happy to have her boys back together-something she thought would have never had happened. She just shines. The family bits of the book were probably my favourite.
Besides the family scenes, the ads were probably my favourite. I enjoyed reading the ads that the government put out in the first book and really enjoyed them here as well. They just add so much to the world and make it seem even more real. Plus, all the comments added to them made it seem even more real.
So, why four stars and not five? Well, like I've said, I have read a lot of David's books. I have given both Fire Country and Strings five stars. To me, Grip did not rank up there with Fire Country and Strings. It's still a good read, but I still prefer those other two books.
Now, I have also been approved Flip and I am looking forward to reading the finale!
Author: David Estes
Rating: 4 Out of 5 Stars
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with this free galley in exchange for an honest review. I would also like to thank David Estes for providing me with a free copy of Slip-almost two years ago-which got me hooked on this series.
So, as many of you know, this is not my first David Estes book. I have written a number of reviews for his books and will keep doing so. I am a fan of his writing and books; I strongly encourage you to get him on your author radar. He does have a lot of talent.
Grip picks right back up where Slip left off. I really do think it is important to point out that Grip is in the middle of a series and you do need to read Slip prior to reading Grip. Anyway, we dive right into the action. Benson and Harrison are back in action and are together. The stakes seem higher in Grip than they do in Slip. The world is on the break of ending and it seems like everyone is trying to hold onto the way things were before all the Slips were made public.
Harrison shows a lot of character growth. I really wasn't a big fan of him in Slip, but in Grip, he seems to have outgrown that little bit of bratiness he had in Slip. He may not always make the best choices, but he has grown up and stepped up to the current situation. He is still his father's son, but is kind of drifting away from that. He really is becoming his own person.
We see a family reunited. Harrison and Benson are together for the first time in their lives and it is great to see how their bond forms. They do have struggles, but the bond is still there. Janice just seems so happy to have her boys back together-something she thought would have never had happened. She just shines. The family bits of the book were probably my favourite.
Besides the family scenes, the ads were probably my favourite. I enjoyed reading the ads that the government put out in the first book and really enjoyed them here as well. They just add so much to the world and make it seem even more real. Plus, all the comments added to them made it seem even more real.
So, why four stars and not five? Well, like I've said, I have read a lot of David's books. I have given both Fire Country and Strings five stars. To me, Grip did not rank up there with Fire Country and Strings. It's still a good read, but I still prefer those other two books.
Now, I have also been approved Flip and I am looking forward to reading the finale!
January 18, 2023
Read this review and more on my blog, uncovered-books.
I received a free copy of Grip from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
Grip is the second book in the Slip trilogy. I would recommend reading the first book in the trilogy to understand what happened in the second as a lot of the plot expects you to understand (and remember) what occurred in the first. I read the first book back in 2015 so I only have a vague recollection of what happened.
The things that I confused about the most in this story is whose perspective we were following. We have multiple different characters that we follow (all in the same group to just add to my confusion), and at times I wasn’t able to tell when the perspective shifted until halfway into there segment. This lead me to getting very confused and frustrated as what I was previous had read had been with the wrong idea as to who is pertained to. The actual writing style was fine, but I feel like something was missing that would get me latched into the plot. I have no emotional investment into what was occurring and I didn’t feel like the stakes mattered for the characters.
A well written book, but I could not get into it and struggle to understand what exactly was going on.
I received a free copy of Grip from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
Grip is the second book in the Slip trilogy. I would recommend reading the first book in the trilogy to understand what happened in the second as a lot of the plot expects you to understand (and remember) what occurred in the first. I read the first book back in 2015 so I only have a vague recollection of what happened.
The things that I confused about the most in this story is whose perspective we were following. We have multiple different characters that we follow (all in the same group to just add to my confusion), and at times I wasn’t able to tell when the perspective shifted until halfway into there segment. This lead me to getting very confused and frustrated as what I was previous had read had been with the wrong idea as to who is pertained to. The actual writing style was fine, but I feel like something was missing that would get me latched into the plot. I have no emotional investment into what was occurring and I didn’t feel like the stakes mattered for the characters.
A well written book, but I could not get into it and struggle to understand what exactly was going on.
February 1, 2017
A great imagination
Wow, David Estes sure knows how to deprive people of sleep. Once I started reading this series I can not stop! A genuine story packed with action and story twists. The writing is superb as always and the editing is spot on. David Estes ranks right up there with George R.R. Martin in my book. A+A+A+
Wow, David Estes sure knows how to deprive people of sleep. Once I started reading this series I can not stop! A genuine story packed with action and story twists. The writing is superb as always and the editing is spot on. David Estes ranks right up there with George R.R. Martin in my book. A+A+A+
March 24, 2019
Slip, Grip, Flip!!
Janice Kelly is by far my favorite character in Grip! I love the way her mind works and her love for her boys is so strong and so fierce that she will do anything to protect them and she will also do anything to protect other mothers from the same fate. Grip is a great addition to the story and I can’t wait to start reading the next book in the series!
Janice Kelly is by far my favorite character in Grip! I love the way her mind works and her love for her boys is so strong and so fierce that she will do anything to protect them and she will also do anything to protect other mothers from the same fate. Grip is a great addition to the story and I can’t wait to start reading the next book in the series!
October 15, 2021
I hate the cyborg
How can the bad continue to win? I can’t wait to see how it all ends. So many twists and turns I’m getting whiplash. Will read the final book now. Great imagination and writing 👌👍
How can the bad continue to win? I can’t wait to see how it all ends. So many twists and turns I’m getting whiplash. Will read the final book now. Great imagination and writing 👌👍
January 11, 2022
I have really enjoyed this series thus far.This only the second series i have read by David Estes but i gotta say he pens some very true to life and interesting characters.There is a lot of heart to these books and i cant wait to see where book 3 takes me.
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