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The Salvation State #2
Absolution Island
The chase is over. For Rebecca, Daniel, and the rest of the Forgottens of Second Salvations, there is only one get with the program or die. But there’s a spy lurking somewhere within the cabins of Angel Island, someone with contacts in the outside world. Ruth Black is determined to find out who it is before the world learns the truth about her—and about the special punishment ministry of her husband, the Reverend Matthew.
Rebecca and Daniel are not destined to remain forgotten very long.
Welcome to New one nation, under God. An island prison, just for kids, built to convert the very worst of them. Kids like Rebecca and Daniel, with one impossible
Escape.
Rebecca and Daniel are not destined to remain forgotten very long.
Welcome to New one nation, under God. An island prison, just for kids, built to convert the very worst of them. Kids like Rebecca and Daniel, with one impossible
Escape.
- GenresDark
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 15, 2017
3 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Marcus Damanda
20 books67 followersWriter, teacher, world's best uncle, adoptive dad to Shazam the cat, I am the gatekeeper to your nightmares and dreams, weaver of tales fantastic and unimaginable ... or some stuff like that.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 14, 2018
Trapped and forgotten on an island hell, Daniel and Rebecca must either fake going along with the program or die. How could the rest of the world not realize what was happening to these children? Or are there pockets of humanity trying to bring Matthew and Ruth down? Could there be a spy in their midst fighting the good fight alone? Ruth thinks so, so no one will be safe from her torture…there are only two ways to leave the island, escape or death and Rebecca and Daniel are willing to die trying…
Marcus Damanda is back with ABSOLUTION ISLAND and it packs the same gut-wrenching punch as THE SALVATION STATE, if not more!
Just as dark, just as disturbing and just as gritty and raw, Marcus Damanda spares nothing in the continuance of this series and his character development has filled in any blank spaces from book one.
If you can balance on the edge of your seat for any length of time, can stomach the brutalities of a pair of twisted monsters bringing punishment to young sinners, this series deserves your full attention, because this author can write!
I received a complimentary copy from Evernight Teen!
Series: The Salvation State - Book 2
Publisher: Evernight Teen (March 15, 2017)
Publication Date: March 15, 2017
Genre: YA Dystopian
Print Length: 338 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Marcus Damanda is back with ABSOLUTION ISLAND and it packs the same gut-wrenching punch as THE SALVATION STATE, if not more!
Just as dark, just as disturbing and just as gritty and raw, Marcus Damanda spares nothing in the continuance of this series and his character development has filled in any blank spaces from book one.
If you can balance on the edge of your seat for any length of time, can stomach the brutalities of a pair of twisted monsters bringing punishment to young sinners, this series deserves your full attention, because this author can write!
I received a complimentary copy from Evernight Teen!
Series: The Salvation State - Book 2
Publisher: Evernight Teen (March 15, 2017)
Publication Date: March 15, 2017
Genre: YA Dystopian
Print Length: 338 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
December 19, 2017
Fantastic twists and the action is great!
August 16, 2018
Disclaimer.
I had requested and received audible version of this book for free from the author, in exchange for an unbiased review.
What I liked about the book -
This second book of the series took the good story of book one, and made it great. I loved this book more than the first one. The characters are so much more mature and relatable. The story itself moves at a comfortable pace and it kept me addicted throughout. There isn't a single dull moment throughout its 12 hour runtime. I want more of this, now.
What I disliked about the book -
FYI - this is not a standalone book. You must read book one.
Narration -
Narration by Jessica McEvoy was a good match for the content. She breathed life into the story and kept me enthralled. Would love to listen to more of her work.
I had requested and received audible version of this book for free from the author, in exchange for an unbiased review.
What I liked about the book -
This second book of the series took the good story of book one, and made it great. I loved this book more than the first one. The characters are so much more mature and relatable. The story itself moves at a comfortable pace and it kept me addicted throughout. There isn't a single dull moment throughout its 12 hour runtime. I want more of this, now.
What I disliked about the book -
FYI - this is not a standalone book. You must read book one.
Narration -
Narration by Jessica McEvoy was a good match for the content. She breathed life into the story and kept me enthralled. Would love to listen to more of her work.
July 23, 2018
This is not my normal genre of book. I don’t read many dystopian books or teen/YA. My normal books also have more swear words than mentions of God or Jesus. However, I love this series! That’s how great of a world Marcus Damanda has created. This story is so engaging that I, a 30 something year old lover of horror and thrillers, did not want the story to end. I was completely engrossed in the lives of Rebecca, Daniel, Caroline, and all the new faces on Angel Island. I loved the character development as we learned who could be trusted and who was the enemy. Jessica McEvoy was fantastic as the narrator! I enjoyed the voices she did for each character. Reverend Black and his dentures was great! I can’t wait for book 3!
October 25, 2023
I'm going to put this review for all three books because I'm lazy and because they all deserve a write up. No spoilers, promise!
Only two tropes truly scare me anything to do with alien invasion and this; the whole cult/extremist/scary side of religion. It probably says a lot about my personal hang-ups that both of these have to do primarily to do with absolute loss of power and control in your life but eh, read into it what you will.
Growing up during the time of the "Satanic Panic" in a conservative Christian environment that bordered on enthusiastic (not extreme), I'm well into my deconstruction phase of adulthood and I really appreciated reading this. While the circumstances of this story are over the top from the perspective of most of the world, I'm here to tell you that the expectations of purity, blind respect and adherence to rules and placement of arbitrary restrictions and structures isn't that far off from accurate. What I loved about this story was that it doesn't discount the basics of Christianity at it's core; the stuff we can all agree on- AND it doesn't mock the beliefs that the MC's had or ostracize them for having been brainwashed for their formative years. The main message of this story was forgiveness and redemption and it was so cathartic to read (even though I listened to it because I *heart* Jessica McElvoy's voice 4ever).
*Addendum to this: I have amazing, loving and very open minded parents that were as taken in by this community as I was. We are all deconstructing in our own way as we grow.
Only two tropes truly scare me anything to do with alien invasion and this; the whole cult/extremist/scary side of religion. It probably says a lot about my personal hang-ups that both of these have to do primarily to do with absolute loss of power and control in your life but eh, read into it what you will.
Growing up during the time of the "Satanic Panic" in a conservative Christian environment that bordered on enthusiastic (not extreme), I'm well into my deconstruction phase of adulthood and I really appreciated reading this. While the circumstances of this story are over the top from the perspective of most of the world, I'm here to tell you that the expectations of purity, blind respect and adherence to rules and placement of arbitrary restrictions and structures isn't that far off from accurate. What I loved about this story was that it doesn't discount the basics of Christianity at it's core; the stuff we can all agree on- AND it doesn't mock the beliefs that the MC's had or ostracize them for having been brainwashed for their formative years. The main message of this story was forgiveness and redemption and it was so cathartic to read (even though I listened to it because I *heart* Jessica McElvoy's voice 4ever).
*Addendum to this: I have amazing, loving and very open minded parents that were as taken in by this community as I was. We are all deconstructing in our own way as we grow.
May 10, 2017
Though I really love Marcus Damanda's writing, I think Absolution Island fell into the "second book" category. What I mean by this is, a lot of the sub-plots were hashed out more, but not much really happened to progress the main storyline. Don't get me wrong--I love the story. It's intriguing, it's intense, it's downright frightening. But things I wanted to happen didn't happen. Though this will make for a very, very action-packed book three, I think Absolution Island could have ended with some huge movement to cap it all off (and I can't tell you what I wanted to have happen without adding a spoiler, so I won't do that) that wouldn't have ended in a horrible cliffhanger.
I still gave the book five stars because the storyline is just that good, and it ultimately did what it was supposed to do. It made me want more.
May I please have book three now, Mr. Damanda?
I still gave the book five stars because the storyline is just that good, and it ultimately did what it was supposed to do. It made me want more.
May I please have book three now, Mr. Damanda?
August 8, 2017
Couldn't put it down!
This book is every bit as good as Salvation State. Sometimes, series like these can lose steam or become trite, but there was none of that at all. The pacing is perfect, the story is unique and interesting, and the characters are all so well written that I wish the books were longer! If you're a fan of dystopian fiction, you absolutely must read these books. I can't wait for Revelation Way!
This book is every bit as good as Salvation State. Sometimes, series like these can lose steam or become trite, but there was none of that at all. The pacing is perfect, the story is unique and interesting, and the characters are all so well written that I wish the books were longer! If you're a fan of dystopian fiction, you absolutely must read these books. I can't wait for Revelation Way!
April 24, 2020
They have been caught and taken to the island where they must get with the programme or die. All they want is to escape but it may be impossible. Her husband has a very special form of punishment and she does not want anyone finding out but there is a spy. Can they escape? Can the spy be found? See if they can escape
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 26, 2018
Absolution Island
The Salvation State Book 2
Marcus Damanda
Rebecca and Daniel are now with the program. They are told the way. Get with the program or die!!. If you were told that what would you do? This story takes you up in the clouds and down in the depths. It was a crazy ride. I loved the book. I could not put it down!
The Salvation State Book 2
Marcus Damanda
Rebecca and Daniel are now with the program. They are told the way. Get with the program or die!!. If you were told that what would you do? This story takes you up in the clouds and down in the depths. It was a crazy ride. I loved the book. I could not put it down!
January 8, 2019
This is the 2nd book I've read written by Marcus Damanda; he has done an excellent job at writing a good book; I will definitely be reading more of his books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
January 10, 2019
Absolution Island by Marcus Damanda is a wonderful story. This is book number two in this wonderful scary series. I lvoed reading this story it had on the edge of my seat threw the whol book and I can not wait for book three to come out. I highly recommend this story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 20, 2018
Loved this book! Can't wait for the next one.
February 6, 2020
The second book in the saga of Rebecca and Daniel is just as good as the first. This brutal new world they are part of is exciting. The intrigue and horror in this book make it hard to put down.
March 18, 2017
This incredible book launches straight back into the terrifying drama surrounding Rebecca and Daniel. It was like there was no break between book 1 and 2 - I remembered everything from #1 without needing to pause or rethink, because book 1 was so vivid and original. Book 2 well and truly lives up to the first book's high standard.
Do not read this book if you have to be somewhere tomorrow because you are not likely to get much sleep. It is gripping - it grabs hold of you and drags you along on a thrilling journey that is sometimes devastating and sometimes spirit-soaring. Dystopian yet inspiring, respectful of faith yet damning of dogma - given the state of things in the world today, the release of this book could not be more timely.
I'm thoroughly invested in Rebecca and Daniel and am dying for Book 3. Thank you Mr Damanda for another shattering, beautiful story!
Do not read this book if you have to be somewhere tomorrow because you are not likely to get much sleep. It is gripping - it grabs hold of you and drags you along on a thrilling journey that is sometimes devastating and sometimes spirit-soaring. Dystopian yet inspiring, respectful of faith yet damning of dogma - given the state of things in the world today, the release of this book could not be more timely.
I'm thoroughly invested in Rebecca and Daniel and am dying for Book 3. Thank you Mr Damanda for another shattering, beautiful story!
August 4, 2018
Read this review and more on my blog at [Roxie Writes].
‘Absolution Island’ by Marcus Damanda (narrated by Jessica McEvoy)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
Finished on August 2, 2018
GIVEN A FREE COPY OF THE AUDIOBOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW
$4.99 on Kindle | $14.99 in Paperback | $23.81 on Audible
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Rebecca, Daniel, and the other Forgottens of Second Salvations have run out of options. They either get with the program, or they die. But there’s a spy lurking somewhere within the cabins of Angel Island, someone with contacts in the outside world. They must be discovered, and taken care of, before they expose the truth.
Welcome to New America: one nation, under God. An island prison, just for kids, built to convert the very worst of them. Kids like Rebecca and Daniel, with one impossible task:
Escape.
MY REVIEW:
I was given a free copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I very much anticipated this book, and I was not disappointed. There is no lull in the story; it picks right back up from where the first book left off. The pacing is so well-done it makes it almost impossible to stop reading (or, in my case, listening). You just need to find out what happens.
The reality of New America is a terrible and frightening one and, as I said in my review of ‘Salvation State’, it’s not too far-fetched to believe. I think that makes it even scarier. In my opinion, there is nothing more frightening than having your freedom taken away and being forced into beliefs without ever being given the chance to figure out what you think for yourself. No monster lurking in the dark can compare to a life like that.
Damanda’s writing style is easy to read, immersive, and consistent. He has found his voice, and it really comes across to the reader. He has just the sort of style I prefer: one that makes you forget you’re reading a story and instead feel like you’re there yourself or that a friend is telling you one.
Speaking of voices, the audiobook of this novel is read by the impeccable Jessica McEvoy. She really flexes her muscles with this book, putting on different effects/accents for different characters. I’ve been a fan of her work for a long time, but I was especially impressed with her work here. It was easy to keep track of who is who which is not always an easy thing to do with audiobooks, especially if you zone out for a few seconds. But McEvoy uses Damanda’s subtle character descriptions to make them distinguishable and individual.
Also, McEvoy has an extremely pleasant voice that makes binge listening easy. I’m sure we’ve all encountered audiobooks of which we can only listen to small chunks at a time because the narration gets monotonous, but that never happens when McEvoy is doing it.
I think Damanda and McEvoy make a great team. Together, they have brought a vibrant, chilling, and touching world to life.
I very much look forward to the next installment of this series.
‘Absolution Island’ by Marcus Damanda (narrated by Jessica McEvoy)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
Finished on August 2, 2018
GIVEN A FREE COPY OF THE AUDIOBOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW
$4.99 on Kindle | $14.99 in Paperback | $23.81 on Audible
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Rebecca, Daniel, and the other Forgottens of Second Salvations have run out of options. They either get with the program, or they die. But there’s a spy lurking somewhere within the cabins of Angel Island, someone with contacts in the outside world. They must be discovered, and taken care of, before they expose the truth.
Welcome to New America: one nation, under God. An island prison, just for kids, built to convert the very worst of them. Kids like Rebecca and Daniel, with one impossible task:
Escape.
MY REVIEW:
I was given a free copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I very much anticipated this book, and I was not disappointed. There is no lull in the story; it picks right back up from where the first book left off. The pacing is so well-done it makes it almost impossible to stop reading (or, in my case, listening). You just need to find out what happens.
The reality of New America is a terrible and frightening one and, as I said in my review of ‘Salvation State’, it’s not too far-fetched to believe. I think that makes it even scarier. In my opinion, there is nothing more frightening than having your freedom taken away and being forced into beliefs without ever being given the chance to figure out what you think for yourself. No monster lurking in the dark can compare to a life like that.
Damanda’s writing style is easy to read, immersive, and consistent. He has found his voice, and it really comes across to the reader. He has just the sort of style I prefer: one that makes you forget you’re reading a story and instead feel like you’re there yourself or that a friend is telling you one.
Speaking of voices, the audiobook of this novel is read by the impeccable Jessica McEvoy. She really flexes her muscles with this book, putting on different effects/accents for different characters. I’ve been a fan of her work for a long time, but I was especially impressed with her work here. It was easy to keep track of who is who which is not always an easy thing to do with audiobooks, especially if you zone out for a few seconds. But McEvoy uses Damanda’s subtle character descriptions to make them distinguishable and individual.
Also, McEvoy has an extremely pleasant voice that makes binge listening easy. I’m sure we’ve all encountered audiobooks of which we can only listen to small chunks at a time because the narration gets monotonous, but that never happens when McEvoy is doing it.
I think Damanda and McEvoy make a great team. Together, they have brought a vibrant, chilling, and touching world to life.
I very much look forward to the next installment of this series.
March 17, 2017
Suppose the worst summer camp you ever went to teamed up with the darkest, cruelest reform school you could imagine—and that it was being run by something that talked like a church but didn’t believe in any form of love or mercy. Suppose that church had taken over the United States government. All the libraries have been burned a generation ago. The media skillfully parrots the government line. The cities have been poisoned by terrorist dirty bomb attacks. The sprawling suburbs seem comfy enough, if you don’t mind getting sent to reform school for cutting class—once!
Suppose you’d already tried to run away, after you realized your parents had been the victims of a political assassination. But then you got caught. That’s where Rebecca Riggs finds herself in Absolution Island: locked down in a punishment camp run by the sadistic pastor Matthew Black and his calculating wife, Ruth. Absolution Island is a place designed to break the spirits of kids like Rebecca—that is, if they live through the process. There is only one way for Rebecca and her friend Daniel to survive: escape. Except that’s supposed to be impossible. Absolution Island really is an island, accessible only by boat or air. And there is heavy, heavy surveillance and punishments beyond imagining if you get caught…
Marcus Demanda’s Absolution Island (The Salvation State, Book 2) is a page-turner, a scary and relevant miracle of a book. Dark as it is, it is also warm-hearted, with lovable (and hate-able!) characters. Angry as it is at forced piety, it is also deeply spiritual, and very much about love in all its forms, and what people are (and are not) willing to risk. Rebecca and Daniel’s world at Absolution Island is profoundly sad, but also riveting. You’ll care right away about all the characters, not just the main ones: Vex, with his glasses and his secret, and the star student, chosen to be the Lamb, Asher. At Absolution Island, you see, they take the story of the Crucifixion very literally. Asher’s faith could cost him his life.
Absolution Island is an all-night read for teens and adults both. Bracing, relevant, sometimes darkly funny, and always compelling, it’s a thrilling ride—one you must take!
Suppose you’d already tried to run away, after you realized your parents had been the victims of a political assassination. But then you got caught. That’s where Rebecca Riggs finds herself in Absolution Island: locked down in a punishment camp run by the sadistic pastor Matthew Black and his calculating wife, Ruth. Absolution Island is a place designed to break the spirits of kids like Rebecca—that is, if they live through the process. There is only one way for Rebecca and her friend Daniel to survive: escape. Except that’s supposed to be impossible. Absolution Island really is an island, accessible only by boat or air. And there is heavy, heavy surveillance and punishments beyond imagining if you get caught…
Marcus Demanda’s Absolution Island (The Salvation State, Book 2) is a page-turner, a scary and relevant miracle of a book. Dark as it is, it is also warm-hearted, with lovable (and hate-able!) characters. Angry as it is at forced piety, it is also deeply spiritual, and very much about love in all its forms, and what people are (and are not) willing to risk. Rebecca and Daniel’s world at Absolution Island is profoundly sad, but also riveting. You’ll care right away about all the characters, not just the main ones: Vex, with his glasses and his secret, and the star student, chosen to be the Lamb, Asher. At Absolution Island, you see, they take the story of the Crucifixion very literally. Asher’s faith could cost him his life.
Absolution Island is an all-night read for teens and adults both. Bracing, relevant, sometimes darkly funny, and always compelling, it’s a thrilling ride—one you must take!
August 17, 2018
* My review is for the audiobook format *
Equally as disturbing and engrossing as book one, this second installment in the Salvation State series picks up where book one left off. Rebecca and Daniel are now in the grip of Ruth and Reverend Matthew Black, the ruthless leaders of Angel Island who pose as uber-Christian do-gooders tasked by the powerful New America Unity Church to rehabilitate troubled and orphaned youths. But the island has a wealth of dark secrets. If revealed to the world, these secrets could blow the top off the Black's twisted operation. Rebecca and Daniel risk everything in hopes they'll escape the nightmare of Angel Island, and perhaps one day end the injustice that has infected New America.
Damanda's spectacular quality of writing from book one continued into book two, a feat some authors just can't accomplish. I was gripped tight by this dystopian thriller from beginning to end, and often found myself pondering the frightening possibility of a similar scenario happening in real life. Jessica McEvoy narrates again, giving a stupendous performance.
Eagerly awaiting future installments!
(I requested this free review copy audiobook and voluntarily posted this unbiased review.)
Equally as disturbing and engrossing as book one, this second installment in the Salvation State series picks up where book one left off. Rebecca and Daniel are now in the grip of Ruth and Reverend Matthew Black, the ruthless leaders of Angel Island who pose as uber-Christian do-gooders tasked by the powerful New America Unity Church to rehabilitate troubled and orphaned youths. But the island has a wealth of dark secrets. If revealed to the world, these secrets could blow the top off the Black's twisted operation. Rebecca and Daniel risk everything in hopes they'll escape the nightmare of Angel Island, and perhaps one day end the injustice that has infected New America.
Damanda's spectacular quality of writing from book one continued into book two, a feat some authors just can't accomplish. I was gripped tight by this dystopian thriller from beginning to end, and often found myself pondering the frightening possibility of a similar scenario happening in real life. Jessica McEvoy narrates again, giving a stupendous performance.
Eagerly awaiting future installments!
(I requested this free review copy audiobook and voluntarily posted this unbiased review.)
August 23, 2018
Wow, the second one is just as good as the first! This is a fast-paced, intense ride as a group of teenagers try to break free from a warped religious cult at a place called Angel Island. "New America" isn't all that it's cracked up to be, lots of craziness going on. It's a super cool and original story, beautifully written and narrated. I highly recommend both books in the series, get em! GREAT STUFF!
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
September 28, 2018
What a fitting end to this action-packed trilogy!!
December 3, 2021
I can’t put this series down
April 2, 2017
Although it's been a while since I read book 2, I dove into this and became reacquainted with the characters and their dark circumstances immediately. I read it in one day. Damanda has a consistent style with fantastic pacing and a style that weaves into the reader's mind and won't let go. I kept wanting to read about Rebecca, Daniel, and the other fascinating characters embedded in an amazing plot.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews