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The Dominion Trilogy #2
The Final Trade
The thrilling sequel to the runaway bestseller The Last Girl.
Zoey is not the woman she once was. She’s watched her friends die at the hands of their captors, been hunted, and returned from the brink of death. Now she must find the truth about who she is.
In search of the family she never knew, Zoey learns of personal records stored in an Idaho missile silo that may contain the information she and the other women seek. With the help of her group of newfound friends, Zoey travels to the missile facility, but among the records, they uncover information that leads to an insidious and horrific new foe: the Fae Trade, a macabre carnival of slavery and pain.
Zoey’s journey into the darkest parts of the human psyche brings her perilously close to the ever-thinning line between good and evil, and the final cost in her quest for justice might be her own humanity.
Zoey is not the woman she once was. She’s watched her friends die at the hands of their captors, been hunted, and returned from the brink of death. Now she must find the truth about who she is.
In search of the family she never knew, Zoey learns of personal records stored in an Idaho missile silo that may contain the information she and the other women seek. With the help of her group of newfound friends, Zoey travels to the missile facility, but among the records, they uncover information that leads to an insidious and horrific new foe: the Fae Trade, a macabre carnival of slavery and pain.
Zoey’s journey into the darkest parts of the human psyche brings her perilously close to the ever-thinning line between good and evil, and the final cost in her quest for justice might be her own humanity.
339 pages, Paperback
First published September 13, 2016
1597 people are currently reading
3040 people want to read
About the author
Joe Hart
52 books1,376 followersJoe Hart is the Edgar Award-winning and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of seventeen novels including The River Is Dark, Obscura, The Last Girl, and Or Else. His work has been optioned for film and translated into eight languages. He lives with his family in Minnesota.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 349 reviews
June 11, 2019
4 Stars!
🌟🌟🌟🌟
Zoey is not the girl she once was. She’s watched too many of her friends die at the hands of their captors, been hunted, and returned from the brink of death. Now she is on a journey to find the truth about who she is.
In search of the family she never knew, Zoey learns of personal records in another facility. Zoey and her new friends travel to the missile facility, but among the records, they uncover information that leads to a new foe: the Fae Trade, a carnival of slavery and pain.
Zoey’s journey into the darkest parts of a humans mind- brings her close to the line between good and evil, and the final cost in her quest for justice might be her own humanity.
This second book was so much better than book 1! There was action and a steady moving pace. There were a few twists, and it was a lot of fun to read. Zoey still jumps the gun on most decisions and shes always finding trouble.
This time Zoey finds the Fae Trade. A gruesome carnival where men fight to the death to claim one of the remaining women that have been collected. There are new characters introduced. Some you love and some you love to hate.
Overall I think everything I had issues with in the first book, were redeemed in this one! This is a pretty good series so far and looking forward to The Last City!
🌟🌟🌟🌟
Zoey is not the girl she once was. She’s watched too many of her friends die at the hands of their captors, been hunted, and returned from the brink of death. Now she is on a journey to find the truth about who she is.
In search of the family she never knew, Zoey learns of personal records in another facility. Zoey and her new friends travel to the missile facility, but among the records, they uncover information that leads to a new foe: the Fae Trade, a carnival of slavery and pain.
Zoey’s journey into the darkest parts of a humans mind- brings her close to the line between good and evil, and the final cost in her quest for justice might be her own humanity.
This second book was so much better than book 1! There was action and a steady moving pace. There were a few twists, and it was a lot of fun to read. Zoey still jumps the gun on most decisions and shes always finding trouble.
This time Zoey finds the Fae Trade. A gruesome carnival where men fight to the death to claim one of the remaining women that have been collected. There are new characters introduced. Some you love and some you love to hate.
Overall I think everything I had issues with in the first book, were redeemed in this one! This is a pretty good series so far and looking forward to The Last City!
February 24, 2021
Book two in a dystopian trilogy where females are few.
This book follows on directly from book one and like the first book I feel disconnected from the characters. The series is action packed enough that character depth isn't a huge issue however the author has gone to great lengths to provide the readers with a really diverse cast so it feels a shame that all the characters feel so flat.
This one ends on a cliff hanger so I will read the last book. I'm a bit meh either way but I've come this far so I will see how it all wraps up.
Two stars, it's OK, I'm just not really connecting with it and I think over time it's not going to be particularly memorable for me.
This book follows on directly from book one and like the first book I feel disconnected from the characters. The series is action packed enough that character depth isn't a huge issue however the author has gone to great lengths to provide the readers with a really diverse cast so it feels a shame that all the characters feel so flat.
This one ends on a cliff hanger so I will read the last book. I'm a bit meh either way but I've come this far so I will see how it all wraps up.
Two stars, it's OK, I'm just not really connecting with it and I think over time it's not going to be particularly memorable for me.
June 6, 2018
Non voglio entrare troppo nella trama essendo questo il secondo volume perché se decidete di leggere questa trilogia non voglio rovinarvi la lettura.
The Last Girl 2 si concentra sulla Fiera delle Fate: uno spettacolo dai contorni macabri in cui gli uomini che vi partecipano si scontrano in una lotta all’ultima sangue per vincere una delle rare donne rimaste a popolare il mondo, ridotte a schiave da una coppia spregevole.
Rispetto al primo volume Zoey, la protagonista, è indubbiamente cresciuta, ma allo stesso tempo sembra regredita: è più debole, più lacerata moralmente, e spesso sembra faticare nella scelta tra bene e male pur di ottenere giustizia e farla pagare a chiunque se lo meriti. Mi è dispiaciuto vedere questo cambiamento, anche se al tempo stesso la trova una trasformazione necessaria e dovuta considerando cos’ha passato e cosa continua a passare Zoey.
Se nel primo libro provavo un costante senso di ansia e di agitazione, in questo secondo volume sono riuscita a stare più tranquilla. Queste emozioni ansiogene erano presenti solo in determinati momenti (con una frequenza comunque molto assidua), ma non costanti come nel primo volume.
A parte questo, anche Lo spettacolo finale mi è piaciuto veramente molto. Si tratta di una distopia che cattura il lettore e lo tiene incollato alle pagine, infatti come nel libro precedente, anche in questo caso ho divorato quasi 400 pagine di libro in 3-4 giorni al massimo. Assolutamente consigliato per gli amanti del genere.
The Last Girl 2 si concentra sulla Fiera delle Fate: uno spettacolo dai contorni macabri in cui gli uomini che vi partecipano si scontrano in una lotta all’ultima sangue per vincere una delle rare donne rimaste a popolare il mondo, ridotte a schiave da una coppia spregevole.
Rispetto al primo volume Zoey, la protagonista, è indubbiamente cresciuta, ma allo stesso tempo sembra regredita: è più debole, più lacerata moralmente, e spesso sembra faticare nella scelta tra bene e male pur di ottenere giustizia e farla pagare a chiunque se lo meriti. Mi è dispiaciuto vedere questo cambiamento, anche se al tempo stesso la trova una trasformazione necessaria e dovuta considerando cos’ha passato e cosa continua a passare Zoey.
Se nel primo libro provavo un costante senso di ansia e di agitazione, in questo secondo volume sono riuscita a stare più tranquilla. Queste emozioni ansiogene erano presenti solo in determinati momenti (con una frequenza comunque molto assidua), ma non costanti come nel primo volume.
A parte questo, anche Lo spettacolo finale mi è piaciuto veramente molto. Si tratta di una distopia che cattura il lettore e lo tiene incollato alle pagine, infatti come nel libro precedente, anche in questo caso ho divorato quasi 400 pagine di libro in 3-4 giorni al massimo. Assolutamente consigliato per gli amanti del genere.
March 23, 2021
Hala klişe ama yine akıcı. Ancak Zoey'ye git gide daha çok sinir oluyorum. Mini Rambo tavırları ve sürekli vicdan muhasebeleri biraz sıktı 🙄
March 30, 2017
Finished reading: August 28th 2016
“You can't keep bearing all the weight. In the end, if you try to save everyone you'll only lose yourself.”
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
February 8, 2021
Attenzione spoiler primo libro, 4⭐
"Lo spettacolo finale" è il secondo volume della trilogia distopica di The last girl, una serie che mi sta sorprendendo sempre di più.
Ho adorato questo secondo volume, che ho preferito al primo, in quanto mi è sembrato meno lento. Infatti l'ho letto in pochissimo tempo, perché lo stile di scrittura è diventato ancora più scorrevole, mantenendo però tutta la brutalità del primo. L'autore dipinge ancora una volta un mondo maschilista, fatto di violenza, sangue e morte, in cui la figura della donna non conta quasi nulla se non come piacere sessuale. La brutalità di certe scene è così forte che ci si deve fermare alcuni momenti per riflettere.
Ritroviamo Zoey quattro mesi dopo, finalmente libera dal controllo del Complesso di Ricerca Avanzata in cui era prigioniera, grazie all'aiuto dei suoi nuovi amici: Merrill, Chelsea, Ian, Tia, Eli e Newton.
Lei, Sherell e Rita, però, sono le uniche ragazze ad essere sopravvissute. Zoey ha dovuto seguire un percorso di guarigione a causa della paralisi alle gambe, riprendendosi fisicamente, ma non del tutto psicologicamente, perché Lee, il figlio del suo custode al Complesso, l'ha lasciata andando via, e Zoey si sente triste e sola.
La trama parte fin da subito con un concentrato di azione e adrenalina.
Ho amato il percorso di Zoey, è come sempre una protagonista forte, determinata ed impulsiva, ma che si lascia comunque abbattere da quello che le succede, perché la segna psicologicamente. È un personaggio distruttivo e autodistruttivo, fa di tutto per salvare i propri amici o per abbattere gli ostacoli che si trova davanti, facendo del male anche a sé stessa, ed è un elemento che ho apprezzato tantissimo perché ormai non ha più nulla da perdere. Troviamo la lotta interna per la sua umanità, per il bene e il male che sente dentro di sé a causa delle terribili azioni che compie.
Vuole ritrovare le sue radici, conoscere la sua identità, ma per farlo dovrà intraprendere un viaggio, il cui ostacolo sarà rappresentato dalla Fiera delle Fate, un terribile circo in cui gli uomini combattono fino alla morte per il possesso delle donne, idea che ho trovato geniale, violenta e ben costruita. Il suo percorso si intreccerà con quello di un'altra donna, Wen, schiava del circo da anni, ed un'altra donna determinata a combattere per la sua libertà fino alla fine.
Non tutti i personaggi secondari sono caratterizzati bene, perché sono tanti e la trama si concentra molto di più sull'azione, (questo è uno dei pochi difetti del romanzo) anche se comunque quelli che ci sono si riescono quasi sempre a distinguere nelle battute e le azioni. Inoltre c'è anche inclusività di personaggi lgbt e disabili, e le poche donne sono tutte agguerrite.
Mi piace molto il rapporto che si è instaurato tra Zoey e Ian, che ormai le fa da padre/nonno e si premura sempre per lei, alcune interazioni mi hanno anche commosso.
Il finale è stato una scarica di adrenalina e rivelazioni, di cui una avevo già intuito nel primo libro, ma l'altra non me l'aspettavo proprio. Poi dopo questo cliffhanger ho solo voglia di fiondarmi sul seguito per sapere come si concluderà la storia di Zoey. Comunque consiglio particolarmente questa saga a chi ha amato Maze runner, perché ritroverete quelle atmosfere di violenza e desolazione che tanto avevo amato.
"Lo spettacolo finale" è il secondo volume della trilogia distopica di The last girl, una serie che mi sta sorprendendo sempre di più.
Ho adorato questo secondo volume, che ho preferito al primo, in quanto mi è sembrato meno lento. Infatti l'ho letto in pochissimo tempo, perché lo stile di scrittura è diventato ancora più scorrevole, mantenendo però tutta la brutalità del primo. L'autore dipinge ancora una volta un mondo maschilista, fatto di violenza, sangue e morte, in cui la figura della donna non conta quasi nulla se non come piacere sessuale. La brutalità di certe scene è così forte che ci si deve fermare alcuni momenti per riflettere.
Ritroviamo Zoey quattro mesi dopo, finalmente libera dal controllo del Complesso di Ricerca Avanzata in cui era prigioniera, grazie all'aiuto dei suoi nuovi amici: Merrill, Chelsea, Ian, Tia, Eli e Newton.
Lei, Sherell e Rita, però, sono le uniche ragazze ad essere sopravvissute. Zoey ha dovuto seguire un percorso di guarigione a causa della paralisi alle gambe, riprendendosi fisicamente, ma non del tutto psicologicamente, perché Lee, il figlio del suo custode al Complesso, l'ha lasciata andando via, e Zoey si sente triste e sola.
La trama parte fin da subito con un concentrato di azione e adrenalina.
Ho amato il percorso di Zoey, è come sempre una protagonista forte, determinata ed impulsiva, ma che si lascia comunque abbattere da quello che le succede, perché la segna psicologicamente. È un personaggio distruttivo e autodistruttivo, fa di tutto per salvare i propri amici o per abbattere gli ostacoli che si trova davanti, facendo del male anche a sé stessa, ed è un elemento che ho apprezzato tantissimo perché ormai non ha più nulla da perdere. Troviamo la lotta interna per la sua umanità, per il bene e il male che sente dentro di sé a causa delle terribili azioni che compie.
Vuole ritrovare le sue radici, conoscere la sua identità, ma per farlo dovrà intraprendere un viaggio, il cui ostacolo sarà rappresentato dalla Fiera delle Fate, un terribile circo in cui gli uomini combattono fino alla morte per il possesso delle donne, idea che ho trovato geniale, violenta e ben costruita. Il suo percorso si intreccerà con quello di un'altra donna, Wen, schiava del circo da anni, ed un'altra donna determinata a combattere per la sua libertà fino alla fine.
Non tutti i personaggi secondari sono caratterizzati bene, perché sono tanti e la trama si concentra molto di più sull'azione, (questo è uno dei pochi difetti del romanzo) anche se comunque quelli che ci sono si riescono quasi sempre a distinguere nelle battute e le azioni. Inoltre c'è anche inclusività di personaggi lgbt e disabili, e le poche donne sono tutte agguerrite.
Mi piace molto il rapporto che si è instaurato tra Zoey e Ian, che ormai le fa da padre/nonno e si premura sempre per lei, alcune interazioni mi hanno anche commosso.
Il finale è stato una scarica di adrenalina e rivelazioni, di cui una avevo già intuito nel primo libro, ma l'altra non me l'aspettavo proprio. Poi dopo questo cliffhanger ho solo voglia di fiondarmi sul seguito per sapere come si concluderà la storia di Zoey. Comunque consiglio particolarmente questa saga a chi ha amato Maze runner, perché ritroverete quelle atmosfere di violenza e desolazione che tanto avevo amato.
March 25, 2017
The best indication I can give of Book 1 in this series, is that I've bought Book 2 to keep going with Zoey's story.
Altho both are 3.5 star reads, this is writing with great pace and the books are a whole lot of good entertainment and fun, if getting a tad gory.
This time Zoey isn't on the run so much as 'on the attack'. She's got the Fae Trade in her sights and they should be scared, really scared.
Zoey is also finding herself in a big black spot, and losing her empathy, 'humanity' in many respects as her thoughts increasingly turn to vengeance and revenge against men (pretty much) everywhere and against those in the ARC.
In the first book I had problems with the leap of faith required to believe that Zoey, raised in the confines of the ARC, could suddenly turn killer and pull off all the amazing feats she manages to pull off in order to escape, and stay hidden.
This time because of what happened in Book 1, it's easier to believe Zoey has the attributes to do the things she does.
I'll read Book 3, because there's a really good cliffhanger at the end of this book - and I want to see what happens next.
Altho both are 3.5 star reads, this is writing with great pace and the books are a whole lot of good entertainment and fun, if getting a tad gory.
This time Zoey isn't on the run so much as 'on the attack'. She's got the Fae Trade in her sights and they should be scared, really scared.
Zoey is also finding herself in a big black spot, and losing her empathy, 'humanity' in many respects as her thoughts increasingly turn to vengeance and revenge against men (pretty much) everywhere and against those in the ARC.
In the first book I had problems with the leap of faith required to believe that Zoey, raised in the confines of the ARC, could suddenly turn killer and pull off all the amazing feats she manages to pull off in order to escape, and stay hidden.
This time because of what happened in Book 1, it's easier to believe Zoey has the attributes to do the things she does.
I'll read Book 3, because there's a really good cliffhanger at the end of this book - and I want to see what happens next.
October 18, 2016
Completely different than I expected after reading the first in this trilogy. That's probably a good thing, but still, I didn't exactly get what I wanted out of this one. While I feel like this book was better-written than the first one, and exciting and enjoyable to read, with interesting new characters added, it wasn't nearly as gripping as the first one. Something about that scenario really got to me. Also, I really wanted to get to know those characters in more detail and I didn't feel like I did (or at least not to the extent I wanted)--instead, I got some new characters and a new plot-line. Now, all that's actually a good thing for a second book: better writing, overall story becoming more complex, new characters. So I feel like my slight disappointment is for all the wrong reasons. Anyway, I will for sure be looking for the third in this series. Recommended!
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me a free ARC of this book.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me a free ARC of this book.
April 9, 2018
I can't stress this enough, Zoey was a kick ass character. I became more attached to her in this book than the previous one. I loved how her story arc continued to become more complex as she learns to live outside the confines of the arc from The Last Girl. Joe Hart had me screaming for more as I finished the last chapter. How could you leave us hanging like that, Joe! Yes, yes, I know, a good cliffhanger is required to keep me wanting more, but seriously, I wanted to close this book and open the next. Sadly, the wait will be torturous for me.
June 19, 2022
Very good..second in a series
June 28, 2018
Di solito non apprezzo molto i secondi volumi di una serie perchè mi sembrano esser dei fill-in in attesa del botto finale.
Ecco, "Lo spettacolo finale" non lo è, anzi!
La narrazione riprende qualche tempo dopo il finale del primo libro e, senza scender troppo nei dettagli, si concentra stavolta sulla terribile Fiera delle Fate, circo ambulante che commercia le donne.
È ancora Zoey la protagonista e potrebbe diventare una delle mie protagoniste preferite di sempre. Se, infatti, inizialmente è forte, combattiva e determinata, adesso ha mantenuto queste caratteristiche tranne una: la forza.
La crescita di Zoey rispetto all'inizio è palpabile, viene caratterizzata sempre meglio con tutti i suoi angoli luminosi e bui. Ma ciò che è stata costretta a fare inevitabilmente le ha lasciato un segno nell'anima e, se mantiene la caparbietà nel portare a termine il suo piano, è però moralmente devastata. Anche se è stato doloroso leggere di come non sempre riuscisse a scegliere con facilità fra bene e male, questo me l'ha fatta piacere sempre di più. Zoey è umana e, in quanto tale, non sempre fa le scelte giuste. Sbaglia, si pente, si rialza.
Pur essendo una badass, non è una eroina nel senso classico del termine, anzi, la definirei antieroe.
Come nel primo volume, la storia va avanti in modo pazzesco con colpi di scena che fanno trattenere il fiato ed azioni crude, spesso cruente.
L'azione si divide fra la voglia di scoprire le proprie origini e la determinazione nel distruggere la Fiera, circo in cui gli uomini combattono per il POSSESSO delle donne.
Non è un distopico facile da leggere. Lo stile è scorrevole, gli eventi mi hanno catturata fin da subito,ma determinate scene di soprusi e violenze sono difficili da digerire.
Nonostante questo le mie mani sono rimaste incollate alle pagine finchè non l'ho finito e lo consiglio davvero a chiunque ami le distopie.
Ecco, "Lo spettacolo finale" non lo è, anzi!
La narrazione riprende qualche tempo dopo il finale del primo libro e, senza scender troppo nei dettagli, si concentra stavolta sulla terribile Fiera delle Fate, circo ambulante che commercia le donne.
È ancora Zoey la protagonista e potrebbe diventare una delle mie protagoniste preferite di sempre. Se, infatti, inizialmente è forte, combattiva e determinata, adesso ha mantenuto queste caratteristiche tranne una: la forza.
La crescita di Zoey rispetto all'inizio è palpabile, viene caratterizzata sempre meglio con tutti i suoi angoli luminosi e bui. Ma ciò che è stata costretta a fare inevitabilmente le ha lasciato un segno nell'anima e, se mantiene la caparbietà nel portare a termine il suo piano, è però moralmente devastata. Anche se è stato doloroso leggere di come non sempre riuscisse a scegliere con facilità fra bene e male, questo me l'ha fatta piacere sempre di più. Zoey è umana e, in quanto tale, non sempre fa le scelte giuste. Sbaglia, si pente, si rialza.
Pur essendo una badass, non è una eroina nel senso classico del termine, anzi, la definirei antieroe.
Come nel primo volume, la storia va avanti in modo pazzesco con colpi di scena che fanno trattenere il fiato ed azioni crude, spesso cruente.
L'azione si divide fra la voglia di scoprire le proprie origini e la determinazione nel distruggere la Fiera, circo in cui gli uomini combattono per il POSSESSO delle donne.
Non è un distopico facile da leggere. Lo stile è scorrevole, gli eventi mi hanno catturata fin da subito,ma determinate scene di soprusi e violenze sono difficili da digerire.
Nonostante questo le mie mani sono rimaste incollate alle pagine finchè non l'ho finito e lo consiglio davvero a chiunque ami le distopie.
July 3, 2018
Il confine fra il bene e il male siamo noi. Perciò è quello che abbiamo dentro a fare la differenza.
La mia recensione completa la trovate qui...
https://leggeredistopico.wordpress.co...
La mia recensione completa la trovate qui...
https://leggeredistopico.wordpress.co...
August 29, 2016
INITIAL THOUGHTS
Wow, is the quote at the beginning is a hint of what is to come, then this one is set to be an action packed, great seeing book! Looking forward to catching up with Zoey. Will she find out about herself? family? history?"
THOUGHTS WHILST READING
18% Will Zoey, etc find the information they yearn for at 'Riverbend?"
33% Who is Zoey? Who/what is/was her heritage? Will she ever learn the truth
61% Enjoying following the old favourite character Zoey, as well as the newly introduced character of Wen.....looking forward to seeing the strong female characters meeting up at some point. I also really want to learn about Zoey's origins and heritage, as well as hoping to learn about Wen's past before she ended up where she is stuck right now."
REVIEW
I downloaded an e-copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
The cover of this book is dominated by the tent like structure in the middle of it that we learn is the Fae Trade "circus". The tents of the Fae Trade are in the middle of a wasteland, isolated to prevent women attempting to escape, but also so the owners can keep control of the whole area. The Fae-Trade travels around stopping nearby to the larger settlements to enable men to travel to it easily yet far enough away so they can control the whole area. Would the cover make me pick this one up from a book store shelf? It's difficult to answer this question totally unbiased by the content of the book, but putting aside the fact I had already read The Last Girl, I truly think I would. I would want to know who the tents belonged to, and why they were in such an isolated looking place, so Yes!
At the beginning of this book we get a glimpse into the past, set even before book one. We read/see a scene where a mother and father are running from danger with their baby daughter. The woman stumbles and is helped by the man. the ground they run on is wet and muddy, bullets are shooting all around and at them. They manage to hide in a derelict building, but they have only a knife as a weapon. Both parents look down at the baby, promising her they will keep her safe.
Then the book jumps to the "present day" with Zoey chasing a possible spy, her legs feel as strong as ever as she follows the male spy. He is shot by one of the other chasing him and he falls down onto a ledge. Zoey makes the dangerous leap down onto the ledge to torture the information she wants from the spy. Zoey finds out that the man comes from a town called Hellings, and he has been out looking for females. The man reveals that he hasn't found any females saying that between the NOA, and The Fae Trade there are none to be found anymore. Zoey also learns that some of the NOA records are kept at the nearby Riverbend Missile station where the man is from. Naturally Zoey, and the two other women she helped to escape want to know where they came from and who their parents are/were.
It's a trip that carries a lot of danger, as female's are still a rarity to be sold to the highest bidder be it the NOA or the Fae Trade.
We also meet a new character and follow her story in this book too. Her name is Wen and she is travelling along with the Fae Trade, though she is considered lucky as she is not to be sold, she has been singled out as a cook. The Prestons who own the Fae Trade treat her as little more than a slave, who cooks all the meals, and brings their meal to them everyday. They even make Wen sample the a little from each meal to prove she is not trying to poison them. Which is quite ironic as she has teamed up with a guard and a "scout" (who searches for females and/or any supplies that may be useful in the are) to put together a plan of escape which involves obtaining an unusual tasteless poison.
I don't want to say much more about the plot, there's so much I want to say but am determined not to give spoilers. I will say if you really enjoyed book one then this one is easily as good, there's loads of action and danger, it delves into the backgrounds of the young women that have escaped more too. We also learn what other females have suffered that were not chosen by the NOA for their breeding/reproduction experiments, or that were given or sold on after the NOA had already used them up and were considered "too old" for their experiments anymore. These women are either sold to the Fae Trade or try to go it alone but don't normally last long until they are picked up by gangs of men and are used and abused. Though the women at the Fae Trade also end up being used and abused. The Fae Trade take bids from men who wish to buy a particular women, and due to women being so rare there is always a large supply of buyers for them. Then the Fae Trade take the bids from the men, and the men then have to fight for the women. The fights are to the death and until only one man is standing and then he gets the women! Barbaric! is the word that comes to mind, but strangely this behaviour does come across as feasible and the concept and apocalyptic society that Joe Hart creates really does make you sit and think. This is one of those books that stays with you for quite a while after reading it. It's certainly thought provoking.
I've really grown attached to the characters in this book. The way the men are trying their best to protect all women they come across not just those within their own little community.
Zoey becomes more and more distraught and does things she think will make her new found friends/family will hate her, but they don't hate her. They understand her and agree to help her on her quests that she feels she has to take on even in the face of death. It's not all sad in this book there is some happier news. . . .but then there's the big shock, ending. . . .favourite characters being ...hurt!. . . possibly mortally wounded as well as the NOA rearing it's ugly head again. It seem's they may not have taken everything they wanted from Zoey after all.
So did I enjoy the book? I felt like I devoured it! I really hated having to put this book down! Would I recommend the book? Yes, if you love the post apocalyptic fiction/dystopian genres this is a must read. I'd go so far as to say adults would read this even though it has a YA label on Goodreads. I enjoyed it as much as Sophie Littlefield's Aftertime Series which is classified as adult fiction. Would I want to read another book in this series? Oh yes! I'd read it right now if it was available. It'll be sad to read as it will be the last book, as this series is a trilogy. Would I read other titles by this author? I will be taking a look at any other books by this author, though it would depend on genre and the individual book.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Honestly my immediate thoughts upon finishing the book were . . .Oh Noooo! What an ending......possible favourite characters in major peril cliff hanger! How could you do that Joe Hart! Please tell me how long do I have to wait to read the next book???
Wow, is the quote at the beginning is a hint of what is to come, then this one is set to be an action packed, great seeing book! Looking forward to catching up with Zoey. Will she find out about herself? family? history?"
THOUGHTS WHILST READING
18% Will Zoey, etc find the information they yearn for at 'Riverbend?"
33% Who is Zoey? Who/what is/was her heritage? Will she ever learn the truth
61% Enjoying following the old favourite character Zoey, as well as the newly introduced character of Wen.....looking forward to seeing the strong female characters meeting up at some point. I also really want to learn about Zoey's origins and heritage, as well as hoping to learn about Wen's past before she ended up where she is stuck right now."
REVIEW
I downloaded an e-copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
The cover of this book is dominated by the tent like structure in the middle of it that we learn is the Fae Trade "circus". The tents of the Fae Trade are in the middle of a wasteland, isolated to prevent women attempting to escape, but also so the owners can keep control of the whole area. The Fae-Trade travels around stopping nearby to the larger settlements to enable men to travel to it easily yet far enough away so they can control the whole area. Would the cover make me pick this one up from a book store shelf? It's difficult to answer this question totally unbiased by the content of the book, but putting aside the fact I had already read The Last Girl, I truly think I would. I would want to know who the tents belonged to, and why they were in such an isolated looking place, so Yes!
At the beginning of this book we get a glimpse into the past, set even before book one. We read/see a scene where a mother and father are running from danger with their baby daughter. The woman stumbles and is helped by the man. the ground they run on is wet and muddy, bullets are shooting all around and at them. They manage to hide in a derelict building, but they have only a knife as a weapon. Both parents look down at the baby, promising her they will keep her safe.
Then the book jumps to the "present day" with Zoey chasing a possible spy, her legs feel as strong as ever as she follows the male spy. He is shot by one of the other chasing him and he falls down onto a ledge. Zoey makes the dangerous leap down onto the ledge to torture the information she wants from the spy. Zoey finds out that the man comes from a town called Hellings, and he has been out looking for females. The man reveals that he hasn't found any females saying that between the NOA, and The Fae Trade there are none to be found anymore. Zoey also learns that some of the NOA records are kept at the nearby Riverbend Missile station where the man is from. Naturally Zoey, and the two other women she helped to escape want to know where they came from and who their parents are/were.
It's a trip that carries a lot of danger, as female's are still a rarity to be sold to the highest bidder be it the NOA or the Fae Trade.
We also meet a new character and follow her story in this book too. Her name is Wen and she is travelling along with the Fae Trade, though she is considered lucky as she is not to be sold, she has been singled out as a cook. The Prestons who own the Fae Trade treat her as little more than a slave, who cooks all the meals, and brings their meal to them everyday. They even make Wen sample the a little from each meal to prove she is not trying to poison them. Which is quite ironic as she has teamed up with a guard and a "scout" (who searches for females and/or any supplies that may be useful in the are) to put together a plan of escape which involves obtaining an unusual tasteless poison.
I don't want to say much more about the plot, there's so much I want to say but am determined not to give spoilers. I will say if you really enjoyed book one then this one is easily as good, there's loads of action and danger, it delves into the backgrounds of the young women that have escaped more too. We also learn what other females have suffered that were not chosen by the NOA for their breeding/reproduction experiments, or that were given or sold on after the NOA had already used them up and were considered "too old" for their experiments anymore. These women are either sold to the Fae Trade or try to go it alone but don't normally last long until they are picked up by gangs of men and are used and abused. Though the women at the Fae Trade also end up being used and abused. The Fae Trade take bids from men who wish to buy a particular women, and due to women being so rare there is always a large supply of buyers for them. Then the Fae Trade take the bids from the men, and the men then have to fight for the women. The fights are to the death and until only one man is standing and then he gets the women! Barbaric! is the word that comes to mind, but strangely this behaviour does come across as feasible and the concept and apocalyptic society that Joe Hart creates really does make you sit and think. This is one of those books that stays with you for quite a while after reading it. It's certainly thought provoking.
I've really grown attached to the characters in this book. The way the men are trying their best to protect all women they come across not just those within their own little community.
Zoey becomes more and more distraught and does things she think will make her new found friends/family will hate her, but they don't hate her. They understand her and agree to help her on her quests that she feels she has to take on even in the face of death. It's not all sad in this book there is some happier news. . . .but then there's the big shock, ending. . . .favourite characters being ...hurt!. . . possibly mortally wounded as well as the NOA rearing it's ugly head again. It seem's they may not have taken everything they wanted from Zoey after all.
So did I enjoy the book? I felt like I devoured it! I really hated having to put this book down! Would I recommend the book? Yes, if you love the post apocalyptic fiction/dystopian genres this is a must read. I'd go so far as to say adults would read this even though it has a YA label on Goodreads. I enjoyed it as much as Sophie Littlefield's Aftertime Series which is classified as adult fiction. Would I want to read another book in this series? Oh yes! I'd read it right now if it was available. It'll be sad to read as it will be the last book, as this series is a trilogy. Would I read other titles by this author? I will be taking a look at any other books by this author, though it would depend on genre and the individual book.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Honestly my immediate thoughts upon finishing the book were . . .Oh Noooo! What an ending......possible favourite characters in major peril cliff hanger! How could you do that Joe Hart! Please tell me how long do I have to wait to read the next book???
July 9, 2019
This book was such a pleasant surprise. After The Last Girl's slow (and rather unoriginal) start, The Final Trade delved into the deepest recesses of the human race. My favorite books are about isolation and the monsters within - and this book had so much of both. Between the depravity of the Fae Trade to the desperate lengths main character Zoey must go to in order to feel safe, to enact justice, to get bloody, violent revenge... This book is violent and raw and emotional. It deals with obsession and revenge and found family and the last line between hero and villain. I picked this series up because the covers are gorgeous, but man, I stayed for Zoey: a gritty, angry, desperate woman who makes every hard decision at the cost of her own humanity.
February 15, 2021
Questo libro mi è piaciuto molto di più del secondo e ho l'impressione che il terzo mi piacerà allo stesso modo.
Credo che Zoey si possa definire un personaggio grigio, un po' come Kaz Brekker. Non è il mio personaggio preferito (in questo è Merrill il mio preferito) ma la capisco, capisco le sue ragioni e le sue emozioni.
Il finale pazzesco, mi aspettavo certi eventi e invece BUM! Tutt'altro. Mi è piaciuto non avere ragione (strano!). Ora mi tocca aspettare un mese per il prossimo, mannaggia.
Credo che Zoey si possa definire un personaggio grigio, un po' come Kaz Brekker. Non è il mio personaggio preferito (in questo è Merrill il mio preferito) ma la capisco, capisco le sue ragioni e le sue emozioni.
Il finale pazzesco, mi aspettavo certi eventi e invece BUM! Tutt'altro. Mi è piaciuto non avere ragione (strano!). Ora mi tocca aspettare un mese per il prossimo, mannaggia.
December 23, 2019
I fairly enjoyed this book and would 100% say it was better than the first. It actually wasn't very predictable, which I loved, and there were many plot twists around every corner. There were still some parts of the book in which I felt it was just dragging along. But most of it I really liked and I would definitely recommend this series to anybody else looking to read something different and thrilling.
April 28, 2018
The writing still sucks i dont blame the author. Was probably the editing team. How does a story so epic. fail, at the same time?!? The mind boggles. 😧😞
Damn i love chicks who can kick some serious ass. Zoey can be scary Af when she wants to be.
Yup defo seen the feels going Defcon 5 thru 1 😢😭
Damn i love chicks who can kick some serious ass. Zoey can be scary Af when she wants to be.
Yup defo seen the feels going Defcon 5 thru 1 😢😭
May 26, 2017
By the middle of this book, I was wishing I had not started the trilogy. I liked the first book, liked the premise, liked strong, brave Zoey. In this book, there were times I did not feel the author fully justified Zoey's seriously bad judgement, and reckless endangerment of her "family." I suppose he felt the end, which was dramatic and frankly, not credible, justified the means. The final trade refers to human trafficking, which was conducted with callous brutality.
August 19, 2017
Can't wait for them to make a movie of this!
For those of you who hated the Handmaiden's Tale but loved the premise this is the series for you. Love love love these books!
For those of you who hated the Handmaiden's Tale but loved the premise this is the series for you. Love love love these books!
August 10, 2019
Ok, I'm hooked good now. Need to know what happens next.
April 12, 2017
*Source* Netgalley
*Genre* Science Fiction/Dystopia
*Rating* 3.5
*My Thoughts*
“Sometimes the smartest decision is the last one you want to make.”
The Final Trade, by author Joe Hart, is the second installment in the authors The Dominion Trilogy. The story takes place (6) months after the events of The Last Girl. As a summary, this series takes place in a not too distant future. A future that saw a pandemic called "The Dearth" spread world wide. It is now a world where only boy baby's are born, while girl babies are sent to a militaristic
compound run by National Obstetric Alliance, or worse. It is a world where women are a valuable commodity to be sought out, traded for, or sold into slavery.
*Full Review Posting @ Gizmos Reviews
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Genre* Science Fiction/Dystopia
*Rating* 3.5
*My Thoughts*
“Sometimes the smartest decision is the last one you want to make.”
The Final Trade, by author Joe Hart, is the second installment in the authors The Dominion Trilogy. The story takes place (6) months after the events of The Last Girl. As a summary, this series takes place in a not too distant future. A future that saw a pandemic called "The Dearth" spread world wide. It is now a world where only boy baby's are born, while girl babies are sent to a militaristic
compound run by National Obstetric Alliance, or worse. It is a world where women are a valuable commodity to be sought out, traded for, or sold into slavery.
*Full Review Posting @ Gizmos Reviews
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
January 17, 2018
3.5 - It's always a pleasant surprise when the second book in a series is better than the first.
November 24, 2019
3,5
Avvincente come il primo libro, anche se in qualche momento risulta essere più statico rispetto al precedente. Va bene anche così, perché non per forza si deve passare da una battaglia all'altra. Ho trovato invece un po' più problematica Zoey. Già nel primo volume aveva la sindrome da tipica eroina young adult, ma qui ha un problema serio: le dicono di non fare qualcosa e lei la fa, mettendo in pericolo tutto il suo gruppo. Si comporta come se il peso del mondo fosse tutto sulle sue spalle. Dopo un po' la cosa diviene insopportabile ma dubito che con il volume finale migliori.
Avvincente come il primo libro, anche se in qualche momento risulta essere più statico rispetto al precedente. Va bene anche così, perché non per forza si deve passare da una battaglia all'altra. Ho trovato invece un po' più problematica Zoey. Già nel primo volume aveva la sindrome da tipica eroina young adult, ma qui ha un problema serio: le dicono di non fare qualcosa e lei la fa, mettendo in pericolo tutto il suo gruppo. Si comporta come se il peso del mondo fosse tutto sulle sue spalle. Dopo un po' la cosa diviene insopportabile ma dubito che con il volume finale migliori.
December 28, 2016
I reviewed my own personal Kindle Unlimited copy of this book through Wicked Reads.
Another great read for me!
I was hooked in book one and was not let down by book two! Zoey's story continues with new characters, more action, and new twists.
Being in the "real world" has changed and hardened Zoey. She has been through a lot and lost more than she ever thought possible. While she has dealt with all of this, she has channeled all of her pain into determination, and she has become stronger in both mind and body. Zoey knows what she wants, but getting it is nearly impossible and may come at a higher price than she is willing to pay.
As she digs deeper into the past, she discovers things about the world and herself that have her worried that she may be a bit hypocritical when judging others, and it creates a ton of emotional turmoil for her sort through in the midst of all that is going on. It tests her and her relationship with all that she holds dear.
Overall, I found this book a bit less well rounded than the first, and a lot darker, but I definitely still enjoyed it. I will warn of a cliffhanger ending that left me reeling and longing for the next book!
I can't wait for book 3!
Another great read for me!
I was hooked in book one and was not let down by book two! Zoey's story continues with new characters, more action, and new twists.
Being in the "real world" has changed and hardened Zoey. She has been through a lot and lost more than she ever thought possible. While she has dealt with all of this, she has channeled all of her pain into determination, and she has become stronger in both mind and body. Zoey knows what she wants, but getting it is nearly impossible and may come at a higher price than she is willing to pay.
As she digs deeper into the past, she discovers things about the world and herself that have her worried that she may be a bit hypocritical when judging others, and it creates a ton of emotional turmoil for her sort through in the midst of all that is going on. It tests her and her relationship with all that she holds dear.
Overall, I found this book a bit less well rounded than the first, and a lot darker, but I definitely still enjoyed it. I will warn of a cliffhanger ending that left me reeling and longing for the next book!
I can't wait for book 3!
September 19, 2016
Please read all of my reviews at http://ultraviolentlit.blogspot.ca!
This is the second novel of the Dominion Trilogy, in which Zoe has escaped the top secret facility that had been holding her captive, and she is doing her best to survive in the outside world. Although she is settling in with her new makeshift family, she is determined to seek out her roots and find her birth parents. Along the way, Zoe and her friends face the darkest corners of humanity, and we learn more about the world following the collapse of civilization.
The Final Trade was more action-packed than the first novel in the series, which made it a faster read. However, it was lacking the psychological layers that were present in the first novel. I didn't enjoy this one quite as much, but I am looking forward to the third and final novel in the trilogy, with the hopes that it ties up all the loose ends Zoe has exposed and delves deeper into the intriguing dystopian issues at play here.
This novel was provided to me by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second novel of the Dominion Trilogy, in which Zoe has escaped the top secret facility that had been holding her captive, and she is doing her best to survive in the outside world. Although she is settling in with her new makeshift family, she is determined to seek out her roots and find her birth parents. Along the way, Zoe and her friends face the darkest corners of humanity, and we learn more about the world following the collapse of civilization.
The Final Trade was more action-packed than the first novel in the series, which made it a faster read. However, it was lacking the psychological layers that were present in the first novel. I didn't enjoy this one quite as much, but I am looking forward to the third and final novel in the trilogy, with the hopes that it ties up all the loose ends Zoe has exposed and delves deeper into the intriguing dystopian issues at play here.
This novel was provided to me by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 6, 2016
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Final Trade is the second installment in The Dominion Trilogy. Readers should read the first installment (The Last Girl) before picking up this one. This book picks up where the first one left off. It continues to follow Zoey as she tries to uncover who she is and get questions answered while she's running from the enemy. New characters are introduced and the world building continues. I really enjoyed Wen and the concept of the Fae Trade (think really twisted traveling circus where men fight to the death over women). I felt like this book was much darker than the first. Parts of it were somewhat disturbing for those who have issue with women being treated poorly. Zoey's story got a little repetitive, but Wen's story kept me interested. Major (somewhat predictable) cliffhanger at the end. Regardless, I'd definitely be interested in reading the final installment.
The Final Trade is the second installment in The Dominion Trilogy. Readers should read the first installment (The Last Girl) before picking up this one. This book picks up where the first one left off. It continues to follow Zoey as she tries to uncover who she is and get questions answered while she's running from the enemy. New characters are introduced and the world building continues. I really enjoyed Wen and the concept of the Fae Trade (think really twisted traveling circus where men fight to the death over women). I felt like this book was much darker than the first. Parts of it were somewhat disturbing for those who have issue with women being treated poorly. Zoey's story got a little repetitive, but Wen's story kept me interested. Major (somewhat predictable) cliffhanger at the end. Regardless, I'd definitely be interested in reading the final installment.
August 24, 2020
Another dark, gritty, and hyper-violent entry into the series. We once again follow Zoey as she brings righteous retribution on a horrible world that we can only hope never comes into fruition in reality.
I'm not sure why, but these books are like a guilty pleasure for me. I hate the world Joe Hart has created (but hate it because he made the world to be hated as it's so full of evil and disgust) and love following Zoey as she utterly annihilates things that stand in her way.
The book is full of good action and a lot of people getting what they deserve. As well, Joe seems to have taken notice of his character's hyper violence at such a young age and made it a plot point in this book. Zoey is feeling guilt and horrified by her own actions (which honestly anyone would) and has to figure out if she is a monster and what to do with that knowledge.
I'm not sure why, but these books are like a guilty pleasure for me. I hate the world Joe Hart has created (but hate it because he made the world to be hated as it's so full of evil and disgust) and love following Zoey as she utterly annihilates things that stand in her way.
The book is full of good action and a lot of people getting what they deserve. As well, Joe seems to have taken notice of his character's hyper violence at such a young age and made it a plot point in this book. Zoey is feeling guilt and horrified by her own actions (which honestly anyone would) and has to figure out if she is a monster and what to do with that knowledge.
September 21, 2016
I received a free ARC of The Final Trade from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
The Final Trade is the second book in this trilogy; it is crucial to read the first book in order for this volume to make any sense. Hart does not rehash events from the first book.
This book is far more violent than the first book. Zoey, the young heroine kills frequently but she has the self-awareness to question her own motives and humanity. In this series women are rare and they serve as a trading commodity. Their lives are full of cruelty, abuse, and rape and Zoey makes it her mission to save as many as possible.
The storyline is interesting and I will read book 3 when it comes out, but I have to admit that Hart's dystopian world is a very ugly one.
The Final Trade is the second book in this trilogy; it is crucial to read the first book in order for this volume to make any sense. Hart does not rehash events from the first book.
This book is far more violent than the first book. Zoey, the young heroine kills frequently but she has the self-awareness to question her own motives and humanity. In this series women are rare and they serve as a trading commodity. Their lives are full of cruelty, abuse, and rape and Zoey makes it her mission to save as many as possible.
The storyline is interesting and I will read book 3 when it comes out, but I have to admit that Hart's dystopian world is a very ugly one.
September 28, 2016
This is an awesome and really fast paced book. It definitely makes the thought of being a woman after the fall of civilization terrifying.
I really liked the way it delved more into the Fae Trade, and it was left on a pretty dramatic cliffhanger, so of course I have to read the next book in the series.
The only real downfall for me was the character that Zoey has evolved to. I feel she can be very selfish at times and constantly puts her companions lives in danger. She will feel guilty and apologize, but then she goes right back and does it again.
Really enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone. Can't wait for the next book to come out.
I really liked the way it delved more into the Fae Trade, and it was left on a pretty dramatic cliffhanger, so of course I have to read the next book in the series.
The only real downfall for me was the character that Zoey has evolved to. I feel she can be very selfish at times and constantly puts her companions lives in danger. She will feel guilty and apologize, but then she goes right back and does it again.
Really enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone. Can't wait for the next book to come out.
September 16, 2016
The final trade by Joe Hart is a mystery and read and general fiction read.
Zoey is not the woman she once was. She’s watched her friends die at the hands of their captors, been hunted, and returned from the brink of death. Now she must find the truth about who she is.
This was a really enjoyable read. With brilliant characters. I really felt for zoe. What she went through. Can't wait to read more of this series. Highly recommended. 5*. Thanks to netgalley for the arc.
Zoey is not the woman she once was. She’s watched her friends die at the hands of their captors, been hunted, and returned from the brink of death. Now she must find the truth about who she is.
This was a really enjoyable read. With brilliant characters. I really felt for zoe. What she went through. Can't wait to read more of this series. Highly recommended. 5*. Thanks to netgalley for the arc.
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