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Out of the Box #9
Masks
What makes a hero?
For years, Sienna Nealon has worked with the U.S. government to protect the world against other people with powers beyond those of a normal human. But after several clashes with the current administration, she finds herself with a new employer, an independent agency dedicated to helping stop threats to humanity. When a new hero and villain rise in New York City, Sienna can't help but get involved, even as the U.S. government sends its own response team, led by an old friend...and a new enemy.
Soon, Sienna finds herself once more against the odds, against the government, and wondering where the line is between hero and villain.
For years, Sienna Nealon has worked with the U.S. government to protect the world against other people with powers beyond those of a normal human. But after several clashes with the current administration, she finds herself with a new employer, an independent agency dedicated to helping stop threats to humanity. When a new hero and villain rise in New York City, Sienna can't help but get involved, even as the U.S. government sends its own response team, led by an old friend...and a new enemy.
Soon, Sienna finds herself once more against the odds, against the government, and wondering where the line is between hero and villain.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 12, 2016
992 people are currently reading
403 people want to read
About the author
Robert J. Crane
185 books1,172 followersRobert J. Crane was born and raised on Florida's Space Coast before moving to the upper midwest in search of cooler climates and more palatable beer. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a degree in English Creative Writing. He worked for a year as a substitute teacher and worked in the financial services field for seven years while writing in his spare time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
July 14, 2016
Phenomenal, but I was expecting nothing less. If you're in it this far I'm sure you'll feel the same way. Can't wait for the next one!
July 17, 2016
So. Here we are. 9 books into a 20 book series. And yet the author is still producing books with a fresh feel to them.
One of the things that I really enjoy about these stories, is the dual layering of the plot lines. On the one hand, you have the immediate story. The one that gets wrapped up neatly within the pages of the book before you. On the other hand, you have longer thread - the one that will have you pondering over the course of several books; the one that drops hints to the inevitable (and still secret) confrontation yet to come. And I, for one, can't get enough.
This book had a different feel to it for me. Sienna is growing; maturing. And, as her actions become more measured, so the tone of the book has become less frenetic. The irony is that, as Sienna gets herself more together, certain others around her appear to be coming more unravelled. There may be trouble ahead....
The other characters and villain in this book only serve to demonstrate the depth and complexity of this series. An excellent addition to the series.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
One of the things that I really enjoy about these stories, is the dual layering of the plot lines. On the one hand, you have the immediate story. The one that gets wrapped up neatly within the pages of the book before you. On the other hand, you have longer thread - the one that will have you pondering over the course of several books; the one that drops hints to the inevitable (and still secret) confrontation yet to come. And I, for one, can't get enough.
This book had a different feel to it for me. Sienna is growing; maturing. And, as her actions become more measured, so the tone of the book has become less frenetic. The irony is that, as Sienna gets herself more together, certain others around her appear to be coming more unravelled. There may be trouble ahead....
The other characters and villain in this book only serve to demonstrate the depth and complexity of this series. An excellent addition to the series.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 12, 2016
A very solid 4.5 stars. A well-fleshed villain, substantive supporting cast and a very engaging plot. Only reason I don't believe it gets 5 stars is due to the President Harmon/Scott Byerly sub-plot. At the same time, it could be that I missed something that makes the sub-plot distracting rather than part of the over-all theme. Still, a well-written book that has the editing down pat, excellent dialogue, and a lively cast of characters.
July 18, 2016
Good read
Great addition to the series. Really good action and characters. Sienna Nealon is at her best with the action and her wit. Good setup for the next story in this series. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in fantasy and urban paranormal stories. Really can't wait for the next one.
Great addition to the series. Really good action and characters. Sienna Nealon is at her best with the action and her wit. Good setup for the next story in this series. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in fantasy and urban paranormal stories. Really can't wait for the next one.
July 17, 2016
As always with Robert Crane, a 5 star READ from beginning to end.
November 10, 2016
My hero!
I never get tired of reading about Sienna!! She makes the hard choices regardless of the blow back! My hero!
I never get tired of reading about Sienna!! She makes the hard choices regardless of the blow back! My hero!
May 3, 2020
Fun fast read
Prolific writer with a likable protagonist (with the exception of the one experiment told from her brother’s POV). Nothing much in the way of surprises, but fun to read when you want to just veg out & not have to pay too much attention to details. Because this series seems to go on forever (I think I’m up to book 18?) & all are Prime loaners, I give it higher marks that I might have otherwise. I wouldn’t be happy having to pay to read the whole series for the same reason I’ve enjoyed reading them as loaners. Not enough “meat” (complexity, well fleshed our characters other than the heroine, etc) & too much action. I’ll keep reading them as long as Crane puts them out & I can borrow using my Prime membership. If you like urban fantasy, you’ll likely enjoy this series.
Prolific writer with a likable protagonist (with the exception of the one experiment told from her brother’s POV). Nothing much in the way of surprises, but fun to read when you want to just veg out & not have to pay too much attention to details. Because this series seems to go on forever (I think I’m up to book 18?) & all are Prime loaners, I give it higher marks that I might have otherwise. I wouldn’t be happy having to pay to read the whole series for the same reason I’ve enjoyed reading them as loaners. Not enough “meat” (complexity, well fleshed our characters other than the heroine, etc) & too much action. I’ll keep reading them as long as Crane puts them out & I can borrow using my Prime membership. If you like urban fantasy, you’ll likely enjoy this series.
July 1, 2019
Just a great series!
So far this has been a great series. The stories are all different, and the Sienna comebacks are so funny I literally LOL while reading. I just hope Drake's ideas aren't running slow because this Scott Byerly threat is just getting too deep for what it was, and releasing terror in the form of criminal metas just to take her down is something only Hillary or Barack would do, so it's believable to a point. I just hope the following books are as great as all the previous!
So far this has been a great series. The stories are all different, and the Sienna comebacks are so funny I literally LOL while reading. I just hope Drake's ideas aren't running slow because this Scott Byerly threat is just getting too deep for what it was, and releasing terror in the form of criminal metas just to take her down is something only Hillary or Barack would do, so it's believable to a point. I just hope the following books are as great as all the previous!
September 28, 2023
A top read in this series.
This series has been good since book one. But this book was superior in so many ways. The introduction of a new good
hero type Meta was refreshand I really enjoyed the entire plot with Nadine, especially the final chapters. I'm a bit disappointed in how Scott's character is going. I really thought he would have more potential. Could be carrying the jilted lover behaviors a bit too far. And I cannot wait to see what President Harmon has in Store for Sienna..
This series has been good since book one. But this book was superior in so many ways. The introduction of a new good
hero type Meta was refreshand I really enjoyed the entire plot with Nadine, especially the final chapters. I'm a bit disappointed in how Scott's character is going. I really thought he would have more potential. Could be carrying the jilted lover behaviors a bit too far. And I cannot wait to see what President Harmon has in Store for Sienna..
February 8, 2020
Getting Beyond Ridiculous
The plots are getting totally out of being evenly remotely believable. This is the last book in this series I am going to read.
Up until the that 3 books, books were moving, believable and inspiring. But now every thing is quite boring and does not hold my attention. I found myself constantly putting down these last several books, skipping over paragraphs as they DID NOT hold my attention.
The plots are getting totally out of being evenly remotely believable. This is the last book in this series I am going to read.
Up until the that 3 books, books were moving, believable and inspiring. But now every thing is quite boring and does not hold my attention. I found myself constantly putting down these last several books, skipping over paragraphs as they DID NOT hold my attention.
September 11, 2017
Another great read about the badass meta human with a world of issues. In this book she takes on a mellower role which earns her a friend. When that friend ends up in crisis through no fault of their own Sienna comes to the rescue in ways you would and would not expect. Is she developing a soft side?
August 26, 2019
WTF
You turned Scot into an idiot. He was never this damned dumb before. So what he is mad as hell and I wold be too but I wouldn't become an idiot because of it. For Frank your an idiot for turning him into one. Idiots don't deserve to live. This is the last one I' m reading. Get your head out of your you know what.
You turned Scot into an idiot. He was never this damned dumb before. So what he is mad as hell and I wold be too but I wouldn't become an idiot because of it. For Frank your an idiot for turning him into one. Idiots don't deserve to live. This is the last one I' m reading. Get your head out of your you know what.
January 16, 2020
Sienna is asked to NY after two local superheroes have a heated exchange during the rescue of the infamous Nadine Griffith. Sienna finds herself caught between her Fed ex BF with a grudge & unknown enemy orchestrating Bank robberies, FBI raids, and a plot to destroy Gravity Gal. It's a good read, intricate and interesting.
January 25, 2020
Always amazing
I just love this series, just perfection each and every none!
I won’t give you plot recap, you can read that yourself but if your looking for fast paced-action filled book check it out.
I just love this series, just perfection each and every none!
I won’t give you plot recap, you can read that yourself but if your looking for fast paced-action filled book check it out.
June 6, 2020
Great read, but inconsistent
As always an amazing section packed experience. But this one had a few glaring inconsistencies. Left me a little annoyed, like it was written and shot to print to fast. Without an editor's due diligence. But still an excellent read.
As always an amazing section packed experience. But this one had a few glaring inconsistencies. Left me a little annoyed, like it was written and shot to print to fast. Without an editor's due diligence. But still an excellent read.
July 2, 2020
Masks Out of the Box: The Girl in the Box19
Excellent book,I am really enjoying this series.I love Siena,Reed , J.J. This is one of my favorite authors. Give it a change he may become yours too.
Excellent book,I am really enjoying this series.I love Siena,Reed , J.J. This is one of my favorite authors. Give it a change he may become yours too.
July 12, 2022
wow
Scott is a bloody fool…really he can’t see the evil in the president or even Nadine? How completely and totally disappointing.. I can’t believe their idiotic plan. They seriously deserve to be wiped off the board
Scott is a bloody fool…really he can’t see the evil in the president or even Nadine? How completely and totally disappointing.. I can’t believe their idiotic plan. They seriously deserve to be wiped off the board
September 28, 2017
Another great read
Sienna is in New York. The police want her to look into some masked 'heroes'. Simple. An easy straight forward job!! Not quite.
Sienna is in New York. The police want her to look into some masked 'heroes'. Simple. An easy straight forward job!! Not quite.
December 3, 2017
I can't believe she killed her! So blatantly, and ruthlessly- and for what exactly???
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2018
As good as the rest that came before
Loved it, can't wait to read the next. Keeps me wanting to read the next! Bring it on. Next please.
Loved it, can't wait to read the next. Keeps me wanting to read the next! Bring it on. Next please.
June 29, 2019
Masks
Another great story with a new meta hero as well as some true villians. I also like the new team members who are helping Sienna handle the problems of meta bad-guys.
Another great story with a new meta hero as well as some true villians. I also like the new team members who are helping Sienna handle the problems of meta bad-guys.
February 28, 2021
Wonderful
Once again a very good read!! I am so glad that I am reading this series as it keeps me entertained as a well as engaged with the whole series.
Once again a very good read!! I am so glad that I am reading this series as it keeps me entertained as a well as engaged with the whole series.
April 24, 2021
I would give all the "the girl in th box" books 5 stars had I been asked.
I have enjoyed all of this series. I hope to find more like this, metahuman type stories I mean. Thanks
I have enjoyed all of this series. I hope to find more like this, metahuman type stories I mean. Thanks
September 30, 2021
Amayzing
What a action pack story . I have to say one of my favorites story of the this Saga!! Well done!!
What a action pack story . I have to say one of my favorites story of the this Saga!! Well done!!
November 24, 2021
I really enjoyed this part of the series. The new characters and the story was something different. Only thing which seems a bit poorly written/explored is the Sienna/Scott narrative.
January 20, 2022
Masks continues the story
What a great read. Crane continues the series with great character development and humor. Love The twist with former love
What a great read. Crane continues the series with great character development and humor. Love The twist with former love
January 20, 2022
Another great outing for Sienna.
February 10, 2022
an interesting new meta to follow
Good to see how the new job and old relationships start to work. Looking forward to seeing Gravity Gal in coming books.
Good to see how the new job and old relationships start to work. Looking forward to seeing Gravity Gal in coming books.
March 15, 2023
Amazing series
Loads of action, adventure, plots within plots and new heroes. A must read series. I cannot wait to read the next book!
Loads of action, adventure, plots within plots and new heroes. A must read series. I cannot wait to read the next book!
August 1, 2023
awesome!
Great frigging book! Keep them coming. I am so hooked I am reading them too fast! Thank you Mr. Crane.
Great frigging book! Keep them coming. I am so hooked I am reading them too fast! Thank you Mr. Crane.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews