Series: The Union

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: The Resistance (The Union #5) by T.H. Hernandez

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: The Resistance (The Union #5) by T.H. Hernandez

I’m so excited to be on The Resistance Tour! In case you don’t know, The Union Series is one of my favorite series ever! So check out my 5 star review of the latest book and enter in a fabulous giveaway. Enjoy!

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: The Resistance (The Union #5) by T.H. HernandezThe Resistance (The Union #5)
by T.H. Hernandez
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Fighting back is twice as hard when battling on two fronts.

Living in an encampment in the Ruins, life is harsh for most Unis in the Resistance, but for Cyrus and the other Ruins survivors, it's just more of the same. While training for their ultimate mission to take down the Uprising, tragedy strikes, turning Evan's and Cyrus's world upside down. Before they can recover, they discover someone in their ranks is working against them.

Facing tougher odds than they ever imagined, the group realizes the only hope they have of saving the world they know is to find help. When no one is above suspicion, even accomplishing everyday tasks is fraught with danger, but seeking out reinforcements could mean the end of the Resistance and all of them along with it.

Review:

The Resistance was an action packed ride from start to finish.  All of our favorites were back and the stakes were even higher.  With fabulous twists and turns, and characters that continually pulled at my heart, this book sailed right onto my favorites list!  If you’re a fan of young adult, dystopian and romance then you definitely need to add this series to your tbr!

I take one step forward, then another, heading to an unknown future, fear spiraling through me, on the verge of twisting me apart.

 

✮ Twists and Turns:

“It scares me.”
I reach out and locate her hand in the darkness, giving it a gentle squeeze. “What does?”
“I don’t know what’s real anymore.”
Leaning forward, I find her lips, devouring them with a searing kiss. “You and me. We’re real. That’ll never change.”

I absolutely loved how throughout this book, so many of the puzzle pieces were falling into place.  It made me feel confident with where the story was going.  I should have known better, since moments started making me gasp out loud.  My mind was blown.  Multiple times.  I had some guesses that were sooo wrong and there were twists I didn’t even see coming.  Looking back, the clues were there, I just thought they were leading me elsewhere. The Resistance unfolded so effortlessly and the unexpected twists made for a fun and exciting read!

 

✮ An Emotional and Action Packed Journey:

“Cyrus!” Evan yells as if she’s entered a tunnel . “Oh my god! Cyrus!” Cool hands cradle my face that feel like ice against my raging skin. “Cyrus.” One sob follows another as she continues to yell my name, softer and softer, as if she’s fading away.

One of my favorite things about this series, is how emotional moments and action packed ones were seamlessly intertwined.  With love, family and friendship splashed across the pages, it made for an emotional story.  The characters became a part of my heart and soul.  And since that first book, I have felt everything they have felt.  So it wasn’t a surprise that I found tears pouring down my face multiple times.  And once those tears would dry, then I’d find myself with sweaty palms.  I was scared to death over the fate of those I loved, since there were so many moments where I was on the edge of my seat.  This book impossible to put down!

 

✮ The Heart of This Series:

“All the shit we’ve weathered , we’re still us, Ev. We go from one disaster to another, but we never lose who we are. I’m sorry I forgot that. No matter what still lies ahead for us, that’s all I need. Just… you and me.”
“Always,” I say, squeezing his hand. “That will never change.”

The hurdles thrown in their way seemed insurmountable at times.  Yet these characters, who I love with my whole heart, kept pushing forward.  Even when the odds were stacked against them. And that’s because they have all grown so much since they first appeared in this series.  Especially Evan and Cyrus.  Their moments together were powerful and I loved how they’ve learned to communicate. Even if it was hard at times.  It made my heart so happy watching the two of them be such a formidable team.  And when you throw in the rest of their group of friends and family, they were a true team.  I loved how they worked together.  I couldn’t be prouder of all of them!

When our lips meet it’s a sultry dance of desire, forgiveness, and undying love.

I loved The Resistance with my whole heart!  With a heroine I’d love to have by my side, a book boyfriend I want to steal from the pages and a storyline that had me turning the pages faster, this book was such a huge win!  Add in the fact that there was a strong redemption theme in this story, how could I not love every single thing about it?  Okay maybe I didn’t completely love Bryce.  Yet.  But that yet is all I’m admitting lol!  So definitely add this series and book to your tbr, it’s a must read!

 

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

 
 

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

 

About T.H. Hernandez:

T.H. Hernandez is the author of young adult books. The Union, a futuristic dystopian adventure, was a finalist in the 2015 San Diego book awards in the Young Adult Fiction category.

She loves pumpkin spice lattes, Game of Thrones, Comic-Con, Star Wars, Doctor Who marathons, Bad Lip Reading videos, and all things young adult, especially the three young adults who share her home.

When not visiting the imaginary worlds inside her head, T.H. Hernandez lives in usually sunny San Diego, California with her husband and three children, a couple of cats, and a dog who thinks he’s a cat, affectionately referred to as “the puppycat.”

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

 

 

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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BOOK REVIEW + GIVEAWAY – The Invasion (The Union #4) by T.H. Hernandez

BOOK REVIEW + GIVEAWAY - The Invasion (The Union #4) by T.H. Hernandez

If you haven’t discovered this series yet, I can’t recommend it highly enough! It’s a young adult romantic adventure set one hundred years after the second civil war. And it's soooo addicting! Check out my 5 Star Review below and enter a giveaway for the series along with a gift card! Enjoy!

BOOK REVIEW + GIVEAWAY – The Invasion (The Union #4) by T.H. HernandezThe Invasion (The Union #4)
by T.H. Hernandez
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

They failed. Evan and Cyrus risked everything to keep the Uprising from attacking the unarmed Union, but something went terribly wrong. Evan’s home has been invaded by soldiers who are killing government officials and occupying the homes of her fellow citizens.

Captured by the Uprising, Evan fights for her life and her sanity, desperate to escape so she can find Cyrus and her family.

Reeling from an unexpected discovery, Cyrus is adrift until he uses his Uprising training to find a way to fight back against the invading force the only way he knows how.

With the help of old friends and new, they will do whatever it takes to protect each other and those they love, even if it means sacrificing being together, their way of life, and even their very lives.

Review:

If you haven’t read this series yet, you can check out my review for the first book, The Union, by clicking here.

The Union Series continues to be one of my top favorites!  Especially since romance, action, torture, twists, friendship and political intrigue filled the pages!  So it was impossible for me to put this book down.  I had to know what happened next, since so many of these characters have become embedded in my heart.  I treasure the time I get to spend with them, and they make my emotions run from gut wrenching to over the moon happy.  So of course The Invasion continued to cement my love for this series.  I mean each time a new book comes out I think now this one is my favorite.  There’s no way she can top it.  And then she does.  I’m always floored!  The Invasion is definitely one of my favorite books!

The chill becomes ice, turning my blood to slush. Two words repeat in my head: we failed. – Evan

So I thought I would talk about certain aspects or moments in The Invasion that made this a solid 5 Stars for me.  And they are –

* Evan’s Struggle With Torture

Death will be welcomed when we’re done.
They have finally broken me. – Evan

The level of pain and the events that happened to Evan made this book so much more than I ever thought it could be.  It was intense, emotional and I sobbed for Evan.  I tried to be strong for her, but the extent of what happened to her, I just couldn’t.  I felt gutted to the core, it was all so real and I was beyond terrified for her.  I’m not one who can usually handle torture, but I survived through it and it made me feel that much closer to Evan.  Plus the ramifications of what happened to Evan, and how it affected others, was brilliant.

* Evan & Mateo’s Bond

Mateo cradles my face, forcing me to meet his dark gaze. “No one’s ever gonna hurt you again. I promise.” – Evan

I loved that Mateo became such a great friend to Evan.  He quickly became a favorite in the last book, The Invasion, so I was ecstatic to see he had such a prominent role in The Uprising!  We got to witness Mateo be fierce, protective and caring towards Evan.  And that made me fall so hard for him. So I’m keeping my fingers crossed that when this series wraps up, he’ll get his HEA.  Possibly with someone I will not say, but if you read this series then we may be on the same page? *wink wink*

* Character’s Growth – Lisa and Colin have grown up so much in my eyes.  And in The Invasion, they became true adults and stepped up to the game when they were needed.  They were brave, took charge of situations and have become so much stronger than who they were in The Union.  I have become so proud of the both of them!

* Evan & Cyrus Figuring Out Their Relationship

God, I don’t deserve her. That’s the only thing I can focus on as I struggle with my thoughts, wrapped around her, doing my best to protect her, even though I failed her over and over. – Cyrus

Evan and Cyrus have come a long way too, since The Union.  They’ve learned that they continually have to work on their relationship and communicating to one another.  Especially since so many outside factors try and tear them apart.  And while they still fight at times, I love that their relationship is built on trust, respect, friendship and love!  Their struggles individually and together have made their relationship that much stronger.  I truly believe they’re almost to the point where together they will be a force to be reckoned with!

I’m learning that not facing the horror doesn’t make it disappear, instead it eats away at my subconscious, waking me at night with hoarse screams that rip from my soul. – Evan

Now how this book ended?!  It left me SO excited for what’s to come!  While I’m dying to know what happens next, I love where it left off.  And I love how we got more answers to some questions and more pieces to the puzzle.  It’s continually coming together, and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!

Fuck fate, I’m done here. – Cyrus

PS My hatred of Bryce was cemented again in this book *smiles hugely*.  Is it wrong that I’m happy that others could possibly seethe with anger or hatred towards him because of what he did in The Invasion?!  Gah, I just love to hate that guy, and I’m not sorry at all lol!

*ARC kindly provided by Author in exchange for an honest review*


Get You Copy Today:

Amazon | iBooks | Barnes & Noble | Google Play | Kobo | Goodreads

Reading Order & Links:
Amazon (click on covers), & Book Depository (click on book #)
The Union by T.H. Hernandez
The Union #1
Reviews:
Jen
the ruins th hernandez
The Ruins #2
Reviews:
Jen
The Uprising (The Union Series #3) by T.H. Hernandez
The Uprising #3
Reviews:
Jen

The Invasion #4
Reviews:
Jen

Add To Goodreads:

The Union #1: Goodreads
The Ruins #2: Goodreads
The Uprising #3: Goodreads

About TH Hernandez:

When not visiting the imaginary worlds inside my head, I live in San Diego, California, with one husband, three children, two cats, and one dog. In addition to my day job as a technical writer and editor, I write young adult fiction. I love the intensity of teen emotions and the way they’re still figuring out life. When I’m not writing, you can find me with my nose in a book, hanging out with family and friends, hiking, or knitting. I’m obsessed with Facebook, young adult novels, bad lip reading videos, pumpkin spice lattes, microbrewed beers, and the San Diego Chargers.

Goodreads | Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | Author Amazon Page

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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BLOG TOUR + REVIEW + GIVEAWAY – The Uprising (The Union #3) by T.H. Hernandez

BLOG TOUR + REVIEW + GIVEAWAY - The Uprising (The Union #3) by T.H. Hernandez

I have fallen head over heels in love with this young adult romantic adventure series! It is set in the future, with some dystopian elements, and is truly a unique book! So keep on reading to see my 5 Star Review and enter a fabulous giveaway! If you aren’t familiar with this series yet, then please check out the reading order I placed below my review. It includes links to my reviews of the first two books so you can find out more about this fabulous series! Enjoy!

BLOG TOUR + REVIEW + GIVEAWAY – The Uprising (The Union #3) by T.H. HernandezThe Uprising (The Union #3)
by T.H. Hernandez
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Recovering from a near-fatal gunshot wound, eighteen-year-old Evan Taylor must find a way to stop the Uprising, an underground movement committed to destroying the Union, before her homeland is attacked.

After spending the last four months in the Ruins trying to get back to the only girl he's ever loved, nineteen-year-old Cyrus needs to get past his jealousy over Evan's involvement with Bryce or risk losing her again.

Together, Evan and Cyrus join with their friends to devise a plan to save both the Ruins and the Union, but when the pressure’s on, bickering and infighting threaten to undermine their goals. New information revealing a weakness in the Uprising is uncovered, forcing them to act quickly or risk losing everything.

With the help of old friends and new allies they set out to make history, but it might just take a miracle for everyone to make it out alive.

THE UPRISING is the third book in THE UNION series, a young adult romantic adventure set in the near future.

Review:

The Uprising was an epic journey that had me devouring the pages as fast as possible!  I easily found myself lost in all of the adventure, love, laughter, loss and plenty of risks all over again.  But this time around, many of the pieces of the puzzle were starting to move into place.  We got to see how certain events and even characters were fitting together, and it has me so ecstatic for what’s to come!   Especially since I found myself laughing, screaming, smiling, and crying while reading The Uprising.  You see, I’m completely addicted to the characters and storyline in this series.  So of course I loved every minute of it!  And here’s a few other reasons why I adore this series – 

✮ Romance that rings true.

I should go home, head back out to the Ruins, so I don’t have to watch another person I love die.
But I can’t, not until I know she’s safe.
Even if it kills me. – Cyrus

Evan and Cyrus’ love for one another burned bright, and it was truly intoxicating!  But it was also a passionate, broken mess at times.  They both had so much expectation weighing on them, and sometimes that weight helped to easily lead them down that broken path.  Whether it was an ex coming back into the picture, or a poorly made decision, there was bound to be a few fights.  Even though I kept rooting for them to find the path that fit, their makeup scenes were scorching hot!

✮ A sigh inducing book boyfriend.

He sighs, squeezing me tighter and says so softly it’s almost a sigh, “I don’t know who I am without you anymore.”
The tears that have been threatening all day flood my eyes as I rest my head against the boy I love so fiercely it terrifies me.
“Ev,”he whispers.
I lift my head, wiping my eyes, and glance up at him. The depth of emotion in his eyes slams into me, leaving me speechless.
He lowers his face inch by agonizing inch until I feel the soft brush of my favorite lips. His mouth moves with mine in a way that’s both familiar and somehow different, desperate and exciting, drawing out emotions until my heart is spiraling. – Evan & Cyrus

This time around, we also got to hear the story in Cyrus’ point of view.  That made me extremely giddy.  You see, Cyrus always had a way of getting under my skin.  He was one of those characters that captured your attention in a quiet yet bold and confident way.  Whether it was baring his soul to Evan, or taking control of a military like tactic.  So being privy to his thoughts was addicting!  Cyrus’ feelings radiated off of the pages and easily landed themselves right into my heart.

✮ Friendships that are deep and meaningful.

“So, tell me what’s going on with you and the crazy redhead.”
“We’re not having this conversation, Rainey.”
“Sure we are. You’re acting like a giant ass, you know.” – Cyrus & Rainey

One of my favorite things about The Union Series was how friendships were cultivated throughout every moment.  Whether they were hanging out around a bonfire or they were trying to save their friend who had a gun to their head, each moment added up to making me feel as though I knew them inside out.  And in each book, I found myself becoming attached to yet another character.  This time around it was Rainey.  I loved how she was rough around the edges yet she was always there to push Cyrus to talk to her about Evan.  But to be honest, I’m scared because I’m getting attached to too many of them!

✮ Character I love to hate.

I can’t pretend her sleeping with that douche doesn’t piss me off. I want to punch something every time I see him, which is pretty much every fucking day. – Cyrus

Oh yes, I’m going there lol.  Yeah there are the typical bad guys to loathe, like Walker, but who I’m talking about is Bryce.  If you’ve read my previous reviews, you know that I clearly despise the guy.  I’ve shamelessly asked for his death, and all because he still harbors feelings for Evan.  I will admit that I enjoy loathing Bryce, yes I know I clearly must have issues, but seriously is it too much to ask for him to die?  Please.  Is there anyone else in the world that agrees with me?

She owns every last piece of me. – Cyrus

So if you love a story filled to the brim with adventure and characters that you will feel deeply connected to, then this is most definitely your book!  Or even if you enjoy a world that leaps off of the pages and has sigh worthy tender moments laced throughout, that can be found here also.  Stepping back into this series made my heart beat faster and oh so happy!  I can’t wait to see what happens next, especially after that ending!

*ARC kindly provided by author via Inkslinger PR in exchange for an honest review*

Reading Order & Links:
Amazon (click on covers), & Book Depository (click on book #)
The Union by T.H. Hernandez
The Union #1
Reviews:
Jen
the ruins th hernandez
The Ruins #2
Reviews:
Jen
The Uprising (The Union Series #3) by T.H. Hernandez
The Uprising #3
Reviews:
Jen

The Invasion #4
Reviews:
Jen

T.H. Hernandez Bio:

THHernandezWhen not visiting the imaginary worlds inside my head, I live in San Diego, California, with one husband, three children, two cats, and one dog. In addition to my day job as a technical writer and editor, I write young adult fiction. I love the intensity of teen emotions and the way they’re still figuring out life. When I’m not writing, you can find me with my nose in a book, hanging out with family and friends, hiking, or knitting. I’m obsessed with Facebook, young adult novels, bad lip reading videos, pumpkin spice lattes, microbrewed beers, and the San Diego Chargers.

Links:

Goodreads | Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | Author Amazon Page

Enter T.H. Hernandez’s Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow along with the blog tour:

Blog Tour Schedule:

January 20th

Typical Distractions Review

LuLo Fangirl Review

January 21st

Romeo & Roo Books Guest Post

Star-Crossed Book Blog Review

January 22nd

I Read Indie Playlist

January 23rd

Jax’s Book Magic Excerpt

January 24th

Fictional Reality Playlist

January 25th

Renee Entress’s Blog Excerpt

January 26th

Love Affair with Fiction Guest Post

Nerdy Soul Review

January 27th

Reading Addict Guest Post

January 28th

Red Moon (Silence Is Read) Excerpt

SnoopyDoo’s Boook Reviews Excerpt

January 29th

Evermore Books Playlist

BookCrushin Review Only

January 30th

Extreme Bookaholic’s Excerpt

January 31st

Alpha Fangirl Book Blog Excerpt

February 1st

Ceres Books World Review Only

February 2nd

Cover2Cover Dreamcast

February 3rd

Collector of book boyfriends Dreamcast

G & T’s Indie Café Excerpt

Alpha Book Club Excerpt

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BLOG TOUR + BOOK REVIEW + GIVEAWAY – The Ruins (The Union #2) by T.H. Hernandez

BLOG TOUR + BOOK REVIEW + GIVEAWAY - The Ruins (The Union #2) by T.H. Hernandez

I am so excited to be a stop on this blog tour! That’s because this dystopian was EVERYTHING I was hoping it would be and then some. Below you can find out what this story entails, read my 4.5 Star review and enter an amazing giveaway (in case you missed it on release day). Enjoy!

BLOG TOUR + BOOK REVIEW + GIVEAWAY – The Ruins (The Union #2) by T.H. HernandezThe Ruins (The Union #2)
by T.H. Hernandez
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Heartbroken, grief-stricken, and wracked with guilt, seventeen-year-old Evan Taylor returned to the Union, leaving behind the boy she loved.

Now, she and her friends must find a way to do the impossible – warn the citizens of the Union about an impending rebel attack without alerting the government and risking retaliation against her friends in the Ruins.

When every move Evan makes is thwarted, it soon becomes clear she's being watched. Faced with a daily fight to stay one step ahead of her pursuers, she returns to the Ruins. But life in the Ruins has its own dangers, and soon she’s fighting a different battle – to stay alive long enough to discover the truth.

Review:

*Spoilers for The Union #1*

The Ruins had me run the gamut of emotions.  I laughed, I cried, I squealed and I yelled horrible, horrible words to my poor kindle (thank you Bryce!)!  You see, this was everything I was hoping the second book would be, and then some.  Not only were there the characters and relationships that I fell madly in love with in the first book, The Union, but this time around I found the peril I was desperately seeking.  I love getting sent into freak out mode where I can’t breathe and my hands are sweaty.  Where I’m terrified about what is going to happen next.  So of course I had a blast reading The Ruins, but now I have to wait for that third book, ack!  I must know what happens next!!

I absolutely love when a second book contains my favorite elements from the first!  Evan still has a ton of fire in her, even though her heart is in pieces.  The last she saw Cyrus, he was escaping with his family and she has no clue where he is going, how she’ll ever contact him, and if she’ll ever see him again.  So Evan puts all of her energy into trying her hardest to find a way to help the citizens of both The Ruins and The Union.  Because she has an impossible task in front of of her.  With the help of her friends (love, love, love Colin!), they are to somehow warn The Union citizens about an attack from the uprising, while keeping the innocents out in The Ruins safe.  They come up against so many unknowns, and in the midst of trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together, they end up placing themselves in grave danger.  Their lives have been marked, and nothing will ever be the same again.

Another thing that I absolutely loved was the relationships and friendships that Evan surrounded herself with.  They felt so real.  As though they could easily exist and play out in the real world with you and me.  A dominating part of this story was the characters and their interactions, so it’s intricate to enjoy and become immersed in their everyday lives and interactions.  I truly became obsessed with all of them!  Well…..technically not all of them lol.  So there’s a character in this story that I love to hate and his name is Bryce.  He is the undercover detective that ultimately led Evan to be kidnapped in the first book, because of her association with him.  She liked him, he still likes her, and now they are stuck spending a lot of time together.  And I didn’t want Evan spending her time with him.  I know, I’m being so petty.  But that’s because I became loyal to Cyrus…..ohhh butterfly inducing, made me smile and swoon Cyrus!  He was utter perfection and Bryce just isn’t.  So I literally kept yelling at my kindle for Evan not to be nice to him.  I don’t fault Evan in the least, because this is his area of expertise but ahem, I know it’s probably horrible to say but can he just die already?  It could be doing something heroic?  I know, I’m so bad at loving to hate characters.  Bad Jen bad!

But what I want to talk about the most, I can’t.  You see the story starts off with a few bumps here and there for Evan, but then things start to pick up and spiral into intense situations that had me glued to the pages.  The scenes that Evan’s finds herself in become more dire and even at times horrifying.  I loved every moment of what I can’t talk about!  The situations, the decisions, the people, the places, oh it was SO good!

It was so much fun being back in a story where I adore the characters and felt invested in what was going on.  Having the banter, friendships and commodore made me feel all warm and cozy being back in this familiar world.  I loved trying to put the clues together and I’m extremely proud that I figured one out before it happened.  By the way, best part ever!!!!!  But I felt a little confused at the end of the book.  I did not grasp a characters “interactions”, but since Hernandez does an excellent job of plotting out the reasoning behind why characters do what they do, I’m almost positive that my questions will be answered in the third book.  And speaking of that third book, I can’t wait to read it!  You’re not left in a perilous ending, but with so many things up in the air I’m excited to see what is going to come crashing down!

***ARC was kindly provided in exchange for an honest review***

Reading Order & Links:
Amazon (click on covers), & Book Depository (click on book #)
The Union by T.H. Hernandez
The Union #1
Reviews:
Jen
the ruins th hernandez
The Ruins #2
Reviews:
Jen
The Uprising (The Union Series #3) by T.H. Hernandez
The Uprising #3
Reviews:
Jen

The Invasion #4
Reviews:
Jen

Author T.H. HernandezT.H. Hernandez Bio:
When not visiting the imaginary worlds inside my head, I live in San Diego, California, with one husband, three children, two cats, and one dog. In addition to my day job as a technical writer and editor, I write young adult fiction. I love the intensity of teen emotions and the way they’re still figuring out life. When I’m not writing, you can find me with my nose in a book, hanging out with family and friends, hiking, or knitting. I’m obsessed with Facebook, young adult novels, bad lip reading videos, pumpkin spice lattes, microbrewed beers, and the San Diego Chargers. Links: Goodreads | Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram

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BLOG TOUR+REVIEW+GIVEAWAY – The Union (The Union #1) by T.H. Hernandez

I am excited to introduce to you a unique, captivating story! See below to find out what The Union is about, read my review, learn about the author, and enter a wonderful giveaway!

BLOG TOUR+REVIEW+GIVEAWAY – The Union (The Union #1) by T.H. HernandezThe Union (The Union #1)
by T.H. Hernandez
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

After global warming and a second civil war devastated the former United States, two different societies rose from the ashes – the Union, a towering high-tech utopia, hugging the perimeter of the continent, and the devastated, untamed midsection known as the Ruins.
Seventeen-year-old Evan Taylor has an easy, privileged life in the Union. What she doesn’t have is any idea what to do with the rest of her life. She only knows she wants to do something meaningful, to make a difference in the lives of others.

When she’s kidnapped and taken into the Ruins as a pawn in a dispute involving her boyfriend, Bryce, her ideal world is turned upside down. What she learns while in the Ruins shakes her faith in everything she’s ever known, from Bryce, to her family, and even the Union itself.

Now Evan must choose whether to stay with Cyrus, the sexy, resourceful survivor who believes she’s in the Ruins for a reason, or return to the only life she’s ever known. But when she stumbles upon a dangerous plot that threatens both worlds, her decision could tear her apart.

Review:

**After re-reading, I had to change my rating from a 4 to a 4.5.  Rooting for a heroine I love, falling all over again for a sweet, rugged, captivating man, and watching the story unfold made me realize how emotionally attached I was to The Union.  Add in the fact that I now understand a scene that left me previously distraught (lightbulb!  I get it!), well how could I not love it more?  It’s so fun to be back in this world!!**

Hernandez’s debut novel was truly compelling.  The story that unfolded in front of me was unique, captivating and had me glued to the pages. I came to care for many of the characters, but two completely stole the show and my heart.  The setting was fascinating, and it left me longing to learn more about the world that they live in. But after that ending, I desperately need the second book in this series!

I can’t help wondering if I would have spent so much time agonizing over my future if I’d known I’d be dead so soon. If I’d known, maybe I’d have done everything differently. Now I know my future. My life ends here. Alone. In the Ruins.

What if everything you ever thought about your world was a lie?  After global warming and a second civil war wreaked havoc on the U.S., the citizens flocked to the coast.  A lifestyle and cities were built called The Union.  Evan lives there and while her life is no walk in the park, it is structured and safe from the harms of the Ruins outside of The Unions walled off perimeter.  She has just graduated from school, and is trying to find her place in society.  To find out who she is and what she truly wants, Evan embarks on a trip with her two best friends.  She is even lucky enough to find out that the boy she is crushing on is traveling on the same train as her.  But her life gets flipped upside down when she is kidnapped.  She is being used as a pawn in a game that she can’t even start to comprehend, and the first move in that game is taking her into the Ruins.

I’m here now, and if I’m going to survive, I can’t wallow in self-doubt and pity. It’s long past time to get my shit together.

Evan is the type of heroine that you will love.  She is spunky, honest, intriguing and has so much fire inside of her.  I loved the emotions that erupted from her.  It was so palpable.  But oh man, did she make mistakes.  Mistakes that weren’t dumb, but were caused because of how she reacted to situations she had no experience with.  And those are the easiest mistakes to forgive and move on from.  Especially since Evan tries her hardest to do right by others.  This is one of the top reasons why I love her so much!  She has such a huge heart and a strong head on her shoulders.  Thank goodness, because she’s about to be thrown into a situation where she’ll need both to figure out how to proceed.

“I…” He glances down at me, his pale eyes searching mine. “I think you’re here for a reason, even if you don’t. And…I’m glad you’re here.”

I was going to talk about Bryce, the boy she has a crush on and who ends up on the same train as her.  But he started to feel too perfect, or maybe it was something else I couldn’t place my finger on.   Whatever it was, Bryce’s ship has sailed for me and a truly beautiful man took the lead front and center. Cyrus. He was sweet, patient, kind and ruggedly handsome.  He was someone that was discreetly captivating and pulled you in.  There was no way I couldn’t love him.  For Evan, he was hope, love and family all rolled into one.  He honestly took my breath away.  Whether it was the words that he would use or the little actions he would display, he emitted so much emotion.  You could become lost in it all, and I loved every single moment of it!

The way he kisses me, like he can’t get enough, the way my body responds to his touch… he captivates me in a way I never expected and don’t understand. I try to make sense of what’s happening with us, but it’s unlike anything I’ve ever known. It’s powerful and scary as hell.

After reading The Union two times (6 months apart), I know that one of my favorite aspects of this book is that I got to watch so many different relationships unfold.  Family, friends, and enemies.  And you know what?  It all felt real.  Of course there were moments of worry and heartache, but for the most part, this book felt as though the relationships and characters were the driving force.  That’s probably why this dystopian felt so unique to me.    Thank goodness the second book, The Ruins, is already on my device because I’d be dying not knowing what was going to happen next.  I was more than pleasantly surprised with The Union, and I believe you will too!

***ARC was kindly provided in exchange for an honest review***

Reading Order & Links:
Amazon (click on covers), & Book Depository (click on book #)
The Union by T.H. Hernandez
The Union #1
Reviews:
Jen
the ruins th hernandez
The Ruins #2
Reviews:
Jen
The Uprising (The Union Series #3) by T.H. Hernandez
The Uprising #3
Reviews:
Jen

The Invasion #4
Reviews:
Jen

T.H. Hernandez:

THHernandezWhen not visiting the imaginary worlds inside my head, I live in San Diego, California, with one husband, three children, two cats, and one dog. In addition to my day job as a technical writer and editor, I write young adult fiction. I love the intensity of teen emotions and the way they’re still figuring out life.

When I’m not writing, you can find me with my nose in a book, hanging out with family and friends, hiking, or knitting. I’m obsessed with Facebook, young adult novels, bad lip reading videos, pumpkin spice lattes, microbrewed beers, and the San Diego Chargers.
Links:
Goodreads | Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram

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