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Virus #2
Exposed
The safety of the underground bunker is left behind. Elaan and her friends are out in the open, exposed to the world above. Exposed to a world that has been ravished by the virus. Can they make it to the one person they've been told can provide them safety?
247 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 11, 2016
28 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
R.J. Crayton
19 books100 followersRJ Crayton is the author of the three book series. The Prophecy of Light series includes Trapped, Unleashed and the soon to be released Foretold. The Virus series includes Concealed, Exposed, and Contained. The fast-paced dystopian Life First series include Life First, Second Life and Third Life:Taken. She's also author of the paranormal novel Scented and the short-story collection Four Mothers. Prior to becoming an author, Crayton was a journalist. She reported for several publications, including The Kansas City Star and Education Technology News. Crayton lives in Maryland with her husband and two children. When she's not writing, she enjoys eating cupcakes, walking, reading, sewing or watching TV (she's partial to Star Trek, super hero flicks and gripping dramas). To find out more about her, visit her website, www.rjcrayton.com.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 5, 2020
Well this one moved a bit better than the last one. This book was mostly from Elaan's perspective but we do get a bit of Elijah's and that was a nice change. I really liked how Crayton handled a small, badly chosen comment that Josh makes early on. How she has Elaan respond is perfect and is a great example for others on both sides.
I expected a bit things to be a bit more edgy. Besides Willie is was a lot calmer than I expected for a world that has changes so much. I wanted more tension. It was a bit to 'clean' for the environment we are presented. But on the plus, this is good for middle grade/younger ya for those same reasons.
I expected a bit things to be a bit more edgy. Besides Willie is was a lot calmer than I expected for a world that has changes so much. I wanted more tension. It was a bit to 'clean' for the environment we are presented. But on the plus, this is good for middle grade/younger ya for those same reasons.
February 2, 2020
Well this was better then the first. i still think it could have been one book. I liked the struggles they found on their way to her mum's. It was very well thought out and believable. It'll be interesting to see what happens in the third book. Who has done that to the army? Will they find a cure? Will they ever be able to shop and not spend a fortune for one or two meals?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2017
The second book of the virus series was definitely a little more interesting as it had a lot more action in it. It was still a little short for my taste and I can't help but wonder why the author did not just combine this story into one longer novel.
I was excited yet dreading the long journey that Elaan, Elijah and Josh would have to take but am glad that the journey was shortened yet still had some excitement in it. I'm glad that author decided against drawing out the journey and wanted to focus more on the other aspects of the book.
I did feel like we got a little too much of a 'review' of things that had already happened in the book. Like the anger that Lijah has against his mother- we already knew what had happened... and we had it explained and thought about a few times so I did think that making the mother reiterate the story the author should have left it alone and let something else come to light.
The author did a good job of building this apocalyptic world up a bit more in this second book. We get to see a little more of the outside world and what this terrible virus has really done. Of course we heard the terrors of it but we did not get a chance until now to see it firsthand...and let's face it it was a lot worse than Elaan thought.
I'm enjoying exploring this world.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley and the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
I was excited yet dreading the long journey that Elaan, Elijah and Josh would have to take but am glad that the journey was shortened yet still had some excitement in it. I'm glad that author decided against drawing out the journey and wanted to focus more on the other aspects of the book.
I did feel like we got a little too much of a 'review' of things that had already happened in the book. Like the anger that Lijah has against his mother- we already knew what had happened... and we had it explained and thought about a few times so I did think that making the mother reiterate the story the author should have left it alone and let something else come to light.
The author did a good job of building this apocalyptic world up a bit more in this second book. We get to see a little more of the outside world and what this terrible virus has really done. Of course we heard the terrors of it but we did not get a chance until now to see it firsthand...and let's face it it was a lot worse than Elaan thought.
I'm enjoying exploring this world.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley and the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
March 14, 2018
I actually found the second book of the series a bit more interesting than the first maybe because I knew a bit more of what was going on and was used to the author's style of writing. It is enough that I was interested in going on to read book three. It is a pretty nice apocalyptic series for the YA group.
September 3, 2018
Disclaimer: I received these books from netgalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: May 21, 2016
Genre: YA Dystopian
Recommended Age: u/n as DNFed
Pages: 204
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: They said it was extremely hard to get. They said it wasn't airborne. They said there was nothing to fear. They were wrong. Seventeen-year-old Elaan Woodson was supposed to be one of the lucky ones. She got one of the few spots in the subterranean protection unit designed to keep select scientists, military officials and their families safe from the deadly virus ravaging the world above. But, how lucky are you really when the people in charge and those you love keep secrets from you? While Elaan has heard that what you don't know can't hurt you, she's beginning to think otherwise. And she should...
I had to end up DNF-ing this book because I just felt that the book moved too slowly for me and I just couldn’t connect with any of the characters. There was a lot going on in the book as well and in my opinion I just wouldn’t be happy with the book if I forced myself to continue it. Unfortunately I also requested the other books in this series so I’ll have to DNF them too.
Verdict: DNFed
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: May 21, 2016
Genre: YA Dystopian
Recommended Age: u/n as DNFed
Pages: 204
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: They said it was extremely hard to get. They said it wasn't airborne. They said there was nothing to fear. They were wrong. Seventeen-year-old Elaan Woodson was supposed to be one of the lucky ones. She got one of the few spots in the subterranean protection unit designed to keep select scientists, military officials and their families safe from the deadly virus ravaging the world above. But, how lucky are you really when the people in charge and those you love keep secrets from you? While Elaan has heard that what you don't know can't hurt you, she's beginning to think otherwise. And she should...
I had to end up DNF-ing this book because I just felt that the book moved too slowly for me and I just couldn’t connect with any of the characters. There was a lot going on in the book as well and in my opinion I just wouldn’t be happy with the book if I forced myself to continue it. Unfortunately I also requested the other books in this series so I’ll have to DNF them too.
Verdict: DNFed
December 3, 2016
(I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.)
My review of the first book (Concealed) can be found here.
BLURB
The safety of the underground bunker is left behind. Elaan and her friends are out in the open, exposed to the world above. Exposed to a world that has been ravished by the virus. Can they make it to the one person they've been told can provide them safety?
CHARACTERS
The story picks up immediately after the events of the first books and it is easy to see the character development through the book. I liked the main characters Elaan and Josh though at times they seemed so mature I kept getting confused about their age! New characters are introduced in this book and in a way everyone's personality traits play a big role in plot development. There are many things revealed about the characters that to an extent provide answers to the questions that popped up while reading Concealed.
PLOT
Concealed dealt more with science while Exposed deals more with human character and people's reactions to different circumstances. Most of the story goes into the journey of the main characters. The starting chapters of Exposed are fast and set the tone of the story. The story once again ends with new revelations, questions and a cliffhanger. While I thoroughly enjoyed the beginning and the end there were parts in the middle where nothing much seemed to be happening. But the story gives a very realistic idea of how people can change during the time of disasters that I found really interesting. The entire environment of Exposed is darker than Concealed.
WRITING
As with the first book, the imagery is quite clear and I really liked the descriptions that helped me visualize the whole story in my head.
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THE BOOK
- The characters
- The plot
- The writing
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE ABOUT THE BOOK
- The parts in the middle where there wasn't much happening
WILL I BE READING THE LAST BOOK OF THE TRILOGY?
Of course! There are so many questions and doubts I need answers to!
CONCLUSION
A really good sequel to Concealed. The character development and plot-line gain a better footing in Exposed. Quite an enjoyable story!
( For more reviews Check out my blog - Books.Bags.Burgers)
My review of the first book (Concealed) can be found here.
BLURB
The safety of the underground bunker is left behind. Elaan and her friends are out in the open, exposed to the world above. Exposed to a world that has been ravished by the virus. Can they make it to the one person they've been told can provide them safety?
CHARACTERS
The story picks up immediately after the events of the first books and it is easy to see the character development through the book. I liked the main characters Elaan and Josh though at times they seemed so mature I kept getting confused about their age! New characters are introduced in this book and in a way everyone's personality traits play a big role in plot development. There are many things revealed about the characters that to an extent provide answers to the questions that popped up while reading Concealed.
PLOT
Concealed dealt more with science while Exposed deals more with human character and people's reactions to different circumstances. Most of the story goes into the journey of the main characters. The starting chapters of Exposed are fast and set the tone of the story. The story once again ends with new revelations, questions and a cliffhanger. While I thoroughly enjoyed the beginning and the end there were parts in the middle where nothing much seemed to be happening. But the story gives a very realistic idea of how people can change during the time of disasters that I found really interesting. The entire environment of Exposed is darker than Concealed.
WRITING
As with the first book, the imagery is quite clear and I really liked the descriptions that helped me visualize the whole story in my head.
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THE BOOK
- The characters
- The plot
- The writing
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE ABOUT THE BOOK
- The parts in the middle where there wasn't much happening
WILL I BE READING THE LAST BOOK OF THE TRILOGY?
Of course! There are so many questions and doubts I need answers to!
CONCLUSION
A really good sequel to Concealed. The character development and plot-line gain a better footing in Exposed. Quite an enjoyable story!
( For more reviews Check out my blog - Books.Bags.Burgers)
May 7, 2017
Following the three teen main characters as they decipher coded letters, reveal the truth behind certain lies they have been told.
There's also lots more to be unravelled.....as well as maybe learning what is going on at the scientist protection complex? Did the General ever return? How have those inside survived with no food deliveries from 'up top'? Have Dr James Woodson and Dr Kingston Wells made a vaccine yet? Or a cure for the infected? As well as have they unearthed something to undo the hormonal/biological damage they did to their own sons with an vaccine that was still in the experimental and unproven state?
Are the government still after Elijah, Elaan and Josh? or do they have bigger problems with the rumours of the military made into carriers?
There's also lots more to be unravelled.....as well as maybe learning what is going on at the scientist protection complex? Did the General ever return? How have those inside survived with no food deliveries from 'up top'? Have Dr James Woodson and Dr Kingston Wells made a vaccine yet? Or a cure for the infected? As well as have they unearthed something to undo the hormonal/biological damage they did to their own sons with an vaccine that was still in the experimental and unproven state?
Are the government still after Elijah, Elaan and Josh? or do they have bigger problems with the rumours of the military made into carriers?
June 2, 2017
The story centers around 3 teenagers; brother and sister Lijah and Elaan and their friend Josh. After the world is plagued by a deadly virus, their mothers are now dead and their scientist fathers are desperately trying to save the world in a now post-apocolyptan planet.
I love any dystopian/speculative fiction, it's definitely my go to genre. Be it zombies, robots, virus or natural disaster I am their with a front row seat and this series didn't disappoint.
With the world in pieces and the select few survivors being immune or carriers the friend must travel across the country to try and save themselves.
To cut a lengthy review short the series was a great choppy dystopian read. With each book being about 200 pages long part of me felt it could be condensed into one large book or expanded into 3 much bigger reads.
I found that all the books lacked a massive amount of world building. In fact, there was next to no world building. But there was huge amounts of inner monologue from Elaain... too much. I just wished that the massive chunks of book taken up by Elaain's rambeling thoughts had been used to create a better picture of the world. As the series went on I began to find Elaain more and more annoying. So there were certian occasions where I too would of been asking questions just not continually and constantly the whole way through.
However, it was nice to see 3 main'ish characters for a refreshing change, and I like that fact that the whole storyline wasn't taken over by a soppy love story.
As a side note, Lijah's storyline about his sexuality was a non issue.
In summary it's a great series for any dystopian lover. They are choppy, exciting, fast paced easy reads.
I love any dystopian/speculative fiction, it's definitely my go to genre. Be it zombies, robots, virus or natural disaster I am their with a front row seat and this series didn't disappoint.
With the world in pieces and the select few survivors being immune or carriers the friend must travel across the country to try and save themselves.
To cut a lengthy review short the series was a great choppy dystopian read. With each book being about 200 pages long part of me felt it could be condensed into one large book or expanded into 3 much bigger reads.
I found that all the books lacked a massive amount of world building. In fact, there was next to no world building. But there was huge amounts of inner monologue from Elaain... too much. I just wished that the massive chunks of book taken up by Elaain's rambeling thoughts had been used to create a better picture of the world. As the series went on I began to find Elaain more and more annoying. So there were certian occasions where I too would of been asking questions just not continually and constantly the whole way through.
However, it was nice to see 3 main'ish characters for a refreshing change, and I like that fact that the whole storyline wasn't taken over by a soppy love story.
As a side note, Lijah's storyline about his sexuality was a non issue.
In summary it's a great series for any dystopian lover. They are choppy, exciting, fast paced easy reads.
June 12, 2017
Now that the kids are out, they have to learn how to survive in the real world, with the brink of the disease possibly around every corner. Not sure who they can trust and who not to trust in this new world, until they make it to a safe house with people they know. All was going well for them, in hiding, until they find out they were being tracked. So they had to get out, and get somewhere safe. But where was that going to be?
This book had a great start, with lots of action happening, but then it slowed down for way too long, in my opinion. It finally did pick up a bit, but not enough, causing me to not thoroughly enjoy it. I think it was the lack of descriptions in certain areas where it just seemed a bit too vague to me too. It happened too often. I want my descriptions! And the whole constant battle with hating the mother because of her lie seemed quite pathetic after a while. First of all, the mother always lived with telling the truth, so by telling one lie for a enormously good reason, didn't seem like the kids would act that way about her. I personally would've forgiven her after the first initial realization that it was a lie. She had the best reasons behind it. And the fact that they kept bringing it up, bugged me.
Other than that though, the characters did start to grow on me, and I was liking Elaan and Josh together more and more as the story went on. I just wish I had gotten more from it.
This book was given to me in order for me to read it and give my complete honest review. And that's exactly what I did. I hope others will give this book a shot and be able to enjoy it, regardless of the criticism I gave it!
This book had a great start, with lots of action happening, but then it slowed down for way too long, in my opinion. It finally did pick up a bit, but not enough, causing me to not thoroughly enjoy it. I think it was the lack of descriptions in certain areas where it just seemed a bit too vague to me too. It happened too often. I want my descriptions! And the whole constant battle with hating the mother because of her lie seemed quite pathetic after a while. First of all, the mother always lived with telling the truth, so by telling one lie for a enormously good reason, didn't seem like the kids would act that way about her. I personally would've forgiven her after the first initial realization that it was a lie. She had the best reasons behind it. And the fact that they kept bringing it up, bugged me.
Other than that though, the characters did start to grow on me, and I was liking Elaan and Josh together more and more as the story went on. I just wish I had gotten more from it.
This book was given to me in order for me to read it and give my complete honest review. And that's exactly what I did. I hope others will give this book a shot and be able to enjoy it, regardless of the criticism I gave it!
May 25, 2023
I believe this was my favorite book in the series it was so fun to read about how the queer unreciprocated love was happening. crazy how the brother and sister both really like elijah . like talk about sibling drama. Elaan I was indifferent about. I think the fact this is all happening during a pandemic was relatable as well
March 15, 2021
Exposed by RJ Crayton.
Virus series #2.
A good read. Likeable story and characters. Ellaan is growing on me. Just couldn't get into it. 3*.
Virus series #2.
A good read. Likeable story and characters. Ellaan is growing on me. Just couldn't get into it. 3*.
August 23, 2021
Exposed.
Book 2 seemed long and drawn out with the same content over and over again. Elaan was immature. I plan on finishing the series since there is only one more book to go.
Book 2 seemed long and drawn out with the same content over and over again. Elaan was immature. I plan on finishing the series since there is only one more book to go.
May 23, 2016
Elijah “Lijah”, his sister Elaan Grace & Josh were riding the train along with Boxcar Willie (old pervert).
Lijah & Elaan had left the scientific housing place.
Josh liked Elaan (aka Priya) but so did Lijah.
Mark Dayton had caused a worldwide pandamic. He had died or been killed.
What was the Martial Law all about?
The 3 had finally split from Boxcar Willie.
Next stop hopefully is Dahinda, IL.
Empty houses, abandoned buildings, deserted towns, & bodies wherever they went.
The PPL who were still surviving just seemed to stare at the 3.
Lijah was now missing.
For now it was just Josh Wells & Elaan (17) trying not to become a carrier of the deadly viris.
Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A failry well written YA Dystopian book. It wasn’t always very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish, but never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great YA Dystopian movie, animated cartoon, or a mini TV series. This has great potential. Not as exciting as I like them so I will rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Making Connections; ARC; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Lijah & Elaan had left the scientific housing place.
Josh liked Elaan (aka Priya) but so did Lijah.
Mark Dayton had caused a worldwide pandamic. He had died or been killed.
What was the Martial Law all about?
The 3 had finally split from Boxcar Willie.
Next stop hopefully is Dahinda, IL.
Empty houses, abandoned buildings, deserted towns, & bodies wherever they went.
The PPL who were still surviving just seemed to stare at the 3.
Lijah was now missing.
For now it was just Josh Wells & Elaan (17) trying not to become a carrier of the deadly viris.
Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A failry well written YA Dystopian book. It wasn’t always very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish, but never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great YA Dystopian movie, animated cartoon, or a mini TV series. This has great potential. Not as exciting as I like them so I will rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Making Connections; ARC; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
June 23, 2016
This is a smooth continuation from the first book in this series, Concealed. I've really enjoyed getting to know these characters and the situations they go through to continue their journey.
They have gotten to the point where they need to look for answers concerning the virus and what the situation is as far as how they can survive. How many people are left? Is the virus still spreading? Is everyone going to keep to themselves, as in every man for himself, or band together in any way?
I am looking forward to the next book in this series. BRAVO!
June 14, 2016
I got a copy of the ARC and my review is based on that version. I found the story slowed by excessive detail and the main characters' language too formal for their age groups in some cases. I also have doubts about whether the solution for the virus hinted at would work in real life. I know this is fiction, but when dealing with medicine in a current-day setting, I feel the solution should work according to current-day medical understanding.
October 22, 2016
Good second entry in the series. This is a story for young adults. I think I am going for stories that are aimed more at adults but I did enjoy this story and am starting the third one in the series. If you read the first one you will definitely want to continue the story in this one. They are on a mission to find her mother who can help them.
July 6, 2016
Gotta know...
Only one more book and I'll be able to learn how things end. The only problem I had with this one is that it seemed way shorter than the first one.
Only one more book and I'll be able to learn how things end. The only problem I had with this one is that it seemed way shorter than the first one.
February 1, 2017
Good Reading
I love the premise of the almost apocalyptic story. I say almost because there is a glimmer of hope in this series
I love the premise of the almost apocalyptic story. I say almost because there is a glimmer of hope in this series
April 4, 2017
I was kind of disappointed in this trilogy... hoping for more action and less "drama", alas, ''twas not to be...
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews