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Last Resistance #2
Counterpart
Prepare to become your own worst enemy.
Commander Rhona Long understands survival better than most. Killed in combat by a malevolent artificial intelligence, she was brought back to life using her DNA, and she’s forged a new, even more powerful identity. Now the leader of the resistance, she’s determined to ensure the machines are shut down for good.
But victory is elusive. The machines have a new technology designed to overcome humanity’s most advanced weaponry. Despite Rhona’s peacekeeping efforts, former nations are feuding over resources as old power struggles resurface. Worse, someone inside the resistance is sabotaging the human cause—someone who, from all appearances, seems to be Rhona . . . or her exact replica.
Jump into the heart-stopping sequel to Machinations as reincarnated insurgent Rhona Long faces off against the one enemy she can’t outwit: herself.
Commander Rhona Long understands survival better than most. Killed in combat by a malevolent artificial intelligence, she was brought back to life using her DNA, and she’s forged a new, even more powerful identity. Now the leader of the resistance, she’s determined to ensure the machines are shut down for good.
But victory is elusive. The machines have a new technology designed to overcome humanity’s most advanced weaponry. Despite Rhona’s peacekeeping efforts, former nations are feuding over resources as old power struggles resurface. Worse, someone inside the resistance is sabotaging the human cause—someone who, from all appearances, seems to be Rhona . . . or her exact replica.
Jump into the heart-stopping sequel to Machinations as reincarnated insurgent Rhona Long faces off against the one enemy she can’t outwit: herself.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 6, 2020
21 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Hayley Stone
21 books152 followersHayley Stone is the author of the weird western, MAKE ME NO GRAVE, a finalist for the Laramie Book Awards, and the Last Resistance sci-fi series.
She has lived her entire life in sunny California, where the weather is usually perfect and nothing as exciting as a robot apocalypse ever happens. When not reading or writing, she freelances as an editor, plays the ocarina, and analyzes buildings for velociraptor entry points. She holds a bachelor’s degree in history and a minor in German from California State University, Sacramento.
She has lived her entire life in sunny California, where the weather is usually perfect and nothing as exciting as a robot apocalypse ever happens. When not reading or writing, she freelances as an editor, plays the ocarina, and analyzes buildings for velociraptor entry points. She holds a bachelor’s degree in history and a minor in German from California State University, Sacramento.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
November 4, 2016
The start of Machinations was one of the high spots of the book – that wrenching death scene right at the beginning of the story pitched us straight into the action and this book kicks off with similar action-packed drama. Could you fully appreciate it if you hadn’t read the first book? Yes, I think Stone’s writing and pacing is such that you could pick this one up and wouldn’t flounder too much, though in an ideal world you would read the first book before tackling this one.
While I enjoyed the first book, I did have difficulty envisaging exactly what the machines looked like. As a great deal of the action in Counterpart takes place in an underground citadel, which is very well depicted, this isn’t such a problem in this slice of the adventure, where we also get more information about how the machines operate, anyhow. And at no point does this book suffer from the classic second book slump – it grabs us at the start and the action doesn’t let up until the end. I reached the final page with a jolt of dismay, as we are left with something of a cliffhanger, although most of main plotlines running through the second book are brought to a satisfactory conclusion.
What Stone achieves magnificently throughout both books is to give us a ringside seat as a character struggles to come to terms with being a clone. This is a staple of science fiction and the normal way of dealing with it, is for the character to be a tad disorientated and grumpy about the whole business in the first couple of chapters, then snap into action, appreciating what this new body can do… Stone’s enjoyable, sympathetic character finds being a clone defines her as she struggles to get those closest to her to initially accept her. She also still has problems, due to not fully recollecting her former life. And once she hits her stride as humanity’s icon – the reason why she was cloned in the first place – there are several plot developments that have her on the back foot, again. I like her bravura, her constant patter of jokes, often at entirely inappropriate times. I like her hot-headed inclination to go plunging right into the middle of trouble.
Any grizzles? No – I found her relationship with Camus far more compelling and believable in this story. I read waaay into the early morning to discover what would happen next and am now eagerly looking forward to the next instalment.
I received a free arc of Counterpart from the publisher via Netgalley, which has not affected the content of my unbiased review.
While I enjoyed the first book, I did have difficulty envisaging exactly what the machines looked like. As a great deal of the action in Counterpart takes place in an underground citadel, which is very well depicted, this isn’t such a problem in this slice of the adventure, where we also get more information about how the machines operate, anyhow. And at no point does this book suffer from the classic second book slump – it grabs us at the start and the action doesn’t let up until the end. I reached the final page with a jolt of dismay, as we are left with something of a cliffhanger, although most of main plotlines running through the second book are brought to a satisfactory conclusion.
What Stone achieves magnificently throughout both books is to give us a ringside seat as a character struggles to come to terms with being a clone. This is a staple of science fiction and the normal way of dealing with it, is for the character to be a tad disorientated and grumpy about the whole business in the first couple of chapters, then snap into action, appreciating what this new body can do… Stone’s enjoyable, sympathetic character finds being a clone defines her as she struggles to get those closest to her to initially accept her. She also still has problems, due to not fully recollecting her former life. And once she hits her stride as humanity’s icon – the reason why she was cloned in the first place – there are several plot developments that have her on the back foot, again. I like her bravura, her constant patter of jokes, often at entirely inappropriate times. I like her hot-headed inclination to go plunging right into the middle of trouble.
Any grizzles? No – I found her relationship with Camus far more compelling and believable in this story. I read waaay into the early morning to discover what would happen next and am now eagerly looking forward to the next instalment.
I received a free arc of Counterpart from the publisher via Netgalley, which has not affected the content of my unbiased review.
February 26, 2017
Counterpart is the second book in author Hayley Stone’s Machinations series and as sequels go, it’s pretty darn good. The machines are back and stronger than ever and it seems like they may have a new and terrifying ally.
This novel is just as fast and furious as the first and it kept my attention thoughout. The story is still reminiscent of the scifi movies of the ‘80s but, hey, I loved those movies and, despite its lack of originality, this is a fun read. It does end on a cliffhanger and I look forward to the next book in the series.
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House – Hydra for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review
This novel is just as fast and furious as the first and it kept my attention thoughout. The story is still reminiscent of the scifi movies of the ‘80s but, hey, I loved those movies and, despite its lack of originality, this is a fun read. It does end on a cliffhanger and I look forward to the next book in the series.
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House – Hydra for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review
November 1, 2016
The second book in the battle between humans and machines starts slowly, but quickly becomes a knuckle-biting thriller. Rhona is accused of being a traitor as a series of attacks seems to be based on her directions and actions. As in the first book, no one can be trusted, and it is impossible to determine who the real enemy is. The action is continuous, and keeps the suspense at fever pitch. The ending sets the stage for a new series of battles, both war and political as the saga of man versus intelligent machine continues. Rhona's leadership and love life have both become highly complicated, and the next book in the series will cover the difficult problem of maintaining a war and sorting things out.
September 15, 2016
Reviewed at my blog: Babbling Books
No, but all joking aside, what Stone has created in this series is nothing short of masterful. Even going in with my high expectations from the first book (and believe me I had sky-high expectations), she soared right past them and blew out the stars! Every plot was expanded on, every character better developed and new twists added that I hadn’t even fully expected in the first place. Slow clap is a must in this scenario.
So first, the characters. Of course everyone should know by now my feelings on the main character, Rhona. The wit, backbone and unfailing hope that this author has been able to imbue in one heroine is just stunning. When something happens to this character it feels almost personal, like it’s happening to me, and that’s how I feel every narrative should be. Her struggles and accomplishments feel real. And as a result the other characters she interacts with feel more complex because of her own intricate nature.
In the last book I had some issues with Camus as a love interest for Rhona and while I still love Samuel completely I am much more on board for the Camus x Rhona story after this book. More through dialogue than exposition I got to know the character more and understood his actions and interactions with Rhona and the other characters. This goes for Samuel too, although he is not present for a good amount of the book he is always such a favorite of mine, adding the sweet and gentle touch the book sometimes needs.
I have to praise Stone’s ability to keep a book that has some very depressing elements astonishingly light-hearted and even hopeful. I think it has to do with her knack for appropriately timed jokes and making the characters so realistic. She also doesn’t spend excess time describing the violent or graphic scenes, which could make the book too weighty or sad. She uses a writing style that gets the point across without being long-winded (something I’m clearly not good at ).
The plot deserves accolades as well, moving along at a fast clip through the entire book, keeping me on the edge of my toes but still managing to take time for quiet romantic diversions and subtle character building. And as was the case the last time I never felt lost when reading all of the different descriptions when regarding the machines or of the political goings on, and there was a lot of it…but in a good way.
Also, there were a lot of pop culture references that appealed to me in a personal way, that I adored and made me love this book even more, but the reason I’m rating it five stars isn’t because it spoke to me personally (which it 100% did) but because the writing, characters and plot are so well done that I think this book deserves a spot amongst some of the highly publicized and critically acclaimed books out there. I know I’m just a small book blogger and I haven’t even begun to delve into the massive amount of books that are out there, but talent is talent and Hayley Stone has it in spades.
Overall I feel so blessed to have gotten the chance to read this sequel. As you can tell I am eagerly awaiting the next book and truthfully I don’t think my patience (or lack there of) will survive…stay tuned.
*I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley from Random House Publishing Group – Hydra in exchange for an honest review*
Review of the first book – "Machinations”
Extra Thoughts (Spoilers Ahead):
- The whole bit about the Pirates attraction, I just…I know it’s probably weird (just another thing right) but I love the smell of that attraction so for a mention of it to be in the book is so awkwardly charming.
- And then there’s the Ewan McGregor / Moulin Rouge thing…this book is doing things to my poor little heart.
- Also, I keep getting this weird feeling about Camus x Rhona’s relationship…like a bad ending kind of vibe. I’m a happy ending all the way girl so I’m always suspicious but something about the way even the other characters are commenting on it gives me the hebe gebes.
- Samuel needs a girlfriend, ASAP. He is too adorable to keep pining after Rhona…who is with me!?
“It feels like I’m in a juggling act-except I don’t know how to juggle, and the balls are actually grenades, and all the grenades are already missing their pins. And they’re on fire.”Would it be completely weird for me to say that I think Hayley Stone and I were separated at birth? Or maybe her character Rhona and I were…Either way it’s like I’ve discovered my long-lost twin reading this book, or myself. Now I always thought that Juliette from Shatter Me was the most like me, and to a degree she still is (love you girl) but I think Rhona is as close to the book version of me I am ever going to get. Although I still need to be combat trained, experience a machine apocalypse, get a british boyfriend, magically make my hair red and shrink several inches…all perfectly achievable right?
No, but all joking aside, what Stone has created in this series is nothing short of masterful. Even going in with my high expectations from the first book (and believe me I had sky-high expectations), she soared right past them and blew out the stars! Every plot was expanded on, every character better developed and new twists added that I hadn’t even fully expected in the first place. Slow clap is a must in this scenario.
So first, the characters. Of course everyone should know by now my feelings on the main character, Rhona. The wit, backbone and unfailing hope that this author has been able to imbue in one heroine is just stunning. When something happens to this character it feels almost personal, like it’s happening to me, and that’s how I feel every narrative should be. Her struggles and accomplishments feel real. And as a result the other characters she interacts with feel more complex because of her own intricate nature.
In the last book I had some issues with Camus as a love interest for Rhona and while I still love Samuel completely I am much more on board for the Camus x Rhona story after this book. More through dialogue than exposition I got to know the character more and understood his actions and interactions with Rhona and the other characters. This goes for Samuel too, although he is not present for a good amount of the book he is always such a favorite of mine, adding the sweet and gentle touch the book sometimes needs.
I have to praise Stone’s ability to keep a book that has some very depressing elements astonishingly light-hearted and even hopeful. I think it has to do with her knack for appropriately timed jokes and making the characters so realistic. She also doesn’t spend excess time describing the violent or graphic scenes, which could make the book too weighty or sad. She uses a writing style that gets the point across without being long-winded (something I’m clearly not good at ).
The plot deserves accolades as well, moving along at a fast clip through the entire book, keeping me on the edge of my toes but still managing to take time for quiet romantic diversions and subtle character building. And as was the case the last time I never felt lost when reading all of the different descriptions when regarding the machines or of the political goings on, and there was a lot of it…but in a good way.
Also, there were a lot of pop culture references that appealed to me in a personal way, that I adored and made me love this book even more, but the reason I’m rating it five stars isn’t because it spoke to me personally (which it 100% did) but because the writing, characters and plot are so well done that I think this book deserves a spot amongst some of the highly publicized and critically acclaimed books out there. I know I’m just a small book blogger and I haven’t even begun to delve into the massive amount of books that are out there, but talent is talent and Hayley Stone has it in spades.
Overall I feel so blessed to have gotten the chance to read this sequel. As you can tell I am eagerly awaiting the next book and truthfully I don’t think my patience (or lack there of) will survive…stay tuned.
*I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley from Random House Publishing Group – Hydra in exchange for an honest review*
Review of the first book – "Machinations”
Extra Thoughts (Spoilers Ahead):
- The whole bit about the Pirates attraction, I just…I know it’s probably weird (just another thing right) but I love the smell of that attraction so for a mention of it to be in the book is so awkwardly charming.
- And then there’s the Ewan McGregor / Moulin Rouge thing…this book is doing things to my poor little heart.
- Also, I keep getting this weird feeling about Camus x Rhona’s relationship…like a bad ending kind of vibe. I’m a happy ending all the way girl so I’m always suspicious but something about the way even the other characters are commenting on it gives me the hebe gebes.
- Samuel needs a girlfriend, ASAP. He is too adorable to keep pining after Rhona…who is with me!?
September 11, 2016
Rhona Long never gave thought to how much her world would change when she became commander of the rebel forces so long ago. She never thought she'd die for the cause either, but she did. Given a second chance, she's been doing her best to stay alive, while continuously striving to bring the machines down. Doing so hasn't been easy, however. There are those who seek to silence her forever, something she will not allow.
Picking up where Machinations left off, Counterpart catapults the reader further into the world Hayley Stone has created around Rhona, Cam, and countless other characters. These characters find themselves floundering in a world destroyed by machines. A world where they have to struggle to survive at every turn.
A little Terminator-esque mixed with profound science-fiction elements, we get to see what the consequences of Rhona's actions and those of the machines are like. We're also shown what it's like for several character who are forced to confront choices they've made in the past. Choices that question morals, as well as loyalties every step of the way.
This is a series that shows us what life could be like if we let ourselves fiddle with things we shouldn't delve in. Imagine what it would be like if machines were to decide what's best for us. Would our existences be terminated in order to accommodate what a machine deems fit for their own world? Or would we be allowed to coexist beside them?
Mind you, artificial intelligences already exist in this world. They don't have the capabilities the machines have in this story, however, but the possibility is there. A thought-provoking and quite thrilling series, this is one you'll pick up and never put down. I truly wonder what's in store next for Rhona and the others. So can't wait to see what's coming soon enough.
Picking up where Machinations left off, Counterpart catapults the reader further into the world Hayley Stone has created around Rhona, Cam, and countless other characters. These characters find themselves floundering in a world destroyed by machines. A world where they have to struggle to survive at every turn.
A little Terminator-esque mixed with profound science-fiction elements, we get to see what the consequences of Rhona's actions and those of the machines are like. We're also shown what it's like for several character who are forced to confront choices they've made in the past. Choices that question morals, as well as loyalties every step of the way.
This is a series that shows us what life could be like if we let ourselves fiddle with things we shouldn't delve in. Imagine what it would be like if machines were to decide what's best for us. Would our existences be terminated in order to accommodate what a machine deems fit for their own world? Or would we be allowed to coexist beside them?
Mind you, artificial intelligences already exist in this world. They don't have the capabilities the machines have in this story, however, but the possibility is there. A thought-provoking and quite thrilling series, this is one you'll pick up and never put down. I truly wonder what's in store next for Rhona and the others. So can't wait to see what's coming soon enough.
October 12, 2016
After reading Machinations, I was excited to read Counterpart. I liked Rhona and Camus and the fight against the machines. I loved that there were other clones introduced and the way that played out. Several times things happened that I just did not see coming. I'm not a huge fan of a cliff-hanger ending, but in this case it just made me all the more eager for book three.
If you like quirky sci-fi this is definitely something you should pick up.
If you like quirky sci-fi this is definitely something you should pick up.
November 14, 2016
The war against the machines is starting to turn for the humans, what is the next weapon the machines have in order to stop the losses? This book had a very "Empire Strikes Back" feeling for me in that it reminded that after a big win for the rebellion there is often a lot of the power still left in the "Empire" of machines. I am excited for the next book in the series.
August 3, 2016
The sequel to Machinations has lived up to my expectations. Another great SciFi with characters who now feel like friends and situations which have adrenaline coursing through my veins. Hopefully there will be more to come and I can't wait
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June 27, 2017Even Better Than The First!
I recommend this for any sci-fi robo-apocolypse lover! So many great lines in this and the action and suspense never stops! I would gladly read this a hundred times over.
I recommend this for any sci-fi robo-apocolypse lover! So many great lines in this and the action and suspense never stops! I would gladly read this a hundred times over.
December 13, 2016
Review to come.
*eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
*eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 20, 2017
Sometimes with a second book it is hard to match the first, but this one definitely does. The action is high and you care about the characters so it grips your attention. Plenty of twists and turns in the plot but also inside the protagonist's head, as she tries to work out who she is and what she wants for herself and her friends and loved ones. And all the while there are the machines... Highly recommended.
October 16, 2016
Originally posted on Tales to Tide You Over
I very much enjoyed the first book in this series so when I was offered a review copy of Counterpart, I jumped at it. Though the beginning is confusing, it is deliberately so, and doesn’t keep you hanging too long after it introduces a host of problems to plague Rhona and Camus.
Again, we have a very personal story wrapped around an epic battle between the remnants of humanity and the misguided machines. It’s not the same story as the first book, though they share central themes, but rather a continuation of the last, desperate attempt to reclaim the Earth for humanity.
Nor does simplicity hold the ground.
Humans have not flipped a switch in human nature to become perfect with such an enemy to fight. Rhona is attempting to convince everyone that united we stand and divided we fall but has mixed results because people don’t want to give up power and each want their agendas addressed first.
Neither is Rhona a paragon of virtue. She makes mistakes, some of which are the kind that made me want to shake some sense into her, but at the same time, I can follow her logic and understand why she says what she does. Not only that, but the consequences and resolutions to her mistakes are both viable and satisfying.
The single first person point of view is a little hard to take when I want to know what’s happening to the other characters I care about, but at the same time, it offers some tension that otherwise the reader wouldn’t feel. Especially with how the book begins, there are some serious crises dangled in front of the reader with questions raised that I was eager to learn the answers for.
Counterpart is another good story with a powerful mix of life and death action, and filled with strong characters I wanted to succeed even when the political and social tangles, not to mention the machine attacks, threatened to destroy them. I continue to enjoy the interpersonal conflicts as Rhona attempts to build her coalition through a variety of tactics, and not all of them diplomatic.
I will give the warning that the book ends on a cliffhanger, but not until after the main threads have resolved in wonderful ways. It left me both satisfied and wishing the third book was already out.
One final note: I really appreciated the development of Samuel’s character, as well as Rhona’s continued struggles with her purpose and her rights as a person to lay claim to her own existence. The series does not ignore either the small moments that make a person or the big questions raised by some of the less orthodox solutions offered.
P.S. As I mentioned above, I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
I very much enjoyed the first book in this series so when I was offered a review copy of Counterpart, I jumped at it. Though the beginning is confusing, it is deliberately so, and doesn’t keep you hanging too long after it introduces a host of problems to plague Rhona and Camus.
Again, we have a very personal story wrapped around an epic battle between the remnants of humanity and the misguided machines. It’s not the same story as the first book, though they share central themes, but rather a continuation of the last, desperate attempt to reclaim the Earth for humanity.
Nor does simplicity hold the ground.
Humans have not flipped a switch in human nature to become perfect with such an enemy to fight. Rhona is attempting to convince everyone that united we stand and divided we fall but has mixed results because people don’t want to give up power and each want their agendas addressed first.
Neither is Rhona a paragon of virtue. She makes mistakes, some of which are the kind that made me want to shake some sense into her, but at the same time, I can follow her logic and understand why she says what she does. Not only that, but the consequences and resolutions to her mistakes are both viable and satisfying.
The single first person point of view is a little hard to take when I want to know what’s happening to the other characters I care about, but at the same time, it offers some tension that otherwise the reader wouldn’t feel. Especially with how the book begins, there are some serious crises dangled in front of the reader with questions raised that I was eager to learn the answers for.
Counterpart is another good story with a powerful mix of life and death action, and filled with strong characters I wanted to succeed even when the political and social tangles, not to mention the machine attacks, threatened to destroy them. I continue to enjoy the interpersonal conflicts as Rhona attempts to build her coalition through a variety of tactics, and not all of them diplomatic.
I will give the warning that the book ends on a cliffhanger, but not until after the main threads have resolved in wonderful ways. It left me both satisfied and wishing the third book was already out.
One final note: I really appreciated the development of Samuel’s character, as well as Rhona’s continued struggles with her purpose and her rights as a person to lay claim to her own existence. The series does not ignore either the small moments that make a person or the big questions raised by some of the less orthodox solutions offered.
P.S. As I mentioned above, I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
December 19, 2016
Author Haley Stone certainly appears she opened a vein to write "Counterpart," the second novel in her Machinations series. It's often an agonizing look in the head of a woman who has to come to terms with not just the end of the world and death of civilization but her pivotal role in the fight to save humanity. Life as we know it is gone, ended by the machines of the upper echelon, who have learned that to serve man, he must be well-cooked. One of the final outposts is an underground bunker carved from the cold tundra near Denali in Alaska but called McKinley Base. People are stacked up in the hallways, sleeping wherever they can find space. But even in the base, they're not safe. The machines know the score. They don't damage easily and they're armed to the teeth. Right away, Commander Rhona Long faces disaster. A crew of machines has infiltrated the base and set off a bomb. She loses a member of her team and very close friend. Her love, Camus, is missing. Yet there's more to Long than just a leader of the resistance. She's got a secret, one her fellow council members are aware of. She's not exactly who she says she is. She's a copy, a retread with only partial memories and only half her freckles. She died. Her mad scientist friend found a way to download her memories and painstakingly clone her in another facility. This is the best part of the novel, the concept of existential self. Who the heck am I? Long has to deal with it on multiple levels. Her lover has issues with her, her fellow resistance doesn't fully trust her and she herself questions her ability to be who she says she is. Stone is heavy on the introspection, and that slows the pace. But she's a great writer and obviously put a lot of effort into the work. At times, she reminded me of Tanith Lee in "Silver Metal Lover."
October 11, 2016
Ahoy there me mateys! I received this fantasy eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. So here are me honest musings . . .
I reviewed book one of this series back in May and highly enjoyed it. Hydra contacted me about book two being available to request. Yes please! So very glad I did because book two was even better than the first. If ye haven’t read that one, then ye read the rest of this review at yer own peril.
This novel takes us back to the conflict between the killer machines and humans. It was so nice to go back to Rhona’s story. She has continued to grow as a person and yet is still struggling with the ramifications of being the face of the rebellion against the machines.
The quibbles I had in the first book were absent in this one. No love triangle. Machines had limitations that made more sense. Technology did not magically work all the time.
The relationship between Rhona and Camus continues to be explored in this one. But I rather like the fact that they both are still working on and through the ramifications of their relationship while the world is falling apart around them. Their relationship questions felt more natural in the overall storytelling arc.
There were a lot of twisty plot points that I loved. Some that made me sad. Only one major plot point seemed to be coming (and it did at the end) but even then there were some surprises in the hows of it happening. The ending was satisfying and totally set up the next book in the series.
I want it.
Now.
So lastly . . .
Thank you Hydra!
If ye liked this review check out me blog https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordp...
I reviewed book one of this series back in May and highly enjoyed it. Hydra contacted me about book two being available to request. Yes please! So very glad I did because book two was even better than the first. If ye haven’t read that one, then ye read the rest of this review at yer own peril.
This novel takes us back to the conflict between the killer machines and humans. It was so nice to go back to Rhona’s story. She has continued to grow as a person and yet is still struggling with the ramifications of being the face of the rebellion against the machines.
The quibbles I had in the first book were absent in this one. No love triangle. Machines had limitations that made more sense. Technology did not magically work all the time.
The relationship between Rhona and Camus continues to be explored in this one. But I rather like the fact that they both are still working on and through the ramifications of their relationship while the world is falling apart around them. Their relationship questions felt more natural in the overall storytelling arc.
There were a lot of twisty plot points that I loved. Some that made me sad. Only one major plot point seemed to be coming (and it did at the end) but even then there were some surprises in the hows of it happening. The ending was satisfying and totally set up the next book in the series.
I want it.
Now.
So lastly . . .
Thank you Hydra!
If ye liked this review check out me blog https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordp...
January 21, 2017
I found this a tough read, because there are words relating to violence, death and weapons on almost every page. Some readers won't mind. The robot apocalypse has come about in the previous book; a girl called Rhona has been cloned and the clone is busily leading a resistance - make that hiding. The machines seem to be all too good at finding pockets of resistance and obliterating the fighters.
The more tough soldiers who appeared, from China and Russia even, the more odd it seemed to me that Rhona is put in command of anything, clone or not. She feels responsible and manages to command some loyalty, despite the mutterings of those who say she is not the same person as the original. But she seems too young and inexperienced and there are genuine soldiers around, for a while anyway. Don't get too attached to anyone. This is a New Adult book to my mind rather than YA, because of the constant violence, and those readers who enjoy apocalypse stories or horror will probably rate it more highly. I think it'll be the last in the series I'll read.
One point made by the author is that the resistance group needs to attack a factory in Calgary which makes integrated circuit boards. Should we start making a list now?
I downloaded a copy from Net Galley and this is an unbiased review.
The more tough soldiers who appeared, from China and Russia even, the more odd it seemed to me that Rhona is put in command of anything, clone or not. She feels responsible and manages to command some loyalty, despite the mutterings of those who say she is not the same person as the original. But she seems too young and inexperienced and there are genuine soldiers around, for a while anyway. Don't get too attached to anyone. This is a New Adult book to my mind rather than YA, because of the constant violence, and those readers who enjoy apocalypse stories or horror will probably rate it more highly. I think it'll be the last in the series I'll read.
One point made by the author is that the resistance group needs to attack a factory in Calgary which makes integrated circuit boards. Should we start making a list now?
I downloaded a copy from Net Galley and this is an unbiased review.
September 11, 2016
This picks up where we left off and now we're entering more than just who is Rhona-is-she-the-same. The politics are getting dicier, the relationships are getting more complex, and now we have to deal with something else: are there more?
Tragedy and heartache, the defining of one's self, and dealing with the petty crap of humanity that is really the reason we're in this whole mess to begin with...the action does not stop with Hayley Stone's novels. Machinations was SUCH a great title as it can be applied to more than just the machines, and Counterpart is similar in its appropriateness.
If you're a fan of the Roboapocalypse, pick up these books by Ms Stone. You won't be disappointed.
Tragedy and heartache, the defining of one's self, and dealing with the petty crap of humanity that is really the reason we're in this whole mess to begin with...the action does not stop with Hayley Stone's novels. Machinations was SUCH a great title as it can be applied to more than just the machines, and Counterpart is similar in its appropriateness.
If you're a fan of the Roboapocalypse, pick up these books by Ms Stone. You won't be disappointed.
December 9, 2016
I got impatient with Rhona sometimes, but that was because of how realistic her breakdown was. I was on Camus's side, and wished I could reach into the pages and help him shake the feelings out of her.
A great follow-up to the first book, particularly the hints of hope that came near the end that the resistance might pull this off after all.
A great follow-up to the first book, particularly the hints of hope that came near the end that the resistance might pull this off after all.
January 19, 2017
This was an excellent continuation of the Machinations series. I can't wait to read what's next! Rhona's self sacrificing had me really frustrated at times, but it fit well with her character and the story. highly recommend this book! Thanks to NetGalley for providing a copy in exchange for my honest review.
September 19, 2017
This book sucked me in just as quickly as the first. Stone's characters and world are so vivid. Loved every second of it!
May 31, 2017
"This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 2.5 of 5
Counterpart is the sequel to Machinations by author Hayley Stone. You can (and should), read my review of Machinations here as I layout the requirements for a classic YA story.
Counterpart continues the story of Rhona Long – the young commander in a battle against the machines. Rhona is still battling the perceptions of those around her because Rhona was killed during a skirmish and Rhona … the current Rhona … is a clone of the original (the original being the one who had been killed). She has slowly gained the trust of those around her, including her boyfriend Camus, and she begins to fortify their location (Alaska) to prevent an attack from the uprising machines and to hopefully build relations with other communities and countries to ultimately defeat the machines.
But when the machines get inside the fortified base and video shows that Rhona is the one responsible, she has to redouble her efforts to prove herself, gain the trust of those around her, and stop the machines.
While I wasn’t as excited by the YA aspects of the first book, the setting and characters really caught my interest and held my attention. In this book, the YA aspect lightens up a little (she doesn’t spend as much time mooning over the boy in this volume) the story of the machine uprising was no longer new and since most of the action here takes place underground in a ‘secure’ fortress, we don’t get a very good sense of the intelligence of the machines and the path of dominance that they are seeking. Instead this is a book full of Rhona on a “should-I-or-should’t-I” and “trust-me-it’s-not-me” sequences. And let’s face it … it’s hard to sustain such a limited focus.
There’s also no surprise in the video showing Rhona supporting the ‘wrong’ side. We already know who this Rhona is and the average reader can easily make the leap to guessing why there’s video of her on the other side. I was hoping there’d be some surprise to it that I wasn’t expecting, but was disappointed.
This was an easy read. Hayley Stone moves her fiction along smoothly but in this case, the story itself needed a little more depth to keep me interested.
Looking for a good book? Counterpart by Hayley Stone is a YA dystopian fantasy that offers no surprises to anyone who read the first novel, Machinations.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Counterpart is the sequel to Machinations by author Hayley Stone. You can (and should), read my review of Machinations here as I layout the requirements for a classic YA story.
Counterpart continues the story of Rhona Long – the young commander in a battle against the machines. Rhona is still battling the perceptions of those around her because Rhona was killed during a skirmish and Rhona … the current Rhona … is a clone of the original (the original being the one who had been killed). She has slowly gained the trust of those around her, including her boyfriend Camus, and she begins to fortify their location (Alaska) to prevent an attack from the uprising machines and to hopefully build relations with other communities and countries to ultimately defeat the machines.
But when the machines get inside the fortified base and video shows that Rhona is the one responsible, she has to redouble her efforts to prove herself, gain the trust of those around her, and stop the machines.
While I wasn’t as excited by the YA aspects of the first book, the setting and characters really caught my interest and held my attention. In this book, the YA aspect lightens up a little (she doesn’t spend as much time mooning over the boy in this volume) the story of the machine uprising was no longer new and since most of the action here takes place underground in a ‘secure’ fortress, we don’t get a very good sense of the intelligence of the machines and the path of dominance that they are seeking. Instead this is a book full of Rhona on a “should-I-or-should’t-I” and “trust-me-it’s-not-me” sequences. And let’s face it … it’s hard to sustain such a limited focus.
There’s also no surprise in the video showing Rhona supporting the ‘wrong’ side. We already know who this Rhona is and the average reader can easily make the leap to guessing why there’s video of her on the other side. I was hoping there’d be some surprise to it that I wasn’t expecting, but was disappointed.
This was an easy read. Hayley Stone moves her fiction along smoothly but in this case, the story itself needed a little more depth to keep me interested.
Looking for a good book? Counterpart by Hayley Stone is a YA dystopian fantasy that offers no surprises to anyone who read the first novel, Machinations.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
January 14, 2018
This is a good follow up to book one of this teen/young adult series, Machinations . It is set in the future when technology is trying to eliminate the human population. Of course the humans are mounting a fight but infighting between nations is hampering their efforts. Rhona and her team are trying to be peacekeepers but when is is killed it looks like all is lost until they clone her using her dna. A little more violent that I remember from book 1. Will keep up with this series.
May 8, 2017
Twilight with some robots sprinkled on top. Plot advanced only in the last couple chapters.
October 26, 2020
Clones Meet
Rhona Long had herself cloned before she died: now her clones must fight against the machines. Sci-fi lovers must read!
Rhona Long had herself cloned before she died: now her clones must fight against the machines. Sci-fi lovers must read!
March 2, 2017
I enjoyed this sequel even more than its predecessor. The story is more developed, the pace is more consistent, and the romance between the two MCs feels more authentic now. The novel starts off with a good action sequence and ends with a great transitional scene that could potentially introduce an additional book. The reader gets a better look into many of the characters and a few new ones make an appearance. For readers who like post-apocalyptic Sci-fi novels, especially with witty one-liners quoted from Sci-fi films.
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Net Galley Feedback
August 4, 2016
I knew I wanted to read Counterpart as soon as I finished Machinations. It popped up on NetGalley, and onto my read shelf it went. Usually, I won’t read a story until about 30 – 45 days before its release, but I just had to know how author Hayley Stone was going to continue it.
The Good: And continue it she did. Book one, as with many introductions to a series there had to be a lot of back story so the reader could get down on the sweet, sweet words the author is throwing down. Book two, doesn’t need as much exposition and launches right into the action. The story moves along at a respectable pace, and the ending is mostly satisfying.
The Bad: When will Rhona learn? She makes the same mistakes over and over. The characterization in this book is better on the villain side than book one, but I was disappointed at who the ultimate villain was.
The Ugly: Nothing jumped out at me as monumental or appalling. There was a great conflict that was hinted at and set up for but didn’t materialize. There’s still a chance for this conflict to appear in book three, but I was disappointed that such a juicy plot point was either delayed or ignored. Since I don’t want to spoil anything, I’ll just say that the author missed an excellent opportunity at a piece of commentary about the nature of being human. And a glimpse on human relationships.
The Final Word: Strangely enough, I liked Machinations better than I liked Counterpart, even though I felt that Counterpart was a better story from a technical standpoint. To further embrace the strange, I had rated Machinations 3.5 stars, but I’m giving Counterpart a solid four stars. They’re both decent sci-fi, and you could do much worse for the price point. I’m glad Random House/Hydra has set these novels at a fair price and I encourage sci-fi fans to pick them up. I’m dreading the long wait to get my hands on book three.
The Good: And continue it she did. Book one, as with many introductions to a series there had to be a lot of back story so the reader could get down on the sweet, sweet words the author is throwing down. Book two, doesn’t need as much exposition and launches right into the action. The story moves along at a respectable pace, and the ending is mostly satisfying.
The Bad: When will Rhona learn? She makes the same mistakes over and over. The characterization in this book is better on the villain side than book one, but I was disappointed at who the ultimate villain was.
The Ugly: Nothing jumped out at me as monumental or appalling. There was a great conflict that was hinted at and set up for but didn’t materialize. There’s still a chance for this conflict to appear in book three, but I was disappointed that such a juicy plot point was either delayed or ignored. Since I don’t want to spoil anything, I’ll just say that the author missed an excellent opportunity at a piece of commentary about the nature of being human. And a glimpse on human relationships.
The Final Word: Strangely enough, I liked Machinations better than I liked Counterpart, even though I felt that Counterpart was a better story from a technical standpoint. To further embrace the strange, I had rated Machinations 3.5 stars, but I’m giving Counterpart a solid four stars. They’re both decent sci-fi, and you could do much worse for the price point. I’m glad Random House/Hydra has set these novels at a fair price and I encourage sci-fi fans to pick them up. I’m dreading the long wait to get my hands on book three.
October 23, 2016
I liked the second book just as much as the first but I wouldn't say more. I could see how various characters had more depth and also how much Rhona grew as a person through the various crisis that took place. My biggest issue through both is the romance side of the story. I'm a bit on the fence with it as part of me loves the passion and intensity. At times, however, it just feels like a distraction from the actual disaster going on around them. It's not quite as bad as some plot lines where everything focuses on the love interests (I.E. The Titanic) but there were a few scenes that just felt sort of pointless beyond that. That said, there is plenty of action in this second book which I enjoyed a lot. I'm looking forward to the next novel and will for sure pick it up.
You can read my full review of both Machinations and Counterpart on my blog @ https://gloriouspanic.wordpress.com/2...
I received this book through NetGalley from the publisher in exchange for my honest review, this in no way affected my opinion or thoughts on the story.
You can read my full review of both Machinations and Counterpart on my blog @ https://gloriouspanic.wordpress.com/2...
I received this book through NetGalley from the publisher in exchange for my honest review, this in no way affected my opinion or thoughts on the story.
November 4, 2016
Early on we find a surprise: a machine that is part mechanical, and part pieces of one of the Rhona clones. So while the rebels believe they have the real Rhona, the folks in charge start to realize that the machines found the other clones (thought destroyed) and have forced different degrees of damage, torture, and physical change upon them.
Just to complicate things all the more, the Russians want in on the alliance–or do they? It makes sense to start opening things up for them, but there’s something about their behavior that doesn’t add up.
I love that Rhona’s sense of humor and snark get worse the more scared she gets. Humor is so often used to lessen fear, and that’s depicted so well.
There’s an argument between Rhona and Camus that I found rather depressing, but largely this is action-oriented with gallows-humor snark.
There’s a lot of tension going on, and the pace is quick. It holds together well for a sci-fi thriller.
Free book received from publisher for this review
Original review on my site: http://www.errantdreams.com/2016/11/r...
Just to complicate things all the more, the Russians want in on the alliance–or do they? It makes sense to start opening things up for them, but there’s something about their behavior that doesn’t add up.
I love that Rhona’s sense of humor and snark get worse the more scared she gets. Humor is so often used to lessen fear, and that’s depicted so well.
There’s an argument between Rhona and Camus that I found rather depressing, but largely this is action-oriented with gallows-humor snark.
There’s a lot of tension going on, and the pace is quick. It holds together well for a sci-fi thriller.
Free book received from publisher for this review
Original review on my site: http://www.errantdreams.com/2016/11/r...
November 1, 2016
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, Machinations. And I was a little afraid to read the 2nd. After all, the 2nd book in a series often suffers from that sophomore slump.
Well, not this one. If anything, Counterpart is even better than book one!
Now, keep in mind that you really do need to read the fisrt book in order to enjoy this one. The first one has some pretty epic world building and character development that you need for this one. So read that first.
In Counterpart, the author ramps up everything! The action, the heartbreak, the destruction, and the mechanicals. The secrets that are revealed in this 2nd book are secrets I never saw coming. They were the kinds of secrets that had my mouth dropping open and me snarling at anyone who dared interrupt my reading. Rhona is even more butt-kickingly wonderful, if that’s possible. And, oh, your heart just breaks at one point.
This second book is pretty much seamless. I want – no, I need (!) – more books in this series!
*ARC Provided by Net Galley
Well, not this one. If anything, Counterpart is even better than book one!
Now, keep in mind that you really do need to read the fisrt book in order to enjoy this one. The first one has some pretty epic world building and character development that you need for this one. So read that first.
In Counterpart, the author ramps up everything! The action, the heartbreak, the destruction, and the mechanicals. The secrets that are revealed in this 2nd book are secrets I never saw coming. They were the kinds of secrets that had my mouth dropping open and me snarling at anyone who dared interrupt my reading. Rhona is even more butt-kickingly wonderful, if that’s possible. And, oh, your heart just breaks at one point.
This second book is pretty much seamless. I want – no, I need (!) – more books in this series!
*ARC Provided by Net Galley
October 14, 2021
I copy below my review when this book was first released, now it is out again with the third part coming soon! I marked it four stars last time as I was annoyed that it was incomplete - five now as I now see I will get to finish the story! After this wait, I am very excited, and now able to properly recommend this series to other readers!..................
Great story but somehow incomplete?
This was a great sequel to a good first book in this series. Plenty of unusual ideas, reasonably good writing, and plot twists and turns. I especially liked the different takes on the central character (don't want to reveal too much here!).
However, I did feel at the end that there was room for a third book, and I am surprised to see nothing around. It would not surprise me for an English author to leave us guessing like this, but it did surprise me for a US author to do so. If there is another book coming, I would be very happy to read it!
Great story but somehow incomplete?
This was a great sequel to a good first book in this series. Plenty of unusual ideas, reasonably good writing, and plot twists and turns. I especially liked the different takes on the central character (don't want to reveal too much here!).
However, I did feel at the end that there was room for a third book, and I am surprised to see nothing around. It would not surprise me for an English author to leave us guessing like this, but it did surprise me for a US author to do so. If there is another book coming, I would be very happy to read it!
December 30, 2016
It's the end of the world! Well, almost. I didn't get the first book in this series, so I was a bit confused. This book is about trying to keep a grip on yourself, in this case, Rhona, while fighting killer machines. The machines took over the world. (I knew they looked scary sometimes!) Rhona and Camus are on the cutting edge trying to help humanity survive and it far from simple or easy. I like the main characters ok, and there was plenty of action!
My copy came from Net Galley. I leave this review because I want to, not because of any requirements. my thoughts and opinion are my own.
My copy came from Net Galley. I leave this review because I want to, not because of any requirements. my thoughts and opinion are my own.
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