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Exiles #2
Intruders
A conspiracy of fear drives twin sisters in their fight to save the world in a pulse-pounding science fiction adventure by the authors of Exiles.
Nothing in life is to be feared: it is only to be understood.
The Golden State is at war. The Conservators are winning. With an insidious nano reform, they’ve cleaned out cities and upended thousands of Unfortunate lives by controlling a single emotion: inescapable fear.
Billionaire CEO Damon Yates, the only one with the potential clues to stop the threat, has disappeared. Twin sisters Jade and Crys—along with their dedicated crew of Exiles—have fled Los Angeles for a remote Texas hideout and are leading the formidable mission to find him.
Stripped of their life-altering nanobots, however, the sisters struggle to join sides. Jade’s useful fearlessness is gone. And while Crys is happily no longer terrified of her own reflection—or her sister—she still hasn’t found her place outside her old Fortunate life. Divided again, the sisters go their separate ways in search of answers. Now, Crys must learn how to wield fear itself, while Jade desperately seeks to regain her own elusive courage.
But soon the sisters begin to realize they’ll need each other more than ever in order to succeed, because the Conservators’ endgame is more sinister than anyone imagined: they’re not just subjugating the vulnerable; they plan to reshape the world.
A nonstop sci-fi adventure about dreams, disillusionment, and finding salvation in family, Intruders will have you racing through its pages to read the pulse-pounding conclusion to the Exiles series.
Nothing in life is to be feared: it is only to be understood.
The Golden State is at war. The Conservators are winning. With an insidious nano reform, they’ve cleaned out cities and upended thousands of Unfortunate lives by controlling a single emotion: inescapable fear.
Billionaire CEO Damon Yates, the only one with the potential clues to stop the threat, has disappeared. Twin sisters Jade and Crys—along with their dedicated crew of Exiles—have fled Los Angeles for a remote Texas hideout and are leading the formidable mission to find him.
Stripped of their life-altering nanobots, however, the sisters struggle to join sides. Jade’s useful fearlessness is gone. And while Crys is happily no longer terrified of her own reflection—or her sister—she still hasn’t found her place outside her old Fortunate life. Divided again, the sisters go their separate ways in search of answers. Now, Crys must learn how to wield fear itself, while Jade desperately seeks to regain her own elusive courage.
But soon the sisters begin to realize they’ll need each other more than ever in order to succeed, because the Conservators’ endgame is more sinister than anyone imagined: they’re not just subjugating the vulnerable; they plan to reshape the world.
A nonstop sci-fi adventure about dreams, disillusionment, and finding salvation in family, Intruders will have you racing through its pages to read the pulse-pounding conclusion to the Exiles series.
263 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 21, 2023
145 people are currently reading
2020 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Saunders
8 books431 followersTwin sisters Ashley Saunders and Leslie Saunders are the authors of The Rule of One dystopian series and the forthcoming Exiles duology. The sisters honed their love of storytelling in film school at the University of Texas at Austin. After just under a decade penning screenplays and directing commercials, the sisters deliberately stumbled into the world of novel writing. They vow to never leave it. The duo can be found with their Boston terriers in sunny Los Angeles, exploring hiking trails and drinking entirely too much yerba maté.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 22, 2023
It’s a Struggle
I had a hard time getting through this book. Perhaps I’m just done with young adult dystopian novels, but I don’t remember feeling this way about the Rule of One series. I enjoyed the technology advances described and the warning of what horrifying results they can create; the ending was good even though I wasn’t sure if this would actually be the end or a cliffhanger for a third book until I was about 90% done. Once I committed myself to finishing it the second half flowed quickly, but I still have a sense of disappointment now that the series is complete.
I had a hard time getting through this book. Perhaps I’m just done with young adult dystopian novels, but I don’t remember feeling this way about the Rule of One series. I enjoyed the technology advances described and the warning of what horrifying results they can create; the ending was good even though I wasn’t sure if this would actually be the end or a cliffhanger for a third book until I was about 90% done. Once I committed myself to finishing it the second half flowed quickly, but I still have a sense of disappointment now that the series is complete.
March 20, 2023
I was provided an ARC via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.
This is the second book in the Exiles series, I don't feel you can read it as a standalone. There is alot of set up and introduction of the characters in the first book that you really need for this book to make sense.
This picks up shortly after book 1 ends with the twins trying to put their lives and the lives of their siblings back together. All of the siblings have been impacted in some way by the nanobot technology that their foster father developed. A sinister group call the Conservators has begun using that technology to target the homeless population in Los Angeles. As the twins and the core group of siblings work to stop the Conservators, they realize that the homeless aren't the only target. They plan to control the entire world with.
Much like with book 1 I felt that the pacing was a bit slow until the final few chapters at the end. I felt the ending felt rushed and things wrapped up a bit too conveniently. I really thought the premise of the nanobot technology was interesting, but there isn't a ton of time spent exploring the development and science aspect of the nanobots in a lab setting. You just kind of have to accept that it works and that the bots that make them inactive also works. The writing in this was still a felt a bit confusing as things jump around from one thing to another. I was always left feeling as if I missed something as the characters moved from one place to another or one topic to another. I had the same issue with the first book.
Overall I enjoyed seeing how this duology came to a close. The premise was interesting. This is a great series for readers who want to read sci-fi but don't want to get bogged down by the heavy details of all of the science (I love that stuff, but not every reader does). I think this will particularly appeal to young adult readers as there isn't a ton of graphic anything, there is a bit of violence but not much and the language is pretty clean.
This is the second book in the Exiles series, I don't feel you can read it as a standalone. There is alot of set up and introduction of the characters in the first book that you really need for this book to make sense.
This picks up shortly after book 1 ends with the twins trying to put their lives and the lives of their siblings back together. All of the siblings have been impacted in some way by the nanobot technology that their foster father developed. A sinister group call the Conservators has begun using that technology to target the homeless population in Los Angeles. As the twins and the core group of siblings work to stop the Conservators, they realize that the homeless aren't the only target. They plan to control the entire world with.
Much like with book 1 I felt that the pacing was a bit slow until the final few chapters at the end. I felt the ending felt rushed and things wrapped up a bit too conveniently. I really thought the premise of the nanobot technology was interesting, but there isn't a ton of time spent exploring the development and science aspect of the nanobots in a lab setting. You just kind of have to accept that it works and that the bots that make them inactive also works. The writing in this was still a felt a bit confusing as things jump around from one thing to another. I was always left feeling as if I missed something as the characters moved from one place to another or one topic to another. I had the same issue with the first book.
Overall I enjoyed seeing how this duology came to a close. The premise was interesting. This is a great series for readers who want to read sci-fi but don't want to get bogged down by the heavy details of all of the science (I love that stuff, but not every reader does). I think this will particularly appeal to young adult readers as there isn't a ton of graphic anything, there is a bit of violence but not much and the language is pretty clean.
February 9, 2023
Twins, Jade and Crys, along with the rest of the Exiles, must find the cure to the fear inducing nano reform. Its a fight between the Fortunates and the Unfortunates as the Exiles race against time and those trying to stop them.
I was really looking forward to this book after reading book one, Exiles. I found it lacking the sense of urgency that the first book had. However, I really enjoyed how the narrative took the reader all over the world in search of the cure. The rift between Jade and Crys was a little frustrating but I felt satisfied with the resolution. Overall, a good dystopian novel with good action. Definitely recommend reading book one first.
Thank you @netgalley and 47north for letting me read this book.
I was really looking forward to this book after reading book one, Exiles. I found it lacking the sense of urgency that the first book had. However, I really enjoyed how the narrative took the reader all over the world in search of the cure. The rift between Jade and Crys was a little frustrating but I felt satisfied with the resolution. Overall, a good dystopian novel with good action. Definitely recommend reading book one first.
Thank you @netgalley and 47north for letting me read this book.
April 4, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the chance to read this book.
I have been a huge fan of the Saunders sisters since "The Rule of One" series. This book, "Intruders", follows up the first book "Exiles" in a two-part series. The first book pulled me in and this one left me a bit hanging. While I love reading about Crys, Jade, and the rest of their group, I found it to be a little slow and dragged on quite a bit. As a result, I had a hard time staying engaged in the book. There seemed to be a lot of the same scenes which led to the dragging feeling. As a result, as much as I love the Saunders sisters, I would not recommend this book.
I have been a huge fan of the Saunders sisters since "The Rule of One" series. This book, "Intruders", follows up the first book "Exiles" in a two-part series. The first book pulled me in and this one left me a bit hanging. While I love reading about Crys, Jade, and the rest of their group, I found it to be a little slow and dragged on quite a bit. As a result, I had a hard time staying engaged in the book. There seemed to be a lot of the same scenes which led to the dragging feeling. As a result, as much as I love the Saunders sisters, I would not recommend this book.
October 24, 2024
These authors have a special skill of making me cry every time I finish one of their series. Now, this book (and series) really did confuse me at points. The POV jumps are jarring at times, but to be fair the entire story is jarring. At first I was hesitant about re-reading the first book so I could read the second, but I’m really glad I did. Even though I got confused at points, I truly enjoyed the book. Towards the end during the height of the action, the POV switches got on my nerves because I wanted to keep reading a single POV to know what happened, but that’s the mark of a good book to me.
December 15, 2022
I think it's really special that twin sisters in real life are writing books revolving around the idea of sisters that may be different, but realize they need each other. I also really love dystopian tales, so this book was right up my alley. The book is extremely fast-paced. To the point that I had to pause and breathe at a couple of points because I felt like I was sprinting alongside the characters. The authors' have a unique voice and I would highly recommend this read.
I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 5, 2023
Another fabulous day spent in the imaginations of the Saunders twins. When they say write what you know, these two start with the twin bind and go from there. This is the second half of a dystopian future where people are impacted by nanotechnology (for good and evil reasons). Lots of family dynamics, a world of haves and have-nots, a sprinkling of James Bond like mystery, and a touch of romance. Well done. Well enjoyed.
April 8, 2023
Such a fun continuation of the story. These authors have such a unique take on sci-fi and a fun perspective of the sister/twin dynamic. I've really enjoyed this series and am going to read more of their work.
I found this a tiny bit slower paced than the first book but that's not a bad thing! It's a nice even story line with some highs and lows to keep you turning pages.
Content notes: a bit of language and some violence - mostly attempted or threatened, futuristic drug use.
I found this a tiny bit slower paced than the first book but that's not a bad thing! It's a nice even story line with some highs and lows to keep you turning pages.
Content notes: a bit of language and some violence - mostly attempted or threatened, futuristic drug use.
February 7, 2023
I enjoyed this entry into the series. It wasn't as strong as the first book, but kept the story moving along. I felt there was a bit too much story. Some of the stories got confusing, and the new characters introduced didn't get a lot of time to be developed. I still enjoyed the ending, and it wrapped everything up nicely.
May 13, 2023
"You gotta let what’s lost know that you’re confident, or it will disappear."
A predictable ending to this YA sci-fi story. I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first, but was happy for a nice wrap up to the tale!
This second book felt a bit slower with less of the science throughout. The ending felt happy-go-lucky and rushed, but it's always wonderful to have a resolution!
A predictable ending to this YA sci-fi story. I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first, but was happy for a nice wrap up to the tale!
This second book felt a bit slower with less of the science throughout. The ending felt happy-go-lucky and rushed, but it's always wonderful to have a resolution!
July 11, 2023
The plot was interesting, and the writing felt better in this one than on the first one. But this was one of those books with just way too many characters. By the end I had them mostly sorted out, but having ~20 main characters in different situations happening simultaneously was really excessive to keep up with.
January 26, 2024
I have mixed feelings about this series. I found the plot slow to get going in the first book but became hooked and interested about 3/4 of the way through. I found the whole concept of the quest bots and such fascinating. But I found the writing overall to be a bit fragmented and hard to follow at times. Glad I read it but will probably never read it again.
March 18, 2023
Intruders is the sequel to Exiles. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy Exiles. At all. I attempted to read Intruders 3 different times. I read books between to give it a fair chance. I can not get into this book. This series disappointed me. I did not enjoy.
March 25, 2023
Enjoy these authors!
I really enjoy all of the books that these two sisters have written but I will say that this duology was my favorite. I like the idea of the bots, as well as the bioterrorism as that is a current concept. All of the characters keep you invested in the story.
I really enjoy all of the books that these two sisters have written but I will say that this duology was my favorite. I like the idea of the bots, as well as the bioterrorism as that is a current concept. All of the characters keep you invested in the story.
December 23, 2022
This is an intriguing book. It is a departure from their previous works but still quite enthralling. I truly enjoyed it. I think it will be the great beginning of a new series.
Read
April 10, 2023I suspect reading the first book is mandatory for this one. I quit around 10% in since it wasn't making any sense and it wasn't getting better.
April 17, 2023
Plenty intriguing, but it seemed always that something was missing. Apparently, an author can leave too much to the reader.
July 10, 2023
Maybe too much time between reading the first then the second one. The first was fabulous. I couldn’t finish this one.
November 5, 2023
So much happened in this book, and everything abruptly. Still had a fun time with it and liked how it ended though!
May 6, 2024
Enjoyed, better than part 1 as things were concluded properly. It was YA but a very nice little break from reality each night that gripped me.
September 14, 2024
This is a pretty fast-paced novel. A large cast of characters, returning from book 1, propelling us into the next conspiracy. A wide-spread mind-control device. Through the use of fear. I like the uniqueness of this control. I also like how they wrapped it up in this one. Good read.
February 10, 2023
Pulse Pounding Conclusion Evokes ALLEGIANT To A Degree. This is a solid continuation and conclusion of the EXILES story, and both combined are short enough that one almost wonders why the two books (each sub-300 pages) were not simply written as one complete story rather than one story in two halves? It seemed to make sense at the end of EXILES, when at least my own expectation was that this would be a second trilogy from the twin sisters that write twin characters. With this clearly being a short duology now... one begins to question a bit more. Ultimately, I'll leave the 5* and not deduct one for blatant cash grab, but I'll also be interested to see what other readers think on that point, and perhaps hear in some interview or social media post or some such why the decision was made to split the story as it was. That noted, particularly with its emphasis on fear and our heroes having vials that can evoke or conquer fear... yes, this book absolutely has a degree of a feel of ALLEGIANT to it. Which was an interesting connection, given just how reviled the ending to that particular tale was (though to be crystal clear and yet without actually giving anything away, this tale does *not* use the specific type of ending that got ALLEGIANT most of the scorn it has ultimately gotten - scorn that I have disagreed with since the moment I finished that book myself).
And yet, even with these issues this tale really was another pulse-pounding thrill ride, perhaps with fewer questions for the reader to ponder and more fights to marvel at. The sisters continue to show their evolving skills and natural-seeming storytelling talent, and it will be very interesting to see what they come up with next. Very much recommended.
And yet, even with these issues this tale really was another pulse-pounding thrill ride, perhaps with fewer questions for the reader to ponder and more fights to marvel at. The sisters continue to show their evolving skills and natural-seeming storytelling talent, and it will be very interesting to see what they come up with next. Very much recommended.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews