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The Black Angel Chronicles #2
Académie secrète
A cause de son insubordination lors de l'opération visant à délivrer ses parents, Reagan se retrouve au ban des Black Angels. Elle va devoir faire ses preuves pour intégrer l'unité d'élite, et enfin assouvir sa vengeance.
405 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2018
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January 8, 2018
I was part of the promotional blog tour for this book, head over to my blog for more details and a giveaway opportunity! https://marriedtobooksreviewsandblog....
Reagan Hillis is looking for revenge after her mother is killed. After being given a chance to prove her skills in training to become a member of the Black Angel at their training academy, every move she makes will prove vital to achieving her goal of finding and ending the life of a ruthless killer. When her friend and guy she kissed Luke shows up at the training academy, the story follows their interactions across missions and surviving classes in combat and survival skills. That ending! Ahhhhhh, this was an adventure, thrilling and exciting read. Reagan was not just fighting with her mind but also torn between following the rules and doing what she feels is right. The events in this book do follow on from the ending of book one (You Don’t Know My Name) but it was easy to read and follow the storyline without having to refer back to the first book. I liked Reagan as a character as well as the missions that she and the rest of the trainees at the training academy participated in. Luke as a character did frustrate me at times, however, the fast-paced ride definitely kept me excited to read on to the very end!
Reagan Hillis is looking for revenge after her mother is killed. After being given a chance to prove her skills in training to become a member of the Black Angel at their training academy, every move she makes will prove vital to achieving her goal of finding and ending the life of a ruthless killer. When her friend and guy she kissed Luke shows up at the training academy, the story follows their interactions across missions and surviving classes in combat and survival skills. That ending! Ahhhhhh, this was an adventure, thrilling and exciting read. Reagan was not just fighting with her mind but also torn between following the rules and doing what she feels is right. The events in this book do follow on from the ending of book one (You Don’t Know My Name) but it was easy to read and follow the storyline without having to refer back to the first book. I liked Reagan as a character as well as the missions that she and the rest of the trainees at the training academy participated in. Luke as a character did frustrate me at times, however, the fast-paced ride definitely kept me excited to read on to the very end!
March 29, 2021
Full Review on The Candid Cover
4.5 stars.
I have been dying for You Won’t Know I’m Gone since the massive cliffhanger at the end of You Don’t Know My Name. Since I am a sucker for anything spies/secret agents related, I adore this series. This book is action-packed, and the main character is so courageous. I can safely say that this sequel measures up to the first book, which is a pretty rare occurrence.
This book immediately follows You Don’t Know My Name and follows Reagan’s days at training camp. After the events of the first book, she no longer has the right to an automatic entry into the Black Angels, so she must prove herself like a regular trainee. There is nonstop action as Reagan works to become the agent she once was and uncovers a sinister plot against her and the other Black Angels. I love the concept of this series and how we get to learn more about the Black Angels in this instalment. As a sequel, You Won’t Know I’m Gone is incredible, and I daresay I enjoyed it even more than the first.
Reagan’s character is as spunky as always, and I enjoyed her strong desire to defend her friends and family. What I love about Reagan is that she is not the perfect agent and has her flaws. Because of her family history, there are such high expectations for her, and while she is great at certain skills, there are some she doesn’t excel in. This book really focuses on Reagan’s development, and it is refreshing to see her figure her life out and make some new friends.
You Won’t Know I’m Gone is the thrilling sequel to You Don’t Know My Name. I loved the fast paced plot and the badass main character. I would definitely recommend this series, especially to fans of the thriller genre.
4.5 stars.
I have been dying for You Won’t Know I’m Gone since the massive cliffhanger at the end of You Don’t Know My Name. Since I am a sucker for anything spies/secret agents related, I adore this series. This book is action-packed, and the main character is so courageous. I can safely say that this sequel measures up to the first book, which is a pretty rare occurrence.
This book immediately follows You Don’t Know My Name and follows Reagan’s days at training camp. After the events of the first book, she no longer has the right to an automatic entry into the Black Angels, so she must prove herself like a regular trainee. There is nonstop action as Reagan works to become the agent she once was and uncovers a sinister plot against her and the other Black Angels. I love the concept of this series and how we get to learn more about the Black Angels in this instalment. As a sequel, You Won’t Know I’m Gone is incredible, and I daresay I enjoyed it even more than the first.
Reagan’s character is as spunky as always, and I enjoyed her strong desire to defend her friends and family. What I love about Reagan is that she is not the perfect agent and has her flaws. Because of her family history, there are such high expectations for her, and while she is great at certain skills, there are some she doesn’t excel in. This book really focuses on Reagan’s development, and it is refreshing to see her figure her life out and make some new friends.
You Won’t Know I’m Gone is the thrilling sequel to You Don’t Know My Name. I loved the fast paced plot and the badass main character. I would definitely recommend this series, especially to fans of the thriller genre.
January 12, 2018
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Young Adult, Thriller
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
You Won't Know My Name is the second installment in author Kristen Orlando's The Black Angel Chronicles. 6 months ago, Reagan Hillis made a choice that has ultimately cost her everything that she may have earned as well as her automatic entry into the elite Black Angel Training Academy. 6 months ago, Reagan was ready to turn her back on the Black Angels and escape back a normal life. Reagan has managed to become the girl who broke every rule. She is considered defiant, rebellious, and as well as a rule breaker.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Genre* Young Adult, Thriller
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
You Won't Know My Name is the second installment in author Kristen Orlando's The Black Angel Chronicles. 6 months ago, Reagan Hillis made a choice that has ultimately cost her everything that she may have earned as well as her automatic entry into the elite Black Angel Training Academy. 6 months ago, Reagan was ready to turn her back on the Black Angels and escape back a normal life. Reagan has managed to become the girl who broke every rule. She is considered defiant, rebellious, and as well as a rule breaker.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
December 29, 2018
4.5/5
I really really really liked this. When I read the first book in the Black Angel Chronicles, You Don't Know My Name, I was impressed but not blown. There were things that the first installment was missing but the second one nailed on every possible aspect.
The story starts off from where it was left. After the unfortunate ending of the first book, Reagan is no longer holding the ticket for a direct entry to the Black Angels and is now in line with 23 other aspirants in the run for the admission to the elite training academy. Along the ride, and as a consequence of the past events, Reagan is no longer the person she used to be. Shattered in a million pieces, her mind is clouded with only and only revenge for the serial killer, Torres. [Being the super awesome person I am, oh and modest too, I'm even avoiding spoilers for the first book in the series. You're welcome!]
The plot is driven by the previous set up so it won't be something I would go in detail, but I would certainly praise the plotting that was more vivid than the first one. The story, though still focusing on Reagan as an individual, isn't confined to only her teenage conflicts but also adds the thrill and action I was missing in You Don't Know Me. Majority of the story takes place in the training area and includes practical drills to train and test the wannabe Black Angels. This resulted in a number of sitting-by-the-edge-in-anticipation moments when I felt something's going to go probably wrong.
Speaking of the thriller aspect, I think the pacing and writing was equally responsible for the great delivery. Not even once, in the span of almost 300 pages, did I feel uninterested—and that says a lot since fast-pacing is almost always my issue with most stories. The descriptive writing that felt frustratingly repetitive to me in the first book, was a bliss this time around; everything was laid out in a clean but detailed manner that drew me in. The way Reagan feels, torn and grieved, is beautifully sad to read with frequent self-accusations and angry retorts she would fire. The second book isn't all unicorns—far from it—and the writing perfectly blends with the cold aura that's set up.
The characters were something that didn't excite me much in the first part, but again, the sequel won my heart in this respect too. Everyone that's featured in the length of the novel plays a role, directly or indirectly, linked to Reagan and leaves their mark discreetly. Anusha (brownie points for an Indian name, yay!) and Cam take their own spotlights for the Black Angel aspirants they were. While they have their own stories, they support Reagan through her tough times when she's low in all ways. They're those humanized characters who don't worry about the competition and instead bother about genuine friendships, and I love them for that.
This time, though, I won't just give an honorable mention to Luke because he was a well-developed love interest that doesn't just kiss Reagan (though I loved the teeny tiny bit of kissing they did) or flaunt his dimples all the time. He makes sacrifices, uses his mind, listens to his heart, tries to convince Reagan about what's right or wrong, and even when she doesn't listen to him, he stands beside her for all the support he can give. Now, this right here is a book-boyfriend I'll be gushing about from now on. His relationship with Reagan is another thing that made me so happy, because they're evidently not in a relationship, but a label—or the absence of it—doesn't stop one from helping the other. However, a few times, Reagan was a bit annoying with the way she refused to try understanding Luke or hear his perspective. I discern her sorrow but come on, is it bad to expect a tad bit more from a story (and character) you otherwise loved?
The thrill, aye! Toward the end, there wasn't even a single second wasted or one that didn't anchor the building climax. Things were unfolding quickly, giving me the furrowed eyebrows. There were villainous dialogues—the lack of which I was appreciating in the first book—but surprisingly, they were a pleasure here. While they do add a tinge of drama, I wasn't flipping it off because there was an equal chance of a good and a bad wrap-up, and this intrigued me all the more. Speaking of the ending, can I have book 3 already? The way this one is suddenly, though satisfyingly, ended I don't know what to expect from the next one because my expectations would be high if I had them.
I really really really liked this. When I read the first book in the Black Angel Chronicles, You Don't Know My Name, I was impressed but not blown. There were things that the first installment was missing but the second one nailed on every possible aspect.
The story starts off from where it was left. After the unfortunate ending of the first book, Reagan is no longer holding the ticket for a direct entry to the Black Angels and is now in line with 23 other aspirants in the run for the admission to the elite training academy. Along the ride, and as a consequence of the past events, Reagan is no longer the person she used to be. Shattered in a million pieces, her mind is clouded with only and only revenge for the serial killer, Torres. [Being the super awesome person I am, oh and modest too, I'm even avoiding spoilers for the first book in the series. You're welcome!]
The plot is driven by the previous set up so it won't be something I would go in detail, but I would certainly praise the plotting that was more vivid than the first one. The story, though still focusing on Reagan as an individual, isn't confined to only her teenage conflicts but also adds the thrill and action I was missing in You Don't Know Me. Majority of the story takes place in the training area and includes practical drills to train and test the wannabe Black Angels. This resulted in a number of sitting-by-the-edge-in-anticipation moments when I felt something's going to go probably wrong.
Speaking of the thriller aspect, I think the pacing and writing was equally responsible for the great delivery. Not even once, in the span of almost 300 pages, did I feel uninterested—and that says a lot since fast-pacing is almost always my issue with most stories. The descriptive writing that felt frustratingly repetitive to me in the first book, was a bliss this time around; everything was laid out in a clean but detailed manner that drew me in. The way Reagan feels, torn and grieved, is beautifully sad to read with frequent self-accusations and angry retorts she would fire. The second book isn't all unicorns—far from it—and the writing perfectly blends with the cold aura that's set up.
The characters were something that didn't excite me much in the first part, but again, the sequel won my heart in this respect too. Everyone that's featured in the length of the novel plays a role, directly or indirectly, linked to Reagan and leaves their mark discreetly. Anusha (brownie points for an Indian name, yay!) and Cam take their own spotlights for the Black Angel aspirants they were. While they have their own stories, they support Reagan through her tough times when she's low in all ways. They're those humanized characters who don't worry about the competition and instead bother about genuine friendships, and I love them for that.
This time, though, I won't just give an honorable mention to Luke because he was a well-developed love interest that doesn't just kiss Reagan (though I loved the teeny tiny bit of kissing they did) or flaunt his dimples all the time. He makes sacrifices, uses his mind, listens to his heart, tries to convince Reagan about what's right or wrong, and even when she doesn't listen to him, he stands beside her for all the support he can give. Now, this right here is a book-boyfriend I'll be gushing about from now on. His relationship with Reagan is another thing that made me so happy, because they're evidently not in a relationship, but a label—or the absence of it—doesn't stop one from helping the other. However, a few times, Reagan was a bit annoying with the way she refused to try understanding Luke or hear his perspective. I discern her sorrow but come on, is it bad to expect a tad bit more from a story (and character) you otherwise loved?
The thrill, aye! Toward the end, there wasn't even a single second wasted or one that didn't anchor the building climax. Things were unfolding quickly, giving me the furrowed eyebrows. There were villainous dialogues—the lack of which I was appreciating in the first book—but surprisingly, they were a pleasure here. While they do add a tinge of drama, I wasn't flipping it off because there was an equal chance of a good and a bad wrap-up, and this intrigued me all the more. Speaking of the ending, can I have book 3 already? The way this one is suddenly, though satisfyingly, ended I don't know what to expect from the next one because my expectations would be high if I had them.
Overall, I loved this one for the amazing sequel it was to a fine first installment, and would recommend this series to all those looking for a good conflict-driven YA thriller that would play with your emotions, leaving you wanting more.
Disclaimer: I received a digital copy of this via a promotional blog tour and Netgalley but that in no way influences my rating and/or opinions about it. Thank you Swoon Reads, Xpresso Book Tours, and Kristen Orlando!
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April 16, 2018
Growing up Reagan Hillis knew one thing, that she was meant to be part of The Black Angels and that she was a shoo-in after finishing school. When other parents talked about the school to their children, they used Reagan as an example. That was until last year when Reagan made the decision she wanted to be normal, and then her parents were kidnapped, and she was thrust into the world of The Black Angels. She found her parents half-dead and then in front of her; her mother was shot dead. Now back at the Black Angel Academy, they are blaming Reagan for her mother's death, and now her career with the Black Angels is hanging on a thread. If Reagan wants back in, she now has to compete with the other trainees, and after the last few months she has had, she isn't up to speed and is a shadow of her former self. What will happen though when she discovers that the guy Torres who killed her mother is still out there and slowly killing off agents until he can have his ideal target - Reagan. Reagan has never worked well as a team member which is why she is the perfect person to go after Santino Torres, but what will happen when her new friends don't let her go without them? Can she use them to help her find and kill Santino Torres once and for all? Is Reagan willing to give up her spot in The Black Angels for one last shot at Torres? Find out in Swoon Romance's Book #2 of The Black Angel Chronicles by Kristen Orlando.
November 18, 2018
J’avais adoré le premier tome et l’univers dans lequel il nous plongeait ! L’univers est tout aussi génial dans ce tome 2 mais j’avoue que, à la longue, le comportement de Reagan m’a un peu agacée. C’est le seul point négatif de ce roman et ça l’empêche d’être un coup de cœur !
January 6, 2018
You Won't Know I'm Gone starts off right after book one ends. Reagan is in trouble for going rogue and now has to try out to become a Black Angel. She is no longer guaranteed entry. The majority of the book takes place at her training camp where she makes some new friends. Luke also ends up there after Reagan gave up hope of ever seeing him again. But he became a target to Torres, so he decided to try out and see if the Black Angels would be a good fit for him. He also wanted to be with Reagan.
Reagan is out of shape and angry about everything that happened. Losing her mom made her sad, but it mostly made her want revenge. She is determined to kill Torres, even if it means going rogue again.
Reagan's new friends, Cam & Anusha end up helping Reagan try to keep an eye on what is happening with Torres. Especially when she finds out that he wants her and is targeting anyone around her.
The pacing was just as good as book one. Reagan's attitude was annoying at times, but everyone grieves differently. I was hoping she would grow more as a person and stop thinking about herself first all the time. But maybe in book three?
I gave this one 4 stars. It wasn't without it faults, but it was a fun, fast paced read.
I received a copy from netgalley (wish for it) for review.
Reagan is out of shape and angry about everything that happened. Losing her mom made her sad, but it mostly made her want revenge. She is determined to kill Torres, even if it means going rogue again.
Reagan's new friends, Cam & Anusha end up helping Reagan try to keep an eye on what is happening with Torres. Especially when she finds out that he wants her and is targeting anyone around her.
The pacing was just as good as book one. Reagan's attitude was annoying at times, but everyone grieves differently. I was hoping she would grow more as a person and stop thinking about herself first all the time. But maybe in book three?
I gave this one 4 stars. It wasn't without it faults, but it was a fun, fast paced read.
I received a copy from netgalley (wish for it) for review.
October 12, 2018
I really did not like the way Reagan vacillated throughout this book; I got tired of her inner anger raging always about getting Ramos, missing her mom (in the first book, Reagan wasn't always a fan of her mom, did her murder change Reagan?) and denying her feelings for Luke (I really like him, Reagan does too but she won't allow herself to give in to her true feelings- remember she has to kill Ramos herself) but I did really enjoy the drama, the endurance she got back in order to try to win a spot in the Black Angels she was once guaranteed and lost due to her behavior in Columbia. I liked her friendship with Anusha and Cam, her instructor Michael, hated Lexie) and hoped to see her relationship with Luke grow... The story was suspenseful, so much action, I am really looking forward to the 3rd book.
August 10, 2023
Ça c'est le genre de saga que j'ADORE !
J'adore l'univers (avec une société secrète j'aime trop moi !) les personnages, l'intrigue, la plume.
Mais pour tout vous dire, j'ai acheté le tome 2 sans lire le tome 1 (j'avais pas vu🤦♀️) mais en vrai ça m'a du tout empêché de bien aimé et de bien comprendre. Mais surtout le tome 3 n'est pas disponible en français 🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️, alors bah la fin m'a vraiment TRÈS frustrée... pas fan de la fin, j'aurai pu voir avec la suite mais comme il y en a pas...
Mais ça reste une très bonne lecture
J'adore l'univers (avec une société secrète j'aime trop moi !) les personnages, l'intrigue, la plume.
Mais pour tout vous dire, j'ai acheté le tome 2 sans lire le tome 1 (j'avais pas vu🤦♀️) mais en vrai ça m'a du tout empêché de bien aimé et de bien comprendre. Mais surtout le tome 3 n'est pas disponible en français 🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️, alors bah la fin m'a vraiment TRÈS frustrée... pas fan de la fin, j'aurai pu voir avec la suite mais comme il y en a pas...
Mais ça reste une très bonne lecture
July 19, 2018
This an ok book, although I did get annoyed with Regan.
January 18, 2019
This review and more can be found at The Heart of a Book Blogger.
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
You Won’t Know I’m Gone is the sequel to You Don’t Know My Name and the second book in the Black Angel Chronicles. I’m a HUGE fan of spy stories, so I was beyond excited for this addition to the Swoon Reads line. Beware, there are spoilers to the first book below.
You Won’t Know I’m Gone begins six months after the end of the first novel. Reagan is about to face a trial for her actions in Colombia and has been living by herself in a safe house since the failed mission. Reagan is a shell of the girl she used to be. She hasn’t trained in months However, Reagan needs to earn her spot back at the Academy and become an official Black Angel or she will never be able to face r and exact revenge.
Reagan has changed and I loved seeing that portrayed in her character. Her sole focus is to get back to the shape she used to be in so she can make it back into the Academy. She works hard and improves greatly, but she’s still actively dealing with her tendencies to be a “rule breaker” and follow her gut before orders. When Luke shows up at training, Reagan is surprised but still not deterred from her end goal. She lashes out at him several times throughout the novel, which I appreciated seeing because she is hurting and everything is not perfect between the two. Even though they cannot be in a dating relationship while training, they still try to maintain their friendship. Luke literally tries so hard and sacrifices so much for Reagan, and it is the sweetest thing.
One highlight in the novel is the new minor characters that are added! I really liked how involved Cam and Anusha were in the story, especially since Harper (Reagan’s best friend) is no longer in the picture and wasn’t really around in the first book. This book is way more focused on the spy aspect and we gain more insight about CORE and the Black Angels. Almost a year passes by throughout the novel during all the training. The ending really speeds up with real missions appearing quickly.
Overall, You Won’t Know I’m Gone is a fantastic follow-up to You Don’t Know My Name. I really hope there is a third book because I have so many questions and look forward to reading more about Reagan’s story. I highly recommend this for fans of Ally Carter’s I’d Tell You I Love You But Then I’d Have to Kill You.
*This ARC was provided to me by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.*
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
You Won’t Know I’m Gone is the sequel to You Don’t Know My Name and the second book in the Black Angel Chronicles. I’m a HUGE fan of spy stories, so I was beyond excited for this addition to the Swoon Reads line. Beware, there are spoilers to the first book below.
You Won’t Know I’m Gone begins six months after the end of the first novel. Reagan is about to face a trial for her actions in Colombia and has been living by herself in a safe house since the failed mission. Reagan is a shell of the girl she used to be. She hasn’t trained in months However, Reagan needs to earn her spot back at the Academy and become an official Black Angel or she will never be able to face r and exact revenge.
Reagan has changed and I loved seeing that portrayed in her character. Her sole focus is to get back to the shape she used to be in so she can make it back into the Academy. She works hard and improves greatly, but she’s still actively dealing with her tendencies to be a “rule breaker” and follow her gut before orders. When Luke shows up at training, Reagan is surprised but still not deterred from her end goal. She lashes out at him several times throughout the novel, which I appreciated seeing because she is hurting and everything is not perfect between the two. Even though they cannot be in a dating relationship while training, they still try to maintain their friendship. Luke literally tries so hard and sacrifices so much for Reagan, and it is the sweetest thing.
One highlight in the novel is the new minor characters that are added! I really liked how involved Cam and Anusha were in the story, especially since Harper (Reagan’s best friend) is no longer in the picture and wasn’t really around in the first book. This book is way more focused on the spy aspect and we gain more insight about CORE and the Black Angels. Almost a year passes by throughout the novel during all the training. The ending really speeds up with real missions appearing quickly.
Overall, You Won’t Know I’m Gone is a fantastic follow-up to You Don’t Know My Name. I really hope there is a third book because I have so many questions and look forward to reading more about Reagan’s story. I highly recommend this for fans of Ally Carter’s I’d Tell You I Love You But Then I’d Have to Kill You.
*This ARC was provided to me by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.*
September 20, 2017
Thank you to Edelweiss and Simon & Schuster for the E-ARC of You Won't Know I'm Gone.
You Won’t Know I’m Gone is the second book in the Black Angel Chronicles. It picks up after the first novel to where Reagan is trying to be a Black Angel to get revenge for herself after her mother’s death. I think this is really the beginning of who Reagan is as a character. She is letting down all her masks in this novel and becoming the type of person, she is meant to be.
You Won’t Know I’m Gone is the second book in the Black Angel Chronicles. It picks up after the first novel to where Reagan is trying to be a Black Angel to get revenge for herself after her mother’s death. I think this is really the beginning of who Reagan is as a character. She is letting down all her masks in this novel and becoming the type of person, she is meant to be.
December 24, 2017
3.5 stars on this book 2 - full review to come.
September 12, 2018
Didn't finish. Could not get myself to care about the characters or the story line.
November 5, 2018
3.5/5
http://www.my-bo0ks.com/2018/11/you-d...
Lorsque j'ai découvert le premier tome de You don't know my name, l'année passée, j'ai eu une vraie révélation. Je n'avais encore jamais lu de roman d'espionnage que ce soit en adulte ou en YA. Une découverte qui m'a vraiment beaucoup plu et marqué car je ne cessais de penser à ce second tome dont nous n'avions - à l'époque - pas d'information. Alors quand j'ai appris que cette suite allait arrivée, je comptais les jours pour pouvoir découvrir ce second tome de You don't know my name.
Amis lecteurs, si vous n'avez pas lu le premier tome, je vous invite à vous arrêter ici car je vais parler d'éléments cruciaux du premier tome. Pour les intéressés, rendez-vous sur ma chronique du tome 1 ici.
La fin du premier tome, m'avait totalement surprise et beaucoup étonnée. Il est vrai que l'auteure, Kristen Orlando, n'y va pas de main morte et a fait le choix audacieux de faire disparaître l'un des personnages importants, la mère de Reagan. Une disparition qui marquera fortement notre héroïne comme on s'y attend. Une perte qui sera difficile à surmonter.
Dans l'académie secrète, les choses sont un peu différente du premier tome. Ici, exit la fuite de Reagan et bonjour la compétition et les efforts pour intégrer l'élite. Reagan se doit de faire face à ses actes et passer devant le tribunal des Black Angels. Une épreuve psychologique qui bouleversera tout dans la vie de Reagan. J'ai apprécié la façon dont cela était traité.
Dans ce second tome de You don't know my name, c'est aussi l'occasion pour nous d'en savoir plus sur cette organisation et notamment la préparation de ses potentiels futurs agents. Des épreuves de qualifications, des exercices physiques mais aussi stratégiques. Nos recrues vont devoir prouver leurs capacités et redoubler d'efforts.
Côté personnages, je dois dire que j'ai apprécié faire la rencontre de nouveaux mais retrouver ceux du premier tome. Un équilibre qui permet à nous lecteur de ne pas être totalement largué et d'avoir son lot de nouveauté. Globalement, j'ai apprécié tout le monde si ce n'est l'héroine. Souvenez-vous, Reagan était l'élément fort du premier tome. J'aimais sa façon d'être, d'agir... ici, le décès de sa mère et surtout sa volonté de se venger l'emportera sur tout. Si au départ, cette évolution est logique et normale, j'avoue qu'elle partait dans les extrêmes à vouloir la jouer solo, ne prendre rien en considération et vouloir sans arrêt avoir raison. Autant le dire, elle m'a assez tapé sur le système pendant une bonne partie de l'académie secrète
Quelque part, cette volonté de vouloir s'éloigner des autres, repousser les aides extérieurs est révélateur de son ressenti. Elle souffre énormément de la perte de sa mère et la culpabilité la ronge de l'intérieur. Finalement, avec le recul je me dis que cette évolution de son personnage la rend d'autant plus fragile et amène le lecteur à s’interroger sur les raisons de ce changement.
Dans l'ensemble, je dirais que j'ai préféré le premier tome. Je suis extrêmement exigeante et ceux qui me suivent un peu le savent. Un second tome remporte rarement les lauriers avec moi. Cependant, je tiens à préciser que cette suite n'est absolument pas sur le même rythme que le premier. Ici on est vraiment dans l'apprentissage et moins dans l'action. Mais le dernier tiers du roman nous replonge dans ce que j'aime le plus et nous laisse sur le carreau, littéralement.
L'auteure, Kristen Orlando, ne lésine pas sur les moyens et nous offre comme pour le premier tome, une fin à s'en décrocher la mâchoire. Oui, j'aime les expressions un peu farfelues pour illustrer mon ressenti ! Ce second tome de You don't know my name, nous plonge au coeur des Black Angels et continue de me surprendre. J'ai encore plus hâte d'avoir la suite qui je n'en doute pas me plaira tout autant.
http://www.my-bo0ks.com/2018/11/you-d...
Lorsque j'ai découvert le premier tome de You don't know my name, l'année passée, j'ai eu une vraie révélation. Je n'avais encore jamais lu de roman d'espionnage que ce soit en adulte ou en YA. Une découverte qui m'a vraiment beaucoup plu et marqué car je ne cessais de penser à ce second tome dont nous n'avions - à l'époque - pas d'information. Alors quand j'ai appris que cette suite allait arrivée, je comptais les jours pour pouvoir découvrir ce second tome de You don't know my name.
Amis lecteurs, si vous n'avez pas lu le premier tome, je vous invite à vous arrêter ici car je vais parler d'éléments cruciaux du premier tome. Pour les intéressés, rendez-vous sur ma chronique du tome 1 ici.
La fin du premier tome, m'avait totalement surprise et beaucoup étonnée. Il est vrai que l'auteure, Kristen Orlando, n'y va pas de main morte et a fait le choix audacieux de faire disparaître l'un des personnages importants, la mère de Reagan. Une disparition qui marquera fortement notre héroïne comme on s'y attend. Une perte qui sera difficile à surmonter.
Dans l'académie secrète, les choses sont un peu différente du premier tome. Ici, exit la fuite de Reagan et bonjour la compétition et les efforts pour intégrer l'élite. Reagan se doit de faire face à ses actes et passer devant le tribunal des Black Angels. Une épreuve psychologique qui bouleversera tout dans la vie de Reagan. J'ai apprécié la façon dont cela était traité.
Dans ce second tome de You don't know my name, c'est aussi l'occasion pour nous d'en savoir plus sur cette organisation et notamment la préparation de ses potentiels futurs agents. Des épreuves de qualifications, des exercices physiques mais aussi stratégiques. Nos recrues vont devoir prouver leurs capacités et redoubler d'efforts.
Côté personnages, je dois dire que j'ai apprécié faire la rencontre de nouveaux mais retrouver ceux du premier tome. Un équilibre qui permet à nous lecteur de ne pas être totalement largué et d'avoir son lot de nouveauté. Globalement, j'ai apprécié tout le monde si ce n'est l'héroine. Souvenez-vous, Reagan était l'élément fort du premier tome. J'aimais sa façon d'être, d'agir... ici, le décès de sa mère et surtout sa volonté de se venger l'emportera sur tout. Si au départ, cette évolution est logique et normale, j'avoue qu'elle partait dans les extrêmes à vouloir la jouer solo, ne prendre rien en considération et vouloir sans arrêt avoir raison. Autant le dire, elle m'a assez tapé sur le système pendant une bonne partie de l'académie secrète
Quelque part, cette volonté de vouloir s'éloigner des autres, repousser les aides extérieurs est révélateur de son ressenti. Elle souffre énormément de la perte de sa mère et la culpabilité la ronge de l'intérieur. Finalement, avec le recul je me dis que cette évolution de son personnage la rend d'autant plus fragile et amène le lecteur à s’interroger sur les raisons de ce changement.
Dans l'ensemble, je dirais que j'ai préféré le premier tome. Je suis extrêmement exigeante et ceux qui me suivent un peu le savent. Un second tome remporte rarement les lauriers avec moi. Cependant, je tiens à préciser que cette suite n'est absolument pas sur le même rythme que le premier. Ici on est vraiment dans l'apprentissage et moins dans l'action. Mais le dernier tiers du roman nous replonge dans ce que j'aime le plus et nous laisse sur le carreau, littéralement.
L'auteure, Kristen Orlando, ne lésine pas sur les moyens et nous offre comme pour le premier tome, une fin à s'en décrocher la mâchoire. Oui, j'aime les expressions un peu farfelues pour illustrer mon ressenti ! Ce second tome de You don't know my name, nous plonge au coeur des Black Angels et continue de me surprendre. J'ai encore plus hâte d'avoir la suite qui je n'en doute pas me plaira tout autant.
January 9, 2018
You Won’t Know I’m Gone picks up right where the first book left off with the aftermath of the Colombia mission that resulted in the death of Reagan’s mother at the hands of Santino Torres. Reagan’s automatic entry into the training academy to become a Black Angel is revoked because her actions on the mission and instead she must attend the Qualifiers to prove she still has what it takes to be a Black Angel. Passing the Qualifiers is Reagan’s only chance to track down and kill Torres in order to avenge her mother’s death. Qualifiers become even more interesting when Luke is selected, causing Reagan to confront her feelings about him while battling with not only grief but also the hunger for revenge against Torres.
While you definitely get a closer look into the inner-workings of the Black Angels as Reagan and her friends make their way through the Qualifiers, Reagan’s mental state and how she deals with the array of emotions that she experiences since witnessing her mother being killed is a huge part of this book. There are times when things get super emotional as Reagan feels it is her fault her mother is dead because of her actions. It also takes a bit of a dark turn as we read Reagan’s ever-growing need to kill Torres and how once that is done things will be better. Reagan was such a strong character in the first book but the aftermath of Colombia has left her in pieces, struggling to stay some version of sane to those around her.
Luckily, Reagan has friends at her side to help her overcome the loss she has experienced and regain the strength she once had during Qualifiers. The introduction of Anusha and Cam were wonderful additions as they remained loyal and supportive to Reagan the entire time. They may have all been competing for spots to get into training academy but from the very beginning Anusha and Cam made it clear that they weren’t there purely as competition. Anusha has such a fierce loyalty towards Reagan, standing up for her during the Qualifiers against other competitors and Cam is an adorable geek with some serious hacking skills that come in handy. On top of that, they are both characters of color which made me super happy to see some diversity being represented in this book.
Besides Anusha and Cam, there is another person that plays a very important role in Regan’s life, even if she thought she would never see him again after Colombia. Ah, Luke. Luke. Luke. Luke. Reagan’s relationship with Luke was one of my favorite parts of the first book so I was itching to see what would happen to them in this one. They are no longer in the comfort of their lives in New Albany. They have lived through a tragedy together and Reagan, in particular, now has a hard time focusing on her goal and need for revenge because Luke has come into her world of the Black Angels. There were some sweet moments between these two as well as some emotional and angsty ones. The ending left things up in the air on where their relationship stands so I am interested to see what happens next between them.
As this is the sequel, and I honestly believe you will enjoy this series much more going in as blind as you can, it is hard to talk about the plot without spoiling anything. Yes, Torres is still at large and lurking in the shadows but that is really all you need to to know. What I will tell you is, just like the first book, the last 50 pages of this book are full of action and left me once again on the edge of my seat. I honestly can’t wait to see how the next book will continue with this story
If you read the first book and you enjoyed it, I highly recommend you continue on with the sequel. It has the same amount of intrigue and action as the first, leaving you wondering and waiting for the next book in the series.
While you definitely get a closer look into the inner-workings of the Black Angels as Reagan and her friends make their way through the Qualifiers, Reagan’s mental state and how she deals with the array of emotions that she experiences since witnessing her mother being killed is a huge part of this book. There are times when things get super emotional as Reagan feels it is her fault her mother is dead because of her actions. It also takes a bit of a dark turn as we read Reagan’s ever-growing need to kill Torres and how once that is done things will be better. Reagan was such a strong character in the first book but the aftermath of Colombia has left her in pieces, struggling to stay some version of sane to those around her.
Luckily, Reagan has friends at her side to help her overcome the loss she has experienced and regain the strength she once had during Qualifiers. The introduction of Anusha and Cam were wonderful additions as they remained loyal and supportive to Reagan the entire time. They may have all been competing for spots to get into training academy but from the very beginning Anusha and Cam made it clear that they weren’t there purely as competition. Anusha has such a fierce loyalty towards Reagan, standing up for her during the Qualifiers against other competitors and Cam is an adorable geek with some serious hacking skills that come in handy. On top of that, they are both characters of color which made me super happy to see some diversity being represented in this book.
Besides Anusha and Cam, there is another person that plays a very important role in Regan’s life, even if she thought she would never see him again after Colombia. Ah, Luke. Luke. Luke. Luke. Reagan’s relationship with Luke was one of my favorite parts of the first book so I was itching to see what would happen to them in this one. They are no longer in the comfort of their lives in New Albany. They have lived through a tragedy together and Reagan, in particular, now has a hard time focusing on her goal and need for revenge because Luke has come into her world of the Black Angels. There were some sweet moments between these two as well as some emotional and angsty ones. The ending left things up in the air on where their relationship stands so I am interested to see what happens next between them.
As this is the sequel, and I honestly believe you will enjoy this series much more going in as blind as you can, it is hard to talk about the plot without spoiling anything. Yes, Torres is still at large and lurking in the shadows but that is really all you need to to know. What I will tell you is, just like the first book, the last 50 pages of this book are full of action and left me once again on the edge of my seat. I honestly can’t wait to see how the next book will continue with this story
If you read the first book and you enjoyed it, I highly recommend you continue on with the sequel. It has the same amount of intrigue and action as the first, leaving you wondering and waiting for the next book in the series.
March 22, 2018
Going rogue in an effort to rescue her kidnapped parents has cost Reagan Hillis her automatic ticket to the Training Academy. But becoming a Black Angel is the only way Reagan will be able to exact revenge on her mother’s merciless killer, Santino Torres.
When Reagan is given a chance to prove that she’s worthy of training to be a Black Angel, she also gets the first chance she’s ever had to be her true self. No aliases. No disguises.
But when her friend Luke joins her at the Black Angels training compound, Reagan finds herself once again torn between the person she was and the person she wants to be. Reagan has to prove that she's as good as her parents trained her to be, because she’ll never find Torres without the Black Angels’ help.
I have been looking forward to this book, ever since I read the first book, YOU DON’T KNOW MY NAME last year. After that cliffhanger in the first book, I have been eager to see what happens next with Reagan ever since. Now that I have read YOU WON’T KNOW I’M GONE especially after that ending, I am even more curious than ever what’s to come for Reagan and Luke next. This story sucks you right from the first page up until the last page, and afterwards have you craving for more. I can’t believe that I have to wait a year, to see what happens next. I’m not sure if I can last a year. I finished the book a while back and I am still wondering. What will happen with Luke & Reagan? Will they be available to come back? How can you not and wonder? After that twist in the book. I should seen it coming, but even I didn’t think that she would actually go through with it.
I loved YOU DON’T KNOW MY NAME and I think that’s when I feel in love with story, the characters. However, I fell in love with series more after reading YOU WON’T KNOW I’M GONE . This are my type of books, one filled with romance, action, suspense and twists that you don’t see coming. I actually enjoyed the 2nd book in Black Angel Chronicles a bit more than the first book. I am not quite sure why, there wasn’t as much action in this one, but from moment that I picked up, I was hooked. I was happy for a snow day today, so I could finish reading it. I spent few hours doing that, until I reached the end. Of course afterwards I wished that the next book was out already. I love KRISTEN ORLANDO writing and how she finds a way to connect the reader with the main character, Reagan. I’m in love, with the series, the characters. Black Angel Chronicles is unlike any thriller book or series I read before. I have feeling that it’s series I will be re-reading multiple times in the future.
I loved the new characters, Cam and Anusha. They were both unique in their own way, and I loved how they all became such good friends. I think that’s what she needed, friends who knew the real her. I am curious to find out what happens to them as well. Would they be in danger too? I enjoyed the fact that most of this book focused on Black Angels Training. I felt as if I found out more about Black Angels and what goes into training. If it were me, I would not lasted there long. That’s a lot of work. A lot of danger too. Reagan worked so hard, and now that mostly went down the drain for her, and for Luke. It has me wondering if the things between the two of them be the same again. Luke loves her, and what she done, I can’t see that it will. I am hoping that it will. Luke is who she needs, who she needs by her side.
Do you like thriller stories? With some romance and a lot of action and mystery. Black Angel Chronicles is a series that you will want to check out. You will be hooked . Be ready for a thrilling ride.
When Reagan is given a chance to prove that she’s worthy of training to be a Black Angel, she also gets the first chance she’s ever had to be her true self. No aliases. No disguises.
But when her friend Luke joins her at the Black Angels training compound, Reagan finds herself once again torn between the person she was and the person she wants to be. Reagan has to prove that she's as good as her parents trained her to be, because she’ll never find Torres without the Black Angels’ help.
I have been looking forward to this book, ever since I read the first book, YOU DON’T KNOW MY NAME last year. After that cliffhanger in the first book, I have been eager to see what happens next with Reagan ever since. Now that I have read YOU WON’T KNOW I’M GONE especially after that ending, I am even more curious than ever what’s to come for Reagan and Luke next. This story sucks you right from the first page up until the last page, and afterwards have you craving for more. I can’t believe that I have to wait a year, to see what happens next. I’m not sure if I can last a year. I finished the book a while back and I am still wondering. What will happen with Luke & Reagan? Will they be available to come back? How can you not and wonder? After that twist in the book. I should seen it coming, but even I didn’t think that she would actually go through with it.
I loved YOU DON’T KNOW MY NAME and I think that’s when I feel in love with story, the characters. However, I fell in love with series more after reading YOU WON’T KNOW I’M GONE . This are my type of books, one filled with romance, action, suspense and twists that you don’t see coming. I actually enjoyed the 2nd book in Black Angel Chronicles a bit more than the first book. I am not quite sure why, there wasn’t as much action in this one, but from moment that I picked up, I was hooked. I was happy for a snow day today, so I could finish reading it. I spent few hours doing that, until I reached the end. Of course afterwards I wished that the next book was out already. I love KRISTEN ORLANDO writing and how she finds a way to connect the reader with the main character, Reagan. I’m in love, with the series, the characters. Black Angel Chronicles is unlike any thriller book or series I read before. I have feeling that it’s series I will be re-reading multiple times in the future.
I loved the new characters, Cam and Anusha. They were both unique in their own way, and I loved how they all became such good friends. I think that’s what she needed, friends who knew the real her. I am curious to find out what happens to them as well. Would they be in danger too? I enjoyed the fact that most of this book focused on Black Angels Training. I felt as if I found out more about Black Angels and what goes into training. If it were me, I would not lasted there long. That’s a lot of work. A lot of danger too. Reagan worked so hard, and now that mostly went down the drain for her, and for Luke. It has me wondering if the things between the two of them be the same again. Luke loves her, and what she done, I can’t see that it will. I am hoping that it will. Luke is who she needs, who she needs by her side.
Do you like thriller stories? With some romance and a lot of action and mystery. Black Angel Chronicles is a series that you will want to check out. You will be hooked . Be ready for a thrilling ride.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2018
Thank you to Xpresso Book tours and Netgalley for an e-ARC of this book and the chance to be apart of the book tour.
"The pretender was my shield, my security blanket. Without her, I'm just Reagan Hillis. And I have no idea who the hell that girl is."
You Won't Know I'm Gone starts off a few months after the first book YOU DON'T KNOW MY NAME ended.
Reagan goes through a lot during this book (dealing with grief, having a target on her back, being alone most of the time, and feeling like she's to blame for what happened) all tough stuff and she has to deal with this stuff without her dad or Sam to really help her out. All she has is the new friends she makes during training (Anusha and Cam) and a few people that we saw from the first book.
Reagan is set on revenge and that's what not only helped her make her decision to become a Black Angel but how she gets through the tough training and basically becomes kind of robotic at times so she doesn't have to feel.
"I must get stronger, better, faster. Because average, even among the very best, might as well be dead last."
Of course, there are also a few mean girls who have it set to make sure that Reagan won't make it through the training without a fight. But with her new friends, Reagan gets back into the shape she used to be in before everything happened and is able to help out the other students at times as well.
"I know I've changed. I know I've hardened. But I dont know how else to be. I don't know how to go back."
Overall I loved this book just as much as the first one. A majority of the characters in this book are all dealing with what happened in the first one along with Reagan. They don't have her level of guilt or loneliness for the most part but they understand what she's feeling. But they also know if she wants to be an Angel she's going to have to toughen up and put all that behind her.
Oh how I wish Reagan had learned certain things from what happened in the first book, but it's part of what makes me like her so much. She goes with her instincts instead of always doing what she's supposed to and while it gets her in trouble, it also has some good qualities with it that help out her team.
That ending though... Wow. I don't know how she's going to be able to make a comeback from this one, she might have just put herself into a situation worse than the first one and she has more people to be responsible for as well.
"What have you done, Reagan? What will you do?"
I need to know what happens next! We're getting more books right? Please more books in this series!
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"The pretender was my shield, my security blanket. Without her, I'm just Reagan Hillis. And I have no idea who the hell that girl is."
You Won't Know I'm Gone starts off a few months after the first book YOU DON'T KNOW MY NAME ended.
Reagan goes through a lot during this book (dealing with grief, having a target on her back, being alone most of the time, and feeling like she's to blame for what happened) all tough stuff and she has to deal with this stuff without her dad or Sam to really help her out. All she has is the new friends she makes during training (Anusha and Cam) and a few people that we saw from the first book.
Reagan is set on revenge and that's what not only helped her make her decision to become a Black Angel but how she gets through the tough training and basically becomes kind of robotic at times so she doesn't have to feel.
"I must get stronger, better, faster. Because average, even among the very best, might as well be dead last."
Of course, there are also a few mean girls who have it set to make sure that Reagan won't make it through the training without a fight. But with her new friends, Reagan gets back into the shape she used to be in before everything happened and is able to help out the other students at times as well.
"I know I've changed. I know I've hardened. But I dont know how else to be. I don't know how to go back."
Overall I loved this book just as much as the first one. A majority of the characters in this book are all dealing with what happened in the first one along with Reagan. They don't have her level of guilt or loneliness for the most part but they understand what she's feeling. But they also know if she wants to be an Angel she's going to have to toughen up and put all that behind her.
Oh how I wish Reagan had learned certain things from what happened in the first book, but it's part of what makes me like her so much. She goes with her instincts instead of always doing what she's supposed to and while it gets her in trouble, it also has some good qualities with it that help out her team.
That ending though... Wow. I don't know how she's going to be able to make a comeback from this one, she might have just put herself into a situation worse than the first one and she has more people to be responsible for as well.
"What have you done, Reagan? What will you do?"
I need to know what happens next! We're getting more books right? Please more books in this series!
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December 10, 2017
Sorry for having the review hidden because of spoilers. The review contains spoilers from the first book but not from the second book, at least I think, but I just wanted to be safe and not annoy people, because I know what it feels like when things are spoiled. It is not fun.
The book was overall really good. I had read the first one as a reviewers book around a year ago, so I sort of forgot a bit about what happened and who was who. Also, not not to help I read a book that was pretty similar to that one, so the two books were sort of getting mushed together. I really enjoyed the first book and when I saw this book on the reviewers self, I really wanted to read it. I was a bit disappointed because I didn't enjoy it that much, that may be do to the fact that I had my hopes really high from reading the first. When I was reading the book, I was able to understand what was going on, even though I forgot what happened in the first book. I really liked how through out the book Reagan had to prove herself and not just be guaranteed a spot in the Training Academy. Also, the readers are shown to a Reagan, that I am pretty sure was not seen in the first book, that is trying to cope with her mom's death and her thirst for revenge. The reader is able to see that even the best have their bad moments and that they are not perfect like how people present them to be. I also liked how Reagan does not get over her rebellions that was seen in the last book and through out this book. The antagonist at the Quarterfinals, Lex Morgan, is sort of like all mean girls, stuck-up and high on the social ladder. Since a lot of mean people are like that to hide a weakness, I really hope in the next book we learn if Lex has a reason for being the way she is. We do get a small glimpse at why she acts the way she does, which may be because parents is comparing their children to Reagan. It was slightly annoying for me to see Luke trail after Reagan like a lost puppy, and for Regan to succeed where other more experienced Black Angels failed. The book was well written and the plot was well put out. The characters were well developed and each had struggles of their own. Overall, the book was really good. If you like spy books then you would like this series. I think the book is book for middle schoolers, but you could probably read it and enjoy if you are older, that is me.
The book was overall really good. I had read the first one as a reviewers book around a year ago, so I sort of forgot a bit about what happened and who was who. Also, not not to help I read a book that was pretty similar to that one, so the two books were sort of getting mushed together. I really enjoyed the first book and when I saw this book on the reviewers self, I really wanted to read it. I was a bit disappointed because I didn't enjoy it that much, that may be do to the fact that I had my hopes really high from reading the first. When I was reading the book, I was able to understand what was going on, even though I forgot what happened in the first book. I really liked how through out the book Reagan had to prove herself and not just be guaranteed a spot in the Training Academy. Also, the readers are shown to a Reagan, that I am pretty sure was not seen in the first book, that is trying to cope with her mom's death and her thirst for revenge. The reader is able to see that even the best have their bad moments and that they are not perfect like how people present them to be. I also liked how Reagan does not get over her rebellions that was seen in the last book and through out this book. The antagonist at the Quarterfinals, Lex Morgan, is sort of like all mean girls, stuck-up and high on the social ladder. Since a lot of mean people are like that to hide a weakness, I really hope in the next book we learn if Lex has a reason for being the way she is. We do get a small glimpse at why she acts the way she does, which may be because parents is comparing their children to Reagan. It was slightly annoying for me to see Luke trail after Reagan like a lost puppy, and for Regan to succeed where other more experienced Black Angels failed. The book was well written and the plot was well put out. The characters were well developed and each had struggles of their own. Overall, the book was really good. If you like spy books then you would like this series. I think the book is book for middle schoolers, but you could probably read it and enjoy if you are older, that is me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2018
This is the second book in The Black Angel Chronicles. I did not read the first one before diving into this one, and although I was able to fall into the world and characters fairly well, I would not recommend reading these out of order. Much of what happens as well of the relationships builds on the first book, and I wished the entire way through that I had hit that one first.
The story reminded me a little bit of Nakita—in a broad sense. It definitely held tons of edge-of-the-seat fight scenes and kept the tension high the whole way through.
After breaking the rules and perhaps being one of the causes of her mother's death, Reagan not only has to fight her depression but has lost her automatic advancement into the Black Angels. Luckily, she's given a second chance and must now prove her worth in the Training Academy. She might have been an elite, but mourning the death of her mother for several months has not only scarred her psychologically but has left her physically below the rest of the trainees. Only a few will be chosen, and she has to be among this group if she ever wants to take revenge on the person who really caused her mother's death.
Reagan is a wonderful character, full of determination and rough edges. She has to overcome as may inner battles as ones in the Training Academy. Her attitude is harsh at times, but if fits the situation very well and makes her believable. Those around her don't have quite the same amount of depth, but the help the plot keep a quick pace, although this book mainly concentrates on Reagan simply getting through the training year.
The action scenes mostly take place in the academy as she fights to regain her earlier strength and respect. I would have loved to see more than this, but it fits the series flow well. Although the real villain stays an arm's length away, his general presence keeps up the tension the whole way through. The ending happened much too fast and would have greatly benefited from a few more chapters. So, it felt sudden and that, with a cliff-hanger too.
It's a great spy read with lots of thrills and action, and promises to hold much more excitement in the upcoming book.
I received a complimentary copy and found this book exciting and engaging enough to leave my honest thoughts.
The story reminded me a little bit of Nakita—in a broad sense. It definitely held tons of edge-of-the-seat fight scenes and kept the tension high the whole way through.
After breaking the rules and perhaps being one of the causes of her mother's death, Reagan not only has to fight her depression but has lost her automatic advancement into the Black Angels. Luckily, she's given a second chance and must now prove her worth in the Training Academy. She might have been an elite, but mourning the death of her mother for several months has not only scarred her psychologically but has left her physically below the rest of the trainees. Only a few will be chosen, and she has to be among this group if she ever wants to take revenge on the person who really caused her mother's death.
Reagan is a wonderful character, full of determination and rough edges. She has to overcome as may inner battles as ones in the Training Academy. Her attitude is harsh at times, but if fits the situation very well and makes her believable. Those around her don't have quite the same amount of depth, but the help the plot keep a quick pace, although this book mainly concentrates on Reagan simply getting through the training year.
The action scenes mostly take place in the academy as she fights to regain her earlier strength and respect. I would have loved to see more than this, but it fits the series flow well. Although the real villain stays an arm's length away, his general presence keeps up the tension the whole way through. The ending happened much too fast and would have greatly benefited from a few more chapters. So, it felt sudden and that, with a cliff-hanger too.
It's a great spy read with lots of thrills and action, and promises to hold much more excitement in the upcoming book.
I received a complimentary copy and found this book exciting and engaging enough to leave my honest thoughts.
January 24, 2018
3.5
Reagan Hillis has just spent the last seven months in self-induced isolation following the horrific murder of her mother on a mission gone wrong. Seeing her killed, right in front of her, maybe even because of her, is something she can’t get out of her head. Torres, the drug lord and ex-Black Angel who killed her, is the only face she sees and her single-minded determination to kill him herself is the only thing she has to live for right now. Her dad has barely spoken a handful of words or been home long enough to even try a conversation. Sam, her mom’s best friend, has been making sure she’s okay. But she’s not. She doesn’t eat, can’t sleep without pills, has lost tons of muscle mass and looks like a zombie. This deterioration is normal when grieving, but it also puts her at a considerable disadvantage if she’s going to be training as a cadet in the secret spy organization her parents belong to, The Black Angels. Her legend status, she was guaranteed a spot less than a year ago, is gone and now she has to earn it just like the rest of the recruits. When she enters the training, she soon realizes that she isn’t even close physically to where she was before her mom died and this weakness is exploited early. Thankfully, her strategic and photographic mind is still working fine. Earning a spot to train with the Angels is her single focus, not because she wants to be there but she knows it’s the only way she can get to Torres. A surprise addition to the training forces her to think about why she is there and if this is the person she wants to be.
Just like the first book in this series, it is fast, action-packed, and free from any frivolity. Reagan is a no-nonsense character, and the writing style reflects this. The addition of two new characters helps round her out a bit, but when she has the opportunity to go rogue again or be a team player, her choice has resounding consequences. Just like the first book, there is technically a conclusion but also a million questions.
Reagan Hillis has just spent the last seven months in self-induced isolation following the horrific murder of her mother on a mission gone wrong. Seeing her killed, right in front of her, maybe even because of her, is something she can’t get out of her head. Torres, the drug lord and ex-Black Angel who killed her, is the only face she sees and her single-minded determination to kill him herself is the only thing she has to live for right now. Her dad has barely spoken a handful of words or been home long enough to even try a conversation. Sam, her mom’s best friend, has been making sure she’s okay. But she’s not. She doesn’t eat, can’t sleep without pills, has lost tons of muscle mass and looks like a zombie. This deterioration is normal when grieving, but it also puts her at a considerable disadvantage if she’s going to be training as a cadet in the secret spy organization her parents belong to, The Black Angels. Her legend status, she was guaranteed a spot less than a year ago, is gone and now she has to earn it just like the rest of the recruits. When she enters the training, she soon realizes that she isn’t even close physically to where she was before her mom died and this weakness is exploited early. Thankfully, her strategic and photographic mind is still working fine. Earning a spot to train with the Angels is her single focus, not because she wants to be there but she knows it’s the only way she can get to Torres. A surprise addition to the training forces her to think about why she is there and if this is the person she wants to be.
Just like the first book in this series, it is fast, action-packed, and free from any frivolity. Reagan is a no-nonsense character, and the writing style reflects this. The addition of two new characters helps round her out a bit, but when she has the opportunity to go rogue again or be a team player, her choice has resounding consequences. Just like the first book, there is technically a conclusion but also a million questions.
December 22, 2018
Nothing will stop Reagan Hillis from exacting the revenge he deserves so richly on Santino Torres, the man who killed her mother. In this sequel to You Don't Know My Name, Reagan is still dealing with her own anger and depression over her mother's death and her possible part in it. Her impulsive actions and failure to follow orders and protocol have cost her an automatic spot in the Training Academy, and now she will have to fight every step of the way to heal, get stronger, and secure a place in the Black Angels, a special forces unit dedicated to stopping terrorism and other crimes. But it won't be easy since Reagan still must battle her own instincts, which sometimes lead her astray or cause her to make poor decisions. Fortunately for her, she has a couple of new friends, Cam and Anusha, who have her back as well as Luke, the boy she used to know in a previous life. But she also knows that if she makes one mistake, she will lose her chance to join the elite force. Readers will like Reagan, who will most likely remind them of themselves in her imperfection and in her struggles to do the right thing and be the best person she can be and her overwhelming desire to make Torres pay. While some of her missteps can be forgiven, the final scenes in this action-filled thriller will leave readers aghast and eagerly anticipating the next installment in her story. For someone so well trained, she often is driven by her emotions and not her reasons. There are various references to all the times she had to play a role and pretend to be someone she wasn't and her need to figure out whom she is, a conundrum which will resonate with many teen readers.
February 26, 2018
This one picks up right where You Don't Know My NameYou Don't Know My Name left off. Reagan is broken, battered, beaten by the death of her mother. She’s questioning everything she did and wonders whether she is responsible. Her father won’t talk to her, won’t help her in her grief, won’t support her in being in the Black Angels. She’s alone.
As she enters the Academy and has to pass the Qualifiers, like anyone else does, she meets two new friends, that will end up helping her train and saving her on more than one occasion. Soon, Luke joins the team leaving Reagan to wonder where he’s been, why he’s there, and where they stand.
Through the training, Reagan’s focus turns to revenge. She knows she will never get to Torres and avenge her mother’s death if she doesn’t make it through the Academy, but Luke is always there to help her, talk sense into her, and sometimes to even get in her way. Wondering if she’ll lose him forever, she makes decisions that ultimately will decide both of their fates.
Another cliffhanger will leave you waiting for Book #3 in this series.
Some language bumped this down to a 4 for me, definitely YA language and not really for my middle grade students.
As she enters the Academy and has to pass the Qualifiers, like anyone else does, she meets two new friends, that will end up helping her train and saving her on more than one occasion. Soon, Luke joins the team leaving Reagan to wonder where he’s been, why he’s there, and where they stand.
Through the training, Reagan’s focus turns to revenge. She knows she will never get to Torres and avenge her mother’s death if she doesn’t make it through the Academy, but Luke is always there to help her, talk sense into her, and sometimes to even get in her way. Wondering if she’ll lose him forever, she makes decisions that ultimately will decide both of their fates.
Another cliffhanger will leave you waiting for Book #3 in this series.
Some language bumped this down to a 4 for me, definitely YA language and not really for my middle grade students.
April 15, 2018
Reagan Hillis is back. Fresh from Colombia following her mother’s murder by former
Black Angel operative Torrres, Reagan find herself in the unenviable position of trying out for the covert organization that she was once guaranteed a position.
But training is not all it’s cut out to be and the endless drills are physically draining and there are mean girls at this place too.
As a reader, the first half is slow. Luke, her love interest, also gets in to the qualifier program but there can be no romance because duh ... training.
And Reagan is all about revenge so she fights her attraction for Luke and turns boss bitch during the training. If that doesn’t emasculate the poor guy, Reagan also turns cruel when he tells her painful truths she’s not willing to hear.
Once Reagan starts to get in her stride and is on a real mission, it finally felt like the story was hitting a high note. But we only get a handful of exciting chapters before another cliffhanger. Gnashing of teeth here!
Black Angel operative Torrres, Reagan find herself in the unenviable position of trying out for the covert organization that she was once guaranteed a position.
But training is not all it’s cut out to be and the endless drills are physically draining and there are mean girls at this place too.
As a reader, the first half is slow. Luke, her love interest, also gets in to the qualifier program but there can be no romance because duh ... training.
And Reagan is all about revenge so she fights her attraction for Luke and turns boss bitch during the training. If that doesn’t emasculate the poor guy, Reagan also turns cruel when he tells her painful truths she’s not willing to hear.
Once Reagan starts to get in her stride and is on a real mission, it finally felt like the story was hitting a high note. But we only get a handful of exciting chapters before another cliffhanger. Gnashing of teeth here!
April 3, 2019
You Won’t Know I’m Gone by Kristen Orlando, 308 pages. Swoon Reads Book (Macmillan), 2018. $16.99
Language: R (157 swears, 3 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13
BUYING ADVISORY: HS – OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
After her mother’s murder, Reagan only has one goal: kill the man who took her mother from her. And she’s willing to lie, disobey, and put herself at risk in order to accomplish that goal. But what if Reagan isn’t the only one to face the consequences of her actions?
This book is darker than the prequel, mostly because Reagan herself has changed to revolve around the darkness of revenge. Reagan’s newly chosen path causes her, and the readers, to contemplate: what defines who I am and who I want to be, what does it mean to be weak or strong, and what happens when we ignore the consequences? These questions have to be confronted as Reagan changes and learns that our choices determine what kind of person we become.
Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2019...
Language: R (157 swears, 3 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13
BUYING ADVISORY: HS – OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
After her mother’s murder, Reagan only has one goal: kill the man who took her mother from her. And she’s willing to lie, disobey, and put herself at risk in order to accomplish that goal. But what if Reagan isn’t the only one to face the consequences of her actions?
This book is darker than the prequel, mostly because Reagan herself has changed to revolve around the darkness of revenge. Reagan’s newly chosen path causes her, and the readers, to contemplate: what defines who I am and who I want to be, what does it mean to be weak or strong, and what happens when we ignore the consequences? These questions have to be confronted as Reagan changes and learns that our choices determine what kind of person we become.
Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2019...
January 16, 2018
You Won’t Know I’m Gone, by Kristen Orlando, opens six months after the first book in this series ends. Reagan has now dedicated herself completely to becoming a Black Angel. She’s determined to seek revenge on Torres after he shot and killed her mother right in front of her. Reagan has to work extra hard to attend qualifying training because she’s lost weight and practice since her mother has been gone. During qualifying, Reagan realizes many things about herself as she matures and can actually be her true self, since she doesn’t have to keep her identity hidden. For the first time in her life she’s not keeping secrets from her friends, at least the friends she has in training. Reagan struggles with her all-out focus on revenge for her mother’s death. She sees how it’s hurting the people she cares about and possibly her chances of becoming a Black Angel, but she can’t seem to help curb her desire for revenge. Action-packed, adventurous and worth 5 stars!
June 1, 2018
Even though this is the second book in a series, I was able to follow the story with ease. After rogue mission to save her mother fails with tragic consequence, Reagan Hillis may be barred from Black Angels qualifiers. Black Angels are an elite, more-secret-than-CIA, US spy sector, and Reagan's parents have raised her to be a legacy recruit. But her insubordinate nature may keep her from living up to their expectations. Her recklessness may sabotage all her relationships. Her fixation on revenge may destroy her identity. The book has quite a bit of action, intrigue and covert ops but gets a little sluggish in the middle with Reagan's internal struggle to either stop pretending and embrace her potential and her thirst to avenge her mother's death. Her relationship with her father and pseudo-aunt/body guard feel like they could be fleshed out a little more but provide some impetus for change and character development. Reagan's definitely a flawed protagonist, and it's a wonder her friends stick by her after so much lying and betrayal but she's a tough girl you find yourself rooting for even in the midst of her mistakes. Feels a lot like the TV show, Quantico, as most of the story takes place during training. Complete with cliche roles for other recruits -- her two very likable BFFs that stick by her side no matter what, a taboo love interest she just can't stay away from, an entitled mean-girl who resents Reagan from the start. Kind of a cross between Quantico, Mean Girls, and Harry Potter without the magic. Possibly controversial ending leaves it open for a third installment. Some violence and language make this appropriate for grades 8th and up.
September 29, 2018
3.5 stars
All Reagan wanted was to be normal, go to college and have nothing to do with the Black Angels. But following the events in Colombia and her mother's murder by Torres, Reagan is out for revenge. She knows that the only way to get to Torres is by becoming a Black Angel, but that's easier said than done. Due to her reckless actions in Colombia, Reagan has lost her automatic ticket to the training academy and must now compete in the gruelling Qualifiers like all the other hopeful candidates for a spot.
This book was just as fast paced as the first one, with the same excitement and suspense. However, Reagan's reckless and sometimes selfish attitude gets irritating after a while. Cam and Anusha, her new friends, along with Luke are excellent supporting characters.
Overall, it was still an entertaining read. That shocking ending sets a very interesting stage for the next and last book in the series. Definitely looking forward to it!
All Reagan wanted was to be normal, go to college and have nothing to do with the Black Angels. But following the events in Colombia and her mother's murder by Torres, Reagan is out for revenge. She knows that the only way to get to Torres is by becoming a Black Angel, but that's easier said than done. Due to her reckless actions in Colombia, Reagan has lost her automatic ticket to the training academy and must now compete in the gruelling Qualifiers like all the other hopeful candidates for a spot.
This book was just as fast paced as the first one, with the same excitement and suspense. However, Reagan's reckless and sometimes selfish attitude gets irritating after a while. Cam and Anusha, her new friends, along with Luke are excellent supporting characters.
Overall, it was still an entertaining read. That shocking ending sets a very interesting stage for the next and last book in the series. Definitely looking forward to it!
January 19, 2019
Language: R (157 swears, 3 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13
After her mother’s murder, Reagan only has one goal: kill the man who took her mother from her. And she’s willing to lie, disobey, and put herself at risk in order to accomplish that goal. But what if Reagan isn’t the only one to face the consequences of her actions?
This book is darker than the prequel, mostly because Reagan herself has changed to revolve around the darkness of revenge. While I didn't really like how drastically different this book is from the first book, I did like how Reagan’s newly chosen path causes her, and the readers, to contemplate: what defines who I am and who I want to be, what does it mean to be weak or strong, and what happens when we ignore the consequences? These questions have to be confronted as Reagan changes and learns that our choices determine what kind of person we become.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/
After her mother’s murder, Reagan only has one goal: kill the man who took her mother from her. And she’s willing to lie, disobey, and put herself at risk in order to accomplish that goal. But what if Reagan isn’t the only one to face the consequences of her actions?
This book is darker than the prequel, mostly because Reagan herself has changed to revolve around the darkness of revenge. While I didn't really like how drastically different this book is from the first book, I did like how Reagan’s newly chosen path causes her, and the readers, to contemplate: what defines who I am and who I want to be, what does it mean to be weak or strong, and what happens when we ignore the consequences? These questions have to be confronted as Reagan changes and learns that our choices determine what kind of person we become.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/
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