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Out of the Box #29
Second Guess
Finally free of the Network's control, Sienna Nealon returns to her hometown of Minneapolis. But a long-awaited reunion with her friends doesn't last long, because a new threat is rising, one that may conclude with the world itself coming to an end.
- GenresFantasyParanormal
520 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 31, 2020
752 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
Robert J. Crane
176 books1,168 followersRobert J. Crane was born and raised on Florida's Space Coast before moving to the upper midwest in search of cooler climates and more palatable beer. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a degree in English Creative Writing. He worked for a year as a substitute teacher and worked in the financial services field for seven years while writing in his spare time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
December 12, 2021
This is the first book in the series that I've given less then 5 stars. I've thoroughly enjoyed every book, love all the characters, etc.
This one I just couldn't get into. Nothing to do with the Climate Change storyline. But the new metahumans learning how to control and use their powers so quickly. We learn how Issac can use his very well by not actually being a new dude with powers.
When Francine is hacked into the cameras, etc when the copycats are trying to do their own thing - why couldn't Jamal over power her. I get he said that she got in there first but.. she's only just got control of her powers so surely he could have done something more.
Then Scout. Throughout the first 10 books we read how Sienna has to be taught how to use the souls powers that she consumes but somehow Scout knew how to do that straight away.. even with AJ being willing. We also read how Sienna had to learn how to get people's memories as well but yet, Scout knew exactly how to do that even though being a new succubus with no-one telling her.
It did just kinda lose me with these criminals being so well equipped in how to use their powers with no-one teaching them how to control, etc. They were going up against much more experienced metas and not getting away out of luck, but because they were as equally skilled.
I did enjoy the team being back together and also someone finally showing up at the end of the book but yeah, I wouldn't read this one again.
This one I just couldn't get into. Nothing to do with the Climate Change storyline. But the new metahumans learning how to control and use their powers so quickly. We learn how Issac can use his very well by not actually being a new dude with powers.
When Francine is hacked into the cameras, etc when the copycats are trying to do their own thing - why couldn't Jamal over power her. I get he said that she got in there first but.. she's only just got control of her powers so surely he could have done something more.
Then Scout. Throughout the first 10 books we read how Sienna has to be taught how to use the souls powers that she consumes but somehow Scout knew how to do that straight away.. even with AJ being willing. We also read how Sienna had to learn how to get people's memories as well but yet, Scout knew exactly how to do that even though being a new succubus with no-one telling her.
It did just kinda lose me with these criminals being so well equipped in how to use their powers with no-one teaching them how to control, etc. They were going up against much more experienced metas and not getting away out of luck, but because they were as equally skilled.
I did enjoy the team being back together and also someone finally showing up at the end of the book but yeah, I wouldn't read this one again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2025
Great ending
At first I was just really annoyed at the fact that these other people just kept winning but as a story went on and sienna finally dealt with her not wanting to admit she still had powers that she could use to overcome these people I started to relax. I was relieved with the ending. I hate to see my hero getting beat up so much. Lol. But of course it's just like the rest of Sienna's life she never gets a break. Then, here comes the governor of Minnesota, oh my! I can't wait to read the next one.
At first I was just really annoyed at the fact that these other people just kept winning but as a story went on and sienna finally dealt with her not wanting to admit she still had powers that she could use to overcome these people I started to relax. I was relieved with the ending. I hate to see my hero getting beat up so much. Lol. But of course it's just like the rest of Sienna's life she never gets a break. Then, here comes the governor of Minnesota, oh my! I can't wait to read the next one.
May 4, 2020
I love Robert Crane’s Girl in the Box series so much that I try really hard to read them very slowly, especially when the next one isn’t out yet, but of course I have to finish eventually and now I wait.
April 7, 2020
Finally... she’s back!
The ass-kicking, smart-mouthed bitch if finally back!! She was getting a little too vanilla and depressing to read about. I missed her having Wolfe & Co. powers. I still miss the conversations she has with them but it’s great to have the old Sienna back again. And really great that she’s finally back with family. I’d love to have more storyline of her with Harry but I’m so happy with how the series is going. I’ve been hooked from the beginning, quit reading for awhile after Zach was killed (heartbreaking) and then for a few books was disappointed after she lost her powers to Rose and all those bad ass characters with them. But she’s back again and I can’t wait for the next in the series!!
The ass-kicking, smart-mouthed bitch if finally back!! She was getting a little too vanilla and depressing to read about. I missed her having Wolfe & Co. powers. I still miss the conversations she has with them but it’s great to have the old Sienna back again. And really great that she’s finally back with family. I’d love to have more storyline of her with Harry but I’m so happy with how the series is going. I’ve been hooked from the beginning, quit reading for awhile after Zach was killed (heartbreaking) and then for a few books was disappointed after she lost her powers to Rose and all those bad ass characters with them. But she’s back again and I can’t wait for the next in the series!!
April 8, 2020
Mmm, wow, where do I start?
This book was uncomfortably, awkwardly bad. In retrospect, crane has a history of jaming in real world issues into his books to be solved by good old fashioned lead and whatever, this has historically been a powerful way of addressing issues, frankenstien and even bourne ultimatum are both great examples of this, only issue is is that crane is really, REALLY, bad at it.
Looking back though? We had fear of rising China, rise of the deepstate, and now eco terrorism, it feels like I'm playing conspiracy theory bingo here. I'm just waiting for an awkward allusion to the threat of immigration and I get to take home a roast.
For me this crossed the line from mirroring the real world setting to rhetoric propaganda with the addresses to global warming. Characters take asides again and again to chat about global warming, discussing it amongst themselves before inevitably being convinced to crane's perspective. They do 'research' which reflects a cherry picked perspective of the real the world, to set themselves up as neutral perspectives then take rants about why actually global warming isn't a big deal and it's all just a way for people to get rich by taking away all our fun stuff and place us under the thumb of government or whatever. (Far left militant groups from California? Seriously?) (Who apparently want us to all stop having sex because heavy breathing is dangerous???)
I'm getting side tracked, but let me get the important bits out, does crane actually know what this is about? Does he know what will happen? These are some strong and persuasive techniques he is pulling out but he doesn't seem to know what he's advocating for. He mentions some vague stuff about flooding and building a channel and moves on to how he wants to keep eating steak. That it's just too hard to do anything.
Do you know what that sort of world would look like? I live in Australia, and we got just a hint of it last year. More than half my state burnt, you saw it and smelt it because the smoke drifted around the globe. The infant mortality rate actually spiked because for a few months every pregnant woman in Australia became an involuntary pack a day smoker, we were choking for months and months. You know, when I blew my nose it came away black? You know how freaky that is?
We know fire here, it's a fact of life, not like this tho. There are two types of forest, eucalyptus which I'm told is pretty famous, designed to burn, it's pretty cool stuff, koalas eat it etc. And the other type has never ever been burned before. It's ash now. It will not regrow like the eucalyptus does.
I can't be bothered to do any more homework for you but I remember something similar happening in the USA a while ago, something about your food production taking a bit because suddenly all the fields flooded.
This is the world that lies at the end of the road crane is advocating for in this book. I'm not an idiot, I'm not easily lead around, anyone can say that I suppose, but believe me when I say that through every thing I've read, every thing I've learned, studied, whatever, I truly believe that this is how I will die, starving and choking. That is of CV doesn't take us out first.
This book was uncomfortably, awkwardly bad. In retrospect, crane has a history of jaming in real world issues into his books to be solved by good old fashioned lead and whatever, this has historically been a powerful way of addressing issues, frankenstien and even bourne ultimatum are both great examples of this, only issue is is that crane is really, REALLY, bad at it.
Looking back though? We had fear of rising China, rise of the deepstate, and now eco terrorism, it feels like I'm playing conspiracy theory bingo here. I'm just waiting for an awkward allusion to the threat of immigration and I get to take home a roast.
For me this crossed the line from mirroring the real world setting to rhetoric propaganda with the addresses to global warming. Characters take asides again and again to chat about global warming, discussing it amongst themselves before inevitably being convinced to crane's perspective. They do 'research' which reflects a cherry picked perspective of the real the world, to set themselves up as neutral perspectives then take rants about why actually global warming isn't a big deal and it's all just a way for people to get rich by taking away all our fun stuff and place us under the thumb of government or whatever. (Far left militant groups from California? Seriously?) (Who apparently want us to all stop having sex because heavy breathing is dangerous???)
I'm getting side tracked, but let me get the important bits out, does crane actually know what this is about? Does he know what will happen? These are some strong and persuasive techniques he is pulling out but he doesn't seem to know what he's advocating for. He mentions some vague stuff about flooding and building a channel and moves on to how he wants to keep eating steak. That it's just too hard to do anything.
Do you know what that sort of world would look like? I live in Australia, and we got just a hint of it last year. More than half my state burnt, you saw it and smelt it because the smoke drifted around the globe. The infant mortality rate actually spiked because for a few months every pregnant woman in Australia became an involuntary pack a day smoker, we were choking for months and months. You know, when I blew my nose it came away black? You know how freaky that is?
We know fire here, it's a fact of life, not like this tho. There are two types of forest, eucalyptus which I'm told is pretty famous, designed to burn, it's pretty cool stuff, koalas eat it etc. And the other type has never ever been burned before. It's ash now. It will not regrow like the eucalyptus does.
I can't be bothered to do any more homework for you but I remember something similar happening in the USA a while ago, something about your food production taking a bit because suddenly all the fields flooded.
This is the world that lies at the end of the road crane is advocating for in this book. I'm not an idiot, I'm not easily lead around, anyone can say that I suppose, but believe me when I say that through every thing I've read, every thing I've learned, studied, whatever, I truly believe that this is how I will die, starving and choking. That is of CV doesn't take us out first.
March 31, 2020
Our bad ass (her own label) heroine having taking care of the Network wants only to go home and relax. Of course that in not going to happen. In a modern world that is progressing forward, a few eco-terrorist take upon themselves to make a statement concerning global warming/climate change. Reed and company are hired to clean the problem, while Sienna can't help but jumping into the fray. Along the way, we find Reed and Sienna butting heads over what needs to be done. As readers along for the ride, we discover more insights to family genealogy, traits and swabbles. Our antagonist this time is a new meta learning her way, growing in strength, absorbing souls and powers during the conflicts. As the saga continues, we are reintroduced with other meta-humans who may help or hinder the cause. If you are new to Mr Crane's universe, be prepared to be enthralled begging for more and more. Someday we may even see the battles on the big screen - here hoping it happens.
Good job Robert.
Good job Robert.
May 14, 2020
Not nearly as good as his past books!
I usually always love to read about Sienna and her group of family and friends fighting the bad guys. However, this was so much about global warming and the arguments about cause and effect, it just took over. I am guessing these are the views of the writer, but the excessive banter about it took away from the story which use to be funny, interesting because of the characters, and Sienna fighting another day. I can only hope book 40 is back to just good fiction to take our minds off of what is going on in this world today. Afterall, I read for the escape, and I don't mind to learn good facts along the way, but the argument in this book was way overboard.
I usually always love to read about Sienna and her group of family and friends fighting the bad guys. However, this was so much about global warming and the arguments about cause and effect, it just took over. I am guessing these are the views of the writer, but the excessive banter about it took away from the story which use to be funny, interesting because of the characters, and Sienna fighting another day. I can only hope book 40 is back to just good fiction to take our minds off of what is going on in this world today. Afterall, I read for the escape, and I don't mind to learn good facts along the way, but the argument in this book was way overboard.
April 1, 2020
Finally, Sienna has come back to Minnesota (in my Rock voice and one eyebrow up). After all her time on the run and then forced to work for the government, Sienna Nealon can come back home to her family and friends!
What a homecoming. Smack dab right in the middle of a case, some... unresolved issues she and Reed have to tackle, and an incognito boyfriend. Another day in the life of the Slay Queen.
It takes awhile but Sienna finally understands that she doesn't always have to work alone. She has friends and family that are there for her. Willing to fight for her and with her. She is finally home!
What a homecoming. Smack dab right in the middle of a case, some... unresolved issues she and Reed have to tackle, and an incognito boyfriend. Another day in the life of the Slay Queen.
It takes awhile but Sienna finally understands that she doesn't always have to work alone. She has friends and family that are there for her. Willing to fight for her and with her. She is finally home!
March 28, 2020
this is a multi layered story. The first, and most obvious, is the commentary on global warming/climate change (choose the phrasing dependant upon age).
Then there is the stuff that makes this series. Family. Trust. Obligation. Duty. And as usual, these are spun together beautifully.
In some ways, the villain is incidental. Yes, big baddie. Yes, difficult challenge. But that isnt the real story here. Not for me at least. This is a homecoming, a vindication of sorts. And its about time.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Then there is the stuff that makes this series. Family. Trust. Obligation. Duty. And as usual, these are spun together beautifully.
In some ways, the villain is incidental. Yes, big baddie. Yes, difficult challenge. But that isnt the real story here. Not for me at least. This is a homecoming, a vindication of sorts. And its about time.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
May 30, 2020
We're back!
As usual, it's another great story in the world of the Slay Queen. This new arc looks promising. It doesn't seem to be about powers this time but more about life and policies. The "what it is like to live in a world post-serum" and "what is it like for heroes who are just doing their jobs"?
How long wilu the Nealon extended family last holding on to their ideals? To let humans rule? Are they or someone else end up bringing back the old order in the end? Or will it lead to a hunting?
A very great start for an exciting new arc.
As usual, it's another great story in the world of the Slay Queen. This new arc looks promising. It doesn't seem to be about powers this time but more about life and policies. The "what it is like to live in a world post-serum" and "what is it like for heroes who are just doing their jobs"?
How long wilu the Nealon extended family last holding on to their ideals? To let humans rule? Are they or someone else end up bringing back the old order in the end? Or will it lead to a hunting?
A very great start for an exciting new arc.
February 16, 2022
These books keep getting better and better!
“Control” was one of the best in the series, then I just finished “Second Guess” and was blown away by the entire book. So far I’ve read the first thirty-nine books and loved every one of them. I was outraged when Sienna lost her powers to Rose. So this book was very special ….. I recommend “The Girl in the Box” series to everyone who enjoys a complex storyline with incredible people…I have a hard time putting the books down… Enjoy!
“Control” was one of the best in the series, then I just finished “Second Guess” and was blown away by the entire book. So far I’ve read the first thirty-nine books and loved every one of them. I was outraged when Sienna lost her powers to Rose. So this book was very special ….. I recommend “The Girl in the Box” series to everyone who enjoys a complex storyline with incredible people…I have a hard time putting the books down… Enjoy!
April 8, 2020
Mr. Crane does not disappoint
“Second Guess” is another out of the park hit. Mr. Crane adds just the right amount of twists and turns to leave you guessing until the very end. I loved how Mr. Crane weaved in a relevant topic in today’s headlines to really get you thinking while at the same time made a seamless progression in the series. I can’t wait to read the next installment. 39 books in and I’m still hooked!
“Second Guess” is another out of the park hit. Mr. Crane adds just the right amount of twists and turns to leave you guessing until the very end. I loved how Mr. Crane weaved in a relevant topic in today’s headlines to really get you thinking while at the same time made a seamless progression in the series. I can’t wait to read the next installment. 39 books in and I’m still hooked!
April 3, 2020
Sienna strikes again!!!
I have enjoyed this series since the very first book. We have grown with Sienna and and all that she has endured. To finally, after all the years on the run, come home to her family. Only to go on another fighting spree. I hope this next stage for Sienna will truly give her and her friends/family some togetherness they all so desperately need.
I have enjoyed this series since the very first book. We have grown with Sienna and and all that she has endured. To finally, after all the years on the run, come home to her family. Only to go on another fighting spree. I hope this next stage for Sienna will truly give her and her friends/family some togetherness they all so desperately need.
April 10, 2020
Getting old
This series is running out of steam. Half the book was polemics (much of which I do support, but still...).
SPOILER - Stop if you haven’t read most of the series.
What fun is a super-powered hero(one) without super powers? (It makes no difference whether feigned or true.)
This series is running out of steam. Half the book was polemics (much of which I do support, but still...).
SPOILER - Stop if you haven’t read most of the series.
What fun is a super-powered hero(one) without super powers? (It makes no difference whether feigned or true.)
April 17, 2020
The gangs all back
Together again! Does it seem like old times? Maybe for a hot second & then everything explodes into mayhem, madness & villainy. Love the series, love the characters, admire the man behind this wondrous ride. Keep writing RJC & I'll keep reading.
Together again! Does it seem like old times? Maybe for a hot second & then everything explodes into mayhem, madness & villainy. Love the series, love the characters, admire the man behind this wondrous ride. Keep writing RJC & I'll keep reading.
April 27, 2020
Brilliant read
Another exceptional book from this series. Loving Sienna is back with the motley crew and back to where she belongs. Fast paced and action packed. Definitely didn’t disappoint
Another exceptional book from this series. Loving Sienna is back with the motley crew and back to where she belongs. Fast paced and action packed. Definitely didn’t disappoint
May 8, 2020
Another book you can't put down
The best series of books I have ever read and I eagerly await the next. Characters you care about, storylines that keep you gripped to the end what more could you ask for. Highly recommended
The best series of books I have ever read and I eagerly await the next. Characters you care about, storylines that keep you gripped to the end what more could you ask for. Highly recommended
April 20, 2021
I love this series.
Another great read by Mr. Crane. This series continues to capture my attention, I love Sienna's personality and Mr. Crane's modern day references. Definitely recommend this series.
Another great read by Mr. Crane. This series continues to capture my attention, I love Sienna's personality and Mr. Crane's modern day references. Definitely recommend this series.
January 9, 2022
Enjoyable read
Enjoyed every single book that I've read so far well worth reading, touching on emotions as well as reaching on topics of today with humour and understanding. Difficult to put down at times.
Enjoyed every single book that I've read so far well worth reading, touching on emotions as well as reaching on topics of today with humour and understanding. Difficult to put down at times.
April 2, 2020
I love Sienna
Sienna's story just keeps getting better. She has had a hard journey but keeps it real. Her flaws help keep her human.
Sienna's story just keeps getting better. She has had a hard journey but keeps it real. Her flaws help keep her human.
April 4, 2020
Meh.
Good story; but, not as good as it could have been. The story line with Metas facing impossible odds, and somehow managing to escape disaster gets old if used too much.
Good story; but, not as good as it could have been. The story line with Metas facing impossible odds, and somehow managing to escape disaster gets old if used too much.
April 7, 2020
Cliffhanger!
Awesome author! This series always keeps the reader coming back for more! I just cannot wait for the next book!
Awesome author! This series always keeps the reader coming back for more! I just cannot wait for the next book!
April 7, 2020
I love this series, I can;t wait for the next book.
April 8, 2020
Back to normal.
Sienna kicking ass! A riveting read, with the frustration at the characters as you get drawn into the action. Looking forward to the next in the series.
Sienna kicking ass! A riveting read, with the frustration at the characters as you get drawn into the action. Looking forward to the next in the series.
April 13, 2020
Great
I loved it! Glad she has her old powers even though I miss the souls terribly. Friday was hilarious in his "cameo" and I'm afraid too look up that tanning method on Google...
I loved it! Glad she has her old powers even though I miss the souls terribly. Friday was hilarious in his "cameo" and I'm afraid too look up that tanning method on Google...
Read
April 20, 2020Love the series
May 4, 2020
Gripping!! Always leaves me wanting more
Yet another fantastic read by Robert J Crane. The girl in the box series are gripping, funny and action packed.
Yet another fantastic read by Robert J Crane. The girl in the box series are gripping, funny and action packed.
May 9, 2020
Long live the slay queen!
As always another great book from Robert. Filled with twists, turns and excitement. Look forward to the next installment for the girl out of the box.
As always another great book from Robert. Filled with twists, turns and excitement. Look forward to the next installment for the girl out of the box.
May 13, 2020
As usual....
As usual Robert J. Crane provided us with another great book. I love all of Sienna adventures. I'm excited to see what's next.
As usual Robert J. Crane provided us with another great book. I love all of Sienna adventures. I'm excited to see what's next.
May 30, 2020
Love her!
Sienna Nealon is a superhero with too much humanity. This book continues her amazing adventures and I can't wait for the next!
Sienna Nealon is a superhero with too much humanity. This book continues her amazing adventures and I can't wait for the next!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews