Breaking Out: Part II

Breaking Out #2

by Michelle Diener

Kelli, Nate and Giles know what it is to be imprisoned. They spent years locked away in a secret research lab. But now they're free, and they stole something important just before they escaped – a list of others like themselves, sent to other facilities for further experimentation. Their plan? To break out every single one. Nina Calvados has been in a new facility for four months. She's kept a low profile, been careful to be cooperative and helpful. And so far, she's been mostly left alone. So when two other inmates appeal to her for help, her heart may want to oblige but her head is screaming walk away. Only, something bad is going down, and Nina realizes she's been fooling herself. No one's bought her low profile act. And if she's going to crash, she might as well crash hard. After all, it's not as if anyone's coming for her, is it? Please Breaking Part II is a novella of 21,000 words and is the sequel to the short story, Breaking Part I.

Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Science Fiction, Action, Science Fiction Romance, Fantasy

103 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 16, 2015

About the author

Michelle Diener is a bestselling, award-winning author of historical fiction, science fiction and fantasy. Having worked in publishing and IT, she's now very happy crafting new worlds and interesting characters.

Michelle was born in London and currently lives in Australia with her husband and two children.

When she's not writing, or driving her kids from activity to activity, you can find her online at Twitter and Facebook.

Reviews

[♡ Jeri's Book Attic ♡ Jeri the Romance Bibiliophile ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

[Jane Stewart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good action story, but very short. Not as good as the first book, but ok.

Nina and Simons are psychically gifted prisoners in a medical-testing-prison-facility. Something happens giving them a chance to escape. The story is mostly about their actions, but three characters from the previous book (Breaking Out: Part I) help them. This was pretty good, but not as good as the first book. It’s a little longer than the first book, but still very short. This book ends at 80% of the Kindle count, with excerpts from other books at the end.

At the end of this story, one couple hurriedly says I love you to each other. That came out of nowhere. These stories do not have enough relationship development to get to that level. It’s better to let these short stories be about an escape attempt - not romance.

These stories do not get into the backgrounds of where the characters came from, how they became psychically gifted, and how they became prisoners. We do not learn about the bad guys. Both books have happy endings.

DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Story length: Kindle count length 964. Swearing language: strong but not often used. Sexual content: one scene referred to with no details. Setting: current time possibly U.S. Copyright: 2015. Genre: paranormal action suspense.

[Kate McMurry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful novella

This sequel to Breaking Out Part I is just as terrific. It is also a paranormal romance with lots of exciting action-adventure. The worldbuilding is extremely well done, and there is plenty of room for sequels if MD ever decides to write some more novellas, or even full length novels, for this series. Though this story does not end with a cliffhanger, per se, the Big Bad is not revealed and defeated, only intermediate villains.

[Stephanie (Bookfever) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Breaking Out: Part II was great! I definitely liked it more than part I (although that was really great too!). It was almost double as long and a new kickass female character got introduced. I loved her!

After the events happening in part I, Kelli, Nate and Giles decide to start breaking out otherd liked them with paranormal gifts who have been locked away against their will. The first person they're planning to break out is Nina Calvados who's been imprisoned in a new facility for four months. She's been trying to keep a low profile and play the good girl meanwhile waiting for an opportunity to escape, which is approaching fast.

I really liked Nina, she was a great new character and I love that she joined Kelli, Nate and Giles. I especially liked the budding romance between her and Giles. I think they'd really be good together.

Although there is romance in this story, it's not like it's the most important part of the book. It's more in the back ground and I really like that. There definitely was more action, as the plan to break out Nina naturally goes a little wrong. But that's what I loved the most, the action and the fact that Nina can handle her own.

Overall, Breaking Out: Part II was even better than part I. There was lots of action, a couple of new characters and a bit of romance + it read very quickly. I definitely want to read more of this world!

[Michelle Diener]

Breaking Out: Part I started life as a short story entitled Breaking Out, which I wrote for inclusion in the ENTANGLED Anthology, a box set of short stories and novellas for which all proceeds went to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. I’m proud to say we raised over $12,000 for the BCRF with ENTANGLED.

After the anthology was taken down from sale, I was asked if I would include Breaking Out in the ENTRANCED box set, and it was great to have the story out again, although that anthology, too, is no longer available for sale.

I’m really happy to make the story available for sale at last outside of an anthology, and the impetus for it was the many readers of both anthologies who contacted me saying how much they loved it, and would I write more? The original Breaking Out is now entitled Breaking Out: Part I.

This book, Breaking Out: Part II, is dedicated to all the readers who emailed me or contacted me through twitter and Facebook saying they loved Breaking Out: Part I, and to ask if I could write more about Kelli, Nate and Giles. It motivated me to steal an hour here and an hour there while I was working under deadline for other projects to write Part II. And I think they’ll be happy to hear it’s double the length of Breaking Out: Part I.

Thank you for loving my characters as much as I do.

[Kara-karina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've already reviewed Part I of this story, but I've got to say that the whole thing is damn intriguing! Great ideas, especially appealing to all the fans of X-Men and superhero stories. I just wish they were full length novels rather than novellas! There is just no space for the plot to develop and for the characters to open up. I was also dying for some background story. We get hints, hints of what's happening in the outside world, but it's all one big tease, which is why I had to lower my rating. The budding love which only had three weeks to develop since the last book is just too unconvincing with very few dialogues and the background of non-stop action, but overall, this will be a great addition to urban fantasy genre when it's turned into a decent size story. Let's pray it happens.

[Suz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this was a bit longer than the first one it was still short. The two parts combined make a nice little novella.

I have to admit that I have become a Diener fan when it comes to romance. In my opinion she combines just the right amount of romance with occasional graphic elements (although this novella didn't have any graphic elements) framed by excellent stories and characters with whom it is easy to empathize. I have enjoyed every Diener I've read so far, and this two part novella is no exception.

[R · Rating 5 out of 5]

**MINOR SPOILERS**
This series is comprised of a story and a novella.
Nate, Kel, and Giles were prisoners of a program that tried to make super soldiers. They have decided that they want to rescue others. Nate has the ability to heal himself and others. Kel is telekinetic. Giles can read minds.
Their first attempt at breaking someone out involves Nina, who has the ability to transfer pain. They are surprised by the presence of an additional prisoner, Simon, but decide to help him escape as well.
The short story started the relationship between Nate and Kel. In this novella, their relationship deepens. In addition, Giles and Nina begin a relationship.
One thing that was not very clear in the story is why Nate did not seem to be able to heal Giles. Being around Kel helped him physically heal. Was it because she was able to block his mind reading abilities? Was that a drain on him physically? Would being around Nina have the same effect?
The author does a great job at providing detail for the story and depth to the characters despite the short length.
I really like this author and I recommend her books. She has become an auto-buy for me.

[Amy R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read Breaking Out Part 1 by Michelle Diener several years ago as part of an anthology. I loved it and hoped she would write more in the story. Well, to my delight, she then wrote Breaking Out Part 2! I just finished reading both of them and if you like paranormal stories, these are for you. They are shorter stories and can be read in just a couple of hours. The perfect time for a little getaway from reality.

Diener writes such unique stories that you get lost in quickly and Breaking Out Parts 1 and 2 are not different. We meet several "inmates" at a facility that are trying to, well, break out. They have enhanced abilities and are sick of being science projects. The characters are fascinating and the pace is quick and keeps you turning pages. If you are looking for an original, fast paced, paranormal romance story, give Breaking Out 1 and 2 a read.

[Wolgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story expands on the story previously told in an anthology, and really makes clear to me that Michelle Diener really is criminally underrated.

Her plots are interesting, her characters have depth, and she writes great action sequences, building up the tension to just the perfect levels.

[Terrie Cunningham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok

I wonder why she decided not to continue the series. There were more stories and history to tell. I liked the first one better but this is still better than most of the books out there and I will continue reading her work.

[Cate · Rating 5 out of 5]

More please!

We're just getting started, these stories are so addictive! I love that the concentration of the story is on rescuing people and not doubting your feelings or being betrayed and then having to forgive

[Norma Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent start

This is the second of the series, but I can't find more information about when the next will come out...

[Yvonne · Rating 3 out of 5]

As intriguing as part 1, but there are still so many unanswered questions. I'd eagerly read more in this series.

[Maddy Barone · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed these. They were too short, but the premise and the characters were interesting. I would love to see Ms Diener return to this world and flesh these out a little more.

[Caroline F · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review to follow.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved both Breaking Out Part I and Part II. Part One is a short story and Part II is a novella. They are published separately but review much better together. Every main character in both stories has a special talent. That is why they are locked up and being experimented on. Part I is more adventure with a hint of romance. Part II has a lot of adventure but the romance moves beyond the hint.

The beginning of part one was perfect. Kelli Barrack is just sitting in her cell when Nate Halliway comes crashing in through the door that has just been opened by her jailers. Her special abilities are revealed as she helps Nate subdue the guards. What follows is a great story filled with danger and tension as Kelli, Nate and his friend Giles escape. I could immediately see why people kept asking for additional stories featuring these three great characters. While these three are free others are not and as the story ends Kelli is determined to rescue as many of the others as possible.

Part II starts months later as Kelli, Nate and Giles plan their first rescue. Of course it does not go as planned. It seems more that Kelli and group have plans for Nina Calvados. Nina’s reaction to those plans gives her the opportunity to try her escape on her own. That stirs everything up and makes it much more dangerous than expected.

I liked how I got to know Nina before the escape started. Like Kelli, Nate and Giles she has a special talent. She seems a little passive at first but she is really just waiting for her opportunity to escape. It comes when she is pushed to defend another prisoner. Then her talent comes out full force allowing her the opportunity to try to escape. She just needs some help and it turns out there are three people there ready to help see that she gets away. Not without a lot of trouble though. Their plan to break Nina out does not survive the first contact with reality.

I love the characters and would love to see them have additional adventures. There is certainly room for more world building and back story. Hopefully I have not seen the like of Kelli, Nate, Giles, and Nina.

[Shayay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the first book, so I was really looking forward to this one, and I loved this one as much as I loved the first! This series is so great, and I wish all the books were already out, so I could read them right now! This book picks up a few weeks after the first, and Kelli, Nate, and Giles have a plan to help other people being held captive by the same people who were holding them prisoner. I loved that all the characters from the first book were a major part of this book because I loved them all, and I liked the addition of Nina. Both Nina and Kelli are excellent female characters, and I like how totally amazing they are. If you haven't read the first book, I recommend that you do that first, but to give you a quick overview, Kelli, Nate, and Giles all have really cool powers, and because of that some people were holding them prisoner to use for a reason that has not been established yet, and now they want to help others like them escape from these no good people. First up on their quest is Nina, and so the trio have a plan to break her out of the facility holding her captive. This book had all the things I loved about the first, action packed scenes, awesome powers, sweet romance, and some super bad ass characters, and I love all aspects of these books so far. I can't wait till the next book in the series! I need more story! Hopefully it, and any future books come out very soon!

[Itsy Bitsy Book Bits · Rating 3 out of 5]

Breaking out Part 2 by Michelle Diener

The action continues with Kel , Nate and Giles setting out to rescue others like Kel. They set out to rescue a Super Human named Nina. Giles falls for her. The rescue collides with a mission that the facility had set up to push Nina to use her powers. Because of the way Nina’s powers work they end up adding another member to the rescue Simons. Nobody knows his powers but he has a gift and they will find out.

I liked how you saw the whole thing from everyones point of view but it was a bit confusing when the POV changed. There were no direct signs to know throughs whose eyes you were looking out from. But once you caught on you went with it. The action was good. And to see everyone work together again was super cool. Simons caught me of guard with his will to help Kel out. Giles surprised me with his attraction to Nina. Specially the way she can block him. The way he expresses himself about her is refreshing since Nate is more reserved in his way of thinking towards Kel. I also liked how Kel took the lead with Nate and embraced the physical contact. I hope we get to see what Simons power is and if Kel will work well with Nina knowing that she is almost as powerful as her. Can’t wait for Part three and see where we go next.

BUY NOW - http://amzn.to/1Prr1re

[All Things Urban Fantasy · Rating 3 out of 5]

BREAKING OUT PART 1 was a fantastic short from the ENTANGLED anthology, quickly establishing charming characters and a compelling world. But as much as I wanted a continuation of this world, BREAKING OUT PART 2 is too short to fulfill the promise of that first, explosive meet-cute.

The first short in this duo introduces Kelli and Nate as love interests, and Giles as the charming best friend. PART 2 flashes forward to a few weeks after their escape, with Giles taking center stage. Giles is witty and interesting, with a supernatural power that can be as much of a handicap as a benefit, and has no problem filling the spot light. Kelli and Nate, however, have never really gotten the chance to develop their own story. What page time they get in PART 2 isn't enough to satisfy my interest in their romance (I want to see everyone one of Nate's tentative attempts to hug a gunshy Kelli, not just hear about them after the fact!).

Ultimately, the strengths of the BREAKING OUT series is its greatest weakness, too much potential and not enough page time. Worth picking up for the price, I won't come back to this series until we get a full length feature.

Sexual Content: Kissing, references to sex.

[Gina Paulus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelli, Nate and Giles are still on the run, this time they are using alist they stole from the lab, and on that list is names of people that are just like them, now more then ever Kelli and Giles feel the need to save everyone on that list, Nate is going along to protect Kelli. We get some back story on Kelli and Nate in the Romance dept. and how their story is developing is nice, they aren't hoping into bed together and having a ton of sex. The new rescue's name is Nina and Giles has been undercover watching her to get a feel of the layout and to watch her to see her schedule. On the night of the rescue, anything that could go wrong does, Nothing is ever made easy for this group.

* you should read part 1 before reading this will make better sense*

[Shakera · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really, really enjoyed this one! You meet two new characters, Nina and Dudley (everyone calls him Simons). This one is a bit longer than part one. You get to read this from the perspectives of Nina, Giles, Nate, and Kelli. It was very awesome to get more "thoughts" and perspective from Giles. I can't wait for more!

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

As much as I wanted more after BREAKING OUT PART I, this felt like the same story over again. Kelli and Nate take a back burner to Giles and Nina's story, but Kelli and Nate hadn't had enough spot light to make this a satisfying transition. Still, finished this one wanting more, just with less faith that we'll ever see it...

Full review to follow.

Sexual content: kissing.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breaking out

I absolutely loved these two books and the characters were fascinating. I loved how each one had a different power to work with. I found the characters well thought out and very intriguing. I had so hoped to see more written in this series. I would buy every book lol. I highly recommend these two books and I really hope to see more.

[Dena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not bad for a serial

This serial has a lot of potential. The 3 escapees are going into another facility to get other experiments from the lab. The only issue I have is that there is not enough here for the character developments. That is seriously lacking!

[Leyns · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good

It was a good read, just very short. I liked the characters and would read more if it was available.

Re-read Dec 2021
A really good novella. Wish there were more stories to read.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short Novella.

[Thelma Cubic · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this follow up and hope to see more stories written for the series.

[Tamra LeValley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read for a novelette

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