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Killer Instinct #2

Killer Within

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IT'S BEEN THREE MONTHS since the sadistic Decapitator’s demise, and Lane feels both closer to and more alienated than ever from her grieving family. Haunted by conflicting memories, she resumes the role of Masked Savior vigilante - but her heart just isn’t in it. For Lane now knows the rush of deeper thrills. Darker thrills. And a growing part of her wants to revisit their seductive power.

To Lane’s chagrin, the Masked Savior inspires its own fan site, where groupies gather online to praise, document, and debate each delivered act of justice. But then one of Lane’s secret admirers becomes a cunning copycat, assaulting the defenseless with escalating violence. And Lane suspects someone is spying on her, edging closer to making contact.

Someone who knows her secrets.

And that person's identity is but one of many revelations that shake Lane to her core...

297 pages, Hardcover

First published May 19, 2015

45 people are currently reading
1449 people want to read

About the author

S.E. Green

26 books578 followers
S. E. Green is the award-winning and best-selling author of young adult and adult books. She grew up in Tennessee where she dreaded all things reading and writing. She didn’t even read her first book for enjoyment until she was twenty-five. After that, she was hooked! When she’s not writing, she's usually traveling or hanging out with a rogue armadillo that frequents her backyard.

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5 stars
344 (32%)
4 stars
400 (37%)
3 stars
245 (22%)
2 stars
63 (5%)
1 star
18 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
Profile Image for K.P. Knupp.
Author 6 books33 followers
February 9, 2015
Killer Within is a heart-pounding thrill ride. If you loved the first one, and I'm sure you did, you're going to love this second installment. It keeps you at the edge of your seat the entire book with the mystery. I'm infatuated with the story of Lane and her family I cannot wait to read more! Hopefully there will be another! Fingers crossed. Truly one of my favorite series! It keeps you guessing until the very end then leaves you in awe and CRAVING more.
Profile Image for Take Me Away To A Great Read.
502 reviews2 followers
April 7, 2015
5 out of 5

Killer Within by S.E. Green
Killer Instinct, #2
Publisher: Simon Pulse
(An imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division)
Publication Date: May 19, 2015
Rating: 5 stars
Source: Advanced Reviewer Copy provided by publisher

I would like to thank Simon Pulse for sending me an early ARC of Killer Within for an honest review.

Killer Within was a gut wrenching, roller-coaster, suspense ride. I did not see many of the twists and turns coming in S.E. Greens highly anticipated follow-up to Killer Instinct. This sequel was emotionally charged, and I felt had the same flavor as the first book but came at the issues at a whole new direction. It was fresh and unpredictable, and I loved it!

Lane had been through so much, and her family will never be the same. She has found some comfort in drawing closer to her sister, Daisy. They both need each other after all that has happened.

Zach feels that him and Lane need to stay away from one another for awhile, that he needs to heal from everything that he has been through. Lane is sad and wants to turn to him but understands. She cares for Zach and wants what is best for him.

Lane most of the time feels that she is sane and logical. She doesn't understand others emotions or reactions to things. When people question her psyche I wonder if Lane really wonders if everyone else is crazy.

Tommy is a new hot guy who rides a motorcycle, and that Lane meets at grief counseling. Tommy Has secrets and a past that Lane and he will have to get past. One thing I loved was that Tommy doesn't back down to Lane and he pushes her.

Dr. Issa cares about Lane since she has worked with him for some time. He also knows that Zach, his brother, thinks of her as a friend. Dr. Issa helps Lane deal with her feelings and becomes someone she can confide in.

Lane soon meets a new friend who she feels is an instant connection to. Catalina is so much like her and she likes that she is direct.

Lane stops doing her vigilant work but a copy cat starts up the work. At first it seems like a fan and an honor, but then they take the acts too far. They start hurting innocents and in a way that the Masked Savior never would. Lane has to defend her name and stop what is happening, before more people are hurt.

Who is this copy cat? Why are they doing this? Who is Marji, and how will she change everything for Lane? Who started the fan site? Who is this mysterious M, and j_d_l? You must read this amazing thriller to find out!

I loved this second book and I felt it was a perfect finale to the series. I did not predict the end and I liked the twists and turns. I like the chemistry between the characters, and it definitely moved me to tears at one part. This was a definite 5 out of 5 stars.
Profile Image for Mickey.
828 reviews300 followers
September 28, 2022
"I am who I am, and she'd been grooming me from the start. I just never realised it until after her death."

I was really looking forward to reading this book after finishing the first in the series. I feel like this one didn't quite hit the mark for me but I did still enjoy it, just not as much as the previous book. I'm looking forward to seeing where the story goes in the next book.
Profile Image for Dylan.
547 reviews233 followers
November 11, 2017
3.5 stars

I found this to be very predictable (saw it coming very on in the book), writing still wasn't stellar, but it was a fun, freaking time overall, and that's what I was expecting.
Profile Image for Roxanne.
1,061 reviews88 followers
July 19, 2018
Knowing that there are no other books makes me want to mark it down some as I am not sure that I really thought the ending was great for wrapping up the story. However, it was good and I enjoyed it a lot so I will leave it alone for now.
Profile Image for Jennifer Coffman Love.
207 reviews7 followers
March 19, 2017
I can't wait for this sequel. The first book had some great twists and turns. I'm sure this one will, too!

Finally!!! I read it. I always suspected a certain someone was involved. I was right, but not about how they were involved and very sadly the person doesn't survive. I hate when characters I really like don't survive, but alas that's part of the story.
This story is full of mystery. I really enjoyed it. I can't wait for #3.
Profile Image for Genevieve .
454 reviews
August 2, 2021
Really enjoyed this sequel, only thing I didn't really like was the fact the ending felt so rushed. But finally Lane was told when she was being ANNOYING and USING PEOPLE

Reggie :c
Profile Image for Dayla.
2,904 reviews221 followers
August 9, 2017
4.5/5

I'm really enjoying this series! I loved that this showed Lane's humanity more and that she's not always perfectly prepared for everything. I also loved that this read like a season of Dexter--so much was going on!

Much like the first book, that ending surprised me (in one aspect). I look forward to the next book!

Happy reading!
Profile Image for Kari.
4,024 reviews95 followers
January 30, 2019
This is the follow up to Killer Instinct. Definitely avoid reading this one if you haven't read the first book. There are major spoilers here. I didn't like this one as much as the first one. I was able to figure out the twist in the end. I think I would have been better off leaving Lane where she was at the end of the first book.
Profile Image for Michelle .
2,128 reviews305 followers
June 20, 2015
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net** 

Killer Within is the second book in the young adult Killer Instinct series by S.E. Green. I really liked the first book, and the second book is even crazier. There is so much going on in this book and I am going to try my best to describe this book without spoilers, but it picks up right after the events of the first story, which is a huge spoiler in and of itself. So if you are new to the series, you might be better checking out my review of book 1- Killer Instinct here.

Killer Instinct totally took me by surprise with that insane ending. I did not see it coming at all. So in Killer Within Lane is struggling with the fallout of that last scene, as well as still trying to find her place not only in the world but also within herself. Lane was called the masked savior for some of her actions in the first book, and much of the second book deals with how the community perceives the masked savior. I really liked the website that popped up. And of course, some copy cats also popped up. So that was part of the mystery of this book. Along with a couple of new mysterious characters, there was plenty for Lane to sort out. Some characters I really liked, and some I loved to hate. And if you can get over the fact that this seems to be the most dangerous and killer heavy town in the united states, this book is a wild and really fun journey.

I love Lane. I am such a huge fan of hers, and most of the reason I like her is that she is not your typically heroine. She struggles with questions of morality, and who she is and what she wants to do and be. I really liked that aspect of her. She seemed softer and more emotional in Killer Within. I know Lane likes to think of herself as this stoic, unfeeling person, but I don't think that is true at all. I think we saw some truly evil characters in book 1 and now in book 2 and I wouldn't include Lane in them. Not even close. I just hope that Lane sees that and believes that. I really like this series. I think they are super fast and easy reads that captivate you and hold your attention. I was so quickly drawn in to Lane's world and I was just as wrapped up in finding the copycats and M and j-d-l as she was. I devoured this book in one night. It is so deliciously twisted.

 

 This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
Profile Image for ajfogy.
118 reviews23 followers
February 14, 2015
Killer Within was a more than satisfactory continuation of Lane's story, an atypical seventeen year-old girl who has many dark secrets waiting to be revealed and countless lies to be unraveled. Lane carries the weight of the world on her young shoulders, and is forced to hide the persisting guilt and pain that she is constantly facing on all fronts. While Lane struggles with how she perceives herself and tries to come to terms with what she has done, her family takes one fumbling step at a time and allows time to heal old wounds. Lane meets several new people on her path for redemption who impact her life in different ways, cause her to contemplate her own purpose in life, and who try to change Lane for the better, or for worse...

Lane must decide who she can trust and put her faith in, while not losing touch with those who care most for her: Victor, Daisy, Justin, Zach, Dr. Issa, and Reggie. With Lane's life unraveling, life actually seems to be improving for her younger sister, Daisy who has been forced to grow up and act like a mature young woman. Tragedy changes everyone in different ways. If you love and appreciate Killer Instinct as much as I do, you will be thrilled with Killer Within and the countless mysteries that are left to be solved. Pick up a copy of Killer Within, read it, and share it with other book lovers. I highly doubt that you will be disappointed; I know that I wasn't.

*I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
1 review
December 2, 2019
Killer Within is written by S.E. Green. It starts off with this girl finding out something about her mother. This girl is a secret undercover agent that works by herself. There is an imposture and she is trying to find out who it is. The book is really good with its beginning and climax. In this book they bad thing that happens is this imposture is selling drugs to kids and the kids overdosing. This book is overall really good if you like action and cliff hangers. In the book this girl gets threatened and almost killed sometimes but she survives to find out who the imposture is. The beginning of this book is my favorite part because of the story line than the story line breaks out into the rest of the book. So 10 out of 10 recommend book
Profile Image for Tricia.
75 reviews5 followers
January 17, 2016
ARRRRRRRRGGGGH!!!!!!!!! She is so frustrating! After finishing the book on a very confused note, I was ecstatic to hear there was a sequel to clear things up. Right? Haha, nope. This book was basically a clone of the first book. Same kisses, same conversations, same(sort of) villains. I know if she told her family the truth about her mother it would ruin them, but can't she at least tell someone? So they can make sure no other evil females are out there? Like maybe her secret, murderous, evil fucking aunt???? Like, hello, how could her aunt be so discrete! *pulls hair out in annoyance*
Profile Image for Julia França.
166 reviews5 followers
October 1, 2015
Actual rating: 3,5 stars

It took me so long to get through the beginning of this book that I am actually surprised I finished it today. The second part was clearly more fast paced.

Lane is still disturbed, but now I've grown used to it. Or I've met Catalina.

I don't have more to say differently from my Killer Instinct's review. I love the genre, so I'm glad I read them, period.
Profile Image for Louisa.
8,843 reviews99 followers
May 20, 2015
Such a great book! Such a great sequel, lots of things were hard, but this was a really fantastic book! I would love a 3rd book or more!
Profile Image for Jenny Lee.
203 reviews8 followers
January 17, 2018
I mainly read this to finish up the series I began, and to get it off of my TBR shelf. I didn't much love the first book, and wasn't feeling an intense urge to get closure or see what happened next. But here I am.

This book picks up 3 months after Killer Within ends. With the death of the Decapitator ( the serial killer featured in the first book ) Lane feels more isolated and lost than ever.

Past characters remain in the book, while new ones are introduced to add a new mystery into the mix. Lane comes to find out there is a fan club website for the Masked Savior; her vigilante persona. She also learns that there is a copy cat - and they are violent. She sets out to find out who is running the site, and if they are her copy cat.

There are some major character shifts in this sequel. The little sister who lane shamelessly slut shamed throughout all of the first book turns over a new leaf and the shaming ends just as quickly as it started; but apparently now it's Lane's turn to be promiscuous- but you know, that's okay..because it's her now. ( :| )

Both book one and book 2 ended up being meh reads. The story itself was interesting enough to get me to the end of both books, but I do feel that certain things could have been left out and it would have made the book much better. Same as in book one, the red herrings are laid out really well in the squeal, and would be easy to fall into, leading you to the wrong resolution. So the writing isn't all bad.. just some of the elements need work.
Profile Image for Paula  Phillips.
5,672 reviews341 followers
July 11, 2018
I have had this book sitting on my kindle for a while as I fell in love with the first book as it's like Dexter for the teen audience and with a female lead. At the end of the first book, we read as Lane killed the serial killer known as the Decapitator aka her mum. Of course, the rest of the world, think that her mum - the FBI agent was the last victim. Since that night, Lane has felt like she is losing her touch as she hasn't been able to kill anyone as when she gets close, she panics and freezes. The love of killing has disappeared. She is about to see that her identity as the Masked Saviour isn't going to die down anytime soon as she has a copycat and now a fan site dedicated to her killings. Can Lane find out who is her copycat without giving her true identity away and we also discover that her Mum was hiding a few secrets of her own including a possible family relative who loves to kill just as much as she did? I did feel a tad let down with the ending of this book and hoped for a bit more but overall Killer Within was a good YA mystery, that readers do need to read Book #1 to understand the full picture of the series Killer Instinct.
Profile Image for Tam.
2,179 reviews53 followers
February 24, 2020
This book follows the fallout experienced and subsequent adventures moving forward by teenage serial killer, Lane, after the reveal of jaw-dropping and stunning secrets unveiled in the first book in this series, Killer Instinct. What a fantastic follow-up!
Profile Image for Karsyn .
2,366 reviews44 followers
July 21, 2019
Really really good. Not quite as good as the first, knew more during this one, but it was still enjoyable.
Profile Image for Megan (ReadingRover).
2,002 reviews47 followers
January 4, 2017
Great second installment to the series. In this book Lane's Masked Savior inspires a fan site and copycat all leading to a lot of upset in her usually controlled life. Lane also begins to really take a look inside of herself and question her actions and motives. I felt like this book went a lot deeper into Lane's mind than the first and I really enjoyed that. There were a lot of twists and turns in the story too. Some were completely unexpected but a few were easy to figure out. I was able to guess who the copycat was pretty early on but everything else had my mind going in circles. I really like where the series has headed and I hope that there will be a third book. I don't see one listed on Goodreadsbut I hope that will change soon!
Profile Image for Once.
2,344 reviews81 followers
May 20, 2015
My girl Lane is back! Killer Within picks up after Killer Instinct ends, a few weeks after Lane killed The Decapitator. Though she doesn’t want to admit it, the killing of The Decapitator rattled her some, she hasn’t been fully aware of her surroundings, her sights are set on childish revenge, and things are just off.

So while Lane is off trying to get her groove back, someone is stealing her spotlight, well actually they’re stealing her identity. There’s a copycat masked savior, but he or she is doing much worse things to people who don’t truly deserve it. Which then sparks the idea for a masked savior fan club website, everything is becoming too big, too crazy, and still things are off, and Lane needs some answers and she needs them now, so she sets out to find her copycat.

I really enjoyed Killer Instinct, but I truly enjoyed Killer Within SO MUCH MORE. Everything kept me on my toes, and one thing is for sure, I could definitely not be a detective. Every twist and turn, I had no idea it was coming, the reveals were like whoa! I even shed a tear at one part. And then Lane and her sister start to become closer and that just warmed my heart, even if it annoyed Lane at times.

So maybe I’m clueless when it comes to mysteries, or maybe S.E. Green is that good, but one thing is for sure, you’re going to want to check out this series. It was a fast paced, quick read, with some killer twist and turns, literally. - Shannon (US)
1 review
May 14, 2016
This is book two of the series and it's just as good as the first one. I was not disappointed at all when reading this book. It was about this girl named Lane who tries to lead a double life, one as a normal teenager and one as the Masked Savior. It is a mystery book and it keeps you thinking, it has a spin and turn as soon as you think you figured it out. The series reminds me of something like Dexter.

I really liked this book and it's hard to think of what I disliked about it. It has a lot of action and excitement involved, when she's fighting criminals. It also has a very mysterious aspect to it. Whenever you thought you had the perpetrator figured out, there was a turn that made you think otherwise. You had to think throughout the entire book. It was an enjoyable read except for a few moments. Overall I liked the book and have to give it five stars, it was just that good.
Profile Image for Kelly Sierra.
1,025 reviews41 followers
June 25, 2015
That was heart-pounding. Copy cat murders that point to Lane is the new issue for her. Trying to get back to normal after her mother's death, and subsequent secrets that unfolded in the first book, Lane just needs to kill. But suddenly everyone wants a piece of the masked crusader, and even an online fan club has been created. Lane at first is intrigued, but soon she's beyond intrigued when the media begins to cover acts of violence done by the masked crusader... except she never did any of those. Time starts running out for Lane to figure out who is copying her, following her, and also her mother's past comes back.

4 out of 5 stars. Thanks Edelweiss.
Profile Image for Sandy Schmidt.
1,419 reviews11 followers
October 31, 2016
Lane is trying to grieve with her family but feels isolated because only she knows the truth of the Decapitator and her mother's side-line. When she and her father separately receive condolence cards from the same person, Marji, Lane sets off on an investigative trail that is mind blowing! Throw in on-again/off-again with Zach, entry of Catalina (the daughter of the man heading the Task Force on the vigilante), Kyle, the changes in her sister Daisy, Tommy from the grief counseling group, and her boss, Mike, and you have another gripping story that I couldn't put down until reaching the end.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
326 reviews24 followers
August 10, 2015
An Awesome book. I actually liked this one better then the first book. The first one was good but reminded me to much of Dexter. This one lead Lane on her own path. The other characters are pretty great too. Poor lane really had no chance in how she turned out. I was very interested in what would happen and who would find out about Lane. I love Lane as a character and can't wait to see what happens next. I really hope their will be more books. I definitely recommend this book.
Profile Image for Clif Ramile.
51 reviews3 followers
April 18, 2016
Just Awesome!!! You never would expect it to end like that, and one very surprising character....never would have even considered that person, OMG....there had better be a 3rd in the works hopefully, maybe in the near future???
Profile Image for Diane Ferbrache.
1,999 reviews33 followers
November 29, 2015
Lane thought her problems had ended with the death of the Decapitator in the first book, but NO! In this sequel to Killer Instinct, the action continues non-stop. What a great heroine, what a great mystery/suspense story for teens.
Profile Image for Dora.
249 reviews43 followers
August 14, 2015
Why!!! S. E. You got me again!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews

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