The war may be over, but the fight has just begun.
When Mick and Celeste accept the offer to search for rogue agents inside Kyraenea, what should have been one final adventure becomes Torrance Kyle’s worst nightmare.
Amaya Mason may no longer be an agent, but there is no way she’ll allow a mistake from the past wreck her happy ending. And she will fight anyone who stands in her way.
Mick Haynes didn’t expect to have Celeste under his command, but she’s not about to let him forget how capable she is, and that she’s more than just the woman he loves.
Sarah Addison-Fox is a New Zealand misfit with a weakness for stubborn heroes, fierce heroines, and stories that throw punches—sometimes literally. Whether she’s writing YA dystopian or steampunk, expect fast action, big feelings, and romance by the truckload.
Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh. THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING!!!!! *dances around my room fangirling* This ending y'all had me gushing over my phone. I had a suspicion that it was going to end like it did and sure enough I was right, which made me fangirl even more.
I don't think I have read four books faster in my life. I speed through these like there was no tomorrow. I majorly fangirls through them all *cough* just like I did with the Stormer Trilogy *cough*. Anyone who has read Sarah's books understands what I'm sayjng. You get so absorbed into this series that you can't put it down. I don't know how people handled waiting months for the next book to come out. I could hardly wait minutes to start the next one.
If you haven't read this series. I HIGHLY recommend reading it because it is so good and will keep you reading till you finish it. Well any of her books will. :D
~ I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review ~
I have been privileged to read all three of the previous books in the Allegiance series, and I have to say—they’ve never disappointed. Discerned was a wonderful way to cap off the end of the series, and it really brought things full circle.
More than one long-standing plot arc was wrapped up, and I enjoyed seeing married people take the lead in a YA book for a change. And can I just mention Torrance and Amaya for a minute? Those two are serious scene stealers, let me tell you. I love both of them, but especially Amaya. Lady Enjolras strikes again. :P
Then we have Mick and Celeste, who are still working, growing, and learning how to trust Etra more with their lives. Mick still stumbles all over himself from time to time (which is honestly one of his most endearing traits), and Celeste still struggles with believing she’s loved, but they never stop moving forward.
As for content, there’s the usual drinking and smattering of curse words, but the thing I struggled with the most is probably the continued use of sexual innuendo—however—it is used with a godly perspective. The characters are more concerned with marital fidelity than falling for whichever good-looking guy (or girl) happens along next, and I appreciate that.
Speaking of which—an extremely good-looking girl does happen along, which creates problems. For most of the book I wanted to chuck her out of the window, but after hearing a little bit more about her past, I was able to pity her. There were certain things about her brief arc that I wasn’t really satisfied with, however. And another character that had been around from the beginning ended up with a really sudden Love Interest™, which felt rushed.
But nitpicky gripes aside, Discerned delivered a satisfying ending, and anyone that enjoys action-packed YA with a vein of romance will enjoy the Allegience series.
I really enjoyed this fourth installment in the Allegiance series. There is so much character tension that was left unresolved in book three that needed this book to finally sort out.
Our favorite characters (Mick, Celeste, Torrance, Amaya) are all trying to figure out what sort of new life they want to build. This book doesn't have so much an overarching bad guy as it is a story of each character facing their own selves as their greatest antagonist. There is much in their pasts that needs to be faced, and it won't be easy or pleasant for many of the characters.
I really enjoyed this series and can't wait for what this author releases next!
Content note: there is some mild language and references to married life. Recommended for 15+
Blurb: The war may be over, but the fight has just begun.
When Mick and Celeste accept the offer to search for rogue agents inside Kyraenea, what should have been one final adventure becomes Torrance Kyle’s worst nightmare.
Amaya Mason may no longer be an agent, but there is no way she’ll allow a mistake from the past wreck her happy ending. And she will fight anyone who stands in her way.
Mick Haynes didn’t expect to have Celeste under his command, but she’s not about to let him forget how capable she is, and that she’s more than just the woman he loves.
This series continues where other series stop. What happens after you marry? If you’ve lived a life of slavery or abuse, can you expect to easily transition into the role of wife, or even mother, husband or father? Two different couples wrestle with the impact their past has on them, as they try to create a new future. There is a swords, guns, stop-the-bounty-hunters element to this book, but overall this was more about marriage and identity, forgiveness and faith. Major characters undergo significant changes in their thinking by the end of it all. But is this the end of the series? I’m wondering if two secondary characters, and their surprise marriage, will feature in a book of their own.
3.5 stars? Maybe reviewing it later. I liked a lot of it but at the same time I felt it descended slightly into cliche and also it could have done a better job wrapping up the series. Oh well. Entertaining and gripping nonetheless!
These books are so good!!! I love the characters and I especially love how real Celeste was in this book. Her struggles were relatable and I love how she handled them. And of course, Mick. *hearts* He's an adorable teddy bear. Something that bugged me in this book and the others in the series was that transitions between scenes and areas weren't always clear. Sometimes I didn't quite understand why characters were doing things or going places. I would definitely recommend this series for young adults (17 and up).
I really liked the closure that we had in this one. It tied up all the loose ends that needed to be tied up.
I love how the relationship with Torrance and Amaya grew. They had their own share of struggles. But I love that when Torrance messed up he would go and ask Amaya for forgiveness. The honesty that he shares about his mistakes is really cool.
The relationship that Torrance had with Mick has to be one of the greatest friendships in this story. Considering where both of them had come from, from the beginning of the series. Mick isn't always sure about Torrance. But they always got through their differences. And Torrance is always on Mick's newly married life and helps him with some ideas while allowing Mick to come up with some of his own.
Celeste, was also great! I wish Mick would allow her to be her, but the fact she tried to love and honor Mick regardless was wonderful! We got to hear more of her back story in this one, and it was just heart-wrenching. So it good that she is finally getting a fresh start.
I really love seeing the little bit we got to see of Maggie's family. I wished we would have seen more of them, but it was just great to hear more about them. And the way Ethan handled his two kids who were swearing was all class! And then how Torrance was like mentally taking notes of how to one day take care of his own kids!
Asher! I wished he had more of a role, but the end with him was worth it!
The one thing that I really liked in this series was the theme of family. Family is very important in this series and it wouldn't have worked if they didn't all work together in some way. Even people that weren't family members somehow became part of this really big family and it was just so cool. It's something that we need to see more of in today's society.
What I Didn't Like:
1. Mick....
Look, I love Mick in all the other books in the series, BUT in this one, HE REALLY ANNOYED ME!!! Like, really Mick? REALLY!?!?!?! As far as I know, you never had any attributes that you really wanted in a wife! In fact, the last I heard, you wanted Celeste because of the woman she was! You knew who she was, where she came from. Just give her some room to move around in, sheesh. But no! You had to whine like a baby and tell her to stay home! I realize that us women need to respect our husbands, but there needs to be a mutual agreement, people!
2. Estelle....
It was interesting to see more of Torrance's past. But she just wasn't adding a whole lot to the plot for me. She was a nuisance and in the way. I did feel for her because of her back story, but I don't know.... I guess I just didn't like her all that much. I really was going for what Amaya was feeling here.
3. This book felt like an extended epilogue.
I felt like this book was like an epilogue. There really wasn't an antagonist. There wasn't too much that needed to be tied down from the previous book. This book was meant for the fans who didn't want to say goodbye to these precious characters. I am one of those fans. And I did love a lot about this book, I just wished that more things would have happened or something.
Content in Book:
1. Mentions of a "honey trap spy" and "bed warmers".
2. Drinking alcohol and getting drunk.
3. Mentions of prostitutes and prostitute houses. Implied content but nonsexual.
4. Slavery. (And how slaves are treated). And young kids being disowned by their parents and sold into slavery.
5. Some passionate kisses from married couples.
6. Mentions of someone giving birth (has some description. The woman crying out and blood. Though it was written from the POV of the people who were not in the same room.)
7. Talking about breast-feeding.
8. Violence. (Sword fighting, for fun, for battle. Hand-to-hand combat. Shooting people with guns. Trying to hurt someone with an axe. Hurting people of knives. Etc.)
9. Adultery. A woman trying to get a man to be dishonorable to his wife. Taking the man against his will to try to get him to be dishonorable.
10. Injuries. (A broken leg, a gunshot wound, etc.)
11. Depression.
12. Mentions of some characters sleeping with girls or boys for cover jobs.
13. Mentions of worshiping other gods.
14. Tattoos and a mark to brand a slave on their arm.
15. A guy impersonating as someone else to get money.
16. Some swearing.
Will I Read The Next Book:
There is a short novella for those who signed up to the author's Facebook group, called Disobey. Already read it and it is sooo good!
Who Would I Recommend This Book To:
Those who love dystopian. Those who like strong stories about families. Those who like books about spies.
Wow.... I'm so upset that it took me so long to read, but other books and life got in the way. However I have completed it and now I must say that was a marvellous finish.... unless she's not finished. xD
The characters have all grown so much and I can't see why this book isn't so highly marked! It was fantastic and honestly Mick and Cesele have grown on me. Also I have to say Torrance and Amaya are pretty neat couple, not normal, but good.
I love this author's way of expressing her characters, it's unique and real. It makes me want to become one of the boarder patrol. The description for their skirmishes is awesome and inspiring for me. Plus all the happy moments and memories they make. This series is definitely cherishable.
Asher : HE. GOT. A. GIRL. Yes!!! I have to be honest.... I really loved this guy from book one and I'm pretty excited about his romance!! 😊 Hopefully their with be one more book. *fingers crossed*
Mick : Definitely became a more caring husband although he didn't quite understand Cesele's need to be with him. I loved that he humbled himself to apologize.... Also that love song was Fantastic!
Cesele : Connected with her from book one, but I feel this time her character came out as the strongest to me and I really felt sorry for her when Mick left her behind. And guys.... she's PREGNANT!!? YESSSSSS!!
Torrance : So getting over his father.... love this guy's determination to keep pressing forward.
Amaya : Definitely the feisty one in this adventure and she's not quite prepared for a baby, but when she admitted to being emotionally tied to Maggie!! Ohhh.... I loved her for that. It was perfect.
Note ~ I got this book in exchange for an honest review and LOADS of thanks to Sarah for the book. I appreciate it. Very much!! Thanks!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was like... the perfect mix of angst and fluff. We get happy times because everyone's happy and then it all goes wrong and then it's all happy again. My favorite kind of story.
Things I loved: - TORANNCE'S CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT. In Dissemble, I didn't really care for him as a character but then in Dissociate I liked him more and now he's one of my faves? When did this become a thing? I don't know but I'm here for it. - Celeste actually becomes convinced that Mick loves her which he has since the first moment she kicked his butt so I love that. - Amaya being a grumpy pregnant woman I just love her a lot okay. - Mick being so patient not just with Celeste but also with himself and I love it. - I just have a lot of love clearly. - I really enjoyed the more intense storylines, they fit really well with where the characters were. - I'm sad to see this series end but it was such a satisfying ending? like, I'm okay with leaving these guys here. I'm sad to say goodbye, but I know they're in a good place. yeah.
Overall, I thought this was a fantastic conclusion to a fantastic series. One of my faves, tbh. Can't wait to see what Sarah has in store next.
I've had this review written, ready to go for weeks now, but somehow I missed posting it on the release date! I'm so sorry! Better late than never, right?
Review: So, after my late realisation that there was going to be a fourth book in the Allegiance series, I was excited but a bit unsure of how Discerned could possibly live up to the expectations that Dissociate set. While I must admit that Dissociate is still my favourite, it was a close call! Discerned is... there aren't even words to describe how I am feeling right now. I mean, can we just talk about that ending for a second??? (WHERE IS BOOK FIVE? I NEED A BOOK FIVE TO EXIST!)
Let's start with what I liked...
What I Liked
Torrance finally screws his head back on straight, and while I loved reading about his internal struggle in Dissociate, I am glad that he's finally starting to work things out.
Celeste is incredible - it's amazing seeing how much she has grown over the series.
What I Didn’t Like
I really struggled with Mick in this book. He was so controlling of Celeste. I get that he was trying to protect her, but... She's been through so much and come so far and he almost ruined it. :(
Other
There were a few awkwardly phrased sections, eg Loc 2765 "Celeste told me what you and Mick did for that little girl. And what you did for her." I actually read this three times before it clicked that 'And what you did for her.' was about Celeste.
I received this book free from the author for promotional purposes. All opinions expressed are purely my own.
Leaning toward 3.5! I enjoyed this, but it's definitely not as good as the other books in the series.
I will forever love these darling characters. <3 They're one big, precious family, and returning to their adventures and struggles following the events of Dissociate WAS fun. However...
- The plot seemed a little all-over-the-place, as opposed to the solid plotlines of Disowned and Dissemble.
- There was no set main character, either??
- Idk, it just wasn't as solid of an installment, in those respects.
- And then there was the writing stlye. I DO like Sarah Addison-Fox's style, but there were so many awkward fragment sentences scattered throughout. I'm not taking many points off for this, though, because I am aware that the ARC I received wasn't final.
Despite these quibbles, I did enjoy this fourth and final book in the Allegiance series! The characterrrrrrrrrs - I LOVE THEM SO MUCH. <333 Some of the plot twists/themes were just... YES. And how certain of the characters grew spiritually, building off from the beginning sparks from previous books, was beautiful to watch.
The acknowledgements page hinted at new stories with new characters from this author, and I AM SO EXCITED!!!! I can't wait to see where Ms. Addison-Fox takes her writing next! :D
* I received a digital ARC of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
What needs to be improved: 1. There were leftover editing markers and minor errors in the text. 2. I was very disappointed with the first quarter of the book. I could have done without it. I almost stopped reading, but kept on going. The first part of the story dealt again with Celeste needing to be loved by her missing father and emotionally collapsing because he wasn't there for her growing up. 2. Again, Torrance was dealing with father issues and running away.What's bad about the book: 1. There were leftover editing markers in the text in chapters 1 and 2. 2. I was very diappointed with the first quarter of the book. I could have done without it. I almost stopped reading, but kept on going. The first part dealt again with Celeste needing to be loved by her missing father and emotionally collapsing. 2. Again, Torrance was dealing with father issues and running away. 3. Really! Do you have to start out the book with the same over hashed concerns.
What's right with the book: 1. The book started to become interesting after the first quarter. 2. I liked Mick, Asher, and Amaya. They are strong, compassionate characters.
If there is another book in the series, I will obtain a sample of the book before investing my time in it. Some may like this book. But, I thought it was so-so. However, I still like this author's writing and will read more by her.
I enjoyed this whole series, in particular the banter and faith elements. I read all 4 books on about 2 weeks! I think I read the whole series It would have been nice to see some more loose ends tied up, but I'm guessing that's because the author wants to leave room for a follow up 😊
these 4 books have been very well written. from the first about an escaped slave to the last and the story of how that slave became the person she wanted to be and her continuing growth her new family. i hope the author will continue on with the story of these characters.
Was very sad to see the end of the series. I totally can see this as a made for tv mini series, it has action, strong female characters, romance, making good and bad life choices
I absolutely scored this series of.books. It shows how.good always overcomes evil. So glad how the book ended and can't wait to read more of her books.
The fourth installment of the Allegiance series was action-packed as Mick and Celeste set out to find rogue agents. Along with their acquaintances-turned-friends, Torrance and Amaya, they start off their marriage with adventure. Celeste must prove herself to her husband, even though he would rather her stay home where it's presumably safe. This novel ends happily but left me wanting more. I hope there's another installment in this series.
Loved this ending to a fabulous series! It seemed most of the big plot things got wrapped up in book 3, but this one was fun because it shows some of the "after" for the characters. Like what life is like after all the crazy trilogy madness. ;)
Mick and Celeste continue to be adorable as they muddle through newly married life and trying to figure out their roles. Torrance and Amaya continue to be the best. I think they're my favorite part of this series *hides from the actual main characters* ;)
I really love Sarah Addison Fox's writing style. She constructs a fast paced plot, awesome characters, and plenty of tension.