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Slave #2
Hero
The second installment of three in the Slave series by Laura Frances. After escaping execution, Hannah finds herself where she's always wanted to be...outside the valley of slaves. But the relief doesn't last, not when the rest of her people are still suffering. It's time to return. With the promise of help coming and the strength of new comrades, Hannah and Cash cross the mountains to rejoin the revolution. But winter has come, and the situation has only grown darker. The Outcasts are dying. The rebels are losing ground. With limited time, the rebel soldiers must hurry to try to convince more Watchers to renounce the Council's authority before the South arrives to take back their people.
254 pages, Paperback
Published May 12, 2019
120 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
About the author
Laura Frances
9 books82 followersThough she grew up in the "Queen City of the Ozarks", Laura always yearns for the craggy rocks and gull cries around lobster boats off the coast of Maine. Her earliest childhood memories are painted in Red Sox blue and red and the briny fragrance of the sea. Fast forward into adulthood, Laura spent four years with her family immersed in Japan's rich culture, absorbing an entirely new scope for her imagination.
In all the changes and experiences, stories have been the mainstay. Inspired by the sweeping grasslands of Rohan to the sparkling waters at Cair Paravel, Laura writes from a place of deep love for the power and impact of a well told tale.
In all the changes and experiences, stories have been the mainstay. Inspired by the sweeping grasslands of Rohan to the sparkling waters at Cair Paravel, Laura writes from a place of deep love for the power and impact of a well told tale.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
December 31, 2017
Oh my gosh THIS STORY. It’s an excellent second book, and had me sitting at the edge of my seat, wondering what was going to happen! Action, romance, betrayal…it’s all in this book. And let me warn you— YOU WILL CRY. But in a good way. ;)
I’m not going to go into too much detail because of spoilers, but I just wanted to applaud Miss Frances on her ability to show the very real trauma her character experiences through everything that happens, and STILL make her strong and compassionate. I feel like too many YA books make their heroines too tough to cry, making them basically robots who have no feelings, but they can conquer the world, so who needs feelings? ;) As much as I love the fierce feminine, I prefer the more realistic side of characters, both male and female. Give me someone who FEELS. Give me someone who wears their heart on their sleeve. Yes, the heroine might conquer the world by the end of the story, but after everything she’s been through, she’s going to experience some trauma, and *gasp* she might actually cry. And I love that. I love she is a real nineteen year old who has experienced more difficulty than any of her comrades, is able to mourn her losses, and is STILL able to pick herself up at the end of the day and do what’s right.
Hannah is one of my all time favorite characters, and I am shipping #HannahAndCash SO. HARD.
I’m not going to go into too much detail because of spoilers, but I just wanted to applaud Miss Frances on her ability to show the very real trauma her character experiences through everything that happens, and STILL make her strong and compassionate. I feel like too many YA books make their heroines too tough to cry, making them basically robots who have no feelings, but they can conquer the world, so who needs feelings? ;) As much as I love the fierce feminine, I prefer the more realistic side of characters, both male and female. Give me someone who FEELS. Give me someone who wears their heart on their sleeve. Yes, the heroine might conquer the world by the end of the story, but after everything she’s been through, she’s going to experience some trauma, and *gasp* she might actually cry. And I love that. I love she is a real nineteen year old who has experienced more difficulty than any of her comrades, is able to mourn her losses, and is STILL able to pick herself up at the end of the day and do what’s right.
Hannah is one of my all time favorite characters, and I am shipping #HannahAndCash SO. HARD.
December 7, 2019
4.5 stars
*Reread this and so so so good! That ending gets me every time!*
That ending was beautiful. Truly, I don't think it could have ended any better despite my unsureness of me getting there.
Though I still really enjoyed this story, I did find myself annoyed with Hannah at one point. I felt that in her desire to be brave, she was ignoring the powerful warnings of friends. I truly thought she was setting herself up to get even more hurt then book one, but thankfully things did not unfold as I thought they would. In fact, one of them being that plot twist near the end. I was laying down reading and literally sat up quickly with my hand over my mouth in shock. I did NOT see that coming! Very well done by the author for that unexpected twist.
I absolutely love the growth of Cash and Hannah. They have such an incredible relationship that is so sweet in the midst of great turmoil. I admired them both so much in how they understood each other. It was beautiful.
Overall, this was a fantastic sequel to Slave. I was thrown into another epic journey of healing and overcoming that had me rooted to my Kindle. I very much hope book three will be publishing soon to see how this story unfolds.
*Reread this and so so so good! That ending gets me every time!*
That ending was beautiful. Truly, I don't think it could have ended any better despite my unsureness of me getting there.
Though I still really enjoyed this story, I did find myself annoyed with Hannah at one point. I felt that in her desire to be brave, she was ignoring the powerful warnings of friends. I truly thought she was setting herself up to get even more hurt then book one, but thankfully things did not unfold as I thought they would. In fact, one of them being that plot twist near the end. I was laying down reading and literally sat up quickly with my hand over my mouth in shock. I did NOT see that coming! Very well done by the author for that unexpected twist.
I absolutely love the growth of Cash and Hannah. They have such an incredible relationship that is so sweet in the midst of great turmoil. I admired them both so much in how they understood each other. It was beautiful.
Overall, this was a fantastic sequel to Slave. I was thrown into another epic journey of healing and overcoming that had me rooted to my Kindle. I very much hope book three will be publishing soon to see how this story unfolds.
March 28, 2018
good story, need to read no. 1 again :)
July 7, 2018
I loved the first book of this series and couldn't wait for book two--though that is always a little scary because book two in a series is often a letdown. This was not the case with Hero--actually I felt like Hero addressed the complexities of being human even better than Slave. Hannah has chooses to go back, when she could go to safety. She chooses to see people beyond their definitions--either Slave or Outcast or Watcher. It shifts her paradigm, opens up emotions that she'd been forced to keep locked away, and as the story unfolds, she is forced to decide who she will forgive and who she will trust, whether they deserve it or not. This isn't sob-story, boo-hoo can't grip her emotions stuff. This is real life--the fall-out of tragedy and of man-inflicted wounds that are very difficult to heal. This is the birth of true courage.
Read
October 29, 2025If you are looking for a book where you end up screaming at the character to squealing with joy then you will like this book along with the first one!!!
December 26, 2017
Disappointed
I enjoyed the author's first book Slave enough that I preordered this one. I understand that 2nd books are written under different constraints than first books, but the lack of depth and detail left me not caring about the characters. There was very little plot advancement in this installment. I appreciate the themes this series portrays and the values exemplified by the main character, but unless more depth is given in the third book what started out as a good series will only turn into another second-rate Hunger Games impersonator. I'm rooting for a strong conclusion to the series.
I enjoyed the author's first book Slave enough that I preordered this one. I understand that 2nd books are written under different constraints than first books, but the lack of depth and detail left me not caring about the characters. There was very little plot advancement in this installment. I appreciate the themes this series portrays and the values exemplified by the main character, but unless more depth is given in the third book what started out as a good series will only turn into another second-rate Hunger Games impersonator. I'm rooting for a strong conclusion to the series.
December 26, 2017
Another book with PTSD
Almost every fricken second book has a heroine stumbling, mumbling, shivering, panicking, not being fully aware, not completely in the present AND IT IS EXHAUSTING! Through all the panic attacks, trembling and terror the story advanced very slightly, the relationship got stunted and the heroine regressed to a sobbing cowardly and unsure child. Not even close to the first book.
Almost every fricken second book has a heroine stumbling, mumbling, shivering, panicking, not being fully aware, not completely in the present AND IT IS EXHAUSTING! Through all the panic attacks, trembling and terror the story advanced very slightly, the relationship got stunted and the heroine regressed to a sobbing cowardly and unsure child. Not even close to the first book.
February 13, 2018
Grrr, so one of my least favorite 2nd novel dystopian themes is the "return to where you escaped" theme. There is something about spending an entire book FIGHTING with a character to escape and get out... then YOU HAVE TO GO BACK!
Okay, so honestly it wasn't that bad here but at the same time I feel like at the end of Slave we hit freedom. Hannah finally escaped. Finally got out. And almost the first thing we do in Hero is ... go. right. back. Argh! Like why did we leave in the first place?
I think it was important for Hannah to see that there WAS life outside of the valley. She needed to see freedom, and the world. The trees, sun, sky, animals, etc. She needed some days of sleeping and eating where she wasn't surrounded by people who needed help. It was almost like a mini-retreat. So I do think she needed that.
Hero is about Hannah's return to the valley and the start of what she does there. There's a new feeling to her as a character. She's been captured, tortured, and seen freedom. She's not the same person who first stayed in the compound the rebels are holding. There's a difference in her interactions, her thoughts, etc. And I think it was fitting with her changes as a person.
I figured out who the one traitor was ahead of time. I think they got off a little easy at the end. I mean, most of these people have the Council holding something on them. If they all gave in to blackmail, the rebellion would get nowhere. I get it, but trusting again? Nope. Because if that person was willing to sacrifice the cause once because the Council has something on them... well the Council STILL has that thing. The traitor is just going to do a repeat performance. As long as there's still that threat, if they turned on their friends once, they'll do it again.
Hannah is also having to try and cope with the changes and losses while a war is still happening. She's trying to push back things that she can't deal with right now, but some of that leaks through. There's moments where she can't fight back the fears, the memories. I imagine that's how a situation like this would be. You're so busy surviving you hardly have time to think, but some thoughts just find their way in at random times.
Not as gripping as the first novel, but a good continuation of the first series. (and it has to be said I'm very biased toward the first in a dystopian series. I always like them better.)
Okay, so honestly it wasn't that bad here but at the same time I feel like at the end of Slave we hit freedom. Hannah finally escaped. Finally got out. And almost the first thing we do in Hero is ... go. right. back. Argh! Like why did we leave in the first place?
I think it was important for Hannah to see that there WAS life outside of the valley. She needed to see freedom, and the world. The trees, sun, sky, animals, etc. She needed some days of sleeping and eating where she wasn't surrounded by people who needed help. It was almost like a mini-retreat. So I do think she needed that.
Hero is about Hannah's return to the valley and the start of what she does there. There's a new feeling to her as a character. She's been captured, tortured, and seen freedom. She's not the same person who first stayed in the compound the rebels are holding. There's a difference in her interactions, her thoughts, etc. And I think it was fitting with her changes as a person.
I figured out who the one traitor was ahead of time. I think they got off a little easy at the end. I mean, most of these people have the Council holding something on them. If they all gave in to blackmail, the rebellion would get nowhere. I get it, but trusting again? Nope. Because if that person was willing to sacrifice the cause once because the Council has something on them... well the Council STILL has that thing. The traitor is just going to do a repeat performance. As long as there's still that threat, if they turned on their friends once, they'll do it again.
Hannah is also having to try and cope with the changes and losses while a war is still happening. She's trying to push back things that she can't deal with right now, but some of that leaks through. There's moments where she can't fight back the fears, the memories. I imagine that's how a situation like this would be. You're so busy surviving you hardly have time to think, but some thoughts just find their way in at random times.
Not as gripping as the first novel, but a good continuation of the first series. (and it has to be said I'm very biased toward the first in a dystopian series. I always like them better.)
October 20, 2018
I've been waiting for this book for what feels like an age, I really loved book 1 and it feels like book 2 has been a very long time in coming, so I was very excited to start listening to it and I had very high expectations.
Thankfully the book lived up to the hype that I built in my mind. It picks up shortly after book 1 and all of the characters I loved so much from the first book appear in this book as well.
During the book, there's a lot of tension, there's a lot happening in the book it moves at quite a fast paced most of the time. The characters bravery and determination shine through, during both the action scenes and during the dialogue. I found I couldn't stop listening to it, despite the length being over 6 hours I listened to it in one go without any breaks.
The narration is first class, Stacey is an narrator I can listen to over and over. She has great emotional death in her delivery and the character voices are always distinct and somehow managed to match the personalities of the characters, it was a joy to listen too.
I'm looking forward to book 3, hopefully it doesn't take as long as book 2 did.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and/or narrator and/or publisher and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
Thankfully the book lived up to the hype that I built in my mind. It picks up shortly after book 1 and all of the characters I loved so much from the first book appear in this book as well.
During the book, there's a lot of tension, there's a lot happening in the book it moves at quite a fast paced most of the time. The characters bravery and determination shine through, during both the action scenes and during the dialogue. I found I couldn't stop listening to it, despite the length being over 6 hours I listened to it in one go without any breaks.
The narration is first class, Stacey is an narrator I can listen to over and over. She has great emotional death in her delivery and the character voices are always distinct and somehow managed to match the personalities of the characters, it was a joy to listen too.
I'm looking forward to book 3, hopefully it doesn't take as long as book 2 did.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and/or narrator and/or publisher and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
April 21, 2018
I’m dying! So much unexpected adventure in this YA fiction. It’s a great read. Again, couldn’t put it down - and am anxiously awaiting the conclusion.
I appreciate that the romantic relationship is progressing at a NORMAL rate and that the interaction remains appropriate for the target audience.
I love a good heroine and a story that teaches as it entertains. There are many life lessons in this story about preconceived attitudes and stereotypes. Lessons about giving people a chance before passing judgment, and taking time to see more than what is on the surface. Perseverance and stretching yourself are ongoing themes. Examples of characters expecting more from themselves than they ever thought possible and increased personal fortitude.
Bring on book three!!!
I appreciate that the romantic relationship is progressing at a NORMAL rate and that the interaction remains appropriate for the target audience.
I love a good heroine and a story that teaches as it entertains. There are many life lessons in this story about preconceived attitudes and stereotypes. Lessons about giving people a chance before passing judgment, and taking time to see more than what is on the surface. Perseverance and stretching yourself are ongoing themes. Examples of characters expecting more from themselves than they ever thought possible and increased personal fortitude.
Bring on book three!!!
January 8, 2018
I am amazed on how great this second book is. Usually the second books are the hardest in a series. Either the couple are separated by circumstances around them, or they are mad at each other, or the main character loses herself somehow, or she is indecisive, etc. But, I didn't saw that in this book. No matter what bad things happens to Hannah, she reacts human, but also with a heart. I love the story and can't wait to read the last book.
February 10, 2018
Impressive
I loved the first and I must say Hero was just as good. The character are real. Hannah is not a super hero over night but her heart and courage helps us all see we can have victories even when we are not warriors. The morals are amazingly thought-provoking and powerful. There isn't much focus on a evil individual but the actions and even the good guys have flaws we are not perfect. For a debut series I am utterly impressed.
I loved the first and I must say Hero was just as good. The character are real. Hannah is not a super hero over night but her heart and courage helps us all see we can have victories even when we are not warriors. The morals are amazingly thought-provoking and powerful. There isn't much focus on a evil individual but the actions and even the good guys have flaws we are not perfect. For a debut series I am utterly impressed.
February 11, 2018
Love, love, love!
I absolutely loved the first book in this series and couldn't wait for this book to come out. It took so long that I started to give up hope. This second book was just as good, and action packed as the first book. Even though a little on the short side it is so packed with action and plot lines that it feels longer. I absolutely cannot wait for the final installment! Keep up the great work!
I absolutely loved the first book in this series and couldn't wait for this book to come out. It took so long that I started to give up hope. This second book was just as good, and action packed as the first book. Even though a little on the short side it is so packed with action and plot lines that it feels longer. I absolutely cannot wait for the final installment! Keep up the great work!
October 29, 2019
I Absolutely loved this amazing story. This is the second book in the series and it does not fail. I found myself holding my breath in anticipation .
I loved the relationship between Cash and Hannah. I loved the way the story builds up and the beautiful characters, Drew, Meli,Ian? and the surprise person who is still alive. I loved the forgiveness parts.
I'm on the third book now.
Thanks, Laura for a SUPER BEAUTIFUL STORY.
I loved the relationship between Cash and Hannah. I loved the way the story builds up and the beautiful characters, Drew, Meli,Ian? and the surprise person who is still alive. I loved the forgiveness parts.
I'm on the third book now.
Thanks, Laura for a SUPER BEAUTIFUL STORY.
March 2, 2018
AMAZING END TO THE FIRST BOOK!!! Hannah is bound to loyalty until it is all ripped away. The war is upon them. Cash and Ben are all she has. She refuses to lose more. Although, when death calls there is nothing you can do. I’m not gonna say to much cause I hate typing but I’m just gonna say #HannahandCash ALL THE WAY😭😍
March 6, 2018
Anticipation
What a great middle part to this story. A lot of authors have trouble keeping the second book as interesting (in my opinion) story development wise. This is NOT the case. I’m so excited to see how this ends. The human story you’re telling and emotional connection I feel to these characters is real and deep! Thank you for this!
What a great middle part to this story. A lot of authors have trouble keeping the second book as interesting (in my opinion) story development wise. This is NOT the case. I’m so excited to see how this ends. The human story you’re telling and emotional connection I feel to these characters is real and deep! Thank you for this!
May 12, 2018
I can’t wait for book 3
Waiting for book 3 is going to be torture, but I’ll have to channel my inner strength, just like Hannah! I absolutely loved the first two in the series and can not wait to continue the story! Laura Frances did an amazing job of developing the characters and creating emotional connections.
Please go easy on us and finish the 3rd book soon!
Waiting for book 3 is going to be torture, but I’ll have to channel my inner strength, just like Hannah! I absolutely loved the first two in the series and can not wait to continue the story! Laura Frances did an amazing job of developing the characters and creating emotional connections.
Please go easy on us and finish the 3rd book soon!
January 1, 2018
Great read
Took a little bit to get into it. About halfway. But it is worth it. A great story about people and the different paths we chose. How to forgive and be stronger for it. Looking forward to the third book.
Took a little bit to get into it. About halfway. But it is worth it. A great story about people and the different paths we chose. How to forgive and be stronger for it. Looking forward to the third book.
December 26, 2017
Excellent!
Gripping seat edge action! Full of suspense. Believable characters, full of emotion, but totally human. Deceitful, despicable villains. leaves you cheering for the good to prevail.
Gripping seat edge action! Full of suspense. Believable characters, full of emotion, but totally human. Deceitful, despicable villains. leaves you cheering for the good to prevail.
December 28, 2017
Breathtaking
Both this book Hero and Slave took my breath away. The characters are so real even with simple writing for young adults. I couldn't put either book down and with a lump in my throat but smile on my lips I'm so glad I found this series.
Both this book Hero and Slave took my breath away. The characters are so real even with simple writing for young adults. I couldn't put either book down and with a lump in my throat but smile on my lips I'm so glad I found this series.
January 3, 2018
Amazing
I have been enthralled with these novels, and I am eagerly awaiting the release of the final book of the trilogy. The storyline is captivating and pulls you deeply into the world of Hannah until you, too, feel the passion rising in your chest for the rebellion.
I have been enthralled with these novels, and I am eagerly awaiting the release of the final book of the trilogy. The storyline is captivating and pulls you deeply into the world of Hannah until you, too, feel the passion rising in your chest for the rebellion.
February 21, 2018
Love it!
I really enjoyed the 2nd book in the series! Can't wait until the next . The determination to bring the workers out of slavery with the help from their tormentors the watchers is a thin line of trust and courage.
I really enjoyed the 2nd book in the series! Can't wait until the next . The determination to bring the workers out of slavery with the help from their tormentors the watchers is a thin line of trust and courage.
March 14, 2018
Amazing! Can't wait to read the next one!
A great series so far! Well written. A very excited book. Makes me wonder how possible it is for something like this to happen in our future. Makes the book pull me in even more with how realistic it could be.
A great series so far! Well written. A very excited book. Makes me wonder how possible it is for something like this to happen in our future. Makes the book pull me in even more with how realistic it could be.
April 16, 2018
Loved it! Book two of the Slave series, Hero didn't disappoint. Great story line, characters are flawed and fleshed out. Great storyline. I think I've found another favorite dystopian author. I can recommend for teens and up. The main characters are young adults/teens. I give it five stars.
June 24, 2018
Great 2nd installment
I really like this story's development, the author has a way of bringing the words to life. You get a full spectrum of emotions from the characters and alot of hope for a happy ending.
Anxiously anticipating the next book
I really like this story's development, the author has a way of bringing the words to life. You get a full spectrum of emotions from the characters and alot of hope for a happy ending.
Anxiously anticipating the next book
July 12, 2018
Book two
Could not wait to continue the story with Hannah. Once I started could not put it down. Again this story made me feel like I was right there with the characters. Great read!
Could not wait to continue the story with Hannah. Once I started could not put it down. Again this story made me feel like I was right there with the characters. Great read!
January 24, 2021
Gripping
I have read this book in or sitting many cups of tea whilst devouring the story .the characters are so well rounded I feel I know them. about to buy the last one I really don't mind being in lockdown whilst reading this series.
I have read this book in or sitting many cups of tea whilst devouring the story .the characters are so well rounded I feel I know them. about to buy the last one I really don't mind being in lockdown whilst reading this series.
December 28, 2017
Amazing
Another amazing book by this author. I could not put it down, and can not wait for the third book to be released.
Another amazing book by this author. I could not put it down, and can not wait for the third book to be released.
January 1, 2018
Great book
Wonderful follow-up to Slave.. Can't wait to read the third book that follows this one. Hopefully it will be out soon!
Wonderful follow-up to Slave.. Can't wait to read the third book that follows this one. Hopefully it will be out soon!
March 2, 2018
GreAt book
This book pulls you in leaving you wanting more . Easy read the puts you right in the action with all the characters
This book pulls you in leaving you wanting more . Easy read the puts you right in the action with all the characters
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews