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Dark #2
Dark Divide
Hogwarts meets The Bourne Identity at Desert Mountain Academy, the covert CIA training school where Nadia Riley's harrowing adventures continue
With the trials of her first semester behind her, sixteen-year-old Nadia Riley returns to Desert Mountain Academy—an elite boarding school secretly housing a CIA training facility—to complete her junior year. After uncovering a double agent and neutralizing a threat to national security, keeping up with her coursework and navigating an uncertain romance seems like more than enough drama.
But Nadia's first survival course takes a terrifying turn when she realizes she's being hunted by a familiar foe. The traitor she exposed is after her—because he needs her help, to protect someone he loves. But can she really trust a guy who was once tasked to kill her?
In this heart-pounding sequel to Desert Dark, the stakes get ever higher as Nadia uncovers a far-reaching conspiracy with roots closer to home than she ever could have imagined. Told through the alternate perspectives of a diverse cast of characters, Dark Divide is a fast-paced thriller perfect for fans of Marie Lu's Legend series or James Dashner's Maze Runner trilogy.
With the trials of her first semester behind her, sixteen-year-old Nadia Riley returns to Desert Mountain Academy—an elite boarding school secretly housing a CIA training facility—to complete her junior year. After uncovering a double agent and neutralizing a threat to national security, keeping up with her coursework and navigating an uncertain romance seems like more than enough drama.
But Nadia's first survival course takes a terrifying turn when she realizes she's being hunted by a familiar foe. The traitor she exposed is after her—because he needs her help, to protect someone he loves. But can she really trust a guy who was once tasked to kill her?
In this heart-pounding sequel to Desert Dark, the stakes get ever higher as Nadia uncovers a far-reaching conspiracy with roots closer to home than she ever could have imagined. Told through the alternate perspectives of a diverse cast of characters, Dark Divide is a fast-paced thriller perfect for fans of Marie Lu's Legend series or James Dashner's Maze Runner trilogy.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published July 31, 2018
22 people are currently reading
292 people want to read
About the author
Sonja Stone
2 books64 followersSonja Stone developed a taste for life on the lam at an early age, as her family moved to more than a dozen small towns across the country and abroad before she turned fifteen. She collected intel on psychology and creative writing from Washington College, trained at Le Cordon Bleu for a cover job as head pastry chef, and completed a handful of courses at the same survival school where Tom Hanks prepared for Cast Away. Currently, she’s raising two covert agents masquerading as typical college kids. Just to be safe, Sonja’s learned to throw knives, fire guns, and navigate the desert, because…well, you never know.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 1, 2018
A thrilling follow-up to Sonja Stone's Desert Dark—a young adult espionage series that will make you feel like you're a Black Ops recruit! My review and an interview with the author here: http://bit.ly/2NZPu9r
August 17, 2019
I would say this book was a solid 4.4/5. I kind of want to give it 3 but, the relationship and dialogues between Nadia and Jack was so cringy and high schooly. Jack was so one dimension and I just can;t with him and Nadia (finger in mouth, barf). However, other than that, I LOVED IT!! I was a bit skeptical by it at first because it's been so long since I read the first book and I don't have a super strong memory about it, so I assumed that it wasn't that memorable. However, I was wrong and the only thing to blame is, probably my bad memory.
I loved the whole plot with Nadia's Dad! That shit realllllly got me, especially the ending when Damon revealed that his dad lied about what he was lying to Nadia about. Like a goddamn brain twister, but a great one! Nadia's dad must be cold-blooded as hell for marrying the scientist just to complete the mission. AND having children (aka Nadia) was just a part of the plan to make Nadia's mom trust him more. Holy crap, that was such a surprise and I CANNOT WAIT for the next book (there better be a next book).
I was happy that Damon did not die! I was sad when he died but honestly, it made sense because he turned himself in knowing that the penalty for treason is death; and if he dies, he wants to know that his mother is safe. The whole thing where the black-black ops were testing him to see if he was willing to die for his mom was super smart because now they'll always have leverage on him if he plans on straying. I love that he still contacted Nadia even though he was risking a lot to let her know that he was alive.
The whole "new director" thing was dumb as hell because either she doesn't know how to run a school or she just don't give a fuck. Like your students come back hurt, kidnapped, forced to erase a whole fucking DNA database that you spent literal years curating and your still like, "Y'all, let's get this senior project finished with so you guys can graduate". Like you're a real sucky CIA agent because you don't know shit that is going on in the school. Honestly, she lowered the book rating down too. The whole Simon hacked the computers thing was just way to easy and unrealistic.
Next, let's talk about Jack. Jack, Jack, Jack. Mr. Nocharacterdevelopment.com He's honestly just there and he does nothing. He like, "I care about graduation and I follow the rules, I don't care, blah blah blah, I can;t hear you" and then finally he's like "Okay, I'll tell you what the mission was, oh, I don't actually know it". Fucking pathetic. And then the ending... (barfing emoji) Makes a speech and tells the whole fucking world that you want to be arrested for child pedophile for wanting to fuck a high-schooler. He was just a whole no.
Nadia, what to say? Her character wasn't amazing but then, she wasn't bad either. I felt like there could've been a lot of things she could've done differently. Like the whole scenario with shooting Jack was dumb as hell. Like say something like "I really don't want to talk to you about this right now, I'm in the middle of my senior project" or something along that line instead of "leave me alone, I don't need your help, your so annoying". Like are you trying to get rid of him or are you trying to get him to comfort you? Just a bad future CIA agent honestly.
Okay, this review has gone on long enough. I said what I had to say. I really did enjoy this book. The whole plot twist at the end really did it for me. I hope there's a next book, I'll see you guys soon. BYE!!!
I loved the whole plot with Nadia's Dad! That shit realllllly got me, especially the ending when Damon revealed that his dad lied about what he was lying to Nadia about. Like a goddamn brain twister, but a great one! Nadia's dad must be cold-blooded as hell for marrying the scientist just to complete the mission. AND having children (aka Nadia) was just a part of the plan to make Nadia's mom trust him more. Holy crap, that was such a surprise and I CANNOT WAIT for the next book (there better be a next book).
I was happy that Damon did not die! I was sad when he died but honestly, it made sense because he turned himself in knowing that the penalty for treason is death; and if he dies, he wants to know that his mother is safe. The whole thing where the black-black ops were testing him to see if he was willing to die for his mom was super smart because now they'll always have leverage on him if he plans on straying. I love that he still contacted Nadia even though he was risking a lot to let her know that he was alive.
The whole "new director" thing was dumb as hell because either she doesn't know how to run a school or she just don't give a fuck. Like your students come back hurt, kidnapped, forced to erase a whole fucking DNA database that you spent literal years curating and your still like, "Y'all, let's get this senior project finished with so you guys can graduate". Like you're a real sucky CIA agent because you don't know shit that is going on in the school. Honestly, she lowered the book rating down too. The whole Simon hacked the computers thing was just way to easy and unrealistic.
Next, let's talk about Jack. Jack, Jack, Jack. Mr. Nocharacterdevelopment.com He's honestly just there and he does nothing. He like, "I care about graduation and I follow the rules, I don't care, blah blah blah, I can;t hear you" and then finally he's like "Okay, I'll tell you what the mission was, oh, I don't actually know it". Fucking pathetic. And then the ending... (barfing emoji) Makes a speech and tells the whole fucking world that you want to be arrested for child pedophile for wanting to fuck a high-schooler. He was just a whole no.
Nadia, what to say? Her character wasn't amazing but then, she wasn't bad either. I felt like there could've been a lot of things she could've done differently. Like the whole scenario with shooting Jack was dumb as hell. Like say something like "I really don't want to talk to you about this right now, I'm in the middle of my senior project" or something along that line instead of "leave me alone, I don't need your help, your so annoying". Like are you trying to get rid of him or are you trying to get him to comfort you? Just a bad future CIA agent honestly.
Okay, this review has gone on long enough. I said what I had to say. I really did enjoy this book. The whole plot twist at the end really did it for me. I hope there's a next book, I'll see you guys soon. BYE!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2024
good sequel, pls make a third book
November 16, 2020
Nadia Riley has come back for her second semester at Desert Mountain Academy and a new team member, Simon, has replaced Damon on their team. The dean of students has also been replaced by a current CIA operative named Shepard who has decided to make the senior leader projects a real-life simulation of a full CIA operation with the leaders as handlers. The juniors including Nadia, Libby, Alan, and Simon carry out separate missions as part of Jack's overall operation. Jack's assignment involves a company called Genetech, where the DNA database for CIA operatives is stored. When Damon comes back insisting that his mother has been kidnapped and he needs Nadia's help to get her back, their investigation reveals that Jack's project is more real-life than simulation.
As with Desert Dark, Dark Divide is told from the perspective of different characters in alternating chapters. Also as with Desert Dark, the first chapter of the book details an action sequence that happens later in the book, and then flashes back to what happens leading up to those events in the first chapter. Once again, the characters in the book are relatable and well-developed. Political intrigue and cloak and dagger adventures make their journey entertaining. Although the story is pretty far-fetched, the action and suspense create first class escapist fiction and a very enjoyable read.
As with Desert Dark, Dark Divide is told from the perspective of different characters in alternating chapters. Also as with Desert Dark, the first chapter of the book details an action sequence that happens later in the book, and then flashes back to what happens leading up to those events in the first chapter. Once again, the characters in the book are relatable and well-developed. Political intrigue and cloak and dagger adventures make their journey entertaining. Although the story is pretty far-fetched, the action and suspense create first class escapist fiction and a very enjoyable read.
March 29, 2021
Doesn't it seem odd that a super secret CIA spy school has a prom complete with prom dresses and limos? I guess this propaganda piece for US intelligence will hold kids' attention with its plot twists and proms. But did anyone else notice that, at a "black ops" school that trains killers, the only kid who actually kills people is African American? I guess all the white kids are just too nice. Oh, and then there's the gruff but human grandpa who works for Mossad and teaches torture. Mossad is a foil to CIA, which NEVER assassinates people (um, except for US citizens like Anwar al-Awlaki and his teen son Abdulrahman Anwar al-Awlaki, both killed by US drones in Yemen. As in all US political fantasies,, only rogue CIA agents do bad things. No, the dozens of CIA assassinations and coups around the globe never make it into this MG/YA novel. If young people want to read some real history--way more exciting and frightening than any thriller---check out this graphic novel: "A People's History of American Empire" by Howard Zinn.
December 5, 2020
Dark Divide by Sonja Stone is the second installment to a great CIA/spy YA novel. It's fast-paced, action-packed, and keeps me on the edge of my seat. I wasn't sure what would be in store for the heroine, Nadia. This is her second year at the top secretive government agent school. A school where anything can happen in the blink of an eye. Nadia was almost killed in the dean's office last time. Then, a teammate of hers seems turned out to be a double agent. The favorite all-time characters from the first read are brought back in for this second adventure. Nadia has a lot to handle for this second year. Surprises were tangled in with the exploding action. The read contains deadly scenarios, humor, highly trained agents, and a fun teenage romance. I enjoyed reading this book. Sonja Stone's writing is easy to read and entertaining. She's giving Ally Carter's all girl spy novels some competition.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
January 21, 2019
This is the second book to the first book Desert Dark, and though I loved the first book, I didn't really enjoy reading this. While the story, plot twists, and action are one of the best that I ever read, the main character Nadia wasn't. For someone who is training to be Black Ops, she made some of the most stupid mistakes. Like accepting a drink from someone who betrayed and then kidnapped her, and was surprised and outraged that it was drugged. Libby was also a character that grated on my nerves, but at least I could understand why she was doing what she was doing. Like I said, great story but I had to leave the book on the table for six weeks without reading it because I was so pissed off at the main character. I ended up just skimming the rest of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2018
In this sequel to "Desert Dark" we find our spies-in-training once again facing schemes within schemes. Nadia is recovering from her previous adventure, her romance appears to be heading south, and a conniving new boy has his own agenda. In the meantime old enemies have returned and Nadia is beginning to realize that her whole life may be a lie. Who to trust? Who to support? Is a training exercise really an exercise or a real clandestine operation? That body would seem to indicate the former. This is another high-paced adventure that will delight fans of the first book and leave you on tenterhooks until the next one.
August 4, 2018
Oh.
My.
Gosh.
WHERE DO I EVEN START?!
This book was absolutely fantastic!! I would read well past I was supposed to be in bed, making my sister mad that I wouldn’t shut off the light. I could not put it down.
Every chapter feels like a cliffhanger, forcing you to read “just one more chapter”
And then there’s a tense spot at the end of a chapter from one character’s perspective.
And then it switches to two hours ago from another character’s perspective.
Sonja Stone really knows how to write a book! 12/10 would highly recommend
My.
Gosh.
WHERE DO I EVEN START?!
This book was absolutely fantastic!! I would read well past I was supposed to be in bed, making my sister mad that I wouldn’t shut off the light. I could not put it down.
Every chapter feels like a cliffhanger, forcing you to read “just one more chapter”
And then there’s a tense spot at the end of a chapter from one character’s perspective.
And then it switches to two hours ago from another character’s perspective.
Sonja Stone really knows how to write a book! 12/10 would highly recommend
November 6, 2018
I think this was an amazing book. I loved the twists in the book. It was epic :) although i still don't like Jake (I really never have since the first book) and against all things, i do like Damone. I think Sonja did a great job of creating different layers in the story which unravel as the book goes on. Overall, i love this book (And i love the first one too) and i cannot wait for another (Please, write another).
December 28, 2018
Yet another great teen espinoge novel from Sonja Stone. The twist, turns, and red herrings are all there. AND right when you think you have it all figured out, the story hooks a sharp left and leaves you in the dust.
The characters are smart, funny, and well written. The teen voices sounds authentic without being heavy handed or sounding like an adult trying to sound like a teen. If you enjoy teen spy books, spy stories, or just want a good read I highly recommend this series.
The characters are smart, funny, and well written. The teen voices sounds authentic without being heavy handed or sounding like an adult trying to sound like a teen. If you enjoy teen spy books, spy stories, or just want a good read I highly recommend this series.
September 15, 2020
Read: September 16, 2020
Rating: 5 Stars
OH shit, the plot thickens! I was expecting something like this but still got a few surprises in the end and I enjoyed it immensely.
This book is from 2018, it's 2020 now and I see nothing of book number 3, on this site at least, so that's concerning but I hope there will be a third book and if it continues on this line, many more.
Rating: 5 Stars
OH shit, the plot thickens! I was expecting something like this but still got a few surprises in the end and I enjoyed it immensely.
This book is from 2018, it's 2020 now and I see nothing of book number 3, on this site at least, so that's concerning but I hope there will be a third book and if it continues on this line, many more.
February 5, 2023
I really enjoyed the first one and found this one even better. Every time I thought there couldn't be another plot twist, there were 3 more and I loved how we got to dive deeper into each of the characters' family lives. It was really cool how the characters' stories all wove together; very funny and action-packed!
May 21, 2022
Ooooh this was sooooo awesome!!!!! So many plot twists and it felt like I was reading a fun puzzle that was easy enough for my brain to grasp and partially solve but hard enough that I would've never figured out the ending and the full explanation!
January 20, 2025
my jaw is ON THE FLOOR. oh my god. safe to say i did not expect that to happen.
though, i do have lots of mixed feelings about the loose ends, it definitely feels like the story was left incomplete. (i assume there will be no third book considering it's been 6 years since this one came out)
though, i do have lots of mixed feelings about the loose ends, it definitely feels like the story was left incomplete. (i assume there will be no third book considering it's been 6 years since this one came out)
September 2, 2018
This book left me shook! There were so many twists and turns that kept me so invested in the story and in these characters.
September 23, 2018
I fell right back into the story of Nadia and her classmates. Considering the outcome, I'm hoping there is another in the series.
October 30, 2018
LOVED IT. Always kept me guessing which I love, I don't like obvious predictability.
November 3, 2018
I literally just finished this book and I absolutely loved it!!!!!!!! This book is as amazing as the first book. My HUGE question is WILL THERE BE ANOTHER BOOK? I want to find out what happens next!
November 9, 2018
I couldn’t put this sequel down. IT’S SO GOOD.
November 12, 2018
If you liked the first book in the series, you'll love this one too. Hope a third is in the works!
January 1, 2019
Set in a CIA academy for teens, this book offers adventure and mystery. The academy is located in Arizona.
February 8, 2019
Kept me on the edge of my seat! Anticipating a third thrilling adventure for Nadia and her friends!
Read
June 4, 20202020- I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as the first, but I like how the author kept the ending open for a possible third book.
February 27, 2021
Continuing action packed events with teen black ops agents in training
August 9, 2025
not fantastic
January 14, 2019
Sequel to Desert Dark - 3.5 stars
Nadia is back at the academy to finish her junior year - but she soon discovers that Damon may not truly be gone, the assignment she has been given for their mission seems to be too closely related to real life, and with Jack as her team captain, she is going to have to keep her emotions strongly in check.
Lots of action and adventure, could wrap up the series - but also leaves it open to another book. Plot twists keep the reader guessing. Very engaging.
Nadia is back at the academy to finish her junior year - but she soon discovers that Damon may not truly be gone, the assignment she has been given for their mission seems to be too closely related to real life, and with Jack as her team captain, she is going to have to keep her emotions strongly in check.
Lots of action and adventure, could wrap up the series - but also leaves it open to another book. Plot twists keep the reader guessing. Very engaging.
Want to read
March 13, 2017Sounds good :) I can't wait
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews