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Nerve: An Affinities Novel
Periculand’s recent murder has left the town and the primaries in disarray:
Dethroned, Angor Periculy insists on his innocence.
Skeptical, the Stark twins search for the truth.
Hungry, Adara wishes that jail had a donut bar. And that she hadn’t, somehow, become “Periculand’s most dangerous threat.”
Life outside of Periculand is equally as bleak for Avner and his friends. Transporting the Wacko Naretha back to the terrorists’ headquarters has proven a difficult feat, and after a nasty betrayal, they find themselves in a spot more terrible than the torture they’re trying to save Maddy from.
Even if they survive, Periculand will no longer welcome them home. The “Regg” Rosses have claimed Angor’s title as principals, and they’ve also deemed Avner and his friends criminals. Along with this, they’ve canceled classes and replaced school with all-day training, earning Tray’s suspicion in his ongoing investigation.
Forming tentative alliances and unforgivable feuds, the young Affinities in and out of Periculand must decide which sides to choose and which people to trust in this society of deceit.
Dethroned, Angor Periculy insists on his innocence.
Skeptical, the Stark twins search for the truth.
Hungry, Adara wishes that jail had a donut bar. And that she hadn’t, somehow, become “Periculand’s most dangerous threat.”
Life outside of Periculand is equally as bleak for Avner and his friends. Transporting the Wacko Naretha back to the terrorists’ headquarters has proven a difficult feat, and after a nasty betrayal, they find themselves in a spot more terrible than the torture they’re trying to save Maddy from.
Even if they survive, Periculand will no longer welcome them home. The “Regg” Rosses have claimed Angor’s title as principals, and they’ve also deemed Avner and his friends criminals. Along with this, they’ve canceled classes and replaced school with all-day training, earning Tray’s suspicion in his ongoing investigation.
Forming tentative alliances and unforgivable feuds, the young Affinities in and out of Periculand must decide which sides to choose and which people to trust in this society of deceit.
703 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 6, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 6, 2020
Nerve is the second book in the Affinities series and boy was it lit (quite literally). This books picks up right from where we left off Blood and follows different timelines as the groups got separated.
This book matched it's predecessor in it's sass and banter. The writing is as flawless as always. The humour is quite endearing . New characters are introduced about which I still don't know how to feel about but I'm pretty excited.
There are so many charac develops that happened that has me SHOOK. Kiki and Eliana ?? Like girl what??! I'm super happy about whatever is happening over there. Things are still brewing with Adara and Calder at the slowest pace possible which honestly, I kind of like. We still don't know what Seth's affinity is but I'm willing to make some wild guesses lol. A lot of science stuff behind the Affinities is also yet to be explored. There are also some twists in the end which I guessed early on but there are still questions that are yet to be answered.
Despite it being such a thick book , Kirsten managed to retain our attention throughout and make us look forward to the sequel. If you love YA books with DRAMA, slow burn romance, nerdy stuff and badass villains, i highly recommend this series!!
This book matched it's predecessor in it's sass and banter. The writing is as flawless as always. The humour is quite endearing . New characters are introduced about which I still don't know how to feel about but I'm pretty excited.
There are so many charac develops that happened that has me SHOOK. Kiki and Eliana ?? Like girl what??! I'm super happy about whatever is happening over there. Things are still brewing with Adara and Calder at the slowest pace possible which honestly, I kind of like. We still don't know what Seth's affinity is but I'm willing to make some wild guesses lol. A lot of science stuff behind the Affinities is also yet to be explored. There are also some twists in the end which I guessed early on but there are still questions that are yet to be answered.
Despite it being such a thick book , Kirsten managed to retain our attention throughout and make us look forward to the sequel. If you love YA books with DRAMA, slow burn romance, nerdy stuff and badass villains, i highly recommend this series!!
August 20, 2023
I thought it would’ve been really hard to top the first book in the series, Blood, but somehow Nerve managed to keep my mind drawn to it even more. From start to finish, Nerve provided a much wider and more 3 dimensional view of the characters, intriguing. questions to keep you saying “just one more chapter” because you need to know what happens 😂. Truly, would highly recommend to anyone into young adult fantasy/sci-fi.
December 31, 2020
With a surge of shame, I realised I never rated this book before while it has been one of the most amazing reads I had at the beginning of 2020. Such complex characters woven in a story, which can keep me hooked for 700 pages, is a masterpiece on itself.
It's definitely for the characters that I keep coming back to this series, who are as colourful in personality as their hair colours, I love them all, especially the badies. And the author of this piece of art has become as much as an example as many of the great authors out there.
It's definitely for the characters that I keep coming back to this series, who are as colourful in personality as their hair colours, I love them all, especially the badies. And the author of this piece of art has become as much as an example as many of the great authors out there.
May 5, 2020
This was a RIDE of a second book in a series.
*SPOILERS HERE ON FOR SOME PARTS*
Let's start with Adara and the principal. To me, they were my favourite scenes. She didn't lose one bit of herself, nor did he, despite their circumstances. If anything, they grew even more into themselves. Adara ignoring one particular part of her though? Classic. I loved that. Oh, and Calder coming to both mock and humour her AND semi-flirt? I ate that up. I am rooting for these two and I swear they better KISS AND END UP TOGETHER OR I WILL LOSE IT.
Now, Tray and Seth and the rest? Their little coming togethers and their secret little missions together really made and helped me understand them more. I loved the side little "mystery" segment and I went along in this with them.
One thing I will say, probably because I don't know much about them, I didn't quite care for Avner and his friends as much as I thought I should - & their little quest, though some parts were super! Avner was great and I liked his moments with Adara, but I think sometimes that was more because I enjoy her as a character.
Overall, I NEED the next book, like, now, thank you. Definitely recommend this story (and the first book) to anyone who wants something completely fresh in the way of powers and mystery involving them and their new lives, with a sprinkle of upheaval in the world.
*SPOILERS HERE ON FOR SOME PARTS*
Let's start with Adara and the principal. To me, they were my favourite scenes. She didn't lose one bit of herself, nor did he, despite their circumstances. If anything, they grew even more into themselves. Adara ignoring one particular part of her though? Classic. I loved that. Oh, and Calder coming to both mock and humour her AND semi-flirt? I ate that up. I am rooting for these two and I swear they better KISS AND END UP TOGETHER OR I WILL LOSE IT.
Now, Tray and Seth and the rest? Their little coming togethers and their secret little missions together really made and helped me understand them more. I loved the side little "mystery" segment and I went along in this with them.
One thing I will say, probably because I don't know much about them, I didn't quite care for Avner and his friends as much as I thought I should - & their little quest, though some parts were super! Avner was great and I liked his moments with Adara, but I think sometimes that was more because I enjoy her as a character.
Overall, I NEED the next book, like, now, thank you. Definitely recommend this story (and the first book) to anyone who wants something completely fresh in the way of powers and mystery involving them and their new lives, with a sprinkle of upheaval in the world.
September 12, 2020
I loved that we get to go beyond the town in this book. Sometimes I did get annoyed because I was so invested where we were at then I was expected to just put that on hold. But honestly I’d rather have that then not have that part of the story in it. I really liked that we got to see the characters from the other side. It’s a very interesting thing to see.
November 10, 2019
What a captivating read!
There were quite a few things I enjoyed about this book, namely Krueger’s penchant for effectively manipulating clichés, flipping characters on their heads, and employing a great and unexpected twist near the end of the story.
Krueger’s use of foreshadowing is subtle, yet effective. Her characters’ interactions are funny and entertaining—especially as they grow throughout the story, and her storyline is not only easy to follow, but also gripping from start to finish.
What I’ve read so far of the Affinity series is very cleverly written. Blood, The Pixie Prince and Nerve showcase Krueger’s wit and charm, and have absolutely captivated me—always leaving me wanting to read more of her works.
When I began reading the first book of the series, Blood, I was a bit skeptical about the use of a highschool sort of hierarchy, because I’m generally not too fond of clichés. However, as the story progressed, it was made very clear to me that Krueger’s use of generic highschool archetypes was not so generic after all.
I’m always pleasantly surprised when characters begin to develop and grow at the onset of the story; particularly so when over time, the characters become almost the complete opposite of what they started out as. For example, when a jock (Seth) becomes almost nerdy, or when a shallow, annoying character (Kiki) becomes complex and likeable.
As I’ve said in a previous review, if you’re looking for a book full of passive-aggression, love-hate relationships, character building, skewed politics, unresolved sexual tension, sarcastically sycophantic or (mostly) playful demeaning aphorisms, you’ve found the right author!
Kirsten, keep up the good work! I eagerly await your next books!
There were quite a few things I enjoyed about this book, namely Krueger’s penchant for effectively manipulating clichés, flipping characters on their heads, and employing a great and unexpected twist near the end of the story.
Krueger’s use of foreshadowing is subtle, yet effective. Her characters’ interactions are funny and entertaining—especially as they grow throughout the story, and her storyline is not only easy to follow, but also gripping from start to finish.
What I’ve read so far of the Affinity series is very cleverly written. Blood, The Pixie Prince and Nerve showcase Krueger’s wit and charm, and have absolutely captivated me—always leaving me wanting to read more of her works.
When I began reading the first book of the series, Blood, I was a bit skeptical about the use of a highschool sort of hierarchy, because I’m generally not too fond of clichés. However, as the story progressed, it was made very clear to me that Krueger’s use of generic highschool archetypes was not so generic after all.
I’m always pleasantly surprised when characters begin to develop and grow at the onset of the story; particularly so when over time, the characters become almost the complete opposite of what they started out as. For example, when a jock (Seth) becomes almost nerdy, or when a shallow, annoying character (Kiki) becomes complex and likeable.
As I’ve said in a previous review, if you’re looking for a book full of passive-aggression, love-hate relationships, character building, skewed politics, unresolved sexual tension, sarcastically sycophantic or (mostly) playful demeaning aphorisms, you’ve found the right author!
Kirsten, keep up the good work! I eagerly await your next books!
January 21, 2024
I was given a free copy for an honest review.
I don't even know where to start. Nerve was such a wild ride. In fact, the rankings for my characters have changed so much - the biggest change and highest climber being Kiki (and Avner, too). This book really humanised her, especially through Eliana's POV. Their connection is so special and I ship them so HARD. Please let them be endgame.
Basically, a what the hell?? In a good, way, obviously.
There was one thing, and that was how many characters there were, especially with the introduction of more Wackos, all which contributed to the length of the book. It was hard to keep track, and I eventually learned who was who, but I started to feel less of a connection with the less shown characters. Lavisa didn't get much screentime, and I needed more Adara (she's my favorite, if you couldn't tell).
As for the twist, I had a feeling the mind-controller was Adara's mom. But I didn't think Olalla was Adara's mom. And I should've suspected Ashna of being Danny's sister, but I didn't - and was shocked again.
Just a few other opinions on characters here:
- Ashna was annoying, and she didn't need to deceive anyone for her plans. It all seemed unnecessary, especially with what she did to Ackerly, and what she was going to do to Adara
- Her being scared of Adara is hilarious, though. I love Adara.
- Adara and Calder's banter!! I admit I cringed when he made a comment of her being wet but it's so them. Embarrassment is a social construct, guys
- I love Cath. She's so precious
- The entire Nero / Eliana thing was ... interesting. My God she pulls so many people. Can she donate some of her rizz to me?
- Danny is so creepy. The entire scene with Avner?? I was literally just - AHHHH. Especially since we know he got by Orla. I feel so bad for him.
- I loved the depth we got on Maddy & Jamad, especially with the latter's parentage and motives. Also the depth into Avner and Jamad's friendship.
- Zeela and Naretha's friendship was so cute.
- Nero sucks as usual like. Did you expect Nixie to stay with you forever? While you're still attached to Orla?
- Anyways, this was a lot! But I really enjoyed this and could not put the book down HAHA
I don't even know where to start. Nerve was such a wild ride. In fact, the rankings for my characters have changed so much - the biggest change and highest climber being Kiki (and Avner, too). This book really humanised her, especially through Eliana's POV. Their connection is so special and I ship them so HARD. Please let them be endgame.
Basically, a what the hell?? In a good, way, obviously.
There was one thing, and that was how many characters there were, especially with the introduction of more Wackos, all which contributed to the length of the book. It was hard to keep track, and I eventually learned who was who, but I started to feel less of a connection with the less shown characters. Lavisa didn't get much screentime, and I needed more Adara (she's my favorite, if you couldn't tell).
As for the twist, I had a feeling the mind-controller was Adara's mom. But I didn't think Olalla was Adara's mom. And I should've suspected Ashna of being Danny's sister, but I didn't - and was shocked again.
Just a few other opinions on characters here:
- Ashna was annoying, and she didn't need to deceive anyone for her plans. It all seemed unnecessary, especially with what she did to Ackerly, and what she was going to do to Adara
- Her being scared of Adara is hilarious, though. I love Adara.
- Adara and Calder's banter!! I admit I cringed when he made a comment of her being wet but it's so them. Embarrassment is a social construct, guys
- I love Cath. She's so precious
- The entire Nero / Eliana thing was ... interesting. My God she pulls so many people. Can she donate some of her rizz to me?
- Danny is so creepy. The entire scene with Avner?? I was literally just - AHHHH. Especially since we know he got by Orla. I feel so bad for him.
- I loved the depth we got on Maddy & Jamad, especially with the latter's parentage and motives. Also the depth into Avner and Jamad's friendship.
- Zeela and Naretha's friendship was so cute.
- Nero sucks as usual like. Did you expect Nixie to stay with you forever? While you're still attached to Orla?
- Anyways, this was a lot! But I really enjoyed this and could not put the book down HAHA
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2022
Aaaaaah!
July 21, 2026
This is a reread. So far, this is my favorite book of the series. I had so much fun reading it. Despite having read these books before, I had forgotten a lot about this second one. I'd say it was a good mix of knowing vaguely what's to come next, and still being surprised by some of the turn of events.
Speaking of turn of events, there's so much going on in these books that I never got bored. At no point did I feel like things were stagnant and something needed to happen. In fact, some scenes(with Avner and the gang especially) I hoped things would stop happening.
In my last review of this book, I mentioned that I found myself getting frustrated when their scenes would come up because I was so enthralled with the Periculand storyline. I did not have that experience with this read through. I think this is because I already knew what was going to happen, so it wasn't so heartbreaking. Avner's storyline can be a hard read for some people. They go through a lot in this book. I did really enjoy it though. My favorite parts were Naretha and Jamad's banter. With their storyline being so heavy at points, their banter really is a breath of fresh air. A special mention to Key Fingers and Charlie, I love them so much.
Moving onto the Wako storyline: I really enjoyed getting to see inside the Wako life. I absolutely adore Maddy and Zach. I'm so happy that their story will continue on together. Danny is terrifying, but so fun to read(his dog creeps me out). I cannot wait for the Novella about his family. Despite really enjoying Danny's character, I'm a Naretha girl and I need her to destroy him. I'm glad that Jamad is still with her, cause I ship them so much.
In Periculand, there's a lot going on so my breakdown is probably going to make zero sense. I love Adara. I've seen a few people say she is hard to like because of her attitude, but I've never felt that way. I've loved her since the beginning. She doesn't care much but when she does, she cares fiercely. She's been through so much and I think her response to it is actually very realistic and normal. All this to say: I really enjoyed her scenes. I love the bond that her and Pericly have formed being imprisoned together. Despite the end of events, I hope they can be reunited in the future. I think a bond like that would be really healing for Adara. Special shout out to her talking about murdering Ashna in donut terms, that scene was just hilarious. And don't get me started on her and the Pixie Prince. I ship them soo much. The banter is perfect. And the way he just stared at her in terrified awe as she burst to flames had me kicking my feet. I love Mitt so much, as well. His character responses were always so funny. And despite his annoyance with the primies and Adara, I think he does really care for them.
I absolutely LOVE Cath. She's so sweet and I found myself laughing out loud in a few of her scenes. I will riot if anything happens to her.
Kiki and Eliana will be the death of me. I love them so much. I was on the edge of my seat every time they interacted. I also find myself really enjoying Nero's scenes with Eliana. But nothing can top my girls. I find myself rooting more for Tray and Lavia in this book as well. The fact that her getting hurt is what triggered his rage kGbaoY. I'm excited to see what will happen with his newfound anger. Or will it not surface again due to Ollala’s influence?
I really enjoyed Calder teaming up with the primes. I liked to see him in a sort of leadership role. His scenes with Tray were especially amusing.
There's so many turn of events in this storyline. It all makes sense in the end, but I was always so frustrated for the primies, nothing ever goes their way haha!
I'm interested to see if Eliana really was the one who made William lower his gun. I can't quite remember if that's confirmed in the next book. I'm also so excited to see her and Nero's mind reader teaming up.
My ships are as followed, in the order of must-absolutely-happen to I-need-more-scenes:
Kiki/Eliana
Calder/Adara
Maddy/Zach
Tray/Lavisa
Naretha/Jamad
Nero/Eliana
Seth/Naira
I'm so excited for the next Novel, but first Neros Dominion ;)
Speaking of turn of events, there's so much going on in these books that I never got bored. At no point did I feel like things were stagnant and something needed to happen. In fact, some scenes(with Avner and the gang especially) I hoped things would stop happening.
In my last review of this book, I mentioned that I found myself getting frustrated when their scenes would come up because I was so enthralled with the Periculand storyline. I did not have that experience with this read through. I think this is because I already knew what was going to happen, so it wasn't so heartbreaking. Avner's storyline can be a hard read for some people. They go through a lot in this book. I did really enjoy it though. My favorite parts were Naretha and Jamad's banter. With their storyline being so heavy at points, their banter really is a breath of fresh air. A special mention to Key Fingers and Charlie, I love them so much.
Moving onto the Wako storyline: I really enjoyed getting to see inside the Wako life. I absolutely adore Maddy and Zach. I'm so happy that their story will continue on together. Danny is terrifying, but so fun to read(his dog creeps me out). I cannot wait for the Novella about his family. Despite really enjoying Danny's character, I'm a Naretha girl and I need her to destroy him. I'm glad that Jamad is still with her, cause I ship them so much.
In Periculand, there's a lot going on so my breakdown is probably going to make zero sense. I love Adara. I've seen a few people say she is hard to like because of her attitude, but I've never felt that way. I've loved her since the beginning. She doesn't care much but when she does, she cares fiercely. She's been through so much and I think her response to it is actually very realistic and normal. All this to say: I really enjoyed her scenes. I love the bond that her and Pericly have formed being imprisoned together. Despite the end of events, I hope they can be reunited in the future. I think a bond like that would be really healing for Adara. Special shout out to her talking about murdering Ashna in donut terms, that scene was just hilarious. And don't get me started on her and the Pixie Prince. I ship them soo much. The banter is perfect. And the way he just stared at her in terrified awe as she burst to flames had me kicking my feet. I love Mitt so much, as well. His character responses were always so funny. And despite his annoyance with the primies and Adara, I think he does really care for them.
I absolutely LOVE Cath. She's so sweet and I found myself laughing out loud in a few of her scenes. I will riot if anything happens to her.
Kiki and Eliana will be the death of me. I love them so much. I was on the edge of my seat every time they interacted. I also find myself really enjoying Nero's scenes with Eliana. But nothing can top my girls. I find myself rooting more for Tray and Lavia in this book as well. The fact that her getting hurt is what triggered his rage kGbaoY. I'm excited to see what will happen with his newfound anger. Or will it not surface again due to Ollala’s influence?
I really enjoyed Calder teaming up with the primes. I liked to see him in a sort of leadership role. His scenes with Tray were especially amusing.
There's so many turn of events in this storyline. It all makes sense in the end, but I was always so frustrated for the primies, nothing ever goes their way haha!
I'm interested to see if Eliana really was the one who made William lower his gun. I can't quite remember if that's confirmed in the next book. I'm also so excited to see her and Nero's mind reader teaming up.
My ships are as followed, in the order of must-absolutely-happen to I-need-more-scenes:
Kiki/Eliana
Calder/Adara
Maddy/Zach
Tray/Lavisa
Naretha/Jamad
Nero/Eliana
Seth/Naira
I'm so excited for the next Novel, but first Neros Dominion ;)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews