Jason and Lily

E #0.5

by Kate Wrath

THE PREQUEL TO THE E SERIES

Long before Outpost Three…

Before battles,

Before journeys….

Before the shattering of old worlds…

…And the building of new ones….

Long before Eden and Jonas…

there was…

Jason and Lily.

Genres: Dystopia, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Young Adult, Fiction

317 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 23, 2015

About the author

Kate Wrath is a sci-fi/fantasy author from southwestern New Mexico. She has written two series: The E Series, and Fairytale Evolution.


Kate believes in literature as an art form, world peace, and animal rights, but aspires to write total trash that is full of senseless violence, with characters who eat house pets.

Reviews

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Kate Wrath, the author of this fabulous series, for giving me a free copy of the book for an honest review.

Where do I even start? This book:


Had me do a bunch of weird things:




This book just made me want to read the series again from the start. Why? Because this prequel left off right where E (first book of the E series) began. In it, there is so much explanations and clarifications the author purposely left out in the series.

But Jason and Lily! Star-crossed lovers that keep finding each other, but can never just be. So much sacrifice and betrayals and love. A story behind the story. I just need book four like NOW!

Kate Wrath has proven yet again her poetic writing and incredible story and character development that just leaves her readers hanging off their seats, as I have almost fallen off my chair a few dozen times.


I literally cannot sum up this book with out doing this:


This book is just everything in a little prequel. And if you have actually been to Kate Wrath's Book Release Parties (as there is one today from July 23rd, 2015 at 8PM to July 24th, 2015 at 12AM on Kate Wrath's homepage) or any other way of communication like myself, you would be able to tell that Eden/Lily (the main character) sounds very much Kate Wrath. Knowing this, you would be able to see just how much her work means to her. I've actually come to love Eden/Lily more when I began to really hear the author's voice. For all we know her husband and editor, Pol, is really Jonas/Jason. -----Cue the awes----
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Thank you Kate Wrath for another amazing book and for making me love Jonas yet again, goodbye Matt.


Oh and did I mention those dang oranges??? In the morning, he lay over me and kissed me softly. "You've turned me into a barbarian," he whispered. "My barbarian," I whispered back, and pulled his lips to mine.

[Kate Wrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite simply my favorite book to write so far. I cannot describe how much I love this book, and I hope you will love it, too!

[Amie's Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

JASON and LILY

Author: Kate Wrath

Type of Book: eBook

Length: 308 pages

Genre: Post-Apocalyptic, Dystopian, Young Adult Fiction

Release Date: July 23, 2015

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

* I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

This book is a prequel to Kate Wrath's "E" Series.

If you have not yet had the distinct pleasure of reading the E Series, I highly suggest you do so.

I read A LOT of books (over 100 already this year and it is only July) and because of this, it takes a special author to stand out to me. Kate Wrath is one of those stand outs.

This book may be a prequel to the E Series, but I actually suggest that you read the series first and then read JASON AND LILY. There are a few spoilers in this book that will reveal truths that Eden is looking for in the book "Eden".

This book is Lily's diary. In "Eden" the diary is discovered but Eden is unable to read it. All she knows is that it contains the story of how she grew up and how she came to meet "Jason".

JASON AND LILY is so well written that once you begin reading it, you will not want to put it down.

Kate Wrath has a true gift for both world-building and character development. It is impossible to read this book and not form a picture in your mind of Lily's world.

Every teenager (or grown-up who remembers being a teenager) can readily relate to Lily's conflicted emotions about growing up.

The descriptions of the celebration of 'Freefall' are so vivid that there is no way that anyone who reads this book will not instantly smile and create pictures in their mind of what it must have been like for Lily.

Is there darkness in this book? Yes! Lots! There is fighting, there is death, there is destruction and despair. But, there are also moments of peace, life well lived, the building up of community and family as well as moments of unfettered hope.

What makes this book such an amazing piece of fiction is the author's ability to pull the reader into the story. I defy anyone to read Kate Wrath's books and remain emotionally uninvolved. It simply is not possible.

I rate this book as 5 out of 5 stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If a higher rating were possible, I would have given it, but 5 is the highest rating allowed.

If you have not yet read read the E Series I suggest you start reading it right away. There are a lot of books available both on and offline, and it is often difficult to know what books to spend your hard-earned money on. Kate Wrath's books are worth every cent and more. Buy them today and you will not be disappointed.

I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.

FAVORITE QUOTE:

"Some people think that when we're young we don't know how to love yet, but I would argue that the young love better than anyone. When we're young, we've not yet learned to hold our love back. That we should be afraid. That anything that can be given can also be taken away."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kate Wrath is the author of the E Series and has quickly secured a spot on my favorite new authors list.

For more information or to sign up for her newsletter visit www.katewrath.com

To read my reviews of the previous three books in the series search "Kate Wrath" on my blog. http://amiesbookreviews.wordpress.com

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to thank the author, Kate Wrath, for graciously giving me a copy of Jason and Lily to review.

Written in a modified diary format, this book is Lily's recollection of her first time meeting Jason and the subsequent days leading up to Book 1. Jason and Lily puts so much into perspective and does a great job tying the entire series together. As much as I like the character of Lily, Jason has, and always will be, my favorite. As the older, and more experienced of the pair, Jason is more jaded and has more street smarts. Lily has always been shaded from the more difficult aspects of life in Brickell and her innocence is most evident at the beginning of the book. Both Jason and Lily change dramatically throughout the years that the diary covers, as the pressures they face bring them wisdom beyond their years. It is surprising to me that the author could span such a great length of time, yet the book comes together in a seamless manner. My view of some of the characters has definitely changed during the telling of their backstory and not for the better. It is funny how a trip to the past can totally skew your opinion. I highly recommend reading this series from the beginning, as Jason and Lily would not have as big of an impact if read first. If you love reading YA, dystopian novels that feature a female main character with a strong voice, this is definitely the series for you.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good but read it last.

I think I would not have enjoyed the other books quite as much if I'd read this one first, so my advice is to read it after Eden. That way, the other books are more suspenseful. I won't give anything away, but this story answered a lot of questions and made me go back and reread passages from the previous books with new insight. Still waiting to find out about the severed hand...

I've read all there currently is to this story, and now I'm waiting for the book that comes chronologically after Eden. I've thoroughly enjoyed the ride; although, I really wish the language and sexual references wouldn't have increased with each book. The Hunger Games and The Maze Runner were successful without them, weren't they? A good dystopian for adults who don't mind the adult themes. There's really no graphic descriptions, as I think I've stated in previous reviews, but there's a little more than, "And then they closed the bedroom door..." Not in my opinion for teens, but I'm conservative that way. It's very tame for a romance. Just not tame enough for teens, I don't think.

This may be my favorite book of the set, regardless. It's the story of why a young woman chose to do the unthinkable, to risk getting her memory erased, because of her love of a young man and her desire to rescue him. It's a story told by Lily, pre-erasure, to the recently erased Eden, to help her remember her great love, a love Lily believes could never be truly erased from her heart. A Romeo and Juliet type of love. The kind that sacrifices all for the happiness of the other. It's really, really good.

I think anyone who enjoyed both The Hunger Games and If I Stay or The Fault in our Stars would like this series.

Please keep writing, Kate. You have a new fan in me. Waiting impatiently for book four, Elegy, which your website says will be released this fall. Can't wait...

[Lozzi Counsell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Kate once again for the free copy of this book. This one is my favourite of the book series and I finally know now that Lily and Jason are meant to be together despite my favouritism of Apollon. I would like to end this review with a quote from the beginning of the book that really struck me: 'Some endings are soft like feathers. Some fade into silence that in itself is beautiful. Some are gentle. You see them coming. You are slowed gradually. Your body has time to adapt to the change. Are they easier? I don't know. My ending was like suicide. Too soon. My ending was a brick wall in the face. Mind. Body. Soul. I was robbed. There was nothing left.'

[Leo-Kathy Sigrist · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! Ever since I've started this series, Kate (the author) has been shattering paradigms. I recommend reading the first 3 books in the series before starting the prequel.
Normally, I try to avoid prequels. They tend to be afterthoughts and can be quite boring. Not this story though. I have to say that this is the absolute best prequel I have ever read. Don't skip it.
This is the kind of book that will have you thinking about it and missing sleep. You will burn through the pages quickly.
Thank you for an excellent read Kate. Looking forward to the next book.

[Jacqueline Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely breathtakingly amazing!

This story will keep you on edge and dying for more! Don't be surprised if you have trouble putting it down! An absolute must-read, especially for fans of Divergent and Hunger Games!

[These Violent Delights (Robin) · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Note: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*

Oh. My. Gosh. Oh. My. Gosh. This. Book. Is. Freaking. Amazing. Everyone. Everywhere. Needs. To. Read. This. Novella. Now! Seriously though... read this freaking amazing and wonderful novella now. Thank you!

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just as Good as Hunger Games or Divergent with Real Romance

Kate Wrath writes very compelling YA fiction about characters based in a post apocalyptic United States after the government has given up and imprisoned its people in cities guarded by hulking metal robots called Sentries. These Sentries take people away for brain erasure for a first offense, and kill them for the second. There are only ten laws to simplify things and these laws are what the Sentries enforce.

The first two books follow Eden, Jonas and Apollon through their adventures after they have all suffered erasure as they try to survive in a world filled with criminals, violence, death, gangs and Sentries. After you have been erased, the Sentries will physically crush you in a heartbeat, no questions asked if they perceive someone's blood on you, or if someone accuses you of a crime. Our three protagonists must walk a tightrope between the unruly crime and violence on one side and the Sentries on the other, all the while contending with memories and feelings that leak through the erasure of their former lives. It's enough to drive anyone to a serious drinking habit

This book was written by Lilly, the person that Eden was before her erasure. She wrote it just before she went out to find Jason, the love of her life. Of course, Jonas is Jason. Lilly planned on having her erased self find this book after she brought Jason home in the best case scenario, so that the rest of her life could be restored to her in some way. In the worst case scenario, Jason would be dead and Eden/ Lilly would both be suffering from his loss and the journal would give definition and memories to hold on to for Eden to help her understand the grief that had overwhelmed her life.

The book starts with Lilly as a child being trained to lead the territory of Brickell. Her brother Kade currently handles day to day leadership, but let's Lilly help with negotiations as she's a human life detector. Her first meeting with Jason from Wynnwood comes at one of these meetings. Later, they meet at Freefall, a night of truce where gangs in the Miami area have a truce during the full moon on a designated island.

Over the Freefall nights, Jason and Lilly become close. Then, later, as they get older Jason kisses Lilly, and they both know something special has occurred - of course everything gets in the way of their budding romance. Especially the war...

This book covers everything up until Lilly is just about to get erased. Neither Lilly nor Jason were what I was expecting, based on the foreshadowing and data from the first two books: E and Evolution. Lilly was a pragmatic, open, honest, and empathetic individual with a big heart and a bigger work ethic. Trained from almost the cradle to lead the territory by her father and Sam, she is fierce in combat and hugely astute in tactical and strategic business practices and planning. She is a power to be reckoned with in her own right. Eden shares some characteristics, but in essence, could be a new and different person except for the memory leaks.

It's funny, I really did not like the Jonas character in the first two books. I never would have thought that the person he used to be would differ so dramatically from his post erasure self. While he can almost channel Jason when he wants to manipulate Eden, or someone else, he is typically sullen and terse, though that was slowly changing at the end of Evolution, as he has to pretend to Be Jason.

I was glad that I read them in the order that I did. It preserved the mystery regarding Eden/Lilly and Jonas/Jason so that I got to experience these novels from erased character's POV instead of knowing everything beforehand and waiting for them to finally get there, or not, on a case by case basis. The two books would make for a frustrating read IMHO if I read them in numerical order.

If you loved the Hunger Games or Divergent and love to watch people find their soul mates - you have to get this series by Kate Wrath, but please, read it in the order below:

Book1: E
Book2: Evolution
Book0: Jason and Lilly

[Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally, after three previous books in Kate Wrath’s E series, I know the story of Eden and Jonas, and things make so much more sense now.

Essentially, JASON AND LILY is a journal. It’s the journal. The one Lily wrote to herself, her post-erasure self, her self that would become Eden. It details over a decade of her life in Miami, introducing turf wars between her tribe and Jason’s, the love they shared, the hardships of living in wartime, the struggle of keeping her family safe and happy and doing what’s expected of her, and not one but two huge and ultimate sacrifices she makes for the people she loves.

This is a prequel to the previous three books in the series, and it not only stands as its own novel but it provides a dynamic backstory to the girl who will become Eden, introducing the crucial moments in her life that led her to being erased (and later hauled to Outpost Three). It’s filled with dynamic new characters – including Kade and West, Lily’s brother and best friend; the already-familiar face of Jason; and a slew of characters we’ve seen bits and pieces of, like Celine, Spec, Kobee, and Coder – and details the complex history of a city on edge, giving the readers a haunting look back at what was and what never will be again.

And, to be honest, it builds up hope right before dashing it, revealing a world where there is no right decision, only the decision that guarantees the survival of loyalty and life.

What’s so striking, I think, was the decision for this novel to span from when Lily was eleven years old, to her mid-twenties, which means the reader lives every detail of the growing divide between childhood and adulthood: the loss of innocence as the ways of the world become even clearer, blossoming love and desire, changing perceptions, and how sometimes you make a choice you could never dream of, and there’s no going back. It’s a heavy theme, and it haunts, particularly given the passages where the narrative shifts to the second-person: Lily talking directly to herself, reminding the reader of what’s to come.

Having already read the first three books in the series (which I recommend before diving into this prequel), I also had the experience of noticing the haunting echoes where the past and future collide, almost like it was deja-vu. Not only did this book finally reveal some answers about characters I’ve already grown to know and love, it weaves together numerous, complex threads while still standing on its own as a hopeful and heartbreaking adventure about a girl trying to save herself and her family, while also pursuing what’s best for herself, in the end making decisions for herself before anyone can make them for her, all while trying to keep a series of secrets and lies straight in order to keep the already shaky political balance from crumbling.

I haven’t loved a book in this series so much since I first sat down and opened E (E #1). It’s one of those books that you read for the answers, I found, and if you love a good origin story to a world you’ve already been introduced, I’d recommend it.

Final answer: 5 / 5

[Dabber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I read one of Kate Wrath's books I am amazed. I think they get better and better. This one is exceptional. When you finish it, or even before, you will have to go back and re-read Evolution and Eden. No spoiler, but then you will understand about Sam and Nathan. These may be minor characters but they pack a big punch. Such intricate writing. Definitely don't rush, as much as you want to just gobble it down. Take your time or you might miss some things. On the edge of my seat waiting for Elegy - book four in series - to come out in the fall -- announced by Kate at her release party on July 23. I also love that Kate has given us so many extras on her website, like the trailer, the teasers, the contest and the release party where you could talk to her and other fans. Wish I could give her 10 stars.

[Julie Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and as with the previous three books, I didn't want this one to end.

'Jason and Lily' goes back in time, a time which allows us to fully understand the relationship that is the basis for Lily's actions throughout this epic tale.

I don't want to give away anything that would spoil it for others, so it is difficult to say too much. However, this story is beautifully told, its style and chosen words bring an almost spiritual depth to the emotions involved, most especially Lily - as it is written in the first person.

An excellent installment of this post-apocalyptic future where those that are left face a hostile world - some good, some not so good - but Lily is the bravest of them all.

Highly recommended!

More, please.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This prequel provides all of the backstory necessary to understand where Eden came from and why she made some of the choices she did. It honestly felt as if I was reading about two completely different characters from the ones I've been following so far. Which, of course, I was, because when they were erased (no spoiler there, it's the reason they are in Outpost 3 at the beginning of Book 1) and they had to respond to new environment and new people in order to become who they became throughout this series.

This book is as well written as the last three, and it describes an intriguing world, but we still have no idea how it came about. I'm moving on to ELEGY already, and look forward to getting closer to the conclusion of the series.

[Michelle McPherson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jason and Lily E bk0

I loved the story and the environment is well developed. I wonder how the world got to be this way, maybe future books will tell me. I also wonder, since I have already begun reading book 1, if somehow having read this first takes away from the mystery of the story. It is my hope that is not the case, but this is definitely a story to read, a great love story.

[Janice Eileen McDermott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engrossing

Loved the whole series. When I first started reading, I thought it was going to be fluff for the teen set. I found myself engaged in all the characters and wanting to learn more about them. I believe the author could write a great series for each of the characters in her books, and I would read all of them. Eagerly awaiting the 4th book in this series!

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Getting to know Lily was just as amazing as getting to know Eden. Lily is both vulnerable and powerful. I can't wait to introduce my twin girls to her when they're older.

Kate Wrath I adore you and your gorgeous way with words.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. It tied the whole series together in a nice shiny bow, even though I so did cry. I never expected the ending. However you do need to read the first 3 books before you read this one.

[jenny holguin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best so far!!

I was so caught up with the story and the characters that I didn't even notice the time. It's the best in the series but must be read after book 3 not before. I can't wait for the next one and hope it's just as good or better than this one.

[Morgan Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far this is my favorite of book of the series. You really get to know the characters more and you come to love all of them even if you didn't love them in other books. I really enjoyed reading the series so far and cannot wait for the 4th book

[Chastity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Answered so many questions I had while reading the other 3 books in this series. I can't wait for book 4. I fell in love with the characters even more after reading the prequel!

[Kristin Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazed with this series

[Julia White · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is my absolute favourite of this series. The author is somehow able to encapsulate years worth of stories and feelings into just one book, and as a prequel I value it’s answers to the questions the main series leaves us with. It’s exactly what a prequel should be, and the storytelling is so vivid that it’s impossible to put down.

[Tayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book answered sooo many questions, but left me feeling sad. If only... :)

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, it's a good story, just a little too much romance, tears, longing, etc., for my liking.

A solid prequel to the series.

[Brianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I still have a whole lot of questions that I am hoping get answered in the next book.

[Noodle The Naughty Night Owl · Rating 3 out of 5]

6/10: Good light-weight read, well done.

This was a pleasant surprise. Hope and romance and love and loss. It had everything that's been missing in the first three books.

I read it after books 1-3 as suggested by other reviewers (I guess because it was published after them). But I'd go as far as saying they got it wrong. Some of the mystery would certainly be lost, reading this book first, but also some of the hope would be found. Maybe enough to get you through the next three books.

This addition alone has made me consider book four when it comes out. Until I read this one, I was prepared to let the series go. It's been hard going...

But now I know, and I want more. Is she Eden? Or is she Lily? I know which one I want her to be in the end, but choosing one means losing the other...

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wow

I came upon the series by accident and was intrigued by a single letter title. Once I began reading it was difficult to stop. It is complex, internally consistent, fascinating and more. Do read this one first though. You'll get more out of #1.

[Lisa P · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is NOT a prequel! Do not read this until you've read the 3rd book. Soooo good! Must read for this series!