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Out of the Box #2
In the Wind
Reed Treston is a man without purpose. His war is over, his friends have left and now he runs a lonely watch with his sister, policing people with powers beyond those of normal humans. When the government intercepts a message that has links to his past, Reed finds himself stirred into action. His path leads him across continents and through countless lies, to a city he has not seen in years – Rome, Italy – and a confrontation with a threat that could destroy a nation.
291 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 21, 2015
1249 people are currently reading
604 people want to read
About the author
Robert J. Crane
176 books1,168 followersRobert J. Crane was born and raised on Florida's Space Coast before moving to the upper midwest in search of cooler climates and more palatable beer. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a degree in English Creative Writing. He worked for a year as a substitute teacher and worked in the financial services field for seven years while writing in his spare time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
January 25, 2015
For the first time in 12 books (including the Girl in the Box series), we are seeing through the eyes of a different good guy, albeit one whom we have met before - Reed. Sienna's brother.
In this tale we get to find out what happened in Italy, referred to in book 1. And it's more than Reed eating some gelato!
Once again, Crane's style of writing means that the narrative is peppered with humour and sarcasm and more than a little bit of self doubt. It was this last one which I was surprised about. I expected Reed to be self assured; cocky even. What I got was a character who found out more about himself whilst trying to beat the bad guy.
As evil villains go, this one is somewhat "icky", as well as being a bad, bad man. You wouldn't want to meet him...well, anywhere!
A strong addition to the series. The eagle eyed amongst you may notice some news about book #3 in there too!
In this tale we get to find out what happened in Italy, referred to in book 1. And it's more than Reed eating some gelato!
Once again, Crane's style of writing means that the narrative is peppered with humour and sarcasm and more than a little bit of self doubt. It was this last one which I was surprised about. I expected Reed to be self assured; cocky even. What I got was a character who found out more about himself whilst trying to beat the bad guy.
As evil villains go, this one is somewhat "icky", as well as being a bad, bad man. You wouldn't want to meet him...well, anywhere!
A strong addition to the series. The eagle eyed amongst you may notice some news about book #3 in there too!
February 6, 2015
After the first 10 books in the 'In the Box' series (some of which were great, a couple of which were terrible) the 'Out of the box' series so far fails to impress. This particular book was mostly good but littered with the author desperately trying to give the main character a 'voice' . It failed. Adding 'like' and 'right?' to sentences does not make a character. It needs better plot, and some characters that we care about and maybe some bad guys that are not comical. I really like this author but here's a message... Take more time with each book, proof read, proof read again and make sure the enormity of your story geys through rather than rushed, thin and insubstantial stories hitting the readosphere (my word but you can use it)
July 21, 2015
Teen boy angst with meta human drama
Satisfying conclusion. However...too much teen boy type angst for my taste leading up to the ending. Ok. I got it that Reed is insecure but it just goes on and on. At least he redeems himself in the end. Perhaps as an alpha myself I'm a little too impatient with a beta make. But it's supposed to be a girl out of the box I thought. I didn't sign up for boy cowering in his own box. But he makes it out. That makes for a satisfying conclusion.
Satisfying conclusion. However...too much teen boy type angst for my taste leading up to the ending. Ok. I got it that Reed is insecure but it just goes on and on. At least he redeems himself in the end. Perhaps as an alpha myself I'm a little too impatient with a beta make. But it's supposed to be a girl out of the box I thought. I didn't sign up for boy cowering in his own box. But he makes it out. That makes for a satisfying conclusion.
January 22, 2016
This one was dull. It's not because I was just drooling for Sienna because I was excited at the beginning of the book when I saw it was in Reeds perspective and taking place 6 months after the last Girl In The Box book. Reeds narration was just horrible. He's supposed to be 25 so why does he act 12? I couldn't follow it. I skimmed through most of it just to get through it in the hopes that the next one would be good and we can find out what Janus doesn't want Sienna to know.
January 29, 2016
Just started so can't really rate this yet. I just want to note that this is about Reed in Italy. Several mentions were made about him and Italy in the first book so I'm hoping to find out what the hubbub is about. Maybe I'll find out about Scott in this book.
1/27/16: Reed is a putz. I can't believe I paid almost $5.00 for this.
The reason Scott left the Agency is totally unbelievable. Why would someone with meta powers leave to work for his father? Sack up and help out where you are needed and could make a difference since it's obvious that Sienna and Reed are overextended. Of course it's pretty apparent that Scott is a pussy after his "breakdown" when his relationship ended with Kat. Gah!
Stop with the Alpha Male references already.
Reed and Dr. Perugina? Why was there no mention of it in book one, which according to the timeline occurred approximately three years after this book. (Question to author - why was this the second instead of the first book?) Sienna didn't refer to it it once, although she still had pangs about a relationship that had ended over three years prior? I don't think so.
This book got better once the author started focusing on the bad guys. How the head honcho stayed hidden when Sovereign's crew was wiping out the metas is a bit curious. I know, I know - it's only a book and I shouldn't get hung up in the details.
1/27/16: Reed is a putz. I can't believe I paid almost $5.00 for this.
The reason Scott left the Agency is totally unbelievable. Why would someone with meta powers leave to work for his father? Sack up and help out where you are needed and could make a difference since it's obvious that Sienna and Reed are overextended. Of course it's pretty apparent that Scott is a pussy after his "breakdown" when his relationship ended with Kat. Gah!
Stop with the Alpha Male references already.
Reed and Dr. Perugina? Why was there no mention of it in book one, which according to the timeline occurred approximately three years after this book. (Question to author - why was this the second instead of the first book?) Sienna didn't refer to it it once, although she still had pangs about a relationship that had ended over three years prior? I don't think so.
This book got better once the author started focusing on the bad guys. How the head honcho stayed hidden when Sovereign's crew was wiping out the metas is a bit curious. I know, I know - it's only a book and I shouldn't get hung up in the details.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2015
This book made me dislike Reed. The inner monologue just doesn't do it for me. Adding 'like' and 'right?' at the end of a sentence does not a character make. The plot is way too thin and the story feels rushed. I'm ready to give up on the series.
January 9, 2019
This is the first book in the Sienna-verse that is not from Sienna's POV. It's not my favorite. I'm mostly kinda meh about Reed anyway and that's exactly how I feel about this story - Meh. I read the whole thing because I can't stand the idea that I might miss something if I don't. But still...meh. And I missed Sienna.
In subsequent books Crane does start using different characters POV for chapters here and there and I've mostly been fine with that (sometimes I feel like he stays with a not-Sienna POV for a little too long, a couple times I felt like the transition from one character's POV to another was genius, but of the most part it's well-balanced).
Anyway, I just don't have much to stay about this one. If you're a big Reed Treston fan you might like it, but otherwise you could probably skim through it or read a few spoiler-y synopses and move on to the next book.
In subsequent books Crane does start using different characters POV for chapters here and there and I've mostly been fine with that (sometimes I feel like he stays with a not-Sienna POV for a little too long, a couple times I felt like the transition from one character's POV to another was genius, but of the most part it's well-balanced).
Anyway, I just don't have much to stay about this one. If you're a big Reed Treston fan you might like it, but otherwise you could probably skim through it or read a few spoiler-y synopses and move on to the next book.
July 5, 2023
This book is listed as Out of the Box #2. This is incorrect. This 100% takes place BEFORE Limitless. But I am glad for this because if I had read this one first, I would not have read Limitless. I am glad I read Limitless as I like it much better then In the Wind. This book is funny but overly juvenile. Reed goes to Rome to save the...pope? Reed is in Italy fighting a trio of bad guys. The lead baddie basically wants to be Kind of Rome...or Italy...doesn't really matter. Reid makes a friend or two and its action packed with a half hearted love interest. Overly juvenile (so much so that I had to say it twice)
September 26, 2018
Are we heading down hill with this never ending series???? Reeds character is a walking talking goober. He is in over his head. What did he do for Alpha because he can't hack it on his own in this book. Plus they have him acting like he's 16 years old. Doesn't know what to say so he says the wrong this all the time. Plus his interactions with JJ is juvenile. Maybe i need to read a few other books in between this series. Again its on Kindle Unlimited. Would I spend the money on this series??? Absolutely not.
June 11, 2019
Reed is a wimp
Ok, not really. But Crane has screwed up a timeline and screwed up a great character. This sucked.
And crap end too. Crane should have melded this info In to book 1&3.
Doubt I can or will enjoy Reed anymore now that I have read this installment. Alpha Male? Reed was not even a second banana. Both titles granted by Crane for the lead character who I used to adore. It is like Crane forgot who the hell this character was in Book 1 Girl in the Box and in the entire series. He goes to blow it all to he'll in this book.
Ok, not really. But Crane has screwed up a timeline and screwed up a great character. This sucked.
And crap end too. Crane should have melded this info In to book 1&3.
Doubt I can or will enjoy Reed anymore now that I have read this installment. Alpha Male? Reed was not even a second banana. Both titles granted by Crane for the lead character who I used to adore. It is like Crane forgot who the hell this character was in Book 1 Girl in the Box and in the entire series. He goes to blow it all to he'll in this book.
July 25, 2020
The adventures of Reed.
In a change of direction, because the wind can quickly reverse itself, we find Reed in a position all his own. Travelling to Italy to address a Meta problem, Reed must contour a team, investigate a Meta underworld, and design a plan to save a nation. With his sister away from the command center, all decisions and results are left to Reed. The result is exciting, complicated and, unfortunately, predictable. While I love "big brother" I miss the snarky leader herself.
In a change of direction, because the wind can quickly reverse itself, we find Reed in a position all his own. Travelling to Italy to address a Meta problem, Reed must contour a team, investigate a Meta underworld, and design a plan to save a nation. With his sister away from the command center, all decisions and results are left to Reed. The result is exciting, complicated and, unfortunately, predictable. While I love "big brother" I miss the snarky leader herself.
February 21, 2018
After reading several books about Sienna, I could not read a book narrated by Reed. I bought it and I tried. After a few chapters I could tell that I wasn't going to like it. I didn't like that it went back into the past, and I felt like reading it was damaging how I thought of Reed so I had to stop and skip to the next book. I hope there aren't anymore books in this series narrated by other characters, or I will likely abandon the series.
June 5, 2019
Still not as good as Girl In the Box.
So, this book is about Reed, Sienna's brother. He is full of puns and what should be witty comments. Most of the book is exactly that with some action added. There was just something about the previous series that these first three books do not hold a candle. I miss the supporting characters in Girl In the Box series. But, I will continue on this journey and see how it goes.
So, this book is about Reed, Sienna's brother. He is full of puns and what should be witty comments. Most of the book is exactly that with some action added. There was just something about the previous series that these first three books do not hold a candle. I miss the supporting characters in Girl In the Box series. But, I will continue on this journey and see how it goes.
March 26, 2020
Meh
I did not enjoy this as much as the other books in the series. I made the mistake of reading reviews before I started the book so u was already expecting disappointment but I still tried to keep an open mind. I enjoy Reeds character and loyalty to his sister but he is just not main character material. I will also say Its definitely worth the read to find out what happened in Italy.
I did not enjoy this as much as the other books in the series. I made the mistake of reading reviews before I started the book so u was already expecting disappointment but I still tried to keep an open mind. I enjoy Reeds character and loyalty to his sister but he is just not main character material. I will also say Its definitely worth the read to find out what happened in Italy.
June 12, 2021
Not the best book in the series. This one focuses in on the main character’s brother but the language and writing all seemed very much like it was in the other books. The character of Reed just felt like an extension of Sienna rather than his own character. Good story though, not the best but an enjoyable read.
June 16, 2021
I didn’t like the character development of Reed… more like regression of a good character. He was much better in the other books - this one makes him much younger and fat less capable than the Reed we met in earlier books. I only finished this one to move in in the series. But if the next book is like this one, I’ll be fine with this series.
July 15, 2021
A different voice
Written from a different character’s POV made this one a pretty cool stand alone-ish adventure. You still need some of the background to understand who they are and what the Meta world is all about, but it made for a departure in this series and fleshed out another character, too. I enjoyed this one.
Written from a different character’s POV made this one a pretty cool stand alone-ish adventure. You still need some of the background to understand who they are and what the Meta world is all about, but it made for a departure in this series and fleshed out another character, too. I enjoyed this one.
July 9, 2022
sheesh
I have really enjoyed each book in this series even the ones that broke my heart a bit. This is very different than the usual ones and I enjoyed getting to know reed so much better and see more of his personality. I love how close these two are and hope they get even closer.
I have really enjoyed each book in this series even the ones that broke my heart a bit. This is very different than the usual ones and I enjoyed getting to know reed so much better and see more of his personality. I love how close these two are and hope they get even closer.
May 1, 2024
Reed takes the time to shine
Have been a little disappointed with Reed prior to this book. He's known a lot more about the meta world than sienna but been happy for her to be the leader making the decisions. Now he has to grow up. Heras and sienna are not around to help and he has to save the world by himself. Brilliant story really enjoyed it.
Have been a little disappointed with Reed prior to this book. He's known a lot more about the meta world than sienna but been happy for her to be the leader making the decisions. Now he has to grow up. Heras and sienna are not around to help and he has to save the world by himself. Brilliant story really enjoyed it.
June 24, 2024
Different Point of View
This chapter of this series was a change with the point of view being from Reed. It filled in the blanks with some references from book 11. It also leaves you wondering what will happen next or what will come of some relationships that began in this book. Look forward to reading the next book.
This chapter of this series was a change with the point of view being from Reed. It filled in the blanks with some references from book 11. It also leaves you wondering what will happen next or what will come of some relationships that began in this book. Look forward to reading the next book.
May 17, 2017
In the wind
Not bad.... No it was not about Sienna but her brother instead (hey should have known from the title). Still a good read. I enjoyed reading more and learning about Reed. Give it a chance I did and had to complete it before going on.
Not bad.... No it was not about Sienna but her brother instead (hey should have known from the title). Still a good read. I enjoyed reading more and learning about Reed. Give it a chance I did and had to complete it before going on.
June 18, 2019
In the Wind
I didn't enjoy this story as much because we seemed to face the same situation over and over again. It was good to learn more about Reed an the doctor but I would have liked to learn more about Diana and the priest.
I didn't enjoy this story as much because we seemed to face the same situation over and over again. It was good to learn more about Reed an the doctor but I would have liked to learn more about Diana and the priest.
September 12, 2019
Pass on This
Unless you're into books centered solely around supporting characters, or just really can't stand not knowing what Reed did in Europe, take a pass on this. It's not part of Sienna's story, is only of marginal interest, and really isn't worth the investment of time.
Unless you're into books centered solely around supporting characters, or just really can't stand not knowing what Reed did in Europe, take a pass on this. It's not part of Sienna's story, is only of marginal interest, and really isn't worth the investment of time.
June 12, 2021
Good Story, Good Book
After the bitter taste after finishing book 11 not feeling sure if the author really wrote it. Is good to read book 12. Really Good Story, Really Good Book!!!!!!
After the bitter taste after finishing book 11 not feeling sure if the author really wrote it. Is good to read book 12. Really Good Story, Really Good Book!!!!!!
December 5, 2017
This book sucks!
June 18, 2018
Compelling
Great story. Great twists. This book brings reed in to the series in a way that develops who he his and more.
Great story. Great twists. This book brings reed in to the series in a way that develops who he his and more.
August 29, 2018
I love how this series is going back between the characters. Amazing book! "Girls can do anything!"
November 18, 2018
I love these books. I have such a hard time putting them down.
I love Sienna. But wish more of the good meats were included.
Wish Scott. Kat, Janis and the other guys came back.
I love Sienna. But wish more of the good meats were included.
Wish Scott. Kat, Janis and the other guys came back.
January 19, 2019
Nice change of pace
Switching from the main heroines to the second banana point of view changed things up. Have to admit it finished better than it started.
Switching from the main heroines to the second banana point of view changed things up. Have to admit it finished better than it started.
January 2, 2020
Reed receives Intel about Alpha members in Italy and goes to check things out. Things quickly turn deadly, and he faces a powerful mob boss with a plan to take over.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews