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Tricks #2
Traffick
Five teens victimized by sex trafficking try to find their way to a new life in this riveting companion to the New York Times bestselling Tricks from Ellen Hopkins, author of Crank.
In her bestselling novel, Tricks, Ellen Hopkins introduced us to five memorable characters tackling these enormous questions: Eden, the preacher's daughter who turns tricks in Vegas and is helped into a child prostitution rescue; Seth, the gay farm boy disowned by his father who finds himself without money or resources other than his own body; Whitney, the privileged kid coaxed into the life by a pimp and whose dreams are ruined in a heroin haze; Ginger, who runs away from home with her girlfriend and is arrested for soliciting an undercover cop; and Cody, whose gambling habit forces him into the life, but who is shot and left for dead.
And now, in Traffick, these five are faced with the toughest question of all: Is there a way out? How these five teenagers face the aftermath of their decisions and experiences is the soul of this story that exposes the dark, ferocious underbelly of the child trafficking trade. Heartwrenching and hopeful, Traffick takes us on five separate but intertwined journeys through the painful challenges of recovery, rehabilitation, and renewal to forgiveness and love. All the way home.
In her bestselling novel, Tricks, Ellen Hopkins introduced us to five memorable characters tackling these enormous questions: Eden, the preacher's daughter who turns tricks in Vegas and is helped into a child prostitution rescue; Seth, the gay farm boy disowned by his father who finds himself without money or resources other than his own body; Whitney, the privileged kid coaxed into the life by a pimp and whose dreams are ruined in a heroin haze; Ginger, who runs away from home with her girlfriend and is arrested for soliciting an undercover cop; and Cody, whose gambling habit forces him into the life, but who is shot and left for dead.
And now, in Traffick, these five are faced with the toughest question of all: Is there a way out? How these five teenagers face the aftermath of their decisions and experiences is the soul of this story that exposes the dark, ferocious underbelly of the child trafficking trade. Heartwrenching and hopeful, Traffick takes us on five separate but intertwined journeys through the painful challenges of recovery, rehabilitation, and renewal to forgiveness and love. All the way home.
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First published November 3, 2015
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About the author
Ellen Hopkins
48 books19.2k followersEllen Hopkins is the New York Times bestselling author of Crank, Burned, Impulse, Glass, Identical, Tricks, Fallout, Perfect, Triangles, Tilt, and Collateral. She lives in Carson City, Nevada, with her husband and son. Hopkin's Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and Pinterest pages get thousands of hits from teens who claim Hopkins is the "only one who understands me", and she can be visited at ellenhopkins.com.
Like most of you here, books are my life. Reading is a passion, but writing is the biggest part of me. Balance is my greatest challenge, as I love my family, friends, animals and home, but also love traveling to meet my readers. Hope I meet many of you soon!
Like most of you here, books are my life. Reading is a passion, but writing is the biggest part of me. Balance is my greatest challenge, as I love my family, friends, animals and home, but also love traveling to meet my readers. Hope I meet many of you soon!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 528 reviews
November 2, 2015
www.melissa413readsalot.blogspot.com
*WILL NOT BE POSTED ON MY BLOG UNTIL BLOG/BOOK TOUR OCT. 13.*
When I read the first book, Tricks, I was so appalled at the things happening to these children. Ginger, Cody, Seth, Eden and Whitney. All of these kids had different things going on, one had gambling issues that led to drugs and eventually being shot. One had a mother that pimped her out to her boyfriends so she runs away with her girlfriend and they have to get pimped out to survive. Another, trusted her boyfriend since she was ignored by her family and ends up pimped out by him and addicted to drugs. Then one more outs himself as being gay and kicked out by his father. And the last who is mistreated by family and ends up pimped out when she runs away.
This book is about how they all come home or near enough and what they have to go through to get back to a somewhat normal life.
One of the kids I really loved just moved from one rich person to another looking for love and praying they could exist. They ended up with one of the best ending I think.
Just because these kids were pushed into these lives because they didn't know anything else, or were too old to work a real job, etc.. doesn't mean they wanted to do these things. They all just wanted LOVE! Is that so wrong!!!!
I always say I love Ellen's books, but I keep reading more that I love.. they are hard to handle, they are crude, they are about REAL LIFE and it's sad.. sad for the ones that have to go through this... sad for the ones that went through this.. I really wish life didn't have to be this way for so many.
If you liked any of Ellen's other books and if you loved the first book..Tricks.. you will love this one too. It was good to see them moving on or trying their best to...
*WILL NOT BE POSTED ON MY BLOG UNTIL BLOG/BOOK TOUR OCT. 13.*
When I read the first book, Tricks, I was so appalled at the things happening to these children. Ginger, Cody, Seth, Eden and Whitney. All of these kids had different things going on, one had gambling issues that led to drugs and eventually being shot. One had a mother that pimped her out to her boyfriends so she runs away with her girlfriend and they have to get pimped out to survive. Another, trusted her boyfriend since she was ignored by her family and ends up pimped out by him and addicted to drugs. Then one more outs himself as being gay and kicked out by his father. And the last who is mistreated by family and ends up pimped out when she runs away.
This book is about how they all come home or near enough and what they have to go through to get back to a somewhat normal life.
One of the kids I really loved just moved from one rich person to another looking for love and praying they could exist. They ended up with one of the best ending I think.
Just because these kids were pushed into these lives because they didn't know anything else, or were too old to work a real job, etc.. doesn't mean they wanted to do these things. They all just wanted LOVE! Is that so wrong!!!!
I always say I love Ellen's books, but I keep reading more that I love.. they are hard to handle, they are crude, they are about REAL LIFE and it's sad.. sad for the ones that have to go through this... sad for the ones that went through this.. I really wish life didn't have to be this way for so many.
If you liked any of Ellen's other books and if you loved the first book..Tricks.. you will love this one too. It was good to see them moving on or trying their best to...
Read
June 14, 2018
SO excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 9, 2022
Traffick was yet another beautifully written novel by Hopkins. It picks up soon after Tricks and we follow our five protagonist as they struggle to overcome the obstacles in their lives. It's not an easy read, Traffick was a slow and at times painful journey to a better place. I would suggest re-reading Tricks before delving into this sequel, however, I didn't, and soon I remembered each of the protagonists story.
The personal development each of them undergoes in this novel was painfully realistic. Along the way some of them make new friends, while others are reunited with their families. The relationships are another strong aspect of this novel. I was pleased to read about how some of them helped other young people in similar situations, such as Ginger and Seth.
Traffick was the much needed epilogue of Tricks, and although I did think that it was missing a little something to make it as memorable as its predecessor, I loved reading about Seth, Eden, Ginger, Cody and Whitney again.
Hopkin's writing is as compelling and raw as I'd hoped it would be, and I can't wait to read her upcoming novel Chameleon
Previous review:
March 10, 2021
Teenagers from the novel Tricks by Ellen Hopkins were struggling to escape violence from the differing types of prostitution each had found themselves in in Las Vegas as 'Tricks' ended. Book two, 'Traffick', concludes the story of these teens in realistic endings.
Each teenager was prostituting themselves because of a combination of events and decisions - some not of their own making. Being young, they often had no resources or knowledge of how to, or if, they should extricate themselves from the pimps and "the life". Parents could not help since they often were the cause of a kid deciding prostitution was better than living at home. One parent kicked his son out when he learned his son was gay. One girl from a wealthy family was led to prostitution through emo posturing, drug use and a sense of being unloved by her parents - love which was simulated by a boyfriend who was really a pimp. Another ran away from a brutal religious boot-camp, placed there by an unloving religious mother (she believed her daughter possessed by Satan after she wanted to date a boy). One young man began gambling after the death of his father, leading to debts he could only pay one way - by selling his body. A teen girl was being pimped by her mother with no use for her children other than selling them.
'Tricks' ended with cliffhangers with each main character in severe trouble! 'Traffick' picks up the story of each teen eight months later after the events of 'Tricks'. Each kid is offered a chance to get out of prostitution - but will they choose to take it?
These books are written in free verse. The author describes real-life situations and feelings very realistically. Although she speaks about sex and love graphically, she does not do so in too much detail.
Each teenager was prostituting themselves because of a combination of events and decisions - some not of their own making. Being young, they often had no resources or knowledge of how to, or if, they should extricate themselves from the pimps and "the life". Parents could not help since they often were the cause of a kid deciding prostitution was better than living at home. One parent kicked his son out when he learned his son was gay. One girl from a wealthy family was led to prostitution through emo posturing, drug use and a sense of being unloved by her parents - love which was simulated by a boyfriend who was really a pimp. Another ran away from a brutal religious boot-camp, placed there by an unloving religious mother (she believed her daughter possessed by Satan after she wanted to date a boy). One young man began gambling after the death of his father, leading to debts he could only pay one way - by selling his body. A teen girl was being pimped by her mother with no use for her children other than selling them.
'Tricks' ended with cliffhangers with each main character in severe trouble! 'Traffick' picks up the story of each teen eight months later after the events of 'Tricks'. Each kid is offered a chance to get out of prostitution - but will they choose to take it?
These books are written in free verse. The author describes real-life situations and feelings very realistically. Although she speaks about sex and love graphically, she does not do so in too much detail.
July 1, 2017
I love all of her books. Amazing ending to this duology! Check out my full review on my booktube channel http://www.youtube.com/peterlikesbooks
September 25, 2015
Review to come.
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October 20, 2016Five teens, five different stories each facing the aftermath of the poor decisions they each made. These teenagers made mistakes involving drugs or sex and now they must face the consequences that follow. Ellen Hopkins is a third wave feminist author. Hopkins addresses awareness of sex trafficking throughout her story. Hopkins writes this story to entertain, but also to inform what teens who are involved with sex trafficking go through and the tragedy and hardship they face afterwards. Traffick is a feminist book as it is directed toward females and males who are being sold for sex.
Seth, a gay farm boy who is disowned by his family. Eden, a preacher's daughter who was involved with prostitution in Vegas. Ginger, a girl who runs away from home with her girlfriend but is arrested for acting as an undercover cop and is also involved with prostitution. Cody, a gambler who is shot and left paralyzed. Whitney, a heroin addict who is also pimped out. All five teens drove into a life of unforgettable memories that they now struggle with daily to try to forget and moved past. Seth uses sex to find places to sleep at night. Eden ends up at Walk Stright to try and reshape her life. Ginger is seeking help at the House of Hope. Cody spends his days in physical therapy trying to regain strength and keep a good relationship with his girlfriend Ronnie. Whitney goes to rehab at Clean Slate, but plans on messing up her rehab so she has to stay because she is afraid of going back into the real world. Each of these teens are fighting their way back into the world, but their stories show how difficult that is.
Ellen Hopkins has a very unique style of writing. She writes almost as a poem format but her tone is set as any ordinary story. She uses poem's between each break of character. Hopkins will start a sections on one teen and then take a break and move onto another teen. You must be able to keep up with each of the character’s stories as she bounces from one character to another. Her doing this keeps the book less boring instead of reading about one character’s story you are reading about five. How can you get bored with five different individual’s stories? Hopkins spreads awareness for sex trafficking in a much different manner she tells the stories of what is really happening to teens in the world today.
Traffick is overall a book of entertainment but it does focus on one large concept of feminism, and that is sex trafficking. Kids, adults, and teens, are trafficked all over the world. Hopkins makes it clear that it isn’t only women who are trafficked but even men. Women’s abuse is also directed throughout her book. Hopkins shows how women are degraded and looked down on. Anyone interested in reading a book that brings awareness in an entertaining way should read this book. This book is for a reader who can keep up with multiple different stories. This story is for anyone interested in what happens to teenagers all over the world!
November 21, 2015
‘How am I supposed to stay clean
when the truth of what I’ve done
closes in around me, squeezing
hideous memories from the deep
recesses of my brain […]’
Tricks is a novel that leaves you haunted for a group of incredibly real individuals that wound up in unimaginable situations. It told the story of five individuals: Seth is kicked out of his home after his father finds out he’s gay. Ginger is forced to run away after she’s raped and finds out that her mother collected cash from the experience. Eden is sent to a religious reform camp after her parents discover she has a boyfriend. Cody and his family find themselves in a financial hole after the death of his stepfather and he begins collecting money anyway he can. And Whitney who ends up with an older man simply because he gives her the attention she craves. What’s most shocking is how vastly different their stories are yet how they all seem to wind up in the same situations: selling their bodies in order to survive.
Traffick is their follow-up story that once again forces these same characters to face their demons while giving them the opportunity to find some semblance of a future that none of them ever thought they would live to witness. It’s no doubt a bleak tale but it effectively brings to life the harsh realities of sex trafficking and child prostitution and what many are forced to undergo. It also productively breaks many of the stereotypes surrounding the beliefs regarding how individuals find themselves in these situations. They aren’t all doing this work of their own free will, some are forced into it by intimidation, some do it out of a misguided act of love, and some do it out of sheer desperateness and being unable to do anything else with their lives.
Ellen has said that she worked with rescue groups and survivors of sex trafficking to make this story as honest as possible, and it’s obvious. While Traffick doesn’t give these victims a complete happily ever after, I appreciated it more because it didn’t. What these individuals endured is something that will stay with them eternally and forever change who they are. What this story did do was give these characters, and any individuals that find themselves in similar circumstances, the possibility of hope. Hope that there is a future for them, no matter what, despite their experiences.
I received this book free from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
when the truth of what I’ve done
closes in around me, squeezing
hideous memories from the deep
recesses of my brain […]’
Tricks is a novel that leaves you haunted for a group of incredibly real individuals that wound up in unimaginable situations. It told the story of five individuals: Seth is kicked out of his home after his father finds out he’s gay. Ginger is forced to run away after she’s raped and finds out that her mother collected cash from the experience. Eden is sent to a religious reform camp after her parents discover she has a boyfriend. Cody and his family find themselves in a financial hole after the death of his stepfather and he begins collecting money anyway he can. And Whitney who ends up with an older man simply because he gives her the attention she craves. What’s most shocking is how vastly different their stories are yet how they all seem to wind up in the same situations: selling their bodies in order to survive.
Traffick is their follow-up story that once again forces these same characters to face their demons while giving them the opportunity to find some semblance of a future that none of them ever thought they would live to witness. It’s no doubt a bleak tale but it effectively brings to life the harsh realities of sex trafficking and child prostitution and what many are forced to undergo. It also productively breaks many of the stereotypes surrounding the beliefs regarding how individuals find themselves in these situations. They aren’t all doing this work of their own free will, some are forced into it by intimidation, some do it out of a misguided act of love, and some do it out of sheer desperateness and being unable to do anything else with their lives.
Ellen has said that she worked with rescue groups and survivors of sex trafficking to make this story as honest as possible, and it’s obvious. While Traffick doesn’t give these victims a complete happily ever after, I appreciated it more because it didn’t. What these individuals endured is something that will stay with them eternally and forever change who they are. What this story did do was give these characters, and any individuals that find themselves in similar circumstances, the possibility of hope. Hope that there is a future for them, no matter what, despite their experiences.
I received this book free from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
June 4, 2019
I was so excited to read this story to end the question and wonder of what was going to happen to these 5 teens, but I am here to sadly say I feel no closure. The author left so much hanging in the air. I feel Ellen could write one more book, no wait I m begging to have her write another story that is 10 years from where this story left off. I will be up a lot tonight thinking and hoping the story ends with the good note that I want. I am sad to say I would not recommend this book due to there is a huge cliff with a hole that is not being filled.
June 1, 2017
can i just say that this book i could really relate, and that i hugged my book after i finished with it, because once it ended. a part of my freaking soul ended with it too. good job ellen.
November 2, 2016
2.75 out of 5 stars
Trigger warnings: Prostutition, Substance Abuse, Sex Trafficking, etc.
Just like book one this was difficult to read. It was dark and painful to read at times.
This is a topic I have not previously read about, aside from book one in this series. But this is so important. Reading the stats at the end of this book as well and hearing about how common this industry is absolutely horrifying.
If you read book one, I don't think Traffick adds a ton to the story. If you liked the characters I would say go for it but reading book one had much more of an impact on me.
Trigger warnings: Prostutition, Substance Abuse, Sex Trafficking, etc.
Just like book one this was difficult to read. It was dark and painful to read at times.
This is a topic I have not previously read about, aside from book one in this series. But this is so important. Reading the stats at the end of this book as well and hearing about how common this industry is absolutely horrifying.
If you read book one, I don't think Traffick adds a ton to the story. If you liked the characters I would say go for it but reading book one had much more of an impact on me.
December 2, 2015
After reading a lot of Hopkins traumatizing books, I have come to the conclusion... One should NEVER visit Las Vegas. Good lord. I am once again traumatized and need to read something not as traumatizing.
November 27, 2015
**I don't review favorite authors**
This was a great sequel to Tricks.
This was a great sequel to Tricks.
July 15, 2015
3.5 stars. review to come.
November 4, 2015
Traffick where to begin on this amazing book. I mean in Tricks the first book Ellen had me at the edge of my seat. She had me laughing, crying, screaming and most of all hurting because this is reality for some teens.
I have seriously thought about opening up a ranch and saving teens who have been the sex trade. For the Preachers daughter Eden turning tricks in Vegas was fun at first but the funness started to wear off and she was rescued by a child prostitution rescue center. It is here that she will have to struggle to change her life and get back some normalcy.
My man Seth living in a farm land was disowned by his father. Not only is he disowned and shunned but he has n money and no place to go. So he does what he has to and starts tricking for the money to survive.
Cody started gambling and winning and just knew he was going to be a great gambler until reality hit and he was losing more than winning. It forces him into a life that he does not want to do and to make matters worse he is shot and left for dead.
Ginger who is so in love with her girlfriend that she can't see any other way runs away with her and ends up tricking and busted for soliciting an under cover cop. Arrested and booked on soliciting she has no one to turn to. What is going to happen to her?
Whitney who has it all. She was born into privileged spoil and given everything is tricked by a pimp to trick herself out for them so they can get drugs. See being a heroine addict is very expensive. Whitney will soon see that her dreams are slipping right through her hands with every bit of Heroine she takes.
In the end these five teens will have to look at life and find out if there truly is a way out of this mess they have created.
I have seriously thought about opening up a ranch and saving teens who have been the sex trade. For the Preachers daughter Eden turning tricks in Vegas was fun at first but the funness started to wear off and she was rescued by a child prostitution rescue center. It is here that she will have to struggle to change her life and get back some normalcy.
My man Seth living in a farm land was disowned by his father. Not only is he disowned and shunned but he has n money and no place to go. So he does what he has to and starts tricking for the money to survive.
Cody started gambling and winning and just knew he was going to be a great gambler until reality hit and he was losing more than winning. It forces him into a life that he does not want to do and to make matters worse he is shot and left for dead.
Ginger who is so in love with her girlfriend that she can't see any other way runs away with her and ends up tricking and busted for soliciting an under cover cop. Arrested and booked on soliciting she has no one to turn to. What is going to happen to her?
Whitney who has it all. She was born into privileged spoil and given everything is tricked by a pimp to trick herself out for them so they can get drugs. See being a heroine addict is very expensive. Whitney will soon see that her dreams are slipping right through her hands with every bit of Heroine she takes.
In the end these five teens will have to look at life and find out if there truly is a way out of this mess they have created.
March 19, 2017
4 stars. I don’t consider myself a Hopkins fan; I’ve read many of her books and hated most of them. But I actually genuinely love this series.
This is my favorite of Ellen Hopkins’ series mostly because it doesn't just read like torture porn. A lot of her books don't even have hopeful endings: someone dies or doesn’t make their way out, every single time. Tricks allowed the characters to leave and improve their lives. With emotional and physical trauma, but not dead. This book was ultimately hopeful, which is very different from many of her others.
The characters in here remain just as awesome. Ginger is just as awesome, with an even better recovery arc than last book, and continues being realistic and likable. Eden's arc was frankly wrapped up pretty well in the last book, but it's still good to see her be happy FINALLY. Seth's storyline is frankly a bit of a repeat, which is incredibly boring. Whitney goes through so much development in this book, and gets a truly fantastic character arc. Cody is maybe the weakest character here. He comes off as a bit of a fuckboy, frankly, although he did become more sympathetic later on.
In terms of plotting, this book suffers from the same pacing issues as many of Hopkins' books. But ultimately, that can be forgiven due to the excellent character work and prose. I highly recommend this duology.
This is my favorite of Ellen Hopkins’ series mostly because it doesn't just read like torture porn. A lot of her books don't even have hopeful endings: someone dies or doesn’t make their way out, every single time. Tricks allowed the characters to leave and improve their lives. With emotional and physical trauma, but not dead. This book was ultimately hopeful, which is very different from many of her others.
The characters in here remain just as awesome. Ginger is just as awesome, with an even better recovery arc than last book, and continues being realistic and likable. Eden's arc was frankly wrapped up pretty well in the last book, but it's still good to see her be happy FINALLY. Seth's storyline is frankly a bit of a repeat, which is incredibly boring. Whitney goes through so much development in this book, and gets a truly fantastic character arc. Cody is maybe the weakest character here. He comes off as a bit of a fuckboy, frankly, although he did become more sympathetic later on.
In terms of plotting, this book suffers from the same pacing issues as many of Hopkins' books. But ultimately, that can be forgiven due to the excellent character work and prose. I highly recommend this duology.
July 22, 2017
"What I’ve learned is just how resilient love can be. You can beat it, pound it into pulp, but killing it is hard to do."
If the previous book was about damnation, this one was salvation. In Tricks, we’re introduced to a cast of characters who all find themselves trapped in the world of selling their bodies. This book is all about those characters escaping and rediscovering themselves.
It goes without saying that this was a much happier and more pleasurable read than the first one. Despite enjoying it more, it was still just as nitty gritty and powerful.
The abstract beauty of verse adds to the emotion of this story, turning hard to swallow scenes even more difficult and making sweet moments even cuter. Not that there were many of those. This is Ellen Hopkins we’re talking about.
While verse isn’t usually my style, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this duology and would recommend it to any readers who enjoy being educated or simply enjoy poetry/verse.
If the previous book was about damnation, this one was salvation. In Tricks, we’re introduced to a cast of characters who all find themselves trapped in the world of selling their bodies. This book is all about those characters escaping and rediscovering themselves.
It goes without saying that this was a much happier and more pleasurable read than the first one. Despite enjoying it more, it was still just as nitty gritty and powerful.
The abstract beauty of verse adds to the emotion of this story, turning hard to swallow scenes even more difficult and making sweet moments even cuter. Not that there were many of those. This is Ellen Hopkins we’re talking about.
While verse isn’t usually my style, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this duology and would recommend it to any readers who enjoy being educated or simply enjoy poetry/verse.
November 23, 2015
4.5 stars.
"A chat
With the Grim Reaper
should be enough to scare
away any thought of relapse.
Wish it were that easy,
but not even days conversing
with death can disintegrate
the claws of addiction."
Traffick is the long awaited sequel to Tricks. Traffick is just as hard to read as Tricks, if not harder. It follows the fate of each character as some get closure, some get hints of happiness, and some still lost.
Overall, Tricks and Traffick will teach you that overcoming addiction, self-doubt, and a past that keeps infringing on your future is not an easy task. Definitely worth reading if you enjoyed Tricks.
"A chat
With the Grim Reaper
should be enough to scare
away any thought of relapse.
Wish it were that easy,
but not even days conversing
with death can disintegrate
the claws of addiction."
Traffick is the long awaited sequel to Tricks. Traffick is just as hard to read as Tricks, if not harder. It follows the fate of each character as some get closure, some get hints of happiness, and some still lost.
Overall, Tricks and Traffick will teach you that overcoming addiction, self-doubt, and a past that keeps infringing on your future is not an easy task. Definitely worth reading if you enjoyed Tricks.
June 9, 2017
So happy that this sequel exists. I really feel for the characters.
Review in Swedish at Boktycke.
Review in Swedish at Boktycke.
February 15, 2017
“What I’ve learned is just how resilient love can be. You can beat it, pound it into pulp, but killing it is hard to do.
February 6, 2017
Not a fan of the prose, but well written and thought provoking.
May 8, 2024
I did like the first book a lot more, but this was good for closure. Seth & Whitney had my favorite stories out of the 5
December 6, 2015
5 Stars!
Ellen Hopkins has done it again! I absolutely loved Traffick!
The thing about Ellen Hopkins is that some of her books can easily have sequels or companion novels. Such as the case with Burned which got the sequel Smoke. Or how Impulse got the companion novel Perfect. The same goes for her adult novel which got the companion Tilt.
So when I heard Tricks was getting a sequel... *internal screaming*
And let me say, Traffick did tie up some loose ends after Tricks.
We now follow the aftermath of what our characters had gone through. How they are learning to cope with what happened to them and how they live their lives knowing what they had done.
I love it when characters such as these can manage to overcome the obstacles in their paths. It's no easy task, but it's rewarding in the end.
By the time I got to the end, I was happy for the characters. I just wanted to give them all a big hug.
I look forward to reading more from Ellen Hopkins. Especially since I've seen on her goodreads page that she has a book set to be released in 2016 called Chameleon. :D
Thanks for reading my review!
-Cesar
Ellen Hopkins has done it again! I absolutely loved Traffick!
The thing about Ellen Hopkins is that some of her books can easily have sequels or companion novels. Such as the case with Burned which got the sequel Smoke. Or how Impulse got the companion novel Perfect. The same goes for her adult novel which got the companion Tilt.
So when I heard Tricks was getting a sequel... *internal screaming*
And let me say, Traffick did tie up some loose ends after Tricks.
We now follow the aftermath of what our characters had gone through. How they are learning to cope with what happened to them and how they live their lives knowing what they had done.
I love it when characters such as these can manage to overcome the obstacles in their paths. It's no easy task, but it's rewarding in the end.
By the time I got to the end, I was happy for the characters. I just wanted to give them all a big hug.
I look forward to reading more from Ellen Hopkins. Especially since I've seen on her goodreads page that she has a book set to be released in 2016 called Chameleon. :D
Thanks for reading my review!
-Cesar
October 13, 2015
I've been a huge fan of Ellen Hopkins for years and her books pretty much always break my heart. This one is no exception. It's a sequel to her book Tricks and it's not a spoiler to say that just because the teens have escaped from prostitution, it doesn't mean that their lives are any easier.
Between them, their difficulties range from medical problems, drug withdrawal and self-esteem issues, but there are a lot more difficulties below the surface. It's a lot to overcome---especially for a few of the teens, who don't even really have support systems.
Still, they are determined to survive. Their resilience and drive is actually inspiring (and I know that word tends to inspire eyerolls, but seriously, these are amazing teens). As with all her books, this is a must-read.
Highly recommended.
Between them, their difficulties range from medical problems, drug withdrawal and self-esteem issues, but there are a lot more difficulties below the surface. It's a lot to overcome---especially for a few of the teens, who don't even really have support systems.
Still, they are determined to survive. Their resilience and drive is actually inspiring (and I know that word tends to inspire eyerolls, but seriously, these are amazing teens). As with all her books, this is a must-read.
Highly recommended.
October 3, 2016
How to enter depressions 101 on your own -- encounter Hopkins characters.
In the sequel to Tricks, Hopkins returns with Whitney. Seth, Ginger, Eden and Cody to bring us the dramatic follow up about how the five teens coped with leaving the prostitution business. Whether it's the physical consequences or the emotional scars, none of the teens can easily start anew.
Unlike other novels written in short verses, this story did not rhyme or attempt to. There were some flashes of poetry at the start with several POV provided by different characters to help us delve into the context. Although all stories are difficult to stomach, I didn't find myself attached to any character now that the action part of the story was over, and must say that the first book is much more shocking and enthralling.
In the sequel to Tricks, Hopkins returns with Whitney. Seth, Ginger, Eden and Cody to bring us the dramatic follow up about how the five teens coped with leaving the prostitution business. Whether it's the physical consequences or the emotional scars, none of the teens can easily start anew.
Unlike other novels written in short verses, this story did not rhyme or attempt to. There were some flashes of poetry at the start with several POV provided by different characters to help us delve into the context. Although all stories are difficult to stomach, I didn't find myself attached to any character now that the action part of the story was over, and must say that the first book is much more shocking and enthralling.
March 24, 2016
Tricks was a story of desperation and hitting rock bottom but Traffick is a story of hope and redemption. While I enjoyed Tricks, there was just something so moving about Traffick that it comes out on top. Seeing these 5 teens struggle to regain control of the downward spiral that was their lives was absolutely beautiful and completely heart wrenching at times. Once again, Hopkins delivers a stunning portrayal of real issues that plague our society and that desperately need to be addressed. Just knowing that these accounts are based on true stories gives me the chills.
July 26, 2021
I really enjoyed this. I’m glad she decided to write a Squeal to Tricks because we didn’t really get that much closure on everybody’s stories. I did enjoy all the POVs more. I also don’t think it’s that realistic about how all these stories end. Also trigger warnings for basically everything.
September 18, 2025
Wow. This one was powerful. Traffick picks up where Tricks left off, and watching each of these character arcs unfold was moving, heartbreaking, and at times hopeful. Every perspective felt raw and real, and I was fully invested in their stories from beginning to end.
On a personal note, I studied international relations in college and even wrote my senior thesis on human trafficking, so this book hit especially close to home. Ellen Hopkins doesn’t shy away from exposing the dark realities of exploitation, but she also shows the resilience and humanity of survivors.
The more I read from her, the more I realize she’s becoming one of my favorite authors
On a personal note, I studied international relations in college and even wrote my senior thesis on human trafficking, so this book hit especially close to home. Ellen Hopkins doesn’t shy away from exposing the dark realities of exploitation, but she also shows the resilience and humanity of survivors.
The more I read from her, the more I realize she’s becoming one of my favorite authors
December 19, 2018
"The past will influence your future, but it doesn't have to destroy it." WOW!!! That sums this book up to me. When I read that, I had to stop and highlight it. Tricks was a good read, but I really liked this one. To see how hard it is for people in a position like this to get out of that life is completely heartbreaking. Most are so young when they are forced into sex work...it just sickens me that there are people in the world that want that from a child. The fear and abuse they experience is unbelievable! I am so grateful to the people that work with these kids every single day to try to help them start to heal. Such a powerful book!!!
October 4, 2018
I think this is the 5th book that I've read by this author. I love her writing. She has a way of finding the "ugly" in her characters, setting, relationships, etc. and she deeply exploits that beautifully. Her stories are angst ridden and gritty. I find that I have to brace myself when I pick up one of her books, and this one was no exception.
Even if I don't like the story, some of her writing always seems to wow me. And that was the case here. I like the way she makes me think....definitely some thought provoking elements. So 3 stars.
Even if I don't like the story, some of her writing always seems to wow me. And that was the case here. I like the way she makes me think....definitely some thought provoking elements. So 3 stars.
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