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Supernatural Prison Trilogy #1
Lock Down
My superpower? I can’t die. You can imagine how much it hurts when they test that out…
Phoebe Atkinson has always felt different, but in the typical angsty way most teenagers do. She had no idea just how different until that fateful day she died—and then came back to life.
It appears that sort of thing is frowned upon, because Phoebe awakens to find herself locked up in Leavenworth—a notorious prison that now holds teens with unusual supernatural abilities.
Behind bars, some are welcoming and others are… not. One group in particular seems determined to make the lives of Phoebe and her new friends as miserable as possible.
They call them the Wolf Pack. And they can just stay in jail and rot for all she cares.
Because even though Phoebe’s life before being imprisoned was far from perfect, she wants it back. And she will… if they don’t find a way to kill her first.
Regardless, she’s no longer going to stand by and be the rule follower she’s always been.
Look where that got her.
Lock Down is the first book in the Supernatural Prison trilogy, a near-apocalyptic Young Adult Urban Fantasy that is fantastically fresh and full of interesting characters. Order your copy today!
Phoebe Atkinson has always felt different, but in the typical angsty way most teenagers do. She had no idea just how different until that fateful day she died—and then came back to life.
It appears that sort of thing is frowned upon, because Phoebe awakens to find herself locked up in Leavenworth—a notorious prison that now holds teens with unusual supernatural abilities.
Behind bars, some are welcoming and others are… not. One group in particular seems determined to make the lives of Phoebe and her new friends as miserable as possible.
They call them the Wolf Pack. And they can just stay in jail and rot for all she cares.
Because even though Phoebe’s life before being imprisoned was far from perfect, she wants it back. And she will… if they don’t find a way to kill her first.
Regardless, she’s no longer going to stand by and be the rule follower she’s always been.
Look where that got her.
Lock Down is the first book in the Supernatural Prison trilogy, a near-apocalyptic Young Adult Urban Fantasy that is fantastically fresh and full of interesting characters. Order your copy today!
246 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 17, 2020
87 people are currently reading
215 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 27, 2020
Disturbing.
A couple of years ago, I read the series Into the Shadows by Karly Kirkpatrick, and Lock Down kept reminding me of those books. If you like those books, this is for you!
Phoebe is doing her best to remain low-profile because any attention will mean that someone could see she's fending for herself. While she's a competent sixteen, Phoebe's still sixteen, and no one is letting her be her own guardian if they find out she's alone. But the last of her problems is foster care when she dies and resurrects from the dead, ending up in a Supernatural Prison for juveniles. Suddenly, foster care sounds much better--especially when she's told supernaturals aren't considered humans.
The Phoenix can't begin to imagine the awful that happens outside her cell in prison, and the days get dismally worse, even when unimaginably promising things come to her in Leavenworth. Nothing is worth the price she pays there.
Lock Down is a terrifying look at the violation of dehumanized people. Aella Black does a fantastic job of dragging you further and further down a dismaying rabbit hole. The fact that she is giving you a view from a child/young adult's eyes is more devastating. I couldn't turn away from the story; Lock Down is a page-turner.
I purchased this book after seeing the blurb for the second book, and I need a little separation before I jump into book two, but I'll have read it within the next week or two because I must know what happens to Phoenix, Chief, and the posse.
Highly recommend.
A couple of years ago, I read the series Into the Shadows by Karly Kirkpatrick, and Lock Down kept reminding me of those books. If you like those books, this is for you!
Phoebe is doing her best to remain low-profile because any attention will mean that someone could see she's fending for herself. While she's a competent sixteen, Phoebe's still sixteen, and no one is letting her be her own guardian if they find out she's alone. But the last of her problems is foster care when she dies and resurrects from the dead, ending up in a Supernatural Prison for juveniles. Suddenly, foster care sounds much better--especially when she's told supernaturals aren't considered humans.
The Phoenix can't begin to imagine the awful that happens outside her cell in prison, and the days get dismally worse, even when unimaginably promising things come to her in Leavenworth. Nothing is worth the price she pays there.
Lock Down is a terrifying look at the violation of dehumanized people. Aella Black does a fantastic job of dragging you further and further down a dismaying rabbit hole. The fact that she is giving you a view from a child/young adult's eyes is more devastating. I couldn't turn away from the story; Lock Down is a page-turner.
I purchased this book after seeing the blurb for the second book, and I need a little separation before I jump into book two, but I'll have read it within the next week or two because I must know what happens to Phoenix, Chief, and the posse.
Highly recommend.
October 14, 2022
This book grabbed your attention from the very beginning. It is hard to read at times especially of the things they do to the young prisoners with supernatural abilities. Phoebe had no idea what she was, and it seemed that the minute she learned about her truth her life took a downward spiral.
In prison she met a few friends but even with her newfound friendships she still doesn't know how can be trusted especially when a betrayal shakes up the very fabric of her inner circle of friends leading everybody to the worst fate that they were already living in.
The book was a real page tuner and it had it all: Action, Suspense, Angst, Humor, Friendship, Betrayal and Pain.
In prison she met a few friends but even with her newfound friendships she still doesn't know how can be trusted especially when a betrayal shakes up the very fabric of her inner circle of friends leading everybody to the worst fate that they were already living in.
The book was a real page tuner and it had it all: Action, Suspense, Angst, Humor, Friendship, Betrayal and Pain.
September 12, 2020
This is my introduction to this author and I'm extremely happy I found her. What a read! This story grabbed me and pulled me in from the first page. The characters were wonderful, the story intriguing. Supernaturals with unique abilities and a desire to fight back. I hope to see " Phoenix " grow into a strong female character that brings destruction to the SCC. Looking forward to seeing where book 2 takes me. I received an ARC for an honest review.
September 14, 2020
I loved this! I didn't want to put it down. The whole concept was beyond crazy, and I just really felt for all the characters, and what they had to go through.
The ending was a surprise twist! I have to read the next one, I need to know what happens now!
The ending was a surprise twist! I have to read the next one, I need to know what happens now!
November 27, 2020
This is my introduction to this author and I'm extremely happy I found her. I was surprised at the ending, and I can't wait for the rest of the series. Unique, page turner, imaginative, great characters are just a few descriptions that can be put to this book and series.
November 13, 2020
I picked this up because the cover and blurb called out to me. The idea of a superpower where you can’t die, and then being forced to stay locked up and segregated from her friends, family and anyone else who doesn’t want to study her for the science. The story pulled me in from the first word, the first chapter, and I flew through the book before diving into book two. Black has a way with words that makes you hooked on the story and everything else disappears into the background. I would’ve finished this in one sitting had there not been silly things like sleep that needed to happen. Very much recommend and will be following this series to the end!
October 18, 2022
For a dystopian genre that is normally hard to hold my attention, this one I could not put down.
From the start the reader is entranced by trying to figure out what is going on with Phoebe and her life. Then things escalate and we find out that nothing is what it seems to be.
Once Phoebe finds out about her ability, life is turned upside down. In all of her day to day struggles she also finds out the worst of human nature. The ability to think that someone is "not human" just because of what people do not understand. She also gains a group of friends that helps her keep the best parts of being human. Hope, trust, and not being alone.
These are things that everyone deals with in some way or another throughout life, and the author does an amazing job of showing all of these things while keeping the natural flow of the story going. A solid read that one does not want to put down.
From the start the reader is entranced by trying to figure out what is going on with Phoebe and her life. Then things escalate and we find out that nothing is what it seems to be.
Once Phoebe finds out about her ability, life is turned upside down. In all of her day to day struggles she also finds out the worst of human nature. The ability to think that someone is "not human" just because of what people do not understand. She also gains a group of friends that helps her keep the best parts of being human. Hope, trust, and not being alone.
These are things that everyone deals with in some way or another throughout life, and the author does an amazing job of showing all of these things while keeping the natural flow of the story going. A solid read that one does not want to put down.
October 12, 2021
“Lock Down”, first in the Supernatural Prison trilogy, came as something of a surprise. It's definitely YA but it has a dark heart and tackles some uncomfortable issues - in particular personal freedom and protection versus the 'good' of the state.
Phoebe dies in a burning house but, after 45 minutes, she returns to the land of the living. Within minutes she is spirited away to Leavenworth Penitentiary, now a prison for under-18s with supernatural abilities.
Her parents disappeared, separately, but could they, too, be somehow involved.
The news reports her death – there is no-one looking for her.
The staff at the Supernatural Containment Centre are far more interested in working out what makes their prisoners tick than in their welfare - both mental and physical torture are common.
It doesn't take long for Phoebe, newly nicknamed Phoenix, to realise that she has to escape. But, the ability to come back from the dead won't help her, she needs the assistance of a motley crew of fellow inmates, their special abilities include talking to birds, changing colours, talking telepathically, not getting drunk (either a blessing or a curse!), super strength, manipulating wood and rock, etc.
Also of some help is The Art of War!
On the outside the world is in a shambles, it's not overly described but seems to be the result of climate change – fires, earthquakes and hurricanes.
Not all the inmates are friends, and not all friends are what they seem – it's going to be a rocky ride.
The ending is a little forced, the book could quite well have continued on. But, writers have to make a living!
Sometimes the YA element is a little overpowering but, overall, “Lock Down” is a great read for all ages.
3.5 Stars rounded up to 4 Stars.
Phoebe dies in a burning house but, after 45 minutes, she returns to the land of the living. Within minutes she is spirited away to Leavenworth Penitentiary, now a prison for under-18s with supernatural abilities.
Her parents disappeared, separately, but could they, too, be somehow involved.
The news reports her death – there is no-one looking for her.
The staff at the Supernatural Containment Centre are far more interested in working out what makes their prisoners tick than in their welfare - both mental and physical torture are common.
It doesn't take long for Phoebe, newly nicknamed Phoenix, to realise that she has to escape. But, the ability to come back from the dead won't help her, she needs the assistance of a motley crew of fellow inmates, their special abilities include talking to birds, changing colours, talking telepathically, not getting drunk (either a blessing or a curse!), super strength, manipulating wood and rock, etc.
Also of some help is The Art of War!
On the outside the world is in a shambles, it's not overly described but seems to be the result of climate change – fires, earthquakes and hurricanes.
Not all the inmates are friends, and not all friends are what they seem – it's going to be a rocky ride.
The ending is a little forced, the book could quite well have continued on. But, writers have to make a living!
Sometimes the YA element is a little overpowering but, overall, “Lock Down” is a great read for all ages.
3.5 Stars rounded up to 4 Stars.
December 14, 2020
When I received this book for an ARC Review, I was really excited. I haven’t read many books that follow this storyline and there was a part of me that was afraid I wouldn’t enjoy it.
Well scrap all of that because this book was super fun to read! The storyline flowed really well, the introduction of Xander at the prison was a bit predictable but executed really nicely. (Executed probably isn’t the best word to use for this book 😂)
Technically the book was very well written, there were no plot holes, no inconsistencies, no ‘wth’ moments that left you confused. Everything was set and written at a nice pace to match the scene. The author really thought about the world.
The story kept me hooked, made me want to read more and pushed for me to continue the series.
If you are looking for easy, enjoyable, steady/fast paced story, this is the one for you.
Well scrap all of that because this book was super fun to read! The storyline flowed really well, the introduction of Xander at the prison was a bit predictable but executed really nicely. (Executed probably isn’t the best word to use for this book 😂)
Technically the book was very well written, there were no plot holes, no inconsistencies, no ‘wth’ moments that left you confused. Everything was set and written at a nice pace to match the scene. The author really thought about the world.
The story kept me hooked, made me want to read more and pushed for me to continue the series.
If you are looking for easy, enjoyable, steady/fast paced story, this is the one for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2021
This is the first book in the Supernatural Prison series and I really enjoyed it! I can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series to find out what happens to all of the characters we meet in this one. Phoebe is such a strong lead character and she does a great job of keeping her head in the game and focusing on their end goal, even if it may not go as planned. I loved Aella's writing style, she was able to keep me interested and kept things moving right along while still providing enough details that you felt like you were watching this story play out in front of you. I also liked the fact that it was written for younger people (tweens/teens) so it didn't require a great deal of thinking or a super complex plot line but didn't make me feel like I was reading something that wasn't up to my reading level as an adult.
June 9, 2020
Ok, I loved Lock Down! I was shocked at the ending, and I can't wait for the rest of the series because I need to see how this ends. I felt so much hope, frustration, and disbelief, like the characters, as I read this. I loved the found family that Phoebe gets, and her resiliency even though she thinks she's weak. Black wrote compelling characters that you'll root for (or kind of hate) the whole book. Each power that lands them in the prison is so unique, and the romance is sweet. I found the backdrop of the United States torn apart by climate change interesting from the first chapter. The setting is a realistic dystopian, and I can't wait for more. Lock Down was hard to put down. ;) I really recommend reading this book!
October 11, 2020
This book is about a normal girl finding out she has supernatural abilities and being imprisoned for it, tested and tortured by scientists and her search for freedom. It's a great book. It reminded me of X-Men. A great read that I can thoroughly recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
October 11, 2020
Oh man. I really enjoyed this book. I can't wait for more! I want to know what made them this way. What happened to Phoebe's father? Come find out what happens to Phoebe and her new friends.
May 28, 2020
This was such an interesting concept! The emotions were so real! The betrayal so raw! I am counting the days for the next book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 18, 2021
Wow! Amazing and... angering? Is that a word? The circumstances of these characters tick me off! Cant wait for the next.
I received a copy of this book through Voracious Readers Only
I received a copy of this book through Voracious Readers Only
August 23, 2022
1 Star.
The Good:
• ?
The Bad:
• The nicknames
• The experiments
• Making friends super quickly
• No escape plan
• The betrayal
• The Art of War quotes
The Book:
I think this was meant to be read by a younger audience. I can only forgive so much in this book. First off, she makes friends in 0.2 seconds in the prison, which, whoa, slow down. Then 5 seconds later they give her the nickname Phoenix. & everyone has a nickname Birdie - talks to birds, Woody - manipulates wood....really? Then the author mentions other characters with regular names like Trey. Where are their clever nicknames?!? Ugh. Also, stop with the Art of War quotes. We get it already.
Then there's the whole experiments thing how everyone hates it. But why would Cal hate it? They give him alcohol & nothing happens...how is that bad? & they force Tex to change the color of things...uhm okay? Then with Birdie who can talk to birds they have her kill birds? What is the point of that? It doesn't make sense to me, & she's the only one who seems to have problems in their experiments. I can see Phoebe's hesitance because they'll literally kill her but like, how are super strength experiments bad? Which he only had one & that's where he broke out to go to Phoebe so he really didn't have anything crazy. But Xander being there is so stupid, with super strength there's no way they were capable of handling him at all. Just use him to get out & escape with Phoebe as a shield.
Now for the big doozy. The escape plan. They have no plan. They spend "weeks" but really Phoebe has been there like maybe a month (& has only had 2/3 experiments? so like 1 every week or so?). But the others have been there for what sounds like awhile & they could've easily escaped themselves. Then they couldn't talk about it & had to use code words but when they were together they could just talk about it out in the open? Okay, logic doesn't make sense there. Then their plan is to attack the outside guards with birds pecking them (okay, I'll let it slide, with hundreds of crows? Yeah, no thanks). But crows like shiny things, why not have them take the keys off the guards as well? Missed opportunity. Regardless they then run in, apparently, the only other direction besides the dorms to a parking garage where there are more guards where Xander only punches them & leaves some of them conscious? Okay what? Why not just have them unconscious so they can't chase you or stop you? Then Woody betrays them, okay Woody how did you not see that she didn't like you & why did you turn into a 5 year old? Darn, she doesn't like me, guess I'll rat out all of my friends & probably harm any attempts for me to get out too. Grow up. Also, they didn't encounter anything requiring keys or codes? This was a freakin' prison guys! That means unlocking doors that you might not have a key to, or even using keys to unlock a door but they just run straight into a door & suddenly it's open. Ugh. Anyway I've rambled too much.
Overall, not my cup of tea at all, it felt a little juvenile & I couldn't get behind a lot of the action in this book.
The Good:
• ?
The Bad:
• The nicknames
• The experiments
• Making friends super quickly
• No escape plan
• The betrayal
• The Art of War quotes
The Book:
I think this was meant to be read by a younger audience. I can only forgive so much in this book. First off, she makes friends in 0.2 seconds in the prison, which, whoa, slow down. Then 5 seconds later they give her the nickname Phoenix. & everyone has a nickname Birdie - talks to birds, Woody - manipulates wood....really? Then the author mentions other characters with regular names like Trey. Where are their clever nicknames?!? Ugh. Also, stop with the Art of War quotes. We get it already.
Then there's the whole experiments thing how everyone hates it. But why would Cal hate it? They give him alcohol & nothing happens...how is that bad? & they force Tex to change the color of things...uhm okay? Then with Birdie who can talk to birds they have her kill birds? What is the point of that? It doesn't make sense to me, & she's the only one who seems to have problems in their experiments. I can see Phoebe's hesitance because they'll literally kill her but like, how are super strength experiments bad? Which he only had one & that's where he broke out to go to Phoebe so he really didn't have anything crazy. But Xander being there is so stupid, with super strength there's no way they were capable of handling him at all. Just use him to get out & escape with Phoebe as a shield.
Now for the big doozy. The escape plan. They have no plan. They spend "weeks" but really Phoebe has been there like maybe a month (& has only had 2/3 experiments? so like 1 every week or so?). But the others have been there for what sounds like awhile & they could've easily escaped themselves. Then they couldn't talk about it & had to use code words but when they were together they could just talk about it out in the open? Okay, logic doesn't make sense there. Then their plan is to attack the outside guards with birds pecking them (okay, I'll let it slide, with hundreds of crows? Yeah, no thanks). But crows like shiny things, why not have them take the keys off the guards as well? Missed opportunity. Regardless they then run in, apparently, the only other direction besides the dorms to a parking garage where there are more guards where Xander only punches them & leaves some of them conscious? Okay what? Why not just have them unconscious so they can't chase you or stop you? Then Woody betrays them, okay Woody how did you not see that she didn't like you & why did you turn into a 5 year old? Darn, she doesn't like me, guess I'll rat out all of my friends & probably harm any attempts for me to get out too. Grow up. Also, they didn't encounter anything requiring keys or codes? This was a freakin' prison guys! That means unlocking doors that you might not have a key to, or even using keys to unlock a door but they just run straight into a door & suddenly it's open. Ugh. Anyway I've rambled too much.
Overall, not my cup of tea at all, it felt a little juvenile & I couldn't get behind a lot of the action in this book.
May 19, 2022
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Unsupervised in a Bookstore
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When Phoebe Atkinson survives a fire that should have killed her, she finds herself locked up in Leavenworth, a prison for teens with supernatural abilities. Some of the powers are deadly - super strength, werewolf shifting - while others are quirky - a girl who can talk to birds, a telepath, a boy who can change the colour of objects. Phoebe's power is the opposite of deadly. When she dies, she comes back to life.
Prison life is boring and frustrating. There's an exercise yard, a rec room and a library, but no education, no way out, and no views of the outside world. For most of the inmates, regular testing of their powers is uncomfortable and annoying. For Phoebe, is means dying over and over with no guarantee she will always wake up.
Phoebe is a sympathetic and relatable character. She does well at school, she is trusted as a babysitter, and she has been supporting herself since her father's disappearance. No one knows that she's living alone - her mother left years ago - and she is completely unprepared for the restrictions of prison life. To survive, she needs friends, and protection from the gang of violent bullies.
The author gives Phoebe a warm circle of friends, each with a distinctive personality and superpower. Her interactions with her fellow inmates make her life easier, and form the basis of the story. I cared about Phoebe and all her friends, and I found their conversations and relationships realistic and engaging. The arrival in the prison of Phoebe's crush from school complicates the dynamics of the friendship group, while his skills give their mostly harmless powers the boost they need to consider breaking out.
This is an engaging story, packed with well-drawn characters and effective world building. I was hooked from the start (the prologue is absolutely gripping!), and as the story unfolded I found myself completely invested in Phoebe, her friends, and their escape plan. I won't spoil the ending, but when I turned the final page I headed straight to download book two. This is great YA, and I want to see where the story goes from here!
When Phoebe Atkinson survives a fire that should have killed her, she finds herself locked up in Leavenworth, a prison for teens with supernatural abilities. Some of the powers are deadly - super strength, werewolf shifting - while others are quirky - a girl who can talk to birds, a telepath, a boy who can change the colour of objects. Phoebe's power is the opposite of deadly. When she dies, she comes back to life.
Prison life is boring and frustrating. There's an exercise yard, a rec room and a library, but no education, no way out, and no views of the outside world. For most of the inmates, regular testing of their powers is uncomfortable and annoying. For Phoebe, is means dying over and over with no guarantee she will always wake up.
Phoebe is a sympathetic and relatable character. She does well at school, she is trusted as a babysitter, and she has been supporting herself since her father's disappearance. No one knows that she's living alone - her mother left years ago - and she is completely unprepared for the restrictions of prison life. To survive, she needs friends, and protection from the gang of violent bullies.
The author gives Phoebe a warm circle of friends, each with a distinctive personality and superpower. Her interactions with her fellow inmates make her life easier, and form the basis of the story. I cared about Phoebe and all her friends, and I found their conversations and relationships realistic and engaging. The arrival in the prison of Phoebe's crush from school complicates the dynamics of the friendship group, while his skills give their mostly harmless powers the boost they need to consider breaking out.
This is an engaging story, packed with well-drawn characters and effective world building. I was hooked from the start (the prologue is absolutely gripping!), and as the story unfolded I found myself completely invested in Phoebe, her friends, and their escape plan. I won't spoil the ending, but when I turned the final page I headed straight to download book two. This is great YA, and I want to see where the story goes from here!
July 10, 2020
Lock Down had an interesting premise and it was delivered well, but only just. There was an apocalyptic element in the book where The United States is slowly crumbling due to natural events, but we are given no information to why this is Seeing that it had a major impact on certain points in the story, I really wish I had some background information
Another thing I felt was missing was some insight into the experiences of the other main characters. A major plot point of the story were test that the children had to go through on a weekly basis to evaluate their powers. I wish I knew what the other characters tests were like outside of a throwaway sentence the first time Phoebe goes through this experience.
One of the positives of the delivery was the writing style. It was simple and easy to get through and as a result it made the book a really quick read. We had little time to focus on what was lacking as there was always something happening in the moment, but the story still didn't feel rushed or jam-packed with action.
I mentioned wanting a bit more information on the other main characters but from what I got, they were pretty easy to like (well most of them anyway). Each character in the group had a different personality and added their own small thing to the story. Also the friendship was really nice to read about and considering the circumstances, was formed naturally and never felt forced or awkward.
One other thing that negatively impacted my reading experience. Was the "villain origin story" of a character or the reason they changed sides is because a girl didn't reciprocate his feelings. He betrayed his friends that he knew for however long before Phoebe got there, and almost got them killed because Phoebe liked someone else and that's something that really annoys me anywhere I see it.
To end on a positive note I really liked the way quotes from "The Art Of War" tied into the story.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Another thing I felt was missing was some insight into the experiences of the other main characters. A major plot point of the story were test that the children had to go through on a weekly basis to evaluate their powers. I wish I knew what the other characters tests were like outside of a throwaway sentence the first time Phoebe goes through this experience.
One of the positives of the delivery was the writing style. It was simple and easy to get through and as a result it made the book a really quick read. We had little time to focus on what was lacking as there was always something happening in the moment, but the story still didn't feel rushed or jam-packed with action.
I mentioned wanting a bit more information on the other main characters but from what I got, they were pretty easy to like (well most of them anyway). Each character in the group had a different personality and added their own small thing to the story. Also the friendship was really nice to read about and considering the circumstances, was formed naturally and never felt forced or awkward.
One other thing that negatively impacted my reading experience. Was the "villain origin story" of a character or the reason they changed sides is because a girl didn't reciprocate his feelings. He betrayed his friends that he knew for however long before Phoebe got there, and almost got them killed because Phoebe liked someone else and that's something that really annoys me anywhere I see it.
To end on a positive note I really liked the way quotes from "The Art Of War" tied into the story.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 21, 2022
Honestly, if I had realized that the book is a prison breakout book I would never have started. While the writing style is lovely, I have triggers:
• Teens incarcerated just for being different
• Isolation as a punishment
• No counseling
• No end to the torture
These haunt me with too many personal memories.
What I found interesting was that as much as my blood pressure rose, as much as my inner horror was causing me to stay awake at night, I devoured the story. It was about a group of misfit superheroes arising after or during environmental change, and the government (I think) was approving lab experiments on them.
Imagine testing someone who kept rising after death! An exercise in a million ways to die. Imagine testing someone for talking to birds. Why is she returning in distress? Imagine the sexy, hot strongman..well, don't. The romance is sweet, young adult, and frankly, not that exciting. LOL.
But yeah, broken superpowers? I loved that part.
September 25, 2022
The plot and the main teens in this book were well fleshed out (Phoebe, Xander, Tex, Cal, Birdie, Rocky and Cathy) and I came to care what happened to them.
I sometimes read this genre but this one was not my preference. I felt it was too dark, pretty much all of the adults were uncaring and sadistic. Most of the parents of the main characters seemed to think it was OK for their children to be taken and incarcerated just because they have an extra ability and the scientists felt it was ok to torture them in the name of knowledge.
Although it was well written, it just didn’t resonate with me. Also, there were some formatting issues in the file where portions of sentences were missing and randomly added into the next sentence. Hopefully, these issues will be fixed in the live version of the book.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I sometimes read this genre but this one was not my preference. I felt it was too dark, pretty much all of the adults were uncaring and sadistic. Most of the parents of the main characters seemed to think it was OK for their children to be taken and incarcerated just because they have an extra ability and the scientists felt it was ok to torture them in the name of knowledge.
Although it was well written, it just didn’t resonate with me. Also, there were some formatting issues in the file where portions of sentences were missing and randomly added into the next sentence. Hopefully, these issues will be fixed in the live version of the book.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
September 21, 2022
To be completely honest, I didn’t realize at first that this was a young adult novel which isn’t really my favorite. However, it did sound interesting, and I was willing to give it a try. I’m so glad I did. Phoenix/Phoebe is an interesting and strong character whose life wasn’t exactly great before she ended up in supernatural prison. She demonstrates this by being the leader all the characters need. All the other characters are interesting, too, and this book is well-written. I did see something coming towards the end and wasn’t surprised, but boy was I surprised right before the end. No spoilers so I can’t say more. LOL! Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
August 13, 2020
4 1/2 stars
I love this story for its uniqueness with regards to some of the aspects of this story. The author created an intriguing premise which was difficult to read at times given the treatment they received. I loved the details which gave depth. Every character had a place in this story and no one was overlooked. I can’t wait to read more of this series. The ending shouldn’t have shocked me but it did which I loved. That opens so many doors for the author to explore.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love this story for its uniqueness with regards to some of the aspects of this story. The author created an intriguing premise which was difficult to read at times given the treatment they received. I loved the details which gave depth. Every character had a place in this story and no one was overlooked. I can’t wait to read more of this series. The ending shouldn’t have shocked me but it did which I loved. That opens so many doors for the author to explore.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 24, 2020
What a fun concept for a book! Phoebe has had a rough life, from having cancer as a kid, to both parents up and leaving her as a teen. But nothing can prepare her for a fire that leads to her death...and her resurrection. When she finds herself in a prison for supernatural kids, she’s in shock, and angry. When the boy she’s crushed on for years also finds himself there, they, along with their friends, try to plan An escape.
I enjoyed this book and am really excited to find out what happens next!
I enjoyed this book and am really excited to find out what happens next!
July 26, 2020
I definitely enjoyed the premise of the story. I enjoyed the characters and wouldn't have minded more interaction with them to get to know more about them, their powers, their experiences in the prison, etc. I would have loved a longer book. I was surprised by how the main characters ability worked, but it definitely heightened the emotions the reader felt as you followed her experience. I am looking forward to reading the next books in the series.
September 19, 2022
I did not see that twist coming!
This is a well written book with intensely drawn characters. It is based in a world suffering from climate change that imprisons supernatural children and teenagers when their powers are discovered. This book sets up Phoebe and her friends for the fight of their lives in the next books. Can’t wait to see what happens next!
This is a well written book with intensely drawn characters. It is based in a world suffering from climate change that imprisons supernatural children and teenagers when their powers are discovered. This book sets up Phoebe and her friends for the fight of their lives in the next books. Can’t wait to see what happens next!
October 4, 2022
Give this book a try if you're looking for something a little different, dark, and somewhat eerie. (Possible TW) It is a gripping tale, with some unexpected twists. I honestly did not expect it at all! I was pleasantly surprised by the storyline, the characters, and the writing. I was initially worried about the fmc's young age, but fear not, it is not a typical YA story where the protagonist fumbles around. She has strength and endures so much...
October 9, 2023
3.5 stars
This book was a wild ride. I have so many questions about her parents, the man whose kids she babysat and the warden. There are so many unanswered questions. This book really hooked me. The ending was a shocker. I was expecting the warden to be the dad to the girls she babysat or something like that. Plot twist! Also I can’t believe the reason their escape plan failed.
This book was a wild ride. I have so many questions about her parents, the man whose kids she babysat and the warden. There are so many unanswered questions. This book really hooked me. The ending was a shocker. I was expecting the warden to be the dad to the girls she babysat or something like that. Plot twist! Also I can’t believe the reason their escape plan failed.
July 11, 2024
Absolutely love this book… I was hooked from the start and wasn’t able to put it down, so I ended up staying up until midnight just to finish it lol. Already read the second and third, which imo are just as good as the first! Love this author and her writing style, as the book flowed really nicely. Overall a really great book!
Highly Recommend!!
Highly Recommend!!
March 5, 2023
Awesome, quick, fun read! Really enjoyed this one and looking forward to the next two in the trilogy! The ending had me shook. I literally went, “WOW!” And my wife looked over at my me asking what happened. Can’t wait to read Power-up!
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December 5, 2020Good
I really like Phoebe and Xander. Things stink right now though. Things seem to be about to get worse before they get better.
I really like Phoebe and Xander. Things stink right now though. Things seem to be about to get worse before they get better.
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