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Sinners #1-3
The Sinners Series Trilogy
For fans of THE HUNTED GAMES and DIVERGENT. Fifty years ago The Commander came into power and murdered all who opposed him. In his warped mind, the seven deadly sins were the downfall of society. To punish the guilty, he created the Hole, a place where sinners are branded according to their sins. Sinners are forced to live a less than human existence in deplorable conditions, under the watchful eye of guards who are ready to kill anyone who steps out of line.Now, LUST wraps around my neck like thick, blue fingers, threatening to choke the life out of me. I’ve been accused of a crime I didn’t commit, and the Hole is my new home. Constant darkness. Brutal and savage violence. Excruciating pain. Every day is a fight for survival. But I won’t let them win. I will not die in the Hole. I am more than my brand. I’m a fighter. My name is Lexi Hamilton, and this is my story. “The writing was strong, I fell in love with the characters and was totally wrapped up in the world. There was a swoon-worthy hero, a strong heroine, a forbidden romance (and I mean REALLY forbidden) and a super evil bad guy. Now, I don’t normally read Dystopians but this one had me HOOKED!!!” “Aestas, Blogger at Aesta’s Book Blog “Dark, intense, dangerous. We fell head over heels with the forbidden romance between brave heroines and swoon-worthy hero Cole. And Zeus? Best dog EVER. A must-read for fans of the adrenaline intensity or Shatter me and totally hot guys of Jennifer Armentrout.” - Justine Magazine “A riveting and exciting dystopian read that will have you at the edge of your seat. I could not put it down and was entranced by this dark and unique world!” –Ben Alderson, Booktuber at BenjaminofTomes “The concept of this book was amazing. From the very first page, I was one edge. I read this book in one day, it just wouldn’t stop being exciting.” – Amy Real, Blogger at Reading Teen “Branded is a face paced, heart pounding, and swoon-worthy read that will make you fall in love with this dark and twisted world.” –Sasha Alsberg, BookTuber at ABookUtopia, Author of NYT #1 Best Seller of Zenith. “Fast-paced and fun, Branded has something everyone will love. Abi Ketner and Missy Kalicicki have created a unique dystopian romance that’s sure to stand out in today's market!” –Lindsay Cummings, Author of NYT #1 Best Seller of Zenith. “It was page-turning, intense, emotional, and so much more! This is one dystopian filled with so much you just want and need in a book! I loved that Ketner & Kaliciki had me hooked from the start making me climb more and more into this book with each page. I really felt like I was taken to a whole other world and sometimes got lost in what was going on around me!” –Bella, Blogger at Paranormal Book Club “I just can’t stress how much I love this book! Branded will DEFINITELY go into my TOP FAVORITE BOOKS OF ALL TIMES!!! If you haven’t read Branded, the stop what you’re doing NOW and READ IT!!!” – Alicia, Blogger at Addicted Readers “Wow! What a story! What a set of characters! What an ending! Now I’m ready for the next book!” – Lisa, Blogger at A Life Bound By Books “WOW! I want more. And I want it now. There are several revelations at the end of the store that leaves the reader hungry for more. Take it from me, you will enjoy this book so much, that you won’t be able to it out of your head. It’s just an amazing store that will blow you away.” –Savannah, Blogger at Books With Bite “This store is emotional and scary.
1144 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 8, 2017
264 people are currently reading
344 people want to read
About the author
Abi Ketner
5 books755 followersAbi Ketner Is a registered nurse with a passion for novels, the beaches of St. John, and her Philadelphia Phillies. A talented singer, Abi loves to go running, lifting and spend lots of time with her family. She currently resides in Lancaster, Pennsylvania with her husband, triplet daughters and one very spoiled dog.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 27, 2019
Purchased and 13% in. Started off ok. Liked the premise and the world building. But didn’t buy her immediate connection with Alyssa and how hard she took it when she died. Can’t believe how stupid she is- rushing up a back stairwell with no cameras and then surprised and yelling for help when the bad guys are there. Even Cole and Zeus can’t make up for that. Too simplistic- not enough feels....going on to another book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2019
Wow
I am not sire wht to say. This story was amazing. It was hard to read at times. It is very very dark but throughout there is hope. The story has some faith based elements although it is far from preachy. There are triggers though so reader beware (violence/abuse, attempted rape, death/grief). I cried and laughed and the laughter got me to the end. I loved the characters and i had to know what happened next which made adulting seriously difficult. There is some profanity (no "f" word) and some really derogatory name calling (part of the abuse), some nudity but no sex (references and allusions but no sex scenes). Definitely a book i would recommend to older teens and adults. Overall an excellent stoy.
I am not sire wht to say. This story was amazing. It was hard to read at times. It is very very dark but throughout there is hope. The story has some faith based elements although it is far from preachy. There are triggers though so reader beware (violence/abuse, attempted rape, death/grief). I cried and laughed and the laughter got me to the end. I loved the characters and i had to know what happened next which made adulting seriously difficult. There is some profanity (no "f" word) and some really derogatory name calling (part of the abuse), some nudity but no sex (references and allusions but no sex scenes). Definitely a book i would recommend to older teens and adults. Overall an excellent stoy.
September 27, 2019
Wow what a good read.
I could tell you so much about these books ,I would be here for ages telling you everything that I liked and I would probably end up spoiling the book for everyone else. So what I will say is these books were brilliant, I really enjoyed reading them and the epilogue had me blubbering like a baby. I would definitely recommend these books so read them you won't be disappointed.
I could tell you so much about these books ,I would be here for ages telling you everything that I liked and I would probably end up spoiling the book for everyone else. So what I will say is these books were brilliant, I really enjoyed reading them and the epilogue had me blubbering like a baby. I would definitely recommend these books so read them you won't be disappointed.
October 20, 2019
Very gifted authors and a wonderful story.
This is a wonderful, heart breaking and hope filled trilogy. It will make you feel all of the emotions we are capable of feeling. Great job. 5 stars!
This is a wonderful, heart breaking and hope filled trilogy. It will make you feel all of the emotions we are capable of feeling. Great job. 5 stars!
February 2, 2020
Could not put it down.
This series had me up and down and I could not put it down. I read it untill my eyes closed and I woke dreaming about what I read. Thank you for this series , it was not what I normally read but I loved it so much.
This series had me up and down and I could not put it down. I read it untill my eyes closed and I woke dreaming about what I read. Thank you for this series , it was not what I normally read but I loved it so much.
November 11, 2019
I loved this series. I liked how it 'branded' people with their sin, but the story showed how we make the choice to let our 'brand' define us, and that we are all 'sinners'.
November 11, 2019
Inspiring book
Great book so inspiring, truly well written ... Could not put it down ! Fantastic job ! Can't wait to read more of your books ....
Great book so inspiring, truly well written ... Could not put it down ! Fantastic job ! Can't wait to read more of your books ....
March 14, 2020
The Sinners series
I couldn't put this down. I loved it. The reference were spot on! It's one of the few books I would read over and over.
I couldn't put this down. I loved it. The reference were spot on! It's one of the few books I would read over and over.
April 14, 2020
As a whole this series was amazing !! Very good read !! Would recommend although I wasn't as into the second but once you finish the books go together perfectly
December 28, 2022
Branded:
As I have already read book one before I started this box series, I am just copying it. The storyline was TERRIFIC! It kept me engaged more and more and was something I had never read before. Hell, I was hooked from the very first words! The characters were written perfectly! I found myself having a heart for Cole and especially his dog Zeus!
There were times that I literally laughed out loud at Zeus and his tactics. One part is where he scared himself from his gas.
Branded was fast-paced, full of emotion, and action-packed. I know this may be too early even to say this but Branded is my number one favorite for 2013. I do not think there is a book that will even stand with Branded as well as it was.
In the story, Lexi was a strong heroine, even though she is being put through hell! And even then, she was able to find love with the one person who said he would die protecting her! Lexi had a big heart, and her actions were something that I felt, and I couldn't help but sympathize with her.
Cole is a guard ordered to protect Lexi, yet he falls head over heels for her even though he is not supposed to. That is a big no-no in the Hole! Sinners and Guards DO NOT fall in love. There are grave consequences for those who do. And Lexi and Cole learn this all firsthand.
There is a major twist at the end that I really did not see coming and was totally caught by surprise! Way to go with that authors!
I am so glad there was no cliffhanger at this book's end, but I know that Lexi and Cole's adventure is far from over! And I can not wait until book two is out!
Hunted:
Lexi and Cole are out of the Hole. Now it will be a fight to stay alive and bring down the commander and his second in command. Wilson is horrible and not a normal human being made from hatred.
I really liked book one even though, at times, Lexi drove me crazy. I don't understand how often a girl can just black the heck out and then come to and is all, oh my bad; I was having a flashback? Do what? Umm, homie, you blacked out for a reason.
With Wilson doing experiments on those within the hole, you know it is bad, to the extent that the United Powers will only stop him if they have proof. Lexi and her family are determined to make this happen, yet they will lose people along the way and make new friends.
Secrets will come out and leave you going. OMG, I didn't see that coming. This story has a lot of action; you can tell it will be AMAZING! Death will come, and it is a bit heartbreaking because it seems that death is the only true way out of this situation.
Liberated:
We start this one off where book two, Hunted, ended. We were left with a cliffhanger, so I hope this book will give us all the necessary answers. Wow, a lot of action. I really mean that from the get-go. All answers will be given, and we will finally understand why Lexi passes out so much. The ending! OMG, I had to stop reading and take a break. I was bawling; I felt so much with the ending! I think the authors did a great job of wrapping it up the way they did. I will have to say this was my favorite series so far! For sure on my top ten reads.
As I have already read book one before I started this box series, I am just copying it. The storyline was TERRIFIC! It kept me engaged more and more and was something I had never read before. Hell, I was hooked from the very first words! The characters were written perfectly! I found myself having a heart for Cole and especially his dog Zeus!
There were times that I literally laughed out loud at Zeus and his tactics. One part is where he scared himself from his gas.
Branded was fast-paced, full of emotion, and action-packed. I know this may be too early even to say this but Branded is my number one favorite for 2013. I do not think there is a book that will even stand with Branded as well as it was.
In the story, Lexi was a strong heroine, even though she is being put through hell! And even then, she was able to find love with the one person who said he would die protecting her! Lexi had a big heart, and her actions were something that I felt, and I couldn't help but sympathize with her.
Cole is a guard ordered to protect Lexi, yet he falls head over heels for her even though he is not supposed to. That is a big no-no in the Hole! Sinners and Guards DO NOT fall in love. There are grave consequences for those who do. And Lexi and Cole learn this all firsthand.
There is a major twist at the end that I really did not see coming and was totally caught by surprise! Way to go with that authors!
I am so glad there was no cliffhanger at this book's end, but I know that Lexi and Cole's adventure is far from over! And I can not wait until book two is out!
Hunted:
Lexi and Cole are out of the Hole. Now it will be a fight to stay alive and bring down the commander and his second in command. Wilson is horrible and not a normal human being made from hatred.
I really liked book one even though, at times, Lexi drove me crazy. I don't understand how often a girl can just black the heck out and then come to and is all, oh my bad; I was having a flashback? Do what? Umm, homie, you blacked out for a reason.
With Wilson doing experiments on those within the hole, you know it is bad, to the extent that the United Powers will only stop him if they have proof. Lexi and her family are determined to make this happen, yet they will lose people along the way and make new friends.
Secrets will come out and leave you going. OMG, I didn't see that coming. This story has a lot of action; you can tell it will be AMAZING! Death will come, and it is a bit heartbreaking because it seems that death is the only true way out of this situation.
Liberated:
We start this one off where book two, Hunted, ended. We were left with a cliffhanger, so I hope this book will give us all the necessary answers. Wow, a lot of action. I really mean that from the get-go. All answers will be given, and we will finally understand why Lexi passes out so much. The ending! OMG, I had to stop reading and take a break. I was bawling; I felt so much with the ending! I think the authors did a great job of wrapping it up the way they did. I will have to say this was my favorite series so far! For sure on my top ten reads.
December 3, 2019
There is a lot about this series that falls way short of expectations. The characters are fairly flat, their entire being focused around one trait and enforced throughout whether is it is their manliness, their delicate femininity, or their alcoholism. Also, the characters, through constant miscommunication, dramatically throw each other away and then come back to one another without deeper thought, making their arguments worthless in so far as the story is concerned. And then on top of that, characters are killed off sharply before their time for what feels like pure shock value at time.
That being said, the general base of the story is good. The first book is a little meandering, but the second and third books focus heavily on the rebellion and the struggle to try and break down a systematically failing pseudo-government. This story, while still cliched and overwrought, is one that did provide some interest ad the books continued.
I wish there had been more substance, making this a more meaningful series, instead of focusing on a particularly shallow, and borderline stockholm-y, love story. Also, there are some unnecessary triggering scenes and topics, such as vivid descriptions of death, dead bodies, horrible wounds, possible rape, and torture. The story would have been no better or worse without these things in their current state of detail, but it might have made things a little less painful to read.
That being said, the general base of the story is good. The first book is a little meandering, but the second and third books focus heavily on the rebellion and the struggle to try and break down a systematically failing pseudo-government. This story, while still cliched and overwrought, is one that did provide some interest ad the books continued.
I wish there had been more substance, making this a more meaningful series, instead of focusing on a particularly shallow, and borderline stockholm-y, love story. Also, there are some unnecessary triggering scenes and topics, such as vivid descriptions of death, dead bodies, horrible wounds, possible rape, and torture. The story would have been no better or worse without these things in their current state of detail, but it might have made things a little less painful to read.
December 14, 2024
FINALLY finished it..
The Sinners Series Boxed Set by Abi Ketner and Missy Kalicicki:
Branded #1:
Cole and Lexi have a twisted journey. Lexi comes from a dark place, abused and then unfairly sentenced to the hole - hell on earth. Cole is her guard. Any relationship is forbidden by threat of death. This story is brutal, with triggers, with secrets and surprises…
Hunted #2:
NOT easy to read. This book has so much pain, heartache, loss, and extreme injustices. When a cold hearted despot has no boundaries, no accountability, and lots of power? The bodies stack up, and hope is a losing side. Lexi is staying in the game, but she is not always rational. With cause, but still hard to read… The story kept me on constantly on edge!
Liberated #3: The best part of this series is the extended (positive and touching) epilogue. Because this series is insanely dark, in a hellish way. Bodies continue stacking up with life and death fighting, a killer virus, and brutal conditions. So much constant heartbreak and loss… This series took me forever to finish because it was draining to read.
—PTators
The Sinners Series Boxed Set by Abi Ketner and Missy Kalicicki:
Branded #1:
Cole and Lexi have a twisted journey. Lexi comes from a dark place, abused and then unfairly sentenced to the hole - hell on earth. Cole is her guard. Any relationship is forbidden by threat of death. This story is brutal, with triggers, with secrets and surprises…
Hunted #2:
NOT easy to read. This book has so much pain, heartache, loss, and extreme injustices. When a cold hearted despot has no boundaries, no accountability, and lots of power? The bodies stack up, and hope is a losing side. Lexi is staying in the game, but she is not always rational. With cause, but still hard to read… The story kept me on constantly on edge!
Liberated #3: The best part of this series is the extended (positive and touching) epilogue. Because this series is insanely dark, in a hellish way. Bodies continue stacking up with life and death fighting, a killer virus, and brutal conditions. So much constant heartbreak and loss… This series took me forever to finish because it was draining to read.
—PTators
November 10, 2019
I don't normally write reviews because I am pretty horrible at it, but it took me so long to get through this trilogy and I couldn't wait for it to be over, so I felt I needed to write something.
I loved the concept, I hated the love story and over emotion. I skipped a lot of paragraphs and even chapters. It got slow and boring too often. There are some books that you read that you never want to end, wish there were more, can't wait for the next. But I just could not wait for this to be over so I could be done with it.
I feel like the writing/editing really needed some work. *spoiler* like when Lexi gets her head shaved, after that she still had hair in a few different scenes right afterwards, and that happened a few times. It got sloppy and drawn out. That was very annoying to me.
I talked about this book because the basis was great and Zuse was brilliant! But I would not suggest this for anyone else to read. I always feel so horrible for saying that, but it is the truth. I'm so glad I am moving on!
I loved the concept, I hated the love story and over emotion. I skipped a lot of paragraphs and even chapters. It got slow and boring too often. There are some books that you read that you never want to end, wish there were more, can't wait for the next. But I just could not wait for this to be over so I could be done with it.
I feel like the writing/editing really needed some work. *spoiler* like when Lexi gets her head shaved, after that she still had hair in a few different scenes right afterwards, and that happened a few times. It got sloppy and drawn out. That was very annoying to me.
I talked about this book because the basis was great and Zuse was brilliant! But I would not suggest this for anyone else to read. I always feel so horrible for saying that, but it is the truth. I'm so glad I am moving on!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2021
1 criticism
I enjoyed the books overall, but I felt the epilogue was too long. If they'd added another page to the first section & left it at that, it would've been a lot better in terms of the story's momentum & wrapping everything up succinctly. As it is, it seems to drag and I was ready to be done long before it actually was.
I enjoyed the books overall, but I felt the epilogue was too long. If they'd added another page to the first section & left it at that, it would've been a lot better in terms of the story's momentum & wrapping everything up succinctly. As it is, it seems to drag and I was ready to be done long before it actually was.
December 8, 2019
Helpless female, doubting herself and relationship, making dopey moves and getting in trouble gets quite old.
December 27, 2019
I only read the first book in the series and disliked it.
November 6, 2020
Omg what a series
I love the series b since the beginning. I was so interested. Love each person story. All the surprises. Love the whole series
I love the series b since the beginning. I was so interested. Love each person story. All the surprises. Love the whole series
January 21, 2021
Great story. Very pertinent to current world situations. Had me in tears multiple times. Not the best editing in the world.
August 13, 2023
Fantastic series.
Love this boxset. this read is devestating in its brutality, but there is light that keeps you going through this.
Fantastic read.
Love this boxset. this read is devestating in its brutality, but there is light that keeps you going through this.
Fantastic read.
October 28, 2019
REALLY REALLY struggling to finish this book - started off okay but the main character is just SO UNLIKABLE & so unrealistic ugh - hasn’t got a patch on the divergent series ( which wasn’t even that good either) & A’s for comparing to to the hunger games- you’ve got to be joking.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews