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Where do you find safety when your world is falling apart?
Apprentice Flick thought the Elite Academy was the answer to all her problems. But the revelation of her past turned everything upside down. Now, she is caught between two worlds set on a collision course.
Will she embrace the chaotic memories that flood her every waking moment? Or will she run to the security of her Elite training?
Discovering her parents’ identities takes her to a secret underground bunker where she finds new friends, opportunities, and maybe even love. But Flick must decide where her allegiances lie soon, or the Triumph of Love festival might bring about her demise.
Apprentice Flick thought the Elite Academy was the answer to all her problems. But the revelation of her past turned everything upside down. Now, she is caught between two worlds set on a collision course.
Will she embrace the chaotic memories that flood her every waking moment? Or will she run to the security of her Elite training?
Discovering her parents’ identities takes her to a secret underground bunker where she finds new friends, opportunities, and maybe even love. But Flick must decide where her allegiances lie soon, or the Triumph of Love festival might bring about her demise.
308 pages, Hardcover
First published September 14, 2021
2 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Young
9 books99 followersKristen Young grew up in Sydney, but now lives in the Central West of NSW with her husband, three children, and slightly neurotic dog. She has been involved in church-based ministry for over 20 years, and loves helping people of any age to see how awesome Jesus is.
Kristen has had a number of books published, beginning with The Survival Guide series of devotions for teens. "What if? Dealing with Doubt" is a book for anyone from high school age onward, and aims to help anyone struggling with doubts about God, Jesus, or faith.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
October 14, 2022
About this book:
“Where do you find safety when your world is falling apart?
Apprentice Flick thought the Elite Academy was the answer to all her problems. But the revelation of her past turned everything upside down. Now, she is caught between two worlds set on a collision course.
Will she embrace the chaotic memories that flood her every waking moment? Or will she run to the security of her Elite training?
Discovering her parents’ identities takes her to a secret underground bunker where she finds new friends, opportunities, and maybe even love. But Flick must decide where her allegiances lie soon, or the Triumph of Love festival might bring about her demise.”
Series: Book #2 in the “Collective Underground” trilogy. Review of Book #1 Here!
Spiritual Content- There are other names for God, Jesus, & the Holy Spirit (Composer, Lyric, & the Muse); Christians are called Sirens because they sing Scriptures; Many Scriptures (called fragments of the Song) are quoted, remembered, & sung (with the names replaced for the names used in this world); Prayers; Many Talks about the Composer, Lyric, & the Muse, & Lyric’s sacrifice for us (said to have taken the character’s “broken melody and replaces it with his own”, making Himself mute for his family to receive the Composer’s gift); 'H's are not capital when referring to the Composer or Lyric; Seeing Lyric; Kerr doesn’t think she’s good enough for the Composer and that He wouldn’t want her because she’s “done (bad) things” (*Spoiler* ); *Spoiler* ; Mentions of Lyric’s tree, a festival that the Collective celebrates the day they had Lyric strung up on a tree, & a statue that they burn of Him every year; Mentions of Sirens meeting and singing songs (of Scriptures) & Sirens using a secret hand motion when meeting others; Mentions of the Love Collective trying to force others to swear oaths of allegiance and bow to Supreme Lover Midgate, and that even though it would be easier to do so, the Sirens did not (and were killed); A few mentions of prayers & praying; A few mentions of miracles; A mention of someone believing that they are the Composer’s “avenging angels”;
*Note: “Love all, be all” is used as a common greeting/slogan as well as others telling the apprentices to “find themselves in the universe”; Mentions of ghosts and ghouls (such as feeling like a ghost, haunting a place like a ghost, the ghosts of others chasing you, a ghostlike procession of cars, looking like a ghoul, & someone’s face looking like a ghoulish mask); A mention of someone being an alien due to a major personality change; A mention of the Stone Age primitivism.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘dumb’, a ‘gah!’, a ‘sheesh’, a ‘shut up’, a ‘what the—‘, two ‘blah, blah, blah’s, two ‘freaking’s, nine forms of ‘idiot’, and ten forms of ‘stupid’; A mention of someone being “full of it”; Made-up curses/phrases: a ‘love knows’, a ‘what the Love’, two ‘Love knows what’s, two ‘what in Love’s name’s, and three ‘for Love’s sake’s; Mentions of curses (including a couple by Kerr, said, not written); Sarcasm & Eye rolling; Kerr lies a few times for her or others’ safety; Pain & Panic (similar to panic attacks, up to semi-detailed); Being held at knife-point, being tied-up, & pain (barely-above-not-detailed); Recalling being slapped & pain (barely-above-not-detailed); Seeing other’s being hit/attacked, their injuries, & blood/bleeding (including some implied to be domestic abuse, up to semi-detailed); An explosion (up to semi-detailed); Kerr struggles with knowing about a family member’s death & feeling like she was a part of it happening and is a murderer (up to semi-detailed); Kerr feels like there’s blood on her hands for her position in the Academy (to report suspicious people where many of them are killed); Kerr starts to think that it would be easier if someone died (but that train of thought is stopped); Kerr recalling her abduction as a child (up to semi-detailed); Seeing a club with people drinking (barely-above-not-detailed); Many, many mentions of Hate (which threaten their empire), Haters (which are deemed the enemy (followers of the Haterman *Spoiler* ) to the government system that is all about love), & the government tracking down Haters to kill them; Mentions of a show where Haters are publicly execution & Haters being beaten, their blood and pain, & weapons (border-line barely-above-not-detailed to semi-detailed); Mentions of Embracement (public executions); Mentions of murders & murderers (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of wars, fights, bombs, dead bodies, & deaths (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of hitting, being hit/slapped, seeing other’s attacked/hit, pain, injuries, & blood/bleeding (some implied to be domestic abuse, up to semi-detailed); Mentions of children being abducted & brainwashed (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of treason, a terrorist plan, bombs, & an explosion (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of thieves & stealing; Mentions of arrests; Mentions of nightmares (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of a club, alcohol/drinks, drinking, & drunks; Mentions of lies, lying, & liars; A few mentions of jealousy; A couple mentions of the possibility of death or torture; A couple mentions of drug dealers; A couple mentions of bullies (Book #1); A couple mentions of throwing up; A couple mentions of tattoos; A couple mentions of dead fish (barely-above-not-detailed); A mention of a statue of a Hater after their beheading; A mention of betting; A mention of urine;
*Note: A couple mentions of mental programming (brainwashing) that turns people into a vegetable.
Sexual Content- A fingers-to-lips touch; A bit of staring at someone’s lips (not-detailed); Touches, Embraces, Warmth, Hand holding, Smelling, & Nearness (including Kerr’s nerves and “sensations” going off, up to semi-detailed); Recalling Touches, Embraces, Warmth, & Nearness (barely-above-not-detailed); Blushes & Winks; Noticing (including a guy’s bare chest, barely-above-not-detailed); Kerr has a few warnings about a guy, but pushes them away because of how she feels about him; Kerr and a guy go to a Love Hotel for a mission (nothing sexual happens, but Kerr is very uncomfortable going there and there’s hints to what happens at such a place such as the guy teasingly saying they’ll have two hours of “passion”, a maid telling them not to “do doing what these animals do when they think nobody’s looking”, messing up a bed cover’s to implied something happened, & the hotel’s video entertainment that is “adult entertainment” and aimed for their clientele’s seedy taste); Seeing a club & women leaning on men while feeding them, the a man kissing one, & one of the woman being pushed onto a man’s lap (possibly prostitutes); Seeing a man’s eyes devouring woman bought to entertain him and other men (possibly prostitutes); A man asks if another man is “sampling the Nurseries [the place where underage Apprentices train] again” to which he replies that the man is drunk; Mentions of how “fraternizing” isn’t allowed between Apprentices unless it’s a festival time and then there’s a bunch of a couples being snuggled against each other, them kissing and touching each other, & their “canoodling”; Mentions of flirting & a girl toying with a guy (barely-above-not-detailed); A few mentions of an older man being interested in the “juicy details” of a couple’s potential time together (implied to be intimately) & his hungry look; A mention of the air being charged with “pheromones and desire”; A mention of an Apprentice sitting on another’s lap (opposite gender); A mention of a chaperone;
*Note: A couple mentions of the Pleasure Tribe that does entertainment for population and someone’s physique” (said with a hesitation) being good for the performance stream; A mention of a woman’s teensy dress; A mention of testosterone.
-Kerr Flick
1st person P.O.V. of Kerr
Fantasy/Dystopian
295 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- One Star (and a half)
Older High School Teens- Two Stars
My personal Rating- Two Stars
{Due to some suggestions (listed in the Sexual Content), the ratings are lower.}
Now this? This was the dystopian take-down-the-corrupt-government plotline I was looking forward to reading. The first book was mainly a lot of setting the stage of the world and characters, but this sequel was where the action happens.
I have so many thoughts, but I lot of them of spoilers, so I’ll be vague when I say I felt justified for my dislike for a certain character and was nearly screaming when it was revealed I was right.
Kerr acted a bit young at different parts, but I had to remind myself that she was basically brainwashed and never really hung out with the opposite gender, to excuse her reactions to different romantic/crush-like parts. On that note, though, there were a couple parts I was uncomfortable with such as Kerr and a guy going to a Love Hotel for a mission, and while nothing sexual happens between the two of them, there’s quite a bit of alluding to what happens at such a place. There are also hints of prostitutes and an official being attracted to minors that affected the ratings listed above. I would have happily given this book a higher rating had those parts not be in it.
There’s a ton more faith content in this sequel compared to the first, thanks to Kerr learning more and the certain group of people. There’s other names for God, Jesus, & the Holy Spirit (Composer, Lyric, & the Muse) but it’s all very obvious on Who they are talking about.
I was concerned that this one would end on a cliff-hanger, but a big thank you to the author that it didn’t! I’m still eager to read the next book, but I’m glad I’m not on the edge of a cliff waiting to read it. ;)
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
“Where do you find safety when your world is falling apart?
Apprentice Flick thought the Elite Academy was the answer to all her problems. But the revelation of her past turned everything upside down. Now, she is caught between two worlds set on a collision course.
Will she embrace the chaotic memories that flood her every waking moment? Or will she run to the security of her Elite training?
Discovering her parents’ identities takes her to a secret underground bunker where she finds new friends, opportunities, and maybe even love. But Flick must decide where her allegiances lie soon, or the Triumph of Love festival might bring about her demise.”
Series: Book #2 in the “Collective Underground” trilogy. Review of Book #1 Here!
Spiritual Content- There are other names for God, Jesus, & the Holy Spirit (Composer, Lyric, & the Muse); Christians are called Sirens because they sing Scriptures; Many Scriptures (called fragments of the Song) are quoted, remembered, & sung (with the names replaced for the names used in this world); Prayers; Many Talks about the Composer, Lyric, & the Muse, & Lyric’s sacrifice for us (said to have taken the character’s “broken melody and replaces it with his own”, making Himself mute for his family to receive the Composer’s gift); 'H's are not capital when referring to the Composer or Lyric; Seeing Lyric; Kerr doesn’t think she’s good enough for the Composer and that He wouldn’t want her because she’s “done (bad) things” (*Spoiler* ); *Spoiler* ; Mentions of Lyric’s tree, a festival that the Collective celebrates the day they had Lyric strung up on a tree, & a statue that they burn of Him every year; Mentions of Sirens meeting and singing songs (of Scriptures) & Sirens using a secret hand motion when meeting others; Mentions of the Love Collective trying to force others to swear oaths of allegiance and bow to Supreme Lover Midgate, and that even though it would be easier to do so, the Sirens did not (and were killed); A few mentions of prayers & praying; A few mentions of miracles; A mention of someone believing that they are the Composer’s “avenging angels”;
*Note: “Love all, be all” is used as a common greeting/slogan as well as others telling the apprentices to “find themselves in the universe”; Mentions of ghosts and ghouls (such as feeling like a ghost, haunting a place like a ghost, the ghosts of others chasing you, a ghostlike procession of cars, looking like a ghoul, & someone’s face looking like a ghoulish mask); A mention of someone being an alien due to a major personality change; A mention of the Stone Age primitivism.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘dumb’, a ‘gah!’, a ‘sheesh’, a ‘shut up’, a ‘what the—‘, two ‘blah, blah, blah’s, two ‘freaking’s, nine forms of ‘idiot’, and ten forms of ‘stupid’; A mention of someone being “full of it”; Made-up curses/phrases: a ‘love knows’, a ‘what the Love’, two ‘Love knows what’s, two ‘what in Love’s name’s, and three ‘for Love’s sake’s; Mentions of curses (including a couple by Kerr, said, not written); Sarcasm & Eye rolling; Kerr lies a few times for her or others’ safety; Pain & Panic (similar to panic attacks, up to semi-detailed); Being held at knife-point, being tied-up, & pain (barely-above-not-detailed); Recalling being slapped & pain (barely-above-not-detailed); Seeing other’s being hit/attacked, their injuries, & blood/bleeding (including some implied to be domestic abuse, up to semi-detailed); An explosion (up to semi-detailed); Kerr struggles with knowing about a family member’s death & feeling like she was a part of it happening and is a murderer (up to semi-detailed); Kerr feels like there’s blood on her hands for her position in the Academy (to report suspicious people where many of them are killed); Kerr starts to think that it would be easier if someone died (but that train of thought is stopped); Kerr recalling her abduction as a child (up to semi-detailed); Seeing a club with people drinking (barely-above-not-detailed); Many, many mentions of Hate (which threaten their empire), Haters (which are deemed the enemy (followers of the Haterman *Spoiler* ) to the government system that is all about love), & the government tracking down Haters to kill them; Mentions of a show where Haters are publicly execution & Haters being beaten, their blood and pain, & weapons (border-line barely-above-not-detailed to semi-detailed); Mentions of Embracement (public executions); Mentions of murders & murderers (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of wars, fights, bombs, dead bodies, & deaths (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of hitting, being hit/slapped, seeing other’s attacked/hit, pain, injuries, & blood/bleeding (some implied to be domestic abuse, up to semi-detailed); Mentions of children being abducted & brainwashed (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of treason, a terrorist plan, bombs, & an explosion (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of thieves & stealing; Mentions of arrests; Mentions of nightmares (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of a club, alcohol/drinks, drinking, & drunks; Mentions of lies, lying, & liars; A few mentions of jealousy; A couple mentions of the possibility of death or torture; A couple mentions of drug dealers; A couple mentions of bullies (Book #1); A couple mentions of throwing up; A couple mentions of tattoos; A couple mentions of dead fish (barely-above-not-detailed); A mention of a statue of a Hater after their beheading; A mention of betting; A mention of urine;
*Note: A couple mentions of mental programming (brainwashing) that turns people into a vegetable.
Sexual Content- A fingers-to-lips touch; A bit of staring at someone’s lips (not-detailed); Touches, Embraces, Warmth, Hand holding, Smelling, & Nearness (including Kerr’s nerves and “sensations” going off, up to semi-detailed); Recalling Touches, Embraces, Warmth, & Nearness (barely-above-not-detailed); Blushes & Winks; Noticing (including a guy’s bare chest, barely-above-not-detailed); Kerr has a few warnings about a guy, but pushes them away because of how she feels about him; Kerr and a guy go to a Love Hotel for a mission (nothing sexual happens, but Kerr is very uncomfortable going there and there’s hints to what happens at such a place such as the guy teasingly saying they’ll have two hours of “passion”, a maid telling them not to “do doing what these animals do when they think nobody’s looking”, messing up a bed cover’s to implied something happened, & the hotel’s video entertainment that is “adult entertainment” and aimed for their clientele’s seedy taste); Seeing a club & women leaning on men while feeding them, the a man kissing one, & one of the woman being pushed onto a man’s lap (possibly prostitutes); Seeing a man’s eyes devouring woman bought to entertain him and other men (possibly prostitutes); A man asks if another man is “sampling the Nurseries [the place where underage Apprentices train] again” to which he replies that the man is drunk; Mentions of how “fraternizing” isn’t allowed between Apprentices unless it’s a festival time and then there’s a bunch of a couples being snuggled against each other, them kissing and touching each other, & their “canoodling”; Mentions of flirting & a girl toying with a guy (barely-above-not-detailed); A few mentions of an older man being interested in the “juicy details” of a couple’s potential time together (implied to be intimately) & his hungry look; A mention of the air being charged with “pheromones and desire”; A mention of an Apprentice sitting on another’s lap (opposite gender); A mention of a chaperone;
*Note: A couple mentions of the Pleasure Tribe that does entertainment for population and someone’s physique” (said with a hesitation) being good for the performance stream; A mention of a woman’s teensy dress; A mention of testosterone.
-Kerr Flick
1st person P.O.V. of Kerr
Fantasy/Dystopian
295 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- One Star (and a half)
Older High School Teens- Two Stars
My personal Rating- Two Stars
{Due to some suggestions (listed in the Sexual Content), the ratings are lower.}
Now this? This was the dystopian take-down-the-corrupt-government plotline I was looking forward to reading. The first book was mainly a lot of setting the stage of the world and characters, but this sequel was where the action happens.
I have so many thoughts, but I lot of them of spoilers, so I’ll be vague when I say I felt justified for my dislike for a certain character and was nearly screaming when it was revealed I was right.
Kerr acted a bit young at different parts, but I had to remind myself that she was basically brainwashed and never really hung out with the opposite gender, to excuse her reactions to different romantic/crush-like parts. On that note, though, there were a couple parts I was uncomfortable with such as Kerr and a guy going to a Love Hotel for a mission, and while nothing sexual happens between the two of them, there’s quite a bit of alluding to what happens at such a place. There are also hints of prostitutes and an official being attracted to minors that affected the ratings listed above. I would have happily given this book a higher rating had those parts not be in it.
There’s a ton more faith content in this sequel compared to the first, thanks to Kerr learning more and the certain group of people. There’s other names for God, Jesus, & the Holy Spirit (Composer, Lyric, & the Muse) but it’s all very obvious on Who they are talking about.
I was concerned that this one would end on a cliff-hanger, but a big thank you to the author that it didn’t! I’m still eager to read the next book, but I’m glad I’m not on the edge of a cliff waiting to read it. ;)
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
September 30, 2022
4.5 Stars ✨
“In the beginning, was the Lyric and the Lyric was with the Composer and the Lyric was the Composer, He was with the Composer in the beginning.”
Wow- This was in my opinion, outstanding, for lots of reasons. This wasn’t just a story with Christian themes intertwined, it was a potential picture of the not so distant future. A glimpse of what could be if you will. This author also did something beautiful - coming up with a fantastic way to insert The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit by comparing it to a symphony and using terms like lyric, composer, muse.
Only some will see and understand how there are agendas in place in our world right now-that “elites” are quickly headed towards. So many truth bombs weaved in here. From people always on their smart phones, to being blind and not being able to see truth because they would rather be on an app or distracted. How society is quickly declining into a brainwashed state. People are constantly fed propaganda by tv, media, books, music, news, churches etc. and being conditioned to groupthink instead of using their own common sense and trusting their gut. I could go on and on.
Elite reminded me a lot of the book 1984, but a more futuristic modern technology version. If you mixed 1984 and the Capital from the Hunger Games - Collective Underground would be it’s baby. But I also hate to compare something like this, it really is set apart- it just has certain elements that if you liked those two- this would definitely be your jam.
This one for me was way better than the first book, so much more information is given and way more action. The pace was a lot better and we get to know the side characters a lot more. A good bit of background is given for our MC that was absent in the first. Which now all makes sense. So glad I powered through Apprentice. 100% worth it. I can not wait to see where the next book goes- I absolutely love books like this that challenge your thinking - gets those wheels a turning. Those who can read between the lines, can SEE the story being told is a whole lot deeper than what appears on the surface.
“In the beginning, was the Lyric and the Lyric was with the Composer and the Lyric was the Composer, He was with the Composer in the beginning.”
Wow- This was in my opinion, outstanding, for lots of reasons. This wasn’t just a story with Christian themes intertwined, it was a potential picture of the not so distant future. A glimpse of what could be if you will. This author also did something beautiful - coming up with a fantastic way to insert The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit by comparing it to a symphony and using terms like lyric, composer, muse.
Only some will see and understand how there are agendas in place in our world right now-that “elites” are quickly headed towards. So many truth bombs weaved in here. From people always on their smart phones, to being blind and not being able to see truth because they would rather be on an app or distracted. How society is quickly declining into a brainwashed state. People are constantly fed propaganda by tv, media, books, music, news, churches etc. and being conditioned to groupthink instead of using their own common sense and trusting their gut. I could go on and on.
Elite reminded me a lot of the book 1984, but a more futuristic modern technology version. If you mixed 1984 and the Capital from the Hunger Games - Collective Underground would be it’s baby. But I also hate to compare something like this, it really is set apart- it just has certain elements that if you liked those two- this would definitely be your jam.
This one for me was way better than the first book, so much more information is given and way more action. The pace was a lot better and we get to know the side characters a lot more. A good bit of background is given for our MC that was absent in the first. Which now all makes sense. So glad I powered through Apprentice. 100% worth it. I can not wait to see where the next book goes- I absolutely love books like this that challenge your thinking - gets those wheels a turning. Those who can read between the lines, can SEE the story being told is a whole lot deeper than what appears on the surface.
November 22, 2021
Note: I listened to this on audio, so please forgive any misspelling or misremembering of names and the like.
As you can probably tell by the fact that I finished "Apprentice" and then immediately sped through "Elite" I really like this story. While the first book focused on Flick uncovering the lies the Love Collective raised her to believe, this second book largely focuses on Flick uncovering the truth the Love Collective has been trying desperately to bury, and IT'S SO GOOD, Y'ALL, IT'S SO GOOD. I am continually blow away by the skillfulness of Kristen Young's storytelling.
I'll put a heads up here that while I'll do my best not to spoil anything, particularly major plot points of "Elite", there's still going to be things in this review that touch on stuff that wasn't revealed yet in "Apprentice." If you'd rather avoid all spoilers for the first book it might be best to wait until you've read that before reading this review.
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Still here? Okay!
Whereas there were few obvious spiritual themes in "Apprentice", "Elite" is full of them. In fact, some of what we learn in "Elite" reveals that there kind of were spiritual themes in "Apprentice" and I love when series add depth to previous books like that. There is, essentially, a Christian underground in this world that is hiding from the Love Collective. Again, I'm going to have to be careful not to include spoilers for the first book here, but suffice it to say that Flick begins learning about the underground. I found it very interesting how the author used musical comparisons for her underground. Jesus is called "Lyric" in this world, and God is the "Composer." The Holy Spirit is called the "Muse" if I'm remembering correctly. In the beginning, the Composer wrote the Great Symphony (the creation of the world), but sin brought in discordant notes. (Reminds me a little of Tolkien's take on creation in The Silmarillion.) Therefore, the Composer wrote Lyric into the Symphony to make things right again. Etc, etc. Rather than passing down stories to remember the Composer's great works, the Christians, (called "Sirens" in this world because they sing) pass down songs that essentially are passages of Scripture written to use musical terms similar to the above. I liked that part of the story featured one group of songs collecting songs from other groups of Sirens in order to reconstruct the full message of the Composer, which the Collective has tried to destroy. It felt a lot like how a real life underground church might have part of the Scriptures and seek out other secret churches to learn more of the Gospel story.
In a similar vein, everyone in the world of "Apprentice" and "Elite" has an internal music of sorts that the Composer placed inside to point them to Him, and this is why the Love Collective is so focused on keeping its citizens distracted with constant entertainment (plus the occasional memory wipe/block), so that this internal music is drowned out and they only can hear what the Collective wants them to hear. As I suspected while reading the first book, Learning this adds a whole new depth to the first book, and I love that.
I felt the author used this whole musical (I'm not sure what the proper term here is... ) Allegory? Analogy? skillfully and it could often be very touching and beautiful and added so much dimension to the world.
In addition, the characters and plot itself in "Elite" remained just as engaging as the first book. I don't know what it is about Young's writing style, but everything is so vibrant and I can't help being pulled in and wanting to know what's going to happen! Usually, I tend to listen to audiobooks the most while riding in the car, but when one really has me hooked, I make time to listen to it while crocheting, playing video games, etc., and that's what I've been doing with this series. I can't help it! I just have to know where the story is going!
One thing I particularly liked in this one was that there was a traitor, but I didn't know exactly who it was, or how far they were willing to go until it was revealed.
I also appreciated that the author acknowledged that getting a physical response of the flutters when a cute guy pays attention to you does not equal love, especially if he is then not actually kind to you. *glares at the many YA books that act like it does equal love and that being a jerk means he secretly cares* To quote the Broadway musical, Into the Woods: "Even flowers have their dangers/ and though scary is exciting/ nice is different than good."
I was briefly distressed at the end when I wasn't sure if I'd heard whether or not there's a third book coming, but having done some digging, it appears that there is. I am relived because I NEED TO KNOW WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN TO FLICK NEXT. She made a choice at the end of this one that is, in all honesty, understandable, but I'm also worried about the consequences and I just... I need to know. XD So, I'll definitely be looking forward to that third book and snatching it up when it's available!
Content advisory:
Violence:
As with the first book, there is a constant threat of being labeled a "hater" and therefore being publicly executed by the Collective. Once again, Flick visits memories of one particular "Hater Pavilion Show" and seeing a person executed via being beaten to death, but again, the description is minimal aside from brief mention of blood.
There is threat of someone having a bomb that will kill Collective leaders, but also innocents.
Someone gets held at knifepoint.
Someone gets knocked unconscious.
A truck gets driven into a lake, thus breaking someone's leg, but they survive.
Sexual:
In the first book, two Apprentices were attracted to each other In this book, the dynamic has changed (for spoiler reasons) so that the guy still loves the girl, but the girl appears to only be toying with the guy. It is stated that sometimes she acts like she feels nothing for him and other times she's "all over him" but there are no details given as to what exactly that means.
Most of the time, the Love Collective doesn't allow Apprentices to "fraternize" but there is an annual "Love Festival" during which they are allowed to do so. Flick sees dozens of couples sitting close, gazing into each other's eyes, and generally "canoodling" in the lunch hall, in the stairwell, etc., during this time, but again, no details of what exactly "canoodling" means.
A guy acts as if he is attracted to Flick by saying he likes her, getting physically close to her, touching her hand, and sometimes stroking her face. Mentions of her experiencing warm and tingly feelings in response.
One location in the city has women around that are implied to be prostitutes, but this implication is truly vague to the point it would likely be missed by younger readers. (They are mentioned only to show one of the many forms of distraction and pleasure the Collective has put in place to keep its citizenry too diverted to notice the Collective's oppression.)
Spiritual:
See main body of review for a description of the major spiritual elements that appear in this book.
In addition to the above, it is stated that Lyric was killed by the Collective by being "strung up on a tree". However, it is stated that he came back to life. Someone has a couple of "visions" of sorts in which Lyric (alive and well) is calling them to Himself.
Someone does indeed pray and ask Lyric into their heart, and then later pray for direction several times.
As stated in the spoiler tag in the review, it is revealed that Lyric is the person the Love Collective refers to as the original Hater Man. It is stated that the Love Festival includes burning the "Hater Man" in effigy. We also learn that those "Haters" who are executed in the Hater Pavilion Shows are forced to wear "Hater Man" masks as a way of further associating them with him.
Other:
Once again, we learn of the many lies the Love Collective tells its citizens and apprentices, and the depths to which it will stoop to keep control over them. The job of "Watcher" requires the watching of surveillance footage and flagging of anyone displaying so-called "hater" behavior so that those people will be arrested, and most likely executed later on.
The Love Festival includes a big party with pounding music that is revealed to have mood/mind control elements to keep the crowds under control.
As you can probably tell by the fact that I finished "Apprentice" and then immediately sped through "Elite" I really like this story. While the first book focused on Flick uncovering the lies the Love Collective raised her to believe, this second book largely focuses on Flick uncovering the truth the Love Collective has been trying desperately to bury, and IT'S SO GOOD, Y'ALL, IT'S SO GOOD. I am continually blow away by the skillfulness of Kristen Young's storytelling.
I'll put a heads up here that while I'll do my best not to spoil anything, particularly major plot points of "Elite", there's still going to be things in this review that touch on stuff that wasn't revealed yet in "Apprentice." If you'd rather avoid all spoilers for the first book it might be best to wait until you've read that before reading this review.
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Still here? Okay!
Whereas there were few obvious spiritual themes in "Apprentice", "Elite" is full of them. In fact, some of what we learn in "Elite" reveals that there kind of were spiritual themes in "Apprentice" and I love when series add depth to previous books like that. There is, essentially, a Christian underground in this world that is hiding from the Love Collective. Again, I'm going to have to be careful not to include spoilers for the first book here, but suffice it to say that Flick begins learning about the underground. I found it very interesting how the author used musical comparisons for her underground. Jesus is called "Lyric" in this world, and God is the "Composer." The Holy Spirit is called the "Muse" if I'm remembering correctly. In the beginning, the Composer wrote the Great Symphony (the creation of the world), but sin brought in discordant notes. (Reminds me a little of Tolkien's take on creation in The Silmarillion.) Therefore, the Composer wrote Lyric into the Symphony to make things right again. Etc, etc. Rather than passing down stories to remember the Composer's great works, the Christians, (called "Sirens" in this world because they sing) pass down songs that essentially are passages of Scripture written to use musical terms similar to the above. I liked that part of the story featured one group of songs collecting songs from other groups of Sirens in order to reconstruct the full message of the Composer, which the Collective has tried to destroy. It felt a lot like how a real life underground church might have part of the Scriptures and seek out other secret churches to learn more of the Gospel story.
In a similar vein, everyone in the world of "Apprentice" and "Elite" has an internal music of sorts that the Composer placed inside to point them to Him, and this is why the Love Collective is so focused on keeping its citizens distracted with constant entertainment (plus the occasional memory wipe/block), so that this internal music is drowned out and they only can hear what the Collective wants them to hear. As I suspected while reading the first book, Learning this adds a whole new depth to the first book, and I love that.
I felt the author used this whole musical (I'm not sure what the proper term here is... ) Allegory? Analogy? skillfully and it could often be very touching and beautiful and added so much dimension to the world.
In addition, the characters and plot itself in "Elite" remained just as engaging as the first book. I don't know what it is about Young's writing style, but everything is so vibrant and I can't help being pulled in and wanting to know what's going to happen! Usually, I tend to listen to audiobooks the most while riding in the car, but when one really has me hooked, I make time to listen to it while crocheting, playing video games, etc., and that's what I've been doing with this series. I can't help it! I just have to know where the story is going!
One thing I particularly liked in this one was that there was a traitor, but I didn't know exactly who it was, or how far they were willing to go until it was revealed.
I also appreciated that the author acknowledged that getting a physical response of the flutters when a cute guy pays attention to you does not equal love, especially if he is then not actually kind to you. *glares at the many YA books that act like it does equal love and that being a jerk means he secretly cares* To quote the Broadway musical, Into the Woods: "Even flowers have their dangers/ and though scary is exciting/ nice is different than good."
I was briefly distressed at the end when I wasn't sure if I'd heard whether or not there's a third book coming, but having done some digging, it appears that there is. I am relived because I NEED TO KNOW WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN TO FLICK NEXT. She made a choice at the end of this one that is, in all honesty, understandable, but I'm also worried about the consequences and I just... I need to know. XD So, I'll definitely be looking forward to that third book and snatching it up when it's available!
Content advisory:
Violence:
As with the first book, there is a constant threat of being labeled a "hater" and therefore being publicly executed by the Collective. Once again, Flick visits memories of one particular "Hater Pavilion Show" and seeing a person executed via being beaten to death, but again, the description is minimal aside from brief mention of blood.
There is threat of someone having a bomb that will kill Collective leaders, but also innocents.
Someone gets held at knifepoint.
Someone gets knocked unconscious.
A truck gets driven into a lake, thus breaking someone's leg, but they survive.
Sexual:
In the first book, two Apprentices were attracted to each other In this book, the dynamic has changed (for spoiler reasons) so that the guy still loves the girl, but the girl appears to only be toying with the guy. It is stated that sometimes she acts like she feels nothing for him and other times she's "all over him" but there are no details given as to what exactly that means.
Most of the time, the Love Collective doesn't allow Apprentices to "fraternize" but there is an annual "Love Festival" during which they are allowed to do so. Flick sees dozens of couples sitting close, gazing into each other's eyes, and generally "canoodling" in the lunch hall, in the stairwell, etc., during this time, but again, no details of what exactly "canoodling" means.
A guy acts as if he is attracted to Flick by saying he likes her, getting physically close to her, touching her hand, and sometimes stroking her face. Mentions of her experiencing warm and tingly feelings in response.
One location in the city has women around that are implied to be prostitutes, but this implication is truly vague to the point it would likely be missed by younger readers. (They are mentioned only to show one of the many forms of distraction and pleasure the Collective has put in place to keep its citizenry too diverted to notice the Collective's oppression.)
Spiritual:
See main body of review for a description of the major spiritual elements that appear in this book.
In addition to the above, it is stated that Lyric was killed by the Collective by being "strung up on a tree". However, it is stated that he came back to life. Someone has a couple of "visions" of sorts in which Lyric (alive and well) is calling them to Himself.
Someone does indeed pray and ask Lyric into their heart, and then later pray for direction several times.
As stated in the spoiler tag in the review, it is revealed that Lyric is the person the Love Collective refers to as the original Hater Man. It is stated that the Love Festival includes burning the "Hater Man" in effigy. We also learn that those "Haters" who are executed in the Hater Pavilion Shows are forced to wear "Hater Man" masks as a way of further associating them with him.
Other:
Once again, we learn of the many lies the Love Collective tells its citizens and apprentices, and the depths to which it will stoop to keep control over them. The job of "Watcher" requires the watching of surveillance footage and flagging of anyone displaying so-called "hater" behavior so that those people will be arrested, and most likely executed later on.
The Love Festival includes a big party with pounding music that is revealed to have mood/mind control elements to keep the crowds under control.
September 3, 2023
4 ½ stars 🌟
Way more excitement than book 1. I really enjoyed this one a lot, even despite one particular character I couldn't stand.
Way more excitement than book 1. I really enjoyed this one a lot, even despite one particular character I couldn't stand.
July 13, 2022
After holding out for an admirably long time (more than two weeks 😱), I caved and bought the second book.
I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it definitely wasn't this. 🤯🤯 I really loved the unexpected plot direction that strengthened the themes even more.
I knew I was right to choose Hodge as a favorite character, and it was fun seeing some side characters take a turn in center stage. Flick continued to be very interesting, and I loved seeing her process each new obstacle and revelation.
Again, the tech was really fascinating and immersive. 👏👏 I especially enjoyed the Watcher scenes, though the gravity wasn't lost.
The new elements in this book were fabulous. I enjoyed the gorgeous yet relevant portrayal of Christianity. I also deeply appreciated the theme of non-violence.
My criticisms of the first book were unfortunately even more present in this one. There was a whole new set of side characters (to the author's credit I could *eventually* keep them straight) plus code names for some I already knew and a complicated, sometimes clumsy new set of terms.
CW: Flashbacks to implied execution, kidnapping, fear. Mentions of observing stabbing, murder, domestic violence, and planned domestic terrorism through surveillance work. Lying/manipulation. Intrusive thoughts of guilt. Allusion to an official being a p*do. Slight implication of rock music being evil.
Best quote: Just because you don’t hear a voice, doesn’t mean he’s not there. He’s with you. That’s what he wanted me to tell you.
Altogether, I'm very much intrigued by where this series is going and have high hopes it nails the ending. ❤️
I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it definitely wasn't this. 🤯🤯 I really loved the unexpected plot direction that strengthened the themes even more.
I knew I was right to choose Hodge as a favorite character, and it was fun seeing some side characters take a turn in center stage. Flick continued to be very interesting, and I loved seeing her process each new obstacle and revelation.
Again, the tech was really fascinating and immersive. 👏👏 I especially enjoyed the Watcher scenes, though the gravity wasn't lost.
The new elements in this book were fabulous. I enjoyed the gorgeous yet relevant portrayal of Christianity. I also deeply appreciated the theme of non-violence.
My criticisms of the first book were unfortunately even more present in this one. There was a whole new set of side characters (to the author's credit I could *eventually* keep them straight) plus code names for some I already knew and a complicated, sometimes clumsy new set of terms.
CW: Flashbacks to implied execution, kidnapping, fear. Mentions of observing stabbing, murder, domestic violence, and planned domestic terrorism through surveillance work. Lying/manipulation. Intrusive thoughts of guilt. Allusion to an official being a p*do. Slight implication of rock music being evil.
Best quote: Just because you don’t hear a voice, doesn’t mean he’s not there. He’s with you. That’s what he wanted me to tell you.
Altogether, I'm very much intrigued by where this series is going and have high hopes it nails the ending. ❤️
August 23, 2021
This book was even more incredible than the first! I had high hopes, and Elite absolutely lived up to all the intensity of its predecessor. It was gripping, page-turning, and perfectly intense. The last quarter of the story really ramped up the action to an even better climax than the first book and I'm still screaming!
The characters still had my heart from the first book and I was sucked into their story right away. Flick's voice feels so real and relatable to me and I loved experiencing the story through her. All the twisty emotions and second-guessing about side characters had my heart racing several times. I loved getting to meet some new faces in this book as well as familiar old ones!
I'm still just totally in awe of how Kristen Young orchestrates the plot to be so intense the whole time, even in sections where there's no insane action scenes. It's the kind of story that just grabs you and keeps whispering of more dastardly secrets so you can never put it down.
I am in love with the sheer epicness of the ending and I cannot wait to see how the story all wraps up in the third book! I highly recommend this trilogy for lovers of The Hunger Games, The Maze Runner, and all things dystopian.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and was not required to write a positive review.
The characters still had my heart from the first book and I was sucked into their story right away. Flick's voice feels so real and relatable to me and I loved experiencing the story through her. All the twisty emotions and second-guessing about side characters had my heart racing several times. I loved getting to meet some new faces in this book as well as familiar old ones!
I'm still just totally in awe of how Kristen Young orchestrates the plot to be so intense the whole time, even in sections where there's no insane action scenes. It's the kind of story that just grabs you and keeps whispering of more dastardly secrets so you can never put it down.
I am in love with the sheer epicness of the ending and I cannot wait to see how the story all wraps up in the third book! I highly recommend this trilogy for lovers of The Hunger Games, The Maze Runner, and all things dystopian.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and was not required to write a positive review.
December 16, 2021
Sometimes you just know someone is sus even if you didn’t catch them venting when they said they were working on a particular task and you just need to speak up or you’ll be the one who gets ejected.
Feed me more.
Feed me more.
July 31, 2021
Just as good as its predecessor (which is the much deserved Realm Makers Book of the Year Apprentice!). I was absolutely blown away by the encouragement packed into this thrilling story. Reading of Flick's newfound faith and her struggle to reconcile that with the events around her was exactly the encouragement I needed. Terrible things happen even to those who are saved, but that doesn't mean God (the Composer) is not with us. He's leading us every step of the way with a plan even better than ours.
I also have to say that Hodge is one of the cutest guy characters ever! Oh my goodness, totally ship him and Cadence! I did find Wil to be very predictable, and I was a little frustrated at Cadence for not seeing his flaws, but it was also realistic. How feelings can blind you from seeing the faults in a person.
Also, that ending. THAT ENDING! What a way to conclude this book. I can't wait to see where book 3 takes us! I'd highly recommend this book to sci-fi lovers. It's so so good.
I also have to say that Hodge is one of the cutest guy characters ever! Oh my goodness, totally ship him and Cadence! I did find Wil to be very predictable, and I was a little frustrated at Cadence for not seeing his flaws, but it was also realistic. How feelings can blind you from seeing the faults in a person.
Also, that ending. THAT ENDING! What a way to conclude this book. I can't wait to see where book 3 takes us! I'd highly recommend this book to sci-fi lovers. It's so so good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2022
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, so I was excited to check out the sequel. It's been just about a year since I read Apprentice, so it took me a little bit to get settled back into this world. But once I did, I was completely invested once again. I remembered just how compelling it was, how great the characters were, and how disturbing the Love Collective was. This is not a standalone, so be sure to read book one before diving into Elite.
Kerr Flick, or Cadence as we now know her real name to be, has just gotten her old memories back, and it's overwhelming, to say the least. Especially considering her special skill. She's been brainwashed to think and act a certain way, so for her to discover that pretty much everything she knows is a carefully constructed lie is, putting it mildly, jarring. It's a lot to take in. There were times where she was very stubborn and a bit childish. But considering the fact that her world has essentially been turned upside down, her attitude wasn't unrealistic. But it did get on my nerves a bit after a while, though.
I really liked getting a peek at some of her old memories. It was very interesting to see what life was like Before. It was bittersweet, for sure, but very interesting. It really helped get a bigger picture of what was really going on and what was at stake.
I recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a good dystopia. Just be sure to start with book one.
Kerr Flick, or Cadence as we now know her real name to be, has just gotten her old memories back, and it's overwhelming, to say the least. Especially considering her special skill. She's been brainwashed to think and act a certain way, so for her to discover that pretty much everything she knows is a carefully constructed lie is, putting it mildly, jarring. It's a lot to take in. There were times where she was very stubborn and a bit childish. But considering the fact that her world has essentially been turned upside down, her attitude wasn't unrealistic. But it did get on my nerves a bit after a while, though.
I really liked getting a peek at some of her old memories. It was very interesting to see what life was like Before. It was bittersweet, for sure, but very interesting. It really helped get a bigger picture of what was really going on and what was at stake.
I recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a good dystopia. Just be sure to start with book one.
September 26, 2022
I need Book Three now!!
September 1, 2021
ELITE by Kristen Young is book two in The Collective Underground Series. This book continues the story of Apprentice Kerr Flick, so be sure to read Apprentice (book one) first.
What I liked:
As Apprentice Flick makes her own discoveries, we learn more about the Collective as a society. The character development continues to be fascinating and the world building is also really well-done. In order to keep this review spoiler-free, I’m just gonna say you need to read these books!
What I didn’t like:
Flick’s crush. This book *is* YA fiction, so I guess I should have expected the girl-falls-for-boy trope. But I think it just felt “off” to me compared to the rest of the story.
Despite the annoying-to-me crush, I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to book three!
5/5⭐️
Note: I received an ebook ARC from the publisher to read. All opinions expressed here are my own.
What I liked:
As Apprentice Flick makes her own discoveries, we learn more about the Collective as a society. The character development continues to be fascinating and the world building is also really well-done. In order to keep this review spoiler-free, I’m just gonna say you need to read these books!
What I didn’t like:
Flick’s crush. This book *is* YA fiction, so I guess I should have expected the girl-falls-for-boy trope. But I think it just felt “off” to me compared to the rest of the story.
Despite the annoying-to-me crush, I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to book three!
5/5⭐️
Note: I received an ebook ARC from the publisher to read. All opinions expressed here are my own.
July 10, 2023
Absolutely loved this book (and the whole series – which I definitely recommend you read all of, in order). Flick is such an intriguing character and from the first page, I was totally captivated with her journey and thirst for truth. Even when it hurts, or may go against everything she’s ever known. And those she’s always trusted. Loved that it’s dystopian but with a Christian worldview. I’d recommend it to anyone who loves dystopian, sci fi or YA fiction. This one will stay with me for a long time.
April 25, 2023
I didn't enjoy as much as Book One, but looking forward to see where the story goes.
September 4, 2021
'Elite' is Book 2 in Kristen Young's 'Collective Underground' series. Although there is enough backstory to enable you to follow the plot without reading Book 1, it will mean a lot more to you if you read the books in sequence.
In Apprentice, the first book, Flick Kerr is one of the lucky few to be chosen for training at the Elite Academy of the Love Collective, an organisation that roots out Haters who could threaten their 'utopian' society. With her extraordinary photographic memory, Flick dreams of being the best of the best, but things are not as they seem. Apprentice was a stunning debut novel. We pick up the story for Book 2 not long after Flick has been assigned to the cadre that will define her life's work.
I really enjoyed the first book in the series, and 'Elite' is just as good. I empathised with Flick as she struggled to come to grips with her memories and the new revelations that shook the foundations of what she had known.
The writing is excellent, with great use of evocative imagery and strong verbs that help the reader to experience what Flick is going through. For example:
'Every memory is a string of barbed wire, lacerating my emotions.'
'My life is a series of dropped notes. I break the melody every time I appear.'
'Understanding is like a star exploding into existence.'
The first book was underpinned by a Christian worldview, but the Christian allegory is much stronger in 'Elite'. As Flick gets to know the Sirens, a secret underground community, she learns that she is not alone and that there is a Composer who cares about her.
'The music carries something else, too. A Someone who has been waiting for me. Composer, Lyric, and Muse, the three/one who has my times held tightly in his hands. The Someone who has offered to heal my broken melody, replacing it with his own.'
However, such knowledge is dangerous in Elite Academy, and Flick faces plenty of ethical dilemmas and close calls as she tries to work out her place in the grand scheme. Can she follow unjust orders if there is a greater good to be achieved? Will her memories continue to haunt her or can she be healed and made whole? Can she risk her life to save others?
Although 'Elite' deals with a dystopian world, there were also some interesting parallels with contemporary society, especially regarding issues of truth, misinformation, 'cancel culture', fake news and outright lies.
'Sometimes the truth gets hidden when the powerful want to tell a different story.'
The reliance of the Love Collective citizens on electronic devices, such as infotabs and VR, also made me think of our dependence on the digital world here in the 2020s, and the pros and cons of our far-reaching digital footprints. Definitely lots of food for thought.
This book is every bit as good, if not better, than other YA dystopian books I have read, but it is more than that. It deserves a wider readership due to the quality of the writing, the universal themes, the suspenseful elements, and its examination of faith issues in an intriguing way. Ultimately, it has a message of hope. We are truly loved and can find forgiveness through the one who holds our life in his hands.
(Thank you to Enclave Publishing for providing an advance digital copy of the book for the purposes of review. All opinions are my own.)
In Apprentice, the first book, Flick Kerr is one of the lucky few to be chosen for training at the Elite Academy of the Love Collective, an organisation that roots out Haters who could threaten their 'utopian' society. With her extraordinary photographic memory, Flick dreams of being the best of the best, but things are not as they seem. Apprentice was a stunning debut novel. We pick up the story for Book 2 not long after Flick has been assigned to the cadre that will define her life's work.
I really enjoyed the first book in the series, and 'Elite' is just as good. I empathised with Flick as she struggled to come to grips with her memories and the new revelations that shook the foundations of what she had known.
The writing is excellent, with great use of evocative imagery and strong verbs that help the reader to experience what Flick is going through. For example:
'Every memory is a string of barbed wire, lacerating my emotions.'
'My life is a series of dropped notes. I break the melody every time I appear.'
'Understanding is like a star exploding into existence.'
The first book was underpinned by a Christian worldview, but the Christian allegory is much stronger in 'Elite'. As Flick gets to know the Sirens, a secret underground community, she learns that she is not alone and that there is a Composer who cares about her.
'The music carries something else, too. A Someone who has been waiting for me. Composer, Lyric, and Muse, the three/one who has my times held tightly in his hands. The Someone who has offered to heal my broken melody, replacing it with his own.'
However, such knowledge is dangerous in Elite Academy, and Flick faces plenty of ethical dilemmas and close calls as she tries to work out her place in the grand scheme. Can she follow unjust orders if there is a greater good to be achieved? Will her memories continue to haunt her or can she be healed and made whole? Can she risk her life to save others?
Although 'Elite' deals with a dystopian world, there were also some interesting parallels with contemporary society, especially regarding issues of truth, misinformation, 'cancel culture', fake news and outright lies.
'Sometimes the truth gets hidden when the powerful want to tell a different story.'
The reliance of the Love Collective citizens on electronic devices, such as infotabs and VR, also made me think of our dependence on the digital world here in the 2020s, and the pros and cons of our far-reaching digital footprints. Definitely lots of food for thought.
This book is every bit as good, if not better, than other YA dystopian books I have read, but it is more than that. It deserves a wider readership due to the quality of the writing, the universal themes, the suspenseful elements, and its examination of faith issues in an intriguing way. Ultimately, it has a message of hope. We are truly loved and can find forgiveness through the one who holds our life in his hands.
(Thank you to Enclave Publishing for providing an advance digital copy of the book for the purposes of review. All opinions are my own.)
January 16, 2022
This story picks up immediately after the concluding events of the first book in the series. I highly recommend reading that first book before reading this one. There are a couple of scenes where prior knowledge of the cultural setting specific to this world are essential to gain a full understanding of the implications, particularly when one of Cadence's earlier enemies reappears to cause problems.
There is a tension between characters that builds as the story unfolds and brings key elements to light. Cadence has been indoctrinated from an early age to accept orders without hesitation, and now she is faced with decisions that hold life and death implications for people around her. She didn't choose the journey she is on, nor did she choose her companions. She definitely didn't request the twisted man who has the power to brand her a Hater if she fails to meet his exacting standards.
Woven into this tale there are decisions to make about who to believe and who to trust. I confess that I made a choice not to trust one of the characters very early in the book, and that filter affected how I approached key scenes.
Cadence asks good questions about how she should deal with the uncertainties, and I was pleased that many of the answers came as a pleasant surprise both to her in the story and to me as a delighted reader. I was especially pleased with the build-up to the climax, where carefully wrought plans were uncovered and real motivations revealed.
I highly recommend this book for readers looking for a well-crafted, thought-provoking story. I look forward to reading the next instalment.
There is a tension between characters that builds as the story unfolds and brings key elements to light. Cadence has been indoctrinated from an early age to accept orders without hesitation, and now she is faced with decisions that hold life and death implications for people around her. She didn't choose the journey she is on, nor did she choose her companions. She definitely didn't request the twisted man who has the power to brand her a Hater if she fails to meet his exacting standards.
Woven into this tale there are decisions to make about who to believe and who to trust. I confess that I made a choice not to trust one of the characters very early in the book, and that filter affected how I approached key scenes.
Cadence asks good questions about how she should deal with the uncertainties, and I was pleased that many of the answers came as a pleasant surprise both to her in the story and to me as a delighted reader. I was especially pleased with the build-up to the climax, where carefully wrought plans were uncovered and real motivations revealed.
I highly recommend this book for readers looking for a well-crafted, thought-provoking story. I look forward to reading the next instalment.
October 13, 2021
Flick is back again for an epic adventure. This time, the stakes are higher and trusting the wrong person guarantees death. I love how the composer was woven into this gripping tale of faith in the most difficult situations and leaning into the One who sees and knows all. Reading through Flick's trials as she takes back her memories and struggles with forgiving herself for the sins of her past make her relatable and turn this YA book into a novel people of all ages can enjoy. The other characters we encounter along Flick's journey create a visual representation of daily struggles and obstacles Flick faces as a new believer. She must stand her ground but somehow manage to survive the collective. A great novel and one I will read again. I do recommend you read the series in order so that you have a better grasp of the story. I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. I was not Required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
September 18, 2022
If you are interested in Elite but haven’t read Apprentice, the first book in Kristen Young’s Love Collective series, then please stop reading now and read Apprentice first.
Why? Because Elite starts almost exactly where Apprentice ends, so it’s impossible to write this review without including some information that’s going to be a spoiler for Apprentice.
Click here to read my review of Apprentice.
Still here? Then I’m going to assume you’ve read Apprentice.
As I said, Elite starts where Apprentice ends: with Kerr Flick aka Cadence about to have her memories of her first five years restored. She discovers she didn’t fail her Watcher exam, and has been accepted as a Watcher.
Now she has to navigate endless training under the direct supervision of a senior official, balance that against her newfound knowledge about the Love Collective, the Haters and Lyric, and work out what her new dorm-mate is thinking … Who can she trust?
Sometimes the truth gets hidden when the powerful want to tell a different story.
It’s a fast-paced and compelling story set in a dystopian future that pretends it’s utopian, and keeps the masses quiet with an endless diet of apps and entertainment (bread and circuses, anyone?). As with Apprentice, the story has clear parallels with our own world, and the ending is both an end and a beginning. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Elite by Australian author Kristen Young is the second book in the Collective Underground series, a fast-paced and compelling story set in a dystopian future that pretends it’s utopian.
Thanks to Enclave Publishing for providing a free ebook for review.
Why? Because Elite starts almost exactly where Apprentice ends, so it’s impossible to write this review without including some information that’s going to be a spoiler for Apprentice.
Click here to read my review of Apprentice.
Still here? Then I’m going to assume you’ve read Apprentice.
As I said, Elite starts where Apprentice ends: with Kerr Flick aka Cadence about to have her memories of her first five years restored. She discovers she didn’t fail her Watcher exam, and has been accepted as a Watcher.
Now she has to navigate endless training under the direct supervision of a senior official, balance that against her newfound knowledge about the Love Collective, the Haters and Lyric, and work out what her new dorm-mate is thinking … Who can she trust?
Sometimes the truth gets hidden when the powerful want to tell a different story.
It’s a fast-paced and compelling story set in a dystopian future that pretends it’s utopian, and keeps the masses quiet with an endless diet of apps and entertainment (bread and circuses, anyone?). As with Apprentice, the story has clear parallels with our own world, and the ending is both an end and a beginning. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Elite by Australian author Kristen Young is the second book in the Collective Underground series, a fast-paced and compelling story set in a dystopian future that pretends it’s utopian.
Thanks to Enclave Publishing for providing a free ebook for review.
October 9, 2021
In Elite, now an Elite Apprentice, Flick is training to be a Watcher. She is balancing her training, her restored memories, and involvement in a secret society, the Sirens. Can she balance her dual identity as a Siren and a Watcher?
Young continues Flick’s journey in this dystopian world, with more faith elements woven into the story (Lyric, Composer, Muse representing Jesus, God, and the Spirit). Flick struggles with her past, now that she knows her role in her mother’s death. She also finds out more about her parents’ beliefs. Can she accept forgiveness for her past as she discovers her true identity?
The book is filled with memorable characters and a tightly-written storyline. Intensity builds in the latter half of the book as secrets are revealed and an enemy masquerading as a friend is discovered. Apprentice (Book 1) should be read first, as Elite builds on where it ended. Apprentice was the 2021 Realm Award winner for Science Fiction and Book of the Year.
Readers will be left eagerly anticipating the third book, which is expected in early 2022.
Recommended for older teen and young adult collections in public libraries, and fans of The Hunger Games, Blaze Runner, and other dystopian novels will enjoy this series.
Disclaimer: Book reviews are my honest opinion of books I either purchased or received free of cost from the publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write reviews, nor to even post positive reviews.
Young continues Flick’s journey in this dystopian world, with more faith elements woven into the story (Lyric, Composer, Muse representing Jesus, God, and the Spirit). Flick struggles with her past, now that she knows her role in her mother’s death. She also finds out more about her parents’ beliefs. Can she accept forgiveness for her past as she discovers her true identity?
The book is filled with memorable characters and a tightly-written storyline. Intensity builds in the latter half of the book as secrets are revealed and an enemy masquerading as a friend is discovered. Apprentice (Book 1) should be read first, as Elite builds on where it ended. Apprentice was the 2021 Realm Award winner for Science Fiction and Book of the Year.
Readers will be left eagerly anticipating the third book, which is expected in early 2022.
Recommended for older teen and young adult collections in public libraries, and fans of The Hunger Games, Blaze Runner, and other dystopian novels will enjoy this series.
Disclaimer: Book reviews are my honest opinion of books I either purchased or received free of cost from the publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write reviews, nor to even post positive reviews.
October 2, 2021
Elite
By Kristen Young
Book 2 in the Collective Underground series
Rating: 4/5
It’s always interesting returning to a series you started reading but not being sure you’ll like the sequel. Don’t be fooled; you will enjoy this next installment from the author. She further expands this universe and does not disappoint. She has a way of drawing the reader into her world and making you care for her characters. When secrets are revealed, things get a little more crazy but the author is just getting started and you can’t stop reading. My only wish is to hear the song for real. I love how the author weaves in the faith aspects.
Highly recommend if you love YA dystopian with lots of adventure and mystery with a hint of romance.
My thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.
By Kristen Young
Book 2 in the Collective Underground series
Rating: 4/5
It’s always interesting returning to a series you started reading but not being sure you’ll like the sequel. Don’t be fooled; you will enjoy this next installment from the author. She further expands this universe and does not disappoint. She has a way of drawing the reader into her world and making you care for her characters. When secrets are revealed, things get a little more crazy but the author is just getting started and you can’t stop reading. My only wish is to hear the song for real. I love how the author weaves in the faith aspects.
Highly recommend if you love YA dystopian with lots of adventure and mystery with a hint of romance.
My thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.
October 27, 2021
This is the second book in a series. I’m not huge into sci-fi and this is a sci-fi series. However, my oldest son and daughter love the stuff and so I read it to make sure it’s something I want them to read. Because you just never know what is good and isn’t these days.
After reading Elite I have to say I can’t find a single thing wrong with it. It keeps you reading. You need to find out what is going to happen. The characters are engaging and you become invested in what is going to happen to them. Definitely a series I’m okay with my kids reading and I recommend to you as well.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
After reading Elite I have to say I can’t find a single thing wrong with it. It keeps you reading. You need to find out what is going to happen. The characters are engaging and you become invested in what is going to happen to them. Definitely a series I’m okay with my kids reading and I recommend to you as well.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
June 26, 2023
This is the sequel to Apprentice. Elite Apprentice Flick's life has completely changed - but she can't let anyone know or else she possibly will be killed.
This book has a completely difference feel than the first book. Where we left off in the previous book, Flick became a Watcher Apprentice - the ones who see all. She didn't know exactly what it entailed at first but quickly found out. But that's not all she became - she has regained her memory and realized who the Love Collective really is and has learned about Composer and joined an underground group who runs under the radar of the Collective's all-seeing eye.
This book brings a lot more religion into with lots of allegories: Composer is God, Lyric is Jesus, Muse is the Holy Spirit, the Song is the Bible and Sirens are Christians.
We find out that Sirens are being persecuted by instantly being labels as Haters and being put to death. The Sirens are trying to do Composer's will and take down the Love Collective through him. They're starting by reversing the memory wipe that the Collective has done to children that were stolen from Sirens. Flick, or Candace as we learned is her real name, struggles with her newfound faith and sometimes doubts her actions against the Collective as being the right thing to do. I loved the internal struggle that she has throughout the book with all of this! I feel like many times in dystopian novels the protagonist just 'knows' they're doing the right thing and doesn't doubt themselves.
They kick up the romance aspect a bit more with Wil but something about his behavior with Flick doesn't sit well with her. However she is trusting and finds herself pushing aside any ill feelings because she cannot stand the feeling that she has disappointed him. Wil leads Flick on through the entire book but nothing some outs of it. There is a scene where they go to a Love Hotel on mission under the precept that they are there to enjoy the lax rules about Apprentice's being close during the season of Triumph, however nothing happens between them.
Speaking of Triumph, it is a celebration of Triumph over Hate and the Haterman. This is the only time of the year that the rules about relationships between Collective members is withdrawn and its a time for Love to reign. So essentially all the Apprentices are partnering up. There is no mention about sex, but the underlying idea is definitely there.
We also learn more about how the Collective controls the citizens in this novel. It's not just through blind obedience or fear of being labeled as a Hater - They use different types of mental programing through technology to make everyone complacent in their lives.
I will say that since this book has a completely different feel than the previous book, I did struggle to get into it at first because of my own expectations on how the story was going. Where the last one was slower paced and more about Flick living in the Collective, this one was more about her struggle with faith and finding herself. However I am so glad I stuck to it because I absolutely loved the book! I cannot wait to get my hands on the next one!!
This book has a completely difference feel than the first book. Where we left off in the previous book, Flick became a Watcher Apprentice - the ones who see all. She didn't know exactly what it entailed at first but quickly found out. But that's not all she became - she has regained her memory and realized who the Love Collective really is and has learned about Composer and joined an underground group who runs under the radar of the Collective's all-seeing eye.
This book brings a lot more religion into with lots of allegories: Composer is God, Lyric is Jesus, Muse is the Holy Spirit, the Song is the Bible and Sirens are Christians.
We find out that Sirens are being persecuted by instantly being labels as Haters and being put to death. The Sirens are trying to do Composer's will and take down the Love Collective through him. They're starting by reversing the memory wipe that the Collective has done to children that were stolen from Sirens. Flick, or Candace as we learned is her real name, struggles with her newfound faith and sometimes doubts her actions against the Collective as being the right thing to do. I loved the internal struggle that she has throughout the book with all of this! I feel like many times in dystopian novels the protagonist just 'knows' they're doing the right thing and doesn't doubt themselves.
They kick up the romance aspect a bit more with Wil but something about his behavior with Flick doesn't sit well with her. However she is trusting and finds herself pushing aside any ill feelings because she cannot stand the feeling that she has disappointed him. Wil leads Flick on through the entire book but nothing some outs of it. There is a scene where they go to a Love Hotel on mission under the precept that they are there to enjoy the lax rules about Apprentice's being close during the season of Triumph, however nothing happens between them.
Speaking of Triumph, it is a celebration of Triumph over Hate and the Haterman. This is the only time of the year that the rules about relationships between Collective members is withdrawn and its a time for Love to reign. So essentially all the Apprentices are partnering up. There is no mention about sex, but the underlying idea is definitely there.
We also learn more about how the Collective controls the citizens in this novel. It's not just through blind obedience or fear of being labeled as a Hater - They use different types of mental programing through technology to make everyone complacent in their lives.
I will say that since this book has a completely different feel than the previous book, I did struggle to get into it at first because of my own expectations on how the story was going. Where the last one was slower paced and more about Flick living in the Collective, this one was more about her struggle with faith and finding herself. However I am so glad I stuck to it because I absolutely loved the book! I cannot wait to get my hands on the next one!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2024
Apprentice Flick was unprepared for what the Elite Academy would be like, especially training as a Watcher. She is separated from pretty much everyone else most of the time, and she's finding it increasingly hard to put on a front of a perfect Watcher and pick out Haters from surveillance when she can remember the faces of every single person she marks to be arrested. The one spot of hope in her world is the Siren underground. They've helped her recover her memories AND keep her position in the Elite Academy. But is what they are telling her about Lyric and the Composer and the alternative to the Love Collective's way really true? And if it is, could it possibly be open to someone like her? She wants to believe she can be, and so she accepts the assignment to covertly go on missions to retrieve fragments of the Song under the guise of Watcher training. If she's found out, though, it could mean death for her and everyone else in the Sirens.
I listened to a lot of this on audiobook and I don't know if it was the narrator's voice or the pacing, but I found it super easy to put down. Eventually they uncover a plot to bomb the festival by a rogue group who have used the Sirens, and that had me reading the last 1/3 much faster. Lyric, the Composers, and the Sirens have obvious parallels to Jesus, God, and Christianity. The Song fragments are paraphrases of actual passages from the Bible. So it kind of imagines a far future when Christianity has become so persecuted the believers have adopted code language and far underground. Flick (aka Cadence, which she remembers her real name to be) has a very hard time dealing with her memories once she fully regains them because she realizes she unknowingly seriously hurt loved ones. It takes a while for her to accept forgiveness and get in a better mind frame. She's also pretty naive and some others are trying to take advantage of that, and I spent half the book wanting to yell at her to not listen to certain people. I did like enough of this that I will be reading book 3, and I have some students who have read book 1 and are eager for this rest.
Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: Thee's a big festival happening for half the book that allows apprentices to fraternize for 1 week with no repercussions. Flick describes finding others draped all over each other (that's about all the description), and another apprentice takes her to a hotel where the owner thinks they are using the room for certain purposes during this week (they don't do any such thing, she's listening to and memorizing a song). There's only a kiss on page.
Violence: People being beaten to death are part of Flick's traumatic memories. This is somewhat described and bothers her a lot. There's an attempted bombing.
Ethnic diversity: Appearances/ethnic background aren't really described much.
LGBTQ+ content: None specified.
Other: Flick has been a victim of brainwashing. There's a lot of subterfuge and secrets involved in the plot.
I listened to a lot of this on audiobook and I don't know if it was the narrator's voice or the pacing, but I found it super easy to put down. Eventually they uncover a plot to bomb the festival by a rogue group who have used the Sirens, and that had me reading the last 1/3 much faster. Lyric, the Composers, and the Sirens have obvious parallels to Jesus, God, and Christianity. The Song fragments are paraphrases of actual passages from the Bible. So it kind of imagines a far future when Christianity has become so persecuted the believers have adopted code language and far underground. Flick (aka Cadence, which she remembers her real name to be) has a very hard time dealing with her memories once she fully regains them because she realizes she unknowingly seriously hurt loved ones. It takes a while for her to accept forgiveness and get in a better mind frame. She's also pretty naive and some others are trying to take advantage of that, and I spent half the book wanting to yell at her to not listen to certain people. I did like enough of this that I will be reading book 3, and I have some students who have read book 1 and are eager for this rest.
Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: Thee's a big festival happening for half the book that allows apprentices to fraternize for 1 week with no repercussions. Flick describes finding others draped all over each other (that's about all the description), and another apprentice takes her to a hotel where the owner thinks they are using the room for certain purposes during this week (they don't do any such thing, she's listening to and memorizing a song). There's only a kiss on page.
Violence: People being beaten to death are part of Flick's traumatic memories. This is somewhat described and bothers her a lot. There's an attempted bombing.
Ethnic diversity: Appearances/ethnic background aren't really described much.
LGBTQ+ content: None specified.
Other: Flick has been a victim of brainwashing. There's a lot of subterfuge and secrets involved in the plot.
October 15, 2021
Allow me to first apply a disclaimer to this review: I did not read the first one. I don’t know how that happened, since the dystopian genre is usually right up my alley, but somehow I did. So my first recommendation is absolutely to read this compelling and exciting book, but my second is to read the first book first.
I will admit, I was largely lost when I landed in this world. It has some chilling similarities to our own, but I missed out on all the world-building of the first book. The author does a good job of trying to help the reader who may need a refresher, but this book is very definitely the second in a series and to rehash all of it would have been a disservice to those who were anticipating the continuation of the story they began in book one.
I enjoyed the characters a lot, and the situations the author puts them in are excruciating. Do you save your enemy at the risk of those you love? Do you embrace their methods to achieve the end of their reign, or do you choose to live by what you say you believe? I was never sure how Young was going to get them out of the mess they were in, and I found myself eagerly turning pages. The stakes remain high throughout the novel.
The spiritual content is strong and I loved how the events show, even when we feel the most isolated, God never abandons His people. This is especially important given the atmosphere our teens are experiencing right now. They may live within a hostile society, but even when we can’t be with them as parents, they never walk alone. That’s an excellent reminder for both parents and teens.
This will be one I gift to my own teens who enjoy dystopian themes, because of the hope that sings through the pages, even when things seem darkest. But I’ll certainly make sure they have both books to read in order, and if I read it before I wrap it, well, don’t let them know that, okay?
I received a review copy of this book through Celebrate Lit but was not required to post a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own.
I will admit, I was largely lost when I landed in this world. It has some chilling similarities to our own, but I missed out on all the world-building of the first book. The author does a good job of trying to help the reader who may need a refresher, but this book is very definitely the second in a series and to rehash all of it would have been a disservice to those who were anticipating the continuation of the story they began in book one.
I enjoyed the characters a lot, and the situations the author puts them in are excruciating. Do you save your enemy at the risk of those you love? Do you embrace their methods to achieve the end of their reign, or do you choose to live by what you say you believe? I was never sure how Young was going to get them out of the mess they were in, and I found myself eagerly turning pages. The stakes remain high throughout the novel.
The spiritual content is strong and I loved how the events show, even when we feel the most isolated, God never abandons His people. This is especially important given the atmosphere our teens are experiencing right now. They may live within a hostile society, but even when we can’t be with them as parents, they never walk alone. That’s an excellent reminder for both parents and teens.
This will be one I gift to my own teens who enjoy dystopian themes, because of the hope that sings through the pages, even when things seem darkest. But I’ll certainly make sure they have both books to read in order, and if I read it before I wrap it, well, don’t let them know that, okay?
I received a review copy of this book through Celebrate Lit but was not required to post a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own.
August 24, 2021
Elite commences pretty much straight after Apprentice ends. Accordingly, may I encourage someone new to Young's stories they start with Apprentice otherwise, Elite might be a struggle to get into.
Kerr Flick, we now know is Cadence, her real name, the name she was before she arrived at the Collective before the memory of her previous life was erased. Or was it? Akela and Wil help her to learn about her past by remembering, all while she is learning to become a Watcher, the most 'elite' of the roles within the Collective. Watchers are the 'hater' police; they learn to spot haters and call on the "Love Squad' to capture and imprison them.
Cadence grapples with her dual identity and the need to ensure she isn't made out for knowing her other self. Training to be a Watcher is demanding and she doesn't immediately gravitate to it because she's not naturally inclined to be sentencing others to such a terrible life.
There's a lovely spiritual thread that runs through this story that I really enjoyed. As her memories return she discovers who her parents were and what faith they all shared. Akela has assigned Cadence a special role with the Underground, to learn the 'song' of love, the song that will bring hope and freedom. It's clever writing as we see how the love of God begins to transform Cadence.
Even though the last third of the story is riveting I found there were times earlier in the story where I felt we were going through the motions rather than the story really moving forward. As a result, I didn't find it as enjoyable a read as Apprentice, which was a surprising delight.
Some reviewers have mentioned a third in the series but I've not seen any confirmation of a third. I do hope there is a third as I felt there is still some unfinished business for Cadence. I guess we'll have to wait and see.
I received an early ebook copy from the publisher with no expectations of a favourable review.
Kerr Flick, we now know is Cadence, her real name, the name she was before she arrived at the Collective before the memory of her previous life was erased. Or was it? Akela and Wil help her to learn about her past by remembering, all while she is learning to become a Watcher, the most 'elite' of the roles within the Collective. Watchers are the 'hater' police; they learn to spot haters and call on the "Love Squad' to capture and imprison them.
Cadence grapples with her dual identity and the need to ensure she isn't made out for knowing her other self. Training to be a Watcher is demanding and she doesn't immediately gravitate to it because she's not naturally inclined to be sentencing others to such a terrible life.
There's a lovely spiritual thread that runs through this story that I really enjoyed. As her memories return she discovers who her parents were and what faith they all shared. Akela has assigned Cadence a special role with the Underground, to learn the 'song' of love, the song that will bring hope and freedom. It's clever writing as we see how the love of God begins to transform Cadence.
Even though the last third of the story is riveting I found there were times earlier in the story where I felt we were going through the motions rather than the story really moving forward. As a result, I didn't find it as enjoyable a read as Apprentice, which was a surprising delight.
Some reviewers have mentioned a third in the series but I've not seen any confirmation of a third. I do hope there is a third as I felt there is still some unfinished business for Cadence. I guess we'll have to wait and see.
I received an early ebook copy from the publisher with no expectations of a favourable review.
September 30, 2021
Sometimes remembering a traumatic event can be harmful or it can set you free. Flick is now starting to have memories that she can’t quite grasp yet. I think she was a little shocked to find out what her real name was. But for my review I am choosing to use Flick as it is familiar to readers. I’m not sure everyone is happy that Flick is experiencing memories. What if she finds out that somewhere hidden in her mind is a dangerous situation that could cause damage to many? I’m already trying to turn the pages as fast as I can to see what happens next.
For me there was an uneasiness as Flick starts her training as a watcher. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but I felt something was off. The author really delivers a story that stirs emotions that range from terror to complete peace. I noticed that Flick is struggling with doing something in her past that stops her from feeling accepted. I know I have felt that way many times. We have all messed up at one point, but the good news is that we are forgiven. I appreciate the way the author uses faith in the story that delivers great life lessons. The description of Lyric is filled with love and hope. I liked when Hodge says, “he takes your broken melody and replaces it with his own. He doesn’t force you to follow him.” I loved this moment when Flick realizes she can be healed from the painful memories and have a better life.
The last part of the book is so so good. Here we find out who to trust and who has been deceiving everyone. It is an adrenaline rush as I walk beside Flick and watch as everything around her starts to crumble. Will everything she holds close be destroyed by hate? It is a heart ponding moment as Flick and Hodge try to do the right thing. The enemy is closing in and there is no time to second guess decisions. The author leaves me wanting more after I read the last page.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
For me there was an uneasiness as Flick starts her training as a watcher. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but I felt something was off. The author really delivers a story that stirs emotions that range from terror to complete peace. I noticed that Flick is struggling with doing something in her past that stops her from feeling accepted. I know I have felt that way many times. We have all messed up at one point, but the good news is that we are forgiven. I appreciate the way the author uses faith in the story that delivers great life lessons. The description of Lyric is filled with love and hope. I liked when Hodge says, “he takes your broken melody and replaces it with his own. He doesn’t force you to follow him.” I loved this moment when Flick realizes she can be healed from the painful memories and have a better life.
The last part of the book is so so good. Here we find out who to trust and who has been deceiving everyone. It is an adrenaline rush as I walk beside Flick and watch as everything around her starts to crumble. Will everything she holds close be destroyed by hate? It is a heart ponding moment as Flick and Hodge try to do the right thing. The enemy is closing in and there is no time to second guess decisions. The author leaves me wanting more after I read the last page.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
March 20, 2023
Binge worthy! This is the second book in a three part series, that had me listening to the other books as well in a span of 6 days.
***I listened to the audiobooks, and did not read the print versions***
***I listened to the audiobooks, and did not read the print versions***
May 9, 2025
Elite is a thrilling sequel to Apprentice—but make sure you refresh your memory of the first book before reading. I went too long between reading the first and second books, and I was having a rough time remembering names and what had happened.
Cadence grows a lot throughout this book, and I loved watching her grapple with unforeseen circumstances and conflicts, trying to navigate how to respond when there was no right way forward. There’s a character in this one that I definitely DON’T like… but I should not spoil things. Even though I could say so much. Toxic people are real, my friends.
My one complaint is that there are SO many flashbacks. I really don’t mind the ones that tied to her childhood, but the ones recounting events in the last book, or when we zoomed ahead to some action, and kept flashing back to the build-up… it just wasn’t my favorite. I get that Cadence’s memory is a key piece of her character. I get it. But I really would rather just progress through the events of the story in chronological order.
However, compared to the first book, Elite was TEEMING with faith content, and Kristen Young did a fabulous job with her analogy—I love that it all ties to music. And Cadence getting to be part of a faith community… we love it.
Also, I love Cam and wish with my whole heart that he could be a Siren and Cadence’s love interest. But alas, it is not meant to be.
Definitely a fun read, and one I highly recommend to Christian readers looking for science fiction/dystopian!
I listened to the audiobook of Elite of my own free will (thanks, library!), and all opinions are entirely my own.
Cadence grows a lot throughout this book, and I loved watching her grapple with unforeseen circumstances and conflicts, trying to navigate how to respond when there was no right way forward. There’s a character in this one that I definitely DON’T like… but I should not spoil things. Even though I could say so much. Toxic people are real, my friends.
My one complaint is that there are SO many flashbacks. I really don’t mind the ones that tied to her childhood, but the ones recounting events in the last book, or when we zoomed ahead to some action, and kept flashing back to the build-up… it just wasn’t my favorite. I get that Cadence’s memory is a key piece of her character. I get it. But I really would rather just progress through the events of the story in chronological order.
However, compared to the first book, Elite was TEEMING with faith content, and Kristen Young did a fabulous job with her analogy—I love that it all ties to music. And Cadence getting to be part of a faith community… we love it.
Also, I love Cam and wish with my whole heart that he could be a Siren and Cadence’s love interest. But alas, it is not meant to be.
Definitely a fun read, and one I highly recommend to Christian readers looking for science fiction/dystopian!
I listened to the audiobook of Elite of my own free will (thanks, library!), and all opinions are entirely my own.
October 9, 2021
In Elite, now an Elite Apprentice, Flick is training to be a Watcher. She is balancing her training, her restored memories, and involvement in a secret society, the Sirens. Can she balance her dual identity as a Siren and a Watcher?
Young continues Flick’s journey in this dystopian world, with more faith elements woven into the story (Lyric, Composer, Muse representing Jesus, God, and the Spirit). Flick struggles with her past, now that she knows her role in her mother’s death. She also finds out more about her parents’ beliefs. Can she accept forgiveness for her past as she discovers her true identity?
The book is filled with memorable characters and a tightly-written storyline. Intensity builds in the latter half of the book as secrets are revealed and an enemy masquerading as a friend is discovered. Apprentice (Book 1) should be read first, as Elite builds on where it ended. Apprentice was the 2021 Realm Award winner for Science Fiction and Book of the Year.
Readers will be left eagerly anticipating the third book, which is expected in early 2022.
Recommended for older teen and young adult collections in public libraries, and fans of The Hunger Games, Blaze Runner, and other dystopian novels will enjoy this series.
Disclaimer: Book reviews are my honest opinion of books I either purchased or received free of cost from the publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write reviews, nor to even post positive reviews.
Young continues Flick’s journey in this dystopian world, with more faith elements woven into the story (Lyric, Composer, Muse representing Jesus, God, and the Spirit). Flick struggles with her past, now that she knows her role in her mother’s death. She also finds out more about her parents’ beliefs. Can she accept forgiveness for her past as she discovers her true identity?
The book is filled with memorable characters and a tightly-written storyline. Intensity builds in the latter half of the book as secrets are revealed and an enemy masquerading as a friend is discovered. Apprentice (Book 1) should be read first, as Elite builds on where it ended. Apprentice was the 2021 Realm Award winner for Science Fiction and Book of the Year.
Readers will be left eagerly anticipating the third book, which is expected in early 2022.
Recommended for older teen and young adult collections in public libraries, and fans of The Hunger Games, Blaze Runner, and other dystopian novels will enjoy this series.
Disclaimer: Book reviews are my honest opinion of books I either purchased or received free of cost from the publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write reviews, nor to even post positive reviews.
September 30, 2021
What I think you should know:
Elite by Kristen Young is the second book in the Collective Underground series. It is Dystopian / Science Fiction appropriate for Middle grade readers and above. I would not read this book without reading the previous book in the series first. This book picks up directly after the pervious book
What I think about this as a YA Reader.
I had such high expectations coming into this book and Young did not disappoint! Cadence/ Kerr Flick suddenly has regained memories from her childhood that leave her haunted with choices that she unknowingly made. Young goes much more in depth in this book both with Cadence and with the back story. I enjoyed reading as Cadence discovered who she was and who she is choosing to be as well as her remembering the songs that her parents lovingly shared with her. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
What I think about this book as the Mom of a YA Reader:
This is a great book for middle grade readers and above. I would use caution with younger or more immature readers due to the way that the Bible is changed to fit the theme of the story for example : In the beginning was the Lyric. The story has great potential to be used in either a classroom or Homeschool curriculum.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Elite by Kristen Young is the second book in the Collective Underground series. It is Dystopian / Science Fiction appropriate for Middle grade readers and above. I would not read this book without reading the previous book in the series first. This book picks up directly after the pervious book
What I think about this as a YA Reader.
I had such high expectations coming into this book and Young did not disappoint! Cadence/ Kerr Flick suddenly has regained memories from her childhood that leave her haunted with choices that she unknowingly made. Young goes much more in depth in this book both with Cadence and with the back story. I enjoyed reading as Cadence discovered who she was and who she is choosing to be as well as her remembering the songs that her parents lovingly shared with her. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
What I think about this book as the Mom of a YA Reader:
This is a great book for middle grade readers and above. I would use caution with younger or more immature readers due to the way that the Bible is changed to fit the theme of the story for example : In the beginning was the Lyric. The story has great potential to be used in either a classroom or Homeschool curriculum.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
October 2, 2021
Kristen Young has done an excellent job of infusing Christian values into this young adult fantasy novel. I love the way she has taken scripture passages and adapted them for the Song of the Composer included in the text of Elite.
Since it has been awhile since I read Apprentice, the first book in The Collective Underground series, I would have appreciated a little bit of a refresher on what had previously happened in the story. It did take a little while to get myself “up to speed.”
The relationships between Kerr Flick/Cadence, Hodge, and Wil develop in ways that may surprise the reader. As Cadence learns more about the Sirens, she finds love and acceptance she doesn’t ever remember feeling before. There are many similarities between Sirens and Christians.
Elite would make a great addition to a K-12 Christian school library. While there are many Christian/Biblical values in the book - they all come with a different name. Elite and other titles in The Collective Underground series may be appropriate for public school libraries as well.
I received a complimentary copy of Elite. This is my honest review.
Since it has been awhile since I read Apprentice, the first book in The Collective Underground series, I would have appreciated a little bit of a refresher on what had previously happened in the story. It did take a little while to get myself “up to speed.”
The relationships between Kerr Flick/Cadence, Hodge, and Wil develop in ways that may surprise the reader. As Cadence learns more about the Sirens, she finds love and acceptance she doesn’t ever remember feeling before. There are many similarities between Sirens and Christians.
Elite would make a great addition to a K-12 Christian school library. While there are many Christian/Biblical values in the book - they all come with a different name. Elite and other titles in The Collective Underground series may be appropriate for public school libraries as well.
I received a complimentary copy of Elite. This is my honest review.
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