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The Fringe #4
Lockdown
When two missing Recon operatives returned to the compound, speculations ran wild about where they had been. Harper is certain they’re infected with a deadly virus, but she’s locked away in the cages, facing ten to twenty years behind bars.Blaze thinks Harper has a shot at being released, but nobody can save Eli from Constance. Jayden is torturing him for information on his brother’s whereabouts, and as Constance’s newest lackey, Celdon is caught in the middle.When an outside hacker breaches the compound’s firewall, Celdon becomes an unwitting participant in the drifters’ scheme to bring down Recon.In the explosive fourth chapter of The Fringe, bullets will fly, loyalties will be tested, and the compound will face a war on two fronts.Binge the entire series in Kindle Unlimited!- Recon- Exposure- Outbreak- Lockdown- Annihilation
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 21, 2015
414 people are currently reading
253 people want to read
About the author
Tarah Benner
39 books348 followersTarah Benner is the author of more than 25 books, including Witches of Mountain Shadow, Mountain Shadow Mysteries, The Fringe, the Elderon Chronicles, the Lawless Saga, and more.
She lives and writes in sunny Colorado with her two dogs, a cat, a toddler, and her beloved partner in crime. When she’s not writing, she enjoys breakfast, hiking, yoga, and martial arts.
She lives and writes in sunny Colorado with her two dogs, a cat, a toddler, and her beloved partner in crime. When she’s not writing, she enjoys breakfast, hiking, yoga, and martial arts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
January 16, 2016
I loved it! I randomly stumbled on these book when they were suggested by Kindle. We've seen many different types of post apocalyptic books but I don't think I've ever read any like this. Of course there is internal government corruption but the way it trickles down to the lower ranks in this series is interesting. I've flown through all 4 of the books so far and couldn't put them down. As the books progressed we get to see more and more sides of the story, which I found very interesting. By Lockdown we are seeing the story narrated by 5 different people and amazingly it wasn't distracting or confusing. Every person has their own distinct voice and I think Tarah did an amazing job making that clear. I'm dying for the 5th and final book now which should be out later this year. These books really need more recommendation because they are really good for someone who was just writing part time when she started them. The other thing that amazed me was that nothing was too futuristic, everything she incorporates into the books comes from real life and research and at the end of every book Tarah explains some of her reasoning and research to back up what she has written.
May 19, 2016
3.5 stars
Minor Spoilers
Definitely better than the last book. Finally a big event which will likely turn the tide for the members of the compound and it seems likely that the next book in the series will have to feature more events outside the compound.
I feel like the characters showed a little bit more emotion and someone finally gets what's coming to them. Although one scene in particular was really sad, as it involved a character who I was just beginning to consider a favorite.
I do find it a bit far-fetched that not one but two characters discover a family member outside the compound.
Really looking forward to seeing what consequences arise from the act of terrorism that took place. I really think it's long past time that the lower ranking classes inside the compound stage some sort of revolt.
Minor Spoilers
Definitely better than the last book. Finally a big event which will likely turn the tide for the members of the compound and it seems likely that the next book in the series will have to feature more events outside the compound.
I feel like the characters showed a little bit more emotion and someone finally gets what's coming to them. Although one scene in particular was really sad, as it involved a character who I was just beginning to consider a favorite.
I do find it a bit far-fetched that not one but two characters discover a family member outside the compound.
Really looking forward to seeing what consequences arise from the act of terrorism that took place. I really think it's long past time that the lower ranking classes inside the compound stage some sort of revolt.
November 24, 2015
*** I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review***
Lockdown continues in the storyline of Harper and Eli but adds in three additional character perspectives of Sawer, Celdon & Owen. This was actually done well, and the story still flows well between characters.
Much of the story takes place with Harper & Eli in separate locations. This does seem to help mature their relationship and much of the annoying bickering is finally over. There also is an additional romance that finally develops and a different side of Owen that is shown through hearing his inner monologue.
Recon still is my favorite in this series. The mental and physical tension between Harper and Eli was never re-matched for me in any of the other books in the series. I also originally thought this series was a YA Sci-Fi. After reading Lockdown, I can say it is definitely not. The profanity seems to increase in this installment. This might have somewhat to do with the fact that Harper begins the book in lockdown. The romantic scenes take it a notch up and is a little more explicit that I am used to for general Sci-Fi. I typically like to keep my books PG 13, but this series seemed to change in this installment:/
With all that said, I still greatly enjoy the Fringe series. I feel it gives a realistic view of a dystopian future and the social and political relationships that can develop when man dominates man to his injury.
Lockdown continues in the storyline of Harper and Eli but adds in three additional character perspectives of Sawer, Celdon & Owen. This was actually done well, and the story still flows well between characters.
Much of the story takes place with Harper & Eli in separate locations. This does seem to help mature their relationship and much of the annoying bickering is finally over. There also is an additional romance that finally develops and a different side of Owen that is shown through hearing his inner monologue.
Recon still is my favorite in this series. The mental and physical tension between Harper and Eli was never re-matched for me in any of the other books in the series. I also originally thought this series was a YA Sci-Fi. After reading Lockdown, I can say it is definitely not. The profanity seems to increase in this installment. This might have somewhat to do with the fact that Harper begins the book in lockdown. The romantic scenes take it a notch up and is a little more explicit that I am used to for general Sci-Fi. I typically like to keep my books PG 13, but this series seemed to change in this installment:/
With all that said, I still greatly enjoy the Fringe series. I feel it gives a realistic view of a dystopian future and the social and political relationships that can develop when man dominates man to his injury.
December 21, 2015
Getting better and better
Lockdown is by far the best in the series. The development of Eli and Harper's love story finally comes in to play. It was worth the wait. Adding Owen's point of view truly gives more meaning to his side of the story and he is now better understood. I can't wait for book five and its conclusion!
Lockdown is by far the best in the series. The development of Eli and Harper's love story finally comes in to play. It was worth the wait. Adding Owen's point of view truly gives more meaning to his side of the story and he is now better understood. I can't wait for book five and its conclusion!
November 23, 2015
1 &1/2 hours
This book crook me 1& 1/2 hours to read this book now I have to wait for # 5 to come out now..
This book crook me 1& 1/2 hours to read this book now I have to wait for # 5 to come out now..
March 23, 2021
Not being a connoisseur of dystopian novels I find the absence of humor and good vibes pretty depressing. I intend to finish the series so I can find out what happens and maybe a HEA ending. I think this is the first book in the series where we start to see things from Owen's perspective. More of Constance's manipulations of those living in the compound becomes apparent. I feel sorry for Celdon. He's now between a rock and a hard spot. I'm pretty meh about Eli and Harper. There's just so much lust but little else between them. Sure, Eli's very protective/defensive about Harper but he has little recourse enabling him to act out these feelings. They'd probably be just as well off without each other. Actually now that I think about it, Harper saves his ass more often than vice versa.
October 25, 2023
More inconsistencys within this series.
1. When Blaze visits Harper in prison, or whatever it's called, he asks her if they read her her rights when she got arrested. She says no, but I distinctly remember that they did say her rights out loud when she was arrested. I remember bc they changed part of the original rights we say to be in front of a jury where their judgement is in front of the council. Blaze was trying to find a loophole to get Harper free.
2. Another inconsistency is when Celdon video chats the drifter hacking into their network. Celdon claims he has his camera turned off so the hacker can't see him, but then a few pages later, in chapter 14, it says "At the look on my face, she lets out a dark chuckle." I thought the drifter couldn't see him.
1. When Blaze visits Harper in prison, or whatever it's called, he asks her if they read her her rights when she got arrested. She says no, but I distinctly remember that they did say her rights out loud when she was arrested. I remember bc they changed part of the original rights we say to be in front of a jury where their judgement is in front of the council. Blaze was trying to find a loophole to get Harper free.
2. Another inconsistency is when Celdon video chats the drifter hacking into their network. Celdon claims he has his camera turned off so the hacker can't see him, but then a few pages later, in chapter 14, it says "At the look on my face, she lets out a dark chuckle." I thought the drifter couldn't see him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2023
Flew through these pages in anticipation of how Eli and Harper survive into the final book.
Held in separate locations for most of the book, Eli and Harper's relationship is tested to its limits. The solitary time and stress allows them to realize just how much each means to the other. There is definitely anxiety build-up as you try to imagine how Eli and Harper are going to get out of their current predicaments.
There are various character developments that build through the book and it really enriches the story and pulls it all together. Not so much action in this book but it does show that even the strongest have moments of weakness.
Held in separate locations for most of the book, Eli and Harper's relationship is tested to its limits. The solitary time and stress allows them to realize just how much each means to the other. There is definitely anxiety build-up as you try to imagine how Eli and Harper are going to get out of their current predicaments.
There are various character developments that build through the book and it really enriches the story and pulls it all together. Not so much action in this book but it does show that even the strongest have moments of weakness.
January 29, 2020
I love this series and finally we get Eli and Harper together. Really together.
But the virus has been introduced into their compound and some friends they are close to are sick.
Eli and Harper face some hard times, together and separately.
I have listened to the audio of this story. I am super disappointed that the auto of the last book, number five, is not in Audible. I own the book but I really wanted to listen to it. This is the second time through this book, once read and this time narrated.
But the virus has been introduced into their compound and some friends they are close to are sick.
Eli and Harper face some hard times, together and separately.
I have listened to the audio of this story. I am super disappointed that the auto of the last book, number five, is not in Audible. I own the book but I really wanted to listen to it. This is the second time through this book, once read and this time narrated.
February 24, 2021
Make sure you understand ahead of time that purchasing this series will alienate you from your friends, your family, heck your life because after 1 page you will have entered the world of Tarah Benner's The Fringe and you will not want to leave. This series is incredibly immersive and enjoyable. It has it all from science fiction to Dystopian world scapes to love, mystery and suspense. I honestly cannot put these down sometimes because I get so engrossed in the stories. I highly recommend putting this author at the top of your list.
October 22, 2020
Keeps getting better every book
This series just keeps getting better with every book. I think this is one of my favorite series ever. I can’t wait to read the next one, I hope that I enjoy it as much as the first four. I’m sure this series will be in my group of series that I read over and over.
This series just keeps getting better with every book. I think this is one of my favorite series ever. I can’t wait to read the next one, I hope that I enjoy it as much as the first four. I’m sure this series will be in my group of series that I read over and over.
January 10, 2023
I am really enjoying this series and these characters! Unfortunately, in this book, we lose a character that had just started to develop and I really liked him in the short time I was getting to know him. I’m curious to see what his father ends up doing about his death. I’m not sure how the rest of story can be wrapped up in one final book but I am ready to see some victory for Harper and Eli!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2017
Good book
This book was very good, it was interesting to see how the author was going to keep it going since this is the fourth book. I can't wait to read the last book to see how it all ends
This book was very good, it was interesting to see how the author was going to keep it going since this is the fourth book. I can't wait to read the last book to see how it all ends
September 3, 2018
WoW! SPEECHLESS!
This book may be my fave in this series yet! Finished it in one day, I simply couldnt put it down!! So many twists and turns, so much action, just wow! Cant wait to see how this ends!
This book may be my fave in this series yet! Finished it in one day, I simply couldnt put it down!! So many twists and turns, so much action, just wow! Cant wait to see how this ends!
November 5, 2020
I was put off of reading this book slightly, I couldn't see that a believable solution would be written for Harper and Eli. I was wrong, and I am so glad that I carried on reading the series. Another exciting book.
March 11, 2021
Best yet
Lockdown, in my opinion, is the best book of the series. Action packed and with five characters points of view telling the story, it's very exciting. I am looking forward to a satisfying conclusion.
Lockdown, in my opinion, is the best book of the series. Action packed and with five characters points of view telling the story, it's very exciting. I am looking forward to a satisfying conclusion.
March 10, 2018
Really great series
Really great series. Full of action. Great story lines. Always full of twist and turns. Strong characters. Ready for the next one
Really great series. Full of action. Great story lines. Always full of twist and turns. Strong characters. Ready for the next one
July 29, 2018
Great series.
May 16, 2019
Could not put down!!!!!❤
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2023
moving onto next one
December 13, 2024
This author is very good at writing, I can almost feel the suspense. As a reader I know that at sometime there is going to be a train wreck, the virus is going to be released and everyone in the compound's life is suddenly going to change. Eli and Harper know, but they are in trouble with the secret powers that run the compound behind the scenes. This author isn't afraid to have some main characters die either, which also makes things more real for the reader.
April 27, 2025
Haven’t read book 5 yet but feels like 4 and 5 easily could have been one book
December 17, 2025
Action
Action is in every chapter. Characters are realistic. However, I’m tired of reading about people who are able to easily survive ever bad guy.
Action is in every chapter. Characters are realistic. However, I’m tired of reading about people who are able to easily survive ever bad guy.
November 19, 2015
ok, so wow. I am a huge Tarrah Benner fan. I've yet to read anything of hers and be disappointed, book 4 included! The writing is just impeccable. I read ALOT and very very rarely do I find an author who allows me to easily disappear into the story. Ugh I just love love!
Anyway! Lockdown: yes! I loved getting to dive deeper into Harper's and Eli's relationship. We really get to see them fall into one another and it's beautiful. I've been in love with these two since book 1 so I am very pleased with the way their story is unfolding.
Usually, I'm not a huge fan of constantly changing perspectives, but with Tarrahs writing, it's easy to keep up and it flows. That being said, I really enjoyed seeing things from Owens point of view. I enjoyed his personality and we really get to feel the love he has for his brother.
I enjoyed watching Celdon learn more about where he came from and discover things he never would have dreamt. He's a good friend to Eli and Harper and I appreciate that about him, but Celdon is my least favorite character.
Sawyers story was interesting and the romance kindling towards the end was precious. I'm looking forward to seeing that unfold a little more. I felt like Sawyers role was a little more solid and involved in book 4. It was nice :)
The introduction of a few new characters was fun, but for me, unnecessary. I love the main characters and they are enough for me!
But, like I said, it was fun to meet them.
The story was, of course, fantastic. I was very pleased with the advancement of the overall storyline. I'm eager for book 5 to see how all of this will unfold, but at the same time, sad because book 5 will be the end :(
I read this book in one sitting and could not put it down! I would definitely recommend this series to anyone who is looking for a realistic, well thought out, fantastically written story of young adults living, surviving, and fighting for their lives in a futuristic post apocalyptic world. You will not be sorry.
***I received an ARC for an honest review***
Anyway! Lockdown: yes! I loved getting to dive deeper into Harper's and Eli's relationship. We really get to see them fall into one another and it's beautiful. I've been in love with these two since book 1 so I am very pleased with the way their story is unfolding.
Usually, I'm not a huge fan of constantly changing perspectives, but with Tarrahs writing, it's easy to keep up and it flows. That being said, I really enjoyed seeing things from Owens point of view. I enjoyed his personality and we really get to feel the love he has for his brother.
I enjoyed watching Celdon learn more about where he came from and discover things he never would have dreamt. He's a good friend to Eli and Harper and I appreciate that about him, but Celdon is my least favorite character.
Sawyers story was interesting and the romance kindling towards the end was precious. I'm looking forward to seeing that unfold a little more. I felt like Sawyers role was a little more solid and involved in book 4. It was nice :)
The introduction of a few new characters was fun, but for me, unnecessary. I love the main characters and they are enough for me!
But, like I said, it was fun to meet them.
The story was, of course, fantastic. I was very pleased with the advancement of the overall storyline. I'm eager for book 5 to see how all of this will unfold, but at the same time, sad because book 5 will be the end :(
I read this book in one sitting and could not put it down! I would definitely recommend this series to anyone who is looking for a realistic, well thought out, fantastically written story of young adults living, surviving, and fighting for their lives in a futuristic post apocalyptic world. You will not be sorry.
***I received an ARC for an honest review***
January 26, 2020
I was fortunate to get an ARC of this book.
I am a huge fan of Tarah Bennet's books and this is perhaps my favorite. This is the fourth book in the series and is told from the perspectives of the characters, something I had to get used to, but it was a good choice. It allows you to really get to know each of them. Celdon's perspective was especially interesting, knowing his actions and what motivated him.
This is a well written book, fast paced, with characters you care about. We find out more about Owen, whose perspective is also told from him.
Harper is so close to her friends she is willing to dash into danger for them. Thank goodness Eli is there to save her from herself.
Eli and Harper each go through dangers to their lives. I don't want to spoil the plot for you so you will just have to read it. You won't be disappointed.
If you have been following Eli and Harper, Celdon and Sawyer and Owen in the previous books this is a must read.
I thought this would be the conclusion but as I saw the developments toward the end I could tell this was going to need another book at least. So there will be more adventures, dangers and life changers to come in this story. I am now waiting anxiously for the next book.
I am a huge fan of Tarah Bennet's books and this is perhaps my favorite. This is the fourth book in the series and is told from the perspectives of the characters, something I had to get used to, but it was a good choice. It allows you to really get to know each of them. Celdon's perspective was especially interesting, knowing his actions and what motivated him.
This is a well written book, fast paced, with characters you care about. We find out more about Owen, whose perspective is also told from him.
Harper is so close to her friends she is willing to dash into danger for them. Thank goodness Eli is there to save her from herself.
Eli and Harper each go through dangers to their lives. I don't want to spoil the plot for you so you will just have to read it. You won't be disappointed.
If you have been following Eli and Harper, Celdon and Sawyer and Owen in the previous books this is a must read.
I thought this would be the conclusion but as I saw the developments toward the end I could tell this was going to need another book at least. So there will be more adventures, dangers and life changers to come in this story. I am now waiting anxiously for the next book.
November 18, 2015
**I received an ARC for this honest review.**
I hope Tarah Benner never stops writing! From her Defectors series to the fourth book of The Fringe series, it is obvious how much she is growing as an author. Give her another 20 years, and watch out! The place her mind goes when writing these dystopian novels is amazing.
Lockdown is a great continuation of this series. The story is told from the perspective of five different characters, and is amazingly written. I'm not sure how the author keeps straight what is going on with each character, but the battles seem real and the writing is impeccable. Each character has his/her own emotional battle, their own outward battle, and collectively, the battle within their entire civilization. At the end of every chapter I found myself saying out loud, "Damn, that's good writing!" I love how emotions are not described, but shown. The world this author creates is described so well it's entirely possible to see in your mind's eye.
I highly recommend this series and will be waiting very impatiently for the final book.....hint, hint, Tarah Benner!! :)
I hope Tarah Benner never stops writing! From her Defectors series to the fourth book of The Fringe series, it is obvious how much she is growing as an author. Give her another 20 years, and watch out! The place her mind goes when writing these dystopian novels is amazing.
Lockdown is a great continuation of this series. The story is told from the perspective of five different characters, and is amazingly written. I'm not sure how the author keeps straight what is going on with each character, but the battles seem real and the writing is impeccable. Each character has his/her own emotional battle, their own outward battle, and collectively, the battle within their entire civilization. At the end of every chapter I found myself saying out loud, "Damn, that's good writing!" I love how emotions are not described, but shown. The world this author creates is described so well it's entirely possible to see in your mind's eye.
I highly recommend this series and will be waiting very impatiently for the final book.....hint, hint, Tarah Benner!! :)
November 22, 2015
This is quite an entertaining read, though I might be a bit biased because I was literally desperate for Lockdown to come out.
The setting and characters are well described and elaborated, as is the case in the rest of the series. The story is so well paced that it's almost impossible to put the book down once you started reading. Having five different PoVs is something I found pretty entertaining as well, especially since they are written in a way in which it's fairly easy to distinguish between each of them.
The only reason I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5 is the fact that, IMHO, there were some missing opportunities in the plot development -which I won't get into detail because I'm afraid of spoiling anything for you!
All in all, I think this is an excellent sequel for the series and I absolutely recommend you to read it.
***I received an ARC for my honest review.***
The setting and characters are well described and elaborated, as is the case in the rest of the series. The story is so well paced that it's almost impossible to put the book down once you started reading. Having five different PoVs is something I found pretty entertaining as well, especially since they are written in a way in which it's fairly easy to distinguish between each of them.
The only reason I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5 is the fact that, IMHO, there were some missing opportunities in the plot development -which I won't get into detail because I'm afraid of spoiling anything for you!
All in all, I think this is an excellent sequel for the series and I absolutely recommend you to read it.
***I received an ARC for my honest review.***
November 21, 2015
Tarah Benner has done it again! She's woven a story together so intricately and perfectly that it will keep you flipping page after page to find out what is going to happen next! You get to read about all the characters, we as fans have grown to love: Eli, Harper, Celdon, Owen, Sawyer, and Caleb-as well as introducing us to some others. The last third of the book keeps you on the edge of your seat and it will make you wish that her fifth and final book in the series would come out tomorrow! This read is just as great as her previous three and I cannot wait till the fifth one is written!! Strongly Recommend!
October 25, 2016
Best book in the series so far. I finally felt like I wasn't reading the same three plots over and over again like I did with the first three books. The author note at the end states she couldn't have condensed this story even if she wanted to. I still don't think that's true in the slightest. There are so many pages wasted repeating the same talking points. That being said, this particular point of the series was very entertaining and satisfying in terms of plot and character development. Considering the entire series is a quick read - took me a day to read Lockdown - (and it was inexpensive on kindle), I'd say the journey was worth it to get to this point in the story.
November 23, 2015
I discovered Tarah's books by chance and am so glad I did. I have enjoyed everything I've read by her and Lockdown doesn't disappoint. I have loved Eli and Harper since book 1 and loved that this book went a little deeper with their stories. I wasn't sure how I'd like the multiple points of view, (I just wanted more of Eli and Harper) but Tarah did a great job with it and kept all the story lines interesting and easy to follow. I can't wait for book 5 to come out so I can find out what happens with everyone. Write fast Tarah!
*I received an ARC for an honest review.*
*I received an ARC for an honest review.*
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews