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Configured #3

Actualized

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It comes down to one choice... save the world or save the ones you love.

Read the exciting and emotional conclusion to the Configured Trilogy.

Also includes a three chapter sneak peek of Starfire: Book One in the Starfire Wars.

348 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 28, 2018

1497 people are currently reading
782 people want to read

About the author

Jenetta Penner

62 books359 followers

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5 stars
646 (38%)
4 stars
598 (35%)
3 stars
373 (22%)
2 stars
65 (3%)
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11 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
Profile Image for NAT.orious reads ☾.
960 reviews413 followers
February 4, 2020
2.75 STARS ★★✬✩✩
This book is for you if… you’ve enjoyed the series. Sci-Fi x YA enthusiasts might like this. The series, instead of picking up throughout its curse, got a bit worse with every book.

Overall.
You know those audiobooks where you don't see the need to go back when you didn't pay attention for a while? Yeah, this was one of 'em.



I have, by all means, nothing to say about this book. Everything I’ve criticised has been criticised in my reviews for Configured and Immersed .

I’m just so meh about this book - and now the series as a whole - I’m not even in the mood nor could I possibly muster the energy to rant about this. That’s how mediocre this was. The entire series lost some of its glow with this final instalment if I’m being honest. It must come as a shock to those who’ve read other reviews. I’m shocked, too. But tastes vary and that’s okay. Just don’t @ me because I’m not glorifying Actualized.
Con:
i
don't
care
Pro:
seriously,
i
don't

_____________________
writing quality + easy of reading = 3*

pace = 3*

plot/story in general = 3*

plot development = 3*

characters = 3*

enjoyability = 3*

insightfulness = 1*
_____________________
Many thanks to the author Jenetta Penner, who provided me with this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Raquel (Silver Valkyrie Reads).
1,627 reviews47 followers
dnf
September 26, 2018
It kind of bugs me not to finish the series, but I'm just not enjoying the book, or caring what happens. Maybe that's because I waited too long since reading the second book, but definitely partly because I had to try really hard to like the first two, and I've raised my standards a bit on writing quality. This series isn't terrible, but it is mediocre. (I'm also going back and dropping my ratings of the previous books to three stars instead of four because that more accurately reflects how much I remember enjoying them.)
Profile Image for Jacqueline.
363 reviews41 followers
April 30, 2020
It was definitely different. I loved the, what some would call "magical system" that was apart of it all.
She definitely is no longer what I had referred to as a whimp, lol and it did draw me in.
This one though I listened too, and I wish the narrator was different.
All in all it was good.
Profile Image for Nadara.
73 reviews2 followers
January 17, 2020
Wow, what a perfect ending. I don’t think I could have imagined a better one myself. After everything that these characters went through, to see where they ended up is rewarding and heartwarming, and even unexpected. I’m glad I went on this journey with them.
Profile Image for Dee/ bookworm.
1,400 reviews4 followers
May 8, 2018
Actualized, book three in the configured trilogy was a really great ending to an already great series. I loved how the characters really grew into themselves, how relationships were expanded upon and nurtured. How even though not everything was a happy ending, there was a lot of growth and love throughout the book that started in such a cold environment. Read the series!

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Profile Image for Lene Blackthorn .
1,826 reviews7 followers
July 19, 2018
Outstanding conclusion to an excellent series. Be prepared for highly emotional, smart, and action-packed read that will keep you gripping your reading device or whatever you have at hand, with your eyes glued to the pages until the last end.
Affinity now stands against two enemies, who coincidentally hate each other, but their decision making is no easier. Living in constant danger and moving across the warzone, their biggest assets are Avlyn and Ben with their immersive abilities, and the loyalty, fierceness, and devotion of their members. But the choices to make are hard, the conditions impossible, and it looks like no happy ending is coming their way..
I got totally lost in this last volume. Picking up quite long after finishing book 2, despite the language, futuristic setup, and complex plotline, it was very easy to slip back into this world and continue exactly where it left us. I relished in watching the characters grow, mature, and crystalize their personalities. The relationships became more complicated, tangled, even messed up, but the attitude of the characters led to great development, both personal and interpersonal, and that made the book an awesome read. Not mentioning the twisting plot full of surprises, lots of tension, dystopian world establishment functioning flawlessly and with lots of details provided, and touching themes executed in brilliant writing. Definitely a book worth your time and money.
Profile Image for Kat.
135 reviews3 followers
May 8, 2018
Last book of the series, great read. Really enjoyed the story line and how the book progressed. I think this book tied up the story well. If you haven't read the first 2 books, you have to read those to understand this one. Even though I've read the first 2 books, I was still confused at times because there's a lot of reference to the prior books and it was a while ago that I've read them. Overall, good read, would recommend if you enjoy dystopian science fiction books.
Profile Image for Donna Tarver.
662 reviews1 follower
May 29, 2020
Good series

Overall the whole series was real good. I liked the characters. I was glad there wasn’t much of a love triangle, I hate those. The tech was way over my head, but still not so complex I couldn’t enjoy it. I especially appreciate the epilogue that kind of told us what had happened after the war was over.
Profile Image for Elda.
1,203 reviews6 followers
May 5, 2018
A great end of series. Lots of action, suspense, tension, a little romance, friends supporting each other and dying for them when necessary. Laughter, tears, joy. This series has everything you would want in a book. I loved Avlyn’s strength of character and determination to do what is right and make sacrifices if necessary to make her world a better place. I’m glad I had the chance to receive this book from the author for an honest review. I highly recommend reading this book. For me it was well worth my time.
Profile Image for Gabrielle Hashimoto.
99 reviews2 followers
July 7, 2018
I enjoyed this story immensely and was satisfied with how Avylyn’s story was wrapped up, though I’ll be sad to see the end of this series as the characters were so likable and the story so well done. The story pulled me in from the beginning and it was well thought out, filled with action, suspense, and intrigue, it’s the perfect read for those who enjoy dystopian stories. Jenetta Penner is an entertaining writer and keeps the reader engaged with her compelling characters. I received an ARC of this book, am voluntarily reviewing it, and all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for bookbreaks_n_hottakes.
147 reviews3 followers
August 25, 2018
A delightful and logical conclusion (spoilers)

The rundown:
We join our characters in the the final book of the series. We now find ourselves In the Outlands wondering who to trust. A journey to the city together information quickly escalate to an all out plan and an unlikely alliance

The good:
The love triangle has all but dissipated which is great. I love the fact that the author didn’t try to drag out the possible love triangle in a illogical fashion. I also enjoyed the author’s focus on ben and avyln’s relationship and how it’s changed, like a normal relationship would.

The bad:
The fact about Manning being a Avyln’s grandfather was a little expected, but I feel there should’ve been some kind of confrontation with that knowledge. All were given is at Manning decides to commit suicide which I thought was a little lackluster.
Additionally I felt like the entire main conflict could have been dragged out a little bit more, as the climax battle scene wasn’t as impressive as others in the series have been.

The hope:
Girl, I really enjoyed the series and felt that the author created a simple yet beautiful story set in the dystopian genre. The characters were realistic, experienced logical growth and were not too chintzy.
Maybe an explorer series with baby joy?!?! Or a story told from Aron’s point of view?!?!
65 reviews2 followers
July 10, 2018
I am clearly a Jenetta Penner fan. She hooked me immediately with Configured (Book 1), I couldn't wait for Immersed (Book 2) & it seemed like light years passed before I finally was able to purchase Actualized (Book 3). Actualized didn't disappoint. It continued the saga of Avlyn & her merry band of friends & wrapped the story up nicely in the end. I still want more.... but that's because I don't want to see the characters go. The ONLY negative (?) comment I have is now I want to go back & read all 3 back to back to really digest the whole story. I was so wrapped up in the story I feel like I flew through the books without stopping to breathe with each release -- so going back & taking my time will be a nice reward.

I'm definitely keeping my eye out for additional offerings from this young writer. Someone who is able to thoroughly capture my interest via ebooks (1st time ever) is someone I need to keep reading. I'm a hard-core 'love to have physical books in my hand' type reader. Thank you Jenetta for making ereading actually fun!
Profile Image for Dana.
221 reviews
May 4, 2018
Wow! What a conclusion to the series! Actualized is jam-packed with action and has a beautiful ending. The epilogue could not have been written better! I was not left with any questions or concerns, but I will say that I’m a bit sad the series is now over. However, that’s how it goes with series we attach ourselves to.

I loved geeking out over all the coding happening in this book. The mutating code was a super cool concept and so was the food ink virus. The twist about Manning was also a great addition! I also loved witnessing Avlyn’s transformation throughout this entire series. She really matured into a powerful yet loving woman.

I did have trouble remembering some of the characters since I read the last book in July 2017, so I recommend reading all in one fell swoop or going back for a refresher if it has been a while for you too.

I received a copy and volunteered to review it.
Profile Image for Mellissa Monteforte Jimenez.
456 reviews23 followers
May 12, 2018
Where should I start... As with the first two books in the Configured trilogy, I read straight thru the night. The epilogue I read three times. I was so sad to know that was the end. Actualized started where Immersed left off and continues to draw you in. Characters and storylines come together so it leaves the story complete. This serious has captivated me from the beginning, although this story is dystopian, the characters have thoughts and their actions seem relatable. The story isn't over the top, characters are not over dramatic so it's more intriguing. I am sad to see this series ended, but Actualized was well written and does not leave you disappointed. - This is my honest review and I am grateful for the opportunity to read and write my opinion.3
Profile Image for Book Catharsis.
376 reviews25 followers
November 19, 2018
I am so sad it’s over

This series is completely packed with emotions and is so relatable! I’m sad to see it end, although I’m pleased with the conclusion. I absolutely loved the series and the characters!
Profile Image for Debbie Eyre.
5,893 reviews115 followers
June 30, 2018
This has been an awesome series that has had me addicted from the start and I am sorry that it has come to an end! With great storyline and fab characters, the author has ended it nicely bringing all loose ends together . A series I would definitely recommend!
Profile Image for Adena.
83 reviews
July 2, 2018
In this book, we experience the exciting conclusion of Avlyn's journey. Throughout most of the book, we are on the brink of an all out war, awaiting the final battle. All the little skirmishes and conflicts are leading up to that eventual end. The pace is quick and there's a lot of action in this book, but also enough time to develop the interpersonal relationships between the characters and to understand their hopes, fears, and dreams. Loose ends are wrapped up, and we aren't left hanging, to wonder if maybe there will be a sequel trilogy or companion book to explain things we don't understand.

The world Jenetta Penner has created is rich and fully thought out - a society where emotions are seen as a weakness, and children are taken from their parents to be raised by strangers who are deemed more "appropriate" given the child's intellect and predisposition. This society denies the existence of other civilization beyond its borders, and considers any dissenters to be evil terrorists, bent on destroying the peace and prosperity inside the city.

It's especially poignant given the current government's attitude toward immigration in the USA, and the callous separation of children from their parents at the border. Treating refugees as if they were terrorists is unconscionable. Obviously, this book series was written before these political events transpired, but there is an eerie and almost prophetic theme that parallels what is going on in our modern world. It's a cautionary tale against becoming detached from the raw emotions elicited by the horrible events that are becoming more commonplace every day.

I volunteered to review an ARC of this novel.
74 reviews
April 26, 2018
I couldn't wait for the third book in the series to come out. The wait seemed way too long, but so worth it. Good things really do come to those who wait! ;) I have to recommend you read the first two to get the full enjoyment of the third installment. The first book has some really cool futuristic day to day features I found exciting, such as their food being printed. I mean, how cool to be able to go to your "microwave" (printer) and seamlessly have whatever food you may be craving print out in seconds! I want one! LoL That being said, I had quite a concern I wouldn't be able to recall the second book. I worried needlessly. As with book two, Jenettea Penner did a fantastic job in reminding us of what happened previously without wasted pages of explanation. She was able to trigger the memories with just a few words....painlessly. :) Not only should you read books 1 and 2 to fully understand book 3, but I'm sure you will enjoy the stories in them both. Each book reads seamlessly and smoothly. They are great books to just curl up with and travel along with Avlyn and her comrades. I truly believe you'll enjoy the ride. I just want to mention I received a free advanced reader copy. Am I a lucky girl, or what?
Profile Image for Shayay.
2,795 reviews54 followers
January 30, 2020
Listened to this story on Audible. The narrator does a good job. She gives a clear, quality performance. She fits the characters well. I'd recommend listening.

This is the final book in the Configured trilogy, so definitely go start with book 1 before diving into this finale!

I've really loved the action and fun this whole series has provided. Loved the sci-fi dystopian feel to the story. Avlyn is a strong female lead character. Her power to mentally connect to computers and such is super cool and fun.

Avyln and friends are still on the run from 2 different corrupt government types. Both enemies are doing some really crazy mood controlling type stuff; Avlyn and crew are in for some majorly dangerous situations. Avlyn is learning even more about her roots, and continues to grow as a character. The romance continues to grow as well; definitely a sweet connection going on there. It's great how much support Avlyn has, and that Avlyn generally knows when she needs help and accepts it. Still lots of action and adventure for Avlyn and her crew, so that's always entertaining and fun.

I've enjoyed this whole series! This was a great conclusion to this series. Looking forward to checking out more from Penner.
Profile Image for Danielle W.
812 reviews
January 22, 2023
3.5 Stars. This was better than the 2nd book. I actually took a 4 month break and wasn’t sure if I wanted to finish the series, even though I purchased all 3 books since they weren’t at the library.

I commented on book 1 that this series was eerily similar to Hunger Games and the author’s ending even mentioned that she was inspired by Hunger Games. Even so there are a LOT of similarities, down to the epilogue.

There were a lot of moments where Avalyn is super rude and demanding to people who love her and they just let her be in control - mistakes and all. At one point she is super cold and demanding to Meyer and he just lets her do it without any sort of follow up discussion. Avalyn also kills multiple people and nobody bats an eye - nobody cares - everyone is just like, oh well that was a bad/irritating/irrelevant person anyway. Say what?!

I’m extremely glad Penner ditched the supposed love triangle very early on in this book.

Overall it had positive themes of family, friendship, love and healthy relationships. 3 stars instead of 4 for copying Hunger Games so much and for generally only ok writing. Also, book needs more editing with LOTS of misplaced or missing punctuation but that didn’t affect my rating.

Avalyn, Meyer, Ben, Aron
Profile Image for Becket Warren.
185 reviews7 followers
May 22, 2019
Satisfying Dystopian Trilogy

Ms. Penner’s Configured trilogy captured my imagination from the very beginning. In the city of Elore, citizens are intentionally kept emotionless and regimented, moving like automatons from apartment to cubicle and back, eating printed food, pairing with other drones to raise children they neither particularly care for or about, past their desire for their offspring to score high on intelligence tests and do them credit. Avelyn is more engaged, more questioning, than her peers, her mind unsatisfied by the clinical world she inhabits. When rebels from a group called Affinity come to her attention, she wonders about the messages of freedom they espouse. It’s not long before Avelyn is herself caught up in the fight against not one but two self-serving, greedy heads of state, and she, along with a group of well-drawn secondary characters, is prepared to sacrifice all to end the reign of horrible, digital mediocrity that has been inflicted upon the inhabitants of her world. All three novels are worth reading, and Avelyn’s quest is definitely worth cheering for.
1,065 reviews11 followers
June 5, 2020
Title: Actualized
Author: Jenetta Penner
Publisher: Torment Publishing
ISBN: B07BD3Y19C
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
Configured 3
It comes down to one choice... save the world or save the ones you love.

Read the exciting and emotional conclusion to the Configured Trilogy.


Total Score: 5/5

Summary:

This was the perfect ending to this epic series. When fighting for your freedom, sometimes you have to to make strange bed fellows. Avlny and her twin Ben’s abilities are put to the test as the fight between the different communities comes to a head. Avlyn’s abilities to enter and manipulate computers is both frightening and fascinating. The struggle between the two factions left Avlyn and her group in the middle of the tug of war.

The audiobook brought their lives and struggles to life as their story unfolded.
Profile Image for Alisha.
261 reviews13 followers
July 7, 2018
4.5 out of 5 stars. Actualized proved to be an excellent ending to this series, and I don’t always say that about series endings! I hadn’t read the previous book in months, so I worried that I’d have trouble remembering events or important storyline points, but was pleasantly surprised to find it was easily recalled or referenced in Actualized and was never an issue. The twists and turns in this book, including between Ben and Avlyn and Waters and Manning were great for the plot, and Fisher’s involvement became more enjoyable than I anticipated it would be. Now that I’m writing this review, you’d think I wasn’t expecting much out of this last book, but I was expecting quite the opposite-I had high hopes that I was afraid wouldn’t be met, and instead happily got to enjoy a stellar ending to a great series that I’ve really enjoyed reading! Well done and will be highly recommended!

Language: clean
Romance: clean
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
201 reviews5 followers
May 11, 2018
Just about right. Pretty much all lose ends were tied up nicely. There was good character development throughout the series. I could have stood for there to have been a little bit more interaction between Avlyn and her boyfriend and Avlyn and her mother, but that's a minor detail. I found it interesting to watch Avlyn learn what to do with all the emotions she had been brought up to shut away.

There were a lot of things that had to be resolved, and I was glad to see that the author never let the story become too unwieldy. There was a good feeling of closure by the end of the story, but it didn't feel too mushy or oversimplified. I also loved the little drones with their personalities. They reminded me of Tink, from the author's other series. All in all, I was glad I was along for this series.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for EcoBookWorm.
42 reviews
December 16, 2020
An amazing trilogy!

This is the first series of Jenetta Penner I have read and I have not been disappointed. I have enjoyed every moment of this series.

I love the main character Avlyn Lark and how she grows as an individual throughout the trilogy. In fact, it’s satisfying to read all of the characters growth and how natural it feels. I feel this trilogy had a good ending, Penner did well to tie up all the loose ends.

However, my only tiny gripe is that I felt the ending was rushed. There was such a big build up and I was a little deflated at how soon it was over, I just felt a little cheated out of a climatic ending. Other than this aspect I can not fault the series at all.

I would 100% recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a good dystopian story. Actually, I’d recommend this to anyone it was really an easy going series with a brilliant author!
Profile Image for Elsa Munoz.
161 reviews9 followers
May 9, 2018
Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review (some spoilers may be included)

I've been with this series since the beginning. And this 3rd and final book did not disappoint...well not entirely.
I did have a hard time getting into it at the beginning. Avlyn seemed like she had a hard time processing all these emotions that she'd been taught to suppress but she came around. Still not sure how I feel about her and Meyers but the epilogue made it seem like a sweet relationship and I'm happy for her. Also one of my favorite things about this book were that we saw more of Aron...and his drones!!... I kinda want a mini drone of my own now XD
Profile Image for Audrey.
104 reviews
June 11, 2018
Okay so I received this as an advanced reading copy, buuuutttt life got in the way and I just finished it tonight. It of course being the last book in the Configured Trilogy.

I've read these books since the beginning and its bizarre to think that Avlyn's story is done. Overall all the loose ends and plots come together very nicely, the only complaint I do have is that it felt very rushed towards the end with the final battle and Avlyn's recovery. But ultimately the ending was sweet and I felt satisfied with epilogue.

Recommend for those that enjoy dystopian books/series and scifi. If you have read any of the others in the series then you have to know how it ends!
Profile Image for Audrey  Stars in Her Eye.
1,257 reviews11 followers
January 22, 2020
I truly enjoyed this conclusion to the Configured Trilogy.
Jenetta Penner wraps up the story of Avlyn and her friends in an intriguing way. To say much more would spoil the story and the ending. I really liked how her ending was quite different from other books of similar nature. Each loss brought tears to my eye and each success brought me happiness. Don't miss the conclusion; the story is worth being told.
As with the books before it, the narrator is perfect. She has the right inflection capturing the mood perfectly.

I received an audiobook copy from the author for review; all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Laura.
2,491 reviews83 followers
January 26, 2020
The conclusion of this series...I honestly don’t know where to begin I felt that for the final book that it had a slow start to it. What I did love was seeing Avlyn’s discovery of some dark secrets and how she handled them. This girl has definitely grown and I loved that. I’m so happy that the love triangle ended quickly and wasn’t dragged out. Whew!! If you read and loved the first two books I encourage you to pick up the final book. So much happens in the final book that you definitely do not want to miss out. Great YA dystopian series.
I listened to the audiobook and I would recommend it as well.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews

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