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Stateless #1
Stateless
When you’re born without a trace, no one knows you’re a weapon.
I lie for her.
I hunt for her.
I kill for her.
And above all, I betray my mission for her.
She doesn’t know why. She doesn’t care why.
I do.
Treason comes in many forms.
Love is one of them.
Our training taught me to be a sociopath. A machine. A pawn. Nothing more than a tool for a larger goal, without attachments or feelings.
Our teachers forgot one important detail:
Pawns shouldn’t have hearts.
Yet we do.
It turns out our emotions are our greatest weapon.
And I know exactly where mine are aimed.
I lie for her.
I hunt for her.
I kill for her.
And above all, I betray my mission for her.
She doesn’t know why. She doesn’t care why.
I do.
Treason comes in many forms.
Love is one of them.
Our training taught me to be a sociopath. A machine. A pawn. Nothing more than a tool for a larger goal, without attachments or feelings.
Our teachers forgot one important detail:
Pawns shouldn’t have hearts.
Yet we do.
It turns out our emotions are our greatest weapon.
And I know exactly where mine are aimed.
220 pages, Paperback
First published October 15, 2019
590 people are currently reading
1423 people want to read
About the author
Meli Raine
30 books1,836 followersUSA Today bestselling author Meli Raine rode her first motorcycle when she was five years old, but she played in the ocean long before that. She lives in New England with her family.
Join her New Releases and Sales newsletter at: https://meliraine.com/newsletter/
Website: http://meliraine.com/
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/meliraineauthor
Join her New Releases and Sales newsletter at: https://meliraine.com/newsletter/
Website: http://meliraine.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meliraine/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/meliraineauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews
December 11, 2019
A bit dishevelled read.
Q:
In Woods, they don’t expect you to do anything but be.
That doesn’t mean we don’t have goals and metrics.
That doesn’t mean they don’t evaluate our every move.
That doesn’t mean they aren’t constantly watching.
But it does mean that I can breathe. (c)
Q:
There is something so peaceful about being the one and only person in the world who can connect to a tiny child and help them to be right with the world. I cherish it. I am not supposed to, but I do. (c)
Q:
“What are you doing?” ...
“Pressing my body against the Earth to prevent the planet from hurtling into space.” ...
“You’re failing miserably.”
“Add it to my file.” ...
“It’s a long file.” (c)
Q:
They do not realize they only see what they want to see, too.
I can find information by pattern matching. Everything in life is connected to everything else if you know how to look. (c)
Q:
“Callum's in a meeting with the leaders. You're here bullying me. Which strategy do you think works better for gaining more power within Stateless?” (c)
Q:
In Woods, they don’t expect you to do anything but be.
That doesn’t mean we don’t have goals and metrics.
That doesn’t mean they don’t evaluate our every move.
That doesn’t mean they aren’t constantly watching.
But it does mean that I can breathe. (c)
Q:
There is something so peaceful about being the one and only person in the world who can connect to a tiny child and help them to be right with the world. I cherish it. I am not supposed to, but I do. (c)
Q:
“What are you doing?” ...
“Pressing my body against the Earth to prevent the planet from hurtling into space.” ...
“You’re failing miserably.”
“Add it to my file.” ...
“It’s a long file.” (c)
Q:
They do not realize they only see what they want to see, too.
I can find information by pattern matching. Everything in life is connected to everything else if you know how to look. (c)
Q:
“Callum's in a meeting with the leaders. You're here bullying me. Which strategy do you think works better for gaining more power within Stateless?” (c)
October 12, 2019
I always get excited when Meli Raine has a new book out. I think she does romantic (political) suspense so well, and again this book was no different. If you've read the previous nine books in this series, then you've heard about the STATELESS and you know exactly who this hero is. It's because of the vast amounts of backstory that I wouldn't recommend reading this book as a standalone. Start with the HARMLESS trilogy and work your way through all nine books. You won't be disappointed. As for this book itself, I loved it, and I can't wait to get my hands on book two. 👍👍
October 15, 2019
From the very first page, this story caught my attention and consistently kept it throughout. We were introduced to the other side of a conflict that has spanned several series and were given a reality that isn’t as black and white as one assumes.
We met Callum. He was smart, dangerous, and being raised to be a weapon. We meet Kina, she is cunning, strong, brilliant, and underestimated. They make a great match and in the process start something that wasn’t supposed to be.
The plot was riveting. I found myself caught off guard by the ending because I kept swiping my iPad for more. The pacing, imagery, and prose were done extremely well. The main characters had the opportunity to begin their development process. I can’t wait for the next book!
Complimentary copy received and voluntarily reviewed.
We met Callum. He was smart, dangerous, and being raised to be a weapon. We meet Kina, she is cunning, strong, brilliant, and underestimated. They make a great match and in the process start something that wasn’t supposed to be.
The plot was riveting. I found myself caught off guard by the ending because I kept swiping my iPad for more. The pacing, imagery, and prose were done extremely well. The main characters had the opportunity to begin their development process. I can’t wait for the next book!
Complimentary copy received and voluntarily reviewed.
Read
October 16, 2019 ✩ Romantic Suspense
✩ Deep State Operatives
✩ Psychological Thriller
✩ Political Intrigue
Read it here
When you’re born without a trace, no one knows you’re a weapon.
I lie for her.
I hunt for her.
I kill for her.
And above all, I betray my mission for her.
She doesn’t know why. She doesn’t care why.
I do.
Treason comes in many forms.
Love is one of them.
Our training taught me to be a sociopath. A machine. A pawn. Nothing more than a tool for a larger goal, without attachments or feelings.
Our teachers forgot one important detail:
Pawns shouldn’t have hearts.
Yet we do.
It turns out our emotions are our greatest weapon.
And I know exactly where mine are aimed.
The first in an all-new series by USA Today best-selling author Meli Raine.
Read it here
✩ Deep State Operatives
✩ Psychological Thriller
✩ Political Intrigue
Read it here
When you’re born without a trace, no one knows you’re a weapon.
I lie for her.
I hunt for her.
I kill for her.
And above all, I betray my mission for her.
She doesn’t know why. She doesn’t care why.
I do.
Treason comes in many forms.
Love is one of them.
Our training taught me to be a sociopath. A machine. A pawn. Nothing more than a tool for a larger goal, without attachments or feelings.
Our teachers forgot one important detail:
Pawns shouldn’t have hearts.
Yet we do.
It turns out our emotions are our greatest weapon.
And I know exactly where mine are aimed.
The first in an all-new series by USA Today best-selling author Meli Raine.
Read it here
Read
October 16, 2019 ✩ Romantic Suspense
✩ Deep State Operatives
✩ Psychological Thriller
✩ Political Intrigue
Read it here
When you’re born without a trace, no one knows you’re a weapon.
I lie for her.
I hunt for her.
I kill for her.
And above all, I betray my mission for her.
She doesn’t know why. She doesn’t care why.
I do.
Treason comes in many forms.
Love is one of them.
Our training taught me to be a sociopath. A machine. A pawn. Nothing more than a tool for a larger goal, without attachments or feelings.
Our teachers forgot one important detail:
Pawns shouldn’t have hearts.
Yet we do.
It turns out our emotions are our greatest weapon.
And I know exactly where mine are aimed.
The first in an all-new series by USA Today best-selling author Meli Raine.
Read it here
Julia Kent writing as Meli Raine
✩ Deep State Operatives
✩ Psychological Thriller
✩ Political Intrigue
Read it here
When you’re born without a trace, no one knows you’re a weapon.
I lie for her.
I hunt for her.
I kill for her.
And above all, I betray my mission for her.
She doesn’t know why. She doesn’t care why.
I do.
Treason comes in many forms.
Love is one of them.
Our training taught me to be a sociopath. A machine. A pawn. Nothing more than a tool for a larger goal, without attachments or feelings.
Our teachers forgot one important detail:
Pawns shouldn’t have hearts.
Yet we do.
It turns out our emotions are our greatest weapon.
And I know exactly where mine are aimed.
The first in an all-new series by USA Today best-selling author Meli Raine.
Read it here
Julia Kent writing as Meli Raine
Read
October 17, 2019 ✩ Romantic Suspense
✩ Deep State Operatives
✩ Psychological Thriller
✩ Political Intrigue
Read it here
When you’re born without a trace, no one knows you’re a weapon.
I lie for her.
I hunt for her.
I kill for her.
And above all, I betray my mission for her.
She doesn’t know why. She doesn’t care why.
I do.
Treason comes in many forms.
Love is one of them.
Our training taught me to be a sociopath. A machine. A pawn. Nothing more than a tool for a larger goal, without attachments or feelings.
Our teachers forgot one important detail:
Pawns shouldn’t have hearts.
Yet we do.
It turns out our emotions are our greatest weapon.
And I know exactly where mine are aimed.
The first in an all-new series by USA Today best-selling author Meli Raine.
Read it here
✩ Deep State Operatives
✩ Psychological Thriller
✩ Political Intrigue
Read it here
When you’re born without a trace, no one knows you’re a weapon.
I lie for her.
I hunt for her.
I kill for her.
And above all, I betray my mission for her.
She doesn’t know why. She doesn’t care why.
I do.
Treason comes in many forms.
Love is one of them.
Our training taught me to be a sociopath. A machine. A pawn. Nothing more than a tool for a larger goal, without attachments or feelings.
Our teachers forgot one important detail:
Pawns shouldn’t have hearts.
Yet we do.
It turns out our emotions are our greatest weapon.
And I know exactly where mine are aimed.
The first in an all-new series by USA Today best-selling author Meli Raine.
Read it here
October 13, 2019
# Don't read this series until you have started at the beginning with A Harmless Little Game #
Readers of Meli Raine's series will know how she writes three books in a series and then a new series is created which spin-offs from the previous series but still following the same storyline. This is a series I have been following for a few years now ever since I discovered A Harmless Little Game back in November 2016. I have to admit because I have been a big fan of this series, I was looking really excited to Stateless but it fell short for me. As the last series finished we learned that Seamus McDuff's brother Wyatt was kidnapped and put into the Stateless program and worked with Romeo who was also Stateless. They had a brief sight of each other in the sex club. Stateless goes back to the beginning where we meet Callum, Glen, and Kina. Callum is the star pupil along with Glen - the Star. Glen's twin sister Kina - Mule is seen as weak because she cares and shows empathy. We read as Glen is jealous of Kina as she knows Callum loves her and shows her compassion. Once their training is complete Glen and Callum are sent into the field and Kina is left behind. Nine years pass and they have returned home. Callum is now in charge after Romeo's death and Glen is the new Anya - working for the President as his secretary. Callum learns that everything they told him about Stateless was a lie and he needs Kina's help, but will she be easy to convince especially since she has been fed nine years of lies while Callum has been away and isn't the same girl he said goodbye too. This book ended on a cliffhanger with Callum and Kina discovering their real identities and of course Callum learns that he is Wyatt and wants to find his brother but the book finishes with the sentence "I'll find my brother after I kill my target - Seamus McDuff" - this made me scream AARGH. I now can't wait to read Book #2 Traceless.
Readers of Meli Raine's series will know how she writes three books in a series and then a new series is created which spin-offs from the previous series but still following the same storyline. This is a series I have been following for a few years now ever since I discovered A Harmless Little Game back in November 2016. I have to admit because I have been a big fan of this series, I was looking really excited to Stateless but it fell short for me. As the last series finished we learned that Seamus McDuff's brother Wyatt was kidnapped and put into the Stateless program and worked with Romeo who was also Stateless. They had a brief sight of each other in the sex club. Stateless goes back to the beginning where we meet Callum, Glen, and Kina. Callum is the star pupil along with Glen - the Star. Glen's twin sister Kina - Mule is seen as weak because she cares and shows empathy. We read as Glen is jealous of Kina as she knows Callum loves her and shows her compassion. Once their training is complete Glen and Callum are sent into the field and Kina is left behind. Nine years pass and they have returned home. Callum is now in charge after Romeo's death and Glen is the new Anya - working for the President as his secretary. Callum learns that everything they told him about Stateless was a lie and he needs Kina's help, but will she be easy to convince especially since she has been fed nine years of lies while Callum has been away and isn't the same girl he said goodbye too. This book ended on a cliffhanger with Callum and Kina discovering their real identities and of course Callum learns that he is Wyatt and wants to find his brother but the book finishes with the sentence "I'll find my brother after I kill my target - Seamus McDuff" - this made me scream AARGH. I now can't wait to read Book #2 Traceless.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
October 17, 2019 ✩ Romantic Suspense
✩ Deep State Operatives
✩ Psychological Thriller
✩ Political Intrigue
Read it here
When you’re born without a trace, no one knows you’re a weapon.
I lie for her.
I hunt for her.
I kill for her.
And above all, I betray my mission for her.
She doesn’t know why. She doesn’t care why.
I do.
Treason comes in many forms.
Love is one of them.
Our training taught me to be a sociopath. A machine. A pawn. Nothing more than a tool for a larger goal, without attachments or feelings.
Our teachers forgot one important detail:
Pawns shouldn’t have hearts.
Yet we do.
It turns out our emotions are our greatest weapon.
And I know exactly where mine are aimed.
The first in an all-new series by USA Today best-selling author Meli Raine.
Read it here
✩ Deep State Operatives
✩ Psychological Thriller
✩ Political Intrigue
Read it here
When you’re born without a trace, no one knows you’re a weapon.
I lie for her.
I hunt for her.
I kill for her.
And above all, I betray my mission for her.
She doesn’t know why. She doesn’t care why.
I do.
Treason comes in many forms.
Love is one of them.
Our training taught me to be a sociopath. A machine. A pawn. Nothing more than a tool for a larger goal, without attachments or feelings.
Our teachers forgot one important detail:
Pawns shouldn’t have hearts.
Yet we do.
It turns out our emotions are our greatest weapon.
And I know exactly where mine are aimed.
The first in an all-new series by USA Today best-selling author Meli Raine.
Read it here
Read
October 17, 2019 ✩ Romantic Suspense
✩ Deep State Operatives
✩ Psychological Thriller
✩ Political Intrigue
Read it here
When you’re born without a trace, no one knows you’re a weapon.
I lie for her.
I hunt for her.
I kill for her.
And above all, I betray my mission for her.
She doesn’t know why. She doesn’t care why.
I do.
Treason comes in many forms.
Love is one of them.
Our training taught me to be a sociopath. A machine. A pawn. Nothing more than a tool for a larger goal, without attachments or feelings.
Our teachers forgot one important detail:
Pawns shouldn’t have hearts.
Yet we do.
It turns out our emotions are our greatest weapon.
And I know exactly where mine are aimed.
The first in an all-new series by USA Today best-selling author Meli Raine.
Read it here
✩ Deep State Operatives
✩ Psychological Thriller
✩ Political Intrigue
Read it here
When you’re born without a trace, no one knows you’re a weapon.
I lie for her.
I hunt for her.
I kill for her.
And above all, I betray my mission for her.
She doesn’t know why. She doesn’t care why.
I do.
Treason comes in many forms.
Love is one of them.
Our training taught me to be a sociopath. A machine. A pawn. Nothing more than a tool for a larger goal, without attachments or feelings.
Our teachers forgot one important detail:
Pawns shouldn’t have hearts.
Yet we do.
It turns out our emotions are our greatest weapon.
And I know exactly where mine are aimed.
The first in an all-new series by USA Today best-selling author Meli Raine.
Read it here
May 24, 2020
A cross between “The Hunger Games” and “Handmaid’s Tale”... this’s book kept my interest. Although not as good as either I mentioned, it still had me hooked from start to finish.
October 8, 2019
Absolutely loved this book, from the first page to the last I could not put it down. It has been a while since I read a book all in one day but this one had me gripped right from the start and kept me engrossed until the end.
Kina and Glen are identical twin sisters. Having been at the compound for as long as they can remember they know no other way of life. Callum, their friend, has been with them since childhood but it is Kina and Callum who have the stronger connection, a connection that cannot be broken, unlike the rules of the compound.
No emotion is the key to being Stateless. Everything they have been taught, all the training they have completed, their lives up to this point have been planned and executed to perfection with one goal in mind...The Mission.
But what if everything you believed in is a lie, those you trusted the most betray you. Your life as you know it is not what you thought. Where do you go? What do you do?
I knew I was going to like Callum as soon as he was introduced in the story. The strength and power behind his character is evident, even in the younger years. His unyielding emotional attachment to Kina is evident in his desire to protect her. Having read the previous series I was aware of the relevance of the mission he has been given.
I'm not yet sure what to make of Kina. After everything she has been through I want to believe she is what she appears to be and that her feelings for Callum are real, I just have a feeling that not all is as it seems. And don't even get me started on Glen! What a... sister!
This story is told from the views of both Kina and Callum. The majority of the timeline is set nine years ago when the pair where teenagers, in the final year of their training, coming up to the present towards the end.
If you have read the previous series by Meli Raine then some names will be very familiar, such as Romeo who is a prominent figure in this story. This is a stand-alone series, so can be read independently, however I would recommend reading at least the series before but all the series link together.
Suspence, lies, secrets and betrayal. Fighting for their lives and for their love. Can't wait to see what happens with Kina and Callum in the next part of the series - Traceless
Kina and Glen are identical twin sisters. Having been at the compound for as long as they can remember they know no other way of life. Callum, their friend, has been with them since childhood but it is Kina and Callum who have the stronger connection, a connection that cannot be broken, unlike the rules of the compound.
No emotion is the key to being Stateless. Everything they have been taught, all the training they have completed, their lives up to this point have been planned and executed to perfection with one goal in mind...The Mission.
But what if everything you believed in is a lie, those you trusted the most betray you. Your life as you know it is not what you thought. Where do you go? What do you do?
I knew I was going to like Callum as soon as he was introduced in the story. The strength and power behind his character is evident, even in the younger years. His unyielding emotional attachment to Kina is evident in his desire to protect her. Having read the previous series I was aware of the relevance of the mission he has been given.
I'm not yet sure what to make of Kina. After everything she has been through I want to believe she is what she appears to be and that her feelings for Callum are real, I just have a feeling that not all is as it seems. And don't even get me started on Glen! What a... sister!
This story is told from the views of both Kina and Callum. The majority of the timeline is set nine years ago when the pair where teenagers, in the final year of their training, coming up to the present towards the end.
If you have read the previous series by Meli Raine then some names will be very familiar, such as Romeo who is a prominent figure in this story. This is a stand-alone series, so can be read independently, however I would recommend reading at least the series before but all the series link together.
Suspence, lies, secrets and betrayal. Fighting for their lives and for their love. Can't wait to see what happens with Kina and Callum in the next part of the series - Traceless
July 28, 2019
This is the first book in the Stateless trilogy. They do need to be read in order. You can start with this trilogy as a stand-alone, though it will have a couple references to the Harmless and Shameless trilogies also. It does have a bit of a suspense cliffhanger that Meli excels at.
Kira and her identical twin Glen have been raised Stateless. Saved from a violent family at four and brought into the schooling to be human killing machines, deep undercover in all governments and major fields. The goal: to one day overthrow the flawed regime and instate their own. Their class of graduates of the program will battle each other until the weakest link of them is killed. Then they get their assignments.
Kira is widely thought to be the weakest link. Will her twin defend her? Does she have friends she didn't even realize in her class? What will their futures be like as they become the next Stateless to go be part of the world they trained all their lives to bend to the will of their leadership?
This fast paced suspense will grab you from the first page and leave you wishing for more.
Kira and her identical twin Glen have been raised Stateless. Saved from a violent family at four and brought into the schooling to be human killing machines, deep undercover in all governments and major fields. The goal: to one day overthrow the flawed regime and instate their own. Their class of graduates of the program will battle each other until the weakest link of them is killed. Then they get their assignments.
Kira is widely thought to be the weakest link. Will her twin defend her? Does she have friends she didn't even realize in her class? What will their futures be like as they become the next Stateless to go be part of the world they trained all their lives to bend to the will of their leadership?
This fast paced suspense will grab you from the first page and leave you wishing for more.
Want to read
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August 20, 2021
for fans of hunger games/divergent with a twist
The Hunger Games meets Divergent in this thrilling fast paced page turner by Meli Raine, who would have thought so much can happen in so short of time but it does and I'm thrilled to say I love Meli's no nonsense straight to the pint way of writing.
I was slightly confused as we eased into this story but it didn't take me long to want to know more as I was taken on a mind scrabbling journey of Lies, deceit and power struggles. this book truly was a ride
The Hunger Games meets Divergent in this thrilling fast paced page turner by Meli Raine, who would have thought so much can happen in so short of time but it does and I'm thrilled to say I love Meli's no nonsense straight to the pint way of writing.
I was slightly confused as we eased into this story but it didn't take me long to want to know more as I was taken on a mind scrabbling journey of Lies, deceit and power struggles. this book truly was a ride
October 14, 2019
Wow.
Yet again the author has started a series off with a bang.
After finishing her last book I was so excited to read this and boy did she deliver.
The hidden world of Stateless has to be read to be believed.
Whether you have read all books by this author or just starting now, you need to read immediately.
Every series of hers I start thinking it can't be better than the last, & every time I'm happily proven wrong.
This book will grip you from cover to cover and blow your mind with all the twists and turns.
Yet again the author has started a series off with a bang.
After finishing her last book I was so excited to read this and boy did she deliver.
The hidden world of Stateless has to be read to be believed.
Whether you have read all books by this author or just starting now, you need to read immediately.
Every series of hers I start thinking it can't be better than the last, & every time I'm happily proven wrong.
This book will grip you from cover to cover and blow your mind with all the twists and turns.
October 15, 2019
What a web of suspense you spin Meli!!! This follows the False trilogy that you don't need to read to enjoy this story. Kina and Callum are trained to infiltrate the world without any feelings. This political thriller/suspense needs to be read in order to tell the story - No spoiler here but this book will keep you on the edge of your seat all night!!! I honestly volunteered to review this arc.
October 22, 2019
I know better than to start a Meli Raine Trilogy without having the whole thing available and ready to devour. I know better, and yet, I couldn't stop myself and now the waiting will be torture.
This is in the same universe as her False series (possibly others, but that's where I found her) and OMG. There are some serious Hunger Games type vibes when it comes to the Compound and the Stateless. Kina, 'The Mule' is seen as the weak link in her class, Callum is the top performing Alpha and an unlikely friend and Glen is Kina's twin, but her opposite in every way.
Stateless shows us mostly what these characters deal with in their last year on the compound in 'school' but then goes forward nearly a decade. We get to see the other side of Romeo's story and man - things are about to get crazy! Can't wait for the next one!
This is in the same universe as her False series (possibly others, but that's where I found her) and OMG. There are some serious Hunger Games type vibes when it comes to the Compound and the Stateless. Kina, 'The Mule' is seen as the weak link in her class, Callum is the top performing Alpha and an unlikely friend and Glen is Kina's twin, but her opposite in every way.
Stateless shows us mostly what these characters deal with in their last year on the compound in 'school' but then goes forward nearly a decade. We get to see the other side of Romeo's story and man - things are about to get crazy! Can't wait for the next one!
October 10, 2019
I am blown away again by Meli's writing. This is the first book in the series and if it's any indication of what the other ones will be like, we're all in for an awesome ride.
abandoned
May 18, 2020DNF @ 78%.
I'm surprised that I abandoned this one. Stateless features such a compelling beginning and I love how Raine doesn't hold back on Callum's character. I've grown weary of pansy boys in YA, and Callum is unapologetically male. Pair him with Kina, our heroine who's inherently strong without trying to be, and you have an awesome duo. The story was simply lacking in a cohesive plot, and I couldn't get past that. What exactly is the conflict? A strong conflict should fit into this formula: (Protagonist's Name) wants to (insert goal), but (person/obstacle) stands in her way. I'm having a hard time filling in those parentheses, and that's a problem.
Per my Do No Harm policy for DNFs, no stars on this one.
I'm surprised that I abandoned this one. Stateless features such a compelling beginning and I love how Raine doesn't hold back on Callum's character. I've grown weary of pansy boys in YA, and Callum is unapologetically male. Pair him with Kina, our heroine who's inherently strong without trying to be, and you have an awesome duo. The story was simply lacking in a cohesive plot, and I couldn't get past that. What exactly is the conflict? A strong conflict should fit into this formula: (Protagonist's Name) wants to (insert goal), but (person/obstacle) stands in her way. I'm having a hard time filling in those parentheses, and that's a problem.
Per my Do No Harm policy for DNFs, no stars on this one.
October 15, 2019
I love Meli Raine’s suspenseful trilogy series - Harmless, Shameless, False. Each trilogy on its own is a great story but together, as they all play in the same universe, they contribute to a higher goal and grow this story into a bigger and much more complex and suspenseful storyline.
I’m so happy that it finally continues with the Stateless trilogy, which I’ve been waiting for forever. Although this book had a different feel to it and I didn't have this instant connection as I did with the previous trilogies and characters, I can’t deny how the suspense of the underlying threat and fear of punishment held me captive throughout the entire book.
Since I first learned about the stateless from the previous books, I was intrigued but also biased due to the information that I had been fed. Now there's finally more insight on what Stateless means and truly is, although not all has been revealed yet and I itch to find out more.
Callum and Kina had a special bond that was very dangerous because they were taught that having emotions equated to failure and led to punishment or even death. If you grow up in a military-like structure, separated from the outside world, and were told what was right and wrong, getting to know only one side of a story, it takes a strong mind to question the hand that feeds you and not follow blindly in the pointed direction.
Oh I was so furious with certain characters in this book and wanted to strangle them with my own hands. I hope justice will be served to them soon. I was pretty high-strung during this read and I loved how Callum walked on a thin line but with purpose and still always looking out for Kina.
The Stateless are very dangerous people and a well-organized and powerful organization. I was honestly surprised by that. But despite some of their well-educated members, they were also still so narrow-minded, walking around with blinders, only having one goal and believing whatever their leaders told them.
This was just like the prelude of the real story that will set off in the next books and I seriously can’t wait to read more. Although it didn’t end in a cliffhanger (at least not in my opinion), though it obviously had an open ending, I still am waiting on hot coals for the next book to be released.
-- I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book given by Give Me Books Promotions. --
I’m so happy that it finally continues with the Stateless trilogy, which I’ve been waiting for forever. Although this book had a different feel to it and I didn't have this instant connection as I did with the previous trilogies and characters, I can’t deny how the suspense of the underlying threat and fear of punishment held me captive throughout the entire book.
Since I first learned about the stateless from the previous books, I was intrigued but also biased due to the information that I had been fed. Now there's finally more insight on what Stateless means and truly is, although not all has been revealed yet and I itch to find out more.
Callum and Kina had a special bond that was very dangerous because they were taught that having emotions equated to failure and led to punishment or even death. If you grow up in a military-like structure, separated from the outside world, and were told what was right and wrong, getting to know only one side of a story, it takes a strong mind to question the hand that feeds you and not follow blindly in the pointed direction.
Oh I was so furious with certain characters in this book and wanted to strangle them with my own hands. I hope justice will be served to them soon. I was pretty high-strung during this read and I loved how Callum walked on a thin line but with purpose and still always looking out for Kina.
The Stateless are very dangerous people and a well-organized and powerful organization. I was honestly surprised by that. But despite some of their well-educated members, they were also still so narrow-minded, walking around with blinders, only having one goal and believing whatever their leaders told them.
This was just like the prelude of the real story that will set off in the next books and I seriously can’t wait to read more. Although it didn’t end in a cliffhanger (at least not in my opinion), though it obviously had an open ending, I still am waiting on hot coals for the next book to be released.
-- I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book given by Give Me Books Promotions. --
May 30, 2020
(audiobook) I was happy to get the whole trilogy. Two of my fave narrators, in a very interesting plot mixing hidden facility, child training and worldwide conspiracy, what not to like. Especially with a bit of romance–and mild steamy scenes.
I was also prepared for the darker undertones. It goes with the genre. And nothing is too graphic, though you’ll get some blood and death, and more disturbing things–like the whole mindset behind Stateless, oh my god. But the atmosphere is fascinating, and the writing quite good. It’s a good story, period.
The characters are interesting. They’re twisted and conflicted, they hide things and reveal others. They’re very complex and their stories and interactions are at the heart of the book. And it’s because of that that the big plot, the political conspiracy, may come to an untimely end. What a thrill!
Narrators are excellent, as always, especially the female narrator.
I can’t wait to listen to the second book of the series!
Quickie
- Series: Stateless #1 (ends on a cliffhanger, it’s a trilogy)
- Hashtags: #romantic suspense #political thriller #closed facility #forbidden love #friends-to-lovers
- Triggers: mention of rape, violence to and between underaged people, murder
- Main couple: Kina & Callum
- Hotness: 2/5
- Romance: 3/5
- + amazing world building
- – it can be a bit confusing
I was also prepared for the darker undertones. It goes with the genre. And nothing is too graphic, though you’ll get some blood and death, and more disturbing things–like the whole mindset behind Stateless, oh my god. But the atmosphere is fascinating, and the writing quite good. It’s a good story, period.
The characters are interesting. They’re twisted and conflicted, they hide things and reveal others. They’re very complex and their stories and interactions are at the heart of the book. And it’s because of that that the big plot, the political conspiracy, may come to an untimely end. What a thrill!
Narrators are excellent, as always, especially the female narrator.
I can’t wait to listen to the second book of the series!
Quickie
- Series: Stateless #1 (ends on a cliffhanger, it’s a trilogy)
- Hashtags: #romantic suspense #political thriller #closed facility #forbidden love #friends-to-lovers
- Triggers: mention of rape, violence to and between underaged people, murder
- Main couple: Kina & Callum
- Hotness: 2/5
- Romance: 3/5
- + amazing world building
- – it can be a bit confusing
October 16, 2019
Stephannie 5 Star Review:
Stateless, book 1 a new romantic suspense trilogy that has something to do with another series called Harmless.
Wow, this one is great book that captives you from the start. I was hooked trying to figure this one out. This is a new series that should almost be a continuation of the Harmless series but there new characters that could possibly fit into the other series. Wow, mind blown ! Right?
But there is romance between Callum and Kina.
state·less /ˈstātləs/ adjective
(of a person) not recognized as a citizen of any country.
Kids and babies just like callum and Kina were brought to stateless and taught to be emotionless. Once they turn 18 yrs old, the best will have missions that will have these people infiltrating the outside world outside of the Stateless location.
But everything isnt want it seems. There are lies and deceit at every turn. Who do you trust? There are a lot of revelations and I'm sure there a ton more to come.
Reading the other series isn't a requirement but they all tie into each other. So I'd recommend at reading these series Harmless, Shameless and False. BUT you can start here and still enjoy it then check out the others as well. One click this one!
Amazon (everywhere): https://geni.us/statelessAMZ
Barnes&Noble: https://geni.us/statelessBN
Kobo: https://geni.us/statelessKobo
Apple Books: https://geni.us/statelessApple
Google Play: https://geni.us/statelessgoogle
Audiobook narrated by Joe Arden and Andi Arndt!
Audible: https://geni.us/statelessAudible
Amazon audio: https://geni.us/statelessAMZaud
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2mSDQ8B
BookBub: http://bit.ly/2ozxs6w
Stateless, book 1 a new romantic suspense trilogy that has something to do with another series called Harmless.
Wow, this one is great book that captives you from the start. I was hooked trying to figure this one out. This is a new series that should almost be a continuation of the Harmless series but there new characters that could possibly fit into the other series. Wow, mind blown ! Right?
But there is romance between Callum and Kina.
state·less /ˈstātləs/ adjective
(of a person) not recognized as a citizen of any country.
Kids and babies just like callum and Kina were brought to stateless and taught to be emotionless. Once they turn 18 yrs old, the best will have missions that will have these people infiltrating the outside world outside of the Stateless location.
But everything isnt want it seems. There are lies and deceit at every turn. Who do you trust? There are a lot of revelations and I'm sure there a ton more to come.
Reading the other series isn't a requirement but they all tie into each other. So I'd recommend at reading these series Harmless, Shameless and False. BUT you can start here and still enjoy it then check out the others as well. One click this one!
Amazon (everywhere): https://geni.us/statelessAMZ
Barnes&Noble: https://geni.us/statelessBN
Kobo: https://geni.us/statelessKobo
Apple Books: https://geni.us/statelessApple
Google Play: https://geni.us/statelessgoogle
Audiobook narrated by Joe Arden and Andi Arndt!
Audible: https://geni.us/statelessAudible
Amazon audio: https://geni.us/statelessAMZaud
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2mSDQ8B
BookBub: http://bit.ly/2ozxs6w
Read
October 17, 2019 ✩ Romantic Suspense
✩ Deep State Operatives
✩ Psychological Thriller
✩ Political Intrigue
Read it here
When you’re born without a trace, no one knows you’re a weapon.
I lie for her.
I hunt for her.
I kill for her.
And above all, I betray my mission for her.
She doesn’t know why. She doesn’t care why.
I do.
Treason comes in many forms.
Love is one of them.
Our training taught me to be a sociopath. A machine. A pawn. Nothing more than a tool for a larger goal, without attachments or feelings.
Our teachers forgot one important detail:
Pawns shouldn’t have hearts.
Yet we do.
It turns out our emotions are our greatest weapon.
And I know exactly where mine are aimed.
The first in an all-new series by USA Today best-selling author Meli Raine.
Read it here
Julia Kent writing as Meli Raine
✩ Deep State Operatives
✩ Psychological Thriller
✩ Political Intrigue
Read it here
When you’re born without a trace, no one knows you’re a weapon.
I lie for her.
I hunt for her.
I kill for her.
And above all, I betray my mission for her.
She doesn’t know why. She doesn’t care why.
I do.
Treason comes in many forms.
Love is one of them.
Our training taught me to be a sociopath. A machine. A pawn. Nothing more than a tool for a larger goal, without attachments or feelings.
Our teachers forgot one important detail:
Pawns shouldn’t have hearts.
Yet we do.
It turns out our emotions are our greatest weapon.
And I know exactly where mine are aimed.
The first in an all-new series by USA Today best-selling author Meli Raine.
Read it here
Julia Kent writing as Meli Raine
October 15, 2019
Stateless is a great introduction into this new trilogy. I've always enjoyed Meli Raine's books because she definitely knows how to hook me in. This one was no different, and I found myself really questioning everything I've read by her before.
One thing I've picked up on when reading Meli Raine, all of her books are interconnected. Although her books can be read as standalones, I like knowing more pieces of the puzzle. It seems with every new series, more pieces of the bigger puzzle comes to surface, and I'm intrigued to know what the ultimate end game is here.
The only downside I had while reading this one is that at times I felt the story dragged a bit. Not a lot, but the first half felt slow and as if time was taken to make it that way. However, closer to the end, I felt as if everything was rushed. The pace of the book felt off to me, but overall it was a good read. I'm interested to see where things are headed in book two. I have an idea of how things could go, and I really can't wait to see if I'm right.
Knowing Meli Raine, I'm most likely wrong. She definitely knows how to deliver that shock value.
One thing I've picked up on when reading Meli Raine, all of her books are interconnected. Although her books can be read as standalones, I like knowing more pieces of the puzzle. It seems with every new series, more pieces of the bigger puzzle comes to surface, and I'm intrigued to know what the ultimate end game is here.
The only downside I had while reading this one is that at times I felt the story dragged a bit. Not a lot, but the first half felt slow and as if time was taken to make it that way. However, closer to the end, I felt as if everything was rushed. The pace of the book felt off to me, but overall it was a good read. I'm interested to see where things are headed in book two. I have an idea of how things could go, and I really can't wait to see if I'm right.
Knowing Meli Raine, I'm most likely wrong. She definitely knows how to deliver that shock value.
October 16, 2019
As young children Kina and her twin sister Glen were taken from one dangerous situation and placed into another. They are being trained to follow orders and densensitize themselves to others so that they can complete whatever task they are given successfully and without distractions.
Calum was also sent to the same facility as a child however he has emerged as one of the strong ones but where his training has gone sideways is that he has feelings for Kina and that could have deadly consequences for both of them.
This is the beginning of a new trilogy that leads you on an intriguing journey and leaves you wondering what the future has in store for Calum and Kina.
Calum was also sent to the same facility as a child however he has emerged as one of the strong ones but where his training has gone sideways is that he has feelings for Kina and that could have deadly consequences for both of them.
This is the beginning of a new trilogy that leads you on an intriguing journey and leaves you wondering what the future has in store for Calum and Kina.
October 13, 2019
Who are the bad guys and who are the good guys? It is a murky question when you are not even sure which one you are.
Kina and her twin Glen are two of the trainees of Stateless. One is seen as a weak mule and the other as a rising star. Like the twins, Callum was brought into Stateless at 4 years old. And like Kina, he has dreams that feel like memories.
All three want nothing more than to be a valuable entity for the mission.
Secrets, lies, and never knowing who to trust are quickly becoming the state of being for all of the trainees. Inner-compound battles lead to death sentences for some, elevation for others and a world of heartache and shame for yet others.
Note: If you have not read any of Meli Raine's series' before now, I suggest you do so before diving into Stateless. Begin with the Harmless series and then move onto the Shameless and then False series'. This will let you get the most out of this book. Most of the players and how they fit into it will be revealed.
This book will have you wondering for a bit about who you should root for but, by the end you are getting a clearer picture of how they play out.
I won't say I love this book but I will say I thoroughly enjoyed it. I do love finally getting some answers to people from the other series'!
Kina and her twin Glen are two of the trainees of Stateless. One is seen as a weak mule and the other as a rising star. Like the twins, Callum was brought into Stateless at 4 years old. And like Kina, he has dreams that feel like memories.
All three want nothing more than to be a valuable entity for the mission.
Secrets, lies, and never knowing who to trust are quickly becoming the state of being for all of the trainees. Inner-compound battles lead to death sentences for some, elevation for others and a world of heartache and shame for yet others.
Note: If you have not read any of Meli Raine's series' before now, I suggest you do so before diving into Stateless. Begin with the Harmless series and then move onto the Shameless and then False series'. This will let you get the most out of this book. Most of the players and how they fit into it will be revealed.
This book will have you wondering for a bit about who you should root for but, by the end you are getting a clearer picture of how they play out.
I won't say I love this book but I will say I thoroughly enjoyed it. I do love finally getting some answers to people from the other series'!
October 15, 2019
After reading the False Series I was freaking ECSTATIC to see this book pop up as coming soon. Meli Raine has a fantastic way of creating separate trilogies that mesh so amazingly well into an overall theme of her writing. They all correlate together, but are somehow separate as well. I never felt lost while reading, just completely ingrained in the story and the romance and swept away in the story.
Stateless is EVERYTHING that you wanted while reading the other trilogies and if everything you would wish it was if you didn't read the others. This story tells us about the Stateless, a group that wants to disband the government, but for the right reasons, right?
I am not going into any details, but just know this start to the Stateless trilogy gives us a touch of romance, TONS of intrigue, and a freaking amazing story line that is complete but also building up to something epic. I am beyond ready for the rest of the trilogy- 5 MAJOR STARS- you need to read this if you like romantic suspense!
PS: Thank you to Meli Raine and Give Me Books PR for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to voluntarily read and review honestly.
Stateless is EVERYTHING that you wanted while reading the other trilogies and if everything you would wish it was if you didn't read the others. This story tells us about the Stateless, a group that wants to disband the government, but for the right reasons, right?
I am not going into any details, but just know this start to the Stateless trilogy gives us a touch of romance, TONS of intrigue, and a freaking amazing story line that is complete but also building up to something epic. I am beyond ready for the rest of the trilogy- 5 MAJOR STARS- you need to read this if you like romantic suspense!
PS: Thank you to Meli Raine and Give Me Books PR for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to voluntarily read and review honestly.
October 11, 2019
Holy hell!! I'm on the edge of my seat in crazy anticipation of what's coming next. Meli Raine weaves an amazing political thriller/romantic suspense story like no other. In my book, she is better than the Brad Thor/Vince Flynn's of the political thriller genre (and these guys are some of my favorites). Every trilogy gets better and better in my book. Can you read these without reading previous trilogies? Sure you can and you will STILL get an amazing story built around a world that while fiction, still makes me think could definitely be a real thing. We know there are people out there who live off the grid. What we don't know really is what they might be planning for our country or our world. Are they friend or foe? Meli Raine builds this world and builds the suspense in such a way that you truly get pulled in and that "world" swirls around you making you really THINK. Kina and Callum have been raised to be, not necessarily superhuman, but to be able to infilitrate without feeling, the world around them. But they are NOT who they think they are and there are surprises in store not only for themselves but for all the people around them. Reading the previous stories will give you some insight into some of the back stories that get brought up and since they are amazing reads, I'd recommend at the very least the Harmless, Shameless and False trilogies first. BUT you could start here and still enjoy a hella great suspense story.
October 10, 2019
This is the first in the new trilogy by Meli Raine, and as with her other series, Harmless, Shameless and False, it is well written, packs a punch with the suspense building throughout and has a cliffhanger at the end. Although this is a stand alone trilogy, it is better to read the previous series as there are characters and story lines that you will have a better understanding off. The first part of the book deals with a time before the Harmless series started and provides background as to who are the Stateless. Kina and Glen are identical twins who came to Stateless when they were four years old, as did Callum, a warrior for the cause. Although they are taught that emotions are weak and they will ruin a mission, Callum has always felt something for Kina and after he kisses her, he knows that he loves her. Kina's mantra is to fly under the radar, but that has lead to her being called 'the mule' as people think she is stupid. Kina is anything but and the only one that believes in her is Callum. When Callum wins "The Test" and is sent on his mission, he mistakenly assumes that Kina has also left the compound. When he returns nine years later to become the leader, he is horrified to find that Kina has never left the campus and has been the nursery director and "training body" (which is exactly what it sounds like) and vows to help her get out. But first he must leave for another mission but promises that this time, he will come back for her. Can't wait for the next installment.
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