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Finding North
Sometimes you have to lose everything to find what you've really been looking for.
Kat and Tyler were childhood sweethearts, inseparable in all things. When he was drafted into the Alliance army, it was only natural that she would join up, too. Then he dies in battle, and Kat is left adrift, with her heart shattered but her life still tied to the Alliance. Going through the motions and fulfilling her obligations is all she has left, until the day her unit gets caught by the enemy.
When Reynan Caverly saves Kat from military prison, the only thing she knows is that his father started the civil war that caused Tyler’s death. Kat is shocked when Reynan takes her to his Las Vegas home, a lavish place in contrast to her impoverished upbringing. Vegas has become a playground for the military elite, and as much of a danger zone as the battlefield. The only way she can stay safe is to rely on Reynan.
As animosity fades and affections grow, Kat and Reynan realize that they have more in common than they first assumed. But in a country decimated by disease and divided by war, nothing comes without a price.
Kat and Tyler were childhood sweethearts, inseparable in all things. When he was drafted into the Alliance army, it was only natural that she would join up, too. Then he dies in battle, and Kat is left adrift, with her heart shattered but her life still tied to the Alliance. Going through the motions and fulfilling her obligations is all she has left, until the day her unit gets caught by the enemy.
When Reynan Caverly saves Kat from military prison, the only thing she knows is that his father started the civil war that caused Tyler’s death. Kat is shocked when Reynan takes her to his Las Vegas home, a lavish place in contrast to her impoverished upbringing. Vegas has become a playground for the military elite, and as much of a danger zone as the battlefield. The only way she can stay safe is to rely on Reynan.
As animosity fades and affections grow, Kat and Reynan realize that they have more in common than they first assumed. But in a country decimated by disease and divided by war, nothing comes without a price.
Unknown Binding
First published January 29, 2015
1 person is currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Allyson Gottlieb
12 books33 followersGrowing up, Allyson was always the girl with a big imagination and even bigger dreams. A California girl by birth, she currently lives in Boston while attending Emerson College. She has a slight addiction to Starbucks, eyeliner, and chocolate—and, of course, books.
Visit her at www.allysongottlieb.com for the latest book news and fun extras.
Visit her at www.allysongottlieb.com for the latest book news and fun extras.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 28, 2015
DNF
This was a personal preference and no real reflection of the writing or story.
I got about 50% through and finally decided to put the book aside. The story focused mainly on Kat and Reynan. He was attracted to her, she was (maybe?) attracted to him. It went around in circles, which isn't bad if you're looking for a romance, but I picked it up thinking I was reading a dystopian novel. That wasn't the vibe I got, and since I rarely read romances, I wasn't really into the story. I think the writing was very good and the editing clean, and if you're looking for a YA romance with a dystopian setting, this could be the right book for you. It just wasn't the right book for me, unfortunately. But that happens. We all like something different, and just bc I wasn't into, doesn't mean it wasn't good.
This was a personal preference and no real reflection of the writing or story.
I got about 50% through and finally decided to put the book aside. The story focused mainly on Kat and Reynan. He was attracted to her, she was (maybe?) attracted to him. It went around in circles, which isn't bad if you're looking for a romance, but I picked it up thinking I was reading a dystopian novel. That wasn't the vibe I got, and since I rarely read romances, I wasn't really into the story. I think the writing was very good and the editing clean, and if you're looking for a YA romance with a dystopian setting, this could be the right book for you. It just wasn't the right book for me, unfortunately. But that happens. We all like something different, and just bc I wasn't into, doesn't mean it wasn't good.
January 29, 2015
This is a beautiful cover, very eye-catching. If I were browsing through a bookstore, I would check out this novel based on the cover alone.
Overall, I enjoyed parts of Finding North - the writing flowed well and the concept was intriguing. I sympathized with Reynan in his struggle to gain his father's approval while also being true to himself. Reynan had the patience of a saint, because he seemed to spend a good amount of time rescuing Kat, as her questionable decision-making got her into some dangerous predicaments. The end of this book will leave the reader anxious for the next in the series.
A plaque is mentioned and I would have liked to know more about what was going on in this world, how it had degraded to this point, and why the Alliance and Reynan's father's army were fighting. Kat disappointed me in some areas - she'd been 'captured' by Reynan and enjoying her new life for several weeks before she asked about the friends who were captured with her and thrown into prison.
I was hoping for more of a dystopian feel in Finding North, that's just my personal preference, but I'd have to classify this book as closer to NA romance, something I usually don't read, so I'd recommend this book to fans of that genre.
This review is based on a digital copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Overall, I enjoyed parts of Finding North - the writing flowed well and the concept was intriguing. I sympathized with Reynan in his struggle to gain his father's approval while also being true to himself. Reynan had the patience of a saint, because he seemed to spend a good amount of time rescuing Kat, as her questionable decision-making got her into some dangerous predicaments. The end of this book will leave the reader anxious for the next in the series.
A plaque is mentioned and I would have liked to know more about what was going on in this world, how it had degraded to this point, and why the Alliance and Reynan's father's army were fighting. Kat disappointed me in some areas - she'd been 'captured' by Reynan and enjoying her new life for several weeks before she asked about the friends who were captured with her and thrown into prison.
I was hoping for more of a dystopian feel in Finding North, that's just my personal preference, but I'd have to classify this book as closer to NA romance, something I usually don't read, so I'd recommend this book to fans of that genre.
This review is based on a digital copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
February 11, 2015
Sometimes you read a book that grabs you by the neck and barely lets go the entire time you read it; your heart is in your throat and you just have to do whatever it takes to finish reading this book, though you’re afraid of ending up with your own heart breaking for the characters in which you’ve become so invested. Finding North is one of those books. You keep thinking you’ve figured things out and BAM! you’re smacked in the face by a clever twist or intriguing incident. Furthermore, Gottlieb manages to write a dystopian that doesn’t feel the need to remind you every 5 minutes that you’re reading dystopian fiction. You feel so immersed in the setting from her lush descriptions, which never become tedious.
And let’s just talk about our two main characters for a second. Kathering Zova is not your typical broken down female needing a male to save her, in fact she’s stronger than many heroines while still needing reassurance and companionship in the wake of tragedy. Enter Reynan Caverly an unexpectedly pleasant surprise in a war-torn world full of difficult choices and hellish circumstances. He too has his share of tragedy to deal with, so they complement each other nicely. And though he constantly feels this odd sense of protectiveness, Reynan never becomes overly jerk-wad-ish. Mostly.
It’s been quite some time since I’ve read a fresh voice in ya fiction that wasn’t paranormal, and this was just the treat I needed after an epic book hangover (more on that in a later post.) For now, I’ve got to say I highly recommend Finding North at a well deserved 5 stars!
Buy Links~
Amazon US: http://tinyurl.com/kfh5v86
Amazon UK: http://tinyurl.com/n4l8vjs
B&N: http://tinyurl.com/kzjsedm
iBooks: http://tinyurl.com/kzwmh5k
More info/blog hop:
https://mamareniazen.wordpress.com/20...
And let’s just talk about our two main characters for a second. Kathering Zova is not your typical broken down female needing a male to save her, in fact she’s stronger than many heroines while still needing reassurance and companionship in the wake of tragedy. Enter Reynan Caverly an unexpectedly pleasant surprise in a war-torn world full of difficult choices and hellish circumstances. He too has his share of tragedy to deal with, so they complement each other nicely. And though he constantly feels this odd sense of protectiveness, Reynan never becomes overly jerk-wad-ish. Mostly.
It’s been quite some time since I’ve read a fresh voice in ya fiction that wasn’t paranormal, and this was just the treat I needed after an epic book hangover (more on that in a later post.) For now, I’ve got to say I highly recommend Finding North at a well deserved 5 stars!
Buy Links~
Amazon US: http://tinyurl.com/kfh5v86
Amazon UK: http://tinyurl.com/n4l8vjs
B&N: http://tinyurl.com/kzjsedm
iBooks: http://tinyurl.com/kzwmh5k
More info/blog hop:
https://mamareniazen.wordpress.com/20...
September 5, 2015
A very different story from what you normally get out of a Post Apoc type book, but a fast paced adventure to be sure. 30 years in the future of a very different United States, ravaged by disease and natural disasters, the US is just a shell of a country of it’s former self, in the middle of a civil war fighting for power. The Restoration Alliance is fighting to take power from what I believe is left of the original US government, referred to here as the Alliance. The story follows Kat, a medic for the Alliance, who’s army team get’s captured by the Restoration Alliance. But as she is a girl, and pretty, she catches the eye of the young general, Reynan, who is also the leader of the Restoration Alliance’s son. The story follows them both actually, swapping from Kat to Reynan from chapter to chapter, which I very much enjoyed. Getting both characters POV added just the right amount of information and emotion from each side and very well done here. The book does reveal a lot of information of what life is like during this time and the majority takes place in Las Vegas.
But what you have hear, is a beautiful story about to people finding themselves and helping each other find their moral compass, and love. This is not a romance book, by any means! But there is a touch of romance that just can’t be denied. There are some very intense scenes that deal with the shady reality of what people will do to survive, that make you hold your breath and your heart race! I really enjoyed this book and read it very quickly because I just couldn’t put it down. But alas, now I am on the edge of my seat waiting for book 2 because I am dying to know what is coming and if…...I hope I don’t have to wait long! :D
But what you have hear, is a beautiful story about to people finding themselves and helping each other find their moral compass, and love. This is not a romance book, by any means! But there is a touch of romance that just can’t be denied. There are some very intense scenes that deal with the shady reality of what people will do to survive, that make you hold your breath and your heart race! I really enjoyed this book and read it very quickly because I just couldn’t put it down. But alas, now I am on the edge of my seat waiting for book 2 because I am dying to know what is coming and if…...I hope I don’t have to wait long! :D
March 29, 2015
Also posted here: www.reviewsofyabooks.blogspot.ca
Introduction
Kathrine "Kat" Zova, joined the war as a medic on the side of the Alliance to stay with her boyfriend, Tyler. Now, with Tyler dead after being shot, Kat is living with crushing grief. She walks with haunted eyes during the day, at sleep offers no escape from her despair. While she and a small team of soldiers are out in the field, they get captured by the enemy, all of them hauled off to prison. Except her. The leader of the group that attacked them has requested that Kat be taken to his room. The leader of the small group that attacked them, is the son of Alistar Craverly, the head of the enemy army. Now, Kat lives in a mansion inhabited by the Craverlys. They have a reputation for being cruel, but as Kat spends time with Reynan, she learns that like-father-like-son may not always be true. With Kat battling demons, it's possible that Reynan is too.
Kat
Kat is dealing with the death of her boyfriend, Tyler, one day at a time. I didn't mind Kat. Much. Sometimes she just decided that she wanted to be alone, which I can totally understand and sympathize with until she decides to wander through the Vegas strip. Alone. At night. Most of Vegas is uninhabited, but sometime soldiers can be found wandering, visiting some of the few operational casinos, or doing something slightly more sinister in "abandoned" hotels. It was in which, that Kat got herself into a few dangerous situations. I'm sure you can figure it out...She's a girl...she ran into some to some boys...in abandon hotel...You would think after a situation like that, you wouldn't just run away from the mansion and not go wandering alone at night again, right? Wrong. It was slightly aggravating that she didn't lean the first time.
Kat is living in a mansion. Alistar's masion, but a mansion, nonetheless. In the book she mentions feeling guilty about how she's safe with Reynan in a mansion with pretty much everything she could need while her friends are in prison, but I wasn't quite sold on the fact that she felt guilty. Every time it was mentioned it was so fleeting. She would feel guilty for about two seconds, and then go back to thinking about Reynan.
Reynan
Finding North is told in dual first person. I liked Reynan's point of view more than I liked Kat's. Reynan doesn't truly believe in what he fights for, and he doesn't have the best relationship with his father. He's sick of people judging him because of who hi father is, who he really isn't anything like. Reynan kind of reminds me slightly of Four from Divergent by Veronica Roth and a little like Warner from Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi.He seems kind of mean, kind of spoiled, kind of an asshole, but he's really just misunderstood, and the kind of life he has isn't one that would be chosen deliberately.
Oliver
Oliver is one of the few friends that Reynan has that gets introduced in Finding North. He usually fights alongside Reynan in the field and he offers some comic relief, which I enjoyed.
Helena
Helena is another one of Reynan's friends who quickly becomes Kat's friend as well. Helena works as Reynan's maid/cook and lives in the mansion as well. Helena has a history that I found interesting, the story of where she was before Reynan took her in was fun to uncover.
Story progress
I found that the story progressed at a slow pace, and at some points, nothing was really happening at all, sometimes it was entire chapters where nothing was happening. I never felt that I wanted to put the book down and take a break from reading it for a few days but there were times when I wasn't really interested.
Ending (I'm going to try not to spoil things here.)
The decision that Reynan made regarding Kat was very abrupt. He didn't really think about what he was about to do. He just woke up and acted. There as nothing leading up to it. It was so abrupt that I was almost doubting that it was really happening. It didn't even feel like a plot twist. It was too quick. Poorly thought out, in my opinion.
Conclusion
Despite the ending. I did enjoy reading this book and would like to read the second installment. Originally thought that Finding North would be more of a dystopian, but it was mostly romance. So if your looking for a YA romance with hints of dystopian aspects here and there, I would recommend this book to you.
Introduction
Kathrine "Kat" Zova, joined the war as a medic on the side of the Alliance to stay with her boyfriend, Tyler. Now, with Tyler dead after being shot, Kat is living with crushing grief. She walks with haunted eyes during the day, at sleep offers no escape from her despair. While she and a small team of soldiers are out in the field, they get captured by the enemy, all of them hauled off to prison. Except her. The leader of the group that attacked them has requested that Kat be taken to his room. The leader of the small group that attacked them, is the son of Alistar Craverly, the head of the enemy army. Now, Kat lives in a mansion inhabited by the Craverlys. They have a reputation for being cruel, but as Kat spends time with Reynan, she learns that like-father-like-son may not always be true. With Kat battling demons, it's possible that Reynan is too.
Kat
Kat is dealing with the death of her boyfriend, Tyler, one day at a time. I didn't mind Kat. Much. Sometimes she just decided that she wanted to be alone, which I can totally understand and sympathize with until she decides to wander through the Vegas strip. Alone. At night. Most of Vegas is uninhabited, but sometime soldiers can be found wandering, visiting some of the few operational casinos, or doing something slightly more sinister in "abandoned" hotels. It was in which, that Kat got herself into a few dangerous situations. I'm sure you can figure it out...She's a girl...she ran into some to some boys...in abandon hotel...You would think after a situation like that, you wouldn't just run away from the mansion and not go wandering alone at night again, right? Wrong. It was slightly aggravating that she didn't lean the first time.
Kat is living in a mansion. Alistar's masion, but a mansion, nonetheless. In the book she mentions feeling guilty about how she's safe with Reynan in a mansion with pretty much everything she could need while her friends are in prison, but I wasn't quite sold on the fact that she felt guilty. Every time it was mentioned it was so fleeting. She would feel guilty for about two seconds, and then go back to thinking about Reynan.
Reynan
Finding North is told in dual first person. I liked Reynan's point of view more than I liked Kat's. Reynan doesn't truly believe in what he fights for, and he doesn't have the best relationship with his father. He's sick of people judging him because of who hi father is, who he really isn't anything like. Reynan kind of reminds me slightly of Four from Divergent by Veronica Roth and a little like Warner from Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi.He seems kind of mean, kind of spoiled, kind of an asshole, but he's really just misunderstood, and the kind of life he has isn't one that would be chosen deliberately.
Oliver
Oliver is one of the few friends that Reynan has that gets introduced in Finding North. He usually fights alongside Reynan in the field and he offers some comic relief, which I enjoyed.
Helena
Helena is another one of Reynan's friends who quickly becomes Kat's friend as well. Helena works as Reynan's maid/cook and lives in the mansion as well. Helena has a history that I found interesting, the story of where she was before Reynan took her in was fun to uncover.
Story progress
I found that the story progressed at a slow pace, and at some points, nothing was really happening at all, sometimes it was entire chapters where nothing was happening. I never felt that I wanted to put the book down and take a break from reading it for a few days but there were times when I wasn't really interested.
Ending (I'm going to try not to spoil things here.)
The decision that Reynan made regarding Kat was very abrupt. He didn't really think about what he was about to do. He just woke up and acted. There as nothing leading up to it. It was so abrupt that I was almost doubting that it was really happening. It didn't even feel like a plot twist. It was too quick. Poorly thought out, in my opinion.
Conclusion
Despite the ending. I did enjoy reading this book and would like to read the second installment. Originally thought that Finding North would be more of a dystopian, but it was mostly romance. So if your looking for a YA romance with hints of dystopian aspects here and there, I would recommend this book to you.
January 30, 2015
I liked the characters immediately, although I was relatively surprised with how quickly the two characters crossed paths. I was expecting a little more build up of getting to know them as individuals before circumstances put them together. But what circumstances they are! Reynan Caverly and Kat Zova are on opposite sides of a civil war in what's left of America.
Kat's a sweet girl, who you do realize soon into the story is damaged by loss. I had to admire her bravery in the situations she found herself in, first as an Alliance medic and second when she comes face to face with the enemy. But is Reynan really an enemy? Reynan's a little rough around the edges as a person, but when you learn his back story, that's completely understandable. He really does have a good heart, even if he does make some mistakes. Alistair Caverly, Reynan's father, is such a creepy character. He's spine chilling in his calculated behavior. I didn't like him, but I wasn't supposed to. I loved how he was written. If anything, his name was a bit of a mental tongue twister at first--I kept wanting to call him Alistair Cavalry, but that's really nothing major.
Set in Las Vegas, the city is a place you'll recognize, but this is not the Las Vegas you know. Many casinos are closed, abandoned, or used for nefarious purposes. At least one is a residence, and you'll come to see it as that and not a casino. Choosing a location so iconic for a setting was a smart choice on Gottlieb's part as you can really see how the war that's going on and Alistair have shaped the city.
Overall, this was a good story of healing, friendship, and love set on a backdrop of war. It's not a heavy dystopian, nor is it a straight-out romance, although romance fans will find much to enjoy within it. Finding North has characters you'll fall for, and you'll be invested in their story for sure. You'll be satisfied with the conclusion to this story arc, while at the same time you'll be clamoring for more. I can't wait to find out what happens next!
Kat's a sweet girl, who you do realize soon into the story is damaged by loss. I had to admire her bravery in the situations she found herself in, first as an Alliance medic and second when she comes face to face with the enemy. But is Reynan really an enemy? Reynan's a little rough around the edges as a person, but when you learn his back story, that's completely understandable. He really does have a good heart, even if he does make some mistakes. Alistair Caverly, Reynan's father, is such a creepy character. He's spine chilling in his calculated behavior. I didn't like him, but I wasn't supposed to. I loved how he was written. If anything, his name was a bit of a mental tongue twister at first--I kept wanting to call him Alistair Cavalry, but that's really nothing major.
Set in Las Vegas, the city is a place you'll recognize, but this is not the Las Vegas you know. Many casinos are closed, abandoned, or used for nefarious purposes. At least one is a residence, and you'll come to see it as that and not a casino. Choosing a location so iconic for a setting was a smart choice on Gottlieb's part as you can really see how the war that's going on and Alistair have shaped the city.
Overall, this was a good story of healing, friendship, and love set on a backdrop of war. It's not a heavy dystopian, nor is it a straight-out romance, although romance fans will find much to enjoy within it. Finding North has characters you'll fall for, and you'll be invested in their story for sure. You'll be satisfied with the conclusion to this story arc, while at the same time you'll be clamoring for more. I can't wait to find out what happens next!
June 10, 2016
I loved Allyson Gottlieb’s “Finding North”. I’m a sucker for a good dystopian and this story doesn’t disappoint.
The backdrop for “Finding North” is a country torn apart by a plague followed by a divisive civil war. But Gottlieb’s story is about more than a military battle. It’s about the true tragedy behind war—the loss of morality. For one of the main characters, Reynan Caverly, he needs to choose between sense of self and family loyalty. Deep.
I loved Reynan. From the beginning, Gottlieb lets readers know that he’s different. He’s physically strong, honest, loyal to a fault, and cares deeply for those who matter to him. Being handsome is a bonus. Gottlieb’s flawless writing reveals this character’s inner struggle. The only thing I wanted was for him to realize his inner strength and stand up for himself sooner.
Another well-developed character in “Finding North” is Katherine Zova. Friends call her Kat. If she were a real person, you’d want her for your friend, too. She’s a caring girl who wants to do the right thing in life. When Kat needs to call upon her inner strength, she’s unstoppable. Unfortunately, she doesn’t always recognize it and she becomes the victim. For Kat, it’s her dignity which gets her in trouble every time.
Helena, Reynan’s friend and housekeeper, is another great character. She lives a tragic existence and can’t see beyond it until Kat becomes her friend. Helena’s finally able to look past her history and live a little.
Gottlieb does a fantastic job imparting the setting of Las Vegas to readers. My last trip to Vegas was before the Cosmopolitan was built, but I recognized every landmark she mentions. Even the description of the desert heat is spot on.
This was my first time reading Gottlieb’s work. I enjoyed it immensely. It took a lot of effort for me to tear myself away from it and get on with other activities. I look forward to reading the next book. I have to find out what happens with Reynan and Kat!
The backdrop for “Finding North” is a country torn apart by a plague followed by a divisive civil war. But Gottlieb’s story is about more than a military battle. It’s about the true tragedy behind war—the loss of morality. For one of the main characters, Reynan Caverly, he needs to choose between sense of self and family loyalty. Deep.
I loved Reynan. From the beginning, Gottlieb lets readers know that he’s different. He’s physically strong, honest, loyal to a fault, and cares deeply for those who matter to him. Being handsome is a bonus. Gottlieb’s flawless writing reveals this character’s inner struggle. The only thing I wanted was for him to realize his inner strength and stand up for himself sooner.
Another well-developed character in “Finding North” is Katherine Zova. Friends call her Kat. If she were a real person, you’d want her for your friend, too. She’s a caring girl who wants to do the right thing in life. When Kat needs to call upon her inner strength, she’s unstoppable. Unfortunately, she doesn’t always recognize it and she becomes the victim. For Kat, it’s her dignity which gets her in trouble every time.
Helena, Reynan’s friend and housekeeper, is another great character. She lives a tragic existence and can’t see beyond it until Kat becomes her friend. Helena’s finally able to look past her history and live a little.
Gottlieb does a fantastic job imparting the setting of Las Vegas to readers. My last trip to Vegas was before the Cosmopolitan was built, but I recognized every landmark she mentions. Even the description of the desert heat is spot on.
This was my first time reading Gottlieb’s work. I enjoyed it immensely. It took a lot of effort for me to tear myself away from it and get on with other activities. I look forward to reading the next book. I have to find out what happens with Reynan and Kat!
May 26, 2015
Not your typical dystopian, but a great story nonetheless.
What a colossal bite Ms. Gottlieb bit off with this one. Even though this hit me more as a romance than the dystopian novels I normally read I do believe she did a fantastic job telling this tale of Kat & Reynan's unconventional relationship.
Finding North had me thinking back on all of the times I thought my inner compass was damaged. Wondering 'what if' & 'how come' don't always seem like the best ideas, but on occasion they lead us to the most remarkable revelations.
Kat's situation is in no way ideal, & I feared for her many times along her journey. As an outsider it was easy for me to cream "NO! Do NOT do that!" while in real life I'm sure I would be that emotionally irrational one acting out in a very similar way...so I totally get her. And Reynan....well Kat totally hit the jackpot having him stumble upon her because any other guy there would have been quite the opposite.
In regards to the genre well, while the world is now a very different place & definitely placed in the aftermath of a huge life altering event these soldiers are living the good life being treated like royalty while in Vegas with their high falutin leader. This is the main reason that it doesn't scream dystopian to me, but Kat does not let that cloud her vision as she constantly battles internally knowing exactly how the rest of the population lives. Therefor I can assure you it is in fact a dystopian tale. Not that it mattered too much to me since I do love a good romance! This story begins & ends in the new "real" world, & I am positive the sequel will show us much more of that as the choices made will cost them both more than they could have ever imagined. I am greatly anticipating reading that!
http://jenisbookshelf.blogspot.com/20...
What a colossal bite Ms. Gottlieb bit off with this one. Even though this hit me more as a romance than the dystopian novels I normally read I do believe she did a fantastic job telling this tale of Kat & Reynan's unconventional relationship.
Finding North had me thinking back on all of the times I thought my inner compass was damaged. Wondering 'what if' & 'how come' don't always seem like the best ideas, but on occasion they lead us to the most remarkable revelations.
Kat's situation is in no way ideal, & I feared for her many times along her journey. As an outsider it was easy for me to cream "NO! Do NOT do that!" while in real life I'm sure I would be that emotionally irrational one acting out in a very similar way...so I totally get her. And Reynan....well Kat totally hit the jackpot having him stumble upon her because any other guy there would have been quite the opposite.
In regards to the genre well, while the world is now a very different place & definitely placed in the aftermath of a huge life altering event these soldiers are living the good life being treated like royalty while in Vegas with their high falutin leader. This is the main reason that it doesn't scream dystopian to me, but Kat does not let that cloud her vision as she constantly battles internally knowing exactly how the rest of the population lives. Therefor I can assure you it is in fact a dystopian tale. Not that it mattered too much to me since I do love a good romance! This story begins & ends in the new "real" world, & I am positive the sequel will show us much more of that as the choices made will cost them both more than they could have ever imagined. I am greatly anticipating reading that!
http://jenisbookshelf.blogspot.com/20...
December 26, 2015
Kat is trying to adjust to life in the Alliance after her boyfriend, Tyler, is killed during a battle. She is doing what is required and nothing more, until the enemy finds them and her best option is military prison … or so she thinks. Reynan Caverly may be the son of the man who started the civil war, yet he can’t stop himself from helping girls down on their luck. Reynan takes Kat to his Las Vegas home and shows her a lifestyle she could not have imagined. As their time together grows, so do their feelings and the question niggling in the back of everyone’s mind is “what next?” Can Kat adjust to life surrounded by people she was raised to hate? Will the people in Las Vegas be able to look at her without thinking she is the enemy?
Finding North is the first book in the Compass series. Gottlieb has created a pair of characters that readers will quickly latch onto and commit to finding out more. The story is told in alternating voices between Kat and Reynan giving a varied perspective of a continuous experience. Readers will get a book with a little bit of intrigue, action and romance without too much of one genre. Although this may be considered a post-apocalyptic storyline, it is hard to put it in one genre. Finding North is an escape read that will be easily started and finished. Unfortunately, readers may finish it too quickly and wish it were longer or that the next book was already out. There is a novella (Last Christmas) available about Kat and Tyler (and a little about Reynan) should readers need a little bit more.
Finding North is the first book in the Compass series. Gottlieb has created a pair of characters that readers will quickly latch onto and commit to finding out more. The story is told in alternating voices between Kat and Reynan giving a varied perspective of a continuous experience. Readers will get a book with a little bit of intrigue, action and romance without too much of one genre. Although this may be considered a post-apocalyptic storyline, it is hard to put it in one genre. Finding North is an escape read that will be easily started and finished. Unfortunately, readers may finish it too quickly and wish it were longer or that the next book was already out. There is a novella (Last Christmas) available about Kat and Tyler (and a little about Reynan) should readers need a little bit more.
August 5, 2015
I really wanted to like or love this story but at 43% I was still not enjoying this book so DNF.
Katherine Zova aka Kat has been trough so much in a short period of time. She should be heartbroken in shock and sometimes seconds she is and than she isn't. I could not relate to Kat she was not very strong or brave. Kat is not worried about her friends that were captured. She was missing Tyler but not very much, if she did I wasn't feeling her pain with her.
Reyan is a soldier forced to do his fathers biding. One day his group stumpbles on Kat's group and they are captured. Reyan pretends to keep Kat as "his " woman so he can protect her.
I feel like the love building got in the way of the story, I liked Reyan but he was trying to hard to get Kat to like him. I would have preferred if they didn't hit it off right away.
I was missing the dystopian experience in this book. Even though it's mentioned in the beginning later I didn't read anymore about it.
Again I wasn't feeling it and that's so bad. I love the cover.
Katherine Zova aka Kat has been trough so much in a short period of time. She should be heartbroken in shock and sometimes seconds she is and than she isn't. I could not relate to Kat she was not very strong or brave. Kat is not worried about her friends that were captured. She was missing Tyler but not very much, if she did I wasn't feeling her pain with her.
Reyan is a soldier forced to do his fathers biding. One day his group stumpbles on Kat's group and they are captured. Reyan pretends to keep Kat as "his " woman so he can protect her.
I feel like the love building got in the way of the story, I liked Reyan but he was trying to hard to get Kat to like him. I would have preferred if they didn't hit it off right away.
I was missing the dystopian experience in this book. Even though it's mentioned in the beginning later I didn't read anymore about it.
Again I wasn't feeling it and that's so bad. I love the cover.
January 6, 2016
From Magnolia Reviews: Two Petals
The plot was interesting, albeit not unique, but it needed more depth and description to really catch my interest. Without those it felt very flat and stereotypical. I am therefore unable to recommend this book and will not be reading any subsequent sequels.
Read the full review on Maggie's website: http://magnoliareviews.weebly.com/rev...
The plot was interesting, albeit not unique, but it needed more depth and description to really catch my interest. Without those it felt very flat and stereotypical. I am therefore unable to recommend this book and will not be reading any subsequent sequels.
Read the full review on Maggie's website: http://magnoliareviews.weebly.com/rev...
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