Powerless is the second installment in the Mortal Monsters series.
Werewolf, shapeshifter, seer. If you’d said these words to me two months ago, I’d have said they were the things of stories and legends. Now, they’re my classmates, my friends and even those closest to me. Best friend, boyfriend and my own mother.
So what does that make me? I’m something different. Something dangerous?
I’ve kept my abilities locked up tight, hidden, even from myself, but the shapeshifter that was after Eli set them free, when he kidnapped and tortured me. With no one left to rescue me, I was forced to accept what I am in order to free myself and save Eli.
Now that my abilities have been awakened, I can’t turn them off. If I can’t get control, they could destroy me, and everyone I care about too.
I might just be the strongest supernatural there is, but I feel completely powerless.
Monica Millard was born and raised in Alaska. She doesn’t own a dog sled team, but has worked in a place where there are buildings with caged exterior doors to keep employees from being eaten by polar bears.
Monica’s favorite quote is, “People do not see the world as it is, they see it as they are.” She is not sure who said it but it is a quote that has always stuck with her. She loves to read because it allows her to see the world through someone else’s perspective and experience something she would otherwise never be able to. Sharing that same experience with others through her own writing is a possibility that makes her excited to get out of bed in the morning.
She lives in Wasilla, Alaska with all her critters, some four legged and others that stand on two. She writes Science fiction, fantasy, and Paranormal for young adults.
A good read but not as good as book 1. One of the reasons might be that there wasn't enough of Sam in this book. Sure, he was a constant presence because he was Mack's bodyguard, but he didn't interact much with the other characters. He was in the background. And Mack being still afraid of him didn't help either. I want more Sam! I don't know if there will be a 3rd book, but I hope so. And I hope to get to know Sam better and see more of him. He' so yum!
First, I wanted to graciously thank the author, Monica Millard, for providing me a copy of this book. She didn't do it in exchange for a review even, but I am going to give one nonetheless because I think it's important to do so, and more importantly, because this book rocked!
I have nothing but wonderful remarks about this second novel in the series. Loved it just as much as the first! Ms. Millard did NOT disappoint.
I really enjoyed watching Mackenzie and Eli's relationship evolve from where the last book ended. While I was rooting for them to be together and work things out, and quickly, I completely understood why the trauma they both endured would be difficult to make it happen. I love both Mackenzie and Eli's characters and the way they've been written, their personalities, everything. They have such a story-individually and together. Eli's backstory always leaves me feeling so sympathetic to him and what his needs must be after the life he's lived. The way Mackenzie is able to see that and think about it - not shrinking away from his touch as to not offend him after how he's lived, or rather "endured" his life - all of those little things. They add up to make his character so selfless and lovable and courageous. Swoon-worthy guy for sure.
I was, admittedly, NOT a fan of Nicky's behavior throughout this book. And not in the sense that it was poorly written, in the sense that the way she was acting was driving me nuts-she felt stuck on herself and like the rules didn't apply to her. But alas, there was a secret she was keeping revealed later in the novel that made me feel bad for ever doubting her or being angry with her character.
I would have loved to see Daniel in this book a little more, I think his character has some untapped potential to really add to the storyline, but perhaps in a future book? I could see him or Sam having their own "1.5" - "2.5" novels from their own perspectives and it being quite interesting actually, or Elias especially! I'll make that personal plea to Ms. Millard here. A novel each for those men who I've loved watching in these books!
I had my suspicions about the path Mackenzie might be headed down (in reference to the email she follows-up on), but I won't say more than that to give away any spoilers. I will say that it surprised me where that led and how it all went down at the end though. I expected someone to put up more of a fight, but I guess that could come down the road. Also did not see the novel headed in the direction it did in regards to the mysterious man who shows up, again don't want to reveal any spoilers.
This novel was well-written and very intriguing. Plenty of plot twists, suspense, and romance all wound into one. The abilities that Mackenzie is able to pick up, and thus have to learn to control, makes for a unique read and leaves you wondering what powers exist, who possesses them, and what they use them for-good or evil. I felt like there were several twists and turns along the way-a few of which I've mentioned above-that keep you engaged and wanting more. I can describe the entire novel that way, as well as how I feel after having finished it: I just want more and more to read-it was great! I can't wait to see a book 3 pop up in this series. I'm anxious now to check out other novels by Ms. Millard.
Oh my god!!!!!!This is better than the first book!!! First of all, Thanks to the author for the copy in exchange for a free review.
Holy crap!! THIS BOOK!!! *High pitched screaming!*
●I cannot stress on how good this book is! The characters in this book were more fun and well written than in the first book. My only complain with this book is that there wasn't enough Sam!(But there is never enough Sam.)
●I loved Mack and Eli more in this book. In the first book, when I read about them I was like.. "meh! I don't love you guys" but this book actually made me question my loyalties.. I almost went for "I want me an Eli" but then Sam entered at the right time, bringing me back to my senses! For me, IT'S ALWAYS SAM OVER ANYONE ELSE, no matter how less of Sam i get!
●Also, Kaitlyn.. Man! She is something! I am looking forward to learn more about her. I totally adore her!
●And *spoiler-ish* Nicky and Daniel!!! Finally! I was so mad at Nicky for the way she treated him( or the others, for that matter) but I didn't, for one second,think that the reason could be that bad! I am sorry Nicky for not trusting you enough!
I cannot put into words, how I feel right now!! The shapeshifters??? Bring them on! I cannot wait to read more about themIt was really cool, and a little creepy, the way that girl transformed! I realized I need more of that stuff in my life!
Oooh! And more of the other student's powers too. Like, a little army of the students would be something I'd definitely pay to read!
●Also, there was this one particular scene where Mack's mom was like.. "I'll be in the kitchen..were all the knives are" reminded me of Teenwolf and I would've put the exact scene here but I don't have the gif.. but trust me... It was epic! So is this one..!
My personal favorites of this book, apart fromsam, would be the complete last chapter ad chapter 6( yes I remember the number).
While I liked this I didn't enjoy it as much as the first one because most of the characters annoyed me. In fact the only character that didn't annoy me at some point was Eli. I loved how patient and supportive he was of Mack and I really liked how the two of them worked on their relationship and overcoming Mack's PTSD. The were really sweet together. However Mack annoyed me with her snarky attitude and passive aggressive resistance to learning to control her powers. I still liked her for most of the story just her attitude there was annoying. Kaitlyn, her trainer annoyed the ever lovin fuck out of me. Her job is to teach Mack control. She is supposedly an adult, with off the chart powers and a guidance counsellor so one presumes she has some level of maturity and intelligence. Yet her teaching strategy seems to be making Mack uncomfortable and forcing her to do all sorts of things and stretch her powers with no thought for the consequences, how it will effect Mack or how Mack can control/stop things once they have started. Her great teaching advice is ok now control it with no suggestions or advice on how to do this. WTF? Nicky - yes she major issues and I did feel a sorry for her once we find out why she is behaving the way she is but I still spent a good portion of the book hating what a selfish bitch she was. I could have excused the rest but not that tattoo- that was just plain cruel. I liked how Mack was mostly supportive but did give it to Nicky straight a couple of times. I disliked Mack's mother too. She is controlling and not particularly supportive of Mack (plus she lied to Mack about the supernatural for years). And that brings me to my final gripe - which was Mack's gripe as well. How everyone keeps her in the dark about what is going on. Umm didn't the events of the last book teach them anything. By not giving Mack important info about the supernatural world and HERSELF she was abducted, tortured and nearly killed. Now that she knows about her powers and could defend herself, lets keep her in the dark about what is going on once again WTF? All this ranting makes it seem like I didn't enjoy it. I did it just didn't live up to my high expectations from the first book.
Powerless was even better than Faceless! I really flew through Powerless and loved it even more. I really felt like I could understand what Mack was going through and felt for Eli. Monica Millard really knew where she was taking this and it flowed really well.