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The Cruelty #2
The Greed
Gwen faces ever greater danger from the men who hunt her in this action-packed, high-stakes YA sequel to The Cruelty, by Scott Bergstrom.
Gwendolyn Bloom is dead.
But even armed with a new passport and identity, the danger is far from over. Her father is safe . . . but Gwen still hasn’t untangled all his lies from the truth. Meanwhile, her enemies are closing in with a vengeance.
She found her father when he disappeared off the face of the earth—can she survive being on the other end of a manhunt?
Gwendolyn Bloom is dead.
But even armed with a new passport and identity, the danger is far from over. Her father is safe . . . but Gwen still hasn’t untangled all his lies from the truth. Meanwhile, her enemies are closing in with a vengeance.
She found her father when he disappeared off the face of the earth—can she survive being on the other end of a manhunt?
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 6, 2018
29 people are currently reading
856 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
April 30, 2018
4.5 stars...
I personally don't give a shit about the controversy surrounding the author and his remarks on the YA genre. I'm rating the book not the author himself, and both books were damn good! If there's another book forthcoming I'm reading it too.
I actually listened to the audiobook and Thérèse Pullmer's narration was outstanding, as always! I've never once heard a performance from her (or January LaVoy) that I didn't like.
I personally don't give a shit about the controversy surrounding the author and his remarks on the YA genre. I'm rating the book not the author himself, and both books were damn good! If there's another book forthcoming I'm reading it too.
I actually listened to the audiobook and Thérèse Pullmer's narration was outstanding, as always! I've never once heard a performance from her (or January LaVoy) that I didn't like.
August 24, 2018
Не разбирам каква е била целта за написването на втора книга (освен печалба, разбира се). Напълно ненужна е и разваля изцяло удоволствието от прочита на първата книга. И не само - разваля и образа на Гуендолин Блум, която на места е ужасно дразнеща и егоистична, а и не напразно книгата е наречена "Алчност" - изцяло се отнася за нея. Отново непрекъснато гонене, игра на котка и мишка и в нито един момент не се знае кой е приятел и кой враг. А и това, което се случи накрая оставя горчив привкус, така че тотално съм разочарована от втората част. (Дано няма трета.)
June 5, 2023
"𝙉𝙤𝙬, 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚. 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙮 𝙗𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨." 𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙧 𝙈𝙪𝙘𝙝𝙖 𝙨𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙖 𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙨𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙚. "𝙉𝙤," 𝙄 𝙨𝙖𝙮. "𝙄'𝙢 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢."
"𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣'𝙩 𝘾𝙃𝙊𝙊𝙎𝙀 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢, 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙣," 𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙖𝙮𝙨. "𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙙𝙤𝙚𝙨𝙣'𝙩 𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙚 𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙨𝙚."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
The Greed
Scott Bergstrom
403 pages
Fav characters: DRAGOSLAVA, Brent, Herr Mucha
I am a broken shell of who I was days before I read this book.
I'm not even sure how to introduce this so, we're going to go right into it.
This book is a beautiful story. It is filled with parallels, symbolism, love, terror, sadness, grief and heart. It is absolutely wonderful.
To start off, this book differs wildly from the first book. Yes, the first book is gruesome and crazy but, this book felt more realistic and terrifying. There was so much more action and terror that made it hard to put down and even harder to pick back up once put down; in fear of what the next page or chapter will bring to our beloved characters. There was a band of new characters who were interesting and well built inside the world that there was never any boring moment. Each character was so meticulously crafted that each word felt more real than the next. That being said, the reality of the situation was even more scary because of this. These are events that I will never be apart of but, I know they exist, along with every other horrible secret about our government. It was wonderful.
Gwen was a tough character to get around. We see her traverse many dangers and situations that change her more than they did in the first book. She becomes someone new with every rancid act that follows her. Seeing this character develop from someone so normal to someone so deadly was satisfying and horrifying all at the same time. Wonderfully done.
Terrance Mutai, the only love interest she has in both books, I felt, brought the story down. He was kind of a not awesome person to Gwen. Sure, she's scary but, take into account what she's seriously gone through. No one is the same after something like that so stop expecting her to be. He annoyed me the MOST.
Gwen is as much a tragic character as anyone else in the book but, it's even worse because...she is here. She is still alive, and for what? The book ends on a semi-cliffhanger but, eludes to an interesting fact; she's still involved. Being on the run, changing your identity, you're never truly free. My heart went out to her as the story ended. Beautifully tragic.
It evoked such strong emotions from me because we never got to see what any of the men went through. We mostly saw the evils that were brought to women by women. It was wonderfully done, especially by a male author so, I applaud you Bergstrom!!!
Absolutely wonderful. chilling, suspenseful, beautiful, horrifying, amazing, lovely....all of this. So great.
Dragoslava and Gwendolyn were two of the characters that, when they were together, sparks flew off the pages. I was so interested the entire time but, not only because these are two badass women but, they are parallels to each other in EVERY SENSE OF THE WORD. It was miraculous reading about Dragoslava and understanding her side to the situation even though it was the complete opposite side of the MC. Dragoslava is my heart and soul. I will defend her till my last breath. She deserves the absolute world and everything in it. I love her so much that there is a spoiler section below to talk all about her. Only go down if you want to read!!
spoilers.
im warning you...
DRAGOSLAVA
- Dragoslava is hands down the best character in the entire franchise. She is the orphan, not blood-related, daughter of the drug lord Victor Zorc, who was killed by Gwen's father months before any of this happened. Dragoslava is in better shape than Gwen by a mile based on all the money her father left behind but, she isn't greedy, she isn't whiny or selfish. She is actually the most selfless character.
-Drago's story. she was an orphan. watched her mother get shot in the end during a siege in Serbia. Victor Zoric, the horrible, evil, murderous drug lord, finds her and gives her a home. He may have been a murderer to the world but, he was always a father to her, a savior. It's wonderful listening to Drago speak of her backstory and realizing that her and Gwen are so similar. Fighting a war that their parents started. Two normal girls who will never be the same all because the American Government didn't want to get caught being involved in human trafficking with Zoric. It's beautifully tragic. She is beautifully tragic.
- her scars. Dragoslava is described as having a huge scar on one side of her face (I imagine similar to the hound in GOT for reference) She isn't annoyed or embarrassed by the scar in fact, she uses it as a symbol of who she is and who she wants to be respected as. I think this was a beautiful testament to her. I also, bawled my eyes out at the end because of the direct parallel between Gwen and Drago. Dragoslava, as you know because you're in the spoiler section, dies nearly 3 pages before the book ends in a massive explosion that leaves everyone dead except for Gwen. The interesting part of this is that Gwen did not leave unscathed. She developed a large scar on the side of her face. She tried to save Drago's life while she was bleeding out but, it was no use and in return, Gwen will always remember the girl who saved her life every time she looks in a mirror. Absolutely heartbreaking but, breathtaking at the same moment. AHHH.
-the hospital. before Drago dies, Gwen goes to find her at a secluded run down and abandoned hospital building. The building itself is kept inside a fenced area because beyond in the forest, landmines sit underneath the grass. There is no leaving once you reach the hospital, not through the woods at least. But, what's so interesting about this scene is that it reminds me of Drago's whole life. She runs a hospital for refugees, terminal children, amputees and more, resting in the secluded forest in Sarajevo. A wonderfully full world but, on the outside a devil waiting for one wrong step to ruin everything. So symbolic. to woman hood, to violence and to love.
- I love her with my whole being. I need a Dragoslava only book. I need MORE OF HER!!
"𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣'𝙩 𝘾𝙃𝙊𝙊𝙎𝙀 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢, 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙣," 𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙖𝙮𝙨. "𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙙𝙤𝙚𝙨𝙣'𝙩 𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙚 𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙨𝙚."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
The Greed
Scott Bergstrom
403 pages
Fav characters: DRAGOSLAVA, Brent, Herr Mucha
I am a broken shell of who I was days before I read this book.
I'm not even sure how to introduce this so, we're going to go right into it.
This book is a beautiful story. It is filled with parallels, symbolism, love, terror, sadness, grief and heart. It is absolutely wonderful.
To start off, this book differs wildly from the first book. Yes, the first book is gruesome and crazy but, this book felt more realistic and terrifying. There was so much more action and terror that made it hard to put down and even harder to pick back up once put down; in fear of what the next page or chapter will bring to our beloved characters. There was a band of new characters who were interesting and well built inside the world that there was never any boring moment. Each character was so meticulously crafted that each word felt more real than the next. That being said, the reality of the situation was even more scary because of this. These are events that I will never be apart of but, I know they exist, along with every other horrible secret about our government. It was wonderful.
Gwen was a tough character to get around. We see her traverse many dangers and situations that change her more than they did in the first book. She becomes someone new with every rancid act that follows her. Seeing this character develop from someone so normal to someone so deadly was satisfying and horrifying all at the same time. Wonderfully done.
Terrance Mutai, the only love interest she has in both books, I felt, brought the story down. He was kind of a not awesome person to Gwen. Sure, she's scary but, take into account what she's seriously gone through. No one is the same after something like that so stop expecting her to be. He annoyed me the MOST.
Gwen is as much a tragic character as anyone else in the book but, it's even worse because...she is here. She is still alive, and for what? The book ends on a semi-cliffhanger but, eludes to an interesting fact; she's still involved. Being on the run, changing your identity, you're never truly free. My heart went out to her as the story ended. Beautifully tragic.
It evoked such strong emotions from me because we never got to see what any of the men went through. We mostly saw the evils that were brought to women by women. It was wonderfully done, especially by a male author so, I applaud you Bergstrom!!!
Absolutely wonderful. chilling, suspenseful, beautiful, horrifying, amazing, lovely....all of this. So great.
Dragoslava and Gwendolyn were two of the characters that, when they were together, sparks flew off the pages. I was so interested the entire time but, not only because these are two badass women but, they are parallels to each other in EVERY SENSE OF THE WORD. It was miraculous reading about Dragoslava and understanding her side to the situation even though it was the complete opposite side of the MC. Dragoslava is my heart and soul. I will defend her till my last breath. She deserves the absolute world and everything in it. I love her so much that there is a spoiler section below to talk all about her. Only go down if you want to read!!
spoilers.
im warning you...
DRAGOSLAVA
- Dragoslava is hands down the best character in the entire franchise. She is the orphan, not blood-related, daughter of the drug lord Victor Zorc, who was killed by Gwen's father months before any of this happened. Dragoslava is in better shape than Gwen by a mile based on all the money her father left behind but, she isn't greedy, she isn't whiny or selfish. She is actually the most selfless character.
-Drago's story. she was an orphan. watched her mother get shot in the end during a siege in Serbia. Victor Zoric, the horrible, evil, murderous drug lord, finds her and gives her a home. He may have been a murderer to the world but, he was always a father to her, a savior. It's wonderful listening to Drago speak of her backstory and realizing that her and Gwen are so similar. Fighting a war that their parents started. Two normal girls who will never be the same all because the American Government didn't want to get caught being involved in human trafficking with Zoric. It's beautifully tragic. She is beautifully tragic.
- her scars. Dragoslava is described as having a huge scar on one side of her face (I imagine similar to the hound in GOT for reference) She isn't annoyed or embarrassed by the scar in fact, she uses it as a symbol of who she is and who she wants to be respected as. I think this was a beautiful testament to her. I also, bawled my eyes out at the end because of the direct parallel between Gwen and Drago. Dragoslava, as you know because you're in the spoiler section, dies nearly 3 pages before the book ends in a massive explosion that leaves everyone dead except for Gwen. The interesting part of this is that Gwen did not leave unscathed. She developed a large scar on the side of her face. She tried to save Drago's life while she was bleeding out but, it was no use and in return, Gwen will always remember the girl who saved her life every time she looks in a mirror. Absolutely heartbreaking but, breathtaking at the same moment. AHHH.
-the hospital. before Drago dies, Gwen goes to find her at a secluded run down and abandoned hospital building. The building itself is kept inside a fenced area because beyond in the forest, landmines sit underneath the grass. There is no leaving once you reach the hospital, not through the woods at least. But, what's so interesting about this scene is that it reminds me of Drago's whole life. She runs a hospital for refugees, terminal children, amputees and more, resting in the secluded forest in Sarajevo. A wonderfully full world but, on the outside a devil waiting for one wrong step to ruin everything. So symbolic. to woman hood, to violence and to love.
- I love her with my whole being. I need a Dragoslava only book. I need MORE OF HER!!
April 16, 2023
Dacă primul volum mi-a plăcut mult, despre acesta nu pot să zic la fel din păcate.
Ce mi-a plăcut:
- a doua jumătate a cărții pentru că, în sfârșit, se întâmplau lucruri captivante
- anumite replici și pasaje care enunțau niște adevăruri general valabile și pentru noi
- faptul că am aflat, în cele din urmă, ce s-a ales de Gwen, personajul principal feminin care m-a fermecat în primul volum
- a mers și repede în varianta audio și nici nu m-a enervat foarte tare
Ce nu mi-a plăcut:
- Gwen. Dacă în prima carte am iubit-o, aici nu am mai reușit să mă conectez cu ea. Nu i-am înțeles acțiunile în totalitate, nici naivitatea ori sentimentalismul de care dădea dovadă. Deseori mi s-a părut că e altcineva
- acțiunea. Dacă în prima jumătate a cărții a lipsit în mare, în a doua a fost cel puțin bizară și haotică (dar, cum spuneam și sus, măcar s-a mișcat)
- intriga sau, mai bine zis, intrigile au fost cel puțin ciudate și cam fără vreo legătură între ele
- o anumită întâmplare importantă de la mijloc. Nu doar că nu avea ce căuta într-un thriller, dar care a fost sensul ei în contextul dat?
- finalul. Nu, mulțumesc. M-a lăsat cu un gust amar, având senzația că doar se încerca și mai mult șocarea cititorului (și chiar nu mai era cazul)
Deși nu m-a prins foarte tare, am dus lectura până la final pentru că voiam neapărat să știu ce se alege de Gwen. Și am aflat din fericire, dar nu pot să zic că sunt mulțumită în totalitate.
De asemenea, dacă nu o parcurgeam în varianta audio, sunt ferm convinsă că o abandonam. A fost totuși potrivită pentru timpii morți pe care îi aveam.
Ce mi-a plăcut:
- a doua jumătate a cărții pentru că, în sfârșit, se întâmplau lucruri captivante
- anumite replici și pasaje care enunțau niște adevăruri general valabile și pentru noi
- faptul că am aflat, în cele din urmă, ce s-a ales de Gwen, personajul principal feminin care m-a fermecat în primul volum
- a mers și repede în varianta audio și nici nu m-a enervat foarte tare
Ce nu mi-a plăcut:
- Gwen. Dacă în prima carte am iubit-o, aici nu am mai reușit să mă conectez cu ea. Nu i-am înțeles acțiunile în totalitate, nici naivitatea ori sentimentalismul de care dădea dovadă. Deseori mi s-a părut că e altcineva
- acțiunea. Dacă în prima jumătate a cărții a lipsit în mare, în a doua a fost cel puțin bizară și haotică (dar, cum spuneam și sus, măcar s-a mișcat)
- intriga sau, mai bine zis, intrigile au fost cel puțin ciudate și cam fără vreo legătură între ele
- o anumită întâmplare importantă de la mijloc. Nu doar că nu avea ce căuta într-un thriller, dar care a fost sensul ei în contextul dat?
- finalul. Nu, mulțumesc. M-a lăsat cu un gust amar, având senzația că doar se încerca și mai mult șocarea cititorului (și chiar nu mai era cazul)
Deși nu m-a prins foarte tare, am dus lectura până la final pentru că voiam neapărat să știu ce se alege de Gwen. Și am aflat din fericire, dar nu pot să zic că sunt mulțumită în totalitate.
De asemenea, dacă nu o parcurgeam în varianta audio, sunt ferm convinsă că o abandonam. A fost totuși potrivită pentru timpii morți pe care îi aveam.
April 7, 2018
Once again - I listened to this through my new best friend - Borrow Box. Therese, you are fantastic - can you please narrate my life?
After a time jump, we find out that Gwen is still living in hiding, stealing off tourists to survive. We are still reminded that Terrence is living a life that Gwen can only dream about - he doesn’t have to think too hard to distract himself from the espionage that goes on in the underground world of Europe.
Still driven by the accounts, Gwen set out to gain control of a large fortune. But the further she goes, the more she is betrayed by the people she protected.
It was a lot slower to get into compared to the first book in the series. I sort of fell out of love with her father almost being in reach, then slipping right through her fingers. It really felt like the plot was in loop, and wasn’t making much traction.
The age difference really made a lot of a difference - it was much more believable, and suited Gwen’s new plans to gain control of a criminal empire.
Yes, this book is a lot more violent compared to the first - but not for the sake of containing violence. The things that Gwen goes through and experiences almost mirror reality or what is covered in the media today. Still, it is confronting, and watching her break, and become an anti-hero is difficult.
For some reason, I really felt like this was the conclusion to the series - that Gwen and her father were going to make it through this, that this was the end. I was proven wrong, and I cannot wait to see what transpires in the third book.
After a time jump, we find out that Gwen is still living in hiding, stealing off tourists to survive. We are still reminded that Terrence is living a life that Gwen can only dream about - he doesn’t have to think too hard to distract himself from the espionage that goes on in the underground world of Europe.
Still driven by the accounts, Gwen set out to gain control of a large fortune. But the further she goes, the more she is betrayed by the people she protected.
It was a lot slower to get into compared to the first book in the series. I sort of fell out of love with her father almost being in reach, then slipping right through her fingers. It really felt like the plot was in loop, and wasn’t making much traction.
The age difference really made a lot of a difference - it was much more believable, and suited Gwen’s new plans to gain control of a criminal empire.
Yes, this book is a lot more violent compared to the first - but not for the sake of containing violence. The things that Gwen goes through and experiences almost mirror reality or what is covered in the media today. Still, it is confronting, and watching her break, and become an anti-hero is difficult.
For some reason, I really felt like this was the conclusion to the series - that Gwen and her father were going to make it through this, that this was the end. I was proven wrong, and I cannot wait to see what transpires in the third book.
June 28, 2021
The Cruelty was exceptional and I would urge you to read it, but read it and enjoy it as a stand-alone and try to forget the sequel exists. The Greed is not the sequel I hoped for; not even close.
Gwendolyn Bloom has been many people and many things over the course of time that we get to know her, but something she never is is boring. Which is why such a stagnant and, unfortunately, pointless book such as this just didn’t make sense for her character development.
We should have seen Gwendolyn making waves in her new role, or at least trying to avoid getting busted from the part she played in her previous identities (and even more so as herself!). But instead we see her grappling with her relationships with men, struggling to keep tabs on her father and stuck in a confusing plot which seems to go nowhere. I don’t understand what was supposed to have been achieved with this plot, but it just felt like a lot of dead time and pointless interactions.
I love Gwen, but I think this was a complete waste of time. One of the most disappointing sequels I’ve encountered in a long time - particularly following such a sensational debut!
Gwendolyn Bloom has been many people and many things over the course of time that we get to know her, but something she never is is boring. Which is why such a stagnant and, unfortunately, pointless book such as this just didn’t make sense for her character development.
We should have seen Gwendolyn making waves in her new role, or at least trying to avoid getting busted from the part she played in her previous identities (and even more so as herself!). But instead we see her grappling with her relationships with men, struggling to keep tabs on her father and stuck in a confusing plot which seems to go nowhere. I don’t understand what was supposed to have been achieved with this plot, but it just felt like a lot of dead time and pointless interactions.
I love Gwen, but I think this was a complete waste of time. One of the most disappointing sequels I’ve encountered in a long time - particularly following such a sensational debut!
November 23, 2019
It was bland, and when it started to pick up, it got weird for a very long time before getting bland again.
She literally got tortured with “love.”
The ending was very disappointing as well. I won’t be continuing with the series if another comes out.
Oh yeah, the series is labelled “young adult,” but graphic language and sexual themes makes me think the series is falsely labelled. From the sounds of it, the author just wanted to make a point.
She literally got tortured with “love.”
The ending was very disappointing as well. I won’t be continuing with the series if another comes out.
Oh yeah, the series is labelled “young adult,” but graphic language and sexual themes makes me think the series is falsely labelled. From the sounds of it, the author just wanted to make a point.
March 16, 2018
I love this series! It hits all of my kick-ass girl spy travel itches.
April 20, 2019
Was actually expecting more after the first one but it takes so much time before something happens...
April 20, 2020
Фалшиви самоличности, постоянни гонки и кървави пари. Гуен и в тази книга не изневерява на борбения си харектер и способността си да оцелява във всяка една ситуация (но не и хората около нея) Едновременно ми стана мъчно за нея - това, че не знаеше на кого може да се довери - и най-близиките й хора бяха способни да забият нож в гърба й, но и често не разбирах откровено егоистичните й действия особено що се отнася до парите. Превъплъщенията на Гуен станаха толкова много, че на моменти тя напълно се изгубваше между тях, което е и предполагам обяснение за края, който ми се стори като наказание за нея за всичко, което направи. И въпреки това съм доста разочарована от финалните сцени - оставят чувството, че си прочел толкова много за тези герои за нищо, защото накрая всяко едно действие на героите и от двете книги, се обезсмисля напълно. Иска ми се всичко да бе приключило с първата книга...
July 2, 2019
Het was een tijd geleden dat ik deel 1 heb gelezen, waardoor sommige delen wat lastig waren. Wat was er ook alweer precies gebeurd en waarom zitten ze achter hen aan?
Maar het is een heerlijk boek. Veel beschrijvingen, maar meeslepend. Soms wat afstandelijk, maar daardoor ook goed in te leven in Gwen/Judita/Lila/Marike. Het verhaal blijft spannend, blijft je meeslepen. Af en toe gaat het te snel. Kun je eindelijk ademhalen, net als de hoofdpersonage, komt er weer een lading shit.
Dat ze op een gegeven moment gevangen wordt genomen, is erg realistisch. De wanhoop dringt door tot je binnenste. Bij andere delen mis ik emotie, maar tegelijkertijd begrijp je als lezer dat Gwen dat uitzet, zo goed als ze kan.
Wat een aanrader! Het eindigt alsof er nog een deel kan komen, maar niet per se. Ik ben benieuwd!
Maar het is een heerlijk boek. Veel beschrijvingen, maar meeslepend. Soms wat afstandelijk, maar daardoor ook goed in te leven in Gwen/Judita/Lila/Marike. Het verhaal blijft spannend, blijft je meeslepen. Af en toe gaat het te snel. Kun je eindelijk ademhalen, net als de hoofdpersonage, komt er weer een lading shit.
Dat ze op een gegeven moment gevangen wordt genomen, is erg realistisch. De wanhoop dringt door tot je binnenste. Bij andere delen mis ik emotie, maar tegelijkertijd begrijp je als lezer dat Gwen dat uitzet, zo goed als ze kan.
Wat een aanrader! Het eindigt alsof er nog een deel kan komen, maar niet per se. Ik ben benieuwd!
January 1, 2018
This espionage story is not at all like the Gallagher Girls. It is a dark gritty story of a young woman caught in the world of espionage and used by any government that notices her. She has been trained by the Israelis, is an American citizen, has a father who is a former CIA operative now hunted by them before he can share his secrets. She has killed to survive and will do so again if she needs to.
The story begins in Uruguay where Gwen and her father are hiding out. But before the story is over it has moved to Zurich and Budapest and Singapore. Gwen is determined to find a way to keep her and her father safe. She is looking for a place where she can build a life away from all the political stuff.
Some of the sections of the story are harrowing. Gwen's four months as a captive of a black ops CIA operation overseen by a doctor who would fit right in with Mengele was the most graphic. But Gwen is a survivor. She is battered and bruised and isn't the same young woman at the end of the book as she was in the beginning. But she survives.
This was an uncomfortable read. I don't like the idea that our CIA could do the things that are done in this story. Of course, the Mossad isn't any more admirable. There are few heroes in this story. Gwen is not one; nor is her father.
This story was action-packed and filled with graphic brutality. It was also a very compelling book that I couldn't put down as I kept hoping for a happy ending for Gwen only to be disappointed time after time.
The story begins in Uruguay where Gwen and her father are hiding out. But before the story is over it has moved to Zurich and Budapest and Singapore. Gwen is determined to find a way to keep her and her father safe. She is looking for a place where she can build a life away from all the political stuff.
Some of the sections of the story are harrowing. Gwen's four months as a captive of a black ops CIA operation overseen by a doctor who would fit right in with Mengele was the most graphic. But Gwen is a survivor. She is battered and bruised and isn't the same young woman at the end of the book as she was in the beginning. But she survives.
This was an uncomfortable read. I don't like the idea that our CIA could do the things that are done in this story. Of course, the Mossad isn't any more admirable. There are few heroes in this story. Gwen is not one; nor is her father.
This story was action-packed and filled with graphic brutality. It was also a very compelling book that I couldn't put down as I kept hoping for a happy ending for Gwen only to be disappointed time after time.
June 3, 2018
Hebzucht is deel 2 in de Cruelty-serie van Scott Bergstrom, deel 1 was Meedogenloos.
In deel 2 gaat het avontuur verder. Gwen zit samen met haar vader ondergedoken in Uruguay. Op dit moment heet ze Judita en werkt in een restaurant waar ze de enige is die gebrekkig Engels spreekt. Althans ze doet alsof ze dit gebrekkig spreekt. Alles voor je identiteit. Als Gwen bezoek krijgt van iemand van de Mossad, verandert alles. Weg, ze moet weg uit Uruguay.
Het boek bestaat uit 5 delen. Elk deel heeft een (meisjes)naam. Deze namen staan voor de identiteiten die Gwen aanneemt. Het boek heeft heel veel ups en downs. Niet qua schrijfstijl, maar Gwen heeft heel veel ups en downs. Het verhaal vliegt alle kanten op. Als je denkt dat er niks meer fout kan gaan, gaat er toch weer wat fout. Gwen doet er alles aan om gelukkig te worden en uiteindelijk met haar vader een gelukkig leven te leiden zonder achterna gezeten te worden door de CIA.
Hebzucht is een spannende YA, waarbij het wel belangrijk is om het eerste deel te hebben gelezen. De titel Hebzucht wordt halverwege het verhaal duidelijk en daarna blijft de term hangen. Het boek is vanuit de ik-vorm geschreven en soms zelfs vanuit een dromende ik-vorm, maar dat stoorde mij niet in dit boek.
Heb jij Meedogenloos gelezen en was je enthousiast? Dan is deel 2 Hebzucht ook iets voor jou! Leef mee met Gwen en haar vader, haar avonturen, tegenslagen en successen. Weer een lekkere cliffhanger op het einde, nu wachten op deel 3!
In deel 2 gaat het avontuur verder. Gwen zit samen met haar vader ondergedoken in Uruguay. Op dit moment heet ze Judita en werkt in een restaurant waar ze de enige is die gebrekkig Engels spreekt. Althans ze doet alsof ze dit gebrekkig spreekt. Alles voor je identiteit. Als Gwen bezoek krijgt van iemand van de Mossad, verandert alles. Weg, ze moet weg uit Uruguay.
Het boek bestaat uit 5 delen. Elk deel heeft een (meisjes)naam. Deze namen staan voor de identiteiten die Gwen aanneemt. Het boek heeft heel veel ups en downs. Niet qua schrijfstijl, maar Gwen heeft heel veel ups en downs. Het verhaal vliegt alle kanten op. Als je denkt dat er niks meer fout kan gaan, gaat er toch weer wat fout. Gwen doet er alles aan om gelukkig te worden en uiteindelijk met haar vader een gelukkig leven te leiden zonder achterna gezeten te worden door de CIA.
Hebzucht is een spannende YA, waarbij het wel belangrijk is om het eerste deel te hebben gelezen. De titel Hebzucht wordt halverwege het verhaal duidelijk en daarna blijft de term hangen. Het boek is vanuit de ik-vorm geschreven en soms zelfs vanuit een dromende ik-vorm, maar dat stoorde mij niet in dit boek.
Heb jij Meedogenloos gelezen en was je enthousiast? Dan is deel 2 Hebzucht ook iets voor jou! Leef mee met Gwen en haar vader, haar avonturen, tegenslagen en successen. Weer een lekkere cliffhanger op het einde, nu wachten op deel 3!
February 17, 2018
This book really messed with my brain! I loved every minute of it, but honestly there were times when it became too much (torture-wise). The storyline continues masterfully ahead. I did not know what was going to happen, or rather I couldn't predict it. I love a strong female lead, and this book has given me just that. This book made me ask questions about morale (my personal and the character's), strength (both physical and psychological), family (will I go this far to save my father), loneliness, love, cruelty and greed. Honestly, in my opinion this is not a YA book. It has too much gore for me to be for young readers. It brings too much disillusionment about the worlds we live in, too much loss of nonsense and I believe that young adults should not be subjected too early to those things, but I guess this is already done with the Hunger Games. I am a big spy novel fan, and I like the fact that this book did not hold back, that most of the things rang true to me, that it was not sentimental and did not go the usual way for spy novels. The character has development, she is not one-dimensional and has metamorphosis into someone completely different from where she started, which I love about a novel, because when you enter the storm you don't come back the same. Highly recommend!
April 10, 2018
Нямах, търпение да прочета втората част. Но за съжаление тя беше доста занижена като качество на историята спрямо първата. Историята започва мудно, набляга се на любовната история на героинята, а към края когато сюжета започва да се развива в правилна посока, направо се препуска през него. Ако поредицата остане само от тези две книги втората ще си е направо безсмислена, защото първата е изключително добра като самостоятелен роман със удовлетворяващ край. Втората е написана е така че да предполага трета. Така че ако няма, края на й ще е изключително тъп. С една дума очаквах повече и съм разочарована.
February 15, 2018
Thank you to Feiwel and Friends as well as @netgalley for the advance copy of The Greed. I actually had to go back and read The Cruelty first because I didn’t realize it was a sequel. These books have consumed my week.
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 for The Cruelty, ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 for The Greed. I wanted to read these to evaluate for my middle school library. They are DEFINITELY best for mature high school readers. Wow. In The Cruelty, Gwendolyn has lived all around the world with her (adopted) father after her mother’s death when she was seven. As far as she knows, her dad is just a paper pusher for the CIA. When he disappears one day on a trip to Paris, she learns that he was hiding so much more from her. At this point the story gets fairly implausible, as she kind of turns into a ruthless killer on her quest to find the truth. The Greed picks up with her reunion with her father, as they now live undercover in South America. The sequel was pretty repetitive - Gwendolyn massively messed up, is caught, moves to a new life, tortured here and there, rinse and repeat. Where the first book felt like the movie Taken, except the daughter is rescuing the father, the second felt like The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. Gwendolyn really doesn’t develop a ton as a character, which makes her kind of hard to like. This duo is definitely intense, with lots of violence, drinking, and “adult relations” (as my mom always called it). I would recommend for grade10+. #highschoolreads
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 for The Cruelty, ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 for The Greed. I wanted to read these to evaluate for my middle school library. They are DEFINITELY best for mature high school readers. Wow. In The Cruelty, Gwendolyn has lived all around the world with her (adopted) father after her mother’s death when she was seven. As far as she knows, her dad is just a paper pusher for the CIA. When he disappears one day on a trip to Paris, she learns that he was hiding so much more from her. At this point the story gets fairly implausible, as she kind of turns into a ruthless killer on her quest to find the truth. The Greed picks up with her reunion with her father, as they now live undercover in South America. The sequel was pretty repetitive - Gwendolyn massively messed up, is caught, moves to a new life, tortured here and there, rinse and repeat. Where the first book felt like the movie Taken, except the daughter is rescuing the father, the second felt like The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. Gwendolyn really doesn’t develop a ton as a character, which makes her kind of hard to like. This duo is definitely intense, with lots of violence, drinking, and “adult relations” (as my mom always called it). I would recommend for grade10+. #highschoolreads
July 27, 2018
First off, here's a disclaimer: I may be biased about this series because Scott Bergstrom is a local author who loves libraries.
That said, I really like Gwendolyn. It's going to sound awful, but it's been so interesting to witness the damage she endures at the hands of others once she is drawn into the underworld of spy networks and crime families of international renown. The Gwendolyn at the end of this book is certainly not the same Gwendolyn we met in her private school days back in The Cruelty.
I found myself losing focus on the book at times - there wasn't the same pacing or amount of action (maybe it's the lack of new characters?) in this book, but I stuck with it because I wanted to find out what happened at the end.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley for an unbiased review.
That said, I really like Gwendolyn. It's going to sound awful, but it's been so interesting to witness the damage she endures at the hands of others once she is drawn into the underworld of spy networks and crime families of international renown. The Gwendolyn at the end of this book is certainly not the same Gwendolyn we met in her private school days back in The Cruelty.
I found myself losing focus on the book at times - there wasn't the same pacing or amount of action (maybe it's the lack of new characters?) in this book, but I stuck with it because I wanted to find out what happened at the end.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley for an unbiased review.
January 15, 2025
Particularmente livros de ação não costumam ser meus favoritos, entretanto com Crueldade eu devorei cada página e fiquei ansiosa para ler a continuação!
O ponto que mais me pega na franquia são as ambientações, eu simplesmente amo a sensação de estar viajando por um milhão de países!
Adorei a adição de novas personagens, ver mulheres fortes em posições de poder e comandando tudo é meu ponto fraco.
Além de todas as criticas sociais nesse novo livro, fazendo refletir sobre a ganância e das podridões intrínsecas a natureza humana, nos fazendo pensar até que ponto iríamos se tivéssemos no lugar das personagens.
Entretanto, sinto que no segundo livro a trama pecou em alguns pontos: Terrance, que interesse amoroso mais chato e atrasa história; e pelo plot repetitivo, achei um pouco cansativa essa busca eterna pelo pai e sempre caindo no mesmo buraco.
O ponto que mais me pega na franquia são as ambientações, eu simplesmente amo a sensação de estar viajando por um milhão de países!
Adorei a adição de novas personagens, ver mulheres fortes em posições de poder e comandando tudo é meu ponto fraco.
Além de todas as criticas sociais nesse novo livro, fazendo refletir sobre a ganância e das podridões intrínsecas a natureza humana, nos fazendo pensar até que ponto iríamos se tivéssemos no lugar das personagens.
Entretanto, sinto que no segundo livro a trama pecou em alguns pontos: Terrance, que interesse amoroso mais chato e atrasa história; e pelo plot repetitivo, achei um pouco cansativa essa busca eterna pelo pai e sempre caindo no mesmo buraco.
May 29, 2018
Gwendolyn is living in hiding from the various governments that would have her killed for what she knows. She is reunited with her dad but he is a shell of the CIA spy he once was. Unfortunately Gwen must make drastic decisions and fight for her right to live the life she wants.
This book was full of twists and turns. However, the story line got way too bogged down with Gwen's search for the money and her greed. I was sick of her naivety when it came to the money. I was also so annoyed with her obsession with Terrance. Their relationship was sweet in book 1 but got very annoying in book 2. Gwen has been through so much but is still struck dumb by a boy. The suffering that Gwen goes through in this book was unimaginable. In my opinion the epilogue was unnecessary.
Thanks Netgalley for the ARC!
This book was full of twists and turns. However, the story line got way too bogged down with Gwen's search for the money and her greed. I was sick of her naivety when it came to the money. I was also so annoyed with her obsession with Terrance. Their relationship was sweet in book 1 but got very annoying in book 2. Gwen has been through so much but is still struck dumb by a boy. The suffering that Gwen goes through in this book was unimaginable. In my opinion the epilogue was unnecessary.
Thanks Netgalley for the ARC!
September 7, 2019
Gwendolyn Bloom has rescued her father and been declared legally dead, but that is not enough to stop the people who are chasing them. Her father knows too much and he and Gwen are both targets. Gwen travels around the world trying to get the fortune left by a criminal mastermind. However, will she hurt her friend Terrance in the process? When she and her father are separated, will she ever find him again? Will she ever be able to stop running? A harsh book with graphic details of torture. Definitely would have this book only in the high school setting. The only reason this book would be called a YA book is because the main character is a teenager in the first book. I was disappointed in the ending and had higher hopes for the redemption of Gwen's character.
February 16, 2020
Language: R (67+ swears, 21+ "f"); Mature Content: PG13+; Violence: PG13+
I am very disappointed in this book -- the first one was captivating, and reading this sequel felt like a chore. And I didn't even finish. The first book was a fun to read because Bergstrom skillfully wrote the character arc of a girl named Gwendolyn descending into a darker reality. However, this sequel felt desperate and bleak -- not fun. I was also disappointed by the amount of sex included. For just over half the book, I read because I wanted it to get better, but then I lost hope that it would. I skipped to the last chapter to discover a cliffhanger ending, relieved that I decided I'm done with Gwendolyn.
I am very disappointed in this book -- the first one was captivating, and reading this sequel felt like a chore. And I didn't even finish. The first book was a fun to read because Bergstrom skillfully wrote the character arc of a girl named Gwendolyn descending into a darker reality. However, this sequel felt desperate and bleak -- not fun. I was also disappointed by the amount of sex included. For just over half the book, I read because I wanted it to get better, but then I lost hope that it would. I skipped to the last chapter to discover a cliffhanger ending, relieved that I decided I'm done with Gwendolyn.
June 22, 2022
A painful read that genuinely shocked me in the end. Gwen went through hell over and over and in the brief breaks she overindulges and ends up right back in the thick of it. As a character she’s tough but battered and by the end it leaves me wondering if it was all worth it for her. Wherever she went they would find her and each time more people die and parts of her break apart. She’s given the chance for a new start many times in this series, but she can’t do it. I think maybe part of her knows she’s too far gone and pursues a path of self destruction under the guise of grasping her initial goal, saving her father.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2024
No tengo ni idea que decir, el libro fue un viaje complwjo y que me tuvo al borde de la cama leyendo sin saber que demonios ocurrirá en las siguientes páginas
El plot, los personajes, la trama, todo estaba allí, en una compleja telaraña llamada "the greed".
Dragoslava tendrá un lugar en mi corazón dónde obtiene todo lo que quiere y merece, Gwen se mantendrá en mi mente mucho tiempo después de leer este libro, sus actos, sus pensamientos incluso sus acciones me dejaron en blanco muchas veces.
Ame este libro como hacía mucho no lo hacía, con sus partes buenas y malas, las que me hicieron temblar y las que hicieron mi corazón acelerarse.
El plot, los personajes, la trama, todo estaba allí, en una compleja telaraña llamada "the greed".
Dragoslava tendrá un lugar en mi corazón dónde obtiene todo lo que quiere y merece, Gwen se mantendrá en mi mente mucho tiempo después de leer este libro, sus actos, sus pensamientos incluso sus acciones me dejaron en blanco muchas veces.
Ame este libro como hacía mucho no lo hacía, con sus partes buenas y malas, las que me hicieron temblar y las que hicieron mi corazón acelerarse.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2024
I liked this series!
Yes it was far fetched and unbelievable in many places, but so are all the best spy stories. It would be really interesting to follow Gwendolyn's story as she ages. Could she ever settle down as she seems to want to do, or will the crazy messes she got herself involved in, forever follow her until someone decides to get rid of her?
I can see from other reviews that there's some sort of something happening with the author? I haven't looked into it but it's maybe why there hasn't been a third book? But I would like to see the series continue at least for an ending without a cliff hanger!
Yes it was far fetched and unbelievable in many places, but so are all the best spy stories. It would be really interesting to follow Gwendolyn's story as she ages. Could she ever settle down as she seems to want to do, or will the crazy messes she got herself involved in, forever follow her until someone decides to get rid of her?
I can see from other reviews that there's some sort of something happening with the author? I haven't looked into it but it's maybe why there hasn't been a third book? But I would like to see the series continue at least for an ending without a cliff hanger!
November 21, 2020
What a disappointment! It started off sooo good but towards the end of it, it got pretty boring. Nothing was really happening. Yeah, she ended up becoming rich and meeting up with Terence and she finally reunited with her dad (I think?) but there was so much unnecessary writing in between all that. I pretty much skimmed the last few chapters. I was so over this book which is a shame because the first book was great. This definitely lacked what the first book had. It could’ve been so much better
January 4, 2024
This book was utterly confusing and not fun to read. I absolutely loved The Cruelty and thought it was a good read that made coherent sense. I can’t say the same about this book though. The series should have just stayed a stand alone. If there is another book I won’t be reading it. I could hardly follow the story and the ending was just a cheap shock that I’m still not entirely sure what happened. Regardless, I do like the morally gray characters, but the plot and twists just ruined this for me. It just seemed pointless after a strong book like The Cruelty.
January 16, 2024
2,5 ⭐️
Heel jammer vervolg op het eerste boek. Gwendolynn was niet meer te herkennen, was alleen maar uit op wraak. Eerste deel was nog wel leuk, maar daarna werd het zooo saai. Jammer, want het eerste boek van deze serie was echt goed!
Heel jammer vervolg op het eerste boek. Gwendolynn was niet meer te herkennen, was alleen maar uit op wraak. Eerste deel was nog wel leuk, maar daarna werd het zooo saai. Jammer, want het eerste boek van deze serie was echt goed!
June 10, 2018
dit is precies wat ik zoek in een thriller: spanning, sensatie, ontploffingen en onverwachte wendingen. zalig, zalig, zalig
October 6, 2018
Really exciting & intense. Would make a great tv series or movie. I hope there is a part 3.
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