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Words Made Flesh #2
Lifeless
When Tavin Barnes escaped Eden City with Khaya, the Word of Life, he became a most-wanted fugitive overnight. But he never expected his flight would end with the ultimate becoming the next Word of Death. Now he’s a prisoner inside the Athenaeum, where his new life under the Godspeakers’ control has begun. As the Word of Death, Tavin can kill with a touch, an ability he must learn to harness or risk hurting the people he cares for. But Ryse, the Godspeaker charged with Tavin’s training, is pushing him to be as ruthless as she is. Her make Tavin an elite assassin, whether he wants to be or not. His first the Chinese ambassador to Eden City. And that’s just the beginning . . . "Strickland's mythology continues to be compelling, and fans of the first entry will be eager to see how it unfolds."— Booklist "Those seeking a novel with a dark premise, new religion, and reluctant hero and assassin should give it a shot."— VOYA "Fans of action-packed dystopias will enjoy Tavin's attempts not to lose himself in the ferocity of his power, and they will stay tuned for Volume 3 and its likely romantic angst."— Kirkus Reviews
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2015
2 people are currently reading
515 people want to read
About the author
AdriAnne Strickland
5 books487 followersAdriAnne/A.M. Strickland was a bibliophile who wanted to be an author before she knew what either of those words meant. She shares a home base in Alaska with her spouse, her pugs, and her piles and piles of books. She loves traveling, dancing, tattoos, and every shade of teal in existence, but especially the darker ones. She is the author of BEYOND THE BLACK DOOR and IN THE RAVENOUS DARK (Macmillan), and coauthor of SHADOW RUN and SHADOW CALL (Random House).
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 30, 2015
I was a little lost in the beginning as it became very clear that I had missed something, umm like the first book in the series, Wordless. But Lifeless catches you up pretty quick, so I was able to understand and enjoy the book.
Wow! This book has so many different facets to it, and it is great that an author wants to show so much diversity in her books. This book also has non-stop action and heart stopping suspense that will draw teens, and adults, to love this book, and series.
Tavin will capture your support and love with everything he has to go through and endure, and for what? Everyone keeps telling him that life and death can no longer co-exist (be friends) together, so why doesn't he just give in and be the Word of Death (hey guys, see that, he is the Word of Death, hint hint gore inserted throughout this book so you are not left out) everyone including his real and adopted dad expects him to be? Gods know he doesn't have much else in his dark life anymore except Pie.
If any of this sounds intriguing but yet confusing than good, because there is no way I can say much more without giving this book away, and it was to good a book for me to ruin it for you. So please try it yourself, I don't think you will be disappointed, I sure wasn't. I can't wait for the next one to come out, hurry hurry hurry, please Mrs. Strickland.
Wow! This book has so many different facets to it, and it is great that an author wants to show so much diversity in her books. This book also has non-stop action and heart stopping suspense that will draw teens, and adults, to love this book, and series.
Tavin will capture your support and love with everything he has to go through and endure, and for what? Everyone keeps telling him that life and death can no longer co-exist (be friends) together, so why doesn't he just give in and be the Word of Death (hey guys, see that, he is the Word of Death, hint hint gore inserted throughout this book so you are not left out) everyone including his real and adopted dad expects him to be? Gods know he doesn't have much else in his dark life anymore except Pie.
If any of this sounds intriguing but yet confusing than good, because there is no way I can say much more without giving this book away, and it was to good a book for me to ruin it for you. So please try it yourself, I don't think you will be disappointed, I sure wasn't. I can't wait for the next one to come out, hurry hurry hurry, please Mrs. Strickland.
July 8, 2015
Toward the end of Wordless, Tavin had escaped Eden City with the Word of Life. Unfortunately for him, the hunt wouldn’t stop until he was caught and the consequences were unimaginable. He has become the Word of Death and the authorities want to use his new power, the ability to kill with a touch and a word. Tavin’s trainer, Ryse, is a Godspeaker that appears to have no morals and is willing to do whatever it takes to make Tavin like her. His training quickly escalates and his first official mission, to kill the Chinese ambassador, does not go as planned and foundational beliefs of the world are shocked to the core? Can Tavin overcome his training to fight the darkness within?
Lifeless is the second book in the Words Made Flesh series. Strickland has this story pick up shortly following the conclusion of the first book and I don’t remember her including much in the way of information teasers. Either there weren’t many or they were artfully hidden within the new story. The action is fast and the pages turn quickly. The book will appeal to male and female readers alike, but should only be tackled after the first book is completed. A great escape and a quick diversion.
Lifeless is the second book in the Words Made Flesh series. Strickland has this story pick up shortly following the conclusion of the first book and I don’t remember her including much in the way of information teasers. Either there weren’t many or they were artfully hidden within the new story. The action is fast and the pages turn quickly. The book will appeal to male and female readers alike, but should only be tackled after the first book is completed. A great escape and a quick diversion.
March 29, 2018
"[My life] did depend on it, in a sense. Because my humanity did. If I could still feel the good in this- and it was so, so good- maybe I could feel it in the world. And in myself." (290)
I really enjoyed reading this book! We get to learn a lot more about Tavin and Drey than in the first book. We also get to learn about the inner workings of the Atheneum.... This book is filled with surprises! I hope there is a third book coming up!
I really enjoyed reading this book! We get to learn a lot more about Tavin and Drey than in the first book. We also get to learn about the inner workings of the Atheneum.... This book is filled with surprises! I hope there is a third book coming up!
August 9, 2015
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a review; this in no way influences my opinions.
This review originally appeared on my blog: The Literarium
Tavin Barnes still remembers what it was like to have a normal life, oblivious to the darkness of politics that simmer inside of Eden City's Athenaeum. That is, until Tavin became to vessel for the Word of Death, a formidable power among many granted to the world's kids by the Gods of old. Tavin suffers under the torturous guidance of his Godspeaker--his controller with the power to use him for good or ill--in preparation for his duties as Death. Things begin to unravel in the Athenaeum as Tavin questions the motives of everyone around him and their true end-game in the power they wish to use and exact upon the world. Tavin will stop at nothing to find his friends and the girl he loves--all of whom were lucky enough to escape--in the hopes of banding together to uncover a sinister plot and to possibly save the world and themselves.
Review: I love Adrianne Strickland's new volume in the Words Made Flesh series for so many reasons. The first area where this thriller excels is the pacing and plot. This novel speeds and zooms through events like a film, and it leaves you so entirely breathless at the end; the action never lets up, and if it does, it's just long enough to create some suspense and then everything zooms along. Readers will begin to feel right from the start like they are in the fight for freedom with Tavin, that they are fugitives just like him. Readers will feel A PART of the story. The book is definitely a page-turner in every way and I absolutely couldn't put it down--not even to eat, and I'd stay up late at night to finish my chapters until I just fell asleep.
The characters in this novel are all sympathetic, believable, multi-dimensional, and they don't fall back on stereotypes that a lot of novels like this tend to do. The cast of characters is diverse in nationalities, races, orientations, and that is a breath of fresh air. There is a character for everyone to find a favorite. Even the darker, more evil characters are still compelling. Tavin especially is such a riveting character. He's flawed in so many ways, but these flaws really highlight the growth he undergoes as he endures so much hardship.
This novel IS emotional on many levels as well. You will see Tavin struggle--A LOT--he's tortured, betrayed, and through it all, he perseveres and grows, meeting small triumphs more and more along the way. There are some heart-wrenching moments where he's forced to kill things--people and animals--that will make your heart bleed, but Tavin overcomes and fights and resists all the way. He doesn't always win, so his struggle feels all the more real, but the absolute horror that we experience with him makes Tavin so much more amazing when he fights back and gives the enemy hell. I cried so many times and held my breath so many times hoping for Tavin's success.
Too, this novel is just well-written, even though I had an uncorrected proof, I didn't think the novel needed any editing. Strickland has an amazing talent for world-building, descriptive prose without being overly flowery; she's also brilliant with suspense, emotion, and character development.
What was also interesting is how genre-defiant this novel is. It reminds me a lot of Alexandra Bracken's The Darkest Minds trilogy--the kids with powers that fight a corrupt government--but at the same time there are so many things unique to this series. It's suspense, a thriller, there's a mystery and a plot to unravel, it's science-fiction with its advanced tech and a future world, and it's paranormal for the alternate reality and the powers present in the world. That takes some skill to bend genres and combine them.
I can't recommend this novel highly enough. This was amazing. Even if you haven't read the first one (there's enough info in this volume to catch you up, so don't let that deter you) you need to read this book. Oh my god, it was such a thrill ride.
This review originally appeared on my blog: The Literarium
Tavin Barnes still remembers what it was like to have a normal life, oblivious to the darkness of politics that simmer inside of Eden City's Athenaeum. That is, until Tavin became to vessel for the Word of Death, a formidable power among many granted to the world's kids by the Gods of old. Tavin suffers under the torturous guidance of his Godspeaker--his controller with the power to use him for good or ill--in preparation for his duties as Death. Things begin to unravel in the Athenaeum as Tavin questions the motives of everyone around him and their true end-game in the power they wish to use and exact upon the world. Tavin will stop at nothing to find his friends and the girl he loves--all of whom were lucky enough to escape--in the hopes of banding together to uncover a sinister plot and to possibly save the world and themselves.
Review: I love Adrianne Strickland's new volume in the Words Made Flesh series for so many reasons. The first area where this thriller excels is the pacing and plot. This novel speeds and zooms through events like a film, and it leaves you so entirely breathless at the end; the action never lets up, and if it does, it's just long enough to create some suspense and then everything zooms along. Readers will begin to feel right from the start like they are in the fight for freedom with Tavin, that they are fugitives just like him. Readers will feel A PART of the story. The book is definitely a page-turner in every way and I absolutely couldn't put it down--not even to eat, and I'd stay up late at night to finish my chapters until I just fell asleep.
The characters in this novel are all sympathetic, believable, multi-dimensional, and they don't fall back on stereotypes that a lot of novels like this tend to do. The cast of characters is diverse in nationalities, races, orientations, and that is a breath of fresh air. There is a character for everyone to find a favorite. Even the darker, more evil characters are still compelling. Tavin especially is such a riveting character. He's flawed in so many ways, but these flaws really highlight the growth he undergoes as he endures so much hardship.
This novel IS emotional on many levels as well. You will see Tavin struggle--A LOT--he's tortured, betrayed, and through it all, he perseveres and grows, meeting small triumphs more and more along the way. There are some heart-wrenching moments where he's forced to kill things--people and animals--that will make your heart bleed, but Tavin overcomes and fights and resists all the way. He doesn't always win, so his struggle feels all the more real, but the absolute horror that we experience with him makes Tavin so much more amazing when he fights back and gives the enemy hell. I cried so many times and held my breath so many times hoping for Tavin's success.
Too, this novel is just well-written, even though I had an uncorrected proof, I didn't think the novel needed any editing. Strickland has an amazing talent for world-building, descriptive prose without being overly flowery; she's also brilliant with suspense, emotion, and character development.
What was also interesting is how genre-defiant this novel is. It reminds me a lot of Alexandra Bracken's The Darkest Minds trilogy--the kids with powers that fight a corrupt government--but at the same time there are so many things unique to this series. It's suspense, a thriller, there's a mystery and a plot to unravel, it's science-fiction with its advanced tech and a future world, and it's paranormal for the alternate reality and the powers present in the world. That takes some skill to bend genres and combine them.
I can't recommend this novel highly enough. This was amazing. Even if you haven't read the first one (there's enough info in this volume to catch you up, so don't let that deter you) you need to read this book. Oh my god, it was such a thrill ride.
August 17, 2015
'Lifeless' is the thrilling second book in a young adult science fiction fantasy series. It picks up where the first book left off, with Tavin still adjusting to his new life as the Word of Death. It comes with a lot of responsibilities and overwhelming power - he can now kill with a mere touch and a whisper of a word. He needs to continue to learn how to harness these powers before he hurts someone he loves. On top of adjusting to this new life, Tavin's being trained by Ryse, the Godspeaker who's in charge of his training, to be as cold and ruthless as possible. She wants to make him an unparalleled assassin - one that can complete the hardest of missions - starting with the Chinese ambassador to Eden City.
I was immediately sucked into the first book of this series and the same thing happened when I started this installment. I was pulled right back into the fascinating world the author created. I loved learning as much as I could about the history of the Words, Eden City, and everything that was connected to them. I wanted to know as much as I could about it all - and luckily the author gave me more fascinating information in this book. I found myself enthralled by everything that was happening in the plot and by each of the elements throughout the story. The plot continued to be wholly unique and original - it was unlike anything I've ever read before. I'd never even thought about these concepts before - people being the Words of Death or of Life, or any of the others. I seriously fell in love with these books because of the originality of the plot and the detailed histories and stories we learn of. Tavin was an awesome main character - I liked watching him grow into his new responsibilities and learn how to control his power. He matures a lot in this book and I loved watching him overcome obstacles and hard decisions he had to make. I think it made him a fuller, more rounded character, which only made the story better. The plot was awesome - to put it mildly. I keep repeating myself about how much I loved the story and all of its parts, but I don't know how else to describe it without fangirling all over the place. Again, all I can say is that this is one of the most enthralling, fascinating, and original series I've ever read. Although it's categorized as a science fiction/fantasy novel, it has definite cross over appeal and fans of all genres will appreciate and love these books. I honestly can't recommend this book - this series - highly enough. It blew any hopes or expectations I might have had out of the water - and then it just kept going until my mind was blown. Fans of any genre should read this series - it's one of a kind and doesn't conform to any traditional labels. Seriously - if you haven't read this series yet - DO IT. I honestly don't think you'll regret it, and you'll probably come to love it as much as I do.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
I was immediately sucked into the first book of this series and the same thing happened when I started this installment. I was pulled right back into the fascinating world the author created. I loved learning as much as I could about the history of the Words, Eden City, and everything that was connected to them. I wanted to know as much as I could about it all - and luckily the author gave me more fascinating information in this book. I found myself enthralled by everything that was happening in the plot and by each of the elements throughout the story. The plot continued to be wholly unique and original - it was unlike anything I've ever read before. I'd never even thought about these concepts before - people being the Words of Death or of Life, or any of the others. I seriously fell in love with these books because of the originality of the plot and the detailed histories and stories we learn of. Tavin was an awesome main character - I liked watching him grow into his new responsibilities and learn how to control his power. He matures a lot in this book and I loved watching him overcome obstacles and hard decisions he had to make. I think it made him a fuller, more rounded character, which only made the story better. The plot was awesome - to put it mildly. I keep repeating myself about how much I loved the story and all of its parts, but I don't know how else to describe it without fangirling all over the place. Again, all I can say is that this is one of the most enthralling, fascinating, and original series I've ever read. Although it's categorized as a science fiction/fantasy novel, it has definite cross over appeal and fans of all genres will appreciate and love these books. I honestly can't recommend this book - this series - highly enough. It blew any hopes or expectations I might have had out of the water - and then it just kept going until my mind was blown. Fans of any genre should read this series - it's one of a kind and doesn't conform to any traditional labels. Seriously - if you haven't read this series yet - DO IT. I honestly don't think you'll regret it, and you'll probably come to love it as much as I do.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
August 18, 2015
Lifeless takes the Words Made Flesh series to a whole new level with the fight to keep the darkness at bay.
Tavin wakes up in a lab; drugged, strapped down and desperate to get away from his evil Godspeaker, Ryse. She is evil to the core and her mission is to break Tavin to use him as a weapon. He tries his best to fight against her, and stay true to himself, despite being the Word of Death.
With manipulation, Tavin performs tasks he would never do willingly. On the verge to fall into the darkness, he knows he needs to escape before it's too late. But who can he trust??
Wordless ended with one crazy cliffhanger, so you know Lifeless was going to start out fast and furious....and it doesn't stop until the end...which of course, is another cliffhanger that leaves you thinking, "Seriously, not again!!" This author knows how to leave the readers hanging with great anticipation for the next installment.
The world created in this series if full of imagination. I don't know about you, but when I want to escape into a book, have the words disappear from the page, I want my imagination tested and pushed to the limits...and I totally get that feel with this series.
Lifeless takes Tavin to a dark place....there is more evil and heartache...however, not without just enough humor to tie it all together perfectly. The characters each have a personality and more depth as the story goes. You discover along the way who can be loyal...because really, each Word is going through the same ordeal of being used.
Twists and turns, loyalty and betrayal, the Yin/yang of a great read.
Tease your imagination with Wordless and Lifeless.
Thank you AdriAnne for a great escape.
Tavin wakes up in a lab; drugged, strapped down and desperate to get away from his evil Godspeaker, Ryse. She is evil to the core and her mission is to break Tavin to use him as a weapon. He tries his best to fight against her, and stay true to himself, despite being the Word of Death.
With manipulation, Tavin performs tasks he would never do willingly. On the verge to fall into the darkness, he knows he needs to escape before it's too late. But who can he trust??
Wordless ended with one crazy cliffhanger, so you know Lifeless was going to start out fast and furious....and it doesn't stop until the end...which of course, is another cliffhanger that leaves you thinking, "Seriously, not again!!" This author knows how to leave the readers hanging with great anticipation for the next installment.
The world created in this series if full of imagination. I don't know about you, but when I want to escape into a book, have the words disappear from the page, I want my imagination tested and pushed to the limits...and I totally get that feel with this series.
Lifeless takes Tavin to a dark place....there is more evil and heartache...however, not without just enough humor to tie it all together perfectly. The characters each have a personality and more depth as the story goes. You discover along the way who can be loyal...because really, each Word is going through the same ordeal of being used.
Twists and turns, loyalty and betrayal, the Yin/yang of a great read.
Tease your imagination with Wordless and Lifeless.
Thank you AdriAnne for a great escape.
June 29, 2015
Before I start this review, I want to make sure you read my review on the first book in this series. http://www.whisperingprettystories.co...
Buy it here. Now.
Why?
Because I'm about to spoil the hell out of the first book.
Warned?
So it's been a year for me since I had the agony of the first book ending. But it's only been a few days for Tavin. He is now Death (WHAT??!!!) and is being "trained" by a psycho woman who enjoys pain and torturing him.
Tavin is starting to make a little sense of where he fits and who his friends are (or are they????).
Then a puppy throws everything into chaos. A freaking puppy is the undoing of Death. But who doesn't a puppy undo? Seriously. Writing gold there. I am so in love with Strickland's world and Lifeless catapulted her into the upper echelon of YA authors. The world-building alone is worthy of an award. But add in Tavin with his oh-so-many layers of Tavin?
Can. Not. Get. Enough.
Hate. Having. To. Wait. Another. Freaking. Year.
I'm afraid to write any more about the book because I won't be able to stop and then I'll have ruined it for you. So go on and buy it. And read every single word. Because if you skip a paragraph, you're behind and you will have to go back and read it again anyway.
July 31, 2015
This was a fabulously fun summer read. I knew I would read it fast because I was still hanging on to the cliffhanger from book one. From the first page you get a balance of drama and character development, action, and humor. Tavin, our narrator, manages somehow to carry the thread of his old mortal life while his life is turned inside out by his transformation into a powerful Intangible Word.
His tormentors are chilling, and the destructive power of the Word of Death drives him to the brink of insanity, but the hope and even humor in the book bubbles out of those dark places in a way that makes it all the more sweet. My favorite thing about Strickland’s second novel in this series is that while Tavin may be clever and bold, and certainly proves capable as an underdog hero again and again, he also fails miserably at times and in ways that leave you hanging on the edge of your seat. I don’t mean that he nearly fails – he truly makes fatal mistakes and has to live with the consequences, turning down ever more astonishing tunnels on his way back to the light. It’s awesome. Well done.
His tormentors are chilling, and the destructive power of the Word of Death drives him to the brink of insanity, but the hope and even humor in the book bubbles out of those dark places in a way that makes it all the more sweet. My favorite thing about Strickland’s second novel in this series is that while Tavin may be clever and bold, and certainly proves capable as an underdog hero again and again, he also fails miserably at times and in ways that leave you hanging on the edge of your seat. I don’t mean that he nearly fails – he truly makes fatal mistakes and has to live with the consequences, turning down ever more astonishing tunnels on his way back to the light. It’s awesome. Well done.
April 26, 2015
Thanks to NetGalley and Flux for the arc of Lifeless by AdriAnne Strickland! Lifeless is interesting from the beginning and the author sums up previous events concisely and when it fits in well with the storyline. Tavin is the Word of Death and he is extremely unhappy about it. His sense of humor is still intact and makes the book more enjoyable. Being the Word of Death is emotionally exhausting and scarring for Tavin and it takes its toll on him. Twists increase the suspense! Lifeless is a great read and it left me impatiently waiting for the next book.
October 9, 2015
Lifeless was an AMAZING sequel to Wordless! It kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time, while rooting for Tavin. There were some really emotional scenes that made me cry, but it was so worth it in the end. I can't wait for the third book!!
April 7, 2015
Great sequel to Wordless!! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. Can't wait to see what happens next in this awesome series!
August 18, 2024
Loved reading this book, it was such a great sequel, and I loved all the developments!
December 14, 2018
I picked this book because the summary on the back. It hinted things here and there but it didn't given enough detail to make me interested but it did make me curious about the book. I predicted that maybe the main character might go through some hardships before i even read it. The style of writing in all was actually pretty good a lot of description and detailed ideas set out on one page.
November 13, 2015
Interesting plot developments, injecting sufficient interest for me to read the next at least.
November 25, 2015
Continuing an enchanting possible future series on a lot of 'little' things: freedom, love, and life.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews