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Undertow #3
True North
For Eila Walker, history has become its own demon. After months of trying to keep ahead of those who are hunting her, Eila is more than ready to end her days of running. But her ancestor, Elizabeth, has left a twisted legacy in her wake that shadows Eila still, nearly 170 years later.
When her grandfather reveals that he has kept a priceless piece of the past hidden in his vault on the island of Polaris, Eila and her friends are hopeful they may finally find the answers they so desperately need.
But just when Polaris is beginning to feel like a safe haven, a brutal attack leaves the group shattered. Eila, desperate to end the violence, soon finds herself drawn into the decadent underworld of the Mortis, where lies become truths, and allies . . . become killers.
When her grandfather reveals that he has kept a priceless piece of the past hidden in his vault on the island of Polaris, Eila and her friends are hopeful they may finally find the answers they so desperately need.
But just when Polaris is beginning to feel like a safe haven, a brutal attack leaves the group shattered. Eila, desperate to end the violence, soon finds herself drawn into the decadent underworld of the Mortis, where lies become truths, and allies . . . become killers.
452 pages, Paperback
First published February 8, 2016
8 people are currently reading
647 people want to read
About the author
K.R. Conway
7 books340 followersK.R. Conway is a sarcastic bugger who likes to torment Cape Cod’s summertime tourists, taunting them about sneaky sharks and traffic-free backroads. She's been a professional journalist since 1999 when several newspaper editors lost their minds and hired her as a feature writer. She is best known, however, for her Urban Fantasy series, Undertow, which reads like a mash-up of Jaws and The Goonies.
Awards, nominations, and features include Barnes and Noble’s Seven Terrifying Summer Reads for Teens (2015), Teen Ink Magazine’s Best Picks, Girl’s Life Magazine Cool Winter Reads, newspapers, magazines, and radio. Nominations include Indie Recon Live (Best New YA, Best Opening Line, Best Book Boyfriend), YALSA, Cybil, Goodreads, IRDA, and others.
The series has spawned fan fiction, fan art, jewelry, clothing, and even tattoos. Conway, who is a member of SCBWI, teaches fiction craft at writer conferences, high schools, and libraries. She lives on Cape Cod with her equally weird family and a strange assortment of critters.
Her current manuscript in progress is a twisted retelling of D-Day as from the POV of a young Detroit mission survivor and a talented female French sniper.
Awards, nominations, and features include Barnes and Noble’s Seven Terrifying Summer Reads for Teens (2015), Teen Ink Magazine’s Best Picks, Girl’s Life Magazine Cool Winter Reads, newspapers, magazines, and radio. Nominations include Indie Recon Live (Best New YA, Best Opening Line, Best Book Boyfriend), YALSA, Cybil, Goodreads, IRDA, and others.
The series has spawned fan fiction, fan art, jewelry, clothing, and even tattoos. Conway, who is a member of SCBWI, teaches fiction craft at writer conferences, high schools, and libraries. She lives on Cape Cod with her equally weird family and a strange assortment of critters.
Her current manuscript in progress is a twisted retelling of D-Day as from the POV of a young Detroit mission survivor and a talented female French sniper.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
January 27, 2016
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to K.R. Conway, Wicked Whale Publishing , and NetGalley.)
This was a good third instalment, and the stakes were really raised.
Eila had a lot to deal with in this book, and she just about made it, although she did have her moments. Raef again seemed overprotective though.
The storyline in this did confuse me a bit, and I think I really need to go back and reread books 1 and 2 again, but there was action, and an unexpected death to keep things flowing.
The ending was a bit of a cliff-hanger again! I will be re-reading these before that fourth one comes out!
7 out of 10
“Nothing can happen to you, do you understand? I can’t live without you.”
This was a good third instalment, and the stakes were really raised.
Eila had a lot to deal with in this book, and she just about made it, although she did have her moments. Raef again seemed overprotective though.
The storyline in this did confuse me a bit, and I think I really need to go back and reread books 1 and 2 again, but there was action, and an unexpected death to keep things flowing.
The ending was a bit of a cliff-hanger again! I will be re-reading these before that fourth one comes out!
7 out of 10
February 9, 2016
*** A HUGE thank you to MS. Conway for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!! :D ***
First, let me start out by saying that True North is officially the first new book (besides a school required one that I am not counting) that I have read in 2016! I know it's shocking that I haven't read any new books in over a month, but that's what happens when you are a high school student with truck loads of work every day and very bad at time management. However though, I am happy to say that I couldn't have been more happier than to start 2016 with True North! Just when I think that this series can't possibly get even better than it already is, I am given another book that totally blows that thought out of the water!
Let me warn you that unlike the first two books in this series, this one will definitely put you through the wringer and leave you an emotional sobbing, smiling, and laughing mess. It seems that with every book, the secrets, twists, and new surprises get even bigger than before. Everything is much more intense and trust me when I say that you will not be able to put this book down for even a second!
As usual, I don't have enough words to describe how much I have come to love these characters! I am not going to repeat myself and tell you all how much I love Eila, Rafe, Kian, Ana, and MJ. I already did that twice in my reviews for Undertow & Stormfront. However, what I will tell you is that my heart broke for Eila in this book. And also, if you didn't already love these characters before (are you nuts?), you can expect that after reading this book, you will become their #1 fan! The ones that I will be talking about though, are the semi-new characters that we got to know better.
Let me start out with Christian & Rillan. In the last two books, I had my doubts about them. I didn't think they were necessarily bad, but it was still hard for me to completely trust them. But after getting to know them more in detail in this book, all I can say is that my heart breaks for these two characters. They have been through so much and yet managed to survive. And they are doing all they can to help Eila, no matter what the cost. They have definitely grown on me and I have really become fond of these two! Also, I'd really like to just reach into the book and give Rillan a nice big hug because he really deserves it.
Another character, one that totally took me by surprise, was Nicki Shea. I was prepared to to hate her. However, what I wasn't prepared for was to start feeling sympathetic towards her, and actually starting to like her. I know. Shocking right? But what happened was that from the minute she came into the picture, I found it hard to actually hate her. Even though she acts super mean, it was easy to see that it wasn't the real her. And after everything she has done in this book, I can for sure say that Nicki is now one of my favorite characters and for me, she is officially a part of Eila's crew!
As for the writing itself, storyline, plot, and pacing, they were nothing but perfect! Surprisingly, despite being over 400 pages, True North was a fast read for me, but I guess that's what happens when you get a book as good as this one! The only bad thing about this book is that because it was so good, waiting until NEXT YEAR for the next book is going to be nothing but pure torture! I guess the only good thing though was that Ms. Conway took mercy on us and did not end this book on a terrible cliffhanger. Overall True North was beyond awesome and you definitely need to run and grab this book from the store as fast as possibly possible!
First, let me start out by saying that True North is officially the first new book (besides a school required one that I am not counting) that I have read in 2016! I know it's shocking that I haven't read any new books in over a month, but that's what happens when you are a high school student with truck loads of work every day and very bad at time management. However though, I am happy to say that I couldn't have been more happier than to start 2016 with True North! Just when I think that this series can't possibly get even better than it already is, I am given another book that totally blows that thought out of the water!
Let me warn you that unlike the first two books in this series, this one will definitely put you through the wringer and leave you an emotional sobbing, smiling, and laughing mess. It seems that with every book, the secrets, twists, and new surprises get even bigger than before. Everything is much more intense and trust me when I say that you will not be able to put this book down for even a second!
As usual, I don't have enough words to describe how much I have come to love these characters! I am not going to repeat myself and tell you all how much I love Eila, Rafe, Kian, Ana, and MJ. I already did that twice in my reviews for Undertow & Stormfront. However, what I will tell you is that my heart broke for Eila in this book. And also, if you didn't already love these characters before (are you nuts?), you can expect that after reading this book, you will become their #1 fan! The ones that I will be talking about though, are the semi-new characters that we got to know better.
Let me start out with Christian & Rillan. In the last two books, I had my doubts about them. I didn't think they were necessarily bad, but it was still hard for me to completely trust them. But after getting to know them more in detail in this book, all I can say is that my heart breaks for these two characters. They have been through so much and yet managed to survive. And they are doing all they can to help Eila, no matter what the cost. They have definitely grown on me and I have really become fond of these two! Also, I'd really like to just reach into the book and give Rillan a nice big hug because he really deserves it.
Another character, one that totally took me by surprise, was Nicki Shea. I was prepared to to hate her. However, what I wasn't prepared for was to start feeling sympathetic towards her, and actually starting to like her. I know. Shocking right? But what happened was that from the minute she came into the picture, I found it hard to actually hate her. Even though she acts super mean, it was easy to see that it wasn't the real her. And after everything she has done in this book, I can for sure say that Nicki is now one of my favorite characters and for me, she is officially a part of Eila's crew!
As for the writing itself, storyline, plot, and pacing, they were nothing but perfect! Surprisingly, despite being over 400 pages, True North was a fast read for me, but I guess that's what happens when you get a book as good as this one! The only bad thing about this book is that because it was so good, waiting until NEXT YEAR for the next book is going to be nothing but pure torture! I guess the only good thing though was that Ms. Conway took mercy on us and did not end this book on a terrible cliffhanger. Overall True North was beyond awesome and you definitely need to run and grab this book from the store as fast as possibly possible!
March 4, 2016
Update!
Full review:
*I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review*
*May contain information from previous book*
So book two left us off with Eila and her friends at grandfather's island containing Elizabeth's body. From there we get tons of action, suspense, and everything in between.
"All that I could do was carry on, my chipped and battered heart still beating."
There was quite a bit of heartbreak in this book that really took me by surprised. I always hold out and hope that all characters will make it to the end but that was not the case in this book, and I was so sad to see some characters go -I'm really, really going to miss them.
"She looked downright giddy about our forbidden field trip, and I was starting to wonder what exactly was in those meds the hospital gave her."
But there are still a few things I've been able to count on in this series and the first is humor, which I'm so glad there was because too many depressing things is just no fun. I love laughing and these characters can be funny. Especially MJ...
I can also count on Eila and Raef!!! I love them so much and I was happy to be able to read about them again. Of course Raef gets overprotective but Eila (and Ana) always end up asserting themselves. I think by now it's a given that Raef (and Kian) will always what to protect those that they love especially now that none of them ever seem to get a break.
Also, I love you MJ. Keep being you.
We get some new characters in the book as well as not so friendly ones. Ms. Conway even made me like someone I previously didn't like and that I always think that that is an accomplishment for an author to do - congrats!!
I also went in thinking this was the last book (so glad it's not) and the whole time I was thinking "There's no way this story is going to be wrapped up in this book. No. Absolute. Way." I guess I was right. While the story has become a lot more intense and complex with the Lessers and limiting links, I now I have even more questions for book four and I just want everyone to have their HEA!
All in all, this was a fun book that was heartbreaking, funny, swoon, intense, and left me wanting the next book which doesn't come out till next year. I love the story line and I can't wait to see where the next book will take us.
Review before reading:
I'm so excited for this book!
Like seriously excited. I mean, come on, this whole series + that ending + Eila and Raef just equals a bookload of awesomeness!!
I neeeeeed a copy now.
But I can totally wait right? Haha, nice try, but NOPE.
Full review:
*I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review*
*May contain information from previous book*
So book two left us off with Eila and her friends at grandfather's island containing Elizabeth's body. From there we get tons of action, suspense, and everything in between.
"All that I could do was carry on, my chipped and battered heart still beating."
There was quite a bit of heartbreak in this book that really took me by surprised. I always hold out and hope that all characters will make it to the end but that was not the case in this book, and I was so sad to see some characters go -I'm really, really going to miss them.
"She looked downright giddy about our forbidden field trip, and I was starting to wonder what exactly was in those meds the hospital gave her."
But there are still a few things I've been able to count on in this series and the first is humor, which I'm so glad there was because too many depressing things is just no fun. I love laughing and these characters can be funny. Especially MJ...
I can also count on Eila and Raef!!! I love them so much and I was happy to be able to read about them again. Of course Raef gets overprotective but Eila (and Ana) always end up asserting themselves. I think by now it's a given that Raef (and Kian) will always what to protect those that they love especially now that none of them ever seem to get a break.
Also, I love you MJ. Keep being you.
We get some new characters in the book as well as not so friendly ones. Ms. Conway even made me like someone I previously didn't like and that I always think that that is an accomplishment for an author to do - congrats!!
I also went in thinking this was the last book (so glad it's not) and the whole time I was thinking "There's no way this story is going to be wrapped up in this book. No. Absolute. Way." I guess I was right. While the story has become a lot more intense and complex with the Lessers and limiting links, I now I have even more questions for book four and I just want everyone to have their HEA!
All in all, this was a fun book that was heartbreaking, funny, swoon, intense, and left me wanting the next book which doesn't come out till next year. I love the story line and I can't wait to see where the next book will take us.
Review before reading:
I'm so excited for this book!
Like seriously excited. I mean, come on, this whole series + that ending + Eila and Raef just equals a bookload of awesomeness!!
I neeeeeed a copy now.
But I can totally wait right? Haha, nice try, but NOPE.
February 12, 2016
I fell in love with the Undertow series just a few weeks ago. Since then I've inhaled the books and. True North is the third book of the series and let me tell you K.R Conway had me yelling, saying nope and omg so many times my sanity was questioned.
The book picks up again at the beautiful island of Polaris. Will Eila Raef Ana Kian MJ and Christian finally have some good luck? And will Mae go bananas when she finds out the boys are on Polaris? Read go enjoy!
The book picks up again at the beautiful island of Polaris. Will Eila Raef Ana Kian MJ and Christian finally have some good luck? And will Mae go bananas when she finds out the boys are on Polaris? Read go enjoy!
March 26, 2016
This review was originally posted on Book Twister ReviewsAfter taking way too long, I've finally finished True North, the third novel in K.R. Conway's "Undertow" series, and can I just say HOLY FRAK, what a ride! Honestly, from the very beginning this novel took turns that I didn't see coming at all, and I can only imagine that the rest of the series is just going to get crazier from here on out.
True North starts right where Stormfront left off, with Eila discovering the secrets Christian has kept hidden in his Polaris vault for so many years. But Polaris, and Eila's new-found peace, aren't safe for long as the island falls under attack and . From this moment on, True North is full of excitement, energy, and the unexpected, which is the main reason I'm so in love with this novel.
I mentioned in my review of Stormfront that Eila really came into her own as a badass in the second novel, and showed great character growth as a heroine and person in general. In True North, Eila proves she deserves that recognition. She's constantly throwing her weight around as a fighter, and though she does not lack in moments of weakness, she demonstrates the amount of strength it takes to have moments of break down and sorrow. Eila is growing up right before the reader's eyes, and that honestly makes her one of my favorite female literary characters to date. Plus I'm still super in love with Raef (and, of course, Kian) and their dedication to their girls. Who says you can't be a badass and in love?
And it's like Conway knows how much I adore girl power in my novels, because not only do we have Eila and Ana as characters who kick ass and take names (because P.S. Ana's abilities as a Sway are so awesome in True North) but we also get to spend a fair amount of time with a character that I wasn't even sure I could like: Nikki Shea. And do you want to know something? Nikki, despite her original "mean girl" trope, is actually an incredibly developed and well though out character. Her abilities as a Feon are wicked and I really wish I could do what she does. There's more to her story than anyone could have realized, which is a huge point in True North's favor. ()
I would be remiss to not mention the new characters who pop up in True North, the Moriartys and their crew, who own a club that houses secrets all its own. It's very obvious that they'll play a major role as Eila's story continues, and without giving too much away, I think they may just end up being the game changer for Eila and her fate.
But beyond the badass ladies, and the obvious drool-worthy qualities of the Mortis men, True North is a book about overcoming loss and finding an inner strength to carry on, despite having the weight of the world crushing down on your shoulders. Do I think Eila is going to win in the end? I hope so. Am I going to enjoy every moment of watching her and her companions get there? Absolutely.
Last Light, the next book in Conway's "Undertow" series will arrive in 2017. I can't wait!
True North starts right where Stormfront left off, with Eila discovering the secrets Christian has kept hidden in his Polaris vault for so many years. But Polaris, and Eila's new-found peace, aren't safe for long as the island falls under attack and . From this moment on, True North is full of excitement, energy, and the unexpected, which is the main reason I'm so in love with this novel.
I mentioned in my review of Stormfront that Eila really came into her own as a badass in the second novel, and showed great character growth as a heroine and person in general. In True North, Eila proves she deserves that recognition. She's constantly throwing her weight around as a fighter, and though she does not lack in moments of weakness, she demonstrates the amount of strength it takes to have moments of break down and sorrow. Eila is growing up right before the reader's eyes, and that honestly makes her one of my favorite female literary characters to date. Plus I'm still super in love with Raef (and, of course, Kian) and their dedication to their girls. Who says you can't be a badass and in love?
And it's like Conway knows how much I adore girl power in my novels, because not only do we have Eila and Ana as characters who kick ass and take names (because P.S. Ana's abilities as a Sway are so awesome in True North) but we also get to spend a fair amount of time with a character that I wasn't even sure I could like: Nikki Shea. And do you want to know something? Nikki, despite her original "mean girl" trope, is actually an incredibly developed and well though out character. Her abilities as a Feon are wicked and I really wish I could do what she does. There's more to her story than anyone could have realized, which is a huge point in True North's favor. ()
I would be remiss to not mention the new characters who pop up in True North, the Moriartys and their crew, who own a club that houses secrets all its own. It's very obvious that they'll play a major role as Eila's story continues, and without giving too much away, I think they may just end up being the game changer for Eila and her fate.
But beyond the badass ladies, and the obvious drool-worthy qualities of the Mortis men, True North is a book about overcoming loss and finding an inner strength to carry on, despite having the weight of the world crushing down on your shoulders. Do I think Eila is going to win in the end? I hope so. Am I going to enjoy every moment of watching her and her companions get there? Absolutely.
Last Light, the next book in Conway's "Undertow" series will arrive in 2017. I can't wait!
February 14, 2016
Received on netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
The third in the series picks up where two left us and what a ride we go on. We get some sadness as characters we adore fall and we see the danger increase as we see there are new elements at play going on.
Ella grows more into her powers and she comes out stronger but also with sadness in this book. We see her circle of friends become family and more loyal than ever. We even see MJ with a unlikely love interest that turns into an even more unlikely ally. Didn’t see this one coming. But in the world of Mortis and now Lessers where links are making people slaves in which they become something they aren’t violent and turn against those they love any ally is needed and welcomed.
This book shows us Ella and Raef grow as people and a couple. they are now racing against time. People are trying to kill her at a more rapid pace and why is the question. Well not kill her exactly but get ahold of her and they will stop at nothing to get what they want. Why? That is the question all would like to know.
We learn that there is a group of people out there who work with Mortis to help them. Christian is one of the sad ones. I loved how much he loved Ella and all he did for her.
Ana grows in her powers and her relationship with Kian becomes more. More complex, more in depth and more loving. They are there for each other in a different way than Ella and Raef. The history they have has Kian more protective than ever. She helps discover secrets and reveal why all that is going on with Links, Lessers and coming after Ella is happening.
Rillin shows that he is loyal and at the end you really have your heart go out to him. I was glad he was finally freed.
this book I couldn’t put down. So much was seen and happened. We learned about links, lessers, more about the world of Mortis and Lunaterra. We see love interests peak and allies come in the most unlikely of sources. Ella gets stronger and the support, love and respect she receives from Raef helps her feel more confident and grow into who she is. Rillin helps her become stronger and confident in her abilities but he also gets freed and has her trust and faith no matter what.
Raef becomes more loving and protective but also we see his Mortis side of darkness. He respects Ella’s choices and stands by them even when they go against what he is feeling. His growth comes in the fact that he starts to come to peace with his mortis side and sees that his human side is still there. We see him show more faith in ella’s abilities and his love grow for her.
MJ is still my favorite. He is kind and fun. He helps to lighten the situations and take the tension from them and yet he is fierce and loyal in his own way.
This group goes through alot in this book as they battle danger on all sides and try to figure out what is going on and why everyone is after Ella.
A well written, fast paced, action packed book full of danger, intrigue, sad moments, loving moments, trust and coming together of people to stop something that could harm all. A book of love and trust. Family and loyalty. Danger and intrigue. I look forward to seeing where the next book takes us and if the hypothesis about Rillin is true or not. And the cliffy about who Raef and Kian are descendants of as Mortis wow just wow. And what is wanted to happen by others is just to alluring to hear about and see defeated. A truly alluring book.
The third in the series picks up where two left us and what a ride we go on. We get some sadness as characters we adore fall and we see the danger increase as we see there are new elements at play going on.
Ella grows more into her powers and she comes out stronger but also with sadness in this book. We see her circle of friends become family and more loyal than ever. We even see MJ with a unlikely love interest that turns into an even more unlikely ally. Didn’t see this one coming. But in the world of Mortis and now Lessers where links are making people slaves in which they become something they aren’t violent and turn against those they love any ally is needed and welcomed.
This book shows us Ella and Raef grow as people and a couple. they are now racing against time. People are trying to kill her at a more rapid pace and why is the question. Well not kill her exactly but get ahold of her and they will stop at nothing to get what they want. Why? That is the question all would like to know.
We learn that there is a group of people out there who work with Mortis to help them. Christian is one of the sad ones. I loved how much he loved Ella and all he did for her.
Ana grows in her powers and her relationship with Kian becomes more. More complex, more in depth and more loving. They are there for each other in a different way than Ella and Raef. The history they have has Kian more protective than ever. She helps discover secrets and reveal why all that is going on with Links, Lessers and coming after Ella is happening.
Rillin shows that he is loyal and at the end you really have your heart go out to him. I was glad he was finally freed.
this book I couldn’t put down. So much was seen and happened. We learned about links, lessers, more about the world of Mortis and Lunaterra. We see love interests peak and allies come in the most unlikely of sources. Ella gets stronger and the support, love and respect she receives from Raef helps her feel more confident and grow into who she is. Rillin helps her become stronger and confident in her abilities but he also gets freed and has her trust and faith no matter what.
Raef becomes more loving and protective but also we see his Mortis side of darkness. He respects Ella’s choices and stands by them even when they go against what he is feeling. His growth comes in the fact that he starts to come to peace with his mortis side and sees that his human side is still there. We see him show more faith in ella’s abilities and his love grow for her.
MJ is still my favorite. He is kind and fun. He helps to lighten the situations and take the tension from them and yet he is fierce and loyal in his own way.
This group goes through alot in this book as they battle danger on all sides and try to figure out what is going on and why everyone is after Ella.
A well written, fast paced, action packed book full of danger, intrigue, sad moments, loving moments, trust and coming together of people to stop something that could harm all. A book of love and trust. Family and loyalty. Danger and intrigue. I look forward to seeing where the next book takes us and if the hypothesis about Rillin is true or not. And the cliffy about who Raef and Kian are descendants of as Mortis wow just wow. And what is wanted to happen by others is just to alluring to hear about and see defeated. A truly alluring book.
January 29, 2016
Had to think about this review for a couple of days. When you read someone as good as Kate is it's hard to keep coming up with superlatives to describe her work. This is the fourth book in her Undertow series and, in my humble opinion, the best yet. She keeps growing in her writing with each book, the characters become more real, and the story, while a supernatural story, is totally believable. Ella, Raef, MJ, Kian, Ana, and Marsh feel like the teens next door, even if they do have "abilities." I love these kids and you can almost imagine Kate gave birth to all of them. Guess in a way she did, and she has raised them right. Read, the book, read ALL the books! Step into a world where imagination reigns and other worlds do exist. Just run out, buy them, start at the beginning and don't stop until the last mind bending page!!
March 31, 2016
Gah, I missed this group of young adults! I had forgotten how much I genuinely adored these books. I love when I break out of my normal reading and grab a young adult book. They are always so refreshing. Add in the paranormal and I got a complete palate cleanse!
The gang is all here with some new, interesting additions. Witty humor, heart break, and amazing power. I can not wait to see where the series ends.
Such a strong eclectic group of characters. They all work. “Dollar Store Avengers”
They are ready to fight, they are ready to make a stand. The future is in there hands. History rest in the balance.
The gang is all here with some new, interesting additions. Witty humor, heart break, and amazing power. I can not wait to see where the series ends.
Such a strong eclectic group of characters. They all work. “Dollar Store Avengers”
They are ready to fight, they are ready to make a stand. The future is in there hands. History rest in the balance.
January 21, 2016
For full review please go to: 5girlsbookreviews.blogspot.com, Twitter @camartinez and Facebook "5 Girls Book Reviews"
REVIEW BY: Michaela, age 11 years, 7 months
MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:
I have read the other two books in this series and I must say that this one did not disappoint me either! I LOVED it! This book was so amazing!!!
My favorite character is Ellie because she is generous and cares about everyone. My favorite part is when they meet Basil because it is so funny, but he stays so calm like their meeting happens any regular day.
REVIEW BY: Michaela, age 11 years, 7 months
MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:
I have read the other two books in this series and I must say that this one did not disappoint me either! I LOVED it! This book was so amazing!!!
My favorite character is Ellie because she is generous and cares about everyone. My favorite part is when they meet Basil because it is so funny, but he stays so calm like their meeting happens any regular day.
October 9, 2017
In Book 3, we learn more about Eila's and Raef's roots. There are several surprises in the last 20% of the book that set up Book 4. Once again, I enjoyed hanging out with Eila, Raef, Ana, Kian, and MJ. They've got great chemistry as a group and are a guaranteed good time. I liked learning more about the Mortis and Lunaterra. There's a rich tapestry of history there. A solid third installment in this series.
June 27, 2017
This was a blast to write ;)
August 3, 2016
True North jumps right in where Stormfront left off. I decided to reread Stormfront prior to this book, and I'm glad I did. Regardless of whether it was necessary or not, I just really enjoyed enveloping myself in these characters again. I truly love "hanging out" with Eila, Raef, Ana, Kian, and MJ. I was also under the false impression that this was the last book in the series. But it's not! There's at least one more book that I know of, so I've got more to look forward to.
Now what can I say without giving away spoilers? I must say that this installment had A LOT going on. This was over 400 pages of twists and turns. Where the story started was completely different to where it ended. But this is not a bad thing. Instead of getting lulled into what I expected to happen in the story, I found myself wrapped up in this world and the lives of Eila, Raef, and the gang, discovering things right alongside them. I was often surprised by the direction of the story, which kept me on my toes trying to foresee what would happen next. In fact, there was one occurrence that truly shocked me and I absolutely did not see it coming. Actually, I'm still shocked. And that ending! I'm looking forward to what I expect will be many more fascinating twists and turns in the next book.
Now what can I say without giving away spoilers? I must say that this installment had A LOT going on. This was over 400 pages of twists and turns. Where the story started was completely different to where it ended. But this is not a bad thing. Instead of getting lulled into what I expected to happen in the story, I found myself wrapped up in this world and the lives of Eila, Raef, and the gang, discovering things right alongside them. I was often surprised by the direction of the story, which kept me on my toes trying to foresee what would happen next. In fact, there was one occurrence that truly shocked me and I absolutely did not see it coming. Actually, I'm still shocked. And that ending! I'm looking forward to what I expect will be many more fascinating twists and turns in the next book.
March 25, 2016
**I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review**
4 stars
Eila and her crew of Mortis/ own personal superheros is back and kicking more butt than ever. With Raef, Kian, MJ, and Ana back by her side, with a few other loyalist added into the mix, they are ready to take their fight to where it could all end or begin – given the weapons that could be created and used against her and her misfit friends. I really enjoyed leaning more about Eila’s heritage and being shown the risks and rewards that she feels are necessary to restore her once great race to it’s former glory. With some bumps along her long road to self-discovery, Eila has her ever-present love Raef to help her navigate the twists and turns that are thrown her way. If you are looking for just another sci-fi story, this might not be for you – this story has so much more! It has intrigue, betrayal, romance, strange alien races (with strange powers to shock and awe), friendship, and loyalty. I will be eagerly awaiting the next and final chapter in Eila’s journey!!
4 stars
Eila and her crew of Mortis/ own personal superheros is back and kicking more butt than ever. With Raef, Kian, MJ, and Ana back by her side, with a few other loyalist added into the mix, they are ready to take their fight to where it could all end or begin – given the weapons that could be created and used against her and her misfit friends. I really enjoyed leaning more about Eila’s heritage and being shown the risks and rewards that she feels are necessary to restore her once great race to it’s former glory. With some bumps along her long road to self-discovery, Eila has her ever-present love Raef to help her navigate the twists and turns that are thrown her way. If you are looking for just another sci-fi story, this might not be for you – this story has so much more! It has intrigue, betrayal, romance, strange alien races (with strange powers to shock and awe), friendship, and loyalty. I will be eagerly awaiting the next and final chapter in Eila’s journey!!
August 12, 2018
Spoiler Alert
“I was the girl - woman - I was now because of the darkness that turned restlessly inside me. I was, for all honest comparisons, far more deadly than Raef, but never more human than when I was with him.”
Following several attempts on their lives, Eila, Raef, Kian and Ana take refuge on Christian’s island, Polaris. Eila is shocked beyond measure when Christian reveals that Elizabeth’s preserved body was being kept in a secret vault under his estate. Despite her death, Elizabeth’s body continues to maintain the power from the core collapse and is a threat to all in the event that a secondary core collapse should occur.
Using Ana’s newly developed ability to reload from the dead, the gang attempt to learn more about Elizabeth’s motives on the night she killed Jacob Rysse. Catastrophe strikes when a brutal attack by four Lessers, who are being controlled by Limiting Links, leads to tragic consequences for Eila when she loses two of her very own. Grief stricken, they return to Cape Cod with Elizabeth’s body and try to make sense of who is behind the attacks. Rillin sets out on a mission to meet a Runner named Sarah Booth, who may have answers with regards to the Limiting Links that were controlling the Lessers.
Eila is shocked when she recognises Shamrock Boy (the intruder who broke into Nikki Shea as well as her own house) at school but he disappears before she can follow him. She warns Nikki and the two come to an uneasy truce. When they later spot him in the canteen, MJ attacks him and is suspended from school as a result. Nikki realises that MJ is non other than Marsh and is non too happy at their deception. She does however thank him for saving her life.
When Rillin mysteriously disappears, Raef and Kian, at Eila’s behest, set out to trace his last known whereabouts. Meanwhile, Eila, Ana, MJ and Nikki confront Shamrock Boy at the Faust night club after they inadvertently learn his identity. He’s none other than Baz Moriarty, son of Maia Moriarty who is Dalca’s estranged sister. Baz explains that he never meant to hurt Nikki and apologises. Eila has a tense meeting with Maia and comes clean about her own identity - that she is Christian’s fourth generation granddaughter. Eila tells her about the attack on Polaris. The Lessers turn out to have been Maia’s co workers. Maia explains that Lessers are peaceful creatures and is disturbed to learn about the reemergence of the Limiting Links after all these years.
Following their fruitless search, Raef and Kian return home to find a menacing Rillin, accompanied by Sarah Booth, outside their front porch. Completely at the mercy of the newly activated Limiting Link in his chest, Rillin shoots Raef and Kian with deadly arsenic bullets which incapacitates the duo. Unaware of the danger ahead, Eila, Ana, MJ and Nikki return home and are attacked by Rillin. A badly wounded Nikki uses her Feon abilities to deactivate Rillin’s link and render him unconscious but loses the use of her arm as a result. Eila is forced to seek refuge at Faust when they find Raef and Kian barely alive. A guilt ridden and remorseful Rillin refuses to leave his cell until his Limiting Link is dismantled completely, despite the risk that removing it could kill him.
Eila learns that Maia and Dalca’s estrangement was due to the latters obsession with the Iron Scrolls, a self serving holy text of sorts belonging to the Lunaterra. The Scrolls were, designed to purge the world of anything less than worthy that wasn’t Lunaterra. Grant interpreted them as if they were designed for the Mortis. Dalca had double crossed Waite by teaming up with Grant which was why Waite had hired Sarah Booth instead. Nikki realises her family are working with Waite and swears to help the group to stop them.
Raef and Kian are shaken to learn that they were not human prior to being turned by Jacob Rysse but are in fact much older. Eight hundred years old to be precise. They are members of the First Army, created by the Archangel Therophel which explains why their Fallen Marks are different and why they don’t scar. They realise their memories have been tampered with but by who?
The gang come to the shocking conclusion that Jacob Rysse was non other than Therophel himself and that Elizabeth had come to realise this. She had hoped that by killing Therophel, her loved ones would no longer have to bear the brutality of what she and Christian had seen and done.
The gang are shaken when James tells them that they were attacked on Polaris and Collette is dead. Halee has been hacked which means their security is compromised. He urges them to leave the house. A defiant Eila refuses to run and decides to finally make a stand..
True North was an emotional rollercoaster in many ways, beginning with its insightful epilogue in which we see how Rillin first met Elizabeth and his experiences as a Trial in Aztael Castle. “It was hell on earth, forged by the bloodlines of heaven.”
The strength of the series from the get go, has been in the appealing and unforgettable three dimensional characters that the readers just can’t help loving and identifying with. Each of their journeys have been a revelation to read. The loss of two characters at the beginning therefore came as a huge blow and Eila’s grief was palpable throughout the pages. I genuinely welled up in the scene where Eila lay next to the body. The addition of Nikki and Baz to their group dynamic was a welcome relief which led to some truly laugh out loud moments particularly from the former. Who would have thought that the sullen Queen of Mean of the previous books would have so many dimensions?
True North was fast paced with lots of action, twists and suspense which made it a truly engaging read and hard to put down. Several interesting plot developments towards the end will ensure that the reader will long to get their hands on the next installment. Thankfully I’m already lined up to read it 😊
“I was the girl - woman - I was now because of the darkness that turned restlessly inside me. I was, for all honest comparisons, far more deadly than Raef, but never more human than when I was with him.”
Following several attempts on their lives, Eila, Raef, Kian and Ana take refuge on Christian’s island, Polaris. Eila is shocked beyond measure when Christian reveals that Elizabeth’s preserved body was being kept in a secret vault under his estate. Despite her death, Elizabeth’s body continues to maintain the power from the core collapse and is a threat to all in the event that a secondary core collapse should occur.
Using Ana’s newly developed ability to reload from the dead, the gang attempt to learn more about Elizabeth’s motives on the night she killed Jacob Rysse. Catastrophe strikes when a brutal attack by four Lessers, who are being controlled by Limiting Links, leads to tragic consequences for Eila when she loses two of her very own. Grief stricken, they return to Cape Cod with Elizabeth’s body and try to make sense of who is behind the attacks. Rillin sets out on a mission to meet a Runner named Sarah Booth, who may have answers with regards to the Limiting Links that were controlling the Lessers.
Eila is shocked when she recognises Shamrock Boy (the intruder who broke into Nikki Shea as well as her own house) at school but he disappears before she can follow him. She warns Nikki and the two come to an uneasy truce. When they later spot him in the canteen, MJ attacks him and is suspended from school as a result. Nikki realises that MJ is non other than Marsh and is non too happy at their deception. She does however thank him for saving her life.
When Rillin mysteriously disappears, Raef and Kian, at Eila’s behest, set out to trace his last known whereabouts. Meanwhile, Eila, Ana, MJ and Nikki confront Shamrock Boy at the Faust night club after they inadvertently learn his identity. He’s none other than Baz Moriarty, son of Maia Moriarty who is Dalca’s estranged sister. Baz explains that he never meant to hurt Nikki and apologises. Eila has a tense meeting with Maia and comes clean about her own identity - that she is Christian’s fourth generation granddaughter. Eila tells her about the attack on Polaris. The Lessers turn out to have been Maia’s co workers. Maia explains that Lessers are peaceful creatures and is disturbed to learn about the reemergence of the Limiting Links after all these years.
Following their fruitless search, Raef and Kian return home to find a menacing Rillin, accompanied by Sarah Booth, outside their front porch. Completely at the mercy of the newly activated Limiting Link in his chest, Rillin shoots Raef and Kian with deadly arsenic bullets which incapacitates the duo. Unaware of the danger ahead, Eila, Ana, MJ and Nikki return home and are attacked by Rillin. A badly wounded Nikki uses her Feon abilities to deactivate Rillin’s link and render him unconscious but loses the use of her arm as a result. Eila is forced to seek refuge at Faust when they find Raef and Kian barely alive. A guilt ridden and remorseful Rillin refuses to leave his cell until his Limiting Link is dismantled completely, despite the risk that removing it could kill him.
Eila learns that Maia and Dalca’s estrangement was due to the latters obsession with the Iron Scrolls, a self serving holy text of sorts belonging to the Lunaterra. The Scrolls were, designed to purge the world of anything less than worthy that wasn’t Lunaterra. Grant interpreted them as if they were designed for the Mortis. Dalca had double crossed Waite by teaming up with Grant which was why Waite had hired Sarah Booth instead. Nikki realises her family are working with Waite and swears to help the group to stop them.
Raef and Kian are shaken to learn that they were not human prior to being turned by Jacob Rysse but are in fact much older. Eight hundred years old to be precise. They are members of the First Army, created by the Archangel Therophel which explains why their Fallen Marks are different and why they don’t scar. They realise their memories have been tampered with but by who?
The gang come to the shocking conclusion that Jacob Rysse was non other than Therophel himself and that Elizabeth had come to realise this. She had hoped that by killing Therophel, her loved ones would no longer have to bear the brutality of what she and Christian had seen and done.
The gang are shaken when James tells them that they were attacked on Polaris and Collette is dead. Halee has been hacked which means their security is compromised. He urges them to leave the house. A defiant Eila refuses to run and decides to finally make a stand..
True North was an emotional rollercoaster in many ways, beginning with its insightful epilogue in which we see how Rillin first met Elizabeth and his experiences as a Trial in Aztael Castle. “It was hell on earth, forged by the bloodlines of heaven.”
The strength of the series from the get go, has been in the appealing and unforgettable three dimensional characters that the readers just can’t help loving and identifying with. Each of their journeys have been a revelation to read. The loss of two characters at the beginning therefore came as a huge blow and Eila’s grief was palpable throughout the pages. I genuinely welled up in the scene where Eila lay next to the body. The addition of Nikki and Baz to their group dynamic was a welcome relief which led to some truly laugh out loud moments particularly from the former. Who would have thought that the sullen Queen of Mean of the previous books would have so many dimensions?
True North was fast paced with lots of action, twists and suspense which made it a truly engaging read and hard to put down. Several interesting plot developments towards the end will ensure that the reader will long to get their hands on the next installment. Thankfully I’m already lined up to read it 😊
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2016
Holy Epic Series Batman! I am breathless, speechless and in awe! It is an adventure of super powers, hot soul thieves, Knights, humorous shape shifters, bullying, betrayal, love, heartache, and so much emotional suspenseful twists through out the Undertow Series!
"He wanted me, only me, with silly freckles, imperfect curves, and weird glow stick ability. He wanted me, forever, and in that moment, as his hands began to carefully slide down my body, I knew I wanted him forever as well."
I fell in love with all of the characters and I promise you will drown in the words from the beginning to end. I cannot wait for the next book in 2017. HFN!
Go and check out my full series review on my Blogger!
http://secretlyadorkable.blogspot.com...
Full series are posted on GR, Amazon, Blogger, FB, and NetGalley
"He wanted me, only me, with silly freckles, imperfect curves, and weird glow stick ability. He wanted me, forever, and in that moment, as his hands began to carefully slide down my body, I knew I wanted him forever as well."
I fell in love with all of the characters and I promise you will drown in the words from the beginning to end. I cannot wait for the next book in 2017. HFN!
Go and check out my full series review on my Blogger!
http://secretlyadorkable.blogspot.com...
Full series are posted on GR, Amazon, Blogger, FB, and NetGalley
September 25, 2017
What another adventurous addition to the Undertow series!!! So many things happened! New friends made. Love was strengthened. Questions were answered. Hearts were broken and shattered. Basically everything I want in a book.
Eila goes through so much in this book. She has a mighty burden placed on her shoulders. One that she never wanted, but it's been thrust onto her and she has no other choice but to deal with it. With the help of Raef, I do believe she will find the strength to carry on. There is so much more to her
I am totally enjoying this YA series. This pack of misfits have formed a family that stays together, no matter what. Heck, they even picked up a few strays along the way. Basil and Nikki were fun additions to this ragtag group.
I am totally looking forward to see how this story unfolds in the next book.
I received an ARC.
Eila goes through so much in this book. She has a mighty burden placed on her shoulders. One that she never wanted, but it's been thrust onto her and she has no other choice but to deal with it. With the help of Raef, I do believe she will find the strength to carry on. There is so much more to her
I am totally enjoying this YA series. This pack of misfits have formed a family that stays together, no matter what. Heck, they even picked up a few strays along the way. Basil and Nikki were fun additions to this ragtag group.
I am totally looking forward to see how this story unfolds in the next book.
I received an ARC.
January 24, 2016
The fabulous 4th installment of the Undertow series. Definitely worth the wait. This is one you want to read in order (though I'd go 1.5, then 1, 2 and 3 which is chronological order).
Like the previous books, this alternate world is crazy, but fully developed and all encompassing. We switch between Eila and Raef, which I enjoy. We lose some folks and gain some new faces (no spoilers here!!). I realized around 85% that this was not the last book. Which left me equal parts bummed ( I wanted a resolution) and super excited! According to the end of the book, the next installment is due in 2017. Plenty of time to read them all again!
Many many thanks to Ms Conway for the ARC and filling my snowy weekend with a fabulous book. Although it might mean no clean clothes and cereal for dinner......
Like the previous books, this alternate world is crazy, but fully developed and all encompassing. We switch between Eila and Raef, which I enjoy. We lose some folks and gain some new faces (no spoilers here!!). I realized around 85% that this was not the last book. Which left me equal parts bummed ( I wanted a resolution) and super excited! According to the end of the book, the next installment is due in 2017. Plenty of time to read them all again!
Many many thanks to Ms Conway for the ARC and filling my snowy weekend with a fabulous book. Although it might mean no clean clothes and cereal for dinner......
March 25, 2016
No way. A fourth book in this series. WOO HOO
In this installment of Eila and crew we learn so much more about the Lunaterra, Mortis and the gaggle of other supernaturals. This book was action packed and really kept the reader on their toes and engaged. Like I didn't want to put this down engaged. Not everything is a walk on the beach or roses in this book but the author did it all with amazing style and grace.
I thought this was the last book In the series and as I was nearing the end I thought there is no way this can be wrapped up without ruining the series for me. Thank you K.R. Conway for listening to your characters and being willing to write the next one. I CANNOT WAIT!!!
In this installment of Eila and crew we learn so much more about the Lunaterra, Mortis and the gaggle of other supernaturals. This book was action packed and really kept the reader on their toes and engaged. Like I didn't want to put this down engaged. Not everything is a walk on the beach or roses in this book but the author did it all with amazing style and grace.
I thought this was the last book In the series and as I was nearing the end I thought there is no way this can be wrapped up without ruining the series for me. Thank you K.R. Conway for listening to your characters and being willing to write the next one. I CANNOT WAIT!!!
January 28, 2016
I really liked this third book in the series and totally look forward to the next book! There is more action and adventure and just as I was feeling sorry for MJ because he is so nice but had no female friend, and I did think a bitch would work well for him since he was a dog, a very possible love interest is brought in for him. I also liked the addition of Basil - he is a pretty cool character. Together, despite several tragedies, Eila and her supernatural pals are trying to find out who the bad guys really are and what they want and we find out just how badass the characters can be. Totally great book! I received this book free to review from Netgalley.
March 10, 2017
I think this is a solid book. I love the characters. The plot moves at a very, very swift pace, and introduces the reader to new characters while further establishing the existing ones. As a Kian/Ana fan, I was hoping for a little more interaction with them, but what there was I loved. There are some sad parts that tug at the heartstrings, so if you're prone to tears, you might do well to have some tissues ready.
The only complaint I really have is that I did find some editing errors, but I know these can occur with any book, from any publisher. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
The only complaint I really have is that I did find some editing errors, but I know these can occur with any book, from any publisher. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
December 21, 2015
Yet another home run by K.R. Conway! Very fast paced with lots of action along with the the usual banter and hilarious dialogue between the characters. And several new characters that were loads of fun to read. Great ending - kept me on the edge of my seat! The writing is still phenomenal - Conway really knows how to write teens and make it realistic, and she has a great balance of funny, heart-rending and thrilling, edge-of-your-seat highs and lows. I am loving this series!!
Read
January 19, 2016KR Conway continues to amaze! The Undertow series is a refreshing take on YA paranormal romance, and True North continues that trend, while elevating the story even further. I laughed, I cried and had all the feels while reading this book. A lot of good action sequences. I can't wait to see where she takes the story in the next book.
January 15, 2016
K.R. Conway is unquestionably a masterful spinner of tales, tying the threads of her incredibly engaging Undertow series, "Undertow," "Storm Front" and "Cruel Summer" into her fourth novel, "True North." An action driven, page turner, K.R. Conway weaves and loops her beloved characters into a fascinating world of terror, loss, steadfast loyalty, allegiance and love. A most definite 5 Star read!!!
February 4, 2016
This third installment of the UNDERTOW series can't be missed! I fell in love with this series and TRUE NORTH kept up the momentum and left me wanting more. This YA book is filled with romance, mystery, suspense, laughter, and tears. I definitely recommend all of the books but TRUE NORTH might be my new favorite of the series!!!
January 7, 2017
Action packed, great read
Book 3 of the Undertow series is full of action with several twists and turns. It was a great read, leaving an opening for great things to come in Book 4. The characters are all well-developed and likeable. Was well worth the read.
Book 3 of the Undertow series is full of action with several twists and turns. It was a great read, leaving an opening for great things to come in Book 4. The characters are all well-developed and likeable. Was well worth the read.
May 16, 2016
Excellent! Loved getting back to these characters & they live in my neighborhood! ❣
January 20, 2016
absolutely amazing! its a bit of a roller coaster but well worth it!
September 22, 2017
I thought this was the final book but soon learned it wasn't. Was a bit disappointed at first however, I so love the story line and all the characters that I didn't mind so much. New people come aboard some I liked and some I hated. I truly am very grateful that Conway did not input a love triangle in this series! Thank you from the bottom of my heart! At first I wasn't sure when Rillian was introduced but that was nixed quickly well, at least on Eila's end. And now, with this whole time travel coming to light I am so excited to see where the 4th (hope it's the last) book is going to take us! Kudos for giving Nikki and MJ a hopefull future together. It just gets better and better with each book. Saying that though, I really hope there isn't anymore books. This series is one I will read again!
July 20, 2016
It should be noted that I received my copy of Undertow through Goodreads Giveaways. This, in no manner, affects my scoring method or review.
Story: 3.5/5
Characters: 2/5
Re-read Value: 2.5/5
Bonus Point: Nikki in general
Overall: 3 stars!
Wow, so many things happened in this installment of the series! Firstly, I want to talk about my favorite part of the novel: NIKKI! I was waiting throughout the first two books for a character arc from her and finally received what I'd been waiting for! Not only that, but I love the friendship/romance between her and MJ. It was sweet and also made sense.
In addition to Nikki in general, I really liked the path this novel took. It seemed to have much more plot than romance which I favored. I didn't like Stormfront as much as Undertow since it seemed to ONLY revolve around romance. There was substance, but Eila and Raef's romance seemed to overpower it in Stormfront. I tried to get back into their romance story-line in this installment of the series but Raef still rubbed me the wrong way. I don't like how over-protective he is becoming of her. I'm hoping he loosens up in the next book because I feel like he's going to suffocate Eila and drive her over the edge.
Overall, I'm enjoying the series! I plan to look out for the fourth book when it comes out in the future!
Story: 3.5/5
Characters: 2/5
Re-read Value: 2.5/5
Bonus Point: Nikki in general
Overall: 3 stars!
Wow, so many things happened in this installment of the series! Firstly, I want to talk about my favorite part of the novel: NIKKI! I was waiting throughout the first two books for a character arc from her and finally received what I'd been waiting for! Not only that, but I love the friendship/romance between her and MJ. It was sweet and also made sense.
In addition to Nikki in general, I really liked the path this novel took. It seemed to have much more plot than romance which I favored. I didn't like Stormfront as much as Undertow since it seemed to ONLY revolve around romance. There was substance, but Eila and Raef's romance seemed to overpower it in Stormfront. I tried to get back into their romance story-line in this installment of the series but Raef still rubbed me the wrong way. I don't like how over-protective he is becoming of her. I'm hoping he loosens up in the next book because I feel like he's going to suffocate Eila and drive her over the edge.
Overall, I'm enjoying the series! I plan to look out for the fourth book when it comes out in the future!
July 26, 2016
Book 3 of the Undertow series will not disappoint. The story continues with Eila and her friends on their adventures of the supernatural. It is told thru the eyes of 2 of the main characters, Eila and Raef. The book will keep you turning pages with it's nonstop action, adventure, humor and of course love. Can't wait till the next book comes out!
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