What do you think?
Lost Empire #2
The Citizen
As the nation of Riyen tries to recover from a shocking revelation, Anissa finds herself completely isolated from her friends. Struggling with bitterness, guilt, and grief, her passion for justice threatens to turn into a quest for vengeance. But when her true identity comes into question, she will uncover a life-altering truth that will shake the world to its core.
- GenresScience FictionFantasy
225 pages, ebook
Published October 19, 2018
About the author
E.B. Dawson
37 books145 followersBorn and raised in Southeast Asia, I have lived in four different countries and three different states. I have an M.A. in Philosophy and am an award winning author of science fiction and fantasy.
I adore reading. But only good books.
I like cooking for people that I love. Sometimes I like doing yoga. I used to crochet, but I've kind of given up on it (my 10-year-old niece is already way better than I'll ever be). I am learning German and Latin as my 3rd and 4th languages.
I adore reading. But only good books.
I like cooking for people that I love. Sometimes I like doing yoga. I used to crochet, but I've kind of given up on it (my 10-year-old niece is already way better than I'll ever be). I am learning German and Latin as my 3rd and 4th languages.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 13, 2018
This book is beautiful and honest, gritty and real, and the raw poetry of it left me gasping. Dawson weaves an amazing story, building upon everything that made The Traveler so great, and reveals so many new things about Anissa’s world that I read nearly half of it in one sitting. It’s the kind of book that sucks you in, and you can’t get out because you don’t want to.
Let’s talk about the characters. I had decided by the end of The Traveler that I did like Carson after all, and that was entirely justified. Anissa grew tremendously throughout this book as she learned to manage her brokenness and the gap between what is and should be. Mani makes a reappearance, and added an adorable layer of sweetness to the book. Much of the old cast is there, but take the back seat as new characters and plot twists are revealed.
Speaking of plot, The Citizen unfolded in a way I never saw coming after reading The Traveler. So many new things happened that widened and deepened the scope of the book, that I was on the edge of my seat to find out “what happens next.” But it wasn’t a half-hearted attempt at slapping an extra room on an old house. The plot of The Citizen simply simply “took off” from the base provided in The Traveler.
I really can’t think of anything to gripe about, except that I have to wait another year for book three. Reader-fangirl me wants to know why it can’t happen faster. (I mean really, Dawson, pretty please with a cherry on top?) :P
To be perfectly honest, I always go into sequels with a little reservation. So many of them fail to deliver after the greatness of the first book, and even if they’re good in their own right, they rarely live up to expectations. The Citizen isn’t one of these unfortunate examples of book-kind. Everything that made The Traveler so good is repeated and amplified by its sequel.
Let’s talk about the characters. I had decided by the end of The Traveler that I did like Carson after all, and that was entirely justified. Anissa grew tremendously throughout this book as she learned to manage her brokenness and the gap between what is and should be. Mani makes a reappearance, and added an adorable layer of sweetness to the book. Much of the old cast is there, but take the back seat as new characters and plot twists are revealed.
Speaking of plot, The Citizen unfolded in a way I never saw coming after reading The Traveler. So many new things happened that widened and deepened the scope of the book, that I was on the edge of my seat to find out “what happens next.” But it wasn’t a half-hearted attempt at slapping an extra room on an old house. The plot of The Citizen simply simply “took off” from the base provided in The Traveler.
I really can’t think of anything to gripe about, except that I have to wait another year for book three. Reader-fangirl me wants to know why it can’t happen faster. (I mean really, Dawson, pretty please with a cherry on top?) :P
To be perfectly honest, I always go into sequels with a little reservation. So many of them fail to deliver after the greatness of the first book, and even if they’re good in their own right, they rarely live up to expectations. The Citizen isn’t one of these unfortunate examples of book-kind. Everything that made The Traveler so good is repeated and amplified by its sequel.
July 6, 2019
Soooo….I admit, I was a little “iffy” about the first book in this series and went into this one with some reservations. Dawson took those doubts and erased them with this second installment. The Citizen expands on the unique fantasy/sci-fi setting we were introduced us to in The Traveler and gives us a much deeper look into the characters and the world they inhabit. The implications of their choices become much more profound as the stakes are raised and tensions are heightened, and I’m already looking forward to seeing how things will play out in the next book.
Everything about this book is better than the first. I could see significant growth in author’s writing, which felt much smoother and better paced. I found that I was able to connect with the characters a lot more than I had previously, and I felt like we really got a closer look at their motivations, emotions, and the rationale for their decisions. While there were still some point of view choices and suspension of disbelief issues that had me feeling a little frustrated, overall, these didn’t distract too much from my enjoyment of the story. I would have liked to have spent a little more time with some of the secondary characters in Riyen, but with the way things were set up here, I’m sure they’ll have important roles to play later, so it will be fun to see how their storylines play out.
I loved how some of the plot threads connected here, especially in the last half of the book. All of Dawson’s unique settings are vividly captured in poetic descriptions, but I especially loved exploring the new location in this book with the characters. I was able to picture everything vividly, and there are some interesting twists there that really make this feel more like a fantasy novel. Overall, this is a highly enjoyable read, and I’m excited to see what happens next in this series.
Everything about this book is better than the first. I could see significant growth in author’s writing, which felt much smoother and better paced. I found that I was able to connect with the characters a lot more than I had previously, and I felt like we really got a closer look at their motivations, emotions, and the rationale for their decisions. While there were still some point of view choices and suspension of disbelief issues that had me feeling a little frustrated, overall, these didn’t distract too much from my enjoyment of the story. I would have liked to have spent a little more time with some of the secondary characters in Riyen, but with the way things were set up here, I’m sure they’ll have important roles to play later, so it will be fun to see how their storylines play out.
I loved how some of the plot threads connected here, especially in the last half of the book. All of Dawson’s unique settings are vividly captured in poetic descriptions, but I especially loved exploring the new location in this book with the characters. I was able to picture everything vividly, and there are some interesting twists there that really make this feel more like a fantasy novel. Overall, this is a highly enjoyable read, and I’m excited to see what happens next in this series.
October 1, 2018
The Citizen is a story of a very broken world and the diverse people and perspectives that make up this world. It is a story of loss and grief, of overcoming bitterness and believing in something greater than yourself. It is a story of struggle and hope, of humility and brokenness, of travel and discovery.
December 7, 2019
Another highly enjoyable novel in the Lost Empire series! I loved that in this volume we are given a deeper insight into the truth about who Anissa and Carson are. We are also given a better glimpse of Hawthorne’s ultimate goal. My favorite part of this second book, was Anissa’s growth as she stepped into her role and the set-up for the final volume. Carson and Anissa have an immense responsibility and another enemy to defeat as a deeper plot is revealed throughout this book.
I loved how Dawson introduced us to another intricate culture within this volume of the series. This book is full of vivid descriptions that wrap you up with a warm embrace and make you feel like you are right there with Anissa as she travels with her companions. I was also fascinated with Dawson’s ability to add a sort of sci-fi magical aspect to the storyline and make it realistic. The abilities given to the character were not so far out there that you cringe with the idea of how outlandish they are. The ability taxed the character physically and will require more training for the power to reach its full potential.
Several new characters were introduced with many familiar characters playing small but important roles. I’m really looking forward to seeing how the end plays out in The Guardian. I’m also excited that some of the side characters have short background stories available in The Lost Empire Short Stories Volume 1 and 2. I’ll be checking those out while I wait for my copy of book three to arrive.
I loved how Dawson introduced us to another intricate culture within this volume of the series. This book is full of vivid descriptions that wrap you up with a warm embrace and make you feel like you are right there with Anissa as she travels with her companions. I was also fascinated with Dawson’s ability to add a sort of sci-fi magical aspect to the storyline and make it realistic. The abilities given to the character were not so far out there that you cringe with the idea of how outlandish they are. The ability taxed the character physically and will require more training for the power to reach its full potential.
Several new characters were introduced with many familiar characters playing small but important roles. I’m really looking forward to seeing how the end plays out in The Guardian. I’m also excited that some of the side characters have short background stories available in The Lost Empire Short Stories Volume 1 and 2. I’ll be checking those out while I wait for my copy of book three to arrive.
July 11, 2022
The Citizen expanded on its predecessor in ways I was not expecting, but they were all good! The contrast of the separate worlds and the way the characters fit into each is fascinating. Riyen didn't seem to get as much attention in this book, but I'm hoping it'll be more balanced in the third. (The brief appearance of SHARR made me very happy, though! 😁)
Anissa's struggles are deep and engaging. I feel like I got to know both her and Carson much better in this, and I'm excited to see where their story leads!
Anissa's struggles are deep and engaging. I feel like I got to know both her and Carson much better in this, and I'm excited to see where their story leads!
September 18, 2018
This book takes all the best parts of The Traveler and expands of them, and then BLOWS THEM OUT OF THE WATER.
You will be introduced to all new characters, experience all new worlds, and be enveloped in an all new adventure, without loosing any of the wonder and beauty of the first book. There are moments of intense action, beautifully complex character study, and hints of poetry through the work. Once again, E.B. Dawson shines as she teases out complex politics, and the spirit of travel and adventure.
You will be introduced to all new characters, experience all new worlds, and be enveloped in an all new adventure, without loosing any of the wonder and beauty of the first book. There are moments of intense action, beautifully complex character study, and hints of poetry through the work. Once again, E.B. Dawson shines as she teases out complex politics, and the spirit of travel and adventure.
November 7, 2018
K.L.+Pierce did an excellent review on this book.
December 4, 2018
I’m not really sure where to start. First off, the prose is stunning. Dawson has a way with description, there’s no doubt about it. Second, the characters were expounded upon and deepened from the first book in all the right ways. Third, the plot is flat-out fantastic. I’ve never read anything quite like it, and I’m really really looking forward to the third book.
October 24, 2018
Where do I even begin to describe this beautiful book?
I loved The Traveler: the world(s) it set up, the questions it raised, the characters who filled its pages. Going into The Citizen, I knew I should expect Dawson to do far more than I expected, and wow, did she ever rise to the challenge! She does not shy away from dealing with the fallout of The Traveler. I love the gentle message that grief is normal, necessary, and healthy, even if we don't always deal with it in healthy ways.
Dawson continues to build the some of most vibrant worlds I've seen in this novel. Her attention to the flora and fauna perfectly balances the action of the story and draws me in, to the extent that I had crazy vivid dreams while reading this book. No matter where her characters are, I feel like they're in the most real place in the entire story universe, which is quite an accomplishment.
Character arcs that began in The Traveler continue in this novel, and several of them took me completely by surprise in the best way possible. While The Citizen continues the ensemble cast of characters that is one of Dawson's trademarks, it deepens the relationships between characters we met in The Traveler and focuses in on a handful of key ones. I've now irrevocably fallen in love with the adorable, loving, and wounded Mani, and despite my instinctual hesitation to trust many of Dawson's characters, I now deeply love Carson.
Anissa deals with real issues in this novel--loss, justice, responsibility, guilt, motherhood, and destiny, just to name a few. Despite this, every aspect of her arc felt as natural as breathing as Dawson expertly wove these issues in with other themes of race, unity, and government. Seeing Anissa grow in her powers was amazing and made me whoop aloud as I read.
The Citizen also weaves in more fantasy elements than appeared in The Traveler, and I loved every moment of it.
In the end, I love this book. It is gorgeous in every way. It's clear that Dawson poured time and effort into this, and it's inspirational to see her grow as a writer. I can't wait to see what comes next.
If you love fantasy or feel a passion to right the wrongs in your world, if you have wanderlust or love beautiful nature, if you enjoy books with unique and genuine characters or want themes you can chew on, you need to read The Citizen right now.
I loved The Traveler: the world(s) it set up, the questions it raised, the characters who filled its pages. Going into The Citizen, I knew I should expect Dawson to do far more than I expected, and wow, did she ever rise to the challenge! She does not shy away from dealing with the fallout of The Traveler. I love the gentle message that grief is normal, necessary, and healthy, even if we don't always deal with it in healthy ways.
Dawson continues to build the some of most vibrant worlds I've seen in this novel. Her attention to the flora and fauna perfectly balances the action of the story and draws me in, to the extent that I had crazy vivid dreams while reading this book. No matter where her characters are, I feel like they're in the most real place in the entire story universe, which is quite an accomplishment.
Character arcs that began in The Traveler continue in this novel, and several of them took me completely by surprise in the best way possible. While The Citizen continues the ensemble cast of characters that is one of Dawson's trademarks, it deepens the relationships between characters we met in The Traveler and focuses in on a handful of key ones. I've now irrevocably fallen in love with the adorable, loving, and wounded Mani, and despite my instinctual hesitation to trust many of Dawson's characters, I now deeply love Carson.
Anissa deals with real issues in this novel--loss, justice, responsibility, guilt, motherhood, and destiny, just to name a few. Despite this, every aspect of her arc felt as natural as breathing as Dawson expertly wove these issues in with other themes of race, unity, and government. Seeing Anissa grow in her powers was amazing and made me whoop aloud as I read.
The Citizen also weaves in more fantasy elements than appeared in The Traveler, and I loved every moment of it.
In the end, I love this book. It is gorgeous in every way. It's clear that Dawson poured time and effort into this, and it's inspirational to see her grow as a writer. I can't wait to see what comes next.
If you love fantasy or feel a passion to right the wrongs in your world, if you have wanderlust or love beautiful nature, if you enjoy books with unique and genuine characters or want themes you can chew on, you need to read The Citizen right now.
January 6, 2019
This is such a cool novel! An awesome blend of sci-fi and fantasy. Review coming soon!
October 14, 2018
Sequels are tricky because of the expectations set up by the first. Not only do you have to deal with all the threads in the book, but you also have to expand on everything that’s been established while keeping the reader engaged throughout. Dawson's sequel exceeds all these expectations.
Dawson’s characters shine as always. Anissa's character development was phenomenal in this book. While I didn't always agree with her decisions, I could always understand them. She doesn't necessarily want to be part of the bigger picture, preferring to stay in her own little world (pun intended), but her sense of justice and her desire to protect her friends help her rise to the occasion. Eric Carson was also extremely well-developed and had a great character arc. He was one of my favorite characters in "The Traveler" and continues to be one in "The Citizen." It was also great to see more of Agatha Travis and Manni as well. While not as developed as Eric and Anissa, I felt that I got a chance to know them more in this.
As for the rest of the characters from the team, they all made an appearance but were less developed than the others. But after reading Dawson's "Creation of Jack" series, I've learned how Dawson operates.
The first book, she focuses on the main protagonist and one other important character. The second book she still focuses on those characters, but in the subplots begins fleshing out for supporting characters, whose backstory we glimpsed at in book 1. Dawson is following a similar pattern in her "Lost Empire" series and is also providing snippets of characters’ lives through short stories provided in her newsletter. While it's not all packaged in one book, I do know Dawson will develop all members of the team into multi-faceted, flawed, and unique individuals.
Considering this is a series about traveling between rules, world building is a very important aspect. Dawson nails it. We learned a lot about Angapo in "The Traveler," and Dawson makes sure those aspects come into the traveler. We visit some of the familiar locations while exploring new ones as well. I also love how when she introduces us to different parts of the population, they have different beliefs, politics, and daily routines. Other cultures are introduced in "The Citizen," and it's clear that Dawson put in a lot of effort to make sure that these were well developed.
To say that the stakes are raised would be an understatement. More than one world is a stake, a concept hinted at in "The Traveler" but greatly expanded upon here. As for the general plot, Dawson keeps you guessing. Even when you think you know what's going to happen, there are always one or two surprises that await.
My only concern here is that there is so much going on in this book, I'm wondering how she'll connect all the plot threads in book three without something else giving. But, based off how Dawson handled that in "Under the Skin," which is book 3 in Creation of Jack, I believe Dawson can pull it off.
All in all, a very good story! Can't wait for book three!!!
Dawson’s characters shine as always. Anissa's character development was phenomenal in this book. While I didn't always agree with her decisions, I could always understand them. She doesn't necessarily want to be part of the bigger picture, preferring to stay in her own little world (pun intended), but her sense of justice and her desire to protect her friends help her rise to the occasion. Eric Carson was also extremely well-developed and had a great character arc. He was one of my favorite characters in "The Traveler" and continues to be one in "The Citizen." It was also great to see more of Agatha Travis and Manni as well. While not as developed as Eric and Anissa, I felt that I got a chance to know them more in this.
As for the rest of the characters from the team, they all made an appearance but were less developed than the others. But after reading Dawson's "Creation of Jack" series, I've learned how Dawson operates.
The first book, she focuses on the main protagonist and one other important character. The second book she still focuses on those characters, but in the subplots begins fleshing out for supporting characters, whose backstory we glimpsed at in book 1. Dawson is following a similar pattern in her "Lost Empire" series and is also providing snippets of characters’ lives through short stories provided in her newsletter. While it's not all packaged in one book, I do know Dawson will develop all members of the team into multi-faceted, flawed, and unique individuals.
Considering this is a series about traveling between rules, world building is a very important aspect. Dawson nails it. We learned a lot about Angapo in "The Traveler," and Dawson makes sure those aspects come into the traveler. We visit some of the familiar locations while exploring new ones as well. I also love how when she introduces us to different parts of the population, they have different beliefs, politics, and daily routines. Other cultures are introduced in "The Citizen," and it's clear that Dawson put in a lot of effort to make sure that these were well developed.
To say that the stakes are raised would be an understatement. More than one world is a stake, a concept hinted at in "The Traveler" but greatly expanded upon here. As for the general plot, Dawson keeps you guessing. Even when you think you know what's going to happen, there are always one or two surprises that await.
My only concern here is that there is so much going on in this book, I'm wondering how she'll connect all the plot threads in book three without something else giving. But, based off how Dawson handled that in "Under the Skin," which is book 3 in Creation of Jack, I believe Dawson can pull it off.
All in all, a very good story! Can't wait for book three!!!
January 22, 2019
I have a confession to make. Are you ready? I don’t know how to review this book without giving away massive spoilers. Yes, it’s true. I’m stumped. I’ve been letting this knowledge intimidate me for the last couple months as I mulled over my review.
Normally I don’t stress too much about spoilers, I can avoid them pretty easily when talking about what I loved in a book. That’s not the case with The Citizen.
Look, as a both a writer myself and an avid reader the simple truth is I can see a plot twist or reveal coming from a mile away. Very little surprises me in story-telling anymore. And that’s okay, because for me it’s about the journey rather than the destination.
But here’s the thing; the reveal, the twist, the discovery in The Citizen surprised me. It pulled off something that so few books do these days. It subverted my expectations. I was actually shocked, and in the best way.
So while I can tell you that Dawson’s prose is exquisite, her characterization always on point, her creativity unquestioned, the real reason that I absolutely loved this book was the plot. And I refuse to tell you anything about it.
I refuse. You can’t make me.
Because you need to experience this fresh and unbiased for yourself.
So, go ahead, read my review of Book 1 in the series, The Traveler, and decide if the series is for you. If you enjoy The Traveler you’re going to be in for a real treat with The Citizen.
I mean, just the ending..where this story takes the reader…cans of worms…can’t say enough without saying too much, aghh I have so much frustration over this dilemma!
Just read it, and when you’re done we’ll have a gushy-fangirl conversation, okay? Get to it. I’ll wait here.
Normally I don’t stress too much about spoilers, I can avoid them pretty easily when talking about what I loved in a book. That’s not the case with The Citizen.
Look, as a both a writer myself and an avid reader the simple truth is I can see a plot twist or reveal coming from a mile away. Very little surprises me in story-telling anymore. And that’s okay, because for me it’s about the journey rather than the destination.
But here’s the thing; the reveal, the twist, the discovery in The Citizen surprised me. It pulled off something that so few books do these days. It subverted my expectations. I was actually shocked, and in the best way.
So while I can tell you that Dawson’s prose is exquisite, her characterization always on point, her creativity unquestioned, the real reason that I absolutely loved this book was the plot. And I refuse to tell you anything about it.
I refuse. You can’t make me.
Because you need to experience this fresh and unbiased for yourself.
So, go ahead, read my review of Book 1 in the series, The Traveler, and decide if the series is for you. If you enjoy The Traveler you’re going to be in for a real treat with The Citizen.
I mean, just the ending..where this story takes the reader…cans of worms…can’t say enough without saying too much, aghh I have so much frustration over this dilemma!
Just read it, and when you’re done we’ll have a gushy-fangirl conversation, okay? Get to it. I’ll wait here.
Read
February 1, 2020The Citizen draws from the themes and issues established in its predecessor, The Traveler, and builds upon these foundations to create a complex political setting for the characters to navigate. After completely overturning the status quo in the previous book, E.B. Dawson paints a picture of a nation trying to piece itself back together. We follow Anissa and her journey across worlds, as she is faced with the fallout of the choices she and her friends have made. The overarching design of the story begins to reveal itself more and more, as questions of destiny unfold and the characters are forced to confront an immense shift in their current worldviews. As with the previous book, I found that the narrative 'head-hopped' quite a bit, with the internal thoughts/feelings of non-POV characters sometimes causing minor confusion - however, I don't feel that this significantly decreases the readability of the book. Overall, a strong, well-written follow-up to The Traveler.
January 6, 2020
Epic
Wow. How do I adequately describe how much loved this? I cannot. Words Fail me, but I will try and express it.
E.B.Dawson hooked me right from the very beginning. Some say that sequels are not as good as the first. If anything this was better. This story carried my emotions like a wave. Up to the highest heights, peering over the edge, then down again only to find myself thrust into the sky once again.
The more I read of her books, the more I realize that E.B. Dawson is a master of deep characters, intricate plots, vivid world-building and honestly, words themselves. There are so many highlighted areas of this book because I had to stop and really soak in and appreciate how something was said.
Hats off to a master Wordspinner!
I'm looking forward to reading the next one in this series.
Wow. How do I adequately describe how much loved this? I cannot. Words Fail me, but I will try and express it.
E.B.Dawson hooked me right from the very beginning. Some say that sequels are not as good as the first. If anything this was better. This story carried my emotions like a wave. Up to the highest heights, peering over the edge, then down again only to find myself thrust into the sky once again.
The more I read of her books, the more I realize that E.B. Dawson is a master of deep characters, intricate plots, vivid world-building and honestly, words themselves. There are so many highlighted areas of this book because I had to stop and really soak in and appreciate how something was said.
Hats off to a master Wordspinner!
I'm looking forward to reading the next one in this series.
November 4, 2018
This was one of my most anticipated releases of the year. I adored The Traveler, and couldn’t wait to see what happened next to Anissa (especially after that heartbreaking cliffhanger). Let me say: The Citizen did not disappoint.
Everything I loved about the first book was present here: the rich settings, the powerful themes, and above all, the amazing characters.
I love Anissa and all her determination and confusion and disbelief. She’s a wonderful, engaging character who still feels like a real person, which is a rare occurrence. And to everyone who likes Carson as much as I do: Carson gets plenty of page time, never fear. Plus, some of the characters from the first book (like Agatha Travis and Mani) are more prominent, and it’s cool to get to know them better (Mani is adorable!).
The settings are so vibrant, too. I feel like I can see and touch and smell all of them, even when I’ve never been anywhere like it before. I fell in love with the rainy, rich jungle and the cold city, even more so than when I read the first book.
The themes weren’t quite as personal to me as the ones in the first book were, but they’re still important. The Citizen touches on how people deal with grief, and on living with the choices one makes. The themes never take over the story, but arise naturally out of what the characters go through.
Despite everything I loved, it wasn’t a perfect story. There was a twist about two thirds of the way through that I thought could have been set up more. . The Citizen could have almost been two books- one dealing with the fallout of The Traveler and setting up the plot twist, then fully exploring the twist over more time.
Also, The Citizen has the same underwritten feeling as the last book- dialogue isn’t always tagged well, several interesting moments are summarized rather than shown, and characters are conveniently in the right place without it being explained how they got there.
But as I was reading, I wasn’t thinking about all that. Instead, I was caught up in the characters, and their struggles, and their interactions with each other. I can’t wait until the next book comes out, but at the same time, I’m dreading it. I’ll be sad to say goodbye to Anissa and Carson and all the others. This is definitely a special series.
Everything I loved about the first book was present here: the rich settings, the powerful themes, and above all, the amazing characters.
I love Anissa and all her determination and confusion and disbelief. She’s a wonderful, engaging character who still feels like a real person, which is a rare occurrence. And to everyone who likes Carson as much as I do: Carson gets plenty of page time, never fear. Plus, some of the characters from the first book (like Agatha Travis and Mani) are more prominent, and it’s cool to get to know them better (Mani is adorable!).
The settings are so vibrant, too. I feel like I can see and touch and smell all of them, even when I’ve never been anywhere like it before. I fell in love with the rainy, rich jungle and the cold city, even more so than when I read the first book.
The themes weren’t quite as personal to me as the ones in the first book were, but they’re still important. The Citizen touches on how people deal with grief, and on living with the choices one makes. The themes never take over the story, but arise naturally out of what the characters go through.
Despite everything I loved, it wasn’t a perfect story. There was a twist about two thirds of the way through that I thought could have been set up more. . The Citizen could have almost been two books- one dealing with the fallout of The Traveler and setting up the plot twist, then fully exploring the twist over more time.
Also, The Citizen has the same underwritten feeling as the last book- dialogue isn’t always tagged well, several interesting moments are summarized rather than shown, and characters are conveniently in the right place without it being explained how they got there.
But as I was reading, I wasn’t thinking about all that. Instead, I was caught up in the characters, and their struggles, and their interactions with each other. I can’t wait until the next book comes out, but at the same time, I’m dreading it. I’ll be sad to say goodbye to Anissa and Carson and all the others. This is definitely a special series.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews