I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
After finishing Rebels I was devastated. I mean how was Em going to move on after that loss. Em and Zach had to find a way to continue with the rebellion and deal with the loss of their best friend. They are convincing Defects not to convert to middlings and instead join them in the takeover. None of this would be possible without the help of Ren and Parker. Did I mention I love Ren and his sarcasm and how Em plays right into it.
Em has grown, lost and learned so much through this long battle. She has learned to love those she can trust and betrayal by those who should love her the most. Em Grandma, Tutu lets her in on the family secrets. Can I say I was shocked to find a few of them out. One was a shocker but then thought nope I can believe it and see that happening (gotta love Em's Mom...said sarcastically). That was a good twist I never saw coming. To see Tutu and the spirit in the house interact was inspiring and that story had tears in my eyes.
I so enjoyed the passages with Parker's mother, Soon-hee, her spunk and tell it like she sees it was great. She didn't hold things back especially when she saw Em doing things wrong. Nona was such a strong, spunky, smart girl we saw grow into a young woman, she was always by Em side and didn't have issues calling someone out if she didn't believe they were fighting for their cause. Then we have Zach the best friend that was always by Em struggling with his feelings for her especially when Em was with Rogue. He is dedicated to the Rebellion and gives up so much to gain information about their corrupt government. He dates Em sister, Dee, to gain place in the government and with Em Dad. I wanted to yell at him for some of the things he agrees to do and breaks Em's heart in the process. His heart is in the right place trying to help but puts so much stress on Em in the process.
I absolutely enjoyed this series. Seeing Em and Nona going from Defects wondering if they would ever gain their gifts, to realizing how corrupt their world and father was, learning secrets along the way and then seeing them grow up into strong, independent, war plotting young women. I would love to hear all of Nona's story. We saw her quite a bit in this series but would love to know more about her and her story. I'm not ready for this series to end.
A few of my favorites:
A sharp spasm shoots through my back and I stop and reach for it like I might find a knife there. The muscle is tight under my fingers. “That’s what you get for sleeping on lumpy sofa,” Soon-hee says over the whistle of the kettle. “What was I supposed to do, cuddle up in bed with you?” I say. “The floor is much better option. The hardwood is good for your spine. Provides support,” she says. “Then why didn’t you sleep there?” I say, pushing my tangled hair out of my face. “Old back needs less support and old mind needs more comfort.”
“You’re a genius,” Nona says in awe. I stick my ear up against the cold metal door, listening for any Middling activity on the other side. “Zack’s the brains. I’m just the freak with nothing left to lose and
therefore every reason to put myself in danger.” I push the door open a few inches to gauge the scene on the other side. “You could still lose me,” Nona says in a tortured whisper. I flip my head around to face her. “That is never going to happen.”
“Thanks for saving my life back there.” He claps a hand over my arms around his neck. “Don’t thank me,” he says, a cold edge in his voice. “I only ever save you because I can’t live without you. My reasons are purely selfish.”
“What are you laughing at?” Zack asks. “Because all my life I thought I was a Defect, a mistake,” the girl says. “And now I’ve just healed the person who set me straight. I almost committed suicide the day I was supposed to be converted. But I’m too much of a coward. And then you, Em, told me the truth, gave me a choice, and I’ve never felt more like living. I love how life comes around, intertwines us all.”