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Cruelest Oblivion Duet #2
Sweetest Awareness
From USA Today & Wall Street Journal bestselling author Michelle Heard, writing as MA Heard, comes the next installment of the Cruelest Oblivion Duet.
With the impending war on our doorstep, I’m training harder than ever to become the woman I was always meant to be.
A warrior.
I’m faced with trials set out to break me, but I keep getting up and walking away stronger than before.
I quickly learn I’m not just fighting for freedom but for a world where women won’t be treated as breeders.
I’m fighting for the future of every woman.
I’m fighting to prove I’m not the coward I always thought I was.
I’m a leader.
Mostly, I’m the woman every man on this planet should fear.
Author’s Note: 18+ ONLY. This book contains mature language, graphic violence, and explicit content.
CRUELEST OBLIVION is book #1 and needs to be read before reading SWEETEST AWARENESS which concludes the duet.
With the impending war on our doorstep, I’m training harder than ever to become the woman I was always meant to be.
A warrior.
I’m faced with trials set out to break me, but I keep getting up and walking away stronger than before.
I quickly learn I’m not just fighting for freedom but for a world where women won’t be treated as breeders.
I’m fighting for the future of every woman.
I’m fighting to prove I’m not the coward I always thought I was.
I’m a leader.
Mostly, I’m the woman every man on this planet should fear.
Author’s Note: 18+ ONLY. This book contains mature language, graphic violence, and explicit content.
CRUELEST OBLIVION is book #1 and needs to be read before reading SWEETEST AWARENESS which concludes the duet.
Kindle Edition
Published November 19, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
November 22, 2022
'🆂🆆🅴🅴🆃🅴🆂🆃 🅰🆆🅰🆁🅴🅽🅴🆂🆂' is the full length conclusion in the Cruelest Oblivion Duet, this picks up where the previous book left off so it really needs to be read in order. This concludes Jai and Chance's story.
I loved Jai's growth, being thrown into the unknown, seeking a mother whom she'd lost contact with, and a father who was the creator of everything wrong in their world. To the life she'd known was all built on lies, to finding a man, a protector, a fighter, their love was pure, they were the perfect combination, of gruff and soft, but side by side with an unruly group of friends they fought to make a change in their world.
Well this was inhaled, this was the perfect conclusion to this duet, my heart literally picked up an extra beat as they went hand in hand into combat, loved the adrenaline racing through my veins and just wanted to stay in this world longer.
I think my reading tastes have changed because I want/need to read similar books like this series...I hope we get to go back.
December 1, 2022
2.5
This story had so much potential. My rating reflects my disappointment that ultimately, it was rushed and feels more like the skeleton of a story than one that's been fully fleshed out. The ending also left much to be desired. If that's all they needed to do to change everything, it could have been done a long time ago. It's mind boggling that it wasn't thought of until this point.
That being said, I seem to be the unpopular opinion, so I recommend you try it for yourself. I love this author's writing style. Both books in the duet are quick reads, and the story has an interesting premise. A lot of people are happy with it just the way it is.
IMO, this had the potential to be an entire series. I got over the fact that it wasn't, but even as a duet, it needed more. With the way it's written now, there's no way this should have been two books. The first installment is only 225 pages, and this one is 165. It could have easily been compiled into one book. I can't think of a reason that it wasn't.
Dystopian romance fans looking for a quick read, the Cruelest Oblivion duet is for you!
This story had so much potential. My rating reflects my disappointment that ultimately, it was rushed and feels more like the skeleton of a story than one that's been fully fleshed out. The ending also left much to be desired. If that's all they needed to do to change everything, it could have been done a long time ago. It's mind boggling that it wasn't thought of until this point.
That being said, I seem to be the unpopular opinion, so I recommend you try it for yourself. I love this author's writing style. Both books in the duet are quick reads, and the story has an interesting premise. A lot of people are happy with it just the way it is.
IMO, this had the potential to be an entire series. I got over the fact that it wasn't, but even as a duet, it needed more. With the way it's written now, there's no way this should have been two books. The first installment is only 225 pages, and this one is 165. It could have easily been compiled into one book. I can't think of a reason that it wasn't.
Dystopian romance fans looking for a quick read, the Cruelest Oblivion duet is for you!
November 21, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (ARC review)
''You.Mean.Everything.To.Me''
Safety warnings:
- No cheating
- No OM drama
- Slight OW drama
- Loss of family/friends/abandonment
- Violence/D*ath
- HEA
We finally get the conclusion to Jai and Chance's story! I was happy we didn't have to wait too long to find out what happens to them.
The book starts off right after the first book ended and they have entered the main ward after an intense training and preparation for the war that is coming.
I said in my review for book 1 that Chance needed to prove himself to me and right off the bat he didn't lol I wanted him to realise what had occurred that led to Jai being jealous and hurt....sometimes some MMC's can be real blind and dumb but thankfully all this misunderstanding and hurt that particular scene caused was talked over and true feelings were revealed.
I'm going to say this, but I did not like Jai's mother. I know the ward and her experience in the last 2 years made her hard and selfish, but this is your daughter whom you raised for 18 years? Show some compassion and happiness seeing her alive. I didn't care for her at all – especially since it was obvious she was able to feel emotions and be kind towards another person so why not her own flesh and blood? That person I am referring to (which is a spoiler) deserves better than her lol
The way the group went about infiltrating and stopping the Ecocity was intense to read since at any given moment something could have gone wrong, and it would of all been for nothing!
We also find out the fates for a bunch of people we were introduced to in book 1 and prepare for some sad news.
Overall, I enjoyed this duet. If you're looking for a dystopian quick read then you should definitely pick this up!
''You.Mean.Everything.To.Me''
Safety warnings:
- No cheating
- No OM drama
- Slight OW drama
- Loss of family/friends/abandonment
- Violence/D*ath
- HEA
We finally get the conclusion to Jai and Chance's story! I was happy we didn't have to wait too long to find out what happens to them.
The book starts off right after the first book ended and they have entered the main ward after an intense training and preparation for the war that is coming.
I said in my review for book 1 that Chance needed to prove himself to me and right off the bat he didn't lol I wanted him to realise what had occurred that led to Jai being jealous and hurt....sometimes some MMC's can be real blind and dumb but thankfully all this misunderstanding and hurt that particular scene caused was talked over and true feelings were revealed.
I'm going to say this, but I did not like Jai's mother. I know the ward and her experience in the last 2 years made her hard and selfish, but this is your daughter whom you raised for 18 years? Show some compassion and happiness seeing her alive. I didn't care for her at all – especially since it was obvious she was able to feel emotions and be kind towards another person so why not her own flesh and blood? That person I am referring to (which is a spoiler) deserves better than her lol
The way the group went about infiltrating and stopping the Ecocity was intense to read since at any given moment something could have gone wrong, and it would of all been for nothing!
We also find out the fates for a bunch of people we were introduced to in book 1 and prepare for some sad news.
Overall, I enjoyed this duet. If you're looking for a dystopian quick read then you should definitely pick this up!
dnf-nope
June 8, 2025sorry but i didn't like this second part at all... i DNF it at 40%
-the first strike was him letting his past fling jump on him,hugging and kissing him on the mouth all of this in front of the h. ( it was a peck but he didn't move or stop her or whatever)
-the second strike was when he didn't follow the fight between the h and a guy because he was focused talking with the same OW!!! and he didn't even see that the guy put his hands on our h breasts..under the shirt, i don't care that once he found out he punched him, the fact that he wasn't even watching because of OW rubbed me the wrong way
-the third strike was when they say ILY out of nowhere...to soon lol, they just meet and been intimate,being a duet and all those words were waaaay to soon and i didn't feel them at all
-the fourth and final strike was how our h is soooo good at fighting, yeah sure whatever, she learned everything just training 2 times :)))
Better i pass this before giving it 1 star.
It had potential but for all the reasons above, i didn't care.
-the first strike was him letting his past fling jump on him,hugging and kissing him on the mouth all of this in front of the h. ( it was a peck but he didn't move or stop her or whatever)
-the second strike was when he didn't follow the fight between the h and a guy because he was focused talking with the same OW!!! and he didn't even see that the guy put his hands on our h breasts..under the shirt, i don't care that once he found out he punched him, the fact that he wasn't even watching because of OW rubbed me the wrong way
-the third strike was when they say ILY out of nowhere...to soon lol, they just meet and been intimate,being a duet and all those words were waaaay to soon and i didn't feel them at all
-the fourth and final strike was how our h is soooo good at fighting, yeah sure whatever, she learned everything just training 2 times :)))
Better i pass this before giving it 1 star.
It had potential but for all the reasons above, i didn't care.
November 29, 2022
***4,5 "Deviant!!!" stars***
"Dig down deep and rip your heart out, my child. You don't need it here. Feelings only hurt. They make you vulnerable."
I know that this wasn't an easy book for Michelle to write, but honestly, I would love to see more of this world!!!
It wasn't my first dystopian book, but it made an impact and I loved reading about Jai and Chance and their twisted world!!!
This was the perfect conclusion for these two!!! Through battle, they had found love and hand by hand they were about to fight for a better world...
I am enamored with both of them and with everything that surrounded them!!!
"I’m not fighting this war just to stay alive. I’m fighting it so I can be with you, and I’d like to believe that’s how you feel too."
The story picked up exactly where it left us in the first book...
Jai is about to learn how to defend herself in a world that she had never lived in...
But she did so great!!! I really admired how she never gave up and kept fighting for a better world and a different future for her genre....
Chance was by her side all the time, and even though they had their falls, their love was pure and one of the kind... He was fighting for his own ideals, but he never reset Jai for anything... He just kept protected her and be there for her....
"I won't survive losing you, Jai. You're all I have. You're everything to me."
Honestly, I don't know what more to say about this story...
It was fast paced, intense, different and full of action!!!
I loved the main characters, but I loved many of the secondary ones that were surrounding Jai and Chance...
It was a cruel world where they were leaving and they could do anything for their survival...
I loved this duet, plain and simple and as I told you above, I would love to see more of these crew in the future... They have made their impact in my heart!!!
"It might take years, but at least we're moving in the right direction. We're building a new future."
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
"Dig down deep and rip your heart out, my child. You don't need it here. Feelings only hurt. They make you vulnerable."
I know that this wasn't an easy book for Michelle to write, but honestly, I would love to see more of this world!!!
It wasn't my first dystopian book, but it made an impact and I loved reading about Jai and Chance and their twisted world!!!
This was the perfect conclusion for these two!!! Through battle, they had found love and hand by hand they were about to fight for a better world...
I am enamored with both of them and with everything that surrounded them!!!
"I’m not fighting this war just to stay alive. I’m fighting it so I can be with you, and I’d like to believe that’s how you feel too."
The story picked up exactly where it left us in the first book...
Jai is about to learn how to defend herself in a world that she had never lived in...
But she did so great!!! I really admired how she never gave up and kept fighting for a better world and a different future for her genre....
Chance was by her side all the time, and even though they had their falls, their love was pure and one of the kind... He was fighting for his own ideals, but he never reset Jai for anything... He just kept protected her and be there for her....
"I won't survive losing you, Jai. You're all I have. You're everything to me."
Honestly, I don't know what more to say about this story...
It was fast paced, intense, different and full of action!!!
I loved the main characters, but I loved many of the secondary ones that were surrounding Jai and Chance...
It was a cruel world where they were leaving and they could do anything for their survival...
I loved this duet, plain and simple and as I told you above, I would love to see more of these crew in the future... They have made their impact in my heart!!!
"It might take years, but at least we're moving in the right direction. We're building a new future."
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
November 23, 2022
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: dystopian
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥
Overall, I really liked the duet. The world building was fantastic and I really loved the characters ❤. This second book definitely didn't have as much meat to it though. Was conflicted between believing it should have been combined with the first book or whether the second should have been longer with the ending significantly fleshed out more, because it did feel a bit rushed to me 🤷🏻♀️. Hope to see more from this world!
Trope: dystopian
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥
Overall, I really liked the duet. The world building was fantastic and I really loved the characters ❤. This second book definitely didn't have as much meat to it though. Was conflicted between believing it should have been combined with the first book or whether the second should have been longer with the ending significantly fleshed out more, because it did feel a bit rushed to me 🤷🏻♀️. Hope to see more from this world!
May 23, 2023
Dystopian romance where women are breeding machines and it’s a goal to make the major population feeling- free. First book explored that dystopian system and an alternative, second book continues to explore alternative cities and lifestyle.
It’s and easy, fast read, I’ve read it in one sitting. As I was halfway through, I thought this plot had a lot of potential to become series, not just a dualogy. The second part of the book put everything in place, there were no loose ends left, but at the same time it felt a bit rushed. Anyway, there are not many dystopian romance subgenre books, and I’m glad I read this dualogy.
It’s and easy, fast read, I’ve read it in one sitting. As I was halfway through, I thought this plot had a lot of potential to become series, not just a dualogy. The second part of the book put everything in place, there were no loose ends left, but at the same time it felt a bit rushed. Anyway, there are not many dystopian romance subgenre books, and I’m glad I read this dualogy.
March 7, 2023
Sweetest Awareness is book 2 in the Cruelest Oblivion Duet and picks up where book 1 left off. I like this book but not as much as book 1. While I enjoyed the relationship development between Jai and Chance and felt the side characters added additional enjoyment Jai annoyed me for most of this short book. There is nothing I dislike more than a h who is impulsive and inexperienced but decides to be a one-woman army. This trait usually puts her into the TSTL category for me. Overall, while I had some issues with this book, I felt the duet was enjoyable.
December 18, 2022
ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS
Star Rating : 4 / 5 Stars
POV : Dual
Cliffhanger : None
Pace of the story : Moderate
Angst Rating : 5/10
Heat Rating : 5/10
Overall Opinion :
Michelle Heard is back with her amazing duet!! I am a huge fan of this author and the way she navigates through her characters is amazing to read. This is the first time she is trying for this trope and I am all with her because it is amazing. The characters are perfect and the ending of book 1 had me screaming so bad lmao that I was all over this book as soon as it landed on my Kindle.
No, the cliffhanger was not that bad but it's just the storyline and the need to have all my questions answered drove me crazy for the next book. The plot line is good and will keep you hooked and as for the steam , it's not very dark as stated by the author too and is more on the contemporary romance side.
Definitely recommending this one to all the contemporary romance loving people out there!
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November 20, 2022TW/Tropes: Loss of Family & Friends, Abandonment, Death of an animal, Violence & death, Jealous/Possessive MMC, Slight OW drama, Touch her and you die vibes, Suspense and Angst
Sweetest Awareness is book #2 in a duet. You need to read Cruelest Oblivion to understand the plot. Jai definitely grows int your her own and shows that she is not one to mess with. This book starts off where book one ended where is Jai enters the Main Ward, where most of the deviants live and has to rely on her instincts as she meets new people and figure out who to trust. Hidden secrets are revealed and the downfall of The Ecocity commerces.
Sweetest Awareness is book #2 in a duet. You need to read Cruelest Oblivion to understand the plot. Jai definitely grows int your her own and shows that she is not one to mess with. This book starts off where book one ended where is Jai enters the Main Ward, where most of the deviants live and has to rely on her instincts as she meets new people and figure out who to trust. Hidden secrets are revealed and the downfall of The Ecocity commerces.
November 20, 2022
SWEETEST AWARENESS by MA Heard is the second book in the Cruelest Oblivion Duet. This continues the story of Jai and Chance. So, you will need to read the previous book 'Cruelest Oblivion' before starting this one. This book picks up where we left off and we see that Jai is becoming stronger and braver during the war that they have found themselves in. This due is a exciting read...a page turning one. I hope to read more from this author.
December 4, 2022
I was given an advance readers copy of this book and have decided to write a voluntary honest review. I thought this last book was a bit short and bit rushed. I think I just wanted to see them more as couple like watch there relationship bloom more. I'm still curious about the other characters, I hope they also get a book.
December 24, 2022
I really really really enjoyed book 1
unfortunately, book 2 was a little disappointing after having enjoyed book 1 so much.
unfortunately, book 2 was a little disappointing after having enjoyed book 1 so much.
November 22, 2022
Genre: Dystopian Society
Standalone: No
Series: Cruelest oblivion duet #2
Cliffhanger: No
Rating: 2.75 ⭐
》》The Plot《《
I really loved Michelle heard mafia books but this genre was not for me. Actually I didn't liked the plot at all. I hope soon we will get more mafia theme books of her in the future.
》》Characters and Relationships《《
The characters felt bland. It was like they were forced to be with each other. I don't have words rn.
And I absolutely hated her mom behavior. I know it was hard for them to survive but she was still her daughter and she could've shown her some affection after many years.
》》Conclusion《《
Overall it was a ok read for me. The cover really attracted me but the plot was not much interesting. I probably wouldn't remember the characters later.
Standalone: No
Series: Cruelest oblivion duet #2
Cliffhanger: No
Rating: 2.75 ⭐
》》The Plot《《
I really loved Michelle heard mafia books but this genre was not for me. Actually I didn't liked the plot at all. I hope soon we will get more mafia theme books of her in the future.
》》Characters and Relationships《《
The characters felt bland. It was like they were forced to be with each other. I don't have words rn.
And I absolutely hated her mom behavior. I know it was hard for them to survive but she was still her daughter and she could've shown her some affection after many years.
》》Conclusion《《
Overall it was a ok read for me. The cover really attracted me but the plot was not much interesting. I probably wouldn't remember the characters later.
December 27, 2022
This was….not it. I hated the writing; just felt so rushed and like not complete; almost as it was an outline of a story and reminded me of divergent but then adding in a mix of handsmaid tales with all the references to women being raped and used to breed but not done well… If this book was any longer it would have been a DNF. The dialogue and sex scenes were just straight cringe and gave me such second hand embarrassment. I love this author so I had high hopes but I wish I didn’t read this.
November 19, 2022
Oh my God this duet was amazing. Jai and Chance story continues in the main ward. Seeing how life and preparing for the war. When the ward is hit Jai is ready to end this. This book was amazing and was hard to put down.
November 22, 2022
Hello badass Jai! Seriously she was amazing!! She’s come so far since we first met her in chapter one of the first book. Now she’s this crazy ninja badass whose embraced who she’s truly meant to be! Plus she’s got Chance & these two together can light the pages on fire! Hello sexiness!!
I’m going to miss this rough & tumble group & I really wish that we eventually get more books from this series. I know it’s supposed to be a duet but it’s such an interesting world with more stories I want to know! That ending was perfect but I can’t help that I still want more!
I’m going to miss this rough & tumble group & I really wish that we eventually get more books from this series. I know it’s supposed to be a duet but it’s such an interesting world with more stories I want to know! That ending was perfect but I can’t help that I still want more!
November 22, 2022
M.A heard knocked this one out of the park. I highly recommend this duet! It's so entertaining; I didn't want to put it down!''
The characters and there developments were very well written I can’t wait for more do yourself a favor and pick this up a must read.
The characters and there developments were very well written I can’t wait for more do yourself a favor and pick this up a must read.
December 6, 2022
So seeing that this is a duet, and the second book, I would highly recommend that you do not skip reading book one. Having said that this is one heck of a great read. I love this side of Michelle.
So I do not want to give anything away, no spoilers here, just a heads up that there is a battle coming, the characters have to prepare for. There is danger, excitement, who can you trust vibe.
So the question is will Kai and Chance get their happily ever after? Will the bad guys win?
Get ready to put some time to the side to read this book, because once you start, you are not going to want to stop until the ending. Lots of action and needing to know what happens next.
So I do not want to give anything away, no spoilers here, just a heads up that there is a battle coming, the characters have to prepare for. There is danger, excitement, who can you trust vibe.
So the question is will Kai and Chance get their happily ever after? Will the bad guys win?
Get ready to put some time to the side to read this book, because once you start, you are not going to want to stop until the ending. Lots of action and needing to know what happens next.
November 22, 2022
Loved this exciting conclusion
Jai and Chances intense emotional heartstopping insta love story
All the feels
Jai and Chances intense emotional heartstopping insta love story
All the feels
November 22, 2022
5 Sweetest Stars
RTC
RTC
November 25, 2022
This story starts right up from the ending of book 1. This is the fight that they have been working to get there this dark life they are living in. This story was beautiful written.
November 21, 2022
5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐♾️
❝ I’m not fighting this war just to stay alive. I’m fighting it so I can be with you, and I’d like to believe that’s how you feel too.”❞
This was the perfect conclusion to a perfectly written and well articulated dystopian duet.
It was thrilling , suspenseful and soo full of actions At times I felt like seeing a movie not reading words on paper ( my phone in this case 😏)
It was unputdownable, a page turner.
Jai and Chance , their journey. Their together in this life and then beyond. Was cute at times but definitely so intense it took my breath away .
I can't believe it came to an end already. But soo grateful we got to experience it in such a short time it was like a stolen piece of heaven.
So good.
Everything written by Michelle Heard is worth reading. Her talent and ability to dice into a complete different genre and master it is beyond me. Well done ✅✅✨✨✨✨
TW/CW
Loss of Family & Friends.
Abandonment.
Death of an animal.
Extreme graphic violence & death,
SA attempts
18 +.
❝ I’m not fighting this war just to stay alive. I’m fighting it so I can be with you, and I’d like to believe that’s how you feel too.”❞
This was the perfect conclusion to a perfectly written and well articulated dystopian duet.
It was thrilling , suspenseful and soo full of actions At times I felt like seeing a movie not reading words on paper ( my phone in this case 😏)
It was unputdownable, a page turner.
Jai and Chance , their journey. Their together in this life and then beyond. Was cute at times but definitely so intense it took my breath away .
I can't believe it came to an end already. But soo grateful we got to experience it in such a short time it was like a stolen piece of heaven.
So good.
Everything written by Michelle Heard is worth reading. Her talent and ability to dice into a complete different genre and master it is beyond me. Well done ✅✅✨✨✨✨
TW/CW
Loss of Family & Friends.
Abandonment.
Death of an animal.
Extreme graphic violence & death,
SA attempts
18 +.
December 10, 2022
No marriage. No baby. But overall a good ending for the duet.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2022
Following on directly from book 1 we see Jai and Chance arriving in the main ward and fighting for dominance in a dog eats dog world. Lucky for Jai she’s been trained by the best, add in her zest for life, and her ability to always look on the positive side, and it all makes for a strong character. I loved that she was written to empower women, she’s not afraid to put herself forward to protect those she loves. I did on occasion get wound up when she senselessly put herself in danger, lucky for her Chance was willing to risk everything to protect her. I really loved Chance’s character, especially his dominant side, he was a true alpha.. Lots of action, some great characters, and overall an entertaining read as good meets evil on many levels. I received an advanced copy of this book. This is my honest review.
December 18, 2022
Hm... not impressed. Sorry, can't give this story more than 3 stars. {Heel (té) standaard verhaaltje eigenlijk...}
Amazing covers for this duet though!!! 😍
Amazing covers for this duet though!!! 😍
November 21, 2022
My Rating: 4 stars!
**ARC was generously provided in exchange for my honest review.**
This was a whirlwind conclusion to the Cruelest Oblivion Duet. It’s fast-paced, punchy, and dropped one shocking development after another. There was definitely a sense of urgency and desperation surrounding Jai, Chance, and their group of friends as they brace themselves for the inevitable all-out war heading their way.
Forget everything and everyone you’ve learned about and have even grown attached to in the first book. This conclusion will turn everything on its axis and you’ll find yourself trying to wrap your mind around the turn of events that take place.
The build-up of action and suspense in Cruelest Oblivion has carried over to Sweetest Awareness, along with the impressive individuals that were introduced.
I do feel that this second book was abrupt in comparison, with a lot to take in but finding very little time to do so. One of the main things I ended up loving in the first book was the diverse cast of characters and the dynamics within their group, and I’m glad to see it has only evolved since.
However, I am left with plenty of questions that I know I’ll probably never get the answers to. With how this part of the story developed the storytelling was slightly on the choppy side, and in my opinion certain developments needed to be more extensive. But in saying that, I loved that there were still some unpredictability with some of the twists that played out completely coming out of left field.
There’s a little spice here and there, enough to keep the romance element present, but its the growing relationships and their main objective in this world that’s become the main focal point of this book. As I mentioned in my review for Cruelest Oblivion, if you’re a fan of other dystopian worlds like Veronica Roth’s Divergent, and Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games, then I highly think you’ll enjoy the world Heard has created.
This is Heard’s debut into Dystopian fiction, and I truly hope she plans to venture back into the genre in the future. The world-building for this duet is vivid and leaves potential for expansion. Whilst I would’ve loved an epilogue, it still closes on a nice open-ended conclusion that left me in happy contentment.
Investing in these characters with their strong, individual personalities, and minor storylines developing in the background was easily done on my part. They’re flawed, emotionally-driven, and impulsive, yet they all have some lovable trait about them that had me rooting for their survival.
Heard had me returning to a genre I hadn’t read from in ages. It had an impressive premise that was well-executed overall in its storytelling. I love this duet! The writing was effortless to follow, kept me engaged from the first page to the last, and transported me to a captivating world. I highly recommend this duet to romance readers, even if you’re not big on Dystopian fiction. There’s plenty of action and suspense, strong friendships, and swoon-worthy romance that’ll keep you hooked!
🚨 Full review on my blog: https://booksofthemuggleborn.wordpres...
**ARC was generously provided in exchange for my honest review.**
This was a whirlwind conclusion to the Cruelest Oblivion Duet. It’s fast-paced, punchy, and dropped one shocking development after another. There was definitely a sense of urgency and desperation surrounding Jai, Chance, and their group of friends as they brace themselves for the inevitable all-out war heading their way.
Forget everything and everyone you’ve learned about and have even grown attached to in the first book. This conclusion will turn everything on its axis and you’ll find yourself trying to wrap your mind around the turn of events that take place.
The build-up of action and suspense in Cruelest Oblivion has carried over to Sweetest Awareness, along with the impressive individuals that were introduced.
I do feel that this second book was abrupt in comparison, with a lot to take in but finding very little time to do so. One of the main things I ended up loving in the first book was the diverse cast of characters and the dynamics within their group, and I’m glad to see it has only evolved since.
However, I am left with plenty of questions that I know I’ll probably never get the answers to. With how this part of the story developed the storytelling was slightly on the choppy side, and in my opinion certain developments needed to be more extensive. But in saying that, I loved that there were still some unpredictability with some of the twists that played out completely coming out of left field.
There’s a little spice here and there, enough to keep the romance element present, but its the growing relationships and their main objective in this world that’s become the main focal point of this book. As I mentioned in my review for Cruelest Oblivion, if you’re a fan of other dystopian worlds like Veronica Roth’s Divergent, and Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games, then I highly think you’ll enjoy the world Heard has created.
This is Heard’s debut into Dystopian fiction, and I truly hope she plans to venture back into the genre in the future. The world-building for this duet is vivid and leaves potential for expansion. Whilst I would’ve loved an epilogue, it still closes on a nice open-ended conclusion that left me in happy contentment.
Investing in these characters with their strong, individual personalities, and minor storylines developing in the background was easily done on my part. They’re flawed, emotionally-driven, and impulsive, yet they all have some lovable trait about them that had me rooting for their survival.
Heard had me returning to a genre I hadn’t read from in ages. It had an impressive premise that was well-executed overall in its storytelling. I love this duet! The writing was effortless to follow, kept me engaged from the first page to the last, and transported me to a captivating world. I highly recommend this duet to romance readers, even if you’re not big on Dystopian fiction. There’s plenty of action and suspense, strong friendships, and swoon-worthy romance that’ll keep you hooked!
🚨 Full review on my blog: https://booksofthemuggleborn.wordpres...
November 23, 2022
Sweetest Awareness is book two in the dystopian romance series by M.A. Heard.
Book one left us on the edge of our seats with an amazing cliff-hanger.
This book continues the story of Chance Daniels and Jasper "Jai" Matthias.
In book one Jai was cast out into the forbidden territory where she met Chance. Chance became the one person she could trust and the one person that protected her. This story continues with Jai and Chance entering the main ward. Their purpose of going there was to continue their training for war. But the war comes to them. The ward falls under attack by the insensates (a person who has been genetically modified not to feel any emotions and obey the commands of the emissaries) sent to kill them all. The loss and devastation of the attack is too much for Jai to handle and she decides to leave the ward and the love of her life, to return to the ecocity and take down the emissaries. This is the only way she knows that she can protect the ones she has come to love within her ward. On her way back to the ecocity she realizes her ally Kenzo has followed her. There is no way Kenzo will allow her to take on the ecocity by herself. They enter the ecocity under the darkness of night and head straight to Jai's old house. After a quick shower and change of clothes she soon realizes that Chance and all she has come to care for has followed them and they decide that this is the time to take on the emissaries. To declare war!
Jai heads straight to the lab where her father works creating the insensates, she hopes to kidnap him and take him with her back to the forbidden territory.And they seize the opportunity to take down the ecocity, They retrieve Jai's father, who in turn shuts down all the insensates. After that they decide to take on the emissaries. Once the war is over, they all must decide how to rebuild the ecocity as they know it. No longer will there be the virtuous and the deviants. They must come together to create a new world, a better world. One where women have a voice and say.
One where they can all live in harmony. Will they be able to rebuild their lives in a new world?
I loved how quickly this story progressed. I could not put it down.
I had to know if they were able to defeat the emissaries and bring about a one nation of those who remain. The bonds of friendship ran deep in this book, making me truly care for the characters. The book ended too quickly, I wasn't ready to leave. I hope somewhere down the line there will be more books in this dystopian world. Wonderful storytelling and world building. Highly recommend it.
Book one left us on the edge of our seats with an amazing cliff-hanger.
This book continues the story of Chance Daniels and Jasper "Jai" Matthias.
In book one Jai was cast out into the forbidden territory where she met Chance. Chance became the one person she could trust and the one person that protected her. This story continues with Jai and Chance entering the main ward. Their purpose of going there was to continue their training for war. But the war comes to them. The ward falls under attack by the insensates (a person who has been genetically modified not to feel any emotions and obey the commands of the emissaries) sent to kill them all. The loss and devastation of the attack is too much for Jai to handle and she decides to leave the ward and the love of her life, to return to the ecocity and take down the emissaries. This is the only way she knows that she can protect the ones she has come to love within her ward. On her way back to the ecocity she realizes her ally Kenzo has followed her. There is no way Kenzo will allow her to take on the ecocity by herself. They enter the ecocity under the darkness of night and head straight to Jai's old house. After a quick shower and change of clothes she soon realizes that Chance and all she has come to care for has followed them and they decide that this is the time to take on the emissaries. To declare war!
Jai heads straight to the lab where her father works creating the insensates, she hopes to kidnap him and take him with her back to the forbidden territory.And they seize the opportunity to take down the ecocity, They retrieve Jai's father, who in turn shuts down all the insensates. After that they decide to take on the emissaries. Once the war is over, they all must decide how to rebuild the ecocity as they know it. No longer will there be the virtuous and the deviants. They must come together to create a new world, a better world. One where women have a voice and say.
One where they can all live in harmony. Will they be able to rebuild their lives in a new world?
I loved how quickly this story progressed. I could not put it down.
I had to know if they were able to defeat the emissaries and bring about a one nation of those who remain. The bonds of friendship ran deep in this book, making me truly care for the characters. The book ended too quickly, I wasn't ready to leave. I hope somewhere down the line there will be more books in this dystopian world. Wonderful storytelling and world building. Highly recommend it.
November 24, 2022
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
With the impending war on our doorstep, I'm training harder than ever to become the woman I was always meant to be. A warrior. I'm faced with trials set out to break me., but I keep getting up and walking away stronger than before. I quickly learn I'm not just fighting for freedom but for a world where women won't be treated as breeders. I'm fighting for the future of every woman. I'm fighting to prove I'm not the coward I always thought I was. I'm a leader. Mostly, I'm the woman every man on this planet should fear.
This is the second book in the Cruelest Oblivion Duet. You have to read Cruelest Oblivion first or you are not going to understand what is going on. I love and I do mean love a good dystopian romance. The world needs more dystopian books if you ask me. I love the creating of the world that is no longer the world we live in and this world was so interesting. You have a world where people live under a dome and are controlled while they are trying to rid their perfect world outside of the dome. However those people are wise to what is going on and know that a war is coming and they are going to take over the new world so that people can live free and survive without fighting for their life or being taken and their DNA causing them to be cloned many times to be fighters that have not feeling or emotions. We are back is Jasper and Chance and their friends headed to the main ward and it is not at all what Jai was expecting and she is discovering all kinds of things she never knew existed. But, she is learning at every turn and becoming quite the fierce warrior who wants more than anything to find her mom, save her dad and spend all the time they have with Chance. I don't want to go on about the story but I so could sit here and talk about it for a long time and ruin something for someone. I loved watching her make new friends. How she was so protective of the people she was growing to think of of her family. How she never put herself above the others and wanted to save them all when terrible things were happening. She was strong and brave and oh so fierce and she most of all wanted rights for women who are rare in this world and not treated the best as they needed to repopulate the world and you can only do that with women. I am telling you that you need this book in your life. Well, actually both of them. This was absolutely amazing!!!
With the impending war on our doorstep, I'm training harder than ever to become the woman I was always meant to be. A warrior. I'm faced with trials set out to break me., but I keep getting up and walking away stronger than before. I quickly learn I'm not just fighting for freedom but for a world where women won't be treated as breeders. I'm fighting for the future of every woman. I'm fighting to prove I'm not the coward I always thought I was. I'm a leader. Mostly, I'm the woman every man on this planet should fear.
This is the second book in the Cruelest Oblivion Duet. You have to read Cruelest Oblivion first or you are not going to understand what is going on. I love and I do mean love a good dystopian romance. The world needs more dystopian books if you ask me. I love the creating of the world that is no longer the world we live in and this world was so interesting. You have a world where people live under a dome and are controlled while they are trying to rid their perfect world outside of the dome. However those people are wise to what is going on and know that a war is coming and they are going to take over the new world so that people can live free and survive without fighting for their life or being taken and their DNA causing them to be cloned many times to be fighters that have not feeling or emotions. We are back is Jasper and Chance and their friends headed to the main ward and it is not at all what Jai was expecting and she is discovering all kinds of things she never knew existed. But, she is learning at every turn and becoming quite the fierce warrior who wants more than anything to find her mom, save her dad and spend all the time they have with Chance. I don't want to go on about the story but I so could sit here and talk about it for a long time and ruin something for someone. I loved watching her make new friends. How she was so protective of the people she was growing to think of of her family. How she never put herself above the others and wanted to save them all when terrible things were happening. She was strong and brave and oh so fierce and she most of all wanted rights for women who are rare in this world and not treated the best as they needed to repopulate the world and you can only do that with women. I am telling you that you need this book in your life. Well, actually both of them. This was absolutely amazing!!!
November 30, 2022
Full Review posted A Book Lovin' Mama's Blog
Sweetest Awareness is the second book to M.A. Heard’s Cruelest Oblivion duet. If you have yet to read the first book in the duet, do before diving into the second book or even reading my review. After reading the first book, I knew M.A. Heard would make the second book more graphic regarding violence, especially since war is coming and the characters, especially Jai, must be prepared for it.
This world that the FMC is in is not for the faint of heart. You will get hurt if you can’t handle yourself, even with people you should trust. Jai’s relationship with Chance will not work out until Chance proves how much he cares for Jai. He does prove it in this book, even though Jai makes it difficult for him.
I enjoyed the conclusion of this duet. If there is one thing I did like about this book the most was reading about Jai’s growth as a character. She’s become a leader and not a follower. She wants every guy out there to know that women aren’t for breeding. They can fight alongside them, and she wants to make changes. She takes it upon herself to go back to where her father is and stop him from creating more of his creations before destroying more people’s lives. Chance, on the other hand, will stop her. He’s very protective of her, but Jai puts him in his place several times. I loved seeing them grow together too.
I will miss Chance and Jai, even though Chance drove me bonkers in this book. I knew he was trying to let Jai handle things, and she did well, but there was an instant that could have prevented it.
The ending came quickly, and I was happy with how it ended. I wish we could have more of this world and explore different POVs with different characters that I’ve grown to like, such as Dawn, who befriends Jai in the main ward. Overall, I give this book four stars, and I’m sad to see it end.
Standalone or Part of Series: It’s part of a Duet and I recommend reading Cruelest Oblivion, first before reading Sweetest Awareness.
Trigger(s)/Content Warning(s): Mature language. Loss of family and friends. Abandonment. Death of an animal(s). Graphic Violence. Death.
Would I recommend this book? If you enjoy Dystopian Romance, where there aren’t many women in the world and are outnumbered by controlling and sometimes overprotective men (like Chance), this duet is for you.
Sweetest Awareness is the second book to M.A. Heard’s Cruelest Oblivion duet. If you have yet to read the first book in the duet, do before diving into the second book or even reading my review. After reading the first book, I knew M.A. Heard would make the second book more graphic regarding violence, especially since war is coming and the characters, especially Jai, must be prepared for it.
This world that the FMC is in is not for the faint of heart. You will get hurt if you can’t handle yourself, even with people you should trust. Jai’s relationship with Chance will not work out until Chance proves how much he cares for Jai. He does prove it in this book, even though Jai makes it difficult for him.
I enjoyed the conclusion of this duet. If there is one thing I did like about this book the most was reading about Jai’s growth as a character. She’s become a leader and not a follower. She wants every guy out there to know that women aren’t for breeding. They can fight alongside them, and she wants to make changes. She takes it upon herself to go back to where her father is and stop him from creating more of his creations before destroying more people’s lives. Chance, on the other hand, will stop her. He’s very protective of her, but Jai puts him in his place several times. I loved seeing them grow together too.
I will miss Chance and Jai, even though Chance drove me bonkers in this book. I knew he was trying to let Jai handle things, and she did well, but there was an instant that could have prevented it.
The ending came quickly, and I was happy with how it ended. I wish we could have more of this world and explore different POVs with different characters that I’ve grown to like, such as Dawn, who befriends Jai in the main ward. Overall, I give this book four stars, and I’m sad to see it end.
Standalone or Part of Series: It’s part of a Duet and I recommend reading Cruelest Oblivion, first before reading Sweetest Awareness.
Trigger(s)/Content Warning(s): Mature language. Loss of family and friends. Abandonment. Death of an animal(s). Graphic Violence. Death.
Would I recommend this book? If you enjoy Dystopian Romance, where there aren’t many women in the world and are outnumbered by controlling and sometimes overprotective men (like Chance), this duet is for you.
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