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Ember Society #2
From the Earth
WHAT'S A GIRL TO DO WHEN HER ONLY OPTION TO LIVE MEANS DESTROYING EVERYONE SHE LOVES?
Claren didn't ask to join her society's Leadership. She was forced into it. And under the watchful eyes of her superiors, she's left with no choice but to carry out a mission that will destroy everything she believes in, including the man who has her heart.
The government wants her to kill the rebels. The rebels want her to play the part and infiltrate the city's Leadership. Can she find a way to maintain the trust of both sides, or will she die trying?
And who exactly can Claren trust?
Find out in the second book of the Ember Society series. Full of suspense, mystery, romance, and more twists and turns than a rollercoaster, this dystopian world will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Claren didn't ask to join her society's Leadership. She was forced into it. And under the watchful eyes of her superiors, she's left with no choice but to carry out a mission that will destroy everything she believes in, including the man who has her heart.
The government wants her to kill the rebels. The rebels want her to play the part and infiltrate the city's Leadership. Can she find a way to maintain the trust of both sides, or will she die trying?
And who exactly can Claren trust?
Find out in the second book of the Ember Society series. Full of suspense, mystery, romance, and more twists and turns than a rollercoaster, this dystopian world will keep you on the edge of your seat.
375 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 11, 2020
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61 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 21, 2020
This is book two of the Ember Society series and sees Claren now in the Center, training to be a Leader. A life very different to her life in a small village on the outskirts of the Center. She had joined her brother Cato in meeting with people from the Ember Society, rebels to those of the Center governing body. They have links to people on the Outside, who are living in peace. But her mistrust of Frank and others in her brother’s group, led to a showdown at a court hearing and her brother being killed by Justine Hines, a hater of all things to do with Outsiders and any type of rebellion. Now Claren must deal with Justice Hinds and others like her, whilst being part of Felix’s team as he prepares to take over his father’s role as Senator for the region. She has one foot in the rebel camp and the other in the privileged home of the Leader community. People that have many of the things those living on the outskirts could never afford, nor believe are actually real, having been told all live in the same way and that everyone is equal. Not exactly what those in this privileged area have ever really cared about.
She has managed to persuade Justice Hines and others in charge that she is on their side. The government wants her to kill the rebels and have some new mindreading technology that they want her to plant in the rebel strongholds. The rebels want her to stay in her position of power, so she can feed them information and help to protect them. It is getting harder and harder to do, as she has to figure out who she can trust on both sides and ensure they can trust her or die trying. She will be journeying out to the Outsiders area, to supposedly locate where their leaders are, to plant this new technology, but she will also make a few surprising discoveries of her own.
An interesting follow up to the initial book in the series, and sees Claren having to mix with a lot more people, trying to keep her emotions in check when she is amongst other Empaths, but also with some dangerous Outsiders, known as the Exiled, those true criminals sent Outside because of their crimes. They have been attacking Outsider camps and stealing their supplies. More is going on than Claren knew before and her wish to live on the Outside, is one that will not be the help that her new position will bring. She has a lot of deep thinking to do about what would be best, not just for her, but for the rebels that are giving up their lives for the freedom and equality they are working for.
Claren is starting to realise how much she can do in her new position, but her heart may be broken as she tries to do her best for all sides. Hard decision have to be made and she refuses to listen to everyone she maybe should, not knowing who she can really trust, remembering her brother’s last words, trust no-one! A nice look at the world of the Outsiders and the life they lead, but also the dangers they face, not just from the government, but against the criminal aspects of society, that they share the space with. Claren’s life will never be what it was, but she will soon make difficult decisions for the future, maybe not her first choice, but one she feels she is forced to follow. A hard choice and a great look at the mindreading tech and the danger this brings to Claren as well as others. It gives the reader a greater view of the problems Claren faces from both sides and the decisions she makes, not always for the good of all. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book, From the Embers. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
She has managed to persuade Justice Hines and others in charge that she is on their side. The government wants her to kill the rebels and have some new mindreading technology that they want her to plant in the rebel strongholds. The rebels want her to stay in her position of power, so she can feed them information and help to protect them. It is getting harder and harder to do, as she has to figure out who she can trust on both sides and ensure they can trust her or die trying. She will be journeying out to the Outsiders area, to supposedly locate where their leaders are, to plant this new technology, but she will also make a few surprising discoveries of her own.
An interesting follow up to the initial book in the series, and sees Claren having to mix with a lot more people, trying to keep her emotions in check when she is amongst other Empaths, but also with some dangerous Outsiders, known as the Exiled, those true criminals sent Outside because of their crimes. They have been attacking Outsider camps and stealing their supplies. More is going on than Claren knew before and her wish to live on the Outside, is one that will not be the help that her new position will bring. She has a lot of deep thinking to do about what would be best, not just for her, but for the rebels that are giving up their lives for the freedom and equality they are working for.
Claren is starting to realise how much she can do in her new position, but her heart may be broken as she tries to do her best for all sides. Hard decision have to be made and she refuses to listen to everyone she maybe should, not knowing who she can really trust, remembering her brother’s last words, trust no-one! A nice look at the world of the Outsiders and the life they lead, but also the dangers they face, not just from the government, but against the criminal aspects of society, that they share the space with. Claren’s life will never be what it was, but she will soon make difficult decisions for the future, maybe not her first choice, but one she feels she is forced to follow. A hard choice and a great look at the mindreading tech and the danger this brings to Claren as well as others. It gives the reader a greater view of the problems Claren faces from both sides and the decisions she makes, not always for the good of all. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book, From the Embers. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
August 19, 2020
What a fantastic sequel! This story really intensified and added new dynamics while still maintaining the social and political tension of the first book. I loved the relationships in this series, and the conflict that went along with the different groups. Claren is such a great after because of the way she handles situations that are not black and white. She struggles to sift through who and what to trust in a very realistic way. The writing is beautifully done and so creative! I would definitely recommend.
September 11, 2020
I read the first book in this series and was hooked, so of course I had to pick up book two and see where the story continued. I adore Claren, and the world Colbert has built around their characters. The story carries off almost immediately after the end of the first book, and with the heartbreak, danger and intrigue, you’re pulled along the story rooting for people along the way. Colbert has a way with words that makes you feel like you are in the story along with the characters and it’s a series I very much want to finish. Will be looking forward to book three! Highly recommended!
July 17, 2020
After reading this book, I wanted to write this review to share my thoughts and opinions on the story.
Wow what an amazing continuation! If you thought the previous book was incredible, prepare to be blown away, because the story is about to get thicker and more engaging than ever before. The pages will keep turning and 'just one more chapter' will turn into completely devouring the book, and hungry for more. Definitely looking forward to see how the story continues in book 3.
Wow what an amazing continuation! If you thought the previous book was incredible, prepare to be blown away, because the story is about to get thicker and more engaging than ever before. The pages will keep turning and 'just one more chapter' will turn into completely devouring the book, and hungry for more. Definitely looking forward to see how the story continues in book 3.
September 20, 2021
Something isn’t clicking for me. Claren is told not to trust anyone so she goes and trusts all these people. Then the leadership is cool with her going into the camps outside but not doing anything? Like nothing. And these transmitters…. What is the background on how they can read minds? It’s a world without technology except for in the Center which we’ve barely had any exposure to or info on but of course they have this super advanced tech with no backstory on how it came to be. Also, how has the leadership never scouted the Outside before? No drones to do fly overs just to keep track of them? Or patrols? Or anything? They have ONE new drone yet they have tech that can read minds??? Ummmmmm…. It’s logic like this that’s missing even though I so badly want to like this. Am I just jaded by all the reading I do because it seems like I’m the only one who feels this ways?!
And don’t get me started on this weak attachment to Raf. There was very little romance building there in the first book and barely anything here to but it’s like she cannot exist until she knows he’s ok. Why? Because you’ve seen him like 6 times across two books?! No one tells Claren anything because she genuinely acts like a 13-year-old who can’t handle any info. without being dramatic or treating it like it’s no big deal. It also makes it hard to believe any kind of romantic attachment to anyone.
I’ve been noticing too that Claren’s abilities are mentioned but it’s not like a major point anymore. There are so many times when she could use her empathy skills and just doesn’t (like soothing Felix for instance). I understand why she wouldn’t but given that the whole premise is on their placements and skills, it’s not really discussed as much as you would think outside of reading emotions in the group. She can feels emotions yet when she feels like she is being watched, she doesn’t reach out to sense them. She doesn’t use her skills AT ALL when a captor has her and that right there did me in and makes me lower want to lower this to one star. I’m super frustrated by the lack of connection or logic again. Or sense of underdevelopment of some of these key pieces of the story.
To top it all off, she just leaves at the end to go to the Outside as if she hasn’t already led protectors and others to their camps and couldn’t easily be found out there! And then once she’s rejected like a wounded puppy, she runs back to Emmaline who she’s never been able to trust (but acted different in this book than the first which was also weird). I want to know how this progresses but I seriously cannot take any more of Claren and the constant back and forth that occurs all the freaking time here.
And don’t get me started on this weak attachment to Raf. There was very little romance building there in the first book and barely anything here to but it’s like she cannot exist until she knows he’s ok. Why? Because you’ve seen him like 6 times across two books?! No one tells Claren anything because she genuinely acts like a 13-year-old who can’t handle any info. without being dramatic or treating it like it’s no big deal. It also makes it hard to believe any kind of romantic attachment to anyone.
I’ve been noticing too that Claren’s abilities are mentioned but it’s not like a major point anymore. There are so many times when she could use her empathy skills and just doesn’t (like soothing Felix for instance). I understand why she wouldn’t but given that the whole premise is on their placements and skills, it’s not really discussed as much as you would think outside of reading emotions in the group. She can feels emotions yet when she feels like she is being watched, she doesn’t reach out to sense them. She doesn’t use her skills AT ALL when a captor has her and that right there did me in and makes me lower want to lower this to one star. I’m super frustrated by the lack of connection or logic again. Or sense of underdevelopment of some of these key pieces of the story.
To top it all off, she just leaves at the end to go to the Outside as if she hasn’t already led protectors and others to their camps and couldn’t easily be found out there! And then once she’s rejected like a wounded puppy, she runs back to Emmaline who she’s never been able to trust (but acted different in this book than the first which was also weird). I want to know how this progresses but I seriously cannot take any more of Claren and the constant back and forth that occurs all the freaking time here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2021
We picked up right where book 1 ended. Be aware that these are not stand alone books. Often the 2nd book in a series tends to be a bridge and a tad slow. This book is not that!
New characters are introduced, relationships are developed and deepened, plus Claren begins to truly mature.
Heartache and yelling at Claren, no no no don't do it frequently left my mouth. Lol, as a mom of a 24yr old girl I can't help it. :-P
Claren is very bright but still quite young and naive of the world around her. She's kinda "drunk the koolaide" you could say. I adore Rafe and their empathic connection. Annnddd I like Felix nearly as well. I think of him as the hottie played on The Hunger Games, Finnick Odair ;-) and Rafe looking like Gale. So, there's certainly a triangle but even I don't know who I think she's best suited to.
So, I think I can visualize the outside of the center & the Outsiders camps better than inside the Capital itself. Which is fine with me. Everything else has enough detail, descriptions & world building to satisfy me. :-)
Narrator and how she reads as if the book has absolutely no errors is awesome. :-D
Also, started book #3 immediately. Yup, I used an Audible credit and am excited to get into it! =)
My star ratings include these 5 elements:
1★ story line
1★ engaging characters
1★ use of world building/descriptions
1★ narration or editing
1★ the ending
"I was given this free review copy/audiobook at *MY* request and have voluntarily left this review.
New characters are introduced, relationships are developed and deepened, plus Claren begins to truly mature.
Heartache and yelling at Claren, no no no don't do it frequently left my mouth. Lol, as a mom of a 24yr old girl I can't help it. :-P
Claren is very bright but still quite young and naive of the world around her. She's kinda "drunk the koolaide" you could say. I adore Rafe and their empathic connection. Annnddd I like Felix nearly as well. I think of him as the hottie played on The Hunger Games, Finnick Odair ;-) and Rafe looking like Gale. So, there's certainly a triangle but even I don't know who I think she's best suited to.
So, I think I can visualize the outside of the center & the Outsiders camps better than inside the Capital itself. Which is fine with me. Everything else has enough detail, descriptions & world building to satisfy me. :-)
Narrator and how she reads as if the book has absolutely no errors is awesome. :-D
Also, started book #3 immediately. Yup, I used an Audible credit and am excited to get into it! =)
My star ratings include these 5 elements:
1★ story line
1★ engaging characters
1★ use of world building/descriptions
1★ narration or editing
1★ the ending
"I was given this free review copy/audiobook at *MY* request and have voluntarily left this review.
November 8, 2020
Captivating & Now Anxiously Awaiting Book 3!
This is book two and it was honestly just as thrilling as the first book. These are not stand alone books, they really need to be read in order... It be like reading the third Harry Potter book without reading the first two. This author does a fantastic job of sucking you into her stories and creates some deep attachments to the different characters. So far this series has been clean and free of bad language, sex scenes, and nothing too graphic with the violence. There is a romance side to this story but stays in the kissing realm. I would place these as being great for middle school readers through adults. I don't want to give anything away, so I will just say if you like the dystopian genre then you will love this series! The narrator really does a great job and was fun and easy to listen to. —I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
This is book two and it was honestly just as thrilling as the first book. These are not stand alone books, they really need to be read in order... It be like reading the third Harry Potter book without reading the first two. This author does a fantastic job of sucking you into her stories and creates some deep attachments to the different characters. So far this series has been clean and free of bad language, sex scenes, and nothing too graphic with the violence. There is a romance side to this story but stays in the kissing realm. I would place these as being great for middle school readers through adults. I don't want to give anything away, so I will just say if you like the dystopian genre then you will love this series! The narrator really does a great job and was fun and easy to listen to. —I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
January 12, 2022
Oh, I much preferred this book to the first one! I liked the twists and turns in the storyline, except for one small thing.
The love triangle.
Dystopian gods help me, I cannot deal with more love triangles!!! For that, I took off an entire star.
I had some issues with Claren being bratty when it came to people not sharing every bit of possible information with her, but then again, nobody told her the obvious: the less information one has, the better, especially if it concerns The Bigger Picture. You wanna be a rebel? Then you have to deal with a lot of secrecy, because you can't trust everyone (case in point: what she did in the first novel).
I'll say this for A.R. Colbert: THIS BOOK HAD ME SHEDDING TEARS. A specific part wormed its way under my defenses and had me crying. A couple of parts, actually.
Well-played, well-played.
Time for the third installment of the series!
The love triangle.
Dystopian gods help me, I cannot deal with more love triangles!!! For that, I took off an entire star.
I had some issues with Claren being bratty when it came to people not sharing every bit of possible information with her, but then again, nobody told her the obvious: the less information one has, the better, especially if it concerns The Bigger Picture. You wanna be a rebel? Then you have to deal with a lot of secrecy, because you can't trust everyone (case in point: what she did in the first novel).
I'll say this for A.R. Colbert: THIS BOOK HAD ME SHEDDING TEARS. A specific part wormed its way under my defenses and had me crying. A couple of parts, actually.
Well-played, well-played.
Time for the third installment of the series!
April 25, 2022
This book was fantastic! It was even better than the first one and I really enjoyed the first one. This should be required reading for older middle school/ high-school reading. If I had kids, this is something I would totally give them to read. Maybe kids these days (I sound like I'm so old lol), might understand what it really means to treat everyone equally (socialism) and would be less likely to just hand over their freedoms to "president" Biden and his far left cronies. But I digress, before I end up writing my own book right here and now about all the awful things going on in the U.S lately.
Also, I really loved the ending this time. Poor Claren! I hate that she want to just take off and leave because her feelings were hurt! She was doing big, important things. I'd kill for an exciting life like that. I can't wait to see what happens next!!
Also, I really loved the ending this time. Poor Claren! I hate that she want to just take off and leave because her feelings were hurt! She was doing big, important things. I'd kill for an exciting life like that. I can't wait to see what happens next!!
July 16, 2021
This. book is as good as the first one
Let me preface my review by telling you I am a retired 74 year d engineer that primarily reads PA books. This series is definitely written for the YA road. I ready enjoyed each book because none off the characters have outlandish or fantasy powers. Yes there is little in the story aye of action adventure. Instead there are great characters with interesting relationships.
A good author with a great premise for a series that.can go on as long as there is a good storyline. No cliff hanger only a strong desire to find out what is next.
Let me preface my review by telling you I am a retired 74 year d engineer that primarily reads PA books. This series is definitely written for the YA road. I ready enjoyed each book because none off the characters have outlandish or fantasy powers. Yes there is little in the story aye of action adventure. Instead there are great characters with interesting relationships.
A good author with a great premise for a series that.can go on as long as there is a good storyline. No cliff hanger only a strong desire to find out what is next.
December 10, 2021
Book 2 of the Ember series is somewhat of a letdown from Book 1, From the Dust. For me, it just didn't have the tension the author was able to develop in the first book. It it is a worthy successor and bridge to further books in the series. Our heroine continues to find herself torn between competing factions and what is for the better. To be continued in Book 3, From the Embers.
November 6, 2021
great book
This book moves along with good action sequences and surprises around every corner. Clean and exciting without all those unnecessary words and phrases that add nothing to the story line. The violence here is appropriate for a story line about modern civil war.
This book moves along with good action sequences and surprises around every corner. Clean and exciting without all those unnecessary words and phrases that add nothing to the story line. The violence here is appropriate for a story line about modern civil war.
April 15, 2024
POWERFUL & COMPELLING DYSTOPIAN JOURNEY!!!
ABSOLUTLEY COULD NOT STOP TURNING THE PAGES!!! I am just LOVING this mesmerizing Dystopian world and all of these PHENOMENAL characters!!!:-). The action, secrets, & ups and downs THRILL & INSPIRE deeply!!!!:-). LOVED IT!!!:-)
ABSOLUTLEY COULD NOT STOP TURNING THE PAGES!!! I am just LOVING this mesmerizing Dystopian world and all of these PHENOMENAL characters!!!:-). The action, secrets, & ups and downs THRILL & INSPIRE deeply!!!!:-). LOVED IT!!!:-)
June 30, 2021
Heartache and fury
Clarence is a growing power in her society. She learns and strengthens moment by moment. I can't wait for more.
Clarence is a growing power in her society. She learns and strengthens moment by moment. I can't wait for more.
September 6, 2021
Great story
Read this book in one day. You can’t put it down . It’s an action packed mystery book with great characters
Read this book in one day. You can’t put it down . It’s an action packed mystery book with great characters
March 5, 2022
I won't be reading the rest of the series. This is the dullest dystopian series I have ever read. Nothing happens. Nothing captured my attention. It's just boring.
March 13, 2022
Great book
Could not put this book down. It is full of suspense. Lots of twists. Definitely recommend it. I enjoyed it.
Could not put this book down. It is full of suspense. Lots of twists. Definitely recommend it. I enjoyed it.
January 14, 2022
Another Great Installment!
The twists and turns that this series takes you on are like a roller coaster. I love seeing Claren develop as a strong character and I am interested to see this new side of her that will emerge in book four!
The twists and turns that this series takes you on are like a roller coaster. I love seeing Claren develop as a strong character and I am interested to see this new side of her that will emerge in book four!
February 2, 2022
good series of books
You think Claren is a push over and naive but she is full of fire. One thing she keeps is her word.
You think Claren is a push over and naive but she is full of fire. One thing she keeps is her word.
August 13, 2024
This book was pretty boring all things considered. Like there was just a lot of building. I struggle with the MC cause she is a teen girl and kinda oblivious at parts. Common sense alludes many MC teens…
This is my treadmill walking book to listen to so I’ll be reading the third to see what happened cause it’s an easy read and I dont have to think to know what’s going on.
This is my treadmill walking book to listen to so I’ll be reading the third to see what happened cause it’s an easy read and I dont have to think to know what’s going on.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews