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Secret Society #2
The Trust
Who can you trust when everything is secrets and lies? It's a new semester at the Chadwick School, and even with the ankh tattoos that brand them, Phoebe, Nick, Lauren, and Patch are hoping for a fresh start. Each day, however, they are reminded of their membership as new Conscripts in the Society. The secret group that promised to help them achieve their every dream has instead turned their lives into a nightmare. Exclusive membership lost its luster as the Society revealed its agenda to them and two of their classmates were found dead. Now they can't help but Who's next? While they search for the elusive truth about the Society, the Conscripts are forced to face their darkest fear—that they truly can't get out. Will Nick and Phoebe's new relationship endure this strain? Can Patch and Nick's longtime friendship survive the truth that will come to light? The deceptions of the group's leaders, once trusted friends, and family will test these four as they fight to leave the Society behind. The Trust , Tom Dolby's sequel to secret society, is an alluring glimpse behind the facade of a life of entitlement, where secrets aren't merely fun—they're deadly.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2011
11 people are currently reading
828 people want to read
About the author
Tom Dolby
13 books88 followersTom Dolby's new series from HarperCollins, Secret Society, debuted in October 2009, and includes the novels Secret Society and The Trust. Tom is the author of the bestselling novel The Trouble Boy and the boarding school novel The Sixth Form. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Village Voice, and the San Francisco Chronicle. Tom was born in London and raised in San Francisco, and is a graduate of The Hotchkiss School and Yale University. He currently lives in Manhattan’s West Village, where he is working on a new novel.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 26, 2011
It's probably not a good sign when you start to read 2 other books in the middle of one (this one to be particular). This book just didn't hold my attention like book #1. All of the magic seemed to be missing.
This reminded me too much of
, with all the New York scenery and branding. I really don't care that you are wearing Vera Wang or whatever!!!!
In this one, Dolby didn't focus on "the Society" so much as all of our main characters wanting to get out of it. In my opinion, the story would have been better had it been told from 1 or 2 pov's, not like 5. That is just too much. I still can't tell half the characters apart.
Bottomline: I'm depressed by this.
was so good, I was looking foward to this one. I am let down. I have put off writing a review for 5 days now, which for me is a HUGE sign I just really don't care about this book.
BLAH and BLEH!
This reminded me too much of
, with all the New York scenery and branding. I really don't care that you are wearing Vera Wang or whatever!!!! In this one, Dolby didn't focus on "the Society" so much as all of our main characters wanting to get out of it. In my opinion, the story would have been better had it been told from 1 or 2 pov's, not like 5. That is just too much. I still can't tell half the characters apart.
Bottomline: I'm depressed by this.
was so good, I was looking foward to this one. I am let down. I have put off writing a review for 5 days now, which for me is a HUGE sign I just really don't care about this book.BLAH and BLEH!
June 19, 2011
AHHH, I don't know why there's such a negativity going around with this book. Firstly, it's like, inspired, in a sense, about all the secret societies in the world (like skull and bones, illuminati. I'm not saying you should or should not believe in it) and how they control the major things, ie media and such. So really you want to make fun of the book then DONT READ IT because the name itself is pretty damn clear.
That being said, I enjoyed this because it's different from other young adult/mystery books to read. I like how it makes my imagination more colourful.
only downfall?
I HOPE TO GOD THERE WILL BE A THIRD BOOK. cause the ending, heh. it's open for anything :)
That being said, I enjoyed this because it's different from other young adult/mystery books to read. I like how it makes my imagination more colourful.
only downfall?
I HOPE TO GOD THERE WILL BE A THIRD BOOK. cause the ending, heh. it's open for anything :)
Read
February 1, 2011It's a new year and a new world for the freshly minted class of initiates. We catch up with Phoebe, Nick, Lauren, and Patch just after their little "party" on Isis Island with the Society, setting out in their new roles as Conscripts...and tensions are running high. As much as they like the opportunities that have been handed to them, they have come to a very important decision....they want OUT. Two deaths, their silence, and their obedience in exchange for a world of opportunity; the price they paid to be a part of the in crowd has become too high even for the richest amongst them. They are willing to do anything to break free from the Society, even if it means shattering their good names in the process. There's only problem...no one leaves the Society...willingly at least.
Secrets are uncovered like so many grains of desert sand in this intriguing follow up to Secret Society. This time around we get more of what we craved from book one...Egyptian history. Sound odd? Not really. I mean think about it. They use an ankh as their group symbol for parties and member branding. The Society is based around all these ideals and cultural ties where the grander get even more grand and the low man on the pyramid stays low....similar to the dynasty situations with Pharaohs once upon a time....but that's it. That's about the extent of what we saw in regards to ties to the culture they were claiming as their own. It's not that readers (okay, me at the very least) weren't satisfied, it's just when you make a point of creating the connection, follow through seems required. This book? Definite follow through success.
The cover art selected always manages to give you pause as you quickly sort out what you believe the book might be about from a visual stand point while the mysterious little ankh tattoo peeking out from the girl's neck makes you curious. The title is simply in its wording yet captivating in that simplicity and certainly appropriate for the book (you'll see why when you read it). The writing has an easy flow with chapters spaced just so allowing you to sneak in an extra one (or two or three) before calling it a night...certainly a happy thought if you are anything like me and can't bear to stop mid chapter if it can be helped. Let's talk characters for a moment as I reveal a few observations from my reading adventure with this installment.
I have to say...I felt Lindsay wavering in her commitment to ending their connections with the group on more than one occasion and Phoebe had this odd knack for just popping up almost out of nowhere with an insight into their current predicament that was beyond her years. Nick surprised me with the backbone he showed at various times and Patch, well he's Patch; you can't help but feel for him as he plays the role of outsider looking in but the next steps in his journey won't be quite as easy. Thad was a new addition to their group and yet had little face time, while in complete contrast to him, we have Lia stealing the show with her attitude and style in her few brief moments in the spotlight. Favorites amongst them? Hard to say....but certainly enjoyed getting to know each of them a little better.
There is one thing to be said about this particular YA series; it is unlike a lot of those you've previously read...guaranteed. How so? It has it's own uniqueness (okay so perhaps that's not a proper word, but I'm making it one...so there...). You care enough about the characters without becoming overly involved in the details of their lives that you want to see what choices they made and the consequences of their actions. You are curious enough about the mysterious Society and all their hidden motives and plans in the making that you want to see it through.
The glitz. The glam. All covering up something rather peculiar for a group of such "upstanding" citizens and yet I can't help but fear we've only seen the tip of the iceberg here. I mean their class number still sits above the ideal 14, which can only mean one thing.... *dun*dun*dunnnnn*...can't wait to see what awaits this group of friends next time around. One can only hope the next book is forthcoming rather quickly...
Secrets are uncovered like so many grains of desert sand in this intriguing follow up to Secret Society. This time around we get more of what we craved from book one...Egyptian history. Sound odd? Not really. I mean think about it. They use an ankh as their group symbol for parties and member branding. The Society is based around all these ideals and cultural ties where the grander get even more grand and the low man on the pyramid stays low....similar to the dynasty situations with Pharaohs once upon a time....but that's it. That's about the extent of what we saw in regards to ties to the culture they were claiming as their own. It's not that readers (okay, me at the very least) weren't satisfied, it's just when you make a point of creating the connection, follow through seems required. This book? Definite follow through success.
The cover art selected always manages to give you pause as you quickly sort out what you believe the book might be about from a visual stand point while the mysterious little ankh tattoo peeking out from the girl's neck makes you curious. The title is simply in its wording yet captivating in that simplicity and certainly appropriate for the book (you'll see why when you read it). The writing has an easy flow with chapters spaced just so allowing you to sneak in an extra one (or two or three) before calling it a night...certainly a happy thought if you are anything like me and can't bear to stop mid chapter if it can be helped. Let's talk characters for a moment as I reveal a few observations from my reading adventure with this installment.
I have to say...I felt Lindsay wavering in her commitment to ending their connections with the group on more than one occasion and Phoebe had this odd knack for just popping up almost out of nowhere with an insight into their current predicament that was beyond her years. Nick surprised me with the backbone he showed at various times and Patch, well he's Patch; you can't help but feel for him as he plays the role of outsider looking in but the next steps in his journey won't be quite as easy. Thad was a new addition to their group and yet had little face time, while in complete contrast to him, we have Lia stealing the show with her attitude and style in her few brief moments in the spotlight. Favorites amongst them? Hard to say....but certainly enjoyed getting to know each of them a little better.
There is one thing to be said about this particular YA series; it is unlike a lot of those you've previously read...guaranteed. How so? It has it's own uniqueness (okay so perhaps that's not a proper word, but I'm making it one...so there...). You care enough about the characters without becoming overly involved in the details of their lives that you want to see what choices they made and the consequences of their actions. You are curious enough about the mysterious Society and all their hidden motives and plans in the making that you want to see it through.
The glitz. The glam. All covering up something rather peculiar for a group of such "upstanding" citizens and yet I can't help but fear we've only seen the tip of the iceberg here. I mean their class number still sits above the ideal 14, which can only mean one thing.... *dun*dun*dunnnnn*...can't wait to see what awaits this group of friends next time around. One can only hope the next book is forthcoming rather quickly...
July 8, 2017
Y’know how they say “don’t judge a book by its cover”? Well, don’t judge it by its blurb either. I went into this series expecting some sort of magical cross between Pretty Little Liars and The Da Vinci Code, with Manhattan upper class teens pursuing a secret society and historical conspiracy going back centuries. Instead, I wound up with a bunch of smoke and mirrors and bratty teens who go on benders on a Monday night. I had hoped that The Trust would deliver more mystery and action than the first novel, but I was wrong.
At first the novel seems like it’s headed down a treacherous path, with the initiates headed to the island base of the Society. The initiates are sent on a scavenger hunt vaguely reminiscent of the Da Vinci Code, but it feels more like an overgrown kids’ Easter egg hunt rather than a sinister task administered by the shady Society overlords. It doesn’t help that Phoebe seems to magically solve each clue within a hot minute, taking the air of excitement and suspense out of it.
I mentioned in my review of the first novel that all the characters lack chemistry, and that was especially true of Nick and Phoebe in this novel. I couldn’t muster a single fuck to give when their lifeless“insta-love” came to an end. In fact, I couldn’t muster a single fuck to give about the entire second half of the book. The ending is entirely anticlimactic, with the kids demanding to leave and the Society saying ‘lol ok’. At least give us a “10 years on” chapter, where we can see how the Society members’ lives have changed for the better, and whether Nick and Phoebe have managed to find success on their own terms!
Again, the language is overly simplistic and caters to the reading level of a primary schooler, in spite of containing references to sex and drug use. Nothing has changed there.
Overall: This has got to be one of my shortest reviews ever, because I just have nothing to say. The language is overly and awkwardly simplistic, the storyline is boring, and the characters lack chemistry. I’m disappointed.
At first the novel seems like it’s headed down a treacherous path, with the initiates headed to the island base of the Society. The initiates are sent on a scavenger hunt vaguely reminiscent of the Da Vinci Code, but it feels more like an overgrown kids’ Easter egg hunt rather than a sinister task administered by the shady Society overlords. It doesn’t help that Phoebe seems to magically solve each clue within a hot minute, taking the air of excitement and suspense out of it.
I mentioned in my review of the first novel that all the characters lack chemistry, and that was especially true of Nick and Phoebe in this novel. I couldn’t muster a single fuck to give when their lifeless“insta-love” came to an end. In fact, I couldn’t muster a single fuck to give about the entire second half of the book. The ending is entirely anticlimactic, with the kids demanding to leave and the Society saying ‘lol ok’. At least give us a “10 years on” chapter, where we can see how the Society members’ lives have changed for the better, and whether Nick and Phoebe have managed to find success on their own terms!
Again, the language is overly simplistic and caters to the reading level of a primary schooler, in spite of containing references to sex and drug use. Nothing has changed there.
Overall: This has got to be one of my shortest reviews ever, because I just have nothing to say. The language is overly and awkwardly simplistic, the storyline is boring, and the characters lack chemistry. I’m disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2010
LOVED IT
I enjoyed this one much more that the first in this series. There is a lot more suspense and action with a few twists and turns that really kept my attention and I finished this in a little over 5 hours. Does that tell you something? Of course, this one ended with a bit of an open end so I am sure there is another one in the works which I would love to read. I am sorry that this review is vague, but I can't discuss it without giving up details of the plot, so I am just going to say that this is developing into a wonderful series.
I enjoyed this one much more that the first in this series. There is a lot more suspense and action with a few twists and turns that really kept my attention and I finished this in a little over 5 hours. Does that tell you something? Of course, this one ended with a bit of an open end so I am sure there is another one in the works which I would love to read. I am sorry that this review is vague, but I can't discuss it without giving up details of the plot, so I am just going to say that this is developing into a wonderful series.
May 15, 2018
Cassandra Nelson and Captain Daniel Fritz attend a swanky soiree in a Pacific Heights mansion of a local politician, only to discover later that a murder occurred during the course of the party. Dan is the lead detective on the case. Several more husbands are murdered at Pacific Heights parties with their wedding bands missing, prompting the police to announce that it is the work of a serial killer.
February 8, 2022
I wish there were more to this series! I would have liked to hear more on Patch and his mom. That aspect of it all felt unfinished, but I thoroughly enjoyed the novel regardless.
August 11, 2011
In the second Secret Society book NIck's grandfather tells him that there is a way out of the society and that if him and his friends can solve the puzzle he gives them then they will be able to get out. Nick and his friends eventually solve the puzzle and more secrets are revealed about the Bell families' connection to Patch's family. While they work on they work on the puzzle, Phoebe, Lauren and Thad try to extricate themselves from the society by missing meetings but they are quickly punished for their insubordination and realize that they really need a way out.
The Trust was a little bit disappointing. We get to see Patch grow and make his own luck again which is great. We also get to see Lauren grow and make her own decisions about where she wants her life to go and how she wants to spend her time. Nick and Phoebe on the other hand seem a little bit stagnant. Their relationship doesn't grow and neither do the two of them unless you count Phoebe's growing paranoia and anger. They were my favorite characters in the first book but now not so much.
While the five friends spit out a lot of theories about how the Society works, the reader doesn't actually get too much more information on how it really works. It also seems like not every member gets to see the awful parts of the Society, which makes me wonder how much of the issues Nick and company are having are caused directly by Nick being the son of the current chairman and by their family issues rather then their bad luck. There was a little bit more information on Patch's family but I felt like there were still a lot of unanswered questions there. Comments made at the end of this book made me feel like there is going to be yet another sequel so we shall if another book is squeezed out of this concept, which is totally possible since I definitely feel like we are still missing big pieces of the puzzle.
The Trust was a little bit disappointing. We get to see Patch grow and make his own luck again which is great. We also get to see Lauren grow and make her own decisions about where she wants her life to go and how she wants to spend her time. Nick and Phoebe on the other hand seem a little bit stagnant. Their relationship doesn't grow and neither do the two of them unless you count Phoebe's growing paranoia and anger. They were my favorite characters in the first book but now not so much.
While the five friends spit out a lot of theories about how the Society works, the reader doesn't actually get too much more information on how it really works. It also seems like not every member gets to see the awful parts of the Society, which makes me wonder how much of the issues Nick and company are having are caused directly by Nick being the son of the current chairman and by their family issues rather then their bad luck. There was a little bit more information on Patch's family but I felt like there were still a lot of unanswered questions there. Comments made at the end of this book made me feel like there is going to be yet another sequel so we shall if another book is squeezed out of this concept, which is totally possible since I definitely feel like we are still missing big pieces of the puzzle.
October 5, 2013
In the second book of the "Secret Society" series, the four main characters deal with the revelations that occurred at the annual retreat, where they officially became conscripts of the society. The whole aim of this book was for them to get out of the Society, and a surprising opportunity for this presents itself in the form of Nick's grandfather. The group (now called the "Infidels") go on random hunts to find clues to free them from the talons of the Society.
This book fell flat. It lacked the little intrigue and suspense that the first book had. The characters really didn't develop, the dialogue and interactions seemed awkward and unrealistic and oftentimes, the characters seemed dense and immature. Even the big "climax" lacked life and the book seemed to just end, without too much wrapped up (unless a third book is coming, but as of right now, no announcement has been made). This is a series to pass on.
This book fell flat. It lacked the little intrigue and suspense that the first book had. The characters really didn't develop, the dialogue and interactions seemed awkward and unrealistic and oftentimes, the characters seemed dense and immature. Even the big "climax" lacked life and the book seemed to just end, without too much wrapped up (unless a third book is coming, but as of right now, no announcement has been made). This is a series to pass on.
March 6, 2011
I found this novel to be quite disappointing. Of course, the worst part about my disappointment was that it didn't even meet my extremely low expectations. For starters, there was no further development with the characters from the first novel. On top of that, the world wasn't explored any further, so my motive for reading was nullified. And the plot was shallow. So shallow. There was no depth. Which is unfortunate, because it could have been so, so good. I believe it was a mistake for the author to tell the story from the changing perspectives of multiple characters. Especially since each of the first four chapters started out the same way.
February 11, 2011
The tension is DEFINITELY ratcheted up in this sequel, and it makes the book fly by all the faster.
It was sad though, that as our core group is trying to find their way out of the Society, the relationships that were so important to them in the first book start to suffer. Ah...the angst that must come with the second book in a series!
Read the full review here.
It was sad though, that as our core group is trying to find their way out of the Society, the relationships that were so important to them in the first book start to suffer. Ah...the angst that must come with the second book in a series!
Read the full review here.
Read
January 25, 2013OMG!!!!!!!!!!! I was so mad when I finished Secret Society, because I
thought it ended to fast and now I am so excited to read this when is
comes out in February 2011!!!!!!!!!
This novel was really great, and I'm wondering if there's another book next, because other wise I will be incredibly angry. Because, this ending blew my socks off.
thought it ended to fast and now I am so excited to read this when is
comes out in February 2011!!!!!!!!!
This novel was really great, and I'm wondering if there's another book next, because other wise I will be incredibly angry. Because, this ending blew my socks off.
October 5, 2011
An improvement over Secret Society as I'm starting to care about the characters and the plot was tighter (so really = 2.5 Stars), but still not a series that I find to be that engrossing given the wealth of options out there. Still, if a third book is ever released, I would likely read it just to find out what happens.
May 14, 2011
Book 2 in a gossip girl/blue bloods read-a-like series. The plotting is convoluted, but moves along well enough for this kind of fluff. Curiously, in addition to the four intermingled hetero teens, the author throws in a single gay character. At first I thought he was doomed to die, but he managed to survive, albiet outside of the major plots until the end. Curious.
October 2, 2011
I won this book on Goodreads
When I found out I won this book I instantly went out to get The Secret Society. My sister, reading it first, said that it was amazing, but sadly I disagreed. I didn't like switching POV the entire novel. I thought things happened too fast for my enjoyment.
When I found out I won this book I instantly went out to get The Secret Society. My sister, reading it first, said that it was amazing, but sadly I disagreed. I didn't like switching POV the entire novel. I thought things happened too fast for my enjoyment.
February 9, 2011
This book was almost impossible for me to put down. This is a well crafted and well written story, one that should be on everyone's reading list!
Read my full review at Bewitched Bookworms.
Read my full review at Bewitched Bookworms.
Read
February 28, 2011The Trust is just as fun and exciting as the first book of the series. I enjoyed the twists and turns the characters experience as they try to solve the mysteries of the Society. Thank you GoodReads for the advance copy of this cool book.
August 15, 2010
2nd book in series and review to come
February 26, 2011
I love these books. This one was even better than the first.
August 15, 2011
I hope there'll be sequel of this book!
June 27, 2012
The web has become more tangled. I like the characters' dynamics .
July 18, 2011
This is a great series. But is that it? Just the 2 books? I hope there's more since they left it with a twist at the end. If not it's still a good read.
November 22, 2011
These books suck. The first one was interesting enough to keep my attention but the second one seemed rushed, predictable and cliche. I will not read a third, if there ever is one.
September 13, 2012
Not happy with the ending...nothing was resolved. Is there a third book coming anytime soon?
Want to read
July 30, 2023gantung.. beteks
April 9, 2013
starts out slow but then you hit the jackpot and can't put it down. hope he writes another one now!
February 8, 2016
This was NOT a good book, although I read it right to the end. I just didn't have a minus star in my rating guide to give it.
May 28, 2012
Very good read . Suspenseful . Almost can't put the book down!
July 4, 2012
I only wish that he would write more !!!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews