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The Institute #2
Resistance
It’s what every Defective person wants – freedom, liberation from the Institute.
Allira had her chance. Then why is she still working for them?
It has been three months since she first started working as an agent for the Institute. She’s good at her job. She has to be. There’s too much at stake.
After an arrest goes awry, she’s faced with the possibility of escaping again, and an offer too good to refuse.
Things are meant to be different at the Resistance, everything is meant to be better. But when life is about survival, sacrifices must be made. What will Allira sacrifice for her freedom?
Allira had her chance. Then why is she still working for them?
It has been three months since she first started working as an agent for the Institute. She’s good at her job. She has to be. There’s too much at stake.
After an arrest goes awry, she’s faced with the possibility of escaping again, and an offer too good to refuse.
Things are meant to be different at the Resistance, everything is meant to be better. But when life is about survival, sacrifices must be made. What will Allira sacrifice for her freedom?
350 pages, Paperback
First published May 11, 2015
149 people are currently reading
728 people want to read
About the author
Kayla Howarth
8 books189 followersAs a writer, I lead an extremely exciting life. When I'm not base jumping, playing my guitar and singing for a sold-out crowd, or having tea with the queen... Okay, all of these things are lies.
The truth is, I live on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia, with my husband and son and you'll most likely find me with my laptop on my lap and a coffee in my hand.
Obsessed with YA fiction, I'm still a teenager at heart and live all of my exciting experiences through reading and writing.
The truth is, I live on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia, with my husband and son and you'll most likely find me with my laptop on my lap and a coffee in my hand.
Obsessed with YA fiction, I'm still a teenager at heart and live all of my exciting experiences through reading and writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
June 16, 2015
Absolutely amazing
Review to come, I need to calm myself first :)
Update
Second book in a fantastic series. Expectations were very high and I can say that did not disappoint, I think even that managed to overcome.
In this volume we follow closely Allira, this time she is out of the Institute and looking for defectives. She also discovers new secrets and the plot walks all around them. I can't described many of them without be a major spoiler but I will try :)
When Allira is working for the Institute, in the outside world, she discovers that after all her mother is alive and that her best friend is with her. There is some kind of a secret community, where are many defectives are hidden from the Institute, and that's where the people, who disappeared from Allira's life, are. It is this community that most of the story of this book is spend, full of new characters and more intrigue than was thought at first.
Allira no longer have to worry so much about her brother, this time he is safe with her. The concern falls on Tate, who was at the institute and according to people who work there and bring information to the community, he's dead, but it's all an uncertainty. From the moment that Allira knows that her best friend could be in danger she tries to find a way to get him out of there. I really like this character, she is consistent throughout the story, is brave and not afraid to risk her life for the people she care about. In addition, she tries to give a better life to all defectives, which I find very good.
In this book Drew have a little more focus but honestly I don't know if Allira can trust him 100%. He tries to help Allira on what he can and is the first to offer to help rescue Tate. If it wasn't for him she would have not been able to go to the Institute, but sometimes he has some attitudes that makes me wondering if he's good or not, and I'm not sure what will happen next. I can't help liking the guy, I'm Team Drew until the end :P
Chad and Allira are closer to each other, I liked to see them together (my poor little Drew :P). What I didn't like was his reaction when Allira wants to go rescue Tate from the Institute, who is the cousin after all. I didn't like his mother, most arrogant person and also didn't like that she had made a kind of brainwashing. What I really liked was to see him say no to his mother and eventually help Allira. What happened at the end broke my heart, I cried so much, but it all made sense if you think about the general situation.
About the new characters, I liked some, others not so much and some not at all. Can they just disappear? :)
I loved the story, well written and very fluid. This was one of the books I was more than half trough it and just thought "I have to read slowly because this is almost over." There are few books that make me feel like this, is good because it means it's a good book, but it's also bad because I will have to wait so much to read the next one :)
I strongly advise this series, it's very well written, this new world was very well created and the characters are well developed. Can't wait for November, when it leaves the last book of the trilogy.
Good news, it seems that the author will release a trilogy after this, is set in the same world but 20 years later :)
Review to come, I need to calm myself first :)
Update
Second book in a fantastic series. Expectations were very high and I can say that did not disappoint, I think even that managed to overcome.
In this volume we follow closely Allira, this time she is out of the Institute and looking for defectives. She also discovers new secrets and the plot walks all around them. I can't described many of them without be a major spoiler but I will try :)
When Allira is working for the Institute, in the outside world, she discovers that after all her mother is alive and that her best friend is with her. There is some kind of a secret community, where are many defectives are hidden from the Institute, and that's where the people, who disappeared from Allira's life, are. It is this community that most of the story of this book is spend, full of new characters and more intrigue than was thought at first.
Allira no longer have to worry so much about her brother, this time he is safe with her. The concern falls on Tate, who was at the institute and according to people who work there and bring information to the community, he's dead, but it's all an uncertainty. From the moment that Allira knows that her best friend could be in danger she tries to find a way to get him out of there. I really like this character, she is consistent throughout the story, is brave and not afraid to risk her life for the people she care about. In addition, she tries to give a better life to all defectives, which I find very good.
In this book Drew have a little more focus but honestly I don't know if Allira can trust him 100%. He tries to help Allira on what he can and is the first to offer to help rescue Tate. If it wasn't for him she would have not been able to go to the Institute, but sometimes he has some attitudes that makes me wondering if he's good or not, and I'm not sure what will happen next. I can't help liking the guy, I'm Team Drew until the end :P
Chad and Allira are closer to each other, I liked to see them together (my poor little Drew :P). What I didn't like was his reaction when Allira wants to go rescue Tate from the Institute, who is the cousin after all. I didn't like his mother, most arrogant person and also didn't like that she had made a kind of brainwashing. What I really liked was to see him say no to his mother and eventually help Allira. What happened at the end broke my heart, I cried so much, but it all made sense if you think about the general situation.
About the new characters, I liked some, others not so much and some not at all. Can they just disappear? :)
I loved the story, well written and very fluid. This was one of the books I was more than half trough it and just thought "I have to read slowly because this is almost over." There are few books that make me feel like this, is good because it means it's a good book, but it's also bad because I will have to wait so much to read the next one :)
I strongly advise this series, it's very well written, this new world was very well created and the characters are well developed. Can't wait for November, when it leaves the last book of the trilogy.
Good news, it seems that the author will release a trilogy after this, is set in the same world but 20 years later :)
May 24, 2015
The second installment of The Institute, Resistance, was as good, if not better than the first! Kayla Howarth does a great job of continuing her story about the 'defectives", people who have special powers brought about by genetic mutations. In the dwindling population, these few are hunted and imprisoned by the government, forced to do their bidding or suffer the consequences. Allira, the main character, is fighting her own rebellion by pretending to work for the Institute but she is really working with the resistance....at first. There is more to the resistance than meets the eye. What you ask? Well you will have to read the book to find out :)
I loved Allira. She is a strong and selfless heroine with just that right amount of sass and stubbornness. She is certainly no damsel in distress waiting for the 'man' to come rescue her. The secondary characters are just as well developed and I enjoyed how they were simply not just good vs evil. They had so many layers to them. One moment you hated a character and the next you were rooting for them again. Howarth definitely knows how to keep you on your toes.
All in all it was a great read. Action packed, nail biting drama and I enjoyed every minute of it. (Well maybe not what happened so much at the end...but again you will have to read it to find out what I am talking about, hehehe) I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Hurry up Kayla! 5 out of 5 shiny stars!
I loved Allira. She is a strong and selfless heroine with just that right amount of sass and stubbornness. She is certainly no damsel in distress waiting for the 'man' to come rescue her. The secondary characters are just as well developed and I enjoyed how they were simply not just good vs evil. They had so many layers to them. One moment you hated a character and the next you were rooting for them again. Howarth definitely knows how to keep you on your toes.
All in all it was a great read. Action packed, nail biting drama and I enjoyed every minute of it. (Well maybe not what happened so much at the end...but again you will have to read it to find out what I am talking about, hehehe) I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Hurry up Kayla! 5 out of 5 shiny stars!
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December 31, 2015I can't wait for everyone to continue Allira's story in this next instalment of The Institute Series!
June 20, 2015
I LOVED this second installment of Kayla Howarth's YA dystopian The Institute trilogy. I will try to keep this review spoiler free, but, if you haven't read The Institute yet, you should go read it immediately instead of this review.
Resistance picks right up where the first book left off: Drew and Allira are now agents for the Institute and have been sent out on a mission to arrest a Defective named Licia. But, as we found out at the end of The Institute, there's a resistance brewing in the outback, composed of a relatively small group of Defectives and non-Defective sympathizers. Among them are Allira's parents, Allira's boyfriend Chad and his mother, and Paxton, Brookfield's double-crossing right-hand man. Allira and a reluctant Drew soon join their compound, where they receive further training and try to find their place in the community. As part of the resistance, Allira grows as a fighter and a leader. She begins to realize that, in their fight for freedom, she may have to make some tough choices and sacrifices and wonders if, when the time comes, she'll be able to do it.
I love watching Allira grow as a young woman in this series, becoming a stronger and more independent person and accepting responsibility. She's able to see the bigger picture and make decisions accordingly, putting aside personal feelings and gain. I really grew to love many of the characters in The Institute and Resistance--Chad, Allira's brother Shilah, Tate, and Paxton, just to name a few. Ms. Howarth has also done a good job of making the rebel movement feel very authentic. A few members of the resistance are very selfish and don't really seem to have the best interests of the Defectives in mind, which I think is realistic. We don't have "good guys" and "bad guys," we have people with individual motives and interests that sometimes align with the side their fighting for--but sometimes don't.
Okay, so I guess personally I'm a little disappointed that the inkling of a love triangle I thought I detected in The Institute isn't really what's happening in this series, but I guess that's okay. I know everyone (except me) is sick of them, and I applaud the author for breaking away from this trend.
Really, the only thing that bothered me about the book was Drew in the beginning. He's still mostly the character leaving both Allira and the reader uncertain of whether to trust him or not, and I like that aspect. I just felt like he went along with Allira and the resistance a little too easily when they first joined up. Even if he always had that side to him that questioned the Institute, he's been brainwashed during his time there and has been working as an agent for them. I thought he would have put up more of a fight and that the resistance would have been a lot more wary of him.
I'm sure some people will be annoyed at something that happens at the end of Resistance. I thought I would be more bummed than I was, lol, but maybe that's because I sort of saw it coming. I had read too many reviews before I read the book, I knew something was going to happen, and I had already kind of guessed who it was going to happen to. I had already emotionally prepared myself, haha. Anyway, it was sad, but it didn't make me hurl my computer across the room.
In summary, Resistance is a satisfying, thrilling YA read that you won't be able to put down. The other day, I remembered another YA dystopian-type series I had read in high school by another Australian author--Tomorrow, When the War Began. It was one of my favorites, and I'd say The Institute trilogy will rank right up there with it. In the back of the book, it says that the third installment, Defective, is due out in November 2015, and I can't wait!!!
(I received an ARC of Resistance in exchange for an honest review.)
Resistance picks right up where the first book left off: Drew and Allira are now agents for the Institute and have been sent out on a mission to arrest a Defective named Licia. But, as we found out at the end of The Institute, there's a resistance brewing in the outback, composed of a relatively small group of Defectives and non-Defective sympathizers. Among them are Allira's parents, Allira's boyfriend Chad and his mother, and Paxton, Brookfield's double-crossing right-hand man. Allira and a reluctant Drew soon join their compound, where they receive further training and try to find their place in the community. As part of the resistance, Allira grows as a fighter and a leader. She begins to realize that, in their fight for freedom, she may have to make some tough choices and sacrifices and wonders if, when the time comes, she'll be able to do it.
I love watching Allira grow as a young woman in this series, becoming a stronger and more independent person and accepting responsibility. She's able to see the bigger picture and make decisions accordingly, putting aside personal feelings and gain. I really grew to love many of the characters in The Institute and Resistance--Chad, Allira's brother Shilah, Tate, and Paxton, just to name a few. Ms. Howarth has also done a good job of making the rebel movement feel very authentic. A few members of the resistance are very selfish and don't really seem to have the best interests of the Defectives in mind, which I think is realistic. We don't have "good guys" and "bad guys," we have people with individual motives and interests that sometimes align with the side their fighting for--but sometimes don't.
Okay, so I guess personally I'm a little disappointed that the inkling of a love triangle I thought I detected in The Institute isn't really what's happening in this series, but I guess that's okay. I know everyone (except me) is sick of them, and I applaud the author for breaking away from this trend.
Really, the only thing that bothered me about the book was Drew in the beginning. He's still mostly the character leaving both Allira and the reader uncertain of whether to trust him or not, and I like that aspect. I just felt like he went along with Allira and the resistance a little too easily when they first joined up. Even if he always had that side to him that questioned the Institute, he's been brainwashed during his time there and has been working as an agent for them. I thought he would have put up more of a fight and that the resistance would have been a lot more wary of him.
I'm sure some people will be annoyed at something that happens at the end of Resistance. I thought I would be more bummed than I was, lol, but maybe that's because I sort of saw it coming. I had read too many reviews before I read the book, I knew something was going to happen, and I had already kind of guessed who it was going to happen to. I had already emotionally prepared myself, haha. Anyway, it was sad, but it didn't make me hurl my computer across the room.
In summary, Resistance is a satisfying, thrilling YA read that you won't be able to put down. The other day, I remembered another YA dystopian-type series I had read in high school by another Australian author--Tomorrow, When the War Began. It was one of my favorites, and I'd say The Institute trilogy will rank right up there with it. In the back of the book, it says that the third installment, Defective, is due out in November 2015, and I can't wait!!!
(I received an ARC of Resistance in exchange for an honest review.)
June 6, 2015
Resistance is the long awaited follow-up to The Institute. Oh - hang on, didn't I read The Institute just a few weeks ago?
Luckily for us readers, this second installment was released recently, and the third installment is on its way.
Can I start with a small caveat first?
Having set everything up beautifully in The Institute, I expected Book Two to start with a bang. I have to admit to finding both books a little on the slow side at the start.
But often the best part of your food is in the middle, am I right? And it's not long before Resistance is hitting the heady heights of its predecessor.
I think our MC is much more engaging in this follow-up. She's ballsy without being an overtly annoying kick-ass heroine. If she was...she would be just another Katniss cut-out.
Fortunately, we are saved from any repetitive girl on fire by someone who is not actually on fire, but is at boiling point all the same.
Now part of the 'inside', Allira continues her resistance against the state but with echoes of not really knowing who to trust.
There are some fascinating scenes in the book - Brookfield's interrogation of her was genuinely chilling and it seems that as the book progressed, we were being led up to one big bang, then another, then another.
Resistance is brilliant once it gets going. Perhaps the slowish-start is my view only, and not anyone else's. This is fine, as the storytelling is pure quality and yes..the dialogue is far better too.
There was one real humdinger of a scene in the book, and it happens about two thirds in. It's so good, that even if you predicted it, just watch it unfold and excite you as Allira and everyone around her must deal with its consequences.
Put simply, this is shaping up to be the best dystopian trilogy I have read in a while...since, ooh, I don't know....The Hunger Games.
Praise indeed, but praise deserved.
Now stop what you are doing and get a hold of this series.
Luckily for us readers, this second installment was released recently, and the third installment is on its way.
Can I start with a small caveat first?
Having set everything up beautifully in The Institute, I expected Book Two to start with a bang. I have to admit to finding both books a little on the slow side at the start.
But often the best part of your food is in the middle, am I right? And it's not long before Resistance is hitting the heady heights of its predecessor.
I think our MC is much more engaging in this follow-up. She's ballsy without being an overtly annoying kick-ass heroine. If she was...she would be just another Katniss cut-out.
Fortunately, we are saved from any repetitive girl on fire by someone who is not actually on fire, but is at boiling point all the same.
Now part of the 'inside', Allira continues her resistance against the state but with echoes of not really knowing who to trust.
There are some fascinating scenes in the book - Brookfield's interrogation of her was genuinely chilling and it seems that as the book progressed, we were being led up to one big bang, then another, then another.
Resistance is brilliant once it gets going. Perhaps the slowish-start is my view only, and not anyone else's. This is fine, as the storytelling is pure quality and yes..the dialogue is far better too.
There was one real humdinger of a scene in the book, and it happens about two thirds in. It's so good, that even if you predicted it, just watch it unfold and excite you as Allira and everyone around her must deal with its consequences.
Put simply, this is shaping up to be the best dystopian trilogy I have read in a while...since, ooh, I don't know....The Hunger Games.
Praise indeed, but praise deserved.
Now stop what you are doing and get a hold of this series.
October 21, 2015
Prepare for a rave review because that’s what’s about to happen.
I absolutely loved Resistance by Kayla Howarth. It’s the second book in her The Institute trilogy and it’s one of those stories that just gets better and better the more you read. By the end of the book, I was turning pages (or tapping them on my nook) so fast that I was really mad when I got to the end because I was going to have to wait a little while for book three. You know those books that get your heart racing? The kind where you think about the characters even when you aren’t reading? That is Resistance.
Allira and Drew have left the institute to become outside agents, tracking and arresting “defective” people that the world now sees as a blight on society. Well, part of the world. There is a resistance building near the radiation zones. Their mission is to fight for the freedoms of those with “abilities”, many of whom have joined their cause. At least, that is what Allira is told is their mission when she joins up.
See, Allira has a secret about her ability. A secret that the resistance will use if they find out. There’s a faction within these new allies that can’t be trusted, even when it comes to saving one of their leaders, Allira’s best friend. Can she do it without them? Will she have to do it without them? What is the cost of Allira’s secret and what is the cost of her new mission?
These questions are answered in the quick, nail biting style that I love about Ms. Howarth. The characters are well developed and easy to love or to hate. We are given a hero we can all relate to. She isn’t perfect but she is driven, brave, and loyal to a fault. Who doesn’t love that?
Read this series- NOW! You won’t regret it!
I absolutely loved Resistance by Kayla Howarth. It’s the second book in her The Institute trilogy and it’s one of those stories that just gets better and better the more you read. By the end of the book, I was turning pages (or tapping them on my nook) so fast that I was really mad when I got to the end because I was going to have to wait a little while for book three. You know those books that get your heart racing? The kind where you think about the characters even when you aren’t reading? That is Resistance.
Allira and Drew have left the institute to become outside agents, tracking and arresting “defective” people that the world now sees as a blight on society. Well, part of the world. There is a resistance building near the radiation zones. Their mission is to fight for the freedoms of those with “abilities”, many of whom have joined their cause. At least, that is what Allira is told is their mission when she joins up.
See, Allira has a secret about her ability. A secret that the resistance will use if they find out. There’s a faction within these new allies that can’t be trusted, even when it comes to saving one of their leaders, Allira’s best friend. Can she do it without them? Will she have to do it without them? What is the cost of Allira’s secret and what is the cost of her new mission?
These questions are answered in the quick, nail biting style that I love about Ms. Howarth. The characters are well developed and easy to love or to hate. We are given a hero we can all relate to. She isn’t perfect but she is driven, brave, and loyal to a fault. Who doesn’t love that?
Read this series- NOW! You won’t regret it!
April 30, 2015
Rhoda D'Ettore's Reviews -- I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Although I do not usually read this genre, I was captivated by the first book in this series, The Institute. Kayla Howarth does an excellent job creating a world in which the population was decimated and some people acquired special powers through genetic mutation. Fearing the "Defectives", lawmakers enacted policies to protect society from these people. Resistance is book two in the series and follows the story right where the other book left off. Both books provided us with a fully fleshed out society, a variety of characters that are independent of each other, and plot twists that keep the reader interested. Every chapter leaves the reader wanting more, and the end of book one left me with "wow, what's next". Resistance provided me with those answers as family and friends joined together to fight against the evil Institute, almost in an Empire Strikes Back sort of way. Throughout both books is a sarcastic humor that keeps the flow going with a sense of realism.
As I said, I usually do not read YA and especially books written in first person with present tense. However, to pass on this series because of those reasons would have done myself a terrible injustice. Kudos to Ms. Howarth for another excellent read.
Although I do not usually read this genre, I was captivated by the first book in this series, The Institute. Kayla Howarth does an excellent job creating a world in which the population was decimated and some people acquired special powers through genetic mutation. Fearing the "Defectives", lawmakers enacted policies to protect society from these people. Resistance is book two in the series and follows the story right where the other book left off. Both books provided us with a fully fleshed out society, a variety of characters that are independent of each other, and plot twists that keep the reader interested. Every chapter leaves the reader wanting more, and the end of book one left me with "wow, what's next". Resistance provided me with those answers as family and friends joined together to fight against the evil Institute, almost in an Empire Strikes Back sort of way. Throughout both books is a sarcastic humor that keeps the flow going with a sense of realism.
As I said, I usually do not read YA and especially books written in first person with present tense. However, to pass on this series because of those reasons would have done myself a terrible injustice. Kudos to Ms. Howarth for another excellent read.
May 27, 2015
The Resistance is a solid follow-up to The Institute. We pick up Allira's story several months after the end of The Institute, where she is working with Drew to round up other "defectives" for the Institute. But as we learned at the end of The Institute, an underground Resistance is doing their own recruiting and they want Allira. The problem is, Shilah and Tate are still at the Institute and her allegiances are pulling her apart. She'd love nothing more than to bring down the Institute, but not at the cost of her brother and best friend.
Plot
The plot is intriguing, drawing me in as I learned more about the mysterious Resistance and who is calling the shots, what the Institute is really up to and who's behind it, and what Allira's future has in store for her. There are a lot of layers here, all seamlessly woven in, with more than a couple of twists I never saw coming.
World Building
The author deepens the world building in this second go-round, providing further clues to the underpinnings of both the Resistance and the Institute. The world is a bleak place in her dystopian vision, dark and suffocating at times, but with a peek at blue sky promises, if only they survive long enough to experience it.
Characters
There is more character development in The Resistance as Allira comes to terms with her fate, uncovers some surprising information about her past, and embraces her feelings for the important people in her life. Drew also goes through a transformation, but I never quite knew where he stands, which makes him still one of my favorite characters in the series.
Top Five Things I Enjoyed About The Resistance
1. The Ending. Once again the ending was not what I expected. It caught me off guard and slammed me into a wall, making me gasp for breath and beg for more!
2. Drew. He continues to evade stereotype. He refuses to allow me to either love or hate him. Instead, he pushes me away, only to pull me back in like a co-dependent lover. Can't wait to see what happens with him in the next book.
3. The Twists. I love when an author can shock me, particularly when the plot twist is a natural evolution of the story.
4. Shate or Tailah. Not sure of the best "ship" name for this couple, but they are adorable.
5. Allira's Determination. Even when she's put in the worst situations, she manages to grit her teeth and find a way to persevere.
Bottom Line
The Resistance is a worthy sequel to The Institute, better in almost every way. And The Institute was really good!
Disclaimer
I was provided with a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Plot
The plot is intriguing, drawing me in as I learned more about the mysterious Resistance and who is calling the shots, what the Institute is really up to and who's behind it, and what Allira's future has in store for her. There are a lot of layers here, all seamlessly woven in, with more than a couple of twists I never saw coming.
World Building
The author deepens the world building in this second go-round, providing further clues to the underpinnings of both the Resistance and the Institute. The world is a bleak place in her dystopian vision, dark and suffocating at times, but with a peek at blue sky promises, if only they survive long enough to experience it.
Characters
There is more character development in The Resistance as Allira comes to terms with her fate, uncovers some surprising information about her past, and embraces her feelings for the important people in her life. Drew also goes through a transformation, but I never quite knew where he stands, which makes him still one of my favorite characters in the series.
Top Five Things I Enjoyed About The Resistance
1. The Ending. Once again the ending was not what I expected. It caught me off guard and slammed me into a wall, making me gasp for breath and beg for more!
2. Drew. He continues to evade stereotype. He refuses to allow me to either love or hate him. Instead, he pushes me away, only to pull me back in like a co-dependent lover. Can't wait to see what happens with him in the next book.
3. The Twists. I love when an author can shock me, particularly when the plot twist is a natural evolution of the story.
4. Shate or Tailah. Not sure of the best "ship" name for this couple, but they are adorable.
5. Allira's Determination. Even when she's put in the worst situations, she manages to grit her teeth and find a way to persevere.
Bottom Line
The Resistance is a worthy sequel to The Institute, better in almost every way. And The Institute was really good!
Disclaimer
I was provided with a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
April 30, 2015
In The Institute, Kayla Howarth introduced us to a world whose population has been devastated by disease and nuclear war. While humanity hunkers down within the borders of their countries, refusing to let anyone in, people with special abilities spring up from the fold, and the paranoid government rips these people away from their families and sends them to The Institute, a high-tech prison where "Defectives" are either imprisoned, brainwashed or coerced into serving the Institute's needs.
Allira Daniels has found a way out: The Resistance, a community of escaped Defectives and sympathizers far away from the influence of The Institute. But brave Allira can't be satisfied to hide while the Institute spreads their lies, and so she much use her exceptional skills to turn their community into a true Resistance - and take down the Institute once and for all.
Allira is a marvelous heroine, one that most people should be able to identify with. She is surrounded by an exceptional cast of characters, some of whose motivations remain unclear. And without giving anything away, there were several jaw-dropping twists in the story that I just did not see coming.
With plenty of action, drama, suspense and humor, Resistance is a worthy successor to The Institute. I cannot wait for the conclusion to this trilogy!
Allira Daniels has found a way out: The Resistance, a community of escaped Defectives and sympathizers far away from the influence of The Institute. But brave Allira can't be satisfied to hide while the Institute spreads their lies, and so she much use her exceptional skills to turn their community into a true Resistance - and take down the Institute once and for all.
Allira is a marvelous heroine, one that most people should be able to identify with. She is surrounded by an exceptional cast of characters, some of whose motivations remain unclear. And without giving anything away, there were several jaw-dropping twists in the story that I just did not see coming.
With plenty of action, drama, suspense and humor, Resistance is a worthy successor to The Institute. I cannot wait for the conclusion to this trilogy!
May 19, 2016
After reading The Institute, I was looking forward to reading Resistance and it did not disappoint. Allira is a strong, courageous girl that anyone can look up too. Joining the Resistance is a step forward to freeing the Defective population. Along her journey, she's met with old faces and new ones. While trying to keep her double ability hidden, she is met with many challenges with one of the council members of the Resistance, Cyrus. He knows there's something different about her and won't let it go.
Allira’s relationship with Chad grows strong but still teeter on the edge.. The presence of Drew doesn't help things either. I want to write so more about how captivating this story is and how it plays out but don't want to give anything away, so you should just read it now.
This story was well written with lots of action and the pinch of romance everyone loves. There are twists and turns that you don't see coming, and it draws you in. I couldn't put it down. I love how Allira grows as a character and changes those around her without knowing it and that she fights for what she wants. Can't wait to read Defective!
Allira’s relationship with Chad grows strong but still teeter on the edge.. The presence of Drew doesn't help things either. I want to write so more about how captivating this story is and how it plays out but don't want to give anything away, so you should just read it now.
This story was well written with lots of action and the pinch of romance everyone loves. There are twists and turns that you don't see coming, and it draws you in. I couldn't put it down. I love how Allira grows as a character and changes those around her without knowing it and that she fights for what she wants. Can't wait to read Defective!
August 31, 2015
After getting free copy from Amazon of 'The Institute' I purchased this one straight after reading it. And now awaiting the next one which I guess will be released by tomorrow - 1 Sep 2015.
While reading 1st part in the Institute series, I couldn't figure out why I like it so much but here are my top 2 reasons for liking it.
1. Gene mutation - new abilities. I like this idea and I guess at some point it has potential of happening (or already happened, who knows!), either because of evolution or we messed up the earth by one of the nuclear bombs (or whatever we humans are stupidly capable of). There is likely possibility of this one.
2. I am huge fan of the x-men series.
There are other reasons as well like writing style, settings and of course teen romance.
I have to say this was less exciting than first part then after 70% it has delivered action it was promising from start. I really felt bad about Allira when she has to chose between less of 2 evils and it was definitely made the institute much more appealing.
Allira and team have taken over the institute...awaiting for the defective - the last one on the series.
While reading 1st part in the Institute series, I couldn't figure out why I like it so much but here are my top 2 reasons for liking it.
1. Gene mutation - new abilities. I like this idea and I guess at some point it has potential of happening (or already happened, who knows!), either because of evolution or we messed up the earth by one of the nuclear bombs (or whatever we humans are stupidly capable of). There is likely possibility of this one.
2. I am huge fan of the x-men series.
There are other reasons as well like writing style, settings and of course teen romance.
I have to say this was less exciting than first part then after 70% it has delivered action it was promising from start. I really felt bad about Allira when she has to chose between less of 2 evils and it was definitely made the institute much more appealing.
Allira and team have taken over the institute...awaiting for the defective - the last one on the series.
June 24, 2015
WOW, WOW, WOW! What can I say?!! This book was fantastic! I loved the first book & this one just got better! I love how Kayla can write in a way that has you guessing where it's going then BAM it totally was not what you thought would happen but it's even better! Love the shock factor! I love all the characters, even the ones I hate! I'm loving this series & can't wait for the next one! A+++ all the way! You've got to read it if you haven't already, you'll be hooked!
May 18, 2018
There were still some inconsistencies character wise, but nowhere near as bad as the first book.
I rolled my eyes a few times at the beginning and shed some tears near the end. Allira reverted to her crying over everything self (I mean, some things are tear worthy, others are most definitely not), which disappointed me. I'd thought she'd grown a backbone in the first book, but apparently I gave her more credit than she deserved.
But, as with the previos book, it was an all around ok read. And I want to read the next one to see how the story continues, which imo, is what really matters when you write a book: getting people sufficiently hooked that they wanna know what will happen next.
I rolled my eyes a few times at the beginning and shed some tears near the end. Allira reverted to her crying over everything self (I mean, some things are tear worthy, others are most definitely not), which disappointed me. I'd thought she'd grown a backbone in the first book, but apparently I gave her more credit than she deserved.
But, as with the previos book, it was an all around ok read. And I want to read the next one to see how the story continues, which imo, is what really matters when you write a book: getting people sufficiently hooked that they wanna know what will happen next.
August 29, 2015
In this world, lies are a necessity for survival.
I'm not gonna lie it is late people so be prepared for some possible ramblings. I just had to get this book finished. I am loving this trilogy and although this book was not quite as good as the first it was still fantastic and I just had to stay up late tonight to finish it. The last I dunno let's just go with 20% of this book was just crazy and absolute madness. My heart can't even begin to process the major loss of a certain character and that vision that Allira had at the end WTF!
Huge props to Kayla for not being afraid of killing off characters. I always, always admire an author who's not afraid to tear us to to shreds with a huge death in the story. This book was a little slower than the first but once it get's going you better hold on. I can't believe how horrid Chad's mum Belle was and how sleazy and gross Cyrus was. Drew, I don't know where to start with him I really don't. The same could also be said about Paxton. I want to trust both of them but I just can't. I totally saw the whole Shilah relationship coming and had actually mentioned it in my review of the first book.
I loved Ebbodine and Licia and I hope that we get to see a lot more of them in the final book. I honestly have no idea how everything is going to go down in the next book but I do know that I can't wait. I'm dying to know who the betrayer was at the end of the book especially if it turn's out to be a main character. Thank goodness we don't have long to wait til the release of the next book.
http://harebearshangout.blogspot.com.au
I'm not gonna lie it is late people so be prepared for some possible ramblings. I just had to get this book finished. I am loving this trilogy and although this book was not quite as good as the first it was still fantastic and I just had to stay up late tonight to finish it. The last I dunno let's just go with 20% of this book was just crazy and absolute madness. My heart can't even begin to process the major loss of a certain character and that vision that Allira had at the end WTF!
Huge props to Kayla for not being afraid of killing off characters. I always, always admire an author who's not afraid to tear us to to shreds with a huge death in the story. This book was a little slower than the first but once it get's going you better hold on. I can't believe how horrid Chad's mum Belle was and how sleazy and gross Cyrus was. Drew, I don't know where to start with him I really don't. The same could also be said about Paxton. I want to trust both of them but I just can't. I totally saw the whole Shilah relationship coming and had actually mentioned it in my review of the first book.
I loved Ebbodine and Licia and I hope that we get to see a lot more of them in the final book. I honestly have no idea how everything is going to go down in the next book but I do know that I can't wait. I'm dying to know who the betrayer was at the end of the book especially if it turn's out to be a main character. Thank goodness we don't have long to wait til the release of the next book.
http://harebearshangout.blogspot.com.au
August 3, 2015
As I enjoyed the first book, The Institute, I was looking forwards to reading the follow up. I wasn’t disappointed and am now eagerly awaiting the 3rd book in the series. I was pleased to see Allira back. Maybe a bit older and wiser but still a girl that finds the world a bewildering place, especially when it comes to boys. She is such an entertaining character, and as this book is written again in the first person, we are party to all her thoughts and insecurities.
When Allira decided that becoming an agent for the institute was the best way to help her brother, she didn’t count on being paired with Drew. The agent that betrayed her and her family, but it is a price she is willing to pay. When the resistance makes contact with her she is reunited with some people from her past and she finds that there now is more at stake than just her brother. What I like about the world Kayla Howarth has created is that it isn’t black and white. No matter what side you are on, there are good people and some others with questionable motives. As Allira is now a little more grown up, the book is too, but I would still class this firmly as young adult. I would recommend this to anyone over the age of fourteen, it’s a great and action packed read with some good twists and turns. Not wanting to give any plot away, but my kindle has a few tearstains too.
When Allira decided that becoming an agent for the institute was the best way to help her brother, she didn’t count on being paired with Drew. The agent that betrayed her and her family, but it is a price she is willing to pay. When the resistance makes contact with her she is reunited with some people from her past and she finds that there now is more at stake than just her brother. What I like about the world Kayla Howarth has created is that it isn’t black and white. No matter what side you are on, there are good people and some others with questionable motives. As Allira is now a little more grown up, the book is too, but I would still class this firmly as young adult. I would recommend this to anyone over the age of fourteen, it’s a great and action packed read with some good twists and turns. Not wanting to give any plot away, but my kindle has a few tearstains too.
April 11, 2016
Resistance is an enjoyable follow up to The Institute that will not disappoint and I can't wait to finish the series with Defective!
In current YA trends, dystopian is still popular, but if you're like me and dystopian just isn't your thing, this series is a must read! Full of amazing characters, unexpected twists and a remarkable female lead. The dystopian aspect of the series focuses on a world where "defective" people are captured and contained, but it's not an end-of-the-world, this-is-so-depressing-I-want-to-cry kind of series. If anything, it is full of hope for the future of the defectives and their way of life.
Resistance was an enjoyable read and propelled Allira's story forward in a successful way, but it really felt like a fast bridge to the next book. Interesting things happen, characters are developed even further, Alliria continues to grow into the strong, capable woman she doesn't think she can be and I'm left anticipating the final installment. It just felt a little rushed at times, and I'm not particularly happy about a certain spoiler, but a book that makes you laugh and cry is a great one, in my opinion.
In current YA trends, dystopian is still popular, but if you're like me and dystopian just isn't your thing, this series is a must read! Full of amazing characters, unexpected twists and a remarkable female lead. The dystopian aspect of the series focuses on a world where "defective" people are captured and contained, but it's not an end-of-the-world, this-is-so-depressing-I-want-to-cry kind of series. If anything, it is full of hope for the future of the defectives and their way of life.
Resistance was an enjoyable read and propelled Allira's story forward in a successful way, but it really felt like a fast bridge to the next book. Interesting things happen, characters are developed even further, Alliria continues to grow into the strong, capable woman she doesn't think she can be and I'm left anticipating the final installment. It just felt a little rushed at times, and I'm not particularly happy about a certain spoiler, but a book that makes you laugh and cry is a great one, in my opinion.
September 19, 2015
I could not put this book down! Resistance is the second book in Kayla Howarths, The Institute series, and after loving the first book (The Institute) I couldn’t wait to read this one. It didn’t disappoint.
Resistance picks up right where The Institute finished, and I found myself easily drifting back into Allira’s world. Her relationship with Chad had me turning the pages, along with the uncertainty of whether or not to trust Drew. There were so many great relationships and new characters in this story and I enjoyed learning about every one of them. Even the creepier ones!
I loved that the story made me question the notions of ‘good’ vs ‘evil’, and showing that even if someone’s intentions are good, personal vendettas can get in the way.
I could go on and on about the reasons I loved this book, but instead I will say to do yourself a favour and jump on The Institute series bandwagon. I look forward to reading Defective!
Resistance picks up right where The Institute finished, and I found myself easily drifting back into Allira’s world. Her relationship with Chad had me turning the pages, along with the uncertainty of whether or not to trust Drew. There were so many great relationships and new characters in this story and I enjoyed learning about every one of them. Even the creepier ones!
I loved that the story made me question the notions of ‘good’ vs ‘evil’, and showing that even if someone’s intentions are good, personal vendettas can get in the way.
I could go on and on about the reasons I loved this book, but instead I will say to do yourself a favour and jump on The Institute series bandwagon. I look forward to reading Defective!
September 30, 2015
Full of new twists and turns, this sequel to The Institute is just as good as the original. Allira is back, along with favorite characters from the first book and new characters to love or despise (there's some of each). The character development and plot twists are entertaining. The whole story is completely realistic within the world Howarth has built. This book will leave you anxious to read the final book in the trilogy (Defective).
September 24, 2015
Resistance - Institute BK 2
The second book did not disappoint. The storyline stayed strong, and plenty of emotion is conveyed. I had to stop reading at some points just to quell the years before I could continue.
The second book did not disappoint. The storyline stayed strong, and plenty of emotion is conveyed. I had to stop reading at some points just to quell the years before I could continue.
February 21, 2016
3.5 stars
April 20, 2016
No middle book syndrome. Good action and moving the plot forward. Lots of questions left for the last book. I just kept waiting for the other shoe to drop...
August 1, 2016
Good continuation with a little left over mystery. Where did the bad guy run off to? I feel so sad when the main character suffers so much loss while valiantly defending what is right. What's next?
March 11, 2017
Another fantastic installment of The Institute series. This is actually more like 4 1/2 stars.
This book picks up pretty much right where the last one concluded, with Allira still in the field with her ex (if you can even call him that) Drew. Of course, not everything is quite as it seems...at least from Drew's perspective. Allira is working as a "double agent" for the Resistance, feeding them information about their assignment and engaging in late-night training rendezvous with Chad.
When her brother Shilah is finally free of the Institute, Allira finally agrees to leave for good and fully join the Resistance, but of course the universe has a sick sense of humor. When she is caught by Drew getting ready to run off with Chad to the Resistance, they have no alternative than to bring Drew along with them.
As it turns out, the universe is also sadistically determined to make sure Allira's freedom from the Institute comes with at a cost.
Overall, I enjoyed the book...as heart-wrenching as it became at times. Many new characters are introduced, and many others from the first book are further fleshed out. I'm always drawn to character-driven stories, and I honestly felt like each character stood well on his or her own.
Allira: I still feel like she's a little too whiny and unsure of herself. I had hoped that she'd grown a little more confident by now, but she still has a long way to go before I can consider her badass. I think she'll get there eventually, but it's moving a little slow.
Chad: Sigh. I like him, but I don't. Does that make sense? He just seemed way too controlling at times, and his mood swings and bouts of standoffishness became rather annoying as the story progressed. I get that he wanted to protect her. But there were so many other ways to go about it that wouldn't involve telling her what to do or hanging their relationship over her head to get her to comply. That said, I still cried when the universe reared its sadistic head.
Drew: I'm still wary. I think his heart is in the right place where it comes to Allira, but I still think he has a long way to go to redeem himself from the horrendous things he did in the first book. He seems to be on that path, and I'm trying to give him time. Time will tell. But I won't lie...I cheered when Allira attacked him in Brookfield's office. Go Allira! Mess up that pretty, infuriating face of his! Karma baby!
Belle: Chad's mother is a manipulative, controlling b****. I hate her. I wanted to punch her dead in the face. I can't stand the fact that she's named after my favorite Disney princess. Ugh! Not worthy!!!
Cyrus: OMFG. First off...three wives, TEN KIDS, and he has the audacity to try to make Allira baby mama #4?!? Like he's trying to build his own personal army of mini-mes. And Belle is all for it because it means that her precious son won't be shacking up with her anymore. I seriously hate both of them. He's arrogant, weird AF, and freakishly reminds me of a unwashed, greasy and sleazy version of Crocodile Dundee.
Tate/Shilah: Awwwww! Granted, the age difference is a little creepy. But they're adorable so I'll let it slide. I totally ship them.
Paxton: WHAT. THE. HELL? Now, I like Paxton. He's pretty cool. He seems like a great mentor for Allira. I honestly imagined him in his mid to late 30s, kinda reminding me of Noah Bennett from Heroes (the cheerleader's dad). And for the longest time I've considered him a pseudo father figure. Until the end of the book, that is, when he goes and thinks to himself "it's ok baby girl" when comforting her. Umm...what? Baby. Girl? Ok, ok. So maybe this is a set up for a big twist when it will be revealed that he's Allira's real dad. That's what he calls his daughter Nuka. But nope. Nope. Allira had to have that vision at the end of the book to shoot that theory completely out of the water. God I'm hoping it was just some kind of set up she was seeing, because the possibility that anything might happen romantically between them is kinda freaking me out.
Anyway, this review has obviously gone on longer than I anticipated. Do I think this book is better than the first? In some ways yes, and in some ways no. I'm still not really feeling that post-apocalyptic vibe, but it's not all that disappointing. This series is more politically motivated, and I'm all for the fight for social justice for those deemed Other. Fight the good fight Allira!
This book picks up pretty much right where the last one concluded, with Allira still in the field with her ex (if you can even call him that) Drew. Of course, not everything is quite as it seems...at least from Drew's perspective. Allira is working as a "double agent" for the Resistance, feeding them information about their assignment and engaging in late-night training rendezvous with Chad.
When her brother Shilah is finally free of the Institute, Allira finally agrees to leave for good and fully join the Resistance, but of course the universe has a sick sense of humor. When she is caught by Drew getting ready to run off with Chad to the Resistance, they have no alternative than to bring Drew along with them.
As it turns out, the universe is also sadistically determined to make sure Allira's freedom from the Institute comes with at a cost.
Overall, I enjoyed the book...as heart-wrenching as it became at times. Many new characters are introduced, and many others from the first book are further fleshed out. I'm always drawn to character-driven stories, and I honestly felt like each character stood well on his or her own.
Allira: I still feel like she's a little too whiny and unsure of herself. I had hoped that she'd grown a little more confident by now, but she still has a long way to go before I can consider her badass. I think she'll get there eventually, but it's moving a little slow.
Chad: Sigh. I like him, but I don't. Does that make sense? He just seemed way too controlling at times, and his mood swings and bouts of standoffishness became rather annoying as the story progressed. I get that he wanted to protect her. But there were so many other ways to go about it that wouldn't involve telling her what to do or hanging their relationship over her head to get her to comply. That said, I still cried when the universe reared its sadistic head.
Drew: I'm still wary. I think his heart is in the right place where it comes to Allira, but I still think he has a long way to go to redeem himself from the horrendous things he did in the first book. He seems to be on that path, and I'm trying to give him time. Time will tell. But I won't lie...I cheered when Allira attacked him in Brookfield's office. Go Allira! Mess up that pretty, infuriating face of his! Karma baby!
Belle: Chad's mother is a manipulative, controlling b****. I hate her. I wanted to punch her dead in the face. I can't stand the fact that she's named after my favorite Disney princess. Ugh! Not worthy!!!
Cyrus: OMFG. First off...three wives, TEN KIDS, and he has the audacity to try to make Allira baby mama #4?!? Like he's trying to build his own personal army of mini-mes. And Belle is all for it because it means that her precious son won't be shacking up with her anymore. I seriously hate both of them. He's arrogant, weird AF, and freakishly reminds me of a unwashed, greasy and sleazy version of Crocodile Dundee.
Tate/Shilah: Awwwww! Granted, the age difference is a little creepy. But they're adorable so I'll let it slide. I totally ship them.
Paxton: WHAT. THE. HELL? Now, I like Paxton. He's pretty cool. He seems like a great mentor for Allira. I honestly imagined him in his mid to late 30s, kinda reminding me of Noah Bennett from Heroes (the cheerleader's dad). And for the longest time I've considered him a pseudo father figure. Until the end of the book, that is, when he goes and thinks to himself "it's ok baby girl" when comforting her. Umm...what? Baby. Girl? Ok, ok. So maybe this is a set up for a big twist when it will be revealed that he's Allira's real dad. That's what he calls his daughter Nuka. But nope. Nope. Allira had to have that vision at the end of the book to shoot that theory completely out of the water. God I'm hoping it was just some kind of set up she was seeing, because the possibility that anything might happen romantically between them is kinda freaking me out.
Anyway, this review has obviously gone on longer than I anticipated. Do I think this book is better than the first? In some ways yes, and in some ways no. I'm still not really feeling that post-apocalyptic vibe, but it's not all that disappointing. This series is more politically motivated, and I'm all for the fight for social justice for those deemed Other. Fight the good fight Allira!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2023
The good: I loved the direction of book #2 and thought it built onto book #1 really well. I continue to enjoy the flexing and building character development in the main characters and the budding relationships, returned friendships and even the dysfunctional and chaotic elements of establishing family dynamics after being apart. I felt like there were a few nice surprise twists and turns throughout and I liked the hard left turn of an ending. I really liked seeing some new characters and the emergence of her friends and family members’ personalities and characteristics. I love the closensss being reformed with Shilah and how they continue to work through communication and dynamics in ebbs and flows- so realistic to me and also beautiful. I was glad that Allira realized the cult-like mentality being perpetuated all over again at the compound and called a spade a spade- that made me really happy! She seems to have a good head on her shoulders when others blindly go along. I also like the subtle realistic mentions of real life issues with anxieties and self confidence and guilt- and how she works through them throughout the whole first part of the book.
The bad: Too much romance. I was starting to get creeped out by Chad constantly coming up and kissing her head and neck anytime he wanted. So you hook up with a girl and suddenly it’s free rein in public anytime anywhere? Kinda got some stalker weirdo vibes! I am thoroughly sad to say that I was almost pleased by his untimely end at the finale of this book because he was starting to annoy me with his cold trolling and coercive tendencies. How can she allow some guy who she’s only been with seriously for a few days to tell her when how and to whom she can disclose her own secrets?!?! And that includes to her own family?! Also, found his relationship with his mom kind of weird- I felt like it would have been better to have a clear explanation of distance or falling out between him and her versus the ambiguity and weirdness. I found myself starting to like Drew even more than I thought possible. I felt there were a few times when MCs personality did a little fliperoo from super strong confident she-wolf to vulnerable anxious and codependent crybaby and I didn’t like it. She was strong in book one and I think Chad has just been a ruination. Overall, I’m excited to start the third book and see how it all ends and I hope MC balance’s back out to how she was in the first book, I hope she doesn’t end up with some new creepy dude, and I hope she kicks butt and realized that she can have a relationship of equal measure :)
The bad: Too much romance. I was starting to get creeped out by Chad constantly coming up and kissing her head and neck anytime he wanted. So you hook up with a girl and suddenly it’s free rein in public anytime anywhere? Kinda got some stalker weirdo vibes! I am thoroughly sad to say that I was almost pleased by his untimely end at the finale of this book because he was starting to annoy me with his cold trolling and coercive tendencies. How can she allow some guy who she’s only been with seriously for a few days to tell her when how and to whom she can disclose her own secrets?!?! And that includes to her own family?! Also, found his relationship with his mom kind of weird- I felt like it would have been better to have a clear explanation of distance or falling out between him and her versus the ambiguity and weirdness. I found myself starting to like Drew even more than I thought possible. I felt there were a few times when MCs personality did a little fliperoo from super strong confident she-wolf to vulnerable anxious and codependent crybaby and I didn’t like it. She was strong in book one and I think Chad has just been a ruination. Overall, I’m excited to start the third book and see how it all ends and I hope MC balance’s back out to how she was in the first book, I hope she doesn’t end up with some new creepy dude, and I hope she kicks butt and realized that she can have a relationship of equal measure :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2017
This is the second book in The Institute series. Howarth continues the story of Allira and her struggle to find her place outside of the Institute. Allira has ups and downs as she begins a new life with the Resistance, being reunited with loved ones she thought lost forever. There is also a good love story angle that portrays the realistic challenges of relationships. Allira grows in her own personal strength and continues to be an independent protagonist. The majority of the characters are well-developed, but some of my favorite characters had little or no presence. Additionally, the plot seemed to drag at times. Overall, Howarth continued to keep my interest with just enough suspense as to how it would end. There are several volatile events in this chapter of Allira’s story and an inclusion of reality that is somewhat difficult to bear. However, I was so vested in Allira’s story that I finished this book in one sitting. Now, on to the final book!
May 17, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Six Star Read!!
This book was by far had me hooked. I don’t even know where to begin with how much I love this trilogy! It is like The Hunger Games and Divergent combined! My top favorite series! Has this become my new favorite?? I am not sure I suppose after the third it may just be….
Some quotes that stuck out to me:
- “But is anyone truly free? True Freedom is a bit of a unicorn isn’t it? “
“A unicorn?”
- “He taught me that everyone’s life has value, and if we have the power to save another person, we need to use it.”
- “My feet refuse to cooperate, stumbling as we go out separate ways, but I force myself to keep going. We’ll meet up again later, after this is all done.”
- “Even in his death, he’s still trying to reassure me, telling me that I’m doing the right thing even though that thing is killing him right in front of my eyes.”
This book made so many unexpected turns! 😭😭
This book was by far had me hooked. I don’t even know where to begin with how much I love this trilogy! It is like The Hunger Games and Divergent combined! My top favorite series! Has this become my new favorite?? I am not sure I suppose after the third it may just be….
Some quotes that stuck out to me:
- “But is anyone truly free? True Freedom is a bit of a unicorn isn’t it? “
“A unicorn?”
- “He taught me that everyone’s life has value, and if we have the power to save another person, we need to use it.”
- “My feet refuse to cooperate, stumbling as we go out separate ways, but I force myself to keep going. We’ll meet up again later, after this is all done.”
- “Even in his death, he’s still trying to reassure me, telling me that I’m doing the right thing even though that thing is killing him right in front of my eyes.”
This book made so many unexpected turns! 😭😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2020
What I really enjoyed about this book is that it kept you wondering. It didn’t tell you what was going to happen and it all rose up to the climax. The book made sense and I could picture everything going on. It was great! I loved that you couldn’t guess what was going to happen because if you had, then you wouldn’t be as interested in it. One of my favorite parts was when they were doing the challenge games, because then I could see others abilities too. There are a ton of great parts in this book, and it is a great series too. I can’t wait to read the next one. What the author did well on was the fact that you could really picture what was happening. It wasn’t confusing like most fiction books, it was understandable. Overall, I would really recommend this book to other people. It keeps you hanging, and was really great to read.
December 31, 2020
Again there was a mix of interesting concepts and highly questionable execution.
A lot of the characters were basically completely different people.
And then there was the Resistance...
Trigger warning:
It was interesting how evil the Resistance was, like potentially more evil than the Institute (at least the institute wasn't trying to forcibly impregnate women). Unfortunately this wasn't handled very well. It was weird how many people considered it as a reasonable option. There's a reason non-consensual pregnancy is considered torture. Even without sex, forced pregnancy/childbirth still fits the definition of rape (non-consensual penetration with any object). It seemed like most characters were more upset at the idea of Allira being made to have a baby that wasn't her boyfriend's, than at the idea of forced pregnancy in general.
A lot of the characters were basically completely different people.
And then there was the Resistance...
Trigger warning:
It was interesting how evil the Resistance was, like potentially more evil than the Institute (at least the institute wasn't trying to forcibly impregnate women). Unfortunately this wasn't handled very well. It was weird how many people considered it as a reasonable option. There's a reason non-consensual pregnancy is considered torture. Even without sex, forced pregnancy/childbirth still fits the definition of rape (non-consensual penetration with any object). It seemed like most characters were more upset at the idea of Allira being made to have a baby that wasn't her boyfriend's, than at the idea of forced pregnancy in general.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2021
Clean read. Some good moments. I like Tate the best. Not sure how I feel about Allira. She’s a bit “whatever” when it comes to stuff. I don’t know what she sees in Chad. No chemistry there. Drew’s pretty cool, but I want to see more with him. Some twisted stuff with the Cyrus guy. Ew. Paxton, I’m not so sure about. I mean, the first book mentions that he is in his early 30s late 20s. For Allira’s sake, I hope he’s late 20s, cause ew. This book could really use some character descriptions because I can’t picture them at all. Still a fun read, I just felt it was lacking something. Maybe depth. The Defective stuff is a pretty cool premise. I do like how all the characters worked together at the end. That was neat.
August 23, 2017
I want to say that I am blown away by this book. It had me liking characters I hated, and hating characters that I loved from the first book.
Of course, I am sad to see one of my favorite characters go but it felt like it needed to happen. Something HORRIBLE was bound to happen. I am sad nonetheless, however I am stoked to read the next 2 books and the spin off series. I think that Howarth had some great writing in this book. I loved the story line and the characters.
I am glad to see the ending of this book as far as leaving it open. Didn't see it coming honestly. On to the next one.
Of course, I am sad to see one of my favorite characters go but it felt like it needed to happen. Something HORRIBLE was bound to happen. I am sad nonetheless, however I am stoked to read the next 2 books and the spin off series. I think that Howarth had some great writing in this book. I loved the story line and the characters.
I am glad to see the ending of this book as far as leaving it open. Didn't see it coming honestly. On to the next one.
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